WO2007012830A2

WO2007012830A2 - Sparring apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2007012830A2
Application number: PCT/GB2006/002756
Authority: WO
Inventors: Said Zohredin-Mahmoud
Original assignee: Modern Sports Equipment Company Limited
Priority date: 2005-07-23
Filing date: 2006-07-24
Publication date: 2007-02-01

Abstract

The invention relates to a sparring apparatus, and in particular a sparring apparatus comprising a support assembly being arranged to movably support a punchbag. A sparring apparatus comprising a support assembly being arranged to movably support a punchbag so as to provide at least two degrees of freedom of movement of the punchbag.

Description

SPARRING APPARATUS

The invention relates to a sparring apparatus, and in particular a sparring apparatus comprising a support assembly being arranged to movably support a punchbag.

Background of the Invention

The design of traditional punch bags used for boxing training has remained unchanged for many years and utilizes a stationary bag which only exercises the upper body and arms. Additional exercises are necessary to build up leg muscles.

US 5 048 822 discloses a sparring apparatus comprising a support assembly having a circular or oval track along which a punchbag can move. A drive unit may move the punchbag along the track at various speeds and in either direction.

The listing or discussion of a prior-published document in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a sparring apparatus comprising a support assembly being arranged to movably support a punchbag so as to provide at least two degrees of freedom of movement of the punchbag.

The support assembly may comprise a first mechanism arranged to support the punchbag for linear or rotational movement; and a second mechanism arranged to support the first mechanism for linear or rotational movement.

The support assembly may comprise a first rotary mechanism arranged to support the punchbag for rotation about a first axis; and a second rotary mechanism arranged to support the first rotary mechanism for rotation about a second axis.

The support assembly may comprise a rotary mechanism arranged to support the punchbag for rotation about an axis; and a linear mechanism arranged to support the rotary mechanism for linear movement along a track.

The support assembly may comprise a linear mechanism arranged to support the punchbag for linear movement along a track; and a rotary mechanism arranged to support the linear mechanism for rotation about an axis.

The support assembly may comprise a first linear mechanism arranged to support the punchbag for linear movement along a first track; and a second linear mechanism arranged to support the first linear mechanism for linear movement along a second track.

The support assembly may comprise a linear mechanism arranged to support the punchbag for linear movement along a track; a first rotary mechanism arranged to support the linear mechanism for rotation about a first axis; and a second rotary mechanism arranged to support the first rotary mechanism for rotation about a second axis.

The support assembly may be arranged such that movement of the punchbag is caused or assisted by a user striking the punchbag. The sparring apparatus ma)' comprise a plurality of drive motors arranged to move the support assembly and thereby the punchbag.

The sparring apparatus ma}⁷ comprise the punchbag. The punchbag may include one or more sensors at predetermined locations and configured to feedback information to a control unit.

The one or more sensors may include one or more accelerometers. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more sensors may include one or more pressure sensors.

The sparring apparatus may include a plurality of sensors associated with respective sections of the punchbag, said sections spaced vertically and/or horizontally about the punchbag.

The sparring apparatus may comprise a control unit. The control unit may be configured to record times at which output signals of the one or more sensors indicate striking of the punchbag. The control unit may be configured to calculate a force applied to the punchbag based on output signals of the one or more sensors. The control unit may be configured to record the location at which the punchbag is struck as determined by outputs of the plurality of sensors. The control unit may be configured to control the drive motors according to a predefined pattern. The control unit may be configured to allow selection by a user of one of a number of predefined patterns. The control unit may be configured to allow a user to predefine a pattern.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a control unit for a sparring apparatus, the sparring apparatus comprising a support assembly being arranged to movably support a punchbag so as to provide at least two degrees of freedom of movement of the punchbag.

The control unit may be configured to record times at which output signals of one or more sensors located in the punchbag indicate striking of the punchbag. The- control unit ma)' be configured to calculate a force applied to the punchbag based on output signals of one or more sensors located in the punchbag. The control unit may he configured to record the location at which, the punchbag is struck as determined by outputs of a plurality of sensors located in respective sections of the punchbag. The control unit may be configured to control drive motors of the support assembly according to a predefined pattern. The control unit may be configured to allow selection by a user of one of a number of predefined patterns. The control unit may be configured, to allow a user to predefine a pattern. The control unit may be operable to move the punchbag according to a routine comprising a plurality of sections, each specifying at least one of the following parameters: (i) direction of movement; (ϋ) speed; (iii) acceleration; (iv) time; (v) path of movement described.

