Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to an exercise assembly which also may be used for training purposes when practicing certain sports activity including, but not limited to, boxing, the martial arts, etc. As such, the exercise assembly includes a plurality of targets, adjustably mounted and disposed on a supporting shaft, wherein each target is structured to be individually and repeatedly struck by the hands, feet, and/or limbs of a user when performing the exercising and/or training routine.
Description of the Related Art
Numerous individuals seek out training devices wanting to exercise or train using self defense techniques. As a result, such individuals frequently require some type of device in order to facilitate their goals. Known devices which are readily available on the commercial market include stationary training products including the heavy punching bag. However, there is always a risk of injury since the bag is by nature heavy and dense, and can damage wrists and ankles if the user does not properly protect his/her body. Other known devices such as reactive training products including various speed bag assemblies allow an individual to practice not only punches and/or kicks, but also speed and accuracy.
Training devices have independently developed to a point where their use is more multi-purpose, where a target can rotate on contact back to the individual, which simulates the unpredictable nature of a real-life sparring partner. However, there appears to be an absence of a combined structure having multi-purpose uses such that a single exercise training device may be utilized as both a stationary training product and a simulated interactive sparring partner where a target can rotate around a shaft on contact from the user. Accordingly, despite the developments and advancements in training devices of the type set forth above, there is still a need for an improved training apparatus which provides targets that simulate an interactive sparring partner with a high enough threshold for absorbing impact, while remaining safe to the user.
The present invention is directed to an exercise assembly including structural and operative features which facilitates its versatility, thereby allowing it to be used for both exercise and training. More specifically, the exercising and/or training assembly of the present invention is structured with the intent of being repeatedly “struck” by a participating user, as the user simulates activities relating to boxing techniques, the performance of various types of martial arts and/or similar activities.
Accordingly, at least one preferred embodiment of the exercise assembly includes an elongated support shaft or support stanchion which may be mounted on or otherwise connected to different supporting surfaces. As primarily but not exclusively used, the support shaft may be disposed in a vertically upright orientation resting on a supporting surface such as a floor, ground surface or the like. Further, a base may be removably connected to a lower or proximal end of the support shaft while being fixedly or removably connected to the supporting surface. Other anticipated operative orientations of the exercise assembly include the support shaft being mounted in what may be referred to as a substantially “inverted orientation” such as by depending from a ceiling or other raised surface area. Similarly, the support shaft and an appropriately structured base may be secured to a vertical wall so as to extend transversely outward therefrom.
The versatility of the exercise and/or training assembly of the present invention is enhanced by the utilization of a plurality of different types of target structures. Each of the targets may be adjustably mounted along the length of the shaft so as to be positioned at various heights and at various spacings relative to one another. As such, the specific disposition of each of the plurality of targets may be at least partially dependent on the stature of a user. Similarly, the space between and/or relative positioning of the various targets on the shaft may also be dependent on the type of training and/or exercise activity intended to be performed. By way of example, if a user is intending to practice boxing, the plurality of targets are relatively disposed on the shaft so as to facilitate the user throwing different types of punches with the arms and hands. However, if the user is intending to practice different types of martial arts and/or a combination of boxing and martial arts, the plurality of targets may be arranged along the height or length of the shaft at different locations to facilitate the performance of such activity.
Therefore, the exercise assembly of the present invention includes at least one but a possible plurality of fixed, moving, rotating targets adjustably mounted, relative to one another, along the length of the shaft at appropriate positions. In at least one preferred embodiment, the exercise assembly may include at least one but possibly a plurality of rotating targets. Each of the one or more rotating targets includes an elongated arm having both a weighted construction and a safety portion. As explained in greater detail hereinafter, the weighted construction provides the proper overall weight to the elongated arm so as to facilitate its rotation about the shaft in an intended manner, after being struck by the user. Such a weighted construction may include an elongated rigid material member, such as an elongated dowel, disposed within the interior of the arm and extending along a length thereof, substantially intermediate the proximal and distal ends of the arm.
