Patent Publication Number: US-8113970-B2

Title: Batting aid device having automatic ball feed

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     In sporting activities such as baseball and softball, which involve hitting a ball with a bat, the development of hand-eye coordination and swing speed are important to successfully and consistently hit the ball. Activities such as “soft toss”and devices such as batting tees are designed to improve hand-eye coordination and swing speed. 
     For these and other reasons, there is a need for the present invention. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment provides an automatic feed mechanism for use with a batting aid device having a first end configured to receive a ball and a second end configured to drop the ball from the batting aid device. The automatic feed mechanism includes a substantially enclosed tubular member configured to receive a ball from the batting aid device and defining an internal support surface configured to support the ball, a wheel coupled to and positioned at least partially within the tubular member and having a rotational axis orientated substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the tubular member, and a motor configured to rotate the wheel at least a portion of a full rotation; wherein as the wheel rotates, the wheel is configured to engage and advance the ball through the tubular member in a direction from the first end toward the second end of the batting aid device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts. 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a batting aid device. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a batting aid device. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a ball holding apparatus. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the ball holding apparatus. 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the ball holding apparatus. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a rotatable mechanism. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a longitudinal cross section of the rotatable mechanism of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a perspective and partially exploded view of one embodiment of a rotatable mechanism. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a perspective view of the rotatable mechanism of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a batting aid device with an automatic feed mechanism. 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a top view of the automatic feed mechanism of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 6A  taken along the line B-B. 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates one embodiment of a batting aid device with an automatic feed mechanism in a first use position. 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates one embodiment of the batting aid device with the automatic feed mechanism of  FIG. 7A  in a second use position. 
         FIG. 7C  illustrates one embodiment of the batting aid device with the automatic feed mechanism of  FIG. 7A  in a third use position. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates one embodiment of a batting aid device with an automatic feed mechanism. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates one embodiment of a batting aid device in a container. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates one embodiment of a coupling portion of a stand of the batting aid device of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 11A  illustrates one embodiment of an automatic feed mechanism in a first position. 
         FIG. 11B  illustrates the automatic feed mechanism of  FIG. 11A  in a second position. 
         FIG. 11C  illustrates the automatic feed mechanism of  FIG. 11A  in a third position. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a batting aid device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,”“trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. 
     It is to be understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise. 
     Embodiments relate to an improved batting aid device. The device can be used by right-handed or left-handed hitters, and be operated individually or with a partner. The device is designed to improve hand-eye coordination, reflexes, muscle memory, and timing in hitting a ball with a bat, and to develop a quicker, more compact swing. In some embodiments, the device is adjustable to allow increasing or decreasing levels of difficulty, is adjustable to different heights, and is foldable for easy storage and transport. 
     In general, the device includes a stand having a bottom portion and a top portion and a plastic tube attached to the top portion. A ball, for example a baseball, wiffle baseball, or wiffle golf ball can be placed in the tube at a first end of the tube or at a position along the tube. The tube is positioned such that the ball will travel by gravity to a second end of the tube and exit the tube at a selected exit angle, e.g. straight downward, 45 degrees, etc. In one embodiment, the tube is opaque so as to prevent the user from visualizing the ball as it travels in the tube. As the ball exits the end of the tube, the user can visualize the ball and attempt to hit it with a bat, stick, or the like. 
     In one embodiment, the stand of the device includes two legs at the bottom portion wherein one leg is collapsible, and further includes multiple telescoping sections. The multiple telescoping sections allow the device to be adjusted to different heights to accommodate the stature of the user. In one embodiment, the stand includes two legs with one leg collapsible, and three telescoping sections that allow the device to be adjusted between twenty-four inches tall and sixty-six inches tall. A stand with the foregoing features has the additional advantage of being folded and compacted to fit within a small space such as the trunk of an automobile. The elements of the device can be fabricated from any desired material. The stand, for example, may be fabricated from metal to add weight and stability to the device, or may be fabricated from plastic to provide a more lightweight device, e.g. for small children to use. In one embodiment, the hollow tube and rotatable mechanism are fabricated from plastic or other lightweight material to prevent the device from being top heavy. The tube can be a single piece or have multiple sections as desired for versatility or compact storage. In one embodiment, the tube and rotatable mechanism are fabricated from injection-molded plastic. 
