Motorized Double-End Exercise Bag Assembly

Abstract

A motorized double-end exercise bag assembly that includes: an exercise bag; a base assembly comprising a motor, a controller configured to control the motor, and a flywheel structure coupled to the motor; a pulley assembly; a first cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion, wherein the first end of the first cable is within a first groove of the flywheel structure, the central portion runs through the pulley assembly, and the second end is connected to a top of the bag; and a second cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion, wherein the first end of the second cable is within a second groove of the flywheel structure and the second end is connected to a bottom of the bag. The controller and motor are configured to rotate the flywheel structure to vertically move the exercise bag.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a non-provisional U.S. patent application that claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 757,615, entitled “Programmable and Motorized Double End Bag”, filed on Feb. 12, 2025, the contents of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to exercise equipment and, more specifically, to motorized double-end exercise bag assemblies for use in various recreational pursuits including combat sports, boxing, martial arts, mixed martial arts, high intensity fitness, and other training programs.BACKGROUND

[0003] Various exercise bag apparatus are commonly used in combat sports, boxing, martial arts, mixed martial arts, high intensity fitness, and other training programs. These exercise bag apparatus include heavy bags, speed bags, and double-end bags. An individual can effectively use these apparatus for relatively low-cost cardiovascular training, strength training, and combat sport skill development. The primary advantage of training with exercise bag apparatus is that an individual can train without the additional cost and potential damage of sparring with a partner.

[0004] Double-end bags are a favored exercise bag apparatus for training, particularly, in combat sports. Typically, the double-end bag is suspended between the floor and ceiling of a gym by one or more elastic cords attached to the bag, ceiling and floor. In these conventional arrangements, an individual can strike the bag, causing the bag to generally move in a lateral direction in response to the strike and the elasticity of the cords attached to the bag. In some instances, an individual can also strike the double-end bag with an upward or downward vector (e.g., an uppercut, up-kick, etc.) causing the bag to move both in lateral and vertical directions in response to the strike and the elasticity of the cords attached to the bag. Eventually, the bag will return to its initial position with primary movement in the lateral directions.

[0005] A primary disadvantage of conventional double-end exercise bags is that they have little capability for vertical motion, other than when an individual precipitates some vertical movement of the bag in response to a strike. The lack of substantial vertical movement of a conventional double-end exercise bag limits its effectiveness in combat sports training. Moreover, the limited range of motion of conventional double-end exercise bags inhibits their effectiveness as a training tool because their motion quickly becomes predictable for a skilled individual. Moreover, in actual combat and in combat sports, an opponent often moves targeted body components (e.g., torso, head and extremities) in both lateral and vertical directions as a means of defense (e.g., head bobbing) and, in some circumstances, offense (e.g., a leg kick). Conventional double-end exercise bags do not effectively simulate such movement, particularly the vertical components of such movement by an opponent.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a double-end exercise bag that is capable of both lateral and vertical movement both in response to and independent of striking. There is also a need for double-end exercise bag apparatus with customizable vertical movement capability, e.g., to eliminate predictability and encourage combat skill development.SUMMARY

[0007] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a motorized double-end exercise bag assembly is provided that includes: an exercise bag; a base assembly comprising a motor, a controller configured to control the motor, and a flywheel structure coupled to the motor, the base assembly configured for positioning on a floor; a pulley assembly configured for attachment to a ceiling; a first cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the first cable is affixed within a first groove of the flywheel structure, the central portion runs through the pulley assembly, and the second end is connected to a top portion of the exercise bag; and a second cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the second cable is affixed within a second groove of the flywheel structure and the second end is connected to a bottom portion of the exercise bag. Further, the controller and motor are configured to rotate the flywheel structure to position each of the cables to move the exercise bag in a vertical direction.

[0008] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a motorized double-end exercise bag assembly is provided that includes: a frame; an exercise bag; a base assembly comprising a motor, a controller configured to control the motor, and a flywheel structure coupled to the motor; a pulley assembly attached to a top portion of the frame; a first cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the first cable is affixed within a first groove of the flywheel structure, the central portion runs through the pulley assembly, and the second end is connected to a top portion of the exercise bag; and a second cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the second cable is affixed within a second groove of the flywheel structure and the second end is connected to a bottom portion of the exercise bag. Further, the controller and motor are configured to rotate the flywheel structure to position each of the cables to move the exercise bag in a vertical direction.

[0009] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments, wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a motorized double-end exercise bag assembly, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 1A is an enlarged perspective view of the base assembly of the exercise bag assembly of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 1B is a side view of the lower portion of the exercise bag assembly of FIG. 1 with the exercise bag in a raised position;

[0014] FIG. 1C is a side view of the lower portion of the exercise bag assembly of FIG. 1 with the exercise bag in a lowered position;

[0015] FIG. 1D is a cut-away view of the base assembly of the exercise bag assembly of FIG. 1; and

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a motorized double-end exercise bag assembly, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, example embodiments disclosing specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various principles of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art, having had the benefit of the present disclosure, that the present disclosure may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from the specific details disclosed herein. Moreover, descriptions of well-known devices, methods and materials may be omitted so as not to obscure the description of various principles of the present disclosure. Finally, wherever applicable, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0018] Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0019] Directional terms as used herein-for example “up,”“down,”“right,”“left,”“front,”“back,”“top,”“bottom” are made only with reference to the figures as drawn and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,”“an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “component” includes aspects having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] Generally, the present disclosure is directed to a motorized double-end exercise bag assembly that is capable of both lateral and vertical movement both in response to and independent of striking. Aspects of the double-end exercise bag assembly of the disclosure are capable of customizable vertical movement capability, e.g., to eliminate predictability and encourage combat skill development. Embodiments of the double-end exercise bag assemblies of the disclosure can be arranged between the floor and ceiling of a training location, e.g., a gym. Other embodiments of the double-end exercise bag assemblies can be arranged in a frame, which may be located indoors or outdoors at a desired a training location.

[0022] In general, the motorized double-end exercise bag devices of the disclosure can include an exercise bag, a base assembly a pulley assembly, and a plurality of cables. The base assembly includes a motor, a controller configured to control the motor, and a flywheel structure coupled to the motor. The cables are arranged between the exercise bag, pulley assembly and the base assembly. In an embodiment, one of the cables is attached to the bottom portion of the bag and situated within a groove of the flywheel structure, and another of the cables is attached to the top portion of the bag, runs through the pulley assembly, and is situated within another groove of the flywheel structure. Further, the controller and the motor are configured to rotate the flywheel structure to position each of the cables to move the exercise bag in the vertical direction.

[0023] The motorized double-end exercise bag assemblies of the disclosure offer several advantages over conventional double-end exercise bag arrangements. One advantage is that the exercise bag assemblies of the disclosure are capable of vertical movement, both in response to, and prior to, striking by an individual during a training session. Another advantage is that the vertical motion of embodiments of the exercise bag assemblies of the disclosure can be set in a prearranged, controlled form according to various movement schemes (e.g., constant motion, random motion, varying speeds and accelerations, etc.). A further advantage of the exercise bag assemblies of the disclosure is that the vertical position of the exercise bag can easily be adjusted by an individual to suit the height and / or particular training needs of an individual (e.g., a focus on low strike training, a focus on high strike training, etc.). Another advantage of the exercise bag assemblies of the disclosure (e.g., as compared to sophisticated virtual reality combat sports training apparatus) is their relative simplicity in terms of number and complexity of components, which is expected to translate to low cost and high durability.

[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 1-1D, a motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 is depicted in exemplary form. The exercise bag assembly 100 includes a base assembly 20, an exercise bag 30, a pulley assembly 40, a first cable 50, and a second cable 60. According to some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-1D, the pulley assembly 40 is configured for attachment to a ceiling 12. As for the base assembly 20, embodiments of the exercise bag assembly 100 are configured such that the base assembly 20 includes a motor 70, a controller 80 configured to control the motor 70, and a flywheel structure 90 coupled to the motor 70. In embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 1-1D, the base assembly 20 is configured for positioning on a floor 10.

[0025] Referring again to the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-1D, the first cable 50 comprises a first end 52, a second end 54 and a central portion 53 between the ends 52, 54. The terminal end of the first end 52 of the first cable 50 is affixed within a first groove 91 of the flywheel structure 90 (not shown). Further, the first end 52 of the first cable 50 can be wound or unwound within the groove 91 (see FIG. 1D). In addition, the central portion 53 of the first cable 50 runs through the pulley assembly 40, and the second end 54 is connected to a top portion 31 of the exercise bag 30. In embodiments, the top portion 31 of the bag 30 comprises one or more attachment points, such as a loop, hole, or flange with an eyelet, for affixing the second end 54 of the first cable 50.

