GB2550133A

GB2550133A - A training device

Info

Publication number: GB2550133A
Application number: GB1608075.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Merry Michael
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-05-09
Filing date: 2016-05-09
Publication date: 2017-11-15
Anticipated expiration: 2036-05-09
Also published as: GB201608075D0; GB2550133B

Abstract

A training device comprises a resiliently deformable inner core enclosed by an outer portion with a substantially circular or ovaloid cross section which defines at least two opposing side portions 10 and two opposing striking sides 1. There is an entrance 4 lowermost on the outer portion such that a users hands can be situated about the inner core. The outer portion may be an inverted teardrop shape. The inner core may comprise a substantially spherical core (13, figure 4), on a planar base (14, figure 4), on a support (15, figure 4). The core (13) may only be in contact with its base (14) and not in contact with the outer portion. There may be padding material between the outer portion and the core. The device provides a strike training device wherein the trainer is enabled to move the device around in a manner similar to the head of a training partner when their elbows are held together around shoulder height.

Description

A TRAINING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a training device, in particular a device for impact training; more particularly but not exclusively a device for training another person in an exercise such as boxing or mixed martial arts.

Background

Increasing uncertainty in many societies can lead to increased take-up of aggressive impact training for example martial arts, boxing or other striking based disciplines.

Practising such strikes can be problematic as sparring partners may not wish repeated impacts, and static or inanimate objects do not replicate real life situations.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

Chinese patent application CN 203 370 266 (WANG et al) discloses a double-hand-held single-handle rectangular fist and foot target is characterized in that a handle penetrates through a left side hole of a rectangular shell, a hole of a supporting plate and a right side hole of the rectangular shell and enable the left side hole of the rectangular shell, the hole of the supporting plate and the right side hole of the rectangular shell to be fixedly connected with one another, and soft elastic cushions are arranged on the front face of the rectangular shell and the periphery of the rectangular shell in a gluing mode. The double-hand-held single-handle rectangular fist and foot target has the advantages that when the fist and foot target is beaten forcefully, the stability of the fist and foot target can be controlled easily through the two hands and when hidden in the target, the hands can be prevented from being beaten; the target is located at the target standing position, the practicing requirements for simulating the situations of beating the portions below the head and kicking the portions above the calves of a practicer are met, and the defect that in the prior art, a fist and foot target are moved up and down, so that the requirements of the practicer cannot be met easily is overcome.

United States patent application US 2013 274 076 (SMITH) discloses an exercise device, comprising: a spherical structure having a rigid surface, a hand-opening in the surface, a cavity in the approximate centre of the spherical structure, and a passageway coupling the opening and the cavity, wherein the opening is relatively small and sized to accommodate insertion of a hand and forearm to permit only limited movement thereof during exercises, wherein the passageway increases in size toward the cavity, and wherein the cavity is relatively larger and sized to more freely accommodate the hand; and a rigid handle laterally positioned in the cavity and affixed in the approximate centre of the spherical structure.

Granted European patent EP 1 858 601 (ALFARO et al) discloses a hammer head training target, comprising: an outer shell that is formed from a mouldable, resilient material, said outer shell having the general shape of a human head; a clamshell assembly that is formed from a mouldable material, said clamshell assembly being positioned inside of said outer shell so that a trainer can generally safely hold the hammer head training target while it is being subject to blows or other impacts from a trainee, said clamshell assembly including a handle having a grip portion that is adapted to be grasped by a trainer, first and second core inserts that are affixed to each other and that have a general shape of a human head, said outer shell being mounted on an outer surface of said first and second core inserts, and wherein complementary mating features are formed on said handle and said first and second core members so that said handle is sandwiched between said first and second core members; and wherein an opening is formed in said outer shell and in at least one of said first and second core members so that a trainer can insert his or her hand through the opening and grasp the grip portion of said handle during training.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a training device comprising: a resiliently deformable inner core; and an outer portion enclosing the inner core, in which the outer portion is substantially circular or ovaloid in section defining at least two opposing holding side portions and two opposing striking sides comprising strike zones, and wherein the outer portion is arranged with at least one lowermost entrance providing access to the interior of the side portions such that a user’s hands are enabled to be situated about the inner core.

The inner core may be subdivided into an inner and a core.

The core may be centrally situated in the inner. The core may wholly integral or may be displaceable for replacement of the core with cores of differing levels of deformability. Consequently the inner or outer may be provided with a means of displacement or a means to open the inner and access the core. For example in some embodiments the outer may provide a reversible means of opening, such as hook and loop material like Velcro (RTM).

In some embodiments the side portions comprise internal gloves, wherein the user inserts their hands into the gloves by entering through the entrance. The gloves may enable better grip around the inner core or core.

In this way the user is enabled to insert their hands into the side portions through the entrance. This allows the device to be worn on the hands of the user or trainer, as a training device for striking by another person or trainee.

The entrance is situated lowermost in order that the user may be envisaged to advantageously maintain the device at around head height; with their hands, arms and consequently elbows close together and at a convenient height.