In contrast, the safety portion of the arm of the rotating target may be located along a length contiguous to the distal end of the arm. Further, in order to eliminate or at least restrict the possibility of damage or harm to the user, the safety portion is preferably made of a cushioning material. Such cushioning material may be in the form of a flexible material foam or the like. The safety features associated with the flexible cushioning material are such as to offer at least an appropriate minimal resistance to a punch or blow from the user. Such resistance should be sufficient to facilitate the rotation of the rotating target, once struck, but should be such as to not cause damage to the user's hand, arm, etc. In order to further facilitate the safety features of the one or more rotating targets, the corresponding elongated arm may include an outer sleeve of similarly flexible cushioning and/or foam material. This is due, at least in part to the fact that a continuous rotation of the arm may possibly result in its striking or otherwise engaging the user after completion of a substantially 360° path of rotation about the central axis of the shaft.
As explained in greater detail hereinafter, structural and operative features associated with at least one embodiment of the one or more rotating targets and corresponding arms include the intended rotation thereof through a plurality of continuous rotational paths, in order to provide a greater challenge to the user when performing certain exercises and/or training programs. Accordingly, additional features which facilitate the rotation of the one or more arms defining the one or more rotating targets include the provision of a rotational fitting. Each of the rotational fittings include a one piece and/or integrally formed primary portion and outwardly extending connecting segment. As such, the primary portion and connecting segment may collectively define a substantially T-shape configuration. Moreover, the primary portion has a hollow interior which allows its disposition in surrounding, concentric relation to an exterior of the shaft. However, the relative dimensions between the interior of the primary portion of the rotational fitting and the exterior dimensions of the shaft should be such as to allow the aforementioned intended rotation.
As will also be explained in greater detail hereinafter, the continuous and/or intended rotation of the one or more rotating targets is facilitated by the rotational fitting including two bearing assemblies each disposed at an opposite open end of the primary portion. Further, each bearing assembly is secured by a correspondingly disposed one of two locking collars. Additional features of the preferred bearing assembly include two spaced apart bearing washers disposed in sandwiching relation with an inner bearing structure, such as a thrust bearing.
As set forth above, one intended operation of the rotating target is for the overall structuring, including the weighted construction and the rotational fitting to facilitate a continuous rotation of the elongated arm through a predetermined plurality of preferably three to four complete rotations once being struck by the user. This will further facilitate the performance by a user of a relatively quick or rapid response movement when practicing either a boxing or martial arts technique, since the user will have to respond to the continuously rotating arm of the rotating target.
However, yet another operative feature of the rotating target is its intended restricted rotation through a rotational path of less than 360° or less than a complete circular path about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Accordingly, the exercise and/or training assembly of the present invention further comprises a resistance assembly which is adjustably but fixedly secured in a predetermined location relative to the rotational path of one or more of a possible plurality of arms of one or more rotating targets. Therefore, the resistance assembly may be purposefully disposed in an “interruptive position” relative to the rotational path of the arm. As such rotation of the arm will be restricted and/or prevented from accomplishing a complete 360° arc of rotation.
Further, the resistance assembly may include a biasing or spring structure which is disposed to engage the arm during its rotation. In addition, the biasing structure is disposed and structured to direct a directional, biasing force on the rotating arm, which will not only stop its rotation, but force it to rotate in an opposite direction, back towards the user. More specifically, the biasing structure of the resistance assembly will exert a force on the rotating arm in a direction which is substantially opposite to the initial direction of rotation of the arm along its intended rotational path of travel. This will serve to redirect the rotating arm back towards the user. In turn, the user can appropriately react by purposefully “ducking” the returning rotating arm and or delivering an additional defensive blow thereto, dependent on the particular exercise or training activity which the user is practicing.
