Patent Publication Number: US-2022212076-A1

Title: Striking apparatus and configurations thereof

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 10,398,958 entitled, “Striking Apparatus and Configurations Thereof”, filed Oct. 6, 2016, and having U.S. Ser. No. 15/287,469 and is further related to U.S. patent application entitled, “Striking Apparatus and Configurations Thereof”, filed Jul. 29, 2019, and having U.S. Ser. No. 15/287,469 both in the name of Raymond Rita, and both of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure generally relates to an exercise or training device, and more particularly, to an adjustable striking apparatus that may be mounted to a door end assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Athletes, or others who exercise, may enhance their workout through striking apparatuses. Boxers, kick-boxers, martial artists, or others may exercise or train through these types of apparatuses. Striking apparatuses may typically include pads or cushions that simulate the density, shape and/or weight of an opponent. One commonly used striking apparatus is constructed from leather and encases a material such as sawdust or sand. The materials, along with the encasing, may absorb hits through the user&#39;s feet, hands and/or other extremity. These hits may occur directly and/or on the sides of the striking apparatus. 
     Striking apparatuses may currently be supported from a ceiling, ceiling and floor, wall or portable stand. Each of these, however, has drawbacks. For example, attaching the striking apparatus to the ceiling, floor, and/or wall may use permanent embedded clasps. Because of this, the striking apparatus may be difficult to move and subjected to certain fixed locations corresponding to the clasps. Furthermore, and in portable striking apparatuses, inadequate structure may be provided that allows the apparatus to fully move unintentionally. 
     The present disclosure provides a striking apparatus and configurations thereof that solve the described concerns. Other benefits and advantages will become clear from the disclosure provided herein and those advantages provided above are for illustration SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an exercise assembly is provided. The exercise assembly has a target. A plurality of compression blades is coupled to the target. A mounting plate is coupled to the plurality of compression blades. A mounting chassis is coupled to the mounting plate securing the exercise assembly to a building structure. A plurality of fasteners is coupled to the mounting chassis securing the exercise assembly to the building structure. The mounting chassis and the plurality of fasteners allow compression in a forward, rearward and side to side directions relative to the building structure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed to be characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary striking apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the exemplary striking apparatus of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary mounting unit used in the striking apparatus of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary striking apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an exemplary mounting unit used in the striking apparatus of  FIG. 4  in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an exemplary spring mechanism used in the striking apparatus of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 4  in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an exemplary spring blade of the spring mechanism used in the striking apparatus of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 4  in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an exemplary striking pad used in the striking apparatus of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 4  in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of an exemplary striking apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of the exemplary striking apparatus of  FIG. 9  in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of an exemplary striking apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the relevant art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art, and generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown and described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or mom.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. 
     The present disclosure relates to a striking apparatus and provides multiple configurations to that apparatus. More particularly, this disclosure describes the striking apparatus having a target that may be secured on a door end assembly. In one illustrative embodiment, the target may be coupled to a compression device having a plurality of compression blades. A mounting plate secures the target at a defined angle relative to a mounting chassis. The mounting chassis may secure the striking apparatus to the door end assembly through at least one fastener. 
     Numerous other modifications or configurations for the striking apparatus will become apparent from the description provided below. Advantageously, the height of the target may be adjusted depending on its placement on the door end assembly. The apparatus may also be sturdy allowing more forceful blows as it takes advantage of studs within the door end assembly. The apparatus may be more easily portable than other devices. Other advantages will become apparent from the description provided below. The present disclosure will provide the components of the striking apparatus in  FIGS. 1 through 5  will show the components of the striking apparatus which is set at predefined exemplary angles.  FIGS. 6 through 8  will depict details of the apparatus.  FIGS. 9 through 10  will show the components of another embodiment of the striking apparatus which is mounted to a wall.  FIG. 11  will show the components of another embodiment of the striking apparatus. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 8 , one embodiment of an exemplary striking apparatus  1000  in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure may be disclosed. The striking apparatus  1000  may include, but is not limited to, a target  1002 , a compression mechanism  1004 , a mounting chassis  1006 , and fasteners  1008 . The striking apparatus  1000 , for purposes of this disclosure, may also be referred to as an exercise or training assembly, device or apparatus. The striking apparatus  1000  may be placed at a number of locations where appropriate and secured by the fastener  1008 . Fewer or more components may be incorporated into the apparatus  1000  and is not limited to those shown. 
