U.S. patent application number 12/044244 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-11 for adjustable heavy bag/speed bag frame with piston assist.
This patent application is currently assigned to TECHNICAL KNOCKOUT, INC.. Invention is credited to STEVE YANG.
Application Number | 20080220949 12/044244 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39738816 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080220949 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YANG; STEVE |
September 11, 2008 |
ADJUSTABLE HEAVY BAG/SPEED BAG FRAME WITH PISTON ASSIST
Abstract
A boxing equipment frame assembly, wherein the frame assembly is
capable of supporting a plurality of punching bags including a
speed bag and a heavy bag. The frame assembly includes a speed bag
support assembly that includes a sliding bracket. The bracket
serves as the means of connecting the speed bag support assembly to
the main equipment frame. By using a sliding bracket that moves
independently of the main support frame, the height of the speed
bag can be adjusted without displacing any of the additional
components attached to the frame. A piston is provided to apply a
continuous upward force to the sliding bracket. In applying a
continuous upward force the user has to put in less effort and a
greater degree of control is achieved in adjusting the height of
the speed bag.
Inventors: |
YANG; STEVE; (Houston,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MALIN HALEY AND DIMAGGIO, PA
1936 S ANDREWS AVENUE
FORT LAUDERDALE
FL
33316
US
|
Assignee: |
TECHNICAL KNOCKOUT, INC.
HOUSTON
TX
|
Family ID: |
39738816 |
Appl. No.: |
12/044244 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60893708 |
Mar 8, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/90 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2071/0063 20130101;
A63B 69/201 20130101; A63B 69/205 20130101; A63B 71/023 20130101;
A63B 2225/093 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/90 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/22 20060101
A63B069/22 |
Claims
1. An adjustable boxing speed bag and heavy bag apparatus,
comprising: frame means for supporting said apparatus, said frame
means including a base means, a lower section and an upper section;
said upper section including heavy bag support means, said heavy
bag support means for detachably receiving a heavy bag; said upper
section further including speed bag support means, said speed bag
support means for detachably receiving a speed bag; said upper
section further including separate adjustable means for selective
movement and positioning of said speed bag support means; and said
upper section further including auxiliary piston means for
assisting said adjustable means for displacement of said speed bag
support means.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said base means includes a
plurality of support legs.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said frame means includes a
generally vertical central support member secured to said base
means; said heavy bag support means being a generally horizontal
support member secured to said frame means upper section.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said speed bag support means
is comprised of a speed bag support platform and a generally
horizontal support member, said horizontal support member secured
to said upper section adjustable means for selective movement and
positioning of said speed bag support means.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said adjustable means for
selective movement and positioning of said speed bag support means
is comprised of a generally vertical support member, said vertical
support member being offset from, and secured to, said frame means
vertical central support member; said adjustable means vertical
support member being generally parallel to said frame means
vertical central support member; said speed bag support means being
vertically adjustable about said adjustable means vertical support
member.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said auxiliary piston means
for assisting said adjustable means for selective movement and
positioning of said speed bag support means is interposed said
adjustable means vertical support member and said frame means
vertical central support member.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said adjustable means for
selective movement and positioning of said speed bag support means
further includes a slidable bracket, said slidable bracket
positioned about said adjustable means vertical support member and
moveable thereon.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said auxiliary piston means is
secured at one end to said slidable bracket.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a generally
horizontal bracket interposed said adjustable means vertical
support member and said frame means vertical central support
member; said auxiliary piston means secured at an opposite end to
said generally horizontal bracket.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said slidable bracket further
includes removable pill means for positioning said speed bag
support means; said adjustable means vertical support member
further including a plurality of apertures; said pin means
removably insertable within said plurality of apertures for
adjustable movement of said speed bag support means.
