Specifically Supported Patents (Class 482/87)
  • Patent number: 6808477
    Abstract: An arrangement for supporting from a wall or column a martial arts dummy. The dummy has a vertically-extending, cylindrical body member that carries outwardly-extending arms and a leg to generally simulate a person for martial arts training and practice. A mounting bar that can be secured to a wall or column supports a pair of parallel, horizontal rods that carry a horizontal slat that passes laterally through the vertically-extending body of the dummy to allow side-to-side movement of the dummy along the slat. The outer ends of the rods include a stop member. Respective first and second springs are positioned between the slat and the mounting bar and between the slat and the stop members to allow forward and backward movement of the dummy in response to blows applied by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Byron D. Tudor
  • Patent number: 6802799
    Abstract: An apparatus for practicing martial arts defensive acts such as Karate kicking. The Karate Kick Exercise apparatus has a base frame, which is attached to a surface. The base frame has upright members that pivot on the base frame. The upright members have a top frame that also pivots on the upright members. A kicking target is attached to a kicking surface member, which in turn is attached to the top frame. The upright members are held in place by a spring-loaded air cylinder that holds the apparatus upright and provides means of absorbing the blows provided by a kicker. The frame pivots in the same direction as the air cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Jorge A. Gomez
  • Patent number: 6790167
    Abstract: A striking bag apparatus which is easy to manufacture, assemble, transport or move, and adjust in height, and which is effectively self-supported such that no sparring partner is needed. The striking bag apparatus is composed of a hollow base, hollow cylindrical column, and striking pad. The striking pad is preferably a foam sleeve covered by a smooth striking surface installed around the upper portion of the cylindrical column which is held in a substantially vertical position by the base. Both the column and base may be filled with water, sand, metal shot, or other suitable weighting substance to provide for increased stability and support, via easily accessible fill apertures in the column and base. The height of the striking surface may be easily adjusted, without disassembly, by rotating the column within the base, in a simple “corkscrew” fashion. The base is provided with wheels to aid in moving the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Technical Knockout, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitch Carlin, Richard Tarozzi
  • Patent number: 6786854
    Abstract: A training device for boxing is formed of a base, an expandable support rod, and a spherical body. The expandable support rod is formed of at least one adjusting member, a lower tubular member, and an upper tubular member which is slidably received in the lower tubular member in conjunction with the adjusting member such that the upper tubular member is located by a seat tube and an upper lock ring of the adjusting member, and such that the lower tubular member is positioned by the seat tube and a lower lock ring of the adjusting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Cheng-Hsiung Hsu
  • Patent number: 6758794
    Abstract: An exercising device includes a first frame, a second frame rotatably supported on the first frame, thereby allowing the second frame to rotate relative to the first frame, and a linear track system fixedly attached to the second member such that track system rotates with the second frame relative to the first frame. The exercise device also includes a vehicle adapted to ride along a length of the track system, and at least one arm pivotally attached to the vehicle at a first location along the arm, and adapted to support the first punching bag at a second location along the arm, the first location being spaced apart from the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Louis William Lee
  • Patent number: 6740012
    Abstract: A practice device for enhancing strike ability of a boxer that includes a support, a tethered ball suspended from the support, and a deflector operatively connected to the support. The support includes a rigid sheet of material and four flexible lengths of cord nonrestrainingly suspending the sheet of material horizontally from an overhead. The tethered ball is suspended from the sheet of material. The deflector is disposed on one edge of the sheet of material and is wedge-shaped so as to allow the ball to deflect thereoff in a random pattern when stroked by the boxer. The deflector is a equilaterally-triangular-shaped sheet bent acutely, along its altitude, into a pair of panels. Each panel has a slot slid onto one edge of the sheet of material, with the apex of the sheet facing the center of the sheet of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Jaroslaw Olszewski
  • Publication number: 20040097346
    Abstract: An apparatus for practicing martial arts defensive acts such as Karate kicking. The Karate Kick Exercise apparatus has a base frame, which is attached to a surface. The base frame has upright members that pivot on the base frame. The upright members have a top frame that also pivots on the upright members. A kicking target is attached to a kicking surface member, which in turn is attached to the top frame. The upright members are held in place by a spring-loaded air cylinder that holds the apparatus upright and provides means of absorbing the blows provided by a kicker. The frame pivots in the same direction as the air cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Jorge A. Gomez
  • Patent number: 6736764
