ITBZ20130051A1 - TRAINING EQUIPMENT FOR AN ATLET OF A COMBAT SPORTS - Google Patents

Description

TRAINING EQUIPMENT

FOR AN ATHLETE OF A COMBAT SPORT

DESCRIPTION

This disclosure generally refers to the field of combat sports, such as boxing, Thai boxing, full contact, mixed martial arts, etc. In particular, the present disclosure refers to a training apparatus for an athlete of a combat sport, specifically for a boxer.

On the market there are shapes in the shape of a sack or half-length, on which impact zones are designed to be hit by an athlete of a combat sport during a workout. In practice, these impact zones correspond to sensitive areas of the body.

During such a boxing workout, a boxer hits such impact zones under the instructions of a coach, who tells the boxer where to strike and in what sequence. The coach, observing how and where the boxer hits the impact zones, evaluates if the boxer hits correctly and instructs him to hit better. A drawback related to this known technique is that the coach is forced to base his judgment solely on his visual perception and on a subjective evaluation, without any possibility of evaluating the boxer's performance in an objective way.

Furthermore, it is difficult for the coach to accurately assess the boxer's progress over time, as he is unable to make an objective comparison between performances in subsequent training sessions.

Finally, it is necessary for the coach to stay with the boxer for all or most of the training duration. This involves a significant expense for staff in the case of a gym that trains many boxers at the same time.

The present disclosure starts from the technical problem of providing a training method for an athlete of a combat sport, in particular for a boxer, which allows to overcome the drawbacks described above with reference to the known art and / or to achieve further advantages.

The solution to the technical problem is obtained by providing a training apparatus for an athlete of a combat sport according to independent claim 1.

Particular embodiments of the object of the present disclosure are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

An aspect underlying the present disclosure resides in providing a training equipment which includes a control unit and a template provided with sensors or shock detectors, which are operatively connected to the control unit.

This is useful for making an objective assessment (i.e. based on measured values rather than on a subjective impression of a coach) of an athlete's performance during a workout.

Furthermore, this is useful to reduce the need for a coach to remain with the athlete for the entire duration of the training, thus allowing a coach to follow the workouts of a greater number of athletes at the same time. In fact, the performance data of each individual athlete can be stored to be examined by the coach after the end of the training itself.

Basically, the training equipment according to this disclosure is a computerized system that allows the athlete to go over the shots, which in the known technique is carried out by the coach / technician with figure gloves or bag. In one embodiment, the training equipment indicates or orders the athlete (for example using voice messages with the coach's recorded voice) where to hit and in particular orders combinations of shots to be performed. The computerized system in fact allows the memorization of complex movements such as combinations of strokes: these complex movements are requested from the athlete, communicating them for example via loudspeaker, and the computerized system detects and stores how these complex movements are performed by the athlete, allowing an evaluation of performance. Frequent repetition of these combinations, which is made easier by the use of the training equipment, allows the athlete to memorize the combinations themselves and the most effective way to perform them.

This is useful for increasing the speed of execution of the combinations, to increase the precision in the execution of a combination and to improve the athlete's reaction speed.

Furthermore, the coach is at least partially relieved because the call of the combinations is carried out automatically by the training equipment itself.

The training equipment according to this disclosure is useful for <obtaining the following advantages, at least in some of its embodiments:>

� increase in the athlete's reaction speed to auditory stimuli (given with the <voice of the coach, technician or trainer);>

<� memorization of combinations;>

� increase in the speed of execution of the combinations;

� increase in the accuracy of the hits;

� lowering of personnel costs, since the training equipment

replace a technician or trainer in performing the figures;

� competition between individual athletes through the records achieved with the training equipment: these records can be made visible on a screen

of the management unit and on a dedicated website;

� increase in the athlete's concentration;

� increase in the sense of distance;

� increase in the ability to exploit ATP (adenosine triphosphate), that is, energy

explosive of the musculature;

� increase in the automatism of the execution of the combinations;

� ability to set the height of an opponent to simulate.

