MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

The present invention relates to training devices of types commonly referred to as strike pads, strike mitts, focus mitts, strike dummies and double end bags, which are used in many forms of martial arts, self-defense, unarmed combat, fighting and fitness training. The strike head of the invention is a martial arts, fighting and fitness training device in the shape of an anatomically accurate human head that provides realistic size, surface features and yield characteristics for highly accurate, targeted and dynamic hand strikes, arm strikes and kicks. The device can be held in place for the training athlete through various means including; 1) an integrated internal handle oriented to afford the holder an ergonomically advantageous shape, contour and orientation, 2) a double end rope suspended from the floor and ceiling, and/or 3) a fixation attached to a floor, wall or overhead mounted post or armature.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/955,115 filed Mar. 18, 2014, which application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Martial arts, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Ultimate Fight Championship (UFC), unarmed combat, boxing and self-defense training are contact fighting sports that involve the use of hand strikes, arm strikes, elbow strikes, head butts and kicks. In training and practice sessions, a training partner is often employed to hold various target simulation devices against which the athlete employs fighting and self-defense techniques. In other settings, various forms of punching bags, including suspended and hanging targets, are used and can be used with or without a human training opponent.

The types of devices used to improve accuracy, power and fighting technique are commonly referred to as focus mitts, strike pads, strike mitts, practice mitts, strike shields and Thai pads. Where the practitioner trains without the aid of a human opponent, various devices including punching bags, weight bags, bags or balls suspended by ropes and/or bungee cords, often referred to as double end bags, are employed. In each case, the training devices are designed and constructed to accurately reflect the environment of the competition and to promote proper techniques. The devices are designed to improve the technique of the training athlete as well as to ensure safety for the trainer. In use, the design of the training technology devices are influenced by considerations including safety, realism, mobility, durability and overall effectiveness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes martial arts training devices commonly referred to as focus mitts, strike mitts, practice mitts, Thai pads, strike shields, punching bags and double end bags. The martial arts training devices collectively referred to herein as a “strike head” comprise a device formed in the shape of an anatomically accurate human head that provides realistic size, surface feature, density, hardness and yield characteristics of a human head. The strike head can be hand-held by an athlete's training opponent, or suspended between the floor and overhead mounting points using a flexible attaching means such as a double-end rope assembly, or attached to an articulating or compressible floor, an overhead fitness or wall mounted post/armature. In a hand-held configuration, the device includes an integrated, internal handle that when held and articulated by a second person, such as a trainer, provides the athlete with a realistic and dynamic human head target. The ergonomically positioned internal handle provides the user with a solid holding and positioning for the device, and provides the ability for the trainer to hold the device in a fixed position to present a static target, or to move it in any direction to present a dynamic target. The internal handle is mounted at both ends to the interior of the device and is oriented at a specially selected angle that allows the trainer to absorb the force of the athlete's strikes in a natural position for the trainer. The location, contour, method of attachment and selected angular orientation of the internal handle also places the holder's upper and lower arm at an angle that is designed to minimize the potential for injury to the holder and to most efficiently absorb the impact of a blow or strike when the handheld configuration of the strike head is used. The ability of the holder to absorb the force provides a level of protection against the impact of strikes and kicks inflicted upon the device, also enhancing the training experience for the athlete.

In a double end rope configuration, the device incorporates a plurality of flexible supports, such as ropes, straps, and/or flexible cords that suspend the device from the floor, ceiling, wall or within a rigid frame in such a configuration and orientation such that after the device is deflected by a strike or kick, the supports cause the device to return substantially to its original approximate position and orientation relative to the athlete or to allow a return position that is not original, but is a member of a pre-selected set of options that facilitate the training experience. For example, a ratchet mechanism could permit the device to rotate about an axis with a limited number of stop positions such that a new position would be established following a strike that moves the device from the original position.

Also, the use of more than one attachment point permits rotational orientation such that the device returns to the same or another pre-selected position with the face oriented to the athlete. The use of more than one attachment point, together with incorporation of bearings into the suspension and attachment configuration, permits the device to move helically around the vertical axis in reaction to kicks and strikes and allowing the strike head to stop in other than its original starting position, affording the athlete to ability to include footwork around the device into the training regimen.

