Batter swing training apparatus

Abstract

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

I claim:  
     
         1 . A batter training apparatus comprising: 
 a. a ground frame section;    b. a forward motion restraint attached to said ground frame section, said forward motion restraint being adjustable such that said forward motion restraint is positionable at various levels on a body of a user positioned to use said training apparatus;    c. a ball launcher; and    d. a trigger for activating said ball launcher.    
     
     
         2 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 1 , further including a foot plate attached to said ground frame section.  
     
     
         3 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein said foot plate is pivotally mounted on said ground frame section.  
     
     
         4 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein said foot plate is biased at an upward angle relative to said ground frame section.  
     
     
         5 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said ball launcher is connected to said ground frame section.  
     
     
         6 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said trigger is operatively connected to said foot plate.  
     
     
         7 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said forward motion restraint is pivotally mounted on said ground frame section.  
     
     
         8 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein said forward motion restraint is radially adjustable relative to said ground frame section.  
     
     
         9 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the position of said ball launcher relative to said ground frame section is adjustable.  
     
     
         10 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein said ball launcher is radially adjustable relative to said ground frame section.  
     
     
         11 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein said ball launcher is pivotally adjustable relative to said ground frame section.  
     
     
         12 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said ball launcher maybe adjusted to vary the force used to launch a ball.  
     
     
         13 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said ground frame section is configured such that said forward motion restraint and said ball launcher are reversible to accommodate either a left-handed or a right-handed batter.  
     
     
         14 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein said trigger includes a cord attached to said foot plate and extending to a release pin on said ball launcher.  
     
     
         15 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein said ball launcher includes a spring slot in which said release pin travels and a cocking notch at a bottom portion of said release pin.  
     
     
         16 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said ground frame section is generally U-shaped.  
     
     
         17 . A batter training apparatus comprising: 
 a. a support tube having a diameter approximate to that of a bat at said bat's striking surface; and    b. three substantially flat striking surfaces connected to and surrounding said support tube, thereby forming a triangle structure around said support tube.    
     
     
         18 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein each angle in said triangle structure is approximately equal.  
     
     
         19 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein said triangle structure is integrally formed with said support tube.  
     
     
         20 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein said support tube has an end extending beyond said triangle structure.  
     
     
         21 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 19 , wherein said end of said support tube has a series threads and a collar with a corresponding series threads engages said end.  
     
     
         22 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 20 , wherein said end of said support tube includes at least one split channel formed in said threads.  
     
     
         23 . The batter training apparatus according to  claim 2 , further including an attachment for a baseball bat comprising: 
 a. a support tube having a diameter approximate to that of a bat at said bat's striking surface; and    b. three substantially flat striking surfaces connected to and surrounding said support tube, thereby forming a triangle structure around said support tube.