Boxing training apparatus
A training apparatus for a user comprising a simulated body element adapted to receive impact forces from a user, the body element having a head region, a mid-torso rib region and a lower-torso kidney region, each of the regions having a right section and a left section, each of the sections comprising at least one impact sensor adapted to sense an impact force to the section and to provide an impact signal as a function of the impact force, a processor communicating with the sensors, an input device adapted to obtain input from the user and to provide an input signal, the input device communicating with the processor, and the processor adapted to receive the impact signal and the input signal and to provide an output that is a function of the impact signal and the input signal.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/778,751, filed Mar. 3, 2006. The entire content of such application is incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to a training apparatus and, more particularly, to a training device for a boxer or martial artist.
BACKGROUND ARTTraining devices for boxers and martial artists are known in the prior art. In general, such training devices record some performance parameters or challenge users with a programmed fight sequence and are commonly large, cumbersome, stationary units that are not easily portable. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,088,315, U.S. Pat. No. 4,401,303 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,079 teach devices taking the form of a human body. These devices, however, fail to measure the force and frequency of strikes, and are difficult to move from one location to another. U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,833 teaches an apparatus with a pictorial representation of a human opponent, but also fails to measure the force and frequency of strikes.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,622 teaches a boxing training apparatus in the form of a bag with a series of responsive zones. These zones, however, do not correspond to areas of a human opponent, do not have separate right and left sections, and do not provide feedback regarding the force of strikes. U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,660 teaches a boxing training apparatus in the form of a heavy bag that detects the force and frequency of strikes, but it does not differentiate between areas of the body, nor does it distinguish strikes from the left or right. U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,557 claims an apparatus that measures reaction time of a user's strikes, but it does not measure force or frequency. U.S. Pat. No. 4,108,428 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,366 teach devices that measure power, but they do not measure other pertinent parameters, such as frequency.
Some prior art references appear to measure force and frequency, but they limit the user's movements, and thereby do not simulate combat performance. For example, U.S. Pat. Application Publication No. 2003/0181290 restricts the user's motion by allowing only straight-line punches, and does not give the user freedom to move as he might or should in combat.
Hence, it would be beneficial to provide a training apparatus that interacts with the user and allows for a wide variety of performance parameters to be recorded, analyzed and displayed. It is specifically intended that the disclosure of all United States Patent Office references cited herein be incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTIONWith parenthetical reference to the corresponding parts, portions, or surfaces of the disclosed embodiment, merely for the purposes of illustration and not way of limitation, the present invention provides an apparatus (15) for training an athlete, boxer, martial artist, or other user, comprising a simulated body element (16) adapted to receive impact forces from a user (17), and having a head region (18), a mid-torso rib region (19) and a lower-torso kidney region (20), each of the regions having a right section (22, 24, 26) and a left section (21, 23, 25), the head region having an additional center section (28) and the mid-torso region having an additional center section (29), and each of the sections comprising at least one impact sensor (52) adapted to sense an impact force to the section and to provide an impact signal as a function of the impact force, a processor (30) communicating with the sensors, an input device (31) adapted to obtain input from the user and to provide an input signal, the input device communicating with the processor (30), and the processor (30) adapted to receive the impact signal and the input signal and to provide an output that is a function of the impact signal and the input signal. The input may be selected from a group consisting of user name, user gender, user height, user weight, number of rounds, length of rounds and length of time between rounds. The processor (30) may be further adapted to store the impact signal and the input signal. The output may be selected from a group consisting of impact force as a function of time, impact force as a function of section, degree of impact force, location of impact force, and average degree of impact forces. The apparatus may further comprise a display screen (32) communicating with the processor (30) and adapted to display the output to the user, and the display of the output may be in a graphical form or in a tabular form. The apparatus may further comprise a camera (34, 37) communicating with the processor (30) and configured and arranged to photograph or film the user. The apparatus may further comprise a printer (33) communicating with the processor (30) and adapted to print the output.
Accordingly, the general object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus for training an athlete, boxer or martial artist.
Another object is to provide a training apparatus that may also be used as an arcade game.
Another object is to provide a training apparatus with a simulated body element adapted to receive impact forces from a user.
Another object is to provide a training apparatus with multiple sensors located in regions that are key contact points in boxing or martial arts combat.
Another object is to provide a training apparatus that can be programmed based on the needs or physical aspects of the user.
Another object is to provide a training apparatus that can stabilize a user and allow him to concentrate on particular limbs or muscle groups.
Another object is to provide a training apparatus that allows the user to customize a training program to include a particular series or combination of punches and/or kicks.
Another object is to provide a training apparatus that will monitor and report the speed, force and accuracy of a user's performance of a particular series or combination of punches and/or kicks.
Another object is to provide a training apparatus that will identify the time at which the user begins to fatigue or weaken.