     The tube may be attached to the top portion of the stand using any suitable means, for example a metal ring or clamp adapted to tightly fit around the tube and be attached to the top portion of the stand in conjunction with an adjustable dial or knob used to connect the ring holding the tube to the stand. The plastic tube may be “L” shaped or a generally sideways “V” or “V” shaped and include multiple sections that allow for disassembly or multiple adjustments. In a sideways “V” configuration, a user can load the device with a ball at the first end of the plastic tube (the upper end of the sideways “V”, and remain in position to hit the ball as it exits the second end of the tube (the lower end of the sideways “V”. The plastic tube may also be a single, molded tube. 
     The means of attachment of the tube to the stand may further include a knob to adjust the plastic tube such that a ball placed in the tube travels downward toward the second end of the tube by the force of gravity. The plastic tube may further include, at its second end, a mechanism that allows adjustment of the exit path for the ball. The mechanism may include, for example, a curved section of plastic tubing that may be fitted, via a fitting designed to slide onto the second end of the tube, allowing adjustment of the angle of exit of the ball. Such adjustability is particularly advantageous for altering the degree of difficulty in hitting the ball exiting the tube with a straight vertical downward path providing a higher degree of difficulty than, for example, a horizontal or angled path. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the batting aid device as described above. The device  1  includes a stand  2 , wherein the stand includes two legs  3  and  4 . Leg  4  is collapsible toward leg  3 . Legs  3  and  4  may further include feet  3   a  and  4   a . Feet  3   a  and  4   a  extend perpendicularly from the legs  3  and  4  at the base of legs  3  and  4 . In one embodiment, feet  3   a  and  4   a  include telescoping sections that allow the feet to be extended and provide further stability to the device during use, and allow the device to be more compact when stored or transported. The stand further includes telescoping sections  5 ,  6 , and  7 . In the embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 1A , hollow plastic tube  8  is attached, at attachment  9 , to a top portion  10  of stand  2 . In one embodiment, the hollow tube  8  is adjustably rotatable about attachment  9 . 
     Plastic tube  8  includes three sections  11 ,  12 , and  13 . The plastic tube  8  has a first open end  14  and a second open end  15 . A mechanism  16  for altering the exit path of a ball is illustrated in  FIG. 1A  as a curved piece of plastic tubing. The curved piece of tubing is open at its two ends; one end includes a fitting  19  adapted to be attached to second end  15  of plastic tube  8 . In this embodiment, the rotatable mechanism  16  is infinitely adjustable to provide the exit angle, by simply rotating the mechanism  16  as it engages with the second end  15  of the tube  8 . 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the batting aid device. Telescoping sections  5 ,  6 , and  7  of the stand  2  can be adjusted to a desired height by the use of pins  17  placed through aligned holes  5   a ,  6   a , and  7   a  in the interlocking sections  5 ,  6 , and  7 . Further, adjustment mechanism  7   b  allows for the adjusting of telescoping section  7  relative to leg  3 . In one embodiment, adjustment mechanism  7   b  is a tightening mechanism. In addition,  FIG. 1B  illustrates a dial  18  at the attachment  9  of the stand  2  to the tube  8 , which allows the tube  8  to be adjustably rotated such that a ball placed in the tube will travel by force of gravity.  FIG. 1B  also illustrates the optional feature of an opening  32  in the tube  8 . The opening can be positioned at any desired point in the length of the tube. Opening  32  provides an alternative position for feeding balls into the device, for example for a partner to stand clear of the user while loading the device, as well as an alternative position to place a ball holding device such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . 
     In use, a ball is placed in the first end  14  of the hollow plastic tube  8 . The ball travels, by force of gravity, to the second end  15  of the tube, and exits the tube in a path prescribed by the rotatable position of the mechanism  16 . The user may then attempt to hit the exiting ball with a stick, bat, or the like. The user may start with and exit angle, ball size, and bat that make it relatively easier to strike the ball, and then vary the angle, bat (e.g. a stick bat), and ball size (e.g. reduce from wiffle baseball to wiffle golf ball) to increase the degree of difficulty. 
       FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate another embodiment of the device. The device illustrated in  FIG. 2A  includes a stand  2  similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 1A . The device of  FIG. 2A  also includes a plastic tube  13  attached to a top portion of the stand  2 . The device of  FIG. 2A  includes the additional feature of a ball holding apparatus  20  attached at the distal end of the plastic tube  13 . The ball holding apparatus  20  is capable of holding many balls, and may be attached at any desired position along the length of the tube  13 . The ball holding apparatus  20  allows a user to continuously hit one ball after the other after it exits the tube  13  without having to manually load single balls. The ball holding apparatus  20  may be automated to feed balls to the device, or may be a receptacle to store multiple balls for manual loading. 
