Abstract:
A martial arts training device that includes an inner frame shaped to encircle an outer surface of a training bag, an outer frame shaped to encircle the inner frame, a plurality of support shafts, and a locking mechanism. Both the inner and outer frame have a plurality of corresponding tee fittings. The support shafts connect the corresponding tee fittings and a locking mechanism is configured to adjust the width of the inner frame to fit the outer surface of the punch bag.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This non-provisional application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/653,099, filed on May 30, 2012, and entitled “a martial arts training device that improves ones kicks and punches” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present application relates generally to devices usable with martial arts training activities, and more particularly to the area of the training practitioner&#39;s form, balance, and proper extension of techniques. 
     In the field of martial arts, sparring and form (kata) are the primary means or methods used to test or challenge the practitioner&#39;s physical and mental level of development. For the martial artist, form, balance, and proper extension of technique are crucial to have superior technique. At higher levels of martial arts competition, electronic protective equipment with imbedded sensors is used to register proper contact with your opponent. It is therefore essential that the competitor use accurate techniques and proper form, since solid sensor-to-sensor contact is needed, to score a valid point. Previously, a practitioner could only refine techniques and develop powerful strikes and kicks using a conventional training bag; however, the bag offers no immediate response or indicator to acknowledge the correct form of a strike or kick. 
     The martial arts training device solves these concerns by providing an actual obstruction on which the practitioner must focus his/her strikes and kicks, over or under, to produce the correct extension and proper form for fighting techniques. When used correctly, the martial arts training device compels the user to lift and extend a punch or kick properly for full power and efficient movement, along with proper recovery between techniques. The martial arts training device is universal: it can easily be mounted at any height on virtually all training bags, and can be pre-adjusted for quicker installation. Along with its adaptability in mounting, it can be disassembled and folded in minutes for storing or transporting. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a martial arts training device is provided that includes an inner frame shaped to encircle an outer surface of a training bag, and an outer frame shaped to encircle the inner frame, wherein the inner frame has a center that is located at a different position than the center of the outer frame. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary martial arts training device attached to a standing bag. 
         FIG. 2   a  is a perspective view of an exemplary reducer that may be used along with the martial arts training device, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2   b  is a back view of the reducer shown in  FIG. 2   a  mounted on a standing bag without the martial arts training device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2   c  is a back view of the reducer shown in  FIG. 2   a.    
         FIG. 2   d  is a top view of the reducer shown in  FIG. 2   a  mounted on a standing bag without the martial arts training device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the martial arts training device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the martial arts training device shown in  FIG. 1  disassembled and folded for storing and/or transport. 
         FIG. 5   a  is a perspective view of an exemplary main clamp that may be used to lock the martial training device shown in  FIG. 1  onto the training bag. 
         FIG. 5   b  is a perspective view of the main clamp shown in  FIG. 5   a  with the clamp sleeve removed and the adjustment holes visible. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an exemplary inner shock absorber which may be located inside the front supports of the martial arts training device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7   a  is a perspective view of an exemplary stabilizer bar which may be attached to the martial arts training device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7   b  is a perspective view of the stabilizer bar shown in  FIG. 7   a  mounted to the martial arts training device shown in  FIG. 1  and to a training bag. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to an embodiment of a martial arts training device, an example of which is shown in the accompanying drawings. This invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described and/or illustrated below; such embodiments are provided only as examples so this disclosure may satisfy all applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a martial arts training device  100  attached to a standing bag  107 , along with a standing bag base  108  used to support the martial arts training device  100 . The martial arts training device  100  can easily be moved up and down the standing bag  107  to achieve different heights, according to the various needs and sizes of the practitioner. The martial arts training device  100  includes an inner frame  101  that secures the martial arts training device  100  to the standing bag  107 . A set of inner non-threaded tee fittings  105  connects the inner frame  101  to a set of rear support shafts  103  and a set of front support shafts  104 . The support shafts  103  and  104  are then connected to the outer frame  102  by an outer non-threaded tee fitting  106 . This configuration of two sets of support shafts ( 103  and  104 ), different in length, joined together by an inner frame  101  and outer frame  102 , form a unique oblique shape that creates several different striking distances to the standing bag  107 . The chief components of the martial arts training device  100 , such as the inner frame  101 , outer frame  102 , inner non-threaded tee fittings  105 , outer non-threaded tee fittings  106 , and support shafts  103  and  104  typically include or are made of a plastic and/or a rubber type of tubing covered by foam or a foam-like padding. The padding absorbs the impact of an accidental strike to the martial arts training device  100 . 
