Strike training machine with bidirectional weight resistance

Some embodiments include a strike training machine that provides bidirectional resistance. The machine replicates the full and natural trajectory of the striking motion and provides resistance throughout extension and contraction of the striking motion. In this manner, the machine trains all muscles involved in a particular strike. The trajectory of the machine is user adjustable to accommodate different striking motions which include punches, kicks, elbow strikes, knee strikes, and throwing motions. In some embodiments, the machine applies a user specifiable amount of resistance. By adjusting the amount of resistance, the actor is able to overload train the muscle groups associated with the striking motions by gradually increasing resistance during training.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a strike training machine. More particularly, this invention relates to a weight training machine that provides bidirectional resistance training for striking motions.

BACKGROUND ART

Striking motions, such as punching and kicking, are basic elements to any form of martial arts, self-defense, or boxing. As with any athletics or sports motion, an effective strike requires the actor to develop strength, quickness, and technique in his strikes. A variety of devices and tools have been developed to assist in the training of these striking motions.

A punching bag is a common strike training tool in boxing. The punching bag is a weighted bag (e.g., up to several hundred pounds) that is suspended from above using a swinging chain. In some implementations, the punching bag is suspended atop a base that retains the punching bag upright when in use.

The punching bag has several shortcomings for effective strike training. Firstly, the punching bag requires time to reset to a default stationary position after it has been struck. Once struck, the punching bag oscillates from its point of suspension or from its base depending on the force of the strike. This movement makes it difficult to quickly perform repetitions using the same form or technique. As a result, form and technique vary with each subsequent strike. Secondly, the weight of the punching bag cannot be easily adjusted since it is filled with sand, water, or other substance in its core. The weight of the punching bag therefore remains constant and progressive overload training cannot be accomplished. Thirdly, the fixed weight of the punching bag does not provide effective strike training for actors of different strengths. For instance, performing strikes on a punching bag that is too heavy can result in injury to the actor. When the punching bag is too heavy, the force of the strike is halted at the point of impact resulting in excess stress on the bones and joints of the actor. The actor is also unable to complete the full range of the strike motion thereby minimizing the effectiveness of the training. Conversely, performing strikes on a punching bag that is too light yields little to no strength or quickness training.

Strike training tools also include a pad that is held by a first actor so that a second actor may perform strikes to the pad. Since the pad is supported by a user and not a movable weight stack, the resistance encountered when performing the strikes is neither constant nor progressive. Furthermore, the actor performing the strikes is unable to perform the full range of motion of the strike since the pad is held in a mostly stationary position. Consequently, the actor performing the strikes is unable to perform a full strike motion with constant or progressive resistance throughout the strike. As a result, these tools also do not provide effective strength or quickness training.

Resistance cables have also been used in strike training. For example, the actor grabs a handle that is attached via a cable and a set of pulleys to a weight stack. When the actor performs a punching motion while grabbing the handle, the cable becomes taught and the weight stack provides resistance against the punching motion of the actor. However, instead of pushing with the fist as would occur in a natural punching motion, the actor is pulling on the cable while grabbing a handle. The pulling results in an unnatural application of force. Specifically, the counter force or resistance provided by the weight stack is distributed by pulleys connecting the cable to a weight stack that is often located behind the actor's body, usually above the actor's head or behind the actor's feet. By placing the resistance behind the body position of the user, the machine improperly develops the muscles and technique. This increases the risk of injury to the actor.

Moreover, a natural punching motion encounters resistance at the point of impact which is in front of the fist. The natural resistance remains in front of the fist throughout the entire punching motion requiring the actor to produce a push force rather than a pull force. Accordingly, these machines also do not accurately replicate the striking motion since the actor does not perform the punching strike with a proper closed fist. There is no impact placed on the knuckles. The resistance force is instead placed on the palm of the hand grabbing the handle. As noted above, these variations increase the risk of injury to the user.

Typical weight training machines also do not provide effective strike training. These machines are primarily used to isolate and train specific muscles groups using confined movements. The movements performed on these machines do not replicate the full range of a striking motion. The machines can therefore cause the muscles to develop improperly for a striking motion, thereby increasing the risk of injury to the actor performing the striking motions. Furthermore, multiple machines would have to be used to target and train each of the several muscles that are used simultaneously in one striking motion.

