Multi-purpose ball tee

Abstract

The present invention relates to a ball tee for supporting a ball. The ball tee includes a column and two platforms. The column is hollow and generally identical at the top and bottom, and is sized to receive the narrow end of one platform at the bottom and the narrow end of the other platform at the top. The column can be configured to communicate with both platforms, or to communicate with one platform at the bottom but not at the top, or to communicate with one platform at the top but not at the bottom, providing multiple configurations and levels of difficulty when using the ball tee. The column can be supported on many natural and man-made surfaces without the platforms communicating with the bottom, and is configured to support a ball when the platforms are not communicating with the top.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This non-provisional patent application is a continuation and claims the benefit of priority to all common subject matter of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 836,715, filed April 21, 2019, entitled "Sports, fitness, and academic training system." [Technical Field]

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention relate to sports / fitness / recreation equipment and equipment related to physical and cognitive abilities, including assessment, improvement, and rehabilitation / treatment of said abilities. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a double-sided, multi-positionable, multi-use ball tee that allows a user to pick up balls, a user to place balls, and a user to replace balls. [Background technology]

[0003] Athletes and fitness participants often rely on equipment to evaluate or improve their performance or as a necessary component of a particular sport or activity. Tees are used as an integral part of certain sports, providing a platform from which a ball can be struck by another piece of equipment, such as a golf club or bat, or by a body part, such as the foot kicking the ball off the tee. These tees hold the ball elevated, allowing the user to strike the ball from a more advantageous, if less ideal, position, often reducing the likelihood that the striking implement or striking body part will strike the surface on which the tee is placed. Striking the surface before striking the ball, or striking the surface simultaneously with striking the ball, causes significant dissipation of the force generated by the strike, thus reducing the distance the ball must travel before coming to rest again, being received by another person, or reaching the intended target. In other uses, tees hold the ball stationary, allowing the user to practice the complex mechanics of the swing, which can then be used to improve the ability to swing and hit a moving target. In this use of the tee, the tee is used only for practice and not during participation in the sport in which hitting practice was required. To achieve the desired position, most tees can be adjusted up or down, either within the ball tee structure itself or by pushing the tee further into or pulling it further out of the surface it is inserted into. Ball tees are therefore essential equipment for teaching, improving, and participating in a variety of sports and activities. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, prior art ball tees present several obstacles and limitations. First, ball tees are designed for users to hold a ball solely for the purpose of hitting the ball, making them one-dimensional and limiting. Second, most prior art ball tees are only adjustable in height, not difficulty. Third, prior art ball tees are sport-specific and intended solely for the improvement or performance of a particular sport. Fourth, prior art ball tees are always used by one person at a time, limiting participation by others until that person finishes practicing or abandons the tee. Fifth, prior art ball tees are designed to assess, improve, or assist physical activity, neglecting cognitive and neurocognitive assessment, improvement, stimulation, and achievement. Sixth, prior art tees, by their intended nature, are subject to repeated hitting, thereby shortening the tee's lifespan. Seventh, prior art tees are only operable at one end; that is, one end of the tee provides a holder for the ball, and the other end provides a stabilizing base. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention solve the above-mentioned problems and provide a significant advance in the art by providing an improved ball tee. The ball tee not only functions as a launch point for the ball, but is also designed to allow participants to use their hands and fingers to dexterously place, remove, or replace a ball at the top of the ball tee without tipping the tee over or causing the ball to fall off the tee. This is a skill of use. The ball tee may also be configured to adjust its height and width not to accommodate a user's height, but rather to increase or decrease stability on the surface on which the tee rests and / or to increase or decrease the area of ​​the ball tee on which the ball rests, thereby increasing or decreasing the difficulty of use. The ball tee may also be used to improve skills required in many sports, as equipment for individual or group fitness training, or in a competitive manner as the basis for new and unique sports. The ball tee may also be used by a single user or multiple users, providing an opportunity for two or more people to benefit from its use simultaneously. The ball tee can also be used to perform and improve many physical, motor, and cognitive actions, skills, and processes, including, but not limited to, power, speed, balance, agility, hand-eye coordination, memory, dexterity, gross and fine motor skills, critical thinking, pattern recognition, sequencing, and the like. Because there is no intent to strike the tee or a ball resting on it, or to subject the ball tee to any significant impact, the opportunity for injury, particularly catastrophic injury, to the ball tee is greatly reduced. Depending on how it is assembled and configured, the ball tee can be used on either end. In most configurations, if the ball tee is knocked over, it can be quickly re-erected with either side up or down. The ball tee can be arranged in four different configurations, providing four different levels of difficulty.In all four configurations of the ball tee, the ball is placed at its top end, from which it may be removed or replaced.

