Striking equipment for developing martial art skills

The invention involves a striking board for use in developing one's skill in the martial arts and comprises in its basic aspects in superimposed relation, a relatively flexible cushion member for striking with one's hand, supported by a relatively inflexible member, which in turn is supported by a relatively inflexible spacing member and a further relatively inflexible member, the latter member being of such a construction that the striking board can be held by hand or supported by a bracket support on a wall or other support surface. The bracket support supports the striking board of the invention by compression springs so as to offer suitable resistance to a striking blow. The striking board can be removed from the bracket support, if desired, and hand held by a training partner. The striking board is covered with leather or leather-like plastic coated fabric so as to present a pleasing appearance to the striking board, and less abrasiveness to one's hand in use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates to sporting equipment, in particular to a striking 
board used in developing skill in the material arts and its manner of 
manufacture, and to a bracket support means for detachably mounting and 
supporting the striking board on a vertical wall or the like. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
Although unarmed self-defense developed in the Orient over a period of 
thousands of Years, only in relatively recent years has the martial arts 
become popular in the United States, and throughout the rest of the 
Western World. 
One particular species of the martial arts, "karate", a Japanese word 
meaning "empty hand", has developed in a wide variety of styles. 
Nevertheless, those styles practiced in Japan, Korea, and Okinawa are by 
far the most prevalent styles practiced in the Western World. 
The art of karate was practically unknown in the United States until after 
the second World War. And significant growth of this activity in this 
country did not really occur until the Korean War. During and after this 
conflict many American soldiers were exposed to karate while stationed in 
Japan and Korea. Some even joined training schools and became rather 
proficient. 
Karate's popularity in the United States has been furthered by the many 
public appearances by karate experts on television, in demonstrations, and 
tournaments, as well as through numerous books and magazines, now commonly 
available. 
After becoming somewhat proficient at delivering a variety of karate 
techniques, the karateka practices against a target that provides some 
resistance upon contact. Besides the strength-building benefits, the 
resistance offers better preparation in terms of sport usage, or in an 
occasion whereby self-defense becomes desirable. If a karateka is not 
accustomed to the feeling of forceful contact, the effectiveness of his or 
her blocks and blows will be considerably reduced. 
As a karateka cannot use human beings as targets for powerful techniques 
unless protective clothing is worn, it is simpler and safer to practice 
against inanimate objects, a variety of which have been suggested for use. 
One inanimate object used by a karateka is commonly known as a makiwara. 
This is an upright post with a padded target area for striking. These 
devices are available commercially and some books on karate give 
instructions on making such a striking device. A seven-foot length of 
2".times.4" lumber can be used for the post, although a 4".times.4" is 
preferred. The striking target can be made of an eight-inch length of 
sponge rubber covered with, and attached to the post by, canvas. The 
thickness of the sponge rubber target can be varied, depending upon an 
individual's preferences; however, a thickness of two to four inches is 
generally satisfactory. If more dense foam rubber is used, a one-inch 
striking pad may even be suitable for some. 
The post is sunk far enough into the ground that the midpoint of the 
striking pad is at the level of one's solar plexus. Where a 4".times.4" 
post is used, it must be beveled so that the thickness is about 
one-half-inch at the top and about three inches at the ground level. This 
gives the post the necessary flexibility or "give". Concrete blocks are 
generally provided as bracing members and are placed on opposite side of 
the post below ground level. 
A portable makiwara has also been suggested for use by a karateka. In the 
construction of such a device a post is braced at the sides and rear of 
the striking surface by metal bracing to a support, which rests on and may 
be moveable over a floor surface. This model can also have an additional 
striking pad for kicking, if desired. 
A training bag traditionally used by boxers, i.e., a heavy 
cylindrical-shaped bag that is attached to a ceiling, is also often used 
by a karateka. Certain such devices have been constructed specifically for 
karate use and are now available commercially. The training bag can be 
used without assitance; however, often a training partner holds the bag so 
as to increase resistance offered by the bag when struck a blow. 
Other devices used by a karateka for training include a football blocking 
dummy, the pushback dummy, and a punching mitt. 
