1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a post-like assembly for the removable support and selective disposition of a plurality of striking targets such as, but not limited to, Thai pads. Selective adjustability and other structural features of the post-like assembly facilitate the positioning of the striking targets in a preferred, exposed, accessible location and at predetermined orientations so as to facilitate the execution of various types of kicks, punches and other blows or like martial art techniques.
2. Description of the Related Art
The practice and performance of martial arts has enjoyed increasing popularity not only in its one or more countries of origin but in the United States as well as other locations throughout the world. While frequently considered a sport or type of physical exercise, it is well understood that various forms of the martial arts also involve significant mental discipline resulting in an overall physical and emotional well being of a participating individual. Perhaps the most popular categories of the martial arts include Tai Kwon Do, Kung Fu, karate and others. A related sport or like physical discipline may also include kick boxing, which while not strictly recognized as a formal martial arts category, does incorporate various martial art techniques such as kicking, punching, etc. Serious participation in any of the martial arts including, but not limited to those set forth above, involves concentrated practice comprising repetitious performance of various types of martial art techniques of the type set forth above. The ability of participants in the martial arts, including students and instructors alike, to maintain a preferred and rigorous practice schedule typically requires the delivering or performance of such blows in a real life atmosphere.
Clearly a significant factor in the practice of martial arts involves mental discipline. As such, the practice of this aspect of martial art techniques may be performed mentally, at least in part, wherein phantom or at least partially imaginary targets are used in the practice procedures. However, it is equally well recognized that in order to become increasingly proficient and perhaps reach the level of a martial arts master in one or more of the above-noted disciplines, an individual must recreate, as much as possible, real situations where kicks, punches and like blows are actually delivered with force. Therefore, in order to create or accomplish a real life environment of the type generally described above, participants of the martial arts interact with one another at least to the extent of one individual holding or otherwise supporting boards, pads, and other “striking targets”. In accordance with these conventional practices, one individual delivers real life blows to the striking targets held or supported by a cooperating individual.
While such techniques are considered at least minimally effective for the continued improvement of various forms of martial arts, certain obvious problems and disadvantages do exist. By way of example, one martial art technique involves one individual delivering an appropriate kick, punch or like blow to a board or other target held by another individual. The purpose is to deliver the blow with sufficient force and accuracy to break the board or otherwise strike the held target at a predetermined location. While effective such practices are frequently dangerous and oftentimes result in injuries to the individual holding the board or other striking target. In order to overcome problems and disadvantages of the type set forth above, a plurality of conventional “exercise devices” are known and believed to be commercially available. Such devices are structured and utilized in a manner somewhat similar to other known strengthening or exercise machines found in well equipped gymnasiums, exercise rooms and even some home or domestic environments.
The similarity between exercise devices associated with the practice of martial art techniques and strengthening or cardiovascular machines may be all too similar. Such similarity is evident in the fact that a number of conventional martial arts practice devices lack the versatility in terms of effective and adjustable structuring to allow an individual to practice a number of the required techniques in a meaningful manner. Also, unlike conventional exercise or strengthening machines, exercise devices associated with the practice of various forms of martial arts must have a somewhat increased or enhanced structural integrity. This is due because the various martial art techniques primarily, if not exclusively, involve delivery of extremely high force kicks, punches, blows, etc.
Accordingly, there is a need in this area for an assembly structured to facilitate the practice of various martial art techniques including, but not necessarily limited to, the performance of various types of kicks, punches, blows, etc. As such, a proposed practice assembly should be able to efficiently and preferably adjustably position at least one, but more practically, a plurality of “striking targets”. Such striking targets could include, but are not intended to be limited to, padded structures such as those conventionally known in the martial arts field as “Thai pads”. In addition, a proposed practice assembly would have structural and operative features which would allow the adjustable and accurate disposition of the one or more striking targets in an exposed; accessible location to facilitate the real life practicing of the various martial art techniques associated with one or more forms of martial arts. Further, a proposed martial arts practicing assembly could be structured to duplicate, as much as practical, real life positions and orientations, where selective blows are delivered to individual and appropriate ones of the striking targets. As such, the proposed practice assembly would efficiently and effectively position individual ones of the striking targets in a variety of different angular orientations, such that the practiced techniques would closely resemble real life situations.
Also, a proposed and preferred practice assembly should be sufficiently lightweight to be transported to and used in a variety of appropriate locations. Finally, practice assemblies of the type proposed should demonstrate sufficient structural integrity to absorb forces delivered by an individual during a practice session, where numerous martial art blows are delivered to various ones of the aforementioned striking targets in a repetitive fashion.
