Batting training device

Abstract

A batting training device and related methods of use for simulating pitch location during batting practice. The batting training device can include a rotatable arm assembly that allows one or more ball support cones to be positioned in almost any location relative to a baseball or softball strike zone.

1 . A method for providing adjustability to a batting tee, comprising:
 attaching an adjustable arm assembly to a batting training device, the adjustable arm assembly including a first arm rotatably connected to a second arm;   attaching a ball support cone to the second arm of the batting training device; and   rotating the second arm relative to the first arm to position the ball support cone at a desired horizontal location.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the batting training device includes a support pole, said method further comprising:
 adjusting a height of the support pole such that the ball support cone is at a desired vertical location.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the step of attaching the adjustable arm assembly to the batting training device further comprises:
 attaching the first arm to a mounting adapter, the mounting adapter including a slot member adapter adapted to engage the first arm such that the orientation of the first arm is fixed relative to the mounting adapter.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 mounting a second ball support cone to a cone fitting on the mounting adapter, wherein rotation of the second arm relative to the first arm does not contact the second ball support cone.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the second ball support cone resides above the support pole. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the ball support cone is attached to a base and wherein the desired horizontal location of the ball support cone is relative to the base. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 attaching the base to a plate adapter assembly, the plate adapter assembly having a plate body defining a plate perimeter that matches a regulation baseball home plate.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the step of attaching the base to the plate adapter assembly further comprises:
 placing the base within a recessed cavity defined on an upper surface of the plate body.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 constraining movement of the base within the recessed cavity.   
     
     
         10 . A batting training device, comprising:
 an adjustable arm assembly having a first arm rotatably connected to a second arm, the first arm including a tee adapter for operable connection to a batting tee, the second arm including a support cone for supporting a baseball.   
     
     
         11 . The batting training device of  claim 10 , wherein a second arm length of the second arm is less than a first arm length of the first arm. 
     
     
         12 . The batting training device of  claim 11 , wherein the first arm includes a second support cone positioned above the tee adapter. 
     
     
         13 . The batting training device of  claim 10 , wherein a second arm length of the second arm is substantially equal to a first arm length of the first arm. 
     
     
         14 . The batting training device of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a mounting adapter for operably coupling the first arm to the batting tee, the mounting adapter having a slot member, whereby the tee adapter can operably couple the first arm to the mounting adapter and the slot member receives the first arm such that the orientation of the first arm is fixed relative to the mounting adapter.   
     
     
         15 . The batting training device of  claim 14 , wherein the mounting adapter further comprises a cone fitting such that a second support cone can be attached to the cone fitting and the second support cone is not contacted by the second arm as the second arm rotates relative to the first arm. 
     
     
         16 . The batting training device of  claim 10 , wherein the batting tee is supported by a base. 
     
     
         17 . The batting training device of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a plate adapter assembly having a plate body defining a plate perimeter that matches a regulation baseball home plate.   
     
     
         18 . The batting training device of  claim 17 , wherein the plate body includes an upper surface, said upper surface defining a recessed cavity for receiving the base. 
     
     
         19 . The batting training device of  claim 18 , wherein the plate body includes a retaining member extending over a portion of the recessed cavity, said restraining member retaining the base with the recessed cavity during use.