Striking target apparatus for martial arts training

A striking target apparatus provides audible satisfaction feedback to the user when struck, and provides substantial focus training with minimal impact. The apparatus may be hand-held, mounted onto a wall or other smooth surface, or attached to a stand.

BACKGROUND

The term “martial arts” embraces karate, boxing, Taekwondo, Kempo, Muay Thai Kickboxing, MMA, and other disciplines from a variety of backgrounds. Kicking, punching, blocking and/or striking are basic skills common to many, if not all of the martial arts. Students of the martial arts develop such skills through training that typically entails either body to body contact, or body to target contact.

Currently targets used for martial arts training place physical stress on the student's body. Padded, bulky targets lessen impact, but still pose a risk of impact injury to the student. Training effectiveness can be hindered by a tentative student, and poor habits can develop. Additionally, oversized, hard targets require a significant amount of space to store, and can be difficult to move and secure in place for proper training.

In traditional martial arts training, an instructor may hold a piece of X-Ray film in place for a student to kick or punch. Frequently, this training technique results in injury to the instructor (e.g., when a student misses the film, but hits the instructor). Also, the release of potentially harmful chemicals from the X-Ray film itself may pose the threat of long term consequences for the trainer and/or the student from repeated use.

Accordingly, a need exists for a striking target useful in martial arts training that is compact in size, easy to use, and protects both the trainer and the student from injury.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides for striking target apparatus, for example, hand-held padded flags that provide all the benefits of a pliable, minimal-impacting target, which builds user confidence by positive sound reinforcement and zero physical stress, while posing no threat of injury to the holder or the striker.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a striking target apparatus is provided and includes a handle assembly and a striking portion. The handle assembly includes an inner tube and an outer cushion configured to be disposed about the inner tube. The inner tube and outer cushion each define a longitudinally-extending slit therein. In embodiments, the outer cushion is fabricated from a softer material than the inner tube. The striking portion is configured to be secured in the slits of the inner tube and outer cushion such that movement of the striking portion relative to the handle assembly is inhibited. The striking portion is fabricated from a material configured to emit a sound having a volume commensurate with an amount of force being applied to the striking portion.

In embodiments, the material of the striking portion may be plastic, for example, polyester.

In embodiments, the striking portion may further include a fastener attached to a lateral side of the striking portion. The fastener may have a width greater than a width of the slit of the inner tube such that the fastener inhibits lateral movement of the striking portion out of the slit of the inner tube.

In embodiments, the apparatus of the present disclosure are light, quick, and can be used as both a striking target and a blocking device.

In embodiments, a single target can be joined together with additional targets in order to accommodate multiple strikes or multiple users simultaneously.

In embodiments, the apparatus may include a flat surface that is easily cleaned.

In embodiments, the slim, light target may be well-suited for easy storage.

In embodiments, multiple targets can be transported effortlessly, making them ideal for travel to martial arts competitions, where they would serve as ideal “warm-up” tools for competitors.

In embodiments, the durability of the design and materials allows for repeated use.

In embodiments, the apparatus may require minimal storage needs, making it an ideal tool to help students practice lessons at home.

In embodiments, the striking target apparatus may be devoid of metal parts while holding up well in all climates. In addition, assembly is quick and easy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Flag Striking Material

Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary. Therefore, specific structural and functional details described herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presently disclosed concepts in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Like reference numerals may refer to similar or identical elements throughout the description of the figures. As shown in the drawings and described throughout the following description, the term “proximal” refers to the end of the apparatus which is closer to the person holding the device and the term “distal” refers to the end of the apparatus which is farther away from the person holding the device.

With reference toFIGS. 1-5d, a striking target, for example, striking target apparatus43includes a handle assembly60and a striking portion, for example, a flag striking material22, coupled to the handle assembly60. Flag striking material22serves as the focal point for striking. Flag striking material22may be made from any material that produces an audible sound when struck by a user. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to various plastics, paper, or other flexible yet stiff material in nature capable of producing an audible sound (sometimes referred to as a feedback sound) when struck. Flag striking material22may be made of an opaque, transparent or translucent film material. The material, size, and thickness are determined by the desired reaction when struck, shaken, or waved. In embodiments, flag striking material22may be fabricated from plastic, such as for example, nylon, vinyl, or polyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate. One suitable material from which striking material22may be made is SKYROL™ SR53. Flag striking material22may be any size suitable to serve as a target for practicing striking movements. In embodiments, flag striking material22may be a sheet having a width of from about 6 inches to about 18 inches (in embodiments, about 10 inches), a length of from about 6 inches to about 18 inches (in embodiments, about 12 inches), and a thickness of from about 5 mm to about 20 mm (in embodiments, about 14 mm). A SKYROL™ SR53 sheet of these dimensions has been found to be durable and to produce the desired effect of a significant “thwack” sound as an audible confirmation of a proper strike.