     The striking apparatus  1000  may be construed from a number of different materials. For example, the striking apparatus  1000  may be made of plastic, wood, rubber, foam, metal or combinations thereof. Furthermore, different components within the striking apparatus  1000  may be made of different materials. For example, the compression mechanism  1004  and the mounting unit  1006  may be made of metal while the target  1002  may be formed of foam or other materials as described below. Various combinations of materials may be used. 
     The target  1002  may also be made of materials different from the compression mechanism  1004 , the mounting unit  1006  and other supporting structures. The outside or cover of the target  1002  may be made of, for example, leather, synthetic materials such as vinyl or canvas. Typically, this material may be selected based on its resistance to tears or cuts. Internally, the target  1002  may include foam, grains, sand, rags or other materials. These materials may be encased by the leather, synthetic materials or canvas. 
     Various sizes and shapes of the target  1002  may be provided. Different sparring, exercising or training may be enhanced or developed through the striking apparatus  1000 . This may include hits or blows from a boxer, kickboxer, and/or fighter to the target  1002 . Direct hits may occur to the target  1002  and in addition, blows to the sides  1002 B of the target  1002  may occur. The target  1002  may be formed of a center section  1002 A. The center section  1002 A may be formed of a substantially elongated member which is planer. A bottom area of the center section  1002 A′ may be curved and/or angled inwards. The center section  1002 A may be folded at its sides  1002 B in accordance with one embodiment. Each side  1002 B may be folded at approximately a same angled. A bottom area  1002 B′ of each side  1002 B may be curved and/or angled inwards at a same and/or similar angle as the bottom area  1002 A′ of the center section  1002 A. The target  1002  may mimic the shape of an opponent for providing a realistic experience. 
     In one embodiment, the target  1002  may incorporate varying types of materials within different sections. For example, the center section  1002 A of the target  1002  may include less abrasive materials for direct shots as they are associated more typically with hand shots where the user&#39;s hands may not be protected by padding. Sides  1002 B of the target  1002  may incorporate rigid materials. These types of materials may take on the wear and tear of the user&#39;s footwear. The target  1002  may be replaceable and switched in and out with other types of targets suitable for the user. 
     A backplate  1026  may be attached to a rear surface of the target  1002 . The backplate  1026  may be used to help to secure the target  1002  to the compression mechanism  1004 . In accordance with one embodiment, the target  1002  may be removably attached to the backplate  1026 . The target  1002  may have a sleeve  1002 C formed on the rear surface of the target  1002 . The sleeve  1002 C may be used to guide and removably secure the target  1002  to the backplate  1026 . 
     The backplate  1026  may be farmed of a sturdy material such as metal or strong plastic. The backplate  1026  may be formed in a similar shape to the target  1002 . Thus, the backplate  1026  may have a center section  1026 A which may be folded at its sides  1026 B. A bottom area of the center section  1026 A and each side  1026 B may be curved and/or angled inwards. The backplate  1026  may have a plurality of perforations  1026 C formed therethrough. The perforations  1026 C may help to dampen noise levels when a user is striking the target  1002 . In the present embodiment, the perforations  1026 C may be shown to be formed through the center section  1026 A. However, the perforations  1026 C may be formed through the side sections  1026 B as well. 
     The target  1002  of the striking apparatus  1000  may be coupled to the compression mechanism  1004 . The compression mechanism  1004  may be formed of a plurality of compression blades  1010 . The compression blades  1010  may absorb the hits or blows from the user. The compression blades  1010  may be welded into the back of the target  1002  or fastened through screws or other attachment mechanisms. In accordance with one embodiment, the compression blades  1010  may be attached to the backplate  1026 . While four (4) compression blades  1010  may be shown in different FIGURES, more may exist within the striking apparatus  1000  which will become apparent from the disclosure provided below. 
     The compression blades  1010  may be made of a sturdy material such as metal or strong plastic. In one embodiment, the compression blades  1010  may be made of heavy rubber. The compression blades  1010  may have a coating applied thereto for sound dampening which may be caused by vibrations. The coating may be a rubberized coating, a foam coating or similar sound dampening coatings. 