There is also provided a method of controlling a sparring apparatus, the method comprising moving the punchbag according to a routine comprising a plurality of sections, each specifying at least one of the following parameters: (i) direction of movement; (ϋ) speed; (iii) acceleration; (iv) time; (v) path of movement described.

The present invention includes one or more aspects, embodiments and/or features of said aspects and/or embodiments in isolation and/or in various^" combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that the invention may more readily be understood, a description is now given, by way of example only, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 shows a sparring apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a sparring apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a punchbag according to the invention; Figure 4 shows a sp airing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 shows a sparring apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows a sparring apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 shows a sparring apparatus according to a sixth, embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 shows a sparring apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 shows sequences for sparring apparatus according to the invention.

Figure 10 shows a control unit and associated apparatus; Figures 11 to 23 illustrate further aspects of the sparring apparatus.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Sparring apparatus 100 as shown in Figure 1 comprises a punchbag 102 and a support assembly 110.

The support assembly 110 comprises a linear mechanism 120 arranged to support the punchbag 102 for linear movement along a track 122. The linear mechanism 120 includes a secondary beam 124 along which a girder trolley 126 runs. The secondary beam 124 includes stops (not shown) to limit: the movement of the girder trolley 126. The secondary beam 124, girder trolley 126 and stops cooperate to define the track 122. The punchbag 102 is suspended from the underneath of the girder trolley 126. The secondary beam 124 carries a counterweight 128 arranged to counter the weight of the punchbag 102. •

The support assembly 110 further comprises a first rotary mechanism 130 arranged to support the -linear mechanism 120 for rotation about a first axis 132.

The first rotary mechanism 130 includes a first bearing 134 which is attached to the secondary beam 124 and to a primary beam 144 and allows relative rotation of the two beams 124. 144 through 360 degrees.

The support assembly 110 further comprises a second rotary mechanism 140 arranged to support the first rotary mechanism 130 for rotation about a second axis 142. The second rotary mechanism 140 includes a second bearing 146 which is attached to the primary beam 144 and to a frame housing 148 and allows relative rotation of the primary beam 144 relative to the frame housing 148 through 360 degrees.

The remainder of the support assembly 110 comprises a fixed support frame 112 consisting of four vertical pillars 114, four cross members 116 connecting the upper ends of the adjacent vertical pillars 114 and two cross members 118 connecting the upper ends of diagonally opposing vertical pillars 114. The intersection of the cross members 118 in conjunction with a wire frame 120 supports the frame housing 148.

In use, a user strikes the punchbag 102. The support assembly 110 freely supports the punchbag 102 such that the force imparted on the punchbag 102 by the user moves the punchbag 102 and thereby the support assembly 110. The support assembly 110 provides for three degrees of freedom in the motion of the punchbag 102, resulting in a seemingly erratic movement of the punchbag 102 resembling that of a real opponent. The three degrees of freedom are provided respectively by the linear mechanism 120 and the first and second rotary mechanisms 130, 140. .

Figure 2 shows a sparring apparatus 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein each feature being identical to that of the first embodiment is given the same reference number.

The sparring apparatus 200 includes a punchbag 102 and a linear mechanism 120 identical to those of the first embodiment. A first rotary mechanism 230 of the sparring apparatus 200 includes a first electric drive motor 234 in addition to the components of the first rotary mechanism 130. The first electric drive motor 234 can be controlled to determine the speed and direction of the rotation of, and/or to set a position of, the linear mechanism 120 relative to the primary beam 142.

A second rotary mechanism 240 of the sparring apparatus 200 includes a second electric drive motor 246 in addition to the components of the second rotary mechanism 140. The second electric drive motor 246 provides for a ISO degree relative rotation of the first rotary mechanism 230 relative to a king post 248, which replaces the frame housing 148 and fixed support frame 112 of the first embodiment. The second electric drive motor 246 can be controlled to determine the speed and direction of the rotation, and/or to set a position of, the first rotary mechanism 230 relative to the king post 248.

