U.S. patent application number 11/461089 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-31 for dummy for martial arts and self-defense teaching/training.
Invention is credited to Frank Campana.
Application Number | 20080026917 11/461089 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38987038 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080026917 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Campana; Frank |
January 31, 2008 |
DUMMY FOR MARTIAL ARTS AND SELF-DEFENSE TEACHING/TRAINING
Abstract
A dummy for use in teaching and training martial arts and
self-defense principles includes a suspended from an overhead
support center core member, the core member being filled with heavy
blow impact absorbing material, the core member being enclosed with
and serving as mounting for a suit, the suit being configured in
the shape of a human body, having arms and legs, these being filled
with impact absorbing material, a upper torso part of the suit and
a suit nether region being filled with padding to bulk up the suit
to provide it with enhanced human body look, the suit upper torso
part being wrapped tightly encircling the within disposed core
member and being secured in such tightly wrapped condition to
prevent slippage or sliding of the suit on the core member.
Inventors: |
Campana; Frank; (Yonkers,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN J. SCHROTH, P.E.
3598 BUTTONWOOD DRIVE
DOYLESTOWN
PA
18901-5402
US
|
Family ID: |
38987038 |
Appl. No.: |
11/461089 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/83 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/004 20130101;
A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 2209/10 20130101; A63B 2209/08
20130101; A63B 69/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/83 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/34 20060101
A63B069/34 |
Claims
1. A dummy for use in teaching and training individuals principles
of martial arts and self-defense, comprising: an upright
cylindraceous core member mountable suspended from an overhead
support with suspender means, said core member including a mass of
material for absorbing impact blows; a suit of a flexible material
for mounting on said core member, said suit being configured in
shape of a human body, said suit having a top part and a bottom
part, said top part defining a human torso upper portion having
torso front and rear sides, and a top side, a pair of arms being
carried at opposite sides of said top part, said suit bottom part
defining a continuously bounded human nether region, a pair of legs
extending downwardly from said nether region, said bottom part
including an at least parti-encircling waist piece defining an
entry opening to said nether region, the front side of said torso
upper portion being a solid panel area, the rear side being a
normally closed panel area comprised of left and right panel parts
foldable in a closing position wherein said panel parts partly
overlap one with a other, said upper torso part, with said rear
side closed, encircling and closely embracing an outer surface of
said core member; impact absorbing material filling interior areas
of each of upper and lower lengths of said arms and said legs, said
flexible suit being mounted on said core member by opening said
torso rear side and orienting said suit such that a lower length
section of said core member is received through said entry opening
and located within said nether region and a top of said core member
locates proximally slightly above said top side of said torso upper
side; means carried on said panel parts for affixing said torso
upper portion in a tightened wrapping embrace of said core member
after said panel parts have been closed; and means for removably
supporting said suit top part from said core member suspender
means.
2. A teaching/training dummy in accordance with claim 1, in which
said core member is a heavy training bag.
3. A teaching/training dummy in accordance with claim 1, in which
said enclosure suit top and bottom parts are separate components;
and said teaching/training dummy further comprising means for
removably securely affixing said suit bottom part to said suit top
part.
4. A teaching/training dummy in accordance with claim, 1 in which
said enclosure suit top and bottom parts are a contiguous
structure.
5. A teaching/training dummy in accordance with claim 1, in which
each of said arms and legs is jointed for articulating relative
movement with each other at a juncture of upper and lower lengths
of the respective arms and legs.
6. A teaching/training dummy in accordance with claim 1, in which
the impact absorbing material filling said arms and legs is one of
a foam, rags, and a hemp packing.
7. A teaching/training dummy in accordance with claim 6 in which
said foam material is a rigid foam.
8. A teaching/training dummy in accordance with claim 1, in which
said means for removably supporting said suit top part from said
core member suspender means comprises a strap length affixed to
said top part, and a readily mountable, readily removable connector
carried at a free end of said strap length.
