A portable striking pad

Abstract

A portable striking pad 2 convertible between an unfolded configuration and an engaged configuration, comprises: a flexible main body 10 having opposing first and second panels 12, 14 extending betwee

Description

Field The present application relates to a striking pad, specifically a portable striking pad arranged to wrap around a structure. Background The accessibility of any sport or exercise is defined by its equipment and the environment it is practiced in. Whilst some sports, such as running and ball games, merely require accessible outdoor space, martial arts sports often place a relatively high demand on quality training equipment, as well as sufficient indoor training space, in order to avoid injury to the user and to improve user experience. Taking boxing as an example, even if the users are prepared to invest in dedicated equipment it is not always feasible to allocate the necessary indoor space for accommodating these equipment. That is, traditional cantilever-mounted punching bags or free-standing punching stands commonly occupy substantial footprints, thus severely limiting their deployments at home and workplaces. Furthermore, these heavy equipment are not portable nor weatherproofed, which renders them unsuitable for outdoor uses, e.g. gardens or parks. As a result, the majority of users are confined to gyms and other indoor fee-paying venues, which can be expensive, inconvenient, and often poorly ventilated and overcrowded during peak hours. This is undesirable as studies have shown that exercising outdoors promotes intensified psychological benefits in addition to improving physical fitness. Therefore, a portable striking apparatus that allows users to practice martial arts in an outdoor environment is highly desirable. Summary According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable striking pad convertible between an unfolded configuration and an engaged configuration, comprising: a flexible main body having opposing first and second panels extending between two sidewalls, wherein in the engaged configuration the main body is arranged to wrap around a support structure having the two sidewalls in contact with each other and the first panel facing outwardly for absorbing the impact of user strikes; and a releasable attachment provided on the main body, wherein in the engaged configuration the releasable attachment causes the second panel of the main body to bias against the support structure to retain thereon; wherein in the unfolded configuration the main body is arranged to straighten such that its first panel extends along a plane, wherein at least one of the two sidewalls is sloped from the first panel to the second panel at an angle ranging between 30 to 85 degrees relative to the plane, as such when put into the engaged configuration the main body exhibits a substantially constant thickness around the support structure. The portable striking pad may be usable in both unfolded and engaged configurations depending on the support structure it is releasably attached to. That is, in both configurations the second panel of the main body may abut and grip onto a support structure, whilst the first panel may face outwardly to absorb user strikes. During use, the user may land punches and / or kicks on the first panel, where the impact of the user strikes may be absorbed by the main body and subsequently transferred through the second panel to the support structure. Owing to its flexibility, in the unfolded configuration the portable striking pad may unfold and straighten, such that the first and second panels may parallelly extend, with the first panel lying along a plane. Optionally, the main body comprises eyelets and / or loops forming a releasable attachment with a wall in the unfolded configuration. For example, the eyelets and / or loops may be tethered to respective anchors on the wall by suitable releasable attachments such as elastic cords. Such an arrangement may allow the portable striking pad to be releasably attached to a planar support structure, e.g. a wall. In addition, as the main body is at least flexible in thickness direction of its thickness, it may also be attached to a curved support structure, e.g. a curved wall, and generally conform with the surface of the said curved support structure. When put into the engaged configuration, the main body of the portable striking pad may be arranged to wrap around a substantially vertical-extending support structure. The support structure may preferably be an inflexible structure such as a tree trunk or a pillar, or the support structure may be an elastic structure, such as an upright post, that is flexible only in the horizontal direction which aids in absorbing the impact of user strikes. The support structure may preferably be generally cylindrical such that once the portable striking pad is put into the engaged configuration, it may resemble a conventional punch bag. In some other embodiments, the portable striking pad may be applied to a support structure with any cross-section profile, wherein the main body may deform to accommodate the surface contour of the support structure, thus the assembled striking pad may nevertheless exhibit a cylindrical external profile. Advantageously, when engaged with an outdoor support structure such as a tree trunk, the portable striking pad may provide an outdoor striking target that is removably attached to the support structure. The main body may be a planar element where its length and width are greater than its thickness. The portable striking pad may be flexible and / or elastic at least along the direction of thickness. The main body may preferably be an equiangular quadrilateral, e.g. a square- or rectangular-shaped main body, or it may be in any other suitable shape. For consistency, the length of the main body may