Resistance Band Boxing Fitness Device

Abstract

A boxing fitness device has a wearable portion configured to be worn on the torso and having a support panel, a resistance band apparatus having an anchor panel and resistance bands connected to the anchor panel, and a pair of handles connected to the resistance bands and configured to be held by a user such that the resistance bands provide resistance to a boxing motion. The handles may be connected to gloves or to a handle that has holders for controllers for a virtual reality system. The various components are interchangeable and adaptable to customize at least the weight, positioning, and resistance provided by the device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/730,740 filed Sep. 13, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a fitness product, and, more particularly, to a resistance band boxing fitness device.

BACKGROUND

In order to effectively teach boxing and correct boxing form, it is important to teach boxers how to move correctly. Shadow boxing is the most popular form of teaching boxing movements. However, there is a lack of equipment that augments or assists in shadow boxing training. Boxers sometimes hold hand weights or wrist weights, but these are all vertical loads that tend to weigh too heavily on the hand and wrist to effectively train proper movement. There is nothing currently in the market that provides resistance to punches and provides a product to improve form and increase efficiency of boxing punches. There is a need for a device that develops speed and punching power without having to strike anything, reducing the possibility for hand injury, while increasing the potential for strength and stamina used while shadow boxing.

In addition to being a training tool, shadow boxing can be incorporated into the growing area of virtual reality (VR) exercise and boxing. Fitness and boxing virtual reality programs have been developed to allow users to physically recreate various scenarios, including a boxing match. Virtual reality as a form for exercise is very new and the technology is still developing. Thus, there is also a need for products that can be used with a VR system to augment and enhance a VR boxing experience.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a boxing fitness device. The boxing fitness device includes a wearable portion configured to be worn on the torso and including a support panel, a resistance band apparatus including an anchor panel and resistance bands connected to the anchor panel, and a pair of handles connected to the resistance bands and configured to be held by a user such that the resistance bands provide resistance to a boxing motion.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments that proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

FIG. 1 is a sketch showing an exemplary embodiment of the resistance band boxing fitness device;

FIG. 2 is a picture showing a front side of the resistance band boxing fitness device;

FIG. 3 is a front-side view of a user wearing the resistance band boxing fitness device;

FIG. 4 is a back-side view of a user wearing the resistance band boxing fitness device; and

FIG. 5 is side view of a user wearing the resistance band boxing fitness device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes a device that augments and enhances a shadow boxing or VR boxing training session, assisting in training the user in a combination of boxing technique and speed. The device improves speed of punching and builds strength and conditioning. The device includes a vest, resistance bands, and handles. The vest, in some embodiments, is made with mesh compression material that provides structure and support. In some embodiments, the vest includes multiple layers. There are, for example, two pounds per layer such that the user can choose the number of layers to wear. The vest is integrated with a resistance band apparatus. The resistance band apparatus is connected to the back of the weighted vest (e.g., with hook and loop fasteners). The resistance bands connect between the resistance band apparatus and the handles. The handles may be held by a user and/or integrated into a glove that is worn by the user. In some embodiments, the vest includes a built-in compression jersey.

The combination device functions to provide resistance to hand movements by connecting a resistance band to the hand area of the user and resisting a punching movement due to the anchoring of the resistance band to the vest worn by the user. The various components are interchangeable and customizable in order to adapt to different users and situations. For example, the vest includes different layers that may be combined or separated in order to vary the weight worn by the user. The resistance bands are removable and interchangeable to adjust the resistance and/or length to fit the user. The handles can be adjusted between hand-held devices and/or different-sized gloves to accommodate different users and uses. In use, with the resistance bands secured at the users hands and to a support panel of the wearable portion, the user is configured to perform boxing or shadow boxing movements that are resisted by the resistance bands.

FIG. 1 is a depiction of an exemplary embodiment of a resistant band boxing fitness device 100, including separate but related components. The device 100 includes a wearable portion 10, a resistance band apparatus 20, and a pair of handles 30. The wearable portion 10 may be in the form of a vest, shirt, jacket, etc. that is worn on the torso of a user. The wearable portion 10 may include multiple vest layers 12A, 12B, 12C, each with their own associated weight (e.g., 2 lbs. each, multiples of each other—2 lb., 4 lb., etc.). In some embodiments, the wearable portion 10 includes a compression shirt or jersey 12D that conforms to the user. The wearable portion 10 may be made from neoprene material with a polyester and cotton compression blend.

In one embodiment, in order to secure the wearable portion 10 to a user, plastic straps 14 and a connecting apparatus 16 are weaved into the vest to secure the straps 14 to each other. In one exemplary embodiment, the wearable portion 10 is a vest with three layers (12A, 12B, 12C, one four pound vest which is a secure and snug base layer, a second two pound weighted vest and an additional four pound weighted vest layer.

The wearable portion 10 includes a support panel 18 positioned at a back portion thereof. In the multi-layer embodiment, a base layer 12A may include the support panel 18. The support panel 18 is configured to connect to the resistance band apparatus 20 to create an anchor section for the resistance bands 22. The resistance band apparatus 20 may include an anchor panel 24 that is connectable to the support panel 18. The connection may be removable via an attachment mechanism (e.g., through hook and loop fasteners, a belt loop or strap, etc.) or permanent (e.g., through stitching, gluing, etc.).

The resistance band apparatus 20 further includes a pair of resistance bands 22 that are connectable to the anchor panel 24. The connection may be removable to allow the resistance bands to be interchangeable. In some embodiments, the resistance bands 22 may be “speed cords” specifically adapted for a boxing application. The resistance bands 22 are connectable to the handles 30.

The handles 30 are configured to be held at the hands of the user. The handles 30 may be plastic and are interchangeable either for hand-held use in shadow boxing, as shown, or grips with attachments for the VR controllers to clip into. In some embodiments, the handles 30 are integrated with and/or connected to gloves 40. This arrangement enables additional weights to be used in the gloves for a more intense workout, while maintaining a connection between their hands and the wearable portion 10 through the resistance bands 22. The handles 30 may include an attachment channel 32 for receiving a resistance band 22. The attachment channel 32 may be positioned at a front wrist portion of a handle 30 in the form of a glove.

In some embodiments, the handles 30 are controllers for a VR system. For example, the handles may be adapted to include holders for VR controllers to be clipped into so that the VR controllers become connected to the wearable portion 10 through the resistance bands and the adapted handles. In some embodiments, the handles 30 may include sensors or other devices to monitor hand speed, punch count and duration of the workout.

FIG. 2 is a depiction the front view of the device 100, with the wearable portion 10, the resistance bands 22 of the resistance band apparatus 20, and the handles 30 integrated into gloves 40. The resistance bands 22 form a loop that extend from the anchor panel 24, through a channel 32 in the handles 30, and return back to the anchor panel 24. Thus, an upper and lower resistance band segment is formed, each of which resist movement when the handle 30 is moved further away from the wearable portion 10, such as during a punching movement.

FIGS. 3-5 are depictions of various views of a user wearing the resistance band boxing fitness device 100, according to a disclosed embodiment. In this embodiment, the handles 30 are integrated with the gloves 40 that are worn by the user. The gloves 40 are also configured to match a realistic boxing environment because boxers wear gloves during competition. The handles 30, in other embodiments, may simply be held by the user.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in an embodiment the ends of the resistance bands 22 may be removably attached (e.g., clipped) to an anchoring member 26 on the anchor panel 24. The anchoring member 26 may include a plurality of spaced channels that allow ends of the resistance bands 22 to be secured. The resistance bands may include oversized end portions 28 that resist movement in the channels and lock the resistance bands in place. The anchoring member 26 may include a plurality of spaced options for locating the resistance bands, in order to customize the anchoring location of the resistance bands.

