Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    There are many types of sports where practicing hitting involves striking a ball/ball-like object with extreme force. In a subset of these sports, fielding the ball/ball-like object is another activity. The present invention generally relates to a device with which players can practice their swings in baseball and their fielding in baseball and cricket. With this present invention the ball/ball-like object, which can be in either a static or dynamic mode, is attached to the sports device which can be used indoors or outdoors regardless of the surface to practice hitting; with the hitter being able to predict the trajectory the ball/ball-like object would have taken after being hit; and by the number of times the ball/ball-like object rotates, how powerful the swing was. The present invention can also be utilised in fielding practice where the ball/ball-like object sits freely on the sports device and is hit to a player who fields it. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Prior Art 
         [0004]    Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. In sports such as baseball, played either as hardball or softball, beginners seek to learn to swing; non-beginners strive to perfect their swings. In practicing hitting, it is helpful if the ball is in either a static or dynamic mode before each swing. In a dynamic mode, this may require a pitcher in baseball. In the absence of a pitcher, or to increase the number of swings in a given period of time, various hitting practice devices have been developed over the years. 
         [0005]    Prior art devices relating to baseball hitting devices where the ball is connected or attached to such devices can be generally divided into two groups. The commonality of the first group of such prior art devices is that the ball is suspended vertically by a combination of flexible and non-flexible means from a base. Some of the drawbacks of such prior arts are: (1) As the ball is suspended vertically by a combination of flexible or non-flexible means this requires the device itself to be large in dimension relative to the hitter; or the device must be quite heavy or staked to the surface or attached to an external structure. (2) If the batter swings but misses the ball, the flexible or non-flexible means used to suspend the ball is struck, falsely moving the ball. (3) After the ball or the flexible and non-flexible means used to suspend the ball is struck, the ball will return to its equilibrium position which is always the same and stationary. (4) These devices are dedicated to hitting and cannot be used to practice fielding a ball. This group can be further sub-divided into three sub-groups: (1a) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in a static mode in which virtually all such devices exist; (1b) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in a dynamic mode in which there is a paucity of such devices; and (1c) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in either a static or dynamic mode in which also there is a paucity of such devices. Typical prior art devices of the sub-group (1a) are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,994,494 to Kelly; 4,966,367 to Oyarzabal; 6,099,419 to Incaudo et al; 6,296,582 to Minniear; 6,306,050 to Holder. Typical examples of prior art devices of the sub-groups (1b) and (1c) are virtually non-existent. In the second group of prior art devices relating to baseball hitting devices, the ball extends out to the hitter. Some of the drawbacks of such prior arts are: (1) The device must be large in dimension relative to the hitter; or the device must be quite heavy or staked to the surface. (2) After the ball is struck, the ball will return to its equilibrium position which is always the same and stationary. (3) These devices are dedicated to hitting and cannot be used to practice fielding a ball. (4) The ball, when hit, does not move naturally in a 3-dimension trajectory, but is generally constricted to move in a plane. (5) The ball is affixed to an arm member that extends substantially horizontal; with this configuration the ball is hit relatively in the same spot every time. (6) When the ball is hit, the stress is translated onto the shaft itself. This group can also be further sub-divided into three sub-groups: (2a) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in a static mode in which virtually all such devices exist; (2b) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in a dynamic mode in which there is a paucity of such devices; (2c) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in either a static or dynamic mode in which there is also a paucity of such devices. Typical prior art devices of the sub-group (2a) are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,962,087 to Cone; 5,618,039 to Tsai et al; 6,099,419 to Incaudo et al. Typical prior art devices of the sub-group (2b) and 92c) are virtually non-existent. 
         [0006]    Prior art devices relating to baseball hitting devices where the ball is not connected or attached to such devices can also be divided into two groups. The commonality of the first group of such devices is that they are pitching machines which project a ball to the player. Major disadvantages of such devices are: (1) They require electricity to operate. (2) They cannot be operated by just one person. This group can be further sub-divided into three sub-groups: (3a) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in a static mode in which virtually no such devices exist; (3b) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in a dynamic mode in which such virtually all such devices exist; and (3c) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in a static or dynamic mode in which virtually no such devices exist. Typical prior art devices of sub-groups (3a) and (3c) are virtually non-existent. Typical prior art devices of sub-group (3b) are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,197,827 to Floyd et al; 6,093,117 to Sherlock et al. In the second group of prior art devices relating to baseball hitting devices where the ball is not connected or attached to such devices, the ball rests freely on the device. Disadvantages of these devices are: (1) In practicing hitting the ball, a protective screen may be required. (2) Should the player misses the ball, there is the possibility he/she may hit the Tee causing it to collapse. This group can be further sub-divided into three groups: (4a) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in a static mode in which virtually all such devices exist and are the traditional batting Tees; (4b) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in a dynamic mode in which such virtually no such devices exist; (4b) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in either a static or dynamic mode in which such virtually no such devices exist. Typical prior art devices of the sub-group (4a) are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,884,185 to Udwin et al; 5,556,091 to Lin; 4,176,838 to Griffin. Typical prior art devices of sub-groups (4b) and (4c) are virtually non-existent. 
         [0007]    Prior art devices relating to baseball hitting devices where the ball is not connected or attached to such devices and from which a ball is projected to the player or the ball resides freely are also used to practice fielding in baseball. Examples of such prior art devices and their general disadvantages are discussed above. 
         [0008]    Major advantages of the present design over baseball prior art devices are: (1) It can function both as a hitting and a fielding device. (2) In hitting mode, the ball just before being struck can either be in a static or a dynamic mode. (3) The movement of the ball is constrained within a sphere which greatly enhances safety by defining the space needed to do hitting practice. (4) It increases the number of swings that can be taken in a given period of time. (5) For a set height, returns the ball to different positions after each hit. (6) Does not have to be anchored to a surface or require an external structure to be fixed to. (7) The ball is not hit in the same spot with every swing. (8) When the ball is hit, it is not the arm member that directly receives any stress. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The objective of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used to practice hitting in baseball without the need for a net. 
         [0010]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device which can withstand the extreme forces applied when practicing hitting in baseball. 
         [0011]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device where any broken part can easily be replaced. 
         [0012]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used equally indoors and outdoors to practice hitting in baseball and fielding in baseball, with the device being portable and collapsible. 
         [0013]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used to practice hitting in baseball and fielding in baseball with the device capable of being used by both right hand and left handed hitters of all heights. 
         [0014]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used to practice hitting in baseball with the ball/ball-like object placed stationary at any one time among a plurality of positions. 
         [0015]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used to practice hitting in baseball with the ball/ball-like object placed at any one time among a plurality of positions and at each position, rotated counter clockwise into a right handed hitter or clockwise into a left handed hitter at speeds that vary from fast to slow, with the hitter either hitting or bunting the moving ball/ball-like object. 
