US3724845A

US3724845A - Impact receiving exercise device

Info

Publication number: US3724845A
Application number: US00125593A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Irby
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-03-18
Filing date: 1971-03-18
Publication date: 1973-04-03
Anticipated expiration: 1990-04-03

Abstract

A device is disclosed that is suitable for use in practicing karate and exercising in a limited space. The present exercise device comprises a horizontal member to which is attached a vertical member, wherein the vertical member has an impact member adjacent a lower end thereof and a cushioning member along its length. When kicked or otherwise struck by the user at the impact member, the vertical member will move upwardly making a complete circle or will be biased by a resilient element to return to its original position thus permitting the user to ward off or block the return of the vertical member by contact at the cushioning member or a further blow at the impact member. The vertical member moves around an axis defined by the horizontal member either through a pivotal connection with the horizontal member or in conjunction with the horizontal member when the horizontal member is journaled for rotation on a support frame or has gripping devices rotatably received thereon.

Description

United States Patent [191 Irby 3,724,845 Apr. 3, 1973 [54] IMPACT RECEIVING EXERCISE Primary Examiner-Richard C. Pinkham DEVICE Assistant Examiner-R. T. Stouffer [76] Inventor: James E. lrby, Route 3, Box 145, Attorney-wanna Manmngjr' Spartanburg, SC. 29301 ABSTRACT v [22] Flled: 1971 A device is disclosed that is suitable for use in practic- [21] Appl. No.: 125,593 ing karate and exercising in a limited space. The present exercise device comprises a horizontal member to which is attached a vertical member, [52] U.S.Cl. ..272/76 wherein the vertical member has an impact member [51] Int. Cl. ..A63b 69/20 i ad acent a lower end thereof and a cushioning [58] Fleld of Search 273/26 55 member along its length. When kicked or otherwise 273/55 A, 55 B, 58 C, 200 R, 200 A, 200 B, struck by the user at the impact member, the vertical 95 A member will move upwardly making a complete circle or will be biased by a resilient element to return to its [56] References C'ted original position thus permitting the user to ward off or block the return of the vertical member by contact UNITED STATES PATENTS at the cushioning member or a further blow at the impact member. The vertical member moves around an 2,305,187 12/1942 Neiden ..272/78 X axis defined by the horizontal member either through 1,782,254 30 B e e bac 273/58 C UX a pivotal connection with the horizontal member or in ,3 8/1968 Nash. E conjunction with the horizontal member when the 658,554 9/1900 MF adden "272/73 horizontal member is journaled for rotation on a sup- 650-781 5/ 1900 Cume "272/77 port frame or has gripping devices rotatably received 771,925 10/1904 O'Connor ..272/78 thereon 13 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures Ha I I I9 I I 7 I I2 LL I t I424 H9 I42\r\ w I I20 ie m 1/ 4/ W I I I8 40 |4 L I I; fi

1 IMPACT RECEIVING EXERCISE DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Numerous exercise devices have been devised heretofore that permit an individual using same to strengthen various body muscles or to improve coordination thereof by use of the particular device. Such devices have, in general, been confined to improving the body muscles through pushing, pulling or the like. More and more individuals are now undergoing instruction in the art of karate, a basic oriental art of selfdefense which simultaneously enables the individual to realize a state of good physical condition. An exercise device which enables one to practice karate and simultaneously maintain good physical condition would therefore be quite desirable.

Important facets in the field of karate include kicks with the foot, blocks with the hand and/or forearm and blows with the knees and elbows. Certain devices have previously been conceived for the practice of kicks and blocks for the karate student, but these devices have historically been permanently installed in a gymnasium or practice area. None have, however, been designed that are portable and are suitable for use by an individual in the home or the like where only a limited practice area is available.

The present device is quite suited for use in a small space and achieves the aforesaid double purpose. The individual using the present device can conveniently practice all versions of karate kicks and other offensive maneuvers while at the same time receiving practice in defensive maneuvers such as warding off or blocking. As such, the individual using the exercise device of the present invention can become more proficient in both the offensive and defensive concepts of karate, tone the body muscles and maintain a good overall physical condition. I

While, as mentioned above, other exercise devices are known, the prior art is devoid of any teaching or suggestion of a device similar to the exercise device as taught by the present invention. Exemplary of the known prior art are US. Pat. Nos. 2,749,121 to Myers;

2,940,757 to Britt; 3,096,979 to Lacy and 3,228,683 to Leteff.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Another object of the present invention is to providea novel karate exercise device that may be hand held or mounted when used.

