BATTING TRAINING APPARATUS

Abstract

It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a batting training apparatus for simulating ball trajectory prior to, during, and after the ball is impacted by a piece of sporting equipment such as a baseball bat. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a ball connected to a rotating tab wherein the tab is secured to a bearing configured to rotate within a bearing housing. The bearing housing may be mounted to a vertical support structure such as a pole or post.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/201,164 filed on Mar. 7, 2014 which is a U.S non-provisional patent application that claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/775,582 filed Mar. 9, 2013, the entire contents of the above-referenced patent applications are incorporated by reference herein and priority is claimed thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of ball sports training apparatuses. More specifically, the invention relates to tethered ball hitting and training apparatuses for ball sports including baseball, softball, tennis, and the like.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Learning how to impact or contact a ball is a fundamental skill needed for success in ball hitting sports such as baseball, softball, tennis, and the like. Many ball hitting and training devices have been developed but are unable to individually provide all of the key skill concepts and device characteristics including demonstrating the length of time the ball is in and out of the strike zone, the ability to practice switch hitting, demonstration of ball trajectory after being hit, and durability for sustained use.

[0004] It is beneficial for the ball to remain in play for as long as possible after being hit to provide feedback to the hitter and improve their hitting skills. Training devices that do not allow the ball to remain in motion, or in play, after being hit will prove inadequate for training the batter to determine the best ball position, correct batter stance, and timing for proper swinging.

[0005] A device that allows for switch hitting will improve a batter's skills and also allows for multiple players to train or play a game. And, when the ball is hit, it is important for the batter to see the trajectory of the ball in order to make changes to as to how high or low the ball's flight is going to be. Finally it is important for the device to withstand the jarring forces frequently put upon the mechanism.

[0006] Most tethered ball batting training devices consist of a ball attached to a horizontal bar, either directly or with a rope or string. Then the bar is connected to a vertical bar to supply height.

[0007] Tethering to a horizontal bar such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,561 filed on May 20, 1994 and issued to Smith prevents the ball from demonstrating the true trajectory. The ball will only travel up and over the bar, not at an angle that demonstrates actual flight.

[0008] One method of tethering a ball to a vertical post is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,438 filed Oct. 23, 1994 and issued to Corley which uses a thimble around a bolt to allow rotation, but the friction created in rotation and centrifugal force will limit the number of cycles that the ball will complete and thus the amount of time the ball will be in play after being hit.

[0009] Therefore, a need exists for a novel batting training apparatuses configured to demonstrate the length of time the ball is in and out of the strike zone. A further need exists for batting training apparatuses configured to allow the practice of pinch hitting. Another need exists for batting training apparatuses able to demonstrate of ball trajectory of a ball after being hit by allowing the ball to remain in play for extended periods of time. Finally, there exists a need for batting training apparatuses configured for extended durability and sustained use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A batting training apparatus configured to facilitate the horizontal rotational movement of a ball relative to a user is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a bearing housing which may be configured to be mounted within a vertical support. The bearing housing may have a first bearing seat and a second bearing seat positioned vertically below the first bearing seat. A first bearing may be secured within the first bearing seat, and the first bearing may have an inner race comprising a bearing aperture, an outer race, and a ball bearing positioned between the inner race and the outer race thereby allowing the inner race to rotate relative to the outer race with the outer race remaining stationary. A second bearing may be secured within the second bearing seat with the second bearing having an inner race comprising a bearing aperture, an outer race, and a ball bearing positioned between the inner race and the outer race thereby allowing the inner race to rotate relative to the outer race with said outer race remaining stationary. A rotating tab may be positioned vertically above the first bearing, and the tab may have a proximal tab aperture. An elongate male threaded fastener having a top end and a bottom end with the elongate male threaded fastener passing vertically through the proximal tab aperture of the rotating tab and also passing vertically through the bearing apertures of the first and second bearings. A first female threaded fastener may be positioned between the rotating tab and the first bearing with the first female fastener being coupled to the elongate male threaded fastener. A second female threaded fastener may be positioned between the second bearing and the elongate male threaded fastener bottom end with the second female fastener being coupled to the elongate male threaded fastener. The rotating tab, elongate male threaded fastener, first female threaded fastener, first bearing inner race, second inner bearing inner race, ball bearing, and second female threaded fastener may be configured to rotate while the outer races, vertical support, and bearing housing remain stationary.