[0007] A first embodiment of the present invention provides a ball-supporting tee. The ball tee includes a column and two platforms. The column is generally cylindrical and hollow, with an opening at each end, allowing a continuous, unobstructed view from one end to the other. The column is identical at the top and bottom, sized to receive the narrow end of one platform at the bottom and the narrow end of another platform at the top, allowing the column to communicate with either a platform at the top of the column and a platform at the bottom of the column, or a platform at the top of the column rather than the bottom platform, or a platform at the bottom of the column rather than the top platform, providing multiple levels of difficulty when using the tee. The column is configured to stand upright on many natural and man-made surfaces when no platform is attached to the bottom and to support a ball when no platform is attached to the top. The column is narrower than the wide end of each platform, making it less stable on the surface than when a platform is attached to the bottom of the column and providing less support for the ball than when a platform is attached to the top of the column. The platform is positioned at the bottom of the ball tee below the column and is configured to fit partially within the column. The platform is hollow with an opening at each end, allowing a continuous, unobstructed view from one end to the other. The platform is generally funnel-shaped, with the narrow end of the funnel extending and flattening, configured to fit within the column and connecting the platform to the column. The wide end of the platform is wider than the column and faces downward, interfacing with many natural and man-made surfaces, providing greater stability for the ball tee than if the platform were not attached. The platform may be positioned above the column above the ball tee and configured to fit partially within the column. The platform is hollow with an opening at each end, allowing a continuous, unobstructed view from one end to the other.The platform is generally funnel-shaped, with a narrow end that is elongated and flattened and configured to fit within the column, connecting the platform to the column. The wide end of the platform is wider than the column and points upward to support the ball, providing greater stability for the ball than if the platform were not attached to the column. The ball tee has openings at the top and bottom, allowing a continuous, unobstructed view from one end to the other at any assembly level.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention can provide a column for supporting a ball and receiving a platform at its top and a platform at its bottom. The column is generally cylindrical with an opening at each end, allowing a continuous, unobstructed view from one end to the other. The column is identical at its top and bottom ends. The column is sized to receive the narrow end of the platform at the bottom and the narrow end of the platform at the top, communicating with the platform at the top and the platform at the bottom, or with the top platform but not the bottom platform, or with the bottom platform but not the top platform, or no platform at either end. The column is configured to stand upright on many natural and man-made surfaces without a platform attached to its bottom end, providing less stability on the surface than when a platform is attached. The column is configured to support a ball when no platform is attached to its top end, being narrower than the wide end of the platform and providing less support for the ball than when a platform is attached.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a platform at the bottom of a ball tee to further enhance the stability of the ball tee, the ball tee being configured to support a ball. The platform is positioned below the column at the bottom of the tee and configured to fit partially within the column when the ball tee is in an upright position. The platform is hollow with openings at each end, allowing for a continuous, unobstructed view from one end to the other. The platform is generally funnel-shaped, with the narrow end of the funnel extending and flattening, configured to fit within the column and connect the platform to the column. The wide end of the platform is wider than the column. The wide end of the platform is oriented downward to interface with many natural and man-made surfaces, providing greater stability to the ball tee than if the platform were not attached.

[0010] Another embodiment of the present invention can provide a platform on top of a ball tee to provide greater stability for the ball, the ball tee being configured to support the ball. The platform is positioned on top of the tee above a column when the tee is in an upright position and is configured to fit partially within the column. The platform is hollow with openings at each end, allowing a continuous, unobstructed view from one end to the other. The platform is generally funnel-shaped, with a narrow end of the funnel extending and flattening, configured to fit within the column and connect the platform to the column. The wide end of the platform is wider than the column. The wide end of the platform is oriented upward to support the ball, providing greater stability for the ball than when the platform is not attached to the column.

[0011] Another embodiment of the present invention may provide a column and two platforms that allow for exactly the same configuration as described in the previous embodiment of the present invention, with the addition of an external stabilizing ring that protrudes from the column and travels 360° around the column, and that has a circumference that is greater than the circumference of the column.

[0012] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a column and two platforms that allow for exactly the same configuration as described in the previous embodiment of the present invention, with the addition of several wind vents to the column.

[0013] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following Detailed Description of the Embodiments and the Figures.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] A front, back, or side view of one embodiment of a ball tee [Figure 2] 2 is a top or bottom view of the ball tee embodiment from FIG. 1, generally showing the ball tee's platform 5 and illustrating its generally circular shape; [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ball tee from FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ball tee from FIG. 1; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ball tee embodiment from FIG. 1, generally viewed from a front, rear, or side angle; [Figure 6A] 2 is an exploded view showing various components of the embodiment of the ball tee from FIG. 1; [Figure 6B] 2 is an exploded view showing various components of the embodiment of the ball tee from FIG. 1; [Figure 6C] 2 is an exploded view showing various components of the embodiment of the ball tee from FIG. 1; [Figure 7] Front, back, or side view of a ball tee column [Figure 8] A vertical section of the column of ball tee from Fig. 7, taken generally from a forward, rearward, or sideward angle along the vertical line between the two A's. [Figure 9] 8 is a top or bottom view of the column of ball tees from FIG. 7, showing the generally circular shape; [Figure 10] A perspective view of the column of the ball tee from Figure 7 [Figure 11] A perspective view of the column of the ball tee from Figure 7 [Figure 12] Front, rear, or side view of the ball tee platform from Figure 1 [Figure 13] A perspective view of the platform of the ball tee from Fig. 12 [Figure 14] A perspective view of the platform of the ball tee from Fig. 12 [Figure 15] 2 is a front, rear, or side view of an embodiment of a ball tee from FIG. 1; [Figure 16] 2 is a front, rear, or side view of an embodiment of a ball tee from FIG. 1; [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a ball tee; [Figure 18] 1A and 1B are front, back, and side views of an embodiment of a ball tee; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] It should be understood that the figures are only schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to denote the same parts.

[0017] As best shown in FIG. 1 , a ball tee 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a column 1 and two platforms 5, one of which functions as a ball holder and the other as a base. The platforms 5 are inserted into narrow end receiving docks 2 at both ends of the column 1. The platform 5 located at the top of the ball tee 11 functions as a ball holder, while the platform 5 at the bottom of the ball tee 11 functions as a base. The bottom platform 5 interfaces with many natural and man-made surfaces. Removing either the top or bottom platform 5, or both platforms 5, can reduce the stability of the ball tee, making it more difficult to use and making the ball tee more difficult to utilize.

[0018] Before proceeding with a detailed description of the components of the ballet 11, a description of the field of use of the present invention will be provided for the reader. In the performance of most sports or athletic endeavors, there are fundamental physical elements required to execute them. Among these elements are speed, agility, quickness, strength, power, balance, kinesthetic sense, endurance, and numerous others. Many of these elements are based on the ability of an athletic participant to lower their center of gravity before or during the execution of an athletic maneuver. This ability to lower their center of gravity is often based on the degree of knee flexion, commonly referred to as knee flexion, which is the process of lowering the body. Unlike forward bending, which is initiated by bending the waist with minimal knee flexion, this is initiated by lowering the body by bending the knees and is more similar to a squat. A lower center of gravity with bent knees and properly distributed weight is often referred to as the athletic stance because it is the ideal starting stance or position for performing many athletic movements and maneuvers, and serves as the foundation for the fundamental athletic elements mentioned earlier in this section. When an athletic participant lowers their center of gravity, potential energy is generated in their muscles. Then, as the athlete returns from knee bending, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, allowing the athlete to perform athletic maneuvers such as jumping, running, throwing, hitting, shuffling, tackling, pushing, pulling, lifting, changing direction, and many other athletic actions. Generating potential energy by bending the knees is similar to an archer drawing back a bow. As the bow is drawn back and awaiting release, it stores potential energy. When the bow is released, motion is generated, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, and the arrow is released at high velocity. This conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy can take several seconds or even a fraction of a second when performed by an athlete. When an athlete converts potential energy into kinetic energy, they generate greater athletic power, which can then be converted into greater speed, jumping power, quickness, stability, force generation, and many other desirable sports performance indicators. Maximum levels of power are generated when an athlete lowers their center of gravity as far as possible (potential energy) and transitions into athletic action as quickly as possible (kinetic energy).Generally speaking, degree of knee flexion × transition speed = power. Successfully achieving or maintaining a motor stance before or during the final motor movement increases the odds of success in most athletic sports. Football, basketball, baseball / softball, soccer, tennis, hockey, volleyball, lacrosse, gymnastics, cheerleading, and many other sports and activities require rapid and successful knee flexion and transition into motor movement. It is virtually impossible to perform a motor movement or maneuver using the lower body without bending one or both knees. Before the start of a football play, players bend their knees to prepare. Before two basketball players jump to retrieve the ball, they bend their knees to generate potential energy. Before a baseball player hits the ball, and before a fielder puts the ball on the field, each must bend their knees to perform the movement. As a soccer striker moves down the field with the ball, as defenders block the striker, and as a goalkeeper attempts to block an attack on goal, they bend their knees to generate power, speed, maintain balance, and change direction.

[0019] An acceptable athletic stance is important in many sporting activities but difficult to achieve and maintain. Constant requests from coaches to players to "get low" and / or "stay low" are one of the most common demands in the sports and fitness world, and because it is not a natural stance, it must be repeated frequently. Additionally, as athletes tire during training or competition, getting low and staying low becomes even more difficult. Repeatedly bending the knees and maintaining an athletic stance requires significant energy, leg strength, and endurance. Then, performing athletic maneuvers from that stance or initiating athletic movements from that stance requires even more energy. Embodiments of the present invention are useful for helping athletes achieve and / or maintain the knee flexion necessary to perform athletic maneuvers. While there is no standard height for ball tees, many ball tees are only a few inches high from the bottom of the base to the top of the ball holder. This height allows the ball tee 11 to naturally lower the athlete to the ground, allowing the athlete to complete a significant number of exaggerated knee flexions during a training session. Repeated, exaggerated knee flexions performed during the conditioning or practice phase of an athletic event facilitate the knee flexions required for competition. Training practices that involve additional or exaggerated movements or forces are common in sports. Football players train by pushing or pulling cars or other vehicles, which in turn makes it easier to push or pull opposing players. Basketball players train with weighted vests to increase jumping power and improve jumping strength, and train with heavier-than-normal basketballs to improve long-distance shooting. Baseball players train by swinging heavier bats or adding weighted rings to their bats while practicing their swings to improve bat speed and power. Embodiments of the Vaultee 11 are useful for allowing users to repeatedly perform exaggerated knee flexions during training, making the knee flexions required during competition more easily achievable.

