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.

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 artificial pitcher for practicing the hitting skill of baseball includes an artificial pitcher on a support and having a ball holder on top, a main spring biased a stroke which are held by a hook on a hollow interior cylindrical main body, and a control device positioned remote from the pitcher having a rope to control the hook to release the stroke to hit a baseball from the ball holder flying to a batter. In order to pitch a transforming ball, an angular adjustment plate is positioned beside the main body to help the main body to adjust its angle of elevation.

Abstract: Embodiments included in this disclosure are used to support two baseballs, two softballs or other hitting objects on a batting tee. Two embodiments may also be used in order to stack three balls. The embodiments are not limited to training in only softball and baseball, but may be used in any sport that involves striking an object with a striking device including, but not limited to, the games of cricket, field hockey, and hurling. Also two soccer balls may be stacked on a ground tee that would be struck by the foot. Other embodiments include a crowned insert and a short double crowned training device.

Abstract: An artificial pitcher for practicing the hitting skill of baseball includes an artificial pitcher on a support and having a ball holder on top, a main spring biased a stroke which are held by a hook on a hollow interior cylindrical main body, and a control device positioned remote from the pitcher having a rope to control the hook to release the stroke to hit a baseball from the ball holder flying to a batter. In order to pitch a transforming ball, an angular adjustment plate is positioned beside the main body to help the main body to adjust its angle of elevation.

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: Described is a system and apparatus for swing instruction in any sport in which players use a swinging apparatus including T-ball, baseball, softball, tennis, racquetball, golf and hockey. The apparatus comprises a body comprising a substantially planar upper surface and positionable on a support surface, a home plate marking on said body, at least one step target marking adjacent to said home plate marking and at least one foot placement marking adjacent to said step target marking.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for teaching a user how to hit a ball with a bat. The apparatus includes a telescopically adjustable tee assembly that is magnetically secured to an underlying base. A user can easily make adjustments to both the vertical height of the tee and its location upon the base in order to simulate different pitch types.

Abstract: A ball hitting training device is disclosed for allowing a user to practice swinging a bat at a ball. The ball hitting training device includes a base assembly for resting on a support surface. A ball support assembly supports a ball to be struck by a bat swung by the user to allow the user to practice swinging the bat. The ball support assembly is coupled to the stanchion member of the stanchion assembly.

Abstract: A structure of the ball holder for a batting tee is provided, including a holder base and a plurality of resilient supporting elements on the holder base. The resilient supporting elements include at least three long resilient elements with upstanding position on the top surface of the holder base. The entire ball holder is monolithic, for example, manufactured by injection molding. With minimum contact surface, the ball holder can reduce the impact of the friction on the trajectory.

Abstract: An improved height adjustment mechanism for a batting tee uses an adjustment screw that attaches a compressible washer assembly to the bottom of an inner telescoping member to spread a compressible washer, thereby increasing the diameter of the compressible washer assembly and consequently adjusting internal friction between the washer assembly and the inner surface of an outer telescoping member to a desired amount necessary to hold the inner telescoping member stationary within the external telescoping member while the tee is being used while still allowing manual height adjustment of the batting tee as may be desired by the batter.

Abstract: A portable bucket for carrying baseball equipment (such as bases, gloves, balls) that is attached to a pitching target. The bucket, a bottom mounting bracket, a top mounting bracket and an extendable frame provide support for the pitching target. The pitching target can be folded and snapped to the lower mounting bracket when the invention is being carried. The target is positioned for play by fully extending the frame, unsnapping the pitching target from the lower mounting bracket, rotating it, unfolding it, and then fastening it to the extendable frame. Also attached to the bucket could be tubes for carrying baseball bats or holding a tee for tee-ball, or wheels to assist in transport.

Abstract: The present invention provides a batting tee comprising a hollow tubular vertical stand having a first end through which at least one ball can be loaded inside said tubular vertical stand, and a second end, a means for pushing the ball upwardly just above the first end, the pushing means housed within said hollow tubular stand, and a horizontal base plate affixed to the second end portion.

Abstract: A batting practice apparatus comprising an upright support mast associated with a base having a plurality of legs which are able to be mounted to a surface. A rotatable sleeve slides over the mast. The sleeve can rotate about the mast and a pin slides within the slots. An arm with a ball-shaped object at the distal end extends from the sleeve. An elastic member is associated at one end with the sleeve by means of a tab extending from the sleeve; and, at the other end is associated with a base leg. When the batter strikes the ball-shaped object, the sleeve rotates upward about the mast and returns as urged by the elastic member.

