Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a suspension system for heavy sports equipment that reduces the shock and noise transmitted by an impact delivered thereto. The disclosure provides for connective devices to secure the suspension system to the heavy sporting good equipment and to secure it to a mounting point. In one embodiment, the heavy sporting good equipment comprises a heavy bag.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/408,818, filed on Nov. 1, 2010. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Heavy sports equipment that is suspended and subjected to repeated impacts is susceptible to damage from shock, vibratory noise, shear and tearing. Although the support structure integrated into the equipment resists such destructive influences, the result is often premature failure of the equipment requiring expensive repair and/or replacement. 
         [0003]    A need exists for a suspension system capable of reducing the effect of the destructive influences on heavy sports equipment. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The present disclosure provides a system for suspending heavy sports equipment and reducing the effect of destructive influences on the equipment. 
         [0005]    In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a suspension system including a first end and a second end connected by a longitudinal body. The longitudinal body has elasticity, thereby allowing it to stretch upon receiving an impact and return to a steady-state condition thereafter. The first end carries a first connective point and the second end carries a second connective point. The longitudinal body has a wavy segment defined therein between the first and the second end. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, the disclosure provides an exercise system including a heavy bag suspended by the suspension system. The first connective point on the first end is adapted to connect to the heavy bag and the second connective point on the second end is adapted to connect to a mounting device for suspending the heavy bag. The longitudinal body has elasticity that allows it to stretch in response to an impact force received by the heavy bag and return to a steady-state condition thereafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  depicts a front view of an embodiment of the inventive suspension system. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  depicts a side view of an embodiment of the inventive suspension system. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive suspension system. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  depicts a front view of an alternative embodiment of the inventive suspension system. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  depicts a side view of an alternative embodiment of the inventive suspension system. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the inventive suspension system. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment including a plurality of inventive suspension systems connected to a heavy bag and joined together with a mounting ring. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    The present disclosure relates to a suspension system for suspending heavy sports equipment and increasing the serviceable life of the equipment. Referring generally to the drawings, the inventive suspension system is illustrated and generally designated by the numeral  10 . The inventive suspension system  10  comprises first end  12  and second end  14  connected by longitudinal body  16 . Longitudinal body  16  has elasticity that enables longitudinal body  16  to absorb an impact force by stretching or otherwise deforming after receiving the impact and returning to a steady-state condition thereafter. Herein, the steady-state condition is the configuration of longitudal body  16  prior to receiving the impact. 
         [0015]    In an embodiment of the inventive suspension system  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , first end  12  has first hole  18  transversely disposed therethrough and across first end width A. Similarly, second end  14  has second hole  22  transversely disposed therethrough and across second end thickness B. As shown, bushings  26  and  28  are positioned within first and second holes  18  and  22 , respectively, to provide strength and resist tear-through. Ring  30  is secured within bushing  26 , and ring  32  is secured within bushing  28 . Ring  30  provides first connective point  31  carried by first end  12 , and ring  32  provides second connective point  33  carried by second end  14 . 
         [0016]    As illustrated in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , rings  30  and  32  are substantially rectangular in shape. Ring  30  is shown with long leg  34  disposed within hole  22 . Ring  32  is shown with short leg  36  disposed in hole  24 . Although depicted as rectangular, rings  30  and  32  can be any shape, including without limitation D-rings, loops, locking-rings, U-channels, etc. 
         [0017]    Rings  30  and  32  may be formed from any conventional material suitable for supporting the desired sports equipment. Thus, rings  30 ,  32  may be formed from metals, such as steel, as well as plastics and composite materials. Additionally, pliable materials such as wire, cotton rope/twine, nylon rope/twine, or combinations thereof can serve as first and second connective points  31  and  33  in place of rings  30  and  32 . 
         [0018]    Materials suitable for use as bushings  26  and  28  include, but are not limited to metal, composites, plastics, wood, or any other material capable of being disposed within first and second holes  18  and  22 . Depending upon the usage requirements and the particular heavy sports equipment to be supported, load testing is used to determine the desired size and material of bushings  26  and  28 . 
         [0019]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , first end  12  and first hole  18  define first annular area  38 . First annular area  38  has thickness C. First annular area  38  seamlessly transitions into longitudinal body  16  at first neck  42 . Second end  14  and second hole  22  define second annular area  44 . Second annular area  44  has thickness D. Second annular area  44  seamlessly transitions into longitudinal body  16  at second neck  48 . 
