Exercise apparatus

Abstract

An exercise apparatus 10 comprising means 20 for suspending the exercise apparatus and at least two target regions 12a, 12b, 12c for being hit by a user. One or more elastic connectors 16a, 16b are co

Description

The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus, and particularly but not exclusively to an exercise apparatus for mixed martial arts training. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION For sports training including mixed martial arts training, simple hanging targets such as suspended punching bags and / or reflex balls are commonly used. However, these cannot replicate the randomness or unpredictability of realistic movements, for example, of an opponent. In order to replicate the movement of an opponent, pads held by a partner are also used for training. This however requires another person and limits solo training opportunities. Furthermore, in order to do different types of training, multiple pieces of equipment are often required to practise technique, accuracy, precision, power and better eye / hand / foot coordination. There is therefore a need to improve compatibility, versatility and accessibility of training devices. It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems. STATEMENT OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an exercise apparatus comprising: means for suspending the exercise apparatus; at least two target regions for being hit by a user; one or more elastic connectors connected to the target regions for connecting the target regions together; and means for tethering the exercise apparatus; in which the means for suspending the exercise apparatus is connected to a first target region, and in which the means for tethering the exercise apparatus is connected to a second target region. Advantageously, the present invention provides a multifunctional training tool for mixed martial artists. It addresses the technical problem of needing multiple pieces of equipment for practising technique, accuracy, precision, power and better eye / hand / foot coordination, by providing a single, compact device. It also supports a variety of exercises including the ability to perform punches and kicks, thus enhancing training versatility and accessibility. The ability of the exercise apparatus to be tethered to another member or apparatus prevents the target regions from moving too much away from the desired areas or positions whilst still creating random and unpredictable movements of the target regions due to the elasticity of the one or more elastic connectors. The exercise apparatus may be tethered, for example, to the floor, or to a base (i.e. a heavy object placed on the floor, provided for the purpose). When the exercise apparatus is suspended on another member or apparatus, the first target region is disposed above the second target region. The exercise apparatus may be suspended, for example, from the ceiling. The means for tethering the exercise apparatus may depend from the second target region. When more than two target regions are provided, the further target regions may be provided as intermediate target regions between the first and second target regions. Each intermediate target region may be connected to each of its immediate neighbours, to form a series of target regions. In other words, at the top of the apparatus is the suspension means, then the first target region, connected to the suspension means, then a first intermediate target region, connected to the first target region, then a second intermediate target region, connected to the first intermediate target region, then the second target region, connected to the second intermediate target region, then the tethering means, connected to the second target region. In some embodiments, multiple intermediate target regions may be provided. The connections between neighbouring target regions are in the form of elastic connectors (e.g. bungee cords). In an example where a single intermediate target region is provided (i.e. a total of three target regions), a first elastic connector is connected to the first target region and the intermediate target region and a second elastic connector is connected to the second target region and the intermediate target region. When the exercise apparatus is suspended, for example from a ceiling, the intermediate target region is provided between the first and second target regions. The first target region is disposed above the second and intermediate target regions, and the second target region is disposed below the first and intermediate target regions. An embodiment with three target regions allows a user to do high, mid and / or low strikes using the exercise apparatus. This allows the user to practice a variety of techniques with realistic movement. The three target regions, connected by elastic connectors, when hit help to also create random and unpredictable movements making it harder to hit, punch or kick, and assisting with the development of hand / eye / foot coordination. At least a part of the means for suspending the exercise and / or at least part of the means for tethering the exercise apparatus may be made from elastic material, e.g. bungee cord. This further allows the exercise apparatus to create random and unpredictable movements. The one or more elastic connectors, the means for suspending the exercise apparatus and / or the means for tethering the exercise apparatus may be an elastic cord. The target regions may be of the same size or a combination of different sizes. In some embodiments, the one or more elastic connectors are releasably connected to the target regions. The means for suspending the exercise apparatus may be releasably connected to the first target region. The means for tethering the exercise apparatus may be releasably connected to the second target region. This allows the user to be able to swap the target regions with different sizes or swap the one or more elastic connectors with a more suitable length. This allows the user to change the distance of the target regions to match or complement their height or to change the sizes of the target regions to increase or decrease the difficulty of the training. In some embodiments, the means for suspending the exercise apparatus, the means for tethering the exercise apparatus and / or at least one of the elastic connectors may be adjustable. This allows the user to more easily customize the exercise apparatus to suit their height or the specific technique they want to train. For example, each target region