FREE STANDING TRAINING BAG

Abstract

Impact bag assemblies and methods related thereto utilizing unique strikable units or striking-pad units. Some embodiments utilize reconfigurable striking-pad units. Some embodiments utilize striking-pad units that have two foam paddings instead of one, wherein the foam padding differs in density and hence in hardness. Some embodiments utilize angled sides on the striking-pad unit. For example, the and the striking-pad unit is configured to have a periphery comprising a series of angled sides such that the outer lateral-cross-sectional shape of the striking-pad assembly is a polygon. These sides can also slant inward or outward or be convex or concave.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates to bags and pads struck with the hands, arms, feet or legs for conditioning, fitness and technique training in activities such as boxing and martial arts.

BACKGROUND

Boxers and martial artists often practice punching combinations and leg kicks on impact bags to train striking techniques safely. An assortment of impact bags is available on the market, the best workout often comes from full sized, weighted bags, which have traditionally been suspended from a chain anchored to the ceiling or are freestanding such that they rest atop a weighted base. Unfortunately, these prior impact bags have been locked into a fixed configuration, thus they lack diversity, which can be important in mastering throwing different strikes. For example, the fixed configuration can compromise form and power for some strikes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As disclosed herein, impact bag assemblies and methods related thereto are disclosed which utilize unique strikable units or striking-pad units. The assemblies and methods are non-handheld (for example free standing or suspended impact bag assemblies) that enable a level of diversity, intensity and precision usually reserved for in-class training with a partner and handheld training targets. For example, they can utilize reconfigurable striking-pad units that enable a level of diversity so as to replicate the height and angle of a handheld training target and further create an abstract opponent.

Embodiments using reconfigurable striking-pad units can accommodate different levels of skill and size. The reconfigurable striking-pad units can be dimensionally different, which allows users to stack them into an optimal configuration. Benefits include “right sizing” the height of the bag and locating the striking surfaces appropriately. As an example: creating a lower overall configuration for a smaller individual, or a higher overall configuration for taller individuals.

Embodiments can utilize striking-pad units that have two or more foam paddings instead of one. For example, if two foam paddings are used, a first foam padding can provide the feel, cushion, and rebound of traditional impact bags, and a second softer foam padding—less dense foam padding—is ideal for cardio and fitness training and it reduces the potential for bruising on leg and shin strikes. Alternatively, the striking—pad unit can be divided into three or more regions, with each region having a different foam padding-different firmness, density, etc. For example, a striking-pad unit can have one foam padding on one side of the unit and the other foam padding on the opposite side or can be divided into three or more sections forming targets with different foam padding than its neighboring targets. Such arrangements naturally create two or more zones that a single user can choose to move between to add variation to their training, or two different people could also choose to train simultaneously on the opposite sides of the bag with each user having different padding from the other user, or each user having two or more targets with different padding.

Embodiments can utilize curved or angled sides on the striking-pad unit. For example, the striking-pad unit can be configured to have a periphery comprising a series of angled sides such that the outer lateral-cross-sectional shape of the striking-pad unit is a polygon. These sides can also slant inward or outward or be convex or concave. Thus, the sides are configured to provide ideal targets for hands, feet, shins, forearms and elbows and allow for practicing angles to add to the fighter's repertoire in place of always moving straight ahead.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an impact bag assembly in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a base and stem which can be used in the impact bag assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of different configurations of the impact bag assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of another configuration of the impact bag assembly of FIG. 1 where one of the striking-pad units has been exchanged for one of a different shape.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a striking-pad unit referred to herein as an Octagon.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the foam padding used in one embodiment of the Octagon illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the Octagon of FIG. 5 showing the relevant angles of the octagon cross-section.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a striking-pad unit referred to herein as an Hourglass.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a striking-pad unit referred to herein as an Octacone.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a striking-pad unit referred to herein as a Wrecking Ball

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a striking-pad unit referred to herein as a Hammer.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a striking-pad unit referred to herein as a Torso.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a striking-pad unit referred to herein as a Morningstar.

DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following description. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being described. Additionally, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used herein to designate like elements throughout the various views, various embodiments are illustrated and described. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative purposes only. Where components of relatively well-known designs are employed, their structure and operation will not be described in detail. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations of the present invention based on the following description.

