US20170128810A1

US20170128810A1 - Indoor/outdoor swing trainer

Info

Publication number: US20170128810A1
Application number: US14/938,834
Authority: US
Inventors: Rodney James Drouillard; Cary Lucier
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-11-11
Filing date: 2015-11-11
Publication date: 2017-05-11

Abstract

A swing trainer comprises a wire rope onto which are positioned a plurality of balls, each having a hole through the center, and cushioning devices on either end of the wire rope. The balls and cushioning devices can freely travel along the length of the wire rope. The rope is anchored to an immovable object or held on one end by a user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 62/078,182 which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an adaptable device that will aid the user in the development of a proper and efficient batting swing for sports including baseball, golf and others.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Baseball, fastball, softball and golf are very popular sports in North America. Players wanting to improve their hand-eye coordination and their swing are looking for ways to practice and improve on their own. Swing trainers are relatively new concepts which are developed to help individual users improve their swing. Many different swing devices currently exist in the market but fall short of an all-in-one solution for each of these sports.
A swing trainer is a device that is used for baseball, fastball, softball and golf which allows the user to practice with the intention of improving their swing. Known devices have several flaws that may actually prevent or restrict the user from improving, which is contrary to the purpose of the device.
The most common batting swing aids or batting swing trainers take the form of a simple batting tee which is used to practice a baseball, fastball or softball batting swing. This type of swing trainer requires that a ball be placed atop the device where it may be hit off its perch by the user with a bat. Once the ball has been hit off the ball perch, another ball must be placed atop the device to continue practicing, and so on. This process may continue with the placement and hitting of subsequent balls as long as the user desires or until the supply of balls has been exhausted. When there are no more balls or the user chooses to end the practice session, the loose balls that have been hit must be collected. This type of batting swing trainer has two main flaws: 1) placing individual balls and retrieving them after they have been hit wastes a lot of valuable time which otherwise could have been better spent practicing; and 2) the device does not provide feedback with regard to the effectiveness of the user's swing.
Other newer batting swing trainers use a cumbersome scaffold-type structure to position or hang a tethered ball on a rope, an elastic cord or similar. The ball hangs in a desired position where it waits to be hit by the user. If struck properly, the ball will spin or swing wildly until the user steadies the ball or until enough time passes for the ball to come to rest in its original start position. This type of batting swing trainer has three main problems: 1) when used outdoors, the wind can cause the ball to swing and move about creating an unintended moving target rather than a stationary one, which makes it more difficult to strike; 2) if the user misses the ball and hits the suspension line or rope above or below it, the line can wrap around the bat, thereby abruptly stopping the user's swing which may cause serious injury to the user; and 3) the device does not provide feedback with regard to the effectiveness of the user's swing.
Another prior art batting swing trainer positions a ball at the end of a ball-pole in front of the user. This device must be hand-held which require an assistant to hold it and position it in front of the user where it may be hit. The ball-pole is held out horizontally relative to the ground and positioned in front of the user in the desired contact position by the assistant. If struck properly, the ball-pole is thrust forward causing the assistant's arms to jerk violently in an effort to hold on to the ball-pole. This type of batting swing trainer has two main problems: 1) the violent jerking of the ball-pole may cause serious injury to the assistant or to another person nearby if the assistant is unable to hold onto the ball-pole after it has been struck; and 2) the device does not provide feedback with regard to the effectiveness of the user's swing.
Still another prior art batting swing trainer positions a ball at the end of a control arm in front of the user. This type of system consists of a complex control-arm and swinging control arm mechanism which is attached to a heavy base. The ball at the end of the control arm is intended to be hit by the user. The ball rests in one very specific location where it is to be struck by the user. If struck properly, the control arm swings wildly around a central axis until the user steadies the control arm or it comes to rest on its own in the original start position where it can be hit again. This type of batting swing trainer has two main problems: 1) the unit is heavy and cumbersome and requires an adult for setup; and 2) the device does not provide feedback with regard to the effectiveness of the user's swing.
The most common prior art golfing practice aids or golf swing trainers take the form of a simple vertical hollow rubber tube with a base which is known as a “tee”. These practice aids are found at driving ranges and are available for use around the home as well. A tee is designed to prop up a ball for taking an initial stroke or teeing off on almost any golf hole. This practice device requires that a ball be placed atop it where it may be hit off its perch by the user with a golf club and it may use a net to stop and gather the balls for retrieval. Once the ball has been hit off the ball perch, another ball must be placed atop the device to continue practicing and so on. This process may continue with the placement and hitting of subsequent balls as long as the user desires or until the supply of balls has been exhausted. When the balls have been exhausted or the user chooses to end the practice session, the loose balls that have been hit must be collected. This type of batting swing trainer has two main flaws: 1) placing individual balls and retrieving them after they have been hit wastes time which could be better spent practicing; and 2) the device does not provide feedback with regard to the effectiveness of the user's swing.
Some more recent prior art golf swing devices use a small scaffold-type structure to position or hang a tethered ball on a rope, an elastic cord or similar. The ball hangs straight down where it waits to be hit by the user. When struck, the ball will spin and swing wildly until the user steadies the ball or until enough time passes for the ball to come to rest in its original start position. This type of golf swing trainer has similar problems as the previously-described batting swing trainer with the scaffold-type structure.
It is not difficult for the skilled user to hit a ball off a tee, or a tethered ball hanging from a rope, or a ball at the end of a control arm when positioned in front of the user. These devices/systems are flawed because they cannot guide the user's swing leading up to contact. In other words, the swing can take any path to make contact with the ball. This problem allows existing flaws and improper technique to continue without correction or notification to the user. A flawed swing continues to be flawed or even worsens when using any of these prior art swing trainers no matter how many balls the user may hit. Each of these swing trainers is incapable of diagnosing a flawed swing, correcting it or notifying the user that there is a problem. Time spent using any of these devices is ineffective on its own and requires a batting coach be present to provide experienced guidance and advice to help improve a flawed swing.
There is a need for a batting swing trainer that can provide a single, easy to use system with the following features: continuous operation with no down time between hits; immediate feedback for the user following every swing, which is essential to helping the user improve their swing without the need for a batting coach; one person can set up and operate, which is simple enough for a child to use; adaptability that will allow the user to easily practice and replicate a desired swing by hitting straight away, pulling the ball and pushing the ball the opposite way; adjustability that will allow the user to set the height of the ball(s) to be hit, as desired; and capability to be used indoor and/or outdoor to provide year round usability independent of the weather.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a baseball batting swing trainer or golf swing trainer for individual users wanting to improve their batting swing. The device is easy to setup, easy to adjust, easy to operate, allows for height adjustability, can replicate hitting to all fields, delivers continuous operation and provides the user with immediate feedback to the effectiveness of their swing after every ball strike without the need for a batting coach or golf instructor. The swing trainer can be installed and used indoors or outdoors.
The device is intended to be used over and over to perfect the user's line-drive swing and create the necessary muscle memory in the user so that this swing becomes more easily repeatable under game conditions. Various embodiments the invention are contemplated.
A Ball Line with Permanent Balls and Cushioning Devices
A first embodiment of the present invention comprises a length of plastic coated metal wire, such as aircraft cable, or other suitable material that will allow for the addition of a plurality of durable balls of any suitable size with holes through their centers. The wire is passed through each ball's hole so that the balls are added to the line. The balls are predrilled or preformed with the central hole, allowing each to be added to the wire like pearls on a necklace. The wire also allows for the placement of two cushioning devices, one on each end of the line. Each of the cushioning devices to be used is predrilled or preformed with a hole through their center allowing each to be added to the wire. Once all of the balls and cushioning devices have been positioned on the wire, each end of the cable can be fashioned into a finished eyelet or other suitable means of attachment with a crimp or locking device to permanently secure or attach the balls and cushioning devices to complete the assembly of a ball line.
A Ball Line with Removable Balls and Cushioning Devices
A second embodiment of the present invention comprises a length of plastic coated metal wire, such as aircraft cable, or other suitable material that will be fashioned into a finished eyelet or suitable means of attachment with a crimp or locking device to permanently secure an eyelet into each end of the wire, thereby creating a first eyelet line. This first eyelet line allows for the addition of a plurality of durable balls of any suitable size with holes through their centers by passing one end of the eyelet line through the hole in each ball, thereby adding the ball to the eyelet line. The balls to be used are predrilled or preformed with the hole through their center, the holes being large enough to allow each ball to be added to the finished eyelet line. This first eyelet line also allows for the placement of two cushioning devices, one on each end of the line. Each of the cushioning devices is predrilled or preformed with a hole through the center allowing each to be added to the wire. With all of the balls and cushioning devices added to the eyelet line, a first clip-on carabiner is clipped to the first eyelet which prevents the balls and cushioning devices from falling off this first end of the eyelet line. A second clip-on carabiner is clipped to the second eyelet on the eyelet line which prevents the balls and cushioning devices from falling off this second end of the eyelet line to complete the assembly of a ball line.
