Boxing training system

A simulated sparring partner apparatus and method for the training and exercising of a boxer, including a variable path and height track, a target article such as a punching bag or boxing pear suspended from the track, one or more drives for moving the target article along the track, and a control apparatus for controlling the speed and direction of movement of the carriage along the track. The drive may move the punching bag at various speeds and in either direction, either on its own, or as a result of the boxer's actions. Also, the drive may be programmable such that the carriage follows a predetermined path at predetermined speeds.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/397,641 titled “Sliding system of punching bag” filed on Jun. 15, 2010, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

PATENTS CITED

The following documents and references are incorporated by reference in their entirety, Murphy (U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,822), Lee et al (U.S. Pat. No. 5,844,240) and Franey (U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,877).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of boxing, and in particular to an apparatus and method for simulating a sparring partner during boxing training.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Various devices are known for aiding in the training and exercising of boxers. These include the well-known heavy punching bag, the smaller floor-mounted or ceiling-mounted punching bags, sparring body opponents, boxing pears and others. Unfortunately, boxing is a game of movement, and most prior devices (including both patented and not) have included few if any realistic simulation of an opponent's movement.

Prior patented devices include Stephen U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,606, which describes a circular device moving the punching device around. Murphy U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,822 which teaches a device on a predictable track, and Moody U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,912 which teaches a linear device moving a punching bag back and forth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This section is for the purpose of summarizing some aspects of the present invention and to briefly introduce some preferred embodiments. Simplifications or omissions may be made to avoid obscuring the purpose of the section. Such simplifications or omissions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

In one aspect, the invention is about an apparatus for training a boxer comprising a raised support track defining a three dimensional non-linear path with variations in height over the datum, one or more carriages suspended from said support track, so that a training article suspended from it will be at an initial height suitable for optimal training interaction with a trainee, and such that movement by the carriage along the track causes horizontal and vertical movements of the training article with respect to the trainee, and drive means for moving the carriage along the track and hence effect horizontal and vertical movement of the target article, said drive means being controllable by a separate control system to simulate the varying movements of a sparring partner.

In another aspect, the track is an endless path, a chain extends the full length of said track, the carriage connected to the chain moves therewith, and said carriage includes low friction means engaging and resting on one or more surfaces of the track for movement therealong, the drive means being a motor driving said chain. In another aspect, the track is a channel having one or more horizontal support surfaces, the low friction means comprised rollers which roll on the horizontal support surface, the chain is supported in a plane above said track, the track has one or more openings along the complete length thereof for passage therethrough of a connection of the carriage to the chain.

In one aspect, a rotating hinge mounted to said carriage in order to allow for the free rotation of the training article as it interacts with the trainee. In another aspect, the carriage is equipped with motion sensors capable of detecting the position of the trainee and adjusting its motion in response to it. In yet another aspect, the track is an endless path that contains an electric power transfer channel along its entire length, and said carriage is connected to said power transfer channel and contains one or more electric motors under the control of said motion system.

In one aspect, a rotating hinge mounted to said carriage in order to allow for the free rotation of the training article as it interacts with the trainee. In another aspect the carriage is equipped with motion sensors capable of detecting the position of the trainee and adjusting its motion in response to it.

In one aspect, the invention is about a method of training a boxer by artificially simulating a sparring partner, said method comprising the steps of suspending a target article in the path of the boxer at a height to be punched by the boxer, utilizing control means to cause the target article to move horizontally and vertically along a predetermined non-linear path, including changing the speed and direction of the target article, to thereby cause the target article to move in a manner which simulates a sparring partner. In another aspect, the method includes preprogramming the control means to provide selected movements of the target article and effecting movements by said programs. In one aspect, the method includes moving the target article along the path forwardly and rearwardly and at varying speeds.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

To provide an overall understanding of the invention, certain illustrative embodiments and examples will now be described. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The compositions, apparatuses, systems and/or methods described herein may be adapted and modified as is appropriate for the application being addressed and that those described herein may be employed in other suitable applications, and that such other additions and modifications will not depart from the scope hereof.

Referring toFIG. 1the boxing training system100includes a track102suspended from a ceiling (or any other high, sturdy support, or alternatively off a frame standing from the floor) by a series of support rigid metal bars104bolted through bolt-holes106onto the ceiling or other such mounts. The track102shown may be embodied as a monorail, an I-Beam, H-Beam, inverted C beam or any of a number of comparable rail tracks used for hanging rolling stock.

With such a track, a trainee (be it a boxer, a UFC fighter, a kick-boxer, martial arts enthusiast or any such person interested in the cardiovascular advantages of punching and moving) is capable of replicating the experience of boxing against a human being.