be defined herein as the dimension extending between the two sidewalls, and the width may be defined herein as the dimension extending between two ends of each sidewall. Once put into the engaged configuration, the length of the main body may substantially correspond to the circumference of the support structure, such that the two sidewalls are in contact with each other. Preferably, two sidewalls are fully in contact with each other in the engaged configuration. The portable striking pad may further comprise a releasable attachment for maintaining the contact between the two sidewalls. The releasable attachment may directly or indirectly exert a biasing force inwardly towards the support structure, which may enhance the second panel's grip on the surface of the support structure. In some embodiments, the second panel may comprise friction material, such as webbings and friction coatings, for increasing the friction coefficient of contacting surfaces between the second panel and the support structure. The friction material may also reduce wear on the second panel, which may prolong the longevity of the portable striking pad. At least one of the two sidewalls is sloped from the first panel to the second panel, at an angle ranging between 30 to 85 degrees relative to the plane. That is, along the width of the main body, the entire sloped sidewall may be inclined at the same angle relative to the plane. In other words, at least one sidewall is tapered inwardly when viewed from the side of the main body. Thus, for embodiments where only one of the two sidewalls is sloped, the cross-section of the main body may exhibit a right trapezoidal profile, and for embodiments where both of the two sidewalls are sloped, the cross-section of the main body may exhibit isosceles or acute trapezoidal profiles. Either way, as the two sidewalls are biased against each other in the engaged configuration, their respective contact surfaces may complement each other. As a result, the opposing ends in each of the first panel and second panel may flush with each other. The angle of the slope relative to the plane may depend on the size, e.g. circumference, of the support structure. For example, a shaper angle may be provided for wider support structures, whilst a more obtuse angle may be required for narrower support structures. Since the sidewalls are aligned with each other, i.e. the ends of the first and second panels are in contact, and flushed, with each other, and the sides of the main body are not overlapped nor gapped, the main body may exhibit a substantially constant thickness around the support structure. The term “constant thickness” herein refers to substantially the same amount of shock-absorbing material being provided around the support structure. Advantageously, such an arrangement may provide substantially the same level of shock absorption around the support structure, thereby allowing the user to freely strike on any position at the first panel. Furthermore, since the opposing ends of the first panel are flush with each other, such an arrangement may advantageously reduce or eliminate the risk of wrist injuries typically associated with punching on uneven surfaces. Preferably, both of the sidewalls are sloped at an angle ranging between 65 to 70 degrees relative to the plane. Specifically, such an arrangement is particularly suitable for support structures having a circumference greater than 900mm. Alternatively, the sidewalls are sloped at different angles relative to the plane. That is, whilst both sidewalls are sloped, one of the sidewalls may be sloped at a shaper angle compared to the other. For example, the two sidewalls may respectively be sloped at 80 and 50 degrees relative to the plane. Alternatively, one of the two sidewalls is sloped, and the other one of the sidewalls extends perpendicularly to the plane. That is, one of the sidewalls may extend at a right angle to the plane, whilst the other one of the sidewalls may extend at a sharper angle in comparison to corresponding embodiments having two sloped sidewalls to achieve the same effect. For example, the two sidewalls may respectively be angled at 90 and 40 degrees relative to the plane. Advantesgouly, such an arrangement may simplify the manufacturing process as only one of the sidewalls is required to be trimmed. Optionally, the releasable attachment comprises one or more releasable straps fixedly or detachably connected to the first panel, and when put into the engaged configuration the releasable straps encircle the main body to exert an inward biasing force against the support structure. More specifically, the releasable straps may exert an inward biasing force towards the support structure, so as to generate frictional force between the inner panel and the surface of the support structure. The releasable straps may also force the two sidewalls to contact with each other. Preferably, a pair of releasable straps are provided towards the top and bottom edge of the main body. Such an arrangement may maximise the useable striking area towards the centre of the main body. The length of the releasable straps may be adjustable for varying the inwardly-acting biasing force. For example, the releasable straps may comprise slide buckles along their lengths for effecting length adjustment. In some embodiments, the releasable straps may comprise bungee straps with quick-release buckles or hooks provided at their ends. Preferably, the releasable straps may comprise a quick release mechanism, such as cam buckles, for adjusting the amount of inward biasing force exerted against the structure. Advantesgously, such an arrangement may allow the main body to releasably attach to the support structure, and be adjusted thereon, promptly and efficiently. The releasable straps may be permanently attached to the first panel, e.g. by sewing or