INDOOR/OUTDOOR SWING TRAINER

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.

Claims

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] The features of the present invention will become more apparent from the drawings of which:

[0055] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of all of the individual parts that are used to assemble a swing trainer of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the parts of an eyelet line of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an assembled ball line swing trainer of the present invention.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a disassembled two-piece ratcheting strap of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a ratcheting ball line swing trainer of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a ratcheting ball line swing trainer of the present invention attached to two separate sections of fencing.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a metal pole with multiple hitch rings of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a ratcheting metal pole with multiple hitch of the present invention.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a disassembled two-piece ball with a hole through its center of the present invention.

[0074] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the top portion of an assembled two-piece ball on a ball line of the present invention.

[0075] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the bottom portion of an assembled two-piece ball on a ball line of the present invention.

[0076] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a golfing swing trainer of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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: [0079] An eyelet line 1 [0080] A ball with a hole through its center 2 [0081] A rubber ball or cushioning device with a hole through its center 3 [0082] A clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 [0083] An adjustable ratcheting strap or similar 5 [0084] A pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6 [0085] A pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points and a ratcheting device 7 [0086] A ratcheting mechanism for attaching to a pole 7c [0087] A threaded hitch ring or similar 8 [0088] A handle or a pair of handles with an eyelet or attachment point 9

[0089] 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 1a, where each end of the wire 1a is looped back on itself and secured with a metal crimp or fastener 1b which will create an eyelet 1c at each end of the aircraft cable 1a to create a first eyelet line 1.

[0090] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10a and a second modified ball line 10b 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 1c through each of a plurality of balls with holes through their centers 2.

[0091] 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 1c through a first rubber ball or cushioning device with a hole through its center 3 and then by passing the second eyelet 1c 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.

[0092] 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 1c 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 1c on the first eyelet line 1 thereby completing the assembly of a first modified ball line 10a batting swing trainer of the present invention.

[0093] With the creation of a first modified ball line 10a, a second clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 is added by clipped it to a second eyelet 1c at the second end of the first modified ball line 10a 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 1c on the first eyelet line 1 thereby completing the assembly of a second modified ball line 10b batting swing trainer of the present invention.

[0094] 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 5a of reasonable length and a ratcheting mechanism 5d permanently attached to a flat heavy duty fabric strap 5e. The first end of the flat heavy duty fabric strap 5a is looped back onto itself where it is sewn into an eyelet 5b and reinforced to provide superior strength. The second end of the flat heavy duty fabric strap 5a will remain a loose end 5c. The ratcheting mechanism 5d is permanently attached to the first end of a flat heavy duty fabric strap 5e which is wrapped around a metal post within the ratcheting mechanism 5d and looped back onto itself where it is sewn into an eyelet 5f around a metal post within the ratcheting mechanism 5d where it is reinforced to provide superior strength. The second end of the flat heavy duty fabric strap 5e is looped back onto itself where it is sewn into an eyelet 5g and reinforced to provide superior strength. These two pieces are then assembled by taking the loose end 5c of the flat reinforced fabric strap 5a and placing into a receiving slot in the ratcheting mechanism 5d. The ratcheting mechanism is then manipulated to pull in and secure the loose end 5c of the flat reinforced fabric strap 5a as required, thereby completing the assembly of the adjustable ratcheting strap or similar 5.

[0095] 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 5b 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 10b and a third clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 is clipped onto the eyelet 5g 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.

[0096] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a second modified ball line 10b 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 5c of the flat heavy duty fabric strap 5a through the ratcheting mechanism 5d 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 5d 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 10b portion of the adjustable ball line 11 so that they cover each of the metal crimps 1b 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 10b 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.

[0097] 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 6b will be welded or formed onto the same side of the metal pole 6a 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.

[0098] 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 7b and a ratcheting mechanism 7c will be welded onto the same side of the metal pole 7a 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 10b of the present invention.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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 6b 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 6b 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 5c of the flat heavy duty fabric strap 5a through the ratcheting mechanism 5d 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 5d 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 10b portion of the adjustable ball line 11 so that they cover each of the metal crimps 1b 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 10b portion of the adjustable ball line 11. This will complete the assembly of a hitching pole batting swing trainer 18 of the present invention.

[0103] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a single ratcheting hitching pole batting swing trainer 18a 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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 10a will be passed through a first ring or attachment point 7b on a ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 where it will then be attached to the ratcheting mechanism 7c. Then attach a first clip-on carabiner or fastening device 4 from the first end of the first modified ball line 10a to a first ring or attachment point 6b on the pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 6. Then tighten the first modified ball line 10a by using the ratcheting mechanism 5d on the ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 to remove the slack. Once the first modified ball line 10a is taut and the ratcheting mechanism 7c 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 10a. Then slide the plurality of balls with holes through their center 2 to one end of the first modified ball line 10a to complete the assembly of a single ratcheting hitching pole batting swing trainer 18a of the present invention.

[0109] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a double ratcheting hitching pole batting swing trainer 18b 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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 7b on a first ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 where it will then be attached to the ratcheting mechanism 7c. Then a second eyelet on the first ball line 10 will be passed through a first ring or attachment point 7b on a second ratcheting pole with multiple hitch rings or attachment points 7 and attach it to the ratcheting mechanism 7c. Then the ball line 10 will be tightened by using one or both of the ratcheting mechanisms 5d 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 7c 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 10a to complete the assembly of a double ratcheting hitching pole batting swing trainer 18b of the present invention.

