Abstract: An automatic feed mechanism for use with a batting aid device having a first end configured to receive a ball and a second end configured to drop the ball from the batting aid device. The automatic feed mechanism includes a substantially enclosed tubular member configured to receive a ball from the batting aid device and defining an internal support surface configured to support the ball, a wheel coupled to and positioned at least partially within the tubular member and having a rotational axis orientated substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the tubular member, and a motor configured to rotate the wheel at least a portion of a full rotation; wherein as the wheel rotates, the wheel is configured to engage and advance the ball through the tubular member in a direction from the first end toward the second end of the batting aid device.

Abstract: A ball tee for batting practice has a flexible base. A receiver is attached to the base and may rotate forward relative to the front of the base. A substantially rigid first tube is attached to or inserted into the receiver. A substantially rigid second tube is similarly attached to the first tube. The combined length of the first and second tubes may be adjustable. A flexible ball holder is attached to an upper end of the second tube. A cup may be provide at the top end of the ball holder. The receiver may be positioned closer to the back end of the base than to front end of the base. The base may have a flex section of reduced thickness which allows the receiver to rotate forward when the tee is struck by a bat. The ball tee tends to automatically return to an upright position after being hit by a bat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for suspending and spinning a spherical object includes a blower operably connected to a power source providing a variable airflow of forced air, with an airflow unit coupled to the blower to form a contiguous assembly of the apparatus. The airflow unit may include an integrally formed tubular portion for directing airflow through a nozzle to suspend and spin the spherical object. The assembly is placed in a first angular orientation with respect to vertical for loading the spherical object over the nozzle, and placed in a second angular orientation with respect to vertical different from the first orientation for enabling a user to engage the suspended and spinning spherical object.

Abstract: The present invention is a sports device for practicing hitting and fielding a ball/ball-like object comprising an arm member mounted rotatably and substantially horizontal on a base in hitting and fielding practice mode, with a ball/ball-like object positioned at the outer end of the arm member either by a plurality of elastic members, or just freely. The preferred embodiment of the arm member is multi-sectional. The present invention is used in baseball to practice hitting by having the ball/ball-like object in a plurality of stationary positions, or offering the hitter a variety of pitches ranging from fast ball and slow pitch to curve ball by manually or mechanically rotating the ball/ball-like object clockwise or counter clockwise at various speeds at different positions. When the ball/ball-like object is hit into free flight it is used to practice fielding. The height of the ball/ball-like object is easily adjusted.

Abstract: An improved multi-adjustable batting practice tee featuring a base assembly with an improved tube assembly thereby enhancing tube movement and overall batting tee stability is disclosed. The base assembly is configured to have standard dimensions for a “HOME PLATE” in accordance with the rules of Major League baseball. The base assembly includes a continuous channel positioned across the entire horizontal plane of the base assembly that includes an inner-locking guide rail system for enhanced batting tee stability.

Abstract: An improvement of a swing ball device with adjustable heights for hitting practice, featured with varied swing frequencies and paths to enrich training, includes an elastic swing piece associated with a ball disposed in a supporting cup. By the elastic swing motion of the swing, the ball is able to swing left and right in a three-dimensional plane. The swing piece is disposed with one or more interval holes for connecting with pipes of different heights, depending on weights of the ball and a user's preference. The two lateral securing ears helps to secure the ball inside the supporting cup from falling off. The swing piece when coordinated with a through-pin or a compressed plate produces motions of different angles and frequencies in swing, facilitating training in the coordination of hands, eyes, and the brain.

Abstract: A ball-hitting trainer is provided with a base combined with a flexible shaft that may bend in all directions. The flexible shaft is structured with a helical spring and a flexible wire. The flexible wire is wound around an outside gap of the helical spring so as to make the flexible wire helical and wrap the whole helical spring. The body of flexible shaft is covered by a plurality of shock absorbers, and a free end of the flexible shaft is connected to a cup-shaped body; thus the ball-hitting trainer is formed and a ball may be placed in the cup-shaped body for practice of ball hitting.

Abstract: Described herein is a combination pitching aid and batting tee apparatus. The apparatus includes a base having a front and a rear, a stand extending upwardly from the base, a support rod extending upwardly from the stand, and an arm extending outwardly from the support rod. The arm includes a target associated therewith that can be adjusted vertically and horizontally. The apparatus includes a screen having a top end and a bottom end and a support assembly having a top end and a bottom end that extends upwardly from the base. The bottom end of the screen is attached near the front of the base and the top end of the screen is attached to the support assembly. The support rod can be replaced with a batting tee.

Abstract: A baseball/softball batting tee has a base, and one or more support post and ball holding assemblies mounted in a substantially vertical orientation on the base. A primary support post and ball holding assembly has an adjustable height provided by an upper tube that is telescopically received within a lower tube and a ball supporting rod similarly telescopically received within the upper tube. Wiper seals and bushings are mounted in the upper ends of both tubes for sealing engagement with the respective telescopically received components, providing a friction fit sufficient to “lock” the relative positions of the tubes and rod to set the tee at a desired height while still allowing the tubes and the rod to be easily telescoped together. A secondary support post and ball holding assembly is also provided that can be readily interchanged with the primary tee.

Abstract: A tee ball stand with an adjustable length ball support stanchion having an anchor connection fitting on the lower end thereof, and a ground penetrating corkscrew anchor equipped with a stanchion connection fitting on the upper end thereof. The anchor connection fitting of the stanchion may be frictionally coupled to the stanchion connection fitting to hold the stanchion in an upright orientation to receive a ball on the upper end thereof. The ground penetrating corkscrew anchor prevents displacement of the tee ball stand in the event the stanchion is struck by an errant bat swing.

Abstract: The invention is a batting tee and method of use. Embodiments of the batting tee may include a base plate, a center post, one or more extension pins and a hollow flexible tip that are configured to be stacked upon each other to support a ball at a selected height off of the ground. The extension pins are configured to stack upon the center post and upon other extension pins. The hollow flexible tip is configured to stack upon the highest of: the center post or the stacked extension pins. Various methods of using the batting tee are also disclosed for instruction in setting up and using the batting tee.

Abstract: A training device for hitting a ball includes a spiral pipe and a base. The spiral pipe is composed of a plurality of dual-awl ring members connected together to form an adjustable pipe. The spiral pipe includes a top pipe at an upper end thereof to connect with a socket, a bottom pipe and a positioning sleeve at a lower end thereof to connect with a through hole and a stepped hole of the base. The base is in the shape of a home plate. The base has the through hole at a central portion thereof and the stepped trough underneath the through hole. The base includes at least two plates having relative connecting surfaces which are formed with notches and protrusions to engage with each other. The protrusions are engaged with the notches for assembling the two plates to become one-piece. The bottom pipe is inserted in the through hole with the first stop ring to be blocked on the through hole. The positioning sleeve is inserted in the stepped trough with the second stop ring being secured in the stepped trough.

Abstract: A ball-hitting trainer is provided with a base combined with a flexible shaft that may bend in all directions. The flexible shaft is structured with a helical spring and a flexible wire. The flexible wire is wound around an outside gap of the helical spring so as to make the flexible wire helical and wrap the whole helical spring. The body of flexible shaft is covered by a plurality of shock absorbers, and a free end of the flexible shaft is connected to a cup-shaped body; thus the ball-hitting trainer is formed and a ball may be placed in the cup-shaped body for practice of ball hitting.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a play implement positioning device including an implement support for holding a first play implement in a play position to be struck. The invention also discloses a mechanism for selectively, automatically placing multiple stored play implements onto the implement support after the first implement has been struck and dislodged from the implement support.