         [0020]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , suspension system  10  depicts wavy segment  50  centrally positioned within longitudinal body  16  of suspension system  10 . Wavy segment  50  has reciprocal sides  52  and  54 , where side  52  has wave crest  56 , and side  54  has wave trough  58 . For at least a portion of wavy segment  50 , wave crest  56  on side  52  corresponds to wave trough  58  on the opposite, reciprocal side  54  of wavy segment  50 . Crests  56  and troughs  58  define a wavelength along the length of longitudinal body  16 . Wavy segment  50  allows suspension system  10  to extend and return to the steady-state condition, thereby providing shock and noise absorption. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , suspension system  10  is widest in middle portion  60 , having width E. In one embodiment, suspension system  10  tapers from middle portion  60  inwardly along each edge  64  toward first and second necks  42  and  48 . As shown in this embodiment, width E of middle portion  60  is greater than width F of longitudinal body  16  at second end  14  and width G of longitudinal body  16  at first end  12 . 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , longitudinal body  16  decreases in thickness from first end  12  toward second end  14 . As shown, the decrease in thickness results in side thickness H of longitudinal body  16  at second end  14  being about one-half of side thickness J of longitudinal body  16  at first end  12 . Referring to the side view of  FIG. 2 , one embodiment of suspension system  10  has a bowed shape. This shape facilitates connectivity to heavy sports equipment, while minimizing interference therewith. 
         [0023]    In an exemplary embodiment, the dimensions of suspension system  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  are given. All of the dimensions are adjustable and/or changeable to meet the need of the particular sports equipment. Suspension system  10  has overall length K of about 34 centimeters. Length M between first and second holes  18  and  22  is about 28.7 centimeters. Continuing with this embodiment, width F at second end  14  is about 4.5 centimeters and width G at first end  12  is about 5centimeters. Width E of middle portion  60  is about 7 centimeters. Thicknesses C and D of first and second annular areas  38  and  44  are about 2.5 centimeters and 2.9 centimeters respectively. 
         [0024]      FIGS. 4-6  illustrate an alternative embodiment of suspension system  10  including first slot  118  passing through first end  112  and second slot  122  passing through second end  114 . Each slot  118 ,  122  has length Q and width R. Typically the dimensions for length Q and width R will be determined by load testing to ensure adequate support for the desired sports equipment. Further, each slot  118 ,  122  optionally includes a bushing or other similar insert (not shown) disposed therein to provide strength and resist tear-through as previously described. 
         [0025]    In an exemplary embodiment, length Q of each slot  118 ,  122  is between about 2 centimeters to about 7 centimeters and width R of each slot  118 ,  122  is between about 5 millimeters to about 15 millimeters. 
         [0026]    Continuing with the embodiment of  FIGS. 4-6 , connective point  31  passes through first slot  118 . Connective point  33  passes through second slot  122 . Connective points  31 ,  33  can include a variety of materials including but not limited to straps, ropes and rings. In this embodiment, a strap  113  provides each connective point  31 ,  33 . Each strap  113  is typically nylon webbing. Each strap  113  has width T determined by load testing as suitable for supporting the sports equipment. 
         [0027]    In an exemplary embodiment, width T of strap  113  is between about 2 centimeters to about 7 centimeters. 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , strap  113  has first loop  115  that engages each slot  118 ,  122 . In this embodiment, first loop  115  is an end of strap  113  folded and secured to itself in any convenient manner, such as by sewing. 
         [0029]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 , first end  112  has first end width U and second end  114  has second end width V. Load testing for the sports equipment provides suitable dimensions for first and second end widths U, V and first and second end thicknesses N, P. Typically, length Q of each slot  118 ,  122  will be centered on their respective first and second end widths U, V. 
         [0030]    In an exemplary embodiment, first end width U is between about 4 centimeters to about 10 centimeters and first end thickness N is between about 1 centimeter to about 4 centimeters. Second end width V is between about 4 centimeters to about 10 centimeters and second end thickness P is between about 1 centimeter to about 4 centimeters. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , longitudinal body  116  has width W at the connection of first end  112  and width X at the connection of second end  114 . Further, longitudinal body  116  has middle portion  160 . 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , longitudal body  116  has side thickness Y at the connection of first end  112  and side thickness Z at the connection of second end  114 . 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , width X is less than width W and side thickness Z is less than side thickness Y such that longitudinal body  116  tapers to a reduced width and thickness from the connection of first end  112  to the connection of second end  114 . Further, longitudinal body  116  tapers to a reduced width and thickness from middle portion  160  to the connection of second end  114 . Load testing for the sports equipment provides suitable dimensions for widths W, X and side thicknesses Y, Z. 
         [0034]    In an exemplary embodiment, width W is between about 4 centimeters to about 10 centimeters and side thickness Y is between about 1 centimeter to about 4 centimeters. Width X is between about 4 centimeters to about 10 centimeters and side thickness Z is between about 1 centimeter to about 4 centimeters. 
