Abstract:
A portable training device is provided for use by practicing kicking and/or punching techniques. The training device includes three sections which simulate an opponents head, torso and lower extremity regions. The device may be secured to a stationary object such as a wall or a stand. In addition, the device may be secured a sparring partner. Elastic cords may be used in securing the device to allow the various sections of the device to move relative to each other.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a sports implement and more particularly to a training and protection device which can be used in the martial arts, boxing, kickboxing, and/or hand-to-hand combat training. The device includes a three-part system which can be used together or individually and provides either protection of the head, chest and upper leg areas or a target to practice blows to these areas. The invention when used individually allows for work on a specific area or different persons to work on different areas. The unit can be held by a sparring partner, attached to a sparring partner or can be mounted to a stationary object such as a post, ceiling or wall. The device allows for a more flexible and realistic training method. 
         [0002]    This invention relates to a sports implement and more particularly to a versatile training and protection device. Athletes in the martial arts, the sports of boxing/kickboxing and anyone practicing hand-to-hand combat training need to use a device which allows them to punch and kick during their training regiment. Such a device normally is held by a sparring partner or attached to wall/ceiling/holder for use individually. 
         [0003]    The ability to practice with a live partner allows the sparring partner to anticipate and parry kicks and punches thrown by the athlete. Situations where the athlete desires a workout but a sparring partner is unavailable creates a need for a system for solo use. Because it is desirable to have a variety of training methods, a device which covers both of these needs creates an affordable system with maximum flexibility. 
         [0004]    During practice with a sparring partner, the punches and kicks thrown are finessed or delivered with full force and speed in order for the athlete to develop the appropriate muscles and muscle coordination. Sparring partners in such contact sessions desire a padding system which provides a convenient target for the athlete to strike without fear that such a blow will injure the partner. During training, the sparring partner watches the athlete and attempts to anticipate, and thus intercept, incoming kicks and punches with the pad so as to prevent being injured by the kicks or punches. The goal of the training/sparring session is to give the athlete as realistic of a workout as possible. The athlete desires to improve a specific skill and/or further develop muscles/dexterity in a specific area. 
         [0005]    In cases where a sparring partner is not available, an individual/solo workout is necessary. In such cases a training aid is desired which can realistically mimic a full contact sparring partner. A device which can provide an effective full body workout and/or a workout of a specific area is used. Such a device should be mountable to device such as a Wall and/or ceiling or should provide a portable mounting apparatus for usage. 
         [0006]    It is desirable to have a training method which allows for a full body workout and/or a workout of a specific bodily area. A system for a full body workout would allow the user to employ multiple attack combination such as, but not limited to a head and groin combination, a head and leg combination, a body and leg combination and/or a body and head combination. A system for workout of a specific area alone would allow more localized punches and kicks to be thrown while allowing the sparring partner the freedom of movement of his other extremities. For example using a leg only padding system would allow a sparring partner freedom of movement with his hands and head, and vice versa. Current systems employ only one mode of training, a multifunctional system which accomplishes both tasks is desired. Such a system could be affordable as it allows various combinations of workouts or a full body workout employing one single system. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention generally relates to apparatuses for use in the martial arts, kickboxing, boxing and/or hand to hand combat. The device incorporates a three-part system which allows protection of the head, chest and upper leg areas. The invention can be used as a multi-part unit or can be used individually to work on a specific area. The unit can be held or attached to a sparring partner or can be mounted to a ceiling or wall. These features allow a more flexible and realistic training method. 
         [0008]    The present invention provides a portable training device for use by athletes in practicing kicking techniques and punching techniques comprising: at least three sections designed to simulate an opponents head, torso and lower extremity regions; the sections being removably connected; the sections each having an outer covering able to withstand the repeated force of a human-punch and/or a human kick; the outer surface of each section enclosing an energy absorbing material designed to absorb the force of a human punch and a human kick; and the back of each section having: a means for connecting the panels, a means for connecting the panels to create a freestanding punching device, a means for attaching the panels to a support surface, and a means for holding the panels individually for practicing kicking and punching techniques. 
         [0009]    The present invention also provides a method of exercising utilizing a device comprising: at least three sections designed to simulate an opponents head, torso and lower extremity regions; the sections being removable connected; the sections each having an outer covering able to withstand the repeated force of a human punch and/or a human kick; the outer surface of each section enclosing an energy absorbing material designed to absorb the force of a human punch and a human kick; and the back of each section each having: a means for connecting the panels, a means for connecting the panels to create a freestanding punching device, a means for attaching the panels to a support surface, and a means for holding the panels individually for practicing kicking and punching techniques. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a picture of the front or striking surface of the device; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a picture of the back or sparring partner holding area of the device; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a drawing detailing the back of the head unit; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a drawing detailing the front of the head unit; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a drawing detailing the back of the center unit; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a drawing detailing the back of the bottom unit; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a drawing detailing the harness utilized for the bottom unit in an individual workout; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a drawing detailing the base unit utilized in an individual workout; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a drawing detailing the wallboard unit utilized in an individual workout; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a drawing detailing the center and head unit handles; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a drawing detailing the training stand utilized in an individual workout; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a drawing detailing the wall mount utilized in an individual workout. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    The present invention generally relates to apparatuses for use during training. Specifically an athlete wishing to practice punching and kicking such as the martial arts, kickboxing, boxing, wrestling, hand to hand combat and other similar endeavors would utilize the invention in their training regime. The device has the benefit of allowing a full body workout when employing all three pieces interconnected as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The strategic workout of a specific area is accomplished by detaching and/or decoupling the various pieces of  FIG. 1  and utilizing one piece at a time, or two pieces in combination. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a photograph of the front of the unit. The three parts as shown are interconnected in  FIG. 1 . These three parts encompass a head piece, a torso piece and a lower extremities piece. The unit can be utilized as a unit as shown, which would afford the user with a full body workout, or can be separated into three separate components allowing for a workout of a specific area. Such versatility could allow three separate users the ability to have three individual workouts. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  also details the outer surface of the unit. This outer surface can be but is not limited to cloth, leather, vinyl, nylon polyurethane and any other synthetic or natural fabric or polymeric material. The outer surface must be durable to resist tears that may result from the force of a human punch and/or kick. The outside surface may include markings and/or target areas to aid in training the athlete. This outer surface covers the padding area. Each pad is made from, but is not limited to, cotton, cotton batting, felt, foam, high density foam and/or any other synthetic material which can be used to absorb the force of a punch and/or kick. 
         [0025]    The modularity of this device allows for easy replacement if one of the three units becomes worn out or damaged. If an individual unit wears out or is torn, that unit may be replaced individually, providing an economical advantage to replacing an entire unit. 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  details the back of the unit and the attachment means for using the device with the head, torso and lower pieces attached together. The means for attaching the parts to one another can be, but is not limited to, a series of belts and straps, belts and straps with buckles and/or straps with Velcro attachments. These attaching means allow connection between adjoining pieces. In one embodiment, using the three pieces attached in this manner allows a flexible unit which moves and simulates a human body. The flexibility of adjoining the units allows for bending versus a singular unit which would likely move as a stationary piece. Another embodiment allows each piece to be utilized individually and separately for workout of a specific area. In this embodiment, the pieces would be separated and used to train the head area, the torso area or the lower extremities area. The advantage in this mode is that by separating the pieces, three different workouts can occur simultaneous. For example, three separate athletes can each work out with the unit at the same time, one on head exercises, one on torso and one on lower body. Such a method allows the owner to enjoy a cost advantage as only one device need be purchased to effect three separate workouts. The same device can then be reattached and a workout on all three regions can occur at the same time for an individual athlete. 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  further details the mechanisms for holding the device by a sparring partner. Those details being a series of straps/handles on the back side of the head, torso and lower extremities parts. On each individual part, the strap allows a user to insert their hands into the device and grab the strap itself for additional support. The straps are made from a material such as, but not limited to cloth or nylon. The straps allow for adjustment to accommodate various sized hands/arms/legs via a means such as but not limited to Velcro straps and/or straps/buckles. 
         [0028]    In another embodiment  FIG. 2  details the grommets used to secure the device to a stationary device. The grommets located at various places shown in  FIG. 2  enable one desiring a full body workout, but lacking a sparring partner, the ability to utilize the device. Embodiments will be detailed below showing the various manners in which to employ the device without a sparring partner. 
         [0029]    The device as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  would ideally be lightweight. This would allow a sparring partner to move more freely with the device and avoid excessive tiring during use due to the weight. A current embodiment involves a unit between 5-15 lbs in total weight. 
         [0030]    One embodiment of making the device involves detailing a sewing/cutting pattern using specifications. This material is then cut from the pattern and assembled using a device such as an industrial sewing machine. Further details regarding assembly and exact specifications of a current embodiment of the device are detailed in the figures and descriptions that follow. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 3 , and  4  detail the specifications and assembly for one embodiment of the head piece of the invention. This embodiment involves a head portion approximately the same size as an adult human head. Various sizes may be employed in this region as workouts and/or specific application vary. Also, the current embodiment involves a flat striking area, this area may also be curved or angled to allow for the deflection of an incoming punch/kick. Finally the handle configuration in the back of the unit currently allows for the vertical insertion of a sparring partners hand/arm into the unit. Additional embodiments involve a diagonal insertion and a horizontal insertion of the hand/arm into the head piece. These insertion variations allowing for specific and different workouts. 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  details the specification and assembly for an embodiment of the torso part of the invention. This embodiment involves a torso portion approximately the same size as an adult human torso. Various sizes may be employed in this region as workouts and/or specific applications vary. The current embodiment involves a flat striking area, this area may also be curved or angled to allow for the deflection of an incoming punch/kick. Finally, the handle configuration in the back of the unit currently allows for the horizontal insertion of a sparring partners hand(s)/arm(s) into the unit. Additional embodiments involve a diagonal insertion and a vertical insertion of the hand(s)/arm(s) into the torso piece. These insertion variations allowing for specific and different workouts. 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  details the specifications and assembly for an embodiment of the lower extremities piece of the invention. One embodiment involves a lower extremities portion in the shape of an inverted home plate (baseball). The current embodiment involves a lower extremities portion sized to be able to protect the groin and both upper legs of an adult human. Various sizes may be employed in this region as workouts and/or specific applications vary. The current embodiment involves a flat striking area, this area may also be curved or angled to allow for the deflection of an incoming punch/kick. Finally, the handle configuration in the back of the unit currently allows for the vertical insertion of a sparring partners hand(s)/arm(s)/leg(s) into the unit. Additional embodiments involve a diagonal insertion and a horizontal insertion of the hand(s)/arm(s)/leg(s) into the lower extremities piece. These insertion variations allowing for specific and different workouts. 
         [0034]      FIG. 7  details an embodiment of a harness for hands free use of an individual piece of the unit. In this embodiment, the lower extremities part can be secured to a leg of a sparring partner by attaching the harness to the unit and subsequently to a sparring partners leg. This would allow a sparring partner to deflect lower extremity kicks and allow the sparring partner free use of their hands. Such a setup allows for a variety of workouts not provided by other workout systems. Additional embodiments allow harnesses to be employed on the head and/or body units. 
         [0035]      FIG. 8  details an embodiment for solo usage where the device is attached to a top base and a bottom base. The means for securing to both bases involve but are not limited to ropes, bunji cords, elastic cords, chains, straps, and belts. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  involves a securing means containing some level of elasticity. The levels of elasticity will be determined by the individual user. 
         [0036]      FIG. 9  details a solo embodiment of the usage of a wallboard for securing the unit to a wall. The training device attaches to the wallboard unit detailed in  FIG. 9 , subsequently the combination training device and securing unit would attach to the wall. 
         [0037]      FIG. 10  details an embodiment of the securing strap used with the head and/or torso unit. Such a strap would be utilized in one embodiment by a partner for sparring with the athlete. 
         [0038]      FIG. 11  details one embodiments for solo usage via a freestanding unit. The freestanding unit shown in this embodiment allows for a workout in an area with adequate space. The freestanding unit would secure the training device and allow for maximum transportability. Wheels employed on the base of the freestanding unit would enable easy movement from one location to another. A series of brackets allow various combinations to be utilized in the freestanding unit. The invention would be secured to the top and bottom of the unit via a series of hooks, grommets, straps, buckles and/or Velcro. 
         [0039]      FIG. 12  details another embodiment of a wall mount apparatus. The embodiment shown here allows for the unit to be used in a workout, but later stored against the wall. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the apparatus would swing to a locked position and then employ an extending arm during use, but swing back against a wall during storage.