Although, in the first embodiment, movement of the punchbag 102 is caused by the user striking the punchbag 102 and, in the second embodiment, movement of the punchbag is caused by the drive motors, it is to be understood that the punchbag of any sparring apparatus described herein may be moved by a force imparted by the user, or by drive motors, or by a combination of the two, for example an arrangement whereby the punchbag is stationary until struck by the user whereupon it moves away to simulate the recoil of a real opponent.

Figure 3 shows a punchbag 102 according to the invention. The punchbag 102 includes first and second accelerometers 10, 12 located respectively in upper and lower regions of the punchbag 102. The punchbag 102 further includes a removable base 14 which can be removed in order to add or remove weights 16 internal to the punchbag 102. The punchbag includes a socket 103 to allow its removal from the sparring apparatus. The punchbag 102 may be replaced with one more suited to the user, for example a lower and/or smaller punchbag for use by children or disabled people. Figure 4 shows a sparring apparatus 300 according to a third embodiment of the invention. A support assembly 310 of the sparring apparatus 300 comprises a rotary mechanism 320 arranged to support the punchbag 102 for rotation about an axis 322, and a linear mechanism 330 arranged to support the rotary mechanism 320 for linear movement along a track 332, The linear mechanism 330 includes a ceiling-mounted beam 334. The rotary mechanism 320 includes a counterweight 350 to counter the weight of the punchbag 102.

Figure 5 shows a sparring apparatus 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. A support assembly 410 of the sparring apparatus 400 comprises a first linear mechanism 420 arranged to support the punchbag 102 for linear movement along a first track 412, and a second linear mechanism 430 arranged to support the first linear mechanism 420 for linear movement along a second track 432. The second linear mechanism 430 includes a ceiling-mounted beam 434. The linear movement provided by the first linear mechanism 420 is transverse to that provided by the second linear mechanism 430.

Figure 6 shows a sparring apparatus 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. The sparring apparatus 500 is identical to the sparring apparatus 400 except that the beam 534 is floor-mounted.

Figure 7 shows a sparring apparatus 600 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. The sparring apparatus 600 is identical to the sparring apparatus 300 except that the beam 534 is floor-mounted.

Figure 8 shows a sparring apparatus 700_. according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. A support assembly 710 of the sparring apparatus 700 comprises a linear mechanism 720 arranged to support the punchbag 102 for linear movement along a track 722, a first rotary mechanism 730 arranged to support the linear mechanism 720 for rotation about a first axis 732, and a second rotary mechanism 740 arranged to support the first rotary mechanism 730 for rotation about a second axis 742. Figure 9 shows examples of sequences for sparring apparatus according to the invention. Sequences 901 to 905 can be executed for example by sparring apparatus 300 shown in Figure 4, while sequences 906 to 911 can be executed for example by sparring apparatus 400 shown in Figure 5.

Figure 10 shows a control unit 1000 according to the invention. The control unit 1000 interfaces with the sensors 10, 12 located in the punchbag 102 and the drive motors 234, 246.

The control unit 1000 receives data to control the position of each axis of the sparring apparatus and other requirements such as a start time, warning sounds and camera angles. The control unit 1000 monitors commands, the current position of the sparring apparatus on a regular basis, coordinates of strikes to the punchbag and other data regarding strikes to the punchbag. On power up, the control unit 1000 sets the punchbag to a start position.

The power requirement of the first and second drive motors 234, 246 is about 1.5kW and 2.2kW respectively. Both of these figures include a reserve. The power is supplied by servo drive amplifiers. The maximum electrical input requirement is about 20A on a single-phase supply. The drive motors 234, 246 may be Allen Bradley MPG-A geared motors. Drive units for the motors may be Allen Bradley Ultra3000 units. The drive units may form part of an interface unit.

A feedback system returns an absolute positional feedback for each axis of the sparring apparatus to the control unit 1000. The feedback is accurate to within 5mm. The feedback system includes one or more sensors (not shown), for example a two-phase optical device, which monitor markings along the axis or around a bearing. The markings are 50/50 mark/unmark to provide the required A- quadrant output. The sensors 10, 12 within the punchbag 102 are 2-axis accelero meters. Each sensor 10_., 12 includes an amplifier and an RS485 interface, with a single cable connecting the punchbag 102 to the control unit 1000. The control unit 1000 is able to calculate the force of a strike to the punchbag 102 from the sensor signals, and to record times at which output signals of the sensors 10, 12 indicate striking of the punchbag 102.