     One embodiment of a ball holding apparatus  20  is illustrated in  FIG. 2B  and  FIG. 2C  in side and top views, respectively. The elements of the ball holding apparatus  20  are illustrated in detail in  FIG. 2B . 
     In general, the ball holding apparatus  20  includes a plastic bucket  31  containing a plate  27 . In one embodiment, plate  27  is metal. Bucket  31  has an opening in its bottom to allow balls to pass through into the tube, and is adapted to fit onto tube  13 , e.g. by a collar or other fitting designed to mate with an opening in the tube  13 . A motor  21  (e.g., a battery operated motor) that turns plate  27  (by pulleys  22  and  24  and rubber belt  25 ) and is designed to drop a ball out of the apparatus at a time interval, e.g. about every ten seconds, through a hole  23  in the plate sized to permit passage of a ball of desired diameter. 
     A vertical pulley  22  on the motor is connected to a horizontal pulley  24  on the partially threaded stud by a rubber belt  25 . The rubber belt  25  may be designed to slip to prevent injury resulting from placing a finger or hand into the moving apparatus. The apparatus includes “L” tab with wheels  26  to keep the metal plate  27  balanced and easy to turn. Tabs  28  on the metal plate are designed to drop a ball into a hole and prevent jamming of the balls. The plate may advantageously include multiple holes  23  and  29  sized to generally fit the size of the balls being used in the device, for example three inches for baseball-sized balls and one and a half inches for wiffle golf balls. This feature allows the device to be adaptable for use with differently sized balls. A three-inch cap  30  may be used to plug a three-inch hole  23  when golf ball sized balls are used in the device. A “U” shaped steel bracket  32  may be included, and is designed to allow a ball to partially drop down in the hole, and thereby prevent the ball from easily popping out of a hole. 
     Additional embodiments feature alternatives to the mechanism  16  for altering the exit path of the ball.  FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate one such alternative. In this embodiment of the device, the second end  15  of the tube has a circumferential recessed groove  40  about at least a portion, and in one embodiment the entirety, of the circumference of the tube near second end  15 , wherein the recessed groove contains a plurality of raised portions spaced apart at selected intervals within the groove  40 . Rotatable mechanism  42  includes a ring portion  43  for mating with second end  15 , and dial portion  44 , which is the exit point for a ball. Ring portion  43  has an inner surface  45  and one or more detents  46  on the inner surface  45 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the ring  43  includes a plurality of generally “U” shaped slots  47 , with detents  46  on the inner surface  45  surrounded by the “U”to provide a snapping portion of the ring portion for snapping into the groove. This configuration allows mechanism  43  to snap onto second end  15 , by positioning the detent  46  into the groove  40 . This snapping action is illustrated in  FIG. 3B . Once the mechanism  42  is snapped onto the second end  15 , the mechanism can be indexed to a desired distinct position by rotating the mechanism to snap out of and into index positions defined by raised portions  41 , thus allowing for adjustment of the exit angel of a ball emerging from second end  15  through the mechanism  42 . 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate another embodiment for the mechanism for altering the exit path of the ball. In this embodiment, second end  15  of the device contains a plurality of holes  50  arranged and spaced apart circumferentially near the second end  15  of the tube  8 . Rotatable mechanism  51  contains a dial end portion  52  and a ring portion  53 , and at least one spring loading pin  54  and spring  55  (illustrated in exploded view in  FIG. 4A ), wherein the spring loading pin  54  is adapted to be fastened to the ring portion  53 . The spring loading pin  54  extends through and protrudes from the inner surface  56  of the ring portion  53 , and is adapted to engage with the holes  50  in second tube end  15  with the ring portion  53  placed over the second end  15 . The spring loading pin  54  is further adapted to move out of and into holes  50  as the mechanism  51  is rotated to index the mechanism at a desired position that will provide a desired exit path for a ball emerging from the mechanism  51 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4A , a housing  57  covers the spring loading pin  54  and spring  55  and is attached with screws  58  to the ring portion  53  at  60 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4B , there are two spring loading pins  54  in the mechanism  51 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the mechanism  51  may be comprised of separate ring  53  and dial end portion  52 , with the ring  53  attached to the dial end portion  52  by one or more pivot pins  59 . In this embodiment, the device would be assembled by attaching the ring  53  (containing the spring leading pin(s)  54  for indexing) to the dial end  52  by engaging the pivot pin(s)  59  with holes in the ring  53 . The mechanism  51  comprising the dial end  52  and ring  53  is then placed over the second end  15  of the tube  8  such that the spring loading pin(s) engage with holes  50 . The mechanism  51  can then be rotated and locked into desired distinct positions for determining the exit path of the ball. 