Further advantages, characteristics and methods of use of the object of the present disclosure will become evident from the following detailed description of its embodiments, presented by way of non-limiting example.

It is however evident that each embodiment of the object of the present disclosure can present one or more of the advantages listed above; however, each embodiment is not required to simultaneously present all the listed advantages.

Reference will be made to the figures of the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a shape of a training apparatus according to the present disclosure;

- Figure 2 represents a perspective view, partially in section, of a training equipment according to the present disclosure, during use by a boxer;

Figure 3 represents a sectional view of a detail of the shape of Figure 1;

Figure 4 represents a front view of a training apparatus according to the present disclosure, in an inoperative condition;

- Figure 5 represents a side view of the training equipment of Figure 4 in an inoperative condition.

With reference to the attached figures, a training equipment according to this disclosure is indicated with the reference number 1. The training equipment 1 is intended for an athlete 9 of a combat sport. In the specific embodiment illustrated in the figures, the combat sport is boxing and the athlete 9 is a boxer. However, it is understood that the training equipment 1 according to this disclosure, with any adaptations for the specific case, can also be used for other sports, such as Thai boxing, full contact, mixed martial arts or others.

The training apparatus 1 comprises a shape 2 and a management unit 6. The shape 2 has a three-dimensional shape and in particular has an anthropomorphic shape, comprising at least a head 21 and a torso 22. The shape 2 comprises a plurality of targets (indicated generically with the reference number 3 and specifically with the reference numbers from 30 to 40) intended to be hit by the athlete 9 during a workout.

In practice, the template 2 reproduces the main parts of the body of a human opponent that are relevant during a fight, i.e. the head and torso, and on the template 2 some regions of the body are made evident which, during a fight, it is important to hit. because they represent "weak points" or sensitive areas of the opponent: these regions to be hit are represented by the targets 3.

In the specific embodiment illustrated, the head 21 of the shape 2 has the following eight targets which are positioned in respective positions which correspond

to regions of the head of a human opponent:

� target 30: right temple;

� target 31: right eye;

� target 32: left eye;

� target 33: left temple;

� target 34: right chin;

� target 35: front chin;

� target 36: left chin;

� target 37: sub-chin.

In the specific embodiment illustrated, the torso 22 of the shape 2 has the following three targets which are positioned in respective positions which correspond to

regions of the torso of a human opponent, identified by the underlying internal organ: � target 38: liver;

� target 39: solar plexus (i.e., pit of the stomach);

� target 40: spleen.

In different embodiments, the head 21 and / or the torso 22 of the shape 2 can comprise a subset of such targets 30-40 and / or comprise other targets 3 positioned in other positions.

On the template 2, the targets 30-40 are each identified with a respective number (for example from 0 to 10) or with a respective letter (for example from A to K); the respective number or letter is written on the surface of each target 3, so as to be visible to the athlete 9 during training.

The shape 2 is made for example with an internal rigid shell 25 made of plastic or fiberglass, which is externally coated with a padding layer 26. For example, the padding layer 26 is foam and has a thickness S26 of 8 cm.

The targets 3 are cut into the padding layer 26 of the shape 2 and protrude from the surface 20 of the shape 2 (ie from the visible surface of the padding layer 26) for a height H3 of for example 2 cm. The shape and dimensions of the visible protruding face 300 of the target 3 depend on the region in which the target is located. For example, the visible protruding face 300 of a target 3 has a circular shape with a diameter D3 comprised between 5 and 10 cm. The target 3 is configured to re-enter the shape 2 under the action of a blow or punch by the athlete 9 on the visible face 300 of the target 3 itself.

For this purpose, the target 3 comprises a piston 41, which is slidable between a first position and a second position. The first position corresponds to a rest position, in which the target 3 is partially protruding from the surface 20 of the shape 2, as described above, and is ready to receive a blow or punch from the athlete 9. The second position corresponds to a position stroke end at which the piston 41 reaches under the action of a blow or punch of the athlete 9 on the target 3. In particular, in the second position the target 3 is sunk into the shape 2.

