GB2536735A

GB2536735A - A hand grip for a strike pad

Info

Publication number: GB2536735A
Application number: GB1508911.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richardson Bassil
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-26
Filing date: 2015-03-26
Publication date: 2016-09-28
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-26
Also published as: GB201508911D0; GB2536735B

Abstract

A hand grip 1 for a strike pad comprises: a base portion 2 having an outer side for positioning against a rear of a strike pad or shield; an attachment means 5, 6 to connect the base portion 2 to the rear of the strike pad or 5 shield; an extension body 3 extending from an inner side of the base portion 2 and configured to be received within the purlicue of a user's hand; and a grip portion 4 extending from the inner end of the extension body 3 so that when the extension body 3 is received within the purlicue of a user's hand, the grip portion 4 extends at least partly over the back of the hand. The hand grip 1 may include a strap 7; the strap may be adjustable and may include hook and loop fastening. A strike pad (8, fig 6) including a plurality of holes (10, fig 6) on a rear surface is also disclosed; the plurality of holes (10) are use to receive a hand grip 1 in a variety of positions.

Description

A hand grip for a strike pad

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hand grip for a strike pad. The present invention also relates to a strike pad.

Background

Strike pads are widely used in martial arts training as a way of practicing striking while reducing the chances of causing injury. Training using the pads is generally carried out in pairs, with one person acting as a striker, and the other holding a pad or pads, or a shield, in position for the striker to use as a target. Strike pads generally comprise a layer or layers of resilient foam surrounded by an outer skin or covering of durable, wear-resistant material such as leather or PVC. The pad has a front face which is used as a striking target, and a rear face to which a handle and/or grips are attached to allow the holder to carry and position the pad as required. The striker will target the front face of the pad, with the force of the blow absorbed or largely dissipated by the pad. This allows a striker to practice strikes at full power or close to full power on a target, practicing their techniques and finding a correct range, with a lower risk of injury to themselves or the holder.

Different types of pads are available, depending on the particular technique to be practised. Hand strike pads that fit over the hand are often used for practicing hand or arm striking techniques, these fitting onto the hand of a user like a glove, with the foam in front of the wearer's palm, and the front striking surface aligning with the wearer's palm in use, with a generally pear-shaped or oval striking surface. Kick shields are rectangular, with larger versions having straps that allow the shield to be worn/held in a similar manner to a Roman legionary shield.

Often, the straps or grips on strike pads are fixed in position, and cannot be adjusted for either position or grip. Some pads have straps that are partly adjustable -for example the length of one or more straps can be adjusted, to allow the strap to better grip onto the hand or limb of the holder.

Although fixed-length straps allow a quick turn-around, for example when changing roles between holder and striker, if the straps cannot be adjusted or easily adjusted, it can be difficult for different users to securely hold the pads in some or all of the positions required. This can be a particular issue when it is required to hold the pad in a high, flat orientation so that the striker can practice high strikes.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: US20090082179 describes and shows a martial-arts training tool and more particularly a hand-held strike target configured to resemble a human head. The 5 training tool has a hand grip located within the strike target and spanning an inner cavity therein; a support collar attached to the strike target configured to splint and pad the users wrist and forearm; a height line attached to the strike target for assisting in maintaining the strike target at a desired height; and an external stabilizing grip located in the vicinity of the top of the strike target and configured to 10 permit the user to stabilize the training tool with the user's other hand.

GB2429660 describes and shows a martial arts impact shield having three impact absorbing pads encased within a durable cover and having handles on the rear surface of each. The pads may be fixed together using Velcro (RTM) or snap fasteners in a 'U' shape which, when held by the instructor, forms a shield around the chest and arms, enabling a martial arts practitioner to employ striking techniques through an angle of 180 degrees without causing injury to either person. The pads may also be used individually.

W0200311405 describes and shows a training device for a boxing or martial arts practitioner having a striking surface which the practitioner may strike and holding 20 means by which a trainer may hold the device, wherein the area of the striking surface is substantially three dimensional.

In contrast the present invention provides a handle for a strike shield or pad that allows a user to securely grip and position the strike shield or pad where required, and which allows a user to quickly and easily grasp, and remove, the strike shield or 25 pad.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a hand grip for a strike pad, the grip comprising: a base portion having an outer side configured for positioning against the rear of a strike pad or shield; an attachment means configured to connect the base portion to the rear of the strike pad or shield; an extension body extending from an inner side of the base portion and configured to be received within the purlicue of a user's hand, the extension body sized to substantially extend from a front to a rear of a users hand; and a grip portion extending from an inner end of the extension body so that when the extension body is received within the purlicue of a user's hand, the grip portion will extend at least partly over the back of the hand.

This allows a user to securely hold their hand in position on a strike pad and hold and move the pad as required, and to remove their hand quickly and easily when required.

In an embodiment, the grip portion is further configured to extend at least partly over the thumb of a user. This assists with securely holding the hand of a user in position. In an embodiment, the inner side of the base portion is contoured for positioning against at least part of the palm of a user's hand. This adds to the grip and comfort for a user.