In the post/armature mounted configuration, the device may also be affixed to a flexible support or to an articulating and/or compressible armature that is connected to a floor, wall or overhead mounted assembly such that after being deflected by a strike or kick the device returns substantially to the original approximate position and rotational orientation. The strike head may also be mounted to other devices commonly used for martial arts training, including a rigid form with elastic supports, a padded shield, such as a kick shield or a heavy bag. In these devices, the strike head is affixed to the companion device such that the head becomes an integral part of the overall training device in such that the athlete uses the strike head and the companion device in a complementary fashion to improve the training exercise. In such devices, specially designed attachment mechanisms fixedly attach the strike head to a companion device to create a combination of features and capabilities where the strike head function is added to traditional training tools to improve the functionality. The strike head can also be molded to a companion device to provide the combined functionality.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1A-1C are alternate views of the strike pad device of the invention having anatomically correct human head features. FIG. 1A is a front pictorial view of the strike head device. FIG. 1B is a side or profile pictorial view of the strike head. FIG. 1C is a rear pictorial view of the strike head device.

FIG. 2 is the internal configuration of the strike head including the inner cavity to receive a trainer's hand and forearm along with the location and orientation of the integrated internal handle within the shape of an anatomically accurate human head.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the orientation of a trainer's arm within the cavity of the strike head and shows how the user grips the integrated internal handle of the device in a comfortable, solid and ergonomically efficient position. FIG. 3 shows the representative angle of the axis of the forearm relative to the horizontal plane when inserted into the inner cavity of the device and the trainer's hand is gripping the handle.

FIG. 4 is the configuration of the internal handle, which includes a grip area contoured to provide an ergononmically comfortable shape.

FIGS. 5A-5C are a double-ended configuration where the device is affixed at a plurality of points by flexible supports.

FIG. 6 is a double-ended configuration illustrating the relative positioning of the device when deflected side-to-side by strikes and kicks imposed on it by the training athlete while maintaining the vertical and horizontal position as well as the rotational orientation of the facial features of the head.

FIG. 7 illustrates the relative positioning of the device when deflected forward and back by strikes and kicks imposed on it by the training athlete.

FIG. 8 is the strike pad device mounted on a floor and having an articulating and compressible post/armature attached to the head component to maintain the position and rotational orientation of the facial features of the head.

FIG. 9 is the strike pad device on a ceiling mount and having an articulating and compressible post/armature attached to the head component to maintain the position and rotational orientation of the facial features of the head.

FIG. 10 is the strike pad on a wall mount and having an articulating and compressible post/armature attached to the head component to maintain the position and rotational orientation of the facial features of the head.

FIGS. 11A through 110 are the strike head mounted on a heavy bag. FIG. 11A shows the combination of the strike head and the heavy bag in a configuration used for training. FIG. 11B shows the internal configuration of the heavy bag embodiment showing the securing and attachment means for coupling the strike head to the heavy bag. FIG. 11C shows the orientation of the attachment and securing means in connection with the end of skeleton support structure of the strike head.

FIGS. 12A through 12C are an embodiment of a body strike pad having an overall configuration resembling the head and upper body contours of the human. FIG. 12A is the end of skeleton and the outer shell of the device. FIG. 12B is a cut-away view of an endoskeleton and an outer shell together with a handle assembly configured to be held by the hand by a training partner that is rigidly attached to the endoskeleton by passing an attachment mechanism through the outer shell. FIG. 12C shows attachment means comprising a mechanism for securing each of vertical and horizontal handle and support assemblies to the strike pad device for a secure attachment and positioning during training.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The martial arts training devices collectively referred to herein as a “strike head” comprise a device in the shape of an anatomically accurate human head formed of a compressible substance that provides a target of realistic size, surface topography, facial features and yield characteristics for martial arts, unarmed combat, fighting and self-defense training. The strike head device is fabricated from a flexible and bendable material that absorbs the blows from the athlete while cushioning the force against both the feet, hands, elbows or knees of the athlete as well as, in the hand-held embodiment, the trainer or holder of the device. The overall thickness of the device is between 0.125 inches and 5.5 inches, preferably between 0.250 inches and 3.50 inches and most preferably between 1.00 and 2.500 inches and is constrained by the desire to have an overall dimensions similar to an actual human head and the need to have an internal cavity large enough to receive the hand and forearm of the holder when the internal handle is grasped.

The device is constructed from a two part flexible open cell foam with an integrated skin between 0.001 inches and 0.250 inches in thickness and an encapsulated foam core. The hardness is between 10 Shore A to 80 Shore D, preferably 10 Shore A to 50 Shore A, and most preferably 15 Shore A to 40 Shore A.

Holding and mounting configuration options for the device include; 1) an integrated internal handle allowing the device to be hand held by a trainer or second person assisting the training athlete, preferably comprising a plurality of spaced attachment points and each of vertically and horizontally oriented handles in a rigid configuration designed to be held by the left or right hand of a trainer, 2) attachment by one or more flexible supports such as ropes, straps, and/or flexible cords to suspend the device from the floor and ceiling or a frame, 3) attached to an articulating and compressible floor, wall or overhead mounted post assembly, 4) attached to a training heavy bag, or 5) attached to a shield such as a kick shield.