[0020] Another important element of sports is cognition and cognitive ability. When athletes participate in a game or competition, even in team sports, they are on their own. In most sports, coaches and teammates may provide advice and instruction before, during, and after the competition, but they cannot think, rationalize, or make decisions on the fly for the athlete—the athlete must think in the moment, recall anticipated and practiced scenarios, make critical decisions, and then translate those decisions into motor actions. This is a key element of nearly all sports. During the process of sports and fitness conditioning and sports skill training, cognition and fine motor skills are rarely considered important considerations. Those engaged in such conditioning and training are very focused on training the body and rarely train the brain to enhance cognition. Training the brain is not considered a necessary component of sports and fitness conditioning unless it also trains the mind for endurance, fatigue, and pain tolerance. The brain is typically trained in classrooms (or conference / film rooms for athletes), usually with sport-specific training—training to master the sport the athlete is contemplating. Athletes study and master the playbook, then apply it on the field and court in scrimmages. Cognition as a skill is rarely addressed during the conditioning phase, which takes up countless hours of an athlete's preparation. In fact, entire industries have been developed to distract athletes and fitness participants from the rigors of physical workouts. Video screens, music players, books, magazines, and various other forms of entertainment are often used to provide these distractions and encourage athletes to daydream during workouts. In most cases, these distractions are unrelated to the physical activity in which the athlete or fitness participant is engaged.Even when distractions are marginally related to physical activity, they primarily involve an instructor or coach communicating commands to change the mode, pace, or intensity of exercise. Embodiments of the present invention are useful for simultaneously or individually developing and enhancing many fundamental movement elements across a wide range of sports, fitness, and conditioning while providing distractions from the rigors of activity, keeping users cognitively focused to complete tasks such as those required during athletic competition. The Ball Tee 11 can be used by athletes training individually or by multiple users, teams, and groups. The Ball Tee 11 is adapted for use on many natural surfaces, including but not limited to grass, sand, snow, dirt, wood, rubber, and the like, as well as various man-made surfaces, including but not limited to wood floors, vinyl floors, rubber floors, plastic floors, artificial turf, synthetic turf, carpet, tile, asphalt, cement, plastic agility cones, and the like. The Ball Tee 11 may also be mounted on a flotation device and floated in water.

[0021] Generally, the ball tee 11 is utilized in the following manner to seamlessly blend physical and cardiovascular conditioning with cognitive conditioning and conditioning of the user's fine motor skills: The ball tee 11 is used as a target to encourage participants to move to the ball tee 11 and then skillfully load, remove, and replace balls on the ball tee without dropping or tipping the ball off the ball tee. These movements are performed while the user moves to or from the ballroom 11, i.e., running and / or walking, and / or squatting, and / or shuffling, and / or jumping, and / or hopping, and / or sitting, and / or crawling, and / or skipping, and / or rolling, and / or lunging, and / or dragging, and / or climbing, and / or planking, and / or scooting, and / or skiing, and / or swimming, and / or riding, and / or being carried, and / or reaching, etc., to develop and / or enhance a person's motor skills, sports performance, general movement and physical conditioning (including, but not limited to, speed, agility, strength, power, hand-eye coordination, dexterity, balance, cardiorespiratory endurance, weight loss, and kinesthetic awareness), and cognitive skills (including, but not limited to, thinking, learning, memory, reasoning, concentration, resourcefulness, and mental processing (pattern recognition, sequencing, prediction, etc.)). From this point onward, as described herein, with respect to the use of the Vaulty 11, "locomotion" refers to a number of actions or movements that a user may make when utilizing the Vaulty 11. Actions and movements referred to by "locomotion" include, but are not limited to: running, walking, squatting, shuffling, jumping, hopping, sitting, crawling, skipping, rolling, lunging, dragging, climbing, planking, scooting, skiing, swimming, riding, reaching, being carried, and other actions.

[0022] A description of the use of the ball tee 11 for sports and fitness is given below.

[0023] Regarding the basic use of the ball tee 11, those familiar with sports and fitness conditioning will be familiar with the basic drill performed using the ball tee 11. This basic drill is an improved version of the standard "suicide drill" performed worldwide by nearly every sports team, at every level, and by fitness participants of all strengths. The version of the drill using the ball tee 11 provides a practical demonstration of the differences, benefits, and advantages of utilizing the ball tee 11 for athletic training. For purposes of this example, the drill will be described with the ball tee 11 in its basic configuration, which is a column 1 having a platform 5 attached to the top end of the column 1 and a platform 5 attached to the bottom end of the column 1.

[0024] To perform this drill, multiple ball tees 11 must be arranged in a line. The number of ball tees 11 used is determined by the user's preference and the availability of ball tees 11. The balls may be placed at any distance the user prefers. The user then establishes a starting point by placing balls in a bucket or any safe, stable container or structure. The balls may also be placed directly on a horizontal surface in a manner that prevents them from rolling off. The user then picks up a single ball from the container or surface it is resting on and then runs toward the ball tees 11. When the user reaches the target ball tees 11, they crouch down and place the single ball on the top platform 5 of the single ball tees 11, then return to the starting point to retrieve another ball. The user repeats this process until each ball tees 11 has a ball on its top platform 5. The user may then remove balls one by one from the upper platform 5 of each ball tee 11 until all balls have been returned to the starting point, or the user may replace balls on the ball tee 11 until all balls have been replaced.