Abstract: A practice batting training apparatus is disclosed, which can accurately and consistently deliver balls to a desired location at a desired speed. The apparatus includes a base with a removable a post, and at least one feeder hingedly attached to the post for delivering various size balls to a desired location at a desired speed. The feeder can be adjusted to achieve different heights and speeds helping batters develop timing and hitting skills.

Abstract: A ball hitting practice device has a base member, a post projecting upwardly from the base member and a pivot joint between the lower end of the post and the base member for allowing pivoting of the post in any direction about the base member to any selected tilt angle. A locking device is provided for securing the post at a selected angle and direction relative to the base member, and a cup is pivotally secured to the upper end of the post for supporting a ball. The cup can be pivoted relative to the post so as to face upwardly regardless of the tilt angle of the post relative to the base member.

Abstract: A tee-ball server apparatus for conducting batting practice wherein the apparatus supplies a ball to a ball receiving seat member so the batter may swing a bat in order to hit the ball. The tee-ball server apparatus includes a movable rod having the ball receiving seat member thereon, with the movable rod being movable between a retracted position and an extended position within a server housing. The tee-ball server apparatus further includes a worm gear assembly for driving the movable rod between the retracted position and the extended position for receiving a ball on the ball receiving seat member to be hit; and a ball supply chute assembly is disposed adjacent to the server housing for supplying balls to the ball receiving seat member on the movable rod for the batter to hit the ball.

Abstract: A swing training device which utilizes an microprocessor controlled set of colored LEDs to teach the user to watch the ball through the contact of a ball hitting device such as a baseball bat or golf club with the ball. Also shown is a method of providing a confirmation visual for an observer to confirm the hitter has in fact watched the bat hit the ball. This swing training device may be mounted in a standard batting tee stanchion or may replace a standard batting tee stanchion. The swing training device may also be mounted in a practice golf tee especially those of the type used at driving ranges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a baseball swing trainer. In a first embodiment, a ball is pivotally attached to a vertical arm which is slidably attached to an oblique arm, the oblique arm is attached to a horizontal arm which is attached to a support structure; the vertical arm is contained within a first and second guide arm; a stopping member is attached to a first end of the oblique arm and a stopping bar is attached to a second end of the oblique arm such that when the ball is struck, the ball pivots on the vertical arm as the vertical arm slides up the oblique arm, striking the stopping bar and thereafter sliding back down the oblique arm to return to its starting position cradled within the stopping member. The travel path of the ball provides instantaneous feedback as to the quality of the swing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a baseball batting stance training assembly. The assembly essentially comprises a stance training mat for placement upon a baseball field or similar other playing field and at least one rearward foot-receiving cuff for removable or breakaway attachment to the stance training mat. The stance training mat essentially comprises at least three distinct zones, namely, left and right mat zones and a home plate zone. The left mat zone and the right mat zone are aligned laterally opposite the home plate zone, which home plate zone comprises a home plate marker or virtual home plate. The left and right mat zones each comprise a plurality of foot print indicia. The cuff is removably attached adjacent select rearward foot print indicia and is designed for breakaway from the stance training mat in the event of a net cuff-removing force.

Abstract: A baseball practice equipment that sets up as a practice batting tee in one mode and converts to a practice pitching strike apparatus in a second mode. The practice batting tee has a base member, an extension, a vertical member with an upper end ball support and multiple mounting cavities for mounting the vertical member onto the base member and extension. The vertical member varies in height to adjust to the batter's height. The multiple mounting cavities are arranged between the base member and extension. As a second mode, the practice pitching strike zone has a base member, an extension, a first and second vertical members and mounting cavities for mounting the two vertical members. The first and second vertical members are adjusted in height such that a lower strike zone, middle strike zone and an upper strike zone is created between the vertical members.

Abstract: A baseball batting practice device includes a home plate having a center axle extending upright from the home plate, an elongate and radially extending bar having a first end defining a hole through which the center axle extends for the bar to be rotatable about the center axle on the home plate, a bi-directional ratchet mechanism including a toothed disc and a pawl member engageable with each other arranged between the home plate and the bar to allow for angular displacement of the bar with respect to the home plate and a stand mounted to the bar and extending upright therefrom to support a baseball on a top end thereof. The stand includes a slide movably received in a radially extending channel defined in the bar whereby the stand is linearly movable with respect to the center axle in a radial direction.

Abstract: A batting aid is described. The batting aid includes a height-adjustable stand having top and bottom portions. A hollow tube having first and second ends is attached to the top portion of the stand. A mechanism is attached to the second end of the tube, and is adjustable to modify the exit angle of a ball placed in the device.

Abstract: A ball server apparatus for conducting batting practice wherein the apparatus ejects a ball into the air and the user swings a bat in order to hit the ejected ball. The ball server apparatus includes a base member connected to a server seat member, the base member for stabilizing the server seat member on a playing surface. The server seat member includes an interior section having a vertical channel extending therethrough; the interior section of the server seat member includes an upper seat section, a middle seat section and a bottom seat section. The ball server apparatus further includes a movable rod having a proximal end and a distal end; the proximal end of the movable rod is within the bottom seat section of the server seat member; the proximal end of the movable rod has an ejection assembly connected thereto; the distal end of the movable rod has a ball seat member connected thereto; and the ball seat member is used for holding a portion of the ball therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for practicing baseball batting includes a base formed of a rubber block, an upright detachably fastened to the top center of the base with a screw, a rubber stem detachably fastened to the top end of the upright, a tubular ball holder disposed above the stem and adapted to hold a ball for batting, and a peripherally grooved flexible rubber tube detachably coupled between the ball holder and the rubber stem and adapted to absorb shocks during batting.

Abstract: A baseball playing kit includes telescoping vertical supports mounted on a base plate. An intermediate support is adjustable in height for different sized users. A tapered support holds a foam covered ball at the upper end. The base is divided into segments that can be easily assembled. A lower threaded vertical support is secured to the base by a threaded base member and a locking member secures the base segments together. A foam covered bat is included. The various components are separable for packaging into a small container for shipping and storage and are easily assembled into a complete game unit.

Abstract: A transmitter in a member (e.g. bat) transmits signals when a switch on the bat is pressed. A pop-up apparatus receives the signals. A member in the apparatus prevents an element (e.g. ball) from being popped upwardly in a first positioning of the member and provides for the element pop-up in a second positioning of the member. Normally disposed in the first position, the member is operable to the second position by the received signals. The apparatus includes a housing and a bin pivotally coupled to the housing to hold the element. The bin provides for a substantially vertical element pop-up in a first pivotal position and for an element pop-up with a horizontal component in a second position. In the vertical pop-up, a player hits the ball with the bat. In the other pop-up, the player catches the ball.

Abstract: A ball tossing apparatus includes a support frame and a plurality of launch devices fixed to the support frame and arranged in a two-dimensional array. The launch devices include cylinders having a spring fixed therein, with a ball carrier fixed to the spring. The balls are retained in a loaded position (springs compressed) and then upon activation of the launch devices are launched vertically into the air to the sports player. In another embodiment, the launch devices include a rotating lever which is acted on by a biasing member to launch the ball vertically from the cylinder. A method for launching the balls includes the steps of loading the balls into a two dimensional array, and then launching the balls according to a launch sequence. An electronic control system for use with the ball tossing apparatus includes a launch module for launching the loaded balls in the plurality of launch devices according to a launch sequence.

Abstract: An insertable adapter for use with rubber batting-t's that is translucent, flexible and designed to more faithfully reflect the mechanics of hitting a ball thrown through the air.

Abstract: A ball server apparatus for conducting batting practice wherein the apparatus ejects a ball into the air and the user swings a bat in order to hit the ejected ball. The ball server apparatus includes a base member connected to a server seat member, the base member for stabilizing the server seat member on a playing surface. The server seat member includes an interior section having a vertical channel extending therethrough; the interior section of the server seat member includes an upper seat section, a middle seat section and a bottom seat section. The ball server apparatus further includes a movable rod having a proximal end and a distal end; the proximal end of the movable rod is within the bottom seat section of the server seat member; the proximal end of the movable rod has an ejection assembly connected thereto; the distal end of the movable rod has a ball seat member connected thereto; and the ball seat member is used for holding a portion of the ball therein.

Abstract: A batting aid is described. The batting aid includes a height-adjustable stand having top and bottom portions. A hollow tube having first and second ends is attached to the top portion of the stand. A mechanism is attached to the second end of the tube, and is adjustable to modify the exit angle of a ball placed in the device.