In the hand-held device, the handle is disposed within the internal cavity and is preferably affixed on both, opposite, internal sides of the internal cavity. The angle of the handle relative to the axis running through the proximal (rear) and distal (front) attachment points and the horizontal plane is between 0 and 90 degrees, preferably between 31 and 65 degrees and most preferably between 41 and 55 degrees to allow for the firm grasp and ergonomic positioning of the hand of the holder. The angle of the handle relative to the axis running through attachment points on the left side and right side and the centerline of the facial area of the device in the vertical plane (top to bottom of the device) is between 0 and 90 degrees, preferably between 30 and 60 degrees, and most preferably between 0 and 15 degrees. In lieu of a separate integrated handle, the inside cavity of the device can also be configured to conform to the shape of human hand in a karate chop position or with the fingers curled in order for the holder to solidly and comfortable retain the device as if they were holding a large glove. The shape is designed for the human hand to solidly hold the device, minimize pressure transferred to the hand and fingers by the forces exerted on the surface to the interior from strikes. The shape also orients the end points to be fixed at attachment points within the cavity and passing into the interior of the adjacent material. Most importantly, the angle is specially selected such that the force of strikes, either by hand or by foot, are absorbed by the normal articulating motion of the hand and forearm around the elbow of the holder such that blows are absorbed efficiently and with little risk of injury to the holder. The angle is selected so that blows from either the oncoming or side directions are also efficiently and ergonomically absorbed. The handle attachment at both a proximal and distal internal point at the internal walls of the internal cavity is molded or attached by a fixture that maintains the angular orientation of the handle relative to the entire configuration of the device and maintains the advantageous positioning by the holder.

When held by the trainer/holder, away from the body in an ordinary fashion as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the face of the device is directed toward the athlete. In a preferred embodiment, the integrated interior handle is contoured to conform to the shape of the palm area of a clenched human hand when wrapped around and grasping the circumference of the handle. (See FIG. 4). Each end is preferably over molded in foam such that both ends of the handle are affixed to the internal surface of the cavity and encapsulated in foam.

In the hand-held configuration, the device also incorporates an internal cavity containing the integrated handle and sized to permit either hand of a trainer to orient the device at selected angles relative to the horizontal and vertical planes. In the non-handheld, mounted embodiments, the positioning of the device is maintained by a support or plurality of supports that maintain the positioning of the face of the head such that it is fixed in a predetermined or adjustable positions and orientations relative to the athlete. Where the device is suspended in space by flexible supports, such as a wires, ropes, straps, flexible cords, or other such support, the device features a plurality of support points or fixtures such that the rotational orientation of the device is maintained, or can rotate around the vertical axis in reaction to a strike and then stop such in various points where the facial orientation is in other than the original location.

A flexible, or multiple flexible, attachment fixtures are attached to the device by any of several techniques that each serve to maintain the rotational orientation of the device in space. In one embodiment, the substantial height dimension of the strike pad device is traversed by each of the lines to maintain orientation of the device. The fixation of the device along a length of the flexible support can also be provided by mechanical fixtures that attach the flexible supports at 2, 4 or more points, or by a structure along the vertical axis that maintains the device in a fixed position and orientation.

Thus, rather than traversing the entire dimension of the device, the flexible lines can be affixed at separate points at each of the top and bottom portions of the device at a minimum of two, preferably three, and most preferably four or more points to maintain the rotational orientation of the device. If two points of attachment are used, the junction of attachment must be rotationally fixed to avoid changing the rotational presentation of the face of the strike pad relative to the athlete. In this configuration, the device can absorb a variety of blows and of varying force in any direction while returning to essentially the same position and to the same or variable rotational orientations relative to the athlete. This configuration also enables the athlete, who maintains approximately the same position, to deliver a number of strikes or blows from any direction to the device and the device will return not only to the original position but to present the face forward in the same rotational orientation or in a predetermined orientation. The embodiment where the strike head is joined with a companion device, the strike head and the companion device are positionable based on either the attachment mechanisms as described below or the positioning of their apparatus by the training partner using the handles and attachment means also as described below. In the heavy bag embodiment, the strike head is designed to move in tandem with the heavy bag by fixed attachment to the exterior of the bag such that the strike head presents in an upright manner similar to an opponent or training in a training exercise. The kick-shield embodiment, when hand held, may be infinitely positioned by the training partner.