[0011] Accordingly several advantages are to provide an improved batting apparatus to allow a batter to improve hand eye coordination and batting skills, to provide input to the batter on how well the ball was hit, to provide a durable and stable batting device, and to provide a more user-friendly, yet economical batting device. Still further advantages will become apparent from the study of the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 depicts an exploded perspective view of an example of a batting training apparatus according to various embodiments described herein.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a batting training apparatus with the components vertically stacked along a central vertical axis (labeled as a dashed line) and FIG. 2 also shows the horizontal rotational motion of a rotating tab along a horizontal axis (labeled as a dashed line) according to various embodiments described herein.

[0015] FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of an example of batting training apparatuses according to various embodiments described herein.

[0016] FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of an example of batting training apparatuses according to various embodiments described herein.

[0017] FIG. 4A depicts an elevation view of an example of mounting batting training apparatuses according to various embodiments described herein.

[0018] FIG. 4B depicts an elevation view of an example of mounting batting training apparatuses according to various embodiments described herein.

[0019] FIG. 4C depicts an elevation view of an example of mounting batting training apparatuses according to various embodiments described herein.

[0020] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of an example of a method of using a batting training apparatus according to various embodiments described herein.

[0021] FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of an example of a method of using a batting training apparatus according to various embodiments described herein.

[0022] FIG. 6 shows perspective view of an example of a bearing housing according to various embodiments described herein.

[0023] FIG. 7 depicts a sectional view of an example of a bearing housing according to various embodiments described herein.

[0024] FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional view through line 8-8 of FIG. 2 but with the tab rotated approximately 45 degrees clockwise showing a portion of an example of a batting training apparatus according to various embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0027] In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

[0028] New batting training apparatuses and methods of using the apparatuses are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0029] The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.

[0030] The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments. FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an example of a batting training apparatus ("the apparatus") 100 according to various embodiments described herein. In this example, the apparatus 100 comprises a rotating tab 13 configured to be coupled a tether 18 secured at a second end to a ball 19 and rotationally secured at a first end to a vertical support 21 through the rotating tab 13 distal tab aperture 13B apparatus 100. The ball 19 may be selected from one of a baseball, softball, tether ball, basketball, or the like. In some embodiments, the tether 18 may be a rope, cord, chain, flexible plastic, flexible metal, or other suitable tethering device. In preferred embodiments, the tether 18 is a rope or cord. The tether 18 may be made from nylon, braided steel cable fibrous materials, or any other similar material. One skilled in the art will immediately recognize that many different tether 18 lengths and types are contemplated, and that the relative dimensions of the tether 18 in the figures is not intended to limit the actual dimensions of the tether 18 in any way.

[0031] In some embodiments, the vertical support 21 has a hollow core at a top end (as shown by FIG. 1) and may comprise a pole, a post, or a tube. The vertical support 21 may be made from metal, plastic, or any other suitable durable and substantially rigid material.

[0032] In preferred embodiments, the apparatus 100 is operably connected to the tether 18 via a tab 13 on the top end of the apparatus 100 and a quick link 17 operably connected to the tab 13 with said apparatus 100 secured within the vertical support 21. The quick link 17 may be a carbiner, hook, or other suitable attachment means configured for the quick attachment and detachment of two items. The tab 13 may be rotationally attached to the apparatus 100 by an elongate male threaded fastener 11 having a top end 11A and a bottom end 11B that may be inserted through a proximal tab aperture 13A on the tab 13 (as shown by FIG. 1) and through a bearing housing 16 inserted into the vertical support 21 and optionally held in place by one or more set screws 22 or similar fasteners. The tab 13 may be a metal elongate article with a proximal tab apertures 13A and a distal tab aperture 13B at opposing ends as shown by example in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the elongate male threaded fastener 11 may comprise a bolt, screw, rod, a threaded metal bolt, a threaded metal screw, a threaded metal rod, or other suitable type fastener.