         [0035]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 , first end  112  and first slot  118  define first tab  117 . Second end  114  and second slot  122  define second tab  119 . First tab  117  has first tab width AA and second tab  119  has second tab width BB. Load testing for the sports equipment provides suitable dimensions for first and second tab widths AA, BB. 
         [0036]    In an exemplary embodiment, first tab width AA is between about 2 centimeters to about 5 centimeters and second tab width BB is between about 2 centimeters to about 5 centimeters. 
         [0037]    Longitudinal body  116  of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6  includes the previously described wavy segment  50  defined thereon between first end  112  and second end  114 . As previously described, wavy segment  50  has wave crest  56  and wave trough  58  defined on reciprocal sides  52 ,  54  of wavy segment  50 . As shown, reciprocal sides  52 ,  54  are opposite one another. Further, wave crest  56  and wave trough  58  define a wavelength oriented in substantially a longitudinal direction on the longitudinal body  116 . Wave crest  56  and wave trough  58  expand and contract upon receiving an impact force, thereby enhancing the elasticity and force absorption of longitudinal body  116 . Longitudinal body  116  can include a plurality of wave crests  56  and wave troughs  58  alternating between opposite sides of the wavy segment  50 . 
         [0038]    In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , suspension system  10  has overall length CC and length DD between each slot  118 ,  122 . Load testing for the sports equipment provides suitable dimensions for overall length CC and length DD. 
         [0039]    In an exemplary embodiment, overall length CC of suspension system  10  is between about 20 centimeters to about 30 centimeters. Length DD of suspension system  10  between each slot  118 ,  122  is between about 15 centimeters to about 25 centimeters. 
         [0040]    As stated above, suspension system  10  is made from a material having elasticity. As illustrated, suspension system  10  is made from rubber. However, suspension system  10  can be made of any natural or synthetic material capable of supporting the desired heavy sports equipment as determined by load testing. 
         [0041]    In operation, suspension system  10  reduces shock and noise induced by an impact force on the heavy sports equipment. The shock and noise travels through the sports equipment to suspension system  10 , which provides dampening that reduces residual shock and noise. The dampening provided by suspension system  10  increases the serviceable life of the sports equipment. 
         [0042]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an exercise system including heavy sports equipment, such as a heavy bag  200 , supported by a plurality of suspension systems  10 . Load testing for the particular sports equipment determines the number of suspension systems  10  required for the particular application. In this embodiment, heavy bag  200  has four suspension systems  10  (only two are shown). Heavy bag  200  carries a plurality of support straps  202 . Each support strap  202  provides a mounting point at an individual location on outer surface  204  of heavy bag  200  for the connection of first end  12  of each suspension system  10 . Second ends  14  corresponding to each suspension system  10  connect at a mounting device  206  for suspending heavy bag  200 . 
         [0043]    In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 7 , each support strap  202  is sewn to a skin  208  carrying heavy bag  200 . However, each support strap  202  may be secured to skin  208  by any convenient arrangement. Ring  30  connects first end  12  of each suspension system  10  to an individual support strap  202 . Second ends  14  corresponding to each suspension system  10  connect at ring  32  with mounting device  206 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 7  depicts the embodiment of the inventive suspension system  10  of  FIGS. 1-3  suspending heavy bag  200 . However, the embodiment of  FIGS. 4-6  can also suspend heavy bag  200 . In this alternative embodiment, an end of strap  113  carried by first ends  112  is secured to skin  208  in any convenient manner, thereby connecting first ends  112  to the heavy bag  200 . Similarly, the plurality of straps  113  carried by second ends  114  connect at mounting device  206  to suspend heavy bag  200 . Strap  113  carried by second ends  114  can include second loop  120  or other similar device to permit connection with mounting device  206 . For example, second loop  120  can be an end of strap  113  folded and secured to itself as previously discussed. 
         [0045]    As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , mounting device  206  is a steel ring. However, mounting device  206  can be any connective device capable of supporting the desired sports equipment, or in this case, heavy bag  200 . 
         [0046]    When heavy bag  200  receives an impact, the force is transmitted in three dimensions, thereby pulling upon support straps  202  and straps  113 . Suspension systems  10  absorb the force and reduce the shock and noise experienced by support straps  202  and straps  113  at their mounting points on heavy bag  200 . The shock and noise reduction extends the life of the sporting equipment. 
         [0047]    Other embodiments of the current disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this specification or practice thereof. Thus, the foregoing specification is considered merely exemplary of the current disclosure with the true scope thereof being defined by the following claims.