Not Applicable.
Not Applicable.
1. Technical Field
This non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) generally relates to a physical training device and, more particularly, to a boxing ring simulator, and methods of assembly thereof.
2. Prior Art
Whether Trainer, Boxer, Striker, Martial Artist, Father, Mother, Son or Daughter, Gym Owner or Fitness Franchise, Fitness and/or Boxing Enthusiast with a need for a defined area, platform, and/or ring, an investment of at least $5000 is typically necessary, wherein known economical boxing rings are usually constructed with metal components, steel, cable or rope for the perimeter and plywood for the floor. The parts, as setup, define the perimeter and platform. The parts are heavy, with a dedicated and large area available for essentially permanent installation. Otherwise, a user is relegated to work on accomplishing typical ring-work outside the ring and without a ring perimeter. Some common training elements, such as footwork rehearsal, may be less effective without full circular motion, in and out and lateral movement, and without practice of foot positioning, pivoting and motion at ring corners. No familiarity can be realized relative to the inside perimeter of the ropes/boxing ring.
Alternative structures have been proposed, but the turnbuckle structure remains essentially constant. That is, a total installation perimeter is required to be greater than the useful ring space, in order to accommodate the turnbuckle structure, thus either limiting ring space or requiring a generally large installation site. Portable boxing rings have been described, for use in smaller spaces and to allow for easier installation; however, presently available portable rings disadvantageously eliminate the turnbuckle function. Without such a function, true ropes training cannot be accomplished.
Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a boxing ring that is economical, easy to erect and adapted to be transported, that is strong and safe, and that performs according to the necessary functions of a traditional boxing ring, including rope/turnbuckle motion, thereby avoiding the above-discussed disadvantages.
In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) to provide a portable boxing ring, and methods of assembly and use thereof. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) are provided by a boxing ring simulator/personal boxing ring that is portable, lightweight, and interactively responsive to physical contact during use.
According to its major aspects and broadly stated, in its preferred form, the present boxing ring simulator utilizes a plurality of springed posts to support horizontal rails that define the ring perimeter and to enable movement of the “ropes”, capturing the “Stay Off the Ropes” method, providing an opportunity for the user to become familiar with the perimeter inside a ropes/boxing ring, wherein the device was developed with a main emphasis of keeping all activity in the center of the ring, to train a boxer/user to traditionally remain “off the ropes” while also beneficially allowing the user to learn, practice and experience how to use the ropes and/or to fight off of the ropes.
More specifically, the device of the present disclosure in its preferred form is a boxing ring simulator that is essentially formed from portable and lightweight components, such as PVC pipe, for use indoors or outdoors, wherein mechanics preferably near the bottom half of each post enable rope-like movement of the ring simulator device and the lightweight “pipes” simulate the traditional boxing ring ropes feature, which can be three- or four-tier, and with selectable base members that may be weighted, may utilize anchors, or may be attached to a platform. The preferred motion mechanism is a spring member with a flexible rubber boot, wherein the corner posts and side posts are preferably all formed with the motion mechanism, and space is thereby more efficiently used than relative to a traditional ring because no turnbuckle mechanisms are necessary. All footwork may be accomplished inside the entire perimeter, yet ring “walls” are still able to resiliently shift and move, mimicking movement of traditional ropes. The device is easily assembled and disassembled, and is transportable, such as in a canvas duffel bag. Additionally, the device may be erected in any one of a plurality of sizes, depending upon the intended location of use.
Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present device is its ability to simulate a traditional boxing ring by defining a perimeter and interactively responding to physical contact during use.
Another feature and advantage of the present device is its ability to be easily transported and installed indoors or outdoors in a minimal space.
Yet another feature and advantage of the present device is its ability to be constructed from inexpensive and lightweight, yet sturdy and long lasting components.
Still another feature and advantage of the present device is its ability to assist a user in becoming familiar with the perimeter inside a ropes/boxing ring.
Yet still another feature and advantage of the present device is its ability to train a boxer to traditionally remain “off the ropes,” while also beneficially allowing the user to learn, practice and experience how to use the ropes and/or to fight off of the ropes.
Still another feature and advantage of the present device is its ability to facilitate use with essentially any hang bag and/or apparatus positioned in the center thereof.
Still yet another feature and advantage of the present device is its ability to provide for easy assembly and disassembly by as few as one or two persons.