Abstract: Described herein is a combination pitching aid and batting tee apparatus. The apparatus includes a base having a front and a rear, a stand extending upwardly from the base, a support rod extending upwardly from the stand, and an arm extending outwardly from the support rod. The arm includes a target associated therewith that can be adjusted vertically and horizontally. The apparatus includes a screen having a top end and a bottom end and a support assembly having a top end and a bottom end that extends upwardly from the base. The bottom end of the screen is attached near the front of the base and the top end of the screen is attached to the support assembly. The support rod can be replaced with a batting tee.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reconfigurable implement positioning and guidance system. The system includes an implement (e.g., a ball), an implement support, and a swung object (e.g., a bat). The implement support is reconfigurable between two modes. In a first mode the implement can be struck and propelled from the implement support and in a second mode the implement is fastened to the implement support so that it cannot separate upon impact with the swung object. The system also includes a guide positioned in the vicinity (e.g., below) of the implement so that an object swung below the implement will contact the guide which will direct the swung object toward and into contact with the implement. The guide can be employed in the first mode or the system can be used in either mode with the guide removed.

Abstract: A batting tee system includes a batting tee assembly that may be used with conventional balls or with the ball described as an embodiment of the present invention. Optionally, the batting tee assembly may be used with a netting system or target that provides feedback to a batter based on a trajectory of the ball after it has been struck by a bat and leaves the batting tee assembly. In one embodiment, the batting tee assembly includes a support base coupled to a swing arm, which in turn is coupled to an adjustable-height batting tee. A flexible cup may be coupled to the batting tee to eliminate or substantially reduce the bounce back or recoil felt by a batter when hitting off a batting tee. The batting tee system may be configured for both left and right handed batters and also placed in a portable or storable configuration.

Abstract: A batting tee system includes a batting tee assembly that may be used with conventional balls or with the ball described as an embodiment of the present invention. Optionally, the batting tee assembly may be used with a netting system that provides feedback to a batter based on a trajectory of the ball after it has been struck by a bat and leaves the batting tee assembly. In one embodiment, the batting tee assembly includes a support base coupled to a swing arm, which in turn is coupled to an adjustable-height batting tee. The batting tee system may be configured for both left and right handed batters and also placed in a portable or storable configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for playing. A apparatus for playing comprises at least one tethered object and at least one free object, said tethered object comprises a tether and an object which securely connects to one end of said tether. A tethered object may have a handle. The apparatus may further include at least one free object supporter for supporting free objects. To play, put a said free object on a playing surface or on a free object supporter on a playing surface, hold the free end of the tether or the handle of a tethered striking device, and swing or vertically orbit the tethered object to strike the free object to make the free object move. The apparatus may further include at least one goal. One may play in the way of playing golf: strike a free object with a tethered object again and again until the free object targets a goal.

Abstract: The present invention and method is a training system for baseball and softball batters containing but not limited to a manually operated mobile batting tee and an illustrated board on which the tee is maneuvered. The operator is positioned at the opposite end of the board from home plate. The device is operated by placing a ball on the bristled head and using the adjustable handle to push the mobile tee to marked locations where the ball is then hit by the batter. After the ball is struck the operator pulls the tee back to it's original location where another ball is loaded and the cycle is repeated. Ball elevation is adjusted by releasing the tension device and moving the stem up or down. For young players the device with ball can be placed in front of home plate and pulled rearward to simulate a pitched ball.

Abstract: A T-ball training system helps batters develop focus during ball hitting as well as timing skills and uses a tee that shines a light out of the top of the tee. A ball has a light tunnel therein that has a 90-degree bend, so that when the light shines out of the top, the light enters the tunnel at one end and is issued out of the other end, visible to the batter. The light is activated for a certain time interval such that the batter is expected to hit the ball whenever the light is on. The control system of the light can be either directly on the tee or can be assisted by a wireless transmitter. A second light can be provided that also issues light out of the top of the tee, this second light issuing a different color than the first and being on whenever the first light is off and being off whenever the first light is on.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a play implement positioning device including an implement support for holding a first play implement in a play position to be struck. The invention also discloses a mechanism for selectively, automatically placing multiple stored play implements onto the implement support after the first implement has been struck and dislodged from the implement support.

Abstract: A portable lightweight ball toss toy comprises a tube, a wind sock and an air supply adapted to direct air through the tube and support a ball in a hover mode at an open end of the wind sock. The toy can include a ball supply adapted to hold at least one ball, a controller adapted to control the air supply to propel the ball from the open end of the tube in various modes including (a) a hover mode in which the ball hovers at the open end of the wind sock, (b) a toss mode in which the ball is propelled vertically out of the tube by one or more distances and/or (c) a pitch mode in which a ball is lobbed in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the first time a hitting device having a plural ended pedestal. The plural ended pedestal includes at least one end having a pedestal for supporting objects and at least one end having a smaller pedestal for supporting smaller objects.

