US Patent 7677994 Ball throwing and retrieving device

An apparatus for throwing and picking up a sphere. A user may employ the apparatus, for example, to throw a sphere. The user may also employ the apparatus to pick up the sphere without requiring any portion of the user come into contact with the sphere. The apparatus may include a claw or gripper for holding the sphere. The claw may have three or more prongs for gripping the sphere and may be attached to a handle. The handle may telescope from a retracted position to an operating position. The handle may include gripping surfaces to aid a user in holding the handle, and a clip for attaching the throwing apparatus to a belt, a hanger or other suitable support.