The type of material for flag striking material22depends on the type of effect desired. SKYROL™ SR53 plastic yields a sufficiently loud and satisfying acknowledgement of the striking force favored, especially by children, with minimal impact to the striking object. This significantly reduces the risk of injury, stress, and/or pain on the user during training. Additionally, flag striking material22serves as a focal point for striking while providing positive feedback in the form of both sound and motion.

Flag striking material22has several pre-punched holes30along flat lateral edge22a, with the corners22cof the opposite, exposed edge22bbeing rounded to further reduce risk of injury. The number of holes30will be dependent on the material used, strength, and style of restraint employed.

With reference toFIG. 2, striking target apparatus43includes indicia21applied to flag striking material22. Indicia21, which in addition to artwork or a logo, may include a bull's-eye like outline to provide the additional benefit of driving the user's focus to a specific point approximately (and intentionally) the size of a fist, head, or heart, for example. Indicia21can be applied as a sticker or label, or may be printed directly on flag striking material22. Indicia21may divide flag striking material22into distinct areas to provide various locations of focal points. As shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 2, for example, indicia21divides flag striking material22into four quadrants using cross hairs, and provides a bull's-eye44in approximately the center of flag striking material22. Each area can be indicated by number or color and allows the instructor (in person, via audio/video device, or via written instruction) to indicate which particular area of the flag striking material22the student should target (strike) as part of drills, games, or training programs in which the various areas are struck in any desired pattern and pace to accomplish specific goals or sequences. These sequences can be practiced to achieve the ability to repeat the sequences in speed and accuracy and/or for competition.

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 3, striking target apparatus43includes a handle assembly60to which flag striking material22is secured. Handle assembly60includes an inner tube24and a cushion27. Tube24may be made from any stiff material such plastic, or other equally stiff but light material. One suitable material from which inner tube24may be made is polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”). Tube24may be of any desired dimension in both diameter and length such that the flag striking material22may be supported in any desired orientation, such as vertical, horizontal, etc., so that it can be struck by a user39ausing a hand (see, e.g.,FIG. 7a), a foot (see, e.g.,FIG. 7b), an elbow, a knee, an arm, or other body part, as well as be used as a blocking and/or a striking apparatus (see, e.g.,FIG. 7c). Additionally, tube24is designed to allow a trainer39bto hold striking target apparatus43by handle assembly60a sufficient distance “d” from the focal point(s) of the flag striking material22, thereby further reducing the chances of the trainer39bbeing struck when the user39astrikes, or attempts to strike the focal point(s) of the flag striking material22. The length of tube24can be any length that allows the striking target apparatus43to be held in the desired position by a person (e.g., trainer39b) or by a stand (as described in more detail below). Tube24may be from about 12 inches to about 36 inches long (in embodiments about 18 inches), and have a diameter of from about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches (in embodiments about 0.75 inches).

Tube24has a longitudinally-extending slit25defined therein that is slightly longer than edge22aof flag striking material22. As such, slit25is configured to receive flag striking material22therein. The width of slit25defined in tube24is slightly larger than the thickness of the flag striking material22such that the flag striking material22can be slidably received in slit25(in a proximal direction). Tape26may be installed on opposing end portions of slit25, thereby preventing flag striking material22from sliding distally out of slit25in tube24.

Restraints

Striking target apparatus43includes one or more restraints (e.g., a first restraint, a second restraint, etc.), for example, rivets23, to prevent flag striking material22from moving laterally out of slit25in tube24. In embodiments, any suitable restraint may be used, for example, one or more rivets, one or more braces, or one or more strip. In embodiments, a plastic strip31(FIG. 1) replaces or is used in conjunction with rivets23and is secured along and adjacent to lateral edge22aof flag striking material22. Rivets23may include two parts that when locked together are positioned through and on opposite sides of the pre-punched holes30in the flag striking material22.