Accordingly, there is a need for a weight training machine that replicates the full range of the most common striking motions used in martial arts, self-defense, and boxing. There is a need for such a machine to provide bidirectional resistance throughout the full range of the striking motion (i.e., extension and contraction) in order to develop strength, quickness, and technique for the strike. The machine should provide an easily adjustable amount of resistance in order to offer overload training.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments include a strike training machine that provides bidirectional resistance. The machine simultaneously trains all muscles involved in a particular strike by replicating the full and natural motion of the particular strike. In some embodiments, the angle of movement of the strike training machine is user adjustable to accommodate different striking motions and techniques. Accordingly, the strike training machine may be used to train punches, kicks, elbow strikes, knee strikes, and throwing motions used in martial arts, self defense, and boxing. By replicating the motion of a punching strike, the machine develops the punching strike technique as well as strength and quickness in the muscles used by the arm, shoulder, chest, back, and core to throw the punching strike. Similarly, by replicating the motion of a kicking strike, the machine develops the kicking technique as well as strength and quickness in the muscles used by the leg, hips, and core to throw the kicking strike.

Throughout the striking motion (i.e., extension and contraction), the machine provides an amount of resistance. The machine requires the actor to produce a push force sufficient to overcome the resistance throughout the full range of the striking motion. In some embodiments, the amount of resistance is user specifiable. By adjusting the amount of resistance, the actor is able to overload train the muscles associated with a particular striking motion through gradual increases of resistance.

In some embodiments, the machine includes a frame, a strike pad, a support member, rotating frame extensions, a weight assembly, and a frame. The strike pad is attached to the support member and it provides the contact point between the actor and the strike training machine. The strike pad accurately replicates the impact of a strike. For example, the actor uses a closed fist and encounters impact along the knuckles when performing a punching strike.

The support member spans vertically over the rotating frame extensions. The frame extensions couple to the support member at one end using a first pair of rotating hinges and couple to the frame at another end using a second pair of rotating hinges. The frame extensions are positioned at an acute angle relative to the vertical position of the frame and rotate about the hinges. The rotation of the frame extensions facilitates axial movement of the support member and strike pad along an x-axis when a push force is applied to the strike pad.

The weight assembly attaches to the rotating frame extensions and extend towards the front of the frame along outward facing sides of the frame extensions. The weight assembly extends at an acute angle relative to a vertical position of the frame and retains the acute angle throughout the rotation of the frame extensions. In this manner, the weight assembly generates a counter-force or resistance to a push force applied at the strike pad. The actor controls the amount of resistance by increasing or decreasing the amount of weight that is placed on the weight assembly.

When a sufficient push force to overcome the resistance is applied to the strike pad using a particular strike, the strike pad and support member move along the x-axis. The frame extensions rotate at the hinges to facilitate the axial movement. Throughout this movement, the machine applies a constant amount of resistance to the actor generated push force. When the actor begins to recoil the strike and the push force is progressively reduced, the resistance applied by the weight assembly causes the frame extensions to rotate back to the default starting position. The actor resists against the return rotation thereby providing resistance training along the contraction of the strike as well.

The actor can then perform additional repetitions using the same technique and form as in the previous motion. It should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the strike training machine of some embodiments may be used to train a variety of strikes including punching strikes, kicking strikes, elbow strikes, knee strikes, shoulder strikes, head strikes, throwing motions, and shot-put motions as some examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, numerous details, examples, and embodiments of the strike training machine are set forth and described. However, it will be clear and apparent to one skilled in the art that the strike training machine is not limited to the embodiments set forth and that the strike training machine may be practiced without some of the specific details and examples discussed.

Some embodiments include a strike training machine that provides bidirectional resistance for strike training. Unlike traditional weight training machines that isolate and train specific muscles or muscle groups, the strike training machine trains all muscles involved in a particular strike by requiring the actor to perform the full and natural range of motion of the particular strike. For each strike, the machine applies resistance at the point of contact, extension, contraction, and recoil. Accordingly, for a punching strike, the strike training machine provides bidirectional resistance to train the muscles of the arm, shoulder, chest, back, and core that are involved in the extension, contraction, and recoil of the punching strike.

