Abstract:
A structurally unified free standing bag joined by its exterior skin to effectively absorb impact energy. impact energies may be dampened before reaching the bag&#39;s center. Therefore, this invention produces a durable and efficiently manufactured product by minimizing the use of expensive structural materials while still improving quality, durability, and product performance.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
       [0001]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to an external/structural connection system for a punching bag top and base and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a free standing punching bag with a clamp assembly for retaining the bag on a base. 
       Description of the Related Art 
       [0003]    Free standing training bags are an effective alternative to hanging heavy bags because they do not require mounting to overhead ceiling framing. Free standing bags are moveable, allowing users to remove the bag from the floor following each workout, 
         [0004]    Free standing bags are typically comprised of two major components: 1) a heavily weighted plastic base, typically filled with sand or water, with a post or stem protruding upward from its center; and 2) a cylindrical foam top with a plastic cylinder centrally embedded in the foam. The foam is typically covered in a durable textile material. The foam top is mounted on the stem protruding upward from the weighted base via the plastic cylinder. In alternative embodiments, the cylindrically shaped foam top may be constructed with a plastic stem protruding from one end, which may be inserted into an opening in the center of a weighted base. In both construction methods, the weighted base and padded cylinder top are separate pieces joined mechanically at the center by a stem from one inserted into an opening in the other. 
         [0005]    Free standing bags are generally vertically oriented and may stand between 4 and 6 feet tall and are generally constructed on a heavily weighted base. Free standing punching bags must endure punches and kicks from combat sports athletes. Impact forces generated during use are received at the padded exterior of the padded bag top and impact energy is transferred to a plastic center post positioned at the axis of the free standing bag. The plastic post is generally centrally mounted upon the weighted base. Weight contained within the base provides resistance to kicks and punches, which act laterally upon the bag top and post. The weight within the base generally acts to keep the punching bag uptight during use, while impact energies received by the post forcibly tip the base. The axially located stem and base connection point often fails to endure these load transfers over e before catastrophic failures are realized. 
         [0006]    Another embodiment of the free standing bag design connects, or removably connects, a weighted or fixed base to an air filled top for punching. However, these designs fail to generate the resistance desirable in punching bags. 
         [0007]    Based on the foregoing, it is desirable to provide a free standing punching bag that eliminates the concentration of impact loads acting solely upon a centrally located internal plastic component. It would be ideal to disperse impact loads across a broader structural area to reduce load stresses acting on components. It is also critical to meet these objectives while maintaining resistance characteristic of punching bags. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In general, in a first aspect, the invention relates to a punching bag comprising: a foam top with a top, a bottom, and at least one side; a base with a rim and a channel below the rim, where the channel has a diameter smaller than the rim; a cover, where the top attaches to the base via the cover; and a clamp assembly attached to the cover, where the clamp assembly has an open position and a closed position, where the clamp assembly has a diameter greater than the rim when in the open position and smaller than the rim when in the closed position, and where the clamp assembly is capable of being placed in the channel and secured in the closed position to attach the top to the base. 
         [0009]    The clamp assembly may comprise one or more arcs attached to and extending downward from the cover, where each arc has a first end and an opposed second end; the one or more arcs are aligned with each first end adjacent to a second end to form a circle or a segmented circle; and the one or more arcs are flexibly connected to the cover such that the one or more arcs are capable of being bent outward. The clamp assembly may further comprise one or more tabs, where a tab is connected to the first end of each arc and each tab is removably attachable to the second end adjacent the first end to which the tab is attached, such that the one or more tabs are capable of connecting the one or more arcs to form a circle with a fixed diameter, securing the clamp assembly in the closed position. Each tab may be removably attachable to its corresponding second end via hook and loop material. Each arc may comprise a flexible tube filled with a relatively rigid material, where the relatively rigid material is rigid relative to the flexible tube. 
         [0010]    The cover may at least partially compress the foam top. The top may further comprise a hollow cylinder with a hollow interior, where the hollow cylinder is coaxial with the top, where the hollow cylinder has a smaller diameter than the top such that the hollow cylinder is laterally surrounded by foam, and where the hollow cylinder extends to the bottom of the top such that interior of the hollow cylinder is accessible from outside the top. The hollow cylinder may have a top and a bottom and the hollow cylinder may not extend to the top of the top, such that the foam covers the top of the hollow cylinder. The base may have an upwardly protruding post, where the post is receivable in the hollow cylinder of the top. The cover may cover the top and side of the top, but not the bottom of the top. The cover may have a lower end that extends beyond the bottom of the top, where the clamp assembly is attached to the lower end. 
         [0011]    In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of constructing a punching bag, the method comprising: placing a foam top within a cover, here the foam top has a top, a bottom, and at least one side, where the cover covers the top and side of the foam top and where the cover has a lower end that extends beyond the bottom of the top and a clamp assembly with an adjustable circumference attached to the lower end of the cover; placing the foam top atop a base such that the bottom of the top abuts a top of the base; lowering the clamp assembly over a rim projecting radially from the base and into a channel in the base located below the rim, where then channel has a smaller circumference than the rim; reducing the circumference of the clamp assembly such that it is smaller than the circumference of the rim; and locking the clamp assembly such that the circumference of the clamp assembly is fixed. 
         [0012]    The method may further comprise at least partially compressing the foam top prior to placing the foam top within the cover, where the cover has a smaller diameter than the foam top in a non-compressed state such that the foam top remains in an at least partially compressed state after being placed within the cover. Lowering the clamp assembly over the rim of the base may further comprise at least partially compressing the foam top against the top of the base. The top may further comprise a hollow cylinder with a hollow interior, where the hollow cylinder is coaxial with the top, where the hollow cylinder has a smaller diameter than the top such that the hollow cylinder is laterally surrounded by foam, and where the hollow cylinder extends to the bottom of the top such that interior of the hollow cylinder is accessible from outside the top. The base may have an upwardly protruding post, where the post is receivable in the hollow cylinder of the top, and placing the foam top atop a base may further comprise placing the post of the base within the hollow cylinder of the top. The method may further comprise increasing the circumference of the clamp assembly to fit over the rim of the base prior to lowering the clamp assembly over the rim. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the punching bag of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the punching bag; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is an exploded, partial cross section view of the punching bag top; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the punching bag top; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the punching bag prior to installation of the top on the base; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is perspective view of the punching bag prior to installation of the top on the base, with the clamp assembly in an open position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the punching bag; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a close-up cross-sectional view of punching bag with the clamp assembly closed in place on the base. 
       
    
    
       [0021]    Other advantages and features will be apparent from the following description and from the claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    The devices and methods discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific manners in which to make and use this invention and are not to be interpreted as limiting in scope. 
         [0023]    While the devices and methods have been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be noted that many modifications may be made in the details of the construction and the arrangement of the devices and components without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It is understood that the devices and methods are not limited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes of exemplification. 
         [0024]    In general, in a first aspect, the invention relates to a new free standing punching bag with a base retention system, as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 8 , and a method of constructing the same that may improve impact energy management. 
         [0025]    The free standing punching bag may comprise a top  1  and a base  2 . The top  1  may be generally cylindrical and made of foam. Optionally, the top  1  may have a hollow cylinder  3  at its center. The cylinder  3  may he plastic and may extend to the bottom of the top  1 , such that the hollow interior of the cylinder  3  may be accessible from the bottom of the top  1 . The cylinder  3  may extend to the top of the top  1 , or may terminate below the top of the top  1  such that the top of the top  1  is just foam, as shown in  FIG. 3 . As much of the top  1  may be cylindrical foam without the center cylinder  3  as desired. For example, the cylinder  3  may extend ¾ of the height of the top  1 , with the top ¼ of the top  1  just foam without the cylinder  3 , as shown. Alternately, the cylinder  3  may extend ⅔, ½, ⅓, or ¼ of the height of the top  1 , or any other desired portion of the top  1 , with cylindrical foam without a center cylinder making up the remaining portion of the top  1 . 
         [0026]    While the top  1  and the cylinder  3  are described as cylindrical, either or both may be elongate with any cross sectional shape, such as circular, ellipsoid, oval-shaped, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, other polygonal, or any other shape, as desired. For example, the top  1  may be generally cylindrical, but may flare outward at its bottom, as shown. 
         [0027]    The top  1  may be covered on its sides and top with a cover  4 , which maybe a durable textile material, such as vinyl. The top  1  may not be covered on its bottom, as shown, or may be covered with a cover separate from the cover  4 . When the punching bag is assembled, the cover  4  may not completely or even substantially cover the base  2 . The cover  4  and the cylinder  3  may be sized appropriately to at least partially compress the foam of the top  1 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . For example, if the foam of top  1  has a particular diameter in a relaxed state, the cover  4  may have a diameter less than the diameter of the foam. Thus, to fit within the cover  4 , the foam must be maintained in an at least partially compressed state. Likewise, if the foam of top  1  has a particular inside diameter in a relaxed state, the cylinder  3  may have a diameter greater than the inside diameter of the foam. Thus, to for the cylinder  3  to fit within the top  1 , the foam must be maintained in an at least partially compressed state. The degree to which the diameter of the foam in its relaxed state and the diameter of the cover  4  differs and the degree to which the inside diameter of the foam in its relaxed state and the diameter of the cylinder  3  differs, and consequently the degree of compression, may depend on the desired rebounding characteristics of the punching bag. By way of example,  FIG. 3  shows the foam of top  1  in a relaxed state, with the degree of compression required to insert the cylinder  3  therein and to fit the cover  4  thereover shown in dashed lines, with compressive forces indicated by arrows. The length of the cover  4  from its top to the point where it joins the base  2  may similarly be shorter than the height of the foam of the top  1 , such that the foam must compress when the top  1  is joined to the base  2 . Again, the height difference, and consequently the degree of vertical compression of the foam, may depend on the desired rebounding characteristics of the punching bag. 
         [0028]    The lower end  5  of the cover  4  may extend beyond the bottom of the top  1 . This lower end  5  may be part of the cover  4  or may be a separate element attached to the cover  4 . A clamp assembly  7  may he attached to the lower end  5 . Alternately, the lower end  5  may be incorporated into the clamp assembly  7 . For example, the lower end  5  may comprise excess material folded into a hem, and the clamp assembly  7  may include one or more elements held within the hem, such as a hoop with an adjustable circumference, such that the circumference may be increased or decreased as desired and locked into place such that the desired circumference is maintained, or a hoop with an opening such that the hoop may be deformed and opened temporarily and then closed to maintain its usual circumference. 
         [0029]    As shown in the figures, the clamp assembly  7  may comprise one or more arcs  6  attached to and extending downward from the end  5 . The one or more arcs  6  may be removably joined together by one or more tabs  11 . Each arc  6  may have a first end  12  and an opposed second end  13 . The one or more arcs  6  may be aligned with each first end  12  adjacent to a second end  13 . Each first end  12  may touch the adjacent second end  13  to form a circle, or each first end  12  may be aligned with but not touching the adjacent second end  13  to form a segmented circle. If the clamp assembly  7  comprises only one arc  6 , the first end  12  and the adjacent second end  13  are the two ends of the one arc  6 . If the clamp assembly  7  comprises more than one arc  6 , each first end  12  is adjacent the second end  13  of a different arc  6 . Each arc  6  may be arced, such that it forms a segment of a circle, or may be straight or any other desired shape. 
         [0030]    If the clamp assembly  7  comprises one arc  6 , it may have a tab  11  attached to its first end  12 , where the tab  11  removably attaches to the second end  13  such that the arc  6  and the tab  11  form a circle. If the clamp assembly  7  comprises more than one arc  6 , each arc  6  may have a tab  11  attached to its first end  12 , where the tab  11  removably attaches to the second end  13  of the next arc  6  such that the arcs  6  and the tabs  11  form a circle.  FIG. 5  shows the clamp assembly  7  with four arcs  6  and four tabs  11  with the tabs  11  closed, thus forming a circle, while  FIG. 6  shows the tabs  11  open. The first ends  12  and second ends  13  are identified on  FIG. 6 . The tabs  11  may removably attach to the second ends  13  via any desired removable attachment device or devices. For example, the figures show the tabs  11  attached to the second ends  13  via hook and loop material, with an area  14  of either hook or loop material on the tabs  11  and a corresponding area  15  of either hook or loop material on the second ends  13 . If area  14  is hook material, area  15  may be loop material, and if area  14  is loop material, area  15  may be hook material. Alternately, areas  14  and  15  may be any other type of joinable material or may comprise any other desired attachment devices. 
         [0031]    The arcs  6  may be at least partly formed of flexible material, such as the same vinyl forming the cover  4 . Thus, the arcs  6  may be bent outward and upward along their edge of attachment to lower end  5  during installation of the top  1  on the base  2 . The arcs  6  may additionally comprise at least one area of relatively rigid material, where the relatively rigid material is more rigid than the flexible material. The relatively rigid material may also be rigid in an absolutely sense, or may be somewhat flexible, although less flexible than the flexible material. For example, the arc  6  may be flexible material folded and secured to form a channel  16 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . The channel  16  may be filled with relatively rigid material  17 , such as dense foam or plastic. The channel  16  may have an outer wall  18  and an outer wall  19 . When the tabs  11  are in place and the arcs  6  form a circle or a segmented circle, the outer walls  18  may generally align with the lower end  5  the inner walls  19  may form a circle/segmented circle with a smaller diameter than the lower end  5 . 
         [0032]    The clamp assembly  7  may be capable of being secured such that its circumference, once closed or locked, can withstand a certain amount of force and cannot be increased by force without again proactively opening the clamp assembly  7 . The clamp assembly  7  may be made of fabric such as nylon, polyester webbing, plastic, rubber polymers, metal, metal binding, cables, cords, straps, any other material, or any combination thereof. The clamp assembly  7  may be closed and/or secured by hook and loop material, snaps, levers, rope, cords, screws, bolts, any other closure device, or any combination thereof. 
         [0033]    The base  2  may be plastic and may be at least partially hollow such that it may be at least partially filled with weight, such as sand and/or water, to a user&#39;s desired level of resistance. Optionally, the base  2  may be permanently at least partially filled with weight, such as sand and/or water. The base  2  may have a diameter greater than the diameter of the top  1 , thereby providing a low center of gravity to the punching bag to increase resistance to tipping over. The base  2  may have a post  8  protruding upward from its center. The post  8  may be receivable in the cylinder  3  of the top  1 . 
         [0034]    The base  2  may have a rim  9  near its top, with an indented channel  10  adjacent and just below the rim  9 . Both the rim  9  and the channel  10  may extend around the entire circumference of the base  2 . The rim  9  may have a diameter less than that of the base  2  as a whole. The rim  9  and channel  10  may be any desired size with any desired dimensions. For example, the rim  9  and channel  10  may each be  2  inches tall, with the channel  10  recessed  34  inch. The depth of the channel  10  may be sufficient to provide sufficient interference necessary to retain the clamp assembly  7  in the channel  10  The necessary interference differential may change depending on the material used in the clamp assembly  7 . For example, a material with higher ensile elasticity may require a deeper channel  10  than a material such as steel banding. The location of the channel  10  may be anywhere along the height of the base  2 , although it is most desirable for the channel  10  to be located nearer the top of the base  2 . 
         [0035]    The clamp assembly  7  of the top  1  may be receivable in the channel  10  when the top  1  is mounted on the base  2 . The rim  9  may have a circumference less than the greatest possible circumference of the clamp assembly  7  and greater than the least possible circumference of the clamp assembly  7 . Thus, the clamp assembly  7  may be adjusted to have a circumference greater that the rim  9 , the clamp assembly  7  may be lowered over the rim  9  and into the indented channel  10 , and then the clamp assembly  7  may be adjusted to have a circumference less than the rim  9 . The clamp assembly  7  may be fastened closed, fixing the circumference less than the rim  9  and thus securing the clamp assembly  7  within the channel  10 . The top  1  may thereby be effectively secured to the base  2  by interference fit because the axial length of the clamp assembly  7  is less than the axial length of the upper rim of the base. 
         [0036]    For example, as shown in the figures and described above, the tabs  11  may be detached from the second ends  13  of the arcs  6  and the arcs  6  may be bent outwards, thus increasing the circumference of the segmented circle formed by the arcs  6 . The top  1  may be placed with the cylinder  3  over the post  8  and the foam of top  1  may be compressed against the base  2  to bring the lower end  5  over the rim  9 . The arcs  6  may fit within the channel  10 , and the tabs  11  may be secured to the second ends  13  to maintain the arcs  6  within the channel  10 . Thus, the arcs  6  may form a circle or segmented circle with a diameter smaller than that of the rim  9 , forcing the top  1  to stay in place on the base  2 . 
         [0037]    In this state the foam top  1  assembly may be secured to the base  2  and may introduce functional and structural advantages unique to this invention. In particular, the axial strength of the clamp assembly  7  may secure the arcs  6  inside the channel by interference fit. In this condition, forces may act upon the total circumferential strength of the clamp assembly  7  and simultaneously act upon the weighted base  2  to which it is secured. Therefore, the point of kinetic energy impact dispersal may start at the surface of cover  4 , whereas, in the case of traditionally constructed bags, the duty of kinetic energy dispersal is left entirely to the plastic center post  8 . This may provide a greater structural surface area, as the cover  4  has a much greater surface area than the post  8 , and a greater contact area joining the top  1  to the base  2 , as the clamp assembly  7  has a greater circumference than the post  8 . 
         [0038]    The top  1  may be made of foam compressed within the cover  4 , which may be secured to the base  2  by the clamp assembly  7 . The compressed bag top  1  may be further compressed on all sides or hydrostatically when clamped to the weighted base  2 . This connection may compress the foam and increase tension on the cover  4  to generate tensile stability and carry load bearing functions as part of the bag structure. Compressed foam tends to resist permanent volume deformation, and therefore the pressure volume characteristics of the cover  4  are a permanent effect. The resulting structural tension arising from the foam&#39;s elastic energy may be captured and converted to a structural element capable of transferring impact energy to the base  2 , and resistance of the base  2  back to the user. 
         [0039]    The cover  4  may be under tension to be an impact load bearing element. Therefore, a greater amount of kinetic energy dispersal may begin at the bag&#39;s perimeter rather than the center plastic post  8 . Consequentially, as the bag receives impact energy, the continuous outer surface may collectively share resistance while transferring energy uniformly to the circumferential perimeter rim  9  of the base  2 . Thus the whole assembly, including the cover  4 , foam of top  1 , post  8 , and base  2 . may share the role of impact energy management. As a result of this connection method, the bag may not rely exclusively upon an internal plastic structure to manage the dispersal of kinetic impact energies. 
         [0040]    Interference pressures between the clamp assembly  7  and weighted base  2  may connect the top and bottom, vertically compressing the foam, to generate structural tension. 
         [0041]    Connecting the top  1  to its base  2  at the outermost circumference, rather than the center, may incorporate mechanical leverage to effectively absorb impact while dispersing loads across a broader surface area. The cover  4  may induce tensile stability at the perimeter where mechanical leverage is more favorable. 
         [0042]    This invention leverages the principle of stored energy of position because the weighted base resistance increases axial, radial, and tensile strength of the system. Impact energy acting upon the bag may engage the resistance of the weighted base, which converts stored energy to increase tensile structural stability of the system. The cover  4  hydrostatically compresses the foam of top  1  while uniting the top  1  to the base  2 , causing the cover  4  be under pressure, producing tensile stability and enabling the top  1  to readily engage the desired resistance from the weighted base. Joining the top  1  to the base  2  by the cover  4 , farthest from the axis, along its circumference may maximize contact at the connection surface and may most effectively unify the free standing bag assembly. 
         [0043]    This energy dispersal system may allow the use of a shorter base post and bag cylinder. The shorter post in conjunction with shorter bag cylinder may provide an optimal amount of cushioning for the user while promoting a higher quality and lasting product. 
         [0044]    The textile material may be pre-stressed and connected to generate mechanical stability and linear and non-linear structural strength. Horizontally, the skin of the bag may use the cylindrical geometry and naturally occurring circumferential stress, or hoop strength, to secure the top and bottom. Vertically, the skin of the bag may be pre-stressed to create tensile stability while securing the top and bottom. By combining the phenomenal effects of hoop stress and tensile stability from compression as described, this invention may generate mechanical leverage to establish a unified free standing bag system. 
         [0045]    The free standing punching bag with a base retention system may be constructed by inserting the cylinder  3  into the foam top  1 , at least partially compressing the foam top  1 , inserting the foam top  1  into the cover  4  such that the foam top  1  remains at least partially compressed, placing the post  8  inside the cylinder  3 , increasing the circumference of the clamp assembly  7  to fit over the rim  9  of the base  2 , bringing the clamp assembly  7  down over the rim  9  into the channel  10  of the base  2 , simultaneously at least partially compressing the foam top  1  against the top of the base  2 , decreasing the circumference of the clamp assembly  7  to secure it within the channel  10  such that it cannot move upward over the rim  9 , and closing the clamp assembly  7  to fix the circumference so that upward force of the cover  4  will not cause the circumference of the hoop claim  7  to increase. Any of these steps may be omitted as needed or desired, based on the goals of the user and the properties of the punching bag. For example, the foam top  1  may not be at least partially compressed against the top of the base  2  if the length of the cover  4  from its top to the point where the top  1  joins the base  2  is not shorter than the height of the foam top  1  in a non-compressed state. Likewise, the circumference of the clamp assembly  7  may not need to be increased to fit over the rim  9  of the base  2  if it already has a sufficient circumference to fit over the rim  9 . 
         [0046]    Whereas, the devices and methods have been described in relation to the drawings and claims, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention.