MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/669,792, filed on Jul. 11, 2024, and titled “Martial Arts Training Device”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference and on which priority is hereby claimed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to sports training devices, and more particularly relates to self-propelled martial arts training devices.

Description of the Prior Art

Martial arts is a type of fighting that incorporates defensive and offensive movements, and that has both recreational and combatant applications. Effective training for martial arts typically involves two or more people sparring with one another to create dynamic movements and targets. Conventionally, static (e.g., non-moving) training adjuncts, such stationary strike and kick targets, can be used by individuals who do not have a training partner; however, such adjuncts are not very effective due to their non-moving nature.

Accordingly, there is a need for a martial arts training device that simulates the movements of an opponent and can be utilized by an individual when a training partner is not available.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a martial arts training device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a martial arts training device that simulates moving targets.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a martial arts training device that is usable by one or more persons.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a martial arts training device that is self-propelled.

In accordance with one form of the present invention, a martial arts training device includes a base, a drive system and a target rack. One or more targets are affixed to or mounted to the target rack. The target rack is coupled to the base and the drive system. The drive system is mounted to the base and mechanically coupled to the target rack. The drive system includes a frame having a seat on which a user sits and a plurality of cogs that are driven by the user to rotate and effect movement of the target rack towards and away from the user during training. The drive system further includes a weighted wheel that applies load and resistance during operation.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a left perspective view of a martial arts training device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a right perspective view of a martial arts training device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a left elevational view of a martial arts training device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a right elevational view of a martial arts training device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the drive system.

FIG. 5 is a partial top view of a martial arts training device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the stabilizer and the arm bases.

FIG. 6 is a partial top view of a martial arts training device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the stabilizer of the base.

FIG. 7 is a partial rear view of a martial arts training device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the target rack.

FIG. 8 is a partial rear view of a martial arts training device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the target rack with several targets attached thereto.

FIG. 9 is a partial rear view of a martial arts training device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the target rack with the main rack target attached thereto.

FIG. 10 is a left perspective view of the main rack target of a martial arts training device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the constant jab target of a martial arts training device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is another top perspective view of the constant jab target of a martial arts training device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a right elevational view of a martial arts training device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the device being operated by a single user.

FIG. 14 is a right elevational view of a martial arts training device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the device being used by two persons.

FIG. 15 is another right elevational view of a martial arts training device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention, showing the device being used by two persons.

FIG. 16 is a left elevational view of the target mount of a martial arts training device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a left elevational view of the frame of a martial arts training device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a top view the drive system of a martial arts training device constructed in accordance with one form of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Initially referencing FIG. 1 of the drawings, the martial arts training device 2 of the present invention includes a base 4, a target rack 6 coupled to the base 4 and a drive system 8 that is mounted to the base 4 and operably coupled to the target rack 6.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the base 4 includes an elongated main body 10 having a first end 12, a second end 14 disposed opposite to the first end 12, a top surface 16 and a bottom surface 18 disposed opposite to the top surface 16. The base 4 further includes one or more stabilizers 20 mounted thereto. Preferably, the stabilizer 20 is formed as a cross-member that is perpendicularly affixed to the elongated main body 10 near the first end 12 thereof. The stabilizer 20 may also be formed as a pair of diametrically opposed posts that extend outwardly from opposite lateral sides 22, 24 of the elongated main body 10 in proximity to the first end 12 thereof. The bottom surface 18 of the elongated main body 10 and a portion of the stabilizer 20 are in communication with the ground or floor 26 such that the stabilizer 20 stabilizes and limits rotation of the elongated main body 10 relative to the ground or floor 26. An additional stabilizer 21 may be affixed to the elongated main body 10 near the second end 14 thereof. The free ends of the stabilizers 20, 21 may be covered by plastic or rubber end caps 41.

As can be seen in FIG. 15 of the drawings, the base may further include at least one tilt stabilizer 23 that counters the tipping force created during the operation of the martial arts training device 2. The tilt stabilizer 23 is preferably formed as a generally U-shaped or semi-circular member having a first end and a second free end disposed opposite the first end. The first end is mounted or affixed to a portion of the stabilizer 20 of the base 4 and the second free end is in contact with the ground or floor 26.