[0033] The bearing housing 16 is configured to rotatably secure a bearing 15 having a bearing aperture 15A allowing it to spin or rotate within the housing 16 while the housing 16 and vertical support 21 remain stationary (i.e. the do not rotate). In preferred embodiments, bearing housing 16 is configured to rotatably secure two bearings 15 with each of the first bearing 15 and second bearing 15 housed in bearing seats 16A (FIG. 7) slightly apart from each other. Bearing 15 is preferably a wheel bearing of a round or wheel shape with an aperture 15A in the center and having a body with rounded perimeter sides (as shown by FIG. 1) and a substantially flat top end and a substantially flat bottom end (as shown by FIG. 1). In the examples shown, bearings 15 comprise an inner race 150 and an outer race 151 separated by a sphere shaped ball bearing 152 with said sphere shaped ball bearing 152 capable of spinning or rotating thereby permitting bearing inner race 150 to rotate or spin while outer race 151 may remain substantially stationary. Bearing 15 and bearing components may be made from plastics such as urethane, polyurethane, nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, rubber, metals alloys such as aluminum, or any other suitable durable and substantially rigid material. One or more female threaded fasteners 14 may be positioned adjacent to the two or more sets of bearings 15 and be threadedly attached to the male threaded fastener 11. In some embodiments, the female threaded fastener 14 may comprise a nut, locking nut, or other suitable female type threaded fastener 14 which may be coupled to the distal end (i.e. lowest end pointing downwards in FIG. 1) of the elongate male threaded fastener 11 (as shown by example in FIG. 1).

[0034] The male threaded fastener 11 and the female threaded fasteners 14 secure and attach the tab 13 to the bearings 15 by passing vertically through the entire body of the bearings 15 (as shown FIG. 1 and in an assembled form in FIG. 2), within the bearing housing 16 allowing the tab 13, fastener 11, and bearings 15 (attached to the tab 13) to freely rotate while the bearing housing 16 and vertical support 21 remain stationary. In some embodiments, one or more washers 12 may be positioned on the male threaded fastener 11 to facilitate positioning and securing of elements on the male threaded fastener 11.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a batting training apparatus 100 according to various embodiments. In this embodiment, the rotational movement of the tab 13 and therefore the optional quick link 17, tether 18, and ball 19 is aptly illustrated. The tab 13 is able to freely rotate in a horizontal plane which is substantially perpendicular to the vertical support 21 allowing the ball 19 to freely rotate around the vertical support 21 thereby remaining in play for extended periods of time while limiting the vertical rotational movement of the ball 19. In preferred embodiments, the tab 13 has minimal contact to the quick link 17 decreasing the amount of friction. In this embodiment, the male threaded fastener 11 rotationally secures a washer 12, tab 13, and female threaded fastener 14 to the bearing housing 16. The bearing housing 16 may also be attached to the vertical support 21 by an optional set screw 21. In other embodiments, the bearing housing 16 may be press fit, adhesively bonded, heat bonded, or joined by any other suitable method to the vertical support 21. FIG. 2 also illustrates a perspective view of an example of a batting training apparatus with the components vertically stacked along a central vertical axis 200 (labeled as a dashed line) and FIG. 2 also shows the horizontal rotational motion 301 of a rotating tab 13 along a horizontal axis 300 (labeled as a dashed line) with said horizontal axis 300 perpendicular to said vertical axis 200.

[0036] In some embodiments, a rotating tab 13 may comprise a proximal tab aperture 13A. In further embodiments, a rotating tab 13 may comprise a distal tab aperture 13B. The distal tab aperture 13B may be coupled to a tether 18 having a first end 18A and a second end 18B. In still further embodiments, the rotating tab 13 may be coupled to the first end 18A of the tether 18 through a quick link 17. In even further embodiments, the first end 18A of the tether 18 may be removably coupled to the rotating tab 13 and the second end 18B of the tether 18 may be coupled to a ball 19.

[0037] Turning now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of two examples of batting training apparatuses 100 according to various embodiments is shown. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, the vertical support 21 comprises a fixed length post so that the distance of the tab 13 from the base of the vertical support 21 may not be altered.

[0038] In other embodiments and as shown in FIG. 3B, the vertical support 21 may comprise one or more collapsible vertical support extensions 23 with may be expanded to increase the distance of the tab 13 from the base of the vertical support 21 and conversely collapsed to decrease the distance of the tab 13 from the base of the vertical support 21 for example in a telescoping manner.

[0039] FIG. 4 depicts an elevation view of three examples of mounting batting training apparatuses 100 according to various embodiments. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4A, the vertical support 21 may be mounted into a ground surface by encasing it with a rigid material, such as concrete, dirt, stones, or other suitable material.

[0040] As depicted in FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, the vertical support 21 may be movably mounted to a ground surface such as a tire, a form, or other suitable base, then secured using a rigid material, concrete, dirt, stones, or other suitable material.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 4C in some embodiments, the vertical support 21 may be mounted on a sleeve. The vertical support 21 may be attached to a short vertical support 31 of smaller diameter that is already secure to the ground or other suitable base.