9. A teaching/training dummy in accordance with claim 8, in which
said connector is a hook.
10. A teaching/training dummy in accordance with claim 1, in which
the means carried on said the panel parts for affixing said torso
upper portion in tightened wrapping embrace of said core member
comprises cooperating connector elements carried on each of the
respective left and right panel parts.
11. A teaching/training dummy in accordance with claim 10, in which
said cooperating connector elements include VELCRO fastener
elements.
12. A teaching/training dummy in accordance with claim 11, in which
at least one of connector elements cooperating with another of said
cooperating connector elements is carried an elastic strap.
13. A teaching/training dummy in accordance with claim 1, in which
the flexible material of said top part upper torso other than said
arms and the material of said bottom nether region is a composite
comprised of an outer material web, an inner material web and a
padding filler sandwiched between said outer and inner webs.
14. A teaching/training dummy in accordance with claim 13, in which
said inner web material is of a softer texture than that of an
outer web material.
15. A teaching/training dummy in accordance with claim 13, in which
said outer web material is a woven textile, said inner web material
including means for effectively resisting slippage with an outside
surface thereto to tightly grip an outside surface of said core
member when said top part is in wrapping embrace of said core
member.
16. A teaching/training dummy in accordance with claim 13, in which
said padding filler is effective to absorb impact blows and to bulk
up said upper torso and said nether region in semblance of a human
torso.
17. A teaching/training dummy in accordance with claim 1, further
comprising: means for removably attaching external training aids to
an external surface of said suit, thereby enabling said use to
effect alternative training techniques along said external
surface.
18. A teaching/training dummy in accordance with claim 17, wherein:
said means for removably attaching external training elements
includes at least one of a Velcro.RTM. patch, an elastic fixing
strap, a buckle assembly, a snap-stud assembly, and a magnetic
assembly, whereby said user may removably position an external
training aid on said dummy allowing it to be removed or
repositioned during training.
19. A method for fabricating a dummy for use in teaching and
training individuals principles of martial arts and self defense,
comprising: supporting a heavy training bag from an overhead
support with a bag support member which is connected to said
overhead support and to an upper part of said training bag
providing a suit of a flexible material enclosure suit which is
configured in shape of a human body, said suit having a top part
and a bottom part, said top part defining a human torso upper
portion front and rear sides, and a top side, a pair of arms being
carried at opposite sides of said top part, said suit bottom
defining a human nether region, a pair of legs extending downwardly
from said nether region, said bottom part including an at least
parti-encircling waist piece defining an entry opening to said
nether region, the front side of said torso upper portion being a
solid panel area, the rear side being a normally closed panel area
comprised of left and right panel parts foldable in a closing
position wherein said panel parts partly overlap one with a other,
said upper torso part, with said rear side closed, encircling and
closely embracing an outer surface of said core member, mounting
said suit to said core member by opening said torso back side and
orienting said suit such that a lower length section of said
training bag is received through said entry opening and located
within said nether region and a top of said training bag locates
proximally slightly above said top side of said torso upper side;
pulling said one panel part relative to said other part to tighten
the front and rear upper torso sides against the training bag;
stopping the tightened embracing condition of said front and rear
sides to prevent loosening thereof consequent a subsequent use of
the dummy; removably strapping the suit bottom part to the suit top
part to prevent any pull down of the suit bottom from the to the
top part consequent a use of the dummy; and securing the suit top
part to the bag support member to prevent any slide down of the
suit on the training bag during a use of the dummy.
20. The method of fabricating a dummy in accordance with claim, 19
in which the securing of the upper body part to the bag support
member includes using a hook attached to a strap carried on a top
part of said upper body part.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a dummy for use in teaching
individuals principles of martial arts and self-defense as well as
a method for fabricating said dummy. In particular, the invention
relates to a dummy which in anatomical appearance bears a
resemblance to a human. This enables that users have more realistic
learning and practice sessions due to the improved and secure
attachment of the dummy to a supporting core enabling the dummy to
withstand blows of realistic force and speed.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] It is known to use various forms of dummies for the purpose
of teaching martial arts and self-defense as well as for student
practice.