adhesive, or they may be releasable attached thereto by hoop and loop attachment. In some embodiments, the releasable straps may be retained on the main body by belt loops such that they are slidable relative to the main body. Alternatively, or in addition, the releasable attachment comprises one or more of a zip fastener, a hook and loop fastener and a buckle attachment for biasing the two sidewalls together in the engaged configuration, and thereby exerts an inward biasing force against the structure. In some embodiments, the zip fastener may be provided along the edges adjoining the first panel and each of the sidewall sidewalls, as such upon zipping up the zip fastener, the sidewalls may contact each other and may cause the main body to exert an inwardly biasing force. The surface of the sidewall may be further provided with a hoop and loop fastener to ensure a secure connection between the two sidewalls. In some other embodiments, quick-release buckles may be provided on the first panel at positions adjacent to the sidewalls, as such upon engaging the quick-release buckles, the sidewalls may make contact and may cause the main body to exert an inwardly biasing force. The surface of the sidewall may be further provided with a hoop and loop fastener to ensure a secure connection between the two sidewalls. Optionally, the main body comprises eyelets and / or loops for forming a detachable connection with a carrying strap. Preferably, the eyelets and / or loops are provided at the releasable straps. Optionally, the main body rolls or folds onto itself to reduce its overall footprint and thereby converts into a stowed configuration. In some embodiments, the main body may fold in half, or by any number of folds, from the unfolded configuration to convert into the stowed configuration. Optionally, the main body may comprise grooves or lines of weakness along the folding lines to aid the folding processing, and to reduce the amount of bulging arising from the fold. Optionally, the main body comprises a shock-absorbing element enveloped in an outer casing, and wherein the outer casing comprises the first and second panels. Optionally, the shockabsorbing element comprises one or more of polymer foams such as polyethene and polyurethane foams, elastomers such as rubber and / or fluids. Preferably, the shock-absorbing element may have a hardness ranging between 110 to 160 Newtons according to the test method specified in ISO 2439: Method B and / or a shore hardness of 48 according to the test method specified in ASTM D2240. Optionally, the shock-absorbing element comprises a single shock-absorbing element, or a plurality of stacked shock-absorbing elements. The single shock-absorbing element may have a uniform hardness throughout the entire element. Preferably, the shock-absorbing element comprises a first shock-absorbing element and a second shock-absorbing element in a stacked arrangement, wherein the two shock-absorbing elements may be bonded at their interface. The second shock-absorbing element may be positioned adjacent to the second panel and may have a lower hardness in comparison to the first shock-absorbing element that is positioned adjacent to the first panel. Furthermore, the second shock-absorbing element may be thicker than the first element. Such an arrangement may improve the flexibility of the main body, thus allowing it to wrap or fold more easily in one direction than others. Optionally, the outer casing is formed from a waterproof material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other suitable materials. Optionally, the outer casing is provided with an anti-bacterial and / or anti-fungal coating. Optionally, the main body is elastically stretchable in a lengthwise direction along which the first and second panels extend between the two sidewalls, so as to accommodate support structures of different circumferences. More specifically, the outer casing and the shockabsorbing element are both elastically stretchable along the lengthwise direction. In some embodiments, the main body is elastically stretchable, in the lengthwise direction, by at least 10% of its unstretched length. In some embodiments, the main body is elastically stretchable, in the lengthwise direction, by at least 20% of its unstretched length. In some embodiments, the main body is elastically stretchable, in the lengthwise direction, by at least 50% of its unstretched length. Advantageously, such an arrangement may allow the portable striking pad to accommodate support structures of different circumferences. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for forming the portable striking pad of the first aspect, comprising the flexible main body and the releasable attachment of the first aspect. Brief Description of the Drawings Certain embodiments of the presently-claimed invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 and 2 are respectively front and rear perspective views of a portable striking pad in an engaged configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a plan view of the portable striking pad of the first embodiment in the engaged configuration; Figures 4 and 5 are respectively rear and front views of the portable striking pad of the first embodiment in an unfolded configuration; Figure 6 is a side view of the portable striking pad of the first embodiment in the unfolded configuration; Figure 7 is a side view of the portable striking pad of the first embodiment in a stowed configuration; Figure 8 is a side view of a plurality of stacked shock-absorbing elements of the portable striking pad of the first embodiment; Figures 9 and 10 are respectively a side view of a portable striking pad in an unfolded configuration, and a plan view of the portable striking pad in an engaged configuration, according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figures 11 and 