Collapsible batting cage

Abstract

A collapsible batting cage is provided with a collapsible canopy structure including a collapsible truss framework supporting an overlying canopy and extendable legs depend downwardly from the truss framework. A ball stop is supported by the truss framework, underlies the canopy and is spaced apart therefrom. A ball assembly having a ball is coupled to the collapsible canopy structure so as to present the ball at a batting height and permit contact between the ball and the ball stop when struck.

Having fully described the invention in such clear and concise terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same, the invention claimed is:  
     
         1 . A collapsible batting cage comprising:
 a collapsible canopy structure including a collapsible truss framework supporting an overlying canopy and extendable legs depend downwardly from the truss framework;   a ball stop supported by the truss framework and underlying the canopy spaced apart therefrom; and   a ball assembly having a ball, the ball assembly coupled to the collapsible canopy structure so as to present the ball at a batting height and permit contact between the ball and the ball stop when struck.   
     
     
         2 . A collapsible batting cage as claimed in  claim 1  wherein each extendable leg includes an upper portion coupled to the truss framework and a lower portion telescopingly coupled to the upper portion. 
     
     
         3 . A collapsible batting cage as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the ball stop is sized to underlie the entirety of the canopy. 
     
     
         4 . A collapsible batting cage as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the ball stop is one of a net material, a pliable fabric, a textile material and a plastic sheet. 
     
     
         5 . A collapsible batting cage as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the ball stop is adjustable to a tension between a loose configuration and a tight configuration. 
     
     
         6 . A collapsible batting cage as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the ball assembly comprises:
 a line having an end connected to the ball, and a free end; 
 a holder carried by the truss structure, the holder receives the line therethrough to allow the ball to hang downwardly from one side of the canopy structure; and 
 the free end of the line being removably attachable to the canopy structure, wherein the line can be adjusted through the holder, increasing or decreasing a hanging distance of the ball. 
 
     
     
         7 . A collapsible batting cage as claimed in  claim 1  further including sidewalls and a back wall made of netting suspended from the canopy. 
     
     
         8 . A collapsible batting cage comprising:
 a collapsible canopy structure including a collapsible truss framework supporting an overlying canopy and extendable legs depend downwardly from the truss framework;   a ball stop supported by the truss framework and underlying the canopy spaced apart therefrom; and   a ball assembly including a line having an end connected to a ball and a free end, a holder carried by the truss structure, the holder receiving the line therethrough to allow the ball to hang downwardly from one side of the canopy structure, and the free end of the line being removably attachable to the canopy structure, wherein the line can be adjusted through the holder, increasing or decreasing a hanging distance of the ball.   
     
     
         9 . A collapsible batting cage as claimed in  claim 8  wherein each extendable leg includes an upper portion coupled to the truss framework and a lower portion telescopingly coupled to the upper portion. 
     
     
         10 . A collapsible batting cage as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the ball stop is sized to underlie the entirety of the canopy. 
     
     
         11 . A collapsible batting cage as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the ball stop is one of a net material, a pliable fabric, a textile material and a plastic sheet. 
     
     
         12 . A collapsible batting cage as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the ball stop is adjustable to a tension between a loose configuration and a tight configuration.