[0005] One device commonly used as a dummy is a heavy training bag
of the type used by boxers for training. While a heavy bag is
fairly heavy in weight and has a fairly solid impact absorbing
structure it has some acceptability attraction for teaching or
practicing martial arts with the bag. A big shortcoming though is
that the bag does not offer a certain realism of what an opponent
will look like in a real life situation. Representative of an
attempt to make a heavy bag more realistic of a human is
Publication WO 9852655. The device is a heavy bag provided with a
number of straps on the bag and each carrying a number of stick
arms or legs. Such appearance is not realistic in appearance or
function.
[0006] Recognition of the shortcoming noted above has resulted in
some effort to provide dummy constructions, which are more
realistic of humans.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,063,011 is an example of a construction of a
device made to incorporate a heavy bag with additional structure to
produce a realistic human looking dummy, The device attaches a pad
partly around the circumference of a heavy bag. The pad contains a
target showing of part of a human, e.g., a persons head and chest,
the target being a two dimensional figure. Legs and arms protrude
from the target. There is no three dimensional appearance of a
structure corresponding to a human body wherein arms extend from
the top at sides of a torso, or of legs extending down from a
simulated human body nether region. In other words there is no
human torso appearance with arms and legs attached at torso
locations as exist in real people. The device simply looks like a
heavy bag with a pad at a front side and arms and legs projecting
from an unreal location relative to the heavy bag.
[0008] The last-mentioned device, as well as others of known dummy
devices, bear evidence that no one has recognized that properly
utilizing arms and legs in combination with a heavy bag can provide
a most convincing human appearing dummy for suitable high impact
and high-energy training.
[0009] Accordingly, it is desirable that such a dummy construction
wherein a heavy bag is used along with other structure to present a
configuration of a closely resembling that of a real human body be
provided along with a method for fabricating the dummy.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a
dummy for use in teaching and training individuals principles of
martial arts and self-defense that embodies features making it most
realistic of the appearance of a human body and capable of
withstanding the energy expended on it during live training without
breakdown.
[0011] Another aspect is to provide a dummy for use in teaching and
training individuals principles of martial arts and self-defense,
which is inexpensive and easy to make.
[0012] Another aspect is to provide a dummy for use in teaching and
training individuals principles of martial arts and self-defense
which heightens training by providing a realism attendant therewith
not heretofore available when using such type of dummy.
[0013] A further aspect is to provide a dummy for use in teaching
and training individuals principles of martial arts and
self-defense which embodies a heavy training bag in its structure
thereby allowing user delivery of high impact blows against the
dummy creating a reaction for the user paralleling which he can
expect when involved in a self-defense or combat situation.
[0014] An additional aspect is to provide a method for fabricating
the dummy.
[0015] In a further aspect of the present invention it is
considered that additional fixtures or fixing points may be various
positioned about the usable surface of the dummy thereby allowing
users to attach training tools to more realistically represent a
combat environment.
[0016] In accordance with these and other aspects of the invention,
the dummy includes a core member, this advantageously but not
essentially, being a heavy training bag of the type common to
gymnasiums and commonly used by boxers in training. An advantage of
the heavy bag is that it can absorb high impact blows. The heavy
bag is suspended so it can swing from an overhead support. One
manner of suspension is with a suspender means such as plural
chains lengths attached securely to the top of the bag and these in
turn are attached to a bracket fixed to an overhead structure such
as a beam.