Abstract: A pneumatic practice tee and method of practicing the striking of a sports ball with a striking instrument using the tee. The tee includes a base, a housing, a fan and an inflatable sleeve. The base supports the practice tee upon a horizontal surface. The housing is supported by the base and has an air inlet and an air outlet. The fan is retained within the housing and for producing an air current, directed by the housing through the outlet. The inflatable sleeve is in fluid communication with the air outlet with the proximal longitudinal end attached to the housing and a nozzle provided in the longitudinal distal end.

Abstract: The baseball and softball training system includes a home plate, a first base, a second base and a third base positionable relative to one another in order to practice base running and defensive baseball or softball skills. In this regard, the first base includes three indicia comprising a baseline section, a corner section and a leadoff section while the second base and the third base each include two indicia comprising a corner section and a leadoff section. The aforementioned indicia emphasize a contact location on each respective base depending on the baseball or softball game situation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a play implement positioning device including an implement support for holding a first play implement in a play position to be struck. The invention also discloses a mechanism for selectively, automatically placing multiple stored play implements onto the implement support after the first implement has been struck and dislodged from the implement support.

Abstract: An improved multi-adjustable batting practice tee featuring a base assembly with an improved tube assembly thereby enhancing tube movement and overall batting tee stability is disclosed. The base assembly is configured to have standard dimensions for a “HOME PLATE” in accordance with the rules of Major League baseball. The base assembly includes a continuous channel positioned across the entire horizontal plane of the base assembly that includes an inner-locking guide rail system for enhanced batting tee stability.

Abstract: An improved multi-adjustable batting practice tee featuring a base assembly with an improved tube assembly thereby enhancing tube movement and overall batting tee stability is disclosed. The base assembly is configured to have standard dimensions for a “HOME PLATE” in accordance with the rules of Major League baseball. The base assembly includes a continuous channel positioned across the entire horizontal plane of the base assembly that includes an inner-locking guide rail system for enhanced batting tee stability.

Abstract: A baseball bat swing training aid includes a housing having an inner cavity for storing a plurality of balls therein. A tube is extendable between storage and use configurations. The tube is disposed within the housing in the storage position. A ball holder is disposed on an end of the tube.

Abstract: A self-righting tee ball stand with a base, an adjustable length ball support stanchion and a flex connector joining the base and stanchion to easily yield when the stanchion is struck and to cause the stanchion to return to an upright orientation. The flex connector includes a two-piece rigid outer housing containing a helical spring encased in a cylindrical bellows.

Abstract: A portable lightweight ball toss toy comprises a tube, a wind sock and an air supply adapted to direct air through the tube and support a ball in a hover mode at an open end of the wind sock. The toy can include a ball supply adapted to hold at least one ball, a controller adapted to control the air supply to propel the ball from the open end of the tube in various modes including (a) a hover mode in which the ball hovers at the open end of the wind sock, (b) a toss mode in which the ball is propelled vertically out of the tube by one or more distances and/or (c) a pitch mode in which a ball is lobbed in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reconfigurable implement positioning and guidance system. The system includes an implement (e.g., a ball), an implement support, and a swung object (e.g., a bat). The implement support is reconfigurable between two modes. In a first mode the implement can be struck and propelled from the implement support and in a second mode the implement is fastened to the implement support so that it cannot separate upon impact with the swung object. The system also includes a guide positioned in the vicinity (e.g., below) of the implement so that an object swung below the implement will contact the guide which will direct the swung object toward and into contact with the implement. The guide can be employed in the first mode or the system can be used in either mode with the guide removed.

