GB2535772A

GB2535772A - Targets

Info

Publication number: GB2535772A
Application number: GB1503312.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Levi Hunt Matthew
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-02-27
Filing date: 2015-02-27
Publication date: 2016-08-31
Also published as: GB201503312D0

Abstract

A target 10 suitable for use in martial arts training comprises a curved striking surface 16 mounted on a support limb 18. The support limb 18 is arranged to pivot about a fulcrum (40, figure 2) with at least two degrees of freedom 24. The support limb 18 is axially compressible 22 comprising a first spring means (47, figure 2) for biasing the limb 18 about the fulcrum (40) to a neutral position; and a second spring means (45, figure 2) for biasing the support limb 18 to an extended configuration.

Description

Title: Targets

Description:

This invention relates to targets, and in particular, but without limitation, to targets suitable for use in martial arts training.

Fighting sports, such as Karate, Tae Kwon Do, boxing, etc. (hereafter "martial arts") are increasing in popularity all over the world as people are becoming more aware of the health, discipline and self-defence benefits of these sports. Martial arts are difficult to perfect, and require a great deal of training and dedication because there are so many moves (e.g. kicks, punches, blocks and dodges, etc.) to be perfected. As such, martial arts training generally involves routines and repetitive drills that serve to improve strength, stamina and reflexes, but crucially, to train-in "muscle memory".

In many cases, martial arts "drills" are best performed using a sparring partner holding pads against which an opponent practices various moves. Training against a sparring partner is preferred as it introduces variation and unpredictability into the training. However, where a sparring partner is not available, certain drills can be practices against training aids, such as punch bags.

Known punch bags comprise a weighted, padded bag, which is suspended from a ceiling or a suitable support frame. Punch bags are beneficial for practicing power shots, but offer little feedback due to their high inertia. Further, due to their relatively large target area, punch bags don't really test the user's aim or co-ordination. Conversely, smaller punch bags, knowns as "speedballs" can be used, which have a lower inertia and which are designed to test aim and timing.

A problem with punch bags and speedballs is that they rarely reproduce real combat situations. For example, if a fighter used to training with a particular punch bag may become accustomed to kicking or punching at a certain height. However, when faced with a taller or shorter opponent, their performance may be adversely affected. The solution is to adjust the elevation of the punch bag or speed ball at intervals, but this can be a cumbersome and time-consuming task. Further, where a user is wearing gloves, this may not be practical.

Another known problem with punch bags and speed balls is that they are designed for specific techniques. For example, it would be difficult to perform an uppercut on a punch bag or a side kick on a speed ball.

Examples of known targets are described in: Published patent application CN203816176, which describes a device comprising a ball and a base, interconnected by a sprung rod. On striking the ball, the rod pivots about its fulcrum and the ball follows a trajectory away from the user before returning to its start position. However, this device is of limited use, as it does not enable the user to practice different techniques and it is not adjustable; Published patent applications W02012024060 and U52009098985, describe targets comprising a plurality of pads that can be adjusted to suit a user's requirements. These systems allow for a wider range of techniques to be practiced, but the shape of the pads restricts the range of angles through which a user can strike them. Thus, if a user wants to change between different techniques, they may need to to stop their training session to adjust the system, which can be inconvenient.

It is clear from the foregoing that a solution is needed to one or more of the above problems. This invention therefore aims to provide a solution to one or more of the above problems and/or to provide an improved target, and/or to provide an alternative to known targets suitable for use in martial arts training.

Various aspects of the invention are set forth in the appendent claims.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided is a target suitable for use in martial arts training, the target comprising a curved striking surface mounted on a support limb, wherein the support limb: is arranged to pivot about a fulcrum with at least two degrees of freedom; is axially compressible; comprises a first spring means for biasing the limb about the fulcrum to a neutral position; and a second spring means for biasing the support limb to an extended configuration.

Thus, the invention provides a curved striking surface, which may permit the target to be struck from a range of angles. Once struck, the pivoting and/or compressible limb suitably allows the curved striking surface to move away from the point of contact along a trajectory and to be returned to a neutral (or starting) position by the action of either, or both, springs. In other words, once struck from virtually any angle, the striking surface recoils and then returns to a neutral positon. Thus, the invention provides a versatile target, which can offer force-feedback to a user, and which can be configured to quickly return to a starting position ready for a subsequent strike.