The forces applied on flag striking material22during use are such that those forces would tend to pull the flag striking material22laterally (i.e., horizontally) out of slit25. However, the width of slit25prevents rivets23(or other restraint) from being pulled laterally through slit25(i.e., the restraints are wider than the width of slit25and cannot pass through slit25). A tether, for example, tape26may be applied across a distal end portion of slit25and, in embodiments, wrapped around a distal end portion of tube24to prevent distal movement of the flag striking material22out of slit25. It is further contemplated that a cap or plug (not shown) may be inserted into the distal end of tube24to prevent distal movement of the flag striking material22out of slit25. Tape26may also be applied across a proximal portion of slit25and, in embodiments, wrapped around tube24to prevent proximal edge22dof flag striking material22from contacting the distal end of slit25, thereby reducing the chances of damaging edge22d.

In assembly, flag striking material22is inserted into tube24via slit25as depicted inFIGS. 4b, 4d. Rivets23are inserted within respective holes30defined along lateral edge22aof flag striking material22. Rivets23(or, in embodiments, strips31) are locked together by means of a barb/lip to prevent removal from respective holes30. As mentioned above, the restraints are large enough as to not be able to pass through slit25, but small enough to fit inside inner passageway24aof tube24as flag striking material22is slid longitudinally along slit25. Flag striking material22is slid into tube24until edge22dapproximates the proximal end of slit25. In embodiments, edge22dis positioned about 1 inch from the proximal end of slit25, leaving room for tape26to be applied across slit25between edge22dand the proximal end of slit25.

Cushion

In embodiments, handle assembly60of striking target apparatus43further includes a cushion27fabricated from a soft material configured to cover tube24to protect user39afrom injury when handle assembly60of striking target apparatus43is inadvertently or intentionally struck, or when handle assembly60of striking target apparatus43is used as a striking instrument. Cushion27is made from an energy absorbing material designed to reduce injury when struck. It is contemplated that cushion27may be fabricated from any suitable durable, flexible, and somewhat soft material. In embodiments, cushion27is fabricated from a material such as foam, rubber or polystyrene. Cushion27may be, for example, rubber self-seal pipe insulation. The first 2 inches of the “peal and seal” seam may be peeled back. Cushion27may be the same length as tube24, so that upon assembly, the ends of cushion27are aligned with the ends of tube24and so that the seam is flat and even and does not extend over either end of tube24and the pipe is not showing. Cushion27may be tubular as shown or may have any desired profile, such as an ergonomically designed profile to facilitate grasping of the handle assembly, for example, by a trainer39b. Cushion27defines a longitudinally-extending slit28therein.

Upon sliding cushion27onto the tube24, slit28defined in cushion27is aligned with slit25defined in tube24and is secured to the flag striking material22to reduce slippage of cushion27relative to tube24and/or flag striking material22. The slit28defined in cushion27may be closed, for example, by means of glue or tape. In embodiments, cushion27may have self-sealing glue pre-applied to the slit28. By means of peeling back a protective plastic that covers the self-sealing glue, the glue is exposed to seal the slit28and hold cushion27to tube24, further increasing the durability of cushion27. The glue on slit28also adheres to flag striking material22preventing flag striking material22from sliding back and forth in slit25.

Assembly

The assembly of the device is as follows. Preprinted sticker including indicia21is applied to the center of one or both sides of flag striking material22as a focal point. The orientation of the wording and logo art is such that the bottom is toward the edges22bof flag striking material22. Retainers are applied to flag striking material22. For example, several barbed rivets23(twelve indicated here, made of plastic, nylon or other similar material that interlock preventing removal) are installed in holes30(the number of holes and rivets can vary based on the material used for the flag striking material22). In embodiments, a plastic interlocking strip31can also be used alone, or in conjunction with rivets23. After all rivets23are installed in holes30of flag striking material22, flag striking material22it is slid longitudinally and in a proximal direction into slit25of tube24. Given that the width of slit25is smaller than the width of rivets23, and larger than the thickness of the flag striking material22, flag striking material22is maintained within slit25of tube24without being able to be pulled out when waved, struck by a hand, finger, elbow, fist, foot, or other body parts and/or objects. Once flag striking material22is positioned within slit25, tape26is applied to a distal end portion of tube24distal of flag striking material22and to a portion of tube24adjacent the proximal end of slit25proximal of edge22dof flag striking material22.