         [0016]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used in baseball to practice hitting a curve ball. 
         [0017]    Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used in baseball to practice fielding by hitting a ball/ball-like object into free flight to players. 
         [0018]    The design of the present invention achieves these objectives by departing from prior art devices as follows. In most prior art, the way to absorb the stress imparted on the device when the ball/ball-like object is hit is to hang elastic members vertically from a base with the ball/ball-like object attached to the elastic members. In the present device, the elastic members are in a substantially horizontal position as they are housed in an arm member which is mounted in a substantially horizontal position on a base in hitting practice mode. Also, as the arm member can rotate freely and completely the hitter in baseball can in effect ‘self-pitch’ when practice hitting. Finally, the ball/ball-like object can be in a plurality of positions prior to hitting in either a static or dynamic mode. 
         [0019]    Furthermore, it is an object of this application to illustrate the preferred embodiments and to broadly state the methodologies that may be used with this device to practice hitting and fielding a ball/ball-like object in a variety of sports. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    Referring to the attached drawings which form part of this original disclosure: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a Perspective view of the components that comprise the first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2   a  is a Perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the arm member with the ball/ball-like object positioned at an end of the arm member;  FIG. 2   b  is a Top view of the preferred embodiment of the arm member; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a Perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the first section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a Perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member with the ball/ball-like object positioned at an end of the arm member,  FIG. 4   a  is an exploded view of the first end of the preferred embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member,  FIG. 4   b  is an exploded view of the second end of the preferred embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member,  FIG. 4   c  is a perspective view of the connecting member of the first section and the second section; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a Perspective view of a second embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member with the ball/ball-like object positioned at an end of the arm member,  FIG. 5   a  is an exploded view of the first end of the second embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member,  FIG. 5   b  is an exploded view of the second end of the second embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member,  FIG. 5   c  is a perspective view of the connecting member of the first section and the second section; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a Perspective view of a third embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member with the ball/ball-like object positioned at an end of the arm member,  FIG. 6   a  is an exploded view of the first end of the third embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member,  FIG. 6   b  is an exploded view of the second end of the third embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member,  FIG. 6   c  is a perspective view of the connecting member of the first section and the second section; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a Perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member with the ball/ball-like object positioned at an end of the arm member,  FIG. 7   a  is an exploded view of the first end of the fourth embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member,  FIG. 7   b  is an exploded view of the second end of the fourth embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member,  FIG. 7   c  is a perspective view of the connecting member of the first section and the second section; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a Perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member with the ball/ball-like object positioned at an end of the arm member,  FIG. 8   a  is an exploded view of the first end of the fifth embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member,  FIG. 8   b  is an exploded view of the second end of the fifth embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member,  FIG. 8   c  is a perspective view of the connecting member of the first section and the second section; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a Perspective view of a second embodiment of the arm member with the ball/ball-like object positioned at an end of the arm member,  FIG. 9   a  is an exploded view of the first end of the second embodiment of the arm member,  FIG. 9   b  is an exploded view of the second end of the second embodiment of the arm member; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a Perspective view of a third embodiment of the arm member with the ball/ball-like object positioned at an end of the arm member,  FIG. 10   a  is an exploded view of the first end of the third embodiment of the arm member,  FIG. 10   b  is an exploded view of the second end of the third embodiment of the arm member; 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is a Perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the arm member with the ball/ball-like object positioned at an end of the arm member,  FIG. 11   a  is an exploded view of the first end of the fourth embodiment of the arm member,  FIG. 11   b  is an exploded view of the second end of the fourth embodiment of the arm member; 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a Perspective view of the base of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a Perspective view of the height adjusting member; 
           [0034]      FIG. 14   a  is a Perspective view of the spine member of the base of the first embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 14   b  is a Perspective view of the locking member of the base of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 15   a  is a Perspective view of the wing member of the base of the first embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 15   b  is a Perspective view of the leg member of the base of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  is a Perspective view of the components that comprise the second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  is a Perspective view of the base of the second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 18  is a Perspective view of the spine member of the base of the second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 19   a  is a Perspective view of the leg member of the second embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 19   b  is a Perspective view of the locking member of the second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 20  is the configuration of the first embodiment of the invention when used in hitting curved balls and; 
           [0041]      FIG. 21  is the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention when used in hitting balls in the lower region of the strike zone. 
           [0042]      FIG. 22  is the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention when used in hitting balls freely or practicing fielding. 
           [0043]      FIG. 23  is the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention in transportation or storage mode. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0044]    Referring first to  FIG. 1 , therein is shown, in hitting practice mode, a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the sports device  10  used to practice hitting in baseball, the sports device  10  comprising an arm member  15  at the end of which is positioned a ball/ball-like object  50 . The arm member  15  is mounted on the base  60  and as disclosed herein is detachable from the base  60  and is easily mounted on any type of base, whether stationary or portable. 
         [0045]    Referring first to  FIG. 2   a , therein is shown the perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the arm member  15 , the preferred embodiment being multi-sectional comprising a first section  20  and a second section  30 . A ball/ball-like object  50  is positioned at an end of the arm member  15 .  FIG. 2   b  shows the top view of the preferred embodiment of the arm member  15 . 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , therein is shown the perspective view of the first section  20  of the preferred embodiment of the arm member  15 . The cross section of the first section  20  can be of any geometrical shape. However, the preferred embodiment has a upper and a lower longitudinal face  21 ,  21 ′, and a first and a second lateral face  22 ,  22 ′, and a first end  23  and a second end  23 ′. A recess  24  runs substantially symmetrical through the longitudinal axis of the first section  20 , opening in the longitudinal faces  21 ,  21 ′ and opening in the first end  23 . A hole  25  in substantially the longitudinal axis of the first section  20 , opening in the upper and lower longitudinal faces  21  and  21 ′, and located in the proximity of the closed end of the recess  24  allows the multi-section arm member  15  to be secured rotatably and substantially horizontal around an upright member of the base in hitting practice mode, and to rotate clockwise and counter clockwise around the upright member, and also to move up and down the upright member. Substantially concentric and congruent holes  26   a  and  26   b , with the hole  26   a  opening in and substantially perpendicular to the lateral face  22  and ending in the recess  24 ; and the hole  26   b  opening in and substantially perpendicular to the lateral face  22 ′ and ending in the recess  24  house a counter weight member  28  (not shown), with the counter weight member  28  running substantially perpendicular to the first and second lateral faces  22 ,  22 ′ of the first section  20  of the multi-section arm member  15  and spanning the recess  24 . Substantially concentric and congruent holes  27   a  and  27   b , with the hole  27   a  opening in and substantially perpendicular to the lateral face  22  and ending in the recess  24 , and the hole  27   b  opening in and substantially perpendicular to the lateral face  22 ′ and ending in the recess  24  facilitate the connection between the first section  20  and the second section  30 . In hitting practice mode, the length of the second section  30  of the multi-section arm member  15  from the first end of the second section  30  to the connection resides under the counter weight member  28  positioning the second section  30  substantially horizontally. The counter weight member  28  can be a bolt secured by a nut. It can equally be a length of flexible material such as surgical tubing. A suitable material for the first section  20  of the multi-section arm member  15  to be made of is teflon as it is light, strong and will not rust. 
