Abstract:
A multi-station boxing center is provided. The multi-station boxing center has a base arranged to be positioned on a generally horizontal support surface and a canted frame having a means for supporting a heavy bag and a means for supporting a speedbag. The multi-station boxing center frame is positioned at an angle with said horizontal support surface such that the effective center of gravity of the boxing center prevents tipping of said boxing center. The multi-station boxing center base is disposed so as to prevent interference with the movement of a user.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/536,033, filed on Jan. 12, 2004. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention generally relates to exercise devices and, more particularly, to a multi-station boxing center.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART  
       [0003]     Numerous prior art patents illustrate a multi-device exercise center. These typically include a heavy bag and a speed bag. While some of the prior art constructions are more elaborate and probably more costly. U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,458 to Newman et al. illustrates a three-bag workout apparatus in which a central pole is mounted on a stand or base that is secured to the floor or mounting surface by means of screws. A speed bag is mounted on the pole in one plane, while a heavy bag is mounted on a slightly inclined extension pole in a plane laterally offset degrees from the plane in which the speed bag is mounted. An additional punching bag is also provided that is secured between a bar and bolt secured to the base.  
         [0004]     The patentee also states that the equipment is intended to be used in any “home, garage, backyard, or buildings with a concrete floor.” Thus, the base is intended to be secured to a cement or outdoor concrete patio area, although it is also contemplated that it can be moved without creating much damage to the device. Thus, while “transplantable” from one area to another, the apparatus is intended to be bolted to the surface at any given location. The reason appears to be that, with the construction used, the center of gravity, with the heavy bag mounted, is such that the entire device would topple except for the bolts that secure the base to the concrete surface.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,278 to Chen discloses a support frame that includes an upright rod on which a sandbag is mounted by means of a suspension rod, while the speed bag is mounted on the reverse side, as shown. Because the frame itself is relatively lightweight, three upright bars are provided to allow suitable weights to be secured to the base frame members to assure the stability of the unit during use.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,992 to Shafik illustrates another example of a prior art boxing exercise apparatus formed of a frame that is adjustable in a number of different ways to support different types of punching bags, including a heavy bag and a speed bag, as shown. This patent does not disclose a heavy base to stabilize the unit, nor does it appear to be secured to the floor or surface on which it is positioned. However, it is disclosed that the frame is secured to uprights, a conventional treadmill, which is not shown in the figures.  
         [0007]     Prior art design patent D362,477 to Bluestein is of some interest because it shows a combined exercise step and punching bag stand, in which the base appears to be in the form of a molded hollow structure that could be filled with water or sand. The prior art design patent D335,513 to Gaetano also appears to be relevant and is smaller, in some respects, than the Chen &#39;278 patent, although it does not indicate any means for weighing the frame down. Instead, it appears that the frame itself is stabilized on the floor against toppling or sliding by means of a platform attached to the base of the frame on which the user stands. Presumably, the weight of the user creates sufficient friction on the plate adequate to prevent movements of the frame itself.  
         [0008]     Other prior art patents disclose a multi-device boxing centers utilizing some or all of the bags that can be used with the present invention. However, these patents do not appear to discuss the option in which there is an indoor/outdoor mobile device that includes a heavy bag permanently supported on the frame, while a plurality of other bags can interchangeably be used one at a time.  
         [0009]     In particular, the feature of a heavy movable base, with a canted bar that supports the frame for the bags, is not found in the prior art. The closest prior art apparatus does have a plurality of training devices for boxers, but these are mounted on a form of frame that rests or is temporarily mounted to the floor.  
         [0010]     The prior art fails to teach the use of a multi-station boxing center that is supported on a heavy base that can be filled with water or sand, or on a base that has wheels.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     Therefore, it is primary objective of the present invention to provide an improved multi-station boxing center that is devoid of the shortcomings of the prior art boxing centers as represented by the above-identified prior art. More specifically, the multi-station boxing center in accordance with the present invention has the following benefits and/or advantages:  
         [0012]     (1) It allows the user to exercise using a wide range of boxing devices customarily employed while training. This includes a “heavy” punching bag, a “light” punching bag or speed bag and such other devices as a kick bag and the like.  
         [0013]     (2) In the present invention, these boxing devices are mounted so that they can be struck by the user in a normal upright position. The bags are suspended from a frame or from arms attached to the frame in such a way that the base does not occupy space used by a user during normal use.  
