Invertible Punching Bag Assembly

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a physical impact bag. Specifically, the present invention is an invertible punching bag having a suspension assembly on its first and second ends, enabling a user to selectively invert the orientation of the punching bag.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a physical impact bag. Specifically, the present invention is an invertible punching bag having a suspension assembly on its first and second ends, enabling a user to selectively invert the orientation of the punching bag.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Many training and punching bags have been developed for use during various exercises. A variety of punching bags for exercise purposes, including for use during the practice of martial arts, boxing, and similar physical activities, have been developed, having their advantages and disadvantages. These punching bags are generally available in many shapes and sizes, with cylindrically shaped punching bags most commonly utilized. One disadvantage posed by traditional punching bags is that the filling and other inner contents of the bag settle and become unevenly distributed over time. One significant cause of the settling and uneven distribution is the force of gravity acting on the bag. This uneven distribution may eventually lead to a decreased ability of the bag to evenly absorb the force of a physical blow. Another disadvantage is the amount of wear and tear the bag endures as a result of the constant and repeated strikes imposed upon the same general location of the bag

[0003] Therefore, there is a need in the art for an invertible punching bag providing a means for suspension on two ends of the bag, in one respect, to reduce the amount of settling of the inner contents of the bag, and in another respect, to reduce the wear and tear associated with the striking of the outer surface of the bag. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be explained and will become obvious to one skilled in the art through the summary of the invention that follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is an invertible punching bag assembly and a method of manufactu and use thereof, In some embodiments, the punching bag assembly primarily includes a cylindrical body having a suspension assembly on its first and second ends.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Accompanying this written specification is a collection of drawings of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that these are merely exemplary embodiments, and additional and alternative embodiments may exist and still be within the spirit of the invention as described herein.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a front top perspective view of an invertible punching bag apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a front view of an invertible punching bag apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a front view of an invertible punching bag in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED SPECIFICATION

[0009] In the Summary above, the Detailed Description, the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the present invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or errtbodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

[0010] Whenever a reference herein is made to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all of the defined steps (except where context excludes that possibility).

[0011] The present invention generally relates to training devices for use during exercises such as boxing, kickboxing, martial arts and similar activities. Specifically, the invention relates to an invertible punching bag having a suspension assembly at each of its two ends.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the invertible punching bag device described herein comprises a generally cylindrical body having an outer cover and an inner resilient filling material. In some embodiments, the resilient filling material is comprised of one or more resilient members. The punching bag may have a first end at the upper body portion of the cylindrical body and a second end at the bottom body portion of the cylindrical body. In some embodiments, the first and second ends each include a suspension assembly which enable the substantially upright and vertical suspension of the punching bag from either of its ends. In some embodiments, the two or more suspension assemblies enable the substantial horizontal suspension of the punching bag from both the first end and the second end.

[0013] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the punching bag device has a bag body comprised of an outer cover nd an inner tilling material. In some embodiments, the cover is comprised of a durable material having the ability to withstand repeated and constant physical punches, kicks, and similar strikes without breaking or tearing. For example, the outer surface may be comprised of leather, rubber, canvas or any similar material or composite thereof. In some embodiments, the outer cover at the first and second ends of the punching bag are formed from the same or similar material, while the central section, between the first end and the second end, is formed from of a different material. In some embodiments, the outer cover at the first and second ends and the central section are formed of the same material. In some embodiments, the outer cover at the first and second ends is formed of a differing amount of layers of the same material than the central ction. In some embodiments, the outer cover at the central section is formed of a material having a relatively greater elasticity than the outer cover at the first and second ends. In some embodiments, the outer cover at the central section is formed of a material that has a greater durability than the material of the outer cover at the first and second ends. In some embodiments, the outer cover at the central section is formed of a material having relatively sturdier features than the material of the first and second ends. In some embodiments, the inner filling material is comprised of one or more resilient members. In some embodiments, the resilient members are rags, sand, grains, or any similar substances having the ability to absorb the force and impact of punching or kicking blows, without causing harm to the user.

