Reflex bag

Abstract

A reflex bag (1) comprising a punch bag (3), a base (5) and a pole (7) having a first end (9) attached to the punch bag (3), a second end (11) attached to the base (5) and a spring (13) located between the first and second ends (9, 11) which allows the punch bag (3) to move with respect to the base (5), a plurality of sensor devices positioned on and spaced around a surface of the punch bag (3), each sensor device comprising a punch force sensor which determines and outputs force data of one or more punches and a punch location sensor which determines and outputs location data of the one or more punches, at least one processor connected to each of the sensor devices which receives the force data and the location data of the one or more punches to the sensor devices, uses the force data and location data to determine punch information of the one or more punches and outputs the punch information, an output device connected to the at least one processor which receives the punch information and outputs the punch information to a user of the reflex bag (1).

Description

[0001] Reflex Bag

[0002] The invention relates to reflex bags, particularly reflex bags which determine and output training data for a user.

[0003] A reflex bag is a type of free-standing punch bag, generally comprising a punch bag on a pole with a spring, attached to a base. The punch bag moves when punched by a user, mimicking an opponent hitting back. As a reflex bag is free-standing, a user can move through 360° around the bag.

[0004] Reflex bags are designed to help users improve their reflexes, reaction time, defensive movements, foot work, coordination, hand speed, strike accuracy, power, etc. Reflex bags provide a low-impact form of training, in comparison to traditional heavy bags, reducing the risk of injury.

[0005] Reflex bags with the capability of measuring various data, for example, punch data, exist, but these can be limited in the data that is determined and therefore available to the user.

[0006] According to the invention there is provided a reflex bag comprising: a punch bag, a base and a pole having a first end attached to the punch bag, a second end attached to the base and a spring located between the first and second ends which allows the punch bag to move with respect to the base, a plurality of sensor devices positioned on and spaced around a surface of the punch bag, each sensor device comprising a punch force sensor which determines and outputs force data of one or more punches and a punch location sensor which determines and outputs location data of the one or more punches, at least one processor connected to each of the sensor devices which receives the force data and the location data of the one or more punches to the sensor devices, uses the force data and location data to determine punch information of the one or more punches and outputs the punch information, an output device connected to the at least one processor which receives the punch information and outputs the punch information to a user of the reflex bag.

[0007] The plurality of sensor devices may be substantially evenly spaced around a substantially horizontal circumference of the punch bag. The plurality of sensor devices may comprise six sensor devices substantially evenly spaced around the substantially horizontal circumference of the punch bag. The spaced arrangement of the plurality of sensor devices accommodates measurement of punches from all positions (360°) around the punch bag.

[0008] The plurality of sensor devices may be positioned on a surface of a casing of the punch bag. The plurality of sensor devices may be positioned on an inner surface of the casing. The plurality of sensor devices may be received in internal pockets attached to the inner surface of the casing. The plurality of sensor devices may be placed in a holder and the holder and sensor devices may be received in internal pockets attached to the inner surface of the casing. Each sensor device may be received in an internal pocket such that the punch force sensor is placed in an inner position of the pocket and the punch location sensor is placed in an outer position of the pocket. The internal pockets may be axially elongate. Indicia may be provided on an outer surface of the casing to indicate the plurality of sensor devices to a user.

[0009] The punch force sensor of each sensor device may comprise a force sensitive resistor. The force sensitive resistor may be elongate to be received in an axially elongate internal pocket of the punch bag. The force sensitive resistor may comprise a material the resistance of which changes when a force is applied to the force sensitive resistor. The force sensitive resistor may comprise a semi conductive material, such as a semi conductive ink, placed between first and second substrates. The force sensitive resistor may comprise a conductive polymer material.

[0010] The force sensitive resistor may be configured as an analogue sensor. The force sensitive resistor may measure a change in resistance on one or more punches to the force sensitive resistor. The force sensitive resistor may measure a change in resistance in a range comprising any of 0 to 300kQ, 0 to 200kQ, 0 to 100kQ. The force sensitive resistor may output force data of the one or more punches. The force data of the one or more punches may comprise a numerical number representing the force data of the one or more punches. The force data may be combined with punch bag acceleration data from an accelerometer of the reflex bag and weight data of the punch bag to determine a force of the one or more punches to the force sensitive resistor.

[0011] The punch force sensors of the sensor devices may be connected together. The punch force sensors of the sensor devices may be connected together by a cable which connects to the at least one processor.

[0012] The processor may comprise a dedicated connector for each punch force sensor for receiving force data. The processor may receive a punch force sensor identifier along with force data from each punch force sensor.