The sliding movement between the first position and the second position, and vice versa, is a translation along a translation axis 410 which is substantially orthogonal to the visible projecting face 300 of the target 3 and, locally, also to the surface 20 of the shape 2.

The target 3 further comprises a return element, in particular an elastic spring 42, for returning the piston 41 to the first position.

The piston 41 slides in a cylinder base 44 which is fixed to the internal rigid shell 25 of the shape 2. The elastic spring 42 is housed in the cylinder base 44, which is compressed by the piston 41 during the movement from the first position to the second position .

The target 3 comprises a piece of padding 46, having a height H46 of for example 3 cm. The padding piece 46 is fixed to the piston 41 and, in the first position, the padding piece 46 protrudes from the surface 20 of the template 2 and defines said visible protruding face 300. The stroke of the athlete 9 then strikes the piece of padding 46 and, from this, the force of the blow is transferred to the piston 41, with translation towards the inside of the shape 2 and compression of the elastic spring 42. Depending on the intensity of the force acting (i.e. the strength of the stroke of the athlete 9), the piston 41 approaches more or less to the second position overcoming the contrast of the elastic spring 42.

When the acting force is removed, the elastic spring 42 pushes the piston 41 towards the first position and returns the target to the rest condition, ready to receive a new shot.

Each target 3 is provided with a respective hit detector 50, which detects whether the target 3 has actually been hit by the athlete 9. The management unit 6 is operatively connected to the hit detector 50 of each target 3 and therefore it receives information on the hit that is detected by each hit detector 50. In particular, the management unit 6 is connected to each hit detector 50 via respective electric cables or via wireless communication. The signal detected by the shock detector 50 is transmitted to the management unit 6, which processes it on the basis of its own internal software.

The shot detector 50 is at least able to establish whether athlete 9 has hit the respective target 3 with sufficient force to be able to classify the shot as a "hit". A simple contact of the athlete 9 with the target 3 or a very weak touch, which for example merely deforms the piece of padding 46 without causing the piston 41 to move, is not classifiable as a hit and therefore would not be detected as such. from the shock detector 50.

In the embodiment described here in detail, the strike detector 50 is also able to measure the force of the strike on the respective target 3. This information is also transmitted to the management unit 6.

Specifically, the blow detector 50 calculates the force of the blow on the basis of an amount of sliding of the sliding piston 41 under the action of a blow on the target 3, that is, on the basis of the extent of the displacement of the piston 41 from the first position towards the second position. The shock detector 50 comprises a rod 51 which is fixed to the piston 41 or to a plate 43 supporting the padding piece 46 (the piston 41 being fixed to this plate 43), so that the rod 51 is sliding integrally with the piston 41. The shock detector 50 further comprises a displacement meter or encoder 53 which is fixed to the cylinder base 44 and receives a portion of the rod 51.

When the piston 41 translates along the translation axis 410, the rod 51 moves with respect to the encoder 53, which measures the extent of the displacement and, therefore, measures how much the elastic spring 42 has been compressed following the blow. on target 3. This information is transmitted to the management unit 6, which calculates the force exerted on the piston 41 with the formula:

where F [in N] is the force exerted; k [in N / m] is the elastic constant of spring 42; u [in m] is the measured displacement.

This force F is converted into a strength P value of the stroke of athlete 9 with the formula:

where P is the force [traditionally expressed in kg] of the blow actually exerted, without the influence of the glove and padding 46 of target 3; g is the acceleration of gravity and is equal to 9.81 m / s <2>; t is an empirical correction factor [between 0 and 1] which takes into account the shock absorption due to the glove and padding 46, this empirical factor being obtained with experimental tests with various types of gloves.

Optionally, the force P in kilograms can be converted to pounds with the formula Plibbre = P × 2.204623.

