EXERCISE DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE
Cross Reference to Related Application
This standard utility patent application is based on Provisional Patent
Application Serial No. 60/262,881 filed January 19, 2001 in the United
States Patent and Trademark Office.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field
The invention relates to an exercise device and in particular to a
boxing device wherein the user strikes a speed bag in a programmed order
and the device provides a measurable feedback as to the speed, accuracy
and control with which the user strikes the bag.
Background Information
There are numerous types of exercise devices which provides the
user with some type of feedback indicating the amount of exercise being
performed. Some of these devices indicate the number of strikes that an
object takes by the exerciser, and provides for a random or programmed
sequence of targets on the object and a particular order for striking the
target. For example, Patent Nos. 3,933,354, 4,088,315, 4,974,833, and
5,716,302 disclose target devices with electronic sensors and signaling
devices, which are struck by the user. However, all of these devices require
striking either a planar surface having pressure sensitive targets or strike
areas, or require striking a simulated body torso.
A "speed bag" is a small bag containing an inflatable bladder which
is suspended on a swivel from a flat platform that is used to develop hand
speed and hand-eye coordination in addition to providing aerobic exercise
and resistance. Though popular with boxers and martial artists, speed bags
also are used by others strictly for exercise and to develop coordination.
There is no known exercise device, and in particular, a device
intended for use to objectively measure or to stimulate a boxing workout,
which provides a measurable feedback to the user of a speed bag.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Aspects of the invention include providing an exercise device using
an inflatable bag mounted beneath a horizontal platform which is adapted
to be repeatedly struck from different angles by a boxer or exerciser, and
which provides an objective measurement of the number of times that the
bag is struck within a predetermined time period and/or predetermined zone
on the underside of the horizontal platform.
The subject invention provides an exercise device in which the
underside of the support platform has various strike zones indicated therein,
each of which contains a pressure responsive strip of material or other type
of detection means which sends a signal to a control device which records
the number of times that the pressure sensitive strip or detection means is
struck by the bag which generally corresponds to the number of times that
the bag is struck by the user.
The exercise device of the invention further provides electronic
circuitry which controls the activation of lights, at least one of which is
associated with each of the contact zones requiring the user to strike the
bag from a different angle or with a different hand depending upon which
zone is lighted or activated.
A further aspect of the invention is to provide a series of audio
signals or prompts which indicate which zone is to be contacted by the
struck bag, and which provides an audio sound or beep each time the
activated zone is struck by the bag.
A further aspect of the invention is to provide an exercise device
which can be electronically programmed for a speed workout wherein the
user strikes the bag with a particular hand and at a particular angle so that
the bag strikes each of the responsive zones a specific number of times
with the electronic control system recording and providing an objective
measurement as to the total time required to strike all of the zones the
required number of times.
A still further aspect of the invention is to provide for a timed workout
wherein each of the zones is activated for a predetermined time period and
the number of bag strikes is recorded for each zone during the activated
time period with the total number of bag strikes then being objectively
measured and indicated to the user to provide the user with a record of his
or her speed.
The device of the present invention also can be programmed to
provide a random sequence of the various strike zones requiring quicker
reaction on the part of the user, and which can be programmed to provide
for various levels of skill and intensity of the workout thereby making it fun
and beneficial for individuals of various levels of skill and coordination.
The invention provides a device which can be used by a skilled boxer
or amateur boxer to improve his or her boxing skills, hand-eye coordination
and/or by an exerciser to achieve a general exercise workout. The device
also can be used as an amusement device such as in a restaurant, pub or
the like, and provide a competitive comparison of one user's skill verses that
of another user's skill.
Another feature of the invention is providing an exercise device in
which the electronic control circuit can be incorporated easily into a usual
type of speed bag and supporting platform without requiring major
alterations thereto, and which does not alter in any matter the method of
striking the bag by the user yet provides a variety in the angle which the bag
is to be struck and by what hand to improve speed and coordination.
The foregoing advantages, construction, operation, and method
steps of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the
following description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best
mode in which applicant contemplates applying the principles, is set forth
in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly
and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing a boxer using the exercise
device of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the underside surface of the platform
supporting the speed bag;
Fig. 2A is a view similar to Fig. 2 showing a modified arrangement of
pressure responsive zones on the bag supporting platform;
Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 with the outer pressure zone
indicating cover being removed therefrom showing the underlying pressure
responsive strips;
Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the exercise device;
Fig. 5 is a plan view with portions broken away, of the monitor
component of the electronic control circuitry;
Fig. 6 is a schematic wiring diagram of the electronic control system
of the exercise device; and
Fig. 7 is a plan view similarto Fig. 3 showing a modified embodiment
of the present invention.
Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The exercise device of the present invention is indicated generally
at 1 , and is shown particularly in Figs. 1 and 4. Device 1 includes a bracket
support assembly 2 which consists of a pair outward extending U-shaped
bars 3 which are secured to a pair of angle irons 4 by bolts 5. Angle irons
4 preferably are attached to a wall 6 by bolts 7 or other types of fasteners.
A platform 8 is secured to bars 3 by bolts 9 and preferably will have a disc¬
shaped configuration with an upper surface 10 and a lower or underside
surface 1 1. Surface 1 1 may be planar as shown in the drawing or curved
without effecting the concept of the invention. A usual punching or speed
bag 12 is suspended from surface 1 1 by a swivel 13. Bag 12 will usually
contain an air inflatable bladder but can be other types of striking devices
as descended further below and shown in Fig. 7. The platform construction
and support described above and shown in Figs, l and 4 is standard for
many types of speed bag installations and can have other supports,
mounting arrangements and striking bags than that shown such as a free
standing support, without affecting the concept of the present invention.
In accordance with the invention a series of strike zones 20, 21 and
22 are printed on a fabric cover 16 or decal and secured to surface 1 1 of
platform 8 by an adhesive or othertype of fastening means as shown in Fig.
2. Three such strike zones are shown in Fig. 2 although this number could
vary as shown in Fig. 2A in which two additional strike zones 23 and 24 are
provided. Strike zones 20, 21 and 22 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2,
will have a generally pie-shaped configuration with an arcuate length of
approximately 60° whereas the strike zones shown in Fig. 2A will also be
pie-shaped, but will have an arcuate length of approximately 50°. Again,
the number, position and size of the strike zones can vary without affecting
the concept of the invention.
Each of the strike zones has a pressure responsive strip 26 secured
to underside surface 1 1 of platform 8 (Fig. 3). Each strip 26 includes a
common wire 31 and a hot wire 28 all of which extend through a hole 30
formed in the platform and connect to a terminal 29 (Fig. 4) located on
upper surface 10 of platform 8. Strip 26 is referred to in the electronic
industry as a membrane key. However, other types of pressure responsive
members can be used.
In further accordance with the invention, a light 32 or other type of
signaling device such as audio, which in the preferred embodiment is an
LED, is mounted on surface 1 1 of platform 8 adjacent each strike zone 20-
22, but out of the path of bag 12 to prevent damage thereto. Each light 32
is connected to a pair of wires 33, one of which is connected to a terminal
34 located on upper surface 10 of platform 8, and the other directly to a
circuit board 37. All of the wires (Fig. 4) extend to an electronic control unit
indicated generally at 35, which includes the electronic control circuit or
circuit board 37 and an indicating monitor 40. Control unit 35 will be
connected to a source of power 38, such as 120 volts by a power cord 39
or a self contained battery pack. The particular construction of circuit board
37 and circuitry thereof can have various configuration and can be
developed easily by one skilled in the art in order to achieve the various
programs and results set forth below. Thus, no particular wiring
arrangement or circuit board configuration is described in further detail.
Monitor 40 (Fig. 5) preferably has a number of viewing windows
which provide various visual indications of the measurable feedback by the
use of device 1 as described below. Window 41 provides time and windows
42 and 43 provide scores when the device is used by two players as a
game as well as an exercise device.
A series of LEDs 50, five of which are shown in Fig. 5, indicate to the
user what exercise program has been selected and is in operation. These
LEDs are spaced below the designation PROGRAM. A pair of LEDs 51 are
located beneath the designation LEVEL and identify which level or degree
of difficulty was selected by the user. A START/STOP button 52 is used to
start and stop the running of the selected program. The particular program
is selected by using the scroll up or scroll down buttons 54 and 55
respectively. An ENTER button 57 is used to enter the selected program
after use of buttons 54 and 55, which illuminates one of the program LEDs
50. Again, these visual indications and arrangements on monitor 40 can
vary without effecting the concept of the invention.
A number of different workouts or programs are provided by exercise
device 1. For example one program is referred to as a speed workout. In
this workout, the circuitry is programmed so that a particular light 32 is
illuminated for one of the contact zones requiring the user to position
himself or herself to strike the bag with either the right or left hand so that
the struck bag will contact the designated contact zone and pressure
responsive strip 26 each time the bag is properly hit. Each time strip 26 is
struck by bag 12, which number will correspond to each time the bag is
struck by the user, a signal will be sent to the control circuitry which records
the number of hits or strikes. Also an audio signal such as a beep
preferably is provided each time the activated zone is struck by the bag.