Another feature and advantage of the present device is its ability to be used for training children, youths and adults alike.
Yet another feature and advantage of the present device is its ability to be easily transported to a variety selected locations, such as in a duffel bag.
Still another feature and advantage of the present device is its suitability for compact and conveniently packaged economical shipping.
Still yet another feature and advantage of the present device is its ability to allow an athlete and/or boxer and trainer to accomplish everything traditionally accomplished within the perimeter of the ropes of a traditional boxing ring . . . from mitt work with a trainer, to strict supervised controlled sparring-tactics, shadow boxing, foot work, or general boxing exercises and drills.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure so that the following detailed description may be better understood, and that the present contribution to the relevant art(s) may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
The novel features believed to be characteristic of non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) depicted in the figures nor the shapes, relative sizes or proportions shown in the figures.
The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure is shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) set forth herein. Rather, such non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the relevant art(s). Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the figures.
The illustrations of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the present disclosure. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of the structures, systems and/or methods described herein. Other non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) upon reviewing the disclosure. Other non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may be utilized and derived from the disclosure such that structural, logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.
One or more embodiment(s) of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s)” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the true spirit and scope of this application to any particular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiment(s) have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment(s) shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of other embodiment(s). Combinations of the above embodiment(s), and other embodiment(s) not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the relevant art(s) upon reviewing the description.
References in the specification to “one embodiment(s)”, “an embodiment(s)”, “a preferred embodiment(s)”, “an alternative embodiment(s)” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least an embodiment(s) of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s). The appearances of the phrase “non-limiting exemplary embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment(s).
Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiment(s) and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.
The non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) is/are referred to generally in
Referring now to
The portable nature of boxing ring simulator 10 enables its installation and use with essentially any hang bag and/or apparatus positioned in the center thereof, simply by placing boxing ring simulator 10 around the desired apparatus. That is, boxing ring simulator 10 provides for easy assembly and disassembly by as few as one or two persons, and can be used for training children, youths and adults alike, in a variety selected locations, with easy transport, such as in canvas duffel bag 100, wherein ring simulator device 10 may be provided in set and expandable set form, packaged for transport in such bag 100. It should be noted that the preferred construction components for boxing ring simulator 10 are particularly suitable for compact and conveniently packaged shipping, further enhancing the cost-effectiveness of ring-simulator device 10. That is, it is particularly noted that the preferred manufacture and construction of ring-simulator device 10 facilitates shipping thereof in a reasonably dimensioned box, thereby allowing for economical delivery to essentially any location.
Moreover, the preferred construction components for ring-simulator device 10 facilitate the easy selection of and/or expansion from a three-tier practice-style ring, such as shown in
As a cost-effective, functional, freestanding, lightweight, expandable, and portable unit, boxing ring simulator 10 provides for essentially universal access to a boxing ring, whether desired by an individual as an additional piece of fitness equipment for convenient personal and private training, or by a fitness facility previously unwilling to sacrifice valuable space required by traditional rings but enthusiastic about the boxing ring simulator 10 option of easily dismantling, erecting, and relocating as may be convenient or necessary.
The preferred structural configuration of ring simulator device 10 facilitates a realization of up to 20 feet lengths on each inside length of the perimeter of ring simulator device 10, whether assembled with three tiers or four tiers. For example,
As may be noted in the figures, the preferred embodiment has features in common, wherein three tiers 14 are provided as simulated ropes for a training ring, as representatively shown in
Also, although square versions are preferred, other shapes could be alternately utilized, including, for example, a pentagon or octagon, or any other desired shape, such as for mixed martial arts, or the like. Thus, valuable space need not be sacrificed permanently, wherein the square footage of ring simulator device 10 is not only selectable, but it is expandable according to changing needs and accommodations of the user and/or facility. For example, expansion may preferably be accomplished in 5′ or 10′ tubing increments, such that a 5′ ring may be expanded to a 10′ ring, a 10′ ring may be expanded to a 20′ ring, and/or a 15′ ring may be expanded to a 20′ ring, such as to better simulate an official training and competition boxing ring, as desired. The expansion could also include the addition of a fourth tier to a three tier ring, in which case each tier 14 is positioned closer together to accommodate four tiers on the same posts. Additionally, it should be readily recognized that tubing increments may be longer or shorter than 5′, if desired. Moreover, for mixed martial arts, ring simulator device 10 could include peripheral fencing; for example, plastic vinyl fencing could be fastened to tiers 14.