A Ball Line with One End Attached to Clip-on Carabiner or Fastening Device
A third embodiment of the present invention uses elements from either the first or second embodiment of a ball line, described above. In addition, this embodiment comprises a first clip-on carabiner to the first eyelet on the first end of a ball line to complete the assembly of a first modified ball line.
A Ball Line with a Clip-on Carabiner or Fastening Device Attached to Each End
A fourth embodiment of the present invention has an additional second clip-on carabiner to the second eyelet on the second end of a first modified ball line to complete the assembly of a second modified ball line.
A Ball Line Attached to a Ratcheting Strap
A fifth embodiment of the present comprises the second clip-on carabiner or fastening device on a second modified ball line being attached to a first eyelet on an adjustable ratcheting strap or similar tightening device and a third clip-on carabiner or fastening device is added and attached to a second eyelet on the opposite end of an adjustable ratcheting strap or similar tightening device to complete the assembly of a ratcheting ball line. The ratcheting strap will allow the adjustable ball line to both lengthen and shorten as required.
A Ratcheting Ball Line Attached Directly to Two Separate Immoveable Objects
A sixth embodiment of the present invention comprises the first clip-on carabiner or fastening device on the first end of a ratcheting ball line being attached or clipped directly onto a first immoveable or temporarily immovable object to create a first anchor point for the first end of the ratcheting ball line and has the third clip-on carabiner on the second end of the ratcheting ball line being attached or clipped directly onto a second immoveable or temporarily immovable object to create a second anchor point for the ratcheting ball line. Once both ends of the ratcheting ball line have been securely anchored, the slack is removed from the ratcheting ball line to ensure that it is taut between the two anchor points. To do so, the user pulls on the loose end of the flat heavy duty fabric strap used to tighten the ratcheting strap. After being pulled tight by hand, the user can use the ratcheting mechanism on the ratcheting strap to remove any remaining slack left in the ratcheting ball line. Once tight, the user slides each of the cushioning balls to opposite ends of the ball line until they meet resistance. Then the user slides the plurality of balls with holes through their center to one end of the ball line to complete the assembly of a first anchored ratcheting ball line.
A Ratcheting Ball Line Wrapped Around Two Separate Immovable Objects
A seventh embodiment of the present invention comprises the first clip-on carabiner or fastening device on a ratcheting ball line being wrapped around a first immoveable or temporarily immovable object so that the clip-on carabiner or fastening may be clipped or attached onto the eyelet line to create a self tightening anchor point for a first end of the ratcheting ball line and has the third clip-on carabiner or fastening device on the ratcheting ball line being wrapped around a second immoveable or temporarily immovable object so that the third clip-on carabiner or fastening device may clip onto the ratcheting strap to create a self tightening anchor point for the second end of the ratcheting ball line. Once both ends of the ratcheting ball line have been securely anchored, the slack can be removed from the ratcheting ball line to ensure that it is taut between the two anchor points. To do so, the user pulls on the loose end of the flat heavy duty fabric strap used to tighten the ratcheting strap. After being pulled tight by hand, the ratcheting mechanism on the ratcheting strap is used to remove any remaining slack left in the ratcheting ball line. Once tight, the user slides each of the cushioning balls to opposite ends of the ball line until they meet resistance. Then the user slides the plurality of balls with holes through their center to one end of the ball line to complete the assembly of a second anchored ratcheting ball line.
A Ratcheting Ball Line Attached to Two Immovable Objects by Two Additional Eyelet Lines
An eighth embodiment of the present invention comprises two additional eyelet lines to create two separate anchor points for the attachment of each end of a ratcheting ball line. Each eyelet line is used to create an anchor point in one of two ways. The first way is to wrap an eyelet line around a suitably stable immoveable or temporarily immovable object where the first eyelet on one end is passed through the second eyelet on the opposite end to create a single eyelet anchor point for the attachment of a clip-on carabiner from either end of an adjustable ball line. The second way is to wrap it around a suitably stable immoveable or temporarily immovable object where the first eyelet and the second eyelet come together to overlap and create a double eyelet anchor point for the attachment of a clip-on carabiner from either end of an adjustable ball line. Using one or both methods to anchor both ends of a ratcheting ball line is considered as the same concept regardless of the method used. Once both ends of the ratcheting ball line are attached to both eyelet line anchor points, the slack is then removed from the ratcheting ball line. Once the ratcheting mechanism on the ratcheting strap has been used to remove the slack, the user slides each of the cushioning balls to opposite ends of the eyelet line and slides the plurality of balls with holes through their center to one end of the eyelet line to complete the assembly of a third anchored ratcheting ball line.
A Ratcheting Ball Line Using Two Different Anchoring Methods
A ninth embodiment of the present invention is also conceived by using any combination or pairing of two anchor point methods previously described in the sixth, seventh and eighth embodiments that creates two anchor points for a ratcheting ball line includes: 1) attaching a clip-on carabiner or fastening device directly onto an immovable or temporary immovable object from one end of a ratcheting ball line to create an anchor point; 2) wrapping one end of a ratcheting ball line around an immovable or temporary immovable object and attaching the clip-on carabiner or fastening device back onto itself to create an anchor point; 3) wrapping an additional eyelet line around an immovable or temporary immovable object where the first eyelet on one end is passed through the second eyelet on the opposite end to create a single eyelet anchor point for the attachment of a clip-on carabiner from one end of a ratcheting ball line; and 4) wrapping an additional eyelet line around an immovable or temporary immovable object where the first eyelet and the second eyelet come together to overlap and create a double eyelet anchor point for the attachment of a clip-on carabiner from one end of a ratcheting ball line. Using any two of the above noted methods to anchor the two ends of a ratcheting ball line creates an additional embodiment and completes the assembly of a fourth anchored ratcheting ball line.
A Ratcheting Ball Line Attached to Two Hitching Poles
A tenth embodiment of the present invention uses two poles with multiple hitch rings or attachment points to create two separate and stable anchor points for a ratcheting ball line. Each of these poles is installed in one of two ways. The first option has either pole mounted in cement in either hole in the ground while the second option has a metal sleeve mounted in cement in either hole in the ground to receive and support either of the two poles. In each case, the installation requires that two holes be dug to a reasonable depth at a reasonable distance apart, such as between 10 feet and 40 feet apart. Once the holes are dug, the installation process for each option may begin as follows.
When installing a metal sleeve: Place a metal sleeve into a hole and gently pour concrete around it, being careful not to get cement inside the sleeve. The sleeve should be positioned upright, plum and level within the cement. Before letting the cement cure, make sure to drop the top edge of the sleeve down so that it will be flush with the top of the finished cement. Once the cement has cured, the installation of the sleeve is permanent and ready to use, the idea being to simulate or duplicate the holes normally found in a gymnasium floor that support poles for a volleyball net. To install a pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points, place the bottom of the pole into the ground-mounted metal sleeve being sure that the pole is seated deep within. Once properly seated within the sleeve, it is ready to use.
When installing a pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points: Place the bottom of a pole into a hole and gently pour concrete around it. The pole should be positioned upright, plum and level within the cement. The pole should be propped up in this position until the cement has had a chance to cure. Once cured, the installation of the pole is permanent and it is ready to use.
Once both poles have been installed, a first clip-on carabiner or fastening device on a first end of the ratcheting ball line is clipped or attached to a first hitch ring on a first pole with multiple hitch rings to create a first anchor point and a second clip-on carabiner or fastening device on the second end of the ratcheting ball line is clipped or attached to a first hitch ring on a second pole with multiple hitch rings to create a second anchor point. Once both ends of the ratcheting ball line have been attached to the separate poles with multiple hitch rings or attachment points, the slack needs to be removed from the ratcheting ball line. Once the ratcheting mechanism on the ratcheting strap has been used to remove the slack, slide each of the cushioning balls to opposite ends of the eyelet line and slide the plurality of balls with holes through their center to one end of the eyelet line to complete the assembly of a hitching pole ratcheting ball line.
A First Modified Ball Line Attached to a Hitching Pole and a Ratcheting Hitching Pole
An eleventh embodiment of the present invention uses a pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points and a ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points to create two separate and stable anchor points for a first modified ball line. Each of these poles may be installed in one of two ways. The first option has either pole mounted in cement in either hole in the ground while the second option has a metal sleeve mounted in cement in either hole in the ground which could receive and support a pole of either type. In each case, the installation requires that two holes be dug to a reasonable depth at a reasonable distance apart, between 10 feet and 40 feet apart. Once the holes are dug, the installation process for each option may begin as described above.
