Abstract:
The present disclosure concerns an improved freestanding punching bag system. The present disclosure provides for compact packaging, reduced storage, and improved display of the device. Additionally, the present disclosure provides for decreased leaks of media that may be used inside the device. Finally, the present disclosure provides improved safety for an operator by positively securing a target to a post associated with the system, thereby preventing or minimizing any unexpected movement or rotation of the target about the post.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/423,668, filed on Dec. 16, 2010. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Freestanding punching bags are typically filled with a media such as a liquid that provides added mass to stabilize the punching bag during use. The media in these punching bags is prone to leaking. Accordingly, these types of punching bags are usually delivered fully-assembled to minimize the possibility of leakage, thereby making them problematic to ship, store, and/or display. 
         [0003]    Another issue related to media-filled, freestanding punching bags is keeping the target positioned at the desired height. For current systems, the target typically moves along a pre-formed channel in a post that is formed as part of a base portion, or the target is compressively secured by being slightly smaller than the post. Some existing media-filled, freestanding punching bags use a side channel locking system that requires twisting of the target at set intervals to adjust the height. However, all current media-filled, freestanding punching bags fail to incorporate a positive locking mechanism for securing the target in a desired position. 
         [0004]    During use, the media-filled, freestanding punching bags receive multiple forces from numerous angles. Instability typically sets in with continued use of the known punching bags, and the target begins to rattle, rotate, and otherwise move on the post. This is especially prevalent when athletes having greater skill and/or power use the punching bag. Any instability in the punching bag creates the opportunity for the athlete to sustain serious injury. Thus, some form of positive locking mechanism for the target is desirable. 
         [0005]    A need exists for a freestanding punching bag system that reduces leakage of media, improves target adjustability, increases the safety to the user, and that minimizes shipping and storage volume. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present disclosure provides an improved freestanding punching bag system. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, the improved punching bag system includes a base, a post, and a target. The base has a hollow cavity and has mounting points defined thereon. The post has mounting points defined thereon that are compatible with the mounting points defined on the base. The target is capable of being adjustably positioned on the post. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, the improved punching bag system includes a base, a post, a carrier assembly, and a target. The base has a hollow cavity defined by its interior walls and it has mounting points defined thereon. The hollow cavity is accessible through an opening defined in the base. 
         [0009]    The post has a first end and a second end. The first end of the post has mounting points defined thereon that are compatible with the mounting points defined on the base. 
         [0010]    The carrier assembly includes a vertical support having a first end, a second end, and an internal cavity configured to receive the post therein. The internal cavity of the vertical support is keyed by at least one surface to the post to preclude rotation of the vertical support relative to the post. The carrier assembly is capable of being adjustably positioned along a length of the post. 
         [0011]    The target has an internal cavity configured to receive the carrier assembly therein. 
         [0012]    Numerous objects and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the drawings which illustrate such embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive freestanding punching bag system. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective cut-out view of an embodiment of the inventive freestanding punching bag system taken along line  2 - 2  from  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  depicts an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive freestanding punching bag system. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  depicts a detail view of an embodiment of a post extension and post base connection taken from  FIG. 3   
           [0017]      FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an anti-rotation channel system. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  depicts a detail view of an embodiment of an anti-rotation channel system. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  depicts a detail view of an embodiment of an anti-rotation portion of a target. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  depicts a silhouette perspective view of an embodiment of the target and anti-rotation portion of the target. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9 . depicts an upside down perspective view of an embodiment of a positive securing device. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  depicts a section view of an embodiment of a positive securing device. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  depicts a detail section view of an embodiment of the base and post taken from  FIG. 2 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  depicts a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of the packaged system. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  depicts a section view of an embodiment of the packaged system taken along line  13 - 13  from  FIG. 12 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  depicts a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the inventive freestanding punching bag system. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  depicts a section view of an alternative embodiment of the inventive freestanding punching bag taken from  FIG. 14 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  depicts an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the inventive freestanding punching bag system. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  depicts a detail view of an alternative embodiment of a positive securing device. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  depicts a detail view of an alternative embodiment for anchoring points for a target. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    Referring to the drawings, the improved freestanding punching bag system is illustrated and generally designated by the numeral  10 , referred to hereinafter as punching bag system  10 . As shown by the drawings and understood by those skilled in the art, punching bag system  10  and components thereof are associated with freestanding athletic training systems. 
