CN213347709U

CN213347709U - Punching bag holding device

Info

Publication number: CN213347709U
Application number: CN201890001126.2U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 大卫·威廉·艾登·麦克斯韦尔
Original assignee: Da WeiWeilianAidengMaikesiweier
Current assignee: Da WeiWeilianAidengMaikesiweier
Priority date: 2017-07-14
Filing date: 2018-07-11
Publication date: 2021-06-04
Anticipated expiration: 2028-07-11
Also published as: AU2018102166A4; AU2018301185A1; WO2019013653A9; US20200139215A1; WO2019013653A1

Abstract

The utility model provides a punching bag holding device, this holding device includes bag joint structure and user's joint structure. The retention device also includes a tether defining a bag end and a user end, the bag end of the tether being arranged to be connected to the bag-engaging structure and the user end of the tether being arranged to be connected to the user-engaging structure. The bag engagement structure includes a tether interface member configured to allow the tether to be connected to and disconnected from the bag engagement structure, the tether interface member being formed from a combination of a guide disposed along at least a portion of an exterior surface of the bag engagement structure and a bracket assembly, wherein the bracket assembly is free to move along a length of the guide and will experience a friction-based braking force as the bracket assembly moves.

Description

Punching bag holding device

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a punching bag retention apparatus. In various embodiments, the present invention can be used to control the movement of the punching bag when it is struck by a user.

Background

Boxing and other martial arts are sports and exercise activities performed by athletes for health and fitness reasons that are competitively sought.

One piece of equipment used in these activities is a large punching bag used to simulate a blow against an opponent's body. These bags are usually in the form of a cylinder about one meter high with a diameter between 20cm and 50cm, filled with 20kg to 100kg of an elastic filling material. These bags are usually suspended from the ceiling of the training area and are free to swing under the impact of a user's blow. Suspending the bag in this manner increases the angle of attack when struck by the user.

Due to their weight and ability to absorb the user's striking force, these bags can effectively simulate the blows experienced by an opponent's body. The user can use the bag to practice a combination of single and multiple clicks on the opponent. However, the energy transferred to the punching bag after the first stroke will cause a swinging movement of the bag, causing the bag to swing away from the user. This somewhat unpredictable movement induced in the bag can disrupt the momentum (momentum) and attention of the user, forcing them to follow the bag's movement with subsequent strokes in a manner that does not simulate the action of a real opponent. The swinging motion of the bags can be unpleasant for novices and makes it difficult to use these bags effectively. This effect is further exacerbated when high intensity, high hit rate training programs are required.

One way to solve this problem is for the user to ask another person to hold the bag while training. This approach is effective, but eliminates individual training programs, which can be a particular problem for users who own home gym training areas.

One technical measure used to alleviate this problem is to secure the bottom of the bag to a weight placed under the bag or to an eyelet connected to the floor of the training area.

However, this method requires placing a large and heavy weight under the bag or permanently drilling perforations into the floor of the training area. This is sometimes undesirable, especially in the case of a multi-purpose training area, where these elements can create a tripping hazard if the punching bag is to be removed and the same space is used for alternative activities. Furthermore, it is also common for various types of bags to lack any suitable connection or attachment system that allows the use of these types of ground anchors.

It would therefore be advantageous to improve the art to address the above-mentioned problems or at least to provide the public with an alternative.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

In particular, it would be advantageous to have an improved punching bag retention device that can be used to control the movement of the bag once struck and that does not require the installation or use of separate ground anchoring elements.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a punching bag holding device, comprising:

bag joining structure, and

user engagement structure, and

a tether defining a bag end and a user end, the bag end of the tether being arranged to be connected to the bag engagement structure and the user end of the tether being arranged to be connected to the user engagement structure.