[0013] The punch location sensor of each sensor device may comprise a plurality of pressure sensitive resistors. The plurality of pressure sensitive resistors may be placed in a plurality of linear positions to be received in an axially elongate internal pocket of the punch bag. In an embodiment of the invention, the plurality of pressure sensitive resistors may comprise three pressure sensitive resistors, placed in a top linear location, a middle linear location and a bottom linear location to be received in an axially elongate internal pocket of the punch bag. Each of the plurality of pressure sensitive resistors may register a change in resistance on one or more punches to the pressure sensitive resistor and output location data comprising a maximum configured resistance change of the pressure sensitive resistor. If two or more pressure sensitive resistors register a change in resistance on one or more punches to the pressure sensitive resistors, the pressure sensitive resistor which registers a largest change in resistance may output location data comprising a maximum configured resistance change of the pressure sensitive resistor. Each of the plurality of pressure sensitive resistors may be configured to register changes in resistance in a range of mfi.

[0014] The punch location sensors of the sensor devices may be connected together. The punch location sensors of the sensor devices may be connected together by a cable which connects to the at least one processor.

[0015] The processor may receive location data comprising a different maximum configured resistance change from each punch location sensor and use the location data to locate a punch.

[0016] The at least one processor receives the force data and the location data of the one or more punches to the punch bag from the sensor devices and may combine the force data and location data. The at least one processor receives the force data and the location data of the one or more punches to the punch bag and uses the force data and location data to determine punch information of the one or more punches comprising any of power of the one or more punches, speed of the one or more punches, accuracy of the one or more punches, direction of the one or more punches, number of the one or more punches, pattern of the one or more punches, rhythm of the one or more punches.

[0017] The punch information of the one or more punches may be provided to one or more algorithms which may use the information to determine any of user performance, training effectiveness, user stamina, user progression over time, user improvement areas, user fatigue.

[0018] The output device may be connected to the at least one processor by a wired connection to receive the punch information from the processor. The output device may comprise a wireless output device to wirelessly output the punch information to a user of the reflex bag by any of a user phone, a monitor, a server, a cloud device.

[0019] The reflex bag may comprise a sensor printed circuit board (PCB). The sensor PCB may be attached to the pole of the reflex bag. The sensor PCB may be attached inside the pole of the reflex bag. The at least one processor may be provided on the sensor PCB. The output device may be provided on the sensor PCB. A connector for the cable from the sensor devices may be provided on the sensor PCB. A battery, a battery charging chip, a battery charge level chip, battery control circuitry, a battery charging connector may be provided on the sensor PCB.

[0020] The reflex bag may comprise a charging PCB. The charging PCB may be attached to the pole of the reflex bag. The charging PCB may be attached inside the pole of the reflex bag. A battery charging port may be provided on the charging PCB. The battery charging port may comprise a USB port. A battery charge level indicator may be provided on the charging PCB. A deep sleep button may be provided on the charging PCB. A battery charging connector for connection to the sensor PCB may be provided on the charging PCB.

[0021] The reflex bag may comprise an accelerometer. The accelerometer may be attached to the pole of the reflex bag. The accelerometer may be attached inside the pole of the reflex bag. The accelerometer may be provided on the sensor PCB. The accelerometer may measure and output punch force of one or more punches to the punch bag. The accelerometer may measure and output angle data of the punch bag after one or more punches to the punch bag. The at least one processor may be connected to the accelerometer to receive the punch force data of the one or more punches. The at least one processor may be connected to the accelerometer to receive the punch bag angle data after the one or more punches. The processor may use the punch force data and the punch bag angle data to determine punch information of the one or more punches.

[0022] The casing of the punch bag may comprise a ball-shaped portion and a collar-shaped portion. The ball-shaped portion of the casing may accommodate a ball-shaped bladder. The collar-shaped portion of the casing may locate around a funnel attached to the upper end of the pole. The collar-shaped portion may comprise holes and laces to tighten around the funnel.

[0023] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a reflex bag according to the invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is schematic representation of punch force sensors and punch location sensors of sensor devices of the reflex bag of Figure 1 , and

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a sensor printed circuit board and a charging printed circuit board of the reflex bag of Figure 1 .

[0027] Referring to Figure 1 , a reflex bag 1 comprises a punch bag 3, a base 5 and a pole 7. The pole has a first end 9 attached to the punch bag 3, a second end 11 attached to the base 5 and a spring 13 located between the first and second ends 9, 11 which allows the punch bag 3 to move with respect to the base 5.