[0042] As perhaps best shown by FIG. 5, a perspective view of two examples of a method of ball sport training according to various embodiments is shown. In FIG. 5A, the method may comprise a user 400 practicing batting skills whether right handed or left handed and stopping the ball after each hit, or switch hitting and keeping the ball in continual motion.

[0043] In other embodiments and referring to FIG. 5B, a method of ball sport training may comprise two users 400 one batting right handed and one batting left handed keeping the ball in continual motion while using the apparatus 100. Or two users 400 can hit in the same direction attempting to hit the ball before their opponent.

[0044] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an example of a bearing housing 16 according to various embodiments described herein. In this view the cylindrical shape of the bearing housing can be seen. In preferred embodiments, the bearing housing comprises one or more bearing seats 16A (FIG. 7) located within the bearing housing 16 wherein bearing seats 16A are preferably separated from each other by one or more bearing spacers 16B (FIG. 7). The bearing housing 16 may be made from plastics such as urethane, polyurethane, nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, rubber, metals alloys such as aluminum, or any other suitable durable and substantially rigid material. Additionally, the elongate male threaded fastener may be constructed from a rigid material, such as metal and metal alloys, plastic, ceramic, carbon fiber, resins, or any other substantially rigid material. In preferred embodiments, the bearing housing 16 is comprised of a material that will absorb shock from the ball being hit, increasing stability and durability of the entire apparatus 100. The plane 7 for which the section view of FIG. 7 is based is shown as a broken line.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7, a sectional view is provided of an example of a bearing housing 16 according to various embodiments described herein. In this embodiment, two bearing seats 16A, also called a first bearing seat and a second bearing seat are separated by a bearing spacer 16B. The bearing seats 16A are complementarily shaped to receive and secure one or more bearings 15 (FIG. 1). The bearing spacer 16B prevents one or more bearings 15 (FIG. 1) from contacting each other and as such prevents the bearings 15 (FIG. 1) from traveling within the bearing housing 16. Bearing spacer 16B also facilitates better balance in the rotation of the male threaded fastener 11. In some embodiments, the bearing housing 16 may comprise a first bearing seat 16A adapted to receive a first bearing 15 and a second bearing seat 16A adapted to receive a second bearing 15. In further embodiments, a bearing spacer 16B may be integrally formed or molded within the bearing housing 16 and positioned between a first bearing seat 16A and a second bearing seat 16A.

[0046] In preferred embodiments, bearing seats 16A and bearing spacer 16B are cavities formed within the body of bearing housing 16 and surrounded by radial sidewalls on all lateral sides. Bearing seats 16A are substantially open on at least one side (either top or bottom side) to removably accept bearings 15 (FIG. 1). In preferred embodiments, bearing seats 16A have a diameter larger than bearing spacer 16B as bearing spacer side wall 16C preferably forms a protrusion into the hollow core of bearing housing 16. In this regard, a first bearing 15 (FIG. 1) may be placed into the top cavity of a first bearing seat 16A and the protruding bearing spacer sidewall 16C makes contact with the bottom facing portion of said first bearing 15 (FIG. 1) preventing the first bearing 15 (FIG. 1) from dropping further into the bearing housing 16. In some embodiments, a second bearing 15 (FIG. 1) may be placed into the bottom cavity of a second bearing seat 16A and the protruding bearing spacer sidewall 16C makes contact with the upper facing portion of said second bearing 15 (FIG. 1) preventing the second bearing 15 (FIG. 1) from entering further into the bearing housing 16, thereby maintaining a distance between a first bearing 15 (FIG. 1) and a second bearing 15 (FIG. 1) secured within the bearing housing 16.

[0047] Turning now to FIG. 8, a cross sectional view through line 8-8 of FIG. 2 but with the rotating tab 13 rotated approximately 45 degrees clockwise is provided showing of an example of a batting training apparatus 100 according to various embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the rotating tab 13, elongate male threaded fastener 11, first female threaded fastener 14 (top female threaded fastener 14 shown in FIG. 8), second female threaded fastener 14 (bottom female threaded fastener 14 shown in FIG. 8), first bearing 15 (top bearing), second bearing 15 (bottom bearing), bearing housing 16, and vertical support 21 may be vertically stacked relative to each other along a vertical axis 200 (FIG. 2) thereby allowing the rotating tab 13 to rotate in a horizontal rotational motion 301 (FIG. 2) along a horizontal axis 300 (FIG. 2) that is perpendicular to the vertical axis 200. In preferred embodiments, female threaded fastener may be threadably coupled to the elongate male threaded fastener 11 by screwing the female threads of the female threaded fastener 14 around the male threads on the elongate male threaded fastener 11. This horizontal instead of vertical rotating mechanic is not merely a design choice. In some preferred embodiments, the horizontal rotational motion 301 of the rotating tab 13 allows for relatively uniform horizontal rotation of a ball 19 such as a baseball which will assist a baseball batter in training exercises. Unlike other sports such as volleyball, in baseball and softball the ball 19 is normally presented to the batter along a horizontal axis (i.e. the pitcher throws the ball directly at the batter with very slight vertical movement) therefore the unique vertical stacking and horizontal rotational motion 301 of the apparatus 100 allows for improved functionality.