The utility model provides a tether for connecting a user with a punching bag. By tightening the tether and transferring at least a portion of the kinetic energy of the bag back to the user, the swinging motion caused by the user hitting in the bag can be dampened or braked.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that reference throughout this specification to a "sling" bag should not be construed as limited to training bags intended to be punched only by a user. The present invention can be used with a variety of different bags, wherein, in various embodiments, the user can strike these bags with a fist, foot (kick), elbow, knee, or their head.

Various different forms of tethers may be used in various embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various types of flexible materials may be used in this regard.

For example, in one embodiment, the tether may be formed from a single length of woven fabric that defines a bag end and a user end. In a preferred form, the length of material may include at least one buckle or connector.

In yet another embodiment, a chain strand defined by a plurality of different links may be used as at least a portion of the tether.

In other embodiments, a material having a limited degree of elasticity may be used to define at least a portion of the tether. A limited degree of elasticity in the tether is preferred to average out the forces applied to the user by the user engagement structure. For example, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the tether may be formed of a woven elastomeric material having a polyester composition. This combination of materials provides the strength and elasticity of the tether without having to deform the shape of the tether when stretched.

In a preferred embodiment, the tether may be formed as a structure that will allow its length to be adjusted according to the current preferences of the user. Relatively short tethers can be used for high intensity training with high stroke rates to ensure that the bag is not too far from the user. Longer tethers can be used to simulate limited movement of an opponent and help the user develop gait skills. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various arrangements and forms of material segments may be provided to accomplish this by using connectors, buckles, clips, and the like.

For example, in some embodiments, a single piece of material may be provided as a tether in combination with one or more buckles or connectors, allowing the tether material to be folded upon itself to adjust its length from about 25cm to 30cm long to about 1.5m long. In other embodiments, the tether may be formed from multiple segments of material that are joined together, wherein one or more of the segments may be doubled over on itself to reduce the overall length of the tether, or omitted entirely to reduce the length of the tether again.

However, throughout the specification reference will be made to the invention which comprises a tether in the form of two parts, a first part formed from a segment of non-elastic flexible material and a second part formed from a slightly elastic material, the second part being joined to the first part at a selected point along its length. Thus, the point of attachment of the elastic material to the inelastic material will define the effective length of the tether. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative arrangements of these tethers are also within the scope of the claims.

In some embodiments, the at least one sensor may be connected to or associated with the tether. The sensor may be used to measure the force or kinetic energy transfer experienced by the tether as the user strikes the bag. The sensors may be interrogated by a remote processing device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, or similar equipment) to record data related to the user's efforts during the bag training program. For example, in some embodiments where the tether is provided in two parts, elastic and inelastic, a sensor may be provided in the inelastic portion of the tether to make such performance measurements.

In various embodiments, many different mechanisms or structures may be used to engage the end of the tether with the bag engagement structure and the user engagement structure.

In some embodiments, the user end of the tether may include a releasable connector that enables the tether to be connected and disconnected from the user engagement structure. Alternatively or additionally, the user engagement structure may comprise a releasable connector allowing connection to the user end of the tether.

In further embodiments, the bag end of the tether may include a releasable connector that enables the tether to be connected and disconnected from the bag-engaging structure. Also, in various embodiments, the bag engagement structure may comprise a releasable connector that allows connection to the bag end of the tether.

Various connection schemes may be employed in connection with the present invention to allow a user to connect and disconnect the tether to itself and/or to the punching bag. Further, in some cases, the tether may be permanently connected to a user-engaging structure or a bag-engaging structure, with releasable connectors disposed at opposite ends of the tether.

Throughout the specification, reference will generally be made to the user end of the tether, which includes a releasable connector to engage with the user engagement structure, and the bag end of the tether also includes a releasable connector to engage with the bag engagement structure.

In a preferred embodiment, the releasable connector may be formed by a chelate clip mounted by pivoting or rotating swivel. Such clips may be formed in relatively large sizes to allow for a boxing glove operation.