Abstract: A ball server includes a server seat, a movable rod inserted into the server seat, an elastomer, a touch plate, and a delay element within the server seat. In using, the movable rod is pressed so as to buckle the touch plate and the movable rod is interacted with the delay element, the ball will flatly place on the movable rod. When the ball server is actuated, the movable rod will be driven by the delay element so that it rises slowly, but after a time period, the action of the delay element is released and the movable rod rises rapidly and at the same time, the ball rises. When the movable rod is operated by the delay element, the batter can prepare for next beating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tether cord and ball arrangement for a tether ball-type game apparatus. The arrangement comprises a cord, a ball engaged with the cord at one end thereof and a tail assembly. The tail assembly includes an elongate anchor element that defines an eye formation near one end thereof whereby the element can be rotatably located on the cord, particularly adjacent the location where the ball is engaged with the cord. The anchor element has a plurality of streamers attached thereto near its end opposite to the end where the eye formation is defined, the streamers, during play of a tether ball-type game which involves striking the ball with a bat, providing a pleasant visual and audible effect, while also providing for desired ball flight qualities.

Abstract: A propulsion member (e.g. a bat) has an external switch and an internally disposed transistor which transmits signals when the switch is manually closed. A receiver in a tee mechanism receives the signals and causes a tee in the mechanism to move upwardly from a rest position to an operative position. As the tee moves upwardly to the operative position, an element (e.g. a wiffle ball) moves on a ramp to a supportive position at the top of the tee. When the tee is in the operative position, a player holding the propulsion member swings the member against the ball. This is helpful to young children (e.g. eight (8) years old or younger) in learning how to hit a baseball.

Abstract: A piñata-manipulating stand for more easily maneuvering and controlling a piñata. The piñata-manipulating stand includes an arm assembly for supporting and controlling a piñata. An upright support member is provided for supporting the arm assembly. A coupling assembly is coupled to and positioned between the arm assembly and the upright support member for rotationally coupling the arm assembly to the upright support member. A base member is mounted to an end of the upright support member for supporting the upright support member in an upright position.

Abstract: An improved batting tee uses an elongated split washer to provide friction between telescoping parts in the stem without requiring tightening adjustments by a user, an elongated rounded grommet at the top of the tee to provide stability for the grommet and protection for the ball holder against cuts made by the bat hitting the ball holder against the top end of the innermost telescoping member, and a ball holder made from a wound, flexible material that retains its shape and resiliency without requiring a threaded member to hold the windings together.

Abstract: A device for practicing striking a standard sports ball that also has means to be held, particularly by magnetic or magnet-attractable materials located beneath the ballcover and not exposed to the atmosphere. The ball is usually retained on a minor portion of the upper 75 percent (relative to vertical) of the outer surface of the suspended ball so that its propelled trajectory and the striker's path are essentially not hindered before, during and after the strike and release against gravity and released upon sufficient impact. A ball contains means for both retaining and releasing itself from a mating pivotable, attachment arm that is generally downwardly supported to allow the ball to be suspended above the ground, be struck, released and propelled in a preferred downward trajectory, e.g. a volleyball spike.

Abstract: A mobile practice device for practicing the swinging motion of a baseball bat includes a holding apparatus (14) and strike zone restriction apparatus (16), the strike zone restriction apparatus (16) being supported by and maintained at a distance from and underlying ground surface by the holding apparatus (14). The strike zone restriction apparatus (16) includes a vertical side wall that restricts the swing of the baseball bat (12) by a practicing batter (18).

Abstract: A pitching practice device for indicating and simulating the height and width of a strike zone for a typical batter, the device having a base slightly wider than home plate and two laterally spaced, upwardly extending posts connected to the base, the posts each having a plurality of slidably engaged sleeves that are independently adjustable to indicate the top and bottom of the strike zone, and the posts and sleeves having contrasting colors.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the ball striking practice device comprises a base having an upper surface provided with a slot and lateral grooves, a lower surface provided with a lower lateral groove, and side walls provided with protruding lugs. A pivoting post is attached to the base and a ball is secured to a top of the pivoting post. A resillent band is positioned in a circumscribing groove of the ball and attached to the top of the pivoting post. A lateral pivoting post retaining shaft is located in the lower lateral groove for attaching the pivoting post to the base. A closed end resilient stop band is stretched across the upper surface of the base in two pairs of the lateral grooves, circumscribes the protruding lugs and secures the lateral pivoting post retaining shaft to the base. Thus, a travel of the pivoting post in the slot is predetermined.