[0026] Referring again to the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-1D, the second cable 60 comprises a first end 62, a second end 64 and a central portion 63 between the ends 62, 64. Further, terminal end of the the first end 62 of the second cable 60 is affixed within a second groove 92 of the flywheel structure 90 (not shown). Further, the first end 62 of the second cable 60 can be wound or unwound within the groove 92 (see FIG. 1D). In addition, the second end 64 of the second cable 60 is connected to a bottom portion 32 of the exercise bag 30. In embodiments, the bottom portion 32 of the bag 30 comprises one or more attachment points, such as a loop, hole, or flange with an eyelet, for affixing the second end 64 of the second cable 60. In embodiments, the first cable 50 can be wound in one direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) in the first groove 91 and the second cable 60 can be wound in an opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise or clockwise) in the second groove 92 relative to the winding direction of the first cable 50 in the first groove 91.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 of FIG. 1-1D, each of the cables 50, 60 can have a diameter that ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 cm, e.g., 0.5 cm, 0.6 cm, 0.7 cm, 0.8 cm, 0.9 cm, 1.0 cm, 1.1 cm, 1.2 cm, 1.3 cm, 1.4 cm, 1.5 cm, and all diameter values and sub-ranges between the foregoing values. In some embodiments, the first cable 50 is affixed within the first groove 91 of the flywheel structure 90 with some tension and the second cable 60 is affixed within the second groove 92 of the flywheel structure 90 with some tension. In some implementations, each of the cables 50, 60 is configured with 2 to 3 kg of tension (e.g., 2.5 kg) when the assembly 100 is at rest with no motion of the exercise bag 30, and from about 2 to 4 kg of tension when the exercise bag 30 is in motion. In a preferred embodiment, each of the cables 50, 60 can be a rubber polyester bungee cord having a diameter of about 0.75 to 0.85 cm (e.g., about 5 / 16″).

[0028] Still referring to the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-1D, the controller 80 and motor 70 are configured to rotate the flywheel structure 90 to position each of the cables 50, 60 to move the exercise bag 30 in a vertical direction 110. As shown, the controller 80 and motor 70 are coupled to the flywheel structure 90. Further, the controller 80 and motor 70 can rotate the flywheel direction in a clockwise direction 120a (see FIG. 1B) to wind the first cable 50 and unwind the second cable 60 to move the exercise bag 30 in an upward direction 110b. Similarly, the controller 80 and motor 70 can rotate the flywheel direction in a counterclockwise direction 120b (see FIG. 1C) to unwind the first cable 50 and wind the second cable 60 to move the exercise bag 30 in a downward direction 110a.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1-1D, the exercise bag 30 of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 can be a conventional double-end punching bag (e.g., a double-end bag from Everlast®, Title Boxing®, etc.) or custom manufactured (e.g., through 3D printing using thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.). In embodiments, the exercise bag 30 can be constructed of various durable and compliant materials suitable to ensure that the bag 30 functions according to the principles of the disclosure, e.g., natural leather, synthetic leather, vinyl, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and other plastic or polymeric materials. In embodiments, the exercise bag 30 is inflatable to pressure levels desired by the user and, in other embodiments, the exercise bag 30 is non-inflatable with a suitably elastic and compliant core.

[0030] Referring again to the exercise bag 30 of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-1D, it can be constructed with a through-hole 34 (e.g., as cut out from a conventional double-end bag or as-fabricated in a custom-made exercise bag), oriented vertically to accommodate the central portion 53 of the first cable 50. In particular, the central portion 53 of the first cable 50 can be positioned through the through-hole 34 and the pulley assembly 40. In other embodiments (not shown), the exercise bag 30 does not employ a through-hole, such as through-hole 34. In such configurations, the central portion 53 of the first cable 50 can be positioned alongside the exercise bag 30 or run through a second pulley assembly (not shown), apart from pulley assembly 40 configured for attachment to the ceiling 12. Such a second pulley assembly can be configured for attachment to a wall or other object in proximity to the exercise bag assembly 100.

[0031] Referring again to FIGS. 1-1D, the base assembly 20 of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 can be constructed to house various components of the assembly including the motor 70, controller 80, flywheel structure 90, and motor driver 72 (if present, see FIG. 1D and corresponding description below), while also being configured for positioning on a floor 10 (e.g., of a gym, recreation room, or other room suitable for training and exercise with the assembly 100). In embodiments, the base assembly 20 is constructed of a single piece element or with multiple elements (e.g., plates and a base, etc.). Further, the base assembly 20 can be fabricated from one or more metal alloy, polymeric, ceramic, glass-ceramic, and / or composite materials, as understood by those skilled in the field of the disclosure. In preferred embodiments, the base assembly 20 includes a weighted base (e.g., as containing a cavity suitable for containing water, sand or other inert dense material, as containing one or more standard weight plates, etc.) (not shown) to ensure that the exercise bag 30 and cables 50, 60 remain in a relatively fixed position at rest, and to facilitate movement of the exercise bag 30, and no other components of the assembly 100, upon striking by an individual and / or motion of the bag 30 in the vertical direction by operation of the motor 70 and controller 80. In embodiments, the base assembly 20 is weighted in a range of 10 to 50 lbs, 10 to 40 lbs, 10 to 35 lbs, 20 to 50 lbs, 20 to 40 lbs, or 20 to 35 lbs. For example, the base assembly 20 can be configured to weigh 10 lbs, 15 lbs, 20 lbs, 25 lbs, 30 lbs, 35 lbs, 40 lbs, 45 lbs, 50 lbs, and all weight values and sub-ranges within the foregoing weight values. Another advantage of incorporating a base assembly 20 into the exercise bag assembly 100 that is weighted is that such a base assembly 20 can exert some tension on the cables 50, 60 to ensure that slack, kinking and / or knots do not develop in the system during prolonged operation, which can result in unplanned maintenance and repair (e.g., rewinding of the first and second cables 50, 60 in the first and second grooves 91, 92, respectively, of the flywheel structure 90). According to other embodiments, the base assembly 20 can be configured with brackets, flanges or other similar apparatus to allow for fixation to the floor 10. Also, as depicted in FIGS. 1-1D, the base assembly 20 can be configured with a sleeve 22, the sleeve serving to guide motion of the first and second cables 50, 60 in the vertical direction 110 and minimize lateral movement of the cables.

[0032] Referring again to FIGS. 1-1D, the motor 70 used in the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 can be any suitable motor that can function according to the principles of the disclosure, including a stepper motor (e.g., a NEMA 34 stepper motor with 8.5Nm torque, 100W power, 6A rated current / phase, 36-48V rated voltage and 3.6 kg weight), servomotor, or stepper / servo motor. In embodiments, the motor 70 is coupled to the flywheel structure 90 and functions to rotate the flywheel structure 90 in clockwise and counterclockwise directions 120a, 120b, respectively, to wind / unwind the first and second cables 50, 60 to effect motion of the exercise bag 30 in the vertical direction 110. In embodiments, the motor 70 is coupled directly to a controller 80 and the controller 80 serves to control the motor 70 to effect motion of the exercise bag 30 in the vertical direction 110. In other embodiments, a motor driver 72 (e.g., a Stepperonline® DM556S stepper motor driver, a Stepperonline® DM860T stepper motor driver, etc.) is situated between the motor 70 and controller 80 and coupled to each of these elements. Various motor drivers may be used for the motor driver 72, as understood by those skilled in the field of the disclosure, including motor drivers capable of delivering the rated current of the motor 70 (e.g., 6A for a NEMA 34 stepper motor). In these configurations, the motor driver 72 serves to translate output data from the controller 80 into a form suitable for control of the motor 70 to effect motion of the exercise bag 30 in the vertical direction 110.