Abstract: A baseball swing training aid includes a housing and a lid for retaining a batting tee in a first or storage configuration and in a second or use configuration. In the first configuration, the batting tee is stowable on an underside of the lid such that the tee does not interfere with the lid's attachment to the housing. In the second configuration, the batting tee base attaches to a slot formed in the lid to extend the tee upwardly for baseball swing training. Accordingly, the tee is easily changeable between the first and second configurations for fast setup, storage or transportation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retractable blowing exerciser, wherein the round cup is designed into a taper shaped radial face for matching and positioning of the arc of the ball body, a neck pipe is positioned below the base of the round cup to connect the integrated retractable ring so that the flat round body of the ring folds into the integrated extension coefficient, people can adjust the distance depending on their height for playing in the ball blowing area and achieve the practical benefits of fitness and entertainment for users in all ages anytime and anywhere.

Abstract: A training device guides the throwing arm of a person in a ball throwing movement in a forward throwing direction. The training device comprises a base arranged to be supported on the ground, an upright support member extending upwardly from the base and a guide member on the upright support member which has a generally concave inner surface extending upwardly and forwardly from a generally vertical starting end to a generally horizontal releasing end. The user grasps a ball in the hand of their throwing arm and displaces the ball alongside the guide member from the starting end to the releasing end in a ball throwing movement to throw the ball in the forward throwing direction of the training device.

Abstract: A batting trainer has a stand with an upright post. A guide bar having forward and rearward ends is mounted to an upper end of the post between its forward and rearward ends. The guide bar being inclined relative to the post. A generally C-shaped ball support is mounted to a forward portion of and extends laterally outward from the guide bar. A tee is mounted to and extends upward from a lower portion of the ball support for supporting a ball. A tether is secured to an upper portion of the ball support for connection to the ball. A leg support bar extends laterally from the guide bar for contact by a forward leg of the batter.

Abstract: A batting training device includes a telescopic prop, a base, a plurality of support members, and a limiting unit. The telescopic prop has top and bottom ends. The base is connected to the bottom end of the prop. Each of the support members has a pivot end pivoted to the base, and a ground contacting end opposite to the pivot end. Each of the support members is pivotable upwardly relative the base from an unfolded position to a folded position. The limiting unit is provided on the base and has a plurality of blocking portions. The blocking portions are movable relative to the base between a blocking position and an unblocking position.

Abstract: A fully articulated batting tee including a first support post with a telescoping stem for height-adjustable support of a baseball. The first support post extends downward from the ball to the ground to provide a first point of ground-support. A lateral support assembly comprises a plurality of lateral struts joined at one end to the first support post and extending laterally therefrom to a second support post. A pivoting coupling is mounted on the second support post, and the coupling includes a plurality of collars for insertion of corresponding struts (each of the collars slidably supports a corresponding one of the lateral struts therein). The second support post extends downward to a practice plate and is anchored thereto, thereby providing a second point of ground-support. The combination of height-adjustment, lateral adjustment and pivoting provide a fully articulating batting tee that can position the ball anywhere over or around the practice plate.

Abstract: A ball hitting practice device includes a base member having a reception portion on a top thereof and a spherical recess is defined in an underside of the reception portion. A passage is defined through the reception portion and communicates with the spherical recess. A post can be a single post or composed of multiple sections. The post has a base part at a lower end thereof and a cup is connected to a top of the post. The base part is matched with the spherical recess and a diameter of the post is smaller than an inner diameter of the passage. The post extends through the passage and a top of the base part is in contact with an inner surface of the spherical recess. A positioning cap is fixed to the underside of the base member so as to position the base part. A ball is put on the cup and the user hits the ball to practice hitting skills.

Abstract: A Special Baseball Training Device called “BASEx®” provides methods to teach baseball fundamentals to various skill and age groups. The use of BASEx® assists coaches and players in developing some of the most basic fundamentals of hitting a baseball, such as balance, alignment, stride, swing plane, and keeping eyes on the ball. called BASEx® is comprised of a top piece beam unit with features, a bottom piece beam unit with features, a means to connect the units, batting tees, a means to connect the tees to the bottom unit surface, and other features such as balls and stride pads.

Abstract: A batting practice set includes a base, a weight, a cover and a securing unit. The base has first and second walls extending from an underside thereof and a receiving space is defined between the first and second walls. The weight is received in the receiving space and a rod is connected to a top of the base. The weight can be made by sands, pebbles or cement. The cover is connected to the underside of the base and covers the receiving space so that the weight does not separate from the base. By the weight, the base is firmly set on the ground and does not move when using the batting practice set.

