Patents by Inventor Bill Butler, Jr.

Bill Butler, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5575482
    Abstract: A volleyball launcher comprising a vertically extending tubular member, a ball cradle, a lift rod, a cross bar and a pair of ball propelling arms. The lift rod is mounted in the tubular member and is adapted for limited longitudinal travel therein. The tubular member has a pair of longitudinal slots in opposite sides thereof. The ball cradle is mounted on the upper end of the tubular member. The cross bar is mounted at its midsection to the tubular member near the upper end thereof. The outer end of each propelling arm is pivotally monted approximate a respective end of the cross bar. The inner end of each propelling arm extends through the slots under the lower end of the lift rod. An energy storing element is provided to impel the lift bar upwards. A stop member is positioned to contact the outer ends of the propelling arms, whereby during the upward travel the ball receives a launch impulse from the lift rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Bill Butler, Jr.