[0033] As also depicted in FIGS. 1-1D, the flywheel structure 90 employed in the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 is an arrangement with a pair of flywheels coupled together, one flywheel with a first groove 91 and the second flywheel with a second groove 92. In embodiments, the flywheels of the flywheel structure 90 can be arranged in a single piece construction, coupled together (e.g., through screws, bolts or the like), or as separate elements geared together capable of individual motion in the opposition directions relative to each other. In other embodiments, as depicted in exemplary form in FIGS. 1-1D, the flywheel structure 90 is a single element comprising a first groove 91 and a second groove 92. As noted earlier, independent of the particular configuration of the flywheel structure 90, the first cable 50 can be wound / unwound in the first groove 91 and the second cable 60 can be wound / unwound in the second groove 92 of the flywheel structure 90. In addition, as understood by those skilled in the field of the disclosure, the flywheel structure 90 can be fabricated from one or more metal alloy, polymeric, ceramic, glass-ceramic, and / or composite materials.

[0034] Referring again to FIGS. 1-1D, the controller 80 used in the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 can be any controller (e.g., an Arduino Mega controller), microcontroller or similar component (e.g., other Arduino boards, Raspberry PI boards, ESP32 boards, and field programmable gate arrays) capable of driving the motor 70 (and / or motor driver 72, if present) to effect movement of the exercise bag 30 in the vertical direction 110. In embodiments, the controller 80 is programmable by the user to implement any of various control schemes for movement of the exercise bag 30 in the vertical direction 110 (e.g., random motion, controlled motion at a constant or varied speed and / or acceleration, semi-random motion, motion within vertical position setpoints, etc.). In some embodiments the controller 80 is not programmable and configured with pre-set, and user-selectable control schemes.

[0035] As also depicted in FIGS. 1-1D, the pulley assembly 40 employed in the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 is configured for attachment to a ceiling 12. The pulley assembly 40 employed in the bag assembly 100 can comprise one or more pulleys, as deemed suitable by those skilled in the field of the disclosure to facilitate a substantially 180° translation of the first cable 50 from the base assembly 20, through the pulley assembly 40, and down to the exercise bag 30. Various pulley assembly 40 configurations may be used for the exercise bag assembly 100; however, the pulley assembly 40 should be appropriately selected in view of the diameter of the cables 50, 60. In embodiments, the particular pulley assembly 40 can be selected to maintain some tension between the exercise bag 30 and the base assembly 20, while also minimizing friction-related energy loss as the first cable 50 is wound / unwound in the first groove 91 of the flywheel structure 90 to move the exercise bag 30 in the vertical direction 110.

[0036] Referring again to FIGS. 1-1D, each of the first and second cable 50, 60 used in the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 can configured as a rope, cord, cable, bundled wire, or another similar configuration. Further, each of the cables 50, 60 can be fabricated from natural rope materials (e.g., hemp), synthetic rope materials (e.g., nylon), natural and synthetic rubber (e.g., a polyester rubber elastic cord having a diameter of 5 / 16″ or ~0.8 cm), metal alloy wires, and other materials suitable for such configurations in the exercise bag assembly 100. Preferably, each of the cables 50, 60 is fabricated with material(s) with elasticity. Material(s) for the cables 50, 60 can be selected with an elasticity level to ensure that the exercise bag 30 can move and rebound in the lateral directions and vertical direction 110 upon striking and / or some degree of bounce upon movement in the vertical direction 110 by the controller 80 and motor 70. In some implementations, the first cable 50 is an elastic cord that is adjustable in length, e.g., from 5 to 100 inches (13 cm to 254 cm) or 7 to 80 inches (18 cm to 203 cm) in length, and the second cable 60 is fixed in length, e.g., from 30 to 50 inches (76 cm to 127 cm) in length.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-1D, the first and second cables 50, 60 can be arranged to define a cable axis 140. Further, in some embodiments, the base assembly 20, particularly when weighted, can be positioned substantially within the cable axis 140. In such configurations, the weighting of the base assembly 20 can serve to ensure uniformity of the position of the exercise bag 30, particularly when at rest and in returning to a particular lateral position after striking. Further, according to some embodiments, the exercise bag 30 comprises a vertically oriented through-hole 34 and, as noted earlier, the central portion 53 of the first cable 50 can be run through the through-hole 34 and the pulley assembly 40. In such arrangements of the exercise bag assembly 100, the exercise bag 30 advantageously can be positioned in a laterally central location at rest and / or after striking by the user, essentially because the base assembly 20 and cables 50, 60 are retained within the cable axis 140, except immediately after striking by the user.

[0038] According to an implementation of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-1D, the assembly can include a first limit switch 26a attached to the base assembly 20, and a second limit switch 26b attached to the base assembly 20. According to some embodiments, the limit switches 26a, 26b can be affixed to or otherwise coupled to a sleeve 22 of the base assembly 20. In these implementations, the limit switches 26a, 26b are coupled to the controller 80 and configured to control a range of motion of the cables 50, 60 in the vertical direction 110. That is, the limit switches 26a, 26b provide positional input to the controller 80 for the cables 50, 60 to ensure that the cables are not wound or unwound by the motor 70, as controlled by the controller 80, in a manner outside the physical limits of the first and second grooves 91, 92, respectively, of the flywheel structure 90.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 1A, an enlarged perspective view of the base assembly 20 of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 is provided. As shown, the base assembly 20 is configured for positioning on a floor 10. Further, as shown, the base assembly 20 can include a sleeve 22 for positioning and guiding the first and second cables 50, 60. In addition, according to some embodiments as described earlier, and as shown here, the sleeve 22 can include limit switches 26a, 26b for providing input to the controller 80 as to particular vertical position of the cables 50, 60, which can be used to infer the vertical position of the exercise bag 30. Also, according to some embodiments, the base assembly 20 can be configured with one or more cutouts 24, which can house one or more switches (not shown) for a user to interface with the controller 80 (e.g., to control vertical speed of the exercise bag 30, vertical acceleration of the exercise bag 30, setting vertical position limits for the bag 30, setting particular control modes (e.g., random, semi-random, or a pre-programmed control scheme).

[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 1C, a side view of the lower portion of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 is provided. As shown in FIG. 1B, the exercise bag 30 has been moved in the upward direction 110b by action of the motor 70 and controller 80 (see FIG. 1), which rotated the flywheel structure 90 in the clockwise direction 120a. As the flywheel structure 90 is rotated in the clockwise direction 120a, the first cable 50 is unwound and, at the same time, the second cable 60 is wound, thus moving the exercise bag 30 in the upward direction 110b. As shown in FIG. 1C, the exercise bag 30 has been moved in the downward direction 110a by action of the motor 70 and controller 80 (see FIG. 1), which rotated the flywheel structure 90 in the counterclockwise direction 120b. As the flywheel structure 90 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction 120b, the first cable 50 is wound and, at the same time, the second cable 60 is unwound, thus moving the exercise bag 30 in the downward direction 110a. Ultimately, the controller 80 and motor 70 can work together to rotate the flywheel structure 90 in either direction at various speeds and accelerations to cause movement of the exercise bag 30 in the upward and downward directions 110b, 110a, respectively.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 1D, a cut-away view of the base assembly 20 of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 is provided. As shown in exemplary form and detailed earlier, the base assembly 20 houses a motor 70, controller 80 and flywheel structure 90. The base assembly 20 may also house a motor driver 72, as coupled to both the controller 80 and the motor 70. Further, as shown here, the controller 80 can be coupled to the flywheel structure 90 and motor 70 (e.g., by wiring). As would also be understood by those skilled in the field of the disclosure, one or more internal or external power sources (e.g., power cord, battery, etc.) can be connected to each of the motor 70, motor driver 72 and controller 80. As also shown here, embodiments of the base assembly 20 can be configured such that it possesses one or more removable panels for programming, repair and maintenance of the components inside of the base assembly 20. Further, as described earlier, the base assembly 20 can be weighted and, for example, weight can be added to the base assembly 20 by filling a cavity in the base assembly 20 (not shown) with a dense material (e.g., sand, water, etc.).

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100a is depicted. Unless otherwise noted, the exercise bag assembly 100a is similar to the exercise bag assembly 100 (see FIGS. 1-1D and earlier corresponding description) and like-numbered elements can have the same function(s) and structure(s) as detailed above. As shown in FIG. 2, the exercise bag assembly 100a includes: a frame 130; an exercise bag 30; a base assembly 20 comprising a motor 70, a controller 80 configured to control the motor 70, and a flywheel structure 90 coupled to the motor 70. Further, exercise bag assembly 100a includes a pulley assembly 40 attached to an upper portion 131 of the frame 130; a first cable 50 comprising a first end 52, a second end 54 and a central portion 53 between the ends 52, 54, wherein the first end 52 of the first cable 50 is affixed within a first groove 91 of the flywheel structure 90. Further, the central portion 53 runs through the pulley assembly 40, and the second end 54 is connected to a top portion 31 of the exercise bag 30; and a second cable 60 comprising a first end 62, a second end 64 and a central portion 63 between the ends 62, 64, wherein the first end 62 of the second cable 60 is affixed within a second groove 92 of the flywheel structure 90 and the second end 64 is connected to a bottom portion 32 of the exercise bag 30. Further, the controller 80 and motor 70 are configured to rotate the flywheel structure 90 to position each of the cables 50, 60 to move the exercise bag 30 in a vertical direction 110.