In the hand-held device, the internal handle provides the holder with the ability to firmly grasp the device with one hand, present it as a static or dynamic target to the athlete, while also protecting the holder from strikes and kicks by the athlete.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the strike pad 1 of the present invention incorporates realistic human features into a face 2 including eyes 3, ears 4, a nose 5, and a mouth 6, in a size and shape that is approximate to an ordinary human dimensions. Referring to FIG. 1C the strike pad has an internal cavity 8 with an opening 7 to receive the hand and forearm of the holder. The size and positioning of the opening 7 are selected to permit the entire entry of the hand and arm of an ordinary human permitting the user to grasp the internal handle (see FIGS. 2-5 below) in a comfortable manner. The opening 7 may be rounded or flared to accommodate the hand and forearm of the user. FIG. 2 shows the overall profile and shape of the anatomically accurate human head 1 and face 2 relative to location and orientation of the integrated internal handle 9. FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the internal handle 9 having a proximal point of attachment 10 at the rear internal wall 11 of the cavity 8 and a distal point of attachment 13 at the front internal wall 12 of the internal cavity 8.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, the handle 9 has an axis A-A with a selected and predefined angle relative to the horizontal to facilitate advantageous positioning of the hand of the holder relative to the overall configuration of the strike pad device. The handle 9 has an overall dimension and shape including a grip 14 adapted to be held by the hand. The space between the distal or front internal wall 12 and the proximal wall 14 is also designed to facilitate positioning of the hand around the grip 14 with adequate space for the human hand. Although attachment at one end is possible, it is preferable for the handle 9 to be affixed at both the proximal wall 14 and the distal end 13 for most secure engagement. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the overall length of the handle 9 may extend into the body of the compressible material of the strike pad device 1 to secure the most stable attachment for the handle 9. The location and orientation of the holder's forearm and hand within the cavity of the device 1 allows the holder to grip the integrated internal handle 9, and present the device 1 as a target to the athlete.

In use, the holder inserts their hand into the cavity 8 through the opening 7 and grabs the internal handle 9 about the grip 14 to allow positioning of the strike pad device 1 in any orientation. Preferably, the device 1 is positioned by the holder directly in front of the athlete. Blows delivered to the strike pad device 1 that force the device toward the holder are absorbed by the articulating motion of the hand and arm of the holder primarily at the elbow joint of the holder. The angle of the handle 9 created by the position of the axis A-A relative to the horizontal provides the ideal orientation for the holder to absorb the force created by blows coming from any direction.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the hand 15 and forearm 16 of a holder are shown in an orientation with the trainer grasping the strike pad device 1 and presenting the face 2 toward the athlete. The overall thickness of the strike pad device 1 between the exterior device 1 and the inner portion of the cavity 8 show that in all directions, a thickness of the material from which the strike pad device 1 is manufactured, provides substantial protection for the hand 15 of the holder. The ability to absorb blows by articulation of the forearm 16 at the elbow also provides a meaningful level of protection to the holder.

As noted above, the angle created by the axis A-A of the handle 9, relative to the horizontal, is important to provide a measure of safety to the holder when absorbing blows delivered by the athlete. The range of angles is between 0 and 90 degrees of the horizontal plane, preferably between 31 and 65 degrees, and most preferably between 41 and 55 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 3A and as noted above, the angle created by the axis A-A of the handle 9, relative to the horizontal, is important to provide a measure of safety to the holder when absorbing blows delivered by the athlete. The range of angles is between 0 and 90 degrees of the horizontal plane, preferably between 35 and 88 degrees, and most preferably between 48 and 68 degrees

Referring to FIG. 4, the device includes an integrated interior handle 9 for the holder to solidly grip in order to present the device to the practitioner in virtually any orientation. The handle 9 may contain a taped grip 14 that is ergonomically contoured to conform to the shape of the human hand in the clenched position to solidly hold the device and minimize the pressure transferred to the hand 15 and fingers by the forces exerted by strikes and kicks onto the surface to the interior of the device. The flanged end points 10, 13 are configured to be retained at the proximal and distal attachment points and into the interior of the adjacent material.

FIGS. 5A-5C are a double end bag configuration where the strike pad device 1 is attached to one or more flexible linear supports 17 such as ropes and/or flexible cords and suspended between the floor 20 and ceiling 21. Referring to FIG. 5B, in this embodiment, flexible supports such as ropes, straps, and/or flexible cords and are suspended from the floor or ceiling, between two surfaces, or within a frame in a manner that allows adjustability of the height of the strike head in the vertical plane and maintain the rotational orientation of the facial features of the head relative to the position of the athlete. Referring to FIGS. 5A-5C, the flexible supports 17 traverse a substantial portion of the vertical height of the strike pad device 1 through channels 22. The flexible supports 17 may engage the body of the strike pad device 1 at any portion along the length traversing the device but are preferably affixed to two points 23, 24 at the uppermost portion of the device 1. Similarly, the flexible supports 17 may be fixed to the strike pad device 1 at two points 25, 26 at the bottom of the device. In this embodiment, the flexible supports 17 are continuous linear structure between the upper and lower mounts such as the ceiling 21 and floor 20 or between opposite ends of a structural frame (not shown). The height of the strike pad device 1 along the length of the flexible supports 17 is adjusted by sliding the device along the axis of the channels 22. The presence of two separate structural supports 17 allows prepositioning and fixed positioning of the strike pad device 1 in a preselected rotational orientation relative to the athlete.

