HEAVY SPORTS EQUIPMENT SUSPENSION SYSTEM

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a suspension system for heavy sports equipment that reduces the shock and noise transmitted by an impact delivered thereto. The disclosure provides for connective devices to secure the suspension system to the heavy sporting good equipment and to secure it to a mounting point. In one embodiment, the heavy sporting good equipment comprises a heavy bag.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/408,818, filed on Nov. 1, 2010.

BACKGROUND

Heavy sports equipment that is suspended and subjected to repeated impacts is susceptible to damage from shock, vibratory noise, shear and tearing. Although the support structure integrated into the equipment resists such destructive influences, the result is often premature failure of the equipment requiring expensive repair and/or replacement.

A need exists for a suspension system capable of reducing the effect of the destructive influences on heavy sports equipment.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a system for suspending heavy sports equipment and reducing the effect of destructive influences on the equipment.

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a suspension system including a first end and a second end connected by a longitudinal body. The longitudinal body has elasticity, thereby allowing it to stretch upon receiving an impact and return to a steady-state condition thereafter. The first end carries a first connective point and the second end carries a second connective point. The longitudinal body has a wavy segment defined therein between the first and the second end.

In another embodiment, the disclosure provides an exercise system including a heavy bag suspended by the suspension system. The first connective point on the first end is adapted to connect to the heavy bag and the second connective point on the second end is adapted to connect to a mounting device for suspending the heavy bag. The longitudinal body has elasticity that allows it to stretch in response to an impact force received by the heavy bag and return to a steady-state condition thereafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of an embodiment of the inventive suspension system.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the inventive suspension system.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive suspension system.

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of an alternative embodiment of the inventive suspension system.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of an alternative embodiment of the inventive suspension system.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the inventive suspension system.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment including a plurality of inventive suspension systems connected to a heavy bag and joined together with a mounting ring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a suspension system for suspending heavy sports equipment and increasing the serviceable life of the equipment. Referring generally to the drawings, the inventive suspension system is illustrated and generally designated by the numeral 10. The inventive suspension system 10 comprises first end 12 and second end 14 connected by longitudinal body 16. Longitudinal body 16 has elasticity that enables longitudinal body 16 to absorb an impact force by stretching or otherwise deforming after receiving the impact and returning to a steady-state condition thereafter. Herein, the steady-state condition is the configuration of longitudal body 16 prior to receiving the impact.

In an embodiment of the inventive suspension system 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, first end 12 has first hole 18 transversely disposed therethrough and across first end width A. Similarly, second end 14 has second hole 22 transversely disposed therethrough and across second end thickness B. As shown, bushings 26 and 28 are positioned within first and second holes 18 and 22, respectively, to provide strength and resist tear-through. Ring 30 is secured within bushing 26, and ring 32 is secured within bushing 28. Ring 30 provides first connective point 31 carried by first end 12, and ring 32 provides second connective point 33 carried by second end 14.

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, rings 30 and 32 are substantially rectangular in shape. Ring 30 is shown with long leg 34 disposed within hole 22. Ring 32 is shown with short leg 36 disposed in hole 24. Although depicted as rectangular, rings 30 and 32 can be any shape, including without limitation D-rings, loops, locking-rings, U-channels, etc.

Rings 30 and 32 may be formed from any conventional material suitable for supporting the desired sports equipment. Thus, rings 30, 32 may be formed from metals, such as steel, as well as plastics and composite materials. Additionally, pliable materials such as wire, cotton rope/twine, nylon rope/twine, or combinations thereof can serve as first and second connective points 31 and 33 in place of rings 30 and 32.