Martial arts, self-defense, and boxing strikes utilize strikes that produce a push force at and through the point of contact. The strike training machine of some embodiments replicates the production of the push force when performing a strike. The strike training machine provides a weight assembly and a strike pad. The strike pad is positioned in front of the weight assembly. The actor applies a push force against the strike pad when performing a striking motion. At the point of contact, the weight assembly produces a push force that counters the push force of the actor thereby creating resistance to train the muscles utilized in the striking motion.

This is unlike resistance cable training where, when the actor performs a striking motion, the actor generates a pull force that that pulls one or more cables connected to a weight stack that is located behind the actor instead of in front of the actor. Moreover, the strike training machine applies a constant amount of resistance throughout the striking motion whereas resistance cable training applies a variable amount of resistance that increases the more the cables are stretched.

The amount of resistance provided by the strike training machine of some embodiments is adjustable by increasing and decreasing weight on the weight assembly. In this manner, the actor is able to overload train the muscle groups associated with a particular strike by progressively increasing amounts of resistance.

I. Strike Weight Training Machine

FIG. 1illustrates a strike training machine100from a side angle in accordance with some embodiments. The machine100includes: (1) strike pad110, (2) support member120, (3) first pair of rotating hinges130, (4) rotating frame extensions140and145, (5) second pair of rotating hinges150, (6) weight assembly160with pegs165, and (7) frame170.

The strike pad110is a rectangular shaped cushion that absorbs the push force generated from various striking motions. It should be apparent that the strike pad110may be of various shapes including circular, oblong, and square. Some examples of strikes that can be performed against the strike pad110include various punches, kicks, shot-put motions, throwing motions, elbow strikes, knee strikes, shoulder strikes, and head strikes. The strike pad110acts as the point of contact between the actor's strike and the machine100.

In some embodiments, the strike pad110measures one to three feet in length and one to three feet in width. The strike pad110is located three to six feet above the ground. In some embodiments, the height and angle of the strike pad110is user adjustable as described in detail below with reference toFIGS. 8 and 12.

The strike pad110is coupled to the support member120. The strike pad110may be coupled to the support member120using a set of nuts and bolts or by welding the strike pad110to the support member120.

The support member120spans across the top of each of the rotating frame extensions140and145. In some embodiments, the length of the support member120is user adjustable. For example, the support member120is composed of two separate shafts that fit within one another. Each shaft contains a set of holes. The user sets the length by aligning the holes of the outer and inner shaft and secures the length using a pin that slides into the holes of both shafts.

The support member120couples to each of the rotating frame extension140and145using the first pair of rotating hinges130. Each of the first pair of rotating hinges130includes a first hinge bracket that is attached to the support member120and a second hinge bracket that is attached to one of the rotating frame extensions140and145. The two brackets of the support member120are aligned with each bracket of the rotating frame extensions140and145. Nut and bolt assemblies are used to secure the brackets.

A second pair of rotating hinges150couple the rotating frame extensions140and145to the frame170. As with the first pair of hinges130, a bracket attached to the bottom of each rotating frame extension140and145is aligned with a bracket attached to the frame170and nut and bolt assemblies are used to secure the brackets.

The hinges130allow for the support member120to rotate about the frame extensions140and145. The hinges150allow for the frame extensions140and145to rotate about the frame170. Together, these rotations produce axial movement in the strike pad110and support member120when a push force is applied to the strike pad110.

In some embodiments, the height of each frame extension140and145is user adjustable as described in further detail with reference toFIGS. 10-11below. By adjusting the heights of the frame extensions, the user alters the trajectory of the movement of the strike pad. This adapts the movement of the strike pad to the movement of a particular strike. For example, a particular straight punching strike may extend only along the x-axis whereas a particular kicking strike extends along the x and y axes. In this manner, the strike training machine of some embodiments adapts to the full range of motion of many common strikes thereby replicating the motion while also providing bidirectional resistance with the weight assembly160.

The weight assembly160provides a counter push force or resistance to the push force applied to the strike pad110. The weight assembly160includes pegs165on which weights may be placed to increase the resistance. As an example, a weight180is placed on one of the pegs165.

The weight assembly160is located behind the strike pad110and is attached to the rear frame extension145. The weight assembly160moves in conjunction with the rear frame extension145. In some embodiments, the weight assembly160is angled zero to 45 degrees below a perpendicular extension from the rear frame extension145.

When a force is applied to the strike pad110that causes an axial movement of the strike pad110, the rear frame extension145rotates towards the back of the machine100. This rotation elevates the weight assembly160and any weight coupled to the pegs165. Therefore, the greater the amount of weight on the weight assembly160, the greater the push force that must be applied at the strike pad110to produce the axial movement.