While all of the devices now commercially available of which applicant is 
aware offer certain advantages in training, their use is also attendant 
with certain disadvantages. The traditional makiwara is a stationary 
target, and though portable models can be also constructed, it still is a 
somewhat cumbersome striking target to use. This sort of striking device 
moreover can only be used alone by a karateka. Blocking dummies and 
punching mitts can be used on the other hand only with a training partner. 
SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
The invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises in its basic aspects a 
striking board which can be used by one developing his skills in the 
martial arts, either, alone or with a training partner. The invention 
comprises in one aspect a striking board per se and in a further aspect a 
striking board in combination with bracket support means which, not only 
supports striking board for use without a training partner, but also 
provides, in addition to the fastening function, a "give" to the striking 
board when hit a blow. 
The striking board of the invention comprises, in its basic aspects, a 
relatively flexible cushion member for striking supported by a relatively 
inflexible top board which in turn is fixedly connected to and is 
supported by a relatively more inflexible baseboard. A spacing member is 
provided between the top and baseboard which is in contact with each and 
transmits the force of a blow to the cushioned top board to the baseboard. 
This is desirable to prevent breakage of the top board. 
As the striking board of the invention is provided with means for holding 
it in one's hands, it offers a distinct advantage over the traditional 
makiwara in that a training partner can be used in practicing striking 
exercises. Its portability further offers complete freedom and flexibility 
not only for class striking exercises anywhere, but for individual 
practice. 
A bracket support means is also provided in accordance with a further 
aspect of my invention which makes it possible to mount the striking board 
on a vertical surface such as a wall or the like so that the striking 
board can be, if desired, used without a partner. The bracket support 
means comprises means such as compression springs which provide not only 
resistance to the striking board when struck a blow, but some desirable 
"give". 
The striking board of the invention, and the bracket combination offers not 
only convenience in use of the board by oneself, or with a training 
partner, but provides excellent conditioning of a karatekas' hands and 
wrists for jabs, back fist, ridge hands, reverse punches and many more. 
My striking board develops not only focus, timing and hitting accuracy, but 
also efficiency in developing breaking techniques. 
Quite advantageously, the simplicity in construction and size of the 
striking board of the invention offers convenience in use and portability 
not found with the traditional makiwara, yet development of the same 
martial art skills.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Turning now to the drawing there is shown therein in FIG. 1. a striking 
board 10 in accordance with the invention comprising a baseboard 11, a top 
board 12, a spacing member 13, intermediate the baseboard and the top 
board, and a cushion member 14. 
Baseboard 11, as shown in the drawing, is of a somewhat rectangular shape 
having planar top and bottom surfaces 15, 16 parallel to one another, a 
first pair of parallel side edges 17, 18, defining a first width, a second 
pair of side edges 19, 20 defining a lesser second width, and end portions 
21, 22. The end portions are defined by parallel end edges 23, 24 and are 
integregal with and provide means not only for a training partner to hold 
the wider striking surface, but also a means for mounting the striking 
board to a support surface, as hereinafter later described. 
The baseboard can be of various relatively inflexible materials provided 
suitable stiffness and strength against impact breakage is provided. This 
may vary somewhat, of course, on the user. I have found these requirements 
to be suitably met in a plywood commercially available under the trade 
designation "Russian Plywood". The plywood used in the practice of my 
invention comprises eleven lamina bonded together and is 5/8 inch in 
thickness. However, suitable performance will in general be provided where 
the plywood comprises as few as eight lamina bonded together. 
Top board 12 is also of a somewhat rectangular shape having planar top and 
bottom surfaces 25, 26 parallel to one another, side edges 27, 28, and end 
eges 29, 30. The width of top board 12 is such as to be coextensive with 
the width of baseboard 11 defined by parallel side edges 17, 18. Its 
length is not coextensive with the length of baseboard 11 and is defined 
by the lack of end portions 21, 22 of the baseboard. 
Top board 12 can be of various materials of construction provided the 
material is somewhat inflexible. Plywood can be used, however, I have 
found that one-fourth inch fibre board gives satisfactory performance. 
