WO2015011444A2

WO2015011444A2 - Sports practice apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2015011444A2
Application number: PCT/GB2014/052153
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph George HEANEY
Original assignee: Heaney Joseph George
Priority date: 2013-07-25
Filing date: 2014-07-15
Publication date: 2015-01-29
Also published as: US20160166909A1; WO2015011444A3; EP3024556A2; GB201313293D0

Abstract

A sports practice apparatus (10) usable for instance when practising boxing or other martial arts or combat sports. The apparatus comprises a wheeled base (12), and a punch bag element (22) mounted on a bar (16) upstanding from the base (12). A handle arrangement (30) is mounted on the punch bag element (22) by straps. The arrangement (30) provides a pair of handles (36) which can be held for instance by a coach and used to move the apparatus around during training.

Description

Sports Practice Apparatus

This invention concerns sports practice apparatus, and particularly but not exclusively apparatus for use in practising boxing or other martial arts or combat sports.

Punch bags have been widely used for many years in practicing boxing and other martial arts and combat sports. These have proved useful but they do not recreate the conditions which may be encountered for instance in an actual boxing match. Accordingly they are not particularly useful for practicing footwork and other manoeuvres.

Another way of practising boxing is to use a trainer who wears pads on their hands, which pads a boxer tries to punch. This can be physically wearing and potentially damaging for the trainer, particularly if they are working with a number of boxers. Again whilst proving useful, this technique only permits a boxer to aim at the particular position of the pads rather than other locations on an opponent's body, which may be more appropriate targets. Also with such training the opponent tends to be relatively defensive rather than offensive, in which instance the boxer may be forced to retreat.

According to the present invention there is provided sports practice apparatus, the apparatus comprising a ground engageable base which is freely movable across the ground, and a body supported on the base, the body being able to receive impacts from a person practising sport.

A handle or handles may be provided on the apparatus to enable movement thereof. The or each handle may be provided on the body. A spaced pair of handles may be provided, which handles may extend substantially vertically in use. In one embodiment a handle arrangement may be provided which can be mounted to extend around the body, with the arrangement comprising one or more handles extending from a mounting configuration, which configuration may comprise a spaced pair of straps extendible around the body.

In a further embodiment a handle arrangement is provided which is mounted on the base to be upstanding therefrom. The handle arrangement may comprise an upright member extending from the base, with a handle part extending from the upright member.

The handle arrangement may be selectively removable from the base.

The handle part may be at least generally arcuate and may extend substantially coaxially relative to the body, and spaced therefrom.

Alternatively the handle part may extend substantially perpendicularly to the upright member.

The body may be substantially cylindrical. The body may be in the form of a punch bag.

A support arrangement may extend from the base, and may mount the body. The support arrangement may be of selectively adjustable length to provide the body at a required height.

The support arrangement may include a first elongate member extending upwardly from the base. The body may slidably fit over the first elongate member. In one configuration a second elongate member may be provided extending through a part of the body, and the first and second elongate members may be telescopically interconnected to provide height adjustment of the body. Engagement means may be provided engageable with the first and second elongate members to retain the body at a required height.

The first elongate member may be resiliently mounted relative to the base.

In one arrangement the first elongate member is mounted to a mounting member, which mounting member is resiliently connected to the base. The mounting member may be in the form of a plate which in a relaxed condition extends substantially parallel to the base.

One or more resilient members, which may be in the form of springs, may extend between the mounting member and the base. The mounting member may be located beneath the base, with the first elongate member extending through an opening in the base.

An abutment arrangement may be provided to limit relative movement between the first elongate member and the base. The abutment arrangement may comprise a plurality of stop members connected to the base, which are engageable with projecting members connected to the first elongate member at limits of movement of the first elongate member.

Stop members and corresponding projecting members may be provided to limit lateral movement of the first elongate member. A stop member may be provided on the handle arrangement with a corresponding projecting member, to limit movement of the first elongate member towards the handle arrangement. In a further arrangement the first elongate member is connected to the base by a flexible linkage. The flexible linkage may permit the first elongate member to pivot relative to the base, and the flexible linkage may permit the first elongate member to pivot about more than one axis. The flexible linkage may include a universal joint, and may include a pair of universal joints interconnected in series.

