BOXING FRAME AND SYSTEMS THEREOF

Inventor: Anthony J. DeCologero

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Applications No.60/724, 503 , filed Oct. 7, 2005, wherein this application is herein incorporated in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to sports training equipment, and more particularly to boxing equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Boxing or pugilism has historical roots dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. As a spectator sport, boxing has enormous popularity around the world with matches drawing huge crowds. There are a number of boxing movies and shows that glorify the art of boxing and perpetuate the interest in the sport.

[0004] In addition to being a spectator sport, boxing is an excellent form of exercise that increases coordination, strength and endurance. While previously dominated by males, many females have discovered the sport, which has led to a new market for boxing.

[0005] As with all sports and exercise, training is an essential component. Unlike many team sports that may require team practice or complex equipment, boxing has few training tools and requirements. A boxer can train solo and in addition to the clothing requirements, all that is needed is gloves and something to punch. There are various punching bags that are used, and there are many boxing training aids and accessories that allow a boxer to improve their skills, exercise and become better conditioned.

[0006] One of the most widely used boxing aids is the heavy bag. While it comes in varied shapes and sizes, the heavy bag generally is deployed from a support structure, either free standing machine or from a fixed structure, and hangs downwards. The bag provides a punching mechanism allowing the boxer to practice footwork by moving around a perimeter of the bag and also to practice landing punches on the bag.

[0007] There are some known heavy bag accessories that are intended to complement the training program and enhance the heavy bag experience. There are even some martial arts devices that affix a separate structure onto the heavy bag with a plurality of extensions that define certain fixed regions about the heavy bag that can be punched or kicked. While providing a more challenging environment, the attachment moves with the heavy bag and the movement and timing is easy to predict.

[0008] What is needed, therefore, is a system that enhances the boxing experience for all users. Such a system should have a mechanism for dynamic change and variability. The system must be simple and easy to use and preferably be an add-on complement to an installed heavy bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention provides a boxing frame that is separately coupled about a heavy bag that is suspended from a ceiling so that the bag and frame have some independent movement.

[0010] One embodiment of the invention is a boxing training system, having a frame disposed about a heavy bag, wherein the frame has a plurality of members coupled together defining open sections between the members. The members are typically vertical and horizontal members and form a frame about the heavy bag.

[0011] According to one embodiment, there is a frame rotation swivel coupled to the frame by support straps, allowing rotation of the frame

wherein as a user punches the heavy bag through the open sections, the frame dynamically reacts to contact with the heavy bag.

[0012] An additional feature includes wherein the frame has a geometrical shape selected from the group consisting of: circles, oblongs, squares, triangles, pentagons, hexagons, octagons, decagons, and dodecagons. The frame can be made of a material selected from at least one of the group consisting of: plastic, wood, rubber, foam, metal, and combinations thereof. In yet another embodiment, the frame is at least partially filled with a gas or a liquid. There can also be at least one covering for the frame.

[0013] As described herein, according to one embodiment the heavy bag is suspended, while in another embodiment is free standing. The free standing heavy bag may have a base portion and a top portion, and wherein a first end of a support member is coupled to the top portion of the heavy bag, and the frame is coupled to a second end of the support member by support straps. This free standing version can further comprise a plate structure coupled to the second end of the support member, and wherein the securing straps are coupled' to the plate. The suspended heavy bag can be secured to an upper structure by a securing line, such as a chain or rope, and wherein the rotation swivel engages the securing line and the supporting straps are coupled from the swivel to the frame. Another feature includes having at least one tensioner for the support straps.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the boxing training apparatus for a heavy bag, includes a plurality of vertical members and a plurality of horizontal bracing members coupled to the vertical members forming a frame and defining open sections there between. The horizontal framing members may be coupled to the vertical framing members via a plurality of corner connectors.

[0015] This apparatus may further include at least one adjustable horizontal punch distribution member slideably disposed between the vertical members and redefining at least one of the open sections. Each of

the horizontal punch distribution members can be slidably disposed between the vertical members via a pair of T-connectors. The T-connectors can have an upper half and a lower half, the upper half having a plurality of notches that engage a plurality of tabs on the lower half in order to connect the upper half and the lower half. In addition, the upper half and the lower half of the T connector may have a plurality of grooves on an interior surface for a placement of an O-ring section.