The frame170provides a foundation that stabilizes and supports the strike pad110, support member120, rotating frame extensions140and145, and the weight assembly160. The frame170prevents sideways movement and forwards and backwards movement of the machine100when in use.

The frame170includes bar175that defines a default position for the machine100when the machine100is not in use. The bar175is located below the weight assembly160and includes rubber stops upon which the weight assembly160rests when the machine100is not in use. The bar175prevents the rotating frame extensions140and145from rotating past the default position.

In some embodiments, each of the support member120, rotating frame extensions140and145, weight assembly160, and frame170are composed of one or more welded steel segments. It should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that these components may be composed of any other rigid material such as aluminum or composite materials.

FIG. 2presents a rear view of the strike training machine300of some embodiments. As inFIG. 1above, the machine includes (1) strike pad210, (2) support member220, (3) first pair of rotating hinges230, (4) rotating frame extensions240and245, (5) second pair of rotating hinges250, (6) weight assembly260with pegs265, and (7) frame270including bar275that defines a default position for the machine200when the machine200is not in use.

FIGS. 3 and 4illustrates movement of the strike training machine300when force is applied to the strike pad310in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically,FIG. 3illustrates the strike training machine300in a default resting position andFIG. 4illustrates the strike training machine400after an actor performs a striking motion that applies force to the strike pad410causing axial movement of the strike pad410.

InFIG. 3, the machine300is at a default stationary position. The weight assembly320is resting atop the bar330. The machine300returns to the default position when not in use due to the position of and force generated by the weight assembly320. Specifically, the weight assembly320is angled acutely relative to the vertical extension of the frame350. This positioning produces a force that causes the rotating frame extensions340to rotate towards the front of the machine300brining the weight assembly320to rest atop the bar330.

InFIG. 4, a push force405is applied to the strike pad410. The push force405may be generated using any one of a variety of different strikes (e.g., punch, kick, elbow, knee, etc.). The push force405causes the strike pad410to travel towards the rear of the machine400. This movement is facilitated by the rotation of the frame extensions420. Specifically, the force applied to the strike pad410causes the hinges430that connect the support member440to the frame extensions420to rotate in a clockwise motion and the hinges450that connect the frame extensions420to the frame460to rotate in a counter-clockwise motion. As a result, the angle of the frame extensions420increases relative to the vertical extensions of the frame460. As the angle increases, the strike pad410and the support member440move along an x-axis toward the rear of the machine400. It should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the rotation of the frame extensions420may also produce some movement of the strike pad410along a y-axis.

The axial movement of the strike pad410follows the natural extension of the strike. Upon contraction of the strike, the resistance of the weight assembly480causes the hinges430and450to rotate the frame extensions420back to the initial default position shown inFIG. 3. By resisting against the counter push force during contraction, the actor obtains bidirectional resistance training for the striking motion. It should be apparent that throughout the entire motion (i.e., extension and contraction), a constant amount of resistance is provided according to the amount of weight that is placed on the weight assembly480.

The actor is able to perform additional repetitions of the striking motion without having to adjust the technique or form of the striking motion. This is in contrast to a punching bag in which the first strike causes the punching bag to oscillate along the x, y, and z axes. After contraction of the strike, the punching bag continues to oscillate. The actor must then modify his technique or form to make contact with the punching bag again.

It should be apparent that when using the strike training machine of some embodiments, an actor is able to easily modify the contact point of the striking motion. For example, by placing a fist against the strike pad while the arm is fully cocked to throw a punch, the actor creates a contact point before the striking punch motion begins. In this configuration, resistance is encountered throughout the entire range of the punch extension and contraction. Alternatively, the actor may stand a distance from the strike pad such that the contact point between the actor's fist and strike pad occurs halfway through the punching strike. This enables the actor to generate momentum before encountering resistance at the strike pad.

FIG. 5illustrates use of the strike training machine505in accordance with some embodiments. The figure illustrates an actor510having commenced delivering a punching strike to the strike pad520of the machine505.

The actor510positions his body in the same position as if performing the strike on another human or object. For example, martial artists position their bodies in their corresponding martial arts' stance and boxers assume a boxing stance. This is contrast to other strike training machines or tools that require the user to be in an artificial strike position (e.g., seated, inclined, etc.).