[0014] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the punching bag apparatus may have a suspension assembly at or near its first end and at or near its second end. For example, a first suspension assembly may be disposed between the first end of the bag and the middle of the bag, and a second suspension assembly may be disposed between the second end and the middle of the bag. In some embodiments, the suspension assembly comprises at least one fastening element. In some embodiments, the suspension assembly comprises at least one suspension element. In some embodiments, the suspension assembly comprises at least one fastening element and at least one suspension element. in some embodiments, the suspension element is coupled to the fastening element. The suspension element may be comprised of at least one cable or chain. The cable or chain may be formed of metal. In some embodiments, the suspension element is comprised of at least one rope or strap. The rope or strap may be formed from fabric, canvas, leather or any other similarly suitable materials. In some embodiments, the rope or strap may be formed of a composite of the aforementioned materials. In some embodiments, the rope or strap may be formed of several layers of the aforementioned materials.

[0015] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the suspension element of the punching bag may comprise a strap, rope or chain running through the bag and extending out of each of the first and second ends.

[0016] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the fastening element may be comprised of at least one ring, hook or loop. In some embodiments, the ring, hook or loop may be formed of metal. In some embodiments, the ring, hook, or loop may be formed of fabric, canvas, leather or any other similarly suitable materials. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fastening element may be sewn onto the bag cover, attaching the fastening element to the bag cover.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an invertible punching bag assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, is shown. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the invertible punching bag assembly 100 includes a cylindrical body 110 having a first end 101 at its upper body portion and a second end 102 at its bottom body portion. The punching bag apparatus may be configured with a suspension assembly 103 at or near its first end 101 and at or near its second end 102. In some embodiments, two or more suspension assemblies 103 enable the substantially upright and vertical suspension of the punching bag from either or both of of the first end 101 or the second end 102. In some embodiments, two or more suspension assemblies 103 enable the substantial horizontal suspension of the punching bag from both the first end 101 and the second end 102.

[0018] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the first end 101 and the second end 102 are composed of the same or similar material, while the central section 104 is comprised of a distinct material. In some embodiments, the first end 101, the second end, 102 and the central section 104 are formed of the same material. In some embodiments, the first end 101 and the second end 102 are formed of a differing amount of layers of the same material than the central section 104. In some embodiments, the central section 104 is formed of a material having a relatively greater elasticity than the first end 101 or the second end 102.. In some embodiments, the central section 104 is formed of a material having relatively sturdier features than the first end 101 or the second end 102

[0019] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the punching bag apparatus may have a suspension assembly 103 at or near its first end 101 and at or near its second end 102. For example, a first suspension assembly 103 may be disposed between the first end 101 of the bag and the middle of the bag, and a second suspension assembly 103 may be disposed between the second end 102 and the middle of the bag. In some embodiments, the suspension assembly.sup., comprises at least one fastening element 106. In some embodiments, the suspension assembly comprises at least one suspension element 105. In some embodiments, the suspension assembly comprises at least one fastening element 106 and at least one suspension element 105. In some embodiments, the suspension element 105 is coupled to the fastening element 106. The suspension element 105 may comprise at least one cable or chain. In some embodiments, the chain may comprise a plurality of links. The cable or chain may be formed of metal. In some embodiments, the suspension element 105 is comprised of at least one rope or strap. The rope or strap may be formed from fabric, canvas, leather or any other similarly suitable materials. In some embodiments, the rope or strap may be formed of a composite of the aforementioned materials. In some embodiments, the rope or strap may be formed of several layers of the aforementioned materials. In some embodiments, the suspension element may comprise at least one hook 107. In some embodiments, the hook 107 may be a quick link hook.

[0020] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the suspension element 105 may comprise a strap, rope or chain running through the bag and extending out of each of the first end 101 and the second 102.