Once both poles have been installed, a first clip-on carabiner or fastening device on a first end of a first modified ball line is clipped or attached to a first hitch ring on a first pole with multiple hitch rings to create a first anchor point and the first eyelet on the second end of the first modified ball line is looped through a first hitch ring on the ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings and connected to the ratcheting mechanism on the pole to create a second anchor point. Once each end of the first modified ball line has been attached to the two poles, the slack is removed from the first modified ball line. Once the ratcheting mechanism on the ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings has been used to remove the slack, slide each of the cushioning balls to opposite ends of the eyelet line and slide the plurality of balls with holes through their center to one end of the eyelet line to complete the assembly of an anchored first modified ball line.
A Ball Line Attached to Two Ratcheting Hitching Poles
A twelfth embodiment of the present invention would use two ratcheting poles with multiple hitch rings or attachment points to create two separate and stable anchor points for a ball line. Each of these poles may be installed in one of two ways. The first option could see either pole mounted in cement in either hole in the ground while the second option could see a metal sleeve mounted in cement in either hole in the ground which could receive and support either of the two poles. In each case, the installation will require that two holes be dug to a reasonable depth at a reasonable distance apart (between 10 feet and 40 feet apart). Once the holes have been dug, the installation process for each option may begin as described above.
Once both poles have been installed, a first eyelet on the first end of a ball line is looped through a first hitch ring on a first ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings and connected to the ratcheting mechanism on the pole to create a first anchor point and a second eyelet on the second end of the ball line is looped through a first hitch ring on the second ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings and connected to the ratcheting mechanism on the pole to create a second anchor point. Once both ends of the ball line have been attached to the separate ratcheting poles with multiple hitch rings or attachment points, the slack is removed from the ball line. Once one or both of the ratcheting mechanisms have been used to remove the slack, slide each of the cushioning balls to opposite ends of the eyelet line and slide the plurality of balls with holes through their center to one end of the eyelet line to complete the assembly of an anchored ball line.
A Ratcheting Ball Line Attached to Two Wall-Mounted Hitch Rings
A thirteenth embodiment of the present invention comprises the first clip-on carabiner from the first end of a ratcheting ball line and the third clip-on carabiner from the second end of the ratcheting ball line attaching to two separate and stable anchor points. These anchor points consist of two separate threaded hitch rings permanently mounted into two separate wall segments. A threaded hitch ring has a threaded screw on one end and a hitch ring on the other. The threaded screw portion of the threaded hitch ring makes it ideal to screw directly into a wooden wall stud to create a stable anchor point or a hole may be drilled into a brick wall, concrete block wall or a masonry wall for the insertion of a wall anchor which will receive and secure the threaded screw portion of the threaded hitch ring to create a stable anchor point on a wall. Multiple hitch rings may be mounted on a single wall section, one below the other to create multiple height adjustable anchor points. Once one or more threaded hitch rings have been installed into two separate wall segments, a first clip-on carabiner on one end of a ratcheting ball line is clipped or attached onto a first hitch ring on a first wall segment and the third clip-on carabiner on the second end of a ratcheting ball line is clipped or attached onto a second hitch ring on a second wall segment. Once both ends of the ratcheting ball line have been attached to two separate threaded hitch rings on different wall sections, the slack is removed from the ratcheting ball line. Once the ratcheting mechanism on the ratcheting strap has been used to remove the slack, slide each of the cushioning balls to opposite ends of the eyelet line and slide the plurality of balls with holes through their center to one end of the eyelet line to complete the assembly of a wall-mounted ratcheting ball line.
Using a Handle of Handles to Anchor the Free End of a Ball Line
A fourteenth embodiment of the present invention comprises a first modified ball line, a second modified ball line and a ratcheting ball line.
Using any one of these ball lines in combination with an effective previously described anchoring technique could secure a first end of the ball line and leave the remaining end unanchored with a clip-on carabiner or fastening device available for connection or attachment on the free end. With the first anchor point complete and a second anchor point unavailable to the user, the second clip-on carabiner or fastening device on the free end of the ball line will be attached or clipped to a single handle or a pair of handles so that an individual may hold it/them to form a second anchor point. When this happens, the individual holding the handle or a pair of handles will back away from the first anchor point to remove the majority of the slack in the ball line. To remove any remaining slack in the line, the individual will only need to lean back to adequately tighten the ball line and complete the assembly of a handheld ball line.
Other Considerations
The many embodiments described herein allow the swing trainer of the present invention to be used indoors or outdoors, as personal preference or weather dictates.
Different embodiments noted herein will allow a variety of users of any size or ability to use it. The swing trainer may be anchored at any suitable height to facilitate use by almost anyone.
When any embodiment of the swing trainer noted herein is used by a user for its intended purpose as a swing trainer for taking batting practice, the device will provide constant feedback to the user as to the effectiveness of their swing. If a user's batting swing does not strike the ball in the middle of the ball using the proper swing path, the ball with a hole through its center will not travel to the end of the ball line indicating a faulty swing. This is positive feedback which will help the user to improve their swing over time by adjusting it to achieve the desired results.
An improper swing path that contacts the ball and/or the eyelet line will cause the eyelet line to jump or move around preventing the ball with a hole through its center from travelling down the ball line. Choppy or erratic swings will be seen as ineffective by the device requiring change in the user's swing. Repetitious use of the batting swing trainer will ingrain the proper mechanics and muscle memory into the user so that a superior swing becomes more easily replicated under game conditions. Use of the batting swing trainer as described herein will teach the user to keep the bat on the proper swing path on its approach to the ball, thereby allowing the bat to stay in the hitting zone longer when facing live pitching, and maximizing their chance of hitting a line drive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention will become more apparent from the drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of all of the individual parts that are used to assemble a swing trainer of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the parts of an eyelet line of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an assembled ball line swing trainer of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a disassembled two-piece ratcheting strap of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a ratcheting ball line swing trainer of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a ratcheting ball line swing trainer of the present invention attached to two separate sections of fencing.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a metal pole with multiple hitch rings of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a ratcheting metal pole with multiple hitch of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a ratcheting ball line swing trainer of the present invention attached to two ground-mounted poles with multiple hitch rings.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a first modified ball line swing trainer of the present invention attached to both a ground-mounted pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points and a ratcheting pole with hitch rings or attachment points.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a ball line swing trainer of the present invention attached to two ground-mounted ratcheting poles with multiple hitch rings.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a ratcheting ball line swing trainer of the present invention attached to two separate wall mounted-hitch rings.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the first end of a ratcheting ball line that has been wrapped around a tree to allow the clip-on carabiner to attach back onto the ratcheting ball line swing trainer of the present invention to create a first anchor point.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second eyelet line that has been wrapped around a tree with one eyelet passing through the other to create a single eyelet anchor point for one end of a ratcheting ball line swing trainer of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a second eyelet line that has been wrapped around a tree with one eyelet passing through the other to create a single eyelet self-tightening anchor point.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a second eyelet line that has been wrapped around a tree with both eyelets coming together to overlap and create a double eyelet anchor point for one end of a ratcheting ball line swing trainer of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a second eyelet line that has been wrapped around a tree with both eyelets coming together to overlap and create a double eyelet non-tightening anchor point.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a human holding a handle with an eyelet that is attached to the second clip-on carabiner on the second end of a second modified ball line to create a second anchor point for a second modified ball line swing trainer of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a disassembled two-piece ball with a hole through its center of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the top portion of an assembled two-piece ball on a ball line of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the bottom portion of an assembled two-piece ball on a ball line of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a golfing swing trainer of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a batting swing trainer that is unique in its design, portability and adaptability. It can change to suit the available mounting options encountered by baseball/softball players when at home or travelling to an unfamiliar location. It can be mounted at various heights that are appropriate for a user to practice any aspect of their batting swing, including hitting straight away, pulling the ball and pushing the ball to the opposite field while reinforcing a superior swing.
FIG. 1 illustrates a list of required parts for the assembly of a batting swing trainer of the present invention to suit many different real world mounting scenarios and may or may not include one or more of the following items:

- An eyelet line 1
- A ball with a hole through its center 2
- A rubber ball or cushioning device with a hole through its center 3
- A clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4
- An adjustable ratcheting strap or similar 5
- A pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6
- A pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points and a ratcheting device 7
- A ratcheting mechanism for attaching to a pole 7 c
- A threaded hitch ring or similar 8
- A handle or a pair of handles with an eyelet or attachment point 9

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an eyelet line 1 of the batting swing trainer of the present invention which is assembled as follows. An eyelet line 1 is a reasonable length of plastic coated metal wire rope or aircraft cable 1 a, where each end of the wire 1 a is looped back on itself and secured with a metal crimp or fastener 1 b which will create an eyelet 1 c at each end of the aircraft cable 1 a to create a first eyelet line 1.
FIG. 3 is an illustration of a ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10 a and a second modified ball line 10 b batting swing trainer of the present invention which are assembled as follows. With the creation of a first eyelet line 1, a plurality of balls with holes through their centers 2 will be slid onto the first eyelet line 1 by passing a first eyelet 1 c through each of a plurality of balls with holes through their centers 2.
Once a plurality of balls with holes through their centers 2 have been added to the first eyelet line 1, a rubber ball or cushioning device with a hole through its center 3 will be added to each end of the first eyelet Line 1 by passing a first eyelet 1 c through a first rubber ball or cushioning device with a hole through its center 3 and then by passing the second eyelet 1 c through a second rubber ball or cushioning device with a hole through its center 3 which will complete the assembly of a ball line 10 of the present invention.
With the creation of a ball line 10, a first clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 is added by clipped it to a first eyelet 1 c at the first end of the ball line 10 which will prevent the plurality of balls with holes through their centers 2 and the rubber balls or cushioning devices with holes through their centers 3 from falling off the first eyelet 1 c on the first eyelet line 1 thereby completing the assembly of a first modified ball line 10 a batting swing trainer of the present invention.
With the creation of a first modified ball line 10 a, a second clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 is added by clipped it to a second eyelet 1 c at the second end of the first modified ball line 10 a which will prevent the plurality of balls with holes through their centers 2 and the rubber balls or cushioning devices with holes through its center 3 from falling off the second eyelet 1 c on the first eyelet line 1 thereby completing the assembly of a second modified ball line 10 b batting swing trainer of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an illustration of an adjustable ratcheting strap or similar 5 of the batting swing trainer of the present invention which is assembled as follows. An adjustable ratcheting strap or similar 5 consists of a two-piece construction; a flat heavy duty fabric strap 5 a of reasonable length and a ratcheting mechanism 5 d permanently attached to a flat heavy duty fabric strap 5 e. The first end of the flat heavy duty fabric strap 5 a is looped back onto itself where it is sewn into an eyelet 5 b and reinforced to provide superior strength. The second end of the flat heavy duty fabric strap 5 a will remain a loose end 5 c. The ratcheting mechanism 5 d is permanently attached to the first end of a flat heavy duty fabric strap 5 e which is wrapped around a metal post within the ratcheting mechanism 5 d and looped back onto itself where it is sewn into an eyelet 5 f around a metal post within the ratcheting mechanism 5 d where it is reinforced to provide superior strength. The second end of the flat heavy duty fabric strap 5 e is looped back onto itself where it is sewn into an eyelet 5 g and reinforced to provide superior strength. These two pieces are then assembled by taking the loose end 5 c of the flat reinforced fabric strap 5 a and placing into a receiving slot in the ratcheting mechanism 5 d. The ratcheting mechanism is then manipulated to pull in and secure the loose end 5 c of the flat reinforced fabric strap 5 a as required, thereby completing the assembly of the adjustable ratcheting strap or similar 5.
FIG. 5 is an illustration of the preferred embodiment of the present invention and shows a ratcheting ball line 11 batting swing trainer which is assembled as follows. The eyelet 5 b on the assembled adjustable ratcheting strap or similar 5 is then added to the second clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 on the second end of the second modified ball line 10 b and a third clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 is clipped onto the eyelet 5 g on the opposite end of the adjustable ratcheting strap or similar 5 thereby completing the assembly of a ratcheting ball line 11 batting swing trainer of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a second modified ball line 10 b attached to two separate sections of existing chain-link-fence 12 creating an unassisted double immovable object batting swing trainer 14 which assembled as follows. A first clip-on carabiner or fastening device on the first end of an adjustable ball line 11 is attached directly to a first section of existing chain-link-fence 12 creating a first unassisted non-tightening anchor point 13 and the third clip-on carabiner or fastening device on the second end of the same adjustable ball line 11 is attached directly to a second section of existing chain-link-fence 12 creating a second unassisted non-tightening anchor point 13. Once both sides have been attached to separate sections of chain-link-fence 12, pull the slack out of the adjustable ball line 11 by pulling on the loose end 5 c of the flat heavy duty fabric strap 5 a through the ratcheting mechanism 5 d on the adjustable ratcheting strap or similar 5. With most of the slack taken out of the adjustable ball line 11, use the ratcheting mechanism 5 d to remove any remaining slack and pull the line taut. Once the adjustable ball line 11 is taut, slide each of the rubber ball cushioning devices 3 to opposite ends of the second modified ball line 10 b portion of the adjustable ball line 11 so that they cover each of the metal crimps 1 b on the first eyelet line 1. Then slide the plurality of balls with holes through their center 2 to one end of the second modified ball line 10 b portion of the adjustable ball line 11. This will complete the assembly of an unassisted double immovable object batting swing trainer 14 of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an illustration of a pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 of the batting swing trainer of the present invention which is assembled as follows. Several metal rings or attachment points 6 b will be welded or formed onto the same side of the metal pole 6 a to create a pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6. The rings will act as optional height adjustment anchor points for the attachment of a clip-on carabiner or similar 4 from one end of a ratcheting ball line 11 of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an illustration of a ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 of the batting swing trainer of the present invention which is assembled as follows. Several metal rings or attachment points 7 b and a ratcheting mechanism 7 c will be welded onto the same side of the metal pole 7 a to create a ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7. The rings will act as optional height adjustment anchor points for the attachment of a clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 from one end of a second modified ball line 10 b of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an illustration of a hitching pole batting swing trainer 18 of the present invention that utilizes two identical poles with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 where each pole may be ground-mounted in one of two ways. The installation process for both options begins by digging two holes-in-the-ground 14 a minimum of 10 to 40 feet apart to a reasonable width and depth that will allow the installation of one of the poles with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 and/or a metal sleeve 17 that will receive and support a pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6.
To install a pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 into a hole-in-the-ground 14 simply place the bottom section of the pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 into a hole-in-the-ground 14 along with the minimum amount of wet cement 16 needed, which should be poured into the hole-in-the-ground 14 around the pole, to permanently secure and mount it there. The pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 should be plumbed and leveled and remain propped up in this position until the cement 16 has had enough time to cure. Once cured, the installation process for a pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 is complete.
To install a metal sleeve 17 into a hole-in-the-ground 14 that will receive and support a pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6, simply place a metal sleeve 17 into one of the two holes-in-the-ground 14 along with the minimum amount of wet cement 16 needed, which should be poured into the hole-in-the-ground 14 around the metal sleeve 17, to permanently secure and mount it there. The metal sleeve 17 should be plumbed and leveled and be pushed down into the cement 16 so that the top of the metal sleeve 17 will be flush mounted with the top of the finished cement 16 where it will cure. Once cured, insert the bottom section of a pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 into the metal sleeve 17 to complete the installation process.
Once both poles with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 have been installed with or without the use of metal sleeves 17, attach a first clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 from the first end of a ratcheting ball line 11 to a first ring or attachment point 6 b on the first pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 and attach the third clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 from a second end of a ratcheting ball line 11 to a first ring or attachment point 6 b on the second pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6. Then pull the slack out of the adjustable ball line 11 by pulling on the loose end 5 c of the flat heavy duty fabric strap 5 a through the ratcheting mechanism 5 d on the adjustable ratcheting strap or similar 5. With most of the slack taken out of the adjustable ball line 11, use the ratcheting mechanism 5 d to remove any remaining slack and pull the line taut. Once the adjustable ball line 11 is taut, slide each of the rubber ball cushioning devices 3 to opposite ends of the second modified ball line 10 b portion of the adjustable ball line 11 so that they cover each of the metal crimps 1 b on the first eyelet line 1. Then slide the plurality of balls with holes through their center 2 to one end of the second modified ball line 10 b portion of the adjustable ball line 11. This will complete the assembly of a hitching pole batting swing trainer 18 of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an illustration of a single ratcheting hitching pole batting swing trainer 18 a of the present invention that utilizes one ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 and one pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 where each of the pole types may be ground-mounted in one of two ways.
The installation process for both options begins by digging two holes-in-the-ground 14 a minimum of 10 to 40 feet apart to a reasonable width and depth that will allow the installation of either a pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6, a ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 or a metal sleeve 17 that will receive and support a pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 or a ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7.
To install a pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 into a hole-in-the-ground 14 simply place the bottom section of the pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 into one of the two holes-in-the-ground 14 along with the minimum amount of wet cement 16 needed, which should be poured into the hole-in-the-ground 14 around the pole, to permanently secure and mount it there. The pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 should be plumbed and leveled and remain propped up in this position until the cement 16 has had enough time to cure. Once cured, the installation process for a pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 is complete.
To install a ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 into a hole-in-the-ground 14 simply place the bottom section of the ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 into one of the two hole-in-the-ground 14 along with the minimum amount of wet cement 16 needed, which should be poured into the hole-in-the-ground 14 around the pole, to permanently secure and mount it there. The ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 should be plumbed and leveled and remain propped up in this position until the cement 16 has had enough time to cure. Once cured, the installation process for a ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 is complete.
To install a metal sleeve 17 into a hole-in-the-ground 14 that will receive and support either a pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 or a ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7, simply place a metal sleeve 17 into one of the two holes-in-the-ground 14 along with the minimum amount of wet cement 16 needed, which should be poured into the hole-in-the-ground 14 around the metal sleeve 17, to permanently secure and mount it there. The metal sleeve 17 should be plumbed and leveled and be pushed down into the cement 16 so that the top of the metal sleeve 17 will be flush mounted with the top of the finished cement 16 where it will cure. Once cured, insert the bottom section of a pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 or the bottom section of a ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 into the metal sleeve 17 to complete the installation process.
Once both a pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 and a ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 have been installed in the ground with or without the use of metal sleeves 17, a second eyelet on a first modified ball line 10 a will be passed through a first ring or attachment point 7 b on a ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 where it will then be attached to the ratcheting mechanism 7 c. Then attach a first clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 from the first end of the first modified ball line 10 a to a first ring or attachment point 6 b on the pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6. Then tighten the first modified ball line 10 a by using the ratcheting mechanism 5 d on the ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 to remove the slack. Once the first modified ball line 10 a is taut and the ratcheting mechanism 7 c has locked, slide each rubber ball or cushioning device with a hole through its center 3 to opposite ends of the first modified ball line 10 a. Then slide the plurality of balls with holes through their center 2 to one end of the first modified ball line 10 a to complete the assembly of a single ratcheting hitching pole batting swing trainer 18 a of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is an illustration of a double ratcheting hitching pole batting swing trainer 18 b of the present invention that utilizes two ratcheting poles with multiple hitch rings where each pole may be ground-mounted in one of two ways.
The installation process for both options begins by digging two hole-in-the-ground 14 a minimum of 10 to 40 feet apart to a reasonable width and depth that will allow the installation of ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 or a metal sleeve 17 that will receive and support a ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7.
To install a ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 into a hole-in-the-ground 14 simply place the bottom section of the ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 into one of the two holes-in-the-ground 14 along with the minimum amount of wet cement 16 needed, which should be poured into the hole-in-the-ground 14 around the pole, to permanently secure and mount it there. The ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 should be plumbed and leveled and remain propped up in this position until the cement 16 has had enough time to cure. Once cured, the installation process for a ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 is complete.
To install a metal sleeve 17 into a hole-in-the-ground 14 that will receive and support either a pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 or a ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7, simply place a metal sleeve 17 into one of the two holes-in-the-ground 14 along with the minimum amount of wet cement 16 needed, which should be poured into the hole-in-the-ground 14 around the metal sleeve 17, to permanently secure and mount it there. The metal sleeve 17 should be plumbed and leveled and be pushed down into the cement 16 so that the top of the metal sleeve 17 will be flush mounted with the top of the finished cement 16 where it will cure. Once cured, insert the bottom section of a pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 or the bottom section of a ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 into the metal sleeve 17 to complete the installation process.
Once both ratcheting poles with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 have been installed in the ground with or without the use of metal sleeves 17, a first eyelet on a first ball line 10 will be passed through a first ring or attachment point 7 b on a first ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 where it will then be attached to the ratcheting mechanism 7 c. Then a second eyelet on the first ball line 10 will be passed through a first ring or attachment point 7 b on a second ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 and attach it to the ratcheting mechanism 7 c. Then the ball line 10 will be tightened by using one or both of the ratcheting mechanisms 5 d on either ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 to remove the slack from the ball line 10. Once the ball line 10 is taut and the ratcheting mechanisms 7 c have locked, slide each rubber ball or cushioning device with a hole through its center 3 to opposite ends of the ball line 10. Then slide the plurality of balls with holes through their center 2 to one end of the ball line 10 a to complete the assembly of a double ratcheting hitching pole batting swing trainer 18 b of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is an illustration of a wall mounted batting swing trainer of the present invention which may be installed as follows. Two threaded hitch rings 8 are installed into two separate perpendicular or horizontal walls 19. A hole is drilled into each separate wall 19 so that a suitably stable wall anchor may be placed into it. This wall anchor will receive a threaded hitch ring 8 allowing it to be permanently installed. Once a threaded hitch ring is installed into two separate wall 19 segments, attach a first clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 on one end of a ratcheting ball line 11 to a first threaded ring on the first wall 19 and attach the third clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 on the opposite end of the adjustable ball line 11 to a second threaded ring on the second wall 19. Then pull the slack out of the adjustable ball line 11 by pulling on the loose end 5 c of the flat heavy duty fabric strap 5 a through the ratcheting mechanism 5 d on the adjustable ratcheting strap or similar 5. With most the slack taken out of the adjustable ball line 11, use the ratcheting strap to remove any remaining slack and pull it taut. Once the adjustable ball line 11 is taut, slide each rubber ball or cushioning device with a hole through its center 3 to opposite ends of the ball line 10 portion of the adjustable ball line 11 so that they cover the metal crimps 1 b on the eyelet line 1. Then slide the plurality of balls with holes through their center 2 to one end of the second modified ball line 10 b portion of the adjustable ball line 11. This will complete the wall mounted batting swing trainer 20 of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is an illustration of an adjustable ball line 11 that has been wrapped around a tree trunk 21 to create an unassisted self-tightening anchor point 22 for one end of a batting swing trainer of the present invention. The first carabiner 4 attached to the first eyelet 1 c of the first eyelet line 1 making up part of a ball line 10 c as part of the adjustable ball line 11 is wrapped around a tree trunk 21 where a first carabiner 4 is clipped back onto the first eyelet line 1 to create an unassisted self-tightening anchor point 22 for the batting swing trainer of the present invention. This process may also be used to attach and secure the opposite end of the same adjustable ball line 11.
This process may also be used to anchor either end of a ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10 a or a second modified ball line 10 b to create an unassisted self-tightening anchor point 22 for a batting swing trainer of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is an illustration of a second eyelet line 1 wrapped around a tree 21 to create an assisted single eyelet self-tightening anchor point 23 for one end of a batting swing trainer of the present invention.
A second eyelet line 1 is wrapped around a tree where the first eyelet 1 c is passed through the second eyelet 1 c so that a first clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 on a ratcheting ball line 11 is able to clip onto it to create an assisted single eyelet self-tightening anchor point 23 for the batting swing trainer of the present invention. This process may also be used to attach and secure the opposite end of the same adjustable ball line 11.
This process may also be used to anchor either end of a ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10 a or a second modified ball line 10 b to create an assisted self-tightening anchor point 23 for a batting swing trainer of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional illustration of a second eyelet line 1 wrapped around a tree 21 where one eyelet passes through the other to create an assisted single eyelet self-tightening anchor point 23 for one end of a batting swing trainer of the present invention.
This process may also be used to anchor either end of a ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10 a, a second modified ball line 10 b or a ratcheting ball line 11 to create an assisted self-tightening anchor point 23 for a batting swing trainer of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is an illustration of a second eyelet line 1 wrapped around a tree 21 to create an assisted double eyelet non-tightening anchor point 24 for one end of a batting swing trainer of the present invention.
A second eyelet line 1 is wrapped around a tree where the first eyelet 1 c and the second eyelet 1 c are brought together to overlap so that a first clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 on a ratcheting ball line 11 is able to clip onto both eyelets 1 c simultaneously to create an assisted double eyelet non-tightening anchor point 24 for a batting swing trainer of the present invention. This process may also be used to attach and secure the opposite end of the same adjustable ball line 11.
This process may also be used to anchor either end of a ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10 a or a second modified ball line 10 b to create an assisted double eyelet non-tightening anchor point 24 for a batting swing trainer of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional illustration of a second eyelet line 1 wrapped around a tree 21 where both eyelets come together to overlap with one another to create an assisted double eyelet non-tightening anchor point 24 for one end of a batting swing trainer of the present invention.
This process may also be used to anchor either end of a ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10 a, a second modified ball line 10 b or a ratcheting ball line 11 to create an assisted self-tightening anchor point 23 for a batting swing trainer of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is an illustration showing a person 26 holding a handle or a pair of handles with an eyelet or attachment point 9 that will create an assisted handheld anchor point 25 for one end of a batting swing trainer of the present invention.
When the user of the batting swing trainer is without a second anchor point, the user may add a handle(s) with an eyelet or attachment point 9 to the free end of a ball line 10 by clipping the carabiner from either end of a ball line 10 to it so that a person 26 may hold the free end. Once the handle(s) with an eyelet or attachment point 9 has been attached to the free end of the ball line 10, a person 26 may take hold of the handle(s) with an eyelet or attachment point 9 and back away from the other anchor point until the ball line 10 becomes tight. At this point, the person 26 should simply hold tight and lean back away from the opposite anchor point to create an assisted handheld anchor point 25.
This process is best suited for use in anchoring one end of a ball line 10 to create an assisted handheld anchor point 25 for a batting swing trainer of the present invention but could also be used to anchor one end of a first modified ball line 10 a, a second modified ball line 10 b or a ratcheting ball line 11.
FIG. 19 shows a second embodiment for a ball with a hole through its center 2 and/or a rubber ball or cushioning device with a hole through its center 3 made up of two identical ball halves; 2 a, that assemble using hardware to create a two-piece ball with a hole through its center 2 b which may be made of any suitable material for the production of either a ball with a hole through its center 2 and/or rubber ball or cushioning device with a hole through its center 3 which will assemble as follows.
Any ball with a hole through its center 2 may be easily added to a ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10 a, a second modified ball line 10 b or a ratcheting ball line 11. It does not matter if the ball with a hole through its center 2 is made from one or more pieces, it only matters that the hole through its center 2 is big enough to allow the ball to easily slide onto an eyelet line 1 as part of a first modified ball line 10 a, a second modified ball line 10 b or a ratcheting ball line 11. This a two-piece ball with a hole through its center 2 b consists of two pieces that separably join together with the use of removable hardware to form a single round two-piece ball with a hole through its center 2 b which uses four bolts 27 and four nuts or locking nuts 28 to securely join each of the ball halves 2 a together.
This design uses two identical ball halves 2 a to create a combination two-piece ball with a hole through its center 2 b. Each ball half 2 a will have four recessed holes 29 drilled or formed into the outer rounded surface which will only go part way through the ball half 2 a. Each of these recessed holes 29 will have a small hole 30 drilled or formed within it that will go completely through the ball half 2 a. Each recessed hole 29 will have a lip around the small hole 30 which will act as a stop that will prevent the head 27 a of a bolt 27 or a nut or locking nut 28 from passing by it and moving deeper into the ball half 2 a allowing the two sections to be fastened securely together.
The flat bottom surface 32 of each ball half 2 a will have four small holes 30 as previously described which go completely through the ball half 2 a. The bottom will also feature a concave semi circular slot 31 a at the center running the entire length of the ball half 2 a.
FIG. 20 shows the front of an assembled two-piece ball with a hole through its center 2 b which is assembled onto an eyelet line 1 which could make up part of either a ball line 10 c, a first modified ball line 10 a, a second modified ball line 10 b or a ratcheting ball line 11 or any other assembled batting swing trainer of the present invention as follows.
A first ball half 2 a and a second ball half 2 a are combined by placing the flat bottom surface 32 of each against one another being sure to align the concave semi circular slot 31 a and each of the four small holes 30 on each ball half 2 a. The aligning of the two concave semi circular slots 31 a will create a new hole 31 through the two-piece ball. Once aligned, four separate bolts 27 should be pushed into each of the four small holes 30 within each recessed hole 29 on the first ball half 2 a until the head of each bolt 27 a rests inside the recessed holes 29 and can go no further. Then place a nut or locking nut 28 into each of the four recessed holes 29 on the second ball half 2 a and thread it onto the bottom threaded portion 27 b of the bolt 27 found in each of the recessed holes 29. Tighten the nuts or locking nuts 28 onto the bolts 27 as required to securely fasten them together. This will create a two-piece ball with a hole through its center 2 b.
This separable construction will allow for the easy addition/removal of one or more two-piece balls with a hole through their centers 2 b to/from any ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10 a, a second modified ball line 10 b adjustable ball line 11 for any batting swing trainer of the present invention.
Using a two-piece ball with a hole through its center 2 b of separable construction will simplify and speed up repairs or improvements to a batting swing trainer of the present invention.
It is conceived that the construction of each ball half 2 a could be made more complex to include additional protrusive structures and identical mirrored recesses to make the assembled two-piece ball with a hole through its center 2 b much stronger and more stable. It is our intention to include these embodiments as part of the spirit and intention of this invention.
FIG. 21 shows the back of an assembled two-piece ball with a hole through its center 2 b which is assembled onto an eyelet line 1, but which could be assembled onto a ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10 a, a second modified ball line 10 b or a ratcheting ball line 11 or any other assembled batting swing trainer of the present invention.
Each embodiment of the batting swing trainer herein carries with it a novel concept for creating a batting swing trainer of the present invention. It is foreseen and conceivable that one or more of these unique features could be combined in ways that have not been presented to create additional versions of the batting swing trainer of the present invention. It is our intention to include these embodiments as part of the spirit and intention of this invention submission.
FIG. 22 shows a swing trainer of the present invention with a person 26 standing on an elevated platform 32 using golf club to hit down on a ball with a hole through its center 2 on an adjustable ball line 11 of the present invention.
Each configuration of a swing trainer described herein is intended to function as either a baseball or softball batting swing trainer or as a golf swing trainer.
Anchor Point Options for Securing One or More Ends of a Batting Swing Trainer
An unassisted non-tightening anchor point 13: When one end of a first modified ball line 10 a, a second modified ball line 10 b or a ratcheting ball line 11 is able to clip or attach directly to an immoveable or temporarily immovable object, it will create an unassisted non-tightening anchor point for one end of a swing trainer of the present invention.
An unassisted self-tightening anchor point 22: When one end of a ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10 a, a second modified ball line 10 b or a ratcheting ball line 11 is able to wrap around an immovable or temporarily immovable object so that a clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 on either end may clip back onto the first eyelet line 1 or an adjustable ratcheting strap or similar 5 that it is attached to, will create an unassisted self-tightening anchor point for one end of a swing trainer of the present invention.
An assisted single eyelet self-tightening anchor point 23: An additional eyelet line 1 is wrapped around an immovable or temporarily immovable object where one eyelet 1 c on one end is passed through the eyelet 1 c on the other so that a clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 may clip onto it to create an assisted self-tightening anchor point 23 for either end of a swing trainer of the present invention.
An assisted double eyelet non-tightening anchor point 24: An additional eyelet line 1 is wrapped around an immovable or temporarily immovable object where both eyelets 1 c come together to overlap so that a clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 may clip onto them both to create an assisted double eyelet non-tightening anchor point 24 for either end of a swing trainer of the present invention.
An assisted handheld anchor point 25: A handle or a pair of handles with an eyelet or means of attachment 9 for the purposes of attaching to the free end of a ball line 10, first modified ball line 10 a, a second modified ball line 10 b or a ratcheting ball line 11 to create a handle(s) that may be held by a person to establish a second anchor point for a swing trainer of the present invention.
A wall-mounted anchor point 8: A hitching screw or similar 8 is screwed into or mounted on a wall 19 to permanently install it so that a clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 from one end of a first modified ball line 10 a, a second modified ball line 10 b or a ratcheting ball line 11 may attach to it to anchor one end of a swing trainer of the present invention.
A ground-mounted pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6: A metal pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 is placed into cement 16 in a hole-in-the-ground 14 so that when it cures it will be permanently installed so that its multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 b may act as optional height adjustable anchor points for either end of a swing trainer of the present invention.
A ground-mounted ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7: A ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 is placed into cement 16 in a hole-in-the-ground 14 so that when it cures it will be permanently installed so that its multiple hitch rings 7 b may act as optional height adjustable anchor points through which to pass an eyelet from a ball line 10 or a first modified ball line 10 a so that it may be attached to a ratcheting device 7 c that is capable of removing any slack from a the swing trainer of the present invention.
A ground-mounted metal sleeve 17: A metal sleeve 17 is placed into cement 16 in a hole-in-the-ground 14 to permanently install it so that it may receive and support a metal pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 or a ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 which will create multiple height adjustable anchor points for either end of a swing trainer of the present invention.
It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative examples of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A swing trainer comprising:

(a) a first length of wire rope, the wire rope having a first end and a second end;

(b) a plurality of balls, each of the plurality of balls comprising a hole through its center, each of the plurality of balls positioned through its hole along the length of wire rope;

(c) a first cushioning device comprising a hole through its center, the first cushioning device positioned through its hole on the first end of the first length of wire rope;

(d) a second cushioning device comprising a hole through its center, the second cushioning device positioned through its hole on the second end of the first length of wire rope;

(e) the first end of the first length of wire rope being looped back onto itself and crimped to permanently secure a first eyelet onto the first end of the first length of wire rope;

(f) the second end of the first length of wire rope being looped back onto itself and crimped to permanently secure a second eyelet onto the second end of the first length of wire rope,

wherein the plurality of balls are located between each of the first and second cushioning devices and each hole is sized to allow the ball or cushioning device to move freely along the wire rope.

2. The swing trainer of claim 1, further comprising a first fastening device coupled to the first eyelet.

3. The swing trainer of claim 2, further comprising a second fastening device coupled to the second eyelet.

4. The swing trainer of claim 3, wherein the second fastening device is also coupled to a first eyelet on a first end of an adjustable ratcheting strap, the swing trainer further comprising a third fastening device coupled to a second eyelet on a second end of the adjustable ratcheting strap.

5. The swing trainer of claim 3, wherein the first and second fastening devices are each coupled to separate, spaced anchor points, the first fastening device being coupled to or wrapped around a first immovable object, the first fastening device being coupled to the first eyelet line to create a first anchor point, the second fastening device being coupled to or wrapped around a second immovable object, the second fastening device being coupled to the first eyelet line to create a second anchor point.

6. The swing trainer of claim 3, wherein the first and second fastening devices are each coupled to separate, spaced anchor points, the first fastening device being coupled to or wrapped around a first immovable object, the first fastening device being coupled to the first eyelet line to create a first anchor point, the second fastening device being coupled to a handle or pair of handles configured to be held by a user to create a second anchor point.

7. The swing trainer of claim 4, wherein the first fastening device and the third fastening device are each coupled to separate spaced anchor points; and

where the combined first clip-on carabiner and first eyelet line are wrapped around an immovable or temporary immovable object where the first clip-on carabiner or fastening device is attached or clipped back onto the first eyelet line to create a first anchor point; or

where the first clip-on carabiner or fastening device is attached directly to an immovable or temporary immoveable object to create a first anchor point; or

where a second eyelet line is wrapped around an immovable or temporary immoveable object with the first eyelet passing through the second eyelet so that the first clip-on carabiner or fastening device may attach to the first eyelet to create a first anchor point; or

where a second eyelet line is wrapped around an immovable or temporary immoveable object with both eyelets coming together to overlap so that the first clip-on carabiner or fastening device may attach to both eyelets simultaneously to create a first anchor point; and

where the combined third clip-on carabiner and adjustable ratcheting strap are wrapped around an immovable or temporary immovable object where the third clip-on carabiner or fastening device is attached or clipped back onto the adjustable ratcheting strap to create a second anchor point; or

where the third clip-on carabiner or fastening device may or may not attach directly to an immovable or temporary immoveable object to create a second anchor point; or

where a third eyelet line is wrapped around an immovable or temporary immoveable object with the first eyelet passing through the second eyelet so that the third clip-on carabiner or fastening device may attach to the first eyelet to create a second anchor point; or

where a third eyelet line is wrapped around an immovable or temporary immoveable object with both eyelets coming together to overlap so that the third clip-on carabiner or fastening device may attach to both eyelets simultaneously to create a second anchor point, thereby creating an anchored ratcheting swing trainer;

8. The method according to claim 4, wherein said ratcheting ball line swing trainer, requiring the first clip-on carabiner or fastening device and the third clip-on carabiner or fastening device each be attached to separate and reasonably spaced anchor points; and

where the first clip-on carabiner or fastening device is attached directly to an attachment point on a first immovable pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points which is permanently cemented in the ground to create a first anchor point; or

where the first clip-on carabiner or fastening device is attached directly to an attachment point on a first temporary immovable pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points which is lowered into a first tightly fitting recess that is permanently formed in cement in the ground to create a first anchor point; or

where the first clip-on carabiner or fastening device is attached directly to an attachment point on a first temporary immovable pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points which is lowered into a first anchoring sleeve that is permanently cemented in the ground to create a first anchor point; and

where the third clip-on carabiner or fastening device is attached directly to an attachment point on a second immovable pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points which is permanently cemented in the ground to create a second anchor point; or

where the third clip-on carabiner or fastening device is attached directly to an attachment point on a second temporary immovable pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points which is lowered into a second tightly fitting recess that is permanently formed in cement in the ground to create a second anchor point; or

where the third clip-on carabiner or fastening device is attached directly to an attachment point on a second temporary immovable pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points which is lowered into a second anchoring sleeve that is permanently cemented in the ground to create a second anchor point; and thereby creating a hitching pole swing trainer;

9. The method according to claim 3, wherein said first modified ball line swing trainer, requiring the first clip-on carabiner or fastening device attached to the first eyelet on the eyelet line and the second eyelet each be attached to separate and reasonably spaced anchor points; and

where the second eyelet on the eyelet line is passed through a hitch ring and attached to a ratcheting mechanism on a first ratcheting hitching pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points which is permanently cemented in the ground to create a second anchor point; or

where the second eyelet on the eyelet line is passed through a hitch ring and attached to a ratcheting mechanism on a first ratcheting hitching pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points which is lowered into a second tightly fitting recess that is permanently formed in cement in the ground to create a second anchor point; or

where the second eyelet on the eyelet line is passed through a hitch ring and attached to a ratcheting mechanism on a first ratcheting hitching pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points which is lowered into a second anchoring sleeve that is permanently cemented in the ground to create a second anchor point; and thereby creating a ratcheting/hitching pole swing trainer;

10. The method according to claim 2, wherein said ball line swing trainer, requiring the first eyelet and second eyelet on the eyelet line each be attached to separate and reasonably spaced anchor points; and

where the first eyelet on the eyelet line is passed through a hitch ring and attached to a ratcheting mechanism on a first ratcheting hitching pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points which is permanently cemented in the ground to create a first anchor point; or

where the first eyelet on the eyelet line is passed through a hitch ring and attached to a ratcheting mechanism on a first ratcheting hitching pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points which is lowered into a second tightly fitting recess that is permanently formed in cement in the ground to create a first anchor point; or

where the first eyelet on the eyelet line is passed through a hitch ring and attached to a ratcheting mechanism on a first ratcheting hitching pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points which is lowered into a second anchoring sleeve that is permanently cemented in the ground to create a first anchor point; and

where the second eyelet on the eyelet line is passed through a hitch ring and attached to a ratcheting mechanism on a first ratcheting hitching pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points which is lowered into a second anchoring sleeve that is permanently cemented in the ground to create a second anchor point; and thereby creating a double ratcheting pole swing trainer;

11. The method according to claim 4, wherein said ratcheting ball line swing trainer, requiring the first clip-on carabiner or fastening device and the third clip-on carabiner or fastening device each be attached to separate and reasonably spaced anchor points; and

where the first clip-on carabiner or fastening device is attached directly to a ring on a first wall-mounted hitching screw or attachment point on a first wall section to create a first anchor point; and

where the second clip-on carabiner or fastening device is attached directly to a ring on a second wall-mounted hitching screw or attachment point on a second wall section to create a second anchor point, and thereby creating a wall-mounted swing trainer;

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein said metal or synthetic crimp may take the form of any suitable crimping mechanism or locking device that will allow for the permanent crimping or binding of an eyelet onto either end of a reasonable length of plastic coated metal wire rope or aircraft cable;

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein said first reasonable length of plastic coated metal wire rope or aircraft cable, may take the form of any suitably strong thin flexible material that would suit the creation of a swing trainer as described herein which may include string, natural or synthetic fibers, rope or metal wire;

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of balls with holes through their center, may include any suitable ball used for the purpose of playing or practicing baseball, fastball, softball or golf to include any sufficiently round object which may include baseballs, softballs, whiffle balls, plastic balls, rubber balls, golf balls or other suitable balls; and

may take the form of a two-piece ball with a hole through the center that assembles with the help of hardware which may or may not include nuts and bolts or another suitable joining mechanism to simplify the addition to, or removal from the first eyelet line of a ball line, a first modified ball line, a second modified ball line or an adjustable ball line without the need to disassemble and reassemble the unit.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein said rubber ball or cushioning device with a hole through its center, may be made of any suitably stiff, durable or flexible materials; and

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein said clip-on carabiner or fastening device may take the form of a hook, a metal ring, a link or ring with a threaded closure mechanism or another suitable mechanism that would facilitate the secure attachment to or removal from an anchor point;

17. The method according to claim 1, wherein said adjustable ratcheting strap, may take the form of a come-along, a pulley system, a rope lock, a tightening strap, a tightening rope, a locking chain or another suitable device that can be used to take the slack out of a line to make it taut between any two anchor points and that can also loosen it;

18. The method according to claim 4, wherein said ratcheting ball line swing trainer, may include the addition of a second eyelet line where the first eyelet is also attached or clipped onto the first clip-on carabiner and a fourth clip-on carabiner or fastening device is added and attached to the second eyelet on the second eyelet line, thereby creating an extended ratcheting ball line swing trainer allowing it to span longer distances;

19. The swing trainer of claim 1 wherein the wire rope is a plastic coated metal wire rope or aircraft cable, wherein one or both of the first and second cushioning device is a rubber ball, wherein the crimp is a metal or synthetic crimp and wherein one or both of the first and second fastening device is a clip-on carabiner.