Referring to FIG. 5C, the same orientation provides the same ability to affix the rotational position of the strike pad device 1, however in this embodiment, the upper flexible supports 27 terminate at fixtures 28, 29 at the uppermost portion of the strike pad device 1 and are affixed thereto. Accordingly, in this embodiment, lower flexible supports 30 are affixed to lower points 31, 32 at the bottom of the strike pad device 1 and positioning is provided by selecting the length of the upper 27 and lower 30 flexible supports. As in the embodiment of 5B, the embodiment in FIG. 5C maintains a preselected rotational orientation through the use of two separate flexible supports 27, 30.

FIG. 6 shows the double end bag configuration illustrating the relative positioning of the strike pad device 1 when deflected by side strikes and side kicks imposed on it by the athlete. This double end bag configuration allows the athlete to achieve a high degree of realistic targeted training from a wide range of angles without the assistance of a second person to hold the strike pad device 1. In FIG. 6, the tension imposed by the flexible supports 17 allow deflection of the device in response to strikes and blows without altering the height of the device relative to the ceiling 21 or floor 20. The tension imposed by flexible supports 17 also cause the strike pad device 1 to return to its original position relative to rotational vertical axis following a strike or blow. The presence of more than one attachment point between the flexible support 17 and the device or the configuration of FIG. 5B above, or the configuration in which the flexible supports 17 traverses the structure of the device permits the devise to return to the identical rotational position (a) following the strike or blow. As noted above, a single upper and lower support is possible as long as the rotation around the rotational vertical axis is fixed. As will be readily appreciated, the strength of the flexible supports 17 will determine the extent to which the device can be displaced laterally when in use.

FIG. 7 shows the same motion portrayed in FIG. 6, however rather than a side-to-side motion, FIG. 7 shows the front-to-back, or forward-and-reverse motion enabled by the positioning and attachment of the flexible supports 17. As with the embodiment of FIG. 6, strikes or blows displace the strike pad device 1 but the orientation and placement of more than one flexible support 17 via attachment or traversal to or through a substantial portion of the body of the device prevents any rotational displacement and returns the device to the original position following a strike or blow.

FIGS. 8-10 are the strike pad device 1 mounted on an articulating, rotationally fixed, and compressible armature 40 in a floor mounted, ceiling mounted, or wall mounted configurations respectively. Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 8, the strike pad device 1 is fixed on a rotationally fixed, but articulating and compressible armature 40 attached to the floor 20 at an attachment point 41. The armature 40 is attached to the strike pad device 1 at a distal end of the armature 40 at attachment point 42. The armature 40 is flexible and capable of articulation around attachment point 21 but is rotationally fixed around the axis B such that while the armature allows the device to move in any direction of a plane fixed by the length of the armature 40, the orientation of the facial features remain fixed relative to the athlete. The fixation at upper and lower junction points 41 and 42 can be achieved by mechanical means that preclude rotation of the armature 40 about the axis (3), or, as in the embodiments of FIGS. 5A-5C, 6, and 7, by a plurality of supports such that the armature 40 is comprised of at least two components that engage the strike pad device 1 at more than one point at the junction of attachment 42. As will be readily appreciated, the rotational orientation of the strike pad device 1 is fixed by either providing more than one flexible support with a plurality of attachment points to the strike pad device 1 or through the use of a fixture at junction point that precludes rotational displacement of the strike pad device 1. Similarly, in FIG. 9, the armature 40 is attached to the ceiling 21 at junction point 43. As with the embodiment of FIG. 8, the fixation of the rotational displacement of the strike pad device 1 is provided either by plurality of elements of the flexible support or the rotational fixation at junction point 43.

With respect to FIG. 10, the armature 40 is affixed to the wall 50 at vertical attachment point junction 51. The compressible functionality of the armature 40 permits the strike pad device 1 to travel in a direction from its original position toward the wall 50, but predominantly the strike pad device 1 moves in an arc defined by the fixed junction point 51 and the length of the armature 40. As in the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9, the strike pad device 1 is maintained in the identical rotational displacement, in this embodiment about a horizontal axis, by a plurality of elements of the flexible support the armature 40 or by a mechanical fixture precluding rotation about the vertical attachment junction point 51. These floor, ceiling and wall mounted configurations rely on the armature and the flexibility and compressibility thereof to allow the athlete to achieve a high degree of realistic targeted training from a wide range of angles without the assistance of a second person to hold the strike pad device 1.

