Patent Publication Number: US-11395950-B2

Title: Adjustable double end bag

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a conversion and has priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/000,180, titled “Adjustable Double End Bag”, filed May 19, 2014 which application has at least one same inventor of the present application and such application is herein incorporated by this reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention generally relates to boxing equipment and more particularly relates to double end bags for boxing and punching. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A double end bag is typically a small punching bag suspended vertically by an upper cord attached to the bag and to the ceiling (or overhead structure) and a lower cord attached to the bag and the floor (or underlaid structure). Conventionally, the upper and lower cords are tied (or otherwise fixed) to the double end bag, to vertically fix the bag in position as determined by the length of the upper cord and the lower cord. The vertically suspended double end bag is punched and is held and maintained in vertical position by the upper and lower cords. 
     Conventional double end bags are substantially spherical in shape. When vertically suspended in use between the upper cord and lower cord, the upper cord is fixed (e.g., tied) at an upper pole of the bag and the lower cord is fixed (e.g., tied) at a lower pole of the bag. The double end bag may include a tether fixture, such as a loop or hook, at the opposing poles (upper and lower) of the bag. As suspended, the bag is retained in substantially vertical position and reflexes the upper and lower cord when the bag is punched. 
     The rounded surface of conventional double end bags may hamper punching efforts by less skilled boxers and for varied styles of punches or kicks. Punches and kicks which are off-center may sway the double end bag from side to side or may spin the bag. Learners can have difficulty effectively punching or kicking the double end bag in a routine or workout. Moreover, certain styles or types of punches or kicks may not be effectively perfected or exercised with a round double end bag. 
     It would be an improvement to provide retrofit and stand-alone assemblies for vertically suspending a double end bag. It would further be an improvement to vary the spherical bag for different types of punches or kicks to the bag, or levels of expertise of the boxer. It would further be an improvement to provide an interactive routine for double bag workouts. 
     SUMMARY 
     An embodiment of the invention is a vertically adjustable double end bag system. The system includes a double end bag connected to a tether. The double end bag includes an adjuster mechanism for selectively positioning the bag on the tether. An upper support and lower support, such as may be connected to a door, wall, or other upright, are connected to and suspend the tether. A sheath may be connected to surround the bag. The sheath surrounds the bag to provide a varied surface (i.e., flat or planar) and shape for punching, for example, a square, oval, larger round, triangle or other shape. A sensor is connected to the bag. The sensor is communicatively connected to a processing device. The processing device includes or communicatively connects to a computer program. The computer program processed by the processing device is, for example, an app that provides interactive video and gaming, interval training, performance metrics, dynamic coaching and workout history. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is a system for boxing and exercise including a bag having a top and a bottom, a tether connected to the top and the bottom of the bag, and a vertical adjuster for selectively positioning the bag in connection to the tether. 
     Yet another embodiment of the invention is a system for boxing and training including a double end bag, and a removable cover surrounding the double end bag, the removable cover provides at least one flat surface. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is a system for boxing and exercise including a bow, an upper cord slidably connected to the bow, a lower cord slidably connected to the bow, and a double end bag having a top and a bottom, the top of the double end bag connected to the upper cord and the bottom of the double end bag connected to the lower cord. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a vertically adjustable double end bag system, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a sheath cover of a double end bag, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-section along line A-A′ of  FIG. 2 , or a sheath cover of a double end bag, according to certain embodiments; and 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a bow and floor stand for suspending a double end bag, according to certain embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description refers to certain specific embodiments; however, the specific embodiments are merely illustrative and variations and changes may be made in the embodiments without diverting from the broad scope encompassed by the disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a system  100  includes a punching bag  2  having a top  2   a  and a bottom  2   b . The punching bag  2  is generally spherical in shape, having a leather, plastic, rubber or leather substitute shell, and containing a pressurized fluid or gas, for example, air, or a foam or other filling. The bag  2  may include a bladder (not shown) within the shell, for containing the pressurized fluid, gas or other filling. The bag is formed with a centralized throughway from top  2   a  to bottom  2   b , suitable to accommodate an extended length of a tether  10  through the bag  2 . The pressurized fluid or gas (or foam or other filling) is sealed within the shell and from the throughway. 
     The bottom  2   b  of the bag  2  connects to a ring  6  for retaining the bottom  2   b  of the bag to tether  10 . The top  2   a  of the bag  2  connects to an adjuster mechanism  4 . The adjuster mechanism  4  crimps the tether  10  for fixing the bag  2  in position along length of the tether  10 . The adjuster mechanism  4  includes an actuator  4   a  which can be manually activated by touch to release crimp by the adjuster mechanism  4 , allowing the bag  2  to be positioned vertically (in  FIG. 1 ) along the tether  10 . 
     Connected internally to the bag  2 , or alternately, positioned in or on the shell of the bag  2 , is a sensor  8 , for example, an accelerometer, GPS device, or other position or movement sensor. The sensor  8  is, for example, a multi-axis (e.g., 3-axis) accelerometer, capable of detecting spatial movement of the bag  2  in use for boxing. As will become understood, the sensor  8  is communicatively connected, by wire or wireless channel, to a processing device  22 , such as a tablet, smart phone or other processor device. 
     The system  100  may include an upper support  12  and a lower support  14 . The tether  10  is connected at extents of its length (e.g., by ends of the tether  10 ) to rings  16 ,  18 , or other fixtures of the upper support  12  and the lower support  14 . In use of the system  100 , the tether  10  is connected, for example, at an upper (vertically in  FIG. 1 ) extent to the ring  16  of upper support  12 . Also in use, the tether  10  is connected, for example, at a lower extent to the ring  18  of lower support  14 . 
     In certain non-exclusive embodiments, the upper support  12  includes an upper fixture  17  for connecting the upper support  12  to a door or similar upright. The upper fixture  17  may be generally inverted U-shaped and perpendicular to an extending arm of the upper support  12  forming a T. The generally inverted U-shape of the upper fixture  17  may accommodate an edge (e.g., upper edge) of the door or similar upright. The lower support  14  similarly includes a lower fixture  19 . The lower fixture  19  may be generally U-shaped and perpendicular to an extending arm of the lower support  14  forming a T. The generally U-shape of the lower fixture  19  may accommodate an edge (e.g., lower edge) of the door or similar structure. In alternatives, the upper support  12  and the lower support  14  may be attached, for example, by suction cups, screws, grips, or other attachments, to a wall or similar vertical structure, in which cases the U-shape features are not employed for accommodating edges. 
     A mounting bracket  20  may be connected to or included in the upper support  12 . The mounting bracket  20  may be an extension of the upper fixture  17 . The mounting bracket  20  accepts for mounting therewith/thereon, the tablet, smart phone or other processing device  22 . 
     In operation, the lower fixture  19  is attached to an edge, for example, the bottom edge of a door. The upper fixture  17  is attached to another edge, for example, the upper edge of the door. In such attachment, the upper support  12  and the lower support  14  each extends protruding from the surface of the door or other structure to which attached. Respective ends of the tether  10  (with the bag  2  disposed between the ends along the tether  10 ) are connected to the rings  16 ,  18 , respectively, such that the tether  10  is tautly suspended between the rings  16 ,  18 . 
     If desired, the bag  2  is then varied in position (e.g., vertical position) along the tether  10 . The actuator  4   a  of the adjuster mechanism  4  is pressed (or otherwise deactivated) to release crimp of the tether  10 . The bag  2  is moved along the tether  10  as desired. When the bag  2  is positioned as desired, the adjuster mechanism  4  is reactivated to crimp the tether  10 , for example, by release of the pressed actuator  4   a.    
     Once the bag  2  is positioned, boxing practice may commence. 
     In certain non-exclusive embodiments, the sensor  8  of the bag  2  communicatively connects to the processing device  22 , such as a tablet device, smart phone or other processing device. The processing device  22  includes a processor, memory and a computer program stored in the memory. The computer program is, for example, an app that provides interactive video and gaming, interval training, performance metrics, dynamic coaching and workout history. 
     The processing device  22  (e.g., a tablet, smart phone or other device) may be mounted on the mounting bracket  20 . A wired or wireless (e.g., 802.11, Bluetooth™, infrared, or other) connection communicatively connects the sensor  8  to the processing device  12 . The processing device  12  receives measurements from the sensor  8 , and those measurements operate as input to the computer program processed by the processing device  12 . The computer program, processed by the processing device  12  together with measurements of the sensor  8 , provides interactive training and routines, performance metrics and workout histories. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in conjunction with  FIG. 1 , a sheath  24 , for example, a square, rectangle, triangle or other shape, is connected to the double end bag  2 . The sheath  24  surrounds and contains the double end bag  2 . The sheath  24  is, for example, a bladder that may be placed around the bag  2  and inflated by liquid or gas (e.g., air). Alternately, the sheath  24  may be filled with material for punching, such as material fill for a medicine bag, punching bag, or the like. 
     The sheath  24  may include an opening  26  sufficient to accommodate the bag  2 . When the sheath  24  is placed around the bag  2 , the opening  26  may be closed by a connector  28 , such as, for example, a zipper, Velcro™, snaps or other connection device. When the opening  26  is so closed by the connector  28 , the sheath  24  maintains the bag  2  within the sheath  24 . The sheath  24  may be formed with opening(s)  24   a  to accommodate devices, such as the adjuster mechanism  4  of the top  2   a  of the bag  2  and the ring  6  of the bottom  2   b  of the bag  2 , and to allow passage of the tether  10  through the sheath  24 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , in conjunction with  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the bag  2  is contained by the sheath  24 . The sheath  24  closely surrounds the bag  2  in contact with it. The sheath  24  is retained around the bag by the connector  28 . 
     Various shapes are possible for the sheath  24 , for example, the sheath may be square, round, oval, rectangle, or other shape in place on the bag  2 . The sheath  24  may be a variety of materials and configurations, for example, the sheath  24  may be leather, leather simulation, plastic, rubber or the like, with or forming an internal air bladder or containing fill materials. 
     In use, the boxer may punch the sheath  24  in place around the bag  2 . The sheath  24  may permit particular punch training, training of less experienced boxers, and other possibilities. 
     In non-exclusive alternatives, the upper and lower supports may be replaced by a floor stand which includes a base and upright, and suspends the bag  2  from an arm or similar appendage. The floor stand may include a mount or other fixture for holding the processing device. In other alternatives, the sheath  24  of the bag  2  may be of any of a variety of shapes and configurations, such as square, cuboid, round, oval, spherical, or combinations of varied surfaces to provide for desired surface(s) for punching or kicking. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , in other non-exclusive alternatives, a system  400  includes a punching bag  42  having a top  42   a  and a bottom  42   b  suspended by upper and lower cords  44   a ,  44   b , respectively, from a bow support  48 . The punching bag  42  is generally spherical in shape, having a leather, plastic, rubber or leather substitute shell, and containing a pressurized fluid or gas, for example, air, or a foam or other filling. The bag  42  may include a bladder (not shown) within the shell, for containing the pressurized fluid, gas or other filling. The bag  42  is connected at the top  42   a  to the upper cord  42   a , and at the bottom  42   b  to the lower cord  42   b . The pressurized fluid or gas (or foam or other filling) is sealed within the shell. 
     The bottom  42   b  of the bag  42  connects to a lower ring  46   b  or similar device (e.g., hook, grommet, or other) for retaining the bottom  42   b  of the bag  42  to the lower cord  42   b . The top  42   a  of the bag  42  connects to an upper ring  46   a  or similar device (e.g., hook, grommet, or other) for retaining the top  42   a  of the bag  42  to the upper cord  42   a . In certain embodiments the upper cord  42   a  extends through or rides along the bow support  48  to connect to the lower cord  42   b , which similarly extends through or rides along the bow support  48 . The upper cord  42   a  may be a flexible length of tether or cord, for example, a rubber, polymer or other elastic line or link. The lower cord  42   b  may be a substantially fixed length of rope or cord, for example, a hemp, linen, cotton, nylon, or similar braided or unbraided fibers. In alternatives, the upper and lower cords  42   a , 42   b  may be any of fixed length, non-flexible, non-elastic, flexible, elastic, and combinations. 
     Connected internally to the bag  42 , or alternately, positioned in or on the shell of the bag  42 , is a sensor  58 , for example, an accelerometer, GPS device, or other position or movement sensor. The sensor  58  is, for example, a multi-axis (e.g., 3-axis) accelerometer, capable of detecting spatial movement of the bag  42  (as suspended by the upper and lower cords  42   a ,  42   b ) in use for boxing. As will become understood, the sensor  58  is communicatively connected, by wire or wireless channel, to a processing device  52 , such as a tablet, smart phone or other processor device. 
     The bow support  48  vertically stands from a base frame  50  connected to a lower end of the bow support  48 . The bow support  48  is bow-shaped (e.g., semi-circular or elliptical) and may be substantially rigid or flexible, as desired in the embodiment. The bow support  48  is, for example, formed of steel, iron, graphite, composite or other materials. The upper and lower cords  44   a ,  44   b  are connected to the bow support  48 , for example, an upper roller  56   a  and a lower roller  56   b  are connected at extents of the bow support  48  for guiding the upper and lower cords  44   a ,  44   b  respectively. The upper and lower cords  44   a ,  44   b  may travel through or ride adjacent the bow support, and connect therein or thereon. As may be understood, the bag  42  may be raised or lowered by moving/sliding the upper and lower cords  44   a ,  44   b  in the directions of arrow A. When the bag  42  is in use for boxing, the bag  42  is retained in relatively fixed vertical position by the upper and lower cords  44   a ,  44   b.    
     The bow support  48  is connected to the base frame  50 . The base frame  50  is configured to vertically support the bow support  48  during use of the bag  42  for boxing. A non-exclusive example of the base support  50  includes V-shaped legs extending generally perpendicular to the vertically supported bow support  48 . The V-shaped legs may be connected by a mediate bar. Although the base support  50  may be configured sufficient to vertically support the bow support  48  during boxing use, additional weights  60 , for example, disks weights, liquid filled bladder weight, or the like, may be placed atop the base support  50  to aid stability. 
     The bow support  48  may additionally connect to a device support  54 , for example, a support for an electronic tablet, smart phone, display, or similar processing device  52 . The device support  54  is positioned at approximately head-height of a boxer using the system  400  for boxing. The device support  54  may be adjustable to allow varied positioning and tilt to the supported processing device  52 . The device support  54  may be removably or fixably attached to the bow support  48 , or alternately, the device support  54  may be separate or not included in the system  400 . 
     In operation, the base frame  50  of the bow support  48  is positioned on an underlying surface, such as a floor. If desired, the bag  42  is vertically repositioned via the upper and lower cords  44   a,b , by sliding the cords  44   a,b  along the roller  56   a,b . The processing device  52  is mounted to the device support  54  and selectively positioned at about head-height for the boxer user. Once the bag  42  is positioned, boxing practice may commence. 
     The sensor  58  of the bag  42  communicatively connects to the processing device  52 . The processing device  52  includes a processor, memory and a computer program stored in the memory. The computer program is, for example, an app that provides interactive video and gaming, interval training, performance metrics, dynamic coaching, workout history and/or other interactive features. A wired or wireless (e.g., 802.11, Bluetooth™, infrared, or other) connection communicatively connects the sensor  58  to the processing device  52 . The processing device  52  receives measurements from the sensor  58 , and those measurements operate as input to the computer program processed by the processing device  52 . The computer program, processed by the processing device  52  together with measurements of the sensor  58 , provides interactive training and routines, performance metrics and workout histories. 
     As will be understood, though a processing device, such as a tablet, smart phone, display, or other processor device, may be employed in use and operation of the embodiments, the systems and methods may alternately be employed without the processing device for free-form boxing and workout routines. 
     In the foregoing, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, however, that various modifications, substitutions, deletions, and additions can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications substitutions, deletions, and additions are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that may have been described above with regard to specific embodiments, as well as device(s), connection(s), step(s) and element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element.