Another object is to provide a training apparatus having at least one camera to provide visual feedback on the user's position and technique.
Another object is to provide a training apparatus having a processor adapted to receive user input, camera and sensor data, and further adapted to analyze the input and data to provide results.
Another object is to provide a training apparatus that will provide results such as the force of a punch to a section as a function of time, force of impact as a function of section, the degree or strength of impact forces to sections or regions, the location of impact forces, and the average degree or strength of all impact forces.
Another object is to provide a training apparatus with a screen to display graphical analysis of the results.
Another object is to provide a training apparatus having an apparatus adapted to print graphical analysis of the results.
Another object is to provide a training apparatus that allows the user to customize the reports and graphical analysis of the results.
These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the foregoing and ongoing written specification, the drawings and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as such elements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification, of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to
The preferred embodiment includes several supporting structures. Simulated body element 16 is attached to support 35. Support 35 is vertically adjustable to accommodate different heights. Camera 34 is supported by arm 38, which is in turn supported by post 36. Post 36 may be removable, and further functions to support screen 32. In the preferred embodiment, apparatus 15 is constructed of lightweight materials making it easy to move between locations. Platform 41 supports the entire apparatus 15, including posts 35 and 36, and further comprises wheels severally indicated at 42. Wheels 42 may be removable. It is contemplated, however, that the apparatus may be permanently installed in one location.
Brace 43 is a supporting structure meant for supporting user 17. User 17 can lean against brace 43 or secure her body to brace 43 during training. User 17 can then concentrate on working particular limbs or muscle groups while keeping the torso stationary. This feature is beneficial for a user learning new techniques or conditioning a specific area of the body. Brace 43 is vertically and horizontally adjustable to accommodate users of different heights and arm lengths. Brace 43 is removable, so the user can operate the device without brace 43.
Processor 30 and printer 33 are housed inside storage cabinet 53. Cabinet 53 is presented in detail in
In a preferred embodiment, apparatus 15 may be used for training a boxer, kickboxer, martial artist or other athlete. The apparatus may also be used for recreational purposes. For example, the apparatus may function as an arcade game. The training apparatus and arcade game apparatus are substantially similar. If the apparatus serves as an arcade game, it may be adapted to receive payment for use. Other differences between training and arcade variations are noted where applicable.
Thus, for example, during setup of the apparatus, the user may select arcade or training mode, set the default length of each round, choose the default length of rest between rounds, clear the data from previous users, and set the length of rounds for arcade use. The user may choose to proceed to a training main menu, an arcade main menu, or continue setup via the weight class setup screen or the pad setup screen. The training main menu further allows the user to proceed to the boxer setup menu or to a combination display and setup. Both the arcade mode and training mode provide particular output during the rounds and at the end of rounds. These input and output variables are discussed in detail below.
Body Element and Sensors
As discussed above, the apparatus 15 comprises simulated body element 16 that is broken into three regions 18, 19, 20 and eight sections 21-29. Head region 18, mid-torso region 19, and lower torso region 20 correspond to the areas on the body of importance in boxing and are meant to simulate a human opponent. In turn, sections 21-26 of each region correspond to the right and left side of a human body. In addition, the head region and mid-torso region have a center section 28, 29. It is contemplated that body element 16 may have additional regions and sections. Body element 16 serves as a substitute for a heavy bag or other training equipment because it allows the user to punch, kick, or otherwise strike as he normally would when fighting another person. There is no limitation on the direction or speed of the user's limbs so punches or kicks can come from any angle.
In a preferred embodiment, sections 21-29 have an outwardly facing soft strike pad, severally indicated at 50a-50h, that is adapted to receive punches or kicks from a user. An underlying aluminum plate connected to a sensor 52a-52h are provided below strike pads 50a-50h. Sensor 52a-52h are each in turn connected to processor 30 through supporting structure 35 and 41. Sensors 52a-52h record the force of each impact to the strike pad 50a-50h, and communicate that force to processor 30 for subsequent analysis. It is contemplated that each strike pad may have more than one sensor. In the preferred embodiment, impact forces may be punches, kicks or other strikes from a user, such as a cross, hook, jab, uppercut, roundhouse, or other punches or kicks.
User Input
The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an input device 31, adapted to receive user input, and screen 32 to display choices from which the user may select. Processor 30 is programmed to accept input from a user through input device 31. Processor 30 provides several menus from which the user can make selections to personalize his use. These menus appear on screen 32 throughout setup and use of the apparatus.