[0028] The pole 7 comprises a hollow pipe having multiple hollow pipe sections. A first pipe section 15 is connected to the base 5. A second pipe section 17 is connected to the first pipe section 15 and accommodates a weight, e.g. may be filled with sand. A third pipe section 19 is connected to the second pipe section 17 and comprises a first end piece 21 , a second end piece 23 and the spring 13 attached between the first and second end pieces 21 , 23. A fourth pipe section 25 is connected to the third pipe section 19 via the first end piece 21. A fifth pipe section 27 is connected to the fourth pipe section 25. A funnel 29 is attached to the fifth pipe section 27. The first to fourth pipe sections receive a portion of a subsequent pipe section, as shown, and a pin (not shown) inserted through holes in connecting pipe sections.

[0029] The base 5 may comprise a weight (not shown) which holds the reflex bag 1 in place when a user punches the punch bag 3. Alternatively, the base 5 may be attached to a support (not shown), such as a floor, which holds the reflex bag 1 in place when a user punches the punch bag 3.

[0030] The punch bag 3 comprises a casing 31 comprising a ball-shaped portion 33 and a collarshaped portion 35. The ball-shaped portion 31 accommodates a ball-shaped bladder (not shown). The collar-shaped portion 35 locates around the funnel 29 attached to fifth pipe section 27 of the pole 7. The collar-shaped portion 35 comprise holes 37 and laces (not shown) to tighten the casing 31 around the funnel 29. The punch bag 3 further comprises axially elongate internal pockets 39 attached to an inner surface of the casing 31 .

[0031] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the reflex bag 1 comprises a plurality of sensor devices 41. In this embodiment, the sensor devices 41 are received in the axially elongate internal pockets 39 attached to the inner surface of the casing 31 of the punch bag 3. The sensor devices 41 are positioned on and substantially evenly spaced around a substantially horizontal circumference of the punch bag 3. In this embodiment, six sensor devices 41 are substantially evenly spaced around the substantially horizontal circumference of the punch bag 3. It will appreciated that more or less sensor devices may be used, as long as the spaced arrangement of the sensor devices accommodates measurement of punches from all positions (360°) around the punch bag 3.

[0032] Each sensor device 41 is received in an internal pocket 39 such that a punch force sensor of the sensor device 41 is placed in an inner position of the pocket 39 and a punch location sensor of the sensor device 41 is placed in an outer position of the pocket 39. Indicia (not shown) are provided on an outer surface of the casing 31 to indicate the location of the sensor devices 41 to a user.

[0033] To assemble the punch bag 3, the six sensor devices 41 are first placed in a holder and the holder and sensor devices 41 placed in the axially elongate internal pockets 39 attached to the inner surface of the ball-shaped portion 33 of the casing 31. The ballshaped bladder is then inserted into the ball-shaped portion 33 of the casing 31. The collar-shaped portion 35 is then located around the funnel 29 attached to the fifth pipe section 27 of the pole 7. The laces (not shown) of the collar-shaped portion 35 are then tightened to tighten the casing 31 of the punch ball 3 around the funnel 29. A pipe (not shown) is then attached to a nozzle (not shown) at a top of the punch bag 3 to add air to the bladder.

[0034] Referring to Figure 2, each sensor device 41 comprises a punch force sensor 43 which determines and outputs force data of one or more punches to the sensor device 41 and a punch location sensor 45 which determines and outputs location data of the one or more punches to the sensor device 41 .

[0035] For each sensor device 41 , the punch force sensor 43 comprises an elongate force sensitive resistor 47, which is received in an axially elongate internal pocket 39 of the punch bag 3. Each force sensitive resistor 47 comprises a material the resistance of which changes when a force is applied to the force sensitive resistor. Each force sensitive resistor 47 may comprise a semi conductive material, such as a semi conductive ink, placed between first and second substrates. Alternatively, each force sensitive resistor 47 may comprise a conductive polymer material.

[0036] In this embodiment, each force sensitive resistor 47 is configured as an analogue sensor. Each force sensitive resistor 47 measures a change in resistance on one or more punches to the force sensitive resistor 47. Each force sensitive resistor measures a change in resistance in a range comprising any of 0 to 300kQ, 0 to 200kQ, 0 to 100kQ. Each force sensitive resistor 47 outputs force data of the one or more punches. The force data of the one or more punches comprises a numerical number representing the force data of the one or more punches. The force data may be combined with punch bag acceleration data from an accelerometer of the reflex bag and weight data of the punch bag to determine a force of the one or more punches to the force sensitive resistor.

