Impact training apparatus for exercise and fitness

Abstract

The invention relates to an impact training apparatus for exercise or fitness. There are at least two compartments in the housing of the instrument. In addition, the at least two compartments include a first compartment having a liner body sandwiched between an inner layer and an outer layer. The at least two compartments also include a second compartment having at least one reflective surface that fits within a cavity formed by a recess in a peripheral surface of the second compartment. The reflective surface is attached to a mounting material provided in the second compartment. To absorb impact and reduce noise, the second compartment further includes a resilient member positioned above the reflective surface. The instrument also includes a plurality of adjustable attachment structures that are removably attached to the housing for securing the instrument to a support or any existing structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is a national stage application of PCT application No. PCT / IB2022 / 059383 filed on October 1, 2022, which claims priority from UK patent application No. 2211925.9 titled "Impact Training Apparatus for Sporticsand Fitness" filed on August 15, 2022. This UK patent application is a partial continuation application of UK patent application No. 2103468.1 titled "Impact training apparatus" filed on March 12, 2021, and is now authorized. The entire contents of all these patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to training apparatuses, and more particularly, to a noise and impact absorbing impact training apparatus for sports and fitness. Background Art

[0003] For many years, boxers have used sandbags and large stuffed dummies as targets to hone their skills. The classic traditional sandbag is made of a cladding containing an inflated rubber inner bladder and is typically pear-shaped. The standard sandbag is about one foot long and is suspended from an overhead swivel ring. The advantage of the sandbag is that it enhances hand-eye coordination for repetitive punching in the same target area. However, conventional training apparatuses teach boxers how to develop better hand-eye coordination for quick vertical movements in the target area.

[0004] Compared to competitive opponents and professional boxers, athletes training for fitness are less likely to use known devices. In a typical fitness center, it is difficult to install and use such equipment. Therefore, such equipment is less popular.

[0005] Due to being both beneficial to the body and mind and conducive to cardiovascular exercise, impact training sports such as boxing and martial arts are favored by many people. Athletes often want to train themselves in such sports; for this purpose, athletes can use impact equipment such as sandbags. Although conventional impact training devices allow users to train alone without a partner, they do not allow users to evaluate their form and subsequently improve their skills.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an impact training apparatus for sports and training. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to at least one feature of the present invention, a noise and impact absorbing impact training apparatus for sports and fitness is described.

[0008] When a user exercises using the impact training apparatus, due to the reflective surface, the user can see their reflected image. The reflected image does not necessarily have to be highly detailed. Therefore, the reflective surface can adopt any one of several configurations listed below, as long as it provides a sufficiently clear reflected image.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an impact training apparatus for sports or fitness. The apparatus includes a housing, and the housing includes at least two compartments. The at least two compartments further include a first compartment having a cushion body between its outer layer and its inner layer. The at least two compartments further include a second compartment, and the second compartment includes at least one reflective surface mounted in a cavity formed by a recess in the peripheral surface of the second compartment. The second compartment includes a mounting material, and the reflective surface is mounted on the mounting material. The second compartment further includes a placement elastic member located above the reflective surface for absorbing impact and reducing noise. The apparatus further includes a plurality of adjustable attachment structures detachably attached to the housing for fastening the apparatus to a support or any existing structure.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus can be placed in a training environment during use. For example, the apparatus can be suspended from a ceiling or the like, and alternatively, a fixing mechanism can be used to attach it to the floor. Such a fixing mechanism can include a tether attachment point and a steel chain or the like. Preferably, the apparatus can include a substantially humanoid form. In other embodiments, the apparatus can include a substantially cylindrical form.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member includes EPDM foam, EPDM rubber, or any component that can restore its shape and size after deformation caused particularly by compressive stress.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reflective surface is visible through a pattern on the elastic member.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, at least two of the plurality of reflective surfaces are arranged at an angle to each other.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of adjustable attachment structures include locking members, plastic parts with a non-slip design, adjustment members, and the like.

[0015] The device should include freestanding components. Ideally, the device should consist of a base and a support device designed to withstand impacts. Ideally, the retroreflective surface is part of the base or even the device. For example, in some variants, the base may have at least one retroreflective surface that can be tilted to face the user during device training. In this way, the user can observe their movement from below.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, to better adapt to or respond to training impacts, the device can move with the help of such a base. For example, in some embodiments, the base can be elastic or flexible to allow the device to sway when impacted.

[0017] The device can include multiple faces. Optionally, each face includes a retroreflective surface. The multiple faces can enable a circular cross-section device to present a three-dimensional body with linear sides. In this way, the surface can advantageously include substantially flat surfaces to provide true reflection, thus achieving more effective training purposes.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the retroreflective surface can include a mirror surface. The retroreflective surface includes an impact-resistant surface. Optionally, the surface includes multiple layers. Optionally, the device includes a replaceable outer layer, which can include a transparent or translucent layer that provides a surface arranged to allow easy cleaning and provides a sturdy outer layer. Preferably, the retroreflective layer is located behind the outer layer. It can be envisaged that the retroreflective layer includes a more vulnerable layer, and the outer layer can thus limit or prevent discoloration or scratching and can be replaced. Preferably, the device includes more than one device or unit.