When greater strength is desirable, a conventional plywood lamina of a 
suitable thickness to obtain the desired strength can be used. 
Spacing member 13 is of rectangular shape and is defined by planar top and 
bottom surfaces 31, 32, parallel side edges 33, 34 and parallel end edges 
35, 36. Openings 37, 38, which extend through spacing member 13, are 
provided for a purpose to be described later on. Spacing member 13 being 
in contact overall with top board 12 and baseboard 11 transmits the force 
of a blow from cushioned top board member 12 to baseboard 11. Thus, a top 
board 12 of somewhat lesser resistance to flexing can be used than where a 
spacing member is not provided. The spacing member can be of various 
materials of construction; however, a plywood lamina five-thirty-seconds 
inch thick has been found suitable. 
Cushion member 14 is of a matching shape to, and is laterally and 
longitudinally coextensive with, top board 12, being defined by parallel 
side edges 39, 40, and parallel end edges 41, 42, and having top and 
bottom planar surfaces 43, 44. The cushion member can be of various 
relatively flexible materials, e.g., foam rubber, sponge, and synthetic 
cellular materials such as of polyurthane and polyvinyl chloride foams. A 
flexible material that has been found satisfactory in the practice of the 
invention comprises particles of cellular material compressed together and 
is available from Lorum Fibre & Foam Corporation. 
Cellular material of various density and thickness can be used, depending 
upon the amount of cushioning desired. However, I have found that if a 
cellular cushion material such as is available from Lorum Fibre & Foam 
Corporation is used, a one inch thick layer provides satisfactory 
performance. 
As shown in the drawing, in FIG. 1., the corners of the striking surface of 
baseboard 11, and the corners of top board 12, and cushion member 14 are 
cut off. This not only provides a striking surface of somewhat better 
aesthetics but also provides a striking surface configuration that is more 
uniformly resistant to breakage. Sharp corners tend to break easier on 
being dealt a heavy blow and are also somewhat less desirable from a 
safety viewpoint. 
In the manufacture of a striking board 10 in accordance with the invention, 
a baseboard 11, is cut from a suitable larger piece of Russian Plywood 
five-eighths inch thickness to provide a board having an overall length of 
sixteen inches and a striking area width of six inches. The corners are 
cut at a forty-five degree angle so as to provide end portions 21, 22 for 
holding, measuring three and three-eighths inches across, and a striking 
area length of twelve inches. Circular openings 45, 46 and 47, 48 are 
provided in baseboard 11 for a purpose to be described later. These are 
located on the longitudinal center line of baseboard 11. 
Next, cushion member 14 and top board 12 are cut from suitable source 
material, these to be of a complementary configuration to the striking 
surface defined by the baseboard. Spacing member 13 is then cut to a 
dimension of five inches by ten inches. 
Circular openings 49, 50 and 51, 52 are provided in top board 12, and 
spacing member 13, respectively, these matching up in location with 
openings 46, 47 in baseboard 11, so that in assembly baseboard 11, top 
board 12 and spacing member 13 are coextensive in the striking area. 
Palm cushions 53, 54 are cut from a suitably dense foam such as above 
described, measuring the dimension of the end portions 21, 22 of baseboard 
11 and are adhesively secured to the respective bottom surface of the 
baseboard. 
A base cover 55 and top cover 56 are then cut from suitable cover material 
such as plastic coated knit fabric, polyvinyl chloride, or canvas for 
covering the baseboard, top board and cushion member. The top cover should 
measure ten by twenty-seven inches, to provide suitable overlap, as 
hereinafter described. The base cover 55 is placed over the bottom surface 
16 of baseboard 11, the ends and edges thereof overlapping the side and 
end edges 17, 18, and 23, 24, and these being made secure, or fastened 
down on top surface 15. This can be done with staples, in accordance with 
the practice of the invention, but other means can be used, for example, 
tacks or adhesive. The overlap onto top surface 15 should be about 
one-fourth to one-half inch and the base cover should be tight and free of 
wrinkles. 
