Boxing training apparatus

Abstract

A training apparatus for a user comprising a simulated body element adapted to receive impact forces from a user, the body element having a head region, a mid-torso rib region and a lower-torso kidney region, each of the regions having a right section and a left section, each of the sections comprising at least one impact sensor adapted to sense an impact force to the section and to provide an impact signal as a function of the impact force, a processor communicating with the sensors, an input device adapted to obtain input from the user and to provide an input signal, the input device communicating with the processor, and the processor adapted to receive the impact signal and the input signal and to provide an output that is a function of the impact signal and the input signal.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 778,751, filed Mar. 3, 2006. The entire content of such application is incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to a training apparatus and, more particularly, to a training device for a boxer or martial artist. BACKGROUND ART [0003] Training devices for boxers and martial artists are known in the prior art. In general, such training devices record some performance parameters or challenge users with a programmed fight sequence and are commonly large, cumbersome, stationary units that are not easily portable. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,088,315, U.S. Pat. No. 4,401,303 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,079 teach devices taking the form of a human body. These devices, however, fail to measure the force and frequency of strikes, and are difficult to move from one location to another. U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,833 teaches an appar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] Another object is to provide a training apparatus that can stabilize a user and allow him to concentrate on particular limbs or muscle groups.

[0014] Another object is to provide a training apparatus that allows the user to customize a training program to include a particular series or combination of punches and / or kicks.

[0016] Another object is to provide a training apparatus that will identify the time at which the user begins to fatigue or weaken.

[0022] Another object is to provide a training apparatus that allows the user to customize the reports and graphical analysis of the results.

Problems solved by technology

In general, such training devices record some performance parameters or challenge users with a programmed fight sequence and are commonly large, cumbersome, stationary units that are not easily portable.

These devices, however, fail to measure the force and frequency of strikes, and are difficult to move from one location to another.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,833 teaches an apparatus with a pictorial representation of a human opponent, but also fails to measure the force and frequency of strikes.

These zones, however, do not correspond to areas of a human opponent, do not have separate right and left sections, and do not provide feedback regarding the force of strikes.

Some prior art references appear to measure force and frequency, but they limit the user's movements, and thereby do not simulate combat performance.

For example, U.S. Pat. Application Publication No. 2003 / 0181290 restricts the user's motion by allowing only straight-line punches, and does not give the user freedom to move as he might or should in combat.

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