In an embodiment, the hand grip for a strike pad further comprises a strap, that part of the grip portion extending over the back of the hand and a first end of the strap configured for mutual connection. This assists with securely holding the hand of a user in position.

In an embodiment, the second end of the strap is configured for connection to the rear of a strike pad or shield. This provides a secure anchoring point for the strap. In an embodiment, the second end of the strap and the base portion are configured for mutual connection. This provides a secure anchoring point for the strap.

In an embodiment, the strap is elasticated. This assists with securely holding the 20 hand of a user in position.

In an embodiment, the strap is configured so that the length of the strap is adjustable. This assists with securely holding the hand of a user in position.

In an embodiment, the first end of the strap comprises both parts of a hook-and-loop fastener connected adjacently on the same side of the strap at or towards the first end so that the first end can be doubled back and connected to form a closed loop, the grip portion comprising a slot through which the first end can be passed. This allows the length of the strap to be adjusted, to assist with securely holding the hand of a user in position and allowing adjustment for different users.

In an embodiment, the second end of the strap comprises both parts of a hook-and30 loop fastener connected adjacently on the same side of the strap at or towards the second end so that the second end can be doubled back and connected to form a closed loop. This allows the length of the strap to be adjusted, to assist with securely holding the hand of a user in position and allowing adjustment for different users.

In an embodiment, the attachment means comprises a protrusion configured to 35 extend within an aperture on a strike pad or shield. This provides a simple and robust connection mechanism.

In an embodiment, the attachment means further comprises a plurality of outwardly-expanding prongs configured to locate on the outer side of a ledge within the rear surface of a strike pad. This provides a simple and robust connection mechanism.

In a second embodiment the invention may broadly be said to consist in a strike pad, 5 comprising: a main body with front and rear surfaces, the front surface configured to receive strikes in use, the rear surface comprising a plurality of apertures for connecting a hand grip to the rear surface of the strike shield, the apertures spaced apart across the rear surface to allow a hand grip or grips to be connected in a number of different locations. This allows the location of the hand grip to be adjusted 10 to suit different practice scenarios or users.

In an embodiment, the main body comprises a foam inner, a resilient outer cover, and a substantially inflexible back plate that forms substantially the total of the rear surface, the plurality of apertures formed in the back plate. This provides a simple and robust form of adjustment.

In an embodiment, the strike pad further comprises at least one hand grip as outlined in any one of the preceding statements, the attachment means and rear surface configured for mutual connection. This provides a simple and robust form of adjustment.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a perspective view from above and from the point of view of a holder of a strike shield and a pair of connected hand grips according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view from the side and above of a hand grip according to an embodiment of the invention, having a base portion with an outer side configured for positioning against the rear of a strike pad or shield, an extension body extending from the opposite side of the base portion and configured to be received within the purlicue of a user's hand in use, and a grip portion extending from the inner end of the extension body so that when the extension body is received within the purlicue of a user's hand, the grip portion will extend at least partly over the back of the hand, a strap connecting between the grip portion and the base portion.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view from the bottom and to the side of the hand grip of figure 2.

Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the hand grip of figures 2 and 3, 35 showing detail of a protrusion that extends from the base and in use into the rear face of a strike pad, and prongs that extend outwards to hold the hand grip in position in the rear face of a strike pad.

Figure 5 shows a cutaway side view of the hand grip of figures 2 to 4 connected to the rear face of a strike pad.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view from the rear and to one side of a strike pad with the hand grip connected, the strike pad having a plurality of spaced-apart apertures on the rear face that allow the hand grip or a number of grips to be connected in different locations as required.

Detailed Description of Fiqures

An embodiment of the hand grip and a strike pad with a hand grip, according to the present invention, will now be described with reference to the figures.

A hand grip 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention has three main parts: a base portion 2, an extension body 3, and a grip portion 4.

The base portion 2 has a flat outer side configured for positioning against the rear of 15 a strike pad or shield, the inner side of the base portion 2 contoured for positioning against at least part of the palm of a user's hand in use.

The extension body 3 and grip portion 4 are formed so that from the side together they have the appearance of a capital '1', with both upper and lower cross-pieces. The lower cross-piece locates onto and connects with the inner surface of the base portion 2. The centre portion of the capital '1' is configured to be received within the purlicue of a user's hand (that part between the thumb and forefinger, and has a length so that it extends from the front to the rear of a user's hand.

The grip portion 4 forms the upper cross-piece, the two arms of the upper crosspiece extending across the back of the user's hand and the base of the thumb 25 respectively in use.

In use, the base portion 2 is connected to the rear of a strike pad, and the user grips the hand grip 1 with the centre portion of the capital 'I' received within the purlicue of one hand. Their palm rests on the inner side of the base portion 2, with their fingers extending across the rear surface of the strike pad. The upper cross-piece extends across the back of their hand and the base of their thumb to hold their hand against the rear surface of the strike pad.