[0025] To properly execute the drill and get the most athletic benefit from using the ball tee 11, the user should focus on knee flexion when placing the ball on the ball tee 11, removing the ball from the ball tee 11, or replacing the ball on the ball tee 11 - squatting by flexing the majority of the knees rather than the waist, with feet shoulder-width apart, hips approximately level with or below the knees, and quadriceps approximately parallel to or lower than the standing surface. As soon as the movement in the ball tee 11 is performed, the user should spring out of the squatting stance and run back to the starting point, using proper knee flexion to retrieve the ball or return it to the container or surface from which it originated in the drill.

[0026] Manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills are other important areas of focus when utilizing embodiments of the present invention. When performing actions on the ball, the objective is always to skillfully place, retrieve, or replace the ball on the ball tee 11 in any configuration without the ball falling off the ball tee 11 and without the ball tee 11 tipping over. This requires good coordination of the hands, fingers, and eyes. To further enhance training of hands, fingers, eyes, and other motor skills, the user may not necessarily be required to pick up the ball from a designated starting point. Instead, the ball may be thrown, rolled, bounced, handed, or received in any number of other ways.

[0027] To apply the cognitive element to a drill, a user may be instructed to place balls on the ball tee 11 in a specific order. For example, the instructions may instruct the user to deliver balls to the ball tee 11 in the following order: 3-1-5-2-4. The instructions may be delivered by a coach, instructor, training partner, electronically, or by any other method. The instructions may take the form of a voice call, a visual readout, an auditory tone or beep, a musical note, or any other form of communication. Upon receiving the instructions, the user performs the drill by delivering, retrieving, or replacing balls on the ball tee 11 in the order given in the instructions. Referring to the previous "suicide drill" example, the user starts at the starting point, picks up a ball, runs to the third ball tee 11, and delivers the first ball. The user then returns to the starting point, picks up another ball, runs to the first ball tee 11, and delivers the second ball. The user continues the process until five balls have been placed on the five ball tees 11 in the instructed order. Balls of various colors may be used for this drill. In this example, merely as an example of the versatility of the ball tee, the user may receive instructions to deliver the balls in a color sequence: red-blue-green-orange-yellow. Similar to the process involved in the previous example where the user was instructed to perform the drill in numerical order, the user must deliver, retrieve, or replace the balls in a specific color sequence. In this example, a red ball is picked up and delivered to the first ball tee 11. Next, a blue ball is picked up and delivered to the second ball tee 11. This process is repeated until the green, orange, and yellow balls have been delivered to the third, fourth, and fifth tees, respectively.

[0028] The process involved in utilizing the ball tee 11 in this modified version of the basic drill provides additional, important, athletic components to commonly performed drills that traditionally lack these additional components, typically requiring the athlete to simply run to a series of lines or landmarks, touch them with their hands or feet, and then run back, without considering cognitive or any other aspects of athletic activity other than cardiorespiratory conditioning.

[0029] For advanced physical conditioning, users can arrange the ball tees 11 in a manner that allows them to perform several types of athletic movements and enhance several skills (speed, agility, balance, strength, etc.). The ball tees 11 are spaced apart at various distances, directions, and levels, forcing users to accelerate, decelerate, start, stop, and restart during drills, and to employ various types of locomotion, such as running, jumping, shuffling, crawling, hopping, and backpedaling, while also changing speed, direction, and power output, to reach each individual ball tees 11. Users can skillfully place, remove, or replace balls at the top of the ball tees 11, achieving sufficient knee flexion when appropriate. Users may also utilize other athletic training equipment to drill with the ball tees 11, including, but not limited to, hurdles, cones, agility ladders, training vests, and many other devices. The user may also perform a number of bodyweight strength movements, such as push-ups, or perform repetitive weight lifting actions using dumbbells or other strength training equipment, before or after performing movements on the ball tee 11.

[0030] It should be understood that the field of sports is merely an exemplary field of use. Other fields of use of the present invention include general health and fitness improvement, academic and physical education, general recreation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, habilitation therapy, psychological therapy, behavioral therapy, military training, first responder training, and many other uses. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a neurodegenerative treatment and assessment tool. For example, the tool may be generally similar to the ball tee 11 described herein, having a relatively large platform 5. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a wind-resistant ball tee, generally similar to the ball tee 11 described herein, having a series of vents in the column 1 to allow wind and water to pass through, reducing the likelihood of the ball tee tipping over when subjected to these elements. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a ball tee for uneven terrain, generally similar to the ball tee 11 described herein, having an outer ring protruding from the column 1 and having a circumference larger than the circumference of the column 1, allowing the ball tee to be inserted into the opening of an agility or utility cone and remain upright therein.

[0031] Next, the components of the Vaulty 11 will be described in more detail. As discussed above, the Vaulty 11 broadly comprises a column 1 and two platforms 5. Column 1 is understood to be the main component of the Vaulty 11 and comprises one narrow end receiving dock (NERD) 2 at its upper end and one narrow end receiving dock (NERD) 2 at its lower end. The NERD is not separate from the column 1 but is a feature of the column 1. When the Vaulty 11 is utilized at its standard level (entry level), all components—the column 1 and the two platforms 5—are assembled into a single unit.