    Abstract: A device that trains a martial artist to kick. The device includes a stand and a target. The target extends adjustably outwardly from the stand and is kicked by the martial artist to train the martial artist to kick. The stand includes a base and a post with a lower end having a mortise therein. The base is T-shaped and includes a pair of separate members. Each member has a tongue. The tongues are abutted against each other and received in the mortise in the post, and in so doing, the pair of separate members are held together in the post and the post extends upwardly from the base. The target includes a collar that replaceably encircles the post and has at least one coil spring extending radially outwardly from respective sides thereof that engages a cushion to be kicked by the martial artist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen Kapustka
  • Patent number: 6726605
    Abstract: A punching bag includes a chamber for receiving a soft or resilient barrel, and a container received in the barrel and having a chamber for selectively receiving insert materials therein. The container includes one or more rings disposed on top for hanging purposes. The container includes a port for filling the insert materials into the container. The rings may be solidly disposed on top of the container for solidly hanging the punching bag to any support frames or members. The bag includes an upper cover having one or more orifices for receiving the rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Sherry Chen
  • Publication number: 20040005963
    Abstract: An arrangement for supporting from a wall or column a martial arts dummy. The dummy has a vertically-extending, cylindrical body member that carries outwardly-extending arms and a leg to generally simulate a person for martial arts training and practice. A mounting bar that can be secured to a wall or column supports a pair of parallel, horizontal rods that carry a horizontal slat that passes laterally through the vertically-extending body of the dummy to allow side-to-side movement of the dummy along the slat. The outer ends of the rods include a stop member. Respective first and second springs are positioned between the slat and the mounting bar and between the slat and the stop members to allow forward and backward movement of the dummy in response to blows applied by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Byron D. Tudor
  • Publication number: 20030158017
    Abstract: An exercising device includes a first frame, a second frame rotatably supported on the first frame, thereby allowing the second frame to rotate relative to the first frame, and a linear track system fixedly attached to the second member such that track system rotates with the second frame relative to the first frame. The exercise device also includes a vehicle adapted to ride along a length of the track system, and at least one arm pivotally attached to the vehicle at a first location along the arm, and adapted to support the first punching bag at a second location along the arm, the first location being spaced apart from the second location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Louis William Lee
  • Patent number: 6585625
    Abstract: An exercise machine (1) having a cable (16) connected at a first end to a longitudinally reciprocable target pad (13) and sequentially extending around a first pulley (57) located on a lower crossbar (56) of the machine (1), underneath the target pad (13), and then connected to a spring (17) anchored to a support (18). A pair of handles (14, 15) is attached to legs (4, 5) which support the frame (3) of the machine (1). A user (2) is able to kick the target pad (13) and thereby strengthen muscles and develop coordination needed in the martial arts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Jack Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6558298
    Abstract: A training bag including a first bladder, a second bladder, and flexible outer shell is provided. The first bladder is fabricated of a flexible, water impervious material and defines a water chamber for holding a selected quantity of water. The second bladder is fabricated of a flexible, air impervious material defines an air chamber. The second bladder has a central cavity in which the first bladder is positioned such that the second bladder is concentrically positioned about the first bladder. The second bladder is inflatable by passing pressurized air into the air chamber. The outer shell is positioned about the first and second bladders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Century Incorporated
    Inventors: Sarah Fields, L. Michael Dillard, Danny M. Bower
  • Patent number: 6530867
    Abstract: The system includes a tall, open, multi-sided framework having a number of laterally spaced, upright legs that are interconnected by overhead structure in the form of elongated beams. The beams are located above normal human height so as to avoid interference with activities conducted within the open space defined by the framework. A number of trolley-like hangers are adjustably moveable along at least certain of the overhead beams for the purpose of suspending training devices such as kick bags or the like down into the space. Releaseable locks on the hangers are accessible by persons standing beneath the beams to facilitate selective engagement and disengagement of the locks and manual pulling of the hangers along the rails to either deployed positions out in the room space or stored positions adjacent the side of the framework. The framework is constructed in sections using removeable fasteners so as to facilitate on-site erection and disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Fitness Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald M. Schwendemann
  • Publication number: 20020169054