In an alternate embodimentFIG. 10, the track may be suspended from a sturdy support structure1000having a plurality of legs. In one embodiment, the track102(which may be constructed of iron, aluminum, plastic, carbon composites or steel) includes an interior channel and forms a generally elongated or circular loop.

An excellent choice for the track is an enclosed monorail conveyor, similar to those found at Dry Cleaning shops. In such an embodimentFIGS. 12A-12C, the track1200may use a system similar to the PAC-LINE™ (Model C-250) Enclosed Track Overhead Conveyor or similar track. One1202or more motors1202,1204are used to pull a train of linked hooks within the monorail. One particular advantage offered by such a system is the ability to climb or descend in height1240,1280in a relative short distance while carrying a load hooked to one or two links.

The track is designed to allow for the movement of one or more carriages108. In one embodiment, the carriages are powered by a central motor114through a chain118. In alternate embodiments, each carriage is powered by an independent motor, with power to said motor being transferred from electrical contacts made with electrical power channels along the tract. Said power may be DC or AC.

Depending on the skill being practiced, a number of devices may be attached to the carriage108. As seen inFIG. 1, the training article moved in relation to the trainee may be a punching bag110, suspended via simple ropes or cables112from a central hook. Other embodiments will discuss other training articles below.

FIG. 2illustrates details of one embodiment200of the track102and carriage108. In it, we see the bolts202used to secure the bolt-holes106to the ceiling and the joint bolts204used to connect the metals bars104supporting the track102. In one embodiment, the track102is separate from the chain118used to propel the carriage108along it. At regular intervals along its path, the chain118is assisted in making the corner or bend206above the track102. In one embodiment, the chain118is made to travel between sprockets210mounted on the guardrail208which parallels the shape of the track102below.

FIGS. 3A and 3Billustrate significant improvements in making the track102more realistic in training a boxer. The top view of the track overall shape300as seen from above allows for the training device mounted in the carriage to move side to side (as would a real human) in both a fast fashion302and a slow fashion304, as well as in a straight line306. In addition to this, the side view350would also allow for the carriage to move up/down with reference to the datum352height. This change to the datum352would replicate the action/reaction of a boxer standing taller or “crunching” down.

In one embodiment, the cross-section400of the track102, as shown inFIG. 4, is comprised of a rectangle with narrow openings or slots along the bottom402and top404of the rectangle. One or more carriages108are supported from the track102for conveyance along its perimeter. The carriage includes a set of rollers406which engages the lower interior408of the track102, and an upper set of rollers410which engages the upper interior or chamber412of the track102. Both of these sets of rollers (406,410) are connected to carriage, in one embodiment via upper414and lower416bolts and nuts418form an outside frame which provides additional lateral support for the carriage108.

One or more vertical supports420extend from the lower portion of the carriage108, providing a mounting hoop or hook116that would be preferably located along the center of gravity of the carriage108. Cords or ropes112for supporting a target article such as a punching bag110may then be suspended from it. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by any suitable means such as an “S”-shaped hook. The track102may be positioned at a height sufficiently high such that the center of the punching bag110is about one meter above the floor or ground at the datum height352, although of course it could be adjusted to suit the boxer being trained. A chain118(such as a flat conveyor belt chain) is connected to the carriage top member422disposed above the channels (402,404) in the track102and forms a closed loop spanning the entire length of the track102. Movement of the chain118is imparted to the carriage108.

FIG. 5illustrates an embodiment of the carriage108traveling through the track102. The rollers406may be made of a number of materials, including metals such as steel, iron, aluminum, as well as polymers, plastics and thermoplastics, including nylon, and aromatic and semi-aromatic advanced materials such as Primospire®, Torlon®, AvaSpire® and Amodel®. PrimoSpire is a polyphenylene (SRP) thermoplastic, Torlon® is a high performance amorphous (non-crystalline) engineering thermoplastic, a polyamide-imide (PAI).

AvaSpire® is a versatile family of polyaryletherketones (PAEK), PAEK is an advanced thermoplastic resin having both ether and ketone linkages in its chains. PAEK materials are semicrystalline aromatic polyesters with excellent mechanical and dielectric properties. Amodel® is a semi-aromatic polyamide (PPA) that delivers significantly higher performance than typical nylons. PPAs are a semi-crystalline, aromatic polyamide. Compared to nylon 6/6, it is stronger, stiffer, less sensitive to moisture, and has higher thermal capabilities. It has significant chemical fatigue and creep resistance.

The chain118driving the carriage108is kept on track via the regular implementation of sprockets210along its path. These sprockets210are mounted off side bars502that are mounted off the supports104that hold the track102.

FIGS. 6A and 6Billustrate other exemplary embodiments of the under carriage600,650. These under carriage units600and650are capable of being connected to two or more standard rail carriages units at attachment points602,604that each connects to the vertical support bolt420point in the carriage108. In this fashion, a stable platform for a pear606punching mount608is provided. The height of the pear606may be adjusted by the provision of one or more extender blocks610.

In addition, an enhanced functionality punching bag mount650is also provided. With similar mounting or attachment points652,654to the rail carriage108. This provides a stable, height adjustable platform (through extension of the central bolt656) or quick changes in the weighs658. Changing them, provides for a hinging effect at the central hinge660, moving the bolt420position up/down, and by definition the punch bag110. Similarly, the addition of a rotating hinge662to the central bolt656provides for an additional rotation of the punching bag in response to the punches from the trainee.

FIG. 7illustrates one possible system control configuration. In it, the motor114driving the sprocket210and thus the chain118is under the control of a simple electronic box700with Start, Stop and Run buttons. In one embodiment, a speed adjustment knob702allows a solo fighter, boxer or trainee to set a speed for training. In an alternate embodiment, the control is exercised by a set of preprogrammed instructions in a computer, which may be a Personal Computer, a tablet, a Smartphone, iPad, iPod or iPhone.

In addition, the box700may be equipped with a credit/debit or membership card magstripe reader704in order to limit its use, or record the identity of the person activating it. In an alternate embodiment, coin and dollar bills acceptance mechanisms (similar to those in vending machines) are connected. In an alternate embodiment, an additional lever or knob is provided so the trainee may program the timed duration of the session. Note that while there is a cable shown706between the controller700and the motor114, this connection may be completely wireless, with both units being powered separately.

Referring toFIG. 8, in one embodiment, by providing an Infra-Red detector, such as that disclosed by Lee et al (U.S. Pat. No. 5,844,240), or other similar type of presence/motion sensor802mounted on the leading edge of the carriage800(be it a single mount or dual mount), it would be possible for the system to adjust its advance (or retreat) to/from the trainee806as a function of the trainee's motion. In this fashion, real-time control of the bag/pear would occur through sensing of the position804of the trainee. If the trainee decides to not move, the punching bag could simulate a boxer and stand “toe to toe” with the trainee, advance into him, or even retreat then advance.

In an alternate embodiment, the carriages motion is accomplished by motion means mounted on the carriage itself812and/or810. These may be powered by the track, or contain self power, allowing them to be controlled independently. Again, control of these motors may be wired or wirelessly accomplished. A rear facing sensor814would ensure that the system would not “drive” into another trainee. Alternatively, the system could be networked with one or more other carriages on the same track, making the carriage aware of the vicinity of other carriages, and thus ensuring that two trainees don't collide. This can be easily accomplished through encoders in the tracks, or the addition of a barcode reader that reads the barcode in the track section it is in.

The addition of a vibration sensor at near the central bolt420would also provide an actuator808near the carriage with the ability to “sense” how the trainee is doing, and either advance or retreat. Similarly, the addition of an actuator (such as a Reell's® electric wrap spring clutch) would allow the system to restrict the level of rotation in combination with the training profile, allowing the freedom of rotation on the hinge662to be reduced or even eliminated. This, in combination with a rotation sensor (or not), would allow the system to “stop” retreating and advance.

Referring toFIG. 9, in one embodiment the system900is implemented via a circular rail902having a lengthwise slit904along its bottom to allow for the movement along its length of a carriage108on which the punching bag110or other training implement is suspended. The carriage108slides along the inside of the rail902mounted on one or more wheels906that are coupled together by a cable or chain908. In one embodiment, the carriage108is moved by being attached to a chain118that is moved around the periphery of the track902by a motor114. In an alternate embodiment, the carriage is self-powered by having a motor mounted on the wheels906and power is transferred to them via a dual powered rail assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the carriage108or wheels906have energy storage means (e.g. batteries) mounted on them.

An alternate embodiment of the invention is seen inFIG. 11where a system1100with a multi-plane path1102(horizontal and vertical variations) is embodied. Such a system may have a carriage108that is powered by chain908or through self-powered carriages with or without power means.

CONCLUSION

In concluding the detailed description, it should be noted that it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiment without substantially departing from the principles of the present invention. Also, such variations and modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. Further, in the claims hereafter, the structures, materials, acts and equivalents of all means or step-plus function elements are intended to include any structure, materials or acts for performing their cited functions.

The present invention has been described in sufficient detail with a certain degree of particularity. The utilities thereof are appreciated by those skilled in the art. It is understood to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure of embodiments has been made by way of examples only and that numerous changes in the arrangement and combination of parts may be resorted without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the forgoing description of embodiments.