Positioning apparatus for flexible martial arts striking targets

Abstract

Provided herein is technology relating generally to practice equipment for boxing or the martial arts, and more particularly, to an apparatus for positioning flexible targets and the like for use in hitting or kicking exercises. More specifically, the technology provides embodiments of an apparatus that is capable of removable and adjustable mounting to a bag, pole, board, door, bar, block, wall, rod, ball, or flexible or rigid armature, or other support. Additional embodiments relate to methods of assembling the apparatus, methods of using the apparatus, and kits and systems relating to the apparatus.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for positioning a flexible striking target, the apparatus comprising:
 a) a flexible striking target;   b) a first support member, said first support member designed to provide curvature in the flexible striking target;   c) a second support member, said second support member designed to retain the flexible striking target against the first support member; and   d) a support member attachment means for maintaining the position of said second support member relative to said first support member.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising protruding features on the first support member and/or the second support member, wherein said protruding features pass through perforations in the flexible striking target. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the support member attachment means comprises a clip. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the support member attachment means comprises a means selected from the group consisting of a magnet, an adhesive, a snap, a barb, a spring, and a threaded fastener. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the flexible striking target comprises a thin sheet of plastic, paper, or fabric. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the flexible striking target comprises alignment and/or registration features. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said curvature in the flexible striking target increases the stiffness of the striking target. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the apparatus supports the striking target along only one edge. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a means for attaching the apparatus to a supporting structure. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said means for attaching the apparatus to a supporting structure comprises a strap that may be tightened. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein said strap comprises elastic. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the substantially rigid elements of the apparatus are on the opposite side of the flexible striking target from the martial arts practitioner. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the apparatus is capable of holding the flexible striking target at a height and horizontal, vertical, or diagonal angle with respect to the floor and the martial arts practitioner. 
     
     
         14 . A system for positioning a flexible striking target, the system comprising the apparatus of  claim 1  and a supporting structure. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14  wherein said supporting structure comprises an exercise bag. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14  wherein said supporting structure comprises a structure selected from the group consisting of a bar, block, pad, rod, ball, flexible or rigid armature, pole, box, wall, door, door-frame, or piece of furniture. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 14  wherein said apparatus may be removed from said supporting structure without damaging said supporting structure. 
     
     
         18 . A method of martial arts training comprising:
 a) attaching an apparatus according to  claim 1  to a supporting structure; and   b) striking said flexible striking target of said apparatus with martial arts strikes.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein said flexible striking target is repeatedly struck without user intervention to reset the target between strikes. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising assembling said flexible striking target, said first support member, and said second support member to provide the apparatus, wherein said assembling occurs without tools or fasteners.