[0016] A frame rotation swivel is typically coupled to the frame and configured such that the frame is positioned about the heavy bag and the frame rotates independently about the heavy bag. The frame rotation swivel may include a chain attachment member and a top interlocking flange, the chain attachment member and the top interlocking flange rotate independently of each other. In one aspect, at least one of the vertical members and the horizontal member are colored.

[0017] One embodiment of the invention includes a method of boxing training, including a heavy bag and a frame deployed about the heavy bag. The frame has a plurality of open sections and frame members, wherein the frame is independently rotatable about the heavy bag; wherein a user punches the heavy bag through one of the open sections avoiding the frame members, and wherein the frame reacts to contact with the heavy bag. The method includes redefining a size of the open sections by inserting or moving an adjustable punch distribution member.

[0018] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a boxing frame that is separately coupled about a free standing heavy bag such that the bag and the frame have some independent movement.

[0019] Another embodiment of the present invention provides for an inflatable boxing frame that is separately coupled about either a suspended or free standing heavy bag and is made of softer materials for use by women and children.

[0020] The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates the boxing frame independently suspended about the heavy bag configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates another boxing frame configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3a illustrates the boxing frame coupled about a freestanding heavy bag configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3b illustrates the boxing frame coupled about a freestanding heavy bag configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figures 4a - 4b illustrate perspective views of the frame having curved sides configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5a illustrates a top perspective view of the swivel mechanism supporting the boxing frame configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5b shows a sectional view of the swivel elements configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5c-e illustrates a cut-away view of the swivel coupling to the chain in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6a, 6b illustrates a perspective view of a connector configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6c illustrates a perspective view of the O-ring configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7a, 7b illustrates a perspective view of a corner connector configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7c illustrates a perspective view of a tensioner configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 is a flowchart for a boxing training method configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Referring to Figure 1, one embodiment of the present invention provides an adjustable cage or frame 10 suspended from a rotatable swivel structure 24 such that the cage 10 is disposed around a heavy bag 12 by a plurality of suspension members 22. In this particular context, the term heavy bag is given a broad interpretation of being any type of punching device of the same or similar variety as a heavy bag. A heavy bag comes in a variety of weights, shapes, and sizes and all are encompassed within the general term. The heavy bag 12 tends to be at about 40 - 100 pounds and is typically suspended from an upper support 30 by some form of line or chain 28 that is independent of the frame 10 of the present invention. The chain 28 typically ends in a connector 26 and a plurality of lines extend from the connector and attach to the bag 12.

[0035] As noted, the bag 12 is typically suspended by a chain or other suspension mechanism 28 and has some degrees of freedom for movement of the bag 12. For example, when a user punches the bag 12, it will sway and may spin slightly. The frame 10 according to one embodiment rotates freely about the bag 12. The rotation and movement can be completely independent from the movement of the bag 12, such as moveable by

external means sucli as a motor or mechanical device that rotates the frame 10. The frame 10 can also react to the movement of the bag 12 such that when the bag 12 contacts the frame 10, the frame has some reactionary movement and may have an induced rotation.

[0036] According to one embodiment, there are lower horizontal frame members 18 that are disposed about the base of the frame 10 and upper horizontal frame members 20 disposed about the upper part of the frame 10 such that vertical frame members 14 can be coupled to the lower horizontal frame members 18 and upper horizontal frame members 20. The frame members 14, 16, 18, 20 form openings that allow access to the bag 12. The upper frame members 20 typically have a mechanism for coupling with a plurality of suspension members 22. While the suspension members 22 can be attached to the upper support frame 20. There are several attachment mechanisms for securing the suspension members 22 to the frame 10, such as adhesive, ties, snaps, hook and loop and there can also be eye hooks and other fasteners attached or integral with the frame to facilitate attachment.