In various embodiments, the present invention may also include additional interface elements or components that enhance the usability of these forms of clips or equivalent structures. For example, D-rings, circular rings, or triangular rings (tri-rings) may be provided to allow various forms of clips to be easily connected and disconnected. In the case of triangular rings, these structures also result in the clip being located at the apex of the ring when under tension. Likewise, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations of the present invention are envisioned and reference to the above arrangements should in no way be considered limiting.

In various embodiments, the user engagement structure provided by the present invention can take a variety of forms. This structure is provided to securely couple the user to the tether and to allow force or kinetic energy to be transferred from the bag to the user through the tether. In various embodiments, the user engagement structure may take the form of a belt that is arranged to encircle the waist or hips of the user, up to a belt (harness) that may engage various portions of the user's upper torso, midsection, or groin. In other embodiments, the user engagement structure may comprise a simple eyelet or tie provided on the garment that allows attachment to the user end of the tether.

However, throughout this specification reference will generally be made to user engagement structure provided by a belt worn around the waist or hips of a user. Such a strap arrangement may use standard buckle and eye connections, or alternatively, flexible snap-lock fasteners that can be opened and closed by a user wearing the boxing glove. Preferably, the strap may be flared rearward, in contact with the lower back of the user, and reinforced at the front where it is attached to the tether. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other forms of such structures are also envisioned and reference to the above should in no way be considered limiting.

In various embodiments, the bag engagement structure provided by the present invention can take many forms. Such a structure is also provided to securely couple the bag to the tether and allow force or kinetic energy to be transmitted from the bag through the tether to the user.

In a preferred embodiment, the bag engaging structure may comprise a strap or similar element having an adjustable circumference. Preferably, the strap may be mounted around the pouch at a height approximately equal to the height of the user's buttocks or waist. The circumference of the strap can be adjusted so that it is held snugly to the outside wall of the bag and does not move under the force applied by the user's stroke.

For example, in some embodiments, the bag-engaging strip may be formed from two or more lengths of flexible material that may be joined together at variable locations along their length to secure a desired perimeter of the strip. In other embodiments, a single length of material may be provided with a band clamp or equivalent mechanism to again shorten or control the circumference of the band being formed.

In other embodiments, the bag-engaging strip may be formed from a loop of elastic material that can be stretched around a desired portion of the bag and then released to securely engage the bag.

Throughout the specification, reference will also be made to bag engaging structures formed from detachable and adjustable bag engaging strips. This type of structure can be secured to the bag in a variety of ways, such as by standard buckles, or by flexible snap-lock fasteners that can be opened and closed by a user wearing gloves. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements and embodiments of the bag engaging structure may be employed in alternative embodiments. The permanent attachment system may be formed on the exterior of the bag itself or, alternatively, a more complex strap assembly may be employed to grip the lower or underside of the bag, if desired. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reference to bag engaging strips should in no way be considered limiting.

In various preferred embodiments, the present invention provides bag engagement structures that may also include tether interface members. The interface member may allow the bag end of the tether to be quickly and easily connected to and disconnected from the bag engagement structure.

For example, in some embodiments, the tether interface element may be implemented simply by providing a loop or eyelet that is secured to a point on the bag engaging structure.

However, in a preferred embodiment, the tether interface member may be formed from a combination of a guide and a bracket assembly deployed along at least a portion of an outer surface of the bag engaging structure.

In various embodiments, the guides may be formed as rails on the surface of the bag engaging structure. Preferably, the bracket assembly may be formed of a component adapted to travel along the guide, the bracket assembly providing a mounting point for a connector disposed at the bag end of the tether.

For example, in embodiments where the bag engaging structure comprises a strap, the guide may be formed from a length of rope, string, or flat woven strap material (flat webbing material) that extends along as much of the diameter of the strap as possible before encountering any additional features for engaging the strap with the bag. In various preferred embodiments, a flat woven strip of material having a width of about 20mm may be used, which lies flat against the bag and is relatively easy to sew. The bracket may be formed of a member adapted to travel on, around, or possibly within the guide and provide a mounting point for a connector deployed at the bag end of the tether.