Although computer screen 30 and keyboard 31 are shown in
The preferred embodiment also includes one or more cameras 34 and 37. Camera 34 is positioned above the user to provide one perspective, while camera 37 is positioned to the side of the user to provide another perspective. Although two perspectives are shown in
As shown in
If a user elects to operate the apparatus in training mode, she is then prompted to make setup choices on menu screen 68. The user must select the length of each training round, the number of rounds, and the length of rest time between rounds. Unlike the arcade mode, training mode allows a user to change these preferences throughout use, as indicated in
Following the initial setup menu 66, 68, the user may customize weight classes or pad names by proceeding through menu screen 69. Display screen 70, shown in
Men's:
-
- Strawweight/Mini Flyweight: Up to 105 lb
- Junior Flyweight: 105.01-108 lb
- Flyweight: 108.01-112 lb
- Super Flyweight/Junior Bantam Weight: 112.01-115 lb
- Bantamweight: 115.01-118 lb
- Super Bantamweight/Junior Featherweight: 118.01-122 lb
- Featherweight: 122.01-126 lb
- Super Featherweight/Junior Lightweight: 126.01-130 lb
- Lightweight: 130.01-135 lb
- Super Lightweight/Junior Welterweight: 135.01-140 lb
- Welterweight: 140.01-147 lb
- Super Welterweight/Junior Middleweight: 147.01-154 lb
- Middleweight: 154.01-160 lb
- Super Middleweight: 160.01-168 lb
- Light heavyweight: 168.01-175 lb
- Cruiserweight: 175.01-200 lb
- Heavyweight: over 200 lb
Women's:
-
- Strawweight: Up to 102 lb
- Mini Flyweight: Up to 105 lb
- Junior Flyweight: 105.01-108 lb
- Flyweight: 108.01-112 lb
- Super Flyweight/Junior Bantam Weight: 112.01-115 lb
- Bantamweight: 115.01-118 lb
- Super Bantamweight/Junior Featherweight: 118.01-122 lb
- Featherweight: 122.01-126 lb
- Super Featherweight/Junior Lightweight: 126.01-130 lb
- Lightweight: 130.01-135 lb
- Super Lightweight/Junior Welterweight: 135.01-140 lb
- Welterweight: 140.01-147 lb
- Junior Middleweight: 147.01-154 lb
- Middleweight: 154.01-160 lb
- Super Middleweight: 160.01-168 lb
- Light heavyweight: 168.01-175 lb
- Heavyweight: over 175 lb
In addition to customizing weight class ranges and names, user 17 can customize the names of sections 21-29 on simulated body element 16. As shown in
A user can also program a combination of punches that he desires to perform and subsequently analyze. As shown in
Following initial setup the user may provide input prior to each use of the apparatus. This input is optional and serves to further personalize a training session. If the user is operating the apparatus in arcade mode, he is prompted with the arcade main menu screen as show in
A similar main menu, as shown in
If the user does not have stored preferences, he can choose the “New Boxer” option 77 as shown in
Unlike a user of the arcade mode, a user of the training mode must decide whether to engage in rounds of training or practice particular combinations. This choice is made on menu screen 76 in
Analysis and Display of Results
Processor 30 of the preferred embodiment is programmed to perform several functions besides the setup functions discussed above. Processor 30 is programmed to receive impact force data from the sensors connected to sections 21-29 on body element 16. Processor 30 then analyzes the signals from the sensors, and provides an output with the results on screen 32 or printer 33. Processor 30 is also capable of storing input and data. As used herein, “input” includes information received from the user via an input device 31 and video or photographs from camera 34 or camera 37. As used herein, “data” includes information received from sensors 52a-52h of sections 21-29.
Sensors 52a-52h record the force of each strike and processor 30 analyzes the force and frequency data to report the results. As used herein, “results” are the product of the processor's analysis and may be the subject of reports or used to critique user's performance.
Results may include the impact force as a function of time, impact force as a function of location, degree of impact force, location of impact force, and average degree of all impact forces. In the preferred embodiment, the degree of impact force is provided in pounds per punch. The results may further include the user's most forceful punch, least forceful punch, and the time at which the user beings to exhibit fatigue.
Reports are available in graphic and tabular form, as indicated in
Results from operation of apparatus 15 in arcade mode may be displayed on screen 32 in real time, as seen in
Real time results for a training session are displayed in a similar fashion, as demonstrated in
In addition to real time reporting, apparatus 15 also provides summary feedback. The summary reports may appear graphically or in tabular form. They may appear on display screen 32 at the end of a round or at the end of a training or arcade session, or they may be printed on printer 33. Processor 30 is adapted to store all results, analysis, and reports for later retrieval.
The reports of results serve as a training tool by highlighting the user's strengths and weaknesses. For example, if the reports indicate that the user's least forceful or weakest punches are directed at the mid-torso section, the user may utilize this information to direct his training towards increasing the force of his mid-torso punch. The reports further identify the amount of time between a user's strikes. Therefore, a user can determine how fast and accurate his combinations are, again allowing him to adjust his training to focus on combinations that are not as fast and accurate as desired. Since part of a boxer's training involves studying an opponent's technique, a boxer should know his opponent's weaknesses. The present invention allows the boxer to concentrate on his opponent's weak areas and provides reliable feedback on the boxer's progress.