A force absorbing arrangement may be provided between the body and the base.

The force absorbing arrangement may include a block of resilient material mounted on the base. The resilient material may be a foamed plastics material. A plate member may be provided on the underside of the body which is engageable with the block of resilient material.

A rigid body, which may be made of metal, may be provided in a central part of the block of resilient material. The flexible linkage may extend through an opening in the rigid body. The flexible linkage may extend through an opening in the block of resilient material located beneath the rigid body.

The base may include a recess which locates the block of resilient material.

The base may include a plurality of ground engaging members which permit movement of the base in any direction. The ground engaging members may be in the form of ball castors. The base may be substantially octagonal in plan view. The base may include eight ground engaging members, which may be equispaced around the base. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic side view of a first sports practice apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of part of the apparatus of

Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic side view of part of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic sectional side view of part of the apparatus of

Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5 is a view from beneath of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic side view of a second sports apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic rear view of the apparatus of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 6; Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic plan view of a part of the apparatus of Fig. 6;

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic side view of a lower part of the apparatus of

Fig. 6; Fig. 1 1 is a diagrammatic front view of the lower part of the apparatus of Fig. 6; Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic side view of a third sports apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic end view of the apparatus of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic partially exploded cross sectional side view of the apparatus of Fig. 12;

Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic side view of part of the apparatus of Fig. 12;

Fig. 16 is a diagrammatic view from beneath of part of the apparatus of Fig. 12; and

Fig. 17 is a diagrammatic side view of part of the apparatus of Fig. 12.

Figs. 1 to 5 of the drawings show a first sports practice apparatus 10 which can be used when practising boxing or other martial arts or combat sports. The apparatus 10 comprises a base 12 which is of circular configuration and has six spaced ball castors 14 on the underside thereof to permit movement of the base 12 in any direction. A first elongate member in the form of a bar 16 is upstanding from the centre of the base 12 and has three through openings 18 therein spaced from each other towards the lower end of the bar 16. A body part 20 is mounted on the bar 16. The body part 20 comprises a cylindrical punch bag element 22 with a substantially vertical axis. The punch bag element 22 is of conventional construction for a punch bag, and the construction thereof will not therefore be described in detail. The body part 20 has a tube 24 which extends from below the element 22 to within the element 22 close to the top thereof. An annular support 26 is provided around the tube 24 at the lower end of the element 22, and the tube 24 extends for a short distance below the support 26. A through opening 28 is provided through the walls of the tube 24 towards the lower end thereof.

The tube 24 is of a size to telescopically receive the bar 16, thereby mounting the element 22 on the base 12. A pin or other element may extend through the opening 28 and a one of the openings 18 to provide the element 22 at a required height.

A handle arrangement 30 is provided which comprises upper and lower spaced straps 32 which can be mounted around the element 22 as shown in Fig. 1 . The straps 32 are each mounted to a respective arcuate metal strip 34 of a size to fit around the element 22. A pair of vertical handles 36 extend between the strips 34, towards respective ends of the strips 34. The handles 36 each comprise upper and lower stubs 40 to space a main vertically extending part 42 away from the base 12. The straps 32 include a buckle 44 at one end, and lengths of fleece and hook fasteners such as Velcro™ to retain the straps 32 in position.

In use, the element 22 can be set at a required height by using a required one of the openings 18. A trainer or other person can then direct the apparatus 10 by holding the two handles 36. This means that the apparatus 10 can adopt an offensive or defensive stance, and can for instance move around a boxing ring to mimic the actions of a potential opponent. The configuration of the apparatus 10 means that a trainer could for instance look either side of the element 22 to watch a boxer's movements. Using a relatively large element 22 in contrast to a trainer wearing pads, means that a user can hit an appropriate part of the element 22, rather than just where a trainer has positioned the pads. Figs. 6 to 1 1 of the drawings show a second sports practice apparatus

1 10 which again can be used when practising boxing or other martial arts or combat sports. The apparatus 1 10 comprises a base 1 12 which in this instance is of generally square configuration with protruding corners 1 13. Ball castors 1 14 are provided on the underside of the base 1 12 to again permit movement thereof in any direction. A first elongate member in the form of a bar 1 16 is upstanding from the base 1 12 towards the front thereof and is mounted thereto by a mounting arrangement 1 18 which will be hereinafter described. The mounting arrangement permits relative movement between the bar 1 16 and base 1 12, and some of the figures illustrate this possible relative movement. A body part 120 in the form of a cylindrical punch bag element 122 is mounted on the bar 1 16.