Suitably, the curved striking surface is substantially spherical, ovoid or spheroidal; or hemi-spherical, hemi-ovoid or hemi-spheroidal, the former of which enables it to be struck from almost any direction; and the latter of which may enable it to be struck frontally from almost any angle. The provision of a curved striking surface also helps to train a user's aim because if struck at a glancing angle (i.e. not substantially perpendicular to the surface at the point of impact), then the target will recoil eccentrically, thus indicating a "mishit" and encouraging the user to aim properly next time.

If the striking surface is struck from either side, above or below, the pivoting of the limb permits deflection of the striking surface laterally or vertically. If struck frontally (i.e. in-line with the axis of the support limb), the support limb is able to compress to allow the striking surface to move away from the point of contact.

The support limb is arranged to pivot about a fulcrum with at least two degrees of freedom. Suitably, this is achieved using a ball and socket connection. The ball and socket connection may comprise a male part affixed to an end of the support limb, and a female part affixed to a mounting plate, or vice-versa. The support limb suitably comprises a collar or disc between which, and a mounting plate, the first spring is disposed. The first spring can thus be configured to exert an axial extension force to the support limb thus biasing it towards the neutral position. The collar or disc may be axially displaceable relative to the support limb, such as by way of a screw-threaded connection, to enable the spring force, and hence the force-feedback of the limb, to be adjusted.

The support limb is axially compressible and this may be accomplished by way of providing a telescopic limb. The second spring means is suitably configured to bias the telescopic portion of the support limb towards an extended position. Thus, when the striking surface is struck substantially parallel to, or in-line with, the axis of the support limb, it is able to compress away from the point of impact, and then to return to the neutral position under the action of the second spring means.

As previously mentioned, the fulcrum is suitably connected to a mounting plate. The mounting plate, where provided, is suitably affixable to a support structure, such as a wall and/or floor-mounted support frame. The location of the mounting plate, and hence the striking surface, is suitable adjustable relative to the support structure.

Suitably, the location of the fulcrum may be offset relative to the centre of the mounting plate. Such a configuration may enable the mounting plate to be rotated to adjust a lateral offset of the support limb, and hence the striking surface.

S

The support structure suitably comprises one or more guide rails to which the mounting plate can be slidingly affixed, to permit, say, the elevation of the striking surface to be adjusted.

The support structure is suitably affixable to a wall and or a floor surface, and it may be manufactured from a suitably strong and durable material, such as steel or aluminium tubes.

Suitably, there a tubular support structure is provided, the tubes comprise a channel for sliding receiving, say a captive nut or bolt head for affixing the mounting plate thereto. Thus, the mounting plate, in certain embodiments, may be slideable relative to the support structure.

The support frame, in certain embodiments, may be detachably affixable to a wall or floor, for example, by way of a bracket arrangement.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the fulcrum can be connected to other gym or training equipment, such as a rail of a multi-gym by way of a nut and screw, or a pin and lock etc..

Suitably, a screw and nut system is used to connect the mounting plate, where provided, to the support frame, at a desired height. The screw, where provided, may be screw-threadingly engageable with a suitably tapped holes of the mounting plate or support frame, which subsequently may be locked with a nut. Alternatively, a pin and lock system may be used to hold the mounting plate at a desired height, wherein, a pin may be slidingly engaged through drill holes located on the mounting plate or support frame. Such configurations suitably inhibit or prevent movement of the mounting plate in use.

In another embodiment of the invention, the support frame comprises a pole mounted to a base plate, which can be affixed (e.g. screwed and/or glued) to a floor surface. In this case, the mounting plate may be formed as part of a tube that surrounds the pole, and which can be slidingly raised and/or lowered relative to the floor and locked at a desired position.

Suitably, the support limb is surrounded or covered by, or enclosed in, a protective sheath. The protective sheath, where provided, may be made from any of the following materials: foam, vinyl, fabric, polystyrene; rubber.

Suitably, a curved striking surface is manufactured from a resiliently deformable material, such as foam or rubber. The filling of the striking surface is suitably covered by a layer of rubber, leather, vinyl etc..

Another aspect of the invention comprises a training system comprising a support frame and one or more targets as described herein.

Preferred embodiments of the invention shall now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic cross-section of Figure 1 on II-11; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention and; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, a pair of targets 10 in accordance with the invention are affixed to a support frame 12, which is in turn affixed to perpendicular floor 11 and a wall 13 surfaces. Each target 10 is connected to the support frame 5 via a mounting plate 26, whose vertical positions relative to the support frame 5 are adjustable, as indicated by arrow 28. Each target 10 comprises a ball-shaped striking surface 16 that is connected to its respective mounting plate 26 via a support limb 18. The limb 18 is configured to permit lateral 23, vertical 24 and axial 22 movement of the ball 16, as shall be described in greater detail below.