12 are respectively a side view of a portable striking pad in an unfolded configuration, and a plan view of the portable striking pad in an engaged configuration, according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 is a rear perspective view of a portable striking pad in an engaged configuration according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 14 is a rear perspective view of a portable striking pad in an engaged configuration according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description Figures 1 and 2 are respectively front and rear perspective views and a plan view of a portable striking pad 2 in an engaged configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 4, 5 and 6 are respectively rear and front views and a side view of the portable striking pad of the first embodiment in an unfolded configuration. The portable striking pad 2 is convertible between the engaged configuration as shown in Figures 1 to 3, and the unfolded configuration as shown in Figures 4 to 6. Depending on the type of support structure it is releasably attached to, the portable striking pad 2 is useable in both configurations. Specifically, in the engaged configuration the portable striking pad 2 is arranged to wrap around a support structure 4, whilst in the unfold configuration the portable striking pad 2 is arranged to attach to a flat or curved wall and / or be stored. The portable striking pad 2 comprises a rectangular main body 10 having a first panel 12 and a second panel 14 extending, along its length, between two sidewalls 16a, 16b. The length of the portable striking pad 2 may vary depending upon the circumference of the support structure 4. By their orientation, the first and second panels 12, 14 may also be respectively referred to as front and rear panels 12, 14. During use the front panel 12 faces the user and is configured to receive and absorb the impact of user strikes, whilst the rear panel 14 is arranged to grip onto a support structure 4. The front and rear panels 12, 14 form parts of an outer casing which envelopes a shock-absorbing element, wherein the shock-absorbing element absorbs and distributes the impact of user strikes from the front panel 12 to the rear panel 14. The portable striking pad 2 is flexible at least in the direction of its thickness, and hence it can bend and wrap around a substantially cylindrical, e.g. generally rounded, support structure 4 as shown in Figures 1 to 3. Therefore, once engaged, the portable striking pad 2 resembles a conventional punch bag or free-standing target. Advantageously, when applied to a tree trunk, the portable striking pad serves as an outdoor striking target that allows the user to exercise in an open-air environment. In the illustrated embodiment, the portable striking pad 2 further comprises a pair of releasable straps 20, which serve as a releasable attachment for mounting the main body 10 onto the support structure 4. That is, each of the releasable straps 20 comprises a cam buckle 22 at one end of the strap 20 through which the other free end of the strap 20 feeds, and wherein the effective length of the strap 20 can be adjusted by a quick-release mechanism at the cam buckle 22. Thus, once the releasable straps 20 encircle the wrapped main body 10, the user may draw upon the free ends of the straps 20 to increase the inwardly-acting biasing force and thereby improve the grip between the rear panel 14 and the surface of the support structure 4. To further improve the friction coefficient at the contact surfaces between the rear panel 14 and the support structure, and to reduce the wear at the rear panel 14, the rear panel 14 is further provided with webbing strips 30 extending along the length of the main body 10. The rough woven surfaces of the webbing strips 30 aids in gripping onto the surface of the support structure 4, e.g. treebark, and therefore minimising or eliminating relative movement between the main body 10 and the support structure 4. The releasable straps 20 are provided respectively towards the top and bottom leading edges of the main body 2, thereby maximising the strikeable area at the centre of the main body. The releasable straps 20 are sewn onto the front panel 12 at positions adjacent to the sidewalls 16a, 16b, which helps to draw the sidewalls 16a, 16b towards each other so that they remain in contact during use when the releasable straps 20 are tightened. To maintain a secure connection between the sidewalls 16a, 16b, the surfaces of the sidewalls 16a, 16b are optionally provided with hook and loop fasteners, i.e. Velcro fasteners. The use of hook and loop fasteners may be applied to all embodiments according to the present invention. As shown in the side view of Figure 6, the straightened main body 10 has a cross-sectional profile resembling an isosceles trapezoid, with the front panel 12 extending along a plane 6. More specifically, the sidewalls 16a, 16b are sloped, from the front panel 12 towards the rear panel 14, respectively at acute angles a and / > relative to the plane 6. The sloped sidewalls are inclined at the constant angles a, / > relative to the plane along their entire lengths. Advantageously, when the main body 10 is wrapped around the support structure 4 as shown in the plan view Figure 3, the surfaces of the sloped sidewalls 16a, 16b maintain full contact, and the opposing ends of each of the first panel and second panel connect, and flush, with each other, thereby reducing or eliminating the risk of wrist injuries typically associated with punching on uneven surfaces. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the sloped sidewalls 16a, 16b enable the main body to exhibit a substantially constant thickness around the support structure, i.e. substantially the same amount of shock-absorbing element is provided around the support structure. In other words, without the provision of the said slopes at the ends of the main body, the surfaces of the sidewalls and not aligned in the engaged configuration and therefore they are unlikely to maintain full contact with each other. This causes the contacting point between the two sidewalls to bulge or gap, and thus the resulting main body is unlikely to achieve a substantially constant thickness around the support structure, and therefore increases the risk of injury to the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the acute angles a, / > at both ends of the main body 10 are identical, and both sidewalls 16a, 16b are sloped at 65° relative to the plane 6. Such an arrangement is particularly suitable for support structures having circumferences greater than 900mm. For narrower support structures the sidewalls may be sloped at more obtuse angles relative to the plane, and for wider support structures the sidewalls may be sloped at shaper angles relative to the plane. Owing to its flexibility, the main body 10 is configured to fold in half onto itself to put into a stowed configuration as shown in Figure 7, thereby reducing its footprint when it is not in use. Furthermore, with the use of the cam buckles 22, the user may tighten the releasable straps 20 to retain the portable striking pad 2 in the stowed configuration. The portable striking pad 2 is further provided with D-rings 24, or other hoop connectors. The D-rings are welded-close to enhance its strength. The D-rings 24 are at least provided at the releasable straps 20 adjacent to the sidewall 16a for engaging with a shoulder strap 26. That is, when the main body 10 is folded into the stowed configuration, the user transported using the portable striking pad 2 using the shoulder strap 26. In some embodiments, the length of the shoulder straps 26 is adjustable so that it may be shortened to serve as a handle. Referring back to the front view of Figure 5, the main body 10 is arranged to be attached to the planar or curved support structure, e.g. a wall. The releasable straps 20 or the main body 10 are further provided with D-rings (not shown) adjacent to the sidewall 16b, such that, by the D-rings, the portable striking pad 2 is hangable to anchors that are fixed onto the wall. In some embodiments, some or all of the D-rings may form from an elastic material such that when hung on the wall, the D-rings may exert a biasing force along the length of the main body to keep it taut. The main body 10 may also be stored in the unfolded configuration. That is, since the main body 10 is a planar element when put in the unfolded configuration, it is ideal for fitting into certain household spaces, for example stowing underneath a bed, or leaning against a wall. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body comprises an outer casing (not shown) enveloping a shock-absorbing element 18. The outer casing is formed from a material commercially known as Micragard™ Plus manufactured by Openhouse™, which is anti-microbial and waterproof. The outer casing comprises a zip fastener (not shown) to enclose the shock-absorbing element 18 and a zipper flap (not shown) to shield the zip fastener from external environments. The shock-absorbing element 18 is provided to absorb and distribute the impact force of user strikes. As shown in Figure 8, the shock-absorbing element 18 comprises a first shockabsorbing element 18a and a second shock-absorbing element 18b. The first and second shockabsorbing elements 18a, 18b are in a stacked formation and are formed from different materials. The two shock-absorbing elements 18a, 18b are adhered together at their interface. More specifically, the second shock-absorbing element 18b is arranged to position adjacent to the rear panel 14 and has a lower hardness in comparison to the first shock-absorbing element 18 positioned adjacent to the front panel 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the thinner first shockabsorbing element 18a is formed from a polyethylene foam, of type GA25, having a shore hardness of 48 according to the test method specified in ASTM D2240, whereas the thicker second shock-absorbing element 18b is formed from a polyurethane foam, of type RX24-130, having a hardness ranging between 110 to 160 Newtons according to test method specified in ISO 2439: Method B. Such an arrangement may improve the flexibility of the main body by allocating more compression to the second shock-absorbing element 18b during use, and thus allowing it to wrap or fold more easily in one direction. Figures 9 and 10 are respectively a side view of a portable striking pad 102 in an unfolded configuration, and a plan view of the portable striking pad 102 in an engaged configuration, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The portable striking pad 102 of the second embodiment is structurally and functionally similar to the portable striking pad 2 of the first embodiment, in that it comprises a flexible main body 110 that is arranged to wrap around a support structure 4 in the engaged configuration, and is retainable on the support structure 4 by releasable straps 120. For conciseness, like features are not described again. In contrast to the portable striking pad 2 of the first embodiment, only one of the sidewalls 116a is sloped. As shown in Figure 9, the front panel 112 of the main body 110 is arranged to extend along a plane in the unfolded configuration. Specifically, a first sidewall 116b extends perpendicularly to the plane, e.g. at 90° or a right angle / > relative to the plane, whilst a second sidewall 116a is sloped at an acute angle a of 40° relative to the plane. That is, since the first sidewall 116b is untapered, the second sidewall 116a is sloped at a shaper angle in comparison to that of the first embodiment in order to compensate for the lack of sloping at the first