Now referencing FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings, the base 4 further includes at least one mount 28 that is coupled to the target rack 6. The mount 28 preferably includes a first member 30 and a second member 32. The first member 30 and the second member 32 extend perpendicularly outwardly from the stabilizer 20 and are spaced apart and separated from one other, defining a space 33 therebetween. Each of the first member 30 and the second member 32 includes a bore 34 formed through the thickness thereof, the bore 34 in the first member 30 and the bore 34 in the second member 32 being aligned with one another. Preferably, the base 4 includes a first mount 36 and a second mount 38. The first mount 36 is affixed to the stabilizer 20 in proximity to a first side 40 thereof. The second mount 38 is affixed to the stabilizer 20 in proximity to a second side 42 thereof. As will be described in greater detail in the forthcoming paragraphs, the first mount 36 and the second mount 38 are pivotally or hingedly coupled to a respective arm 44, 46 of the target rack 6.

As can be seen in FIGS. 7-9 of the drawings, in one form, the target rack 6 includes a first arm 44 and a second arm 46, the first arm 44 and the second arm 46 each being generally formed as an elongated tubular member having a first axial end 48 and second axial end 50 disposed opposite the first axial end 48. The second axial ends 50 are preferably open and have an inner diameter. The first arm 44 and the second arm 46 are generally vertically oriented relative to the base 4. The first arm 44 and the second arm 46 are interconnected by one or more cross braces 52. Preferably, the target rack 6 includes a plurality of cross braces 52. Some or all of the cross braces 52 may be selectively moveable along the axial length of the first arm 44 and the second arm 46.

The cross braces 52 are generally horizontally oriented relative to the vertically oriented first arm 44 and second arm 46. More specifically, each cross brace 52 includes a first end 54 and a second end 56 disposed opposite the first end 54. The first ends 54 of the cross braces 52 are coupled or affixed to the first arm 44 and the second ends 56 of the cross braces 52 are coupled or affixed to the second arm 46. For example, each of the first arm 44 and the second arm 46 may include one or a plurality of holes 58 formed at least partially along the axial length thereof. The first and second ends 54, 56 of the cross braces 52 may also include one or more holes 60 formed through the thickness thereof. The holes 60 in the first ends 54 of the cross braces 52 are aligned with the holes 58 in the first arm 44, and the holes 60 in the second ends 56 of the cross braces 52 are aligned with the holes 58 in the second arm 46. Once the cross brace 52 has been adjusted to a desired position on the first arm 44 and the second arm 46, a bolt 62, pin or other fixation device may be inserted through the holes 60 formed in first end 54 of the cross brace 52 and through the corresponding aligned holes 58 formed in the first arm 44 to engage the cross brace 52 and the first arm 44 together. Similarly, a bolt 62, pin or other fixation device may be inserted through the holes 60 formed in second end 56 of the cross brace 52 and through the corresponding aligned holes 58 formed in the second arm 46 to engage the cross brace 52 and the second arm 46 together. As mentioned above, the target rack 6 may also include cross braces 52 that are fixed (i.e., that are not movable) to the first arm 44 and the second arm 46, which may be accomplished by using rivets or welding, for example.

Preferably, the cross brace 52 includes a front side 53, a rear side 55 situated opposite the front side 53, and an internal cavity therebetween. A tab 57 may also be formed on each of the first end 54 and the second end 56 of the cross brace 52 through which the holes 60 extend. Preferably, the cross braces 52 are formed of steel; however, they may be formed of other materials.

As mentioned above, the first mount 36 and the second mount 38 are pivotally or hingedly coupled to a respective arm 44, 46 of the target rack 6. More specifically, the first arm 44 is coupled to the second mount 38 and the second arm 46 is coupled to the first mount 36. In one form of the present invention, a first arm base 64 interconnects the first arm 44 and the second mount 38, and a second arm base 66 interconnects the second arm 46 and the first mount 36. Each arm base 64, 66 may be formed as an elongated member having a first end 68 and a second end 70 disposed opposite the first end 68. The first end 68 of each arm base 64, 66 preferably has an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the second axial ends 50 of the arms 44, 46 such that the first end 68 of each arm base 64, 66 is receivable within the second axial end 50 of a respective arm 44, 46. Nevertheless, it is also envisioned to be within the scope of the present invention to form the arm bases 64, 66 and arms 44, 46 such that the second axial end 50 of the first arm 44 may be received by the first arm base 64 and the second axial end 50 of the second arm 46 may be received by the second arm base 66.