[0037] The frame 10 in one embodiment includes one or more horizontal frame members 16 that in one embodiment are adjustably disposed between vertical frame members 14 by adjustable connectors 75. There may also be horizontal sections 16 extending between any of the vertical frame members 14. There can also be one or more vertical sections (not shown) extending between the upper horizontal frame member 20 and the lower horizontal frame member 18. Such horizontal sections 16 and vertical sections (not shown) can redefine openings or windows that a user can punch in order to hit the bag 12, and such horizontal sections 16 and vertical sections can be removable, permanent, and adjustable in position. The present invention allows for multiple horizontal sections 16 and vertical sections (not shown) to be used and to vary the position of these openings to change the effect and experience for the user.

[0038] The frame 10 improves those skills associated with punching a heavy bag 12 and improves the overall experience whether boxing, martial

arts, or other sports training. The frame 10 thus configured provides the user with a training device developing a number of physical skills such as balance, weaving and bobbing, agility and reaction speed, hand and eye coordination, endurance and stamina, and confidence.

[0039] In operation, the frame 10 rotates around the bag 12 as the bag is punched by the user. The frame 10 introduces a new variable into the boxing training and the user has to weave and bob to avoid the moving frame and frame members and locate punching windows to strike the bag 12. As the user strikes the bag 12, the bag contacts one or more of the frame members 18, 20, 14 or section 16 and induces a reaction of the frame 10 wherein the induced reaction is not easy to predict. The contact of the frame 10 with the bag 12 thus causes a frame reaction and the boxer has to respond to this dynamic boxing environment. The independent support of the frame 10 allows it to dynamically react to contact with the bag 12 and sway, bounce and/or rotate.

[0040] Thus in one embodiment, the frame 10 moves as a reaction to contact with the bag 12. The shape of the frame 10 is such that the contact with the bag 12 induces a reactionary movement that would be difficult to predict by the user thereby enhancing the boxing experience. The frame 10 or boxing box allows the user to improve the skills associated with using a heavy bag for boxing, martial arts and related sports and exercise fields.

[0041] In other embodiments, the frame 10 may be actuated by external forces such as electrical or mechanical mechanisms. For example, a spring wound assembly (not shown) can rotate the frame 10 independent of the contact with the bag 12 such that there would be two movement generators acting upon the frame 10. , Another example of a means for generating movement is via a motor (not shown) that engages the upper coupling mechanism 24 thereby independently influencing the frame 10. Such movement can be rotational such that the frame 10 rotates about the bag 12 in one or both directions and can further include a programmable aspect to provide a rotation changing in speed and direction. The independent

movement may also include non-rotational movement such as by influencing one or more of the suspension members 22. According to another embodiment, the frame suspension members 22 may be spring biased so as to magnify the movement of the frame 10.

[0042] The frame 10 thus exposes parts of the bag 12 to the user for the user to strike. The horizontal sections 16 and/or vertical sections (not shown) may be arranged at different heights/widths such that when the frame rotates, different areas of the bag 12 are exposed to the user. It is possible to define a window or punching area in order to focus training on a specific part of the bag 12.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the frame 10 may be configured with the shape of a rectangular prism, arranged such that its major axis is coaxial with the axis of the bag 12. The narrowest dimension thereof of the cross section of the prism being greater than the diameter of the bag 12 to allow free rotation of the frame 10 around the bag 12.

[0044] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the frame 10 may be constructed with any number of geometries, sizes and shapes. In some embodiments the shape and size roughly conforms to the geometry of the bag 12 and interferes with free access to the bag 12 by the user. Examples of cross sectional geometries of various embodiments include but are not limited to circles, oblongs, squares, pentagons, hexagons, octagons, decagons, and dodecagons.

[0045] In one particular embodiment the frame 10 is manufactured from ³ A inch PVC pipe with applicable coupling Tees and elbows. There are 3-way 90 degree fittings coupling the sections of ³ A inch PVC pipe. In this embodiment the height of the frame is about 27 inches and the width is about 22 inches.