[0032] As best shown in FIG. 1 , in an embodiment of the present invention, the standard level configuration of the ball tee 11 includes a column 1 standing on one side and the other side, a platform 5 connected to the top end of the column 1, and a platform 5 connected to the bottom end of the column 1. The column 1 is hollow. The platforms 5 are inserted into narrow end receiving docks 2 at both ends of the column 1. The top platform 5 functions as a ball holder, while the bottom platform 5 functions as a base. When placed on the ball tee 11 in this configuration, the ball rests on the wide end 6 of the top platform 5. The wide end 6 of the bottom platform 5 interfaces with the ground or any other surface on which the ball tee 11 is standing. It should be understood that, as shown in FIG. 1 , the ball tee 11 appears the same at any angle or rotation when rotated 360°. In this regard, there are no obvious front, back, left, or right sides, and therefore, a user can approach and use the ball tee 11 from any direction.

[0033] FIG. 2 shows both a top and bottom view of the ball tee 11, and it should be understood that each end is sized to be generally identical. Each end is randomly determined to be a top or bottom, depending on whether it is located at the top or bottom of the ball tee 11 when the ball tee 11 is held upright. From this top / bottom view of FIG. 2, one can see the wide end 6 of the platform 5 and the opening 10 that runs through its center. The opening 10 functions as a finger hole and can contribute to the ease of transporting the ball tee 11, allowing many users to slide the ball tee 11 over their fingers.

[0034] FIG. 3 demonstrates that when in communication with hollow column 1, platform 5's wide end 6 is oriented upward and slopes downward and inward, assuming a generally funnel-like shape when positioned at the top of ball tee 11, and is dimensioned to hold a ball and provide greater stability to the ball than when platform 5 is not positioned at the top. Platform 5 is inserted into narrow-end receiving docks 2 at both ends of column 1. FIG. 4 demonstrates that platform 5's wide end 6 is oriented downward and slopes upward and inward when positioned at the bottom of ball tee 11, engaging the surface on which it is placed and providing greater stability to ball tee 11 than when platform 5 is not positioned at the bottom. Platform 5 is inserted into narrow-end receiving docks 2 at both ends of column 1.

[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sectional view of ball tee 11 shown in Figure 5 illustrates how platforms 5 communicate with hollow column 1. The inner walls of narrow end receiving docks (NERDs) 2 are a fraction of a millimeter wider than the narrow ends 7 of the platforms 5, allowing either platform 5 to be slidably inserted into either NERD 2 until the leading edge 71 (shown in Figure 13) of narrow end 7 of platform 5 contacts and rests against narrow end receiving stops (NERS) 3. The wide end 6 of top platform 5 is oriented upward to receive a ball, and the wide end 6 of bottom platform 5 is oriented downward to provide support on the surface on which the tee will stand.

[0036] As best shown in Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C, in this embodiment of the invention, the components of a ball tee 11 are separated from one another in a series of exploded views. A hollow column 1 is erected in a vertical position and serves as the main component to which a platform 5 is connected. In this exploded view, progressive support rings 4 located at the top and bottom edges of the column 1 are exposed. The top platform 5 is oriented with its wide end 6 facing upward and its narrow end 7 facing downward. The top platform 5 is connected to the column 1 by inserting the narrow end 7 into an opening 10 in the narrow end receiving dock (NERD) 2 at the top of the column 1. The bottom platform 5 is oriented with its wide end 6 facing downward and its narrow end 7 facing upward. The bottom platform 5 is connected to the column 1 by inserting the narrow end 7 into an opening 10 in the narrow end receiving dock (NERD) 2 at the bottom of the column 1. The narrow end 7 of either platform 5 is inserted as far as possible into either NERD 2 until it reaches a narrow end receiving stop (NERS) 3 located on the inner wall of the column 1 .

[0037] As best shown in Figures 7, 8, 10, and 11, in this embodiment of the invention, the hollow column 1 of the ball tee 11 is generally cylindrical. At each end of the column 1 is a narrow end receiving dock (NERD) 2 that is slightly wider than the rest of the column. In the vertical center of the column 1 is an opening 10 into which the narrow end of a platform can be inserted far enough to rest against the narrow end receiving stop 3. Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 show the progressive support ring (PSR) 4, which is unique to the hollow column. The PSR 4 functions as a ball holder (top) and base (bottom) when the column 1 is utilized as an advanced-level ball tee 11; the platform is not connected to the column 1. In this embodiment of the invention, which is the most difficult to utilize, the PSR 4 has a smaller radius than the platform, presenting a greater challenge to the user when the platform is not connected to the column 1. At the high end, a smaller radius of PSR4 increases the difficulty by making it more likely that the ball will fall off the ball tee 11 when a user attempts to place, remove, or replace a ball on the ball tee 11. At the low end, a smaller radius of PSR4 increases the difficulty by making it more likely that the ball tee 11 will fall over when a user attempts to place, remove, or replace a ball on the ball tee 11.

[0038] FIG. 9 shows both the top and bottom views of hollow column 1, with each end dimensioned to be symmetrically identical. Each end is randomly determined to be the top or bottom, depending on whether it is positioned at the top or bottom when held upright. From this top / bottom view of FIG. 9, one can see the progressive support ring (PSR) 4, the narrow end receiving stop (NERS) 3 on the inner wall of the narrow end receiving dock (NERD) 4, and the opening 10 through the center that allows an unobstructed view through column 1. The opening 10 functions as a finger hole, which can contribute to the ease of transporting the ball tee 11 and allows many users to slide the ball tee 11 over their fingers.