Each arm base 64, 66 further includes a connecting member 72 that is perpendicularly affixed to the second end 70 thereof. Preferably, the connecting member 72 is formed as a sealed bearing tube having a cylindrical housing 74 defining an internal cavity in which a peg 76 is situated. The peg 76 is formed as a generally cylindrical body having a first axial end 78, a second axial end 80 disposed opposite the first axial 78 end and a bore 82 that extends at least partially between the first axial end 78 and the second axial end 80. The connecting member 72 of the first arm base 64 is situated between the first member 30 and the second member 32 of the second mount 38 such that the bores 34 in the first member 30 and the second member 32 are aligned with the bore 82 in the peg 76 within the connecting member 72. One or more bolts 84, pins or other fixation devices may be inserted through the aligned bores 34, 82 to pivotally or hingedly couple the arm base 64 to the second mount 38. Similarly, the connecting member 72 of the second arm base 66 is situated between the first member 30 and the second member 32 of the first mount 36 such that the bores 34 in the first member 30 and the second member 32 are aligned with the bores 82 of the peg 76 within the connecting member 72. One or more bolts 84, pins or other fixation devices may be inserted through the aligned bores 34, 82 to pivotally or hingedly couple the arm base 66 to the first mount 36.

One or more targets 86, such as a main rack target 88, a constant jab target 90, a double-ended kick bag 92 and kick pads 94, may be mounted or affixed to various portions of the target rack 6. As can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 10 of the drawings, in one form, the main rack target 88 includes an internal frame 96 and a cushioned padding layer 98 situated at least partially around the internal frame 96. A smooth outer layer of padding 100 overlays the cushioned padding layer 98. The main rack target 88 includes a front side 102, an oppositely disposed rear side 104, a first lateral side 106 and a second lateral side 108. The rear side 104 of the main rack target 88 preferably includes one or more straps 110 that are at least partially affixed to the internal frame 96 and are affixable to the target rack 6. The main rack target 88 further includes one or more straps 112 that extend between the first lateral side 106 and the second lateral side 108 thereof, the straps 112 being selectively couplable to one another by a plurality of clips or buckles 114 that are interposed therebetween.

The main rack target 88 is selectively affixable to the target rack 6, depending on the training routine desired by the user; however, it may also be permanently affixed to the target rack 6. More specifically, to attach the main rack target 88 to the target rack 6, the straps 110 that are affixed to the internal frame 96 may be looped around one or more of the cross braces 52 of the target rack 6 to secure the main rack target 88 to the target rack 6. To further secure the main rack target 88 to the target rack 6, the first lateral side 106 of the main rack target 88 is at least partially wrapped around the first arm 44 of the target rack 6 and the second lateral side 108 of the main rack target 88 is at least partially wrapped around the second arm 46 of the target rack 6. The straps 112 extending from the first and second lateral sides 106, 108 of the main rack target 88 are connected to one another by the buckles 114, thereby further securing the main rack target 88 to the target rack 6.

As can be seen in FIG. 11 of the drawings, the constant jab target 90 comprises a cross brace 52 having a bore 116 that extends between the front side 53 and rear side 55 thereof. An elongated sleeve 118 is coaxially situated within the bore in the cross brace 52. The elongated sleeve 118 includes a first axial end 120, a second axial end 122 situated opposite the first axial end 120 and a sidewall 124 extending therebetween. The sidewall 124 preferably includes an outer surface and an oppositely disposed inner surface, the inner surface defining an axial bore 126 that extends between the first and second ends 120, 122 of the sleeve 118. The first axial end 120 of the sleeve 118 extends outwardly from the front side 53 of the cross brace 52 and the second axial end 122 of the sleeve 118 extends outwardly from the rear side 55 of the cross brace 52. The sleeve 118 may be constructed from a variety of materials; however, in a simple form, the sleeve 118 may be formed from a plastic pipe (e.g., a plastic thru-pipe).

The constant jab target 90 also includes a target mount 128 that is preferably formed as a generally cylindrical elongated member having a first axial end 130 and an oppositely disposed second axial end 132. The target mount 128 is coaxially situated within the bore 126 of the elongated sleeve 118 and reciprocatingly moveable therein. The target mount 128 may be constructed of a variety of materials; however, in a simple form, the target mount 128 may be formed of a plastic pipe (e.g., a plastic thru-pipe), which can be solid or hollow.

A first target assembly 134 and a second target assembly 136 are affixed to the target mount 128 in proximity to the first axial end 130 and the second axial end 132 thereof, respectively. Each of the first target assembly 134 and the second target assembly 136 includes a flange 138 that extends radially outwardly from the target mount 128 and a target support 140 that is affixed to or coupled to a respective axial end 130, 132 of the target mount 128. A cushioned padding layer 142 is situated over the target support 140. The cushioned padding layer 142 includes an outer shell 144 that is preferably soft, whereas an inner portion 146 of the cushioned padding layer 142 includes padding, such as dense foam. Preferably, the target support 140 is generally spherical in shape such that the cushioned padding layer 142 situated thereon conforms to the shape of the target support 140, thereby providing a spherical target for the user to dodge or strike. The cushioned padding layer 142 may be secured to the target support 140 by a strap 148. It is also envisioned to be within the scope of the present invention for the target support 140 to be formed of a variety of different shapes and sizes.

A first spring 150, such as a helical coil spring, having a first axial end 152 and an oppositely disposed second axial end 154, is coaxially situated around the sleeve 118 and interposed at least partially between the front side 53 of the cross brace 52 and the flange 138 of the first target assembly 134. When the first target assembly 134 is inwardly biased towards the front side 53 of the cross brace 52, for example by a strike from the user, the first spring 150 exerts an opposite force against the flange 138 of the first target assembly 134 such that, when the force applied to the first target assembly 134 by the user is released, the first spring 150 biases the target mount 128 outwardly (i.e., away) from the front side 53 of the cross brace 52.

A second spring 156, such as a helical coil spring, having a first axial end 158 and an oppositely disposed second axial end 160, is coaxially situated around the sleeve 118 and interposed at least partially between the rear side 55 of the cross brace 52 and the flange 138 of the second target assembly 136. When the second target assembly 136 is inwardly biased towards the rear side 55 of the cross brace 52, for example by a strike from the user, the second spring 156 exerts an opposite force against the flange 138 of the second target assembly 136 such that, when the force applied to the second target assembly 136 by the user is released, the second spring 156 biases the target mount 128 outwardly (i.e., away) from the rear side 55 of the cross brace 52.

Referring now to FIG. 8 of the drawings, the double-ended kick bag 92 preferably includes an elongated frame member 162, the frame member 162 having a first end 164 and a second end 166 disposed opposite the first end 164, and a cushioned or padded sleeve 168 that is situated on the elongated frame member 162. The elongated frame member 162 may be formed of a variety of materials; however, in a simple form, it may be constructed of a solid PVC rod that provides support to the cushioned or padded sleeve 168. The cushioned or padded sleeve 168 may be formed in a variety of shapes but is preferably generally cylindrical. The elongated frame member 162 is coupled to the target rack 6. More specifically, the elongated frame member 162 is interposed between two cross braces 52. The first end 164 of the elongated frame member 162 is affixed to one of the two cross braces 52 and the second end 166 of the elongated frame member is affixed to the other cross brace 52. The main rack target 88 may be situated over the double-ended kick bag 92 when the double-ended kick bag 92 is not in use and can be removed when the user elects to use the double-ended kick bag 92 as a target. The double-ended kick bag 92 can also be used in conjunction with the constant jab target 90. As mentioned above, one or more kick pads 94, which are preferably formed as cushioned or padded sleeves, may be situated on one or more of the arms 44, 46 of the target rack 6 to provide additional targets for the user engage.

