Abstract:
An attachment for a heavy bag to use while practicing power striking techniques in ground fighting. The attachment may be used on a bag that is hanging, resting on a free-standing base, or on a bag that has been removed from the hanger or base.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/469,956, filed Mar. 31, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for self-defense training and, more specifically, to apparatus and methods for self-defense training adapted to provide an effective way of training for real-life fighting situations. 
         [0003]    Traditionally, training equipment for fighting, such as the various kinds of punching bags, allow a person to practice punching, kicking, and other such moves against a weighted object. A heavy bag, for example, can provide enough size and weight to practice various methods at maximum speed and power. A heavy bag is simply a large bag that is either a weighted bag that hangs, or a lighter bag on a weighted, free-standing base. Such bags can be used for punching or kicking, and may be held by a second person for more resistance during practice. These bags, however, do not allow for effective practice of ground-fighting techniques because they have no handles available. Such techniques require a person to grab and opponent, and they cannot be practiced on a heavy bag. 
         [0004]    As can be seen, there is a need for an improved apparatus and method that enables a person to practice precision striking and ground-and-pound techniques with existing equipment, and that adequately simulates a real-life situation where such techniques would be necessary. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In one aspect of the present invention, a device comprises a first belt having a first end and a second end, a fitting at the first end, and a fastener at the second end; and at least one handle attached to the first belt; wherein the at least one handle runs parallel to the first belt. 
         [0006]    In another aspect of the present invention, a device comprises at least two belts, each belt comprising: a first end; a second end; a buckle at the first end; and a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners at the second end; at least two straps, each strap having a first strap end and a second strap end; wherein the first strap end of each strap is attached to the first belt; wherein the second strap end of each strap is attached to the second belt; and at least two handles attached to at least one of the at least two belts. 
         [0007]    In another aspect of the present invention, a device comprises a plurality of belts; a plurality of straps attached to the belts; and a plurality of handles attached to the belts; wherein the belts and straps are attached perpendicularly to one another; wherein a plurality of the handles are parallel to the belts; and wherein a plurality of the handles are perpendicular to the belts. 
         [0008]    These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, shown in use; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is section view along the line  4 - 4  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 3 , shown in the looped position; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
         [0016]    Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. However, any single inventive feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or may only address one of the problems discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features described below. 
         [0017]    Broadly, embodiments of the present invention generally provide a device that attaches to a heavy bag, allowing a person to practice punching, kicking, kneeing, and/or elbowing the bag with balance, power, speed, and precision in a manner that emulates real-life fighting situations. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of the device  10  attached to a bag  24 , and in use by a person  26 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the device  10  may be constructed from two belts  12 , measuring from about 3 to 5 feet long, typically about 4 feet long, and two straps  14 , measuring from about 6 to 18 inches long, typically about 12 inches long. The belts  12  may be oriented parallel to one another, and the straps  14  may be attached to the belts  12  at attachment points  18  ( FIG. 4 ), such that the straps  14  are perpendicular to the belts  12 . The attachment points  18  may typically be secured with heavy nylon thread for strength. Each belt  12  may have a fitting  16  at one end, such as a buckle, and fastenings  22 , such as hook-and-loop fastenings, on the other end. Other types of fittings  16  and fastenings  20  may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Other straps or cord may be attached to the belt  12  to provide handles  20  that may be secured with attachment points  18 . The various parts of the device  10  may be made from material that can handle over  200  pounds of pressure, including, but not limited to, heavy-duty cotton webbing, nylon, canvas, and other such materials. 
         [0019]    An alternate embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , in which only one belt  12  may be used. Similar to the belt  12  of  FIG. 1 , the belt  12  may have the fitting  16 , handles  20  having attachment points  18 , and the fastening  22 . This embodiment may be used in substantially the same way as the first embodiment, but may also be used to practice additional, more specialized techniques.  FIG. 6  shows another embodiment of the device  10 , in which a different arrangement of handles  20  may be used. 
         [0020]    In use, the device  10  may be fastened tightly about the bag  24 . The fighter  26  may jab, punch, elbow, kick, and knee by grabbing the handles  20  and pulling or holding to improve power strikes as one would in a real life situation. 
         [0021]    It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.