         [0047]    The preferred embodiment of the second section  30  of the preferred embodiment of the multi-section arm member  15  is shown in  FIG. 4  and is comprised of a hollow shaft  31 . Exploded view of the first end is shown in  FIG. 4   a . Exploded view of the second end is shown in  FIG. 4   b . The hollow shaft  31  has a first end  31   a  and a second end  31   b . Riding over the hollow shaft  31  in the proximity of the first end  31   a  is the connection member  33  which connects the first section  20  and the second section  30 . The cross section of the connection member  33  can be of any geometrical shape. As shown in  FIG. 4   c , the preferred embodiment of the connection member  33  has a first and a second longitudinal face  34 ,  34 ′, and a first and a second lateral face  35 ,  35 ′, and an upper face  36  and a lower face  36 ′. The width of the longitudinal faces  34  and  34 ′ is less than the width of the recess  24  of the first section  20  of the multi-section arm member  15 . A hole  37  opening substantially perpendicular to and in substantially the centre of the longitudinal faces  34 ,  34 ′ has a diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the hollow shaft  31  so allowing the hollow shaft  31  to rotate clockwise or counter clockwise and also move forwards and backwards relative to the hole  37 , forwards and backwards movement being constrained by stoppers  38  and  39  which are affixed to the hollow shaft  31  on either side of the connecting member  33 . The outer diameter of the stoppers  38  and  39  is greater than the diameter of the hole  37  so preventing the hollow shaft  31  from slipping out of the connection member  33 . The stopper  39  also prevents the first end  31   a  of the hollow shaft  31  from coming into contact with the upright member to which the multi-section arm member  15  is secured rotatably in hitting practice mode, when the ball/ball-like object  50  moves towards the first section  20 . A hole  40  opens in the lateral faces  35 ,  35 ′ to which it is substantially perpendicular. The first section  20  and the second section  30  are hinged together by a pivotal member  41  passing thru the substantially concentric and congruent holes  27   a  and  27   b  in the first section  20  and the hole  40  thru the lateral faces  35 ,  35 ′. The hollow shaft  31  can rotate freely within the recess  24  around the pivotal member  41 . The pivotal member can be a bolt secured by a nut. In this embodiment a ball/ball-like object  50  is positioned abutting the second end  31   b  of the hollow shaft  31  by a plurality of elastic members  51  conjoined to the ball/ball-like object  50 , the plurality of elastic members  51  drawn taut thru the hollow shaft  31  and secured at the first end  31   a  of the hollow shaft  31  by being threaded thru the aperture of a restraining member  53  that is contiguous to the first end  31   a  of the hollow shaft  31 , then, knotted. The knot  52  of the plurality of elastic members  51  is greater than the aperture of the restraining member  53 . The outer diameter of the restraining member  53  is greater than the outer diameter of the hollow shaft  31 . A plurality of safety members  54 , also conjoined to the ball/ball-like object  50  and drawn thru the hollow shaft  31 , is also secured at the first end  31   a  of the hollow shaft  31  by being threaded thru the aperture of the restraining member  53 , then, knotted. The knot  55  of the plurality of safety members  54  is greater than the aperture of the restraining member  53 . The plurality of safety members  54  is long enough so as not to constrict expansion of the plurality of elastic members  51 . In the event the plurality of elastic members  51  breaks or the ball/ball-like object  50  releases from the plurality of elastic members  51 , the plurality of safety members  54  will prevent the ball/ball-like object  50  from causing an injury. The inner diameter of the hollow shaft  31  is great enough to allow the plurality of elastic members  51  and the plurality of safety members  54  to move freely. 
         [0048]    The second embodiment of the second section  30  of the preferred embodiment of the arm member  15  is shown in  FIG. 5  and is comprised of a first hollow shaft  31  and a second hollow shaft  32 . Exploded view of the first end is shown in  FIG. 5   a . Exploded view of the second end is shown in  FIG. 5   b . The first hollow shaft  31  has a first end  31   a  and a second end  31   b . The second hollow shaft  32  has a first end  32   a  and a second end  32   b . The second hollow shaft  32  resides within the first hollow shaft  31 . Riding over the first hollow shaft  31  in the proximity of the first end  31   a  is the connection member  33  which connects the first section  20  and the second section  30 . The cross section of the connection member  33  can be of any geometrical shape. As shown in  FIG. 5   c , the preferred embodiment of the connection member  33  has a first and a second longitudinal face  34 ,  34 ′, and a first and a second lateral face  35 ,  35 ′, and an upper face  36  and a lower face  36 ′. The width of the longitudinal faces  34  and  34 ′ is less than the width of the recess  24  of the first section  20  of the multi-section arm member  15 . A hole  37  opening substantially perpendicular to and in substantially the centre of the longitudinal faces  34 ,  34 ′ has a diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the first hollow shaft  31  so allowing the first hollow shaft  31  to rotate clockwise or counter clockwise and also move forwards and backwards relative to the hole  37 , forwards and backwards movement being constrained by stoppers  38  and  39  which are affixed to the first hollow shaft  31  on either side of the connecting member  33 . The outer diameter of the stoppers  38  and  39  is greater than the diameter of the hole  37  so preventing the first hollow shaft  31  from slipping out of the connection member  33 . The stopper  39  also prevents the first end  31   a  of the first hollow shaft  31  from coming into contact with the upright member to which the multi-section arm member  15  is secured rotatably in hitting practice mode, when the ball/ball-like object  50  moves towards the first section  20 . A hole  40  opens in the lateral faces  35 ,  35 ′ to which it is substantially perpendicular. The first section  20  and the second section  30  are hinged together by a pivotal member  41  passing thru the substantially concentric and congruent holes  27   a  and  27   b  in the first section  20  and the hole  40  thru the lateral faces  35 ,  35 ′. The first hollow shaft  31  and second hollow shaft  32  can rotate freely within the recess  24  around the pivotal member  41 . The pivotal member can be a bolt secured by a nut. In this embodiment a ball/ball-like object  50  is positioned abutting the second end  31   b  of the first hollow shaft  31  by a plurality of elastic members  51  conjoined to the ball/ball-like object  50 , the plurality of elastic members  51  drawn taut thru the second hollow shaft  32  and secured at the first end  31   a  of the first hollow shaft  31  by being threaded thru the aperture of a restraining member  53  that is contiguous to the first end  31   a  of the first hollow shaft  31 , then, knotted. The knot  52  of the plurality of elastic members  51  is greater than the aperture of the restraining member  53 . The outer diameter of the restraining member  53  is greater than the outer diameter of the first hollow shaft  31 . A plurality of safety members  54 , also conjoined to the ball/ball-like object  50  and drawn thru the second hollow shaft  32 , is also secured at the first end  31   a  of the first hollow shaft  31  by being threaded thru the aperture of the restraining member  53 , then, knotted. The knot  55  of the plurality of safety members  54  is greater than the aperture of the restraining member  53 . The plurality of safety members  54  is long enough so as not to constrict expansion of the plurality of elastic members  51 . In the event the plurality of elastic members  51  breaks or the ball/ball-like object  50  releases from the plurality of elastic members  51 , the plurality of safety members  54  will prevent the ball/ball-like object  50  from causing an injury. The inner diameter of the first hollow shaft  31  is greater than the outer diameter of the second hollow shaft  32  thus allowing the second hollow shaft  32  to move freely within the first hollow shaft  31 . The inner diameter of the second hollow shaft  32  is great enough to allow the plurality of elastic members  51  and the plurality of safety members  54  to move freely. 