Materials suitable for use as bushings 26 and 28 include, but are not limited to metal, composites, plastics, wood, or any other material capable of being disposed within first and second holes 18 and 22. Depending upon the usage requirements and the particular heavy sports equipment to be supported, load testing is used to determine the desired size and material of bushings 26 and 28.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, first end 12 and first hole 18 define first annular area 38. First annular area 38 has thickness C. First annular area 38 seamlessly transitions into longitudinal body 16 at first neck 42. Second end 14 and second hole 22 define second annular area 44. Second annular area 44 has thickness D. Second annular area 44 seamlessly transitions into longitudinal body 16 at second neck 48.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, suspension system 10 depicts wavy segment 50 centrally positioned within longitudinal body 16 of suspension system 10. Wavy segment 50 has reciprocal sides 52 and 54, where side 52 has wave crest 56, and side 54 has wave trough 58. For at least a portion of wavy segment 50, wave crest 56 on side 52 corresponds to wave trough 58 on the opposite, reciprocal side 54 of wavy segment 50. Crests 56 and troughs 58 define a wavelength along the length of longitudinal body 16. Wavy segment 50 allows suspension system 10 to extend and return to the steady-state condition, thereby providing shock and noise absorption.

Referring to FIG. 1, suspension system 10 is widest in middle portion 60, having width E. In one embodiment, suspension system 10 tapers from middle portion 60 inwardly along each edge 64 toward first and second necks 42 and 48. As shown in this embodiment, width E of middle portion 60 is greater than width F of longitudinal body 16 at second end 14 and width G of longitudinal body 16 at first end 12.

Referring to FIG. 2, longitudinal body 16 decreases in thickness from first end 12 toward second end 14. As shown, the decrease in thickness results in side thickness H of longitudinal body 16 at second end 14 being about one-half of side thickness J of longitudinal body 16 at first end 12. Referring to the side view of FIG. 2, one embodiment of suspension system 10 has a bowed shape. This shape facilitates connectivity to heavy sports equipment, while minimizing interference therewith.

In an exemplary embodiment, the dimensions of suspension system 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 are given. All of the dimensions are adjustable and/or changeable to meet the need of the particular sports equipment. Suspension system 10 has overall length K of about 34 centimeters. Length M between first and second holes 18 and 22 is about 28.7 centimeters. Continuing with this embodiment, width F at second end 14 is about 4.5 centimeters and width G at first end 12 is about 5centimeters. Width E of middle portion 60 is about 7 centimeters. Thicknesses C and D of first and second annular areas 38 and 44 are about 2.5 centimeters and 2.9 centimeters respectively.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate an alternative embodiment of suspension system 10 including first slot 118 passing through first end 112 and second slot 122 passing through second end 114. Each slot 118, 122 has length Q and width R. Typically the dimensions for length Q and width R will be determined by load testing to ensure adequate support for the desired sports equipment. Further, each slot 118, 122 optionally includes a bushing or other similar insert (not shown) disposed therein to provide strength and resist tear-through as previously described.

In an exemplary embodiment, length Q of each slot 118, 122 is between about 2 centimeters to about 7 centimeters and width R of each slot 118, 122 is between about 5 millimeters to about 15 millimeters.

Continuing with the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, connective point 31 passes through first slot 118. Connective point 33 passes through second slot 122. Connective points 31, 33 can include a variety of materials including but not limited to straps, ropes and rings. In this embodiment, a strap 113 provides each connective point 31, 33. Each strap 113 is typically nylon webbing. Each strap 113 has width T determined by load testing as suitable for supporting the sports equipment.

In an exemplary embodiment, width T of strap 113 is between about 2 centimeters to about 7 centimeters.

As shown in FIG. 6, strap 113 has first loop 115 that engages each slot 118, 122. In this embodiment, first loop 115 is an end of strap 113 folded and secured to itself in any convenient manner, such as by sewing.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, first end 112 has first end width U and second end 114 has second end width V. Load testing for the sports equipment provides suitable dimensions for first and second end widths U, V and first and second end thicknesses N, P. Typically, length Q of each slot 118, 122 will be centered on their respective first and second end widths U, V.

In an exemplary embodiment, first end width U is between about 4 centimeters to about 10 centimeters and first end thickness N is between about 1 centimeter to about 4 centimeters. Second end width V is between about 4 centimeters to about 10 centimeters and second end thickness P is between about 1 centimeter to about 4 centimeters.

Referring to FIG. 4, longitudinal body 116 has width W at the connection of first end 112 and width X at the connection of second end 114. Further, longitudinal body 116 has middle portion 160.

