WO2002056970A2 - Exercise device and method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

An exercise device (1) includes a bag (12) suspended by a swivel (13) beneath a flat horizontal surface of a support structure adapted to be repeatedly struck by the user. A series of responsive zones (20-24) are provided on the surface and provide signals to an electronic control system (35) each time a zone is contacted by the bag after being struck by the user. A series of lights (34) are mounted on the surface, each associated with a respective one of the zones, to indicate to a user which zone is to be contacted by the bag. The electronic control system provides a measurable feedback on a monitor (40) of the number of times a selected zone is contacted by the bag within a selected time period. A number of different exercise programs are provided by the electronic control system to test the speed of striking the bag by the user.

Description

EXERCISE DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE

Cross Reference to Related Application

This standard utility patent application is based on Provisional Patent

Application Serial No. 60/262,881 filed January 19, 2001 in the United

States Patent and Trademark Office.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

The invention relates to an exercise device and in particular to a

boxing device wherein the user strikes a speed bag in a programmed order

and the device provides a measurable feedback as to the speed, accuracy

and control with which the user strikes the bag.

Background Information

There are numerous types of exercise devices which provides the

user with some type of feedback indicating the amount of exercise being

performed. Some of these devices indicate the number of strikes that an

object takes by the exerciser, and provides for a random or programmed

sequence of targets on the object and a particular order for striking the

target. For example, Patent Nos. 3,933,354, 4,088,315, 4,974,833, and

5,716,302 disclose target devices with electronic sensors and signaling

devices, which are struck by the user. However, all of these devices require

striking either a planar surface having pressure sensitive targets or strike areas, or require striking a simulated body torso.

A "speed bag" is a small bag containing an inflatable bladder which

is suspended on a swivel from a flat platform that is used to develop hand

speed and hand-eye coordination in addition to providing aerobic exercise

and resistance. Though popular with boxers and martial artists, speed bags

also are used by others strictly for exercise and to develop coordination.

There is no known exercise device, and in particular, a device

intended for use to objectively measure or to stimulate a boxing workout,

which provides a measurable feedback to the user of a speed bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention include providing an exercise device using

an inflatable bag mounted beneath a horizontal platform which is adapted

to be repeatedly struck from different angles by a boxer or exerciser, and

which provides an objective measurement of the number of times that the

bag is struck within a predetermined time period and/or predetermined zone

on the underside of the horizontal platform.

The subject invention provides an exercise device in which the

underside of the support platform has various strike zones indicated therein,

each of which contains a pressure responsive strip of material or other type

of detection means which sends a signal to a control device which records

the number of times that the pressure sensitive strip or detection means is

struck by the bag which generally corresponds to the number of times that the bag is struck by the user.

The exercise device of the invention further provides electronic

circuitry which controls the activation of lights, at least one of which is

associated with each of the contact zones requiring the user to strike the

bag from a different angle or with a different hand depending upon which

zone is lighted or activated.

A further aspect of the invention is to provide a series of audio

signals or prompts which indicate which zone is to be contacted by the

struck bag, and which provides an audio sound or beep each time the

activated zone is struck by the bag.

A further aspect of the invention is to provide an exercise device

which can be electronically programmed for a speed workout wherein the

user strikes the bag with a particular hand and at a particular angle so that

the bag strikes each of the responsive zones a specific number of times

with the electronic control system recording and providing an objective

measurement as to the total time required to strike all of the zones the

required number of times.

A still further aspect of the invention is to provide for a timed workout

wherein each of the zones is activated for a predetermined time period and

the number of bag strikes is recorded for each zone during the activated

time period with the total number of bag strikes then being objectively

measured and indicated to the user to provide the user with a record of his

or her speed. The device of the present invention also can be programmed to

provide a random sequence of the various strike zones requiring quicker

reaction on the part of the user, and which can be programmed to provide

for various levels of skill and intensity of the workout thereby making it fun

and beneficial for individuals of various levels of skill and coordination.

The invention provides a device which can be used by a skilled boxer

or amateur boxer to improve his or her boxing skills, hand-eye coordination

and/or by an exerciser to achieve a general exercise workout. The device

also can be used as an amusement device such as in a restaurant, pub or

the like, and provide a competitive comparison of one user's skill verses that

of another user's skill.

Another feature of the invention is providing an exercise device in

which the electronic control circuit can be incorporated easily into a usual

type of speed bag and supporting platform without requiring major

alterations thereto, and which does not alter in any matter the method of

striking the bag by the user yet provides a variety in the angle which the bag

is to be struck and by what hand to improve speed and coordination.