The present invention is directed to a practice assembly structured to facilitate the practice of various kicks, punches, blows or like martial art techniques through the support and adjustable positioning of at least one, but more practically, a plurality of “striking targets.” While the structural and operational details of the practice assembly of the present invention will be primarily described for use in the attachment, support and positioning of striking targets in the form of “Thai pads”, other types of targets can also be utilized. As is known in the martial arts field, targets such as Thai pads provide a cushioned or padded structure intended to absorb the force form various blows. Conventionally, such pads are held or supported by one individual, while another individual delivers various types of blows to the pad being held. While the use of Thai pads or other striking targets in this manner are functional and operative for their intended purpose, it is believed that a more efficient utilization of such padded structures, or other striking targets, could be accomplished by the one or more preferred embodiments of the practice assembly of the present invention.
More specifically, the assembly of the present invention comprises an elongated stanchion or similar post-like structure operatively disposed in a freestanding, upright, substantially vertical orientation when in use. A base is integrally, fixedly or otherwise securely connected to a lower end of the stanchion and is structured to provide stable support thereto when positioned on any of a variety of different supporting surfaces. As will be apparent, utilization of the one or more preferred embodiments of the practice assembly of the present invention involves the selective positioning and support of a plurality of striking targets, of the type generally described above. As such, the stanchion, as well as other components associated therewith should have sufficient stability, strength and overall structural integrity to absorb the force of repeated blows of the type involved in the practice of various martial art techniques. Therefore, the base includes structural features which facilitate the stable support of the stanchion and the one or more striking targets supported thereon. More specifically, the base is structured to include a securing assembly disposed and configured to support or otherwise be connected to a stabilizing assembly.
The base may include a variety of different structural modifications each of which are adaptable for use with one or more different stabilizing assemblies. However, a most preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises the base including one or more securing members attached to each of a plurality of support legs which collectively define the base. The securing members are disposed, dimensioned and configured to receive one or more weight members thereon. As such, a sufficient amount of weight is removably applied to the base to accomplish the desired degree of stability of the stanchion as the striking targets supported thereby absorb the forces from various martial art techniques practiced on the assembly. Structural details of the one or more weight members may vary significantly from customized weights to conventional weights of the type associated with barbell devices. Therefore such weight structures may not necessarily be considered an integrated part of the most preferred embodiment of the practice assembly of the present invention, but rather an auxiliary component to be used or otherwise associated therewith.
Additional structural and operative features of the assembly include at least one but more practically a plurality of support assemblies each of which include at least one elongated support arm. An inner or proximal end of each of the support arms is adjustably connected to the stanchion and includes a sufficient connecting apparatus, such as a spring loaded or other structured quick connect/disconnect device to adjustably attach the support arms at various positions along the length of the stanchion. Accordingly, the support arms may be disposed at substantially any preferred height relative to the supporting surface on which the stanchion is positioned.
In addition, the outer or distal end of each of the support arms defining the one or more support assemblies is secured to a mounting structure. The mounting structure is dimensioned and configured to facilitate a supportive interconnection with at least one or a plurality of different striking targets. As set forth above, one striking target of the type intended to be used with at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention is a Thai pad. As such, the one or more mounting structures include a sufficient dimension and/or configuration to securely, but preferably removably, mount the Thai pad or like striking target on the mounting structure. In addition, individual ones of the mounting structures associated with different ones of the support arms are preferably disposed at a predetermined orientation as relates to the substantially upright and/or vertical orientation of the stanchion. Accordingly, the various orientations of the mounting structures, as well as the striking targets mounted thereon, are such as to best facilitate the practice or exercise of various types of kicks, punches, blows or like martial art techniques to which individual ones of the striking targets may be subjected. Accordingly, the selective and preferred positioning of a plurality of striking targets at exposed, accessible locations and at preferred orientations provides an efficient and effective martial arts practice assembly. Further, such a preferred assembly overcomes many of the disadvantages and problems recognized with conventional devices, structures and related assemblies associated with the practicing of martial arts techniques and/or the procedures associated therewith.
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.
In accordance with the accompanying Figures, the present invention is directed to a practice assembly generally indicated as 10 specifically, but not exclusively, intended for the practice of various martial art techniques such as kicks, punches and like blows. More specifically, the assembly 10 includes an elongated stanchion 12 formed of a high strength, rigid material. Because of its intended use, the material from which the stanchion 12 is formed, along with the other structural and operative components of the present invention, must demonstrate sufficient strength and overall structural integrity to withstand the forces of various, repetitive blows or other martial art techniques practiced on the assembly 10.