A handle arrangement 130 is provided which includes an upstanding member 132 extending from the base 1 12 towards the rear thereof, and is inclined gently rearwardly. Two elongate bracing members 134 extend from the upstanding member 132 a little over half way therealong from the base 1 12, with each bracing member 134 extending to the base 1 12 at a respective rear corner 1 13. A handle part 136 is provided at the upper end of the upstanding member 132. The handle part comprises upper and lower arcuate bars 138 which are generally coaxial with the punch bag element 122, and are inclined gently downwardly in a forwards direction. The arcuate bars 138 are interconnected by connecting bars 140 at each ends, and also two further connecting bars 140 equispaced from each other and from the ends. The handle part 136 is mounted to the top of the upstanding member 132 by two linking bars 142.

The mounting arrangement 1 18 includes an opening 144 through the base 1 12, and through which the bar 1 16 extends. The lower end of the bar 1 16 which is beneath the base 1 12 connects to a mounting plate 146 which is connected to the underside of the base 1 12 by four springs 148 which are equispaced around the opening 144.

An abutment arrangement 150 is provided to limit the amount of relative movement between the bar 1 16 and the base 1 12. The abutment arrangement 150 comprises a pair of base stop members 152 mounted on the base spaced from and either side of the opening 144. The base stop members 152 are in the form of lengths of L-shaped bars in plan view extending from the base 1 12.

A pair of base projecting members 154 are provided and comprise a pair of short arms 156 extending diametrically opposite each other from the bar 1 16 towards the lower end thereof, with profiled resilient material blocks 158 on their distal ends which are engageable against the base stop members 152.

A handle stop member 160 is provided in the form of a short bar 162 extending from a lower part of the upstanding member 132 and inclined generally upwardly therefrom, with a block 164 of resilient material on the distal end thereof, against which block 164 the bar 1 16 can engage when moved to its greatest rearward extent.

There is thus described apparatus 1 10 which provides the advantages of the apparatus 10, and a number of other potential advantages. For instance the mounting arrangement will tend to absorb some of the impact forces received on the punch bag element during use, helping to prevent for instance rocking of the base. The abutment arrangement prevents the punch bag element from moving too much relative to the base which could for instance impact on a trainer operating the apparatus. The handle arrangement permits a trainer or other person to readily maneouvre the apparatus, but to not receive any of the impacts received by the punch bag element. Fig. 12 to 17 of the drawings show a third sports practice apparatus

210 again usable when practising boxing or other martial arts or combat sports. The apparatus 210 comprises a base 212 and a cylindrical punch bag element 214. A first elongate member in the form of a bar 216 is provided extending upwardly from the base 212, and the punch bag element is a sliding fit over the bar 216. The punch bag element 224 extends for substantially the whole height of the apparatus 210 from the base 212.

A handle arrangement 218 is provided which extends upwardly from the base 212 adjacent to the punch bag element 214, and can be selectively removed from the base 212 for instance if it is required to use the apparatus 210 without a trainer. The handle arrangement 218 comprises an upwardly extending bar 220 with a handle part 222 mounted on the upper end thereof. The handle part 222 comprises an outer oval part 224 and an inner circular part 226, providing different locations where a user such as a trainer may hold or guide the apparatus 210.

