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US20070072704A1 - Batting trainer for inexperienced players - Google Patents

  • ️Thu Mar 29 2007

US20070072704A1 - Batting trainer for inexperienced players - Google Patents

Batting trainer for inexperienced players Download PDF

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Publication number
US20070072704A1
US20070072704A1 US11/235,598 US23559805A US2007072704A1 US 20070072704 A1 US20070072704 A1 US 20070072704A1 US 23559805 A US23559805 A US 23559805A US 2007072704 A1 US2007072704 A1 US 2007072704A1 Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
ball
training
batting
batting trainer
propelling
Prior art date
2005-09-26
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/235,598
Inventor
Albert Wey
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
2005-09-26
Filing date
2005-09-26
Publication date
2007-03-29
2005-09-26 Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
2005-09-26 Priority to US11/235,598 priority Critical patent/US20070072704A1/en
2007-03-29 Publication of US20070072704A1 publication Critical patent/US20070072704A1/en
Status Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/40—Stationarily-arranged devices for projecting balls or other bodies
    • A63B69/407—Stationarily-arranged devices for projecting balls or other bodies with spring-loaded propelling means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/0002—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for baseball
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/0002—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for baseball
    • A63B2069/0004—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for baseball specially adapted for particular training aspects
    • A63B2069/0008—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for baseball specially adapted for particular training aspects for batting
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/40—Stationarily-arranged devices for projecting balls or other bodies
    • A63B69/409—Stationarily-arranged devices for projecting balls or other bodies with pneumatic ball- or body-propelling means

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a batting trainer consisting of a ball launching apparatus with a ball propulsion mechanism for propelling a ball and a training ball much lighter and smaller than a regulation baseball or softball that can train an inexperienced batter to practice hand-eye coordination on a smaller flying target for improved swing precision, even in a limited open space such as one's backyard.
  • Hitting a baseball or softball well requires precise timing. To improve their swing, players must practice their swing mechanics repeatedly. For instance, players can practice their swing by receiving pitches from an automatic pitching machine or hitting a ball from a tee. Both of these practicing techniques help to improve player's hand-eye coordination.
  • pitching machines are proliferated in the art.
  • a pitching machine In use, a pitching machine is charged with a ball. The machine ejects a ball through the air toward a batter. The batter attempts to hit the ball by swinging the bat along the perceived path of the ball.
  • the various designs of pitching machines which are necessary to engage a ball and to propel the ball are well known in the art (e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,402,640 and 6,508,243). Nevertheless, none of them proved to be ideal for inexperienced young players for several reasons. For example, the known automatic pitcher for training batters is sophisticated and expensive. It requires a vast open space so that players may practice their swing only in a batting cage.
  • a batting trainer for inexperienced players that substantially reduces disadvantages and problems associated with previously developed apparatus for swing improvement.
  • the batting trainer of the present invention consists of a ball launching apparatus, preferably in a form of a flying-ball launching toy gun, with a ball propulsion mechanism for propelling (or “shooting”) a ball through the air within a range of about 5 meters or so.
  • the ball to be ejected from said ball launching apparatus is a substitute training ball that is much smaller and lighter than a 9-inch-circumference, 5-oz-weight regulation baseball. Its size and weight may be similar to a hollow training golf ball.
  • parent or playmate can easily aim the flying-ball launching toy gun to precisely deliver “pitches” over selected different areas of home plate or other target, with help of a ball-catching net delineated the “strike zone” of the player.
  • traveling speed of the training ball becomes relatively fast on reaching the hitting zone.
  • the players have to focus on hitting a smaller flying target at an unpredictable pitch, which simulates the feel and aerodynamic behavior of a regulation baseball. This can significantly improve their accuracy on hitting a comparatively “giant” (or feeling like a “basket-ball-size”) regulation baseball in real games.
  • such a small, light-weight substitute ball will not sail when pitched hard or hit hard.
  • the risk of body injury or property damage in a confined area has diminished. Further, the time needed to recover the hit balls is minimal, which can increase the number of repetitions that a player can achieve.
  • the batting trainer of the present invention enables inexperienced players to practice hitting at a small playing area such as their backyards.
  • one object of this invention is to provide a batting trainer for inexperienced players that is challenging, competitive, safe and fun to play with.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a batting trainer for inexperienced players to improve their hand-eye coordination for significantly increased hitting accuracy.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple and easy-to-install, maintenance-free batting trainer, with which it is safe to play everywhere.
  • a batting trainer consisting of a ball launching apparatus with a ball propulsion mechanism for propelling a ball and a training ball that is much lighter and smaller than a regulation baseball or softball.
  • FIG. 1 shows a cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention in a form of a flying-ball launching toy gun on a supporting base with a ball feeder.
  • Reference Numerals in Drawings 11 Launch barrel 12 Loading knob 13 Running block 14 Coil spring 15 Locking/unlocking means 16 Trigger 21 Training ball 22 Ball feeder 31 Support base 32 Link shaft 41 Aiming aid
  • a safe, challenging and fun to play batting trainer for inexperienced players consists of a ball launching apparatus, preferably in the form of a flying-ball launching toy gun, with a ball propulsion mechanism for propelling a ball through the air within a range of about 5 meters or so.
  • the ball to be ejected from said ball launching apparatus is a substitute training ball that is much smaller and lighter than a 9-inch-circumference 5-oz-weight regulation baseball.
  • the size and weight of said training ball may be similar to a hollow training golf ball.
  • FIG. 1 shows a cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention, in which a ball launching apparatus is designed to be in the form of a flying-ball launching toy gun.
  • the shape of a toy gun is chosen simply because all young, inexperienced baseball players are familiar with a similar toy gun and know how it will operate. It may remove their fears to start with and add much fun into their practice.
  • the flying-ball launching toy gun comprises a body with a launch barrel ( 11 ) and a loading knob ( 12 ) that is displaceable along the launch barrel for bringing the running block ( 13 ) into the pre-shooting position.
  • a coil spring ( 14 ) is used to cause the running block to move from the rear pre-shooting position to the front post-shooting position so that the training ball ( 21 ) can be launched forward.
  • One end of the coil spring is fixed to the launch barrel and the other end is fixed to the running block.
  • a locking/unlocking means ( 15 ) is used for locking the running block in the pre-shooting position and unlocking the running block so as to move toward the post-shooting position.
  • a trigger ( 16 ) is installed at the body for pivotal movement about a hinge shaft, a locker operably connected with the trigger and having a locking protrusion, a catching hook formed on the running block to catching the locking protrusion of the locker.
  • the above described ball launching apparatus is designed to shoot a training ball ( 21 ) that is much smaller and lighter than the hard, heavy regulation baseball, which is 9 inches (73 mm) in circumference and 5 ounces (140 g) in weight.
  • the preferable size and weight of the training ball may be similar to that of a hollow training golf ball.
  • the training ball can be fed into the launching body through a ball feeder ( 22 ) that may hold up to 10 or more balls.
  • the whole flying-ball launching body assembly can be mounted on a support base ( 31 ), or a tripod, through an adjustable-height link shaft ( 32 ) to increase stability of delivering a shooting pitch.
  • An aiming aid ( 41 ) is installed to help precisely deliver “pitches” over selected different areas of home plate or other target.
  • a commercially available ball-catching net delineated the “strike zone” can be placed behind the player to improve the accuracy of shooting the ball at targeted zone, intentionally to pitch either a strike or a fault ball.
  • the ball propulsion mechanism of the present invention is specifically designed for propelling a ball through the air within a short range of about 5 meters (15 feet) or so. This can be done by selecting a launcher driven by coil spring with a force constant capable of doing so.
  • the launching mechanism can also be pneumatically powered by compressed air, gas or the like. The launching can be automated.
  • the various components of a pneumatic device for firing projectiles with a charge of compressed air that accelerates a projectile through a barrel are well known in the art and are not detailed herein.
  • a safe, challenging and fun to play batting trainer for inexperienced players consists of a ball launching apparatus with a ball propulsion mechanism for propelling a ball and a training ball much lighter and smaller than a regulation baseball or softball that can train an inexperienced batter to practice hand-eye coordination on a smaller flying target for improved swing precision.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

This invention relates to a batting trainer consisting of a ball launching apparatus with a ball propulsion mechanism for propelling a ball and a training ball much lighter and smaller than a regulation baseball or softball that can train an inexperienced batter to practice hand-eye coordination on a smaller flying target for improved swing precision. The said ball launching apparatus can be in a form of a flying-ball launching toy gun, with said training ball being made of soft cellular plastic foam and having a circumference smaller than 60 mm and a weight lighter than 30 g. It will be safe for an inexperienced player to practice his/her swing with said batting trainer in a limited open space such as the backyard.