[0043] Referring again to FIG. 2, a primary feature of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100a is that it is portable. The base assembly 20 can be configured for positioning directly on a floor 10 (not shown); as attached directly to the lower portion 132 of the frame 130 (as shown), which is itself positioned on the floor 10 (as shown); or integral within the frame 130. Notably, the pulley assembly 40 of the exercise bag assembly 100a is attached to the upper portion 131 of the frame 130 (not a ceiling) giving the assembly 100a a fair degree of portability, capable of both indoor and outdoor use. In addition, as shown, the exercise bag 30 includes a through-hole 34 in which the central portion 53 of the first cable 50 can be positioned. However, in some embodiments, the exercise bag 30 does not have a through-hole and the central portion 53 of the first cable 50 can be run through a hollow region (not shown) of the frame 130 or a second pulley assembly attached to the frame 130 (not shown), and up and through the pulley assembly 40.

[0044] Aspect 1. A motorized double-end exercise bag assembly that includes: an exercise bag; a base assembly comprising a motor, a controller configured to control the motor, and a flywheel structure coupled to the motor, the base assembly configured for positioning on a floor; a pulley assembly configured for attachment to a ceiling; a first cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the first cable is affixed within a first groove of the flywheel structure, the central portion runs through the pulley assembly, and the second end is connected to a top portion of the exercise bag; and a second cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the second cable is affixed within a second groove of the flywheel structure and the second end is connected to a bottom portion of the exercise bag. The controller and motor are configured to rotate the flywheel structure to position each of the cables to move the exercise bag in a vertical direction.

[0045] Aspect 2. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 1, wherein the first and second cables define a cable axis, wherein the base assembly is weighted and positioned substantially within the cable axis, wherein the exercise bag comprises a vertically oriented through-hole, and further wherein the central portion of the first cable runs through the through-hole and the pulley assembly.

[0046] Aspect 3. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 1, further comprising: a first limit switch attached to the base assembly; and a second limit switch attached to the base assembly, wherein the limit switches are coupled to the controller and configured to control a range of motion of the cables in the vertical direction.

[0047] Aspect 4. The exercise bag assembly device of Aspect 1, wherein the cables, controller and motor are further configured to rotate the flywheel structure in the (a) clockwise direction to wind the first cable and unwind the second cable to move the exercise bag in an upward direction and (b) counterclockwise direction to unwind the first cable and wind the second cable to move the exercise bag in a downward direction.

[0048] Aspect 5. The exercise bag assembly device of Aspect 1, wherein each of the cables comprises an elastic material, the first cable is affixed within the first groove of the flywheel structure with tension, and the second cable is affixed within the second groove of the flywheel structure with tension.

[0049] Aspect 6. The exercise bag assembly device of Aspect 1, wherein the base assembly further comprises a motor driver, the motor driver coupled to the controller and the motor, and further wherein the motor driver is configured to drive the motor based on output from the controller.

[0050] Aspect 7. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 1, wherein the controller is a programmable controller, and further wherein the programmable controller can be set by a user to move the exercise bag in the vertical direction according to a predetermined mode.

[0051] Aspect 8. A motorized double-end exercise bag assembly that includes: a frame; an exercise bag; a base assembly comprising a motor, a controller configured to control the motor, and a flywheel structure coupled to the motor; a pulley assembly attached to a top portion of the frame; a first cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the first cable is affixed within a first groove of the flywheel structure, the central portion runs through the pulley assembly, and the second end is connected to a top portion of the exercise bag; and a second cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the second cable is affixed within a second groove of the flywheel structure and the second end is connected to a bottom portion of the exercise bag. The controller and motor are configured to rotate the flywheel structure to position each of the cables to move the exercise bag in a vertical direction.

[0052] Aspect 9. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 8, wherein the exercise bag comprises a vertically oriented through-hole, and further wherein the central portion of the first cable runs through the through-hole and the pulley assembly.

[0053] Aspect 10. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 8, wherein the first and second cables define a cable axis, and wherein the base assembly is weighted and positioned substantially within the cable axis.

[0054] Aspect 11. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 8, further comprising: a first limit switch attached to the base assembly; and a second limit switch attached to the base assembly, wherein the limit switches are coupled to the controller and configured to control a range of motion of the cables in the vertical direction.

[0055] Aspect 12. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 8, wherein the cables, controller and motor are further configured to rotate the flywheel structure in the (a) clockwise direction to wind the first cable and unwind the second cable to move the exercise bag in an upward direction and (b) counterclockwise direction to unwind the first cable and wind the second cable to move the exercise bag in a downward direction.

[0056] Aspect 13. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 8, wherein each of the cables comprises an elastic material, the first cable is affixed within the first groove of the flywheel structure with tension, and the second cable is affixed within the second groove of the flywheel structure with tension.

[0057] Aspect 14. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 8, wherein the base assembly further comprises a motor driver, the motor driver coupled to the controller and the motor, and further wherein the motor driver is configured to drive the motor based on output from the controller.

[0058] Aspect 15. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 8, wherein the controller is a programmable controller, and further wherein the programmable controller can be set by a user to move the exercise bag in the vertical direction according to a predetermined mode.

[0059] Although multiple embodiments of the motorized double-end bag assembly have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings (see FIGS. 1-1D and FIG. 2, along with corresponding descriptions) and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. For example, one skilled in the field of the disclosure might envision, according to the principles of this disclosure, adding a third cable wound in a third groove of the flywheel structure 90. Such a third cable could be positioned to run through a through-hole in the exercise bag 30 and the pulley assembly 40, and then attached to a side portion of the exercise bag 30. Such a third cable could be configured to impart pitch / yaw motion to the exercise bag upon rotation of the flywheel structure 90. Thus, the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and / or substitutions without departing from the principles of the present disclosure that has been set forth and defined within the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0017]In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, example embodiments disclosing specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various principles of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art, having had the benefit of the present disclosure, that the present disclosure may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from the specific details disclosed herein. Moreover, descriptions of well-known devices, methods and materials may be omitted so as not to obscure the description of various principles of the present disclosure. Finally, wherever applicable, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0018]Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a non-provisional U.S. patent application that claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 757,615, entitled “Programmable and Motorized Double End Bag”, filed on Feb. 12, 2025, the contents of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to exercise equipment and, more specifically, to motorized double-end exercise bag assemblies for use in various recreational pursuits including combat sports, boxing, martial arts, mixed martial arts, high intensity fitness, and other training programs.BACKGROUND

[0003] Various exercise bag apparatus are commonly used in combat sports, boxing, martial arts, mixed martial arts, high intensity fitness, and other training programs. These exercise bag apparatus include heavy bags, speed bags, and double-end bags. An individual can effectively use these apparatus for relatively low-cost cardiovascular training, strength training, and combat sport skill development. The primary advantage of training with exercise bag apparatus is that an individual can train without the additional cost and potential damage of sparring with a partner.

[0004] Double-end bags are a favored exercise bag apparatus for training, particularly, in combat sports. Typically, the double-end bag is suspended between the floor and ceiling of a gym by one or more elastic cords attached to the bag, ceiling and floor. In these conventional arrangements, an individual can strike the bag, causing the bag to generally move in a lateral direction in response to the strike and the elasticity of the cords attached to the bag. In some instances, an individual can also strike the double-end bag with an upward or downward vector (e.g., an uppercut, up-kick, etc.) causing the bag to move both in lateral and vertical directions in response to the strike and the elasticity of the cords attached to the bag. Eventually, the bag will return to its initial position with primary movement in the lateral directions.