         [0049]    The third embodiment of the second section  30  of the preferred embodiment of the arm member  15  is shown in  FIG. 6  and is comprised of a solid shaft  31 . Exploded view of the first end is shown in  FIG. 6   a . Exploded view of the second end is shown in  FIG. 6   b . The solid shaft  31  has a first end  31   a  and a second end  31   b . Within the solid shaft  31  is a plurality of safety members  54 . Riding over the solid shaft  31  in the proximity of the first end  31   a  is the connection member  33  which connects the first section  20  and the second section  30 . The cross section of the connection member  33  can be of any geometrical shape. As shown in  FIG. 6   c , the preferred embodiment of the connection member  33  has a first and a second longitudinal face  34 ,  34 ′, and a first and a second lateral face  35 ,  35 ′, and an upper face  36  and a lower face  36 ′. The width of the longitudinal faces  34  and  34 ′ is less than the width of the recess  24  of the first section  20  of the multi-section arm member  15 . A hole  37  opening substantially perpendicular to and in substantially the centre of the longitudinal faces  34 ,  34 ′ has a diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the solid shaft  31  so allowing the solid shaft  31  to rotate clockwise or counter clockwise and also move forwards and backwards relative to the hole  37 , forwards and backwards movement being constrained by stoppers  38  and  39  which are affixed to the solid shaft  31  on either side of the connecting member  33 . The outer diameter of the stoppers  38  and  39  is greater than the diameter of the hole  37  so preventing the solid shaft  31  from slipping out of the connection member  33 . The stopper  39  also prevents the first end  31   a  of the solid shaft  31  from coming into contact with the upright member of the base to which the multi-section arm member  15  is secured rotatably in hitting practice mode, when the ball/ball-like object  50  moves towards the first section  20 . A hole  40  opens in the lateral faces  35 ,  35 ′ to which it is substantially perpendicular. The first section  20  and the second section  30  are hinged together by a pivotal member  41  passing the substantially concentric and congruent holes  27   a  and  27   b  in the first section  20  and the hole  40  thru the lateral faces  35 ,  35 ′. The solid shaft  31  can rotate freely within the recess  24  around the pivotal member  41 . The pivotal member can be a bolt secured by a nut. In this embodiment the second end  31   b  of the solid shaft  31  is affixed within a ball/ball-like object  50 . 
         [0050]    The fourth embodiment of the second section  30  of the preferred embodiment of the arm member  15  is shown in  FIG. 7  and is comprised of a first hollow shaft  31  and a second hollow shaft  32 . Exploded view of the first end is shown in  FIG. 7   a . Exploded view of the second end is shown in  FIG. 7   b . The first hollow shaft  31  has a first end  31   a  and a second end  31   b . The second hollow shaft  32  has a first end  32   a  and a second end  32   b . The first hollow shaft  31  resides over the second hollow shaft  32 . Riding over the second hollow shaft  32  in the proximity of the first end  32   a  is the connection member  33  which connects the first section  20  and the second section  30 . The cross section of the connection member  33  can be of any geometrical shape. As shown in  FIG. 7   c , the preferred embodiment of the connection member  33  has a first and a second longitudinal face  34 ,  34 ′, and a first and a second lateral face  35 ,  35 ′, and an upper face  36  and a lower face  36 ′. The width of the longitudinal faces  34  and  34 ′ is less than the width of the recess  24  of the first section  20  of the multi-section arm member  15 . A hole  37  opening substantially perpendicular to and in substantially the centre of the longitudinal faces  34 ,  34 ′ has a diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the second hollow shaft  32  so allowing the second hollow shaft  32  to rotate clockwise or counter clockwise and also move forwards and backwards relative to the hole  37 , forwards and backwards movement being constrained by stoppers  38  and  39  which are affixed to the second hollow shaft  32  on either side of the connecting member  33 . The outer diameter of the stoppers  38  and  39  is greater than the diameter of the hole  37  so preventing the second hollow shaft  32  from slipping out of the connection member  33 . The stopper  39  also prevents the first end  32   a  of the second hollow shaft  32  from coming into contact with the upright member of the base to which the multi-section arm member  15  is secured rotatably in hitting practice mode, when the ball/ball-like object  50  moves towards the first section  20 . A hole  40  opens in the lateral faces  35 ,  35 ′ to which it is substantially perpendicular. The first section  20  and the second section  30  are hinged together by a pivotal member  41  passing thru the substantially concentric and congruent holes  27   a  and  27   b  in the first section  20  and the hole  40  thru the lateral faces  35 ,  35 ′. The first hollow shaft  31  and second hollow shaft  32  can rotate freely within the recess  24  around the pivotal member  41 . The pivotal member can be a bolt secured by a nut. In this embodiment a ball/ball-like object  50  is positioned abutting the second end  32   b  of the second hollow shaft  32 , with the second end  31   b  of the first hollow shaft  31  within said ball/ball-like object  50 , by a plurality of elastic members  51  conjoined to the ball/ball-like object  50 , the plurality of elastic members  51  drawn taut thru the second hollow shaft  32  and secured at the first end  32   a  of the second hollow shaft  32  by being threaded thru the aperture of a restraining member  53  that is contiguous to the first end  32   a  of the second hollow shaft  32 , then, knotted. The knot  52  of the plurality of elastic members  51  is greater than the aperture of the restraining member  53 . The outer diameter of the restraining member  53  is greater than the outer diameter of the second hollow shaft  32 . A plurality of safety members  54 , also conjoined to the ball/ball-like object  50  and drawn thru the second hollow shaft  32 , is also secured at the first end  32   a  of the second hollow shaft  32  by being threaded thru the aperture of the restraining member  53 , then, knotted. The knot  55  of the plurality of safety members  54  is greater than the aperture of the restraining member  53 . The plurality of safety members  54  is long enough so as not to constrict expansion of the plurality of elastic members  51 . In the event the plurality of elastic members  51  breaks or the ball/ball-like object  50  releases from the plurality of elastic members  51 , the plurality of safety members  54  will prevent the ball/ball-like object  50  from causing an injury. The inner diameter of the first hollow shaft  31  is greater than the outer diameter of the second hollow shaft  32  thus allowing the second hollow shaft  32  to move freely within the first hollow shaft  31 . The inner diameter of the second hollow shaft  32  is great enough to allow the plurality of elastic members  51  and the plurality of safety members  54  to move freely. 
