Batting training device

Abstract

A batting training device includes a telescopic prop, a base, a plurality of support members, and a limiting unit. The telescopic prop has top and bottom ends. The base is connected to the bottom end of the prop. Each of the support members has a pivot end pivoted to the base, and a ground contacting end opposite to the pivot end. Each of the support members is pivotable upwardly relative the base from an unfolded position to a folded position. The limiting unit is provided on the base and has a plurality of blocking portions. The blocking portions are movable relative to the base between a blocking position and an unblocking position.

1 . A batting training device comprising:
 a telescopic prop having top and bottom ends;   a base connected to said bottom end of said prop;   a plurality of support members, each of which has a pivot end pivoted to said base and a ground contacting end opposite to said pivot end, each of said support members being pivotable upwardly relative to said base from an unfolded position, where said ground contacting ends of said support members are adapted to contact the ground so that said support members cooperate to support an assembly of said prop and said base on the ground, to a folded position, where said ground contacting ends of said support members are disposed adjacent to said prop; and   a limiting unit provided on said base and having a plurality of blocking portions, said blocking portions being movable relative to said base between a blocking position, where each of said blocking portions is disposed to block upward pivoting movement of a respective one of said support members from the unfolded position to the folded position, and an unblocking position, where each of said blocking portions is disposed to permit upward pivoting movement of the respective one of said support members from the unfolded position to the folded position.   
   
   
       2 . The batting training device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said telescopic prop includes a first tube, a second tube connected telescopically to said first tube, and a retaining member made of a resilient material, provided on one of said first tube and said second tube, and engaging frictionally the other one of said first tube and said second rod to permit retention of said second tube at a desired extended length relative to said first tube. 
   
   
       3 . The batting training device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said first tube is an outer tube and said second tube is an inner tube that is extended into said first tube, said first tube being formed with a radial hole that is filled with an adhesive, said retaining member being sleeved on said first tube and being connected to said first tube via said adhesive. 
   
   
       4 . The batting training device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said base includes an annular wall connected to said bottom end of said prop, and a plurality of pairs of pivot lugs that extend outwardly from said annular wall, each of said pairs of said pivot lugs defining a pivot space for receiving said pivot end of a respective one of said support members therein. 
   
   
       5 . The batting training device as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said limiting unit includes a coupling seat that connects said bottom end of said prop to said annular wall of said base, said blocking portions being movably provided on said coupling seat and being rotatable relative to said base such that each of said blocking portions blocks a top side of said pivot space of a respective one of said pairs of said pivot lugs to block upward pivoting movement of the respective one of said support members from the unfolded position to the folded position when said blocking portions are at the blocking position, and such that said blocking portions are staggered with said pivot spaces of said pairs of said pivot lugs to permit upward pivoting movement of said support members from the unfolded position to the folded position when said blocking portions are at the unblocking position. 
   
   
       6 . The batting training device as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said coupling seat is tubular and has an inner seat surface, said bottom end of said prop being inserted into said coupling seat, one of said inner seat surface and said bottom end of said prop being formed with a protrusion, the other one of said inner seat surface and said bottom end of said prop being formed with an indentation to engage said protrusion. 
   
   
       7 . The batting training device as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein one of said pivot lugs in each of said pairs is formed with a first locking member, and each of said blocking portions is formed with a second locking member to engage said first locking member of the respective one of said pairs of said pivot lugs when said blocking portions are at the blocking position. 
   
   
       8 . The batting training device as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said first locking member is a female locking component, and said second locking member is a male locking component. 
   
   
       9 . The batting training device as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a ball support connected detachably to said top end of said prop. 
   
   
       10 . The batting training device as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein said ball support includes a coupler connected detachably to said top end of said prop, and a ball-supporting tube connected detachably to said coupler. 
   
   
       11 . The batting training device as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein said coupler extends along an axis and has an outer surface formed with a plurality of longitudinal ribs that extend parallel to the axis, said ball-supporting tube having an inner surface formed with a plurality of annular ribs to engage frictionally said longitudinal ribs. 
   
   
       12 . The batting training device as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein said ball-supporting tube is made of a rubber material.