         [0014]     (3) The frame of the present invention is supported by a base. The base is heavy to assure stability, but it is not attached to the floor. The base is in the form of a molded enclosure that can be filled with water or sand. The entire apparatus can be transported, and can be used either indoors or outdoors.  
         [0015]     According to the present invention, it is contemplated that the heavy bag is permanently attached on a bar of a frame inclined at an angle of approximately 70 degrees with the base or the surface on which the base is supported. The materials used for the entire station are water- and weather-resistant so that they can withstand rain and other outdoor conditions. These materials include the use of rubber in the heavy bag to resist mildew and the like. While only one boxing device can be attached in addition to the heavy bag, such boxing device can be easily replaced and interchanged with a plurality of other boxing devices, as stated above.  
         [0016]     Thus, while in the present invention the entire device can be relatively heavy, so that it is stabilized on the support surface, it can nevertheless be selectively moved from one location to another, either indoors or outdoors.  
         [0017]     With the present invention, it is also possible that one or more sets of wheels can be constructed so that they can either be raised or lowered. In this way the base may be secured on the ground during use or raised above the ground and rolled on the wheels.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]     The above and other objects of the invention may be more readily seen when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a multi-station boxing center in accordance with the present invention, shown with a heavy kick bag and a speed bag mounted on opposite sides of the frame;  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a base for the multi-station boxing center shown in  FIG. 1 , showing the details of attachment of supporting trusses to the base;  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged detail showing the manner of connection of the lower end of each truss to a web formed on the base by means of an angle bracket;  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one end of the base showing the details of connection of the primary support member to the base and to a wheel assembly and handle;  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective view of a coupling member, illustrating the details of assembly and connection of the trusses to the primary support member, including its multiple extension portions, to each other;  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is a rear perspective elevational view of the base of the boxing center shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , illustrating the manner in which two sets of rollers or wheels are mounted within recesses or wells in the lower surface of the base; and  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of one of the sets of wheels shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0026]     Referring now specifically to the drawings, in which identical or similar parts are designated by the same reference numerals throughout, and first referring to  FIG. 1 , the multi-station boxing center in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral  10 .  
         [0027]     The boxing center  10  includes a base generally designated by the reference numeral  12  that can be made of any material that will weigh the base down and make it sufficiently heavy so that the device will not slide on the surface on which it rests. Therefore, it will be evident that the base can be made from a wide range of different materials. However, in a presently preferred embodiment, the base is blow molded from a plastic material to provide a hollow interior that can be filled with substances that will render the base heavy when filled, such as water or sand. For this purpose, a plug or other access port  14  may be provided that can be removed to fill the base  12  with water, sand or the like and then closed. Plastic is particularly desirable for the base if the unit is to be used both indoors and outdoors, because of plastic&#39;s resistance to rust and weather conditions.  
         [0028]     The base  12  is preferably generally flat, as shown, as has a relatively low profile. The actual cross sectional configuration of the base, taken along a plane parallel to the surface on which it rests, is not critical for purposes of the present invention. However, in the embodiments illustrated herein, the base is generally in the form of a trapezoid, having a wide end  12   a  and a narrow end  12   b . An inclined primary support member  16  has a lower end  16   a  connected to the narrow end  12   b , and an extension  16   b  levels at the upper end  16   c , which forms a support portion, the free end of which is  16   d.    
         [0029]     Suitable couplings  18 ,  20  are provided for connecting the sections  16   a ,  16   b  and  16   c , each of which is made smaller for purposes of shipment and storage.  
         [0030]     In the presently preferred embodiment, the sections  16   a ,  16   b  and  16   c  are in the form of a square or rectangular tubes that have square or rectangular cross sections, respectively. These are hollow inside and may be extruded members. In this way, the primary support member  16  can be relatively strong and rigid while being relatively light in weight.  
         [0031]     As indicated in  FIG. 1 , the primary support member  16  is inclined so that the lower end thereof is connected to the narrow end  12   b , while the free end  16   d  extends or projects beyond the footprint of the base  12 , assuming an angle as shown. The specific angle is not critical, although the more inclined from the vertical position, the more support will be required to maintain the member  16  from toppling. On the other hand, less inclination from the vertical may require a longer support member  16  to position the heavy punching or kicking bag beyond the footprint of the base. Therefore, the angle of the primary support member  16 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , with minor variations, is suitable for the purpose intended.  
         [0032]     In order to support the primary support member  16  in the position shown, any assemblage of members, such as beams, forming a rigid framework may be used. In the embodiments shown, a pair of trusses  22  are provided, each of which has a lower end  22   a  connected to one side of the wide end of the base  12   a  and an upper end  22   b  that is connected to the support member  16 , in the region of the coupling member  18  in  FIG. 1 . Again, the specific location at which the trusses  22  are connected to the support member  16  is not critical, as long as such trusses adequately support, strengthen and stiffen the resulting rigid framework and prevent the primary support member from excessive movements both laterally as well as forwardly, rearwardly or in any other directions.  
         [0033]     The upper end  16   b  of the support member  16  is preferably provided with a plurality of transverse holes  20  through which suitable means, such as pins, bolts or other fasteners, can extend to selectively secure a generally horizontal beam  24  at a desired height of a mounting portion  26 . The horizontal beam  24  supports a horizontal support platform or rebound wall  28 , in any conventional manner. The wall  28  itself supports a speed punching bag  30  by means of conventional pivot assembly  32 . The speed ball or punching bag  30  is preferably positioned so that it is substantially directly over or slightly beyond the edge of the narrow end  12   b . As suggested, the free end  16   d  is used for supporting a heavy bag or kick bag  34  by means of conventional chains  36 , the upper end of which is provided with suitable coupling link  38  that can be secured to an eye-bolt assembly  40  having an eye  40   a  through which the coupling link  38  can engage. The eye-bolt itself extends through a suitable hole in the free end  16  and is secured in place by means of a nut  40   c  or the like.  
         [0034]     The length of the support member  16 , as well as its angle of inclination from the vertical direction, must be selected such that the center of gravity acting through the heavy bag or kick bag  34  can be adequately compensated for by the center of gravity of the heavy base. Thus, the base size and weight must be selected to not only overcome the tendency of the device to topple, in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in  FIG. 1 , but also to be sufficiently steady on a support surface, such as a wooden or concrete floor, against static and/or sliding friction. In this way, even though significant horizontal forces are applied to the bags  30 ,  34 , the bag will remain substantially fixed in place, except as to be more fully described. The mechanical aspects and the selection of the specific angles of inclinations and dimensions of length, as well as the relative weights of the kick bag or heavy bag  34  in relation to the weight of the base, will be readily ascertainable by those skilled in the art.  
         [0035]     A method of connecting the trusses  22  to the base is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Thus, there is preferably provided an upper recess  42  and a lower recess  44  on each side of the wide end  12   a  of the base to create a wall or web  46  that is generally flat and adapted to support an angle bracket  48  having a first generally horizontal attachment portion  48   a  that can be suitably connected to the web or wall  46  by means of suitably fasteners, such as bolts, rivets  50  or the like, and a second vertically extending attachment portion  48   b  suitable for attachment to a lower, flattened end  22   c  of the trusses  22 . The method of connection of the flattened  22   c  to the second attachment portion  48   b  is not critical, although similar or different attachment mechanisms or fasteners may be used, such as bolts, rivets  52  or the like.  
         [0036]     Also illustrated in  FIG. 2  are the heads of bolts or rivets  52  that are provided on each lateral side of the wide end  12   a  and the narrow end  12   b , which fasteners are used connect the base to wheel assemblies, to be more fully discussed below. Also shown in  FIG. 2  is an opening or plug  14 ′ that provides access to the interior of the hollow blow molded case so that such base can be filled, once in place, with water, sand or the like.  
         [0037]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the narrow end  12   b  of the base is also shown to be provided with an elongate handle  54  provided with a transverse gripping crossbar  56  at the upper end, as shown. In proximity to the handle, there is an upper recess  58  in the upper side of the base and a lower recess  60  in the lower side of the base, at the narrow end  12   b , to provide a generally flat wall or web  62 , similar to the webs  46  previously discussed, to which the support portion  16   a  can be suitably fastened in any conventional way. However, the lower end of the handle  54  is preferably connected to a platform mounted on one or more wheels or rollers beneath the wall or web  62  so that the wheels can be selectively raised or lowered by any suitable and conventional lever means such as by the movement of the handle  54  to the position shown. Thus, for example, the wheel or wheels below the narrow end  12   b  are preferably in the raised position when the handle  54  is in the retracted condition as shown in  FIG. 2 . In such retracted position and raised position of the wheels or rollers, the base rests on the support surface, and sufficient static and sliding friction is provided to maintain the base fixed in position during use. However, when the handle  54  is pivoted to the position shown by means of pivot  68  on the wheel assembly  66 , the wheels or rollers are lowered to effectively raise the narrow end of the base  12   b . It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the level that the base end  12   b  must be raised to eliminate static and sliding friction is extremely small—on the order of millimeters or fractions of an inch. The extent to which the base must be raised at the end  12   b  will, to some extent, depend on the smoothness of the surface on which it rests, the flexibility of the wheels and rigidity or stiffness of the axles on which the wheels are mounted. The smoother the surface, the less it has to be raised to eliminate static and sliding friction. Also, to reduce the amount that the base has to be raised to roll it the wheels may be made from high polymer rubber or strong plastic, high load-bearing wheels to reduce deformation of the wheels when the base is raised and the load is assumed by the wheels.  