Additional stability is provided by lower end of the stanchion 12 being integrally, fixedly or otherwise securely connected to a base, generally indicated as 14. An obvious purpose of the base 14 is to support the stanchion 12 and the various structural components associated therewith on any one of a plurality of different supporting surfaces. Further, the base 14 is preferably dimensioned, configured and structured to provide sufficient stability to the assembly 10, such as resisting swiveling, tipping, etc, as the various blows or other martial art techniques are practiced thereon. Therefore, the base 14 comprises a plurality of support legs 16 being relatively disposed and appropriately elongated or otherwise configured to provide the required stability during a practice session. As represented in the
Stability of the base 14 and remaining portions of the assembly are further facilitated by the provision of an adjustment assembly comprising at least one, but more practically, a plurality of adjustment members, represented in
In order to accommodate the stabilizing assembly 20 a most preferred embodiment of the practice assembly 10 comprises at least one but more practically a plurality of securing members in the form of elongated rods 22. Each of the one or more rods 22 are secured to and extend upwardly or outwardly from a correspondingly disposed support leg 16. Further, the dimension of each of the rods 16 is such as to removably receive at least one weight member or structure 24 thereon. As such, the one or more weight structures 24 define the aforementioned stabilizing assembly 20. Further, the one or more weight members 24 may be conventionally structured weight members of the type associated with barbell devices or alternatively may be somewhat customized so as to be adaptable for use with the base 14. Accordingly, in a most preferred embodiment of the present invention the stabilizing assembly 20, comprising one or more conventional weight structures or members 24, is not considered a part of the present invention. It is emphasized that weight structures or members 24 of various types may define the stabilizing assembly 20 and be adapted for use with the securing assembly 18. As should be apparent, the support members 22 would be correspondingly adapted in terms of structure, dimension and configuration to support or otherwise connect various types of stabilizing assemblies 20 and/or weight members 24 to the base 14.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision of at least one but more practically a plurality of support assemblies generally indicated as 30, 32 and 34. Each of the support assemblies 30, 32 and 34 are preferably, but not necessarily, formed from a high strength, rigid and preferably non-flexible material, as is the material from which the stanchion 12 is formed. As such, various components of the practice assembly 10 demonstrate sufficient strength and structural integrity to absorb the forces from the blows exerted thereon, as set forth above. Further, each of the support assemblies 30, 32 and 34 include a support arm having a proximal end interconnected to the stanchion 12 and a distal end connected in supporting relation to a different one of a plurality of mounting assemblies 40, 41, 43 and 44. As will also be explained in greater detail hereinafter, each of the mounting assemblies 40 through 44 comprise an appropriate dimension, configuration and overall structure to support at least one type of striking target 50 thereon. As set forth above, a most preferred striking target to be used in combination with the assembly 10 comprises a pad or like cushioned device, conventionally known in the martial arts area as a “Thai pad”. It is emphasized, however, that other types of striking targets, which may or may not include a padded or cushioned structure, may be used with the assembly 10. Therefore, structural modifications to the mounting assemblies 40 through 44 in order to adapt to different types of striking targets may be minimal or nonexistent.
Each of the support assemblies 30, 32 and 34 preferably include at least one elongated arm 52, 54, 60 and 64 extending transversely outward from the stanchion 12 in various predetermined and preferably different directions. In addition, the inner or proximal end of each of these support arms is associated with a mounting or connecting collar generally indicated as 56. Each of the collars 56 is dimensioned and configured to be movably and/or adjustably connected to the stanchion 12 by placement in substantially surrounding relation thereto as clearly demonstrated in
With primary reference to
As represented in
With primary reference to
With primary reference to
A preferred structural modification of the mounting assembly 34, as represented in
The three support assemblies 30, 32 and 34 and their respective mounting assemblies 40 through 44 have been described for use with the most preferred embodiments of the assembly 10 as represented in
By way of example, the support assembly 30 includes twin support arms 52 and 54 sharing a common mounting or connecting collar at their innermost, correspondingly positioned ends. Also, the mounting assemblies 40 and 42 are angularly oriented in a skewed or other appropriate angle relative to the substantially vertical axis of the stanchion 12 in order to practice or perform sidekicks or other techniques. In contrast, the support assembly 32 extends transversely and/or radially outward from the stanchion 12 and has its mounting assembly 43 oriented in substantially perpendicular relation to the axis 12. Therefore, the Thai pad or like striking target 50 assumes the same perpendicular attitude. As such, the Thai pad associated with the support assembly 32 and the mounting assembly 43 facilitates the practice of utilizing an individual's knee to deliver blows to the striking target 50. In further contrast, the support assembly 34 includes the mounting assembly 44 arranged in substantially parallel orientation to the length or longitudinal axis of the stanchion 12 in order to deliver various types of punches, kicks or like blows associated with martial art techniques.
As set forth above, the dimension, configuration and overall structure of each of the mounting assemblies 40 through 44 are such as to be adapted for the removable support of striking targets 50 preferably, but not exclusively, in the form of Thai pads. As such, each of the Thai pads conventionally comprise a grip or handle like member 70 designed to fit over and in at least partially surrounding relation to an appropriately disposed, dimensioned and configured adaptor plates 72 associated with at least one but preferably all of the mounting assemblies 40 through 44. Removable connection of each of the Thai pads or like striking targets 50 may be further accomplished by belts or straps disposed in surrounding relation to various portions of the respective lengths of the mounting assemblies 40 through 44 as also 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,