The following describes some of the embodiments of an upright impact bag assembly of this disclosure and method related thereto. The upright impact bag assembly is a supported assembly—not handheld—such as a freestanding impact bag assembly, anchored impact bag assembly or a suspended impacted bag assembly. Anchored bag impact assemblies refer to ones extending up from the floor with their stem anchored in or to the floor or wall, such as by being cemented in the floor or bolted to the floor. Freestanding impact bag assemblies refer to ones that have a weighted base, or similar, and sit on the floor free of structural attachment to a wall, the floor or the ceiling. Suspended impact bag assemblies are ones that are suspended, such as by chain or rope, from the ceiling, typically a ceiling beam or joist. While generally described herein in the context of a freestanding impact bag assembly, many of the aspects of this disclosure can be used in an anchored impact bag assembly or a suspended impact bag assembly.

Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the general elements of an impact bag assembly will be described in the context of a freestanding impact bag assembly. Freestanding impact bag assembly 10 includes a base 12, column or stem 14 and one or more striking-pad units 16. It will be realized that embodiments such as a suspended impact bag assembly may not use a base but rather have the stem connected to chain which is attached to a ceiling joist or beam, or an anchored impact bag assembly may have its stem attached directly to the floor without a base, or may use a base that is not weighted but is bolted to the floor.

For freestanding impact bag assemblies, base 12 is a weighted base so as to resist movement of impact bag assembly 10 when it is struck and to prevent tipping over of assembly 10 when struck. For example, base 12 can be weighted with sand, water, or small stones. Base 12 can have a lateral-cross-sectional polygon shape as described below for some embodiments of the striking-pad units or can be round. Generally, base 12 will be made of ridged plastic to provide adequate structural support and to retain the weighting material; however, a padding can cover the exterior of base 12 so that it has a surface suitable for receiving and absorbing striking by physical blows without undue cause for injury or pain that would hinder training. As used herein, “physical blows” refers to physical strikes from a part of a human body, such as a hand, elbow, knee or foot of a martial arts student.

Stem 14 extends substantially vertically upward from base 12, and stem 14 is designed to receive and hold striking-pad units 16. Base 12 and stem 14 are configured such that the upright impact bag assembly 10 is freestanding; that is, the bag assembly 10 can remain upright, generally even when receiving blows or strikes, without added support. For suspended impact bag assemblies, a base would typically not be used, and the stem would be attached to a suspension device such as a chain or rope.

Striking-pad unit 16 defines an associated opening 18 sized and shaped to receive stem 14 such that stem 14 supports the striking-pad unit for being struck. Typically, opening 18 extends longitudinally or axially through unit 16 so that stem 14 can extend completely through unit 16, though where multiple units 16 are used, stem 14 may not extend through the topmost unit 16. As illustrated, opening 18 has an octagon cross-sectional shape and stem 14 has a complementary shape so as to prevent rotation of unit 16 relative to stem 14. However, the opening can have other shapes, such as cylindrical, and the system can use alternative systems for preventing relative movement of unit 16, such as a slot or channel on stem 14 that engages with a node or ridge on the interior surface defining open 18.

In some embodiments, there is a single striking-pad unit 16 on stem 14 at a time, which has at least some of the features described herein for the striking-pad units. Advantageously, the single striking-pad unit could be swapped out with a single striking-pad unit of a different shape, or for multiple striking-pad units of various shape, which typically will be shorter than the single striking-pad unit. Further advantages are achieved wherein multiple striking-pad units 16 are used on stem 14, such as Octagon 30, Hourglass 40 and Octacone 50, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Thus, the use of multiple striking-pad units 16 on the stem forms a striking-pad column 20 which is modular in form such that it can be reconfigured by changing the order of the striking-pad units 16 or changing an orientation of at least one of the striking-pad units 16. Additionally, the modularity allows changing out individual striking-pad units 16 for ones of different shape.

For example, the modularity is illustrated in FIG. 3, which shows different configurations of impact bag assembly 10 having three different shaped striking-pad units, Octagon 30, Hourglass 40 and Octacone 50. Configurations A and B both have Octagon 30 at the bottom, Hourglass 40 in the middle and Octacone 50; however, Configuration B has been reconfigured by changing the orientation of Octacone 50. Further, Configurations C, D, E and F, have been reconfigured by changing the order of the striking-pad units and/or the orientation of Octacone 50. For example, Configuration C has the same orientation as Octacone 50 as Configuration A, but the order of the striking-pad units has been changed such that Hourglass 40 is on the bottom, Octagon 30 is in the middle and Octacone 50 is on the top.