[0005] A primary disadvantage of conventional double-end exercise bags is that they have little capability for vertical motion, other than when an individual precipitates some vertical movement of the bag in response to a strike. The lack of substantial vertical movement of a conventional double-end exercise bag limits its effectiveness in combat sports training. Moreover, the limited range of motion of conventional double-end exercise bags inhibits their effectiveness as a training tool because their motion quickly becomes predictable for a skilled individual. Moreover, in actual combat and in combat sports, an opponent often moves targeted body components (e.g., torso, head and extremities) in both lateral and vertical directions as a means of defense (e.g., head bobbing) and, in some circumstances, offense (e.g., a leg kick). Conventional double-end exercise bags do not effectively simulate such movement, particularly the vertical components of such movement by an opponent.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a double-end exercise bag that is capable of both lateral and vertical movement both in response to and independent of striking. There is also a need for double-end exercise bag apparatus with customizable vertical movement capability, e.g., to eliminate predictability and encourage combat skill development.SUMMARY

[0007] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a motorized double-end exercise bag assembly is provided that includes: an exercise bag; a base assembly comprising a motor, a controller configured to control the motor, and a flywheel structure coupled to the motor, the base assembly configured for positioning on a floor; a pulley assembly configured for attachment to a ceiling; a first cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the first cable is affixed within a first groove of the flywheel structure, the central portion runs through the pulley assembly, and the second end is connected to a top portion of the exercise bag; and a second cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the second cable is affixed within a second groove of the flywheel structure and the second end is connected to a bottom portion of the exercise bag. Further, the controller and motor are configured to rotate the flywheel structure to position each of the cables to move the exercise bag in a vertical direction.

[0008] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a motorized double-end exercise bag assembly is provided that includes: a frame; an exercise bag; a base assembly comprising a motor, a controller configured to control the motor, and a flywheel structure coupled to the motor; a pulley assembly attached to a top portion of the frame; a first cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the first cable is affixed within a first groove of the flywheel structure, the central portion runs through the pulley assembly, and the second end is connected to a top portion of the exercise bag; and a second cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the second cable is affixed within a second groove of the flywheel structure and the second end is connected to a bottom portion of the exercise bag. Further, the controller and motor are configured to rotate the flywheel structure to position each of the cables to move the exercise bag in a vertical direction.

[0009] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments, wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a motorized double-end exercise bag assembly, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 1A is an enlarged perspective view of the base assembly of the exercise bag assembly of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 1B is a side view of the lower portion of the exercise bag assembly of FIG. 1 with the exercise bag in a raised position;

[0014] FIG. 1C is a side view of the lower portion of the exercise bag assembly of FIG. 1 with the exercise bag in a lowered position;

[0015] FIG. 1D is a cut-away view of the base assembly of the exercise bag assembly of FIG. 1; and

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a motorized double-end exercise bag assembly, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, example embodiments disclosing specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various principles of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art, having had the benefit of the present disclosure, that the present disclosure may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from the specific details disclosed herein. Moreover, descriptions of well-known devices, methods and materials may be omitted so as not to obscure the description of various principles of the present disclosure. Finally, wherever applicable, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0018] Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0019] Directional terms as used herein-for example “up,”“down,”“right,”“left,”“front,”“back,”“top,”“bottom” are made only with reference to the figures as drawn and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,”“an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “component” includes aspects having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] Generally, the present disclosure is directed to a motorized double-end exercise bag assembly that is capable of both lateral and vertical movement both in response to and independent of striking. Aspects of the double-end exercise bag assembly of the disclosure are capable of customizable vertical movement capability, e.g., to eliminate predictability and encourage combat skill development. Embodiments of the double-end exercise bag assemblies of the disclosure can be arranged between the floor and ceiling of a training location, e.g., a gym. Other embodiments of the double-end exercise bag assemblies can be arranged in a frame, which may be located indoors or outdoors at a desired a training location.

[0022] In general, the motorized double-end exercise bag devices of the disclosure can include an exercise bag, a base assembly a pulley assembly, and a plurality of cables. The base assembly includes a motor, a controller configured to control the motor, and a flywheel structure coupled to the motor. The cables are arranged between the exercise bag, pulley assembly and the base assembly. In an embodiment, one of the cables is attached to the bottom portion of the bag and situated within a groove of the flywheel structure, and another of the cables is attached to the top portion of the bag, runs through the pulley assembly, and is situated within another groove of the flywheel structure. Further, the controller and the motor are configured to rotate the flywheel structure to position each of the cables to move the exercise bag in the vertical direction.

[0023] The motorized double-end exercise bag assemblies of the disclosure offer several advantages over conventional double-end exercise bag arrangements. One advantage is that the exercise bag assemblies of the disclosure are capable of vertical movement, both in response to, and prior to, striking by an individual during a training session. Another advantage is that the vertical motion of embodiments of the exercise bag assemblies of the disclosure can be set in a prearranged, controlled form according to various movement schemes (e.g., constant motion, random motion, varying speeds and accelerations, etc.). A further advantage of the exercise bag assemblies of the disclosure is that the vertical position of the exercise bag can easily be adjusted by an individual to suit the height and / or particular training needs of an individual (e.g., a focus on low strike training, a focus on high strike training, etc.). Another advantage of the exercise bag assemblies of the disclosure (e.g., as compared to sophisticated virtual reality combat sports training apparatus) is their relative simplicity in terms of number and complexity of components, which is expected to translate to low cost and high durability.

[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 1-1D, a motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 is depicted in exemplary form. The exercise bag assembly 100 includes a base assembly 20, an exercise bag 30, a pulley assembly 40, a first cable 50, and a second cable 60. According to some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-1D, the pulley assembly 40 is configured for attachment to a ceiling 12. As for the base assembly 20, embodiments of the exercise bag assembly 100 are configured such that the base assembly 20 includes a motor 70, a controller 80 configured to control the motor 70, and a flywheel structure 90 coupled to the motor 70. In embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 1-1D, the base assembly 20 is configured for positioning on a floor 10.

[0025] Referring again to the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-1D, the first cable 50 comprises a first end 52, a second end 54 and a central portion 53 between the ends 52, 54. The terminal end of the first end 52 of the first cable 50 is affixed within a first groove 91 of the flywheel structure 90 (not shown). Further, the first end 52 of the first cable 50 can be wound or unwound within the groove 91 (see FIG. 1D). In addition, the central portion 53 of the first cable 50 runs through the pulley assembly 40, and the second end 54 is connected to a top portion 31 of the exercise bag 30. In embodiments, the top portion 31 of the bag 30 comprises one or more attachment points, such as a loop, hole, or flange with an eyelet, for affixing the second end 54 of the first cable 50.

[0026] Referring again to the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-1D, the second cable 60 comprises a first end 62, a second end 64 and a central portion 63 between the ends 62, 64. Further, terminal end of the the first end 62 of the second cable 60 is affixed within a second groove 92 of the flywheel structure 90 (not shown). Further, the first end 62 of the second cable 60 can be wound or unwound within the groove 92 (see FIG. 1D). In addition, the second end 64 of the second cable 60 is connected to a bottom portion 32 of the exercise bag 30. In embodiments, the bottom portion 32 of the bag 30 comprises one or more attachment points, such as a loop, hole, or flange with an eyelet, for affixing the second end 64 of the second cable 60. In embodiments, the first cable 50 can be wound in one direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) in the first groove 91 and the second cable 60 can be wound in an opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise or clockwise) in the second groove 92 relative to the winding direction of the first cable 50 in the first groove 91.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 of FIG. 1-1D, each of the cables 50, 60 can have a diameter that ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 cm, e.g., 0.5 cm, 0.6 cm, 0.7 cm, 0.8 cm, 0.9 cm, 1.0 cm, 1.1 cm, 1.2 cm, 1.3 cm, 1.4 cm, 1.5 cm, and all diameter values and sub-ranges between the foregoing values. In some embodiments, the first cable 50 is affixed within the first groove 91 of the flywheel structure 90 with some tension and the second cable 60 is affixed within the second groove 92 of the flywheel structure 90 with some tension. In some implementations, each of the cables 50, 60 is configured with 2 to 3 kg of tension (e.g., 2.5 kg) when the assembly 100 is at rest with no motion of the exercise bag 30, and from about 2 to 4 kg of tension when the exercise bag 30 is in motion. In a preferred embodiment, each of the cables 50, 60 can be a rubber polyester bungee cord having a diameter of about 0.75 to 0.85 cm (e.g., about 5 / 16″).