         [0051]    The fifth embodiment of the second section  30  of the preferred embodiment of the multi-section arm member  15  is shown in  FIG. 8  and is comprised of a solid shaft  31 . Exploded view of the first end is shown in  FIG. 8   a . Exploded view of the second end is shown in  FIG. 8   b . The solid shaft  31  has a first end  31   a  and a second end  31   b . Within the solid shaft  31  is a plurality of safety members  54 . A platform  42  at the second end  31   b  freely supports the ball/ball-like object  50 . The solid shaft  31  is affixed to the connection member  33  such that the platform  42  is always substantially upright in hitting and fielding practice mode. The cross section of the connection member  33  can be of any geometrical shape. As shown in  FIG. 8   c , the preferred embodiment of the connection member  33  has a first and a second longitudinal face  34 ,  34 ′, and a first and a second lateral face  35 ,  35 ′, and an upper face  36  and a lower face  36 ′. The width of the longitudinal faces  34  and  34 ′ is less than the width of the recess  24 . A hole  37  opens substantially perpendicular to and in substantially the centre of the longitudinal faces  34 ,  34 ′ and it is thru the hole  37  the solid shaft  31  is affixed to the connection member  33 . A hole  40  opens in the lateral faces  35 ,  35 ′ to which it is substantially perpendicular. The first section  20  and the second section  30  are hinged together by a pivotal member  41  passing thru the substantially concentric and congruent holes  27   a  and  27   b  in the first section  20  and the hole  40  thru the lateral faces  35 ,  35 ′. The solid shaft  31  can rotate freely within the recess  24  around the pivotal member  41 . The pivotal member can be a bolt secured by a nut. 
         [0052]    The second embodiment of the arm member  15  is shown in  FIG. 9  and is comprised of a hollow shaft  31 . Exploded view of the first end is shown in  FIG. 9   a . Exploded view of the second end is shown in  FIG. 9   b . The hollow shaft  31  has a first end  31   a  and a second end  31   b . A hole  56  in the proximity of the first end  31   a  of the hollow shaft  31  allows the arm member  15  to be secured rotatably to an upright member of a base in hitting practice, and to rotate clockwise and counter clockwise around the upright member and also to move up and down the upright member. In this embodiment a ball/ball-like object  50  is positioned abutting the second end  31   b  of the hollow shaft  31  by a plurality of elastic members  51  conjoined to the ball/ball-like object  50 , the plurality of elastic members  51  drawn taut thru the hollow shaft  31  and secured at the first end  31   a  of the hollow shaft  31  by being threaded thru the aperture of a restraining member  53  that is contiguous to the first end  31   a  of the hollow shaft  31 , then, knotted. The knot  52  of the plurality of elastic members  51  is greater than the aperture of the restraining member  53 . The outer diameter of the restraining member  53  is greater than the outer diameter of the hollow shaft  31 . A plurality of safety members  54 , also conjoined to the ball/ball-like object  50  and drawn thru the hollow shaft  31 , is also secured at the first end  31   a  of the hollow shaft  31  by being threaded thru the aperture of the restraining member  53 , then, knotted. The knot  55  of the plurality of safety members  54  is greater than the aperture of the restraining member  53 . The plurality of safety members  54  is long enough so as not to constrict expansion of the plurality of elastic members  51 . In the event the plurality of elastic members  51  breaks or the ball/ball-like object  50  releases from the plurality of elastic members  51 , the plurality of safety members  54  will prevent the ball/ball-like object  50  from causing an injury. The inner diameter of the hollow shaft  31  is great enough to allow the plurality of elastic members  51  and the plurality of safety members  54  to move freely. 
         [0053]    The third embodiment of the arm member  15  is shown in  FIG. 10  and is comprised of a first hollow shaft  31  and a second hollow shaft  32 . Exploded view of the first end is shown in  FIG. 10   a . Exploded view of the second end is shown in  FIG. 10   b . The first hollow shaft  31  has a first end  31   a  and a second end  31   b . The second hollow shaft  32  has a first end  32   a  and a second end  32   b . The second hollow shaft  32  resides within the first hollow shaft  31 . The inner diameter of the first hollow shaft  31  is greater than the outer diameter of the second hollow shaft  32  thus allowing the second hollow shaft  32  to move freely within the first hollow shaft  31 . A hole  56  in the proximity of the first end  31   a  of the hollow shaft  31  allows the arm member  15  to be secured rotatably to an upright member of a base in hitting practice, and to rotate clockwise and counter clockwise around the upright member and also to move up and down the upright member. The hole  56  does not penetrate the second hollow shaft  32  so enabling the second hollow shaft  32  to move unrestricted within the first hollow shaft  31 . In this embodiment a ball/ball-like object  50  is positioned abutting the second end  31   b  of the first hollow shaft  31  by a plurality of elastic members  51  conjoined to the ball/ball-like object  50 , the plurality of elastic members  51  drawn taut thru the second hollow shaft  32  and secured at the first end  31   a  of the first hollow shaft  31  by being threaded thru the aperture of a restraining member  53  that is contiguous to the first end  31   a  of the first hollow shaft  31 , then, knotted. The knot  52  of the plurality of elastic members  51  is greater than the aperture of the restraining member  53 . The outer diameter of the restraining member  53  is greater than the outer diameter of the first hollow shaft  31 . A plurality of safety members  54 , also conjoined to the ball/ball-like object  50  and drawn thru the second hollow shaft  32 , is also secured at the first end  31   a  of the first hollow shaft  31  by being threaded thru the aperture of the restraining member  53 , then, knotted. The knot  55  of the plurality of safety members  54  is greater than the aperture of the restraining member  53 . The plurality of safety members  54  is long enough so as not to constrict expansion of the plurality of elastic members  51 . In the event the plurality of elastic members  51  breaks or the ball/ball-like object  50  releases from the plurality of elastic members  51 , the plurality of safety members  54  will prevent the ball/ball-like object  50  from causing an injury. The inner diameter of the second hollow shaft  32  is great enough to allow the plurality of elastic members  51  and the plurality of safety members  54  to move freely. 