     In one embodiment, the devices are used in conjunction with a stepwise hitting process to develop hand-eye coordination and a quicker swing for hitting a baseball or softball. In general, a stepwise hitting process may include steps in which parameters of the process are varied. Parameters of the process that may be varied include the type of instrument (baseball bat, stick bat), the size of the ball (baseball-size, golf ball size), and the exit path of the ball (substantially directly toward the user, e.g. a generally horizontal exit path; at an angle, e.g. 45 degrees; and substantially straight down or vertical). 
     In general, the method involves increasing the degree of difficulty of hitting the ball with each step, by varying at least one parameter of the process, with the end result being improvement in hand-eye coordination and swing speed. For example, a first step may include using a baseball bat to hit wiffle baseballs as the balls come toward the user; a second step may include using a stick bat to hit wiffle baseballs coming toward the user; a third step and fourth step may repeat the first step and second step using wiffle golf balls. These four steps may then be repeated with the ball exiting the device at a forty-five degree angle, and repeated again with the ball dropping straight down. 
     An example of a twelve step hitting process that can be used in conjunction with embodiments of the device is as follows: 
     Step 1. Use a baseball bat to hit wiffle baseballs as the balls come toward you. 
     Step 2. Use a stick bat to hit wiffle baseballs as the balls come toward you. 
     Step 3. Use a baseball bat to hit wiffle golf balls as the balls come toward you. 
     Step 4. Use a stick bat to hit wiffle golf balls as the balls come toward you. 
     Step 5. Use a baseball bat to hit wiffle baseballs as the balls come at 45-degree angle. 
     Step 6. Use a stick bat to hit wiffle baseballs as the balls come at 45-degree angle. 
     Step 7. Use a baseball bat to hit wiffle golf balls as the balls come at 45-degree angle. 
     Step 8. Use a stick bat to hit wiffle golf balls as the balls come at 45-degree angle. 
     Step 9. Use a baseball bat to hit wiffle baseballs as the balls drop straight down. 
     Step 10. Use a stick bat to hit wiffle baseballs as the balls drop straight down. 
     Step 11. Use a baseball bat to hit wiffle golf balls as the balls drop straight down. 
     Step 12. Use a stick bat to hit wiffle golf balls as the balls drop straight down. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a batting aid device  100 . Batting aid device  100  is similar to batting aid device  1  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A and 1B  except for those differences enumerated herein. Batting aid device  100  includes substantially “V” shaped hollow tube  8  defining a vertex  104 , a first length  106 , and a second length  108 . Hollow tube  8  is fully enclosed and has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. First length  106  extends between first open end  14  and vertex  104 , and second length  108  extends between vertex  104  and second open end  15 . In one embodiment, opening  32  is defined in the first length  106  relatively near vertex  104  as compared to first open end  14 . Hollow tube  8  is coupled with stand  2  or any other suitable stand configured to maintain hollow tube  8  above a batting zone of a batter using batting aid device  100 . In one example, hollow tube  8  is alternatively coupled with a tripod stand. 
     Hollow tube  8  is positioned on stand  2  such that first length  106  is angled downward (i.e. towards the ground or other support surface) as first length  106  extends from first open end  14  toward vertex  104 . Second length  108  is positioned to be angled downward from vertex  104  toward second open end  15 . In this manner, hollow tube  8  is configured to utilize gravitational forces to move balls through hollow tube  8 , more particularly, from first open end  14  or opening  32  to vertex  104  and from vertex  104  to second open end  15 . 
     In one embodiment, batting aid device  100  includes a feed mechanism  200 . Feed mechanism  200  is coupled with second end  15  of hollow tube  8  and is configured to regulate the movement of balls through and delivery of balls from batting aid device  100 . In one embodiment, second end  15  of hollow tube  8  defines a connection cuff  202  to facilitate attachment of feed mechanism  200  thereto. In particular, connection cuff  202  extends about an outer surface of second end  15  and is configured to receive a portion of feed mechanism  200 , as will be further described below. In one example, connection cuff  202  is configured to extend around an end of feed mechanism  200  to couple feed mechanism  200  to hollow tube  8  by friction fit or other suitable method of attachment. In one embodiment, connection cuff  202  may employ similar means of attachment with feed mechanism  200  as described with respect to rotatable mechanism  42  in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  and/or with respect to rotatable mechanism  51  in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . Although primarily described herein as being a separate accessory for use with hollow tube  8 , in one embodiment, feed mechanism  200  is formed as an integral part of hollow tube  8  at any location along second length  108  of hollow tube  8 . 
     Exit mechanism  16  is configured to be coupled with feed mechanism  200  opposite second open end  15  of hollow tube  8  to define an exit angle of a ball from batting aid device  100 . In one embodiment, automatic feed mechanism  200  is selectively coupled with hollow tube  8  and can be removed from hollow tube  8  if desired by the user. In one embodiment, upon removal of automatic feed mechanism  200  from hollow tube  8 , exit mechanism  16  can be removed from automatic feed mechanism  200  and coupled with second end  15 , more particularly with connection cuff  202 , of hollow tube  8 . 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate one embodiment of feed mechanism  200  including a tubular member  204 , a wheel  206 , and a motor  208 . In one embodiment, tubular member  204  has a circular cross-sectional shape and defines an internal diameter similar to an internal diameter defined by hollow tube  8  ( FIG. 5 ). Tubular member  204  is generally elongated so as to define a first end  210 , a second end  212  opposite first end  210 , an interior surface  214 , and an exterior surface  216  opposite interior surface  214 . 
     In one embodiment, second end  212  includes a connection cuff  218  configured to receive and facilitate selective attachment of exit mechanism  16  with feed mechanism  200 . Connection cuff  218  extends about outer surface  214  near second end  212  and extends past second end  212  defining an internal cavity having a larger diameter than a diameter of an external cavity defined by the remainder of tubular member  204 . Accordingly, connection cuff  218  is configured to extend around exit mechanism  16  to be coupled with exit mechanism  16  by friction fit or other suitable method of attachment. In one embodiment, connection cuff  218  may employ similar means of attachment with exit mechanism  16  as described with respect to rotatable mechanism  42  in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  and/or with respect to rotatable mechanism  51  in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . 
     Wheel  206  is mounted to tubular member  204  via motor  208 . In one embodiment, tubular member  204  includes an indentation  220  configured to provide a substantially planar outer surface  222  for receiving motor  208 . Motor  208  may be coupled with outer surface  222  in any suitable method. In one example, motor  208  is coupled with outer surface  222  in a manner permitting adjustment of the position of motor  208  relative to tubular member  204  in the direction generally indicated in  FIG. 6B  with arrow  224 . In one embodiment, a planar plate (not illustrated) is coupled with tubular member  204 , and motor  208  is slidably coupled with the planar plate. 
     In one embodiment, an axle  226  extends from motor  208  toward tubular member  204  with a substantially perpendicular orientation. Motor  208  is configured to rotate axle  226  about a longitudinal axis of axle  226 . Axle  226  extends from motor  208  into tubular member  204  through an aperture  228  formed in tubular member  204 . In one embodiment, aperture  228  is substantially “T” shaped due to the curvature of the wall of tubular member  204  and to accommodate transition of axle  226  and wheel  206  into tubular member  204 . In one embodiment, aperture  228  alternatively defines any other suitable shape. 
     Wheel  206  is coupled with axle  226  opposite motor  208  and is positioned to extend through aperture  228  so as to be maintained partially inside and partially outside tubular member  204 . In particular, wheel  206  is mounted such that the rotation of axle  226  rotates wheel  206  about a rotational axis of wheel  206 . In this manner, wheel  206  is positioned such that the rotational axis extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of tubular member  204 . Due to the coupling of axle  226  and wheel  206 , as motor  208  drives rotation of axle  226 , motor  208  inherently drives rotation of wheel  206  as well. 
     In one embodiment, wheel  206  defines a circumferential surface  230  configured to contact balls traveling through batting aid device  100 . In one example, wheel  206  has a thickness of approximately 2 inches and a diameter of between approximately 5 inches and approximately 5.5 inches. Wheel  206  is formed of a formable and at least partially elastic material, such as foam, a polymeric material, etc. Wheel  206  is configured to deform upon contact with a ball supported by internal surface  214  of tubular member  204  and to reform to the original shape when wheel  206  no longer contacts a ball  240 . In one embodiment, the amount wheel  206  deforms during use depends on the size of a ball passing through tubular member  204 . 
     Since motor  208  is coupled with wheel  206  via axel  226 , movement of motor  208  in direction  224  also moves wheel  206  in direction  224 . In one embodiment, motor  208  is configured to be moved to a variety of positions each corresponding with a particular ball size. In one example, tubular member  204  includes indicias indicating a position setting of motor  208  that corresponds with one or more balls sizes, such as, baseball setting, a softball setting, a golf ball setting, etc. Accordingly, during use the position of wheel  206  relative to tubular member  204  is adjusted depending upon the particular size of balls being used therewith. In particular, wheel  206  is generally lowered (i.e. moved further within tubular member  204 ) for use with smaller balls and raised for use with larger balls as needed. 
     In one embodiment, motor  208  includes an on/off switch  232  configured to selectively activate and de-activate motor  208  from rotating axle  226  and wheel  206 . In one embodiment, motor  208  is configured to rotate wheel  206  at one of a variety of speeds such that a time interval or spacing between delivery of balls through batting aid device  100  can be adjusted. As such, motor  208  may include a speed control button or dial  234 . In one embodiment, motor  208  is configured to advance balls through tubular member  204  with a time interval of between approximately 5 seconds and approximately 8 seconds between each ball delivered from tubular member  204 . The time interval is configured to allow a batter using batting aid device  100  to ready themselves between the delivery of a ball from batting aid device  100 . 
       FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate automatic feed mechanism  200  coupled with release mechanism  16  during use. In particular,  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B, and  7 C respectively illustrate wheel  206  in a first, second, and third use position. As illustrated in  FIG. 7A , when motor  208  is in the off position, wheel  206  is maintained in a stationary position. Prior to use, in one embodiment, motor  208  is adjusted in direction  224  as necessary depending upon the size of balls  240  that will be used. In particular, motor  208  is positioned lower for smaller balls  240  and higher for larger balls  240 . 
     After wheel  206  is positioned, balls  240  are inserted or fed into hollow tube  8  ( FIG. 5 ) via first open end  14  and/or via intermediate opening of tubular member  204 . Wheel  206  generally remains stationary as balls  240  are inserted into hollow tube  8 . As such, stationary wheel  206  acts as a stop generally preventing the advancement of balls  240  past wheel  206 . 
     More specifically, the angled nature of lengths  106  and  108  of hollow tube  8 , gravity causes each ball  240  to roll through hollow tube  8  from first open end  14  or opening  32  and into feed mechanism  200 . A first ball  240   a  moves through feed mechanism  200  until first ball  240   a  contacts and is stopped by stationary wheel  206 . Notably, when in the stationary position, wheel  206  extends down into tubular member  204  from aperture  228  a sufficient distance to substantially prevent advancement of balls  240  past wheel  206 . Each subsequent ball  240   b ,  240   c , etc. moves through hollow tube  8  and/or feed mechanism  200  until each ball  240   b ,  240   c , etc. contacts and is stopped by an adjacent ball  240  that has already been stopped within hollow tube  8  or feed mechanism  200 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , in one embodiment, balls  240  are fed into hollow tube  8  until the desired number of balls  240  are maintained within hollow tube  8 . In one example, hollow tube  8  is loaded with up to twelve baseball sized balls  240 . Upon activation of motor  208  ( FIGS. 6A and 6B ), wheel  206  is configured to rotate as generally indicated by arrow  242  to grasp, advance, and release balls  240  toward exit mechanism  16  in the direction generally indicated by arrow  244 . 
     For example, turning to  FIG. 7B , upon interaction with first ball  240   a , wheel  206  deforms due to a force of interaction with first ball  240   a  as supported by interior surface  214  of tubular member  204 . More specifically, wheel  206  deforms inward toward the center of wheel  206  to form a concave reception area  250  for receiving ball  240   a . As wheel  206  is subsequently rotated as illustrated in  FIG. 7B , the deformation of wheel  206  about first ball  240   a  coupled with rotation of wheel  206  causes wheel  206  to advance first ball  240   a  through tubular member  204  in direction  244 . As ball  240   a  is rotated via wheel  206 , subsequent balls  240  such as balls  240   b ,  240   c , etc. are also moved through hollow tube  8  and/or tubular member  204  due to the force of gravity and the angled nature of hollow tube  8  and tubular member  204 . Continued rotation of wheel  206  further causes ball  240   a  to be advanced toward release mechanism  16 . 