[0028] Still referring to the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-1D, the controller 80 and motor 70 are configured to rotate the flywheel structure 90 to position each of the cables 50, 60 to move the exercise bag 30 in a vertical direction 110. As shown, the controller 80 and motor 70 are coupled to the flywheel structure 90. Further, the controller 80 and motor 70 can rotate the flywheel direction in a clockwise direction 120a (see FIG. 1B) to wind the first cable 50 and unwind the second cable 60 to move the exercise bag 30 in an upward direction 110b. Similarly, the controller 80 and motor 70 can rotate the flywheel direction in a counterclockwise direction 120b (see FIG. 1C) to unwind the first cable 50 and wind the second cable 60 to move the exercise bag 30 in a downward direction 110a.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1-1D, the exercise bag 30 of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 can be a conventional double-end punching bag (e.g., a double-end bag from Everlast®, Title Boxing®, etc.) or custom manufactured (e.g., through 3D printing using thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.). In embodiments, the exercise bag 30 can be constructed of various durable and compliant materials suitable to ensure that the bag 30 functions according to the principles of the disclosure, e.g., natural leather, synthetic leather, vinyl, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and other plastic or polymeric materials. In embodiments, the exercise bag 30 is inflatable to pressure levels desired by the user and, in other embodiments, the exercise bag 30 is non-inflatable with a suitably elastic and compliant core.

[0030] Referring again to the exercise bag 30 of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-1D, it can be constructed with a through-hole 34 (e.g., as cut out from a conventional double-end bag or as-fabricated in a custom-made exercise bag), oriented vertically to accommodate the central portion 53 of the first cable 50. In particular, the central portion 53 of the first cable 50 can be positioned through the through-hole 34 and the pulley assembly 40. In other embodiments (not shown), the exercise bag 30 does not employ a through-hole, such as through-hole 34. In such configurations, the central portion 53 of the first cable 50 can be positioned alongside the exercise bag 30 or run through a second pulley assembly (not shown), apart from pulley assembly 40 configured for attachment to the ceiling 12. Such a second pulley assembly can be configured for attachment to a wall or other object in proximity to the exercise bag assembly 100.

[0031] Referring again to FIGS. 1-1D, the base assembly 20 of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 can be constructed to house various components of the assembly including the motor 70, controller 80, flywheel structure 90, and motor driver 72 (if present, see FIG. 1D and corresponding description below), while also being configured for positioning on a floor 10 (e.g., of a gym, recreation room, or other room suitable for training and exercise with the assembly 100). In embodiments, the base assembly 20 is constructed of a single piece element or with multiple elements (e.g., plates and a base, etc.). Further, the base assembly 20 can be fabricated from one or more metal alloy, polymeric, ceramic, glass-ceramic, and / or composite materials, as understood by those skilled in the field of the disclosure. In preferred embodiments, the base assembly 20 includes a weighted base (e.g., as containing a cavity suitable for containing water, sand or other inert dense material, as containing one or more standard weight plates, etc.) (not shown) to ensure that the exercise bag 30 and cables 50, 60 remain in a relatively fixed position at rest, and to facilitate movement of the exercise bag 30, and no other components of the assembly 100, upon striking by an individual and / or motion of the bag 30 in the vertical direction by operation of the motor 70 and controller 80. In embodiments, the base assembly 20 is weighted in a range of 10 to 50 lbs, 10 to 40 lbs, 10 to 35 lbs, 20 to 50 lbs, 20 to 40 lbs, or 20 to 35 lbs. For example, the base assembly 20 can be configured to weigh 10 lbs, 15 lbs, 20 lbs, 25 lbs, 30 lbs, 35 lbs, 40 lbs, 45 lbs, 50 lbs, and all weight values and sub-ranges within the foregoing weight values. Another advantage of incorporating a base assembly 20 into the exercise bag assembly 100 that is weighted is that such a base assembly 20 can exert some tension on the cables 50, 60 to ensure that slack, kinking and / or knots do not develop in the system during prolonged operation, which can result in unplanned maintenance and repair (e.g., rewinding of the first and second cables 50, 60 in the first and second grooves 91, 92, respectively, of the flywheel structure 90). According to other embodiments, the base assembly 20 can be configured with brackets, flanges or other similar apparatus to allow for fixation to the floor 10. Also, as depicted in FIGS. 1-1D, the base assembly 20 can be configured with a sleeve 22, the sleeve serving to guide motion of the first and second cables 50, 60 in the vertical direction 110 and minimize lateral movement of the cables.

[0032] Referring again to FIGS. 1-1D, the motor 70 used in the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 can be any suitable motor that can function according to the principles of the disclosure, including a stepper motor (e.g., a NEMA 34 stepper motor with 8.5Nm torque, 100W power, 6A rated current / phase, 36-48V rated voltage and 3.6 kg weight), servomotor, or stepper / servo motor. In embodiments, the motor 70 is coupled to the flywheel structure 90 and functions to rotate the flywheel structure 90 in clockwise and counterclockwise directions 120a, 120b, respectively, to wind / unwind the first and second cables 50, 60 to effect motion of the exercise bag 30 in the vertical direction 110. In embodiments, the motor 70 is coupled directly to a controller 80 and the controller 80 serves to control the motor 70 to effect motion of the exercise bag 30 in the vertical direction 110. In other embodiments, a motor driver 72 (e.g., a Stepperonline® DM556S stepper motor driver, a Stepperonline® DM860T stepper motor driver, etc.) is situated between the motor 70 and controller 80 and coupled to each of these elements. Various motor drivers may be used for the motor driver 72, as understood by those skilled in the field of the disclosure, including motor drivers capable of delivering the rated current of the motor 70 (e.g., 6A for a NEMA 34 stepper motor). In these configurations, the motor driver 72 serves to translate output data from the controller 80 into a form suitable for control of the motor 70 to effect motion of the exercise bag 30 in the vertical direction 110.

[0033] As also depicted in FIGS. 1-1D, the flywheel structure 90 employed in the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 is an arrangement with a pair of flywheels coupled together, one flywheel with a first groove 91 and the second flywheel with a second groove 92. In embodiments, the flywheels of the flywheel structure 90 can be arranged in a single piece construction, coupled together (e.g., through screws, bolts or the like), or as separate elements geared together capable of individual motion in the opposition directions relative to each other. In other embodiments, as depicted in exemplary form in FIGS. 1-1D, the flywheel structure 90 is a single element comprising a first groove 91 and a second groove 92. As noted earlier, independent of the particular configuration of the flywheel structure 90, the first cable 50 can be wound / unwound in the first groove 91 and the second cable 60 can be wound / unwound in the second groove 92 of the flywheel structure 90. In addition, as understood by those skilled in the field of the disclosure, the flywheel structure 90 can be fabricated from one or more metal alloy, polymeric, ceramic, glass-ceramic, and / or composite materials.

[0034] Referring again to FIGS. 1-1D, the controller 80 used in the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 can be any controller (e.g., an Arduino Mega controller), microcontroller or similar component (e.g., other Arduino boards, Raspberry PI boards, ESP32 boards, and field programmable gate arrays) capable of driving the motor 70 (and / or motor driver 72, if present) to effect movement of the exercise bag 30 in the vertical direction 110. In embodiments, the controller 80 is programmable by the user to implement any of various control schemes for movement of the exercise bag 30 in the vertical direction 110 (e.g., random motion, controlled motion at a constant or varied speed and / or acceleration, semi-random motion, motion within vertical position setpoints, etc.). In some embodiments the controller 80 is not programmable and configured with pre-set, and user-selectable control schemes.

[0035] As also depicted in FIGS. 1-1D, the pulley assembly 40 employed in the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 is configured for attachment to a ceiling 12. The pulley assembly 40 employed in the bag assembly 100 can comprise one or more pulleys, as deemed suitable by those skilled in the field of the disclosure to facilitate a substantially 180° translation of the first cable 50 from the base assembly 20, through the pulley assembly 40, and down to the exercise bag 30. Various pulley assembly 40 configurations may be used for the exercise bag assembly 100; however, the pulley assembly 40 should be appropriately selected in view of the diameter of the cables 50, 60. In embodiments, the particular pulley assembly 40 can be selected to maintain some tension between the exercise bag 30 and the base assembly 20, while also minimizing friction-related energy loss as the first cable 50 is wound / unwound in the first groove 91 of the flywheel structure 90 to move the exercise bag 30 in the vertical direction 110.

