Patent Publication Number: US-9889362-B2

Title: Strand-filled punching bags

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to striking and punching bags used for athletic training. In particular, punching bags that are filled with a number of strands such as chains, and optionally have a length that contacts the ground, are described. 
     Known punching and striking bags are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed. For example, most existing punching bags are heavy, dense and offer too much resistance when struck. The typical punching bag is filled with a material such as sand, which in addition to adding mass, presents only limited movement in response to strikes, and rather predominately absorbs the energy from strikes while translating the absorbed energy into minimal movement. The dense material also allows for a comparatively higher proportion of the strike energy to be absorbed by the athlete&#39;s fist. As a result, repeatedly striking a punching bag or other similar equipment over long a period of time that presents too much resistance exposes the joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, organs, circulatory system and heart to unnecessary shock. This ultimately can be unhealthy, as it can lead to chronic injuries, especially with older-aged athletes. 
     Alternatively or additionally, training with most traditional equipment (e.g. overly heavy bags, wooden dummies, floor-mounted training equipment) that offers too much resistance can result in the athlete unconsciously learning to “pull his punches”, so to speak, as the athlete learns when to stop to prevent increasing injuries while hitting. Consequently, the athlete fails to develop the full potential power of his or her punch. Equipment that offers too much resistance can also lead to an athlete telegraphing his or her moves, as the athlete physically braces for the inevitable impact, which also can result in improper balance and stance. 
     Conversely, striking with little to no resistance (e.g, striking into air only) can result in the developing of chronic injuries due to hyperextension of joints, and ligaments due to zero resistance at the end of a strike. This is a common result for inexperienced athletes or those who have not had appropriate training. 
     If the athlete does not wear protective gear, as may be the case in certain fighting disciplines, the skin on the athlete&#39;s body where it comes into contact with a relatively high-resistance punching bag can be more prone to injury. Furthermore, wearing protective gear during workouts can be uncomfortable, while replacing protective gear due to premature wear from repeated contact with a high-resistance punching bag presents an added expense to training. 
     Thus, there exists a need for punching bags that improve upon and advance the design of known punching striking and punching bags. Examples of new and useful punching bags relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to a strand-filled punching bag that is filled with a plurality of strands made from a variety of possible materials. In some examples, the strand-filled punching bag includes a sheath that extends to and contacts a surface located below the punching bag, such as a floor, and is equipped with an additional abrasion sheath to help control the swing characteristics of the punching bag. In some further examples, the strand-filled punching bag includes a shorter sheath that does not contact the surface below the punching bag, and thus lacks an additional abrasion sheath. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first example of a strand-filled punching bag. 
         FIG. 2  is a cutaway perspective view of the strand-filled punching bag shown in  FIG. 1  depicting the internal components. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the strand-filled punching bag shown in  FIG. 1  depicting the plate and sheath layers. 
         FIGS. 4A-4B  are bottom views of the plate of the strand-filled punching bag shown in  FIG. 1  depicting possible arrangements of the strands. 
         FIG. 5  is a close-up perspective view of the top assemblies of the strand-filled punching bag shown in  FIG. 1  depicting the mounting plate and connecting components. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a second example of a strand-filled punching bag showing a shortened overall length. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosed punching bags will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description. 
     Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various punching bags are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , a first example of a strand-filled punching bag, punching bag  100 , will now be described. Punching bag  100  functions to provide a punching bag with a completely flexible interior, an ideal resistance and response to strikes, and a strike response that more accurately resembles that of a human opponent. This reduced mass and more natural movement substantially reduces the chances of injuries, including both impact and hyperextension. The ideal mass and response encourages an athlete to develop the full potential and power of his or her strikes and punches, and also to adopt a more natural stance with proper bone alignment to ultimately make for more effective combat technique. The reader will appreciate from the figures and description below that punching bag  100  addresses shortcomings of conventional punching bags. 
     For example, by utilizing a filling comprised of a plurality of strands, such as cords or chains, punching bag  100  offers less resistance than traditional sand-filled punching bags. Depending on the type of cords used for filling, punching bag  100  can provide a mass comparable to traditional punching bags, but with a better response and greater give when struck. Further, a lighter mass bag can be implemented in a portable configuration, by use of a single mounting point that can be connected to a stand or a ceiling mount by a simple hook or latch. Because punching bag  100  uses a plurality of strands that possess a comparatively large amount of space between them and, in a preferred embodiment, a center void, punching bag  100  is substantially more collapsible compared to traditional punching bags, allowing it to be placed into a backpack or duffel bag, and easily transported. 
     Punching bag  100  is comprised of a plate  102  having a top surface  104  and a bottom surface  106 , a plurality of strands  108  connected to plate  102  so as to extend from bottom surface  106  of plate  102 , and a sheath  110  attached to the perimeter of plate  102  and covering at least a portion of each of plurality of strands  108 . A mounting plate  126  can be flexibly attached to a top surface  104  of plate  102  with one or more flexible connectors  128 , to facilitate suspending punching bag  100  from a surface  132  located above punching bag  100  (e.g. the ceiling). In one example, punching bag  100  also includes an abrasion sheath  112  that covers at least a portion of sheath  110 , which, together with abrasion sheath  112 , makes contact with a surface  130  located below punching bag  100  (e.g. the ground or floor). In other examples as will be discussed further herein, punching bag  100  includes a shorter sheath  110  that lacks abrasion sheath  112 , but can be suspended without making contact with surface  130  located below punching bag  100 . 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 , plate  102  provides the foundation from which punching bag  100  is assembled. Plate  102  is preferably a round disc of sturdy material such as wood, plywood, engineered wood such as oriented strand board or fiberboard, plastic, ceramic, concrete, metal, composites such as fiberglass or carbon fiber-epoxy, or any other suitable material capable of supporting the weight of punching bag  100  components attached thereto, as well as its weight when suspended in position for use. Plate  102  can also be implemented in a shape other than round, e.g. square or polygonal, and can be made in a variety of diameters depending on the size of punching bag  100  that is desired. 
     Plate  102  has an outer perimeter around which is attached one end of sheath  110 . Thus, at least the perimeter of plate  102  must be tall enough to provide enough surface area to secure the first end  122  of sheath  110 . As depicted in  FIG. 5 , the perimeter of plate  102  can be fitted with a groove or channel into which the means by which sheath  110  is fastened, which will be discussed in greater detail below, can press the first end  122  of sheath  110 , thereby providing a secure attachment. The overall thickness of plate  102  can, but need not, be the same as the perimeter of plate  102 . Depending on the materials used to implement plate  102  and the needs of the specific implementation of punching bag  100 , the perimeter may be designed as a flange that protrudes above top surface  104 , bottom surface  106 , or both. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 2 , a plurality of strands  108  are attached to plate  102 , and protrude from bottom surface  106  of plate  102 . Each of the plurality of strands  108  are constructed from a material such as chain, rope, cable, cord, a series of hollow tubes strung sequentially upon a cord, or any other suitably durable flexible strand-like material. The selection of material can be made with respect to the feel of the bag. Where plurality of strands  108  are constructed from a dense material such as metal, the bag will have a heavier feel than then when plurality of strands  108  are constructed from rope or a series of hollow tubes made from plastic. Furthermore, the construction of each of plurality of strands  108  can be homogenous, e.g. all strands  108  are constructed from identical material, or mixed, e.g. each of plurality of strands  108  can be constructed from varying materials. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 4A , plurality of strands  108  are attached to plate  102  preferably in a concentric circular pattern, with plurality of circle arrangements  114  and a void  116  located in the center. Each of the circle arrangements  114  in the concentric circular pattern could have a plurality of strands  108  constructed from one type of material, but from a different material than the other circle arrangements  114 . For example, by using a lighter material for the plurality of strands  108  located most proximal to sheath  110  and utilizing progressively heavier material for strands  108  located progressively closer to void  116 , a punching bag  100  can be devised that offers a degree of progressively increasing resistance to strikes. Such flexible arrangements allows a user or manufacturer of punching bag  100  to tailor a feel that most closely approximates that of a human opponent, or achieves any other desired training goals. In other possible arrangements, void  116  can be omitted entirely, and the concentric circle arrangements  114  can be extended to fill to the center of plate  102 . 
       FIG. 4B  depicts another possible arrangement of plurality of strands  108 , which are positioned from plate  102  in a random fashion, with no central void. As above, plurality of strands  108  can be made from a homogenous material, a random selection of materials, or materials that vary in weight and consistency depending upon location on plate  102 . It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the relevant art that  FIGS. 4A and 4B  depict only two possible arrangements of plurality of strands  108 , and an infinite variety of arrangements are possible without departing from the disclosed invention. Plurality of strands  108  can be attached to plate  102  by any means allowing for secure, preferably removable, attachment, e.g. bolts, adhesives, fasteners, screws, hooks, staples, welds, eyebolts, or any other fastening means now known or later devised. 
     Surrounding plurality of strands  108  and, as described above, having a first end  122  that is attached to plate  102 , is sheath  110 . The construction of sheath  110  is depicted more fully in  FIG. 3 , which shows sheath  110  as preferably being constructed of a flexible inner sheath  118  and a flexible outer sheath  120 . Flexible inner sheath  118  is constructed from rubber sheet, foam, foam rubber, leather, fabric or any other suitable material that is durable and optionally provides a measure of padding, depending on the desired characteristics of punching bag  100 . Flexible outer sheath  120  is constructed of leather, vinyl, nylon, PVC, rubber sheet, fabric, or any other material that is durable enough to withstand the force and friction of repeated strikes from the user of punching bag  100 . Flexible inner sheath  118  may optionally be attached to flexible outer sheath  120  to form a single sheath  110 , or may be kept separate where having a flexible outer sheath  120  that can be independently replaced is desired. Alternatively, sheath  110  can be constructed of a single layer that is made of a material that is suitably resistant to repeated strikes, and optionally provides a measure of padding similar to that offered by flexible inner sheath  118 . 
     Sheath  110  has a first end  122  that is preferably removably attached to plate  102 . Sheath  110  can be attached using any means now known or later devised that allows for secure attachment to plate  102 , including a rubber or elastic band or strap, a suitably sized hose clamp, a latching ring, or any other suitable similar device. The means of attachment can optionally be covered by a sheath or other covering if desired for aesthetic appearance and/or to protect the athlete&#39;s hands from inadvertent striking of the attachment means, which may have protrusions that could cause injury. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a close-up of plate  102  and mounting plate  126 . Mounting plate  126  is typically attached to a surface  132  located immediately above the punching bag, and in turn plate  102  is attached to mounting plate  126  by one or more flexible connectors  128 . Additionally, a safety cable or chain (shown in the figures but not numbered) may be affixed between mounting plate  126  and plate  102  to add a measure of security in the event one or more of flexible connectors  128  break lose. A safety cable or chain will serve as a backup and keep punching bag  100  from falling to the floor, potentially causing injury or damage. 
     Mounting plate  126  is constructed from similar materials as plate  102 , e.g. metal, wood, plywood, strand board, ceramic, composite, stone, fiberglass, or another suitably rigid material that can support the weight of punching bag  100  suspended from above, along with the transient forces experienced when punching bag  100  is being used. An eyebolt can be secured into the top of mounting plate  126  to facilitate hanging punching bag  100  from a surface  132  immediately above it. Mounting plate  126  can be made in any suitable shape, e.g. square, round, polygonal. 
     Extending from the surface of mounting plate  126  opposite the eyebolt are one or more flexible connectors  128 , which secure plate  102 , and by extension the remainder of punching bag  100 , from mounting plate  126 . Flexible connectors  128  assist in reducing the possible transmission of noise and vibrations generated from use of punching bag  100  through to the surface  132  (e.g. ceiling or mounting stand), and provide additional flexibility and movement to punching bag  100  when struck. Flexible connectors  128  can be manufactured from rubber, plastic, synthetic plastics, silicone, metal springs, or any other suitably flexible and vibration damping material now known or later developed. The length of flexible connectors  128  can be varied to achieve different movement and feels of punching bag  100 , and/or to assist in adjusting the overall height of punching bag  100 . Flexible connectors  128  can also be made removable in order to facilitate replacement as the connectors wear out, or if reconfiguring punching bag  100  is desired. 
     In one possible embodiment, sheath  110  has a second end  124  and is of sufficient length that second end  124  is located past the ends of plurality of strands  108 , and makes contact with surface  130  located immediately below punching bag  100 . This contact between second end  124  and surface  130  assists in damping any swinging motion imparted to punching bag  100  by the user&#39;s strikes, resulting in punching bag  100  ceasing swinging substantially sooner than a bag that is suspended entirely above the ground, which is a closer approximation to a human target. Ideally, plurality of strands  108  extend to within an inch of second end  124 , and are of sufficient length along with sheath  110  so as to partially contact surface  130 . By ensuring that at least a portion of plurality of strands  108  rests against surface  130  (albeit while enveloped within sheath  110 ), any swinging of punching bag  100  can be brought under arrest faster. To protect sheath  110  from undue wear, an abrasion sheath  112  is removably affixed to at least a portion of sheath  110 , and covers second end  124 . Abrasion sheath  112  is constructed of rubber, fabric, leather, vinyl, plastic, or any other suitably abrasion-resistant material now known or later developed. Abrasion sheath  112  can be removably affixed to sheath  110  by use of Velcro, ties, elastic bands, or any other suitable means to keep abrasion sheath  112  affixed to sheath  110  in a single spot while still facilitating subsequent removal and replacement. 
     Turning attention to  FIG. 6 , a second example of a strand-filled punching bag, punching bag  200 , will now be described. Punching bag  200  includes many similar or identical features to punching bag  100 . Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of punching bag  200  will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between punching bag  200  and punching bag  100  will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the two strand-filled punching bags. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 6 , punching bag  200  includes plate  102 , sheath  110 , mounting plate  126  attached to plate  102  via flexible connectors  128 , and is suspended between surface  130  below punching bag  200  and surface  132  above punching bag  200 . 
     The particular difference is in the overall length of punching bag  200 . Unlike punching bag  100 , sheath  110  of punching bag  200  has a second end  124  that is suspended above surface  130  below punching bag  200 . This makes punching bag  200  substantially shorter than punching bag  100 , which intentionally contacts surface  130  to aid in controlling its response to strikes. In contrast, punching bag  200  provides a lighter and less controlled response, and exhibits more of the sustained swinging action of traditional bags, which may be preferred by some athletes. Because punching bag  200  is shorter, the need for an abrasion sheath  112  is obviated. Second end  124  is sealed off to form sheath  110  into a pouch configuration. Plurality of strands  108  are preferably attached on their ends opposite plate  102  to second end  124 . 
     It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the relevant art that punching bags  100  and  200  are only two examples of possible lengths, and that a punching bag can be made of any suitable length and/or diameter to meet desired training goals and punching bag characteristics without departing from the disclosed invention. 
     The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. 
     Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.