         [0054]    The fourth embodiment of the arm member  15  is shown in  FIG. 11  and is comprised of a solid shaft  31 . Exploded view of the first end is shown in  FIG. 11   a . Exploded view of the second end is shown in  FIG. 11   b . The solid shaft  31  has a first end  31   a  and a second end  31   b . Within the solid shaft  31  is a plurality of safety members  54 . A hole  56  in the proximity of the first end  31   a  of the solid shaft  31  allows the arm member  15  to be secured rotatably to an upright member of a base in hitting practice, and to rotate clockwise and counter clockwise around the upright member and also to move up and down the upright member. In this embodiment the second end  31   b  of the solid shaft  31  is affixed within a ball/ball-like object  50 . 
         [0055]    Rubber is a suitable material for both shafts  31  and  32  as it is flexible and has great tensile strength. A suitable material for the ball/ball-like object  50  to be made of is polyurethane which has rubber-like properties. However, there are other materials that will equally fit the specification. The plurality of elastic members  51  can either be bungee cords or surgical tubings. The plurality of safety members  54  can be polyurethane cords. The plurality of safety members  54  can equally be of material that is strong and elastic in nature. The preferred manner of conjoining the ball/ball-like object  50  with plurality of elastic members  51  and the plurality of safety members  54  is to mould the plurality of elastic members  51  and the plurality of safety members  54  to the ball/ball-like object  50 . The parts of both the plurality of elastic members  51  and the plurality of safety members  54  within the ball/ball-like object  50  are splayed to ensure greater adhesion of the plurality of elastic members  51  and the plurality of safety members  54  to the ball/ball-like object  50 . The pivotal member  41  is a bolt and a nut and is removable. In the event the ball/ball-like object  50  is damaged, or the plurality of elastic members  51  is broken, or the second section  30  is damaged, or the ball/ball-like object  50  releases from the plurality of safety members  54 , the second section  30  together with the ball/ball-like object  50  positioned at the second end of the second section  30  can be replaced. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , therein is shown, a perspective view of the base  60  of the first embodiment of the present invention which is comprised of a height adjusting member  61 , a spine member  68 , a plurality of fin members  91 , a plurality of wing members  86 , a plurality of leg members  100 , a plurality of weight members  109  (not shown) and a plurality of spike members  110  (not shown). 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 13 , the height adjusting member  61  is a slotted bar having a first and second parallel longitudinal faces  62 ,  62 ′, and a first and second parallel lateral faces  63 ,  63 ′, and upper and lower faces  64 ,  64 ′. A slot  65  runs substantially symmetrical through the longitudinally axis, opening and ending in the longitudinal faces  62 ,  62 ′ and starting and ending below the upper and lower faces  64 ,  64 ′. A hole drilled in substantially the centre of the upper face  64  accommodates an upright member  66  with most of the upright member  66  transfixed and projecting at a substantial right angle to the upper face  64 . That part of the upright member  66  projecting from the upper face  64  is greater than the height of the lateral face  22  of the first section  20  of the arm  15  enabling that part of the upright member  66  transfixed and projecting from the upper face  64  to be inserted into the hole  25  of the first section  20  of the arm  15 , with the arm  15  free to rotate around the upright member  66  in both directions. A detachable locking member  67  at substantially the end of the upright member  66  prevents the arm  15  from slipping out of the upright member  66  during hitting and fielding practice and allows the arm  15  to be removed from the upright member  66  in transportation or storage mode. The height adjusting member  61  is made of polypropylene; the upright member  66  is a grade 8 steel bolt; the detachable locking mechanism  67  of the upright member  66  is a wing nut. 
         [0058]    As shown in  FIG. 14   a , the spine member  68  is a metal tubing having a first end  69  and a second end  69 ′ with both ends capped by inserts  70 . The cross section of the spine member  68  is rectangular with the wide faces forming the upper face  71  and lower face  71 ′ of the spine member  68 ; and the narrow faces forming the frontal face  72  and back face  72 ′ of the spine member  68 . A first recess  73  is formed by two metal brackets  74   a ,  74   b  welded substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the frontal face  72  of the spine member  68  and at a right angle to the upper and lower faces  71 ,  71 ′. The length of the first recess  73  is the height of the frontal member  72 . The width of the first recess  73  is slightly greater than the width of the longitudinal face  62  of the height adjusting member  61  so allowing the height adjusting member  61  to move freely within the first recess  73 . The depth of the first recess  73  is the height of the lateral face  63  of the height adjusting member  61 . The first recess  73  is positioned substantially symmetrical between the first and second ends  69  and  69 ′. In the centre of the first recess  73  a hole  75  extends thru to the back face  72 ′ to which a nut  76  (not shown) is welded concentric to the hole  75 . A fully threaded bolt  77  secures the height adjusting member  61  during batting practice in the first recess  73  by being inserted thru the slot  65  and the hole  75  then threaded into the nut  76 . A second recess  78  is formed by two metal brackets  79   a ,  79   b  welded substantially parallel to each other and at an acute angle to the frontal face  72  of the spine member  68 . Each metal bracket extends from the upper face  71  to the lower face  71 ′. The width of the second recess  78  is slightly greater than the width of the longitudinal face  62  of the height adjusting member  61  so allowing the height adjusting member  61  to move freely within the second recess  78 . The depth of the second recess  78  is the height of the lateral face  63  of the height adjusting member  61 . The second recess  78  is located at either end  69  or  69 ′ slanted towards that end. In the centre of the second recess  78  a hole  80  extending thru to the back face  69 ′ to which a nut  81  (not shown) is welded concentric to the hole  80 . The same bolt  77  secures the height adjusting member  61  during batting practice in the second recess  73  by being inserted thru the slot  65  and the hole  80  then threaded into the a nut  81 . The height adjusting member  61  is housed in the first recess  73  when practicing non-curve balls hitting and in the second recess  78  when practicing curve balls hitting. The hole  75  and  80  in either recess  73  and  78  and the slot  65  of the height adjusting member  61  are aligned. As shown in  FIG. 14   b , the head  82  of the fully threaded bolt  77  is greater than the width of the slot  65 . The head  82  has a hole  83  that is at right angle to the body of the fully threaded bolt  77  and in the hole  83  resides a handle  84  with a stopper  85  at each end. The stoppers  85  prevent the handle  84  from slipping out of the hole  83 . The handle  84  can slide back and forth in the hole  83 . In hitting practice mode the fully threaded bolt  77  is tightened into the corresponding nut welded to the back face  72 ′ of the hole. To adjust the height of the ball/ball-like object  50  the fully threaded bolt  77  is loosened, the height adjusting member  61  moved to the desired height, then the fully threaded bolt  77  is tightened once more. To move the height adjusting member  61  from one recess to another the fully threaded bolt  77  is fully un-screwed. In transportation or storage mode the fully threaded bolt  77  is loosened to the extent that the height adjusting member  61  can be rotated parallel to the spine member  68  then the fully threaded bolt  77  is tightened with the height adjusting member  61  contiguous to the metal brackets of the recess. A plurality of wing members  86  is secured rotatably to the upper face  71  of the spine member  68 . The outer of the pair of wing members  86  closer to the frontal face  72  is secured by a fastener  87  in the proximity of the first end of the spine member  68  with the free end extending to the second end of the spine member  68 . The other of the pair of wing members  86  closer to the frontal face is secured by a fastener  87   a  in the proximity of the second end of the spine member  68  with the free end not extending past the fastener  87  securing the outer wing member. This configuration allows the pair of wing members closer to the frontal face  72  to be rotated substantially perpendicular to the spine member. The outer of the pair of wing members closer to the back face  72 ′ is secured by a fastener  88  in the proximity of the first end of the spine member  68  with the free end extending to the second end of the spine member  68 . The other of the pair of wing members closer to the back face  72 ′ is secured by a fastener  88   a  in the proximity of the second end of the spine member with the free end not extending past the bolt securing the outer wing member. This configuration allows the pair of wing members closer to the back face to be rotated substantially perpendicular to the spine member. In storage or transportation mode the plurality of wing members is folded parallel to each other. A hole  90  in each of the free end on the plurality of wing members  86  allows the device  10  to be staked to the surface the hitter stands on when the device is inverted in batting practice. 
