Cross reference

This patent application is a continuation in part patent application of earlier patent application No. 2103468.1 entitled “Impact training apparatus” filed on March 12, 2021.

BACKGROUND

Field of Invention

[001] The present invention generally relates to training apparatus, and more particularly, to a noise and impact-absorbing impact training apparatus for athletics and fitness.

Description of Related Art

[002] Punching bags and big stuffed dummies have been used by boxers for many years as targets to hone their techniques. A classic, traditional punching bag is made of a cover that contains an inflated rubber bladder and is often pear-shaped. A standard punching bag has a length of about one foot and is hung from an omnidirectional swivel above. The benefit of a punching bag is that it enhances hand-eye coordination for repeated punches at the same target area. The convention training apparatus however, teach a boxer how to develop better hand-eye coordination for quick vertical movements in the target region.

[003] Athletes who train for fitness are less likely to use the known devices than competitors and professional boxers. In a typical fitness center, the equipment is rather difficult to install and use. They are therefore not very well-liked.

[004] Due to the mix of enjoyment and cardiovascular workout, many people like impact training sports like boxing and martial arts. Athletes frequently want to train for these sports on their own; for this purpose, the athletes may employ impact equipment like punching bags. Conventional impact training devices do not allow users to evaluate their form and subsequently improve their technique, despite the fact that these apparatuses allow users to exercise without a partner.

[005] Therefore, there is a need for an impact training apparatus for athletics and training.

SUMMARY

[006] In accordance with at least one feature of the current invention, a noise and impact-absorbing impact training apparatus for athletics and fitness is described.

[007] A user may see a reflection of themselves when they practice using the impact training gear because of a reflective surface. This is not necessary for the user reflection to be flawless. As a result, the reflective surface may adopt any of the several configurations listed below and yet provide a sufficiently clear reflection.

[008] According to an embodiment of the present invention provide an impact training apparatus for athletics or fitness. The apparatus comprising an outer casing comprising at least two compartments. The at least two compartments further comprises a first compartment having a cushion body located between an outer layer of the first compartment and an inner layer of the first compartment. The at least two compartments further comprises a second compartment including at least one reflective surface, the at least one reflective surface is installed in a cavity created by a recess of a surrounding surface of the second compartment. The second compartment comprises a mounting material on which the reflective surface is mounted. The second compartment further comprises a resilient component placed over the reflective surface to absorb impact and reduce noise. The apparatus also comprises a plurality of adjustable attachment structure removably attached to the outer casing for fastening the apparatus to a support or any existing structure.

[009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus may be situated in use in a training environment. For example, the apparatus may be hung from a ceiling or similar, in which also may be attached to the floor using a securement mechanism. Such securement mechanism may comprise a lanyard attachment point, and a steel chain or similar. Preferably, the apparatus may comprise a substantially humanoid form. In other embodiments the apparatus may comprise a substantially cylindrical form.

[0010] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide the resilient component comprises an EPDM foam, an EPDM rubber, or any component that recovers shape and size after deformation caused especially by compressive stress.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention the reflective surface is visible through a pattern on the resilient component.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least two surfaces of a plurality of reflective surfaces are arranged at an angle to each other.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention the plurality of adjustable attachment structure comprises a locking component, a plastic part with a non-slip design, an adjusting component, and so forth.

[0014] The apparatus should include a free-standing component. The apparatus should ideally consist of a base and a supported device that is designed to take impacts. The retroreflective surface is ideally part of the base or even the apparatus. For instance, in some variations, the base may have at least one retroreflective surface, which during apparatus training may be inclined to face the user. The user might be able to keep an eye on their movements from below in this way.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus may be able to move with the help of such a base in order to better accommodate or respond to training impacts. The base, for instance, may have elasticity or flexibility in some embodiments to allow the apparatus to rock when subjected to impacts.