Description

    BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION

  • This invention relates to a batting trainer consisting of a ball launching apparatus with a ball propulsion mechanism for propelling a ball and a training ball much lighter and smaller than a regulation baseball or softball that can train an inexperienced batter to practice hand-eye coordination on a smaller flying target for improved swing precision, even in a limited open space such as one's backyard.

    • BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

  • Hitting a baseball or softball well requires precise timing. To improve their swing, players must practice their swing mechanics repeatedly. For instance, players can practice their swing by receiving pitches from an automatic pitching machine or hitting a ball from a tee. Both of these practicing techniques help to improve player's hand-eye coordination.

  • With the popularization of baseball sports, pitching machines are proliferated in the art. In use, a pitching machine is charged with a ball. The machine ejects a ball through the air toward a batter. The batter attempts to hit the ball by swinging the bat along the perceived path of the ball. The various designs of pitching machines which are necessary to engage a ball and to propel the ball are well known in the art (e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,402,640 and 6,508,243). Nevertheless, none of them proved to be ideal for inexperienced young players for several reasons. For example, the known automatic pitcher for training batters is sophisticated and expensive. It requires a vast open space so that players may practice their swing only in a batting cage. Besides, such machine accelerates ball throw at a considerable speed, which exposes the inexperienced players to substantial risk of being hit, even if a substitute training ball that is lighter than a hard, heavy regulation ball is used. As a result, young players build up alertness and tightness through such training instead of confidence.

  • Alternatively, inexpensive ball-hitting training devices were developed for training inexperienced players (e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,555,110 and 6,612,943). In these training devices the baseball is either suspended still by a cord or on a tee. The predictable and unchangeable position of the ball may lose player's interests soon after a few battings.

  • Therefore, a need has risen for a swing practicing apparatus for young, inexperienced players that can not only improve their hand-eye coordination to enhance the swing accuracy, but also be challenging, competitive, safe and fum to play with.

  • In accordance with the present invention, a batting trainer for inexperienced players is provided that substantially reduces disadvantages and problems associated with previously developed apparatus for swing improvement. The batting trainer of the present invention consists of a ball launching apparatus, preferably in a form of a flying-ball launching toy gun, with a ball propulsion mechanism for propelling (or “shooting”) a ball through the air within a range of about 5 meters or so. The ball to be ejected from said ball launching apparatus is a substitute training ball that is much smaller and lighter than a 9-inch-circumference, 5-oz-weight regulation baseball. Its size and weight may be similar to a hollow training golf ball.

  • In practice, within a range of 5 meters (15 feet) or so, parent or playmate can easily aim the flying-ball launching toy gun to precisely deliver “pitches” over selected different areas of home plate or other target, with help of a ball-catching net delineated the “strike zone” of the player. Because of short range and small ball, traveling speed of the training ball becomes relatively fast on reaching the hitting zone. Meanwhile, the players have to focus on hitting a smaller flying target at an unpredictable pitch, which simulates the feel and aerodynamic behavior of a regulation baseball. This can significantly improve their accuracy on hitting a comparatively “giant” (or feeling like a “basket-ball-size”) regulation baseball in real games. In addition, such a small, light-weight substitute ball will not sail when pitched hard or hit hard. The risk of body injury or property damage in a confined area has diminished. Further, the time needed to recover the hit balls is minimal, which can increase the number of repetitions that a player can achieve. The batting trainer of the present invention enables inexperienced players to practice hitting at a small playing area such as their backyards.

    • OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

  • Accordingly, one object of this invention is to provide a batting trainer for inexperienced players that is challenging, competitive, safe and fun to play with.

  • A further object of the present invention is to provide a batting trainer for inexperienced players to improve their hand-eye coordination for significantly increased hitting accuracy.

  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple and easy-to-install, maintenance-free batting trainer, with which it is safe to play everywhere.

  • These objectives are achieved by a batting trainer consisting of a ball launching apparatus with a ball propulsion mechanism for propelling a ball and a training ball that is much lighter and smaller than a regulation baseball or softball.

  • Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will hereinafter become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

    • DRAWING FIGURES
  • FIG. 1

    shows a cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention in a form of a flying-ball launching toy gun on a supporting base with a ball feeder.

