Punching Bag Force Measurement System

Abstract

A device system designed to quantitatively measure the impact forces experienced by a conventional punching bag when hit by the fist or foot of an individual during a workout. The device is configured to wrap around the punching bag, such that the device bears the impact of each hit. Accelerometers and a sophisticated impact detection system are employed in order to detect the intensity or force of each hit. Additionally, a small on-board computer compares the force of current hits to those of past hits, and determines the level of improvement or regression over time. The on-board computer displays impact and other data on a digital display viewable to the individual performing the workout.

Description

CONTINUITY[0001]This application is a non-provisional application of provisional patent application No. 61,708,660 filed on Oct. 2, 2012, and priority is claimed thereto.FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to fitness equipment, and more specifically, fitness equipment employed to practice martial arts, boxing, and other physical impact sports through the use of a form of punching bag. The present invention aims to detect improvement of the user's muscles in terms of physical force applied to the punching bag over time.BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION[0003]While there are many workout methods, mannerisms, and routines, each is generally tailored to exercise specific muscles or groups of muscles of the body. Weight lifting such as barbells and bench presses tone the upper body, and quantitative changes of an individual's muscle strength can be determined over time by the difference in the amount of weight the individual can lift or press under similar ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a force measurement and timing system that is placed within a wrap that can be attached to a punching bag. The system has multiple impact zones that capture data on each impact provided by a user during a workout. The data is collected through embedded accelerometers in each impact zone and is used to compare current data with previous data. This allows the user to see if they are making progress in their workout. The system is powered by a battery and data is conveyed to a digital display through wires. Overall, the invention provides an effective and convenient tool for measuring and timing punching bag workouts.

Problems solved by technology

However, many other forms of exercise are not equipped with such direct methods of feedback capable of indicating to the individual the extent of his or her progress over time.

One exercise method commonly employed that is not easily quantitated is exercises employing a conventional punching bag.

Counters exist to measure the number of times that small, elevated, punching-dongles are struck, yet none of them properly measure the force of impact at the impact site.

Unfortunately, there is no effective means of measuring the force of impact on multiple impact sites within a conventional punching bag frame.

Similarly, when punching or kicking a heavy bag, there really is no effective way to know what progress the user has made between workouts.

However, unlike the present invention, Sullivan et al. is not configured to be adaptable to any conventional punching bag frame.

Additionally, Reinbold et al. is not designed to progressively track the progress of a user over time.

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