         [0059]    As shown in  FIG. 15   a , each of the plurality of fin members  91  is made of the same material as the spine member  68  with the wide faces forming the frontal face  92  and back face  92 ′ of the fin member  91  and the narrow faces forming the upper face  93  and lower face  93 ′ of the fin member  91 , and each fin member  91  having an outer face  94  and inner face  94 ′. Each fin member is affixed at an acute angle to the spine member  68  at each end, with the upper face  93  of the fin member  91  contiguous to the lower face  71 ′ of the spine member  68 . The fin members  91  at the ends of the spine member  68  are mirror images of each other, as are the fin members  91  on either side at each end. On the lower face  93 ′ of each fin member  91  is a recess  95 . Each fin member  91  has a insert  96 , extending from one end to the other of the fin member  91 . Each insert  96  has a recess substantially identical to the recess  95  of its fin member, with the insert  96  fitting snugly in the cavity of its fin member  91 . Each insert  96  has a nut  97  (not shown) embedded flush to the face of the insert  96  contiguous to the frontal face  92  of the fin member  91 . The nut  97  is exposed by a hole  98  in the frontal face  92  of the fin member  91 . A fully threaded bolt  99  resides in the nut  97 . The full threaded bolt  99  is similar in structure to the fully threaded bolt  77  shown in  FIG. 14   b . in that the head  82  of the full threaded bolt  99  has a hole  83  that is at right angle to the body of the bolt and in the hole resides a handle  84  with a stopper  85  at each end. The stoppers  85  prevent the handle  84  from slipping out of the hole  83 . The handle  84  can slide back and forth in the hole  83 . In hitting practice mode the bolt is tightened into the nut  97 . 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 15   b , each leg of the plurality of legs  100  is made of metal tubing, the cross section of which is circular, with a lower straight section  101  and an upper curved end  102 . The end of the straight section is capped by a foot member  103  which is oriented away from the curved section  102 . Each foot member  103  has a hole  104  thru which the device  10  is staked to the ground by a plurality of spikes  110 . When each of the plurality of leg member  100  is opened in hitting practice mode, each foot  103  sits substantially flat on the surface the hitter stands on. The end of the curved section  102  is capped by a washer  105 . At a distance slightly greater than the width of the lower face  93 ′ of a fin member  91   a  locking member  106  is welded substantially symmetrical around the leg. The locking member  106  has a notch  107  which is synchronised with the bolt  99  residing in the nut  97 , so when the leg opened in hitting practice mode, the notch  107  comes to a stop against the bolt  99  residing in the nut  97 . The section between the washer  105  and the locking member  106  of each leg  100  fits snugly in the recess  95  of the fin member  91  and is held in place by a plate member  108  fastened over the recess  95 . The head of the bolt  99  is greater than the notch  107  of the locking member  106 . When the bolt  99  is tightened it pushes the locking member  106  against the frontal face  92  of the fin member  91 , substantially immobilising the leg  100 . The two frontal legs are shorter than the two back legs which tilts the device towards the hitter. With this configuration, gravity always returns the ball/ball-like object  50  to the hitter. In storage or transportation mode each of the plurality of legs  100  is rotated into the spine member  68 . In hitting practice mode each of the plurality of legs  100  is rotated away from the spine member  68  until the locking member  106  comes into contact with the bolt  99 . When used outdoors the device  10  is immobilised by staking it to the ground by a plurality of spikes  110  thru the holes  104  in the foot member  103 . Each of the weighted members  109  is a saddle bag shipped empty to be filled by the user with sand or similar heavy material. The weighted members  109  are draped over the spine member in hitting practice mode to further immobilise the device. 
         [0061]    Referring first to  FIG. 16 , therein is shown, in hitting practice mode, a perspective view of a second embodiment of the sports device  10  used to practice hitting in baseball, the sports device  10  comprising an arm member  15  at the end of which is positioned a ball/ball-like object  50 . The arm member  15  is mounted on the base  60  and as disclosed herein is detachable from the base  60  and is easily mounted on any type of base, whether stationary or portable. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 17 , therein is shown, a perspective view of the base  60  of the second embodiment of the sports device  10  which is comprised of a height adjusting member  61 , a spine member  68 , a plurality of leg members  100 , a plurality of weight members  109  (not shown) and a plurality of spike members  110  (not shown). 