    Reference Numerals in Drawings
    11 Launch barrel 12 Loading knob
    13 Running block 14 Coil spring
    15 Locking/unlocking means 16 Trigger
    21 Training ball 22 Ball feeder
    31 Support base 32 Link shaft
    41 Aiming aid
    • SUMMARY

  • In accordance with the present invention, a safe, challenging and fun to play batting trainer for inexperienced players consists of a ball launching apparatus, preferably in the form of a flying-ball launching toy gun, with a ball propulsion mechanism for propelling a ball through the air within a range of about 5 meters or so. The ball to be ejected from said ball launching apparatus is a substitute training ball that is much smaller and lighter than a 9-inch-circumference 5-oz-weight regulation baseball. The size and weight of said training ball may be similar to a hollow training golf ball.

    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • FIG. 1

    shows a cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention, in which a ball launching apparatus is designed to be in the form of a flying-ball launching toy gun. The shape of a toy gun is chosen simply because all young, inexperienced baseball players are familiar with a similar toy gun and know how it will operate. It may remove their fears to start with and add much fun into their practice.

  • The flying-ball launching toy gun comprises a body with a launch barrel (11) and a loading knob (12) that is displaceable along the launch barrel for bringing the running block (13) into the pre-shooting position. A coil spring (14) is used to cause the running block to move from the rear pre-shooting position to the front post-shooting position so that the training ball (21) can be launched forward. One end of the coil spring is fixed to the launch barrel and the other end is fixed to the running block.

  • A locking/unlocking means (15) is used for locking the running block in the pre-shooting position and unlocking the running block so as to move toward the post-shooting position. Meanwhile, a trigger (16) is installed at the body for pivotal movement about a hinge shaft, a locker operably connected with the trigger and having a locking protrusion, a catching hook formed on the running block to catching the locking protrusion of the locker.

  • The above described ball launching apparatus is designed to shoot a training ball (21) that is much smaller and lighter than the hard, heavy regulation baseball, which is 9 inches (73 mm) in circumference and 5 ounces (140 g) in weight. The preferable size and weight of the training ball may be similar to that of a hollow training golf ball. The training ball can be fed into the launching body through a ball feeder (22) that may hold up to 10 or more balls. The whole flying-ball launching body assembly can be mounted on a support base (31), or a tripod, through an adjustable-height link shaft (32) to increase stability of delivering a shooting pitch. An aiming aid (41) is installed to help precisely deliver “pitches” over selected different areas of home plate or other target. A commercially available ball-catching net delineated the “strike zone” can be placed behind the player to improve the accuracy of shooting the ball at targeted zone, intentionally to pitch either a strike or a fault ball.

  • The ball propulsion mechanism of the present invention is specifically designed for propelling a ball through the air within a short range of about 5 meters (15 feet) or so. This can be done by selecting a launcher driven by coil spring with a force constant capable of doing so. Of course, the launching mechanism can also be pneumatically powered by compressed air, gas or the like. The launching can be automated. The various components of a pneumatic device for firing projectiles with a charge of compressed air that accelerates a projectile through a barrel are well known in the art and are not detailed herein.

    • CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

  • According to the present invention, a safe, challenging and fun to play batting trainer for inexperienced players consists of a ball launching apparatus with a ball propulsion mechanism for propelling a ball and a training ball much lighter and smaller than a regulation baseball or softball that can train an inexperienced batter to practice hand-eye coordination on a smaller flying target for improved swing precision.

  • The invention has been described above. Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (10)

1. A batting trainer comprising:

a ball launching apparatus with a ball propulsion mechanism for propelling a ball; and

a training ball, said training ball being smaller and lighter than a regulation baseball or softball.

2. The batting trainer according to

claim 1

, wherein said ball launching apparatus is a flying-ball launching toy gun.

3. The batting trainer according to

claim 1

, wherein said ball propulsion mechanism for propelling a ball is mechanically driven by coil spring.

4. The batting trainer according to

claim 1

, wherein said ball propulsion mechanism for propelling a ball is mechanically driven by compressed air.

5. The batting trainer according to

claim 1

, wherein said ball propulsion mechanism for propelling a ball is mechanically driven by compressed gas.

6. The batting trainer according to

claim 1

, wherein said training ball has a circumference smaller than 60 mm (millimeters) and a weight lighter than 30 g (grams).

7. The batting trainer according to

claim 1

, wherein said training ball is made of soft cellular plastic foam.

8. The batting trainer according to

claim 1

, wherein said training ball is hollow and consists of a spherical plastic shell.