In the preferred embodiment, such as exemplarily depicted in
Referencing, for example,
Referring now to
Motion mechanism 16 preferably facilitates movement, or shifting, of “walls” 18, as representatively referenced in
Base 22 of each post 12 is preferably positioned in a non-axial relationship relative to upright 24 thereof. It is noted that the preferred configuration of ring simulator device 10 receives and/or derives its support essentially directly from vertically placed, or downward supports, to the floor, rather than from horizontally placed supports, wherein a traditionally constructed boxing ring receives and/or derives its support indirectly, from horizontal fastening and/or extension to a post, as shown in
Ring simulator device 10 advantageously allows for economical utilization of floor space and avoidance of complicated turnbuckle construction, yet while allowing simulated movement thereof for effective training, via motion mechanism 16, wherein each post 12 is essentially a solid yet flexible unit. That is, the preferred angle of base 22 relative to each post 12 provides full clearance below first or bottom tier 15a, thereby allowing complete footwork movement throughout the entire insider perimeter of ring simulator device 10. It is recognized that for alternate utilization, such as for some mixed martial arts, base 22 could be axially related to upright 24 of each post, such as shown in
Depending upon the overall dimensional space desired, or the space available, a particular size version may be utilized, wherein a smaller version may be constructed with posts 12 positioned at corners 26 only, such as in
In use, ring simulator device 10 essentially allows for an athlete and/or boxer and trainer, to accomplish everything traditionally accomplished within the perimeter of the ropes of a traditional boxing ring . . . from mitt work with a trainer, to strict supervised controlled sparring-tactics, shadow boxing, foot work, or general boxing exercises and drills. For example, during footwork rehearsal, as noted, ring simulator device 10 allows for full circular motion, in and out and lateral movement, and including foot positioning, pivoting and motion at corners 26, wherein each corner 26 is free of any impacting base 22. That is, ring simulator device 10 allows the performance of continuous pivoting and footwork to “create angles” while shadow boxing, doing mitt work with a trainer, and during supervised sparring or the like. Jumping rope is also an option, along with use around any boxing apparatus, such as a heavy bag, reflex/slip ball, wrecking/upper cut bag, or the like, as noted.
As noted, the training philosophy of ring simulator device 10 captures the “Stay Off the Ropes” method and provides an opportunity for the user to become familiar with the perimeter inside a ropes/boxing ring, wherein ring simulator device 10 was developed with a main emphasis of keeping all activity in the center of the ring, to train a boxer/user to traditionally remain “off the ropes”; however, ring simulator device 10 also beneficially allows the user to learn, practice and experience how to use the ropes and/or to fight off of the ropes. Thus, ring simulator device 10 increases the benefits of many training regimens, allowing them to occur within a “simulated” boxing ring and its environment.
Ring simulator device 10 is ideal for set up in essentially any garage, backyard, lawn, sandbox, basement, or even poolside or on the beach. It can be used at any Studio/Gym or Fitness Franchise, allowing for simulated ring practice while not tying up the facilities actual/main Boxing Ring, and without interruption of sparring sessions therein, or requiring reservations for sparring. In addition, ring simulator device 10 can be set up in any Aerobics Room, indoor or outdoor playground, basketball court, recreation/community room, or the like. The preferred structural design allows for ring simulator device 10 to be easily transported and set up essentially anywhere, and even shipped to any contingency or military installation for use, both leisure and training, to serve as a boxing ring display at any venue, or even in a conference room for a corporate event. The preferred freestanding ability of ring simulator device 10 therefore allows for temporary or permanent set up in a selected location, dedicated or otherwise, since it can be dismantled at any time. Moreover, it's convenient, light weight, yet strong and durable construction allows for use in any weather.
While non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) has/have been described with respect to certain specific embodiment(s), it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In particular, with respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation.
The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the above Detailed Description, various features may have been grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiment(s) require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s). Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter.
The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiment(s) which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the above detailed description.
This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2011/024664, filed Feb. 12, 2011, which claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 61/304,105, filed Feb. 12, 2010, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/US2011/024664 | 2/12/2011 | WO | 00 | 7/26/2012 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
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WO2011/100644 | 8/18/2011 | WO | A |
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20120316002 A1 | Dec 2012 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61304105 | Feb 2010 | US |