     The compression blades  1010  may provide rigidity from direct hits or side blows. As may be shown in  FIG. 7 , the compression blades  1010  may be formed of a strip of material configured to have a “U” shaped section  1010 A. A first leg of the “U” shaped section  1010 A may be attached to the target  1002 . A curve section  1010 B which may extend up from and curve down and away from the second leg of the “U” shaped section  1010 A. A vertical leg  1010 C may extend down from the curve member  1010 B. 
     Attached to the first leg of the “U” shaped section  1010 A may be a shock absorbing device  1014 . The shock absorbing device  1014  may help to absorb and dampen the forces created by the user hitting/punching the target  1002 . An opening  1016  may be formed in the shock absorbing device  1014 . The opening  1016  may be used to allow screws or other attachment mechanisms to pass through the shock absorbing device  1014  in order to secure the compression blades  1010  to the back of the target  1002 . 
     Attached to the vertical leg  1010 C may be a mounting unit  1012 . The mounting unit  1012  may be used to secure each of the compression blades  1010  to a mounting plate  1018 . The vertical leg  1010 C may be secured to a first surface of the mounting unit  1012 . A second and opposing surface of the mounting unit  1012  may be secured to the mounting plate  1018 . A shock absorbing member  1020  may be positioned within the mounting unit  1012 . The shock absorbing member  1020  may help to absorb and dampen the forces created by the user hitting/punching the target  1002 . In accordance with one embodiment, the mounting unit  1012  may be configured to have a channel  1022  formed therein. The absorbing member  1020  may be positioned within the channel  1022 . In accordance with one embodiment the channel  1022  formed in the mounting unit  1012  may be a “V” shaped channel. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, the compression blades  1010  may be attached to backplate  1026  so that the compression blades  1010  attached to an upper area of the backplate  1026  have the open end of the “U” shaped section  1010 A positioned upward. The compression blades  1010  attached to a lower area of the backplate  1026  have the open end of the “U” shaped section  1010 A positioned downward. 
     To increase the resistance of the compression blades  1010 , a resistance device  1028  may be attached to one or more of the compression blades  1010 . The resistance device  1028  may help to stiffen the compression blades  1010  thereby limiting the amount of compression. In accordance with one embodiment, the resistance device  1028  may by attached to the “U” shaped section  1010 A of the compression blades  1010 . The resistance device  1028  may limit an amount of movement the legs of the “U” shaped section  1010 A move inwards thereby providing additional resistance. In accordance with one embodiment, the resistance device  1028  may be formed of a block  1028 A. The block  1028 A may be held within the “U” shaped section  1010 A of the compression blades  1010 . The block  1028 A may be formed of rubber, a harden foam material or similar materials. One or more slots  1028 B may be formed through the block  1028 A. The slots  1028 B may be of a similar width to the leg of the “U” shaped section  1010 A of the compression blades  1010 . The leg of the “U” shaped section  1010 A of the compression blades  1010  may be inserted into one of the slots  1028 B thereby securing the block  1028 A between the legs of the “U” shaped section  1010 A of the compression blades  1010 . The slots  1028 B may allow different amount of the block  1028 A to be held within the “U” shaped section  1010 A of the compression blades  1010  thereby altering an amount of resistance. For example, if more of the block  1028 A is held within the “U” shaped section  1010 A of the compression blades  1010 , more resistance may be provided. 
     An attachment device  1024  may be used to secure the mounting unit  1012  to the mounting plate  1018 . In accordance with one embodiment, the attachment device  1024  may allow a user to removably mount the compression mechanism  1004  to the mounting plate  1018 . The attachment device  1024  may be a locking screw device or similar mechanism. 
     The mounting plate  1018  may be used to secure the compression mechanism  1004  to the mounting chassis  1006 . The mounting plate  1018  may be used to hold the compression mechanism  1004  and hence the target  1002  at a desired angle. In accordance with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 , the mounting plate  1018  may be flat plate member  1018 A thereby securing the target  1002  parallel to the front and rear surface of the mounting plate  1018 . Alternatively, the mounting plate  1018  may be formed of a triangular prism structure  1018 B. The triangular prism structure  1018 B may be hollow with one surface of the triangular prism structure  1018 B attached to the mounting chassis  1006  and a second surface of the triangular prism structure  1018 B used to hold the compression mechanism  1004  and hence the target  1002  at an angle relative to the mounting chassis  1006 . 
     A mounting chassis  1006  and fasteners  1008  may be included on the striking apparatus  1000 . The mounting chassis  1006  and fasteners  1008  may be used to secure the striking apparatus  1000  to the door end assembly  1030  (See  FIG. 11 ). The mounting chassis  1006  may be substantially elongated and may be removably coupled to the door end assembly  1030 . The fasteners  1008 , which may come in a variety of forms and shapes, may be used to secure the striking apparatus  1000  to the door end assembly  1030  through the mounting chassis  1006 . Through the fasteners  1008 , the mounting chassis  1006  may be secured, yet easily unhinged or removed such that the striking apparatus  1000  may be moved or relocated to another location. 
     As described briefly above, the striking apparatus  1000  may be secured to a door end assembly  1030 . The height of the striking apparatus  1000 , and thus the target  1002 , may be adjusted on the door end assembly  1030 . For example, taller users may adjust the mounting chassis  1006  of the striking apparatus  1000  and secure the fasteners  1008  to the door end assembly  1030  at a higher position. 
     The door end assembly  1030  may be found in a number of different locations. Furthermore, the striking apparatus  1000 , while depicted as being coupled to a door end assembly  1030 , may be also fixed to other locations where the mounting chassis  1006  and fasteners  1008  may tie the striking apparatus  1000  securely, for example, at a sturdy post such as a pole. Variations for the mounting chassis  1006  and fasteners  1008  may be used to tighten the striking apparatus  1000  to the pole. For example, straps or other mechanical fasteners may be used. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, the mounting chassis  1006  may be formed of a multi-angle mounting chassis  1006 A. The multi-angle mounting chassis  1006 A may be formed of a first plate  1006 B. A pair of angled plates  1006 C may be attached to opposing sides of the first plate  1006 B. The pair of angled plates  1006 C may angle out and away from the first plate  1006 B at approximately the same angle. An “L” shaped plate  1006 D may extend up from an end of each of the pair of angled plates  1006 C to form multi-angle mounting chassis  1006 A. The multi-angle mounting chassis  1006 A may be designed such that the first plate  1006 B may be positioned against a front surface of the door end assembly  1030 . The bottom leg of each of the pair of angled plates  1006 C may extend around a rear surface of the door end assembly  1030 . 
     A plurality of fasteners  1008  may be used to secure the mounting chassis  1006  of the striking apparatus  1000  to the door end assembly  1030 . In the embodiments shown, a pair of side fasteners  1008 B may be attached to each of the “L” shaped plates  1006 D. As may be shown in the FIGURES, pair of side fasteners  1008 B may be vertically aligned. A pair of front fasteners  1008 A may be attached to the first plate  1006 B. As may be shown in the FIGURES, pair of front fasteners  1008 A may be vertically aligned. However, fewer or more fasteners  1008  may be used than that shown. The fasteners  1008  may be secured or released such that the striking apparatus  1000  may be portable and easily affixed to the door end assembly  1030 . 
     In accordance with one embodiment, each of the fasteners  1008 , may include, but is not limited to, a knob  1032 , a threaded shaft  1034  and a door trim holder  1036 . Each of the threaded shafts  1034  may engage a corresponding threaded opening  1038  formed in the mounting chassis  1006  or alternatively a threaded nut attached to an opening formed in the mounting chassis  1006 . In accordance with one embodiment, the door trim holder  1036  is an “L” shaped door trim holder. Fewer or more components may be provided in the fasteners  1008  and are not limited to those shown. 
     Each of the door trim holders  1036  may be placed on different surfaces of the door end assembly  1030 . The knob  1032  may allow the user to rotate the threaded shafts  1034  within the corresponding threaded opening  1038  in a first direction to tighten each of the fasteners  1008  so that the door trim holders  1036  engages and presses against a corresponding surface of the door end assembly  1030 . In a similar manner, the knob  1032  may be rotated in a second direction loosen each of the fasteners  1008 . The multi-angle mounting chassis  1006 A and fasteners  1008  may allow compression in a forward and rearward direction as well as in a side-to-side direction relative to the door end assembly  1030 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19 through 20 , another embodiment of the striking apparatus  1000 ′ may be seen. The striking apparatus  1000 ′ may have the target  1002  and the compression mechanism  1004  and a mounting chassis  1006 . However, in this embodiment, the mounting chassis  1006  may be used to permanently mount the striking apparatus  1000 ′ to a wall or other flat surface. 
     The mounting chassis  1006  may be formed of a pair of board members  1040 . The board members  1040  may be planer and of similar sizes. In the present embodiment, the board members  1040  may be rectangular in shape. A plate  1044  may be secured to a front surface of the pair of board members  1040 . The plate  1044  may be used to hold the pair of board members  1040  and provide additional support. The plate  1044  may be folded to have a channel  1046  running down a width of the plate  1044 . The channel  1046  may separate the pair of board members  1040  such that one of the pair of board members  1040  is positioned above the channel  1046  and the other of the pair of board members  1040  is positioned above the channel  1046 . The channel  1046  may had a depth such that a rear surface  1046 A of the channel  1046  is approximately planer with a back surface of the pair of board members  1040 . 
     A plurality of holes  1042  may be formed through each of the pair of board members  1040 . The plurality of holes  1042  may further extend through the plate  1044 . The holes  1042  may run along a width of each of the pair of board members  1040  and may be aligned such that the holes  1042  on each of the pair of board members  1040  are aligned along the width and may further be aligned with a corresponding hole  1042  on the other of the pair of board members  1040 . Fasteners  1048  may be provided to secure the striking apparatus  1000 ′ to a wall or other flat surface. The fasteners  1048  may be screws, nails or similar types of fasteners. The fasteners  1048  may be positioned through one or more of plurality of holes  1042  through each of the pair of board members  1040  to permanently mount the striking apparatus  1000 ′ to a wall or other flat surface. 
     Referring to  FIG. 21 , another embodiment of the striking apparatus  1000 ″ may be seen. The striking apparatus  1000 ″ may have the target  1002 , a compression mechanism  1004  and a mounting chassis  1006  with fasteners  1008 . In this embodiment, the target  1002  may be formed of a single section  1002 D which may be rectangular in shape and which may be curved and/or bowed in nature. 
     A backplate  1026  may be attached to a rear surface of the target  1002 . The backplate  1026  may be used to help to secure the target  1002  to the compression mechanism  1004 . In the present embodiment shown, the backplate  1026  may be formed of a base member  1026 D. The base member  1026 D may be curved and/or bowed in nature to conform to a shape of the target  1002 . A plurality of channels  1026 E may run through the base member  1026 D. In accordance with the present embodiment, the plurality of channels  1026 E may run vertically through the base member  1026 D. The plurality of channels  1026 E may be used to dampen the sounds made when using the striking apparatus  1000 ″. 
     The compression mechanism  1004  may be formed of a single compression blade  1010 . The compression blade  1010  may be attached to the backplate  1026  in the same or similar manner as disclosed in previous embodiments. In the present embodiment shown, the compression blade  1010  may be an “S” shaped compression blade  1010 ). The top portion of the “S” shaped compression blade  1010 ) may be shaped to nature to conform to a shape of the target  1002  and the base member  1026 D of the backplate  1026 . The curved nature of the top portion of the “S” shaped compression blade  1010 D may be used to absorb an initial force applied to the target  1002 . A second bend  1010 E of the “S” shaped compression blade  1010 D may be activated as further pressure is applied. The third bend  1010 F of the “S” shaped compression blade  1010 D may be activated when a high-pressure force is applied. 
     The compression blade  1010  may be directly attached to the mounting chassis  1006 . An attachment device  1048  may be used to secure the compression blade  1010  to the mounting chassis  1006 . In accordance with one embodiment, the attachment device  1048  may allow a user to removably mount the compression mechanism  1004  to the mounting plate  1018 . The attachment device  1024  may include dampening material to absorb the force applied to the target  1002 . The attachment device  1024  may be a locking screw device or similar mechanism having rubberized washers, foam or similar devices as the dampening material. 
     The mounting chassis  1006  and fasteners  1008  may be used to secure the striking apparatus  1000 ″ to the door end assembly  1030 . The mounting chassis  1006  may be removably coupled to the door end assembly  1030 . The fasteners  1008 , which may come in a variety of forms and shapes, may be used to secure the striking apparatus  1000  to the door end assembly  1030  through the mounting chassis  1006 . Through the fasteners  1008 , the mounting chassis  1006  may be secured, yet easily unhinged or removed such that the striking apparatus  1000  may be moved or relocated to another location. 
     The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the relevant art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art, and generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown and described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.