Referring to FIG. 5, longitudal body 116 has side thickness Y at the connection of first end 112 and side thickness Z at the connection of second end 114.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, width X is less than width W and side thickness Z is less than side thickness Y such that longitudinal body 116 tapers to a reduced width and thickness from the connection of first end 112 to the connection of second end 114. Further, longitudinal body 116 tapers to a reduced width and thickness from middle portion 160 to the connection of second end 114. Load testing for the sports equipment provides suitable dimensions for widths W, X and side thicknesses Y, Z.

In an exemplary embodiment, width W is between about 4 centimeters to about 10 centimeters and side thickness Y is between about 1 centimeter to about 4 centimeters. Width X is between about 4 centimeters to about 10 centimeters and side thickness Z is between about 1 centimeter to about 4 centimeters.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, first end 112 and first slot 118 define first tab 117. Second end 114 and second slot 122 define second tab 119. First tab 117 has first tab width AA and second tab 119 has second tab width BB. Load testing for the sports equipment provides suitable dimensions for first and second tab widths AA, BB.

In an exemplary embodiment, first tab width AA is between about 2 centimeters to about 5 centimeters and second tab width BB is between about 2 centimeters to about 5 centimeters.

Longitudinal body 116 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 includes the previously described wavy segment 50 defined thereon between first end 112 and second end 114. As previously described, wavy segment 50 has wave crest 56 and wave trough 58 defined on reciprocal sides 52, 54 of wavy segment 50. As shown, reciprocal sides 52, 54 are opposite one another. Further, wave crest 56 and wave trough 58 define a wavelength oriented in substantially a longitudinal direction on the longitudinal body 116. Wave crest 56 and wave trough 58 expand and contract upon receiving an impact force, thereby enhancing the elasticity and force absorption of longitudinal body 116. Longitudinal body 116 can include a plurality of wave crests 56 and wave troughs 58 alternating between opposite sides of the wavy segment 50.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6, suspension system 10 has overall length CC and length DD between each slot 118, 122. Load testing for the sports equipment provides suitable dimensions for overall length CC and length DD.

In an exemplary embodiment, overall length CC of suspension system 10 is between about 20 centimeters to about 30 centimeters. Length DD of suspension system 10 between each slot 118, 122 is between about 15 centimeters to about 25 centimeters.

As stated above, suspension system 10 is made from a material having elasticity. As illustrated, suspension system 10 is made from rubber. However, suspension system 10 can be made of any natural or synthetic material capable of supporting the desired heavy sports equipment as determined by load testing.

In operation, suspension system 10 reduces shock and noise induced by an impact force on the heavy sports equipment. The shock and noise travels through the sports equipment to suspension system 10, which provides dampening that reduces residual shock and noise. The dampening provided by suspension system 10 increases the serviceable life of the sports equipment.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an exercise system including heavy sports equipment, such as a heavy bag 200, supported by a plurality of suspension systems 10. Load testing for the particular sports equipment determines the number of suspension systems 10 required for the particular application. In this embodiment, heavy bag 200 has four suspension systems 10 (only two are shown). Heavy bag 200 carries a plurality of support straps 202. Each support strap 202 provides a mounting point at an individual location on outer surface 204 of heavy bag 200 for the connection of first end 12 of each suspension system 10. Second ends 14 corresponding to each suspension system 10 connect at a mounting device 206 for suspending heavy bag 200.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, each support strap 202 is sewn to a skin 208 carrying heavy bag 200. However, each support strap 202 may be secured to skin 208 by any convenient arrangement. Ring 30 connects first end 12 of each suspension system 10 to an individual support strap 202. Second ends 14 corresponding to each suspension system 10 connect at ring 32 with mounting device 206.