sidewall 116b. When viewed from the side of the portable striking pad 102, the main body 110 has a right trapezoidal cross-sectional profile. As a result, as shown in the plan view of Figure 10, the main body 110 nevertheless exhibits a substantially constant thickness around the support structure 4. Advantageously, such an arrangement requires only one sidewall 106a of the main body 110 to be trimmed, and therefore significantly simplifies the manufacturing process. Figures 11 and 12 are respectively a side view of a portable striking pad in an unfolded configuration, and a plan view of the portable striking pad in an engaged configuration, according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The portable striking pad 202 of the second embodiment is structurally and functionally similar to the portable striking pad 2 of the first embodiment, in that it comprises a flexible main body 210 that is arranged to wrap around a support structure 4 in an engaged configuration, and is retainable on the support structure 4 by releasable straps 220. For conciseness, like features are not described again. In contrast to the portable striking pad 2 of the first embodiment, the two sidewalls 216a, 216b of the main body 210 are sloped at different gradients. As shown in Figure 11, the front panel 212 of the main body 210 is arranged to extend along a plane in the unfolded configuration. Specifically, a first sidewall 216b slopes at an angle / > of 75° relative to the plane, whilst a second sidewall 216a is sloped at a shaper angle a of 55° relative to the plane. That is, in comparison to that of the first embodiment, the second sidewall 216a slopes at a shaper angle to compensate for the increased inclination at the first sidewall 216b. When viewed from the side of the portable striking pad 202, the main body 210 has an acute trapezoidal cross-sectional profile. As a result, as shown in the plan view of Figure 12, the main body 210 nevertheless exhibits a substantially constant thickness around the support structure 4. Figure 13 is a rear perspective view of a portable striking pad 302 in an engaged configuration according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The portable striking pad 302 of the third embodiment is structurally and functionally similar to the portable striking pad 2 of the first embodiment, in that it comprises a flexible main body 310 that is arranged to wrap around a support structure 4 in an engaged configuration, and wherein the two sidewalls 316a, 316b at opposing ends of the main body 310 are sloped at the same angle relative to a plane. For conciseness, like features are not described again. In lieu of the releasable straps 20 of the portable striking pad 2, the portable striking pad 302 of the fourth embodiment is provided with a zip fastener 320 for releasably attaching the main body 310 onto the support structure 4. The zip fastener 320 is provided over the edges ajoining the front panel 312 with each of the sidewalls 316a, 316b, and extends along the lengths of the sidewalls 316a, 316b. Such an arrangement provides easy access to the zipper pull when operating the zip fastener 320. Upon engaging the zip fastener 320, it forces the sidewalls 316a, 316b to abut each other, and thereby exerts an inwardly-acting biasing force towards the support structure 4, thus enabling the rear panel 314 to grip onto the support structure. Similar to the first embodiment, the surfaces of the sidewalls 316a, 316b are optionally provided with hook and loop fasteners to maintain a secure connection between the sidewalls 316a, 316b. Figure 14 is a rear perspective view of a portable striking pad in an engaged configuration according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The portable striking pad 402 of the third embodiment is structurally and functionally similar to the portable striking pad 2 of the first embodiment, in that it comprises a flexible main body 410 that is arranged to wrap around a support structure 4 in an engaged configuration, and wherein the two sidewalls 416a, 416b at opposing ends of the main body 410 are sloped at the same angle relative to a plane. For conciseness, like features are not described again. In lieu of the releasable straps 20 of the portable striking pad 2, the portable striking pad 402 of the fifth embodiment is provided with quick-release buckles 420 for releasably attaching the main body 410 onto the support structure 4. The quick-release buckles 420 are sewn onto the front panel 412, at positions adjacent to the sidewalls 416a, 416b, and towards the top and bottom edge of the main body 410. Upon engaging the quick-release buckles 420, it forces the sidewalls 416a, 416b to abut each other, and thereby exerts an inwardly-acting biasing force towards the support structure 4, thus enabling the rear panel 414 to grip onto the support structure. Similar to the first embodiment, the surfaces of the sidewalls 416a, 416b are optionally provided with hook and loop fasteners to maintain a secure connection between the sidewalls 416a, 416b. According to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a portable striking pad that is structurally and functionally similar to the portable striking pad 2 of the first embodiment. For conciseness, like features are not described again. The portable striking pad of the sixth embodiment comprises a main body that is elastically stretchable in a lengthwise direction along which the first and second panels extend between the two sidewalls, so as to accommodate support structures of different circumferences. More specifically, the outer casing and the shock-absorbing material are both elastically stretchable along the lengthwise direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body is elastically stretchable, in the lengthwise direction, by at least 20% of its unstretched length.