11. An adjustable boxing speed bag and heavy bag apparatus, for
adjusting the height of a speed bag, comprising: a frame for
supporting said apparatus, said frame including a base with a
plurality of support legs; said frame having a generally vertical
central frame member, a lower section and an upper section; said
upper section including a generally horizontal heavy bag support
member, said heavy bag support member for detachably receiving a
heavy bag; said upper section further including a generally
horizontal speed bag support member and a speed bag platform
secured at one end thereto, said speed bag platform detachably
receiving a speed bag; said upper section further including a
separate adjustable assembly for selective movement and positioning
of said speed bag support member; said adjustable assembly
including a vertical support member, said adjustable assembly
vertical support member being generally parallel and offset from
said frame central vertical member, said vertical support member
being secured at opposite ends to said frame central vertical
member; an auxiliary piston for assisting said adjustable assembly
for displacement of said speed bag support member; said auxiliary
piston having telescoping components and being selectively
expandable and contractible; and said auxiliary piston secured to
said adjustable assembly.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said adjustable assembly
further includes a slidable bracket, said slidable positioned about
said adjustable assembly vertical support member; said auxiliary
piston secured at one end to said slidable bracket; said auxiliary
piston being interposed said adjustable assembly vertical support
member and said frame central vertical member; and whereby said
speed bag support member can be raised or lowered about said
adjustable assembly vertical support member, said piston providing
additional load assistance and controlled movement of said speed
bag support member.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said slidable bracket
further includes one or more removable pins for positioning said
speed bag support member; said adjustable assembly vertical support
member further including a plurality of apertures; and said one or
more pins being removably insertable within said plurality of
apertures for adjustable movement of said speed bag support
member.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said slidable bracket
further includes a handle secured thereto.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said adjustable assembly
vertical support member, said auxiliary piston, and said frame
central vertical member are secured in a generally parallel manner,
and are generally coplanar.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This utility application claims priority on and from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/893,708 filed on Mar. 8,
2007.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
N/A
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to boxing equipment and more
particularly pertains to an easily and efficiently adjustable frame
with platforms and structural members which can support a heavy bag
and a speed bag. The present invention is user friendly in that it
allows for relatively quick and simple adjustments in the height of
the platform which supports a boxing bag.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Punching bags were originally used by boxers to improve
overall punching techniques. Recently, punching bags are being used
by people who are not boxers, but want to receive the strength and
aerobic benefits achieved through performing the motion of
punching. Furthermore, punching bags are now used as source of
stress relief by many people. Typically an entire boxing apparatus
includes multiple bags of different sizes and designs for
performing various punching exercises. These boxing apparatuses
usually include a large heavy bag and a smaller speed hag. Both
bags are mounted onto a frame that provides support while the bags
are operated.
[0006] Punching bag support frames and other exercise apparatuses
are detailed extensively throughout the prior art. These devices
and apparatus typically address the problems associated with
adjusting the height of the boxing bags or other exercise
equipment. In particular for boxing bag support frames, the support
structure from which the bags are mounted, such as platforms, bars,
rigid arms and the like are adjusted.
[0007] Adjustable frames for supporting exercise equipment has
significant applications for basketball goal systems. Specifically,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,944 issued to Morgan discloses a basketball
goal that is mounted onto a telescopically adjustable support
frame. This support frame uses a series of linear actuators to
raise and lower the upper member of the support frame, subsequently
raising and lowering the basketball goal.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,133,547 issued to Pardi describes a
self-adjusting basketball goal that incorporates two pivoting
member attached to a support frame. The pivoting members protrudes
out from the top end of the support frame and include all upper and
lower member. The lower pivoting member is locked into position by
a telescopically adjusting extension from the main support frame.
As the telescopic extension is displaced, the lower pivot member
rotates about the pivot axis formed at the top of the main support
member, thereby allowing the goal to be raised and lowered to a
specific height.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,884,189 B2 issued to Fair, relates to an
adjustable basketball goal system. This design incorporates
moveable and slidable sleeve that are operated through a pulley
system to adjust the height of the basketball goal.
[0010] While, exercise equipment utilizing adjustable frames is
used extensively in basketball goal systems, it also extends for
use in boxing exercising apparatuses, and particularly the
structures used to support the boxing bags. U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,992
B1 issued to Shafik discloses a boxing frame for both speed bags
and heavy bags, which utilizes a multi-purpose bracket and pin
assembly to position the height of the speed bag platform. This
device is also for attachment to a tread mill. The disadvantage of
the invention disclosed in the '922 patent is that the system uses
a simple bracket and pin for adjusting the height of the speed bag.
The bracket and pin adjustable members have a number of
disadvantages including difficulty in removing the pin, and
inconvenience in actually displacing the adjustable member within
the bracket, particularly as the bracket becomes worn with
continued use.