In one form, as can be seen in FIGS. 2-4 and 18 of the drawings, the drive system 8 includes a frame 170 that is affixed to the base 4. The frame 170, which has a first lateral side 172 and an oppositely disposed second lateral side 174, comprises a first portion 176, which is preferably formed as tubular post that extends upwardly from the base 4, a second portion 178 that also extends upwardly from the base 4 and a third portion 180 that extends between the first portion 176 and the second portion 178. The first portion 176 of the frame 170 has a free end 182 into which an adjustable seat post 184 may be received. More specifically, the adjustable seat post 184 is preferably formed as an elongated tubular member having a first axial end 186 and a second axial end 188 situated opposite the first axial end 186. The seat post 184 has an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the first portion 176 of the frame 170 such that the seat post 184 may be received by and reciprocate therein. In this regard, the first axial end 186 of the seat post 184 is received into the free end 182 of the first portion 176 of the frame 170. A seat mount 190, which is preferably formed as an adjustable arm 194, is coupled to the second axial end 188 of the seat post 184. A seat 192 for the user is mounted to the seat mount 190. In this regard, the adjustable arm 194 may be interposed between the second axial end 188 of the seat post 184 and the seat 192. More specifically, to accommodate users of differing heights, the seat 192 may be selectively mounted to the adjustable arm 194 in a variety of positions to adjust the distance between the seat 192, the pedals 238, 240 and/or the target rack 6. The seat 192 and the adjustable arm 194 include means for engaging one another to fix the seat 192 to the adjustable arm 194 such that the seat 192 is positioned at a desired distance from the pedals 238, 240 and/or target rack 6. For example, the adjustable arm 194 may include one hole 196 or a plurality of holes 196 formed along the axial length thereof that may be aligned with one hole 198 or a plurality of holes 198 formed along the axial length of the base 197 of the seat 192. Once the seat 192 has been adjusted to a desired position on the adjustable arm 194 (i.e., by selectively moving the seat 192 laterally along the adjustable arm 194, that is, towards or away from the pedals 238, 240 and/or target rack 6), a pin 200 or other fixation device may be inserted through the holes 196 formed in the adjustable arm 194 and through the corresponding aligned holes 198 formed in the base 197 of the seat 192 to engage the first portion 176 of the frame 170 and the seat post 184 together.

The first portion 176 of the frame 170 and the seat post 184 may further include means for engaging one another to fix the seat post 184 to a desired length. More specifically, the seat post 184 may be telescopically movable within the first portion of the frame 176. The first portion 176 of the frame 170 may include one hole 202 or a plurality of holes 202 formed along the axial length thereof that may be aligned with one hole 204 or a plurality of holes 204 formed along the axial length of the seat post 184. Once the seat post 184 has been adjusted to a desired length (i.e., by selectively extending or retracting the seat post 184 from the first portion 176 of the frame 170), a pin 206 may be inserted through the holes 202 formed in the first portion 176 of the frame 170 and through the corresponding aligned holes 204 formed in the seat post 184 to engage the first portion 176 of the frame 170 and the seat post 184 together. A clamp 208 may further secure the first portion 176 of the frame 170 and the seat post 184 together. Of course, it is envisioned to be within the scope of the present invention to use other means to engage the first portion 176 of the frame 170 and the seat post 184 together. During use, a user may adjust the seat post 184 so that the height of the seat 192 is appropriate for the user's particular height.

The drive system 8 further comprises a plurality of cogs 210, 212, 214, 216 or gears that are mechanically coupled to one another to drive the target rack 6 towards and away from the user. Each of the cogs 210, 212, 214, 216 includes a first side 218, an oppositely disposed second side 220, a central bore 222 that extends between the first side 218 and the second side 220, and gearing 224 along the peripheral edge thereof. More specifically, a first cog 210 is preferably rotationally mounted to the frame 170 of the drive system 8, preferably to the third portion 180 thereof, in proximity to where the first portion 176 and third portion 180 of the frame 170 meet. The first cog 210 is preferably situated on the first lateral side 172 of the frame 170. The central bore 222 of the first cog 210 is aligned with a first bore 226 formed in the frame 170 that extends between the first lateral side 172 and the second lateral side 174 thereof. A shaft 228 or other connector is inserted through the aligned bores 222, 226 of the first cog 210 and the frame 170. The shaft 228 includes a first axial end 230 and an oppositely disposed second axial end 232. The first axial end 230 of the shaft is mechanically coupled to a first pedal arm 234 that is situated adjacent to the first side 218 of the first cog 210. The second axial end 232 of the shaft 228 is mechanically coupled to a second pedal arm 236 that is situated adjacent to the second lateral side 174 of the frame 170. The shaft 228 is mechanically coupled to the first cog 210 yet freely rotatably within the first bore 226 in the frame 170. A first pedal 238 is mounted to a free end 242 of the first pedal arm 234 and a second pedal 240 is mounted to a free end 244 of the second pedal arm 236 such that a user may apply force to the pedals 238, 240 to rotate the first cog 210.

