Stabilized training apparatus

Abstract

Systems and methods for using a lightweight training bag assembly and apparatus provide the punch-feel of common heavy, ceiling-mounted punching bags. Unwanted motion, sound, and other undesirable side-effects associated with existing punching bag designs are successfully avoided. Various embodiments accomplish this by isolating a supporting base from the impact of a punch by using a flexible shaft assembly that translates an angular motion of a shaft into a lateral motion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A shaft assembly comprising:
 a gimbal bearing;   a flexible member;   a shaft extending upward from the flexible member and comprising a first end to mate with the gimbal bearing and a second end to mate with the flexible member, the shaft, in response to a force in a first direction perpendicular to the shaft, performs an angular motion in a first plane;   a set of ball bearings;   a sliding plate cover comprising one or more recesses dimensioned to receive the set of ball bearings;   a sliding plate affixed to the flexible member, the sliding plate mates, via the set of ball bearings, with the sliding plate cover, the flexible member translates the angular motion into a lateral motion in the first direction; and   a shaft spring to dampen the lateral motion.