In this figure, the actor510positions his feet approximately shoulder-width apart525for balance and contacts the strike pad520with his right fist. The actor510delivers a push force with his fist against the strike pad520causing axial movement of the strike pad520. As shown, the push force delivered by the actor510has caused the weight assembly530to elevate off the bar540.

FIG. 6illustrates the actor510fromFIG. 5having completed a full extension of the punching strike. As shown inFIG. 6, the arm610of the actor510is now fully extended while the fist retains its position against the strike pad620. The strike pad620has moved further towards the rear of the machine and has elevated a distance along the y-axis to follow the natural extension of the punching strike. Accordingly, the machine has replicated the natural motion of the punching strike while delivering a constant amount of resistance throughout the motion.

The actor contracts the striking motion after completing the strike extension.FIG. 5may also be used illustrates the actor's body position and the position of the strike training machine upon completing the contraction motion of a punching strike.

During contraction, the actor continues to train the muscles used during the extension. Specifically, the strike pad applies a counter push force at the contact point when the actor performs the contraction motion. By resisting against the counter push force during the contraction, the actor continues to exert a push force using opposite motions of the same muscle groups used in the strike. In this manner, the strike training machine of some embodiments provides bidirectional resistance which in turn facilitates bidirectional training of the muscles used in any particular striking motion.

It should be apparent that the amount of resistance applied by the strike training machine of some embodiments is constant throughout the full range of motion. This is in contrast to resistance cables that gradually increase resistance as the cables becomes more taught and decrease resistance as the cables become looser.

Moreover, the resistance applied by the strike training machine replicates the resistance encountered by an actor when performing the strike on another human or object. Specifically, the position of the weight assembly behind the strike pad provides a counter push force throughout the motion of the strike. In this manner, the muscles used in the striking motion are accurately trained using the same distribution of stress applied to each muscle as when actually performing the strike on another human or object.

Machines that utilize cables that attach to a weight stack using a set of pulleys deliver resistance from behind the actor and often from above or below the actor. This results in improper delivery of resistance and improper training of the muscles used in the strike. The actor unconsciously modifies his technique to account for the improper distribution of stress to the muscles used in the strike. For example, when performing a straight punching strike with resistance that is delivered from above and behind the actor, the actor stresses the shoulder muscles more than if the resistance was delivered from behind and in parallel with the strike. Similarly, when performing a straight punching strike with resistance being delivered from below the actor (e.g., by his feet), the actor stresses the triceps muscles more than if the resistance was delivered from behind and in parallel with the strike. The improper distribution of stress increases the risk of injury to the actor.

After each striking motion, the actor may repeat the motion without altering form or technique. Specifically, the fist remains at the same position on the strike pad during multiple repetitions of the punching motion. The actor may also alternate the arm used in the punching strike after each strike. In this manner, the actor achieves balanced training of the muscles used in striking with either arm. The actor may also use both arms at the same time to simulate a pushing motion. It should be apparent that the actor may similarly repeat kicking strikes with the same leg or alternate legs at each strike.

The strike training machine of some embodiments may also be used to train a variety of different striking motions separately or in sequence. For example, an actor may perform a punch, kick, punch combination of strikes against the strike pad in one sequence without modifying the machine configuration. Each punch in the sequence may include a different punch technique.FIG. 7illustrates using the strike training machine710of some embodiments to train a different punch strike motion than the punch strike motion performed by the actor510ofFIGS. 5 and 6.

InFIG. 7, the actor720performs a punch striking motion with the palm of the striking hand facing downwards and the knuckles of the striking hand facing upwards. InFIGS. 5 and 6, the actor510performs a punch striking motion with the palm and knuckles of the striking hand facing sideways.

FIG. 7is presented as one example of several different strike techniques that the actor can train using the strike training machine of some embodiments. Some other examples include using the strike training machine of some embodiments to train a variety of striking techniques used in jeet kune do (JKD), kung-fu, boxing, karate, taekwondo, krav-maga, kick boxing, ju-jutsu, etc. These strike techniques may include various punches, kicks, elbow strikes, knee strikes, head strikes, and throws as some examples.

In some embodiments, the strike training machine is user configurable to adjust to different striking motions and actors of different heights and lengths.FIGS. 8-13illustrate various configuration adjustments that may be made to some embodiments of the strike training machine.

