TRAINING ACCESSORIES ESPECIALLY FOR BOXING

Abstract

A training accessory for use in boxing or martial arts is in the form of an elongated body that has a first end and an opposite second end. The elongated body has a rigid inner core member; a compressible member that surrounds the inner core member; and an outer sleeve that surrounds the compressible member. The accessory also has a handle formed of an elastic material and coupled to the outer sleeve. In one embodiment, the compressible member is a closed cell polyethylene foam that has a central opening that extends along a length thereof and in which the inner core member is disposed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/888,225, filed Oct. 8, 2013, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/888,252, filed Oct. 8, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/888,271, filed Oct. 8, 2013, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is generally directed to sports equipment and in particular to a variety of different training accessories (aids) that are intended for use during a training session, such as a boxing training session.

BACKGROUND

Boxing, kickboxing and martial art sports, referred to herein collectively as “boxing” sports, require a high degree of physical training. Reaction time is of paramount importance, particularly in boxing. As a result, the participants in these sports require a means of maintaining and improving the associated physical skills. In the past, boxers generally attempted to improve their hand-eye coordination and reaction time skills by punching passive devices such as heavyweight bags, speed bags or other types of basically passive targets. Alternatively, these participants have sparred against another fighter to hone their punching and kicking skills.

The most difficult part of sparring is to give the training or practicing boxer a realistic workout or at least an effective one that works towards improving skills, displaying them, or highlighting a technique that is in need of change or improvement, without unduly risking injury to the boxer or the sparring partner.

For a boxer, to spar has meant to risk injury at a moment when no title, prize or record is at stake, and, perhaps not only to become injured, but as a result to have to postpone or forego a match or other opportunity.

A tendency in the past has been to attempt to replace a certain amount of sparring against a live partner, with practicing of punching against punching bags or other static or reactive mechanical targets. Although some of that type of practice no doubt is helpful, it gives the boxer a lesser sense of the vitality of an opponent. In short, the boxer misses out on refinement of his ability to effectively direct his punches at a mobile opponent when he is practicing against a static or merely reactive target.

In addition, different equipment can be used during a sparring session. Boxing gloves or sparring gloves can be used between the two participants. In addition, mitt training is also commonly used to improve boxing-specific skills. The mitts, known as punch mitts, focus mitts, or focus pads, are used to increase hand-eye coordination and improve boxing technique. Training with a partner allows one to simulate situations that occur during a bout. In addition various drills can be practiced with a partner that otherwise would be impossible and moreover, both the holder and puncher can reap the benefits of mitt training.

The puncher benefits substantially from this drill, but the holder can benefit as well. In sparring sessions, everything moves so quickly that it's often difficult to see all of your partner's vulnerabilities. Holding the mitts, however, allows you to see openings more clearly. You are in control, so you don't need to anxiously anticipate punches. As you call out punches and combinations, watch your opponent's movements closely. In addition, both the puncher and holder get a physical workout due to both leg and hand movements of each.

There is a desire to provide an alternative training aid (accessory) that can be used in a training session, similar to mitt training.

Footwork is another area of training in boxing and martial arts since footwork is necessary for both defensive and offensive reasons. In boxing, bobbing generally means that the boxer moves the head laterally and beneath an incoming punch. As the opponent's punch arrives, the fighter bends the legs quickly and simultaneously shifts the body either slightly right or left. Fighters generally begin the bob and weave to the right, as most opponents strike with their left hand, or jab hand first. This move is also present in other sports, such as martial arts. There are a number of drills that can be implemented to practice one's footwork; however, there is a need for alternative training accessories that allow a user to improve his or her skills, such as bobbing and weaving.

Conventionally, boxers and other martial arts participants use handwraps to protect a boxer's most important weapon, namely his or her hands. The hands are made up of many small joints and small bones that could easily fracture from the impact of repeated punches. Handwraps are intended to hold ones hand together providing support for the wrists, fingers, knuckles, and the entire hand itself. It is a mistaken belief that handwraps are for extra cushion or protection for your knuckles. The handwrap's purpose is not to cushion the impact since that is what boxing gloves are for. The handwraps are there to secure all your loose joints and moveable bones. The handwrap fastens all your joints together so the shock is better distributed across your entire hand. A wearer does not want his or her joints to be moving freely and independently when the hand strikes an object. Once can suffer a fracture if joints are moving in their own direction

A traditional handwrap is formed of an elongated strip of fabric. A fastener, such as a hook and loop fastener, is located at the end of the handwrap for securing to the handwrap after it has been fully wrapped around the user's hands. This fastener is located on one side of the wrap and faces in one direction and thus, if the wrap twists during the wrapping operation, the fastener ends up facing in the wrong direction and the user cannot complete the wrapping operation unless the wrap is twisted at or near the end of the wrap which can cause an unsightly bump and feels uncomfortable. There is a need for an improved handwrap.

SUMMARY

A training accessory for use in boxing or martial arts is in the form of an elongated body that has a first end and an opposite second end. The elongated body has a rigid inner core member; a compressible member that surrounds the inner core member; and an outer sleeve that surrounds the compressible member. The accessory also has a handle formed of an elastic material and coupled to the outer sleeve. In one embodiment, the compressible member is a closed cell polyethylene foam that has a central opening that extends along a length thereof and in which the inner core member is disposed.

A training accessory for use in boxing or martial arts includes a central hub and a plurality of spokes attached at the central hub and extending radially outward from the central hub. The spokes are spaced circumferentially about the central hub. Each spoke has at a fastening member associated therewith. The fastening member has a first part proximate a distal end of the spoke and one or more second parts that are complementary to the first part and when the first part mates with one second part defines a loop at the distal end for attachment to an object, such as a rope of a boxing ring.

A handwrap includes an elongated body having a first end, an opposing second end, a first face, and an opposite second face. A first fastener is formed along the first face at or near the second end. The first fastener is formed of first and second parts, spaced apart from one another, that mate with one another to attach the second end to another portion of the body. A second fastener is formed along the second face at or near the second end. The second fastener is formed of third and fourth parts, spaced apart from one another, that mate with one another to attach the second end to another portion of the body

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a training accessory in accordance with the present invention and shown being used in an exemplary training session;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the training accessory;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the training accessory;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a training accessory in accordance with the present invention and shown being used in an exemplary training session attached to a boxing ring;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the training accessory;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fastening element associated with one spoke of the training accessory;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a training accessory according to another embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a training accessory according to another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view, in break away, of a handwrap showing a first face; and

FIG. 10 is a partial side elevation of a second face and one end of the handwrap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-3 show a training accessory (training aid/sparring apparatus) 100 that is constructed and intended for use in a boxing or martial arts training session, such as a sparring session.

As shown in FIG. 1, the training accessory 100 is intended to be held by a user during a training session and more specifically, the user (who can be thought of as being a “holder”) grasps one training accessory 100 in one hand or grasps two training accessories 100 with both hands as shown in FIG. 1. As with more traditional mitt training, there is a puncher and a holder, with the puncher wearing conventional boxing gloves or going bare handed for some martial arts training, and the holder grasping one or two of the training accessories 100.

The user can freely move the training accessories 100 to a desired position as part of the training session with the puncher. The training accessory 100 is designed to provide a moving target (similar to a mitt in mitt training) for the puncher to strike as part of the training session.

As mentioned above, the holder also experiences a strong workout since the holder not only is constantly holding and moving the training accessories 100 but also absorbs the blows of the puncher. In particular, the holder of the accessories 100 undergoes arm and shoulder exercising as part of not only holding and moving the training accessories but also as part of the process of absorbing the punches of the user.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show details of the construction of the training accessory 100. The training accessory 100 is an elongated structure formed of a body 110 that has a first end 120 and an opposite second end 130. The body 110 can take any number of different shapes including a cylinder as shown in the figures. Other possible shapes for the body 110 include but are not limited to a square, triangle, oval, etc. Since the training accessory 100 is subjected to considerable impact forces due to being struck by the puncher, the training accessory 100 must be formed to have sufficient rigidity so as to not completely deform and offer insufficient resistance to the puncher. At the same time, the training accessory 100 has some degree of compression so as to absorb some of the impact forces.