For example, the modularity is illustrated by FIG. 4, which illustrates a reconfiguration of the impact bag assembly illustrated in FIG. 3, except the Octagon 30 has been exchanged with Wrecking Ball 60. As illustrated, Hourglass 40 is at the bottom, Octacone 50 is in the middle, and Wrecking Ball 60 is at the top. As will by realized by this disclosure, other shapes of the striking-pad unit can be substituted in for any of the illustrated shape as part of the modular reconfiguration.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 to 13, the shapes and construction of the striking-pad units 16 will be further explained. Each striking-pad unit 16 is suitable for receiving and absorbing striking by physical blows without undue cause for injury or pain that would hinder training. While the striking-pad units can be curved (including cylindrical or round shapes) or angular (as further described below), in many embodiments the surface will be designed to provide targets. As used herein “targets” refers defined sub-regions of the entire striking-pad surface that are discrete and oriented surfaces providing feedback which is similar to actual combat striking. Such targets can be surfaces projecting out from the striking-pad unit and/or the surfaces can be oriented in different directions. Typically, such targets are made to mimic the orientation of surfaces encountered during actual combat, i.e. chin, groin, underarms, chest when the opponent is bent over, etc. In the past, such targeting was only achievable by a training coach or partner holding a handheld bag which the partner could then orient to achieve the target. Previous suspended, anchored or freestanding bags have been cylindrical and did not offer such discrete and oriented targets on its surface.

In some embodiments of the striking-pad units according to this disclosure, such targets are achieved by striking-pad units configured to have a periphery comprising a series of angled sides 32 such that the outer lateral-cross-sectional shape of the striking-pad assembly is a polygon. For example, the polygon can have 3 or more sides, four or more sides, 6 or more sides, or optionally from 6 to 24 sides, or optionally from 6 to 16 sides, or optionally 8 sides. Thus, embodiments of this disclosure may not use a continuous round surface as in the prior art; instead, striking-pad units 16 have faceted sides, which are preferably dimensioned to match the size of a gloved hand, a bare fist or a striking foot, knee or elbow. This polygon-based geometry presents users with the option of selecting which surface to strike. By engaging the mind visually before initiating a strike or kick, it helps build eye, hand, and body coordination and increases spatial awareness—vital skills for improved performance when competing with an opponent. While these sides are generally illustrated as flat angular sides in the drawings, they may also have laterally or longitudinally curved surfaces as long as they still form a target as described herein.

For example, striking-pad surfaces can have an outer lateral-cross-sectional polygon shape where the sides for targets that are flat vertical surfaces spaced about the periphery. An example of this is illustrated in FIGS. 5, wherein a striking-pad unit 16 referred to herein as an Octagon is illustrated. As can be seen, Octagon 30 has 8 angular sides (32a through 32h, indicated in FIG. 7) and has a lateral-cross-sectional shape that is a regular octagon. As FIG. 7 shows, such an octagon configuration is advantageous because it results in an exterior angle 34 being 45°.

Using angles in striking is using what is considered “effective movement”. Stepping in and out of angles assists in offensive as well as defensive positioning. Utilizing upward or downward angels in striking is also very beneficial as it incorporates gravity resulting in more force. A good fighter limits his opponent's tools, using angles to stay out of line and to allow striking with movement. Practicing angles as a technique adds to the fighter's repertoire in place of always moving straight ahead. It can be advantageous for offensive combinations, hiding where the strike will come from. The 45° geometry additionally enables a user to view up to four sides (or targets) of the striking-pad unit at one time, depending upon their relative position, and as few as two surfaces while training. This enables the user to practice using angles in a way that does not exist with traditional cylindrical training bags.

The shape of striking-pad unit 16 is achieved by using a foam padding or cushion 21 of the selected shape, which can be overlaid with cover 28. Optionally, the striking-pad unit can have a sleeve (not shown) located in opening 18. The sleeve is typically rigid to enhance longitudinal stability and interaction with stem 14.

Foam padding 21 is generally polymeric foam which is suitable for receiving and absorbing striking by physical blows without undue cause for injury or pain that would hinder training. For example, polyurethane foams, and in particular polyester polyurethane foams, can be used for foam 21. Generally, the polyurethane foam will have a density of 50 to 100 lbs. per cubic foot. If all the foam is the same, then typically polyester polyurethane foam with a density of about 80 to about 100 lbs. per cubic foot will be selected. For example, the foam can have a density of about 60 lbs. per cubic foot or about 90 lbs. per cubic foot.

It has been found that it can be advantageous to have regions having different foam padding; that is padding having different density and or firmness. Generally, each foam padding will be associated with at least one target of the striking-pad unit 16. However, each foam padding can be associated with two or more contiguous targets of the striking-pad unit 16. For example, the striking-pad unit can be divided into two or more regions, with each region having a different foam padding—different firmness, density, etc. For example, a striking-pad unit can have one foam padding on one side of the unit and the other foam padding on the opposite side or can be divided into three or more sections forming targets: each with different foam padding than its neighboring targets.