The support frame 5 comprises a pair of parallel, vertical guide rails 12 made from tubular aluminium which is connected to the wall surface 13 via a right-angled member 17 and a wall plate 14 at the top of the frame 5. The wall plate 14 is screwed into the wall 13, either directly (as shown) or via a bracket and socket (not shown); and to the floor 11 via a floor plate 20 likewise.

Referring to the inset of Figure 1, situated along the frontal centreline of each rail 12, there is provided a captive nut channel 50, which slidingly receives the head 52 of a bolt 54 whose shank 56 extends forwards through a corresponding aperture 58 of the mounting plate 26. An over-centred cam 60 is provided on the free end of the shank 56, which can be pivoted to cause the mounting plate 26 to be gripped firmly against the rail 12. The cam 60 has a lever 62, which protrudes beyond the lateral side edge of the mounting plate, thus facilitating actuating it, for example, whilst wearing boxing gloves. A removable rubber cap 64 can be pushed over the cam 60 and lever, to protect a user's hand or feet.

In certain embodiments, the mounting plates 26 may comprise a protective capping (not shown) along their peripheral edges, which capping made from rubber to protect a user from injury in the event of missing the striking surface 16.

Referring now to Figure 2 of the drawings, the target 10 comprises a ball-shaped striking surface 16 mounted on a support limb 18. The support limb 18 comprises a central shaft 44 which carries the ball 40 of a ball-and-socket connection at one end. The female part 42 of the ball-and-socket connection is welded to the mounting plate 12. Thus, the shaft 44 is able to pivot about a fulcrum formed by the ball-and-socket connection 40, 42.

Unsupported, the shaft 44 would simply hang from the ball-and-socket 40, 42 connection, but in the invention, it is maintained in a substantially perpendicular configuration relative to the mounting plate 12 by a first spring 47. The first spring 47 is compressed between the mounting plate 26 at one end, and a collar 43 affixed to the shaft 44 at the other end. The collar 43 is affixed to the shaft 44 by a screw-threaded connection enabling its position, and hence the compression of the first spring 47 to be adjusted. Adjustment of the position of the collar 43 thus enables the restoring force of the firsts spring 47 to be adjusted, thereby adjusting the force-feedback of the striking surface 16, in use.

The supporting limb 18 further comprises a tube portion 46, which locates around the shaft 44. The tube portion 46 is able to slide relative to the shaft, thus enabling the limb portion 18 to be compressed axially. A detent (not shown) is provided to prevent the axial separation of the tube portion 46 from the shaft 44.

A second spring 45 is compressed between the collar 43 and an end abutment ring 49, which is connected to the free end of the tubular portion 46. The second spring 45 serves to bias the support limb 18 to an extended configuration, but enables it to be compressed axially.

It will be noted that the adjustment of the position of the collar 43 relative to the shaft 44 adjusts the compression of both springs 47, 45 simultaneously. Where this is not desired, a second collar (not shown) may be provided to permit the springs 47, 45 to be adjusted independently.

A foam rubber tube 23 surrounds the springs 45, 47, collar 43 and end abutment 49 to conceal the internal workings of the limb 18, and to protect a user in the event of missing the target surface 16.

Referring now to Figure 3 of the drawings, a variation of the invention is shown whereby the limbs 18 of the targets 10 are affixed to the mounting plates 16 at offset positions 71 relative to the centreline 73 of the support frame 5. The configuration of the embodiment of Figure 3 is otherwise substantially the same as that shown in Figure 1. It will be noted that by off-setting the limbs 18 relative to their respective mounting plates 26, the targets 10 can be laterally offset relative to one another by desired amounts by rotation of the mounting plates. Further, because the mounting plates 26 are moveable up and down 28 the support frame 5, the locations of the striking surfaces 16 can be readily adjusted.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 4 of the drawings in which the support frame 5 comprises a square-section pole 70 affixed to the floor 11 via a floor plate 72. In this example, the mounting plates previously described have been replaced by square-section tubes 80 that locate around the pole 70 and the elevation 74 of the targets 10 can be adjusted by loosening a screw (not shown), repositioning and re-tightening the screw (not shown). The configuration shown in Figure 4 may be advantageous as it enables a user to move around the support pole 70 whilst striking the ball-shaped striking surfaces 16 from various angles.