A second cog 212 and a third cog 214 are also rotationally mounted to the frame 170, preferably to the third portion 180 thereof. The second cog 212 is situated adjacent to the first lateral side 172 of the frame 170 and the third cog 214 is situated adjacent to the second lateral side 174 of the frame 170. The central bores 222 of the second cog 212 and the third cog 214 are aligned with a second bore 246 formed in the frame 170 that extends between the first lateral side 172 and the second lateral side 174 thereof. A shaft 248 or other connector is at least partially received through the aligned bores 222, 246 of the second cog 212, the third cog 214 and the frame 170. The shaft 248 includes a first axial end 250 and an oppositely disposed second axial end 252. The first axial end 250 of the shaft 248 is mechanically coupled to the second cog 212 and the second axial end 252 of the shaft 248 is mechanically coupled to the third cog 214, yet the shaft 248 is freely rotatable within the second bore 246 in the frame 170. The shaft 248 mechanically couples the second cog 212 to the third cog 214 such that rotation of the second cog 212 causes the third cog 214 to correspondingly rotate. The second cog 212 is mechanically coupled to the first cog 210 by a drive chain 254 or a drive belt that is engaged with the gearing 224 of the first cog 210 and the gearing 224 of the second cog 212 such that rotation of the first cog 210 causes both the second cog 212 and the third cog 214, which is coupled to the second cog 212, to correspondingly rotate.

The second cog 212 and the third cog 214 are mechanically coupled to the target rack 6 by a first frame arm 256 and a second frame arm 258, respectively, such that, as the second cog 212 and third cog 214 rotate, the frame arms 256, 258 move the target rack 6 towards and away from the user. More specifically, the first frame arm 256 includes a first end 260 and an oppositely disposed second end 262. The first end 260 of the first frame arm 256 is mechanically coupled to the second cog 212 and the second end 262 of the first frame arm 256 is mechanically coupled to first arm base 64. Similarly, the second frame arm 258 includes a first end 264 and an oppositely disposed second end 266. The first end 264 of the second frame arm 258 is mechanically coupled to the third cog 214 and the second end 266 of the second frame arm 258 is mechanically coupled to the second arm base 66. For example, the first and second arm bases 64, 66 may include a peg 268 that may be received within a hole 270 formed in the second end 262, 266 of a respective frame arm 256, 258 and secured therein by a pin bolt or other fastening means. Alternatively, the first and second arm bases 64, 66 may each include a hole 272. The hole 272 in each respective arm base 64, 66 may be aligned with one or more corresponding holes 270 formed in the second end 262, 266 of the respective frame arms 256, 258 and secured thereto by a bolt, pin, rivet or other fastening means. It is also envisioned to be within the scope of the present invention for the second ends 262, 266 of the first frame arm 256 and the second frame arm 258 to be mechanically coupled to the first arm 44 and the second arm 46, respectively.

In a preferred form, the first frame arm 256 is mechanically coupled to the second cog 212 by a first crank arm 274 and the second frame arm 258 is mechanically coupled to the third cog 214 by a second crank arm 276. More specifically, the first crank arm 274 is formed as an elongated member having a first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end. The first end of the first crank arm 274 is centrally mounted to the second cog 212 such that it is generally aligned with the central bore 222 thereof. The second end of the first crank arm 274 is pivotally coupled to the first end 260 of the first frame arm 256 such that the first end 260 of the first frame arm 256 is offset from the axis of rotation of the second cog 212. Similarly, the second crank arm 276 is formed as an elongated member having a first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end. The first end of the second crank arm 276 is centrally mounted to the third cog 214 such that it is generally aligned with the central bore 222 thereof. The second end of the second crank arm 276 is pivotally coupled to the first end 264 of the second frame arm 258 such that the first end 264 of the second frame arm 258 is offset from the axis of rotation of the third cog 212. Nevertheless, it is also envisioned to be within the scope of the present invention to mechanically couple the first and second frame arms 256, 258 directly to the second and third cogs 212, 214, respectively.

As set forth above, the frame arms 256, 258 are mechanically coupled to the second and third cogs 212, 214 such that the rotational motion of the first cog 210 from pedal force applied by the user thereto causes the target rack 6 to move towards and away from the user. More specifically, unlike traditional crank arm configurations in elliptical machines, wherein rotational motion causes each arm to separately move in a lateral back and forth bi-pass motion similar to cross-country skiing, in the martial arts training device formed in accordance with the present invention, the frame arms 256, 258 are coupled to the second and third cogs 212, 214 such that the rotational motion of the first cog 210 causes the first arm 44 and the second arm 46, which form the target rack 6, to move in unison (i.e., together) towards and away from the user. To accomplish this, the structural connection of the first frame arm 256 to the second cog 212 and the structural connection of the second frame arm 258 to the third cog 214 mirror one another. Accordingly, as the second cog 212 and the third cog 214 rotate, the motion of the first and second frame arms 256, 258 is the same such that the first and second arms 44, 46 move in unison towards and away from the user.

