Abstract: According to one example, a batting tee system includes a housing, an arm coupled to the housing, and an actuation system. The actuation system includes a spool, a rollable neck, and an actuator. The rollable neck is configured to be wound around the spool when the spool rotates in a first direction and is further configured to be unwound from the spool when the spool rotates in a second direction. The rollable neck is configured to have a flat form when wound around the spool and is further configured to transition from the flat form to a hollow tube form when unwound from the spool. The actuator is configured to rotate the spool. The actuation system is configured to extend and retract the distal end of the rollable neck out of the arm. The distal end of the rollable neck is configured to hold a ball.

Abstract: According to one example, a batting tee system includes a housing, an arm coupled to the housing, and an actuation system. The actuation system includes a spool, a rollable neck, and an actuator. The rollable neck is configured to be wound around the spool when the spool rotates in a first direction and is further configured to be unwound from the spool when the spool rotates in a second direction. The rollable neck is configured to have a flat form when wound around the spool and is further configured to transition from the flat form to a hollow tube form when unwound from the spool. The actuator is configured to rotate the spool. The actuation system is configured to extend and retract the distal end of the rollable neck out of the arm. The distal end of the rollable neck is configured to hold a ball.

Abstract: A batting tee system includes a housing, a ball holder for holding a ball, a neck coupled between the housing and the ball holder, an actuator, and a control system. The actuator may be positioned in the housing and operable to actuate the neck along the axis to extend and retract the neck from the housing thereby increasing and decreasing a distance between the ball holder and the housing. The control system may be operable to cause the actuator to actuate the neck to a first random position along the axis. The control system may be further operable to cause the actuator to actuate the neck to a second random position along the axis, different than the first, after a ball is hit from the ball holder when the neck is in the first position.

Abstract: A ball hitting training device for batting practice including a stand, a moveable ball holder supported by the stand, and an electronic controller. The electronic controller can move the ball holder side-to-side horizontally, in a swinging motion vertically, inward and outward horizontally, and/or up and down. A vacuum pump and a suction line can support a ball via a suction cup which is part of the ball holder. A computer including memory and a program are included to determine a three dimensional baseball strike zone for a player based on inputs as to at least the player's height and shoulder location. The electronic controller directs the ball holder to move the ball through the determined three-dimensional strike zone at various heights during a batting training session to train the hand-eye movement of a batter to hit the ball at varying locations within the determined three-dimensional strike zone.

Abstract: A hitting training aid is provided, such as a mechanical tee for batting practice. The mechanical tee may present a ball to a batter at various heights, positions, speeds, and angles to simulate real game conditions. The mechanical tee may include a vertical stand with a variable position, retractable post that supports flexible tubing with a suction cup at the end to hold a ball in a suspended manner for striking. The mechanical tee may have a motor and vacuum pump configuration to provide suction, and may automatically feed balls to a batter. The vertical stand may additionally have an air compressor and an attachment for pneumatically tossing or propelling a ball upward for striking. The mechanical tee may move, or toss, a ball to variable and/or random placements within a three dimensional strike zone. A portable stand may have several telescopic pistons for lifting a ball at various placements.