Batter swing training apparatus

• US 6,916,256 B1
• Filed: 10/06/2003
• Issued: 07/12/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/25/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Benjamin D. Buster
• Original Assignee: Benjamin D. Buster
• Inventors: Buster, Benjamin D., Coody, Bruce F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Aryanpour, Mitra
• Application Number:
  US10/679,967
• Time in Patent Office: 645 Days
• Field of Search: 473/422, 473451-453, 473/457, 473/450, 473/458, 473/464, 124/1, 124/7, 124/8, 124/21, 124/36
• US Class Current: 473/451
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/0008 for batting
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/401 substantially vertically, e.g. for baseball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0002 for baseball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0057 Means for physically limiting movements of body parts A63B23/0211 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0062 Leg restraining devices
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/407 with spring-loaded propelling means

Abstract

A baseball swing training apparatus includes a ground frame section with a forward motion restraint attached to the ground frame section. The forward motion restraint will be adjustable such that the forward motion restraint is positionable at various levels on the body of a user. The training apparatus will further include a ball launcher, a foot plate and a trigger attached to the foot plate for activating the ball launcher.

Claims

1. A batter training apparatus comprising:

a. a ground frame section;

b. a forward motion restraint attached to said ground frame section, said forward motion restraint comprising at least two substantially vertical members extending from said ground frame section and a substantially horizontal member extending between said vertical members;

c. a ball launcher; and

d. a trigger for activating said ball launcher, wherein said trigger comprises a cord extending between said vertical members.

2. The batter training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said vertical member and said horizontal member are attached at substantially right angles to one another.

3. The batter training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said vertical members are less than approximately 2.5 feet in height.

6. The batter training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said ball launcher is connected to said ground frame section.

11. The batter training apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said ground frame section is configured such that said forward motion restraint and said ball launcher are reversible to accommodate either a left-handed or a right-handed batter.

12. The batter training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said ground frame section is generally U-shaped.

13. The batter training apparatus according to claim 1, further including an attachment for a baseball bat comprising:

a. a support tube having a diameter approximate to that of a bat at said bat'"'"'s striking surface; and

b. three substantially flat striking surfaces connected to and surrounding said support tube, thereby forming a triangular structure around said support tube.

14. The batter training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said forward motion restraint is adjustable such that it will press against a user'"'"'s lead leg between said user'"'"'s shin and hip.

4. A batter training apparatus comprising:

a. a ground frame section;

b. a forward motion restraint attached to said ground frame section, said forward motion restraint comprising a substantially vertical member extending from said ground frame section and a substantially horizontal member extending form said vertical member;

c. a ball launcher;

d. a trigger for activating said ball launcher,

e. a foot plate attached to said ground frame section; and

f. wherein said trigger includes a cord attached to said foot plate and extending to a release pin on said ball launcher.

5. The batter training apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said foot plate is pivotally mounted on said ground frame section.

7. The batter training apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said trigger is operatively connected to a foot plate.

8. The batter training apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said vertical member is pivotally mounted on said ground frame section and said horizontal member forms a substantially perpendicular angle with said vertical member.

10. The batter training apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the position of said ball launcher relative to said ground frame section is adjustable.

9. A batter training apparatus comprising:

a. a ground frame section;

b. a forward motion restraint attached to said ground frame section, said forward motion restraint comprising a substantially vertical member extending from said ground frame section and a substantially horizontal member extending from said vertical member;

c. a ball launcher;

d. a trigger for activating said ball launcher,

e. wherein said vertical member is pivotally mounted on said ground frame section and said horizontal member forms a substantially perpendicular angle with said vertical member; and

f. wherein said forward motion restraint is radially adjustable relative to said ground frame section.

15. A batter training apparatus comprising:

a. a ground frame section;

b. a forward motion restraint attached to said ground frame section, said forward motion restraint being adjustable such that said forward motion restraint is positionable at various levels with respect to a body of a user positioned to use said training apparatus;

c. a ball launcher;

e. a foot plate attached to said ground frame section; and

d. a trigger for activating said ball launcher, wherein said trigger includes a cord attached to said foot plate and extending to a release pin on said ball launcher.

16. The batter training apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said ball launcher includes a spring slot in which said release pin travels and a cocking notch at a bottom portion of said release.