After a predetermined number of hits are recorded, for example 10 or 20
depending upon the selected level, the circuitry will automatically turn off
the previously illuminated light 32 and illuminate another zone light 32
whereupon the boxer immediately shifts his or her body and uses either the
same or the opposite hand for striking the bag so that the bag now strikes
the newly illuminated zone. The user continues to strike the bag as fast as
possible until the preset number of hits are recorded whereupon the circuitry
automatically will turn out this illuminated light and actuate another of the
zone lights 32, again requiring the boxerto immediately change position as
well as the angle at which the bag is struck by either the same or opposite
hand. The electronic circuitry will immediately inactivate the light and
internal counting mechanism when the final number of strikes is received
by the final contact zone. A visual indication is then provided in window 41
on monitor 40 as to the total time required to strike all three zones, each the
required number of times. However, if the device is used by two players as
a contest or game the individual times will appear in windows 42 and 43.
Another type of workout which can be performed with device 1 is a
timed program wherein light 32 for each zone is lighted for a predetermined
time and the number of hits that occurs in that zone while the zone is
energized or lighted is counted and displayed in one of the viewing windows
after the program sequences through all of the contact zones either in a
particular or random sequence. Thus, the control circuitry automatically
records the number of strikes in each of the zones which occurs during the
preset time period and provides the total number of hits which occurs during
the programed sequence in contrast to the speed workout where the total
time is given to achieve a certain number of hits.
The control circuitry will automatically turn off one of the zone lights
and turn on one of the other zone lights in a particular or random sequence
requiring the boxer to immediately adjust his or her stance and bag striking
hand depending upon which of the strike zones is illuminated. The number
of required hits in the speed workout and the time period for each activated
zone for the time workout can be adjusted by selecting the desired level as
indicated by LEDs 51 . Thus, the user of device 1 develops hand speed as
well as hand eye coordination, in addition to improved footwork in order to
shift his or her body to strike the bag correctly in order for the bag to strike
the activated contact zone. All of these motions are performed as rapidly
as possible since the time is recorded and visually indicated to the user, to
evaluate speed and to provide an indication for improvement, as well as
adding to the enjoyment of the exerciser and/or players of the game if used
as an amusement device, it is readily understood that the quicker the bag
is struck greater will be the aerobic effect achieved by the user.
The above described programs are examples of only several of the
types of workouts which can be incorporated into control circuitry of circuit
board 37. Numerous other sequences or programs can be provided by
inserting various control chips into the circuit board. As can be seen in Fig.
1 , the structure and manner of use of a usual speed bag is not changed
thereby enabling the boxer and/or exerciser to strike the bag in a similar
manner prior to incorporating the novel control circuitry therein.
A further modification of the present invention is shown in Fig. 7
wherein the platform 8 is still provided with three contact zones 60, 61 and
62, each of which has a plurality of detection locations 65 such as lasers
embedded or projecting through disc 8, which are operatively connected to
control circuit 37. This system also provides an audio sound or beep each
time the activated zone is struck by the bag and sensed by devices 65.
Another type of striking device such as a foam cylinder 66, is supported on
a flexible shaft 67 replacing the above described inflatable bag 12. Thus,
the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 merely illustrates another manner in which
the subject invention can be carried out in order to provide a measurable
feedback to a user thereof who strikes a movable target such as bag 12,
foam cylinder 66, or similar structure which in turn moves into a contact
zone where its presence is measured, such as by the pressure sensitive
strips 26, lasers 65 or other types of detection means, all of which provide
a signal to the control circuitry.
Furthermore, it is readily seen that the subject invention can be
provided as a kit and incorporated into an existing speed bag assembly by
adding the detecting devices into the platform 8 with the appropriate wiring
extending to control circuit 37 and monitor 40, which then is located
adjacent the platform. Thus, the invention can be easily retrofitted with only
minor modifications to an existing support platform in order to provide a
measurable feed back to a userthereofwithout requiring major modifications
to an existing speed bag and mounting platform.
Also, the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 need not require LEDs, but
can be programmed so that an audio indication is given to the user such as
a recording stating "zone 1 " is activated, which after a predetermined time
period or number of hits, will provide another audio indication, such as
"zone 3" is activated, immediately telling the user to strike the foam cylinder
and/or bag at a different angle for striking zone 3. Again, either lights or
audio signals can be used to indicate to the user which zone is activated.
Accordingly, the improved exercise device apparatus is simplified,
provides an effective, safe, inexpensive, and efficient device and method
which achieves all the enumerated objectives, provides for eliminating
difficulties encountered with prior devices and methods, and solves
problems and obtains new results in the art.
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for
brevity, clearness, and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are
to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art, because
such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be
broadly construed.
Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is by way
of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details
shown or described.
Having now described the features, discoveries, and principles of the
invention, the manner in which the exercise device is constructed and used,
the characteristics of the construction, and the advantageous new and
useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements,
arrangements, parts, combinations and method steps are set forth in the
appended claims.