[0021] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the fastening element 106 may be comprised of at least one ring, hook or loop. In some embodiments, the ring, hook or loop may be formed of metal. In some embodiments, the ring, hook, or loop may be formed of fabric, canvas, leather or any other similarly suitable materials.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the punching bag assembly 100 is configured with a suspension assembly 103 on each of the first end 101 and the second end 102 to enable the bag to be suspended from either end. In some embodiments, the hook 107 of the suspension assembly 103 enables the coupling of the punching bag 100 to a link or similar attachment member installed in a ceiling or upper support. In one respect, such a configuration reduces the undesirable settling of the inner filling material within the punching bag 100 to one end of the bag, namely, the bottom body portion of the bag. In a second respect, this configuration reduces the amount of wear to a particular portion of the outer surface of the punching bag 100 that tends to result from the repeated and constant physical punches, kicks, and similar strikes applied to the outer surface of the bag 100. For example, the second suspension assembly 103 provided on the punching bag 100 allows a user of the bag 100 to selectively or periodically invert or flip the bag, by hanging the bag 100 from the first suspension assembly at the first end 101 of the cylindrical body 110 or the second suspension assembly at the second end 102 of the cylindrical body 110. In another respect, such a configuration provides a given user with the option to choose between having a harder or softer surface to punch, based on the chosen orientation of the bag. For example, if the bag has been suspended from a first end 101 for an extended period of time, top portion of the bag may be softer or less dense, while the second end 102, or the bottom portion of the bag, may be harder or less dense, due in part to the forces of gravity acting on the bag, and in part to the constant striking of the surface of the bag. A user may selectively invert the bag such that the now softer or harder end, as desired by the user, may be so chosen to strike by the user. Thus, the invertible punching bag assembly 100 provides a user with increased configuration options and permits a user to reorient the bag as desired.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the suspension assembly 103 on each of the first end 101 and the second end 102 may further enable a user to anchor the first end 101 of the cylindrical body 110 to a ceiling or upper support, and to simultaneously anchor the second end 102 of the cylindrical body 110 to the floor or ground support. In some embodiments, the hook 107 of the suspension assembly 103 enables the anchoring of the punching bag 100 to a link installed in a ceiling, upper support, floor or ground support. This configuration provides a balanced suspension of the cylindrical body 110 from the ground, and substantially prevents the swinging of the bag 100 when the hag is hit or struck. Furthermore, this configuration provides increased support for the bag to absorb the force and impact of punching or kicking blows.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the suspension assembly 103 on each of the first end 101 and the second end 102 may further enable a user to simultaneously anchor the first end 101 and the second end 102 of the cylindrical body 110 to a ceiling or upper support, providing the cylindrical body 110 with support to align substantially horizontally with the ground. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 110 may be similarly anchored to the ceiling or upper support but aligned in a slanted orientation, wherein one suspension assembly 103 is shorter in length than a second suspension assembly 103.

[0025] It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well- known components and processing techniques may have been omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments.

[0026] While multiple examples are disclosed, still other examples of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. The invention is capable of myriad modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A punching bag assembly, comprising: a cover forming a generally closed cylindrical body filled by and enclosing a resilient filling material, said cylindrical body having a first end at a top portion thereof and a second end at a bottom portion thereof, wherein said first and second ends each include a suspension assembly comprising at least one fastening element.

2. The punching bag assembly of claim 1, wherein said suspension assembly further comprises at least one suspension element.

3. The punching bag assembly of claim 2, wherein said suspension element comprises at least one chain or cable.

4. The punching bag assembly of claim 3, wherein said chain or cable is metal.

5. The punching bag assembly of claim 1, wherein said suspension element comprises at least one rope.

6. The punching bag assembly of claim 1, wherein said fastening element comprises at least one ring, hook or loop.

7. The punching bag assembly of claim 1, wherein said cylindrical body is invertible and able to suspend from either said first end or said second end.