In the illustrated embodiment and as best shown in FIG. 3, the body 110 is formed of a number of parts that are coupled to one other to form the assembled training accessory 100. More specifically, the body 110 is formed of an inner core or inner support member 200; an inner compressible member 210 and an outer sleeve 220. The members 200, 210 and sleeve 220 can be concentric to one another so as to form a cylindrically shaped structure as shown.

The inner core member 200 is an elongated structure that is formed of a rigid material. The inner core member 200 represents the backbone of the entire training accessory 100 and therefore, must not break and fracture during use and in particular, when the accessory is struck with a punch (applied impact force). The elongated core member 200 can be a solid structure or it can be a tubular structure as shown in FIG. 3.

The inner core member 200 can be formed of any number of different rigid materials including plastics, wood, metal, etc. In one embodiment, the inner core member 200 is in the form a piece of PVC tubing (e.g., a PVC tube having an outer diameter of 1 inch or less).

The inner compressible member 210 is formed of a compressible material and has a tubular construction with a central hole 212 formed there and extends the entire length or at least a substantial length thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the hole 212 extends the entire length. The inner hole 212 and the inner core member 200 are sized in relative to another such that an intimate (snug) fits results between the inner core member 200 and the surrounding inner compressible member 210. The two members 200, 210 are thus securely (yet releasably) coupled to one another due to the frictional forces therebetween. The thickness of the compressible member 210 thus provides a cushioning/padding action to the product as a result of it surrounding the rigid central core member 200.

In one embodiment, the inner compressible member 210 is made from closed cell polyethylene foam. Such structure is available as a water toy and is known commercially as a pool noodle. The diameter of the inner compressible member 210 can vary depending upon the overall desired dimensions of the accessory 100. For example, the outer diameter of the inner compressible member 210 can be between about 2 inches and 3 inches.

The outer sleeve 220 comprises an elongated sleeve having a first end 222 and an opposite second end 224. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve is formed of a soft, smooth material, such as vinyl, pleather, etc. The material of the sleeve 220 should be suitable for the intended application and in particular, should be robust to withstand constant striking and should be easy to clean and disinfect. The sleeve 220 can also be formed of a material that has been specifically designed to have anti-microbial properties (e.g., material formulated or treated to have anti-microbial properties).

The first end 222 can be permanently closed and the second end 224 can be an open end to allow insertion of the members 200, 210. The second end 224 can include a cap or cover member that allows the closing of the second end 224. For example, the cover member can be a hinged member that is attached with a fastener, such as hook and loop material. When the accessory 100 has a cylindrical shape, the cover can have a circular shape.

The outer sleeve 220 has a handle or grasp 300 to allow the user to easily grasp and hold onto the accessory 100 during all the movements that occur in a training session. The handle 300 can be in the form of an elastic strap (e.g., formed of synthetic material) that is attached at a first end 302 and at an opposite second end 304. The elasticity of the strap allows the user to pull the strap 300 outwardly and fit a hand underneath in a snug manner. When the hand is removed, the strap 300 returns to its taut condition.

The strap 300 can have a length of about 6 inches and is located at or proximate the first end 222. The strap 300 can thus be positioned in the bottom eight (8) inches of the accessory 100.

The length of the accessory 100 can vary and can be selected in view of the intended application. For example, the accessory 100 can have a length of about 20 inches. Generally, the accessory 100 can have a length between about 16 inches and about 24 inches.

An exemplary outer diameter of the accessory 100 is about 3 inches; however, one will appreciate that it can easily and equally be formed to have other dimensions, such as about 2.5 inches (or about 1.5 inches) or less or more than about 3 inches.

The overall diameter (dimension) of the accessory 100 should be such that the user can easily grasp the accessory 100 in that the user's thumb and fingers should substantially encircle the accessory 100.