[0017] A suit of a flexible material is provided to be mounted on
the core member. The suit is configured in shape as that of a human
body. The suit has a top part and a bottom part. The top part
defines a human torso upper portion having front and back sides,
and a top side. A pair of arms is carried at opposite sides of the
top part. The bottom part defines a human nether region, and a pair
of legs extends down from the nether region. The bottom part has an
at least a partly encircling waist piece defining an entry opening
to the nether region. The upper torso front side is a solid panel
area while the rear side is normally closed but can be is opened
when access is needed for mounting the suit to the core member. As
being an open or closed area depends on whether or not right and
left side rear side panel parts are folded partly overlapped one
with the other in closing position, or are opened outwardly to the
sides of the torso upper portion in rear side open position.
[0018] Impact absorbing material such as a foam fill interior areas
of upper and lower lengths of said arms and legs. To mount the suit
on the core member, the suit is oriented such that a lower length
section of the core member is received through the entry opening
and locates in the nether region with a top of the core member
located proximally slightly above the torso upper member top side.
The panel parts are folded to the rear side of the upper torso and
manipulated to wrap the upper torso portion in a tightened embrace
about the core member. Means are carried on the panel parts to
affect a stopping of the tightened condition preventing any
loosening thereof on the core member.
[0019] To prevent any vertical slipping down of the suit top part
on the core member as when the dummy is being used and blows are
struck and forces exerted on the dummy in teaching/training use,
means are provided for supporting the top part of the suit from the
core suspender means. Also to prevent a slipping or pull down of
the suit bottom part on the core member, means are provided to
securely affix the bottom part to the top part.
[0020] To bulk out the torso upper portion, a padding filler is
embodied in the upper portion and in the nether region as well. The
effect is to enhance the appearance of the upper torso
configuration as being that of a human torso and to specifically
provide a training apparatus that simulates--under training
impacts--the response and "feel" of a human opponent.
[0021] The suit can be provided with the top and bottom parts being
individual members like a coat and trousers are separates.
Preferably, the suit is provided as a component in which the top
and bottom part are contiguous members of a single structure.
[0022] The invention also provides a method for fabricating a dummy
for use in teaching and training individuals principles of martial
arts and self-defense. The method comprises supporting a heavy
training bag from an overhead support with a bag support member
which is connected to said overhead support and to an upper part of
said training bag. A suit of a flexible material which is
configured in shape of a human body, and has a top part and a
bottom part is provided. The top part defines a human torso upper
portion front and back sides, and a top side, with a pair of arms
being carried at opposite sides of said top part.
[0023] The suit bottom defines a human nether region and a pair of
legs extend downwardly from said nether region, the bottom part
including an at least parti-encircling (partially encircling or
partially enclosing) waist piece defining an entry opening to said
nether region. The front side of said torso upper portion is a
solid panel area, the back side of said torso upper portion being
comprised of left and right panel parts which can be swung open
from the rear side or folded down to close that side, parts of side
margins of the panel parts overlap when moved to close the rear
side.
[0024] The suit is mounted on the core member by opening the torso
back side and orienting the suit such that a lower length section
of said training bag is received through said entry opening and
located within the nether region and a top of said training bag
locates proximally slightly above said top side of said torso upper
side. The upper torso backside is closed by folding the panel parts
one against a other while pulling one panel part relative to the
other part to tighten the front and rear upper torso sides tightly
against the training bag. To prevent loosening of that tightened
condition consequent a subsequent use of the dummy, the panel parts
are stopped with cooperating stopping members carried on each panel
part. The suit bottom part is strapped to the suit top part to
prevent any pull down of the suit bottom from the top part
consequent a use of the dummy. Also, the suit top part is affixed
to the bag support member to prevent any slide down of the suit on
the training bag during a use of the dummy.