[0016] The apparatus may comprise a plurality of faces. Optionally, each face comprises a retroreflective surface. A plurality of faces may enable a circular section apparatus to present a linear sided three dimensional body. In this way the surfaces may advantageously comprise substantially flat surfaces so as to provide a true reflection for more effective training purposes. [0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the retroreflective surface may comprise a mirrored surface. The retroreflective surface comprises an impact resistant surface. Optionally, the surface comprises multiple layers. Optionally, the apparatus comprises be a replaceable outer layer that may comprise a transparent or translucent layer providing a surface arranged to allow for easy cleaning and providing a robust outer layer. Preferably, the retroreflective layer is be situated behind the outer layer, which retroreflective layer may be envisaged to comprise a more easily damaged layer, and the outer layer may thereby limit or prevent discoloration or scratching the layer may also be replaced. Preferably, the apparatus comprises more than one device or unit.

[0018] Any feature described as being carried out by an apparatus, an application, and a device may be carried out by any of an apparatus, an application, or a device. Where multiple apparatuses are described, each apparatus may be located on a single device.

[0019] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.

[0020] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein: [0022] FIG. 1 A illustrates a back view of an impact training apparatus, according to embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein;

[0023] FIG. IB illustrates a perspective view of a second compartment of the impact training apparatus, according to embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein;

[0024] FIG. 1C illustrates a perspective view of a resilient component of the impact training apparatus, according to embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein;

[0025] FIG. ID illustrates a perspective view of the of the impact training apparatus, according to embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein; and

[0026] FIG. IE illustrates a sectional view of the resilient component of the impact training apparatus, according to embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein;

[0027] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments, but the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0029] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms “comprising,” “comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with “including,” “having” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases “consisting essentially of,” consists essentially of,” and the like or the respective closed phrases “consisting of,” “consists of, the like.

[0030] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0031] FIG. 1A illustrates a back view of an impact training apparatus 100, according to embodiments of the present invention. The apparatus 100 comprises an outer casing 102 and a plurality of adjustable attachment structure 104. Further the adjustable attachment structure 104 may be attached to the back side of the outer casing 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable attachment structure 104 may comprise a locking component 106, a plastic part with a non-slip design 108, an adjusting component 110, and so forth.

[0032] The impact training apparatus 100 may be mounted (for example, to a wall and/or a ceiling) using the adjustable attachment structure 104. The impact training apparatus 100 of this embodiment has a number of attachment structures 104, each of which is capable of receiving a chain. These chains allow the apparatus 100 to be suspended from a ceiling and move about a mounting point. When using a punching bag as an apparatus 100, this is especially helpful. The apparatus 100 may be mounted using hooks that may be inserted through the rings of the adjustable attachment structures 104, as well as through the loops of a chain, for example, or a ring or a mounting for a ring.

[0033] According to embodiments of the present invention, the outer casing 102 comprises a leather outer casing. The outer casing, in particular, may be made of one or more of the following materials: natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), isoprene rubber (IR), nitrile-butadiene (NBR), fluorocarbon rubber (FKM, FPM), polyurethane rubber (AU), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR), chloroprene rubber (CR), EPDM, silicone Q, and latex.

[0034] The outer casing 102 may also be made of one or more of the following materials: canvas, latex, neoprene, silicone, vinyl, polyvinyl, PVC, UPVC, vinyl, polyvinyl, and synthetic leather. The outer casing 102 may enclose the cushion body. In an exemplary embodiment, if the cushion body is made of foam, the outside casing 102 may hold the foam within and support the cushion body.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the locking component 106 may comprise a buckle side quick release clasp for webbing each of the adjustable attachment structure.

[0036] FIG. IB illustrates a perspective view of a second compartment 114 of the impact training apparatus 100, according to embodiments of the present invention. The outer casing 104 further comprising at least two compartments 112, 116, and the at least two compartments further comprises a first compartment 112 and a second compartment 114. The first compartment 112 may comprise a cushion body located between an outer layer of the first compartment and an inner layer of the first compartment.

