Abstract: The ball-projecting batting tee comprises a support base, a support column, and a remote control. The ball-projecting batting tee may be a batting practice aid that may be placed on top of home plate and may pneumatically project a ball upwards from the top of the support column to simulate a pitch. The ball-projecting batting tee may be adapted to project the ball upwards under the control of a coach using the remote control. As non-limiting examples, the ball may be a baseball or a whiffle ball. A directional cover located at the top of the support column may pivot to direct the ball towards first base or towards third base to simulate outside and inside pitches.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for batting practice. The method includes securing a baseball training device to a leg of a user; positioning a stand assembly adjacent to the user; and swinging a baseball bat such that a ball positioned on the stand assembly attaches to the plate of the device. The device includes a body and a plate attached to and extending outwardly from the body.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include athletic training devices and systems. In a non-limiting embodiment, an athletic training device includes: a chassis, a portion of the chassis being configured to receive a ball thereon; a sensor configured to sense presence of a ball on the portion of the chassis; and a display device responsive to the sensor.

Abstract: A batting tee system that can be used to both tee a ball for batting and retrieve balls on the ground. As balls are retrieved, the balls are automatically positioned for use in batting. The batting tee system uses a tube body having an interior and an open first end of a first diameter. An expandable constraint is disposed at the first end. The expandable constraint defines a secondary opening that can be selectively altered between a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, and a third diameter that is larger than the first diameter. A mechanical activator is used to alter the secondary opening of the expandable constraint between the second diameter and the third diameter. This controls the passage of balls out of the tube body.

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: The present invention is a device to be used to practice hitting a ball. The device according to the invention suspends a ball at a variety of positions movable along three axes. The ball is removably connected to a flexible line having a first side magnet thereon. The user can select if the first-end magnet will rise or fall when the removable ball is struck and the first-end magnet is hit and/or swings a predetermined amount by using either a counterweight or a connector-magnet attached to an adjustment peg fixedly attached to a vertical support. When using the connector-magnet, the user can also select the amount of force required to dislodge the connector-magnet from a metallic component on the vertical support. The present invention is also the ball having metallic components inside which can be safely used with or without the device. The device is safer than existing devices and it produces better results due to its configuration.

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: 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.

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 manlier 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.

Abstract: A water sprinkler toy includes a base having a water inlet and a nozzle adapted to spray water in the shape of a funnel. Additionally, the water sprinkler toy includes an object capable of being suspended in the air by the water.

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: 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: 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: An air tee apparatus includes a frusto-conical housing forming an air nozzle having an opening along an axis of the frusto-conical housing. An axial fan is located within the frusto-conical housing and along the axis of the frusto-conical housing. The axial fan creates a flow of air within the frusto-conical housing, the flow of air being discharged through the air nozzle to support a ball in midair above the frusto-conical housing.

Abstract: This device will train an individual to strike a baseball. It is used for beginners as well as some of the advanced players by allowing the ball to be forced into different directions to simulate various pitching maneuvers.

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: 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: The invention is directed to an apparatus for suspending a ball on a core of air and includes a conical base, an air blower disposed therein, and a variable length nozzle extending upwardly therefrom through which air is discharged.

Abstract: A collapsible pinata hoist to eliminate the need for finding a large tree or other pinata rope support structure when it is desired to have a pinata at a gathering such as a birthday party or other celebration. The collapsible pinata hoist includes a V-shaped base assembly, a vertical support pole assembly, a horizontal support pole and pulley assembly, two brace members each having an element locking pin receiving aperture at both ends thereof, a number of element locking pins and a flexible pinata pulling tether member. The flexible pinata tether member is threaded through pulley assemblies provided at each end of the horizontal support pole and has one end attached to a pinata and the other end free to be pulled on by a pinata handler to allow for lifting and lowering of the pinata while a person is trying to break the pinata open with a stick.

Abstract: A number of swing training assemblies are disclosed. One of the assemblies is for use in a gymnasium and includes a main support member or rope which extends between the two basketball rims and is detachably interconnected therewith. A plurality of ball suspension members or ropes are spaced along the main support member or rope and extend downwardly therefrom. A ball is detachably connected to each of the ball suspension members.

Abstract: A volleyball spiking practice device positions a volleyball at a desired elevation above a surface. The device comprises a generally C-shaped head and a support pole attached to the head. The head sufficiently retains a volleyball to be knocked free. The support pole is attached with the head at an angle so that the support pole extends laterally away from the head when vertically disposed, to position the volleyball. The support pole is hand-held.