United States Patent [19]
`Murphy
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`4,721,302
`Jan. 26, 1988
`
`[54] PUNCHING BAG AND SUSPENSION
`SYSTEM
`
`[76] Inventor: Randy L. Murphy, 501 Linden Ave.,
`Kinston, NC. 28501
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 852,646
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Apr. 16, 1986
`
`[51] Int. (:1.4 ............................................ .. A63B 69/00
`[52] Us. 01. ...................................... .. 272/78; 272/76;
`273/55 R; 273/55 A
`[58] Field Of Search ............. .. 272/76, 77, 7s, DIG. 5,
`272/136, 900, 110, 61, 55 R, s5, s7, 52, 52.5;
`273/55 A
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`689,344 12/1901 Yoerger et a1. ..................... .. 272/78
`1,586,899 6/ 1926 Herring ........... ..
`..
`3,337,217 5/ 1966 Cummins .... ..
`4,088,315 5/1978 Schemmel ........................... .. 272/ 76
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`0516092 12/1920 France ................... ........... .. 272/77
`Primary Examiner-Richard J. Apley
`Assistant Examiner-Howard Flaxman
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Rhodes and Coats
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`A punching bag speci?cally designed and constructed
`for use with a reaction time and applied force measuring
`device. An elongated bag is suspended between an
`overhead support and the ?oor. The punching bag is
`supported from the overhead support by a plurality of
`rope-like members which extend outwardly and acutely
`from the punching bag. The punching bag is secured to
`the floor by a rope-like member attached to the bag’s
`bottom. The bottom rope-like member has slack such
`that the bag may swing within a con?ned radius. Addi
`tionally, springs may be included with the rope-like
`members and the support structures such that the reac
`tionary force is enhanced.
`
`10 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures
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`Yamaha Exhibit 1008 Page 1
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`US. Patent Jan. 26, 1988
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`Sheet 1 of 5
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`4,721,302
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`Yamaha Exhibit 1008 Page 2
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`US. Patent Jan. 26, 1988
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`Sheet 2 of 5
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`FIG. 2
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`Yamaha Exhibit 1008 Page 3
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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 26, 1988
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`Sheet 3 of5
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`F|G.4
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`Yamaha
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`Exhibit1008
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`Page4
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`RANDOMlZE '.
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`IMPACT
`DETECTOR
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`Yamaha Exhibit 1008 Page 4
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`US. Patent Jan. 26, 1988
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`Sheet 4 0f 5
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`4,721,302
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`FIG. 5
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`Yamaha Exhibit 1008 Page 5
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`US. Patent Jan..26, 1988
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`Sheet 5 of 5
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`4,721,302‘
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`mm
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`44850
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`ozawmooma
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`A 23
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`:z:
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`g E“
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`Yamaha Exhibit 1008 Page 6
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`1
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`4,721,302
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`PUNCHING BAG AND SUSPENSION SYSTEM
`
`FIELD OF INVENTION
`The present invention relates generally to sports
`equipment devices and more particularly to punching
`bags.
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`2
`applied to the bag, such as by striking the bag, the
`spring means will expand allowing the bag to move
`within a predetermined range. When the spring means
`contracts it thereby applies a force to the bag via the
`?exible suspension member.
`Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention
`to provide a punching bag that is speci?cally designed
`and constructed for use in connection with electronic
`measuring devices.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide
`a punching bag that is suspended in such a manner as to
`limit the range of movement of the bag to a predeter
`mined area.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide
`a punching bag, the movement of which resembles the
`movement of an actual opponent.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide
`a punching bag which may be used in connection with
`electronic measuring devices to measure the reaction
`time and applied force of the user as well as to count the
`number of times the user strikes the bag in a given inter
`val.
`A further object of the present invention is to provide
`a unique suspension system for a punching bag that
`results in the punching bag actually simulating the
`movement of a boxer as it is hit.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide
`a punching bag and suspension system therefore
`wherein the suspension system controls and limits the
`movement of the punching bag after it has been hit.