     Upon rotation of wheel  206  to an appropriate position, wheel  206  releases ball  240   a  as generally indicated in  FIG. 7C . Released ball  240   a  is pulled by gravity through exit mechanism  16  and is released from batting aid device  100 . Upon release of first ball  240   a , the elastomeric nature of wheel  206  causes wheel  206  to at least partially reform to the original shape of wheel  206 , and wheel  206  continues to rotate and contacts and deforms to next ball  240   b . In one embodiment, wheel  206  may contact second ball  240   b  prior to release of first ball  240   a . In this respect, wheel  206  continually advances balls  240   a  and  240   b  toward release mechanism  16  and prevents balls  240  from freely falling from batting aid device  100  with little or no time interval therebetween. In one embodiment, wheel  206  contacts and rotates each ball  240  through a rotation angle θ defined between a first point of contact  260  and a last point of contact  262  between ball  240  and wheel  206  as generally indicated in  FIG. 7A . Rotation angle θ is dependent upon the size/type of ball  240  and the position of motor  208  and wheel  206 . In one embodiment, rotation angle θ is between 35° and 80°. 
     Wheel  206  not only serves to substantially prevent the unwanted advancement of balls  240  through batting aid device  100 , but wheel  206  also serves to regulate the speed of release of balls  240  from batting aid device  100  to a batter. In this respect, an individual batter may turn off motor  208  and load hollow tube  8  with a series of balls  240 . When batter is prepared to swing at or attempt to contact balls  240 , motor  208  is activated or turned on, and the series of balls  240  begin to be released from batting aid device  100 , more particularly, in one embodiment, from release mechanism  16 . Due to use of feed mechanism  200 , the series of balls  240  are released one at a time with a spacing interval configured to provide the batter with sufficient time to reset and swing at each ball  240  as it is released from batting aid device  100 . In one embodiment, the speed at which wheel  206  is rotated is adjustable to vary the spacing interval between release of adjacent balls  240 . 
     Although described above as being used with release mechanism  16 , in one embodiment, no release mechanism  16  is utilized and balls  240  are dropped directly from second end  212  of feed mechanism  200 . In one embodiment, feed mechanism  200  is configured to regulate the advance of a plurality of sizes of balls  240 , such as softballs, baseballs, golf balls, etc. In one embodiment, feed mechanism  200  is selectively coupled to batting aid device  100  such that feed mechanism  200  can be removed from the remainder of batting aid device  100  if so desired. Furthermore, release mechanism  16  can then be attached to second end  15  of hollow tube  8  as desired by user. In another embodiment, feed mechanism  200  may be formed as a permanent part of or within hollow tube  8  as will be apparent to those of skill in the art. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates one embodiment of a batting aid device  300  similar to batting aid device  100  except for the differences enumerated herein. In one embodiment, a first length  302  of batting aid device  300  similar to first length  106  is formed of two separate and couplable pieces. More specifically, in one embodiment, first length  302  includes a first section  304  and a second section  306 , which are separately formed from one another. First section  304  includes first end  14  and second end extends from vertex  104 . In one example, a portion of second section  306  fits within first section  304  to selectively couple sections  304  and  306  to collectively define first length  302 . 
     Additionally referring to  FIG. 9 , formation of first length  302  in two sections  304  and  306  facilitates placement of batting aid device  300  into a box or other container  310  for storage and/or transport that is smaller than a container that would otherwise be required to house hollow tube  8  formed as a single piece. In particular, first section  304  is removed from second section  306  and placed adjacent second length  108  of hollow tube  8 . As such, in one example, an elongated rectangular container  310  is used. Second length  108  can be stored with one or both of feed mechanism  200  ( FIG. 8 ) and/or exit mechanism  16 . To further limit the size of container  310 , in one embodiment, stand  2  ( FIG. 5 ) or other suitable stand is collapsed and stored within first section  304  of first length  302  or within second length  108  as generally indicated in  FIG. 9  at  320 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8  and the enlarged illustration of  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment, an alternate stand  400  is used to support hollow tube  8 . Stand  400  is similar to stand  2  or is any other suitable stand having the particular features described herein.  FIG. 10  more particularly illustrates one embodiment of a coupling portion of stand  400  including a cradle  402  at a topmost portion thereof and a locking device  404 . Cradle  402  defines an elongated member with a generally curvilinear cross-sectional shape and is configured to receive second length  108  of hollow tube  8 . In one embodiment, locking device  404  extends from a first elongated edge  406  of cradle  402  around hollow tube  8  to the opposing elongated edge (not illustrated) of cradle  402 . 