A strap 7 has a first end that connects to the end of the hand cross-piece of the grip portion 4, and a second end that connects with the base portion 2. The loop that this forms helps to hold the user's hand on the hand grip 1 in use. In this embodiment, the first end of the strap comprises both parts of a hook-and-loop fastener connected adjacently on the same side of the strap at or towards the first end so that the first end can be doubled back and connected to form a closed loop, and the hand cross-piece of the grip portion 4 has a slot through which the first end can be passed. This allows the length of the loop formed by the strap 7 to be adjusted. The strap 7 can be formed from an elasticated material if required.

In alternate embodiments, the second end of the strap can be connected to the rear surface of the strike pad or shield rather than the base portion 2. The second end 10 could also be formed with a hook and loop fastener and the base portion could have a slot, for adjustment at the second end as well as the first end.

The base portion 2 is connected to the rear of a strike pad such as strike pad 8 shown in the figures as follows: The strike pad 8 has a main body with front and rear surfaces, the front surface receiving the strikes in use. The main body of the strike pad 8 comprises a foam inner, with a resilient outer cover over this. A substantially inflexible back plate 9 is located on the rear surface of the foam pad to form substantially the total of the rear surface. Apertures 10 are formed in the back plate 9, spaced apart across the rear surface to allow a hand grip or grips to be connected in a number of different locations.

The hand grip 1 has a protrusion 5 that extends from a base aperture 12 in the flat outer side of the base portion 2, the protrusion 5 locating into one of the apertures 10. A plurality of outwardly-expanding prongs 6 extend from the sides of the base aperture 12. In use, these pass through the aperture 10 in the back plate 9 and extend outwards to grip on the inside within the rear surface of the strike pad 8 to hold the hand grip 1, along with the protrusion 5. The outwardly-expanding prongs can be released by pulling on the extension body 3 and grip portion 4, which are held/biased towards the strike pad 8 by a spring 14 that extends within the extension body 3.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims

Claims

Claims A hand grip for a strike pad, the grip comprising: a base portion having an outer side configured for positioning against a rear of 5 a strike pad or shield; an attachment means configured to connect the base portion to the rear of the strike pad or shield; an extension body extending from an inner side of the base portion and configured to be received within the purlicue of a user's hand, the extension body 10 sized to substantially extend from a front to a rear of a users hand; and a grip portion extending from an inner end of the extension body so that when the extension body is received within the purlicue of a user's hand, the grip portion will extend at least partly over the back of the hand.
2. A hand grip for a strike pad as claimed in claim 1 wherein the grip portion is 15 further configured to extend at least partly over the thumb of a user.
3. A hand grip for a strike pad as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the inner side of the base portion is contoured for positioning against at least part of the palm of a user's hand.
4. A hand grip for a strike pad as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 further 20 comprising a strap, that part of the grip portion extending over the back of the hand and a first end of the strap configured for mutual connection.
5. A hand grip for a strike pad as claimed in claim 4 wherein the second end of the strap is configured for connection to the rear of a strike pad or shield.
6. A hand grip for a strike pad as claimed in claim 4 wherein the second end of 25 the strap and the base portion are configured for mutual connection.
7. A hand grip for a strike pad as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the strap is elasticated.
8. A hand grip for a strike pad as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the strap is configured so that the length of the strap is adjustable.
9. A hand grip for a strike pad as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 8 wherein the first end of the strap comprises both parts of a hook-and-loop fastener connected adjacently on the same side of the strap at or towards the first end so that the first end can be doubled back and connected to form a closed loop, the grip portion comprising a slot through which the first end can be passed.
10. A hand grip for a strike pad as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 9 wherein the second end of the strap comprises both parts of a hook-and-loop fastener connected adjacently on the same side of the strap at or towards the second end so that the second end can be doubled back and connected to form a closed loop.
11. A hand grip for a strike pad as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the attachment means comprises a protrusion configured to extend within an aperture on a strike pad or shield.
12. A hand grip for a strike pad as claimed in claim 11 wherein the attachment means further comprises a plurality of outwardly-expanding prongs configured to 10 locate on the outer side of a ledge within the rear surface of a strike pad.
13. A strike pad comprising: a main body with front and rear surfaces, the front surface configured to receive strikes in use, the rear surface comprising a plurality of apertures for connecting a hand grip to the rear surface of the strike shield, the apertures spaced apart across the rear surface to allow a hand grip or grips to be connected in a number of different locations.
14. A strike pad as claimed in claim 13 wherein the main body comprises a foam inner, a resilient outer cover, and a substantially inflexible back plate that forms substantially the total of the rear surface, the plurality of apertures formed in the back 20 plate.
15. A strike pad as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14 further comprising at least one hand grip as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, the attachment means and rear surface configured for mutual connection.
16. A hand grip for a strike pad substantially as herein described with reference to 25 the figures.
17. A strike pad substantially as herein described with reference to the figures.