In a variant, an array of sensors is positioned around the punchbag 102 such that position of the strike on the punchbag 102 can be determined. The sensors are spaced horizontally and vertically. In a further variant, the density of the sensors varies according to the position on the punchbag.

Emergency stop buttons (not shown) are positioned around the sparring apparatus and are connected to the control unit 1000. The control unit 1000 breaks the power to the drive motors 234, 246 in response to a button being pressed. When the button is released, the control unit 1000 moves the sparring apparatus to the start position.

In one embodiment, the control unit 1000 comprises a personal computer (PC) running software to implement the invention, in conjunction with an interface unit.

The interface unit communicates with the PC via a USB interface, controls the drive motors, and sends data to the PC for storage and analysis. The PC runs a user interface developed using Microsoft's Visual Basic .Net and stores data in a

Microsoft Access database. Interaction with the software is via a combination of touch screen technology, optical mouse and keyboard.

The control unit 1000 is configured to control the electric drive motors 234, 246 according to a predefined pattern, and to allow selection by a user of one of a number of predefined patterns. The control unit 1000 further allows a user to predefine or edit a pattern. A predefined pattern may be constitute a practice routine, a fight routine, a representation of the movements of a fighter in a celebrated fight, or the movements of the user or his opponent hi a previous fight, optionally modified to optimise performance or training.

The control of the electric drive motors may be set to a random sequence, optionally with an "intelligence" mode whereby the control unit 1000 notes what actions have already been done and (ij incorporates actions not already done, and/or (ϋ) repeats or modifies any actions which were not done, or not done successfully or acceptabfy, by the boxer.

The sparring apparatus and associated equipment includes a display unit 1002. as seen in Figure 10, to show the routine which is selected and being operated, together with a summary of, and comparison with, the boxer's previous performances. Also the display unit displays where, within the routine presently selected, the boxer is and indicating what further actions and/or path of the punchbag is still to be done.

The display unit 1002 presents a graphical user interface to the user. When the control unit 1000 is switched on, it communicates with the interface unit to perform a system self check to determine which type of equipment is connected and its operating status. Once the system is ready, a login screen appears on the user interface. A designated person, typically a trainer, can then login and administer the system, including creating users (e.g. boxers) of the system, setting up any details required to be saved, creating/amending fight and training sessions, installing pre-written fight/training sessions from CD/DVD, obtaining and comparing statistical reports, and saving data and video to DVD. Once logged in, a main menu appears having a number of options including (i) training sessions, (ϋ) replay sessions, (ϋi) view reports and (iv) admin panel. To start a new training session, a boxer and a session is chosen from lists presented by the user interface.

The sparring apparatus includes a video camera 1004, as seen in Figure 10, whereby the user is able to record his training session for later review and analysis. Output from the camera ma}' be used to check that the intended predefined pattern is followed.

The session may be recorded by the camera 1004 for replaying at a later time. In the replay sessions area, side-by-side comparisons of recorded sessions can be viewed. A function to save recorded training sessions to DVD for viewing on other audio visual equipment is provided. The control unit 1000 may record statistical data such as a number of hits, a distance travelled by the user, and a percentage of hits over a set distance during a training session for comparison and analysis. The statistics may be presented in graphical form, and can be printed along with screenshots or still photographs. The user interface includes an admin panel which has the following features: (i) import session (pre-written sessions to control the apparatus can be imported from a number of areas including CD, USB stick, DVD, email and downloads from websites); (ii) export session (just as sessions are imported, they can be exported using the same facilities); (iii) create session (the administrator can create new control sessions); (iv) edit sessions (control sessions can be amended and saved as new sessions); (v) add boxer (boxers including all their details such as name, age, weight etc); (vi) edit boxer (boxer's details can be edited as required).

In a variant, the punchbag emits a noise to prompt the user to strike it. A frequency or volume of the noise may indicate the desired strength of the strike, optionally based on the number, timing or strength of previous strikes and/or the path taken by the punchbag. In another variant, a light, for example a light- emitting diode (LED) in the punchbag is illuminated when a strike of a certain force is made to the punchbag. The strength of the illumination may vary according to the strength of the punch.

Figures 11 to 22 illustrate further aspects of the sparring apparatus.