     Locking device  404  is configured to be locked around hollow tube  8  and to be unlocked or loosen from around hollow tube  8  to permit the position of hollow tube  8  relative to stand  400  to be adjusted. As used herein, something that is “locked” is maintained in position and does not necessarily require a key combination, etc. to be unlocked (i.e. loosened). In one embodiment, locking device  404  includes a hook portion  410  and a latch portion  412 . Hook portion  410  extends from the elongated edge of cradle  402  that is not illustrated and latch portion  412  extends from elongated edge  406 . Hook portion  410  is separable from latch portion  412  to insert and/or adjust the position of hollow tube  8  relative to stand  400 . In particular, when stand  400  is in the unlocked position, hollow tube  8  may be moved in a linear direction as generally indicated by arrow  416  and/or rotated as generally indicated by arrow  418 . In one embodiment, upon positioning, latch portion  412  receives hook portion  410  and is tightened to maintain hollow tube  8  in the desired position. 
     More specifically, in one embodiment, latch portion  412  includes a clasp  420  and a buckle  422 . In one embodiment, clasp  420  is an O-shaped or U-shaped member configured to receive a hook  424  of hook portion  410 . Once hook  424  is received, buckle  422  is adjusted to pull clasp  420  toward first elongated edge  406 , thereby, tightening locking device  404  around hollow tube  8 . In one embodiment, locking device  404  functions similar to a buckle or latch found on a ski boot. Other locking mechanisms may also be used with cradle  402 . In one embodiment, stand  400  is additionally adjustable at one or more lower legs  3  or  4  to adjust the trajectory of hollow tube  8  within cradle  402 . 
       FIGS. 11A-11C  illustrate another embodiment of automatic feed mechanism  200  which comprises an integral part of plastic hollow tube  8 . In one embodiment, automatic feed mechanism  200  may be positioned at any location along second length  108  of hollow tube  8 . According to the embodiment of  FIGS. 11A-11C , in lieu of employing deformable wheel  206 , as illustrated by the embodiment of  FIGS. 7A-7C , automatic feed mechanism  200  employs a wheel  276  having a plurality of a curved spokes  278  which together form a plurality of semicircular cradles  280  circumferentially about axis  226  which, as described below, are configured to engage and regulate the transport of balls  240  through hollow tube  8 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 11A-11C , wheel  276  includes four curved spokes  278   a - 278   d  which together form four semicircular cradles  280   a - 280   d , with wheel  276  being positioned such that spokes  278  extend at least partially into hollow tube  8 . 
     During loading of balls  240  into hollow tube  8 , gravity causes each ball  240  to roll through hollow tube  8  from first open end  18  or opening  32  into automatic feed mechanism  200  where they are stopped by spokes  278  of wheel  276 . As illustrated by  FIG. 11A , a first ball  240   a  is shown as being stopped by curved spoke  278   a , with subsequent balls  240   b ,  240   c , etc. positioned in hollow tube  8  behind first ball  240   a.    
     With reference to  FIG. 11B , upon activation of motor  208 , wheel  276  rotates as indicated by rotational arrow  282  such that rotation of wheel  276  causes cradle  280   a  to engage and transport first ball  240   a  past wheel  276 . In  FIG. 11B , wheel  276  is illustrated as having rotated approximately 45-degrees from the position illustrated by  FIG. 11A  such that first ball  240   a  has been engaged by cradle  280   a  and is being moved past wheel  276  with the next ball  240   b  advancing by gravity through hollow tube  8  toward wheel  276 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 11C , as wheel  276  continues to rotate an additional 45-degrees, first ball  240   a  is released from cradle  280   a  and rolls through hollow tube  8  toward exit mechanism  16 , and the next ball  240   b  is stopped from advancing by the next spoke  278   b . After a set amount of time, automatic feed mechanism  200  rotates wheel  278  and additional 90-degrees and releases the ball  240   b , with spoke  278   c  stopping the next ball  240   c . This process is repeated in a similar fashion for each ball of the series of balls  240  so that each ball of the series is released in a spaced fashion from hollow tube  8 . 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the batting aid described above employing a collapsible three-legged tripod  290  in lieu of the two-legged stand  2 , as illustrated by  FIG. 1A . 
     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.