Slit28of cushion27is aligned with slit25of tube24and then cushion27is slid longitudinally onto tube24until flag striking material22is received within slit28of cushion27. The glue or adhesive on slit28of cushion27is then used to join the cushion27to tube24and to the flag striking material22to prevent the flag striking material22from sliding out of the slits25,28during use. The self-adhesive of cushion27provides sufficient stability to flag striking material22as there is little to no force placed on the flag striking material22in a longitudinal direction during normal use.

When flag striking material22is struck, a majority of the force is directed perpendicularly away from a longitudinal axis defined by handle assembly60. This outward force tends to pull flag striking material22laterally out of slit25, but flag striking material is prevented from laterally exiting slit25due to rivets23. The number of rivets23is chosen to support the flag striking material22and prevent tearing of the flag striking material22.

Example Manufacturing Technique

Indicia21may be provided on a sticker with, for example, a logo and a bull's-eye print44. A sticker containing indicia21may be is applied to one or, in embodiments, both sides of flag striking material22to provide indicia on one or both sides of flag striking material22. The indicia21may be applied to the center of flag striking material22offset (e.g., by about ½ inch), toward the edge22bof flag striking material22(away from the holes30) to account for the portion of the flag striking material22that is inside tube24and cushion27as to be centered on the visible portion of the flag after assembly.

In Use

The general use of the striking target apparatus43includes striking flag striking material22with a part of the body or striking the body with the cushion27to train the user in focusing their energy to a specific point on the target as well as using the apparatus43for blocking strikes from others when using the apparatus43as a club. As mentioned above, flag striking material22is fabricated from a material designed to emit a noticeable crack, thwack, or smack sound when struck so as to give the student a positive audible feedback and reinforcement in the contact and some indication of the energy transferred to the striking target apparatus43(i.e., sound volume increases with intensity). The type and quality of sound is dependent on the material chosen.

When striking target apparatus43is used as a striking device as inFIG. 7c, the orientation of flag striking material22can be vertical, horizontal, or any other angle or plane on the X, Y, or Z axis as demonstrated inFIGS. 5a-5d. The material used for flag striking material22should be stiff enough to keep flag striking material22erect at the desired angle. Examples of desired placements include (but not limited to) hanging, horizontal, and vertical as depicted inFIGS. 5a-5d. In the hanging position as shown inFIG. 5a, the striking target apparatus43is most suitable for punching, thrust kicking, or roundhouse kicking (when the leading edge is toward the user). In the vertical plane as shown inFIGS. 5band 5c, flag striking material22can be thrust kicked (high or low), punched, or roundhouse kicked (when leading edge it presented toward user). In the case of presentation on the horizontal plane as shown inFIG. 5d, flag striking material22can be kicked or chopped. In the examples above when the action described is a punch or kick, it implies any forward moving action toward the flag striking material22and could include other action like elbow strike, knee strike, head butt, or other forward moving action. In the case as described as roundhouse kick, it implies any circular type action whereas the body is rotated on its axis. In the case of a chop, it implies any vertical style action either up or down.

Additionally, the striking target apparatus43can be used as a blocking training aid as shown inFIG. 7c. In this scenario, the holder39bswings the apparatus43in a motion to strike the user39awith the handle assembly60. The user39athen blocks the strike attempt with their body parts as desired. This can be used with striking and blocking as combination sequences allowing for more complicated workout scenarios. The blocking training can be used to learn the methods of transferring what would be striking blow energy into deflected energy to drive the blow away from the body instead of trying to absorb the energy.

The striking target apparatus43is light and easy to hold. The teacher, trainer, aid, helper, parent or even another student can hold the striking target apparatus43in any desired position allowing the user to attempt to strike the target as instructed. Cushion27is comfortable to hold and by use of the flexible flag striking material22little to no force is transferred from flag striking material22to the holder. In the event that the user strikes the handle assembly60, the cushion27of the handle assembly60helps to absorb the impact both for the striker39aand the flag holder39b. The size of the handle assembly60and flag striking material22are designed such that striking the handle assembly60is minimized even for beginners.