Unlike a conventional mitt used in mitt training, the training accessory 100 is configured to allow the user to assume a more active and aggressive posture during a training session with a puncher. As shown in FIG. 1, the user can grasp each accessory 100 in a respective hand and can either: (1) passively hold the accessories 100 in certain locations so as to provide targets for the puncher who then strikes the accessories 100 and/or (2) actively move the accessories in a striking manner in which the accessories 100 are moved in a direction toward the puncher so as to cause the puncher to take evasive action (weaving/ducking).

By allowing the holder (user) to take a more aggressive/active stance, the user is subjected to more exercise.

It will be also understood that the accessory 100 can have a handle structure that is similar to one used in a punch mitt in that a glove or mitt like enclosure can be provided about the outer sleeve. The user inserts his or her hand into this handle structure to hold the accessory 100.

The accessories 100 can be thought of as being training sticks.

FIGS. 4-6 show a training accessory (training aid) 400 that is constructed and intended for use in a boxing or martial arts training session. However, it will be appreciated that other uses are equally possible and these uses are merely exemplary in nature. As described herein, the training accessory 400 is in the form of a device that allows the user to practice bobbing and weaving drills to all such skills to be sharpened.

The accessory 400 is configured to be easily attached to a conventional boxing ring as shown. The accessory 400 is thus specifically constructed to mate with a conventional boxing ring 10. The accessory 400 is thus in the form of a training aid that attaches to the ropes 20 and/or corner posts 30 of a boxing ring. As is known, a conventional boxing ring 10 is a space in which a boxing match occurs. A modern ring, which is set on a raised platform 40, has a square shape with a post at each corner to which four parallel rows or ropes are attached with a turnbuckle. The ropes 20 in a boxing ring 10 can be secured at the midway point.

Since the ring 10 has the aforementioned square shape, the distance from a center point to a point along one adjacent rope 20 varies depending upon the location of the point along the side rope. In particular, the greatest distance is from the center point to one corner post and the shortest distance is from the center point to the point on the side rope which is formed along an axis that is perpendicular to the length of the rope.

The accessory 400 is designed and constructed in view of the aforementioned shape of the ring. The accessory 400 is of a type that is designed to be attached to one of the ropes of the ring (e.g., top ropes) or to one corner post so as to be elevated from the floor of the ring, whereby different distinct zones are defined. Adjacent zones are separated by one another by a physical structure as described herein. Each of these distinct zones provided an area in which the boxer (user) can stand and then as part of a training exercise/drill, the user bobs and weaves as the user moves to the immediately adjacent zone. The user continues either in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction until the user has occupied each of the distinct zones, thereby completing one complete cycle.

The accessory 400 has a center hub 410 that defines a center point of the accessory. The accessory 400 also includes a plurality of spokes 420 that extend radially outward from the center hub 410. Each spoke 420 has a free distal end 422 that is configured to be attached to a support member, such as one rope of the ring. In the illustrated embodiment, there are eight (8) spokes 420 that extend circumferentially about and extend radially from the center point.

The center hub 410 is defined by a location at which the spokes 420 intersect and as illustrated, can further includes a substrate backing 415 to which portions of the spokes 420 are attached using conventional means, including stitching, adhesive materials, mechanical fasteners, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate backing 415 is in the form of a square piece of fabric and the spokes 420 are attached to one face of the backing 415 (such as by stitching).

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the accessory 400 in a completely open position prior to installation to the ropes of the ring. The spokes 420 can be thought of as being defined by a plurality of sets of spokes 420, namely, a first set of opposing spokes 421, a second set of opposing spokes 422, a third set of opposing spokes 423, and a fourth set of opposing spokes 424. Each spoke within one set is directly opposite the other spoke (i.e., the spokes are 180 degrees apart). Since the boxing ring is a square shape, the corners are further away from the center and therefore, the lengths of the third and fourth sets of spokes 423, 424 are greater than the lengths of the first and second sets of spokes 421, 422 in order for the spokes in the third and fourth sets to reach the corners of the ring.