The foregoing advantages, construction, operation, and method

steps of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the

following description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which applicant contemplates applying the principles, is set forth

in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly

and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing a boxer using the exercise

device of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the underside surface of the platform

supporting the speed bag;

Fig. 2A is a view similar to Fig. 2 showing a modified arrangement of

pressure responsive zones on the bag supporting platform;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 with the outer pressure zone

indicating cover being removed therefrom showing the underlying pressure

responsive strips;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the exercise device;

Fig. 5 is a plan view with portions broken away, of the monitor

component of the electronic control circuitry;

Fig. 6 is a schematic wiring diagram of the electronic control system

of the exercise device; and

Fig. 7 is a plan view similarto Fig. 3 showing a modified embodiment

of the present invention.

Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The exercise device of the present invention is indicated generally at 1 , and is shown particularly in Figs. 1 and 4. Device 1 includes a bracket

support assembly 2 which consists of a pair outward extending U-shaped

bars 3 which are secured to a pair of angle irons 4 by bolts 5. Angle irons

4 preferably are attached to a wall 6 by bolts 7 or other types of fasteners.

A platform 8 is secured to bars 3 by bolts 9 and preferably will have a disc¬

shaped configuration with an upper surface 10 and a lower or underside

surface 1 1. Surface 1 1 may be planar as shown in the drawing or curved

without effecting the concept of the invention. A usual punching or speed

bag 12 is suspended from surface 1 1 by a swivel 13. Bag 12 will usually

contain an air inflatable bladder but can be other types of striking devices

as descended further below and shown in Fig. 7. The platform construction

and support described above and shown in Figs, l and 4 is standard for

many types of speed bag installations and can have other supports,

mounting arrangements and striking bags than that shown such as a free

standing support, without affecting the concept of the present invention.

In accordance with the invention a series of strike zones 20, 21 and

22 are printed on a fabric cover 16 or decal and secured to surface 1 1 of

platform 8 by an adhesive or othertype of fastening means as shown in Fig.

2. Three such strike zones are shown in Fig. 2 although this number could

vary as shown in Fig. 2A in which two additional strike zones 23 and 24 are

provided. Strike zones 20, 21 and 22 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2,

will have a generally pie-shaped configuration with an arcuate length of

approximately 60° whereas the strike zones shown in Fig. 2A will also be pie-shaped, but will have an arcuate length of approximately 50°. Again,

the number, position and size of the strike zones can vary without affecting

the concept of the invention.

Each of the strike zones has a pressure responsive strip 26 secured

to underside surface 1 1 of platform 8 (Fig. 3). Each strip 26 includes a

common wire 31 and a hot wire 28 all of which extend through a hole 30

formed in the platform and connect to a terminal 29 (Fig. 4) located on

upper surface 10 of platform 8. Strip 26 is referred to in the electronic

industry as a membrane key. However, other types of pressure responsive

members can be used.

In further accordance with the invention, a light 32 or other type of

signaling device such as audio, which in the preferred embodiment is an

LED, is mounted on surface 1 1 of platform 8 adjacent each strike zone 20-

22, but out of the path of bag 12 to prevent damage thereto. Each light 32

is connected to a pair of wires 33, one of which is connected to a terminal

34 located on upper surface 10 of platform 8, and the other directly to a

circuit board 37. All of the wires (Fig. 4) extend to an electronic control unit

indicated generally at 35, which includes the electronic control circuit or

circuit board 37 and an indicating monitor 40. Control unit 35 will be

connected to a source of power 38, such as 120 volts by a power cord 39

or a self contained battery pack. The particular construction of circuit board

37 and circuitry thereof can have various configuration and can be

developed easily by one skilled in the art in order to achieve the various programs and results set forth below. Thus, no particular wiring

arrangement or circuit board configuration is described in further detail.

Monitor 40 (Fig. 5) preferably has a number of viewing windows

which provide various visual indications of the measurable feedback by the

use of device 1 as described below. Window 41 provides time and windows

42 and 43 provide scores when the device is used by two players as a

game as well as an exercise device.

A series of LEDs 50, five of which are shown in Fig. 5, indicate to the

user what exercise program has been selected and is in operation. These

LEDs are spaced below the designation PROGRAM. A pair of LEDs 51 are

located beneath the designation LEVEL and identify which level or degree

of difficulty was selected by the user. A START/STOP button 52 is used to

start and stop the running of the selected program. The particular program

is selected by using the scroll up or scroll down buttons 54 and 55

respectively. An ENTER button 57 is used to enter the selected program

after use of buttons 54 and 55, which illuminates one of the program LEDs

50. Again, these visual indications and arrangements on monitor 40 can

vary without effecting the concept of the invention.