Referring to FIGS. 11A through 11C, the strike head is positioned at a upper, outer surface of a heavy bag to use as a combination training aid. In a conventional manner, the heavy bag is secured to a support above the bag via an attachment strap 61, and a rotatable assembly 62, 63, and 64, comprising a link to an element 63 that is positioned above the center point of the bag allowing for rotational and pendular movement of the combined heavy bag 60 and strike head 1 as an assembly. As will be recognized from conventional use of the heavy bag 60 alone, the heavy bag 60 may swing in a pendulum-like movement that pivots around the attachment point 63 above the combined assembly. The strike head device 1 is attached to the outer surface of the heavy bag 60 by virtue of attachment straps 65, 66 integral to and positioned and attached at the upper and lower portions of the strike head 1. The upper attachment means 66 may be comprised of a strap that circumferentially surrounds the heavy bag 60 and preferably attaches at points on either side of the strike pad 1 as described in FIGS. 11B and 11C below. The upper attachment means 66 and lower attachment means 65 provide secure and conforming engagement between the strike head 1 and the heavy bag 60 at a flange 67 that provides a contour mating surface feature that surrounds the periphery of the strike head 1 and provides close conforming engagement between the strike head 1 and the heavy bag 60. Either or both of the upper attachment means 66 or the lower attachment means 65 may traverse the body of the strike head 1 via a passage 68 that surrounds the upper, lower attachment means 65, 66 and provides a pathway through the body of the strike head 1. To provide the close, conforming engagement between the heavy bag 60 and the strike head 1, the attachments 65, 66 are simply tightened to hold the strike head in place. Although two bands 65, 66 are shown in FIG. 11A, one will appreciate that other mechanical expedients are available to provide attachment.

Referring to FIG. 11B, the internal structure of the combination of the assembly means described in FIG. 11A and in (internal) endoskeleton of the strike head 1 is positioned to facilitate secure attachment of the strike head 1 to the heavy bag 60.

Referring to 11B, the strike head device is shown to reveal the internal endoskeleton 77 that provides both rigidity and structural support for the strike head 1 as well as an attachment mechanism for the upper and lower attachment means 66, 65. The endoskeleton 77 has a shape and profile that generally follows the exterior outer contour of the human head such that an approximately constant thickness of the outer foam layer is maintained (excluding facial features) between the generally curved and concave configuration of the endoskeleton 77 may include a radius that conforms the endoskeleton 77 to the general outlines of the strike head 1 while curving away from the facial features to establish a shape for the flange 67 to engage the heavy bag 60 and to permit the attachment of the upper and lower attachment means 65, 66 via an extension 71 of the endoskeleton 77. The endoskeleton 77 may be comprised of extension 71 that attaches to, or is traversed by, the attachment means. The extension 71 may be further comprised of an attachment point 70 for the upper 66 or lower 65 attachment means. The attachment means 65, 66 are comprised of a strap or band configuration that may terminate at a point proximate to the attachment point 71 or may pass through the substantial width of the endoskeleton 77 to extend away from the endoskeleton 77 on the opposite side of the strike head 1 as shown in FIG. 11A.

The overall configuration of the endoskeleton 77, the upper 66 and lower 65 attachment means provides for close conforming engagement between the strike head device 1 and the heavy bag 60 to yield an annular attachment around the heavy bag 60 such that the attachment means 65, 66 surround the heavy bag and are oriented such that the flange 67 of the strike head 1 is engaged about its periphery to the strike bag 60. The endoskeleton 77 is preferably provided with a series of openings 75 that are interspersed with foam from the outer layer of the strike head 1 to permit the external foam layer to be fixed relative to the endoskeleton 72.