Cushion member 14 is then placed on top surface 25 of top board 12, to 
which nuts 57, 58 have been previously adhesively secured concentric with 
circular opening 49, 50, top cover 56 then being used to cover top surface 
43 of cushion member 14. The edges and ends of top cover 56 overlap the 
ends and side edges of cushion member 14 and top board 12 and are secured 
to the bottom surface 26 of top board 12 by staples, these being located 
about one-half inch inwardly from the edge, all around the perimeter of 
the top board. 
A strip of material one inch wide is then cut from the same material as the 
base and top cover, or from another source, if desired. This material is 
to be used to form seam 59, this being accomplished by folding the strip 
cut, in half, the fold forming the outer perimeter of the seam. The strip 
cut should be of sufficient length so that the folded ends can be placed 
together so the seam will appear continuous around the perimeter of the 
striking surface, as seem in FIG. 3. of the drawing. 
Two lengths (18 inches long) of rope are then cut from a one-fourth inch 
diameter nylon rope or the like for use as wrist ropes 60, 61. Each length 
of rope is folded in half and a piece of plastic tubing 62, 63 is placed 
over the ends joining them together, the tubing being located near the 
ends of the rope but leaving about one-half inch of each end exposed. 
These ends are then feathered for a purpose made obvious hereinafter. 
The ends of wrist ropes 60, 61 are then inserted through circular opening 
45, 48 in baseboard 11 via circular opening 64, 65, respectively, made in 
base cover 55. Plastic sleeves 62, 63 are just of sufficient length to 
extend from just below the bottom surface 16 of baseboard 11 to the upper 
surface 15 thereof thereby exposing the feathered ends of the rope in 
openings 37, 38 in spacing member 13, the bottom surface 32 of which has 
been previously adhesively secured to top surface 15 of baseboard 11. 
Adhesive is provided over the entire top surface 31 of spacing member 13 
and on the feathered ends of the wrist ropes. This secures the wrist rope 
and prevents their being pulled loose from the striking board. The ends 
can also be tacked down if desired to make them even more secure. 
In use, a training partner puts his hands through the loops of the wrist 
ropes and then takes the end portion of the striking board in his hands. 
The ropes provide added protection in the event a blow causes him to lose 
hold of the board. 
Threaded screws 66, 67 are then inserted through circular openings 46, 47 
in baseboard 11, circular openings 68, 69 in base cover 55 having been 
previously provided for this purpose, and top cover cushioned top board 
12, assembled with spacing member 13 and baseboard 11. Prior to assembly 
seam 59 is stapled in location around the edge of bottom surface 26 of the 
top board. 
When the assembly is made, screws 66, 67 are joined with nuts 57, 58, 
respectively. Adhesive provided on the upper surface of spacing member 13, 
along with screws 66, 67 and nuts 57, 58 provide a unitary combination. As 
the planar surfaces are all parallel to one another, and adjacent surfaces 
are in contact, the force of a blow to the cushion member 14 is 
transmitted to baseboard 11. 
The use of spacing member 13 provides not only for transmission of the 
force of a blow to the baseboard 11 but permits use of seam 59 which 
provides for a more decorative appearance. Without spacing member 13, 
however, the thickness of seam 59 in combination with the overlap 
thickness makes for a space between top board 12 and baseboard 11. As 
these two members are joined together by screws 66, 67, any space between 
these two members results in the force of any blow being taken 
substantially by the top board. This results in breakage of the top board 
unless a board considerably more inflexible is used. However this is 
undesirable as it means using a board of greater thickness. Omission of 
seam 59 is undesirable as it makes for a less desirable appearance and, 
moreover, does not entirely eliminate the problem. Even without seam 59, a 
space, though it is somewhat less, between the two members still exists 
due to the thickness of the base and top cover material. 
While the means for fastening the assembly of the top board spacing member, 
and baseboard shown are screw members and nuts, as well as adhesive, it 
will be appreciated that dowels can be used instead. 
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provided, as 
is shown in FIG. 4. of the drawing, a bracket support means comprising 
bracket means 68' and 69' for mounting striking board 10, and supporting 
it, on a vertical surface such as a wall 70. These brackets are 
essentially of the same construction except that one can be, if desired, 
constructed such that it provides easier and faster removal of striking 
board 10 from the bracket support means. 