The versatility of the exercise assembly of the present invention is further demonstrated by the provision of a head target. The head target includes a support member which is preferably a rigid arm segment adjustably secured along the length of the shaft and thereby disposed at any preferred or appropriate height. A target section defines a distal end of the head target and is structured to be struck or receive a blow from the user. In addition, a spring segment is included in the head target and is disposed in movably, resiliently interconnecting relation between an outer end of the support arm segment and the inner or proximal end of the target section. Further, the spring segment may have a substantially conical configuration. As such, the conically configured spring extends divergently is corresponding outward in at least partially surrounding and/or gripping relation to the proximal end of the target section. Such structuring of the head target also facilitates its use as a “speed bag”. In order to provide a more realistic appearance and disposition of the head target it may be disposed at an acute angle relative to the length of the shaft and be directed either upwardly or downwardly at such an acute angle.
The exercise assembly of the present invention may also include one or more fixed targets which may be similarly structured to the head target by the inclusion of a support arm segment, a target portion or section structured, to receive a blow from the user, and a resilient, spring segment. The spring element in both the head target and one or more fixed targets will be calibrated and/or otherwise structured to absorb the force of a blow exerted on the target section, but cause a return the target section to an original orientation. Such one or more fixed targets may be strategically or appropriately placed along the length of the support shaft at any one of a plurality of angles which facilitate the practice of any boxing, martial arts or like activities being performed by the user.
Yet additional features of the exercise assembly of the present invention includes an enhanced structuring of the base. As such, the base may be dimensioned and configured to support the shaft in an outwardly and/or upright orientation concurrently to allowing a user to stand on an exposed or outer surface or face of the base. Such positioning of the user is further facilitated by the inclusion of a slip-resistant and/or traction enhancing structure mounted on the outer exposed surface or face. Such a slip-resistant structure would be disposed so as to engage the feet of the user while practicing the intended exercise and or training activity. Other features of one or more additional embodiments of the base may include it being removably but fixedly attached to a supporting surface using any of a variety of connectors. Such connectors may include one or more adhesive type connectors or similarly structured connectors, attachment structures, etc. which allows the fixed positioning of the base on the supporting surface but also allows for its removal from the supporting surface, when not being used.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.
For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
As represented in the accompanying Figures and with initial, reference to
As also represented in
As also represented in
As such, the member or dowel 26 extends substantially along at least a majority of the length of the arm 24 and intermediate opposite ends of the arm 24 or intermediate the rotational fitting 18 and the distal end 24′ of the arm 24. While the length of the weighted member or dowel 26 may vary, one feature thereof includes the addition of a predetermined amount of weight to the arm 24 and/or rotating targets 16 which will facilitate its continuous rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft 12. More specifically and in at least one embodiment such a preferred weight of the arm 24 may be, but is not limited to, being in the range of between 13 and 14 ounces. This predetermined weight may vary depending on the overall structure of the rotating target 16. Further, the overall length of the arm 24 is preferably in the range of between 24 and 25 inches. As represented in
Each of the one or more rotating targets 16 also includes a safety portion 28 defining and extending along the length of the distal end, 24′ inwardly towards the rotational fitting 18. The length and overall structure of the safety portion is such as to facilitate the receiving of any forceful blow delivered by the user. Accordingly, an outer end 26′ of the weighted member or dowel 26 may be inwardly spaced from the safety portion 28 and the distal end 24′ of the arm 24 a sufficient distance to assure that any blow delivered to the rotating target 16 will engage the safety portion 28. Further, the safety portion 28 is formed of a cushioning material such as, but not limited to, a resilient foam type of material which offers at least a predetermined minimal resistance to a blow or punch being thrown by a user. As such, there will be no chance of damage to the user's hand, arm, etc. by the delivery of such a blow to the safety portion 28.