The shape 2 can be fixed to a wall 99 or similar, so as to be placed vertically in front of the athlete 9 as if he were a human opponent. For this purpose, the template 2 comprises members for fixing to a wall 99. Specifically, the fixing members are configured to allow a height adjustment of the position of the template 2 on the wall 99. This is useful for allowing the athlete 9 to train by simulating opponents of different heights.

For example, the template 2 is fixed to a plate 56, which in turn is slidably mounted on rails 58 which are fixed to the wall 99. The rails 58 extend along a vertical direction and thus the sliding of the plate 56 along the rails 58 it involves a variation in height of the shape 2 with respect to a floor 98. The plate 56 and the tracks 58 are part of said fixing means which allow a height adjustment of the shape 2.

In one embodiment, this height adjustment can be carried out manually and removable locking elements are also provided to lock the shape 2 at the desired height and to release the locking when it is necessary to move the shape 2 to a different height.

In another embodiment, shown in the figures, the height adjustment can be carried out in a motorized way. For this purpose, an electric motor is provided which, through a transmission system, moves the shape 2 upwards or downwards, as needed. There is also a control panel 59 with buttons or keys 590 to operate the electric motor with an upward or downward movement, as needed.

In the illustrated embodiment, the shape 2 is hinged to the fixing plate 56, so that it can be opened to access the internal parts of the shape 2. Specifically, the bottom part of the shape 2 is hinged to the plate 56 along an axis of hinge 550 and can therefore be brought from a vertical position (operating condition or closed condition, shown in Figure 2) to a substantially horizontal position (non-operating condition or open condition, shown in Figures 4 and 5) in which the inside of the shape 2 is directly visible to a person. Articulated arms 55 limit the extent of the opening and prevent the shape 2 from being completely overturned towards the floor 98. When the shape 2 is in the open condition, it is possible to carry out any maintenance on its internal components such as the pistons 41, the springs 42 , the detectors 50, the electric cables.

A removable locking member, for example a movable tooth or a sliding hook of a substantially known type, allows the shape 2 to be locked in the operating condition, ie in a vertical position, and to unlock the shape 2 to bring it to the open condition when necessary.

Both the padding layer 20 of the template 2 and the padding pieces 46 of the targets 3 are coated with a respective layer or sheet 27, 47 of a material such as leather, imitation leather or PVC which has suitable characteristics of resistance to wear and tear and rubbing.

The management unit 6, which for example is a computer, is connected to the shape 2 and manages its operation. In particular, the management unit 6 is positioned in proximity to the shape 2. The management unit 6 is electrically powered by its own rechargeable battery or by the electrical network through a special power cable 68. In one embodiment, the management unit 6 electrically supplies the shock detectors 50 by means of a suitable cable; in particular, the management unit 6 is connected to the shape 2 by means of a USB type cable 67 which allows both the power supply of the shock detectors 50 and the transmission of data between the shock detectors 50 and the management unit 6.

During the training of athlete 9, the management unit 6 receives information on the shots that have been detected by the shot detectors 50 and processes this information to create a training report for athlete 9.

The training equipment 1 also includes an indicator that is operationally connected to the management unit 6: the management unit 6 indicates (that is, orders) athlete 9 a target 3 to be hit by the indicator. In particular, the signaling device is an acoustic diffuser, i.e. a speaker 63, which plays voice messages sent to it by the management unit 6.

Specifically, these voice messages are the numbers or letters with which the targets 3 are identified: for example, when the loudspeaker 63 calls the letter "A" the athlete 9 understands that he must hit the target 30 corresponding to the right temple ; when the loudspeaker 63 calls the letter "F", the athlete 9 understands that he must hit the target 35 corresponding to the front chin; when the loudspeaker 63 calls the letter "K", the athlete 9 understands that he must hit the target 40 corresponding to the spleen.

During training, the management unit 6 can indicate to the athlete 9 a combination of shots: in other words, the management unit 6 orders the athlete 9 a sequence of targets 3 to hit. Athlete 9 must perform the sequence (ie the combination of strokes) with maximum speed and effectiveness.