For example, if two foam paddings are used, the padding could comprise a first foam padding and a second foam padding which have different densities such that one is softer than the other. For example, first foam padding can have a first density and a second foam padding can have a second density with the first density being higher than the second density. Thus, each foam padding 21 is constructed of two select densities of foam padding. If the striking-pad unit is the Octagon 30, each foam padding can be associated with at least one side (target) 32 of the striking-pad unit 16, and more preferably each foam padding will be associated with two or more contiguous sides 32 of the striking-pad unit 16. For example, a first portion, typically one half of the striking-pad unit 16, consists of the first foam padding with the first density, and a second portion, typically the second half of the striking-pad unit 16, consists of the second foam padding with the second density. For example, the first foam can be a polyurethane foam with a density from about 80 to about 100 lbs. per cubic feet and the second foam can be a polyurethane foam with a density from about 50 to about 70 lbs. For example, the first foam can have a density of about 90 lbs. per cubic feet and the second foam can have a density of about 60 lbs. per cubic feet.

The distribution of the first foam and second foam can be further understood from FIGS. 5 and 6 wherein the first foam padding 22 located at a first contiguous portion 23 of the periphery of the Octagon 30 (a first contiguous portion of the angled sides), and the second foam padding 25 located at a second contiguous portion 26 of the periphery (a second contiguous portion of the angled sides).

The softer (less dense) of the two foams has been found to be ideal for reducing the risk of bruising while practicing leg kicks, and shin and forearm strikes. If the person training uses proper striking and kicking form, the foam also reduces fatigue by absorbing energy, thus allowing them to train longer.

The firmer (denser) foam provides cushioning capable of withstanding powerful, high frequency striking. It absorbs blows and returns to its original shape while giving athletes the resistance and energy absorption characteristics they prefer.

As will be realized from this disclosure, the arrangement of the striking-pad units 16 of the striking-pad column 20 where the column 20 has the first foam padding 22 on one side of the impact bag assembly 10 and the second foam padding 25 on the opposite side creates two zones that a single user can choose to move between to add variation to their training. Two different people can also choose to train simultaneously on the opposite sides of impact bag assembly 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the location of first foam padding 22 and the location of the second foam padding 25 can be indicated by the color and graphics on cover 28. For example, the black portion 36 of cover 28 coincides with the exterior 24 of first foam padding 22 and covers first contiguous portion 23, and the white portion 38 of cover 28 coincides with the exterior 27 of first foam padding 25 and covers second contiguous portion 26. As will also be now realized, if three foam paddings of different density and/or firmness are used, the padding periphery of Octagon 30 could be divided into three regions with each region associated with a different padding and the exterior color or design could reflect this. This would be similar for the use of four or more different foam paddings.

Turning now to FIG. 8, a second shape for a striking-pad unit 16 is illustrated, which is referred to herein as an Hourglass. The Hourglass 40 has generally concave sides to create a waist section 43 narrower than upper portion 44 and lower portion 45. Thus, if the lateral-cross-sectional shape is round, the waist section 43 would radius less than either the upper portion 44 or lower portion 45. While, the Hourglass 40 can have a round or oval lateral-cross-sectional-shape, in some embodiments the Hourglass will be designed to have the advantages (as described herein) of angular sides, and thus, it will have a polygon lateral-cross-sectional shape. As illustrated, Hourglass 40 has 8 angular sides 42 similar to the Octagon 30 and has a lateral-cross-sectional shape that is a regular octagon. However, sides 42 of Hourglass 40 are concave to thus create a narrower waist section 44. The concave surfaces provide variety for practicing diverse styles of strikes and kicks with Hourglass 40 replicating proportions of an opponent's Torso. In the illustrated Hourglass 40, the targets generally are produced not only by the angle sides but by the curve; thus, each side represents three targets: middle target or waist target 46, upper target 47, and lower target 48. While illustrated, with eight sides, the Hourglass 40 can have more or less sides as suitable for training purposes. Also, targets can be associated with different foam paddings as described above. For example, waist targets 46 can have different foam padding from upper targets 47 and lower targets 48. Additionally, a portion of the waist targets 46 can have different padding from the other waist targets, and similar for the upper targets 47 and lower targets 48.

With geometry derived directly from the study of martial arts instructors holding handheld targets for their students, the Hourglass shape allows users to practice strike and kick drills without an instructor present. Whether striking high or low, the training bag provides continuous surfaces and defined edges to coordinate a well-placed blow. The inverted radius of the Hourglass allows users to strike waist 44 on the soft foam side to contact the bag's backbone structure (column) and calcify shins. The upper and lower portions of the curve provide a larger quantity of energy absorption ideal for straight on, upward and downward striking and kicking. The top and bottom edges of the Hourglass, when unobstructed by an adjacent striking-pad unit, make for a gratifying elbow or heel drop target.