[0011] U.S. Patent Publication No. US2006/0025286 A1 issued to
Shipes, discloses a rotatable frame assembly for a boxing heavy
bag. The frame assembly consists of a rotatable shaft and a
transverse member. The rotatable shaft is driven by a motor which
can be remotely controlled. In rotating the shaft, the heavy bag is
displaced, thereby mimicking the movements of an opponent. The main
disadvantage of this invention is that the heavy bag height can not
be adjusted based upon the preference of various users.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,866 issued to Fucci discloses a punching
bag support frame with at least two (2) telescoping sections, one
being a tooth/gear assembly and the second being an internal
pressure safety cylinder within the main frame to assist with
controllability of the unit. The pressure cylinder can be located,
in an alternative embodiment, outside the main frame, and is
designed to assist the rack and pinion gear assembly to ease
movement of the upper assembly. The disadvantage of this invention
is that the entire frame assembly is moved, so that if a heavy bag
is also attached to the frame, the height of the heavy bag is
adjusted with the height of the speed bag. Furthermore, in
adjusting the main support frame, a powerful pressure cylinder must
be used to drive the movement as the main support frame is rigid
and extremely heavy.
[0013] However, none of the prior art references, either alone or
in combination with one-another, teach or suggest the novel aspects
of the instant invention, nor the mechanical designs relating to
the secondary, independent and vertically adjustable speed bag
frame that is attached to a main support frame. Consequently, there
continues to exist a need for an efficient, simple, user friendly
and structurally sound design for an adjustable frame for boxing
speed bags or heavy bags. Furthermore, this design must allow for
the independent adjustment of the height of various components that
are attached to the main support frame.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention relates to an improved design for
manufacturing, assembling and using adjustable boxing frames for
supporting speed bags or heavy bags. The adjustable support frame
is conventional in that it includes a main support piece and two
extension support assemblies that are used to attach a heavy bag
and a smaller, generally circular speed bag to the main support
piece. The entire assembly frame is supported by base members that
sit on the floor and extend outwards from the bottom end of the
main support piece. The pieces that are used to support both the
speed bag and heavy bag are rigidly secured to the main support
piece, so that in operation of the bags displacement of the entire
frame is assembly is neutralized by the base members.
[0015] The speed bag support assembly includes a sliding bracket
that encloses a vertical strut that is attached to an extension
piece. The sliding bracket is attached to a platform support member
that extends horizontally out of the sliding bracket. The platform,
upon which the speedbag is attached to and operated on, extends
from the bottom of the platform support member. The platform,
platform support member and sliding bracket are all rigidly secured
together, so that as the bracket is displaced vertically, the
platform displaces with respect to the bracket. The displacement of
the platform, in turn causes the adjustment of the height of the
speed bag. The use of a displaceable bracket surrounding a strut
piece that extends outward from the main support piece, allows the
height of the speed bag to be adjusted independently from the rest
of the entire support frame, thus fixing the height of the heavy
bag.
[0016] The bracket is locked and unlocked into position through the
insertion and removal of a pin. The pin extends through the bracket
and through apertures on both sides of the strut piece thus locking
the bracket into a specific position. By locking the bracket into a
position the speed bag remains at a fixed height. In order to
adjust the height of the speed bag, the turn knob is activated
allowing the pin to be pulled through the apertures in the strut
piece and out from the side of the bracket. A handle extends from
the opposing side of the bracket that provides the user with a
means of displacing the bracket.
[0017] The advantage of the present invention is the addition of a
piston that is mounted to the main support piece. The end of the
piston is coupled to the moveable bracket that surrounds the strut
piece. As the bracket is displaced upward, and subsequently the
height of the speed bag is raised, the piston assists the user by
providing an upward force against the bracket. Furthermore, as the
bracket is moved downward, the piston continues to apply an upward
force, thus allowing the user to easily control the descent of the
bracket and subsequent speed bag which can be heavy and awkward to
control.
[0018] Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention
to provide an improved adjustable frame for mounting and supporting
a variety of boxing bags.
[0019] It is an additional object of the present invention to
provide a superior design for adjustable boxing equipment frames,
which are cost effective, operationally efficient, and user
friendly
[0020] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an improved boxing equipment support frame which incorporates an
auxiliary piston assist mechanism.
