Abstract:
Aspects of the invention include providing a mixed-use training device that solves a number of problems with the prior art by providing for a dynamically adjustable height setting for weight bags and allowing for a greater radius of clearance and movement around the training device which allows the user the ability to perform a more diverse training regimen, without requiring the constant re-configuration of the training device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Exercise and training devices currently found on the market have a number of problems which are solved by the present invention. First, known training devices capable of holding punching bags of various weights and size make it difficult, if not impossible, to dynamically adjust the heights of the different bags which may be attached thereto. For example, in a exemplary prior art system, a fixed-length strap, cord, or chain hangs from a connector on an extended top member of the prior art machine and attached to a connector typically found on the top of the weight bag. To adjust the height of the weight bag, the weight bag must be physically removed from the fixed-length strap. The strap must be subsequently removed from the prior art machine. A new strap of desired length must then be attached to the prior art machine and the weight bag must be lifted by the user and attached to the hanging end of the newly added fixed-length strap. 
         [0002]    One major problem of this prior art machine is that typical weight bags can weigh up to 200 lbs. This makes physically removing the weight bag, replacing the fixed-length straps, and re-lifting the weight bag to reattach to the new strap difficult or impossible for many users, particularly women and children. If a user is not able to lift the full weight of the weight bag, they are unable to adjust the height of the bag, thus greatly limiting the uses and applications of the training device. 
         [0003]    Another major problem of these prior art machines is the difficulty in changing the height of a weight bag during a workout session. Many mixed martial arts fighters and participants in other sports wherein punching and kicking are both employed require the ability to quickly adjust both heavy weight bags and speed bags to both high and low locations during any given workout session. Prior art machines require the cumbersome process described above each time the user wishes to change the weight bag height. Furthermore, speed bags are typically attached with straps to the top and the bottom of the prior art training machines. Thus, two straps are required to be replaced each time the user wishes to adjust weight bag height. 
         [0004]    A separate problem created by prior art systems is the lack of space for a user of the training device in which to move and perform various methods of training. A typical prior art device has multiple support members extending out from the base to handle the support of the device. This does not create any problems for a user that is simply performing punching exercises wherein their feet are relatively stationary. However, for users wishing to train for sports, such as mixed martial arts, that require more movement and employ kicking as well as punching, the prior art devices interfere with movement of the feet and provide an extremely limited radius around the weight bag for exercises to be performed. This can be especially restrictive for a user that wishes to include kicking in his or her routine. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Aspects of the invention include providing a mixed-use training device that solves a number of problems with the prior art described above by providing for a dynamically adjustable height setting for weight bags and allowing for a greater radius of clearance and movement around the training device which allows the user the ability to perform a more diverse training regimen, without requiring the constant re-configuration of the training device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  illustrates embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  illustrates embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  illustrates embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  illustrates embodiments of the roller guide assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  illustrates embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  illustrates embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  illustrates embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  illustrates embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  illustrates embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  illustrates embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]      FIG. 1  is a frontal sketch view in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the training device is comprised of a number of components, many of which are illustrated at this angle. The base of the training device may be comprised of a steel beam  105 . It should be noted that beam  105  may be comprised of any suitable metallic or other compound capable of supporting the weight of the training device. Beam  105  may be attached to two connecting support member  130 . The connecting support members  130  may be connected to the beam  105  with a suitable bracket  115 . The bracket  115  may be any suitable connection bracket known in the art. 
         [0017]    The connecting support members  130  may connect using similar brackets  140  to a bottom main support member  190 . Extending out from main support member  190  is an angular bottom support member  160 . A rubber pad  110 , or other suitable device is connected to the floor end of the bottom support member  160  to provide suitable traction against a floor surface. 
         [0018]    Visible from the front view is bottom connector  120 , which is described in greater detail later. Bottom connector  120  is for use with speed bags and other weight training bags that require a top and bottom connector on the training device for proper use. 
         [0019]    A pulley  150  is illustrated which may be capable of lifting at least the capacity of any weight bag typically used in training. As described in further detail below, a strap made of suitable material extends from the pulley  150  and crosses up upper support member  170  through the roller guide assembly  180  to support the chosen weight bag. As illustrated the roller guide assembly  180  may be designed as such to avoid twisting or tangling of straps through the use of outwardly tapering ends. The pulley  150  allows the weight bag to be raised or lowered to the appropriate height for the user. 
         [0020]      FIG. 2  shows a side sketch view in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In addition to the device elements illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the side view in  FIG. 2  additionally illustrates a sleeve support member  230 . The sleeve support member is internal to both upper support member  170  and bottom main support member  190 . In the illustrated example, bolts  220  secure the sleeve to both the upper support member  170  and bottom main support member  190  to increase the weight the training device can support overall. 
         [0021]    Furthermore, as seen in  FIG. 2 , bottom connector support member  210  goes through an opening in angular bottom support member  160 . The bottom connector  120  is attached to the end of bottom connector support member  210 . The bottom connector support member is adjustable such that it may protrude an appropriate distance from the base of the device to support a weight bag requiring both a top and bottom connection. 
         [0022]      FIG. 3  shows a side sketch view in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In addition to the device elements illustrated in  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 , the side view in  FIG. 3  additionally illustrates locking members  310  which may be used to secure the device to a wall and/or floor structure.  FIG. 3  additionally illustrates the strap  320  which travels from the pulley  150  through the roller guide assembly  180  until it ends with a strap connector  330  which is capable of connection to the tops of various weight bags well known in the art. 
         [0023]    In addition,  FIG. 3  illustrates that the device is designed such that the bottom main support member  190  may be placed at an angle. This allows the weight bag to hang further away from the base of the device to allow for a wider radius of use. 
         [0024]      FIG. 4  shows a photograph illustrating the roller guide assembly  180  according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0025]      FIG. 5  shows a photograph illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5  illustrates the present invention being used in conjunction with a speed bag  510  which has connectors both on the top and the bottom of the bag  510 . A lower strap  520  may be employed with this embodiment of the invention such that the smaller speed bag  510  is secured both at the top and the bottom for proper resistance. 
         [0026]      FIG. 6  shows a photograph illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0027]      FIG. 6  illustrates a close up view of the bottom connector support member  210  in use with the lower strap  520  of  FIG. 5 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 7  shows a photograph illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0029]      FIG. 7  illustrates a close up view of the bottom connector support member  210  going through an opening in angular bottom support member  160 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 8  shows a photograph illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0031]      FIG. 8  illustrates a close up view of the pulley  150  as used with the present invention. 
         [0032]      FIG. 9  shows a photograph illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0033]      FIG. 9  illustrates a close up view of the bolts  220  securing the sleeve to both the upper support member  170  and bottom main support member  190 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 10  shows a photograph illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 10  illustrates the ease of disassembling the present invention, which makes it extremely portable when broken down into the individual components. 
         [0035]    While particular embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto since modifications may be made by persons skilled in the art. The present application contemplates any and all modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the underlying invention disclosed and claimed herein. 
         [0036]    Alternate implementations may also be included within the scope of the disclosure. In these alternate implementations, functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The implementations discussed, however, were chosen and described to illustrate the principles of the disclosure and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the disclosure in various implementations and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variation are within the scope of the disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly and legally entitled.