A preferred orientation of the upper 66 and lower 65 attachment means is shown in FIG. 11C relative to the configuration of the endoskeleton 72 and the outer foam portion 75 for the strike head. In the view of FIG. 11C, the heavy bag 60 is removed to show the relative orientation of the attachment means 65, 66, the outer flange 67, and the endoskeleton 77 including specifically upper 72 medial 73, and lower 74 portions of the endoskeleton 77. In a similar manner as is described in FIG. 11B, the extension 71 of the endoskeleton 77 that facilitates attachment of the upper 66 or lower 65 attachment means extends toward the position of the heavy bag in order to allow the upper and lower attachment means 65, 66 to surround the heavy bag 60. Each of the upper and lower attachment means may further comprise a connector 76 such that each side of the attachment means 65, 66 can be attached at a single point opposite the strike head 1 relative to the heavy bag 60 so that the strike head 1 is firmly held in place as shown in FIG. 11A. As noted above, the attachment means 65, 66 may terminate at attachment point 70 or may be continuous to form a substantially annular and continuous band that provides for a firm engagement of the strike head 1 to the heavy bag 60. In such an embodiment, the annular assembly is comprised of the means, endoskeleton 77 and optimally the attachment point(s) 70. Prior to casting the foam layer 75 of the strike head 1, the endoskeleton and attachment means in strike head 75 are fixed in a position that facilitates placement of the endoskeleton 77 and the flange 67 to create conforming engagement between the strike head 1 and the heavy bag 60 when the attachment means 65, 66 are secured via connector 76.

Referring to FIGS. 12A to 12C, a training device is provided that comprises a configuration of the upper torso 87 of a human that is held at a rear portion thereof by a training partner. Although the facial features at an integrated head region 84 the upper portion of the torso 87 are preferred, the device of FIGS. 12A through 12C need not contained the complete set of facial features compared to the device of FIGS. 1A to 1C. An operative feature of the embodiment of FIGS. 12A through 12C is a combination of structural elements, preferably oriented as at least a combination of two layers 80, 81 having differential torsional strengths, hardnesses, or flexibilities such that substantial structure is provided by an endoskeleton that mimics the overall form of the upper torso 87, the interior layer 80 of the upper torso 87 is preferably comprised of a material having a greater hardness relative to the outer portion 81 such that attachment means, as shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, is attached thereto. The outer portion 81 of the torso 87 or head region is preferably formed of a conformable foam such that strikes by the training athlete are absorbed while still providing a realistic feedback sensation to the training athlete. The differential hardness of the inner portion 82 provides resistance, similar to the skeletal structure of a human being and also provides the ability for attachment of a handle and strap handle assemblies as shown in FIG. 12C.

Referring to FIGS. 12B and 12C, the strike device is comprised of several elements. The shield component is comprised of a body torso portion 87 and a head region 84 as described in FIG. 12A. Additionally, a mechanical assembly is provided for a training partner of the athlete to grasp the device and position any portion of the body or head to present the selected anatomy to the athlete during training. The device is comprised of an integrated strike head 84 and body torso portion 87 to absorb blows delivered by the training athlete. The mechanical assembly is comprised of a handle having at least two separate portions designed to be grasped by the hand. The body strike or kick shield device benefits from the construction comprising the at least two layers 80, 81 of differential hardness or stiffness as described in FIG. 12A. The exterior surface is comprised of a skinned foam material that absorbs blows delivered by the athlete while the interior layer acts as an endoskeleton structure provides rigidity for and a connection to the handle assembly as described below. The handle assembly is preferably fixed to the most rigid component of the overall assembly, preferably the inner portion 80 of the endoskeleton. To provide a durable attachment configuration that may be reliably positioned by the trainer relative to the training athlete the handle assembly is fixed at a number of points of the rear of the device.

Referring specifically to FIG. 12C, the handle assembly is comprised of a vertical strut 90, and preferably two or more vertical struts 90, that connect the handle assembly to an area of the torso 87 of the device. The attachment of the vertical strut 90 is preferably provided by a lower fixed connector 92 that traverses a lower portion of the vertical strut 90 for rigid attachment to the inner layer 80. The connector 92 may provide spacing elements to facilitate secure attachments to the inner layer 80 and may be achieved by a nut and bolt combination or any conventional mechanic expedient that fixes the overall handle assembly to the device.

The handle assembly is further comprised of a grip 91 that is preferably pliable and is intended for comfortable and secure grasping by the hand of the training partner such that the device can be oriented relative to the athlete and to absorb the force of blows during training. Preferably, the grip 91 is positioned between the vertical strut 90 and a horizontal handle 94. Although the embodiment of FIG. 12C displays a horizontal handle 94 that connects the two vertical struts 90 at the upmost portion thereof, the configuration of the horizontal handle 94 could take a variety of forms as long as a handle structure 94 is rigidly fixed and available for the alternate hand of the training partner to grasp the device. In use, the training partner may selectively position each hand at either or both of the vertical strut(s) 90 or by placing one hand on the vertical strut 90 and the other on the horizontal handle preferably at a center point comprised of a horizontal grip point 95.