[0037] The force sensitive resistors 47 of the punch force sensors 43 of the sensor devices 41 are connected together by a cable 49 which connects to at least one processor (not shown).

[0038] For each sensor device 41 , the punch location sensor 45 comprises a plurality of pressure sensitive resistors 51. In this embodiment, each punch location sensor 45 comprises a first pressure sensitive resistor 51A, placed in a top linear location in an axially elongate internal pocket 39 of the punch bag 3, a second pressure sensitive resistor 51 B, placed in a middle linear location in the axially elongate internal pocket 39 of the punch bag 3 and a third pressure sensitive resistor 51 C, placed in a bottom linear location in the axially elongate internal pocket 39 of the punch bag 3.

[0039] Each pressure sensitive resistor 51A, 51 B, 51C of each punch location sensor 45 measures a change in resistance on one or more punches to the pressure sensitive resistor and outputs location data comprising a maximum configured resistance change of the pressure sensitive resistor. Each pressure sensitive resistor 51 A, 51 B, 51 C of each punch location sensor 45 outputs location data comprising a different maximum configured resistance change and therefore the location of a punch to the punch bag 3 can be known. If two or more pressure sensitive resistors 51 A, 51 B, 51 C register a change in resistance on one or more punches to the pressure sensitive resistors, the pressure sensitive resistor which registers a largest change in resistance outputs location data comprising a maximum configured resistance change of the pressure sensitive resistor. Each of the pressure sensitive resistors 51 A, 51 B, 51 C are configured to register changes in resistance in a range of mfi.

[0040] The punch location sensors 45 of the sensor devices 41 are connected together by a cable 53 which connects to the at least one processor (not shown).

[0041] Referring to Figure 3, the reflex bag comprises a sensor printed circuit board (PCB) 55. This comprises an elongate backing panel 57, on which the sensor PCB 55 is mounted, and an end cap 59. The sensor PCB 55 is positioned inside the fifth pipe section 27 of the pole 7 of the reflex bag 1 and attached to the pipe section 27 by the end cap 59.

[0042] At least one processor 61 is provided on the sensor PCB 55. The at least one processor 61 is connected to each of the sensor devices 41 and receives the force data and the location data of one or more punches. The processor 61 comprises a dedicated connector (not shown) for each punch force sensor 43 of each sensor device 41 for receiving force data. The processor 61 may receive a punch force sensor identifier along with force data from each punch force sensor 43. The processor 61 receives location data comprising a different maximum configured resistance change from each punch location sensor 45 of each sensor device 41 and uses the location data to locate a punch to the bag 3. The processor 61 uses the force data and location data to determine punch information of the one or more punches. The processor 61 may combine the force data and location data. The processor 61 determines punch information of the one or more punches comprising any of power of the one or more punches, speed of the one or more punches, accuracy of the one or more punches, direction of the one or more punches, number of the one or more punches, pattern of the one or more punches, rhythm of the one or more punches. The processor 61 then outputs the punch information.

[0043] An output device 63 is provided on the sensor PCB 55. The output device 63 is connected to the at least one processor 61 and receives the punch information and outputs the punch information to a user of the reflex bag 1. The output device 63 is connected to the at least one processor 61 by a wired connection 65 to receive the punch information from the processor 61. In this embodiment, the output device 63 comprises a wireless output device, such as a Wi-Fi I Bluetooth transceiver, to wirelessly output the punch information to a user of the reflex bag 1 by any of a user phone, a monitor, a server, a cloud device.

[0044] The punch information of the one or more punches may also be provided to one or more algorithms which may use the information to determine any of user performance, training effectiveness, user stamina, user progression over time, user improvement areas.

[0045] The reflex bag 1 further comprise an accelerometer 69. The accelerometer 69 is provided on the sensor PCB 55. The accelerometer 69 measures and outputs punch force of one or more punches to the punch bag 3. The accelerometer 69 measures and outputs angle data of the punch bag 3 after one or more punches to the punch bag 3. The at least one processor 61 is connected to the accelerometer 69 to receive the punch force data of the one or more punches and to receive the punch bag angle data after the one or more punches. The processor 61 uses the punch force data and the punch bag angle data to determine punch information of the one or more punches.

[0046] Connectors (not shown) for the cables 49, 53 from the sensor devices 41 are provided on the sensor PCB 55. A battery 71 , a battery charging chip (not shown), a battery charge level chip (not shown), battery control circuitry (not shown), a battery charging connector (not shown) are also provided on the sensor PCB 55.