         [0032]    In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-13 , punching bag system  10  has base  12 , post  14 , optional bladder  16 , and target  18 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 11 , base  12  has a substantially hollow cavity. Further, base  12  has opening  20  defined thereon. The FIGS. illustrate base  12  as being round. However, any geometric shape for base  12  capable of receiving optional bladder  16  and securing post  14  as described below is sufficient. 
         [0033]    Optional bladder  16  is capable of being removably positioned within base  12 , and is shaped to fit within the hollow cavity of base  12 . In one embodiment, bladder  16  is made from an elastic material capable of retaining liquids, such as water, wherein the material conforms to the hollow cavity of base  12 . In another embodiment, bladder  16  has a shape complementary to the hollow cavity of base  12 . In yet another embodiment, bladder  16  is pliable to fill-in the hollow cavity of base  12 . Bladder  16  has filling point  22  for filling bladder  16  with media. As illustrated, one embodiment shows filling point  22  centrally positioned in opening  20 . 
         [0034]      FIGS. 2-5  and  11  illustrate post section  24  connected to base  12 . Base  12  includes base section  26  and top section  28 .  FIG. 11  illustrates a non-limiting example of securing top section  28  to base section  26  at securing points  30  by using acorn cap nuts  32  and bolts  34 . The embodiment illustrated employs eight combinations of acorn cap nuts  32  and bolts  34 . However, top section  28  may be secured to base section  26  in many different ways known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0035]    Continuing with  FIGS. 2-5  and  11 , top section  28  has mounting points  36  defined thereon. Mounting points  36  of top section  28  are compatible with mounting points  38  of post section  24 . Mounting fixtures  40  illustrated in  FIG. 11  are nuts and bolts disposed through mounting points  36  and  38 , thereby securing post section  24  to top section  28 . However, post section  24  may be secured to top section  28  in many different ways known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , post section  24  and post extension  42  define post  14 . Post section  24  has nestable threaded segment  46 , which secures post extension  42  to post section  24 . Nestable threaded segment  46  has receiving threads  48  internally disposed therein. In one embodiment, nestable threaded segment  46  is welded in opening  50  of post section  24  using known welding techniques. In one embodiment, the welding is accomplished using radio frequency (RF) welding in order to fuse the parts together at contact points  52 . In another embodiment, nestable threaded segment  46  is secured within opening  50  by an epoxy-based cement or adhesive. 
         [0037]    Post extension  42  defines an additional height segment for post section  24 , and provides a mounting area for target  18 . Post extension  42  has threaded segment  54  located on a lower end. Threaded segment  54  corresponds to receiving threads  48  of nestable threaded segment  46  for threadedly securing post extension  42  on post section  24 . Although post extension  42  is threadedly secured to post section  24  at nestable threaded segment  46 , other known methods for securing post extension  42  on post section  24  may be employed. 
         [0038]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 3-5 , post extension  42  has channel  56  defined thereon. Channel  56  provides a surface engageable with target  18  that precludes rotation of target  18  about post  14 , but allows target  18  to be adjustably positioned lengthwise along post  14 . In this manner, target  18  is keyed to post  14  by channel  56 . Herein, a first component is keyed to a second component by at least one surface if the surface precludes rotation, but allows axial movement of the components relative to one another. A surface capable of a providing a keyed arrangement between two components may be any obstruction having a substantially longitudinal orientation between the components. Such a surface may be, for example, a channel, slot, spline, or flat. In this embodiment, channel  56  forms an integral portion of the surface of post extension  42  and keys target  18  to post  14 . In a typical embodiment, post extension  42  will have at least two channels  56 . However, the embodiment depicted in the FIGS. is not limited to any particular number of channels  56 . 
         [0039]      FIGS. 3 and 5  illustrate channel  56  having a series of post locator holes  58  disposed therein. However, post locator holes  58  may be disposed outside of channel  56  anywhere along post  14  in vertical alignment with one another. Post locator holes  58  may also be referred to as securing points. 
         [0040]    For the non-limiting example illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , each post locator hole  58  is about three (3) inches (about 7.6 centimeters) from at least one additional post locator hole  58  as positioned within channel  56 , or along post  14  outside of channel  56 . In the non-limiting example, five (5) post locator holes  58  are utilized, having about 12 inches (about 30.5 centimeters) total separation between the first and last post locator hole  58 . Preferably, each post locator hole  58  is an integral portion of the surface of post  14 . Additional inserts (not shown) for post locator hole  58  may also be utilized. 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-4  and  11 - 13 , base  12  and post  14  are made from injection molded plastic or blow molded plastic. However, base  12  and post  14  may be manufactured out of any material enabling the construction of punching bag  10  as disclosed herein. 