`Still a further object of the present invention is to
`provide both an upper suspension system and a lower
`retention means for the punching bag.
`Still a further object of the present invention is to
`provide a suspension system that actually imparts force
`to the punching bag and results in the movement of the
`punching bag being influenced by such force in re
`sponse to the bag being moved a selected amount by
`impact from the user.
`Other objects and advantages of the present invention
`will become apparent from a study and review of the
`following detailed description of the invention and the
`accompanying drawings.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the improved punch
`ing bag of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the im
`proved punching bag of the present invention illustrat
`ing the construction of the bag structure;
`FIG. 3 is a top view of the punching bag of the pres
`ent invention;
`FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a reaction time
`measuring device used in conjunction with the im
`proved punching bag of the present invention;
`FIG. 5 is an elevational view illustrating the unique
`movement of the punching bag of the present invention;
`and
`FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a multi-function
`electronic measuring device used in connection with
`the improved punching bag of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
`Referring now to the drawings the punching bag and
`associated suspension and restraining means of the pres
`ent invention is shown therein and indicated generally
`by the numeral 10. The punching bag 10 includes a bag
`
`BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
`The ?tness trend which has gripped America in the
`past decade has led to an increased demand for im
`proved sports equipment of all kinds. The punching
`bag, which was once used almost exclusively to train
`boxers, is now commonly found in the homes of ?tness
`conscious Americans and for good reason. The punch
`ing bag helps develop upper body strength and quick
`ness which is bene?cial in any athletic endeavor. Addi
`tionally, the aerobic effect of a “work-out” on the
`punching bag helps build stamina and strengthens the
`cardiovascular system.
`Recently is has been proposed to apply electronic
`measuring devices to sports training equipment to pro
`vide a quantitative measure of the reaction time and
`applied force of the user. Such feedback training sys
`tems may be particularly useful in punching or body
`bags used in training boxers. The patent to Bigelow et
`al, US. Pat. No. 4,534,557, discloses one such reaction
`time and applied force feedback training system. The
`patent to Bigelow, however, emphasizes the electronic
`aspects of such feedback training systems and provides
`virtually no guidance as to the design and construction
`of the sports equipment which might be used in such
`systems.
`Presently, there is no punching bag on the market
`which is speci?cally designed to be used in such feed
`back training systems. Such bags have unique design
`considerations to which prior art punching bags do not
`address. Accordingly, there is a need for a punching bag
`speci?cally adopted for use in conjunction with reac
`tion time and applied force measuring devices of the
`type disclosed in Bigelowe et al.
`
`SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF INVENTION
`The present invention provides a novel punching bag
`especially designed and constructed for use in connec
`tion with electronic measuring devices. The invention
`includes an elongated cylindrical bag having suspension
`means for interconnecting the upper end of the punch
`ing bag to an overhead support structure and retaining
`means for interconnecting the lower end of the punch
`ing bag to an underlying support structure.
`The suspension means includes a plurality of ?exible
`suspension members uniformly spaced and connected to
`the upper end of the punching bag. The suspension
`members extend upwardly and outwardly therefrom to
`where they connect with the overhead support struc
`ture. The retaining means includes at least one ?exible
`suspension member and interconnects the lower end of
`the punching bag with the underlying support surface.
`Both the suspension and retaining means positively
`limit the movement of the bag within a predetermined
`range. Additionally, the suspension and retaining means
`serve to impart a force to the bag resulting in a unique
`pattern of movement that simulates the movement of an
`actual opponent. This is accomplished by providing
`spring means in both the suspension and retaining
`means. More particularly, the spring means form a part
`of the ?exible suspension members. When a force is
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`Yamaha Exhibit 1008 Page 7
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`structure indicated generally at 12, suspension means
`indicated generally at 14, and restraining means indi
`cated generally by 16. The improved punching bag 10
`of the present invention may also be provided with a
`reaction time measuring device 58 or a multi-function
`electronic measuring device indicated generally at 70.