         [0063]    As shown in  FIG. 18 , the spine member  68  of the base  60  of the second embodiment of the sports device  10  is a metal tubing having a first end  69  and a second end  69 ′ with both ends capped by inserts  70 . The cross section of the spine member  68  is rectangular with the narrow faces forming the upper face  71  and lower face  71 ′ of the spine member  68 ; and the wide faces forming the frontal face  72  and back face  72 ′ of the spine member  68 . A recess  73  is formed by two metal brackets  74   a ,  74   b  welded substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the frontal face  72  of the spine member  68  and at a right angle to the upper and lower faces  71 ,  71 ′. The length of the first recess  73  is the height of the frontal member  72 . The width of the first recess  73  is slightly greater than the width of the longitudinal face  62  of the height adjusting member  61  so allowing the height adjusting member  61  to move freely within the first recess  73 . The depth of the first recess  73  is the height of the lateral face  63  of the height adjusting member  61 . The recess  73  is positioned substantially symmetrical between the first and second ends  69  and  69 ′. In the centre of the first recess  73  a hole  75  extends thru to the back face  72 ′ to which a nut  76  (not shown) is welded concentric to the hole  75 . During batting practice a fully threaded bolt  77  secures the height adjusting member  61  in the first recess  73  by being inserted thru the slot  65  and the hole  75  then threaded into the a nut  76 . In the lower face  71 ′ at substantially each end  69  and  69 ′ is a recess  95  in which each of the legs  100  is secured. Each insert  70  has a nut  97  (not shown) embedded flush to the face of the insert  70  contiguous to the frontal face  72  of the spine member  68 . The nut  97  is exposed by a hole  98  in the frontal face  72  of the spine member  68 . A fully threaded bolt  99  resides in the nut  97 . The full threaded bolt  99  is similar in structure to the fully threaded bolt  77  shown in  FIG. 14   b . in that the head  82  of the full threaded bolt  99  has a hole  83  that is at right angle to the body of the bolt  99  and in the hole  83  resides a handle  84  with a stopper  85  at each end. The stoppers  85  prevent the handle  82  from slipping out of the hole  83 . The handle  84  can slide back and forth in the hole  83 . In hitting practice mode the bolt  99  is tightened into the nut  97 . 
         [0064]    As shown in  FIG. 19   a , each of the plurality of legs  100  is made of metal tubing, the cross section of which is circular, with lower straight sections  101  joined by an upper curved end  102 . The end of each straight section  101  is capped by a foot member  103  which is oriented away from the curved section  102 . Each foot member  103  has a hole  104  thru which the device  10  is staked to the ground by a plurality of spikes  110 . When each of the plurality of leg member  100  is opened in hitting practice mode, each foot  103  sits substantially flat on the surface the hitter stands on. A washer  105  and a locking member  106  are welded over the curved section  102 , the spacing between them being slightly greater than the width of the lower face  71 ′ of the spine member  68 . The locking member  106  has a notch  107  which is synchronised with the bolt  99  residing in the nut  97 , so that when the leg is opened in hitting practice mode, the notch  107  comes to a stop against the bolt  99  residing in the nut  97 . Each leg  100  fits snugly in the recess  95  of the fin member  91  and is held in place by a plate member  108  fastened over the recess  95 . The head of the bolt  99  is greater than the notch  107  of the locking member  106 . When the bolt  99  is tightened it pushes the locking member  106  against the frontal face  72  of the spine member  68 , substantially immobilising the leg  100 . The frontal two straight sections of the legs are shorter than the back two straight sections of the legs  100  which tilts the device towards the hitter. With this configuration, gravity always returns the ball/ball-like object  50  to the hitter. In storage or transportation mode each of the plurality of legs  100  is rotated into the spine member  68 . In hitting practice mode each of the plurality of legs  100  is rotated away from the spine member  68  until the locking member  106  comes into contact with the bolt  99 . When used outdoors the device  10  is immobilised by staking it to the ground by a plurality of spikes  110  thru the holes  104  in the foot member  103 . Each of the weighted members  109  is a saddle bag shipped empty to be filled by the user with sand or similar heavy material. The weighted members  109  are draped over the spine member in hitting practice mode to further immobilise the device. As shown in  FIG. 19   b , the head  82  of the full threaded bolt  77  is greater than the width of the slot  65 . The head  82  has a hole  83  that is at right angle to the body of the bolt  77  and in the hole  83  resides a handle  84  with a stopper  85  at each end. The stoppers  85  prevent the handle  84  from slipping out of the hole  83 . The handle  84  can slide back and forth in the hole  83 . In hitting practice mode the bolt  77  is tightened into the corresponding nut welded to the back face  72 ′ of the hole. To adjust the height of the ball/ball-like object  50 , the fully threaded bolt  77  is loosened, the height adjusting member  61  moved to the desired height, then the fully threaded bolt  77  is tightened once more. In transportation or storage mode the fully threaded bolt  77  is loosened to the extent that the height adjusting member  61  can be rotated parallel to the spine member  68  then the fully threaded bolt  77  is tightened with the height adjusting member  61  contiguous to the metal brackets of the recess. 
       Method of Use 
       [0065]    The configurations of the first embodiment of the invention as shown in  FIG. 1  and the second embodiment of the invention as shown in  FIG. 16  are used to practice hitting in baseball in the upper regions of the strike zone. The height adjusting member  61  is used to adjust the height of the ball/ball-like object  50  for the hitter by loosening the recess bolt  77  and sliding the height adjusting member  61  up or down to the desired height then tightening the recess bolt  77 . In batting practice the ball/ball-like object  50  can either be stationary or moving. Having the ball/ball-like object  50  moving simulates pitching. This is done by a right handed batter rotating the ball/ball-like object  50  counter clockwise into the himself/herself or by a left handed batter rotating the ball/ball-like object  50  clockwise into the himself/herself. 
         [0066]    The configuration of the first embodiment of the invention as shown in  FIG. 20  is used to practice hitting curved balls in baseball. In this configuration the arm member  15  is at an acute angle to the vertical. Having the ball/ball-like object  50  rotate simulates a curved ball in baseball. This is done by a right handed batter rotating the ball/ball-like object  50  counter clockwise into the himself/herself or by a left handed batter rotating the ball/ball-like object  50  clockwise into the himself/herself. 
         [0067]    The configuration of the first embodiment of the invention as shown in  FIG. 21  is used to practice hitting in baseball in the lower region of the strike zone. In batting practice the ball/ball-like object  50  can either be stationary or moving. Having the ball/ball-like object  50  moving simulates pitching. This is done by a right handed batter rotating the ball/ball-like object  50  counter clockwise into the himself/herself or by a left handed batter rotating the ball/ball-like object  50  clockwise into the himself/herself. 
         [0068]    The configuration of the first embodiment of the invention as shown in  FIG. 22  is used to practice hitting balls freely into the field or a net. In fielding practice the ball/ball-like object  50  sits freely on a platform at the end of the arm member  15 . The ball is then hit to players who field the ball. 
         [0069]    The configuration of the first embodiment of the invention as shown in  FIG. 23  is that of the invention in storage or transportation mode. 
         [0070]    This invention has been disclosed and described in its embodiments with a certain degree of peculiarity; it is understood that the present disclosure of the embodiments is only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details and arrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Technology Category: 1