These different forms of guide and bracket arrangements, in combination with providing a tether interface element, act as an energy absorbing and braking mechanism. A stationary tether interface element having a single point of attachment to the bag engagement structure will cause an increased swinging motion in the bag when the side of the bag is struck, the swinging being concentrated at the tether attachment to the user. The above referenced cradle is free to move along the length of the guide and experiences a friction based braking force as it moves, dissipating the kinetic energy transferred to the bag by the user's blow. The movement of the carriage along the guide will also minimise the effect of the torque applied by the side impact pockets and therefore reduce the extent of any uncomfortable sharp twisting forces transmitted back to the user. Furthermore, the arrangement of the bracket allows the user to move around the bag without rotating the bag-if the tether is attached to a fixed point, the bag will rotate.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that in various embodiments, this arrangement of the guide and the bracket as tether interface elements may be accomplished in a number of different ways. In some embodiments, the guide may be formed as a track on a surface of the bag engaging strip arranged to receive and partially enclose a portion of the carrier. In other embodiments, the carriage may surround the outer surface of the rail, webbing strip, or cord and be capable of traveling along the length of the cord.

Compared with the prior art, the utility model discloses can provide many potential advantages.

The present invention can provide an inexpensive punching bag retention device that is adjustable and flexible enough to engage punching bags of different sizes and shapes. The present invention is provided with the property of being portable, allowing a single user to deploy the device on any bag they wish to use in a range of training environments.

In various embodiments, the length of the tether provided by the present disclosure may be adjusted to accommodate the current needs of the user. The tether may be shortened for high intensity, high stroke rate training or lengthened by a user who wishes to simulate the movement of an opponent and exercise his gait skills. The utility model allows these changes while still keeping the bag in a restricted area, allowing the user to effectively make subsequent blows.

Drawings

Additional and further aspects of the invention will be apparent to the reader from the following description of embodiments, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows the user engagement structure formed as a strap in the preferred embodiment, an

Fig. 2 shows the tether of the invention provided in the embodiment illustrated with respect to fig. 1, an

Fig. 3 shows a bag-joining structure formed as a bag-joining strip in the embodiment illustrated with respect to fig. 1 and 2, an

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the tether and bag engagement structure of FIGS. 2 and 3 when engaged with a punching bag,

FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c show a user-engagable strap, tether and bag-engaging strap constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,

fig. 6a and 6b show two different forms of carrier that can be used with the pouch engagement structure of fig. 3 or 5c, an

FIG. 7a shows a perspective view of a releasable clip that can be used with the tether shown with respect to FIGS. 2 and 5b, an

Fig. 7b and 7c show the releasable clip of fig. 7a in a closed configuration and an open configuration, respectively.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, which is given by way of example only of specific embodiments.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 4 show an arrangement (provision) of a punching bag holding device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device includes a user engagement structure as shown in fig. 1 connected to a tether as shown in fig. 2, which in turn is connected to a bag engagement structure as shown in fig. 3.

In the embodiment illustrated with reference to figure 1, the punching bag retaining means comprises a user engagement structure formed as a strap 1. Such a belt is arranged to be worn around the waist or hips of a user and comprises a buckle 2 and an eyelet 3 to adjust the circumference of the belt on the user. In addition to the D-ring 5, which facilitates connection with the tether of fig. 2, a snare 4 is included, the snare 4 serving to retain excess strap material when tightened around a user.

As can be seen in fig. 1, a single D-ring 5 is provided in conjunction with the user engagement strap. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in other embodiments, a pair of D-rings may be disposed on either side of the buckle to allow the attachment point of the tether to the user to be varied and to accommodate different user postures.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front or buckle end of the strap 1 is formed of a strong non-elastic material such as nylon or leather. These materials help to transmit the force exerted by the tether to the front of the belt. The rear region 6 of the belt is formed by the addition of some elastic material which allows a comfortable fit around the hips and back of the wearer and provides a degree of feedback against the user once force is applied through the D-ring 5.

Figure 2 shows the tether 7 to be connected to the D-ring 5. The tether 7 has a two part form to allow the effective length of the tether to be adjusted. The first part 7a is formed from a non-elastic, flexible piece of material, and the second part 7b is formed from a slightly elastic material, the second part 7b being connected to the first part 7a at selected points by buckles 8. The buckle 8 allows the elastic portion of the tether to be folded onto itself and held in place by the clamp 9 to set the effective length of the tether.

The tether 7 defines a bag end 10 at the end of the first non-elastic portion 7a and a user end 11 at the end of the second elastic portion 7 b. At each end, a releasable clip 12a, 12b is mounted which allows the tether to be engaged and disengaged with the punching bag and the user as desired.

Fig. 3 shows a pouch-engaging structure formed as a pouch-engaging strip 13 in the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1 and 2. The bag engaging straps 13 may be adjusted in their effective length or circumference by using buckles 14 to engage with punching bags of different diameters. The bag engaging strip 13 also includes a collar 15, the collar 15 being useful for collecting and retaining excess strip material when the strip 13 is engaged with a relatively small bag.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bag-engaging strap 13 includes a tether interface member formed by the combination of the guide cord 16 and the bracket 17. Mounted through the bracket is a D-ring 18, the D-ring 18 facilitating connection to the releasable clip of the tether 7.

The enlarged view of this component illustrated in fig. 3 shows how the guide cord 16 passes through the central lumen of the carriage 17, allowing the carriage to traverse the length of the guide cord while still being connected to the tether by the D-ring 18.

This feature of the guide and carriage is illustrated by the plan view of fig. 4. Figure 4 shows how a user's blow to either side of the punching bag 19 will cause the carriage to move towards the striking point under the friction exerted by the guide cord, slowing its progression and absorbing some of the kinetic energy of the blow. This moveable attachment point of the tether to the bag reduces some of the rotational forces caused by side impacts on the bag, thereby reducing the motion caused in the bag. As can also be seen in fig. 4, the guide allows the carriage to travel along half of the perimeter of the bag giving the user a range of strike angles of 180 °. In addition to the above, this arrangement of the bracket and guide allows the user to move around the bag without applying a rotational force to the bag, which can occur when the tether is secured to a single point on the surface of the bag.

Fig. 5a, 5b and 5c illustrate user-engageable, tether and bag-engaging straps according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, the user-engagable band, tether, and bag-engaging band have many features similar to those of the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1-3. However, in this embodiment, the user engagement strap now comprises a pair of snap clips 102, which snap clips 102 can be opened and closed by a user wearing a boxing glove. The user engagement strap also includes a triangular loop 105 to locate the end of the releasable connector 112 provided on the tether of fig. 5 b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tether also comprises a two-part form, with part 107a being formed of an elastic material and the opposite part 107b being formed of a substantially inelastic material. The bag engagement strap of fig. 5c contains a pair of snap lock clips 114, which the user wearing the boxing gloves can open and close the snap lock clips 114. One of these clips is located adjacent to the elastic material portion 120, which elastic material portion 120 allows the bag engaging strap to be stretched snugly over the bag and held in place by the snap clip 114. Figure 5c also shows the use of a length of flat guide webbing over which the carriage incorporating the triangular loop 118 can slide.

Fig. 6a and 6b illustrate two different forms of carrier that can be used with the pouch engaging structure of fig. 3 or 5 c. Both brackets are oriented to illustrate the guide through channel 121 disposed in a horizontal orientation. In the embodiment shown with reference to fig. 6a, the through-going channel is arranged to receive the cylindrical diameter of the guide rope, whereas for fig. 6b the through-going channel receives a flat and wide guide formed by the webbing material. Both forms of guide also include an additional annular connector through passage 122, the passage 122 being shown in a vertical orientation. These loop-shaped connectors pass through channels 122 are used to receive a portion of a D-shaped or triangular loop that will engage with the connector at the tether end.