`The bag structure 12 of the present invention has an
`elongated cylindrical con?guration as can be clearly
`seen in FIGS. 1 and 3. Bag structure 12 includes a skele
`tal structure having an upper plate 18 and integrally
`formed core 20 extending downwardly from the center
`of upper plate 18. Upper plate 18 and core 20 are con
`structed of a semi-rigid material, preferably a hard rub
`ber. Four slot-like openings 22 are formed in the upper
`plate 18 and are equally spaced around the perimeter
`thereof. A fabric loop 24 is threaded through each of
`the slot-like openings 22 and secures a metal ring 26 to
`the bag structure 12 as can be clearly seen in FIG. 2. A
`threaded bore 28 is provided in the lower end of core
`20. A bolt 30 having an eyelet 32 is threaded into the
`bore 28 to provide means for restraining the lower end
`of bag 12 as will be described in greater detail below.
`A padding material 34, such as foam, is tightly wound
`around core 20. A covering 36 is then ‘wrapped around
`the circumference of the padding material 34 and folded
`under the bottom of bag structure 12 to fully enclose the
`padding material 34. The padding material 34 and cov
`ering 36 may be secured by an adhesive to form an
`integral structure with the upper plate 18 and core 20 or
`_ by any other suitable means.
`Referring again to FIG. 1, it is seen that the bag struc
`ture 12 is suspended from at its upper end by a plurality
`.. of ?exible suspension members 38. The suspension
`members 38 include a ?exible rope-like member 40
`which may preferably a plastic coated metal cable and
`an expandable member which may preferably be a ten
`sion coil spring 44. Tension coil springs 44 having a ring
`. portion 46 and a hook portion 48. Flexible rope-like
`’ members 40 are secured to the upper end of bag struc
`ture 12 by forming a loop 42 at one end thereof which
`40
`“extends through a respective metal ring 26. Flexible
`': rope-like members 40 are likewise secured at the other
`end to respective tension coil spring 44 by forming a
`second loop 42 at the opposite end which extends
`through the ring portion 46 of the tension coil spring 44.
`Four bolts 50 having eyelets 52 are secured to an
`overhead support surface such as a ceiling and are ar
`ranged to form a square as can be clearly seen in FIG.
`3. A reinforcing plate 54 is placed over the end of each
`bolt 50 and is secured by a nut 56 threaded onto the bolt
`until it ?rmly presses the reinforcing plate 54 against the
`top side of the overhead support surface as can be
`clearly seen in FIG. 1. To suspend the punching bag 10
`of the present invention the hook portion 48 of each
`tension coil spring 44 are engaged with the respective
`eyelet 52 as can be clearly seen in FIGS. 1 and 3.
`Once the upper end of the bag structure 12 is sus
`pended in the manner described above, the lower end of
`the bag structure 12 is interconnected with an underly
`ing support surface such as the ?oor by the restraining
`means 16. In the preferred embodiment the restraining
`means 16 comprises a single ?exible suspension member
`38' identical to those used to suspend the bag structure
`12 from the overhead support surface. The suspension
`member 38’ is secured to the lower end of the bag struc
`ture 12 by forming a loop 42’ in the free end of the
`?exible rope-like which extends through the eyelet 32.
`A ?fth bolt 50’ having an eyelet 52' is secured to the
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`underlying support structure in the same manner as
`described above at a point directly below the suspended
`bag structure 12. The hook portion 48’ of the tension
`coil spring 44’ engages the eyelet 52' thereby positively
`limiting the range of movement of the lower end of the
`bag structure 12 within a circular area the size of which
`will depend on the length of the suspension member 38.
`To use the punching bag 10 of the present invention
`the same is suspended between the overhead support
`structure and underlying support structure as described
`above. It is appreciated that the manner for suspending
`the bag 10 is relatively simple to use so that bag 10 can
`be easily and quickly set-up for a “work-out”. Once the
`“work-out” is complete the bag 10 can just as easily be
`removed and stored in a closet or the like.