The base 212 is substantially octagonal in plan view and has eight castors 228 equispaced around the edge of the base 212. Fig. 16 shows the mounting locations for each of the castors 228 at the apices of the octagonal shape, but the castors 228 have been omitted from Fig. 16 for clarity. The base 212 comprises an outer plate 230 which mounts the castors 228 and a coaxial central downwardly extending octagonal recess 232 with inwardly tapering sidewalls 234. A flexible linkage 236 is provided extending upwardly from the centre of the recess 232. The linkage 236 comprises a lower universal joint 238 with a first housing 244 with a pin 242 extending thereacross which pivotally mounts an interconnecting member 240 which is pivotally connected to a second housing 246 by a pin 248, with the pins 242, 248 extending substantially perpendicularly to each other. A similar upper universal joint 250 is provided mounted to the top end of the lower universal joint 238.

Extending upwardly from the upper universal joint 250 is a threaded rod 252 which can threadedly locate coaxially in the bar 216. A trapped nut 254 is provided in the lower end of the bar 216 which threadingly engages with the rod 252.

A profiled block 256 of a resilient foamed plastics material locates in the profiled recess 232, with the flexible linkage 236 extending through a central hole therein. A frusto conical metal block 258 is located centrally in a profiled recess in the foamed block 256 with the metal block 258 pointing downwardly. Again a central hole is provided through the block 258 through which the flexible linkage 236 extends. A circular plate 260 with a through hole through which the flexible linkage 236 extends is provided on top of the metal block 258. In use the bar 216 is screwed onto a rod 252 pressing the plate 260 and hence metal block 258 into the foam block 256.

There is thus described apparatus 210 which again provides the advantages of the apparatus 10 and a number of other potential advantages. The mounting of the punch bag element 214 on the base 212 provides for absorption of forces, whilst ensuring that the punch bag 214 returns to a correct vertical alignment. The base arrangement with eight castors has been found in combination with the force absorption arrangement outlined above, to mean that relatively little movement of the apparatus 210 generally occurs as a result of impact thereagainst. As indicated if required the handle arrangement can be removed from the base, and this may be appropriate for example if a person is using the apparatus 210 without a trainer or other assistant. Whilst the examples have largely been described in relation to boxing, it is to be realised that such apparatus could be used with a wide range of martial arts and combats sports, such as for instance karate, taekwondo or kick boxing etc.

A wide range of other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance the base may take a different form and may have different ground engaging members to the described ball castors. The punch bag element may have a different shape or form. A different handle arrangement could be used, and this could be differently mounted on the apparatus. If the punch bag element is a different shape then the handles may be correspondingly changed in size, shape or positioning, to correspond to the shape of the element. If joints are provided mounting the punch bag element to the base, these could be differently configured, and/or different types of joints could be used. If a resilient member is provided between the base and the punch bag element, this may be of a different shape and/or type to the described example. Similarly a metal block or similar could be of a different shape.

It is also to be realised that any combination of the above features may be provided in apparatus according to the present invention.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1 . A sports practice apparatus, the apparatus comprising a ground engageable base which is freely movable across the ground, and a body supported on the base, the body being able to receive impacts from a person practising sport.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterised in that a handle or handles is provided on the apparatus to enable movement thereof.

3. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the or each handle is provided on the body.

4. Apparatus according to claims 2 or 3, characterised in that a spaced pair of handles is provided.

5. Apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the handles may extend substantially vertically in use.

6. Apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 5, characterised in that a handle arrangement is provided which can be mounted to extend around the body, with the arrangement comprising one or more handles extending from a mounting configuration.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterised in that the mounting configuration comprises a spaced pair of straps extendible around the body.

8. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that a handle arrangement is provided which is mounted on the base to be upstanding therefrom.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterised in that the handle arrangement comprises an upright member extending from the base, with a handle part extending from the upright member.

10. Apparatus according to claims 8 or 9, characterised in that the handle part is at least generally arcuate.

1 1 . Apparatus according to claim 10, characterised in that the handle part extends substantially coaxially relative to the body, and spaced therefrom.

12. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterised in that the handle part extends substantially perpendicularly to the upright member.

13. Apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 12, characterised in that the handle arrangement is selectively removable from the base.

14. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the body is substantially cylindrical.

15. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the body is in the form of a punch bag.

16. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that a support arrangement extends from the base and mounts the body.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterised in that the support arrangement is of selectively adjustable length to provide the body at a required heights

18. Apparatus according to claims 16 or 17, characterised in that the support arrangement includes a first elongate member extending upwardly from the base.

19. Apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 18, characterised in that the body may slidably fit over the first elongate member.

20. Apparatus according to claim 17 or claims 18 or 19 when dependent on claim 17, characterised in that a second elongate member is provided extending through a part of the body, and the first and second elongate members are telescopically interconnected to provide height adjustment of the body.

21 Apparatus according to claim 20, characterised in that engagement means are provided engageable with the first and second elongate members to retain the body at a required height.

22. Apparatus according to claim 18 or any of claims 19 to 21 when dependent on claim 18, characterised in that the first elongate member is resiliently mounted relative to the base.

23. Apparatus according to claim 22, characterised in that the first elongate member is mounted to a mounting member, which mounting member is resiliently connected to the base.

24. Apparatus according to claim 23, characterised in that the mounting member is in the form of a plate which in a relaxed condition extends substantially parallel to the base.

25. Apparatus according to claim 24, characterised in that one or more resilient members, extend between the mounting member and the base.

26. Apparatus according to claim 25, characterised in that the resilient members are in the form of springs.

27. Apparatus according to any of claims 23 to 26, characterised in that the mounting member is located beneath the base, with the first elongate member extending through an opening in the base.

28. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 8 to 27, characterised in that an abutment arrangement is provided to limit relative movement between the first elongate member and the base.

29. Apparatus according to claim 28, characterised in that the abutment arrangement comprises a plurality of stop members connected to the base, which are engageable with projecting members connected to the first elongate member at limits of movement of the first elongate member.

30. Apparatus according to claims 28 or 29, characterised in that stop members and corresponding projecting members are provided to limit lateral movement of the first elongate member.

31 . Apparatus according to any of claims 28 to 30, characterised in that a stop member is provided on the handle arrangement with a corresponding projecting member, to limit movement of the first elongate member towards the handle arrangement.

32. Apparatus according to claims 18 to 31 , characterised in that the first elongate member is connected to the base by a flexible linkage.

33. Apparatus according to claim 32, characterised in that the flexible linkage permits the first elongate member to pivot relative to the base.

34. Apparatus according to claims 32 or 33, characterised in that the flexible linkage permits the first elongate member to pivot about more than one axis.

35. Apparatus according to any of claims 32 to 34, characterised in that the flexible linkage includes a universal joint.

36. Apparatus according to claim 35, characterised in that the flexible linkage includes a pair of universal joints interconnected in series.

37. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that a force absorbing arrangement is provided between the body and the base.

38. Apparatus according to claim 37, characterised in that the force absorbing arrangement includes a block of resilient material mounted on the base.

39. Apparatus according to claim 39, characterised in that the resilient material is a foamed plastics material.

40. Apparatus according to claims 38 or 39, characterised in that a plate member is provided on the underside of the body which is engageable with the block of resilient material.

41 . Apparatus according to any of claims 38 to 40, characterised in that a rigid body is provided in a central part of the block of resilient material.

42. Apparatus according to claim 41 , characterised in that the rigid body is made of metal.

43. Apparatus according to claims 41 or 42 when dependent on claim 32, characterised in that the flexible linkage extends through an opening in the rigid body.

44. Apparatus according to claim 43, characterised in that the flexible linkage extends through an opening in the block of resilient material located beneath the rigid body.

45. Apparatus according to any of claims 38 to 44, characterised in that the base includes a recess which locates the block of resilient material.

46. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the base includes a plurality of ground engaging members which permit movement of the base in any direction.

47. Apparatus according to claim 46, characterised in that the ground engaging members are in the form of ball castors.

48. Apparatus according to claims 46 or 47, characterised in that the base is substantially octagonal in plan view, with eight ground engaging members equispaced around the base.

49. Sports practice apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figs. 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.

50. Sports practice apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figs. 6 to 1 1 of the accompanying drawings.

51 . Sports practice apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figs. 12 to 17 of the accompanying drawings.

52. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.