Stand Assembly

In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 6a-6c, the striking target apparatus43in its entirety, or only the flag striking material22of the striking target apparatus43, may be mounted to a mechanical device, for example, a stand assembly55. The stand assembly55includes a base29, a vertical pole45, and locking rings38having striking target apparatus43mounted thereto. In embodiments, a tubular member may be attached to locking ring38and configured for attachment of flag striking material22. In some embodiments, vertical pole45may be PVC pipe with a diameter of from about 1 to about 6 inches, in embodiments, about 1.25 inches.

Locking ring38includes a collar or cap32with female threads (not shown) defined therein, a washer/bushing33, and another collar34with male threads configured for threading engagement with the female threads of cap32. With locking ring38disposed on pole45, the two collars32,34are engaged and the washer/bushing33is compressed until sufficient pressure is applied to pole45to firmly hold locking ring38in place on pole45. For example, locking ring38may be in the form of a 1.5 inch trap adapter, wherein bushing33may be a 0.25 inch flexible plastic tubing disposed between collars32,34. The compression of bushing33creates enough pressure to hold locking ring38in any position on vertical pipe45.

Locking collar38includes couplers36disposed around the perimeter of collar34that hold striking target apparatus43at various angles around pole45. In embodiments, couplers36may be ½ inch PVC caps. Couplers36each define a threaded bore37therethrough configured for receipt of a fastener35to fix couplers36to a base of collar34. Couplers36are configured to capture a proximal end of handle assembly60of striking target apparatus43.

It is contemplated that a plurality of collars38may be coupled to pole45of stand assembly40, with each collar38having a plurality of couplers36, allowing for several striking target apparatus43to be simultaneously coupled to pole45at various angles.

In embodiments, couplers36may be in the form of ½ inch female/female couplers allowing two striking target apparatus43to be joined together to allow multiple flags to be easily presented by a single user (teacher, trainer, aid, or parent). Couplers36may be in the form of a T-shaped coupler configured for receipt of three striking target apparatus43.

With reference toFIGS. 6d-6f, another embodiment of a locking collar138, similar to locking collar38, is provided to couple striking target apparatus43to stand assembly55. Locking collar138is different from locking collar38in that locking collar138includes couplers136that are monolithically formed with, or integrally connected to, a base collar134of locking collar138. The couplers136may be fabricated from ½ inch PVC. In addition, base collar134has slotted groves141defined therein. In this way, as a top collar132of locking collar138is threaded onto base collar134, base collar134constricts making the inner diameter of base collar134approximate that of the outer diameter of pole45. This constriction can be used to lock locking collar138in any position on vertical pole45.

With reference toFIG. 8, another embodiment of a striking target apparatus143is shown, similar to striking target apparatus43described above. Striking target apparatus143is different from striking target apparatus43described above in that striking target apparatus143includes a coupler150coupled to a proximal end of handle assembly133. It is contemplated that coupler150may have a suction cup or a plurality of suction cups152to secure striking target apparatus143to any smooth surface such as a window, mirror, or wall. By means of additional ½ inch couplers (inline, 90 degree, T coupler, etc . . . ) and additional ½ inch PVC pipe, the flag handle can be extended or positioned at an infinite number of angles. It is further contemplated that in lieu of suction cup(s), the coupler150may be a bracket that can be secured to a wall or other surface via fasteners (e.g., screws), or may be two sided tape to adhere striking target apparatus143to a wall or other surface.

The effective use of this apparatus is exceptionally advantageous when used with children, allowing them to strike the apparatus without the fear of injuring themselves while allowing them to put significant attention to the goal of focusing their strike to the a location on or center of the target. In addition, the indicia provided on the flag may include artwork, text, and/or logos with sections or bull's-eye design with cross hairs to provide quadrants of area to allow focused strikes as indicated by the instructor or trainer.

It is further contemplated that kits containing parts necessary to assemble one or more striking targets in accordance with the present disclosure may be presented in a common package. In embodiments, the kit further includes components for a stand to support the one or more striking targets.

In an exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 9, kit500has a package510that contains a tube24, a cushion27, a pre-drilled flag22, a restraint (such as, for example, a collection rivets23in the exemplary embodiment shown), and instructions50directing a consumer how to assemble the parts, for example as described above.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of presently disclosed embodiments. Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.