`The punching bag 10 of the present invention is used
`in the same manner as a conventional punching bag.
`The movement of the bag however is unique. In partic
`ular, once the bag structure 12 is struck it will move in
`the direction away from the force of the blow within
`the area permitted by the suspension and restraining
`means. The allowable range of movement of the upper
`end of the bag structure 12 will of course be smaller
`than the allowable range of movement of the lower end
`of the bag structure 12. The bag will continue to move
`in the direction away from the force of the blow until
`the suspension members 38 are pulled taut at which time
`the tension coil springs 44 will expand. When the ten
`sion coil springs 44 begin to‘ retract or compress they
`will pull on the ?exible rope-like members 40 thereby
`imparting a force to the bag 10 in addition to the impact
`from the blow. The expansion and compression of the
`various tension coil springs 44 results in a random
`movement of the bag 10 within the predetermined
`range which simulates to some extent the movement of
`an actual opponent.
`The design of the punching bag 10 and associated
`suspension and restraining means makes it particularly
`suitable for use with electronic measure devices. Refer
`ring now to FIG. 4 a reaction time measuring device 58
`is illustrated schematically. The reaction time measur
`ing device 58 includes a clock unit 60 having two inputs
`and a single output. A randomizer 62 is communica
`tively connected to one input of clock unit 60 as well as
`to a horn 64. The randomizer 62 produces a “start
`clock” signal at random or pseudo-random intervals
`which causes the horn 64 to emit an audible turn and
`which indicates to the clock unit to start measuring
`time. The “start clock” signals vary in proportion to the
`“response time” as will be described below. An impact
`detector 66 is directly mounted on the punching bag
`and operatively connected to the second input from
`clock unit 60. The impact detector 66 produces a “stop
`clock” signal at the moment of impact which indicates
`to the clock unit 60 to stop measuring time. The clock
`unit 60 computes the interval of time between the “start
`clock” signal and the “stop clock” which is called the
`“response time.” A display 68 is operatively connected
`to the output of the clock unit 60 and displays the “re
`sponse time” obtained from the clock unit 60. The re
`sponse time is then conveyed to the randomizer 62
`which uses the same to produce the next “start signal”,
`which as stated above varies proportionately with the
`“response time”.
`'
`A multi-function measuring device 70 may be used in
`lieu of the single purpose reaction time measuring de
`vice 58 described above. The heart of the multi-function
`measuring device 70 is the central processing unit
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`(CPU) 72 which is nothing more than a single-chip
`microcomputer. The CPU can be programmed to carry
`out the variety of functions which will be described in
`detail below. The CPU contains a read-only-memory
`(ROM) 74 for storing programs and a random access
`memory (RAM) 76 which acts as a scratch pad for
`making calculations and for storing variables. The CPU
`further includes a crystal clock reference 78 for keeping
`time.
`The CPU has three input ports and two output ports.
`A keyboard 80 is operatively connected to the ?rst
`input port and permits the user to key in the desired
`mode of operation and other relevant parameters. A
`force transducer 82 which is mounted on the bag struc
`ture 12 is operatively connected to the second input
`port. The purpose of the force transducer 82 is to mea
`sure the applied force to the bag 12 and to provide a
`signal which can be understood by the CPU. An impact
`detector 84 is also mounted on bag structure 12 and is
`operatively connected to the third and last input port.
`The impact detector 84 detects each time the bag is
`struck and produces a signal which may be treated by
`the CPU in a variety of manners depending on the mode
`of operation.
`A signal indicator 86, which may be audible or visual,
`is operatively connected to one output port of the CPU.
`The second output port is operatively connected to a
`display 88 having separate LED readouts for displaying
`force 90, reaction time 92 and mode of operation 94.