As can be seen in FIG. 2 of the drawings, the frame arms 256, 258 may include a plurality of spaced-apart holes 270 formed at least partially along the respective lengths thereof to adjust the distance between the target rack 6, as well as the targets 86 mounted thereto, and the user. More specifically, one of the holes 270 in the frame arm 256, 258 may be aligned with a corresponding hole in the second end of the respective crank arm 274, 276 and mechanically coupled thereto with bolts, pins, rivets or other fastening means. Alternatively, the second end of the respective crank arm 274, 276 may include an outwardly extending peg that is inserted through the hole 270 in the frame arm 256, 258. Another one of the holes 270 in the frame arm 256, 258 may be aligned with the peg 268 formed in the respective arm base 64, 66 and mechanically coupled thereto, for example, by a pin, bolt or other fastening means. Alternatively, one of the holes 270 in the frame arm 256, 258 may be aligned with a corresponding hole 272 in the respective arm base 64, 66 and secured thereto by a bolt, pin, rivet or other fastening means.

The drive system 8 may further include a weighted wheel 278 that provides resistance (i.e., load) and momentum to the system. Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 18 of the drawings, in one form, the weighted wheel 278 is formed as a generally cylindrical member having an axial bore 280 extending therethrough. As will be described in greater detail below, the weighted wheel 278 is mechanically coupled to the frame 170. More specifically, the third portion 180 of the frame 170 may be formed as two spaced apart elongated members 282, each having a first end 284 and an oppositely disposed second end 286. Similarly, the second portion 178 of the frame 170 may be formed as two spaced apart members 288, each having a first end and an oppositely disposed second end. The first ends of the spaced apart members 288 of the second portion 178 of the frame 170 are mounted to the stabilizer 20 of the base 4 and each of the second ends is mechanically coupled to a respective second end 286 of the third portion 180 of the frame 170. For example, the spaced apart members 282 of the third portion 180 of the frame 170 each may include a bore 290 extending through the thickness thereof, preferably in proximity to the second end 286 thereof, and the second ends of the spaced apart members 288 of the second portion 178 of the frame 170 each may include a correspondingly shaped bore 292 extending through the thickness thereof. The bores 292 in the second axial ends of the spaced apart members 288 of the second portion 178 of the frame 170 are aligned with the corresponding bores 290 in the spaced apart elongated members 282 of the third portion 180 of the frame 170. The weighted wheel 278 is situated between the spaced apart elongated members 282 of the third portion 180 of the frame 170 and the spaced apart members 288 of the second portion 178 of the frame 170 such that the central bore 280 of the weighted wheel 278 is aligned with bores 292 in the second ends of the spaced apart members 288 of the second portion 178 of the frame 170 and the bores 290 of the spaced apart members 282 of the third portion 180 of the frame 170. A fourth cog 216 is interposed between the weighted wheel 278 and the second end 286 of one of the spaced apart members 282 of the third portion 180 of the frame 170 such that the bore 222 in the fourth cog 216 is aligned with the bore 280 of the weighted wheel 278 and the bores 290 in the third portion 180 of the frame 170, and a shaft 294 or axel is received therein. The fourth cog 216 is mechanically coupled to the third cog 214 by a drive chain 296 or a drive belt such that rotation of the first cog 210 causes the fourth cog 216 and the weighted wheel 278 coupled thereto to correspondingly rotate.

The drive system 8 may further comprise a resistance brake 298 that provides rotational resistance (i.e., drag) against the rotation of the weighted wheel 278. More specifically, as can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 4 of the drawings, the resistance brake 298 is in engagement contact with the weighted wheel 278. A controller 300 that controls the amount of resistance applied by the resistance brake 298 to the weighted wheel 278 is mounted to a portion of the target rack 6 and connected to the resistance brake 298 by a control cable 302.