       FIG. 2   a  shows a reducer  200  installed on the martial arts training device  100  while it is attached to a hanging bag  201 . It also illustrates support straps  202  and a support structure  203 , which suspends the hanging bag  201  from the floor. Once installed, the reducer  200  decreases the overall inner diameter of the inner frame  101 , allowing the martial arts training device  100  to be mounted securely onto hanging bags  201  or standing bags  107  that have a smaller circumference. The reducer  200  may be made of a plastic- and/or rubber-type material. 
       FIG. 2   b  illustrates a back view of the reducer  200  as installed onto a standing bag  107 . Once the reducer  200  is placed at the desired height, the martial arts training device  100  can easily be installed and secured to the standing bag  107  or the hanging bag  201 . It should be recognized that the standing bag  107  and the hanging bag  201  may also be referred to as training bags. 
       FIG. 2   c  illustrates a back view of the reducer  200  detached from the martial arts training device  100 . 
       FIG. 2   d  illustrates a top view of the reducer  200  mounted on the standing bag  107 . The reducer  200  is designed to fit between the standing bag  107  and the inner frame  101  of the martial arts training device  100 . When installed onto the martial arts training device  100 , the overall circumference of the reducer  200  will decrease as it clamps firmly around the standing bag  107 , reducing the diameter of the inner frame  101 . When the reducer  200  is installed on the standing bag  107  with the martial arts training device  100 , the inner surface of the reducer  200  will be flush against the outer surface of the standing bag  107 , holding the reducer  200  and the martial arts training device  100  in position. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of the martial arts training device  100  with all its components. The martial arts training device  100  is positioned primarily by the main clamp  500  onto the standing bag  107  and the hanging bag  201 , discussed under  FIG. 5 . A union fitting  401 , discussed under  FIG. 4 , allows the martial arts training device  100  to be disassembled for transport and storage. A female inside threaded tee fitting  301  that works as a swivel connects the main clamp  500  to an elbow  302 , which then connects the inner frame  101  and the outer frame  102  of the martial arts training device  100 . The martial arts training device  100  has a main front visual skin  303 , a left rear visual skin  304 , and a right rear visual skin  305 . These visual skins  303 ,  304 , and  305  are designed to provide a visual guide for those practicing on the martial arts training device  100 . The visual skins  303 ,  304 , and  305  are made of a flexible, foldable material to enable the martial arts training device  100  to be folded for storage and/or transportation. 
     The martial arts training device  100  is designed to be used as an obstruction, forcing practitioners to strike the training bag over or under the martial arts training device  100  with their technique, rather than as a target to be hit, like most training devices. For this reason, the martial arts training device  100  is equipped with one or more touch sensors  306  and audible speakers  307 .  FIG. 3  shows the touch sensors  306  placed along the outer frame  102 , although the touch sensors  306  or the audible speakers  307  may be placed anywhere on the martial arts training device  100 . If the martial arts training device  100  is struck forcefully, the touch sensor  306  activates the audible speaker  307  to inform the user of the unwanted contact. The touch sensor  306  and the audible speaker  307  may be turned off and on by a power switch (not shown) supplied by one or more batteries located on the underside of the main clamp  500 . 
     The martial arts training device  100  was created to provide an obstruction and focusing method for martial artists to develop their techniques. To make contact with the standing bag  107  and the hanging bag  201 , practitioners must lift their knees and rotate their hips. To strike correctly, all hand and kicking techniques must use full range of motion while using the martial arts training device  100 . By training with the martial arts training device  100 , practitioners can increase their proficiency in making sensor-to-sensor contact with the electronic protective sparring equipment typically used in competitions, potentially increasing their ability to score in competitions. The placement of the inner frame  101  and the outer frame  102  compels the proper positioning of the body during strikes against the training bag. The two frames  101  and  102  have different centers and axes in relationship to each other and when attached to the standing bag  107  and the hanging bag  201 . The unique design allows one or more persons of varying heights to practice strikes or kicks without adjusting the martial arts training device  100 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the martial arts training device  100  unassembled and folded for storing and/or transport. The front visual skin  303 , used as a visual aid in training, is also shown. A union fitting  401  is used to join and separate the martial arts training device  100 . This figure shows the two union fittings  401 , separated into a respective male union fitting  401   a  and female union fitting  401   b . The martial arts training device  100  may be reassembled by unfolding the martial arts training device  100  and screwing the male union fitting  401   a  into the female union fitting  401   b . The martial arts training device  100  may then be attached to a standing bag  107  or a hanging bag  201 , as described above. 