The spokes can be formed of any number of different materials including but not limited to fabric materials, such as those formed of synthetic materials (e.g., nylon, etc.). The spokes include means for attaching the spoke to a support, such as the rope of the boxing ring. In particular, a distal end 430 of each spoke includes a first fastener part 440 of a first type and a plurality of second fastener parts 450 of a second type are formed along the length of the spoke between the first fastener part 440 and the central hub 410. For example, the first and second fastener parts 440, 450 can be in the form of mechanical fasteners, such as button, snaps, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second fastener parts 440, 450 are in the form of snaps. By providing a plurality of second fastener parts 450, the overall length of the spoke can be adjusted by matting the first fastener part 440 to a select one of the second fastener parts 450, thereby changing the dimensions of the loop that is formed at the distal end of the spoke as a result of attaching the distal end to a more proximal location of the spoke. The overall length of the spoke is likewise changed. This adjustability and versatility in the means for attaching the spoke to an object, such as the rope of the ring allows for spoke to be attached to different sized ropes of a boxing ring or to multiple ropes or to another object.

At the hub 410, the spokes 420 can be secured to one another using conventional means, such as those listed above (e.g., stitching the fabric straps to one another).

To install the accessory 400 in a boxing ring, the free distal end of each of the spokes is attached to a location along one or more ropes of the ring. As mentioned, the first and second sets of spokes are attached to intermediate locations (center sections) of the ropes, while the third and fourth sets are attached to the corner posts (or to the ropes at or adjacent the corner posts). The fastener means at the distal end of the spoke is used to attach the distal end of the spoke to the rope or other object (e.g., a corner post). In particular, the distal end of the spoke is wrapped around the rope (or other object) and the first fastener part 440 is then attached to one of the second fastener parts 450 to achieve a secure attachment to the rope. The user selects the second fastener part 450 that results in the spoke being taut when the hub is located approximately in the center of the boxing ring.

All of the spokes 420 are attached in this manner resulting in the accessory being elevated from the floor of the ring at a height that generally corresponds to the height of the ropes to which the accessory 400 is attached. The spokes 420 are attached to the ropes in such a way that there is no slack in the spokes 420 (the accessory and the spokes thereof are thus taut). As mentioned above, this creates an elevated training aid (accessory) in which the user initially stands in one of the zones created between two spokes (straps) 420. To practice bobbing and weaving, the user then crouches and moves left or right underneath the spoke 420 into the next zone. The elevated height of the spokes 420 forces this type of action since the user must duck underneath the spoke 420 and move laterally into the next zone.

The accessory 400 thus offers a product (training aid) that is already constructed for easy and quick attachment to a support structure, in this case the ropes of a boxing ring.

It will be appreciated that the spokes 420 can come in different colors or different patterns, or otherwise have a different appearance or texture, etc.

The spoke fastening means including the plurality of locking positions along the length of the spoke due to the plurality of fastener parts allows easy adjustment and tailoring of the length of the spoke to fit different sized environments. However, the spoked structure of the accessory 400 is particularly suited for a boxing ring or other square shaped area due to the fixed locations of the spokes 420.

In one embodiment, the eight individual spokes 420 shown in the figure are defined and created by four straps that are laid out in the pattern showing and which all crisscross and intersect at the central hub location. The central hub can thus be thought of as a location at which the spokes 420 intersect and are attached to one another.

Since the straps are formed of fabric, the straps are freely flexible, foldable, bendable, etc., and this allows easy storage of the accessory.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a training accessory 500 according to another embodiment. The accessory 500 is similar to accessory 400 and is intended to permit a boxer or other athlete to train and perform different drills in the ring 10. The accessory 500 is in the form of a ladder as opposed to the spoked construction of accessory 400. The accessory 500 is thus formed of first and second elongated straps 510, 520 and a plurality of straps 530 that extend between and are attached and their ends to the straps 510, 520. When having a ladder appearance, the straps 530 are formed at right angles to the straps 510, 520. As mentioned herein, the straps 510, 520, 530 can be formed of flexable, foldable fabric straps (e.g., formed of synthetic materials, such as nylon, etc.).