The present invention is capable of tabular reporting, as seen in
Other reports may include the following results:
Overall Data Summary
-
- Total Number of Punches
- Strongest Punch
- Weakest Punch
- Average Pounds Per Punch
- Average Time Between Punches
Specific Hit Spot Summary
-
- Upper Right
- Strongest Punch: Xlbs occurring at time X
- Weakest Punch: Xlbs occurring at time X
- Upper Left
- Strongest Punch: Xlbs occurring at time X
- Weakest Punch: Xlbs occurring at time X
- Middle Right
- Strongest Punch: Xlbs occurring at time X
- Weakest Punch: Xlbs occurring at time X
- Middle Left
- Strongest Punch: Xlbs occurring at time X
- Weakest Punch: Xlbs occurring at time X
- Lower Right
- Strongest Punch: Xlbs occurring at time X
- Weakest Punch: Xlbs occurring at time X
- Lower Left
- Strongest Punch: Xlbs occurring at time X
- Weakest Punch: Xlbs occurring at time X
- Upper Right
Strongest Punch Summary
-
- Force: X
- Total Number of Punches Occurring at Force X: Y
- Location and Time of Punches Occurring at that Force (i.e. Upper Right @
- Time X:XX, Lower Left @ Time X:XX):
Weakest Punch Summary
-
- Force: X
- Total Number of Punches Occurring at Force X: Y
- Location and Time of Punches Occurring at that Force (i.e. Upper Right @ Time X:XX, Lower Left @ Time X:XX):
The user can also print a report of summary statistics, or these summary statistics can be saved and accessed later.
Following the user's training session, the user can toggle between 8 different preset graphs and select a custom view:
-
- 1. Hit Output {Default Graph} (See
FIG. 17 : Graph “Date Output Round 1”) - 2. Right Side v. Left Side (See
FIG. 17 : Graph “Data Output Round 1”) - 3. Head v. Middle Torso v. Lower Torso (See
FIG. 17 : Graph “Data Output Round 1 Head v. Middle Torso v. Lower Torso”) - 4. Hits on Right Side Only
- 5. Hits on Left Side Only
- 6. Hits to Head Only
- 7. Hits to Middle Torso Only
- 8. Hits to Lower Torso Only
- 9. A custom graph will allow the user to select from the eight different sections, choosing as few as one section to as many as eight sections.
- 1. Hit Output {Default Graph} (See
The user can toggle between rounds or view multiple rounds on one graph, where each round is shown in a different color on the same graph. As shown in
The present invention expressly contemplates that many changes and modifications may be made. Therefore, while several preferred forms of the boxing training apparatus have been shown and described, and several modifications thereof discussed, persons skilled in this art will readily appreciate that various additional changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Claims
1. A training apparatus comprising:
- a simulated body element adapted to receive impact forces from a user;
- said body element having a head region, a mid-torso rib region and a lower-torso kidney region;
- each of said regions having a right section and a left section and each of said head region and said mid-torso region having a center section;
- each of said sections comprising at least one impact sensor adapted to sense an impact force to said section and to provide an impact signal as a function of said impact force;
- a processor communicating with said sensors;
- an input device adapted to obtain input from said user and to provide an input signal;
- said input device communicating with said processor; and
- said processor adapted to receive said impact signal and said input signal and to provide an output that is a function of said impact signal and said input signal.
2. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said input is selected from a group consisting of user name, user gender, user height, user weight, number of rounds, length of rounds and length of time between rounds.
3. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said processor is further adapted to store said impact signal and said input signal.
4. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said output is selected from a group consisting of impact force as a function of time, impact force as a function of section, degree of impact force, location of impact force, and average degree of impact forces.
5. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, and further comprising a display screen communicating with said processor and adapted to display said output to said user.
6. The apparatus set forth in claim 5, wherein said display of said output is in a graphical form or in a tabular form.
7. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, and further comprising a camera communicating with said processor and configured and arranged to photograph or film said user.
8. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, and further comprising a printer communicating with said processor and adapted to print said output.
9. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, and further comprising a frame supporting said body element.
10. The apparatus set forth in claim 9, wherein said frame comprises a platform adapted to support said user.
11. The apparatus set forth in claim 10, wherein said frame comprises an element adapted to support said user when said user is on said platform.
12. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said input comprises a combination of punches.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 2, 2007
Publication Date: Sep 13, 2007
Inventor: Joseph Anderson (Sanborn, NY)
Application Number: 11/713,443
International Classification: A63B 69/34 (20060101);