Baseball and softball training apparatus

Abstract

A baseball and softball training apparatus adapted for use with a Velcro covered ball is associated with a primary target constructed of Velcro. Various targets are defined on the primary target for hitting and pitching training and experience. The primary target is maintained in a substantially vertical position during use.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A baseball and softball training apparatus adapted for use with a.ball, comprising: 
 a primary target having first and second opposed planar surfaces, said first planar surface having first, second and third secondary targets defined thereon and at least one of said secondary targets having first, second and third tertiary targets defined thereon, said secondary targets extending in generally horizontal directions when the primary target is positioned for use and maintained substantially vertical, one of said ball and primary target having Velcro thereon and being constructed for sticking one to the other upon contact; and    means for maintaining the primary target substantially vertical.    
     
     
         2 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the primary target has a length and a width, said length being greater than said width, and said length extending substantially vertically at the substantially vertical position of said primary target.  
     
     
         3 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the primary target length is in the range of about 6 feet to about 12 feet and the primary target width is in the range of about 5 feet to about 12 feet.  
     
     
         4 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the primary target length is about 8 feet and the primary target width is about 7 feet.  
     
     
         5 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the secondary targets extend across substantially the entire width of the primary target.  
     
     
         6 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein, at the substantially vertical position of the primary target, the first secondary target is position at a higher elevation than the second and third secondary targets and the second secondary target is positioned at a higher elevation than the third secondary target.  
     
     
         7 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the second secondary target has first, second and third tertiary targets defined thereon.  
     
     
         8 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the second tertiary target is position at substantially the center of the primary target and the first and third tertiary targets are positioned on opposed sides of the second tertiary target.  
     
     
         9 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the maintaining means includes: 
 a frame of a size sufficient for extending about the periphery of the primary target;    a base connected to the frame and being adapted to maintain the frame in a substantially vertical position; and    means for connecting the periphery of the primary target to the frame.    
     
     
         10 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the connecting means includes: 
 a plurality of grommets connected to the primary target about the periphery thereof; and    means passing through the grommets and about the frame.    
     
     
         11 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the first secondary target is labeled “Triple” and the third secondary target is labeled “Single”.  
     
     
         12 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the first and third tertiary targets are labeled “Double” and the second tertiary target is labeled “Home Run”.  
     
     
         13 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein, said first planar surface being adapted for hitting a ball thereto and said second opposed planar surface being adapted to throwing a ball thereto, said second planar surface having a length and a width, said length extending substantially vertical when the apparatus is positioned for use, said width having a longitudinally extending center axis defined thereon and separating the planar surface into first and second portion of substantially equal widths, each of said first and second portions having opposed first, second and third pitching targets abutting said center axis, and each of said pitching targets being of substantially the same dimensions.  
     
     
         14 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein each of the opposed pitching targets having a length of about 8 inches as measured perpendicularly to the center axis.  
     
     
         15 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein each of the opposed pitching targets has a vertically extending width in the range of about 8 inches to about 4 inches.  
     
     
         16 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein the frame is adjustable for vertically positioning the pitching targets at a multiplicity of locations.  
     
     
         17 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein the primary target is vertically adjustable on the frame for vertically positioning the pitching targets at a multiplicity of locations.