       FIG. 5   a  illustrates the main clamp  500  that locks the martial training device  100  onto the standing bag  107  and the hanging bag  201 . The clamp  500  can be adjusted lengthwise to fit the circumferences of different sizes of standing bags  107  and hanging bags  201 . A male adapter fitting  503  connected to the main clamp  500  is screwed into the female threaded tee fitting  301  of the martial arts training device  100 . The purpose of the main clamp  500  is to hold the martial arts training device  100  in place during operation. A quick release  501  opens and closes the main clamp  500  by snapping onto a bar of the elbow  302  connecting to the inner frame  101  and the outer frame  102  of the martial arts training device  100 . A clamp sleeve  502  protects the components of the main clamp  500 . The clamp sleeve  502  can be made of vinyl, cloth, or a leather-type tubing material. 
       FIG. 5   b  illustrates the main clamp  500  with the clamp sleeve  502  removed. As shown in  FIG. 5   b , the main clamp  500  can be adjusted in length to fit various circumferences of standing bags  107  and hanging bags  201 . The components of the main clamp  500  include an inner clamp shaft  504   a  which fits inside of an outer clamp shaft  507   a . The outer clamp shaft  507   a  attaches to a male adapter fitting  503 . 
     The inner clamp shaft  504   a  includes a series of adjustment holes  505   a  that may be used to lengthen or shorten the main clamp  500 . The adjustment holes  505   a  are placed along the inner clamp shaft  504   a  to enable the inner clamp shaft  504   a  to be held with the outer clamp shaft  507   a  using one or more adjustment bolts  506   a . The adjustment bolts  506   a  are inserted through the outer clamp shaft  507   a  into the adjustment holes  505   a , where they tighten into the inner clamp shaft  504   a . The overall main clamp  500  can be shortened or lengthened by this process, which can be performed with a simple screwdriver in a matter of minutes. This allows the practitioner to have a preset tension of the main clamp  500  for proper mounting of the martial arts training device  100 . The inner clamp shaft  504   a  and the outer clamp shaft  507   a  can be made of a plastic- and/or rubber-type material. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an inner shock absorber  600 , which is located inside the front support shaft  104 . The components of the inner shock absorber  600  include a non-threaded outer tee fitting  106  that connects an inner cylinder  602  to an outer cylinder  601 . The outer cylinder  601  inserts into a non-threaded inner tee fitting  105 . The non-threaded outer tee fitting  106  is connected to the outer frame  102 , and the non-threaded inner tee fitting  105  is connected to the inner frame  101 . When a strike hits the outer frame  102 , the pressure causes the outer frame  102  to bend inwards towards the training bag. The inner cylinder  602  is pushed into the outer cylinder  601  to dissipate the impact. When the pressure of the strike is removed, the outer frame  102  automatically returns to its original position due to the partially bendable material of the outer frame  102 . The martial arts training device  100  performs all these actions without using a spring or hydraulic system; instead, the device&#39;s own design creates a constant tension between the inner frame  101  and the outer frame  102  that causes the front shaft  104  to push outwards back to its normal position. 
       FIG. 7   a  illustrates a stabilizer bar  700 , which is used to help support the martial arts training device  100  on the standing bag  107  during extensive training. The stabilizer bar  700  includes a base support  701 , a non-threaded tee fitting  106 , a stabilizer shaft  702 , a stabilizer height adjuster  703 , a stabilizer neck  704 , and a frame clamp support  705 . The base support  701  is mounted at the junction of the standing bag  107  and the standing bag base  108 . The pressure and weight of the standing bag  107  holds the base support  701  in position. The non-threaded tee fitting  106  acts as a swivel point between the base support  701  and the stabilizer shaft  702 . The stabilizer shaft  702  contains and holds the stabilizer neck  704  within the stabilizer bar  700 . The stabilizer neck  704  is used to adjust the height of the stabilizer bar  700  to support the training martial arts device  100  by tightening or loosening the tension on the stabilizer neck  704 , allowing it to telescopically adjust to the desired length. The frame clamp support  705  supports and maintains the position of the martial arts training device  100  by coupling and/or gripping the exterior of the outer frame  102 . The frame clamp support  705  may include a Velcro-type fastening strap to help secure the outer frame  102  to the stabilizer bar  700 . 
       FIG. 7   b  illustrates a stabilizer bar  700  installed with the martial arts training device  100  on a standing bag  107 . The base support  701  is wedged between the standing bag  107  and the standing bag base  108 . The non-threaded tee fitting  106  swivels into the angle needed to set a suitable height for the stabilizer bar  700  as the frame clamp support  705  secures the stabilizer bar  700  to the martial arts training device  100 . All the components of the stabilizer bar  700  may be made of a plastic- and/or rubber-type material and a vinyl-type covering. 
     Exemplary embodiments of a martial arts training device are described above in detail. The martial arts training device is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein; rather, components of the martial arts training device may be utilized independently and separately from other components described herein. For example, the martial arts training device may also be used in combination with other sporting and/or training activities, and is not limited to practice with only the martial arts training bag as described herein. The exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other applications. 
     Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing. 
     This written description uses examples to describe embodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.