[0019] Any feature described as being performed by the device, application, and device can be performed by any one of the device, application, or device. In the case of describing multiple devices, each device can be located on a single device.

[0020] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application according to the embodiments described herein.

[0021] The foregoing briefly outlines an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. The present invention content is neither a broad overview of the present invention and its various embodiments nor an exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The present invention content 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 understood, other embodiments of the present invention can utilize one or more of the features set forth above or detailed below, either alone or in combination.

[0022] Contents of the Drawings The above and further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by considering the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, particularly when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A shows a rear view of an impact training apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein; Figure 1B shows a perspective view of a second compartment of an impact training apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein; Figure 1C shows a perspective view of an elastic member of an impact training apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein; Figure 1D shows a perspective view of an impact training apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein; and Figure 1E shows a cross-sectional view of an elastic member of an impact training apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein; The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the specification or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense ( Namely , meaning possible), rather than in a mandatory sense ( Namely , meaning must). Similarly, the words "comprising", "including", and "containing" mean including but not limited to. For ease of understanding, wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements common to the drawings. Optional portions of the drawings may be shown using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context in which they are used indicates otherwise. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following description includes a preferred best mode of an embodiment of the present invention. It will be apparent from the following description of the present invention that the present invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments, but also includes various modifications and embodiments thereof. Accordingly, this specification should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. While the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the present invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the present invention will cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0024] In any of the embodiments described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "including", etc. (which are synonymous with "containing", "having", and "characterized by") may be replaced by the corresponding partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", etc. or the corresponding closed phrases "consisting of", etc.

[0025] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0026] Figure 1A A rear view of an impact training apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The apparatus 100 includes a housing 102 and a plurality of adjustable attachment structures 104. Further, the adjustable attachment structures 104 may be attached to the rear side of the housing 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable attachment structures 104 may include locking members 106, plastic parts 108 having a non-slip design, adjustment members 110, and the like.

[0027] The impact training apparatus 100 may be installed using the adjustable attachment structures 104 (e.g., mounted to a wall and / or ceiling). The impact training apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of attachment structures 104, each of which is capable of receiving a chain. These chains allow the apparatus 100 to be suspended from the ceiling and move around the mounting point. This is particularly useful when using a sandbag as the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 may be installed using a hook that may be inserted through a loop of the adjustable attachment structure 104 and through, for example, a link of a chain, or a loop or a mounting member for a loop.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing 102 includes a leather housing. Specifically, the housing may be made of one or more of the following materials: natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), isoprene rubber (IR), nitrile rubber (NBR), fluorocarbon rubber (FKM, FPM), polyurethane rubber (AU), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR), chloroprene rubber (CR), EPDM, silicone rubber, and latex.

[0029] The housing 102 may also be made of one or more of the following materials: canvas, latex, chloroprene rubber, silicone, vinyl, polyvinyl, PVC, UPVC, vinyl, polyvinyl, and synthetic leather. The housing 102 may surround a pad body. In an exemplary embodiment, if the pad body is made of foam, the housing 102 may hold the foam within the pad body and support the pad body.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the locking member 106 may include a buckle-side quick-release buckle for webbing each of the adjustable attachment structures in the adjustable attachment structure.

[0031] Figure 1BA perspective view of a second compartment 114 of an impact training apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The housing 104 further includes at least two compartments 112, 116, and the at least two compartments further include a first compartment 112 and a second compartment 114. The first compartment 112 may include a padding body located between its outer layer and its inner layer.

[0032] The padding body may include one or more of the following: foam, sand, wood chips, high-density foam, charcoal foam, closed-cell foam, quick-drying foam, high resilience foam, latex foam, memory foam, polyurethane foam, rebound foam, Lux foam, standard sandbag micro-fill, and / or polyester and / or molded rubber. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first compartment 112 is inflatable and / or foldable.

[0033] The second compartment 114 may include at least one reflective surface 116. The reflective surface 116 may be fixed to the body of the second compartment 114, for example, using an adhesive or screws. The at least one reflective surface 116 may be mounted in a cavity 118 formed by a recess in the peripheral surface 120 of the second compartment 114. Additionally, the second compartment 114 may include a mounting material on which the reflective surface 116 (as Figure 1D shown) is mounted.

[0034] Figure 1C A perspective view of an elastic member 122 of an impact training apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The second compartment 114 may include a placement of the elastic member 122, which is located above the reflective surface 116 and is used to absorb impacts and reduce noise.