[0037] The cushion body may comprise one or more of foam, sand, wood chippings, a high-density foam, Charcoal foam, closed cell foam, dry fast foam, high resilience foam, Latex foam, memory foam, Polyurethane foam, rebound foam, Lux foam, standard punchbag micro filler, and/or Polyester, and/or molded rubber. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first compartment 112 is inflatable and/or collapsible.

[0038] The second compartment 114 may include at least one reflective surface 116. The reflective surfaces 116 may, for example, be affixed to the body of the second compartment 114 using an adhesive or screws. The at least one reflective surface 116 may be installed in a cavity 118 created by a recess of a surrounding surface 120 of the second compartment 114. Additionally, the second compartment 114 may comprise a mounting material on which the reflective surface 116 (as shown in FIG. ID) is mounted.

[0039] FIG. 1C illustrates a perspective view of a resilient component 122 of the impact training apparatus 100, according to embodiments of the present invention. The second compartment 114 may comprise a resilient component 122 placed over the reflective surface 116 to absorb impact and reduce noise.

[0040] The resilient component 122 may comprise an EPDM foam, an EPDM rubber, or any component that recovers shape and size after deformation caused especially by compressive stress. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the resilient component’s 122 shape is similar to the shape of the reflective surface.

[0041] Further, the reflective surface 116 (as seen in FIG. ID) is visible through a pattern on the resilient component 122.

[0042] FIG. ID illustrates a perspective view of the of the impact training apparatus 100, according to embodiments of the present invention. The apparatus 100 comprises the outer casing 102 comprising the first compartment 112 and the second compartment 114. The cushion body could be included in the first compartment's 112 inner layer, which is sandwiched here between outer and inner layers. The cushion body further comprises a valve for the injection of a fluid in the cushion body. The valve may enable a user to quickly inflate and deflate the cushion body associated with the outer casing 102 that may be slight curved.

[0043] The cushion body may comprise resiliently deformable material, for example a closed cellular structure foam, padding or elastomeric material may have a Shore hardness of between 20 and 50. Further, the cushion body comprises a fillable volume, for example surrounded by a defining outer, which outer may be sealable or comprise an entrance that may be tightened and/or sealed. [0044] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cushion body may comprise a bag for filling with material before use such as foam, saw dust or other any standard punch bag filler. Preferably, the apparatus 100 may comprise a substantially rigid core, which core may limit deformation of the apparatus’ structure. The apparatus 100 may comprise a monolithic unit or unitary device. The core may be made of plastic, metal, or any combination thereof.

[0045] According to embodiments of the present invention, the reflective surface 116 may be a planar reflective surface. The planar reflective surface provides an accurate reflection of the user on the apparatus 100. The user may view themselves from a plurality of angles. In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may comprise a plurality of reflective surface and at least two surfaces of a plurality of reflective surfaces are arranged at an angle to each other.

[0046] Each of the reflective surface 116 may comprise a reflective coating. According to embodiments of the present invention, the reflective surface 116 may comprise one or more of, a retroreflective surface, a mirrored surface, a chrome mirror, a silver-coated layer, a copper-coated layer, a vacuum metalized coat, an alloy-coated layer, a plastic-electroplated-coated layer, a chemical-fusion-coated layer, an aluminum metalized coat, a metal-fusion-coated layer disposed on the soft transparent material as a metal fusion mirror layer, and so forth.

[0047] The reflecting surface 116 is made up of a vinyl layer and/or a chrome mirror. Additionally, the reflecting surfaces 116 might include a coating that is affixed to a mounting made of another material, such as a silver or copper coating. By using a malleable and/or resilient material as the substrate for the coating, a mirrored coating enables the provision of a deformable and/or robust reflective surface. An additional transparent protective layer, such as a plastic layer, may be present on the reflecting surface. In order to shield the reflective surface 116 from harm, such a protective layer is often placed on the outside of the reflecting surface.

[0048] In one of the embodiment of the present invention, the user may be able to insert a desired reflective surface (and e.g. a protective cover) into the cushion body before use.

[0049] Further, the apparatus 100 may comprise a mounting material on which the reflective surface 116 may be mounted and the mounting material includes a stiff and/or rigid mounting material. Preferably, the impact training apparatus 100 may comprise a transparent and/or translucent protective cover arranged to protect the reflective surface 116. Preferably, the protective cover may be soft and/or deformable and/or the protective cover is formed of plastic.

[0050] The mounting material and/or the protective layer may comprise one or more of plastic a transparent plastic member, a non-tom paper, a cloth, and a soft plastic, such as acrylic polycarbonate (PC), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyimide (PM), polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic, high density polyethylene (HDPE), and/or polyphenylene oxide (PPO).

[0051] Furthermore, the apparatus 100 may comprise an attachment structure including one or more holes adapted to receive one or more of nails, screws, and hooks. The apparatus 100 further comprises a stand, a rigid core, a stand, a rigid core, a prism, a cross section, and so forth. In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may comprises a support arranged between the outer casing 102 and the reflective surface 116.

[0052] At least two surfaces of the plurality of reflective surfaces 116 have a different size. Preferably, the impact training apparatus 100 comprises an angular cross section. The impact training apparatus 100 may comprise a prism and a cross section with a plurality of sides. Preferably, the impact training apparatus comprises a cross section with greater than or 30 equal to 3 sides, greater than or equal to 4 sides, greater than or equal to six sides, and/or greater than or equal to ten sides, a plurality of, or all of, the sides of the impact training apparatus comprise a reflective surface. This enables the use of planar reflective surfaces that provide true reflections, while also providing reflections from a plurality of sides of the training apparatus 100. [0053] In an embodiment of the present invention, the impact training apparatus 100 comprises rounded edges. The reflective surface 116 is embedded in the body and/or is recessed from the perimeter of the cushion body. This reduces the likelihood of the reflective surface 116 being damaged during use.

[0054] The impact training apparatus 100 may comprise one or more of a wall- mounted apparatus, a suspended apparatus, a free-standing apparatus, a punching bag, a heavy bag, a double-end bag, and a speed-bag.

[0055] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is described an impact training apparatus 100 may comprise at least one face with a retroreflective surface arranged to receive an impact.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may comprise four planar reflective surfaces, which may be secured on different sides of the apparatus 100 using end caps. The reflective surfaces 116 may then be placed on sides of the apparatus 100 (e.g. a four-sided punching bag) where the end caps extend over any curved surfaces to link these planar reflective surfaces. The reflective surfaces may be placed on only a subset of the training apparatus 100 (e.g. on a single side) or may be placed so as to provide full coverage (e.g. the whole way around a cylindrical punching bag). In this regard, while the reflective surfaces are typically planar, in some embodiments the reflective surfaces may be flexible such that they can be curved so as to surround the apparatus 100. The use of planar reflective surfaces 116 enables the use of stiff (planar) materials to protect the reflective surfaces 116.

[0057] FIG. IE illustrates a sectional view of the resilient component 122 of the impact training apparatus 100, according to embodiments of the present invention. The resilient component 122 is made up of EPDM foam, EPDM rubber, or any other material that can regain the shape and size following deformation, particularly that brought on by compressive stress. The reflecting surface 116 has a similar form to the resilient component's 122 shape. The resilient component 122 of the current invention may have a rectangular shape in a preferred embodiment. The resilient element, which is positioned in the second compartment 114 over the reflective surface 116, has at least three edges 124 for simple reception and fixing in the cavity 118. For example, the cavity 118 may have a pocket sewn into the interior of the cavity 118 that is sized so as to be suitable for receiving the reflective surface 116.

[0058] The resilient component 122 and the reflective surface 116 may be arranged to accept a plurality of impacts through flexibility and/or resilience providing a training aid for practicing distribution, aim, angle and style of impacts. Further, user is enabled by the reflective surface 116 to monitor their own movements. The resilient component 122 may be arranged to receive or absorb impacts, for example resilient component 122 may be elastomeric or yielding and the surface flexible.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a breadth of the resilient component 122 may be 310mm. Further, a breadth of each edge of the resilient component 122 may be 40mm with a distance in between of 152.50mm.

[0060] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0061] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.