Device for increasing striking power in martial arts strikes

Abstract

This invention discloses means to increase striking power by applying the principal of progressive selectable resistance to a boxing and martial arts strike training device that allows users to select and pre-determine resistance as appropriate for striking with various body weapons such as arms, hands and feet. More particularly, this invention discloses means having a pivotal mast element, having a striking pad affixed thereto, a fixed tension anchoring assembly, and means to incrementally increase or decrease resistance by use of either compression or expansion resistance means such as springs, bands and the like. Selective positioning of said springs, bands and the like, along the plane defined by said pivotal mast and tension anchoring assembly, enables the user to pre-select resistance at the striking surface. This new and novel adjustable strike training device has a quick rebound into the start position for combination training and enables each user to customize force needed to duplicate the feel of striking opponents of various sizes and weight classes.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority benefit of Provisional Patent Application 60 / 745,365 filed Apr. 21, 2006BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]In the field of martial arts, many devices have been employed to allow the individual adherent to practice and perfect the execution and delivery of combative strikes. Equipment, familiar to most practitioners of the art, are the suspended heavy bags, of leather, canvas or the like, configured in form, much like a dufflebag stuffed with sawdust, sand, rags, foam or other packing material.[0003]These heavy bags come in various dimensions of length and girth, and in weights, most frequently between 50 and 100 pounds. Not withstanding their long use, they and other strike training equipment possess limitations that will be both addressed and remedied by this disclosure. Most important to note are that these striking bags and other strike training tools are not capable of providing a variable, and selective...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]What has long been needed is a strike training tool for the martial arts, boxing and the like that is infinitely adjustable as to the resistance at the point of impact, intuitive to use and suitable for either focus or combination strike training. Likewise, said strike training tool should have the ability to provide challenging training sessions to all skill levels of users and be suitable for perfecting the execution and form of numerous power and follow-up strikes. Said means should be simple, intuitive, durable, easy and economical to manufacture, transport and assemble.

[0016]The features of this invention and the preferred embodiments that illustrate both expansion and compression means to provide variable resistance at the striking pad surface, will become clearer by reference to the following drawings and descriptions. Unless otherwise noted, for the sake of clarity and for conceptual purposes, with the exception of the striking pad, bumper, springs and spring position fixtures, all parts should be considered fabricated of steel tubing or the like. While steel tubing is preferred over other materials, for simplicity, strength, economy and ease of manufacture, obviously other materials can be used.

Problems solved by technology

Not withstanding their long use, they and other strike training equipment possess limitations that will be both addressed and remedied by this disclosure.

Most important to note are that these striking bags and other strike training tools are not capable of providing a variable, and selectively pre-determined resistance at point of impact.

Modern versions of the makiwara are actually less effective and most are poorly constructed.

The modern versions now being used indoors are mostly non-production home made equipment of poor or inconsistent quality, ineffective in design and “seat of the pants” engineered.

Traditional training with a multiplicity of makiwara, although effective, has not adequately bridged the gap for use in modern boxing and martial arts gyms.

However, the striking pad is braced and negates a flexibility and particularly, the possibility of adjusting tension to match technique or user.

Tumminia basically defines a platform for mounting various attachments and does not address adjusting for variable tension / resistance in a strike training tool.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,842 by Chu, discloses means to provide for some tension and rebound in a striking tool, however, fails to provide for progressive resistance training and is overly complex.

Additionally, the multi axis design is contrary to the objective of this disclosure and likewise does not adjust and return into battery with a rebound delimiter, and therefore, does not result in quick return to the “start / at ready” position.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,093,212 by Jacques does provide for a modicum of progressive adjustment, but uses a weak single expansion spring that can be hand stretched to engage at different affixing hole locations, lacks an infinity of adjustment and is designed for only uppercut training.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,533 by Dong offers a makiwara like appearance but comprises a piston to effect resistance, however, hydraulic and or pneumatic adjusting means does not offer the duplication of the desired spring like feel, quick adjustment or rapid return into the “at ready / start” position.

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