[0035] The elastic member 122 may include EPDM foam, EPDM rubber, or any member that can restore its shape and size after deformation, particularly caused by compressive stress. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the elastic member 122 is similar to the shape of the reflective surface.

[0036] Further, the reflective surface 116 (as Figure 1D shown) is visible through the pattern on the elastic member 122.

[0037] Figure 1D A perspective view of an impact training apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The apparatus 100 includes a housing 102, which includes a first compartment 112 and a second compartment 114. The padding body may be included in the inner layer of the first compartment 112 and is sandwiched between the outer layer and the inner layer here. The padding body further includes a valve for injecting fluid into the padding body. The valve may enable a user to quickly inflate and deflate the padding body, which is associated with the housing 102 that may be slightly curved.

[0038] The gasket body may include an elastically deformable material, such as a closed-cell porous structure foam, gasket, or elastomeric material that may have a Shore hardness between 20 and 50. Further, the gasket body includes a fillable volume, such as defined by an outer enclosure that may be sealable or include an inlet that may be fastened and / or sealed.

[0039] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the gasket body may include a bag for filling with materials such as foam, sawdust, or any other standard sandbag filler before use. Preferably, the instrument 100 may include a substantially rigid core that may limit deformation of the instrument structure. The instrument 100 may include an integral unit or a one-piece device. The core may be made of plastic, metal, or any combination thereof.

[0040] According to an embodiment 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 instrument 100. The user can observe themselves from multiple angles. In one embodiment of the present invention, the instrument 100 may include multiple reflective surfaces, and at least two of the multiple reflective surfaces are arranged at an angle to each other.

[0041] Each of the reflective surfaces 116 may include a reflective coating. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reflective surface 116 may include one or more of the following: a retroreflective surface, a mirror surface, a chrome mirror, a silver coating, a copper coating, a vacuum metallization coating, an alloy coating, a plastic electroplating coating, a chemical fusion coating, an aluminum metallization coating, a metal fusion coating provided as a metal fusion mirror layer on a soft transparent material, etc.

[0042] The reflective surface 116 is composed of an ethylene resin layer and / or a chrome mirror. Additionally, the reflective surface 116 may include a coating fixed to a mount made of another material, such as a silver or copper coating. By using a malleable and / or elastic material as the substrate of the coating, the mirror coating can provide a deformable and / or robust reflective surface. An additional transparent protective layer, such as a plastic layer, may also be provided on the reflective surface. Such protective layers are typically provided on the outer side of the reflective surface to protect the reflective surface 116 from damage.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the user can insert the desired reflective surface (and, for example, a protective cover) into the gasket body before use.

[0044] Further, the apparatus 100 may include a mounting material on which a reflective surface 116 may be mounted, and the mounting material includes a hard and / or rigid mounting material. Preferably, the impact training apparatus 100 may include a transparent and / or translucent protective cover for protecting the reflective surface 116. Preferably, the protective cover may be soft and / or deformable, and / or the protective cover is formed of plastic.

[0045] The mounting material and / or the protective layer may include one or more of the following: plastic, a transparent plastic member, non-tear paper, cloth, and soft plastic, such as acrylic polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyimide (PM), polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic, high density polyethylene (HDPE), and / or polyphenylene oxide (PPO).

[0046] In addition, the apparatus 100 may include an attachment structure that includes one or more holes adapted to receive one or more of nails, screws, and hooks. The apparatus 100 further includes a bracket, a rigid core, a bracket, a rigid core, a prism, a cross-section, etc. In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may include a support member disposed between the housing 102 and the reflective surface 116.

[0047] At least two of the plurality of reflective surfaces 116 have different sizes. Preferably, the impact training apparatus 100 includes an angular cross-section. The impact training apparatus 100 may include a prism and a cross-section having a plurality of sides. Preferably, the impact training apparatus includes a cross-section having greater than or equal to 3 sides, greater than or equal to 4 sides, greater than or equal to 6 sides, and / or greater than or equal to 10 sides, and a plurality or all of the sides of the impact training apparatus include reflective surfaces. This enables the use of planar reflective surfaces that provide true reflections while also providing reflections from multiple sides of the training apparatus 100.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the impact training apparatus 100 includes a rounded edge. The reflective surface 116 is embedded in the body and / or recessed from the perimeter of the padded body. This reduces the likelihood of the reflective surface 116 being damaged during use.

[0049] The impact training apparatus 100 may include one or more of the following: a wall-mounted apparatus, a hanging apparatus, a freestanding apparatus, a sandbag, a heavy bag, a double-end bag, and a speed bag.