To operate the martial arts training device 2 formed in accordance with the present invention, the user first selects one or more targets 86 (e.g., the main rack target 88, the constant jab target 90, the double-ended kick bag 92 and the kick pads 94) to train with. The selected target(s) 86 are mounted/affixed to the target rack 6. The user then adjusts the seat 192 to the appropriate height and distance from the target rack 6 and/or pedals 238, 240. The user may further adjust the relative distance between the target rack 6 and the user by adjusting the connections between the frame arms 256, 258 and second and third cogs 212, 214 and/or the connections between the pegs 268 of the arm bases 64, 66 and the frame arms 256, 258. To effect movement of the target rack 6 towards and away from the user for training purposes, the user applies pedal force to the pedals 238, 240, which in turn rotationally drives the first cog 210. The rotational motion of the first cog 210 is transferred to the second and third cogs 212, 214, which causes the frame arms 256, 258 to drive the target rack 6 and targets 86 mounted/affixed thereto towards and away from the user. As mentioned above, the rotational motion of the third cog 214 is transferred to the fourth cog 216 to drive the weighted wheel 278. To increase the resistance (i.e., the intensity) that the weighted wheel 278 applies to the drive system 8, the user may actuate the controller 300 to increase or decrease the resistance (i.e., the load) applied to the weighted wheel 278 by the resistance brake 298.

As can be seen in FIG. 13 of the drawings, the user 306 can move his or her torso back and forth, as well as side-to-side, to avoid the target(s) 86, such as the constant jab target 90, as well as throw strikes at the main rack target 88 and the double-ended kick bag 92, or simply slip constant jabs as the target rack 6 moves. The targets 86, such as the constant jab target 90, move towards and away from the user from the motion of the target rack 6 caused by the user applying force to the pedals 238, 240. Accordingly, the user may adjust the speed at which the target(s) 86 move towards and away from the user by increasing or decreasing the rotational speed of the first cog 210, which is effected by applying pedal force to the pedals 238, 240.

As can be seen in FIG. 14 of the drawings, the martial arts training device 2 formed accordance with the present invention may also be used by wheelchair-bound persons 304, who may only have partial movement from the waist up or chest. More specifically, a trainer 308 may sit on the seat 192 and operate the martial arts training device 2 and the wheelchair-bound person 304 may be situated on the opposite side of the device 2. As mentioned above, the wheelchair-bound person 304 may train in a similar fashion to a user sitting on the seat 192 as the target rack 6 also moves towards and away from the wheelchair-bound user 304 situated on the opposite side of the device 2.

The martial arts training device 2 formed in accordance with the present invention allows an individual or partners to train on improving their fighting techniques without needing to rely on another individual or commit to a trainer. The martial arts training device 2 formed in accordance with present invention is preferably self-propelled and creates moving targets (i.e., the targets 86 that are affixed/mounted to the target rack 6). The operation of the martial arts training device 2 formed in accordance with the present invention increases the user's skill, speed, accuracy, aerobic and anerobic endurance. Additionally, with the movement of the constant jab target 90, which is propelled by the drive system 8 and moves towards and away from the user, the user will increase the habit of head movement. This will benefit the entire body: muscular, spinal, aerobic and anerobic functions. The martial arts training device 2 formed in accordance the present invention allows a user to practice fighting techniques, combinations, timing, rhythm at their convenience, their pace, and repetitions. This is beneficial to individuals that experience social anxiety, anxiety, panic attacks from social situations and those with learning disabilities.

The martial arts training device formed in accordance with the present invention also allows two people to train together, as shown in FIG. 15 of the drawings. More specifically, one partner 306 can pedal and utilize the martial arts training device 2 from the seated position or pedal to assist a standing partner 306 situated on an opposite side of the martial arts training device 2 in creating a moving target. The standing partner 306 can practice techniques free from or from verbal queues by the seated partner 306. As mentioned above, the martial arts training device 2 formed in accordance with the present invention can be utilized by individuals in wheelchairs to work the upper body with assistance of partner or physical therapist to pedal and create a moving target. The martial arts training device 2 formed in accordance with the present invention can also assist professional fighters, their trainers and mixed martial sports in general. Coaches can use martial arts training device 2 formed in accordance with the present invention to warm up fighters pre-spar or pre-fight or simply shout verbal to several fighters at once. The martial arts training device 2 formed in accordance with the present invention is compact enough that it can used in a user's home or other location having limited space. The martial arts training device 2 formed in accordance with the present invention may be constructed in a variety of sizes; however, in one form, it stands: 87 inches in height (H), 36 inches in length (L) and 22 inches in diameter (D). The weighted wheel 278 is preferably around 24 inches in diameter. The pegs 268 on the arm bases 64, 66 that are connected to the frame arms 256, 258 are preferably situated around 8 inches from the base 4 of the martial arts training device 2.

Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.