Abstract:
A device system designed to quantitatively measure the impact forces experienced by a conventional punching bag when hit by the fist or foot of an individual during a workout. The device is configured to wrap around the punching bag, such that the device bears the impact of each hit. Accelerometers and a sophisticated impact detection system are employed in order to detect the intensity or force of each hit. Additionally, a small on-board computer compares the force of current hits to those of past hits, and determines the level of improvement or regression over time. The on-board computer displays impact and other data on a digital display viewable to the individual performing the workout.

Description:
CONTINUITY 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional application of provisional patent application No. 61,708,660 filed on Oct. 2, 2012, and priority is claimed thereto. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to fitness equipment, and more specifically, fitness equipment employed to practice martial arts, boxing, and other physical impact sports through the use of a form of punching bag. The present invention aims to detect improvement of the user&#39;s muscles in terms of physical force applied to the punching bag over time. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0003]    While there are many workout methods, mannerisms, and routines, each is generally tailored to exercise specific muscles or groups of muscles of the body. Weight lifting such as barbells and bench presses tone the upper body, and quantitative changes of an individual&#39;s muscle strength can be determined over time by the difference in the amount of weight the individual can lift or press under similar conditions. Similarly, exercise using a modern treadmill, elliptical machine, or stationary bicycle conventionally provides the user with feedback on his or her performance via a digital readout display which can be used to track progress such as distance, speed, and calories burned, over time. Additionally, progress made when performing freestanding, manual exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups, an sit-ups can be determined by how many ‘sets’ or ‘reps’ an individual is capable of performing in one sitting. For example, if an individual performs 10 push-ups one week, and the next, the individual is capable of performing 15 push-ups, improvement can be determined. 
         [0004]    However, many other forms of exercise are not equipped with such direct methods of feedback capable of indicating to the individual the extent of his or her progress over time. One exercise method commonly employed that is not easily quantitated is exercises employing a conventional punching bag. Counters exist to measure the number of times that small, elevated, punching-dongles are struck, yet none of them properly measure the force of impact at the impact site. Additionally, other methods such as manual counting by a fitness trainer exist that may measure the duration of time an individual is capable of consistently striking a punching bag. 
         [0005]    Unfortunately, there is no effective means of measuring the force of impact on multiple impact sites within a conventional punching bag frame. Similarly, when punching or kicking a heavy bag, there really is no effective way to know what progress the user has made between workouts. Thus, there is a need for a device that can accurately capture the quantitative, statistical data of a workout that employs a conventional punching bag, so that the workout and prior workouts performed by an individual through the use of a punching bag may be generated and recorded for the individual with ease. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,858,729 for “Automated Striking and Blocking Trainer with Quantitative Feedback” by Sullivan et al., published on Dec. 28, 2010, shows an automated striking and blocking trainer that gives quantitative feedback. Unlike the proposed invention, Sullivan et al.&#39;s device consists of a frame, a striking body, and a punching bag. Similar to the proposed invention, as seen in claim 7 in column 7, lines 39-46, Sullivan et al.&#39;s device keeps track of total number of strikes, average time between strikes, average force of the strikes, a maximum force recorded of all strikes, punch count, punch speed, punch accuracy, punch power, and trend data over the duration of a workout. Sullivan et al.&#39;s device, like the proposed invention, also uses accelerometers to measure impact. However, unlike the present invention, Sullivan et al. is not configured to be adaptable to any conventional punching bag frame. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,308,818 for “Impact-Sensing and Measurement Systems, Methods for Using Same, and Related Business Methods” by Considine et al., issued on Dec. 18, 2007, employs at least one impact-sensor module, a controller module, and a feedback device. Each impact-sensor module can include one or more accelerometers, dynamometers, magnetic-based sensors or other sensors. The impact-sensor modules are attachable to locations on a target such as a dummy, punching bag, etc. Although the impact-sensor modules are not attached to a wrap, as in the proposed invention, the sensors can be attached to a punching bag or other object in a way that will accomplish the same aims as the proposed invention. In addition, as with the proposed invention, Considine et al.&#39;s invention provides detailed impact data such as average force, maximum force, number of impacts, etc. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,925,851 for “Method and System for Detecting and Displaying the Impact of a Blow” by Reinbold et al., issued on Aug. 9, 2005, shows a system of detecting and displaying force data relating to impacts received on “an item of athletic equipment,” possibly a boxing glove. Each item of athletic equipment has “a force sensor, logic and a wireless transmitter therein, a receiver adapted to receive signals from each of the transmitters, and a processor for formatting the data for display.” In column 12, lines 59-62, the application states, “Examples of athletic equipment in which the sensor may be placed are heavy hitting bags, speed bags, training gloves, bag gloves, punching mitts, hitting targets and shield and body protection . . . ” Reinbold et al.&#39;s invention also calculates factors such as maximum force used. Although Reinbold et al.&#39;s invention does not specifically place sensors on an impact wrap, the patent does mention placing the sensors on items that the impact wrap with its sensors would also be placed on. However, unlike the present invention, Reinbold et al. is not specifically designed to be securely mounted solely to a punching bag such that it is seamlessly integrated into the workout device. Additionally, Reinbold et al. is not designed to progressively track the progress of a user over time. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pub. No. 2011/0172060 for “Interactive Systems and Methods for Reactive Martial Arts Fitness Training,” published on Jul. 14, 2011 by Morales et al., shows an “impact target” (numbered “110” throughout the publication) with one or more impact sensors that measure workout performance data. As stated in claim  1 , the “martial arts fitness machine” comprises an “impact target having one or more sensors disposed to collect user input with respect to hit direction, impact g-force, hit timing, and hit location on the impact target”. Although claim  1  also refers to a “base pad” that the proposed invention does not have, there are similarities to the proposed invention. However, the present invention differs in that it is designed to adapt to any existing conventional punching bag, and is designed to be more versatile than the invention of this publication. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pub. 2010/0307222 for “Measuring Instrument for the Detection and Evaluation of an Impact” by Oberleitner, published on Dec. 9, 2010, shows a measuring device for detecting and evaluating an impact. Oberleitner uses an “impact pad” with at least one force sensor to evaluate an impact, punch, etc., and at least one acceleration sensor. Both sensors are connected to an evaluation unit for processing the detected values. Although the impact pad is described as “in particular for a coaching mitt or hand mitt,” it does appear to have similarities to the present invention, however it differs in that it does not adapt to the progress of the user, nor supply the user with feedback regarding duration, strength, or progress of a workout. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pub. No. 2006/0258515 for “Interactive Virtual Personal Trainer” by Kang et al., published on Nov. 16, 2006, shows a virtual trainer system and method of using such a system. Although Kang et al.&#39;s invention is not a wrap with sensors attached, there are similarities to the proposed invention. In section [0013], Kang et al. is described as having “a plurality of impact sensors [that] are associated on the impact receiving body . . . ” Section [0015] states, “The impact receiving body is typically hollow and formed from a resilient foam material.” Thus Kang et al. employs sensors embedded within a foam material, which sounds similar to the proposed invention. In addition, Kang et al.&#39;s impact sensor is “capable of measuring data related to an impact force applied to the impact sensor.” However, unlike the present invention, Kang et al. does not employ a similar layout, nor are the strikes registered in a historical fashion to measure progression or regression over time. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pub. No. 2003/0216228 for “Systems and Methods of Sports Training Using Specific Biofeedback” by Rast, published on Nov. 20, 2003, shows an apparatus for providing biofeedback sports training As stated in section [ 0347 ], Rast&#39;s invention can be use a mesh or a grid of detectors. This is especially useful for golf training, since location of a hit ball can be detected. The concept of a grid of impact sensors seems to bear similarities to the present invention, however the present invention differs in that it is not tailored to the intensity of a punching bag workout, and is not designed to hand the stress of numerous impacts across a conventional punching bag. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0013]    The present invention is a force measurement and timing system placed within a wrap, configured to be affixed to a conventional punching bag via a conventional strap or Velcro TM appendage, wrapping around a punching bag, regardless of its size, such that it remains removable, yet firmly mounted to the punching bag. Embedded within the wrap, preferably composed of fabric such as neoprene and/or plastic, there exists a multitude of impact zones designed to capture data pertaining to each impact provided by a user during the course of his or her workout routine. 
         [0014]    Each impact zone is preferably equipped with an independent accelerometer, capable of gathering data pertaining to each instance the specific impact zone is struck by the limbs of a user. Data gathered includes, but is not limited to, the number of strikes per exercise session, the hardest strike (the most forceful strike in terms of pounds of force), the average force per strike, and the estimated calories burned by the user throughout the workout. 
         [0015]    The present invention is equipped with an onboard computer housed within the digital display that contains conventional memory. The memory is used to maintain the data acquired from previous workouts, in order to compare current workout data to prior workout data. In this manner, the digital display is capable of informing the user whether progress has been made. A battery, housed within the digital display, powers the digital display, as well as the accelerometers housed within each impact zone. Power is conveyed to each impact zone via a series of wires. Data is conveyed to the digital display via the series of wires as well. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  exhibits the present invention from the front, detached from a punching bag. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  shows the present invention mounted to a conventional punching bag from the front. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  displays the present invention as mounted to a conventional punching bag from the rear. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0019]    The present invention is a system for measuring the force, duration, and frequency of strikes applied to a conventional punching bag during the workout of a user in order to determine progression or regression in strength and stamina in the muscles of the user. The present invention primarily consists of a wrap ( 10 ), preferably composed of a fabric or plastic polymer such as neoprene, and designed to encompass a conventional punching bag securely. The wrap ( 10 ) is preferably held in place on the punching bag via Velcro or a similar temporary bonding agent. 
         [0020]    The present invention is secured to the punching bag via a system of belts. As seen in  FIG. 1 , the present invention is equipped with a first wrap belt ( 30 ) and a second wrap belt ( 40 ). The first wrap belt ( 30 ) is located on the top ( 80 ) of the present invention, and the second wrap belt ( 40 ) is located on the bottom ( 90 ) of the present invention. The first wrap belt ( 30 ) and the second wrap belt ( 40 ) are configured to tighten and secure the present invention around a conventional punching bag, regardless of its size. While these are the preferred locations of the first wrap belt ( 30 ) and the second wrap belt ( 40 ), it is envisioned that the user may mount the wrap ( 10 ) of the present invention to any point on the punching bag as the preference of the user determines. The height of the user may be a factor in the placement of the present invention on the punching bag. 
         [0021]    As denoted in  FIG. 3 , the present invention is preferably equipped with a vertical seam ( 60 ) preferably composed of Velcro™, or another conventional means of mounting, designed to secure the first wrap belt ( 30 ) and the second wrap belt ( 40 ), and therefore, the wrap itself, in any position on the punching bag. This provides further customization as to the placement of the wrap ( 10 ) of the present invention by the user. 
         [0022]    The present invention is equipped with an assortment of impact zones ( 20 ) consisting of sensors, which are marked on the present invention, and preferably highlighted with an accent color, as seen in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . Each sensor found within each impact zone ( 20 ) is equipped with at least one accelerometer configured to measure the force of an impact when struck. Additionally, each accelerometer located within each impact zone ( 20 ) is configured to recognize when the impact zone ( 20 ) is struck under any force, and register the strike as a hit. It is to be understood that the accelerometers employed in the sensors of the impact zones ( 20 ) of the present invention are conventional. 
         [0023]    The present invention is equipped with a digital display ( 50 ). The digital display ( 50 ) functions similarly to a basic computer, which is able to store usage data, workout data, and workout history data in conventional memory. The digital display ( 50 ) is secured with a wrap-around belt ( 70 ), allowing for placement of the digital display ( 50 ) anywhere on the present invention. In this manner, the user may opt to place the digital display ( 50 ) of the present invention on the top ( 80 ) or the bottom ( 90 ) of the wrap ( 10 ) of the present invention, or indeed, any position in between. The digital display ( 50 ) is configured to display statistics pertaining to the workout of a user in real-time, as well as to denote progression or regression in strength over time. The digital display ( 50 ) preferably houses a memory buffer system on a silicone computer chip conventionally known as a ‘system-on-a-chip.’ A basic processor may be employed to power the calculation of force to time, store the data, and to determine what to display on the digital display ( 50 ). 
         [0024]    Preferably, the digital display ( 50 ) actively shows the following information: time remaining in a workout session (as configured by the user), current round of the workout session (as configured by the user), impact count, maximum impact force for the duration of the workout, the average impact force for the duration of the workout, and calories burned during the workout. It is envisioned that the memory inside of the digital display ( 50 ) is capable of maintaining a workout history in order to compare the statistics from previous workouts to the current workout, in order to determine the progression or regression of the muscles and stamina of a user. 
         [0025]    In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the digital display ( 50 ) is preferably configured to be housed within a plastic or metallic casing. The digital display ( 50 ) is preferably equipped with at least one speaker ( 120 ). A first button ( 130 ), a second button ( 140 ), a third button ( 150 ) and a fourth button ( 160 ) are preferably placed along the exterior of the casing of the digital display ( 50 ). The first button ( 130 ) preferably functions as the start/stop button for an integrated timer. The second button ( 140 ) preferably functions as a set/next button, capable of providing multiple functions to the user, including, but not limited to setting goals, a timer, and cycling through the various screens displayed on the digital display ( 50 ). The third button ( 150 ) and the fourth button ( 160 ) are to preferably be used in conjunction with the second button ( 140 ) in order to set various goals, timers, the time, or other functions. The third button ( 150 ) is preferably designated as a ‘negative’ button, designed to cycle downward through numerals. The fourth button ( 160 ) is preferably designated as a ‘positive’ button, designed to cycle upward through numerals. Although these are the preferred uses for the 
         [0026]    Data collected from the accelerometers within the impact zones ( 20 ) of the present invention is preferably conveyed to the digital display ( 50 ) via a series of conventional wires. The wires are preferably housed within the wrap ( 10 ) of the present invention, such that they do not infringe on the workout of a user. Similarly, it is envisioned that power is supplied to the impact zones ( 20 ) via the series of conventional wires, in order to power the accelerometers held within the sensors of the impact zones ( 20 ). In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the digital display ( 50 ) and the impact zones ( 20 ) of the present invention are powered by DC power, preferably found in a battery housed within the digital display. However, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, it is envisioned that alternate power sources, such as DC solar power or conventional, 120V AC power may be employed and adapted through the use of a conventional AC adaptor which is preferably plugged into the digital display ( 50 ). The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes  9  impact zones ( 20 ), as shown in  FIG. 1 ; however, it is envisioned that, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, additional sensors may be added. Similarly, in other embodiments of the present invention, fewer than nine sensors could be incorporated into the wrap ( 10 ) of the present invention to achieve the same effect. In instantiations where there are fewer than nine sensors, it is envisioned that the length and/or width of the present invention would be smaller. Embodiments with fewer sensors would be ideal for punching bags that are smaller than the conventional long-standing punching bag. 
         [0027]    While the present invention is designed to be lightweight and easily adaptable to any conventional punching bag, it is envisioned that, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the wrap ( 10 ) of the present invention may include additional padding in order to protect the series of wires relaying the data to the digital display ( 50 ) and powering the sensors. It is to be understood that the impact zones ( 20 ) of the present invention are to be constructed of impact resistant materials, such that they do not crack or break under the force of multiple strikes by the limb of a user, increasing the durability of the present invention. 
         [0028]    Alternate embodiments of the present invention may feature an upgraded computer system housed within the digital display ( 50 ) of the present invention. An upgraded computer system would be capable of managing data from a variety of users, rather than a single user. Similarly, and upgraded computer system could be capable of wirelessly exporting workout data to a conventional PC or other internet connected device. For example, after a workout, the upgraded computer system housed within the digital display ( 50 ) of this embodiment of the present invention may export the workout data to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet immediately after each workout, in order to facilitate the tracking of the progress of the user over long periods of time. It is envisioned that the user could program the digital display ( 50 ) to relay workout data to a wirelessly connected printer, and physically print out the workout data after each workout automatically according to directions imposed by the user of the present invention. 
         [0029]    Similarly, in other embodiments of the present invention, a digital display ( 50 ) configured with an upgraded computer system may be capable of advanced functions such as wireless music integration, which could play music at a tempo consistent with the strikes of the user upon the wrap ( 10 ) during his or her workout routine. 
         [0030]    Additionally, in another alternate embodiment of the present invention, sequentially flashing illuminated impact zones ( 20 ), instructing the user as to which impact zones ( 20 ) to strike and in what order, helping to perfect potential fighting strategies or routines. Similarly, an upgraded computer system, housed within the digital display ( 50 ) of the present invention could be configured to weigh the strength of the user&#39;s punches, commonly directed at the impact zones ( 20 ) near the top ( 80 ) of the wrap ( 10 ), against the strength of the user&#39;s kicks, commonly directed to strike at the impact zones ( 20 ) found near the bottom ( 80 ) of the wrap ( 10 ). In this manner, a comparison of strength can be achieved. 
         [0031]    Alternately, the digital display ( 50 ) of the present invention could be configured to display the heart rate of a user, and track the heart rate over time. The heart rate of a user would preferably be gathered via a conventional body sensor, which may wirelessly convey the heart rate of the user to the digital display ( 50 ). 
         [0032]    Additionally, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the data displayed on the digital display ( 50 ) may be configured to be ported to a digital device screen instead of, or in addition to, displaying on the digital display ( 50 ). The digital device could be a smartphone, digital audio player, tablet, or other similar small digital device with memory. The data could be configured to be displayed on a smartphone by interfacing the smartphone with the digital display ( 50 ) and system-on-a-chip via a USB interface cable, Bluetooth, or similar means of conventional connection. The present invention may then employ the memory of the smart phone in order to store the data attained by the sensors in the impact zones ( 20 ). 
         [0033]    It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to form-fitting solely to conventionally sized ‘punching bags,’ but that it may be adapted to fit a wide assortment of strike/impact bags designed for a workout, including but not limited to ‘heavy bag,’ ‘kick boxing bag,’ ‘Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) bag,’ etc. Therefore, it should be understood that any mention of a punching bag in this application is meant to include any and all derivatives or variants on an impact bag designed to be struck by an individual during a workout. It should be understood that the first belt wrap ( 30 ) and the second belt wrap ( 40 ) may not be needed if the wrap ( 10 ) of the present invention is configured to act as a sleeve that could cover the impact bag. 
         [0034]    It is to be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the score of this application.