Punching Bag Force Measurement System

Abstract

A device system designed to quantitatively measure the impact forces experienced by a conventional punching bag when hit by the fist or foot of an individual during a workout. The device is configured to wrap around the punching bag, such that the device bears the impact of each hit. Accelerometers and a sophisticated impact detection system are employed in order to detect the intensity or force of each hit. Additionally, a small on-board computer compares the force of current hits to those of past hits, and determines the level of improvement or regression over time. The on-board computer displays impact and other data on a digital display viewable to the individual performing the workout.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A force measurement device for an exercise impact bag comprising:
 a wrap;   at least one wrap belt;   wherein said wrap is configured to attach to the exercise impact bag via said at least one wrap belt;   impact zones;   at least one impact sensor disposed at said impact zones;   wherein said at least one sensor is embedded within said wrap;   wherein said at least one impact sensor detects the force of an impact via an accelerometer sensor;   a memory buffer system;   wherein said memory buffer system is configured to record data provided by said at least one impact sensor upon impact;   a digital display; and   wherein said digital display is configured to display statistics and data pertaining to impacts sustained by said impact zones in real-time.   
     
     
         2 . The force measurement device for an exercise impact bag of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one wrap belt is equipped with Velcro. 
     
     
         3 . The force measurement device for an exercise impact bag of  claim 1 , wherein said digital display indicates the amount of force applied to said impact zone during a second impact to the amount of force applied to said impact zone during a first impact; 
     
     
         4 . The force measurement device for an exercise impact bag of  claim 1 , wherein said memory buffer system is disposed on a silicone chip housed within said digital display 
     
     
         5 . The force measurement device for an exercise impact bag of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one sensor, said memory buffer system, and said digital display are powered via DC power. 
     
     
         6 . The force measurement device for an exercise impact bag of  claim 1 , wherein there are nine instantiations of said at least one sensor arranged in a grid format on said wrap. 
     
     
         7 . The force measurement device for an exercise impact bag of  claim 1 , wherein said wrap is padded; 
     
     
         8 . The force measurement device for an exercise impact bag of  claim 1 , wherein said impact zones are illuminated 
     
     
         9 . The force measurement device for an exercise impact bag of  claim 5 , further comprising a wire;
 wherein said at least one sensor is in communication with said memory buffer system and said digital display via said wire;   wherein data is conveyed to said digital display via said wire; and   wherein said data is stored via said memory buffer system.   
     
     
         10 . The force measurement device for an exercise impact bag of  claim 5 , wherein said memory buffer system is configured to store data for multiple users. 
     
     
         11 . The force measurement device for an exercise impact bag of  claim 10 , further comprising an interface cable;
 wherein said interface cable is configured to connect a digital device to said digital display;   wherein said data is displayed and stored on said digital device via said interface cable; and   wherein said digital device is a device selected from the following group: a digital audio player, a tablet, a smart phone, an internet-connected companion device.   
     
     
         12 . A force measurement device for an exercise impact bag comprising:
 a wrap;   wherein said wrap is configured to attach securely to the exercise impact bag impact zones;   at least one impact sensor disposed at said impact zones;   wherein said at least one impact sensor detects the force of an impact via an accelerometer sensor;   a memory buffer system;   wherein said memory buffer system is configured to record data provided by said at least one impact sensor upon sustaining impact;   a digital display disposed at said top of said wrap;   wherein said digital display is configured to display statistics and data pertaining to impacts sustained by said impact zones in real-time;   a wire;   wherein said at least one sensor is in communication with said memory buffer system and said digital display via said wire; and   wherein data is conveyed to said digital display via said wire.   
     
     
         13 . A force measurement device for an exercise impact bag comprising:
 a wrap;   wherein said wrap is padded;   a first wrap belt disposed at a top of said wrap;   a second wrap belt disposed at a bottom of said wrap;   wherein said wrap is configured to attach to the exercise impact bag via said first wrap belt and said second wrap belt;   impact zones;   at least one impact sensor disposed at said impact zones;   wherein said at least one sensor is embedded within said wrap;   wherein said at least one impact sensor detects the force of an impact via an accelerometer sensor;   a memory buffer system;   wherein said memory buffer system is configured to record data provided by said at least one impact sensor upon sustaining impact;   wherein said memory buffer system is configured to store data for multiple users;   a digital display disposed at said top of said wrap;   wherein said digital display is configured to display statistics and data pertaining to impacts sustained by said impact zones in real-time;   a wire;   wherein said at least one sensor is in communication with said memory buffer system and said digital display via said wire;   wherein data is conveyed to said digital display via said wire;   an interface cable;   wherein said interface cable is configured to connect a digital device to said digital display;   wherein said data is displayed and stored on said digital device via said interface cable; and   wherein said digital device is a device selected from the following group:   a digital audio player, a tablet, a smart phone, an internet-connected companion device.   
     
     
         14 . The force measurement device for an exercise impact bag of  claim 13 , wherein said impact zones are illuminated.