Turning now to FIG. 9, a third shape for a striking-pad unit 16 is illustrated, which is referred to herein as an Octacone. Octacone 50 has a tapered shape to be larger (grater radius) at a first end 54 than the other 56. While Octacone 50 can have a round or oval lateral cross-sectional shape, in some embodiments Octacone 50 has angular sides, that is a polygon lateral-cross-sectional shape. As illustrated, Octacone 50 has 8 angular sides 52 similar to the Octagon and has a lateral-cross-sectional shape that is a regular octagon. The illustrated Octacone 50 has a tapered shape, thus has a greater outer dimension at first end 54 than at a second end 56. This shape makes Octacone 50 ideal for uppercut, jab, hook and cross strike in the uppermost position on the striking-pad column 20 with first end 54 at the top. Alternatively, the Octacone 50 can be flipped so that the second end 56 is at the top, which orients it for kicks and downward gravity strikes. Similar tapered shaped striking-pad units 16 can be used having less or more sides and can utilize different padding for the sides as described above.

Turning now to FIG. 10, another shape for a striking-pad unit 16 is illustrated, which is referred to herein as Wrecking Ball. As illustrated, Wrecking Ball 60 has 8 angular sides 62 and has a lateral-cross-sectional shape that is a regular octagon. The sides 62 of Wrecking Ball 60 are convex and curved in longitudinal direction but can be designed as two or more flat surfaces that from an angular convex shaped in the longitudinal direction. The angular sides are currently preferred because they produce separate target surfaces (middle 64, upper 66 and lower 68) at each side, which can be made more discreate by using angled surfaces to create the longitudinal curve instead of a curved surface. However, the Wrecking Ball can also have a circular cross-section. Additionally, more or less sides can be used.

In the illustrated Wrecking Ball 60, the targets generally are produced not only by the angle sides but by the curve; thus, each side represents three targets: middle target 64, upper target 66, and lower target 68. Also, targets can be associated with different foam paddings as described above. For example, middle targets 64 can have different foam padding from upper targets 66 and lower targets 68. Additionally, a portion of the middle targets can have different padding from the other waist targets, and similar for the upper targets 66 and lower targets 68. As will be apparent from FIG. 10, the radius of the lateral-cross-sectional shape at the upper targets 66 and lower targets 68 is less than that of the radius at the middle targets 64.

Wrecking Ball 60 encourages users to strike or kick it with a broader range of upward or downward directed motions. The spherical shape provides an exaggerated strike area at its middle and smaller areas nearer its top and bottom. Placed in the uppermost position on striking-pad column 20, above the other striking-pad units 16, Wrecking Ball 60 replicates an opponent's head. In a lower position on striking-pad column 20, the Wrecking Ball 60 is well suited for downward kicks too. Turning now to FIG. 11, another shape for a striking-pad unit 16 is illustrated, which is referred to herein as Hammer. As illustrated, Hammer 70 also has 8 angular sides and a lateral-cross-sectional shape that is an octagon. The lower portion 74 has a lateral-cross-sectional shape that is a regular octagon, but the upper portion 76 has a lateral-cross-sectional shape that is an octagon but not a regular octagon. Thus, Hammer 70 has a shape with shoulders 78 jutting out to the sides. While illustrated as having an octagon lateral-cross-sectional shape, the Hammer 70 can also be produced with rounded surfaces, or with rounded and angular surfaces combined. For example, lower portion 74 can have a circular lateral-cross-sectional shape and upper portion 76 can have an oval lateral-cross-sectional shape. In any case, the shape produces opposing shoulders 78 that extend out farther than lower portion 74.

Turning now to FIG. 12, another shape for a striking-pad unit 16 is illustrated, which is referred to herein as Torso. As illustrated, Torso 80 also has 8 angular faces and a lateral-cross-sectional shape that is an octagon but not a regular octagon. Also, Torso 80 is a tapered shape with two opposing sides 81 and 82 narrowing radially along the shape and at the same time broadening laterally. Thus, beginning at the lower portion 84, the radius of at the opposing sides 81 and 82 increases towards the upper portion 86, while the radius of opposing sides 87 and 88 remains substantially the same. While shown as an octagon, the lateral-cross-sectional shape and also be circular (lower portion 84) to oval (upper portion 86), oval to oval, or be based upon a polygon other than an octagon.