[0021] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an improved boxing equipment support frame which allows for
the independent adjustment of the height of a specific boxing bag
without displacing other boxing bags that are supported by the
frame.
[0022] In accordance with these and other objects which will become
apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described
with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the components that make up
the entire boxing frame.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of the complete boxing
frame.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a side perspective view of the adjustable speed
bag support assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of the components of the
preferred embodiment of the entire boxing frame 10, while FIG. 2
shows a side perspective view of the complete boxing frame 10.
Referring to both FIGS. 1 and 2, the boxing frame consists of a
main support piece 16 that extends vertically in a perpendicular
direction to the surface upon which the boxing frame 10 rests upon.
The main support piece 16 is constructed from any suitable high
strength material that can be but is not limited to steel. The
piece 16 is hollow to decrease the weight of the overall frame 10
and can be of any geometrical shape. In the preferred embodiment,
the main support piece 16 is four sided to provide surfaces for the
mounting of the additional components that make up the boxing frame
10.
[0027] A left and right base frame leg 12 and 11 and a base cross
frame leg 13 are attached to the bottom of the main support member
16. The base legs 11, 12, and 13 limit the side to side
displacement of the main support member 16, thus allowing the
member 16 to extend vertically up from the planar surface upon
which it rests. Two diagonal struts 14 and 15 are connect the main
support member 16 to the left and right base frame legs 11 and 12
at points located away from the connection at the base of the main
support member 16. These diagonal struts 14 and 15 help to ensure
that horizontal displacement of the main support member is
limited.
[0028] The top of the hollow main support member 16 is covered with
a cap 19 to improve the appearance of the overall boxing frame 10.
A heavy bag extension support member 17 is attached to the top of
and extends perpendicularly from a side surface of the main support
member 16. A mounting shaft 20 extends from the distal end of the
bottom side of the heavy bag extension support member 17. The
mounting shaft 20 is used to secure the heavy bag to the extension
support member 16. The heavy bag extension support member protrudes
from the same side of the main support member 16 as the left and
right base frame legs 11 and 12 are attached to. This ensures that
the main support member 16 can adequately hold the weight of the
heavy bag without falling over.
[0029] The speed bag support assembly 50 includes a top extension
piece 18 that is attached to the top end of the main support member
16 on the opposing side from which the heavy bag support member 17
is mounted. The distal end of the extension piece is coupled to the
top of a vertical strut member 21. The vertical strut member 21 can
be of any shape and constructed from any suitable high strength
material such as steel. A bottom extension piece 22 is connected to
the bottom end of the vertical strut member 21 and the main support
member 16. Both the bottom and top extension pieces 18 and 22
protrude from the main support member 16 the same horizontal
distance, so that the vertical strut member 21 is parallel to the
main support member 16.
[0030] A sliding bracket 23 encloses around the vertical strut
member 21 and moves in a linear direction along the longitudinal
length of the strut member 21. A horizontal extension member 24 is
monolithically attached to and protrudes from the side of the
sliding bracket 23. A square support plate is coupled to the bottom
side on the distal end of the horizontal extension member 24. The
square support plate 25 serves to create a surface with a large
area on which the circular speed bag operation plate 26 is mounted.
This circular speed bag operation plate 26 is attached to the
bottom end of the square support plate 25. A mounting swivel 27
extends from the bottom of the circular operation plate 26 and is
used to directly attach the speed bag to the entire speed bag
support assembly 50. The circular operation plate 26 is used as a
surface that the speed bag makes contact with and subsequently
bounces off of dining the operation of the bag.
[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, and in particular FIG. 3, a side
perspective view of the speed ball support assembly 50 is shown.
The speed ball support assembly 50 includes a mounting swivel 27,
the operational plate 26, the square plate 25, and the horizontal
support member 24 which are all coupled together to the sliding
bracket 23, so that as the sliding bracket moves the attached
components displace. Subsequently, as the attached components are
displaced the overall height of the speed ball changes a specific
distance with respect to the overall displacement of the attached
components. As mentioned previously, the sliding bracket 23
displaces in a linear fashion along the longitudinal direction of
the vertical strut 21. Two plastic brushings 31 are inserted into
the sliding bracket 23 to aid in the movement of the sliding
bracket 23. In using a separate support assembly from the main
support member, the height of the speed ball can be changed
independently without moving the main support member 16 and
corresponding additional attached punching bags.
[0032] The sliding bracket 23 is locked into place on the vertical
strut 21 through the use of a simple pin locking mechanism. The
locking mechanism consists of a turn knob 23 and pop pin 29 which
are utilized to secure and maintain the sliding bracket 23 at any
desired height level or position about the vertical strut 21. The
vertical strut 21 contains a series of apertures through opposing
sidewalls of the strut 21. Once the desired height of the speed
ball is achieved, pop pin 29 protrudes through an opening on the
side of the sliding bracket 23, through apertures located on
opposing side walls of the vertical strut 21 and into the turn knob
23 on the opposing side of the sliding bracket 23.
[0033] In order to release the sliding bracket 23 from a locked
position, the turn knob 28 is activated, allowing for the removal
of the pop pin 29. The pop pin 29 is pulled out from the opposing
apertures 30 in the sides of the vertical strut 21 and through the
opening in the sliding bracket 23. A wire 32 connects the pop pin
29 to the sliding bracket 23 and ensures that the pop pin 29 is not
lost while it is disengaged. After the pop pin is disengaged, the
sliding bracket 21 can be displaced vertically.
[0034] The novelty of the present invention comes through the use
of a piston member 33 to help in moving the sliding bracket 21 and
subsequent speed hall to a desired height. The piston 33 can be a
pneumatic, hydraulic, tension spring, or electric extendable or
retractable type member. The bottom extension piece 22 holds the
piston 33 in the space between the vertical strut 21 and the main
support member 16. The end of the sliding shaft 35 of the piston 33
is attached to the sliding bracket 23 through a protrusion 36 that
extends from the back of the sliding bracket 23 into the space
between said bracket 23 and the main support member 16.
[0035] In the movement of the sliding bracket 21, the piston member
33 provides an independent and substantial force to assist the
user, in lifting or lowering the speed bag and corresponding speed
bag support assembly 50 to the desired height for performing boxing
exercises. A handle 24 extends from the side of the sliding bracket
21, allowing the user to move the entire speed bag support assembly
50 up and down. In adjusting the height of the speed bag to taller
position, the speed bag support assembly can be heavy and awkward
to move. The piston 33 applies a constant upward force to the
sliding bracket 23, thus aiding the user in moving the entire
assembly up. Furthermore, by reducing the force that the user needs
to apply in lifting the speed bag, a greater degree of control is
achieved. While the speed bag support assembly 50 is disengaged and
being lowered, the piston 33 continues to apply an upward force.
This applied upward force prevents the sliding bracket 23 and the
corresponding entire speed bag support assembly 50 from crashing
down. Furthermore, a higher degree of user control is achieved as
the support assembly 50 is lowered.
[0036] Without the method of using a piston 33 to assist in
adjusting the height of the speed bag, weight or strength
limitations would be encountered by certain individuals, who may
not be able to operate the equipment by themselves. Further, people
may misjudge the weight of the support assembly 50 causing
inadvertent movement and injury. Throughout all operations, the
piston assist applies appropriate force on the platform assembly,
to provide stability, control and ease of movement for the user. It
is much easier and safer for the user to manipulate the platform,
and allows the person to use minimal force and energy in adjusting
the height of the punching bag.
[0037] The components that make up the entire boxing frame 10 are
attached together through any suitable means. In the preferred
embodiment the components are coupled together through the use of
screws. By using screws, the entire frame can be shipped to any
location in a compact unassembled form, and the customer can then
manually assemble the entire boxing frame 10. Furthermore, using
screws to secure the pieces together reduces the overall
manufacturing costs of the frame 10.
[0038] In another embodiment of the present invention, the heavy
bag is coupled to the main support member through a piston assisted
support assembly. While the piston used in the heavy bag support
assembly provides a much greater force than the piston used in the
previously mentioned speed bag support assembly, the operation and
advantages that are achieved remain the same. These advantages
include an increase in the overall control and a reduction in the
required effort for the process of adjusting the height of the
heavy bag.
[0039] The instant invention has been shown and described herein in
what is considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made
therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious
modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.
* * * * *