[0025] These and other features and aspects of the invention will
become apparent from the following description read in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals
designate the same elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of the dummy depicting the
manner of supporting the core member from an overhead support, and
of supporting the suit from the core member support;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the dummy depicting the
manner in which the panel parts of the upper torso portion are
closed and one partly overlapped on the other, and the one drawn
tightened relative to the other for wrapping the suit upper part
against the outside surface of the core member;
[0028] FIG. 3 a rear elevation view of the dummy but with the rear
side open, the, the panel parts being outward of the core member
with the arms omitted for sake of clarity of depiction of remaining
structure, the suit embodiment being one wherein the suit top and
bottom parts are of contiguous construction;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a enlarged fragmentary section view of the
composite structure makeup of the suit flexible material;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary section view of upper and lower
lengths of an arm depicting the filling contained therein as well
as a joint, which joins the two arm lengths
[0031] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary section view on upper and lower
lengths of a leg depicting the filling contained therein as well as
a joint, which joins the two leg lengths;
[0032] FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a strap type
securing means employed to hold the suit top in tightly wrapped
embrace of the core member, the strap being affixed to the outer
side of one panel part and the cooperating securing means being
affixed on the outer side of the other panel part;
[0033] FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a
support strap means used to support the suit top part from the core
member overhead support suspension means;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of an embodiment wherein
the suit top and bottom parts are separate components; and
[0035] FIG. 10 is a transverse section of the dummy showing the
manner of tight wrapping of the torso about the core member.
[0036] FIG. 11 is a longitudinal section of the dummy showing the
manner of the tight wrapping and securing straps about the core
member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments
of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in
the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts
or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to
precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only,
directional terms, such as top, bottom, up, down, over, above, and
below may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar
directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the
invention in any manner. The words "connect," "couple," and similar
terms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote
direct and immediate connections, but also include connections
through mediate elements or devices.
[0038] The dummy of the present invention is intended primarily for
use in teaching and training in the martial arts and self-defense.
For that reason, the dummy is relatively heavy and rugged to take
into account the blow-impact magnitudes and speeds delivered
thereto by a user with arms, knees, leg kicks, head-butts and
others as can employed in the aforementioned disciplines. Because
the dummy is intended for heavy-duty use, it easily can be employed
in other sports training such as for boxing, wrestling, grappling
etc.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, dummy 10 embodies a center or core
component 12 on which is mounted a suit 14 made in the
configuration of a human body so the dummy presents to the user a
realism of what an encounter with real life opponent will involve
thereby optimizing the useful and practical know-how the user will
acquire. The core component 12, which could be a known boxing heavy
bag type, will be suspended from an over head support such as a
ceiling 15, the support being effected with a bracket or fixture 16
attached to heavy ceiling structure.
[0040] A number of suspender elements such as chain lengths 18 are
carried by the fixture 16. The chain lengths 18 are securely
affixed to an upper part location of the core member as at 24.
[0041] To mount the suit 14 in place on the core member 12, the
suit is manipulated to pass a lower end length section of the core
member through an opening in the bounded receiving nether region 26
of a bottom part 28 of the suit 14 (FIG. 3 and FIG. 11).
[0042] It is noted in the present discussion that nether region 26
of bottom part 28 provides a continuous surrounding receiving form
for receiving and securing a bottom portion of core member 12, as
is best shown in sectional view FIG. 11 (core member 12 being
slidably encased within continuous bottom part 28, and nether
region 26, so as to allow force transfer as will be discussed.
[0043] Legs 50, 52 depend from the bottom part of the suit. To hold
the suit 14 suspended draped on and about the core member 12, a
number of strap lengths 22 are affixed to an upper location on suit
14, and each carries at its tip end one or more hooks 20 or
snap-links (not shown), the hooks 20 being hooked into lower ones
of the links in the chain lengths 18 to support the suit securely
mounted about the core member to resist the severe downward forces
generated during extreme training (for example by kicking leg
members 50, 52. Referring now in more detail, FIG. 8 shows the
strap length 22 and hooks 20 in perspective view.
[0044] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the suit 14 has a top part
30, the top part defining a human torso upper portion having a
torso front side 32 and a rear side 34 and a top side 36 from which
emerge left and right arms 38, 40.