         [0042]    The embodiment of  FIGS. 5 and 6  depicts carrier assembly  60  slidably positioned about post  14 , and in particular, post extension  42 . In this embodiment, foam and fabric secured about carrier assembly  60  forms target  18 . Carrier assembly  60  includes channel locator  62 , positive locking device  64 , vertical support  66 , and anchor points  68 . 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  5 ,  6 , and  8 , channel locator  62  is longitudinally positioned along carrier assembly  60 . In this embodiment, channel  56  provides a surface engageable with carrier assembly  60  that precludes rotation of carrier assembly  60  and target  18  secured thereto about post  14 . In this manner, carrier assembly  60  and target  18  are keyed to post  14  by cooperation of channel  56  and channel locator  62 . The cooperation of channel  56  and channel locator  62  provide an adjustable guide for positioning target  18  along post  14  while precluding rotation thereabout. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 5-10  illustrate an embodiment of positive locking device  64  positioned proximate to channel locator  62 . However, positive locking device  64  can alternately be positioned away from channel locator  62 . Further, a plurality of positive locking devices  64  may be employed. Positive locking device  64  may also be referred to as a positive securing device. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate positive locking device  64  as being secured to carrier assembly  60 , and having pin  74  and bushing  76 . As illustrated, an exemplary sized pin  74  is about 0.25 inches (about 0.64 centimeters) in diameter and is manufactured out of steel. Pin  74  is sized to frictionally fit in post locator hole  58  to retain pin  74  therein. Alternatively, a bias spring (not shown) is utilized to bias pin  74  into post locator hole  58 . As illustrated, pin  74  is a push-pin that is frictionally secured within post locator hole  58 . Although positive locking device  64  is illustrated as having pin  74 , other types of locking devices may be used. By way of a non-limiting example, positive locking device  64  may be a spring loaded ball pin type or other locking pin. 
         [0046]    In one embodiment, bushing  76  is a hard rubber bushing secured in notch  78  of carrier assembly  60 . In another embodiment, bushing  76  is synthetic material having sufficient rigidity to be secured in notch  78  of carrier assembly  60 , accepting pin  74  therethrough. Bushing  76  retains pin  74  in carrier assembly  60 , and guides pin  74  towards post locator hole  58 . When engaged, pin  74  prevents movement of target  18  on post  14 . 
         [0047]    As illustrated in the drawings, vertical support  66  is an integrally formed part of carrier assembly  60 . Alternately, vertical support  66  may be omitted from carrier assembly  60 , or may be a separate structure secured to carrier assembly  60 . 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , vertical support  66  has at least one window  80  therein. Windows  80  permit contact between target  18  and post  14 , which improves the engagement of target  18  with vertical support  66  and post extension  42 . The improved engagement provided by windows  80  enhances the ability of target  18  to resist rotation and axial movement about post  14 , thereby improving the overall structural integrity of the assembly. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 9 , vertical support  66  is shown with channel locator  62  disposed along a substantial length of inner wall  82 . Channel locator  62  may be positioned along the entire length of inner wall  82 , or it may be a series of channel locators  62  positioned along intervals of the length of inner wall  82 . 
         [0050]    In one exemplary embodiment, target  18  has a foam interior (not shown) and a fabric exterior. The foam and fabric are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described herein. However, alternative materials capable of being adhered to carrier assembly  60  and/or post  14  are suitable for target  18 . A non-limiting example of such an alternative includes an inflatable air bladder, where the inflatable air bladder would replace some or all of the foam. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIGS. 5-8 , anchor points  68  and anchors  84  illustrate the connectivity of target  18  to carrier assembly  60 . In one embodiment, target  18  comprises fabric and foam that is secured to carrier assembly  60  by anchors  84  at anchor points  68 . Accordingly, anchor points  68  define a connecting point for the foam and fabric of target  18 , which is carried by carrier assembly  60 . In one embodiment, anchors  84  are a “Christmas tree” type of fastener that is typically pressed into place by hand, but requires a specialty tool for removal. 
         [0052]    To facilitate retention, anchor points  68  are slightly undersized. In this manner, pressing anchors  84  through holes in the fabric of target  18  and into anchor points  68  will permanently secure target  18  to carrier assembly  60 . Carrier assembly  60 , having the foam and fabric secured thereon, defines an exemplary embodiment of target  18 . 
         [0053]    Windows  80  enhance the engagement of target  18  with carrier assembly  60  and post  14  to further preclude movement of target  18  upon post  14 . Thus, windows  80  provide additional frictional engagement between components. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , base  12 , post  14 , optional bladder  16  (not shown), and target  18  are nested together in an unassembled state for packaging, shipping, and storage. Utilizing hole  20 , optional bladder  16  (not shown), post section  24 , post extension  42 , and target  18  including carrier assembly  60  are all nestably inserted in the hollow cavity of base  12 . This significantly reduces the volume of punching bag  10  in its unassembled state. 
         [0055]    After the purchaser removes all of the parts from the shipping container  86 , they must assemble the device. To do so, the purchaser inserts optional bladder  16  in base  12  with filling point  22  oriented immediately below opening  20 . Post section  24  is secured to base  12  using mounting fixtures  40 . Bladder  16  is filled prior to the securing of post extension  42 . Post extension  42  is secured post section  24  as described above. Carrier assembly  60  of target  18  is positioned over post  14  and secured at the desired height thereon. Punching bag  10  is ready for use. 
         [0056]    Although access to optional bladder  16  is not a common requirement, post extension  42  is removable, thereby providing access to filling point  22 . In an alternative embodiment, it is contemplated that an access port (not shown) on post section  24  or base  12  may be provided for access to filling point  22  to facilitate filling, draining, and re-filling of bladder  16 . 
         [0057]    In an alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 14-18 , punching bag system  10  includes base  112 , post  114 , carrier assembly  160 , and target  118 . 
         [0058]    The interior walls of base  112  define a hollow cavity accessible through opening  120  located on the top of base  112 . Any location that provides access to the hollow cavity in base  112  is a suitable location for opening  120 . The hollow cavity in base  112  is capable of receiving an optional bladder (not shown) filled with liquid or other media through opening  120 . Optional lid  121  fits in opening  120  of base  112 . In the embodiment shown, base  112  has a plurality of mounting points  136  on its top around opening  120 . 
         [0059]    Post  114  has first end  115  and second end  117 . First end  115  of post  114  has a plurality of mounting points  138  carried by flange  139  that correspond to mounting points  136  on base  112 . Flange  139  secures optional lid  121  in opening  120  in base  112  when post  114  is positioned on base  112 . A plurality of fixtures  140  such as, for example, screws, or nuts and bolts pass through mounting points  136  to fasten post  114  to base  112 . However, any convenient method for securing post  114  to the top of base  112  may be employed. 
         [0060]    Post  114  has a plurality of post locator ribs  158  and a plurality of post locator detents  159  positioned in sequence along the length of post  114 . Post locator ribs  158  may also be referred to as securing points for a positive securing device, described below. In the embodiment shown, post locator ribs  158  and post locator detents  159  are an integral portion of the surface of post  114 . 
         [0061]    Carrier assembly  160  includes vertical support  166  and vertical extension  142 . Vertical support  166  has first end  169 , second end  171 , and an internal cavity configured to slidably receive post  114  therein. The internal cavity of vertical support  166  is accessible through first end  169 . A plurality of flats  156   b  on vertical support  166  provide surfaces that engage flats  156   a  of post  114  to preclude rotation of vertical support  166  about post  114 . However, this configuration allows vertical support  166  to be adjustably positioned lengthwise along post  114 . In this manner, vertical support  166  is keyed to post  114  by flats  156   a  and  156   b . The discussion and examples above regarding the relationship between keyed components as defined herein are applicable to this embodiment and incorporated herein. Accordingly, the internal cavity of vertical support  166  is keyed by flats  156   a  and  156   b  to post  114  thereby precluding rotation of vertical support  166  relative to post  114 . Although the drawings illustrate a plurality of flats  156 , a single flat  156   a  engaged with a corresponding flat  156   b  is sufficient to preclude rotation of vertical support  166  relative to post  114 . 
         [0062]    Vertical support  166  carries gripping arm  164 , which is configured to engage at least one post locator rib  158  along the length of post  114  to secure vertical support  166  to post  114 . Vertical support  166  may carry gripping arm  164  in any convenient manner that allows gripping arm  164  to engage vertical support  166  and at least one post locator rib  158 . For example, gripping arm  164  may be a flexible cantilever extending from vertical support  166 . Gripping arm  164  may also be referred to as a positive securing device. 