It will be apparent to the skilled person that the invention overcomes several long-felt deficiencies in known targets of this general type: First, because the striking surface 16 is spring-loaded, it tends to absorb shocks and provide force-feedback to the user.

Second, known training devices require periodic adjustment for the user to be able to alternate between techniques, which means the user has to interrupt their regime to relocate the relevant pads into relevant positions for each technique. However, by providing a curved striking surface, the user is able to perform a number of moves without having to reposition the target. In particular, embodiments of the invention may not require adjustment during training because of the use of a substantially ball-shaped striking surface that can be struck from any angle to the same effect. As such, this shape allows for the device to accommodate an exhaustive variety of techniques, without adjustment.

Third, many known devices of this general type only provide pivoting in a few directions, which restricts force feedback achievable and limits the directions from which the striking surface can be struck.. By providing a pivotal connection in conjunction with a compressible limb, not such restriction exists, or any such restriction is reduced.

Fourth, embodiments of the invention with adjustable spring forces enable the striking surface to be set for speed training as well as for "slogging". Thus, the invention, in certain embodiments, may be able to replace the combination of a punch bag and a speedball.

The invention is not restricted to the details (in particular the shapes, sizes, materials etc. whether explicit or implied) of the foregoing embodiments, which are merely exemplary.

Claims

Claims: 1. A target suitable for use in martial arts training, the target comprising a curved striking surface mounted on a support limb, wherein the support limb: is arranged to pivot about a fulcrum with at least two degrees of freedom; is axially compressible; comprises a first spring means for biasing the limb about the fulcrum to a neutral position; and a second spring means for biasing the support limb to an extended configuration.
2. The target of claim 1, wherein the curved striking surface is any one or more of the group comprising: substantially spherical; substantially ovoid; spheroidal; substantially hemispherical; substantially hemi-ovoid; and substantially hemi-spheroidal.
3. The target of claim 1 or claim 2, therein the curved striking surface is manufactured from a resiliently deformable material.
4. The target of claim 3, wherein the resiliently deformable material is covered by a layer of rubber, leather or vinyl.
5. The target of any preceding claim, further comprising a mounting plate to which the support limb is pivotally connected.
6. The target of claim 5, wherein the support limb is pivotally connected to a non-central portion of the mounting plate.
7. The target of any preceding claim, wherein the support limb comprises a ball and socket connection about which it is pivotable, in use.
8. The target of claim 7, when dependent on claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the ball and socket connection comprises a male part affixed to an end of the support limb, and a female part affixed to the mounting plate, or vice-versa.
9. The target of any of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the support limb comprises a shaft and a collar on the shaft, and wherein the first spring means is compressed between the collar and the mounting plate.
10. The target of claim 9, wherein the axial location of the collar on the shaft is adjustable.
11. The target of any of claims 5 to 10, wherein the first spring means is adapted to bias the support limb to position in which it is substantially perpendicular to the mounting plate.
12. The target of any preceding claim, wherein the support limb comprises a telescopic portion.
13. The target of claim 12, wherein the second spring means is configured to bias the telescopic portion towards an extended position.
14. The target of any preceding claim, further comprising a protective sheath surrounding at least part of the support limb.
15. A training system comprising a support frame and one or more targets according to any preceding claim.
16. The training system of claim 15, wherein the support structure comprises one or more guide rails to which the mounting plate can be slidingly affixed.
17. The training system of claim 16, wherein the or each guide rail comprises a captive nut channel.
18. The training system of claim 17, wherein the captive nut channel slidingly receives the head of a bolt whose shank extends through a corresponding aperture of the mounting plate.
19. The training system of claim 18, further comprising an over-centred cam located at the free end of the shank, which is pivotable, in use, clamp the mounting plate against the guide rail.
20. The training system of claim 19, wherein the over-centred cam comprises a lever adapted, in use, to project beyond a lateral side edge of the mounting plate.
21. The training system of claim 18, further comprising a nut located on the shank, which can be rotated, in use, clamp the mounting plate against the guide rail.
22. The training system of any or claims 18 to 21, further comprising a protective cap, which can be push-fitted over the shank, nut or cam.
23. The training system of any of claims 15 to 23, wherein the support structure comprises a pole affixed to the floor via a floor plate, and wherein the mounting plate comprises a tube arranged to locate around the pole.
24. A target or training system substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.