FIG. 8illustrates an adjustable height strike pad810in accordance with some embodiments of the strike weight training machine. The strike pad810includes a set of predrilled holes820that align with a hole at the end of the support member830(not shown). The actor adjusts the height of the strike pad by selecting a particular hole from the set of holes820to align with the hole at the end of the support member830.

To raise the height of the strike pad810, the actor selects a hole near the bottom of the strike pad810to align with the hole of the support member830as shown at840. To lower the height of the strike pad810, the actor selects a hole near the top of the strike pad810to align with the hole of the support member830as shown at850.

The actor fixes the position of the strike pad810relative to the support member830using pin860. Specifically, the pin860is inserted through each of the aligned holes thereby preventing further movement of the strike pad810.

In some such embodiments, the end of the support member830includes a stabilizing plate to prevent movement of the strike pad810once a height is selected.FIG. 9Aillustrates the stabilizing plate910and hole915at the end of the support member920.FIG. 9Billustrates the strike pad930coupled to the support member920with pin940.

In some embodiments, the angle of the axial movement of the strike pad may be adjusted.FIG. 10illustrates adjusting the angle of the axial movement of the strike pad in accordance with some embodiments of the strike weight training machine.

In this figure, each of the rotating frame extensions is composed of an inner shaft1010and an outer shaft1020. The outer shaft1020slides over the inner shaft1010. The inner shaft1010includes a single hole1030and the outer shaft1020includes a set of holes1040. The height of each frame extension may be adjusted by aligning a particular hole of the outer shaft1020to the hole1030of the inner shaft1010and securing the height with a pin. Each height configuration alters the axial movement of the strike pad.

FIG. 11illustrates axial movement of the strike pad when the frame extensions of the strike training machine are of differing heights in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, the height of the rear frame extension1110is less than the height of the front frame extension1120. When force is applied to the strike pad1130, the strike pad1130moves along the x-axis as before, however the strike pad1130also moves downwards along the y-axis due to the height difference between the frame extensions1110and1120.

The difference in the axial movement is illustrated by lines1140and1150. Line1140illustrates the axial movement of the strike pad1130when the frame extensions are of equal height. Line1150illustrates the axial movement of the strike pad1130based on the different heights of the frame extensions1110and1120inFIG. 11.

An actor can reverse the heights of the frame extensions (e.g.,1110higher than1120) such that the strike pad1130moves in an upward or incline motion along the y-axis as force is applied along the strike pad1130. In this manner, the strike training machine of some embodiments adjusts to the motion of several different strikes. For example, a first configuration provides training for an upward extending kick and a second configuration provides training for a downward extending punch.

In some embodiments, the heights of the frame extensions or strike pad may be lowered or raised to train different strikes. For example, to perform a knee strike, the actor lowers the frame extensions and the strike pad so that the strike pad is at waist level. The actor may then raise the frame extensions and the strike pad so that strike pad is at shoulder level in order to perform elbow strikes.

In some embodiments, the angle of the strike pad may be adjusted to coincide with the change in the axial movement of the strike pad and support member when the frame extensions are of differing heights. Accordingly, when performing an upward kicking strike, the actor can (1) adjust the angle at which the strike pad moves when contacted by the kicking strike and (2) adjust the angle of the strike pad so that the strike pad is aligned with the position of the actor's foot at the contact point and throughout the kick extension. In this manner, the actor's foot remains in a natural position throughout the kicking motion thereby reducing the risk of injury to the ankle.

FIG. 12illustrates a strike pad1210with an adjustable angle in accordance with some embodiments of the strike weight training machine. InFIG. 12, the strike pad1210includes a semi-circular railing1220with a set of holes. The semi-circular railing1220retains a constant radius from the center of the strike pad1210such that the set of holes of the railing1220are equidistant from the center of the strike pad1210.

The support member1230includes a stabilizing bracket1240that is curved similar to the railing1220. The stabilizing bracket1240includes two holes that are spaced to align with any two holes on the railing1220that are at least one hole apart. Using two pins1250and1255to secure the angle of the strike pad1210, the angle of the strike pad1210may be adjusted such that strike techniques with upward or downward motions may be trained on the machine.

For instance at1260, the frame extensions of the strike training machine have been adjusted to align with the motion of an upward extending strike. At1260, the strike pad1265has been angled downwards to create a point of impact that is aligned with the angle of the upward extending strike.