[0046] Referring again to Figure 1, the frame 10 is disposed about a heavy bag 12 and is composed of vertical and horizontal frame members 14, 18,

20 disposed about the bag 12. Adjustable horizontal punch distribution bar 16 is also insertable and can be connected to vertical members 14. Horizontal punch distribution bar 16 may be held in place by a variety of different connectors 75 including friction fittings, locking pins, clips, snaps, or hook and loop tabs like that available under the trademark Velcro®, to which no claim of ownership is made by the applicant. The horizontal adjustable members 16 and vertical adjustable members (not shown) can be removed or multiple adjustable members added to certain areas.

[0047] In one embodiment, vertical frame members 14, horizontal frame members 18, 20 and horizontal punch distribution sections 16 are made of black PVC pipe with white couplings such as Tee and angle connectors. It is within the scope of the invention to include various colors, patterns and designs on the various members.

[0048] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the various embodiments of the frame 10 of the present invention are susceptible to fabrication from a variety of materials, including but not limited to wood, plastic, rubber, foam, and lightweight metals such as aluminum, and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the frame 10 is comprised of polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC) pipe. The pipe can come in a variety of colors and sections of the pipe can be different colors to enhance the training. In certain embodiment the pipe can be a softer material or have a softer material coupled to the pipes to absorb some of the shock if punched. The frame 10 may be composed of commercially available components such as a pipe, or may be molded from thermoplastic resin either as a unitary structure or as a series of components via an inj ection molding technique or a blow molding technique. Other fabrication methods are within the scope of the invention. For cost purposes, several components of the frame 10 may be molded and can be easily assembled by the user. For example, the upp ₍ er 20 and lower horizontal frame members 18 may be integrally molded and the various vertical frame members 14

coupled thereto during assembly. This facilitates the invention to be sold as a kit.

[0049] One variation of the invention is for an inflatable frame 10, such that the frame 10 can be inflated with a gas or liquid and easily installed to the bag 12 by a few simple attachment mechanisms. The various horizontal and vertical members would be softer than with other materials and may be a safer device for children. A further variation provides for adding weight to the frame, especially in the inflatable version. The various members and obstructions that would extend about the frame and restrict free access to the bag 12 could be fixed, adjustable, or adjustably removable depending upon the desired application. For example, hook and loop fasteners on the vertical 14 and/or horizontal 18 frame members would allow the user to install or move the adjustable sections 16. The lower portions of the frame 10 can be weighted so that it hangs properly.

[0050] The frame 10 can be adorned and decorated as appropriate in certain embodiments and can include characters and images to further motivate the user. Obstructions such as protrusions or extensions from the frame would increase the difficulty and require the boxer to react to such obstructions.

[0051] Frame members and sections may be connected by commercially available fittings, or otherwise manufactured with the required shape in various pieces. In one embodiment the system is sold as a kit. The fittings may be modified to permit slideable movement of the attached member 16 about the fixed members 14. Necessary modification may include the parting of the fitting along a longitudinal line, in some instances being pried by a screw driver. In other embodiments, specialized couplings may be provided. As described herein, the frame may also be of unitary or sectional construction. Other sliding connectors include fittings provided with tabs, clips, and depressible or compressible buttons. Other embodiments including hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro® are included herein.

[0052] As shown in Figure 2, a polygonic frame 200 has lower horizontal support members 218 that form a lower base portion. The horizontal support members are coupled to vertical support members 214 that couple to upper horizontal members 220. Any number of horizontal members 216 can be fixed in place, removable, or adjustable along the vertical members 214. There can also be any number of vertical members 230 that may be fixed in place, removable, or adjustably disposed between a lower horizontal support member 218 and an upper horizontal support member 220.

[0053] According to one embodiment, a covering 240 made from canvas, plastic, paper, fiber glass or other suitable material, either flexible or rigid, may be stretched or otherwise disposed in one or more windows of the frame 200. For example, a picture of someone offensive to the boxer may enhance the boxing experience. The covering 240 can be colored, transparent and even reflective so the user can see his reflection while boxing. Such covering 240 can be adorned or decorated to enhance the boxing experience. The covering may be fastened by ties 245, snaps, clips or another fastening means between the various horizontal and vertical members 214, 216, 218, 220. According to one embodiment the covering 240 can be loosely affixed so that the covering allows the boxer to punch the covered section while in other embodiment the covering 240 represents an area that is not to be punched.

