Baseball and Softball Bat Swinging Trainer

Abstract

Disclosed is a new and improved baseball and softball bat swinging trainer, comprising a flexible or rigid pole that is anchored to a horizontal surface, and a plurality of colored target flaps extending therefrom. The target flaps are pivotably mounted to the pole and are independently movable between a first and second position. The device can be adjusted so that the flaps are positioned in the strike zone of the batter. The colored target flap rotates as it is struck, indicating that the target was properly hit. A player can be instructed to swing at a particular colored flap, which helps him or her to learn hand-eye coordination and proper bat control when swinging a baseball or softball bat.

I claim: 
     
         1 ) A batting device, comprising:
 A flexible pole that is anchored to a horizontal surface;   at least one target flap being pivotably mounted to said pole and being independently movable between a first and second position;   and an attachment means for attaching said target flap to said pole.   
     
     
         2 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible pole being adapted for mounting into the ground to provide stability thereto when in use. 
     
     
         3 ) The device of  claim 2 , wherein said flexible pole having a pointed terminal end that is adapted for use as a ground stake. 
     
     
         4 ) The device of  claim 2 , wherein said flexible pole having a multi-prong terminal end that is adapted for use as a ground stake. 
     
     
         5 ) The device of  claim 2 , wherein said flexible pole having a weighted ground support that slidably attaches to said pole and rests on a horizontal surface. 
     
     
         6 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible pole having a telescoping means that enables said flaps to be height adjustable based on the height of a user. 
     
     
         7 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible pole having a joint in the middle thereof that enables said pole to be broken down into two sections. 
     
     
         8 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of target flaps are positioned one on top of another. 
     
     
         9 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said pole further comprising a plurality of retainers being positioned at the top and bottom of said target flap, said retainers providing a sufficient amount of separation between each of said flaps for independent movement thereof. 
     
     
         10 ) The device of  claim 9 , wherein said retainers being molded extensions of said pole. 
     
     
         11 ) A batting device, comprising:
 A flexible pole that is anchored to a horizontal surface;   and at least one flexible target flap extending from said pole and being permanently attached thereto.   
     
     
         12 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said target flaps being formed in a substantially rectangular configuration, and having a width that allows for striking with a conventional baseball or softball bat. 
     
     
         13 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein said target flaps are secured to the pole with an attachment means. 
     
     
         14 ) The device of  claim 13 , wherein said attachment means comprises an annular ring with an aperture in the middle thereof that completely encircles said pole. 
     
     
         15 ) The device of  claim 13 , wherein said attachment means comprises a C-clip that secures around said flexible pole 
     
     
         16 ) The device of  claim 13 , wherein said attachment means comprises an annular ring with an aperture in the middle thereof that completely encircles said pole, and at least one horizontally positioned aperture that enables said flap to accept a fastener for attachment of said flap to said pole. 
     
     
         17 ) A batting device, comprising:
 A flexible pole that is anchored to a horizontal surface, said pole having a flexible tab extending therefrom;   at least one target flap being pivotably mounted to said pole and being independently movable between a first and second position, said flap having an aperture to allow said tab attached to said pole to pass therethrough;   said tab extending beyond said aperture such that said flap makes contact with said tab.   
     
     
         18 ) The device of claim,  13  wherein said attachment means comprises a helical torsion spring that attaches said flap to said pole, and being adapted to automatically return said flap to its original position.