FIG. 7 depicts the embodiment of the inventive suspension system 10 of FIGS. 1-3 suspending heavy bag 200. However, the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6 can also suspend heavy bag 200. In this alternative embodiment, an end of strap 113 carried by first ends 112 is secured to skin 208 in any convenient manner, thereby connecting first ends 112 to the heavy bag 200. Similarly, the plurality of straps 113 carried by second ends 114 connect at mounting device 206 to suspend heavy bag 200. Strap 113 carried by second ends 114 can include second loop 120 or other similar device to permit connection with mounting device 206. For example, second loop 120 can be an end of strap 113 folded and secured to itself as previously discussed.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, mounting device 206 is a steel ring. However, mounting device 206 can be any connective device capable of supporting the desired sports equipment, or in this case, heavy bag 200.

When heavy bag 200 receives an impact, the force is transmitted in three dimensions, thereby pulling upon support straps 202 and straps 113. Suspension systems 10 absorb the force and reduce the shock and noise experienced by support straps 202 and straps 113 at their mounting points on heavy bag 200. The shock and noise reduction extends the life of the sporting equipment.

Other embodiments of the current disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this specification or practice thereof. Thus, the foregoing specification is considered merely exemplary of the current disclosure with the true scope thereof being defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A sports equipment suspension system, comprising:

a longitudinal body having elasticity, thereby allowing the longitudinal body to stretch upon receiving an impact force and return to a steady-state condition thereafter;

a first end carrying a first connective point and a second end carrying a second connective point, the first and second ends connected by the longitudinal body; and

a wavy segment defined in the longitudinal body and positioned between the first and the second end.

2. The sports equipment suspension system of claim 1, wherein a side thickness of the longitudinal body at the first end is greater than a side thickness of the longitudinal body at the second end.

3. The sports equipment suspension system of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal body has a middle portion, the middle portion having a width greater than a width at the second end.

4. The sports equipment suspension system of claim 1, further comprising a first hole disposed through the first end and a second hole disposed through the second end, wherein the first connective point is secured in the first hole and the second connective point is secured in the second hole.

5. The sports equipment suspension system of claim 1, further comprising a first slot disposed through the first end and a second slot disposed through the second end, wherein the first connective point is secured in the first slot and the second connective point is secured in the second slot.

6. The sports equipment suspension system of claim 4, wherein each hole has a bushing positioned therein.

7. The sports equipment suspension system of claim 1, wherein at least one connective point is a ring.

8. The sports equipment suspension system of claim 1, wherein at least one connective point is a strap.

9. The sports equipment suspension system of claim 8, wherein the strap is comprised of nylon webbing.

10. The sports equipment suspension system of claim 1, wherein the wavy segment has at least one wave crest and at least one wave trough defined on opposite sides of the wavy segment, and wherein at least one wave crest corresponds to at least one wave trough.

11. The sports equipment suspension system of claim 9, wherein each side of the wavy segment has a plurality of wave crests and wave troughs.

12. An exercise system, comprising:

a heavy bag; and

a suspension system for suspending the heavy bag, wherein the suspension system comprises: a longitudinal body having elasticity, thereby allowing the longitudinal body to stretch in response to an impact force received by the heavy bag and return to a steady-state condition thereafter; a first end carrying a first connective point and a second end carrying a second connective point, the first and second ends connected by the longitudinal body, the first connective point adapted to connect to the heavy bag, the second connective point adapted to connect to a mounting device for suspending the heavy bag; and a wavy segment defined in the longitudinal body and positioned between the first and the second end.

13. The exercise system of claim 12, wherein the suspension system further comprises a first slot disposed through the first end and a second slot disposed through the second end, wherein the first connective point is secured in the first slot and the second connective point is secured in the second slot.

14. The exercise system of claim 12, wherein the wavy segment has at least one wave crest and at least one wave trough defined on opposite sides of the wavy segment, and wherein at least one wave crest corresponds to at least one wave trough.

15. The exercise system of claim 14, wherein each side of the wavy segment has a plurality of wave crests and wave troughs.

16. The exercise system of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of suspension systems for suspending the heavy bag.

17. The exercise system of claim 16, wherein the first end of each of the plurality of suspension systems connects to an individual location on an outer surface of the heavy bag, and wherein the second ends of each of the plurality of suspension systems connect at the mounting device for suspending the heavy bag.