can be moved e.g. can be slid up and down, making it inclusive for all users regardless of their size or skill level. Adjustment of the connectors can be made, both to change the position of the various target regions, and also to adjust the tension in the elastic connectors to change the way in which the targets respond to being hit. The means for suspending the exercise apparatus, the means for tethering the exercise apparatus and / or at least one of the elastic connectors may be adjusted using one or more cord locks or stoppers. The amount of cord between two parts may be adjusted in order to change the distance between the two parts, or the tension in the cord between them, or both. Each cord lock or stopper may include a locking means and cord receiving means. The cord receiving means may be in the form of two apertures. In an embodiment, an end of an elastic cord is extended through a first aperture in the cord lock or stopper, then looped back on itself and extended through a second aperture in the cord lock or stopper. This creates a cord loop on one side of the cord lock or stopper which engages with and is at least partly in contact with a corresponding target region when connected. The locking means of each cord lock or stopper may be biased in a locked position. This prevents the elastic cord from sliding or falling out from the cord receiving means of the cord lock or stopper. The locking means may be moved to an unlocked position e.g. by pressing down to locking means. This allows the elastic cord to be adjusted and be moved or slid through the cord receiving means in the cord lock or stopper. One or more sensors may be provided. The one or more sensors may be integrated sensors e.g. integrated into the target regions. This allows the user to measure or track (e.g. on an application) exercise metrics such as strike power, speed and accuracy, enabling measurable progress overtime. One or more connection means may be provided to each target region for connection with the elastic connectors, means for suspending the exercise apparatus and / or means for tethering the exercise apparatus. The one or more connection means may be integrally formed with the target region. The one or more connection means may be hoops or loops. At least one of the target regions may be a punching ball or punching bag. At least one of target regions may be made from shock-absorbing material(s). This ensures durability and safety during high-intensity training sessions. This minimises the forces transmitted to users’ bodies, thereby reducing the risk of injury. At least one target region may have a weight of around 400g. This allows the exercise apparatus to be lightweight, portable and easy to set up, thus making it accessible for use in gyms, homes, or outdoor spaces. A first end and / or a second end of at least one target region may be the narrowest part of the target region i.e. the part of the target region with minimum width. A central part of at least one target region may be the widest part of the target region i.e. the part of the target region with maximum width. The first end and / or the second end of at least one target region may have a width of about 50mm and / or the central part of at least one target region may have a width of about 177mm. The width of the target region may be a lateral width of the target region. At least one target region may have an overall length of around 330mm. The overall length of the target region may be measured from tip to tip. The overall length of the target region may be measured including the one or more connection means. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for an exercise apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the kit of parts comprising: means for suspending the exercise apparatus; means for tethering the exercise apparatus; at least two target regions, a first target region for connection to the means for suspending the exercise apparatus and a second target region for connection to the means for tethering the exercise apparatus; and one or more elastic connectors for connecting the target regions together. The second aspect may include any features or combination of features of the first aspect of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of an exercise apparatus according to the present invention; and Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an adjustment means of the exercise apparatus of Figure 1. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring firstly to Figure 1, an exercise apparatus suitable for use in mixed martial arts training is generally indicated at 10. In this embodiment, the exercise apparatus 10 includes three target regions 12a, 12b, 12c connected by elastic connections 16a, 16b, means for suspending the exercise apparatus 20 and means for tethering the exercise apparatus 22. However, it can be appreciated that in other embodiments, the exercise apparatus 10 can instead include two, four or more target regions. The target regions 12a, 12b, 12c are balloon punching balls made from shockabsorbing material. This helps to minimise the forces transmitted to the user’s body when striking the target regions, thereby reducing the risk of injury to the user. A first connection means 14a is provided to one side or end of each target region 12a, 12b, 12c and a second connection means 14b provided to the opposite side or end of each target region 12a, 12b, 12c. The first 14a and second 14b connection means are identical, and are formed as loops in this embodiment. The connections of the target regions 12a, 12b, 12c with the elastic connectors 16a, 16b are described in more detail below. In this embodiment, the ends of each target region 12a, 12b, 12c (i.e. the parts connected to the connection means 14a, 14b) are the narrowest parts of the target region 12a, 12b, 12c and have a lateral width of about 50mm. The central part of each target region 12a, 12b, 12c is the widest part of the target region 12a, 12b, 12c has a lateral width of about 177mm. The central part of each target region 12a, 12b, 12c is equidistant from the ends of the target region 12a, 12b, 12c. Each target region 12a, 12b, 12c has a weight of around 400g and has an overall length of around 330mm measured from the first connection means 14a to the second connection means 14b. The means for suspending the exercise apparatus 20 is connected to the first target region 12a. This allows the exercise apparatus 10 to be suspended, for example, from a ceiling or another apparatus so that the exercise