Turning now to FIG. 13, another shape for a striking-pad unit 16 is illustrated, which is referred to herein as Morningstar. As can be seen, Morningstar 90 has a lateral-cross-sectional shape that is a polygon with angular faces and numerous jutting shoulders 92, which creates numerous surfaces for both upwards and downward strikes as well as lateral strikes. While shown based upon a polygon with angular sides, the Morningstar 90 can also be produced by using curved surfaces. Generally, the Morningstar 90 will have from 3 to 6 upper jutting shoulders 94 and from 3 to 6 lower jutting shoulders 96. The upper and lower shoulders can be vertically aligned, but more typically, are vertically offset so as not to be vertically aligned.

The above description can be further understood from the following numbered embodiments, which are meant to provide example of embodiments and not limit the embodiments.

Embodiment 1: An upright impact bag assembly comprising a stem and at least one striking-pad unit. The striking-pad unit defines an opening sized and shaped to receive the stem such that the stem supports the striking-pad unit. The striking-pad unit is configured to have a periphery comprising a series of angled sides such that the outer lateral-cross-sectional shape of the striking-pad assembly is a regular polygon. The striking-pad assembly is suitable for receiving and absorbing striking by physical blows without undue cause for injury or pain that would hinder training.

Embodiment 2: The upright impact bag assembly of Embodiment 1, wherein the regular polygon has more than 6 sides, or optionally from 6 to 24 sides, or optionally from 6 to 16 sides, or optionally 8 sides.

Embodiment 3: The upright impact bag assembly of either Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, wherein the striking-pad unit is divided into two or more regions, with each region having a different foam padding.

Embodiment 4: The upright impact bag assembly of Embodiment 3, wherein the striking-pad unit comprises a cover, a first foam padding having a first exterior and a first density, a second foam padding having a second exterior and a second density with the first density being higher than the second density. The cover is over the first exterior of the first foam padding and the second exterior of the second foam padding so as to form the angled sides around the periphery, and the first foam padding is located adjacent to at a first contiguous portion of the angled sides, and the second foam padding is located adjacent to a second contiguous portion of the angled sides.

Embodiment 5: The upright impact bag assembly of any of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the striking-pad unit has a shape selected from Octagon, Octacone, Wrecking Ball, Hammer, Torso, Hourglass, or Morningstar.

Embodiment 6: The upright impact bag assembly of Embodiments 1 to 5, further comprising a base and a plurality of the striking-pad units. The stem extends substantially vertically upward from the base, and wherein the base and stem are configured such that the upright impact bag assembly is freestanding. Each of the plurality of the striking-pad units comprises a cover and at least one foam padding. Each striking-pad unit defines an associated opening sized and shaped to receive the stem such that the base and stem support the striking-pad unit for being struck, and wherein the striking-pad units are modular so as to be received on the stem in different configurations.

Embodiment 7: The upright impact bag assembly of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the impact bag assembly is a suspended impact bag assembly.

Embodiment 8: An upright impact bag assembly, comprising a stem and a plurality of striking-pad units. The stem extends substantially vertically. Each striking-pad unit of the striking-pad units defines an associated opening sized and shaped to receive the stem such that the stem supports the striking-pad unit for being struck, and wherein the striking-pad units are modular so as to be received on the stem in different configurations. Each striking-pad unit comprises a cover and at least one foam padding. The cover forms an outer surface of the striking-pad unit. The cover and foam padding are configured to define a shape for the striking-pad unit, and wherein the striking-pad unit is suitable for receiving and absorbing striking by physical blows without undue cause for injury or pain that would hinder training.

Embodiment 9: The upright impact bag assembly of Embodiment 8, wherein the shape of a first one of the striking-pad units is different from the shape of a second one of the striking-pad units.

Embodiment 10: The upright impact bag assembly of either Embodiment 8 or Embodiment 9, wherein the foam padding has an exterior and the cover is over the exterior of the foam padding so as to form a periphery comprised of a series of angled sides such that the outer lateral-cross-sectional shape of each striking-pad unit is a regular polygon.

Embodiment 11: The upright impact bag assembly of Embodiment 10, wherein the striking-pad unit has a shape selected from Octagon, Octacone, Wrecking Ball, Hammer, Torso, Hourglass, or Morningstar.

Embodiment 12: The upright impact bag assembly of Embodiment 8 to Embodiment 11, wherein the striking-pad unit is divided into two or more regions, with each region having a different foam padding.

Embodiment 13: The upright impact bag assembly of Embodiment 12, wherein the at least one foam padding comprises a first foam padding having a first density, a second foam padding having a second density with the first density being higher than the second density, and wherein the first foam padding is located adjacent to at a first contiguous portion of the angled sides, and the second foam padding is located adjacent to a second contiguous portion of the angled sides.