[0047] The reflex bag 1 also comprises a charging PCB 73. The charging PCB 73 is positioned inside the fifth pipe section 27 of the pole 7 of the reflex bag 1 and attached to the pipe section 27 by an end cap (not shown). A battery charging connector (not shown) for connection to the sensor PCB 55 is provided on the charging PCB 73. The charging PCB 73 comprises an access unit 75, provided on the outside of the fifth pipe section 27 of the pole 7 of the reflex bag 1. A battery charging port 77, comprising a USB port, is provided on the access unit 75 of the charging PCB 73. A battery charge level indicator 79 and a deep sleep button 81 are also provided on the access unit 75 of the charging PCB 73. It will be appreciated that other means for charging may be provided, for example one or more solar energy elements.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A reflex bag comprising: a punch bag, a base and a pole having a first end attached to the punch bag, a second end attached to the base and a spring located between the first and second ends which allows the punch bag to move with respect to the base, a plurality of sensor devices positioned on and spaced around a surface of the punch bag, each sensor device comprising a punch force sensor which determines and outputs force data of one or more punches and a punch location sensor which determines and outputs location data of the one or more punches, at least one processor connected to each of the sensor devices which receives the force data and the location data of the one or more punches to the sensor devices, uses the force data and location data to determine punch information of the one or more punches and outputs the punch information, an output device connected to the at least one processor which receives the punch information and outputs the punch information to a user of the reflex bag.

2. A reflex bag according to claim 1 in which the plurality of sensor devices are substantially evenly spaced around a substantially horizontal circumference of the punch bag.

3. A reflex bag according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the plurality of sensor devices are positioned on a surface of a casing of the punch bag.

4. A reflex bag according to claim 3 in which the plurality of sensor devices are received in internal pockets attached to an inner surface of the casing.

5. A reflex bag according to claim 4 in which each sensor device is received in an internal pocket such that the punch force sensor is placed in an inner position of the pocket and the punch location sensor is placed in an outer position of the pocket.

6. A reflex bag according to claim 4 or claim 5 in which the internal pockets are axially elongate.

7. A reflex bag according to any preceding claim in which the punch force sensor of each sensor device comprises a force sensitive resistor.

8. A reflex bag according to claim 7 as dependent from claim 6 in which the force sensitive resistor is elongate to be received in an axially elongate internal pocket of the punch bag.

9. A reflex bag according to claim 7 or claim 8 in which the force sensitive resistor is configured as an analogue sensor.

10. A reflex bag according to any preceding claim in which the punch location sensor of each sensor device comprises a plurality of pressure sensitive resistors.

11. A reflex bag according to claim 10 as dependent from claim 6 in which the plurality of pressure sensitive resistors are placed in a plurality of linear positions to be received in an axially elongate internal pocket of the punch bag.

12. A reflex bag according to claim 11 in which the plurality of pressure sensitive resistors comprise three pressure sensitive resistors, placed in a top linear location, a middle linear location and a bottom linear location to be received in an axially elongate internal pocket of the punch bag.

13. A reflex bag according to any of claims 10 to 12 in which each of the plurality of pressure sensitive resistors register a change in resistance on one or more punches to the pressure sensitive resistor and output location data comprising a maximum configured resistance change of the pressure sensitive resistor.

14. A reflex bag according to claim 13 in which the each of the plurality of pressure sensitive resistors outputs location data comprising a different maximum configured resistance change from each punch location sensor which is used to locate a punch.

15. A reflex bag according to any preceding claim in which the at least one processor receives the force data and the location data of the one or more punches to the punch bag and uses the force data and location data to determine punch information of the one or more punches comprising any of power of the one or more punches, speed of the one or more punches, accuracy of the one or more punches, direction of the one or more punches, number of the one or more punches, pattern of the one or more punches, rhythm of the one or more punches.

16. A reflex bag according to any preceding claim in which the punch information of the one or more punches is provided to one or more algorithms which may use the information to determine any of user performance, training effectiveness, user stamina, user progression over time, user improvement areas, user fatigue.

17. A reflex bag according to any preceding claim comprising an accelerometer which measures and outputs punch force of one or more punches to the punch bag.

18. A reflex bag according to claim 17 in which the accelerometer measures and outputs angle data of the punch bag after one or more punches to the punch bag.

19. A reflex bag according to claim 17 or claim 18 in which the at least one processor is connected to the accelerometer to receive the punch force data of the one or more punches and the punch bag angle data after the one or more punches and use the punch force data and the punch bag angle data to determine punch information of the one or more punches.

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