These aspects may provide any one or more of the following advantages: • This single piece of equipment allows the bod}' to be exercised at the same time.

• The need for outdoor "roadwork', or the use of other equipment, is reduced. • Because the punchbag moves, it improves hand/eye coordination and speed of reaction.

• The design can be used for training traditional boxers, kick-boxers and other martial arts.

• It can also be used for maintaining general fitness by anyone, including women and children.

• A range of tracks is described to suit available space, different applications and cost.

• Punchbags of different weights are easily interchangeable, and use a common mounting on each track. • Punchbags of different designs can be incorporated e.g the bag shown optimized for kick-boxing. A different profile is proposed for conventional boxing.

• There is scope for further enhancement e.g computerized motion control of the bag.

The punchbag of Figure 11 comprises a central tube (2002) mounted on the top flange (2001). Layers of foam rubber are wound around the tube and secured below its lower flange. The whole assembly is encased in an outer skin of leather or plastic (2004), and secured in position by tightening the fixing band (2005). The whole assembly is supported from its mounting flange (2007) by means of, up to, eight, interchangeable springs (2006). The mounting flange has a central location hole and two location pins (2008) enabling quick mounting on the various tracks available. A location bush (2009) is mounted on the bottom of the central tube for applications where a rigid mounting is preferred (see Figure 2010). Various densities of foam rubber are available to produce punchbags of different weights for the range of boxing categories, and by selecting the number and stiffness of the mounting springs, the rigidity of the assembly can be varied.

Figure 12 shows the layout of the whole straight track assembly and it can be seen how the boxer moves the punchbag as he strikes it, from one end of the track to the other. The track illustrated is eight metres long, but this is not fixed.

Figure 13 gives details of the carriage. The main beam assembly (2020) is made from a proprietary system based on an extruded aluminium frame which is secured to the ground. Hardened and ground shafts (2021) are mounted above and below the main horizontal section. The carriage (2025) supports two bearing assemblies which run along the shafts. The upper bearing unit (2022) contains two fixed rollers whereas the lower unit (2023) contains two eccentric rollers, which are adjusted to give the correct sliding clearance on the shafts. A rubber buffer (2024) is mounted at the extremes of travel.

Figure 14 shows the means of securing the punch bag onto the carriage. The bag is raised and positioned on the central location (2029) and then rotated until its two location pins come to rest in the side locations (2026). The pins are locked, in position using the two latch clamps (2028).

Figure 15 shows the adjustable brake which allows the friction level between carriage and slide to be adjusted. A boss (2030) is secured through the carriage and through this passes a spindle (2031) on which a rubber bush (2033) is mounted. By rotating the handle (2032) compression of the rubber bush is varied and the degree of interference between it and a groove in the horizontal beam is set to give the correct interference. Braking could be carried out by other means such as friction plates or magnetic field.

Figure 16 shows the overall layout of this variation. The central stand (2040) and radial arm (2041) are made from a proprietary extruded aluminium system and the stand is secured to the ground. A strut (2042) gives additional support to the radial arm.

Figure 17 shows details of the bearing housing and punchbag mounting assembly. A shaft (2048) is mounted vertically in the central stand and over this, a lower bearing housing (2045) and an upper bearing (2043) housing are positioned. The housings support deep grooved ball bearing (2046 and 2044). The radial beam is mounted off the lower bearing housing and the strut ties the upper bearing housing and radial arm together. A cover (2047) hides the bearings. The punch bag support is identical to that used on the straight beam, but a different mounting bracket (2049) is used. This can be positioned anywhere along the radial arm for additional flexibility. The radial arm shown is two metres long, but this can be varied as desired.

Figure 18 shows a variation on the straight track described above in "which the punchbag rotates around a shaft (2056) mounted on the carriage, as it moves along the track, giving a compound motion. This means that at various times the bag is moving towards, away from, and sideways to the boxer. The shaft is supported by identical bearings to those used on the circular track (see above) and mounted in a bearing housing (2055). The housing is fixed to the standard carriage used on the straight track. A cover (2057) conceals the bearings. A radial arm (2058) supports the standard bag mounting assembly.

The Figure 19 variation introduces a compound motion to the circular track. All the components (bearing housing, bearings, shaft and bearing housing) are common to the compound straight beam.