In particular, each end 511 of each strap 510, 520 includes a first fastener part (such as part 440 show in FIG. 7) of a first type and a plurality of second fastener parts (such as part 450 show in FIG. 7) of a second type are formed along the length of the spoke between the first fastener part and the other end of the strap. For example, the first and second fastener parts can be in the form of mechanical fasteners, such as button, snaps, etc. By providing a plurality of second fastener parts, the overall length of the spoke can be adjusted by matting the first fastener part to a select one of the second fastener parts, thereby changing the dimensions of the loop that is formed at the distal end of the spoke as a result of attaching the distal end to a more proximal location of the spoke.

The ladder accessory 500 is attached to the ring 10 (e.g., to the ropes 20 as shown in FIG. 7) in the same or similar manner described above with respect to the attachment of accessory 400 to the ring 10. In particular, as shown, the ends 511 or the straps 510, 520 can be attached to the ropes 20 to elevate the entire accessory 500 above the floor of the ring 10. A secure and taut fit is achieved by using the fasteners at the end of the straps 510, 520.

FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 7 with the exception that the ladder accessory 500 is wider and therefore includes a third strap 521 that is parallel to straps 510, 520. Strap 520 thus represents the middlemost strap and there are straps 530 (rungs) between the straps 520, 521. The ends 511 of the strap 521 include fasteners 511 as in the straps 510, 520. These rungs 530 can be offset from the rungs 530 between the straps 510, 520 as shown to add an extra level of complexity to the drill.

FIGS. 9-10 show a handwrap 600 in accordance with the present invention. The handwrap 600 is in the form of an elongated strap that has a body 601 with a first end 602 and an opposite second end 604. The handwrap 600 also includes a first surface or face 610 and an opposite second surface or face 620. The first end 602 includes a loop structure 630 to assist in the start of the wrapping process in that the user places his or her thumb into the loop structure 630 to couple this first end 602 to the hand. The user then starts the wrapping process by wrapping the handwrap 600 about the hand.

In accordance with the present invention, the second end 604 of the handwrap 600 includes first and second fasteners 700, 800 that allow the second end 604 to be securely attached to the body 601 of the handwrap 600 regardless of whether the first or second faces 610, 620 faces outward. The first and second fasteners 700, 800 can be the same type of fastener, as shown, or can be different types of fasteners. In accordance with the present invention, the first fastener 700 includes a first part 710 and a second part 720 that mates with the first part 710. The first and second parts 710, 720 are formed along the first face 610 and therefore, the first part 710 mates to the second part 720 by folding the end 604 back onto itself. The first and seconds parts 710, 720 can be in the form of mechanical fasteners, such as button, snaps, hook and loop material, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second parts 710, 720 are in the form of hook and loop material (such as strips of hook and loop material).

The second end 604 includes a protrusion (integral) 605 that extends outwardly from the end (vertical end of the strap). The body 601 is generally rectangular shape and the protrusion 605 is likewise rectangular shaped and extends outwardly. The first part 710 is formed on the first face of the protrusion 605, while the second part 720 is spaced therefrom and is not located on the protrusion 605 but is rather located on the rectangular shaped body 601.

The second fastener 800 includes a first part 810 and a second part 820 that mates with the first part 810. The first and second parts 810, 820 are formed along the first face 610 and therefore, the first part 810 mates to the second part 820 by folding the end 604 back onto itself. The first and seconds parts 810, 820 can be in the form of mechanical fasteners, such as button, snaps, hook and loop material, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second parts 810, 820 are in the form of hook and loop material (such as strips of hook and loop material). The first part 810 is formed on the second face of the protrusion 605, while the second part 820 is spaced therefrom and is not located on the protrusion 605 but is rather located on the rectangular shaped body 601.

It will be appreciated that the second parts 720, 820 can be wider than shown in the figures in that the width of the second parts 720, 820 can be slightly less than width of the wrap body.

In addition, since a section of the hook and loop is likely to be exposed and has a rough surface characteristic, a cover member can be included as part of the wrap for covering this exposed hook and loop material. For example, the covering can be in the form of a fabric (e.g., felt) piece that covers any exposed hook and loop material. At least one end of the covering can be securely attached to the wrap body as by being stitched thereto, etc.