[0045] The top part front side 32 is a full closure or covering
element as shown in FIG. 1. The top part rear side as shown in FIG.
2, is made up of left and right openable/closable side panel parts
44, 46. The openable rear side provides, inter alia, access to suit
14 for inserting the core member 12 into the suit when mounting the
suit on the core member. A lower panel part margin 42 demarks not
only the lowermost reach of the panel parts, but also a location at
the suit front side where the suit top part and bottom part are
embodied as a contiguous structure. This is in contrast to the
embodiment of suit depicted in FIG. 9 to be described later below,
and wherein the suit has top and bottom parts, which are not
contiguous.
[0046] Also noted on the exterior or suit 14 are a plurality of
fixing regions 100, 100A. Fixing regions 100 as employed herein as
means for securing training aids, such as rubber knife member 101
shown joined by Velcro to the left hand of suit 14, in a position
allowing a user to train in police-type dis-arming grappling
tactics. The present invention envisions that fixing regions 100,
100A may be adaptively constructed and positioned according to a
perceived manufacturer's need, including construction from; Velcro,
Velcro strap assemblies, buckles, adhesive patches, snap-stud
members, and other like systems those of skill in the physical
training arts may employ. As a second example, it should be
understood, that central fixing region 100A may include a number of
regions (Velcro, buckle, and physical strap) so as to removably
position a kicking target for leg training along the center mass of
suit 14.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, when the lower length section of
the core member 12 has been received in the continuously bounding
nether region 26, the panel parts 44,46 will be folded from the
open FIG. 3 position inward wrap around of the outer surface of the
core member 12. The Terminal end overlap areas 48 of the panel
parts 44, 46 will preferably overlap one with the other for added
strength, but this is not mandatory as can bee seen for example in
FIG. 10 where panel parts 44, 46 do not overlap. The top
overlapping area proximate terminal ends 48, 48 will then by means
of fastener straps 50 be pulled tightly relative to the overlapped
areas 48 thereby to tighten the embrace with which the upper torso
portion holds the core member 12. The straps 50 then are secured
with securing members 52 (for example a latch or catch mechanism
not shown or as may be suggested below).
[0048] In one form and as shown in FIG. 7, this securing means will
be that of a VELCRO.RTM. fastening, the cooperating fabrics of
which are carried respectively on the straps 50 and the securing
members 52. The straps 50 also can embody an elastic material so
that the strap can be stretched in reach if necessary to engage
securing members 52. Other fastener types could be used. For
example, the fasteners could be a strap on one panel part, and a
buckle on the other. To provide that there be no pull down of the
legs 50, 52, relative to the suit part and especially at the rear
side thereof to secure the legs 50, 52 against unintended downward
tension, fastening means comprising a strap 54 on an upper part of
a leg 50,52, and a cooperating securing member 56 carried on a
lower part of the panel parts 44,46 can be used to transfer
lengthwise or longitudinal/downward tension from legs 50, 52 to
body member 32 and thence to transfer support straps 22 to prevent
disturbing the position of suit 10 relative to core support 12.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 10 shows the tight embrace of the core
member when the fastener straps 50 are pulled tight and secured to
the securing members 52, the depicted fastening being with
VELCRO.RTM. fastening.
[0050] A feature is that both the upper and lower lengths of the
arms and legs of the dummy are filled with a filler material such
as a foam 70. The filler allows the arms to absorb impact blows.
Other types of impact absorbing materials can be used as well.
Also, the arms and legs have a pivot joint member 60 connecting the
upper and lower lengths of each so that a pivoting of the arm and
leg lower member relative to the upper member is possible. Other
means to enable the pivoting function are known and can be used.
Additionally, means for repositionably positioning joint member 60
(for example opposed toothed gears or screw thread) allows the arms
and legs of the dummy to be bent and retained-bent into realistic
positions for training aids. For example, joint member 60 in one
leg member may be bent to simulate a knee-strike or a block. A
counter for such a knee-strike is to stomp straight downwardly on
the top of the rising knee. This stomping motion provides great
stress on the knee/body connection that was the cause of all
earlier design failures only overcome by the construction of the
present invention.
[0051] Another alternative feature of the present invention, is
that to bulk up the dummy upper torso region as well as the nether
region, the flexible material of the suit covering these regions is
made of a composite material construction that may be adapted to a
desired form. Referring to FIG. 4, the suit 14 has an outer layer
62 of a durable material such as a canvas. An inner material layer
64 will preferably be of a softer material but one which has a
texture or surface coating (for example with an elastomeric
material) that allows good gripping therewith of the outer surface
of the core member 12 with which is in-wrapped contact. Sandwiched
between outer and inner layers 62, 64 is a layer 66 of a filler
material padding which could be a foam, rags, hemp fibers, fluid
membranes or pouches, or any one of a number of materials known to
those skilled in the physical training arts to be useful for the
purpose intended. The filler material layer thickness can be and is
intended to be varied to correspond with contour areas such as the
abdomen, nether region etc. so as to provide a more realistic
training environment.
[0052] The dummy has the advantages of being easy and inexpensive
to make. It is made in size corresponding to that a large class of
human size so that the prospect of training with and against a
human is duplicated, particularly a large opponent-sized human. Of
particular advantage is that it is possible to utilize a heavy bag
in the guise of a true human appearing dummy, wherein that dummy
provides a realistic "feel" to training blows without injuring the
trainee, thereby allowing "full force" training to occur without
damaging the training equipment.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 9, an alternative dummy construction 110
is an embodiment wherein a suit 114 is comprised as a suit top part
130, and a suit bottom part 128 which are made as separate
components. The components are thus provided in the manner of a
suit coat (with a neither region) and a pair of trousers. In this
embodiment, straps 154 and securing members 156 would be used on
both the front and rear sides to prevent pull down of the legs from
the torso during use. The prior noted structure elements of dummy
10 are the same in this embodiment with the same advantages. An
encircling upper margin 78 of the trousers is denoted in as a
dashed line, the nether region 26 being space below and slightly
above this margin so that a securing overlap construction is
ensured to allow strike-force transfer during the use.
[0054] For example, in considering the alternative construction of
FIG. 9, also review FIG. 11, wherein the nether region and
encircling bottom design shown at 28, 26 would be maintained for
suit 14 bottom, with an overlap covering the entire encircling and
continuous bottom construction so that fixing means 154, 156 secure
legs 50, 52 firmly in place.
[0055] In an alternative aspect of the present invention, it is
also envisioned, that the suit may be constructed to slidably
receive (in contrast to the present design) a supporting core
component 12 that is supported from a floor-support-surface. Thus
for example, a floor-standing training bag may be fitted with an
adapted suit for training purposes without departing from the scope
and spirit of the present invention.
[0056] Another alternative aspect of the present invention, is that
suit 14, either alone or in conjunction with core component 12 may
be employed on a floor-support or training area without suspension
from a support 16. In this configuration, suit 14 will be used to
provide a realistic grappling training scenario and provide
sufficient weight and mass to make ground-based-training techniques
difficult to master.
[0057] In the claims, means- or step-plus-function clauses are
intended to cover the structures described or suggested herein as
performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents
but also equivalent structures. Thus, for example, although a nail,
a screw, and a bolt may not be structural equivalents in that a
nail relies on friction between a wooden part and a cylindraceous
surface, a screw's helical surface positively engages the wooden
part, and a bolt's head and nut compress opposite sides of a wooden
part, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail, a
screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by those skilled in the
art as equivalent structures.
[0058] Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments
of the present invention with reference to the accompanying
drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
to those precise embodiments, and that various changes,
modifications, and adaptations may be effected therein by one
skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of
the invention as defined in the appended claims.
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