This sequence can be randomly generated by the management unit 6, or it can be a sequence pre-established by the coach based on a training program.

For example, voice messages are messages recorded with the coach's voice, so athlete 9 hears the instructions as if they came from the human coach.

The loudspeaker 63 can be physically separated from the management unit 6 (for example, the loudspeaker 63 is mounted on the plate 56 and is connected to the management unit 6 via a transmission cable 64 or via wireless), or it can be integrated into the management unit 6.

Alternatively or in addition to the loudspeaker 63, the signaling of the target 3 to be hit can also take place in other ways, for example by displaying the corresponding number or letter on a screen 62 which is visible to athlete 9 during training.

The management unit 6 processes the information received from the strike detectors 50 to establish whether the athlete 9 has actually hit the target 3 indicated by the signaling device. The management unit 6 can thus process a training report which, for example, contains the percentage of hits, the strength of each hit, the regions where the hits were strongest and the regions where the hits were strongest. they were less strong.

Specifically, the training report contains the following data:

� name and surname of the athlete;

� weight in kilograms or pounds;

� percentages of exact combinations during the individual shots of the last workout;

� kilograms of force (or pounds of force) exerted by the most effective blow and the weakest blow, region of the blow, indication of the resumption of the last workout.

The training report can be saved, so as to allow an analysis of the performance of the athlete 9 over time. In particular, a personal data file is stored for each athlete 9, thus obtaining a database through which for the coach (technician or trainer) and for the athlete 9 it is possible to detect the performance over time and the improvements acquired.

The training report can also contain a general statistic of all the workouts performed over time, with percentage values of the combinations performed correctly during shooting and values in kilograms or pounds of strength of the most effective and weakest blows. Based on this statistic, which is processed by the management unit 6, the coach / sports technician will be able to work on the specific less effective and less precise shot and / or on the combinations performed incorrectly, to obtain improvements in the athlete's performance 9 .

Furthermore the training report can be made public, also to stimulate a competition among 9 athletes worldwide.

If the management unit 6 has an internet connection, the data collected is sent to a central server, from which the data is made public via an internet site. Therefore it will be possible to create a competition between the gyms of the world. The maximum records for the individual weight categories can be viewed on a main page of the website. The management unit 6, for example with a touch screen 62, also has a bluetooth interface that allows individual athletes 9 to download their data onto their mobile phones. To view the performances, the individual athletes 9 must download a specific application from the internet.

An example of how to use training equipment 1 is described below.

At the first start of management unit 6, the coach is asked to enter data relating to the gym, federation, city and state, as well as to choose whether to measure weight in kilograms or in pounds. The coach has his own login and password to access the software system of the management unit 6.

The coach is also asked to pronounce the numbers or letters that identify the targets 3. The technician's voice is recorded to obtain the voice messages that will be used during training. The individual athletes 9 will thus be able to hear the voice of their coach who will indicate the numbers or letters of the individual combinations of strokes in their own language.

The coach must also enter the data relating to the athletes 9 who will use the training equipment 1. Specifically, the data to be entered are the following: � name and surname of the athlete;

Weight;

� right or left guard.

Before each workout, athlete 9 must choose their name from the list of names entered. In addition to this he must enter the data relating to the training session, i.e .:

� type of glove [specification of ounces];

� duration of a shot in minutes [1-2-3];

� quantity of shots to be performed [from 1 to 12];

� one minute warm-up [yes / no].

Once the data has been entered, the training equipment 1 begins the training phase: the management unit 6 dictates, through the loudspeaker 63, random sequences of numbers or letters (corresponding to the respective targets 30-40) that are set in the system , or standard system combinations or combinations preset by the coach. In fact, the coach can insert his own combinations, which can be saved, modified or deleted. The standard system combinations are not erasable or editable.

