Batting tee

Abstract

A batting tee supporting a ball has a base, a telescoping post having a first tube, a second tube, a rod, and a flexible ball holder secured to the telescoping post. Wearable bushing assemblies enable friction between components of the tee to remain at least substantially constant over a range of tolerances, even as bushings wear. Each bushing assembly includes a bushing holder, a C-shaped spring positioned around at least a portion of the bushing holder, and a C-shaped bushing constructed of wearable material and positioned at least partially around an outer periphery of the C-shaped spring. Each bushing assembly is positioned into a respective tube such that the C-shaped bushing contacts an inner surface of its respective tube. The C-shaped spring provides an outward radial force for applying friction between the C-shaped bushing and the inner surface of the tube when one component is axially moved relative to another.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This non-provisional patent application claims priority benefit, with regard to all common subject matter, of earlier-filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 493,179, filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and entitled “BASEBALL BATTING TEE”. This identified earlier-filed provisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present application.BACKGROUND1. Field[0002]Embodiments of the invention relate to baseball equipment. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to ball tees for holding a ball for a batter.2. Related Art[0003]A batting tee, sometimes called a ball tee, is an important equipment item for the teaching and playing of baseball. Baseball players, softball players, coaches, and the like rely on ball tees to play their game and improve performance. A ball tee holds a ball stationary at a certain height such that the player may swing a bat and strike the ball. Many prior art ball tees include a teles...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a way to quickly and easily replace a worn out roll ball holder in a tee. This is done by removing the screw, pulling out the rod with the ball holder, and inserting a new one. This makes it easy to replace the standalone component without having to replace the entire system. The new design is cost-effective and commonly available. The technical effect is that this provides a more convenient and efficient way to replace a worn out roll ball holder.

Problems solved by technology

One of the problems with prior art batting tees having an adjustable stanchion using telescoping posts is that the friction provided by slides within the telescoping posts wear with time and temperature.

Another problem is that some prior art batting tee products have a great deal of variability from one tee to the next, even though they are the same design from the same manufacturer.

In other words, many prior art batting tee designs are highly sensitive to part tolerances.

Additionally, it is common for ball holders at the top of the tee wear out due to being repeatedly struck with the bat.

However, when the rolled sheet wears out, it is difficult and expensive to replace because it takes skill and special tools to roll a new sheet in the correct way and to fasten the newly rolled sheet to the top of the batting tee.

Note that once the rod is inserted through the center of the C-shaped bushing, the C-shaped bushing is restricted by the rod and therefore cannot be removed.

Once these assemblies are fastened in place as described, it is very difficult to completely withdraw the tubes from each other.

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