However, the at least minimal, non-damaging resistance provided by the safety portion 28 is sufficient to cause the rotation of the arm 24, about the shaft 12 in the manner intended, when the safety portion 28 and arm 24 are being struck. Additional features which enhance the safety of striking the arm 24 includes the provision of an outer sleeve 30 extending along the length of the arm 24, or at least a majority thereof, in overlying, covering relation to the weighted member or dowel 26. As is represented in
As also indicated, at least one preferred embodiment of the exercise assembly 10 includes the cooperative structuring of the arm 24 and the rotational fitting 18, such that the arm 24 continuously rotates about the shaft 12 at least 3 to 4 times when a typical blow or punch is delivered thereto by the user. Accordingly, and with primary reference to
As emphasized above, one operative feature of the exercise and/or training assembly 10 is the challenge of the user to respond to the rotating target 16 and/or arm 24 as it continuously rotates a plurality of times about the length of the shaft 12. As further indicated this adds to the overall dexterity of the user and provides a more challenging workout.
However, yet another operative feature of the rotating target 16 is its intended “restricted rotation” through a rotational path of less than 360° or less than a complete circular path about the longitudinal axis of the shaft 12. Accordingly, at least one preferred embodiment of the exercise and/or training assembly 10 further comprises a resistance assembly 50 which is adjustably but fixedly secured to the shaft 12 by a fitting 52, utilizing one or more sets screws 38. More specifically, the resistance assembly 50 is disposed in a predetermined location relative to the rotational path of a corresponding one of a possible plurality of arms 24 of one or more rotating targets 16. Therefore, the resistance assembly may be purposefully disposed in an “interruptive position” relative to the rotational path of the arm 24. As such, rotation of the arm will be restricted and/or prevented from accomplishing a complete 360° arc of rotation.
Further, the resistance assembly 50 includes a support segment 54 which may be considered a part of the fitting 52 adjustably connected to the shaft 12. Also, the resistance assembly 50 includes a biasing or spring structure 56 which is disposed to engage the arm 24 during its rotation. For purposes of safety, the biasing or spring structure 56 may be covered by a sleeve member 58, which may also be formed of a cushioning material of the type described above and from which the safety portion 28 and the sleeve 30 of the arm 24 is formed. In addition, the biasing structure 56 is disposed and calibrated or otherwise structured to stop rotation of the arm 24 and deliver or impose a directional, biasing force on the rotating arm 24. Such a biasing force will not only stop the rotation of the arm 24, but force it to rotate in an opposite direction, back towards the user. More specifically, the biasing structure 56 of the resistance assembly 50 will exert a biasing force on the rotating arm 24 in a direction which is substantially opposite to the initial direction of rotation of the arm 24 along its intended rotational path of travel. This will serve to reverse and redirect the rotation of the arm 24 back towards the user. In turn, the user can appropriately react by purposefully “ducking” the returning rotating arm 24 and or delivering an additional defensive blow thereto, dependent on the particular exercise or training activity which the user is practicing. It should be noted that a plurality of such resistance of assemblies 50 may be utilized with correspondingly disposed ones of a plurality of rotating target 16.
As represented in
Accordingly, the head target 60 includes a target section 66 which defines a distal or outer end of the head target 60. The target section is structured to be struck or receive a blow from the user. In addition, a spring segment 68 is included as part of the head target 60 and is disposed in movably, resiliently interconnecting relation between the support arm segment 62 and the inner or proximal end of the target section 66. Further, the spring segment 68 may have a substantially conical configuration, which serves to enhance the support of the target section 66 and maintain it in a preferred orientation or position.
As such, the conically configured spring 68 extends divergently outward such that the larger and more open end thereof 68′ is disposed in at least partially surrounding and/or gripping relation to the proximal end of the target section 66, as clearly represented in
As represented in
With primary reference to
As also represented in
As represented in
Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
Now that the invention has been described,
The present application is based on and a claim to priority is made under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to provisional patent application currently in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Ser. No. 62/236,503 and a filing date of Oct. 2, 2015 which also claims priority to provisional patent application having Ser. No. 62/177,730 and a filing date of Mar. 15, 2015, which also claims priority to provisional patent application having Ser. No. 62/122,685 and a filing date of Mar. 27, 2014, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
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