    Abstract: The system includes a tall, open, multi-sided framework having a number of laterally spaced, upright legs that are interconnected by overhead structure in the form of elongated beams. The beams are located above normal human height so as to avoid interference with activities conducted within the open space defined by the framework. A number of trolley-like hangers are adjustably moveable along at least certain of the overhead beams for the purpose of suspending training devices such as kick bags or the like down into the space. Releaseable locks on the hangers are accessible by persons standing beneath the beams to facilitate selective engagement and disengagement of the locks and manual pulling of the hangers along the rails to either deployed positions out in the room space or stored positions adjacent the side of the framework. The framework is constructed in sections using removeable fasteners so as to facilitate on-site erection and disassembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald M. Schwendemann
  • Patent number: 6464621
    Abstract: A punching aid includes a column disposed above a base, a pad attached on the column, and a flexible rubber pillar secured between the base and the column to provide a flexibility to the column relative to the base. The flexible rubber pillar includes two ends each having a coupler for detachably securing to the base and the column. The couplers each includes a protrusion and a disc engaged into the flexible rubber pillar when molding the rubber pillar. The flexible rubber pillar includes an upper and a lower peripheral recesses and a middle peripheral bulge for forming a wavy structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Sherry Chen
  • Patent number: 6461281
    Abstract: A striking bag assembly which includes a primary bag suspended from a fixed support and an anchor bag suspended from the primary bag. The anchor bag is smaller and heavier and, therefore, considerably denser than the primary bag. More specifically, the anchor bag is pivotally connected to the primary bag and the primary bag is pivotally connected to the fixed support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald O. Bouvier
  • Patent number: 6432027
    Abstract: A martial arts training bag is provided having a substantially cylindrical upper portion and a tapered, e.g., frusto-conical, lower portion. The bag preferably includes one or more head targets and one or more arms extending from the bag. The bag may also include a lance device, a striking ring, a kick post, a leg parry device and/or a high kick device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Donald A. Haselrig
  • Publication number: 20020094917
    Abstract: A punching bag assembly includes an inflatable bladder, a winding layer wound around the bladder, an intermediate resilient layer covering the winding layer, a mounting block, and a skin layer. The mounting block has an anchoring flange attached to the intermediate resilient layer, and a mounting projection projecting from the anchoring flange and formed with a mounting hole. The skin layer is formed over the intermediate resilient layer and the anchoring flange such that the anchoring flange is buried between the intermediate resilient layer and the skin layer and such that the mounting projection projects relative to the skin layer to permit access to the mounting hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Wen-Ching Wang
  • Patent number: 6398697
    Abstract: The present invention presents a glance blow detecting bag which rotates on a pivotal axis around a circular in shape adjustable bag mounting pole which is supported on a portable free standing stand for exercising and training a punch boxer, kick boxer, or football blocker, to strike the center of a moving target, and the center of a specific body part. The glance blow detecting bag assists in training accurate placement of blows by spinning rapidly upon detecting a glance blow when the center of the bag is missed on impact, and not spinning when the center of bag is hit indicating a good strike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Ernest Nichols, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6375600
    Abstract: A balloon support system for playing a punching balloon game. This system comprises a movable ground base, a tubular planar arch member defining two upright legs and a top elongated transverse crossbar integral at opposite ends thereof to the upright legs, the bottom ends of the upright legs being anchored to the ground base. A rotatable balloon mount is installed to an intermediate section of the top cross-bar for rotatably carrying a balloon thereon. An elongated pivotal arm member is pivotally mounted at an inner end thereof to the ground base for pivotal movement of the arm member between a first position, generally parallel to the arch member, and a second ground engaging position, extending transversely from the plane of the arch member. A foot support panel member is fixedly mounted to an outer end portion of the pivotal arm member for movement therewith, and includes a foot rest surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Rejean Mallette
  • Patent number: 6309327
    Abstract: An athletic training device having at least a base, a pad assembly and biasing members is adapted to permit primary rotation and translation, as well as secondary rotation of the pad assembly. Primary movement may be triggered by an operator to assist in developing faster player reaction times, while the secondary movement is permitted to assist players in developing techniques involved in engaging an opposing player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Rogers Athletic Company
    Inventor: Edwin A. Hallberg
  • Patent number: 6302831
    Abstract: A martial arts training device (20) for a punching bag (500) having an outer surface (502) includes a covering (22) which is attachable to a portion of the outer surface of the punching bag. The covering is fixedly attached to the punching bag by one or more connectors (24). One or more arms (32) are connected to the covering in a rigid fashion, so that when a martial arts blow is delivered to the arm, the arm does not move with respect to the punching bag. Rather, the force of the blow is transferred from the arm to the punching bag causing the punching bag to move, as would a martial arts opponent. In a preferred embodiment, the arm has a flange (36) which is captively held between the covering and the punching bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Ralph I. Henry
  • Patent number: 6261210
    Abstract: A striking device for use in different kinds of fighting arts such as karate and boxing is disclosed. The device comprises an outer sack and an inner sack with a stuffing made of natural or synthetic particulate rubber. The construction of the sack renders it resistant to hard and quick hits and to repeated folding, thus extending the life of the striking device. Embodiments having different shapes and stuffing consistency are disclosed enabling training for a range of martial arts hits and strikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventors: Alexander Marinov Lishejkov, Cveteline Dimitrova Lishejkova
  • Patent number: 6258013
    Abstract: A protective martial arts practice target pad for use in the practice of various martial arts activities in which blows and thrusts are directed at a human subject is comprised of a resilient energy-absorbing base member sized to protect the body area of the human subject at which one or more blows or thrusts are directed, support and gripping straps for stabilizing and positioning the pad over the body area of the human subject adapted to be held using the arms and hands and a pre-determined target space defined by one or more protrusions extending outward from the pad along one or more sides of the target space to provide immediate feedback by contact or lack of contact indicating either a misdirected or properly directed blow or thrust falling within the pre-determined target space. The target space may be configured as various shapes conforming to the shape of the extremity used for the blow or thrust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Roger W. Dabney
  • Patent number: 6251051
    Abstract: A punching aid includes a column disposed above a base, a pad adjustably attached onto the column, and a flexible device secured between the base and the column to provide a flexibility to the column relative to the base. The flexible device includes two couplers secured to the ends. The base and the column each includes a stud engaged into and secured to the couplers for securing the flexible device between the column and the base. The couplers each has a protrusion and a disc engaged into the flexible device for solidly securing the flexible device to the base and the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Sherry Chen
  • Patent number: 6244993
    Abstract: A punch bag comprises a primary bag 2 for suspension from a ceiling and a secondary bag 6 secured to the bottom of the bag 2 by a cord. The secondary bag may have a mass of between 25% and 100% of the mass of the primary bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Colin Dunn
  • Patent number: 6241640
    Abstract: A boxing exercise apparatus is mounted onto a stand. A pivoted support arm provides a strike absorbing means. In a first embodiment, the support arm is connected to the stand with a spring joined to a rigid rod. The rigid rod is preferably positioned in a neutral position with an integral positioning means. Displacement of the support arm away from the neutral position toward at a rocked-back position is counteracted by the spring. In a second embodiment, the apparatus further includes a second spring joining the stand and the rigid rod; and a second positioning means for contacting the rigid rod. When the support arm is deflected, alternately the first spring and then the second spring retards the motion of the support arm. In a third embodiment, a pair of strike absorbing means are mounted in such a manner that they move away from a blow and recover a neutral position as described, and also move laterally, and again recover a neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Yong S. Chu
  • Patent number: 6234940
    Abstract: A training bag designed to provide the user, a martial artist or boxer, with a training apparatus that simulates the response of a human body upon the execution of fighting techniques on the training bag and, thereby, enable the martial artist or boxer to practice and master the affects of those techniques on an opponent without injuring the opponent or themselves. The training bag comprises an inner core with a filler material and a filler covering material that provides the proper height and weight of a training bag. The training bag further comprises an outer core with an impact material and an outer covering material. The impact material provides the martial artist or boxer with the realistic sensation of contacting an opponent with the fighting techniques and the outer covering material covers the impact material and displays imprinted indicia, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: John Fotsis
  • Patent number: 6234934
    Abstract: A wrist and forearm exerciser for exercising the weak areas of the hands, arms, wrists, and forearms. The wrist and forearm exerciser includes an elongate handle rod and a line with opposite upper and lower ends. The upper end of the line is coupled to the handle rod. A weight support means is coupled to the lower end of the line. A plurality of weights are supported by the weight support means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph J. Gorczyca
  • Patent number: 6217489
    Abstract: The invention described in the specification relates to a heavy bag for use in training a boxer and to a method for filling the bag. The bag has a substantially cylindrical outer shell made from a fabric-like material, the shell having closed ends. A shredded rubber material fills the bag and provides the bag with sufficient weight for punching and sparring training activities. Use of the shredded rubber material to fill the bag not only permits significant improvement in the bag filling operation but also provides increased durability, improved impact absorbing characteristics and less permanent deformation of the bag during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Bollinger Industries, L.P.
    Inventor: Robert Steven Nicholson
  • Patent number: 6183399
    Abstract: A punching aid includes a column disposed above a base, a pad adjustably attached onto the column, and a flexible device secured between the base and the column to provide a flexibility to the column relative to the base. The flexible device includes two couplers secured to the ends. The couplers each has a protrusion and a disc engaged into the flexible device for securing the flexible device to the base and the column. A protective sleeve is engaged onto the flexible device for shielding the flexible device and for preventing the protective sleeve from hurting people.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Sherry Chen
  • Patent number: 6159111
    Abstract: A portable basketball training device used to teach basketball players how to properly shoot. The training device is comprised of a folding base and a telescoping vertical column supported by the base; attached to the top of the vertical column is a horizontally adjustable u-shaped shooting guide. The training device is used by first unfolding the legs and then adjusting the telescoping vertical column to the appropriate height, which is determined by adjusting the telescoping vertical posts until the bottom of the u-shaped shooting guide is parallel to the wrist of the user's shooting arm with the elbow extended to the shooting position. Once the appropriate height has been set the u-shaped shooting guide is adjusted horizontally in order to prevent horizontal drift of the shooting hand as the ball is projected toward the goal. Proper use of this device also provides optimal arc and natural backspin giving the ball truer flight to the goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Boyd C. Purcell
  • Patent number: 6155960
    Abstract: A training dummy in human form that mimics realistic human movements and reactions to forces extended onto the dummy by a user, and including a torso having at least one upper arm attachment point with an XY & Z axis, at least one upper arm fastened to the torso at the at least one upper arm attachment point and capable of rotating about the X axis and pivoting about the XY & Z axis of the upper arm attachment point. A returning means securely attached to the dummy for returning the upper arm and torso back to their initial positions after having a twisting, restraining, or striking force exerted upon the dummy. A counterbalancing means attached to the torso for counterbalancing a force applied to the dummy. The dummy is suspended from the counterbalancing means which tends to return the dummy to an upright position if the dummy is taken down to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventors: Donald Roberts, Anthony Grano, Frederick Roberts
  • Patent number: 6149553
    Abstract: A portable, free-standing martial arts board holding device. The device includes a backboard and a pair of elongate members on which boards to be struck and broken by a practitioner are supported against spaced from the backboard. An extension member permits additional boards to be held on the device. The elongate members includes holes to allow tubular members to pass therethrough. A wide range of desired heights of the backboard can be selected by the practitioner by passing the backboard through the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Nicholas Antoszewski
  • Patent number: 6149554
    Abstract: An exercise machine (1) having a cable (16) connected at a first end to a longitudinally reciprocable target pad (13) and sequentially extending around a first pulley (57) located on a lower crossbar (56) of the machine (1), underneath the target pad (13), and then connected to a spring (17) anchored to a support (18). A pair of handles (14, 15) is attached to legs (4, 5) which support the frame (3) of the machine (1). A user (2) is able to kick the target pad (13) and thereby strengthen muscles and develop coordination needed in the martial arts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Jack Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6117054
    Abstract: A ball therapy device for providing a means of exercise for improving strength, range of motion, and coordination. The ball therapy device includes a generally U-shaped frame with a first and a second leg and a cross member extending between upper ends of the legs. Third and fourth legs are pivotally coupled to the upper ends of the first and second legs. A pair of spacing arms are provided. One of the spacing arms is selectively slidably positionable along the first leg and the associated third leg. The other of the spacing arms is selectively slidably positionable along the second leg and the associated fourth leg. A support arm extends between the spacing arms. A ball sleeve rotatably extends around the support arm. The ball sleeve has a cord extending therefrom. A tether ball is coupled to the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Nahid Soltanpour
  • Patent number: 6110079
    Abstract: A kick-boxing exercise device includes a weighted base unit which supports a target section. The target section having an appearance of a head, neck and torso of a human. The target section is vertically adjustable on the base unit and includes a plurality of target areas. A plurality of LEDs are mounted within the target areas which illuminate as the specific target areas are to be punched or kicked by a user. A foam pad is attached to the target section for cushioning the punch or kick of the user. An electronic control unit illuminates the LEDs in a preprogrammed punch or kick sequence. Various skill levels are provided to sequentially illuminate the LEDs at various speeds. The electronic control unit includes a scoring system which allows the user to evaluate his or her performance. A sensor detects contact with the target section and triggers illumination of the next LED in the sequence. A sensor adjustment dial allows the sensitivity of the sensor to be adjusted by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Fitness Quest, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam A. Luedke, Louis F. Polk, III, Kim M. Parmater
  • Patent number: 6106443
    Abstract: A punching bag includes a base, a punch body and an outside bag. The base includes a base envelope and a weighing member filled in the base envelope. The punch body is disposed above the base, and includes a punch envelope and a fluid filled in the punch envelope. The punch body is lighter than the base. The bag includes a lower enclosing portion filled by the base and having a first joint end with stitching holes, an upper enclosing portion filled by the punch body and having a second joint end with stitching holes, and a cord threading through the stitching holes and fastening together the first and second joint ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: James Y. C. Kuo
  • Patent number: 6090018
    Abstract: A mount for securing a punching bag or other exercise equipment to a support structure has a helical spring nested around a rotatable, slidable rod. The resulting structure relieves torsional stresses and absorbs longitudinal forces experienced by the punching bag or other exercise equipment during its use, thus prolonging the life of such bag or equipment. The nested or non-serial connection of elements in the mount shortens the operative length of the mount, which is advantageous when the vertical mounting location for the bag or equipment is limited, such as by the presence of a standard ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Balazs Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew R. Laudenslager, Peter B. Pecsvaradi
  • Patent number: 6080089
    Abstract: The invention described in the specification relates to the art of fitness training and in particular to a training bag apparatus which comprises a training bag support base having a planar, substantially circular bottom portion, a dome-shaped upper portion attached to the bottom portion defining a substantially closed cavity therebetween. The upper portion having a dome-shaped outer surface contains a centrally positioned support collar attached thereto and at least two support ribs radiating from the support collar along at least a portion of the outer surface of the upper portion. The support collar and ribs are integrally molded with the upper portion. The base further includes a centrally positioned upstanding projection attached to the bottom portion and a substantially rigid elongate tube removably fitted over the upstanding projection and extending at least from the bottom projection to the support collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Bollinger Industries
    Inventor: Robert Steven Nicholson
  • Patent number: 6077204
    Abstract: A martial arts practice apparatus which supports a hand-held striking target, called a focus pad, in a variety of positions corresponding to parts of a person's body. The apparatus generally comprises an arm adapted to hold a focus pad at its distal end and a base which pivotally supports the arm and absorbs the force of the blows delivered to the focus pad. An axle disposed through the middle of the base and the bottom end of the arm allows the arm to be pivoted over the base, and a removable pin may be inserted through the arm and one of the holes formed at regular intervals through the top edge of the base at a uniform radial distance from the axle to secure the arm in a fixed position. A spring loaded resistance system or a resilient top portion of the base allows the base to absorb the force of the blows delivered to the focus pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: George S. Dickinson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6033348
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a martial arts practice device which includes a housing member adapted to be mounted onto a support and having at least one receiving portion, a striking member adapted to be mounted onto the housing member and a joint member positioned between the housing member and the striking member and having a first joining member captured in the receiving portion on the housing member and a second joining member mounted to the striking member. The second joining member of the joint member is deflectable relative to the first joining member of the joint member in all directions to provide the necessary tension both as for resistance of striking forces as well as for the return of the striking member to its original position after it is struck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Matthew S. Warshauer
  • Patent number: 5984842
    Abstract: A boxing exercise apparatus is mounted on a stand. A pivoted support arm provides a strike absorbing means. In a first embodiment, the support arm is connected to the stand with a spring joined to a rigid rod. The rigid rod is preferably positioned in a neutral position with an integral positioning means. Displacement of the support arm away from the neutral position toward a rocked-back position is counteracted by the spring. In a second embodiment, the apparatus further includes a second spring joining segments of the stand so as to bias lateral movement of the support arm. When the support arm is deflected, the first spring and the second spring retards the motion of the support arm within two degrees of freedom. A friction adjustment is provided so as to adjust motion stiffness. This adjustment provides a novel approach using a friction washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Fitness Botics, Inc.
    Inventor: Yong S. Chu
  • Patent number: 5944639
    Abstract: An apparatus for practice and demonstrating defense arts, such as karate, includes a vertical wall-mounted main frame unit assembled of a pair of vertical, symmetrical, cylinder shaped tubes secured to three horizontally extending wall mounting brackets or to a free standing frame unit. The purpose of the invention is to support a height adjustable hanging target, such as a speed bag or heavy bag, which the artisan strikes with various human appendages, such as the hand or foot and other certain appropriate weapons. The hanging target is supported by a striking bag carriage assembly and a striking bag platform as it rides along the vertical tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Randy Ray
  • Patent number: 5941801
    Abstract: An improved exercise bag that freely allows a person to throw all variations of punches and kicks in combination. The flexibility is made possible by the internal structure of the bag and allows for a reaction of the directed punch or kick. Therefore, the bag has the ability to provide a person with a follow through, if so desired. Furthermore, the bags design allows for the placement of a variation of punches and kicks. Unique to this bag, it incorporates multiple uses of equipment into one bag. The bag is free standing enabling a person to exercise 360 degrees around the bag. Furthermore, the bag may also be made adjustable in height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Louis D'Alto
  • Patent number: 5921895
    Abstract: A martial arts striking device using a pair of spaced and heavy duty spring assemblies with a top bracket having a centered opening for receiving an upright post supporting a resilient striking bag. The lower ends of the spring assemblies are secured to a bottom bracket, which is fastened to a firm footing such as a floor. The wire making up the springs are of such a diameter that the springs have a low spring constant, meaning the springs are highly resistive to impacts against the bag and will return to an upright position without undue oscillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventors: John R. Lynch, Thomas G. Coleman
  • Patent number: 5902217
    Abstract: A device for physical training, such as in martial arts, boxing and similar disciplines that involve punching, kicking, wing chun kung fu drills, etc. These training and drills are performed without the need for a partner by the use of a training accessory that mounts to a heavy training bag and which provides targets or wing chun type blocking arms which the trainee can punch, kick, or block, for example. The training accessory has a frame that mounts to the heavy bag by use of cinch straps, and includes a pair of depending bars positioned one on each side of the bag. Accessory arms selectively mount to the depending bars and carry or define punching, kicking, or striking targets or wing chun blocking arms. Straps are secured to the heavy bag to prevent its twisting undesirably in response to torque generated by impacts and blocking movements of the trainee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventors: Matthew S Schechner, Allen T Adams
  • Patent number: 5899835
    Abstract: A multifunctional training device (10) comprising a base (12) adapted to be placed upon a horizontal support surface (14). A stanchion (16) is also provided. A main coil spring (18) has two ends (20) and (22). The first end (20) is fixedly attached to the base (12), while the second end (22) is fixedly attached to the stanchion (16). A body bag unit (24) is removably attachable onto the stanchion (16) to receive strikes from a trainee. A punching bag striking unit (26) is removably attachable onto a top end (28) of the stanchion (16) to receive strikes from the trainee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Dennis C. Puranda
  • Patent number: 5897466
    Abstract: A new heavy bag and support mechanism for allowing a bag to move in a variety of ways after being struck. The inventive device includes a support beam having an I-shaped cross-section. A swiveling rail support is coupled to the support beam. A rolling assembly is slidably coupled with the support beam. A height adjustment tube is swively secured to the rolling assembly. A heavy bag is provided having a wide upper portion and a narrow lower portion. An upper surface of the wide upper portion is swively coupled with a free end of the height adjustment tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: James F. Capach