[0054] Referring again to Figure 2, wire, cable, rope, elastic or spring suspension members 222 are attached to junctions of the upper horizontal bracing members 220 or disposed elsewhere along the upper periphery of the frame 200. The suspension members 222 depend from a frame swivel 224. The frame swivel 224 supports the weight of the frame 200, while allowing the swivel 224 to rotate about the heavy bag (not shown). As described herein, frame swivel 224 attaches to the supporting mechanism of the heavy bag, such as a chain, so the weight of the heavy bag is not

carried by the swivel 224. Depending upon the size and shape of the frame 200, a number of suspension members 222 can be used to adequately couple the frame about the bag (not shown). The suspension members 222 are intended to allow for some bouncing of the frame 200 about the bag and facilitate the rotation provided by the swivel 224.

[0055] Referring to Figure 3a, one embodiment of the present invention provides for a frame 300 suspended about a free standing heavy bag unit 305 wherein the bag 305 is coupled about a base 310. The base 310 fully supports this type of heavy bag 305 and it does not require any chains or fastening to suspend the bag 305.

[0056] Heavy bag 305 is thus mounted on a stand 310. Stand 310 typically contains water or sand in order stabilize the unit, but also allow for some movement of the heavy bag 305. Free standing heavy bags 305 are a popular choice for activities that involve kicking the bag because the foam on standing bags starts lower to the ground than a ceiling mounted heavy bag. Frame 300 rotates and moves about heavy bag 305 based on reaction or contact with the frame 300. Rotation and movement of frame 300 may be independent from the movement of heavy bag 305, influenced by some external means.

[0057] The frame 300 is suspended about the bag 305 by a rotatable frame support structure 345 such, that frame 300 is disposed about the free standing heavy bag unit 305 and the frame 300 is moveable and rotatable about the bag 305. In one embodiment the frame 300 can react to the movement of the bag 305 and can rotate via the rotatable frame support structure 345. The rotatable frame support structure 345 includes a rotatable plate structure 370 that is rotatably coupled to a vertical support member 358 by a fastener 372. The support member 358 may use several support braces 354 such as three or four triangular brackets. The braces 354 can be separate pieces and engage slots or holes on the support member 358. According to one embodiment the braces 354 are unitary with the vertical support 358. The plate 370 can be coupled to the vertical support

member 358 by various attachment mechanisms 372 such as a fastener and washers or by a rotating barrel. The plate 370 extends outwardly and couples to a plurality of suspension members 322. The other end of the suspension members 322 couple to the frame 300. In one embodiment the suspension members 322 are secured to the upper horizontal support members 320.

[0058] In one embodiment, an adjustable base strap 350 is positioned around heavy bag 305 and secures a heavy bag plate 378 atop the heavy bag 305 since the top surface of the heavy bag 305 may not be sufficiently planar to support the braces 354 and vertical support member 358. The adjustable base strap allows the rotatable frame support structure 345 to be deployed on heavy bags that may vary in size. In a further embodiment, the heavy bag plate 378 and the base strap 350 can be unitary. Furthermore, the braces 354 and support 358 can also be unitary with the plate 378.

[0059] Frame 300 may be comprised of upper and lower horizontal frame members 320, 318 coupled between the vertical frame members 314. According to one embodiment, horizontal sections 316 are connected to vertical support members 314 via adjustable and/or removable section connectors 375. The use of adjustable vertical sections (not shown) coupled between the upper and lower horizontal frame members 318, 320 are also within the scope of the invention.

[0060] Referring to Figure 3b, another embodiment describes a rotatable frame structure 345 coupled to the heavy bag 305. This variation uses a base strap 350 that couples a plate 380 atop the heavy bag 305 to provide a more planar surface on the heavy bag 305. The vertical support member 360 is deployed on the plate 380 and there are a series of support straps 355 that couple from the base strap 350 to the vertical support member 360. The support straps 355 help to maintain rotatable frame support structure 345 in its proper orientation so that the plate 370 is rotatable. As previously indicated, the base strap 350, the iheavy bag plate 380 and the vertical support 360 can be a unitary structure.

Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, one embodiment of the present invention provides an adjustable frame 400 disposed from a swivel structure 430 by suspension members 445 such that frame 400 is disposed around a heavy bag 440. As previously described, the heavy bag 440 is suspended by a chain or other suspension mechanism from an upper support and has certain degrees of freedom. Frame 400 rotates freely around heavy bag 440 and rotation and movement of frame 400 may be independent, influenced by the movement of the bag, moveable by external means, of some combination thereof.

[0061] Frame 400 may be comprised of a plurality of curved and straight horizontal bracing members 415, 410 disposed on vertical support members 414 such that frame 400 is partially semicircular in shape and having a section that is somewhat planar. The rounded or arced frame members 415 are connected to vertical support members 414 via corner connectors 425 and T-connectors 420. Various permanent or adjustable horizontal sections 450 can be connected to vertical frame members 414 via connectors 465 helping to define the openir.gs for punching the bag 440. [0062] Figures 5a - 5b illustrate one embodiment of a swivel coupling mechanism 500 that supports the boxing frame and provides for the rotational movement of the frame. There are many variations of the swivel coupling and the following is one example, wherein the swivel device 500 has an inner section 510 coupled to an outer section 520 such that the outer section 520 can rotate while the inner section 510 remains stationary and is coupled to the chain that supports the heavy bag.

[0063] In one embodiment, the inner section 510 consists of two mating pieces 515 that that form the rounded collar of the inner section 510 that rides within a track or raceway 550 of the outer section 520. Likewise, the outer section 520 consists of two mating sections 525 that form the raceway 550 and rotates about the inner section 510. There are a number of holes 580 that provide an attachment location for the suspension members that couple from the swivel 500 to the frame (not shown).

[0064] In more detail, the swivel device 500 in this embodiment has two elements, a chain attachment section 510 and an outer flange section 520. The inner section 510 facilitates the attachment around the chain such as shown in Figure 5c, Figure 5d, and Figure 5e, such that the swivel 500 does not carry the weight of the heavy bag but is otherwise coupled about the chain. As detailed elsewhere, the frame has suspension members that support the weight of the frame and are coupled to connection points 580 located on the outer section 520. The outer section 520 rotates independently of the inner section 510 in order to react to the dynamic motion of the frame. The- connection points 580 can be holes or other related attachment mechanisms as is known in the art.

[0065] Referring to the embodiment of Figure 5b, the outer section 520 is has two mating sections 525 that have pins 560 one a side edge that mate with receiving holes 565 when connected. The halves 525 include protrusions 545 that mate with a corresponding protrusion on the mating section. The combined protrusions are held together by clamping devices such as a rubber stopper 540 and/or a wire clamp holder.

[0066] The inner section 510 has two sections 515 that together provide the rounded flange 512. The two mating sections 515 have a tab section 570 that mate with a corresponding receiving hole 575 on the other half. There is a hole, possibly threaded, that is used to mate the two sections 515 after it is coupled to the chain. The opening 578 allows for the chain link reside.

[0067] Figure 5c illustrates the chain link 590 coupled with the inner section 515. The mating inner section 515 engages the chain 590 with a screw (not shown) that engages the hole 576. Figure 5d shows the inner section 515 coupled to a quick link chain connector 592. A swivel chain connector 594 is shown in Figure 5e that engages the inner section 515.

[0068] Referring to Figure 6a, the frame members and horizontal and vertical section can be coupled via a T-connector 600. T-connector 600 has a top half 605 and a bottom half 610. In this embodiment there is a living

hinge 615 that couples the connector together on one end, and there can be pins or clasps to hold the connector closed. There may be notches or cutouts 620 that are used in conjunction with O ring sections to provide a friction fit.