Advantageously therefore the device thereby provides a versatile strike training device, wherein the trainer is enabled to move the device around in a manner reminiscent of a head of a training partner, wherein the hands, and extending arms, of the trainer replicate the neck of the partner, being situated lowermost, and wherein the trainer’s elbows may held tight together at or around shoulder height.

In some embodiments the gloves may be part of or integrated into the inner.

In some embodiments the gloves may be part of or integrated into the outer.

The gloves may be fingerless so as to advantageously allow freedom of movement of the fingers, and easy donning of the gloves, and accordingly device, by the trainer.

In some embodiments padding may be provided between the outer and the trainer’s hands in use. For example in some embodiments the gloves may be padded. In some embodiments the outer may be padded.

In some embodiments the entrance may be monolithic. In other embodiments the entrance may be subdivided into two entrances; wherein the trainer’s hands are envisaged to enter through the two entrances so as to access the interior of the side portions.

In some embodiments the outer may be monolithic, wherein the side portions comprise subdivisions of the outer, or parts thereof.

In some embodiments the outer may be separated, such that the side portions comprise separate objects. These separate objects may be permanently or temporarily secured to the outer. In some embodiments one of the side portions may be detached or displaced from the outer, for example so as to allow access to the inner, such as for replacement of the core.

In some embodiments the inner core may be monolithic. In other embodiments the inner core may comprise a plurality of parts, each having different deformability characteristics, replicating a sparring partner head.

The core may comprise a spherical, or substantially spherical part. In this way the trainer’s hands may be enabled to grip around the core so as to allow for a plurality of attitudes of gripping the core and naturally allow the hands to cup the core. Advantageously a spherical or substantially spherical core may enable the trainer’s hands to grip over the core.

In some embodiments the core may be secured lowermost to a support, which support may be linked to the inner.

The inner may be arranged in a sectional lemniscate, providing sleeve entrances comprising the side portions, and opposing closed sides, wherein the closed sides provide support for and are vertically subordinate the core.

The inner may further include a substantially inflexible band, said band arranged intermediate the striking side strike zones and the core. This band may comprise resiliently deformable material, and may be arranged in a vertical band about the core, with the side portions opposing.

The outer may comprise incidental areas of padding, which padding may be arranged so as to cover strike areas, so as to advantageously provide verisimilitude for the trainee. Such areas of padding or strike zones may comprise contrasting or complimentary colouring or material. The material of the outer may be envisaged to be wipeclean, and provide minimal absorbency but with resilient deformability, for example leather

The side portions may be arranged with a deformable or adjustable entrance. The entrance is therefore arranged so as to allow a plurality of size hands to enter and the entrance may be enlarged for entrance to a first position and closed to a second position.

The entrance(s) may be may be arranged with an attachment mechanism, such that the device may be attached onto the hands after entrance. For example in some embodiments the attachment mechanism comprises a closure flap, which flap may allowing tightening of the entrance around a hand, so as to limit movement of the device in use. The attachment mechanism may comprise hook and loop material such as Velcro (RTM).

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a front view of a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figures 2 show top and bottom views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows a sketch isometric view of an embodiment of the device with a part of the outer comprising the side portion removed to show the side portion interior;

Figure 7 shows a sketch view of an embodiment of the inner, comprising the core, support and band;

Figures 8 show sketch views of differing embodiments of the device, in sectional views;

And

Figure 9 shows a sketch of a sectional view of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to figures 1 to 5 there is shown an embodiment of the device comprising a tear-drop shape in side profile and a substantially spherical or ovaloid shape in cross section, wherein the shape comprises two opposing striking sides A comprising a strike zone 3 and a rear zone 9, and two opposing holding sides B of the outer, including the side portions 10. The rear zone may comprise damping material, to avoid facial impact damage to the user under impacts.

The outer comprises a multipartite surface comprised of stitched faux leather or leather, and is wipeclean.

The inner comprises a resiliently deformable padding layer band 11, arranged around a core 13. The band provides resistance to a punching third party, and protection for the user’s hands.

The core provides a grip for the the user’s hands, and spaces them apart in a manner such that the hands may be displaced and pushed together in use under pressure from a third party.

In the pictured embodiment particularly as visible in Figure 7 the core comprises a substantially spherical core, with a planar base 14, said base connected to a core support 15, which core support extends downwards, and to either side. The base comprises a segment of the sphere, wherein the base and support provide a relatively small contact, and subsequently provide deformability in the support so as to permit pivoting of the core with reference to the support under a strike impact.

In addition or the alternative, strikes against the main 1 or intermediate 8 side strike zones in particular are liable to push the user’s arms against the support, wherein deformability in the support is desirable for the user.

The support is substantially triangular in side profile and rectangular in section, wherein the padding layer band provides a vertically arranged band surrounding the core and support and providing a substrata for the front 3, top 2 and bottom 12 strike zones, intermediate the outer and the core. The outer may comprise a displaceable seal so as to enable displacement of the band and access to the core.

The core comprises a resiliently deformable material, such that strikes will deform the core after deforming the band. The continuous band enables progressive deformation supported and dissipated along the band’s length, wherein the core subsequently provides a pivoting, multi-attitude and multiplanar core, with lesser deformation.

