Patent ID: 6682445
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
An improved batting tee comprising:an upper and a lower telescoping member, said upper and lower telescoping members each having an upper end and a lower end, said lower end of said upper telescoping member fitting through an elongated split washer, said elongated split washer being split longitudinally and having a flange and an elongated portion, said elongated portion below said flange fitting into said upper end of said lower telescoping member to create a snug fit, said flange extending outwardly from said elongated portion such that said elongated split washer cannot fit entirely within said lower telescoping member, a support piece having an opening therethrough, said opening comprising a larger cavity and a smaller cavity, said upper end of said lower telescoping member fitting snugly within said larger cavity, said upper telescoping member fitting snugly and extending through said lower cavity, an inner surface of said support piece contacting at least a portion of said flange to cause said elongated split washer to compress sufficiently to create friction at the interface of the inner surface of said elongated split washer and the outer surface of said upper telescoping member, a grommet, said grommet being inserted into said upper end of said upper telescoping member and having an elongated shaft extending into said upper telescoping member for a distance of not less than about 1.5 cm, a frusto-conical ball holder being attached at said upper end of said upper telescoping member and being formed of a sheet of flexible material that is rolled into a frusto-conical shape, said frusto-conical ball holder being supported at said upper end of said upper telescoping member, said flexible material having sufficient rigidity to maintain said frusto-conical shape without additional support.