Figure 20 illustrates two variations on the previous straight track

• A simplified, lower cost track design • A means of supporting the bag rigidly so that it does not swing - useful for practicing kick boxing. The track (2070) is made from a straight section of steel bar and is supported by two end supports (2071). A center support (2072) enables long lengths of track to be used without the track sagging. The standard punch bag is used, but is mounted on, and supported by a vertical steel bar (2073). The upper end of the bar holds a steel ring (2074) modified to run along the track and pass the center support. The lower end of the bar passed freely through a plastic bush (2075) which runs along a straight slot on the base plate (2076). The base plate is mounted on a rolled steel section frame (2077).

The design of Figure 21 induces side-to-side movement as the punch bag moves along the track and is a combination of previous ideas, except that the track (2081) is bent into a 'Z' profile instead of a straight section. End and center supports are identical to those shown in Figure 20, and the same runner is used. A shorter bag support bar (2082) is used, allowing the bag to swing.

The design of Figure 22 is a combination of the previous two ideas where the bag moves along a 'Z' track but is held rigidly for practicing kick boxing. The only additional components are the base plate (2090) and base frame (2091). These incorporate a slot which is an identical profile to the 'Z^! beam, allowing side-to- side movement as the punch bag moves forward.

The moving punchbag designs described herein allow the bag to move away from the boxer, enabling the whole body to be exercised.

The various designs allow the punch bag to move in different ways to suit different applications, cost and available space.

Punchbags of different weights are interchangeable to suit the range of boxing weight categories. The moving punch bags described herein allow the bag to move away from the boxer in variety of ways, depending on the specific equipment, enabling the boxer to exercise his legs as well as his upper body.

Figure 18 shows one example of this, where the bag moves in a circular manner whilst the boxer punches it away from him. In this example, therefore, the bag has a compound movement - at times the bag is approaching the boxer and at other times moving away.

Figure 23 illustrates yet further aspects of the apparatus.

These aspects further enhance the aspects of the apparatus shown in Figures 11 to 22.

The addition of computer-controlled movement of the punchbag is intended to improve the boxer's reaction time and co-ordination as well as providing exercise for the whole body.

These aspects relate to a punchbag which is moved along a shaped rack in a pre- determined, irregular motion, allowing the boxer to improve his reaction time and co-ordination, and exercise his legs at the same time as his upper body and arms and may provide any one or more of the following advantages.

• Co-ordination and reaction time are improved.

• Movement and speed of the punchbag are pre-programmed. A programme can be selected to suit the ability of the user.

• The programme cycle time can be set for various applications e.g 15, three minute rounds with a one minute rest between rounds.

• The principle can be applied to the range of tracks shown in Figures 11 to 22 to suit available space, different applications and cost. Figure 23 shows the layout of the whole straight track assembly and the position of the motor/encoder and control panel. The track illustrated is eight metres long, but this is not fixed.

The vertically mounted motor drives a toothed belt via a pulley. Each end of the belt is connected to the carriage through a tensioning device. As the motor rotates, the carriage and punch bag are moved along the track in a pre-determhied manner. A sensor is mounted on the beam to give a datum position to the computer and the encoder is used to monitor carriage position with respect to the datum. The motion programme can be selected at the control panel by the operator, and altered by a trained technician. Guarding of all moving parts is fitted, but not shown here for clarity.

The principle of computer-controlled movement can be applied to the range of tracks shown in Figures 11 to 22.

The motorised punch bag design described herein allows the bag to move in a predetermined manner, forcing the boxer to follow it and exercise the whole body.

The (apparently) random movement of the punch bag improves the boxer's reaction time and hand/eye co-ordination.

The equipment can be used by disciplines other than boxing to give cardiovascular exercise.

The motorised punch bag described herein allows the bag to move in a variety of ways, depending on a pre-selected programme, enabling the boxer to exercise bis legs as well as his upper body, and improve his reaction time and hand/eye coordination.

The addition of computer-controlled motion in the motorised version, further enhances the design to improve the user's reaction time and co-ordination. The moving punch bag designs described herein allow the bag to move in relationship to the boxer, enabling the whole body to be exercised.

By "compound" movement is meant herein that the sparring apparatus provides at least two degrees of freedom of movement of the punchbag.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A sparring apparatus comprising a support assembly being arranged to movably support a punchbag so as to provide at least two degrees of freedom of movement of the punchbag.