`To use the multi-function measuring device 70 the
`user keys in the desired mode of operation which is read
`by the CPU. The CPU then selects the appropriate
`instruction set corresponding to the selected mode
`which is displayed on the display 88. If the user has
`selected the reaction-time measuring mode the CPU
`will all a random interval of time produce a “start sig
`nal” which will cause the signal indicator 86 to ?ash a
`light or sound a horn as the case may be. The user will
`then strike the bag 10. The impact detector, as a result
`will produce a “stop signal” which indicates to the CPU
`to stop measuring time. The CPU computes the “re
`sponse time” by measuring the interval between the
`“start signal” and the “stop signal” and causes the result
`to be displayed on the appropriate LED on the display
`88
`If the user selects the counting mode he or she must
`also key in the desired interval of time over which the
`CPU is to count. The CPU will then produce a “start
`signal” which will cause the signal indicator 86 to either
`?ash a light or sound a horn. The user then strikes the
`bag continuously until the light ?ashes or the horn
`sounds for a second time. After the selected interval of
`time has elapsed the CPU will again cause the signal
`indicator to ?ash a light for example and will display the
`number of time in which the bag was struck during the
`selected interval.
`A third mode of operation is referred to as the applied
`force mode. In this mode the CPU does not generate a
`“start signal” but merely waits until the user strikes the
`bag. The force transducer 82 will measure the force and
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`produce a signal that can be understood by the CPU
`which in turn will display the “applied force” in the
`appropriate LED in the display 88.
`'
`From the foregoing, it is seen that the present inven
`tion provides an improved punching bag which simi
`lates the body movement of an actual opponent and
`which provides a quantitative measure of the athletic
`ability of the user.
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`The present invention may, of course, be carried out
`in other speci?c ways than those herein set forth with
`out departing from the spirit and essential characteris
`tics of the invention. The present embodiments are,
`therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative
`and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the
`meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims
`are intended to be embraced therein.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A punching bag and suspension and mounting
`system therefore, comprising: an elongated punching
`bag having both a top and a bottom; a plurality of
`equally spaced attachment means directly secured the
`top of said punching bag; upper connecting means for
`suspending said punching bag from an overhead sup
`port structure; said upper connecting means consisting
`of a plurality of equally spaced ?exible rope-like mem
`bers having lower ends connected directly to the at
`tachment means and upper ends connected directly to
`the overhead support structure; each ?exible rope-like
`member extending acutely and outwardly from the
`punching bag such that the punching bag is suspended
`inwardly from the various points of connections of each
`?exible rope-like member with the overhead structure;
`means for controlling the movement of the lower por
`tion of said punching bag in response to punches being
`absorbed by the punching bag, said control means in
`cluding means for limiting the movement of the lower
`portion of said punching bag outside of a selected area
`but allowing the lower portion of said punching bag to
`freely and randomly move within that selected area;
`and said control means including a ?exible rope like
`retainer normally loosely connected directly to the
`lower portion of said punching bag and extending there
`from where said ?exible rope like retainer is connected
`to an underlying structure.
`2. The punching bag and suspension and mounting
`system of claim 1 wherein said ?exible rope-like retainer
`includes means for generating and imparting a reaction
`force to said punching bag as the same randomly moves
`in response to punches being landed there against, said
`reaction force means including spring means forming a
`part of said ?exible rope-like retainer and disposed be
`tween said punching bag and said underlying support.
`3. The punching bag and suspension and mounting
`system of claim 2 wherein each ?exible rope-like mem
`ber of said upper connecting means includes a spring
`and wherein said spring is interposed between an outer
`remote end of each ?exible rope-like member and said
`overhead support structure.
`4. The punching bag of claim 1 including impact
`sensing means implanted within said bag and means
`operatively connected to said impact sensing means for
`determining the number of times a subject strikes said
`bag during a selected time interval.
`5. The punching bag of claim 1 including impact
`sensing means implanted within said bag and means
`operatively connected to said impact sensing means for
`emitting a signal and determining the reaction time
`between the time the signal is emitted and impact with
`said bag.
`6. A method of suspending and mounting a punching
`bag to realistically simulate the random movement of an
`actual boxing opponent comprising the steps of: sus
`pending an elongated punching bag from an'overhead
`support; said punching bag having a top and bottom
`wherein said top is suspended from the overhead sup
`port; said punching bag also having a plurality of
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`equally spaced attachment means secured directly to
`the top of said punching bag; positively con?ning and
`restricting the movement of the lower portion of the
`punching bag to a selected underlying area such that as
`the punching bag is hit the lower portion thereof is free
`to randomly move within the selected underlying area
`does not move outwardly thereof; the step of suspend
`ing the punching bag consisting of coupling a plurality
`of ?exible rope-like members; directly to the attach
`ment means and extending each ?exible rope-like mem
`ber outwardly and acutely from the punching bag and
`connecting the ?exible rope-like member to the over
`head support at points disposed outwardly of the
`punching bag such that each ?exible rope-like member
`has a horizontal and vertical component; and said step
`of con?ning and restricting the movement of the lower
`portion of said punching bag including tying loosely
`connecting ?exible rope like member between a lower
`portion of said punching bag and an underlying support
`structure such that the lower portion of said punching
`bag can randomly and freely move within the selected
`area of movement but because of the presence of the
`?exible rope like member is prohibited from moving
`outside of the selected area.
`7. The method of claim 6 including the step of inter
`posing a spring between the lower portion of said
`punching bag and said underlying support and opera
`tively connecting said ?exible like members to said
`spring such that as the bag is hit and moves outwardly
`the spring may stretch and then compress and wherein
`as the spring compresses the force thereof is transmitted
`to said punching bag thereby in?uencing the repound
`ing movement of the punching bag.
`8. The method of claim 7 including the step of con
`necting a spring to each ?exible like member suspending
`the upper portion of said punching bag and operatively
`connecting each spring between the upper portion of
`said punching bag and said overhead support such that
`said springs effectively suspend the punching bag from
`said overhead support.
`9. The method of claim 8 including inserting an elon
`gated at least semi-rigid bar longitudinally through a
`substantial portion of said punching bag so as to main
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`8
`tain a degree of vertical rigidity through a substantial
`heighth of the punching bag when the same is vertically
`suspended.
`10. A punching bag and suspension system for sus
`pending the punching bag between an overhead struc
`ture and a ?oor area comprising: an elongated generally
`cylindrical punching bag that normally assumes a cen
`tered and vertical orientation; said elongated punching
`bag including a top, a bottom, and a surrounding cylin
`drical wall with the cross sectional area of the punching
`bag being generally uniform from the top to the bottom;
`a plurality of equally spaced attachment means directly
`secured to the top of said punching bag; an upper con
`necting means consisting of a plurality of ?exible rope
`like members directly connected to the top of the
`punching bag and extending outwardly and acutely
`from attachment means to where each ?exible rope
`attaches to the overhead structure; said plurality of
`?exible rope like members being generally equally
`spaced and extending substantially outwardly and
`acutely from the top of the punching bag such that each
`?exible rope has a horizontal and vertical component
`and wherein each ?exible rope attaches to the overhead
`structure at a point substantially outwardly from the
`bag; each ?exible rope being arranged and oriented
`relative to the bag and overhead structure so as to im
`part a positive reacting force to the punching bag in
`response to the punching bag being impacted and the
`bottom thereof moving outwardly in the general direc
`tion of the respective ?exible rope, the positive reaction
`force being a force that causes the bottom of the bag to
`move back towards its normal centered and vertical
`position; a bottom ?exible rope like member attached
`between the bottom of the punching bag and ?oor area;
`and wherein the bottom ?exible rope like member as
`sumes a substantially slack posture when the punching
`bag assumes the normal centered and vertical position,
`but wherein the bottom ?exible rope is of a selected
`length so as to restrict and limit the movement of the
`bottom of the punching bag relative to its normal cen
`tered and vertical position.
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