The side portions comprise a substantially enclosed interior 23 accessed through two lowermost entrances 4. The entrances comprise cuffs 7 with displaceable flap 6 closure, which closure is provided by an attachment mechanism comprised of hook and loop material such as Velcro (RTM).

The user inserts their hands into the interior of the side portions through the entrances.

The cuffs lead to fingerless gloves 16, which gloves allow the user to insert their hands and grip around the core. The core is surrounded below and in contact with the support and surrounded by but not in contact with two sides by the band. The core is not surrounded or in contact with anything above and on all sides bar below. In this way advantageously the user’s hands are enabled to hold around the core in a largest number of attitudes.

The gloves include padding 17 to the hand-back section, so as to limit damage or pain to the user’s hands under striking. The hand-back padding is segmented to allow movement. Padded cuffs provide further impact protection. The gloves are made from a cowhide leather as it is cost effective and a traditional material for making gloves.

The gloves have freely suspended cuffs, so as to maximise allowed movement of the user’s hands.

The band provides a closed cellular structure polythene or polyurethane foam.

The outer surrounds the inner and provides a wipeclean surface with padding in strike zone areas, perforated by the entrances. The outer includes stitching so as to replicate known punching bags, and multiple layers, comprising a plurality of levels of padding according to location.

The device comprises an inverted three-dimensional tear-drop in side profile, wherein the two opposing strike sides are joined by the side portion, to the two opposing other sides in section. The strike sides may be flattened to create longer sides, so as to provide an ovaloid section.

Advantageously this provides an enlarged upper part to the device, reminiscent of a head, wherein the user may incline the device (or head) top away from or more particularly towards a trainee. The top includes a strike zone, with increased padding.

Each strike zone will have an extra 5mm of padding underneath the outer, or outer will be backed with foam and then stitched.

The band wraps around the support and core and is bonded onto the inner face of the outer. A vinyl liner then covers the cover and is where the gloves are stitched onto.

In the further embodiments pictured in Figure 8 the outer comprises substantial padding structure 22, perforated lowermost. The support may comprise a columnar foam structure. The gloves may comprise finger guides. The cuffs may be secured to the support, inner or outer, and if secured may be set at an incline of between 5 and 45 degrees to vertical.

The embodiments pictured vary in maximum approximately 300mm outer diameter, and 300-400mm height.

With reference to Figure 9 the embodiment comprises an inner formed by central combined core and support, wherein the lowermost part of the inner extends beyond the outer portion, splaying outwards, nipping in around the bottom of the outer and extending outwards internally in a convex curvature to provide comfort to the user’s cupped hands.

The embodiment is formed of three parts of closed cell foam, namely a combined core support 89, and two outer portion parts 88.

Location holes 86 have been incorporated to improve the accuracy of assembly and reduce assembly time. Mouldings in the foam 83, 85 provide targets to provide the structural form upon which leathers and vinyls may be applied.

Chamfered surfaces and large radii corners may aid stitching.

Alternatively foam parts are moulded without these to minimise tooling so as to have them bonded to the foam parts as a secondary process.

The dimensions of the embodiment pictured in Figure 9 shows vertical and horizontal circumference increases to the first embodiment of the following, horizontal 745mm to 785mm, and vertical 804mm to 844mm. In addition the support bottom’s dimensions are varied from 70mm to 90mm so as to provide a natural angle of support for the wrist, adding both comfort and protection. A large shallow chamfer provides improved access, whilst maintaining a low wall for wrist protection. 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 as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. A training device comprising: a resiliently deformable inner core; and an outer portion enclosing the inner core, in which the outer portion is substantially circular or ovaloid in section defining at least two opposing holding side portions and two opposing striking sides comprising strike zones, and wherein the outer portion is arranged with at least one lowermost entrance providing access to the interior of the side portions such that a user’s hands are enabled to be situated about the inner core.

2. A training device according to claim 1 wherein the outer portion is substantially of an inverted teardrop shape.

3. A training device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the inner core comprises a core support and a core.

4. A training device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the inner core comprises a monolithic unit.

5. A training device according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the core is substantially spherical with a flattened base lowermost in use.

6. A training device according to claim 5 wherein the base is supported by a downwardly depending support.

7. A training device according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the core is surrounded by padding material between the outer and the core.

8. A training device according to claim 7 wherein the padding material is arranged in a vertical oriented band, oriented along the strike sides.

9. A training device according to any of claims 3 to 8 wherein the core is substantially uncontacted within the outer.

10. A training device according to claim 9 wherein the only contact with the core is at its base.

11. A training device according to any preceding claim wherein the side portions comprise separate entrances.

12. A training device according to any preceding claim wherein the entrance(s) lead(s) to gloves.

13. A training device according to claim 12 wherein the gloves have padded hand-backs.

14. A training device according to any preceding claim comprising a plurality of padded strike zones.

15. A training device according to claim 14 wherein the side portions comprise padded strike zones.

16. A training device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures 1 to 5.

17. A training device substantially as described herein with reference to any one of figures 8a to 8c.

18. A training device substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 9.