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Sparring dummySparring dummy description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080015093, Sparring dummy. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/806,992, filed Jul. 11, 2006, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002]The present invention relates generally to sparring/training dummies used in the practice of martial arts, boxing, self-defense, and/or police related training exercises and more particularly, to such sparring dummies with realistic joints and limbs. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003]Many known sparring dummies and tools have been disclosed that allow a user to practice various forms of martial arts, self-defense, etc. Typically, many of these dummies are vague human forms filled with "stuffing" to absorb a blow by a user initiating contact with such a dummy. Other sparring tools include floor or ceiling mounted punching bags. Some known sparring dummies include limbs, or limb-like components, but often these limbs are molded into a set position. A few known dummies do allow a user to move the limbs, but only allow the user to manipulate the limbs into a few predetermined positions. Additionally, these dummies have a very limited range of motion that is not characteristic of a typically human being. It has also been found that once the limbs have been manipulated into a particular position, the limbs often fall out of position despite any contact from the user. Therefore, users training with known sparring dummies cannot manipulate a sparring dummy into realistic fighting positions, and cannot engage in realistic training. [0004]Thus it can be seen that needs exist for improvements to sparring dummies that allow a user to position the joints and limbs of a sparring dummy into numerous positions as desired by a user. Additionally, it can be seen that needs exist for sparring dummies that can be contorted into various lifelike positions to enable a user to engage in realistic training with a dummy. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005]In one example aspect, the invention relates to a movable joint for use in a sparring apparatus. The joint includes a first member and a second member. The first member has at least one ball bearing protruding therefrom. The second member has first and second indentations to releasably receive a portion of the at least one ball bearing therein. The at least one ball bearing is received by the first indentation when the joint is manipulated into a first position and the at least one ball bearing is received by the second indentation when the joint is manipulated into a second position. The joint of the present invention is advantageous over known joints, because the joint includes a ball bearing for locking the joint into a particular position. In this manner, a user can manipulate the joint into a desired position for training purposes, and the joint will maintain this position until the user moves the joint into another position. Because the joint can be manipulated and secured into numerous positions, the sparring dummy can take on realistic and lifelike forms. [0006]In another example aspect, the invention relates to a sparring apparatus. The sparring apparatus includes a body having at least one movable limb and an internal skeleton. The internal skeleton is housed within the body and further includes at least one movable joint. The joint is capable of being manipulated by a user from a first position into a second position. Optionally, the body can be formed from a clear elastomer, such the internal skeleton is visible through the body. Also, optionally, the body can mimic a full human body or form. The sparring apparatus can also include a stand for holding the body in a substantially upright position. [0007]In still another aspect, the invention relates to a joint for use with a sparring dummy. The joint includes a female member having a slot defined therein and a male member having a flange extending therefrom. The slot of the female member rotatably receives the flange of the male member. The joint also includes a locking mechanism for securing the joint in one of a plurality of positions. [0008]These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009]FIG. 1 is a front view of a sparring dummy according to an example embodiment of the present invention, showing the internal skeleton. [0010]FIG. 2 is a side view of the sparring dummy according to another example embodiment of the present invention. [0011]FIG. 3 is an exploded front view of an example joint for use in the sparring dummy according to FIG. 2. [0012]FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of the joint depicted in FIG. 3, shown without the ball bearing, spring, set pin, or fastening screw for clarity. [0013]FIG. 5 is an exploded front view of another example joint for use in the sparring dummy according to FIG. 2. [0014]FIG. 6 is a partially exploded side view of the joint depicted in FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS [0015]The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or "approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or "approximately" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. [0016]With reference now to the drawing figures, FIGS. 1-2 show sparring dummies 10 and 10' according to example embodiments of the present invention. The sparring dummy 10 is intended for use in, but not limited to, the practice of martial arts, boxing, self-defense, and/or police related training exercises. The sparring dummy 10 can be produced in varying sizes, from childlike to full-sized adult, as desired by a user. Additionally, the dummy 10 can be formed to model a specific person. In example embodiments, as best seen in FIG. 2, the dummy 10' is covered in a tear resistant, flexible, soft, and non-oily covering 12, such as various types of elastomers or polymers, and modeled into a human form to create a body. In preferred embodiments, the covering is clear, so that a user can see the internal skeleton of the dummy 10'. Alternatively, the covering is colored or tinted to give the dummy a realistic appearance. [0017]Generally, the dummy 10 includes an internal skeleton 14 and a mounting stand 16. Preferably, the internal skeleton is visible to the user through the body covering 12. Preferably, the covering 12 is composed of a clear elastomer, or other polymer, and may appear to be, or mimic, a human body and/or internal skeletal structure. In example embodiments, the internal skeleton 14 comprises a skull 20, a neck 22, a two-part shoulder 24, 26, an upper arm 28, a lower arm 30, a wrist 32, a hand 34, a three-part upper spine 36, 38, 40, a lower spine 42, a hip 44, a two-part upper leg 46, 48, a lower leg 50, and a foot 52, as seen in FIG. 1. In commercial embodiments, the dummy 10 preferably includes a pair of shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, hips, legs, and feet. However, in alternate embodiments, numerous other configurations can be utilized as desired. For example, the sparring dummy 10 can include more or less of the components listed above such that the dummy 10 only includes the bust, or legs. Still alternatively, the individual body parts, such as the shoulder, leg, and spine, can comprise fewer or more parts coupled together as appropriate for the desired use. [0018]The mounting stand 16 generally holds the sparring dummy 10 in an upright position. Alternatively, the dummy 10 can be supported in various sloped/angled positions, sitting, upside down, etc. In example embodiments, the stand 16 includes a base 60, a spring/damper 62, a mounting pole 64, and a holding arm 66 as seen in FIG. 2. The holding arm 66 includes a saddle 68 for receiving the sparring dummy 10 therein and is rotatably coupled to a mounting bracket 69, such that the holding arm 66 can be rotated as desired. The bracket 69 is releasably coupled to the mounting pole 64 so that the user can move the bracket vertically along the mounting pole to a height desired by the user. In commercial embodiments, a locking pin 67 is used to secure the mounting bracket 69 to the mounting pole 64 at the desired height. In alternate embodiments, other fastening devices can be used interchangeably, including bolts, clips and/or hooks. Alternatively, the mounting bracket can be rigidly fixed in place. A spring/damper 62 preferably connects the mounting pole 64 to the base 60. In this manner, the mounting pole 64 (along with the sparring dummy 10) can temporarily move in relation to the base, such that training blows by the user are partially absorbed by the spring 62. Continue reading about Sparring dummy... Full patent description for Sparring dummy Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Sparring dummy patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Sparring dummy or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Bubble producing jump rope Next Patent Application: Gymnastic machine Industry Class: Exercise devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Sparring dummy patent info. 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