Abstract: A tiltable portable baseball tee unit is provided. The unit includes a base shaped to seat removably a bucket; includes a hitting tee assembly; and, includes a handle assembly. The base is mounted on a wheel-axle assembly such that the handle assembly can be used to tilt the base and hitting tee onto the axle and wheel and to pull the baseball tee to a desired location. The handle assembly and the hitting tee assembly can be folded into stored configurations to facilitate storage of the unit.

Abstract: A device (10) for practicing playing a ball game, such as tennis, comprises an arm (29) one end portion of which carries a ball (31), such that the ball (31) is rotatable retained relative to the arm (29), and a remote end portion of which is secured to a face of a toothed pulley wheel (25) which is rotatable mounted on a swingable link means (16, 17, 18) pivotally mounted on a shaft (13). A second, larger, toothed pulley wheel (14) is rotatably mounted on the shaft (13), there being resilient means (23) for restraining such rotation. The toothed pulley wheels (14, 25) are engaged by a toothed endless belt (26).

Abstract: Described herein is a combination pitching aid and batting tee apparatus. The apparatus includes a base having a front and a rear, a stand extending upwardly from the base, a support rod extending upwardly from the stand, and an arm extending outwardly from the support rod. The arm includes a target associated therewith that can be adjusted vertically and horizontally. The apparatus includes a screen having a top end and a bottom end and a support assembly having a top end and a bottom end that extends upwardly from the base. The bottom end of the screen is attached near the front of the base and the top end of the screen is attached to the support assembly. The support rod can be replaced with a batting tee.

Abstract: A baseball bat swing training aid includes a housing configured for storing a plurality of balls therein. A ball positioning mechanism is disposed within the housing and includes an arm selectively extendable out of the housing. A ball holder is disposed on an end of the arm. The baseball bat swing training aid further includes a mechanism for removably yet securely fixing the ball positioning mechanism within the housing.

Abstract: A batting apparatus is provided, including a supporting unit, at least a linking unit, and a suction disk. The supporting unit includes a base, a supporting rod, and a hanging arm. The bottom of the supporting rod is fixed to the base. The hanging arm is engaged to the top of the supporting rod, and extends outwards. The linking unit is attached to and hanging below the hanging arm, and the bottom end is attached to the suction disk. With the temporary holding of the ball by the suction disk, the present invention can enhance the focus and the eye-hand coordination of the batter. The present invention is also easy to assemble, move and store.

Abstract: An angled hitting stand apparatus for training users to hit baseballs or softballs. Telescoping elongated members, e.g., posts, cylindrical tubes, or solid rods, provide support for the ball and are adjustable for accommodating the height and arm length of a user. The elongated members can be pivoted, i.e., moved back and forth, for arm or hand dominance, e.g., right-handed, left-handed, or ambidextrous hitters, to at various angles. The elongated members or posts are secured to an adapter, e.g., a cylindrical, pre-cut housing, that fits into a cap. The cap is secured to a base which is capable of supporting the apparatus. The angled presentation of the ball on the apparatus provides a proper swinging condition to the user by ergonomically encouraging the user to be properly disposed in relation to a swing slot region in order to make a correct swing without casting the user's hands during the swing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for a batting tee which provides an effective and useful device for improving a user's baseball swing. The present invention comprises a portable regulation size home plate which has a swinging arm member rotatably attached thereto which member has a first and second upright-standing batting tee thereon which are each adjustable in height. The rotatable member is attached to the home plate by means of a fastener which allows the member to swing 360 degrees around the home plate in the horizontal plane. The particular placement of the batting tees about the home plate allows the device to be used to teach a user batter how to hit balls thrown in each position about the home plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for practicing baseball and softball hitting skills includes a ball holder on a rod that is suspended by a single degree of freedom support at an interior point of the rod length and the rod is balanced and proportioned relative to the support point and the ball in order to position a ball at any three-dimensional location in the hitting zone of the batter in a stable state by manual movement of the opposite balanced end of the rod.