2. The sparring apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support assembly comprises a first mechanism arranged to support the punchbag for linear or rotational movement; and a second mechanism arranged to support the first mechanism for linear or rotational movement.

2. The sparring apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support assembly comprises a first rotary mechanism arranged to support the punchbag for rotation about a first axis; and a second rotary mechanism arranged to support the first rotary mechanism for rotation about a second axis.

3. The sparring apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support assembly comprises a rotary mechanism arranged to support the punchbag for rotation about an axis; and a linear mechanism arranged to support the rotary mechanism for linear movement along a track.

4. The sparring apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support assembly comprises a linear mechanism arranged to support the punchbag for linear movement along a track; and a rotary mechanism arranged to support the linear mechanism for rotation about an axis.

5. The sparring apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support assembly comprises a fust linear mechanism arranged to support the punchbag for linear movement along a first track; and a second linear mechanism arranged to support the first linear mechanism for linear movement along a second track.

6. The sparring apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support assembly comprises a linear mechanism arranged to support the punchbag for linear movement along a track; a first rotary mechanism arranged to support the linear mechanism for rotation about a first axis; and a second rotary mechanism arranged to support the first rotary mechanism for rotation about a second axis.

7. The sparring apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the support assembly is arranged such that movement of the punchbag is caused by a user striking the punchbag.

8. The sparring apparatus of any preceding claim comprising a plurality of drive motors arranged to move the support assembly and thereby the punchbag.

9. The sparring apparatus of claim 1 wherein the punchbag includes one or more sensors at predetermined locations and configured to feedback information to a control unit.

10. The sparring apparatus of claim 9 wherein the one or more sensors include one or more accelerometers.

11. The sparring apparatus of claim 9 wherein the one or more sensors include one or more pressure sensors.

12. The sparring apparatus of claim 9 including a plurality of sensors associated with respective sections of the punchbag. T?

13. The sparring apparatus of claim 9 comprising the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to record times at which output signals of the one or more sensors indicate striking of the punchbag.

14. The sparring apparatus of claim 9 comprising the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to calculate a force applied to the punchbag based on output signals of the one or more sensors.

15. The sparring apparatus of claim 12 comprising the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to record the location at which the punchbag is struck as determined by outputs of the plurality of sensors.

16. The sparring apparatus of claim 8 comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control the drive motors according to a predefined pattern.

17. The sparring apparatus of claim 16 wherein the control unit is configured to allow selection by a user of one of a number of predefined patterns.

18. The sparring apparatus of claim 16 wherein the control unit is configured to allow a user to predefine a pattern.

19. The sparring apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the support assembly is arranged to movably support the punchbag so as to provide at least three degrees of freedom of movement of the punchbag.

20. A control unit for a sparring apparatus, the sparring apparatus comprising a support assembly being arranged to movably support a punchbag so as to provide at least two degrees of freedom of movement of the punchbag.

21. The control unit of claim 20 configured to record times at which output signals of one or more sensors located in the punchbag indicate striking of the punchbag.

22. The control unit of claim 20 configured to calculate a force applied to the punchbag based on output signals of one or more sensors located in the punchbag.

23. The control unit of claim 20 configured to record the location at which the punchbag is struck as determined by outputs of a plurality of sensors located in respective sections of the punchbag.

24. The control unit of claim 20 configured to control drive motors of the support assembly according to a predefined pattern.

25. The control unit of claim 24 configured to allow selection by a user of one of a number of predefined patterns.

26. The control unit of claim 24 configured to allow a user to predefine a pattern.

27. A control unit according to any of claims 20 to 26 operable to move the punchbag according to a routine comprising a plurality of sections, each specifying at least one of the following parameters: (i) direction of movement; (if) speed; (ϋi) acceleration; (iv) time; (v) path of movement described.

28. A method of controlling a sparring apparatus, the method, comprising moving the punchbag according to a routine comprising a plurality of sections, each specifying at least one of the following parameters: (i) direction of movement; (ϋ) speed; (ϋi) acceleration; (iv) time; (v) path of movement described.

29. A sparring apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and/or as illustrated in, any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

30. A control unit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and/or as illustrated in, any one or more of the accompanying drawings.