9. A method for training inexperienced batters to practice hand-eye coordination and for thereby improving their swing and targeting of the ball comprising:

providing a ball launching apparatus with a ball propulsion mechanism for propelling a ball; and

providing a training ball, said training ball having a circumference smaller than 60 mm (millimeters) and a weight lighter than 30 g (grams).

10. The batting training method according to

claim 9

, wherein said ball launching apparatus is a flying-ball launching toy gun.

US11/235,598 2005-09-26 2005-09-26 Batting trainer for inexperienced players Abandoned US20070072704A1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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CN103611279A (en) * 2013-11-06 2014-03-05 梧州学院 Automatic ping-pong ball serving machine
CN106075864A (en) * 2016-07-12 2016-11-09 程昕 Strengthening tubular tennis ejection device
CN106334309A (en) * 2016-10-20 2017-01-18 武汉体育学院 Tennis service training device
CN106390421A (en) * 2016-11-14 2017-02-15 内蒙古民族大学 Track and field event starting device
CN107744654A (en) * 2017-11-20 2018-03-02 林建武 A kind of physical culture auxiliary volleyball exerciser
CN107899221A (en) * 2017-12-23 2018-04-13 淮北智淮科技有限公司 A kind of supplying device of ball for table tennis teaching
CN109173220A (en) * 2018-09-27 2019-01-11 嘉善县下甸庙小学 A kind of tennis ball serving device
CN109481928A (en) * 2019-01-04 2019-03-19 陈炫 A kind of basketball court shooting practice service robot
CN109529301A (en) * 2018-12-10 2019-03-29 廖福康 A kind of table tennis training multi-angle service robot
CN109529302A (en) * 2018-12-11 2019-03-29 张功溪 A kind of table tennis training teeing apparatus
CN109999465A (en) * 2019-04-17 2019-07-12 曾风萍 A kind of table tenning ball servicing machine
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CN110339544A (en) * 2019-06-14 2019-10-18 许连连 A kind of table tennis ball serving device
CN111068284A (en) * 2019-12-30 2020-04-28 张海华 Badminton launcher and badminton training partner machine
CN111388979A (en) * 2020-04-22 2020-07-10 福州市仓山区方家兄玩具有限公司 Basketball ejection device for assisting player training
CN111420382A (en) * 2020-04-09 2020-07-17 华北水利水电大学 Tennis serving device for physical training
CN111939575A (en) * 2020-08-07 2020-11-17 奥飞娱乐股份有限公司 Launcher and launching toy with same
CN112370762A (en) * 2020-11-16 2021-02-19 叶小申 Basketball automatic collection service trainer
CN112933570A (en) * 2021-01-29 2021-06-11 湖北师范大学 Basketball shooting training device
US11278784B2 (en) 2021-02-14 2022-03-22 Breakout Hitting Llc Training systems and methods
US20240374978A1 (en) * 2023-05-10 2024-11-14 Daniel Nobuyoshi Fujikake Interactive Volleyball Launcher System

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US2574408A (en) * 1946-12-23 1951-11-06 Andrew S Moe Automatic ball pitching machine
US3680540A (en) * 1970-09-17 1972-08-01 Stephen Stengl Golf ball gun with valve adjustment and trigger linkage
US3713658A (en) * 1970-11-20 1973-01-30 J Cook Ball throwing and receiving system
US3989027A (en) * 1975-10-16 1976-11-02 Kahelin Edward W Machine for propelling balls of various diameters
US4555110A (en) * 1983-01-31 1985-11-26 Hai Ping Kuo Ball-hitting training device
US5066010A (en) * 1990-11-21 1991-11-19 Mark Pingston Ball dispensing machine
US5823894A (en) * 1993-06-16 1998-10-20 Actor; James M. Air-actuated ball-throwing and batting method
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US5938204A (en) * 1995-12-04 1999-08-17 Tzeng; Feng-Tzer Amusement system
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US6439217B1 (en) * 2001-10-12 2002-08-27 Pao-Tung Shih Paintball gun
US20060205539A1 (en) * 2005-03-08 2006-09-14 Joseph Tudjek System for training base ball batters

Cited By (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103611279A (en) * 2013-11-06 2014-03-05 梧州学院 Automatic ping-pong ball serving machine
CN106075864A (en) * 2016-07-12 2016-11-09 程昕 Strengthening tubular tennis ejection device
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