The resistance band boxing fitness device 100 is configured to enhance and augment a shadow boxing session in order to require additional effort for each punch. The resistance provides a greater workout and helps to more closely mimic boxing against an opponent or against a bag, as the hand is naturally pulled back or stopped by the resistance band, as opposed to merely punching air. The integration of a holder for VR controllers also allows the device to be used in a VR environment in which a boxing match or other boxing training session is simulated.

The elements of the figures are not exclusive. Other embodiments may be derived in accordance with the principles of the invention to accomplish the same objectives. Although this invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments and variations shown and described herein are for illustration purposes only. Modifications to the current design may be implemented by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A boxing fitness device, comprising:

a wearable portion configured to be worn on the torso and comprising a support panel;

a resistance band apparatus comprising an anchor panel and resistance bands connected to the anchor panel

a pair of handles connected to the resistance bands and configured to be held by a user such that the resistance bands provide resistance to a boxing motion.

2. The boxing fitness device of claim 1, wherein wearable portion includes multiple layers.

3. The boxing fitness device of claim 1, wherein the wearable portion is a weighted vest.

4. The boxing fitness device of claim 1, wherein the resistance band apparatus comprises an anchoring member configured to removably connect to the resistance bands.

5. The boxing fitness device of claim 4, wherein the anchoring member comprises a plurality of channels configured to receive a portion of a resistance band.

6. The boxing fitness device of claim 1, wherein the anchor panel is removably connectable to the support panel.

7. The boxing fitness device of claim 6, wherein the anchor panel and the support panel are removably connected using hook and loop fasteners.

8. The boxing fitness device of claim 1, wherein the handles are each connected to a glove.

9. The boxing fitness device of claim 1, wherein the handles comprise a channel through which a resistance band is configured to extend.

10. The boxing fitness device of claim 1, wherein the handles comprise holders for controllers for a virtual reality system.

11. A boxing fitness device, comprising:

a wearable portion configured to be worn on the torso and comprising a plurality of layers, wherein at least one of the layers comprises a support panel configured to be positioned at a back of the torso when the wearable portion is worn;

a resistance band apparatus comprising an anchor panel attached to the support panel and a plurality of resistance bands removably connected to the anchor panel; and

a pair of handles connected to the resistance bands and configured to be held by a user such that the resistance bands provide resistance to a boxing motion.

12. The boxing fitness device of claim 11, wherein at least two of the plurality of layers have different weights from each other.

13. The boxing fitness device of claim 12, wherein one layer weighs twice as much as another layer.

14. The boxing fitness device of claim 11, wherein one of the plurality of layers is a compression layer comprising a mesh compression material.

15. The boxing fitness device of claim 11, wherein the anchor panel comprises a plurality of spaced channels for receiving one of the plurality of resistance bands.

16. The boxing fitness device of claim 16, wherein the resistance bands include oversized end portions that resist movement in the channels and lock the resistance bands in place.

17. The boxing fitness device of claim 16, wherein the anchoring panel comprises a plurality of spaced channel options for locating the resistance bands enabling selection of an anchoring location of the plurality of resistance bands.

18. The boxing fitness device of claim 11, wherein the pair of handles are controllers for a virtual reality system.

19. The boxing fitness device of claim 11, wherein the pair of handles comprise one or more sensors configured to monitor hand speed, punch count and duration of a workout.

20. A boxing fitness system, comprising:

a wearable portion configured to be worn on the torso and comprising a plurality of layers, wherein at least two of the plurality of layers have different weights from each other, and wherein at least one of the layers comprises a support panel configured to be positioned at a back of the torso when the wearable portion is worn, the support panel comprising an attachment mechanism;

a resistance band apparatus comprising an anchor panel removably attached to the support panel via the attachment mechanism and a plurality of resistance bands removably connected to the anchor panel through placement in one or more spaced channels protruding from the anchor panel, thereby anchoring the plurality of resistance bands at the back of the torso; and

a pair of handles connected to ends of the resistance bands and configured to be held by a user such that the resistance bands provide resistance to a boxing motion, wherein the handles are each removably attached to one of a pair of gloves for wearing on the hands.