[0036] Referring again to FIGS. 1-1D, each of the first and second cable 50, 60 used in the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 can configured as a rope, cord, cable, bundled wire, or another similar configuration. Further, each of the cables 50, 60 can be fabricated from natural rope materials (e.g., hemp), synthetic rope materials (e.g., nylon), natural and synthetic rubber (e.g., a polyester rubber elastic cord having a diameter of 5 / 16″ or ~0.8 cm), metal alloy wires, and other materials suitable for such configurations in the exercise bag assembly 100. Preferably, each of the cables 50, 60 is fabricated with material(s) with elasticity. Material(s) for the cables 50, 60 can be selected with an elasticity level to ensure that the exercise bag 30 can move and rebound in the lateral directions and vertical direction 110 upon striking and / or some degree of bounce upon movement in the vertical direction 110 by the controller 80 and motor 70. In some implementations, the first cable 50 is an elastic cord that is adjustable in length, e.g., from 5 to 100 inches (13 cm to 254 cm) or 7 to 80 inches (18 cm to 203 cm) in length, and the second cable 60 is fixed in length, e.g., from 30 to 50 inches (76 cm to 127 cm) in length.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-1D, the first and second cables 50, 60 can be arranged to define a cable axis 140. Further, in some embodiments, the base assembly 20, particularly when weighted, can be positioned substantially within the cable axis 140. In such configurations, the weighting of the base assembly 20 can serve to ensure uniformity of the position of the exercise bag 30, particularly when at rest and in returning to a particular lateral position after striking. Further, according to some embodiments, the exercise bag 30 comprises a vertically oriented through-hole 34 and, as noted earlier, the central portion 53 of the first cable 50 can be run through the through-hole 34 and the pulley assembly 40. In such arrangements of the exercise bag assembly 100, the exercise bag 30 advantageously can be positioned in a laterally central location at rest and / or after striking by the user, essentially because the base assembly 20 and cables 50, 60 are retained within the cable axis 140, except immediately after striking by the user.

[0038] According to an implementation of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-1D, the assembly can include a first limit switch 26a attached to the base assembly 20, and a second limit switch 26b attached to the base assembly 20. According to some embodiments, the limit switches 26a, 26b can be affixed to or otherwise coupled to a sleeve 22 of the base assembly 20. In these implementations, the limit switches 26a, 26b are coupled to the controller 80 and configured to control a range of motion of the cables 50, 60 in the vertical direction 110. That is, the limit switches 26a, 26b provide positional input to the controller 80 for the cables 50, 60 to ensure that the cables are not wound or unwound by the motor 70, as controlled by the controller 80, in a manner outside the physical limits of the first and second grooves 91, 92, respectively, of the flywheel structure 90.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 1A, an enlarged perspective view of the base assembly 20 of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 is provided. As shown, the base assembly 20 is configured for positioning on a floor 10. Further, as shown, the base assembly 20 can include a sleeve 22 for positioning and guiding the first and second cables 50, 60. In addition, according to some embodiments as described earlier, and as shown here, the sleeve 22 can include limit switches 26a, 26b for providing input to the controller 80 as to particular vertical position of the cables 50, 60, which can be used to infer the vertical position of the exercise bag 30. Also, according to some embodiments, the base assembly 20 can be configured with one or more cutouts 24, which can house one or more switches (not shown) for a user to interface with the controller 80 (e.g., to control vertical speed of the exercise bag 30, vertical acceleration of the exercise bag 30, setting vertical position limits for the bag 30, setting particular control modes (e.g., random, semi-random, or a pre-programmed control scheme).

[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 1C, a side view of the lower portion of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 is provided. As shown in FIG. 1B, the exercise bag 30 has been moved in the upward direction 110b by action of the motor 70 and controller 80 (see FIG. 1), which rotated the flywheel structure 90 in the clockwise direction 120a. As the flywheel structure 90 is rotated in the clockwise direction 120a, the first cable 50 is unwound and, at the same time, the second cable 60 is wound, thus moving the exercise bag 30 in the upward direction 110b. As shown in FIG. 1C, the exercise bag 30 has been moved in the downward direction 110a by action of the motor 70 and controller 80 (see FIG. 1), which rotated the flywheel structure 90 in the counterclockwise direction 120b. As the flywheel structure 90 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction 120b, the first cable 50 is wound and, at the same time, the second cable 60 is unwound, thus moving the exercise bag 30 in the downward direction 110a. Ultimately, the controller 80 and motor 70 can work together to rotate the flywheel structure 90 in either direction at various speeds and accelerations to cause movement of the exercise bag 30 in the upward and downward directions 110b, 110a, respectively.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 1D, a cut-away view of the base assembly 20 of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100 is provided. As shown in exemplary form and detailed earlier, the base assembly 20 houses a motor 70, controller 80 and flywheel structure 90. The base assembly 20 may also house a motor driver 72, as coupled to both the controller 80 and the motor 70. Further, as shown here, the controller 80 can be coupled to the flywheel structure 90 and motor 70 (e.g., by wiring). As would also be understood by those skilled in the field of the disclosure, one or more internal or external power sources (e.g., power cord, battery, etc.) can be connected to each of the motor 70, motor driver 72 and controller 80. As also shown here, embodiments of the base assembly 20 can be configured such that it possesses one or more removable panels for programming, repair and maintenance of the components inside of the base assembly 20. Further, as described earlier, the base assembly 20 can be weighted and, for example, weight can be added to the base assembly 20 by filling a cavity in the base assembly 20 (not shown) with a dense material (e.g., sand, water, etc.).

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100a is depicted. Unless otherwise noted, the exercise bag assembly 100a is similar to the exercise bag assembly 100 (see FIGS. 1-1D and earlier corresponding description) and like-numbered elements can have the same function(s) and structure(s) as detailed above. As shown in FIG. 2, the exercise bag assembly 100a includes: a frame 130; an exercise bag 30; a base assembly 20 comprising a motor 70, a controller 80 configured to control the motor 70, and a flywheel structure 90 coupled to the motor 70. Further, exercise bag assembly 100a includes a pulley assembly 40 attached to an upper portion 131 of the frame 130; a first cable 50 comprising a first end 52, a second end 54 and a central portion 53 between the ends 52, 54, wherein the first end 52 of the first cable 50 is affixed within a first groove 91 of the flywheel structure 90. Further, the central portion 53 runs through the pulley assembly 40, and the second end 54 is connected to a top portion 31 of the exercise bag 30; and a second cable 60 comprising a first end 62, a second end 64 and a central portion 63 between the ends 62, 64, wherein the first end 62 of the second cable 60 is affixed within a second groove 92 of the flywheel structure 90 and the second end 64 is connected to a bottom portion 32 of the exercise bag 30. Further, the controller 80 and motor 70 are configured to rotate the flywheel structure 90 to position each of the cables 50, 60 to move the exercise bag 30 in a vertical direction 110.

[0043] Referring again to FIG. 2, a primary feature of the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly 100a is that it is portable. The base assembly 20 can be configured for positioning directly on a floor 10 (not shown); as attached directly to the lower portion 132 of the frame 130 (as shown), which is itself positioned on the floor 10 (as shown); or integral within the frame 130. Notably, the pulley assembly 40 of the exercise bag assembly 100a is attached to the upper portion 131 of the frame 130 (not a ceiling) giving the assembly 100a a fair degree of portability, capable of both indoor and outdoor use. In addition, as shown, the exercise bag 30 includes a through-hole 34 in which the central portion 53 of the first cable 50 can be positioned. However, in some embodiments, the exercise bag 30 does not have a through-hole and the central portion 53 of the first cable 50 can be run through a hollow region (not shown) of the frame 130 or a second pulley assembly attached to the frame 130 (not shown), and up and through the pulley assembly 40.

[0044] Aspect 1. A motorized double-end exercise bag assembly that includes: an exercise bag; a base assembly comprising a motor, a controller configured to control the motor, and a flywheel structure coupled to the motor, the base assembly configured for positioning on a floor; a pulley assembly configured for attachment to a ceiling; a first cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the first cable is affixed within a first groove of the flywheel structure, the central portion runs through the pulley assembly, and the second end is connected to a top portion of the exercise bag; and a second cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the second cable is affixed within a second groove of the flywheel structure and the second end is connected to a bottom portion of the exercise bag. The controller and motor are configured to rotate the flywheel structure to position each of the cables to move the exercise bag in a vertical direction.

[0045] Aspect 2. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 1, wherein the first and second cables define a cable axis, wherein the base assembly is weighted and positioned substantially within the cable axis, wherein the exercise bag comprises a vertically oriented through-hole, and further wherein the central portion of the first cable runs through the through-hole and the pulley assembly.