[0069] Another embodiment is shown in Figure ^' 6b, wherein one connector section 640 is shown having a plurality of holes 655 on one hinge end 650 of a first connector wherein a mating hinge piece (not shown) would couple the two pieces and the holes 655 would receive mating pins (not shown) from the other connector piece. In this depicted embodiment, there are notches 660 to facilitate some outer wrapping or securing strap to hold the connector closed. In one embodiment the securing strap is made of VELCRO® and has a loop at one end, wherein the securing strap is placed in the indented area 660 and fastened around two halves of the connector to assist in holding the two halves together.

[0070] The connector can also have internal grooves 665 for the placement of O-ring halves. Referring to Figure 6c, O-ring half 675 serves to provide friction for the connector 600, 640 and the frame members and other sections.

[0071] Referring to Figures 7a, corner connector 700 has a rounded corner connector 710 and extensions or prongs 720 which insert into the ends of vertical frame members and horizontal frame members to form the boxing frame. Corner connector 700 can be made from materials such as PVC plastic. In one embodiment, corner connector 700 is white, however it made be manufactured in a variety of colors.

[0072] Referring to Figure 7b, the upper frame connector 730 has a top half (not shown) and a mating bottom half 735. When the upper half (not shown) and the lower half 735 are engaged, they form the extensions or prongs 745 that couple to the frame. The upper connector 730 can form holes 740 for the engagement of a screw eye clip (not shown) that would serve as the attachment mechanism for the suspension members assisting coupling the frame to the swivel (not shown). .

[0073] Referring to Figure 7c, a line tensioner 750 can be used for adjusting the tension of each of the suspension members. Line tensioner 750 has three openings 755 for threading of the suspension members and allowing an easy means for tightening the suspension members at the proper length so that the frame is balanced about the bag.

[0074] In such an embodiment, elastic or inelastic elements may be used to connect the bag or its suspension to the suspension members, thereby translating motion of the bag to the frame. For example, having elastic suspension members adds to the dynamic motion of the frame when impacted by the bag. In other examples, elastic members can be added to the suspension members and thereby alter the movement of the frame. In some embodiments, a carabineer can be provided whereby the chain is connected to the bag suspension system.

[0075] The suspension members may be coupled to the frame by insertion into or through a hole, ring or loop on the upper horizontal members of the frame. Alternatively a pin, clip, hook, or screw may fasten the suspension member to the frame. The suspension members can also simply be tied around the frame or be wrapped around the frame and secured to the suspension member itself. In one embodiment, suspension members are made of black cotton cord.

[0076] Referring to Figure 8, a method of boxing training is shown. The first step is to place the frame about the heavy bag 805. As detailed herein, the frame can be mounted about a hanging heavy bag or a standing unit. The boxer begins by punching the heavy bag through one of the open sections of the frame 810. The frame can initially be static or commence with some initial motion. Such initial motion can be from a motorized or mechanical assembly that introduces motion or it can simply be introduced by pushing or spinning the frame. The movement of the heavy bag and/or the frame introduces a new dynamic to the boxer who has to reposition and try to punch in the changing open sections 815. As the frame and bag contact each other the frame reacts to the contact which introduces further

dynamic movement that challenges the boxer. The various other features described herein that can be used to provide a constantly changing boxing environment and continue to make the boxing training exciting. Such a system teaches offense by forcing the boxer to only punch in the open sections and it also teaches defense by having the boxer constantly reposition and avoid the frame.

[0077] As described, the frame can be in a number of different shapes and sizes depending upon the intended application and the user. For example, the frame can be a circle, square, polygonic (e.g. : pentagon, hexagon, octagon, decagon, and dodecagon), triangular, oval/oblong. In addition, the sides do not have to be symmetrical and one side can be wider or longer.

[0078] In addition, the present invention can accommodate various attachments such as extensions or protrusions that can be attached to the frame and further enhance the boxing experience.

[0079] According to one embodiment the swivel mechanism is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic or nylon. The connectors and frame members can be polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The O-ring haves may be made of ethylene propylene (EPDM).

[0080] By using pre-cut PVC pipes with connectors, the entire frame can be shipped in a kit form and easily assembled. The color of the frame sections and couplings can be any color and the frame sections are not limited to round PVC pipes.

[0081] The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.