         [0063]    As shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 16-18 , gripping arm  164  is pivotally secured to vertical support  166 . In this embodiment, gripping arm  164  may be pivotally secured to vertical support  166  in any convenient manner, such as, for example, with a pin and eyelet. As depicted, gripping arm  164  has upper and lower contact points  164   a  and  164   b . Post locator ribs  158  define upper and lower engagement surfaces  158   a  and  158   b  that have a design suitable for engagement by upper and lower contact points  164   a ,  164   b  of gripping arm  164 . In this embodiment, gripping arm  164  pivots into engagement with at least one post locator rib  158  along the length of post  114  to positively secure vertical support  166  to post  114  in a desired position. Thus, upper and lower contact points  164   a ,  164   b  of gripping arm  164  respectively engage upper and lower engagement surfaces  158   a ,  158   b  of post locator ribs  158  thereby securing vertical support  166  at the desired height on post  114 . 
         [0064]    Vertical support  166  carries inwardly projecting protrusion  173 . Inwardly projecting protrusion  173  cooperates with at least one post locator detent  159  along the length of post  114 . The cooperation of inwardly projecting protrusion  173  with at least one post locator detent  159  provides a frictional engagement between vertical support  166  and post  114  that enhances adjustment of vertical support  166  about post  114 . Inwardly projecting protrusion  173  and post locator detent  159  also increase the stability of vertical support  166  about post  114 . The embodiment shown illustrates inwardly projecting protrusion  173  as an integral portion of the surface of vertical support  166 . 
         [0065]    Vertical extension  142  provides additional height for vertical support  166 . Vertical extension  142  has first end  143 , second end  145 , and an internal cavity configured to receive vertical support  166  therein. The internal cavity of vertical extension  142  is accessible through first end  143 . Similar to the discussion above, the internal cavity of vertical extension  142  is keyed by a plurality of flats  156   c  to corresponding flats  156   b  of vertical support  166  thereby precluding rotation of vertical extension  142  relative to vertical support  166 . Although the drawings illustrate a plurality of flats  156 , a single flat  156  on each corresponding surface is sufficient to preclude rotation of each component  114 ,  142 , and  166  relative to one another. 
         [0066]    In the embodiment shown, vertical extension  142  is keyed to vertical support  166  and also frictionally engaged with vertical support  166  to preclude movement of vertical extension  142  relative to vertical support  166  when punching bag system  10  is in use. However, target  18  secured about vertical extension  142  and vertical support  166  as described below is sufficient to retain vertical extension  142  on vertical support  166  during use of punching bag system  10 . 
         [0067]    Vertical extension  142  can include coupling  154  on first end  143  for receiving a portion of vertical support  166 . Similar to the discussion above, the internal cavity of coupling  154  is keyed by a plurality of flats  156  to vertical support  166  thereby precluding rotation of vertical extension  142  relative to vertical support  166 . A single flat  156  is sufficient to preclude rotation of vertical extension  142  relative to vertical support  166 . In the embodiment shown, coupling  154  is an integral part of vertical extension  142 . However, coupling  154  can be adapted to vertical extension  142  as a separate component in any convenient manner known in the art. 
         [0068]    Coupling  154  can optionally include an inwardly projecting protrusion  155  that is engageable with an optional notch  157  positioned on second end  171  of vertical support  166  to interferingly retain vertical extension  142  on vertical support  166  when in use. 
         [0069]    Carrier assembly  160  carries target  118  thereabout. In the embodiment shown, anchors  184  secure target  118  to carrier assembly  160  at anchor points  168  carried by a lower portion of vertical support  166 . Target  118  secured by anchor points  168  is capable of retaining vertical extension  142  and vertical support  166  of carrier assembly  160  together during use of punching bag system  10 . Anchors  184  and anchor points  168  preclude rotation of target  118  about carrier assembly  160 . Target  118  can be, for example, foam and fabric secured to carrier assembly  160 . 
         [0070]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 14-18 , flats  156  positioned on carrier assembly  160  enhance the engagement of target  118  with carrier assembly  160  to preclude rotation thereabout. 
         [0071]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 14-18 , base  112 , post  114 , and carrier assembly  160  are made from injection molded plastic or blow molded plastic. However, base  112 , post  114 , and carrier assembly  160  may be manufactured out of any material enabling the construction of punching bag system  10  as disclosed herein. 
         [0072]    Post  114 , carrier assembly  160 , target  118 , and the optional bladder are nestable in the hollow cavity of base  112  through opening  120 . This configuration allows punching bag system  10  to be efficiently stored and transported. 
         [0073]    Other embodiments of the current disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this specification or practice of the present disclosure. Thus, the foregoing specification is considered merely exemplary of the current disclosure with the true scope thereof being defined by the following claims.