[0039] As best shown in Figures 12, 13, and 14, in this embodiment of the invention, platform 5 is generally funnel-shaped, having a wide end 6 and a narrow end 7. When positioned at the top of the ball tee, wide end 6 of platform 5 is oriented upward and slopes downward and inward, creating a generally funnel-like shape and dimensioned to hold the ball and provide greater stability than when platform 5 is not positioned at the top. When positioned at the bottom of the ball tee, wide end 6 of platform 5 is oriented downward and slopes upward and inward, engaging with the surface on which it is placed and providing greater stability than when platform 5 is not positioned at the bottom. Platform 5 has an opening 10 through its center, allowing for an unobstructed view through it. Opening 10 functions as a finger hole, which, when connected to the ball tee, can contribute to ease of transport of platform 5 or the ball tee, allowing many users to slide the ball tee over their fingers.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1, 7, 15, and 16 of the drawings, an embodiment of the present invention provides four different configurations of the ball tee 11, which increase or decrease the level of difficulty in using the ball tee 11. When using the ball tee 11, the objective is to place, remove, or replace a ball on the ball tee 11 without dropping the ball to the ground or tipping the ball tee 11. Figure 1 shows the beginner-level, standard-level configuration for using the ball tee 11. This configuration is fully assembled with a column 1 featuring two narrow-end receiving docks 2 and two platforms 5. Figure 1 presents the most user-friendly ball tee 11 configuration because the wide end 6 of the top platform 5 presents the maximum circumference on which a ball can rest, and the wide end 6 of the bottom platform 5 presents the maximum circumference available for stabilizing the ball tee 11 on the surface on which it is placed. Figure 15 shows the intermediate-level configuration, illustrating the progression of difficulty in use compared to the ball tee 11 of Figure 1. This intermediate level has a hollow column 1 featuring two narrow-end receiving docks (NERDs) 2 and a platform 5 that connects to the bottom of the column 1; since there is no platform that connects to the top, the ball must be placed on, removed from, or replaced at a top progressive support ring (PSR) 4 that has a smaller circumference than the platform 5, presenting a less stable surface on which the ball may rest, requiring the user to be more deliberate and focused and have greater dexterity to reach the target.

[0041] Figure 16 shows another intermediate-level configuration, illustrating a progression in difficulty of use compared to the ball tee 11 of Figure 1. This intermediate-level configuration features a hollow column 1 featuring two narrow-end receiving docks (NERDs) 2 and a platform 5 connected to the top of the column 1 but not the bottom. Because this requires the ball tee 11 to stand on a bottom progressive support ring (PSR) 4 with a smaller circumference than the platform 5, it creates greater instability on the surface on which the ball tee 11 stands, increasing the likelihood of it tipping over during use. This poses a greater challenge to the user. The user must use their hands for more stability and maintain more stability and balance throughout the knee-bending and extension process. This is more challenging because the user's cardiovascular system is strained during the drill and their body shakes and trembles when attempting to perform tasks with small, precise movements. Figure 7 shows an advanced-level configuration, illustrating a progression in difficulty from the ball tee 11 of Figures 1, 15, and 16. This advanced level configuration has only a hollow column 1 with no top or bottom platform. Here, the ball tee 11 exhibits minimal circumference at its top and bottom ends because the top and bottom progressive support rings (PSRs) 4 act as a ball holder and base, respectively. Relying on the PSRs 4 in these roles increases the likelihood that balls will fall out of the ball tee 11 and / or that the ball tee 11 will tip over during use. This may be the most difficult configuration for the user.

[0042] As best shown in FIG. 17, in this embodiment of the invention, a ball tee 11 comprises a hollow column 1 standing on one side and the other side, a platform 5 connected to the top end of the column 1, and a platform 5 connected to the bottom end of the column 1 via a narrow-end receiving dock (NERD) 2. The column 1 also features an external stabilizing ring 8 that protrudes from the column 1 and travels 360° around the column 1. The stabilizing ring has a circumference greater than that of the column 1. The stabilizing ring 8 allows the ball tee to be inserted into an opening in an agility or utility cone to remain upright therein, or to elevate the ball tee 11, where the use of cones may be necessary on uneven terrain or surfaces. From this view, the opening is visible in the center of the top platform 5 and the column 1. The platform 5 located at the top of the column 1 functions as a ball holder, and the platform 5 located at the bottom of the column functions as a base. When placed on the ball tee 11 in this configuration, the ball rests on the wide end 6 of the top platform 5. The wide end 6 of the bottom platform 5 interfaces with the ground or any other surface on which the ball tee 11 stands. It should be understood that, as shown in FIG. 1 , the ball tee 11 rotates 360°, appearing the same at every angle or rotation. In this regard, there are no apparent front, back, left, or right sides, and thus a user can approach and utilize the ball tee 11 from any direction. It should also be understood that embodiments of the ball tee 11 that include the stabilizing ring 8 can be assembled, disassembled, and configured for use in the same manner as ball tees that do not have the stabilizing ring 8: both platforms 5 communicate with the column 1; one platform 5 communicates with the top of the column 1 and no platform 5 communicates with the bottom; one platform 5 communicates with the bottom of the column 1 and no platform 5 communicates with the top; or just the column 11, with neither a platform 5 communicates with the top nor a platform 5 communicates with the bottom of the column 1.