Accordingly, the respective angle of the horizontal component to the vertical component is preferably at an angle less than 90 degrees such that the horizontal handle 94 is attached at both ends to the inner layer 80 in a secure fashion. In the device of FIG. 12C, the preferred orientation between the vertical strut 90 and the horizontal handle 94 is meant to enhance the flexibility in positioning of the device relative to the training athlete. The central horizontal grip 95 may be placed in the horizontal handle 94. Ideally, the horizontal handle 94 is affixed at the upper end of each vertical strut 90 and both are fixed to the torso portion on both sides of a midline that bisects the upper torso 87 of the device. Although the specific positioning of attachment points 96 is not critical, the advantageous of the placement of at least two attachment points 93 on opposite sides of the rear of the upper torso is preferred. Parallel or retention of at least two vertical struts 90 and a horizontal handle having at least a portion thereof perpendicular to the vertical struts 90 facilitates maximum stability of the overall handle assembly when the attachment points 93 are sufficiently spaced. In each case, the attachment points 93 are comprised of the connector 93, preferably a portion of each of a vertical strut 90 and a portion of the horizontal handle 94. The connector 92 typically traverses the outer foam layer 81 and is affixed to the inner layer 80 for maximum rigidity. As is readily apparent from FIG. 12C, none of the vertical strut elements 90 or the horizontal handle 94 need be perfectly linear. In each case, a portion thereof or the entirety thereof may be comprised of an arcuate portion, such as to allow the curvature of the horizontal handle to place a central grip component 95 at a point that facilitates ready grasping by the hand by the training partner.

Claims

1. A martial arts training device comprising:

a compressible material formed into an anatomical shape of a human head with facial features, and having an internal cavity therein,

an integrated internal handle for holding the device in a fixed position, wherein the angle between the longitudinal axis running from the proximal to distal attachment points of the internal handle and horizontal plane is between 0 and 90 degrees.

2. The training device of claim 1, wherein the angle between the longitudinal axis running from the proximal to the distal attachment points of the internal handle and horizontal plane is preferably between 31 and 65.

3. The training device of claim 1, wherein the angle between the longitudinal axis running from the proximal to the distal attachment points of the internal handle and horizontal plane is most preferably between 41 and 55 degrees.

4. The training device of claim 1, wherein the angle between the longitudinal axis running from the attachment points of the internal handle on the left and right side and vertical plane is between 0 and 90 degrees.

5. The training device of claim 1, wherein the angle between the longitudinal axis running from the attachment points of the internal handle on the left and right side and vertical plane is preferably 30 and 60 degrees.

6. The training device of claim 1, wherein the angle between the longitudinal axis running from the attachment points of the internal handle on the left and right side and vertical plane is most preferably between 0 and 15 degrees.

7. The training device of claim 1, wherein the internal handle is attached at the proximal and distal ends to an internal surface of the internal cavity and into the surrounding material.

8. The training device of claim 1, wherein the attachment of the internal hand is at each of a proximal and a distal surface of the internal cavity and into the surrounding material.

9. The training device of claim 1 wherein the internal cavity is formed in the shape of a hand with the fingers oriented in the extended or curled position to hold the device without the use of an integrated internal handle.

7. A martial arts training device comprising:

a compressible material found in an anatomical shape of a human head with facial features, two or more flexible supports that suspend the device between an upper fixed structure and a lower fixed structure; and means for allowing rotational displacement of the device.

8. The training device of claim 7, wherein the means for allowing rotational displacement of the device are comprised of the flexible support having at least two points of attachment to the device.

9. The training device of claim 8, wherein each of the two or more flexible supports are a continuous linear cord that traverses a length of the head and is affixed to each of the upper fixed structure and the lower fixed structure.

10. The training device of claim 7, wherein the upper fixed structure is a ceiling and the lower fixed structure is a wall.

11. The training device of claim 7, wherein the upper and lower fixed structures are opposing ends of a rigid frame.

12. The training device of claim 7, further comprised of a fixture joining the flexible supports to the device at at least three points.

13. A martial arts training device comprising:

a compressible material found in an anatomical shape of a human head with facial features;

a compressible and flexible armature affixed at one end to the head and at an opposite end to a rigid support; and

a pivoting fixture attached to the armature and the rigid support permitting articulation around the fixture and allowing axial rotation of the armature and then returning the device to an approximate original position.

14. The device of claim 13 further comprising a ratchet mechanism to permit rotation of the head to a series of predetermined rotational positions.

15. A martial arts training device comprising:

a strike head comprised of an endoskeleton and a companion training device attached thereto.

16. The martial arts training device of claim 15, wherein the companion device is a kick shield further comprised of a handle assembly comprised of a vertical strut and a horizontal handle.

17. The martial arts training device of claim 16, comprising at least two vertical struts each surrounded by a grip.

18. The martial arts training device of claim 15, wherein the companion device is a heavy bag.