As shown more clearly in FIG. 3. of the drawing, bracket means 69' 
comprises a striking board support plate 71 of generally rectangular 
configuration and having planar upper and lower surfaces in which are 
provided two circular openings (not shown) for entry of wing nut screws 
72, 73. These openings are desirably threaded; however, need not be. 
Associated therewith is a hold down bracket 74 of generally U-shaped 
configuration in cross-section and of uniform thickness having feet 75, 76 
bearing against support plate 71. In these feet are provided edge slots 
77, 78, respectively, which engage with wing nut screws 72, 73, and permit 
ready and easy removal of hold down bracket 74 from engagement with wing 
nut screws 72, 73, without removal of wing nuts 79, 80. 
Adjacent the ends of support plate 71 are provided circular shaped openings 
(not shown) in which are located bolts 81, 82 which terminate in, and are 
in threaded connection with circular shaped threaded openings 83, 84, 
respectively in bottom support plate 85. The bottom support plate 85 is of 
rectangular configuration having planar top and bottom surfaces and is 
provided intermediate the ends thereof with circular shaped openings 86, 
87, by means of which the bracket can be mounted by screw means, not 
shown, to a vertical support such as a wall or post. 
Top support plate 71 is free to move on bolts 81, 82 toward bottom support 
plate 85. This movement is resisted, however, by coil compression springs 
88, 89, surrounding bolts 81, 82. These coil springs can be of any 
strength desired, however, coil springs offering 105 lbs./in..sup.2 
compression will be found generally satisfactory. The springs can be of 
spring steel or piano wire and are commercially available. Springs found 
suitable have a five-eights inch O.D. and are one and one-fourth inches in 
length. Recesses can be provided in the surfaces of supports 71, 85 
contacted by the ends of the coil springs to keep them in proper 
alignment. 
The length of bolts 81, 82 should be chosen so that when threaded into 
threaded opening 83, 84, the ends thereof are flush with the bottom 
surface of support plate 85. There should be no slack between these two 
support members and, if desired, the springs can be just very slightly 
compressed. 
Hold down bracket 74 can be provided with chain 90 one end of which is 
attached to the hold down bracket and the other end of which is attached 
to top support plate 71. Thus, when hold down bracket 74 is disengaged 
from wing nuts 72, 73, it will be readily available for reengagement. 
Bracket means 68' is similar in construction to that of bracket means 69' 
except for the hold down bracket. Instead of slots being provided in the 
feet of the hold down bracket, circular openings are provided. And the 
hold down bracket and top support plate always remain in operative 
association with one another. 
In the practice of the invention the support plates and hold down brackets 
have been manufactured from one-fourth inch and one-eighth inch thick 
aluminum 6063, respectively, however, other materials can be used if 
desired. The bracket members need not be metal, and can be molded from 
various plastic materials. The dimensions of the bracket members can be 
varied; however, rectangular support plates one by seven and three-fourths 
inches will be found satisfactory. The hold down bracket should conform to 
the shape of the end portions 20, 21 of baseboard 11 to provide good 
support. 
As will be appreciated in looking at FIG. 3. of the drawing, and by analogy 
to wing nuts 79, 80, the wing nuts for bracket means 68 need be loosened 
only slightly to allow the distance between the hold down bracket and the 
top support bracket to be enlarged or lessened to allow removal of, or 
insertion of, end 21 into the bracket opening. Hold down bracket 74 is, of 
course, disengaged from the wing nuts to allow removal of striking board 
10 from bracket means 69'. 
In use, when mounted on a wall, a striking blow to the cushioned member 
results in "giving" resistance, and limited rebound by the striking board. 
The amount of resistance is determined by the compression strength of the 
four springs, all of which should be of equal compressive strength. The 
rebound is, of course, limited to the length of the bolts fastening the 
two support members together and the length of the spring. 
As many different embodiments of this invention will have now occurred to 
those skilled in the art, it is to be understood that the specific 
embodiments of the invention as presented herein are intended by way of 
illustration only and are not limiting on the invention, but that the 
limitations thereon can be determined only from the appended claims.