Claims

1. A portable striking pad convertible between an unfolded configuration and an engaged configuration, comprising:a flexible main body having opposing first and second panels extending between two sidewalls, wherein in the engaged configuration the main body is arranged to wrap around a support structure having the two sidewalls in contact with each other and the first panel facing outwardly for absorbing the impact of user strikes; anda releasable attachment provided on the main body, wherein in the engaged configuration the releasable attachment causes the second panel of the main body to bias against the support structure to retain thereon;wherein in the unfolded configuration the main body is arranged to straighten such that its first panel extends along a plane, wherein at least one of the two sidewalls is sloped from the first panel to the second panel at an angle ranging between 30 to 85 degrees relative to the plane, as such when put into the engaged configuration the main body exhibits a substantially constant thickness around the support structure.

2. The portable striking pad of claim 1, wherein the sidewalls are sloped at different angles, or at the same angle, relative to the plane.

3. The portable striking pad of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein both of the sidewalls are sloped at an angle ranging between 65 to 70 degrees relative to the plane.

4. The portable striking pad of claim 1, wherein one of the two sidewalls is sloped, and the other one of the sidewalls extends perpendicularly to the plane.

5. The portable striking pad of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the releasable attachment comprises one or more releasable straps fixedly or detachably connected to the first panel, and when put into the engaged configuration the releasable straps encircle the main body to exert an inward biasing force against the support structure.

6. The portable striking pad of claim 5, wherein the releasable straps comprise cam buckles for adjusting the amount of inward biasing force exerted against the structure.

7. The portable striking pad of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the releasable attachment comprises one or more of a zip fastener, a hook and loop fastener and a buckle attachment for biasing the two sidewalls together in the engaged configuration, and thereby exerts an inward biasing force against the structure.

8. The portable striking pad of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body comprises eyelets and / or loops forming a releasable attachment with a wall in the unfolded configuration.

9. The portable striking pad of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body rolls or folds onto itself to reduce its overall footprint and thereby converts into a stowed configuration.

10. The portable striking pad of claim 9 when depending on claim 8, wherein the eyelets and / or loops are arranged to form a detachable connection with a carrying strap in the stowed configuration.

11. The portable striking pad of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body comprises a shock-absorbing element enveloped in an outer casing, and wherein the outer casing comprises the first and second panels.

12. The portable striking pad of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shockabsorbing element comprises one or more of a polymer foam, elastomer and / or a fluid.

13. The portable striking pad of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the shock-absorbing element comprises a single shock-absorbing element or a plurality of stacked shock-absorbing elements.

14. The portable striking pad of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer casing is formed from a waterproof material and / or comprises an anti-microbial material.

15. The portable striking pad of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second panel comprises friction material for increasing the friction coefficient of contacting surfaces between the second panel and the support structure.

16. The portable striking pad of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body is stretchable along a lengthwise direction along which the first and second panels extend between the two sidewalls, so as to accommodate support structures of different circumferences.

17. The portable striking pad of claim 16, wherein the main body is elastically stretchable, in the lengthwise direction, by at least 10% of its unstretched length, or by at least 20% of its unstretched length, or by at least 50% of its unstretched length.

18. A kit for forming the portable striking pad of any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising the flexible main body and the releasable attachment of claim 1.

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