Generally speaking, the device of the presentinvention comprises a horizontal member; a vertical member associated with said horizontal member, said vertical member being movable in a vertical plane; impact means received on said vertical member adjacent one end thereof; and cushion means received on said vertical member adjacent said impact means.

More specifically, the exercise device of the present invention is normally in the configuration of a T with the vertical member secured in some fashion to the horizontal member at approximately the mid-point of the horizontal member. The vertical member which may be adjustable in length is provided at a free end thereof with a device to receive impact from the foot or other part of the users body. Upon receiving the blow such as a kick, the vertical member or the vertical and horizontal member depending upon the association therebetween, begins to rotate in a vertical plane. Free rotation of the vertical member may be permitted whereby the vertical member will make a complete circle if properly struck,-or the vertical member may be provided with resilient means which will cause the vertical member to return in the direction of the user, being propelled by the force of the resilient member. The user may in either instance free one of his arms and block the oncoming vertical member by striking the cushion means or the impact means.

Rotatable movement of the vertical member may be accomplished in several ways. First, the. rotatable member may be pivotally secured to the horizontal member so as to rotate t'herearound. Secondly, the horizontal member and vertical member may be rigidly secured with the horizontal member having rotatably received thereon a gripping device. In addition to the rotation of the vertical member, the connection between the vertical member and the horizontal member may be pivotal in a horizontal sense such that the vertical member may extend at an angle outwardly from the horizontal member so as-to permit the vertical member to rotate with the free end of the vertical member coming in an are away from the center line of the horizontal member so as to permit the user to ward off the oncoming blow at the side as opposed to the center.

If desired, the device of the present invention may be provided with clamp means-to secure same within a door jamb. Also, a pair of free standing support frames may be provided for receiving the exercise device at various heights thereon.

Impact and cushion means may be integral or separate. Moreover, depending upon the intended use, these aforesaid means may be provided at varying degrees of hardness. Hence one cancushion a blow with a soft means or condition the various striking body areas with a relatively hard means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a device according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of an exercise device according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a further embodi- FIG. 6,is an elevational view showing an impact means according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an elevational view showing a cushioning means according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Making reference to the Figures, the preferred embodiments of the. present invention will now be described in detail.

In FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present in- I member 14 such as a pin, cotter key or the like is pro vided to hold gripping element 12 on cut down portion vertical member 16 so as to prevent injury to the user.

.Moreover, if desired, impact means 18 and cushion means 20 may be one continuous element.

Impact means 18 and cushioning means 20 may be manufactured from various materials as desired. For instance, either or both means 18 and 20 may be a hard element covered with fabric whereby the user of the device can condition his hands, feet, knees, elbows, etc. by striking the hard surface. Likewise, either or both of means 18-and 20 may be produced from soft resilient materials whereby any individual could practice karate without the danger of harm to the striking part of the body. A soft surface could be provided by numerous materials. A fabric covered layer of foam or matted fibrous materials is quite acceptable.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the present invention wherein a horizontal member 110 is rotatably secured to a vertical member 116. Horizontal member 110 is provided with knurled areas 112 that serve as gripping surfaces for the exercise device. Vertical 11. Gripping element 12 is thus free to rotate with respect to horizontal member 10.

A vertical member 16 is secured to horizontal member 10 at approximately the mid-point thereof. As will be seen hereinafter, the association between vertical member. 16 and horizontal member 10 may be varied as desired. For example, vertical member 16 may be glued, welded, or otherwise rigidly secured to horizontal member 10. The free opposite end of verti-.

cal member 16 is shown having an impact means 18 received thereon. Impact means 18 is shown as having calmember 16 by a flexible element 18" such as a cord as shown in phantom in FIG. 7 to provide a floating ball for kick and other blow practicing.

A cushioning means 20 is also provided on vertical member 16. Cushioning means 20 may be rigidly secured to vertical member 16 or may be slidably secured around vertical member 16 so as to move up and down thereon. As shown in FIG. 7, cushion means may. wrap around vertical member 16 and be secured to itself by filamentaryattachment means 21 and-22 such as Velcro or otherwise secured to vertical member 16 in any suitable fashion. Velcro is a trademark for goods comprising a matt of filaments on one panel with a plurality of hook type filaments on an opposing panel. When the opposing panels are brought together and some pressure applied, the hooks catch on the matted filaments and hold the panels together. Conversely, cushioning means 20 may be a mere layer of foam or other resilient material secured to or around member 116 is provided with a yoke 117 at the upper end thereof through which horizontal member passes so as to permit rotation of yoke 1 17 and vertical member 116 therearound. Connection between yoke 117 and horizontal member 110 may be as desired. As

shown in FIG. 3, 0 rings 119 and 119' are provided on opposite sides of yoke 117 so as to limit movement of 117 axially along horizontal member 110. The free end of vertical member 116, opposite yoke 117, is provided with an impact means 118. Immediately above impact means 118 is a cushioning means 120 which surrounds vertical member 116 and is secured thereto.

As further shown in FIG. 3, a framework is provided for supporting an exercise device. An elongated support is provided with a suitable base 141, and a plurality of openings 142 along its length. Using two such elongated supports, the exercise device may be suspended therebetween. When exercise device is suspended in lower openings 142 and secured for rotation in any desired manner, the impact means 118 may be kicked or struck with the knee which would cause vertical member 116 to move around an axis through the openings 142. As vertical member 116 comes around to return to its original position, the user may raise his forearm, hand or the like and contact cushioning means 120 to block the moving device. Movement of the device along the various openings provide further versatility in changing the height of the impact means 118 for a higher kick, for a hand blow or the like.

A further modification to the, arrangement shown in FIG. 3 is illustrated in broken lines. A resilient member such as a length of rubber may be secured to vertical member 116 and to the elongated supports 140. A

blow to impact means 118 would thus cause resilient member 170 to stretch and at the apex of movement of impact means 118, to propel impact means 118 and vertical member 116 back in the direction from which the blow came. The user may then block the oncoming device or deliver a further blow thereto.

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the present invention, in that, a horizontal member 210 is provided having spring loaded holding

members

219 and 219 on opposite sides of a yoke 217. Members 2l9 and 219 reside under spring tension against springs (not shown) in cavities 210' and 210". Downward pressure forces

members

219 and 219 down into

cavities

210 and 210 whereby yoke 217 would be permitted to pass thereover and off horizontal member 210. As further shown in FIG. 5, vertical member 216 is not integral with or rigidly secured to yoke 217, but is pivotally secured to yoke 217 at pivot point 216'. The pivotal connection between yoke 217 and vertical member 216 is provided with a locking member 225 which permits vertical member 216 to be moved to a desired location on either side of pivot 216' and locked in that position. As such, the use of the exercise device of the present invention permits one to strike the impact means from either side of the normal vertical position for member 216. Further, it should be noted that while the pivotal connection is shown between vertical member 216 and yoke 217, such a connection could likewise be found in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 where there is rigid securement between horizontal member and vertical member 16. In such an embodiment, the gripping devices permit movement of the horizontal and vertical members together as opposed to the yoke shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 5 shows still a further embodiment of the present invention wherein a vertical member 316 is shown to be segmented so as to be adjustable in length. In FIG. 5, vertical member 316 is comprised of

telescoping sections

317 and 317 having a locking means 316 being positioned at the lower end of section 317 so as to secure the

sections

317 and 317. in a particular relationship. The vertical member 316 as shown in FIG. 5 has an impact means 318 and a cushioning means 320 and may be employed in any of the embodiments heretofore shown.

The exercise device of the present invention may be manufactured from such materials as are desired. It is preferred, however, that the horizontal and vertical members be manufactured from a reinforced plastic or a lightweight metal such as aluminum. Additionally,

though the impact means is shown as a rounded member in the Figures, the impact means may take such shape and form as is desired so long as sharp and pointed edges are avoided. Moreover, it may be a substructure covered by fabric, leather or the like or may be a bag that is filled with sand, sawdust or the like. Additionally, the impact means could be represented by a mere covering on the lower free end of the vertical member which would receive the impact from the users foot or the like without causing damage to the limb of the user. Insofar as the cushion means is concerned, any type material such as foam, laminated fabric or the like may be utilized so as to cover a portion of the vertical member where the individual using same may engage the vertical member with his forearm or hand so as to ward off the oncoming member without causing undue damage to the individual.

Use of the present invention is brought about as follows. The individual grips the device by the gripping elements 12 or the knurled areas 112 (FIG. 3) and holds same at a desired location. Depending upon the embodiment of the invention, the vertical member 16 may be in a vertical disposition or may be angularly disposed from horizontal member 10 off to one side. The individual then kicks or otherwise strikes the impact means 18 so as to propel vertical member 16 in an upward are which, if unobstructed, would make a complete circle around an axis through horizontal member 10. For best use of the device, instead of permitting the vertical member 16 to make the complete circle, the individual releases a right or left hand and with the hand or forearm strikes the vertical member 16 at cushion means 20 which stops the downward movement of vertical member 16 and propels vertical member 16 back through the arc toward its original hanging position. This kicking and blocking action may be continued as desired, switching hands or feet as desired. Moreover, with the device suspended as shown in FIG. 3 or from some other support frame, the individual is completely free to employ any body areas for striking or blocking.

Having described the present invention in detail, it is obvious that one skilled in the art will be able to make variations and modifications thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be limited only by the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:

1. An exercise device comprising:

a. a straight, rigid horizontal member;

b. a rigid vertical member attached at approximately the midpoint of said horizontal member;

c. means enabling rotation of said vertical member in a substantially full circle around said horizontal member;

d. impact means received on said vertical member adjacent one end thereof; and

e. cushion means received on said vertical member adjacent said impact means. 1

2. An exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said rotation enabling means are gripping members rotatably secured around opposite ends of said horizontal member.

3. An exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said vertical member is adjustable in length.

4. An exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said impact means comprises a padded device secured to said vertical member to receive a blow and cause said vertical member to move.

5. An exercise device as definedin claim 4 wherein said impact means is an enlarged padded element secured to the end of said vertical member.

I 6. An exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said cushion means comprises a material secured to said vertical member to prevent damage to an individual using same when said vertical member is movmg.

7. An exercise device as defined in claim 6 wherein said cushion means is a resilient material wrapped around said vertical member.

8. An exercise device as defined in claim 1 whereinsaid vertical member is pivotally secured to said horizontal member.

9. An exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said rotation enabling means are gripping handles secured to said horizontal member at opposite ends thereof, said vertical member is rigidly secured to said horizontal member, said impact means comprising an element secured to an end of said vertical member opposite the end of said member secured to said horizontal member, said element being filled on the inside with horizontal member at various heights.

12. An exercise device as defined in claim 10 wherein said vertical member is rotatably received around said horizontal member.

13. An exercise device as defined in claim 12 wherein a resilient member is secured to said frame across the path of travel of said vertical member.

Claims

1. An exercise device comprising: a. a straight, rigid horizontal member; b. a rigid vertical member attached at approximately the midpoint of said horizontal member; c. means enabling rotation of said vertical member in a substantially full circle around said horizontal member; d. impact means received on said vertical member adjacent one end thereof; and e. cushion means received on said vertical member adjacent said impact means.

5. An exercise device as defined in claim 4 wherein said impact means is an enlarged padded element secured to the end of said Vertical member.

6. An exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said cushion means comprises a material secured to said vertical member to prevent damage to an individual using same when said vertical member is moving.

8. An exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said vertical member is pivotally secured to said horizontal member.

9. An exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said rotation enabling means are gripping handles secured to said horizontal member at opposite ends thereof, said vertical member is rigidly secured to said horizontal member, said impact means comprising an element secured to an end of said vertical member opposite the end of said member secured to said horizontal member, said element being filled on the inside with an impact absorbing material, and said cushion means comprising a resilient material secured to said vertical member along its length.

10. An exercise device as defined in claim 1 comprising further: f. a support frame for said horizontal member.

11. An exercise device as defined in claim 10 wherein said frame is provided with a plurality of openings along its length for rotatably receiving said horizontal member at various heights.