Based on the weight entered for athlete 9, the software of the management unit 6 determines the minimum force for accepting the hit. The management unit 6 stores the amount of exact combinations achieved during each single shot. It also stores the maximum force and the minimum force exerted on the targets 3. Once the training session is over, the performance data of the athlete 9 are displayed at least in part on the screen 62. Specifically, at least the

following data is displayed:

Percentage (0 to 100%) of precise combinations made during the

session for each single shot;

� shots and region with maximum and minimum force during individual shots.

As already described above, a personal data file is stored for the athlete 9.

In detail, a combination consists of the following stages:

� concentration and learning of the vocal sequence of numbers or letters contained in the combination. The duration of this phase is 3 seconds and

at the end it will have an auditory signal (for example a “beep”);

� execution of the combination. The duration of this phase is equal to 2 seconds and at the end it will have an auditory signal that will indicate the correct execution (for example a “beep”) or the wrong execution (for example a “wa”);

� phase of deconcentration, lasting 5 seconds.

The total time of a combination is 10 seconds. In relation to the duration

recovery this involves the following types:

� if the workout has been set up with 1-minute shots, 100% of the exact combinations will be equal to 6 combinations performed correctly;

� if the workout has been set up with 2-minute shots, 100% of the exact combinations will be equal to 12 combinations performed correctly; � if the workout has been set up with 3-minute shots, 100% of the exact combinations will be equal to 18 combinations performed correctly.

Between one round and the next one there is a recovery or rest phase with a duration of one minute.

Athlete 9 can also choose the option of a one-minute warm-up recovery. During the warm-up resumption, single shots are dictated randomly every 2 seconds. The same acoustic signal as described above indicates the correct or incorrect execution of the shot.

The object of the present disclosure has been described up to now with reference to its embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments may exist which pertain to the same inventive core, all falling within the protection scope of the claims set out below.

Claims (12)

CLAIMS 1. Training apparatus (1) for an athlete (9) of a combat sport, comprising a template (2) and a management unit (6), the template (2) comprising a plurality of targets (3) intended for being hit by an athlete (9) during a workout, each of these targets (3) being provided with a respective hit detector (50), the management unit (6) being operationally connected to each hit detector (50) to receive information about hits that are detected by hit detectors (50). Training apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein each strike detector (50) is adapted to measure a force of a strike on the respective target (3). Training apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each target (3) comprises a piston (41) sliding between a first position and a second position, the first position being a rest position and the second position being an end-of-stroke position under the action of a shot on the respective target (3), each target (3) further comprising a return element (42) for returning the piston (41) to the first position. 4. Training apparatus (1) according to claims 2 and 3, wherein said return element (42) is an elastic spring and the force of the blow is measured based on an amount of sliding of the piston (41) under the action of a strike on the respective target (3). Training apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shape (2) has an anthropomorphic shape comprising at least a head (21) and a torso (22). Training apparatus (1) according to claim 5, wherein the head (21) comprises targets (3) positioned in at least some of the following positions: right temple (30), right eye (31), left eye (32) , left temple (33), right chin (34), front chin (35), left chin (36), chin (37). Training apparatus (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the torso (22) comprises targets (3) positioned in at least some of the following positions: liver (38), solar plexus (39), spleen (40) . Training apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a signaling device (63), in particular an acoustic diffuser, which is operably connected to the management unit (6), the management unit ( 6) being configured to indicate to the athlete (9) a target to hit (3) by means of said signaling device (63). Training apparatus (1) according to claim 8, wherein the management unit (6) is configured to process the information received from the hit detectors (50) to determine if the athlete (9) has hit the target (3) indicated. 10. Training equipment (1) according to claim 8 or 9, in which the management unit (6) is configured to indicate to the athlete (9) a combination and / or a sequence of targets (3) to hit. Training apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the management unit (6) is configured to process the information received from the shot detectors (50) to create a training report of the athlete (9). Training apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the template (2) comprises fastening members (56, 58) to a wall (99), said fastening members (56, 58) being configured to allow height adjustment of the position of the template (2) on the wall (99).