Abstract: A multifunction training device for batted ball sports, wherein said device is adapted to selectively convert from a bat configuration to a batting tee configuration. The device in its bat configuration is suitable for storing in a bat bag, and is preferably suitable for swinging as a bat.

Abstract: A propulsion member (e.g. a bat) has an external switch and an internally disposed transistor which transmits signals when the switch is manually closed. A receiver in a tee mechanism receives the signals and causes a tee in the mechanism to move upwardly from a rest position to an operative position. As the tee moves upwardly to the operative position, an element (e.g. a wiffle ball) moves on a ramp to a supportive position at the top of the tee. When the tee is in the operative position, a player holding the propulsion member swings the member against the ball. This is helpful to young children (e.g. eight (8) years old or younger) in learning how to hit a baseball.

Abstract: A training device for baseball hitting has a baseboard, a resilient column with one end securely yet rotatably engaged with the baseboard and a receiving tube securely connected to the other end of the resilient column. The resilient column has a bendable and shapable upper portion. The rotatable engagement between the resilient column and the baseboard allows the resilient column to incline to any desired direction and the shapable upper portion of the resilient column allows the resilient column to bend to any desired position.

Abstract: The unitary structure includes a rear frame member from which oppositely disposed side frame members extend forwardly. Laterally extending forward frame members are provided on the side frame members to define batting boxes for left and right hand batters. A pair of upstanding spaced apart posts are mounted on the rear frame member and include a center line extending forwardly through the strike zone. The guidepost adjacent the batter helps to define a swing path.

Abstract: A stand for a vertical pole support for a tether ball type game includes a base which can contain ballast and a lid, through which the pole passes and a formation on its floor for receiving the end of the pole. The lid and base are attached by a two stage attachment arrangement. The first stage includes inter-engageable tongue and groove formations which are capable of attachment and detachment by application of finger pressure, and the second stage includes locking devices at points around the periphery of the base container for a positive lock of the lid to the base, so that the first stage cannot be broken other than by the use of excessive force having regard to the conventional use of the stand.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tether cord and ball arrangement for a tether ball-type game apparatus. The arrangement comprises a cord, a ball engaged with the cord at one end thereof and a tail assembly. The tail assembly includes an elongate anchor element that defines an eye formation near one end thereof whereby the element can be rotatably located on the cord, particularly adjacent the location where the ball is engaged with the cord. The anchor element has a plurality of streamers attached thereto near its end opposite to the end where the eye formation is defined, the streamers, during play of a tether ball-type game which involves striking the ball with a bat, providing a pleasant visual and audible effect, while also providing for desired ball flight qualities.

Abstract: A baseball batting practice system allowing a baseball player to practice their swing without having to retrieve a ball including an inverted T-shaped stand including a lower horizontal base and an upper vertical support. The upper vertical support includes upper and lower segments. The lower segment has an angled lower end. The angled lower end is hingedly coupled with the lower horizontal base. The lower horizontal base includes an angled wedge positioned rearwardly of the angled lower end in an abutting relationship therewith whereby the upper vertical support can only fall forwardly. A ball support cup is secured to and extends upwardly from the upper segment of the upper vertical support. The ball support cup supports a ball thereon. The ball has an eye bolt extending therethrough. The eye bolt has an outer ring positionable within the ball support cup. The outer ring has an interior elastic cord secured thereto. The interior elastic cord has a free end securable interiorly of the upper vertical support.

Abstract: A ball tossing apparatus includes a support frame and a plurality of launch devices fixed to the support frame and arranged in a two-dimensional array. The launch devices include cylinders having a spring fixed therein, with a ball carrier fixed to the spring. The balls are retained in a loaded position (springs compressed) and then upon activation of the launch devices are launched vertically into the air to the sports player. A method for launching the balls includes the steps of loading the balls into a two dimensional array, and then launching the balls according to a launch sequence. An electronic control system for use with the ball tossing apparatus includes a launch module for launching the loaded balls in the plurality of launch devices according to a launch sequence. The launch sequences can be randomly generated, programmed by the sports player, or retrieved from memory. The launch of the balls can also be controlled remotely.

Abstract: A ball hitting practice apparatus for use by a hitter is provided. The ball hitting practice apparatus includes a substantially rigid member having a first end and a second end, a hinge capable of suspension from a frame and attached near the first end of the rigid member such that the rigid member rotates about a substantially horizontal axis, and a ball mounting assembly suspended from the second end of the rigid member. Methods for using and making the ball hitting practice are also provided.