The bracket1240and railing1220configuration allow the strike pad to be angled up to 75 degrees below and up to 75 degrees above the x-axis extension of the support member. It should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that various other means may be used to adjust the angle of the strike pad. For example, some embodiments provide a lockable hinge mechanism that allows the angle of the strike pad to be adjusted and locked in a similar manner as that shown inFIG. 12. Moreover, it should be apparent that some embodiments of the strike training machine allow the angle of the strike pad to be adjusted in addition to adjusting the height of the strike pad as shown inFIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 13illustrates yet another feature that enhances functionality of the strike training machine of some embodiments. Specifically,FIG. 13illustrates the strike training machine1310of some embodiments with a stabilizing bar1320. The stabilizing bar1320assists the actor in maintaining balance while throwing strikes against the strike pad1330.

The stabilizing bar1320vertically extends from the base1340of the frame where it is secured using a pin locking mechanism to holes1350that are drilled on either side of the base1340. In this manner, the stabilizing bar1320may be placed on either side of the base1340. Some embodiments include two stabilizing bars1320with one on each side of the base1340.

In some embodiments, the stabilizing bar1320includes a rectangular or circular tube with a cushioned gripping surface along the vertical extension of the bar1320. The stabilizing bar1320may be straight, curved, or segmented to provide different grip positions. In some embodiments, the stabilizing bar1320includes holes along its vertical extension. A horizontally extending peg1360is placed into any of the vertically extending holes in order to provide additional grip positions.

The stabilizing bar1320extends five feet from the ground level though the height may be adjustable from two to six feet. In some embodiments, the angle of the stabilizing bar1320is adjustable to bring the bar1320closer to or further away from the user.

The actor uses one arm to grab the stabilizing bar1320to maintain his body position while throwing strikes with the other. For example, when throwing kicks it is often difficult to maintain a body position with only one leg. Accordingly, the actor may repeatedly train a kick using one leg while retaining balance using the other leg and by grabbing the stabilizing bar1320.

The stabilizing bar1320is also useful to simulate striking while grabbing an opponent. For instance, the actor simulates grabbing an opponent by grabbing the stabilizing bar1320with one arm and then simulates striking by using the other arm or leg to strike against the strike pad1330.

In some embodiments, the stabilizing bar1320provides isometric training for the arm grabbing the stabilizing bar1320. Specifically, the angle and position of the arm grabbing the stabilizing bar1320remains constant and the muscles of the grabbing arm perform static contractions to maintain body position when strikes are thrown. The different grip position provide different forms of isometric training.

It should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that each of the adjustable configurations illustrated inFIGS. 8-13may be included individually or in any combination with other adjustable configurations in a single strike weight training machine. Accordingly, some embodiments provide a strike training machine that provides the adjustable height strike pad illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9and the adjustable height frame extensions illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11. Some other embodiments provide the adjustable height strike pad ofFIGS. 8 and 9, the adjustable angle strike pad ofFIG. 12, and the adjustable height frame extensions ofFIGS. 10 and 11.

Furthermore, it should be apparent that the strike training machine may be implemented differently in some other embodiments.FIG. 14illustrates an alternate implementation for the strike training machine of some embodiments.

The strike training machine1400includes strike pad1410, support member1420, rotating hinges1430, and frame1440as before inFIG. 1. However, the strike training machine1400has been implemented with only a single frame extension1450that is connected to the frame1440using one rotating hinge1460. As before, the rotating hinge1460rotates about the y-axis to provide axial movement for the strike pad1410and support member1420along the x-axis.

In some embodiments, the rotating hinge1460also rotates about its base (similar to a “lazy Susan”). As shown in the magnified view1470of the hinge1460, the bottom bracket of the hinge1460is attached to a disc1480that rotates about a second disc1490. Such rotation about the hinge1460allows for additional variation in the movement of the strike pad1410and support member1420. Specifically, such an implementation allows for training of looping or semi-circular strikes that are thrown across the actor's body. For example, when an actor throws a roundhouse kick, the kick begins from one side of the actor's body and ends at the opposite side of the body. By allowing rotation about the base of the hinge1460, the strike training machine of some embodiments is able to replicate and provide resistance for the entire striking motion of the roundhouse kick and other looping or semi-circular strikes.