Embodiment 14: The upright impact bag assembly of any of Embodiments 8 to 13, wherein the impact bag assembly is a suspended impact bag assembly.

Embodiment 15: The upright impact bag assembly of any of Embodiments 9 to 13, further comprising a base, wherein the stem extends substantially vertically upward from the base, and wherein the base and stem are configured such that the upright impact bag assembly is freestanding.

Embodiment 16: An upright impact bag assembly comprising at least one striking-pad unit. The striking-pad unit having a periphery suitable for receiving and absorbing striking by physical blows without undue cause for injury or pain that would hinder training. The striking-pad unit has a first foam padding and a second foam padding. The first foam padding is located at a first contiguous portion of the periphery. The first foam having a first density. The second foam padding is located at a second contiguous portion of the periphery. The second foam padding has a second density, and wherein the first density is higher than the second density.

Embodiment 17: The upright impact bag assembly of Embodiment 16, further comprising a third foam padding having a third density, which is different from the first density or the second density, and wherein the third foam padding is located at a third contiguous portion of the periphery.

Embodiment 18: The upright impact bag assembly of Embodiment 16 or Embodiment 17, further comprising a stem and a plurality of the striking-pad units. Each striking-pad unit of the striking-pad units defines an associated opening sized and shaped to receive the stem such that the stem supports the striking-pad unit for being struck, and wherein the striking-pad units are modular so as to be received on the stem in different configurations.

Embodiment 19: The upright impact bag assembly of Embodiment 18, wherein the impact bag assembly is a suspended impact bag assembly.

Embodiment 20: The upright impact bag assembly of Embodiment 18, wherein the impact bag assembly is a freestanding impact bag assembly.

Embodiment 21: The upright impact bag assembly of any of Embodiment 20, further comprising a base, wherein the stem extends substantially vertically upward from the base, and wherein the base and stem are configured such that the upright impact bag assembly is freestanding

Embodiment 22: The upright impact bag assembly of Embodiment 18 to 21, wherein each striking-pad unit further comprises a cover; and wherein the cover, first foam padding and second foam padding define a shape for the striking-pad unit so that the periphery is configured to have a series of angled sides such that the outer lateral-cross-sectional shape of the striking-pad assembly is a regular polygon.

Embodiment 23: The upright impact bag assembly of Embodiment 22, wherein the regular polygon has 6 or more sides or optionally from 6 to 24 sides, or optionally from 6 to 16 sides, or optionally 8 sides.

Embodiment 24: The upright impact bag assembly of Embodiment 23, wherein the striking-pad unit has a shape selected from Octagon, Octacone, Wrecking Ball, Hammer, Torso, Hourglass, or Morningstar.

While systems and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the systems and methods also can “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Additionally, where the term “about” is used in relation to a range it generally means plus or minus half the last significant figure of the range value, unless context indicates another definition of “about” applies.

Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an,” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the elements that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent(s) or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted.

Claims

1. An upright impact bag assembly comprising: a stem; andat least one striking-pad unit defining an opening sized and shaped to receive the stem such that the stem supports the striking-pad unit, and the striking-pad unit is configured to have a periphery comprising a series of angled sides such that the outer lateral-cross-sectional shape of the striking-pad assembly is a polygon, wherein the striking-pad assembly is suitable for receiving and absorbing striking by physical blows without undue cause for injury or pain that would hinder training.

2. The upright impact bag assembly of claim 1, wherein the polygon has 6 or more sides, or optionally from 6 to 24 sides, or optionally from 6 to 16 sides, or optionally 8 sides.

3. The upright impact bag assembly of claim 1, wherein the striking-pad unit comprises a cover, a first foam padding having an first exterior and a first density, a second foam padding having a second exterior and a second density with the first density being higher than the second density, and wherein the cover is over the first exterior of the first foam padding and the second exterior of the second foam padding so as to form the angled sides around the periphery, and the first foam padding is located adjacent to at a first contiguous portion of the angled sides, and the second foam padding is located adjacent to a second contiguous portion of the angled sides.

4. The upright impact bag assembly of claim 3, wherein the striking-pad unit has a shape selected from Octagon, Octacone, Wrecking Ball, Hammer, Torso, Hourglass, or Morningstar.