One or more of the faces 610, 620 can include indicia, such as a corporate logo 625. As shown, the first face 610 can be selected as being the outwardly facing surface and therefore, the logo 625 is placed thereon. However, the second face 620 can include a logo as well.

As mentioned, the handwrap 600 is designed so that regardless of whether the first face 610 or the second face 620 faces outwardly at the end of the wrapping operation, the second end 604 can be fastened to the body 601 due to the presence of two separate fasteners on the two opposite faces (surfaces) of the body 601. This allows the user to cleanly finish the wrapping process regardless of which face 610, 620 faces outwardly at the completion of the wrap process.

The parts 710, 810 are located directly opposite one another on the different faces of the protrusion 605 and similarly, the parts 720, 820 are located directly opposite one another on the different faces of the body 601.

The body 601 can be formed of any different materials including but not limited to fabrics, formed of synthetic materials or natural materials, such as cotton. The body 601 is freely bendable and foldable to allow such wrapping about the hand.

Claims

1. A training accessory for use in boxing or martial arts comprising:

an elongated body including a first end and an opposite second end; the elongated body having a rigid inner core member; a compressible member that surrounds the inner core member; and an outer sleeve that surrounds the compressible member; and

a handle formed of an elastic material and coupled to the outer sleeve.

2. The training accessory of claim 1, wherein the elongated body has a cylindrical shape and the rigid inner core member, the compressible member and the outer sleeve are concentric with one another.

3. The training accessory of claim 1, wherein the rigid inner core member comprises an elongated tubular structure and the compressible member comprises a tubular structure made of foam and the outer sleeve comprises a smooth sleeve that at least encloses one of the first and second ends of the elongated body.

4. The training accessory of claim 1, wherein the rigid inner member comprises a PVC tube.

5. The training accessory of claim 1, wherein the compressible member comprises closed cell polyethylene foam.

6. The training accessory of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises an elastic strap.

7. The training accessory of claim 1, wherein the elongated body has a length between about 16 inches and about 24 inches.

8. The training accessory of claim 1, wherein the outer sleeve is formed of a material that is smooth and is readily bendable.

9. The training accessory of claim 8, wherein the outer sleeve is formed of a vinyl material.

10. The training accessory of claim 1, wherein the compressible member is a closed cell polyethylene foam that has a central opening that extends along a length thereof and in which the inner core member is disposed.

11. A training accessory for use in boxing or martial arts comprising:

a central hub; and

a plurality of spokes attached at the central hub and extending radially outward from the central hub, the spokes being spaced circumferentially about the central hub;

wherein each spoke has a fastening member associated therewith, the fastening member has a first part proximate a distal end of the spoke and one or more second parts that are complementary to the first part and when the first part mates with one second part defines a loop at the distal end for attaching the spoke to an object.

12. The training accessory of claim 1, wherein the object comprises a rope of a boxing ring.

13. The training accessory of claim 1, wherein the spokes are in the form of fabric straps.

14. The training accessory of claim 1, wherein the fastening member comprises a mechanical fastener.

15. The training accessory of claim 4, wherein the mechanical fastener comprises one of a button, a snap, and pieces of hook and loop material.

16. The training accessory of claim 1, wherein the central hub is defined by intersecting straps that define the spokes that extend radially outward from the central hub.

17. The training accessory of claim 6, wherein the intersecting portions of the straps are attached to one or more other straps.

18. The training accessory of claim 1, further including a substrate to which the central hub is attached.

19. The training accessory of claim 8, wherein the substrate comprises a piece of fabric to which the central hub and a proximal portion of each spoke is attached.

20. A handwrap comprising:

an elongated body having a first end, an opposing second end, a first face, and an opposite second face;

a first fastener formed along the first face at or near the second end, the first fastener being formed of first and second parts, spaced apart from one another, that mate with one another to attach the second end to another portion of the body; and

a second fastener formed along the second face at or near the second end, the second fastener being formed of third and fourth parts, spaced apart from one another, that mate with one another to attach the second end to another portion of the body.