Training pad apparatus

Abstract

A training pad apparatus and method for follow-through striking with consistent resistance, positioning and resetting. A training, or striking, pad is connected to a training pad arm, which is in turn connected to a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly includes a pivotal connection member that is fixed in position and is pivotally connected to an end of the training pad arm opposite the training pad. The pivot assembly also includes elongated elastic members that provide a resisting force in a plane approximately orthogonal to the length of the training pad arm. An enclosure houses the pivot assembly and defines an opening through which the training pad arm extends. Optional positioning poles extend in a parallel manner through the enclosure and provide a means for slidably adjusting the position of training pad along the length of the poles.

1 . A training pad apparatus comprising: 
 a training pad;    a training pad arm connected to said training pad; and    a pivot assembly connected to said training pad arm, said pivot assembly comprising: 
 an elongated elastic member providing a resisting force in a plane approximately orthogonal to the length of said training pad arm; and  
 a pivotal connection member pivotally connected to said training pad arm.  
   
   
   
       2 . The training pad apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said pivotal connection member comprises a member selected from the group consisting of U-shaped members, circular members, U-joint combinations, ball and socket configurations, and pin configurations.  
   
   
       3 . The training pad apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising an enclosure for securing said pivot assembly in a fixed position.  
   
   
       4 . The training pad apparatus of  claim 3  wherein said enclosure comprises an interior and exterior, said pivot assembly secured within said interior of said enclosure.  
   
   
       5 . The training pad apparatus of  claim 3  wherein said enclosure defines an opening through which said training pad arm extends.  
   
   
       6 . The training pad apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said opening comprises an elongated slot.  
   
   
       7 . The training pad apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said enclosure comprises a mounting member on an interior surface of said enclosure for receiving an end of said elastic member to secure an end of said elastic member in an approximately fixed position.  
   
   
       8 . The training pad apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said elastic member extends around said training pad arm at an approximate midpoint of said elastic member forming said elastic member into an approximate V-shape.  
   
   
       9 . The training pad apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said V-shaped elastic member defines a plane approximately orthogonal to the length of said training pad arm.  
   
   
       10 . The training pad apparatus of  claim 3  wherein said enclosure comprises a wall mount for securing said training pad apparatus to a surface.  
   
   
       11 . The training pad apparatus of  claim 3  further comprising: 
 a positioning pole slidably engaged with said enclosure for positioning said enclosure at a selected position along said positioning pole; and    a positioner for fixing said enclosure at a position along said positioning pole.    
   
   
       12 . A method of providing a striking surface for training, the method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a striking pad connected to a pad arm;    pivoting an end of the pad arm opposite the striking pad about a pivotal connection member in response to a strike; and    resisting movement of the pad arm with an elastic member extending around the pad arm.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising the step of enclosing the pivotal connection member and elastic member in an enclosure.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising mounting the enclosure to a secure surface.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising the step of positioning the enclosure along a positioning pole.  
   
   
       16 . A method of providing follow-through striking, the method comprising the steps of: 
 striking a training pad;    pivoting a training pad arm connected to the training pad;    resisting the pivoting movement of the training pad arm;    resetting the training pad to the original pre-strike position; and    limiting oscillations during resetting.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the steps of resisting the pivoting movement, resetting the training pad, and limiting oscillations comprise: 
 wrapping a pair of opposing elongated elastic members around the training pad arm; and    fixing the position of the ends of the elastic members.