[0043] As best shown in FIG. 18 , in this embodiment of the invention, the ball tee 11 comprises a hollow column 1 standing on one side and the other side, and a platform 5 connected to the top end of the column 1 via a narrow end receiving dock (NERD) 2, and a platform 5 connected to the bottom end of the column 1. The column 1 includes multiple wind vents 9 that allow wind to pass through the column, reducing the likelihood of the ball tee 11 being toppled by wind when used outdoors or in any location exposed to strong winds. The platform 5 located at the top of the column 1 functions as a ball holder, and the platform 5 located at the bottom of the column functions as a base. When placed on the ball tee 11 in this configuration, the ball rests on the wide end 6 of the top platform 5. The wide end 6 of the bottom platform 5 interfaces with the ground or any other surface on which the ball tee 11 is standing. As shown in FIG. 18 , the ball tee 11 appears the same when rotated 360°. In this regard, there are no apparent front, back, left, or right sides, and thus a user can approach and utilize the vault tee 11 from any direction. It should also be understood that embodiments of the vault tee 11 that include the wind vent 9 can be assembled, disassembled, and configured for use in the same manner as a vault tee without the wind vent 9: both platforms 5 communicate with the column 1; one platform 5 communicates with the top of the column 1 and no platform 5 communicates with the bottom; one platform 5 communicates with the bottom of the column 1 and no platform 5 communicates with the top; or just the column 11, with no platform 5 communicated with the top or bottom of the column 1.

[0044] In addition to its use as a novel training tool, the Ball Tee 11 can also be utilized as an exciting sport or competitive game in which users compete individually or as a team against each other in motor, cognitive, or cognitive-based motor drills. The objective is to complete the selected drill as quickly as possible without dropping the ball or knocking over the Ball Tee 11. In essence, the Ball Tee 11 easily functions as a sport, possessing the necessary attributes common to typical everyday sports along with the methods utilized in sports training.

[0045] When first utilizing the Vaulty 11 to perform these cognitively-dependent, physically demanding athletic drills requiring the execution of small, precise tasks, users will discover that each of these elements counteracts the other, making the user less effective in the overall performance of all skills. After repeated training with the Vaulty 11, the skills of thinking, reacting, and performing motor manipulations under physical loads will all become more achievable, resulting in significant improvements in athletic performance.

[0046] Because the Ball Tee can be propped up on a table or desk, or any other object that elevates the Ball Tee 11, the present invention can be utilized in a less physically demanding manner even by people with limited mobility. This makes the Ball Tee 11 ideal for practicing cognition and hand-eye coordination in classrooms, conference rooms, treatment and rehabilitation facilities, and many other environments that lack sufficient space to run or that cater to people with limited mobility or delayed or declining motor skills.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, the vaultee 11, including the column 1 and the two platforms 5, is formed from polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic polymers, and / or thermoplastic vulcinates (TPV), and / or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and injected into a steel cavity mold.

[0048] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A multi-purpose ball tee, a hollow column having an inner surface and an opposite outer surface, the hollow column extending along a central axis from a base opening to a platform opening, the inner surface defining a first internal stop located at a first depth relative to the platform opening and a second internal stop located at a second depth relative to the base opening; and a pair of funnel-shaped removable platforms, each extending from a wide end to a neck sized and shaped to slidably engage the interior surface of the hollow column and either the first internal stop or the second internal stop; A versatile ball tee with

2. the platform opening of the hollow column is sized and shaped to stably support a ball without being inserted into either of the pair of platforms; The base opening of the hollow column is sized and shaped to stably support the ball tee without being inserted into either of the pair of platforms.

2. The ball tee of claim 1.

3. the first depth and the second depth are substantially equal to a common depth; the neck is sized in length relative to the common depth such that each of the pair of platforms is interchangeable with the base opening and the platform opening, respectively; 2. The ball tee of claim 1.

4. The ball tee of claim 1, wherein the wide ends of each of the pair of platforms are sized and shaped to stably support the ball tee when inserted into the base opening and to stably support the ball when inserted into the platform opening.

5. an outer surface of the hollow column at a location intermediate the base opening and the platform opening is characterized by an outer radius relative to the central axis; a first receiving dock located in the platform opening and extending radially from the inner surface to a first outer dock surface having a first dock radius greater than the outer radius; and a second receiving dock located in the base opening and extending radially from the inner surface to a second outer dock surface having a second dock radius greater than the outer radius; The ball tee of claim 1 further comprising:

6. the hollow column is sized in diameter for slidable insertion through the open end of the conical support near its apex, and the ball tee is an outer stabilizing ring extending radially from the outer surface of the hollow column at a location intermediate the base opening and the platform opening and supported by the open end of the conical support; The ball tee of claim 1 further comprising:

7. The ball tee of claim 1 , wherein the hollow column defines one or more vents therethrough.

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