         [0038]     The specific wheel assembly and lever action used at  66  is not critical, and any  10  conventional lever assembly can be used that will raise the wheels the requisite or desired amount.  
         [0039]     The lower end of the handle  54  is also shown provided with a tab  70  substantially vertically aligned with the pivot assembly  32  that has a hole  72  that can be  5  used to lock the handle in place and/or to secure to a suitable device for towing or pulling the boxing center  10  or attaching to a punching bag supported by upper and lower flexible lines as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,458.  
         [0040]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , details are shown of coupling member  18  and the manner in which it is connected to the trusses  22 , as well as the structure for receiving and connecting to the upper portion  16   b  of the support member. The coupling member  18  is a generally hollow member having a rectangular and/or square cross section consistent with the cross section of the lower portion  16   a . The lower end of the couple member  18  may be permanently secured to the lower portion  16   a  by any suitable or conventional means, such as a weld  86 . The upper end of the coupling member is provided with two diagonally opposed slots  18   a ,  18   b , at opposing diagonally opposite corners of the coupling member to, in essence, create two right-angle brackets that are fixed at their lower ends but movable at their upper ends in two mutually orthogonal directions. Holes  18   c  are provided for passage of suitable bolts, generally along the plane of symmetry of the boxing center framework, while transverse holes  18   d  are provided for transverse bolts such as bolts  82  secured in place with nuts  84 . The coupling  18  can, therefore, receive within the upper open end thereof the lower free end of the mounting portion  16   b  and such latter portion can be clamped in place by adequately tightening the system of bolts so that the portion  16   b  can be clamped to orthogonally related directions, as necessary. The bolt  82 , therefore, can both provide a fastening of the flat ends  22   d  of the trusses  22  to the coupling member  18  and secure the upper portion  16   b  of the support member  16  when tightened within the coupling member.  
         [0041]     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , one arrangement is shown for providing mobility to the wide end  12   a  of the base. Thus, recesses or wells  76  on the nether surface of the base, as shown, and wheel assemblies  74  may be mounted within recesses or wells  76  by means of transverse axles  78  on which a pair of wheels  80  is mounted at each side. In the embodiment shown, the axles  78  are fixed in position and are not intended to be raised or lowered relative to the wide end of the base  12   a . However, clearly, suitable lever means can be provided for raising or lowering the wheels  80  at the wide end of the base as well as at the narrow end of the base, as discussed.  
         [0042]     Important aspects or features of the present invention include the use of a heavy punching or kick bag that is typically left in place at the free end  16   d , as shown. Clearly, because such a heavy bag weighs a significant amount, it is preferably not to mount it and dismantle it regularly. On the other hand, the speed bag  30  is light in weight and can be readily removed. Other bags, drill or exercise bags, can be used that are either just supported at the top or supported at the top and bottom, at  90  in  FIG. 1 , or to the tab and through the hole  72 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . For this reason, it is presently preferred that the horizontal beam and the pivot assembly  32  be mounted to be generally directly or substantially directly above the connection point  90  or the tab  70  when the handle  54  is retracted in the position shown in  FIG. 2 . It is preferred that the base be made from plastic or other material that can withstand inclement weather or climatic conditions. The heavy punching bag is preferably also made from water- and weather-resistant materials so that the entire multi-station boxing center can be stationed indoors or outdoors, or, by means of the wheels described, moved at will despite or notwithstanding the heavy weight of the boxing center with the heavy or kick bag  34  attached or suspended, as shown.  
         [0043]     It will be clear from the foregoing that the multi-station boxing center in accordance with the present invention can be readily, quickly and conveniently assembled from a plurality of smaller elements or components, that it can be used indoors and/or outdoors and can readily be moved and made mobile to transport the device from one environment to another for use in either.  
         [0044]     While this invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that variations and modifications will be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein.