Patent Application
20190118059
Not applicable
The present invention is a heavy bag exercise device which is specifically supported by an overhead attachment support bar having a 360-degree (bearing or pin hing) attaching to a support arm and at the other end of the support arm another 360-degree hinge attached to a second pivoting support arm which has a load spring between the two arms for purposes of capturing and adding movement to the support structure. The bag mount is specifically supported such that it provides multidirectional movement of the heavy bag to exercises, condition and develop the muscles of the user. The scissor action pivoting heavy bag mount is designed so the bag will move laterally in a horizontal plane simulating a sparring partner during boxing or other combat sport training.
Historically, a heavy bag has been used to allow a person to practice hitting and moving simulating an attack on an opponent. Normally, a bag is suspended by an eyelet from a ceiling or beam. When the bag is mounted this way, it provides a predictable pendula movement in a relatively small area of movement. This actually promotes standing in one spot which does not improve footwork, movement, or timing of footwork.
Another problem the current invention addresses are that with traditional hanging bags they fail to move like an opponent. The pivoting scissor action heavy bag mount is designed to allow the heavy bag to move like a person, that being laterally within the same horizontal plane. This movement is preferred over the pendula movement. By simulating the horizontal sliding movement of an opponent, the bag mount forces the user to focus on foot movement and positioning.
Another problem the current invention addresses are that with traditional hanging bags there is a limited range of movement over the floor. Punching a traditional hanging heavy bag is quite easy because of its limited predictable movement. The double action pivoting scissor heavy bag moves over an area of eight square feet, 64 cubic feet and does not predictably move along the same path within that movement area thereby requiring the user to consistently adjust for distance, timing and expand their range of movement in comparison to a traditional mounted heavy bag.
Another problem the current invention addresses are a more realistic conditioning through more realistic movement, larger area of movement and unpredictable movement. Previous inventions have attempted to provide mounts that move laterally within the same horizontal plane however, the construction of the current invention is considerably different than that of the prior art. Some examples of previous inventions with similar inventive intent but dissimilar construction follows.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,466 to Capach which like many others uses a support beam having a rolling assembly which the bag attaches to. The beam is affixed to a swivel which attaches to the ceiling. The beam mounted to the swivel provides the rotational movement desired and the rolling assembly or trolley allows the bag to move laterally within the same horizontal plane as the user. The current invention is significantly different in that it has two support arms and two 360-degree pivot joints allowing each arm to rotate independently of the other providing a larger area of movement with greater effectiveness when compared to the Capach design.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,912 to Moody is the predecessor of Capach's design which are nearly identical. Moody's design consists of a trolley mounted on an elongated rail or beam having a rotating shaft affixed to the ceiling mount which allows the frame to rotate and the athlete using it to strike the bag thereby moving the trolley along the beam. The current invention is significantly different in design due to its two 360-degree swivel joints which provides a continuous unpredictable bag movement quite different from Moody or Capach's design.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,758,794 to Lee is similar in that it has two frame members however the second frame member is a track system with a trolley similar to the beam and rail support used by Capach and Moody. The scissor action of the current invention is achieved by the connection of the 360-degree hinges near the ends of each support arm which eliminates the need for the trolley or track system. Additionally, Lee's design may be used with multiple bags where that is not the case with the current invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,822 to Murphy presents a design using a track and trolley configuration. Murphy's invention is designed to move in a predetermined path and has controls so a coach can set a predetermined speed or the bag may be moved manually along the same predetermined track. Although this invention provides a moving bag in the same horizontal plane it lacks the unpredictable movement associated with the scissor design of the current invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,777,819 to Quintana is similar in design to that of Murphy's in that it is a track and trolley system where the bag speed is controlled by a motor apparatus. Quintana incorporates a variable path, height and direction. Quintana's invention is significantly different in design and function when compared to the current invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,428 to Wiece is a mount for a heavy bag having a horizontal beam which is supported near the center by an overhead rotational joint which allows the beam to rotate 360 degrees. The bag is suspended at one end of the beam and the other end of the beam has an adjustable caster wheel which roles against the ceiling to balance or counteract the weight of the heavy bag while allowing for the bag to travel in a predetermined circle clockwise or counterclockwise. Although a solid invention it lacks the unpredictable bag movement of the current invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,936,536 to Detterberg provides an invention based on an idea of interconnected rotational discs whereas the first disk is mounted to the ceiling providing a rotational base and the successive disks attached each “rotatably connected” to one another. This approach provides a method where the bag moves in an unpredictable pattern. Although the end result of the movement of the heavy bag are similar to the current invention there are significant difference in construction and the current invention load spring set up actually increases the speed of the bag something Detterberg's invention does not do.
A heavy bag is generally used to develop power, attack methods and movement skills. A heavy bag is normally supported from a stationary point such as an eye-bolt. The rope or bag tether to the eyebolt usually only allows for limited feet movement. Efforts to support a heavy bag so that the bag moves unpredictably over a large area have been made however prior art devices fail to create a structure equivalent to that of the current invention.
It is the intent of the present invention to provide a punching bag specifically supported such that it provides unpredictable movement along a variety of paths depending on the alignment of the hit. This allows for the user to develop muscles and improve footwork, conditioning and improve punching skills/power.
Another object of the present invention is for use in a boxing gym or martial arts studio. It can be owned by individuals which will hand the mount in garages, basements, attic's and the like, in their home as long as there is a supporting structure to mount to and an open area for bag and athlete movement.
The scissor action pivoting heavy bag mount having an overhead attachment support bar, a minimum of two support arms each having at least one 360-degree movement hinge which allows for independent arm action to swing freely in either direction about a vertical axis in a 360-degree range having a minim of one spring is currently manufactured out of metal. The mount may however be made of various types of metal such as aluminum, plastic or a composite to reduce the weight of the invention and improve its utility.
Another object of the invention is to provide a multidirectional movement bag mount without, oiling, grease, or a need for electricity. Only visual checks to see if the locking nuts are tight are needed, so less time and money are spent on maintenance.
A further objective of the current invention is to provide a lateral unpredictable moving bag so as to eliminate the need for a live sparring partner to develop skills. This allows the athlete to train and condition on their own at any time.
Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
This description is not intended to be limiting, it is made solely for the purpose of illustrating the principles of the invention. With regard to using the current invention the following illustrations should depict the function and items being claimed. Although only a couple variations in design are depicted in the drawings. Multiple variations exist but are not specifically shown or specified in the drawings please note variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims.
The design of the current invention is based on a minimum of one overhead attachment support bar two 360-degree hinges and two support arms and at least one load spring. This combination allows the bag to move unpredictably, similar to the movements of an opponent. The load spring creates additional movement of the bag which can be movement towards the athlete or away requiring the athlete to sidestep or move. The athlete must also move to keep up or cut the bag off as one would do an opponent in the ring. Changing direction, speed, and distance are key in learning footwork and attack combinations. The current invention is the only bag mount that actually increases the speed of movement of the bag based off the athlete's energy having no outside influences such as a motor or drive unit.
The scissor action pivoting heavy bag mount was designed for both the individual and the gym. There are multiple machine variations made of different size and dimension tubing, various diameters and thicknesses of metal tubing and different types of material such as; steel, aluminum or other materials such a wood, plastic or composites. Each designed for the gym or individual use.
The scissor action pivoting heavy bag mount was specifically designed to have limited maintenance. When bearings are used for the 360-degree hinges sealed bearing are installed. When pin and bushing 360-degree hinges are used the bushing replaces the need for oil. The maintenance of this invention is simply checking the bolts to ensure they have not loosened or checking the security of the lynch pin. Castellated nuts are used to prevent losing of the nuts and the pins use a locking clip not shown.
Lastly, the scissor action pivoting heavy bag mount was designed so an athlete will be able to practice sparring without having a live sparring partner. With the mounts unpredictable movement to include moving towards or away from the athlete while also having the potential to increase bag movement speed the current invention has no equal within the prior art.
The following narrative in conjunction with the drawings are written with the intent that any person of ordinary skill in the pertinent art would easily comprehend and be able to see the concept if improvement they embody. The current invention is enhanced by providing a simple yet effective system of 360-degree hinges which allows the bag to move easily toward or away from the athlete at varying speeds.
Referring now to the drawings in detail, where like numerals refer to like parts or elements. To concisely articulate the improvement(s) being claimed and in order to succinctly connect the specific improvement with the component part(s) necessary within the component systems the component parts as illustrated are addressed in multiple figures as appropriate.
The overhead attachment point is depicted by the 1 shown in in
The overhead attachment support bar 2 shown in
The main support 360-degree hinge 3, is shown in
The main support arm 4 shown in
The support arm hinge 5 shown in
The pivoting support arm 6 as shown in
The load spring 7 shown in
The spring eyelets 8 are shown in
The bag support eyelet 9 shown in
The mounting brackets 10 shown in
The heavy bag 11 shown in