[0050] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an impact training apparatus 100 is described that may include at least one face having a retroreflective surface for receiving impacts.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may include four planar reflective surfaces, which may be fixed on different sides of the apparatus 100 using end caps. Then, the reflective surface 116 may be placed on the side of the apparatus 100 (e.g., a four-sided sandbag), where the end caps extend above any curved surface to connect these planar reflective surfaces. The reflective surfaces may be arranged only on a sub-unit of the training apparatus 100 (e.g., on one side), or may be arranged to provide full coverage (e.g., around the entire path of a cylindrical sandbag). In this regard, although the reflective surfaces are generally planar, in some embodiments, the reflective surfaces may be flexible such that they can be bent to wrap around the apparatus 100. By using planar reflective surfaces 116, it is possible to use a rigid (planar) material to protect the reflective surface 116.

[0052] Figure 1E A cross-sectional view of the elastic member 122 of the impact training apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The elastic member 122 is made of EPDM foam, EPDM rubber, or any other material that can recover its shape and dimensions after deformation (especially deformation caused by compressive stress). The reflective surface 116 has a form similar to the shape of the elastic member 122. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic member 122 of the present invention may have a rectangular shape. The elastic member in the second compartment 114 located above the reflective surface 116 has at least three edges 124 for simply receiving and fixing in the cavity 118. For example, the cavity 118 may have a pouch sewn into the interior of the cavity 118, and the size of the pouch is adapted to receive the reflective surface 116.

[0053] The elastic member 122 and the reflective surface 116 may be arranged to accept multiple impacts through flexibility and / or elasticity, thereby providing training aids for practicing the distribution, target, angle, and style of impacts. Further, the reflective surface 116 enables the user to monitor their movements. The elastic member 122 may be arranged to receive or absorb impacts, for example, the elastic member 122 may be elastic or yielding, and its surface is flexible.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the width of the elastic member 122 may be 310 mm. Further, the width of each edge of the elastic member 122 may be 40 mm, and the distance therebetween is 152.50 mm.

[0055] Although the present invention has been described in connection with various embodiments that are currently considered to be the most practical, it should be understood that the present invention is not 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.

[0056] This specification uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined method. The patent scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples have structural elements that are not different from those described in the literal language of the claims, or if such other examples include equivalent structural elements that are substantially different from those described in the literal language of the claims, then such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An impact training device for sports or fitness, said device comprising: A housing including at least two compartments, characterized in that said at least two compartments further comprise: A first compartment having a pad body located between an outer layer and an inner layer of the first compartment; A second compartment including at least one reflective surface mounted in a cavity created by a groove on the peripheral surface of the second compartment, wherein the second compartment includes: A mounting material for mounting the reflective surface; and An elastic member placed on the reflective surface to absorb impact and reduce noise; A plurality of adjustable attachment structures detachably attached to the housing for securing the device to a support or an existing structure.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said pad body includes a valve for injecting fluid into the pad body.

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that said valve enables a user to quickly inflate and deflate the pad body associated with the housing, which is slightly curved.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said first compartment is inflatable and / or collapsible.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said elastic member includes EPDM foam, EPDM rubber or any member capable of restoring shape and size after deformation caused especially by compressive stress.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the shape of said elastic member is similar to the shape of the reflective surface.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the shape of said elastic member is similar to the shape of the reflective surface.

8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said elastic member is located in the second compartment above the reflective surface and has at least three edges for simply receiving and fixing in the cavity.

9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said mounting material includes hard and / or rigid mounting material.

10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said device includes one or more holes adapted to receive one or more of nails, screws and hooks.

11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said plurality of adjustable connection structures include locking assemblies, plastic parts with anti-slip designs, adjusting parts, or combinations thereof.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that said locking member includes a buckle-side quick-release buckle for a webbing for each of the adjustable attachment structures in the adjustable attachment structure.

13. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said pad body includes one or more of the following: foam, sand, wood chips, high-density foam, charcoal foam, closed-cell foam, quick-drying foam, high resilience foam, latex foam, memory foam, polyurethane foam, rebound foam, Lux foam, standard sandbag micro-fill, polyester and molded rubber.

14. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said reflective surface is a planar reflective surface.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein, at least two of the plurality of reflective surfaces are arranged at an angle.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein, each of the reflective surfaces includes a reflective coating.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein, the reflective surface includes one or more of the following: a retroreflective surface, a specular surface, a chrome mirror, a silver coating, a copper coating, a vacuum metallization coating, an alloy coating, a plastic electroplating coating, a chemical fusion coating, an aluminum metallization coating, a metal fusion coating provided as a metal fusion mirror layer on a soft transparent material, or a combination thereof.

18. The device according to claim 1, wherein, the housing includes a leather housing.

19. The device according to claim 1, wherein, the device further includes a bracket, a rigid core, a prism, a cross-section, or a combination thereof.

20. The device according to claim 1, wherein, the device includes a support member disposed between the housing and the reflective surface.

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