5. The upright impact bag assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a base, wherein the stem extends substantially vertically upward from the base, and wherein the base and stem are configured such that the upright impact bag assembly is freestanding; anda plurality of the striking-pad units, wherein each of the striking-pad units comprise a cover and at least one foam padding, each striking-pad unit defining an associated opening sized and shaped to receive the stem such that the base and stem support the striking-pad unit for being struck, and wherein the striking-pad units are modular so as to be received on the stem in different configurations.

6. The upright impact bag assembly of claim 5, wherein the polygon has 6 or more sides, or optionally from 6 to 24 sides, or optionally from 6 to 16 sides, or optionally 8 sides.

7. The upright impact bag assembly of claim 5, wherein the at least one foam padding comprise a first foam padding having an first exterior and a first density and a second foam padding having a second exterior and a second density with the first density being higher than the second density, and wherein the cover is over the first exterior of the first foam padding and the second exterior of the second foam padding so as to form the angled sides around the periphery, and the first foam padding is located adjacent to a first contiguous portion of the angled sides, and the second foam padding is located adjacent to a second contiguous portion of the angled sides.

8. The upright impact bag assembly of claim 7, wherein the striking-pad unit has a shape selected from Octagon, Octacone, Wrecking Ball, Hammer, Torso, Hourglass, or Morningstar.

9. An upright impact bag assembly, comprising: a stem extending substantially vertically; anda plurality of striking-pad units, wherein each striking-pad unit of the striking-pad units defines an associated opening sized and shaped to receive the stem such that the stem supports the striking-pad unit for being struck, and wherein the striking-pad units are modular so as to be received on the stem in different configurations, and wherein each striking-pad unit comprises: a cover forming an outer surface of the striking-pad unit; andat least one foam padding, wherein the cover and foam padding are configured to define a shape for the striking-pad unit, and wherein the striking-pad unit is suitable for receiving and absorbing striking by physical blows without undue cause for injury or pain that would hinder training.

10. The upright impact bag assembly of claim 9, wherein the shape of a first one of the striking-pad units is different from the shape of a second one of the striking-pad units.

11. The upright impact bag assembly of claim 10, wherein the foam padding has an exterior and the cover is over the exterior of the foam padding so as to form a periphery comprised of a series of angled sides such that the outer lateral-cross-sectional shape of each striking-pad unit is a polygon.

12. The upright impact bag assembly of claim 11, wherein the striking-pad unit has a shape selected from Octagon, Octacone, Wrecking Ball, Hammer, Torso, Hourglass, or Morningstar.

13. The upright impact bag assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one foam padding comprises a first foam padding having a first density, a second foam padding having a second density with the first density being higher than the second density, and wherein the first foam padding is located adjacent to at a first contiguous portion of the angled sides, and the second foam padding is located adjacent to a second contiguous portion of the angled sides.

14. The upright impact bag assembly claim 11, wherein the polygon has 6 or more sides, or optionally from 6 to 24 sides, or optionally from 6 to 16 sides, or optionally 8 sides.

15. The upright impact bag assembly of claims 9, further comprising a base, wherein the stem extends substantially vertically upward from the base, and wherein the base and stem are configured such that the upright impact bag assembly is freestanding.

16. An upright impact bag assembly comprising: at least one striking-pad unit having a periphery suitable for receiving and absorbing striking by physical blows without undue cause for injury or pain that would hinder training, wherein the striking-pad unit has: a first foam padding located at a first contiguous portion of the periphery, the first foam having a first density; anda second foam padding located at a second contiguous portion of the periphery, the second foam padding having a second density, and wherein the first density is higher than the second density.

17. The upright impact bag assembly of claim 16, further comprising: a stem; anda plurality of the striking-pad units, wherein each striking-pad unit of the striking-pad units defines an associated opening sized and shape to receive the stem such that the stem supports the striking-pad unit for being struck, and wherein the striking-pad units are modular so as to be received on the stem in different configuration.

18. The upright impact bag assembly of claim 17, wherein each striking-pad unit further comprises a cover; and wherein the cover, first foam padding and second foam padding define a shape for the striking-pad unit so that the periphery is configured to have a series of angled sides such that the outer lateral-cross-sectional shape of the striking-pad assembly is a polygon.

19. The upright impact bag assembly of claim 18, wherein the polygon has 6 or more sides, or optionally from 6 to 24 sides, or optionally from 6 to 16 sides, or optionally 8 sides.

20. The upright impact bag assembly of claim 18, wherein the striking-pad unit has a shape selected from Octagon, Octacone, Wrecking Ball, Hammer, Torso, Hourglass, or Morningstar.

21. The upright impact bag assembly of claim 20, further comprising a base, wherein the stem extends substantially vertically upward from the base, and wherein the base and stem are configured such that the upright impact bag assembly is freestanding.