apparatus 10 hangs mainly above the floor or ground. The means for tethering the exercise apparatus 22 is connected to the second target region 12c and tethers the exercise apparatus 10 to the floor or a base, in use. This prevents the target regions from moving too much away from the desired areas or positions whilst still allowing random and unpredictable movements of the target regions to be created when hit due to the elasticity of the elastic connectors. When the exercise apparatus 10 is suspended and in a static condition, it extends vertically to the ground. The elastic connectors 16a, 16b, means for suspending the exercise apparatus 20 and means for tethering the exercise apparatus 22 are aligned and extend along a roughly vertical line. The connection means 14a, 14b of the target regions 12a, 12b, 12c are also disposed in line with each other along the vertical line. An intermediate target region 12b is disposed between the first target region 12a and second target region 12c. The first target region 12a is disposed above the intermediate 12b and second 12c target regions, and the second target region 12c is disposed below the first 12a and intermediate 12b target regions. Two elastic connectors 16a, 16b are provided to connect the target regions 12a, 12b, 12c together. A first end of a first elastic connector 16a is connected to the second connection means 14b of a first target region 12a and a second end of the first elastic connector 16a is connected to the first connection means 14a of the intermediate target region 12b. A first end of a second elastic connector 16b is connected to the second connection means 14b of the intermediate target region 12b and a second end of the second elastic connector 16b is connected to the first connection means 14a of a second target region 12c. The three target regions 12a, 12b, 12c, connected by elastic connectors 16a, 16b, allow the user to do high, mid and / or low strikes using the exercise apparatus 10. When at least one of the three target regions 12a, 12b, 12c is hit, random and unpredictable movements are created making it harder to hit, punch or kick the target regions 12a, 12b, 12c, thus assisting with the development of hand / eye / foot coordination. The number of elastic connectors provided may depend on the number of target regions provided. In this embodiment, the elastic connections 16a, 16b are elastic cords or bungee cords. To connect the elastic connectors 16a, 16b to the target regions 12a, 12b, 12c, each end of each elastic connector 16a, 16b extends through an aperture defined by the loop of the corresponding connection means 14a, 14b of the target region 12a, 12b, 12c. The ends of the elastic connections 16a, 16b are fixed or locked into place using cord locks or stoppers 18, as can be more clearly seen in Figure 2. Each cord lock or stopper 18 is an elongate member having a locking means and two cord receiving means i.e. apertures. When connecting the elastic connector to a connection means of a target region, an end of an elastic cord is extended through a first aperture in the cord lock or stopper, extended through the aperture of the connection means of the target region, then is looped back on itself and is extended through a second aperture in the cord lock or stopper. This creates a loop which engages with and is at least partly in contact with the connection means 14a, 14b of a corresponding target region 12a, 12b, 12c when connected. The locking means of each cord lock or stopper 18 is biased in a locked position. This prevents the elastic cord from sliding through the apertures of the cord lock or stopper 18. The locking means can be pushed against a spring to be moved to an unlocked position. This allows the elastic cord 16a, 16b to be slid through the apertures in the cord lock or stopper 18 to change the length of the elastic connection 16a, 16b. The cord locks or stoppers 18 act as adjustment means for the exercise apparatus 10. In this embodiment, the means for suspending the exercise apparatus 20 and means for tethering the exercise apparatus 22 are the same as the elastic connectors 16a, 16b i.e. they are also elastic or bungee cords. The first end of the means for suspending the exercise apparatus 20 is connected to the ceiling or another apparatus in use. A second end of the means for suspending the exercise apparatus 20 is connected to the first connection means 14a of the first target region 12a. A first end of the means for tethering the exercise apparatus 22 is connected to the second connection means 14b of the second target region 12c. A second end of the means for tethering the exercise apparatus 22 is tethered to the floor, base or another member or apparatus which may be resting on the floor or ground in use. Similar to the elastic connectors 16a, 16b, the second end of the means for suspending the exercise apparatus 20 and the first end of the means for tethering the exercise apparatus 22 extend through the aperture of the corresponding connection means 14a, 14b of the corresponding target region 12a, 12c and are fixed or locked into place and adjusted using cord locks or stoppers 18. The first end of the means for suspending the exercise apparatus 20 and the second end of the means of tethering the exercise apparatus 22 can be connected and locked to another member or apparatus in the same way. However, in other embodiments, the elastic connectors, means for suspending the exercise apparatus and / or means for tethering the exercise apparatus may not be adjustable and are simply changeable with one of a suitable length for the height of the user. Overall, the present invention provides a single, compact device which a user can use to practice a variety of strikes. When the exercise apparatus is in use, the apparatus is able to provide realistic unpredictable and random movements which is helpful when training for mixed martial arts. The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus comprising:means for suspending the exercise apparatus;at least two target regions for being hit by a user;one or more elastic connectors connected to the target regions for connecting the target regions together; andmeans for tethering the exercise apparatus;in which the means for suspending the exercise apparatus is connected to a first target region, and in which the means for tethering the exercise apparatus is connected to a second target region.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the means for tethering the exercise apparatus depends from the second target region.

3. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which one or more further target regions are provided as intermediate target regions between the first and second target regions.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which three target regions are provided, and wherein a first elastic connector is connected to the first target region and an intermediate target region, and a second elastic connector is connected to the second target region and the intermediate target region.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, in which multiple intermediate target regions are provided.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the one or more elastic connectors are releasably connected to the target regions.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the means for suspending the exercise apparatus is releasably connected to the first target region and / or the means for tethering the exercise apparatus is releasably connected to the second target region.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the means for suspending the exercise apparatus, the means for tethering the exercise apparatus and / or at least one of the elastic connectors is adjustable.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, in which the means for suspending the exercise, the means for tethering the exercise apparatus and / or at least one of the elastic connectors is adjusted using one or more cord locks or stoppers.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the target regions are of the same size or a combination of different sizes.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least one target region has a weight of around 400g.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a first end and / or a second end of at least one target region is the narrowest part of the target region having a width of about 50mm.

13. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a central part of at least one target region is the widest part of the target region having a width of about 177mm.

14. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least one target region has an overall length of 330mm.

15. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the at least one target region is made from shock-absorbing material.

16. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which one or more sensors are provided for measuring or tracking exercise metrics or progress of the user.

17. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least a part of the means for suspending the exercise apparatus and / or at least part of the means for tethering the exercise apparatus is made from elastic material.

18. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the one or more elastic connectors, the means for suspending the exercise apparatus and / or the means for tethering the exercise apparatus is an elastic cord.

19. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least one target region is a punching ball or punching bag.

20. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which one or more connection means is provided to each target region for connection with the one or more elastic connectors, means for suspending the exercise apparatus and / or means for tethering the exercise apparatus.5 21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, in which the one or more connectionmeans is integrally formed with the target region.

22. A kit of parts for an exercise apparatus as claimed in claim any preceding claim, the kit of parts comprising:means for suspending the exercise apparatus;10 means for tethering the exercise apparatus;at least two target regions, a first target region for connection to the means for suspending the exercise apparatus and a second target region for connection to the means for tethering the exercise apparatus; andone or more elastic connectors for connecting the target regions together.

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