[0114] 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 5c of the flat heavy duty fabric strap 5a through the ratcheting mechanism 5d 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 1b 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 10b portion of the adjustable ball line 11. This will complete the wall mounted batting swing trainer 20 of the present invention.

[0115] 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 1c of the first eyelet line 1 making up part of a ball line 10c 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.

[0116] This process may also be used to anchor either end of a ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10a or a second modified ball line 10b to create an unassisted self-tightening anchor point 22 for a batting swing trainer of the present invention.

[0117] 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.

[0118] A second eyelet line 1 is wrapped around a tree where the first eyelet 1c is passed through the second eyelet 1c 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.

[0119] This process may also be used to anchor either end of a ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10a or a second modified ball line 10b to create an assisted self-tightening anchor point 23 for a batting swing trainer of the present invention.

[0120] 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.

[0121] This process may also be used to anchor either end of a ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10a, a second modified ball line 10b or a ratcheting ball line 11 to create an assisted self-tightening anchor point 23 for a batting swing trainer of the present invention.

[0122] 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.

[0123] A second eyelet line 1 is wrapped around a tree where the first eyelet 1c and the second eyelet 1c 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 1c 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.

[0124] This process may also be used to anchor either end of a ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10a or a second modified ball line 10b to create an assisted double eyelet non-tightening anchor point 24 for a batting swing trainer of the present invention.

[0125] 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.

[0126] This process may also be used to anchor either end of a ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10a, a second modified ball line 10b or a ratcheting ball line 11 to create an assisted self-tightening anchor point 23 for a batting swing trainer of the present invention.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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 10a, a second modified ball line 10b or a ratcheting ball line 11.

[0130] 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; 2a, that assemble using hardware to create a two-piece ball with a hole through its center 2b 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.

[0131] Any ball with a hole through its center 2 may be easily added to a ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10a, a second modified ball line 10b 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 10a, a second modified ball line 10b or a ratcheting ball line 11. This a two-piece ball with a hole through its center 2b 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 2b which uses four bolts 27 and four nuts or locking nuts 28 to securely join each of the ball halves 2a together.

[0132] This design uses two identical ball halves 2a to create a combination two-piece ball with a hole through its center 2b. Each ball half 2a will have four recessed holes 29 drilled or formed into the outer rounded surface which will only go part way through the ball half 2a. 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 2a. Each recessed hole 29 will have a lip around the small hole 30 which will act as a stop that will prevent the head 27a of a bolt 27 or a nut or locking nut 28 from passing by it and moving deeper into the ball half 2a allowing the two sections to be fastened securely together.

[0133] The flat bottom surface 32 of each ball half 2a will have four small holes 30 as previously described which go completely through the ball half 2a. The bottom will also feature a concave semi circular slot 31a at the center running the entire length of the ball half 2a.

[0134] FIG. 20 shows the front of an assembled two-piece ball with a hole through its center 2b which is assembled onto an eyelet line 1 which could make up part of either a ball line 10c, a first modified ball line 10a, a second modified ball line 10b or a ratcheting ball line 11 or any other assembled batting swing trainer of the present invention as follows.

[0135] A first ball half 2a and a second ball half 2a are combined by placing the flat bottom surface 32 of each against one another being sure to align the concave semi circular slot 31a and each of the four small holes 30 on each ball half 2a. The aligning of the two concave semi circular slots 31a 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 2a until the head of each bolt 27a 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 2a and thread it onto the bottom threaded portion 27b 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 2b.

[0136] This separable construction will allow for the easy addition/removal of one or more two-piece balls with a hole through their centers 2b to/from any ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10a, a second modified ball line 10b adjustable ball line 11 for any batting swing trainer of the present invention.

[0137] Using a two-piece ball with a hole through its center 2b of separable construction will simplify and speed up repairs or improvements to a batting swing trainer of the present invention.

[0138] It is conceived that the construction of each ball half 2a 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 2b much stronger and more stable. It is our intention to include these embodiments as part of the spirit and intention of this invention.

[0139] FIG. 21 shows the back of an assembled two-piece ball with a hole through its center 2b which is assembled onto an eyelet line 1, but which could be assembled onto a ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10a, a second modified ball line 10b or a ratcheting ball line 11 or any other assembled batting swing trainer of the present invention.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] Anchor Point Options for Securing One or More Ends of a Batting Swing Trainer

[0144] An unassisted non-tightening anchor point 13: When one end of a first modified ball line 10a, a second modified ball line 10b 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.

[0145] An unassisted self-tightening anchor point 22: When one end of a ball line 10, a first modified ball line 10a, a second modified ball line 10b 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.

[0146] 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 1c on one end is passed through the eyelet 1c 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.

[0147] 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 1c 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.

[0148] 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 10a, a second modified ball line 10b 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.

[0149] 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 10a, a second modified ball line 10b or a ratcheting ball line 11 may attach to it to anchor one end of a swing trainer of the present invention.

[0150] 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 6b may act as optional height adjustable anchor points for either end of a swing trainer of the present invention.

[0151] 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 7b 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 10a so that it may be attached to a ratcheting device 7c that is capable of removing any slack from a the swing trainer of the present invention.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.