[0048] In further embodiments, the first female threaded fastener 14 may be in frictional contact at a frictional contact point 150A with the inner race 150 of the first bearing 15 but may not be in frictional contact with the outer race 151 of the first bearing 15. Frictional contact may comprise a frictional contact point 150A between two objects, such as contact between a first female threaded fastener 14 and an inner race 150, that may prevent the movement or rotation of one object relative to the other object (i.e. they rotate together). Located between inner race 150 and outer race 151 of the bearing 15 may be an optional dust cover 155 suitable for protecting the ball bearings 152 from dust and other undesirable elements. In preferred embodiments, the dust cover 155 does not permanently or rigidly attach to inner race 150 or outer race 151 thereby allowing inner race 150 and outer race 152 to rotate or spin relative to each other. For example, by tightening a female threaded fastener 14 against an inner race 150, the friction between the female threaded fastener 14 and the inner race 150 may be increased until the frictional forces between the two elements prevents the two from moving or rotating relative to each other. In this regard, the first female threaded fastener 14 may be screwed down or tightened thereby forcing the first bearing 15 and in particular the outer race 151 against the bearing seat 16A. As shown by example in FIG. 8, because the first female threaded fastener 14 is only in frictional contact with the inner races 150 and because the outer races 151 are in frictional contact with the bearing seat 16A and not with the female threaded fastener 14, the inner races 150 of the bearing 15 are free to rotate or spin along with the elongate male threaded fastener 11, and rotating tab 13 in unison with each other (i.e. spin at the same speed in the same direction) while the outer races 151, bearing housing 16, and vertical support 21 remain stationary. One of ordinary skill will understand the inner race 150 of bearings 15 are able to spin or rotate by way of ball bearings 152 positioned between the inner race 150 and outer race 151.

[0049] In some embodiments, when the apparatus 100 is assembled, the first female threaded fastener 14 may apply frictional rotating forces to the inner race 150 of the first bearing 15 allowing the inner race 150 to rotate along with the male threaded fastener 11 and the rotating tab 13 while the outer race 151 of the first bearing 15 remains stationary within the bearing housing 16. Frictional rotating forces may comprise a frictional contact between two or more objects, such as a between a female threaded fastener 14 and an inner race 150, so that while the objects may be prevents the two from moving or rotating relative to each other, by rotating a first object, any other object in frictional contact with that object may be rotated in the same manner as the first object.

[0050] In further embodiments, the second female threaded fastener 14 may be in frictional contact with the inner race 150 of the second bearing 15 but may not be in frictional contact with the outer race 151 of the second bearing 15.

[0051] In further embodiments, the second female threaded fastener 14 may apply frictional rotating forces to the inner race 150 of the second bearing 15 allowing the inner race 150 to rotate along with the male threaded fastener 11 and the rotating tab 13 while the outer race 151 of the second bearing 15 remains stationary against the bearing seat 16A within the bearing housing 16. Table 1 provides an example of the elements which are configured to rotate (for example after a ball 19 is struck) as well as some of the elements which remain stationary.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Rotating or Spinning Elements Stationary Elements Location = Inner Most Portions of Location = Outer apparatus 100 Portions of apparatus 100 Rotating Tab 13 Vertical support 21 Elongate male threaded fastener 11 Bearing housing 16 Washers 12 (optional) Bearing seats 16A Female threaded fasteners (first/top and Outer races 151 (of first/top and second/bottom) 14 second/bottom bearings 15) Inner races 150 (of first/top and second/bottom bearings 15)

[0052] As shown by example in Table 1 above, in preferred embodiments the inner portions of the apparatus 100 such as the elongate male threaded fastener 11, washers 12, female threaded fasteners 14, and inner races 150 of the bearings 15 spin or rotate relative to the outer portions of the apparatus 100 such as the vertical support 21, the bearing housing 16, the bearing seats 16A, and the outer bearing races 151 of the bearings 15. In some embodiments, this arrangement is not merely a design choice as by placing the rotating elements internal to the apparatus 100, an increase in strength and durability of the apparatus 100 was observed when undergoing strong forces such as after the ball 19 is struck by a batter.

[0053] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

1. A batting training apparatus configured to facilitate the horizontal rotational movement of a ball relative to a user, the apparatus comprising: a bearing housing configured to be mounted within a vertical support with said bearing housing having a first bearing seat and a second bearing seat positioned vertically below said first bearing seat; a first bearing secured within said first bearing seat with said first bearing having an inner race comprising a bearing aperture, an outer race, and a ball bearing positioned between said inner race and said outer race thereby allowing said inner race to rotate relative to said outer race with said outer race remaining stationary as said inner race is rotating; a second bearing secured within said second bearing seat with said second bearing having an inner race comprising a bearing aperture, an outer race, and a ball bearing positioned between said inner race and said outer race thereby allowing said inner race to rotate relative to said outer race with said outer race remaining stationary as said inner race is rotating; a rotating tab positioned vertically above said first bearing, said rotating tab having a proximal tab aperture; an elongate male threaded fastener having a top end and a bottom end with said elongate male threaded fastener passing vertically through the proximal tab aperture of the rotating tab and also passing vertically through said bearing apertures of said first and second bearings; a first female threaded fastener positioned between said rotating tab and said first bearing with said first female fastener being threadably coupled to said elongate male threaded fastener; a second female threaded fastener positioned between said second bearing and said elongate male threaded fastener bottom end with said second female fastener being threadably coupled to said elongate male threaded fastener; and wherein the rotating tab, elongate male threaded fastener, first female threaded fastener, first bearing inner race, second bearing inner race, and second female threaded fastener are configured to rotate in unison with each other while the outer races of the first and second bearings, vertical support, and bearing housing do not rotate and remain stationary.

2. The batting training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rotating tab, elongate male threaded fastener, first female threaded fastener, second female threaded fastener, first bearing, second bearing, and bearing housing are vertically stacked relative to each other along a vertical axis within a vertical support thereby allowing the rotating tab to rotate in a horizontal rotational motion.

3. The batting training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first female threaded fastener is in frictional contact with the inner race of the first bearing but is not in frictional contact with the outer race of the first bearing.

4. The batting training apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first female threaded fastener applies frictional rotating forces to the inner race of the first bearing causing the inner race to rotate in unison along with the male threaded fastener and the rotating tab while the outer race of the first bearing remains stationary within the bearing housing.

5. The batting training apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second female threaded fastener is in frictional contact with the inner race of the second bearing but is not in frictional contact with the outer race of the second bearing.

6. The batting training apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second female threaded fastener applies frictional rotating forces to the inner race of the second bearing causing the inner race to rotate in unison along with the male threaded fastener and the rotating tab while the outer race of the second bearing remains stationary within the bearing housing.

7. The batting training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bearing housing comprises a first bearing seat adapted to receive and secure said first bearing outer race and a second bearing seat adapted to receive and secure said second bearing outer race.

8. The batting training apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a bearing spacer integrally formed within the bearing housing and positioned between said first bearing seat and said second bearing seat.

9. The batting training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rotating tab further comprises a distal tab aperture.

10. The batting training apparatus of claim 9, wherein the distal tab aperture is coupled to a tether having a first end and a second end.

11. The batting training apparatus of claim 10, wherein the rotating tab is coupled to the first end of the tether through a quick link.

12. The batting training apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first end of the tether is removably coupled to the rotating tab and wherein the second end of the tether is coupled to a ball.

13. The batting training apparatus of claim 12, wherein the ball is selected from one of a baseball or a softball.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bearing housing is constructed from a plastic selected from one of urethane and polyurethane.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongate male threaded fastener is constructed from a rigid material.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the elongate male threaded fastener is selected from one of a threaded metal bolt, a threaded metal screw, and a threaded metal rod.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner most components of the apparatus comprise the elongate male threaded fastener and the inner races of the first and second bearings and the outer components of the apparatus comprise the vertical support and the outer races of the first and second bearings.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the inner most components of the apparatus are free to rotate relative to the outer components with said outer components remaining stationary.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bearing housing is removably coupled within the vertical support.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the bearing housing is removably coupled to the vertical support with a set screw.

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