Fig. 7a shows a perspective view of a releasable clip that can be used with the tether shown in fig. 2 and 5b, while fig. 7b and 7c show the releasable clip of fig. 7a in a closed configuration and an open configuration.

As can be seen in fig. 7a-7c, the releasable clip comprises pivoting jaws 123, the pivoting jaws 123 being configured to pivot downwardly to open the clip. Preferably, a large finger contact pad 124 is provided for the user to push the clip open when wearing the boxing glove.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and that further and additional embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention will be apparent to the reader of skill in the art from the examples shown with reference to the drawings. In particular, the invention may exist in any combination of the features described herein or in alternative embodiments or combinations of these features with known equivalents of the given features. Modifications and variations of the exemplary embodiments of the invention discussed above will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

In the preceding description and the appended claims, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", is used in an inclusive sense to specify the presence of one or more features stated. The term does not exclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and that additional and further embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention will be apparent to the reader of skill in the art from the examples illustrated with reference to the drawings. In particular, the invention may exist in any combination of the features described herein or in alternative embodiments or combinations of these features with known equivalents of the given features. Modifications and variations of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention discussed above will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

The utility model discloses still relate to following aspect:

a punching bag holding device, comprising: a bag engaging structure; a user engagement structure; and a tether defining a bag end and a user end, the bag end of the tether being arranged to be connected to the bag-engaging structure and the user end of the tether being arranged to be connected to the user-engaging structure.

Wherein the bag engagement structure comprises a tether interface member configured to allow the tether to be connected to and disconnected from the bag engagement structure.

Wherein the tether interface element is implemented by a loop or eyelet secured to the bag engagement structure.

Wherein the tether interface member is formed from a combination of a guide and a bracket assembly deployed along at least a portion of an exterior surface of the bag engagement structure.

Wherein the guide is formed as a track on the surface of the bag engaging structure.

Wherein the bracket assembly is formed from a component adapted to travel along the guide, the bracket assembly providing a mounting point for a connector disposed at the bag end of the tether.

Wherein the carriage assembly is free to move along the length of the guide and will experience a friction based braking force as the carriage assembly moves.

Wherein the tether is formed from a single length of woven fabric including at least one buckle or connector.

Wherein at least a portion of the tether is formed of a material having a limited degree of elasticity.

Wherein at least a portion of the tether is formed from a woven elastomeric material having a polyester component.

Wherein the tether is formed with a structure that allows its length to be adjusted from about 25cm to 30cm long to about 1.5m long.

Wherein the tether is formed from multiple segments of material joined together, wherein one or more of the segments can be doubled over upon itself to reduce the overall length of the tether.

Wherein at least one sensor is connected to or associated with the tether, the one or more sensors being configured to measure a force experienced by the tether when a punching bag is struck by a user.

Wherein the one or more sensors are configured to be interrogated by a remote processing device.

Wherein either or both ends of the tether comprise a releasable connector enabling the tether to be connected and disconnected from the bag engagement structure and/or the user engagement structure.

Wherein the bag engagement structure and/or the user engagement structure comprises a releasable connector allowing connection to the tether.

Wherein the releasable connector is formed by a chelate clip that is mounted by pivoting or swiveling.

Wherein the user engagement structure is formed as a belt configured to be worn about the waist or hips of the user.

Wherein the user engagement structure in the form of a strap comprises a flexible snap fastener that can be opened and closed by a user wearing a boxing glove.

Wherein the user engagement structure in the form of a strap flares rearwardly into contact with the lower back of the user and is reinforced at the front where it is attached to the tether.

Wherein the bag engaging structure is formed by a detachable and adjustable bag engaging strip.

Wherein the bag-engaging strip is formed from two or more lengths of flexible material joined together at variable locations along its length to secure the perimeter of the strip.

Wherein the bag-engaging strip is formed from a single length of material and a strip clip configured to control the circumference of the strip.

Wherein the bag engaging strap is formed from a loop of elastic material configured to stretch around a desired portion of a punching bag.

Wherein the bag engagement strap includes a snap fastener to secure the bag engagement strap around a perimeter of a punching bag.

Claims

1. A punching bag holding device, comprising:

the structure of the bag joint is that the bag joint,

user engagement structure, and

a tether defining a bag end and a user end, the bag end of the tether being arranged to be connected to the bag engagement structure and the user end of the tether being arranged to be connected to the user engagement structure,

wherein the bag engagement structure includes a tether interface member configured to allow the tether to be connected to and disconnected from the bag engagement structure, the tether interface member formed from a combination of a guide disposed along at least a portion of an exterior surface of the bag engagement structure and a bracket assembly, wherein the bracket assembly is free to move along a length of the guide and will experience a friction-based braking force as the bracket assembly moves.

2. A punching bag holding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said guide is formed as a rail on said surface of the bag engaging structure.

3. The punching bag holding apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bracket assembly is formed of a member adapted to travel along said guide, said bracket assembly providing a mounting point for a connector disposed at said bag end of said tether.

4. A punching bag holding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tether is formed from a single length of woven fabric including at least one buckle or connector.

5. The punching bag holding apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the tether is formed of a material having a limited degree of elasticity.

6. The punching bag holding apparatus of claim 5, wherein at least a portion of said tether is formed of a woven elastic material having a polyester composition.

7. The punching bag holding apparatus of claim 1, wherein said tether is formed with a structure that allows its length to be adjusted from 25cm to 30cm long to about 1.5m long.

8. The punching bag retention device of claim 1, wherein the tether is formed from multiple segments of material connected together, wherein one or more of the segments can be doubled over upon itself to reduce the overall length of the tether.

9. The punching bag holding apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one sensor is connected to or associated with the tether, the at least one sensor configured to measure a force experienced by the tether when a punching bag is struck by a user.

10. The punching bag retention device of claim 9, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to be interrogated by a remote processing device.

11. A punching bag retention device as claimed in claim 1, wherein either or both ends of the tether include a releasable connector which enables the tether to be connected and disconnected from the bag engagement structure and/or the user engagement structure.

12. A punching bag holding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bag engaging structure and/or said user engaging structure includes a releasable connector allowing connection to said tether.

13. A punching bag holding apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein said releasable connector is formed by a pincher clip mounted by pivoting or swivel.

14. The punching bag retention device of claim 1, wherein the user engagement structure is formed as a belt configured to be worn about a waist or hip of a user.

15. The punching bag retention device of claim 14, wherein the strap-form user engagement structure comprises a flexible snap-lock fastener that can be opened and closed by a user wearing gloves.

16. The punching bag retention device of claim 14, wherein said strap-form user engagement structure flares rearwardly into contact with the user's lower back and is reinforced at the front where it is attached to said tether.

17. The punching bag retention device of claim 1, wherein the bag engagement structure is formed by a detachable and adjustable bag engagement strip.

18. The punching bag retention device of claim 17, wherein bag-engaging strip is formed from two or more lengths of flexible material joined together at variable locations along its length to fix the perimeter of the bag-engaging strip.

19. The punching bag retention device of claim 17, wherein the bag engaging strip is formed from a single piece of material and a strip clip configured to control a perimeter of the bag engaging strip.

20. The punching bag retention device of claim 17, wherein the bag engagement strip is formed from a loop of elastic material configured to stretch around a desired portion of a punching bag.

21. The punching bag retention device of claim 17, wherein the bag engagement strap comprises a snap fastener to secure the bag engagement strap around a perimeter of a punching bag.