A number of different workouts or programs are provided by exercise

device 1. For example one program is referred to as a speed workout. In

this workout, the circuitry is programmed so that a particular light 32 is

illuminated for one of the contact zones requiring the user to position

himself or herself to strike the bag with either the right or left hand so that the struck bag will contact the designated contact zone and pressure

responsive strip 26 each time the bag is properly hit. Each time strip 26 is

struck by bag 12, which number will correspond to each time the bag is

struck by the user, a signal will be sent to the control circuitry which records

the number of hits or strikes. Also an audio signal such as a beep

preferably is provided each time the activated zone is struck by the bag.

After a predetermined number of hits are recorded, for example 10 or 20

depending upon the selected level, the circuitry will automatically turn off

the previously illuminated light 32 and illuminate another zone light 32

whereupon the boxer immediately shifts his or her body and uses either the

same or the opposite hand for striking the bag so that the bag now strikes

the newly illuminated zone. The user continues to strike the bag as fast as

possible until the preset number of hits are recorded whereupon the circuitry

automatically will turn out this illuminated light and actuate another of the

zone lights 32, again requiring the boxerto immediately change position as

well as the angle at which the bag is struck by either the same or opposite

hand. The electronic circuitry will immediately inactivate the light and

internal counting mechanism when the final number of strikes is received

by the final contact zone. A visual indication is then provided in window 41

on monitor 40 as to the total time required to strike all three zones, each the

required number of times. However, if the device is used by two players as

a contest or game the individual times will appear in windows 42 and 43.

Another type of workout which can be performed with device 1 is a timed program wherein light 32 for each zone is lighted for a predetermined

time and the number of hits that occurs in that zone while the zone is

energized or lighted is counted and displayed in one of the viewing windows

after the program sequences through all of the contact zones either in a

particular or random sequence. Thus, the control circuitry automatically

records the number of strikes in each of the zones which occurs during the

preset time period and provides the total number of hits which occurs during

the programed sequence in contrast to the speed workout where the total

time is given to achieve a certain number of hits.

The control circuitry will automatically turn off one of the zone lights

and turn on one of the other zone lights in a particular or random sequence

requiring the boxer to immediately adjust his or her stance and bag striking

hand depending upon which of the strike zones is illuminated. The number

of required hits in the speed workout and the time period for each activated

zone for the time workout can be adjusted by selecting the desired level as

indicated by LEDs 51 . Thus, the user of device 1 develops hand speed as

well as hand eye coordination, in addition to improved footwork in order to

shift his or her body to strike the bag correctly in order for the bag to strike

the activated contact zone. All of these motions are performed as rapidly

as possible since the time is recorded and visually indicated to the user, to

evaluate speed and to provide an indication for improvement, as well as

adding to the enjoyment of the exerciser and/or players of the game if used

as an amusement device, it is readily understood that the quicker the bag is struck greater will be the aerobic effect achieved by the user.

The above described programs are examples of only several of the

types of workouts which can be incorporated into control circuitry of circuit

board 37. Numerous other sequences or programs can be provided by

inserting various control chips into the circuit board. As can be seen in Fig.

1 , the structure and manner of use of a usual speed bag is not changed

thereby enabling the boxer and/or exerciser to strike the bag in a similar

manner prior to incorporating the novel control circuitry therein.

A further modification of the present invention is shown in Fig. 7

wherein the platform 8 is still provided with three contact zones 60, 61 and

62, each of which has a plurality of detection locations 65 such as lasers

embedded or projecting through disc 8, which are operatively connected to

control circuit 37. This system also provides an audio sound or beep each

time the activated zone is struck by the bag and sensed by devices 65.

Another type of striking device such as a foam cylinder 66, is supported on

a flexible shaft 67 replacing the above described inflatable bag 12. Thus,

the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 merely illustrates another manner in which

the subject invention can be carried out in order to provide a measurable

feedback to a user thereof who strikes a movable target such as bag 12,

foam cylinder 66, or similar structure which in turn moves into a contact

zone where its presence is measured, such as by the pressure sensitive

strips 26, lasers 65 or other types of detection means, all of which provide

a signal to the control circuitry. Furthermore, it is readily seen that the subject invention can be

provided as a kit and incorporated into an existing speed bag assembly by

adding the detecting devices into the platform 8 with the appropriate wiring

extending to control circuit 37 and monitor 40, which then is located

adjacent the platform. Thus, the invention can be easily retrofitted with only

minor modifications to an existing support platform in order to provide a

measurable feed back to a userthereofwithout requiring major modifications

to an existing speed bag and mounting platform.

Also, the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 need not require LEDs, but

can be programmed so that an audio indication is given to the user such as

a recording stating "zone 1 " is activated, which after a predetermined time

period or number of hits, will provide another audio indication, such as

"zone 3" is activated, immediately telling the user to strike the foam cylinder

and/or bag at a different angle for striking zone 3. Again, either lights or

audio signals can be used to indicate to the user which zone is activated.

Accordingly, the improved exercise device apparatus is simplified,

provides an effective, safe, inexpensive, and efficient device and method

which achieves all the enumerated objectives, provides for eliminating

difficulties encountered with prior devices and methods, and solves

problems and obtains new results in the art.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for

brevity, clearness, and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are

to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be

broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is by way

of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details

shown or described.

Having now described the features, discoveries, and principles of the

invention, the manner in which the exercise device is constructed and used,

the characteristics of the construction, and the advantageous new and

useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements,

arrangements, parts, combinations and method steps are set forth in the

appended claims.

Claims

1. An exercise device comprising:

a support;

a bag suspended from the support for striking by a user and for

rebounding off of the support after being struck by a the user;

a series of spaced responsive contact zones on the support adapted

to generate a signal when an activated one of said zones is struck by the

bag; an indicating device associated with each of the responsive contact

zones to indicate which of the zones is activated; and

an electronic control system operatively connected to the indicating

devices and to the responsive contact zones for receiving the signals

generated by the contact zones.

2. The device defined in claim 1 wherein the electronic control systems

counts the number of times a particular one of said zones is struck by the

bag.

3. The device defined in claim 1 wherein the indicating device is a light; and

in which the electronic control system activates the light associated with the

particular activated contact zone from which the strikes are being counted.

4. The device defined in claim 3 wherein the lights are LED's mounted on a surface of the support.

5. The device defined in claim 1 wherein the support includes a surface

containing indicia defining the responsive contact zones.

6. The device defined in claim 5 wherein each of the responsive contact

zones includes an arcuate strip of pressure sensitive material mounted on

the surface of the support.

7. The device defined in claim 1 wherein the electronic control system

includes a monitor which provides an objective measurement to the user of

the number of times an activated contact zone is struck by the bag within

a period of time.

8. The device defined in claim 1 wherein the bag is suspended form the

support by a swivel.

9. The device defined in claim 1 wherein the electronic control system

includes a monitor which provides an objective measurement to at least

two different users of the speed at which each of the users struck the bag.

10. The device defined in claim 1 wherein there are at least three

responsive contact zones, each of which extends throughout an arcuate area generally between 50° and 60°.

11. The device defined in claim 1 in which the indicating device is an audio

transmission.

12. A method of exercising comprising the steps of:

providing a bag moveably suspended from a support for striking by

a user and subsequently contacting a surface of the support;

providing a series of selectively activated responsive contact zones

on the surface for generating a signal when the zone is contacted by the

bag;

providing a series of indicating devices, each of which is associated

with a respective one of the contact zones to provide an indicating signal to

the user which of said contact zones is activated;

providing an electronic control system operatively connected to the

contact zones for receiving the signals generated by the activated contact

zones;

repeatedly striking the bag causing it to contact the activated contact

zones and generating a signal in response to said contact;

counting the number of times the bag contacts the said activated

zone within a period of time; and

providing an objective measurement of the bag contacting the said

activated zone.

13. The method defined in claim 12 including the step of activating one of

the contact zones for a predetermined time period and counting the number

of times the bag contacts said activated zone.

14. The method defined in claim 13 including the step of de-energizing the

said activated zone and energizing another of said contact zones after a

predetermined number of contacts of the said one activated contact zone

by the bag.

15. The method defined in claim 13 including the step of de-energizing the

said one activated contact zone and energizing another of said contact

zones after a predetermined time period.

16. The method defined in claim 12 including the step of varying the time

period each of said contact zones is activated.

17. The method defined in claim 12 including the step of providing at least

three responsive contact zones.

18. The method defined in claim 12 including the step of providing an audio

signal each time the said one contact zone is struck by the bag.

19. The method defined in claim 12 including the step of providing an audio signal as to which of the contact zones is activated.

20. A kit for retrofitting an existing exercise device having a striking bag

movably suspended from a support wherein said bag is adapted to be

repeatedly struck by a user, said kit comprising:

a plurality of responsive devices adapted to be mounted in a spaced

array on the support to form a plurality of selectively activated contact zones

and to provide a signal when the activated contact zone is struck by the

bag;

an indicating system providing a visual or audio signal to the user

which of the contact zones is activated; and

an electronic control system for operatively connecting to the

responsive device and indicating system for selectively activating one of the

contact zones and for receiving the signals from the responsive devices and

counting the number of times the activated contact zone is struck by the

bag.

21. The kit defined in claim 20 wherein the indicating system includes a

plurality of lights.

22. The kit defined in claim 20 wherein the responsive devices are pressure

responsive strips.

23. The kit defined in claim 20 wherein the control system measures the

number of times the activated contact zone is struck by the bag.