[0046] Aspect 3. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 1, further comprising: a first limit switch attached to the base assembly; and a second limit switch attached to the base assembly, wherein the limit switches are coupled to the controller and configured to control a range of motion of the cables in the vertical direction.

[0047] Aspect 4. The exercise bag assembly device of Aspect 1, wherein the cables, controller and motor are further configured to rotate the flywheel structure in the (a) clockwise direction to wind the first cable and unwind the second cable to move the exercise bag in an upward direction and (b) counterclockwise direction to unwind the first cable and wind the second cable to move the exercise bag in a downward direction.

[0048] Aspect 5. The exercise bag assembly device of Aspect 1, wherein each of the cables comprises an elastic material, the first cable is affixed within the first groove of the flywheel structure with tension, and the second cable is affixed within the second groove of the flywheel structure with tension.

[0049] Aspect 6. The exercise bag assembly device of Aspect 1, wherein the base assembly further comprises a motor driver, the motor driver coupled to the controller and the motor, and further wherein the motor driver is configured to drive the motor based on output from the controller.

[0050] Aspect 7. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 1, wherein the controller is a programmable controller, and further wherein the programmable controller can be set by a user to move the exercise bag in the vertical direction according to a predetermined mode.

[0051] Aspect 8. A motorized double-end exercise bag assembly that includes: a frame; an exercise bag; a base assembly comprising a motor, a controller configured to control the motor, and a flywheel structure coupled to the motor; a pulley assembly attached to a top portion of the frame; a first cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the first cable is affixed within a first groove of the flywheel structure, the central portion runs through the pulley assembly, and the second end is connected to a top portion of the exercise bag; and a second cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the second cable is affixed within a second groove of the flywheel structure and the second end is connected to a bottom portion of the exercise bag. The controller and motor are configured to rotate the flywheel structure to position each of the cables to move the exercise bag in a vertical direction.

[0052] Aspect 9. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 8, wherein the exercise bag comprises a vertically oriented through-hole, and further wherein the central portion of the first cable runs through the through-hole and the pulley assembly.

[0053] Aspect 10. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 8, wherein the first and second cables define a cable axis, and wherein the base assembly is weighted and positioned substantially within the cable axis.

[0054] Aspect 11. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 8, further comprising: a first limit switch attached to the base assembly; and a second limit switch attached to the base assembly, wherein the limit switches are coupled to the controller and configured to control a range of motion of the cables in the vertical direction.

[0055] Aspect 12. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 8, wherein the cables, controller and motor are further configured to rotate the flywheel structure in the (a) clockwise direction to wind the first cable and unwind the second cable to move the exercise bag in an upward direction and (b) counterclockwise direction to unwind the first cable and wind the second cable to move the exercise bag in a downward direction.

[0056] Aspect 13. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 8, wherein each of the cables comprises an elastic material, the first cable is affixed within the first groove of the flywheel structure with tension, and the second cable is affixed within the second groove of the flywheel structure with tension.

[0057] Aspect 14. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 8, wherein the base assembly further comprises a motor driver, the motor driver coupled to the controller and the motor, and further wherein the motor driver is configured to drive the motor based on output from the controller.

[0058] Aspect 15. The exercise bag assembly of Aspect 8, wherein the controller is a programmable controller, and further wherein the programmable controller can be set by a user to move the exercise bag in the vertical direction according to a predetermined mode.

[0059] Although multiple embodiments of the motorized double-end bag assembly have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings (see FIGS. 1-1D and FIG. 2, along with corresponding descriptions) and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. For example, one skilled in the field of the disclosure might envision, according to the principles of this disclosure, adding a third cable wound in a third groove of the flywheel structure 90. Such a third cable could be positioned to run through a through-hole in the exercise bag 30 and the pulley assembly 40, and then attached to a side portion of the exercise bag 30. Such a third cable could be configured to impart pitch / yaw motion to the exercise bag upon rotation of the flywheel structure 90. Thus, the motorized double-end exercise bag assembly is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and / or substitutions without departing from the principles of the present disclosure that has been set forth and defined within the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0017]In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, example embodiments disclosing specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various principles of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art, having had the benefit of the present disclosure, that the present disclosure may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from the specific details disclosed herein. Moreover, descriptions of well-known devices, methods and materials may be omitted so as not to obscure the description of various principles of the present disclosure. Finally, wherever applicable, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0018]Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values...

Claims

1. A motorized double-end exercise bag assembly, comprising:an exercise bag;a base assembly comprising a motor, a controller configured to control the motor, and a flywheel structure coupled to the motor, the base assembly configured for positioning on a floor;a pulley assembly configured for attachment to a ceiling;a first cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the first cable is affixed within a first groove of the flywheel structure, the central portion runs through the pulley assembly, and the second end is connected to a top portion of the exercise bag; anda second cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the second cable is affixed within a second groove of the flywheel structure and the second end is connected to a bottom portion of the exercise bag,wherein the controller and motor are configured to rotate the flywheel structure to position each of the cables to move the exercise bag in a vertical direction.

2. The double-end exercise bag of claim 1, wherein the first and second cables define a cable axis, wherein the base assembly is weighted and positioned substantially within the cable axis, wherein the exercise bag comprises a vertically oriented through-hole, and further wherein the central portion of the first cable runs through the through-hole and the pulley assembly.

3. The exercise bag assembly of claim 1, further comprising:a first limit switch attached to the base assembly; anda second limit switch attached to the base assembly,wherein the limit switches are coupled to the controller and configured to control a range of motion of the cables in the vertical direction.

4. The exercise bag assembly of claim 1, wherein the cables, controller and motor are further configured to rotate the flywheel structure in the (a) clockwise direction to wind the first cable and unwind the second cable to move the exercise bag in an upward direction and (b) counterclockwise direction to unwind the first cable and wind the second cable to move the exercise bag in a downward direction.

5. The exercise bag assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the cables comprises an elastic material, the first cable is affixed within the first groove of the flywheel structure with tension, and the second cable is affixed within the second groove of the flywheel structure with tension.

6. The exercise bag assembly of claim 1, wherein the base assembly further comprises a motor driver, the motor driver coupled to the controller and the motor, and further wherein the motor driver is configured to drive the motor based on output from the controller.

7. The exercise bag assembly of claim 1, wherein the controller is a programmable controller, and further wherein the programmable controller can be set by a user to move the exercise bag in the vertical direction according to a predetermined mode.

8. A motorized double-end exercise bag assembly, comprising:a frame;an exercise bag;a base assembly comprising a motor, a controller configured to control the motor, and a flywheel structure coupled to the motor;a pulley assembly attached to a top portion of the frame;a first cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the first cable is affixed within a first groove of the flywheel structure, the central portion runs through the pulley assembly, and the second end is connected to a top portion of the exercise bag; anda second cable comprising a first end, a second end and a central portion between the ends, wherein the first end of the second cable is affixed within a second groove of the flywheel structure and the second end is connected to a bottom portion of the exercise bag,wherein the controller and motor are configured to rotate the flywheel structure to position each of the cables to move the exercise bag in a vertical direction.

9. The exercise bag assembly of claim 8, wherein the exercise bag comprises a vertically oriented through-hole, and further wherein the central portion of the first cable runs through the through-hole and the pulley assembly.

10. The exercise bag assembly of claim 8, wherein the first and second cables define a cable axis, and wherein the base assembly is weighted and positioned substantially within the cable axis.

11. The exercise bag assembly of claim 8, further comprising:a first limit switch attached to the base assembly; anda second limit switch attached to the base assembly,wherein the limit switches are coupled to the controller and configured to control a range of motion of the cables in the vertical direction.

12. The exercise bag assembly of claim 8, wherein the cables, controller and motor are further configured to rotate the flywheel structure in the (a) clockwise direction to wind the first cable and unwind the second cable to move the exercise bag in an upward direction and (b) counterclockwise direction to unwind the first cable and wind the second cable to move the exercise bag in a downward direction.

13. The exercise bag assembly of claim 8, wherein each of the cables comprises an elastic material, the first cable is affixed within the first groove of the flywheel structure with tension, and the second cable is affixed within the second groove of the flywheel structure with tension.

14. The exercise bag assembly of claim 8, wherein the base assembly further comprises a motor driver, the motor driver coupled to the controller and the motor, and further wherein the motor driver is configured to drive the motor based on output from the controller.

15. The exercise bag assembly of claim 8, wherein the controller is a programmable controller, and further wherein the programmable controller can be set by a user to move the exercise bag in the vertical direction according to a predetermined mode.

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