A punching bag training comprises a flexible housing adapted to be wrapped around a punching bag. The housing supports a strike pad array. Each strike pad in the array comprises a force sensor to detect strikes, together with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are positioned around the force sensor and that are lit when the user strikes the pad accurately (e.g., within a predetermined strike zone, and within a predetermined time). In addition, each strike pad has associated therewith an extension (or connecting) portion that couples the strike pad to the center portion. The connecting portion advantageously includes a set of LEDs that are selectively lit to telegraph a hit point to the user, namely, the strike pad associated with the connecting portion. The LEDs arranged on the connecting portion serve as a runway with the LEDs being lit progressively from the center portion and outward toward the strike pad to be hit next in a programmed hit sequence. As the user interacts with the system, speed, timing and accuracy preferably are measured to determine a score. The lighting elements are controlled using a controller unit that may be integral with the housing, attached thereto, or coupled to the housing wirelessly. The controller unit outputs one or more programmed hit sequences (i.e., to provide the control signals that activate the LEDs), and to detect and record electrical signals generated by the force sensors as the user strikes the pads.

An apparatus includes a rolling mechanism and a pulley device. The rolling mechanism is connected to a cable and configured to traverse the cable from a first end of the cable toward a second end of the cable, the cable being attached to and extending between a pair of support members. The pulley device is removably coupled to the rolling mechanism and attached to a tackling bag, the tackling bag being configured to be tackled when propelled from the one of the pair of support members toward the other of the pair of support members. The pulley device is separated from the cable when the tackling bag is propelled from the one of the pair of support members toward the other of the pair of support members.

An apparatus includes a rolling mechanism and a pulley device. The rolling mechanism is connected to a cable and configured to traverse the cable from a first end of the cable toward a second end of the cable, the cable being attached to and extending between a pair of support members. The pulley device is removably coupled to the rolling mechanism and attached to a tackling bag, the tackling bag being configured to be tackled when propelled from the one of the pair of support members toward the other of the pair of support members. The pulley device is separated from the cable when the tackling bag is propelled from the one of the pair of support members toward the other of the pair of support members.

A virtual reality (VR) system comprising a head-mounted display (HMD) and handheld controller set is enhanced to provide a more realistic end user VR experience, e.g., for boxing or other interactive training. In this approach, and in lieu of simply establishing a boundary area for the VR experience, the user also maps a position of a real-world object into a reference frame of the VR environment. This mapping is facilitated using the handheld controller itself, e.g., as positioned in a backwards-facing manner on the user's forearm. The real-world object is then simulated in the 3D VR environment as rendered by the VR HMD, and the user interacts with the real-world object (or its simulation) to provide a more enjoyable and useful interactive experience.

A data collection and display system for use in a combat sport including: 1. A trunk protector for a combat sport participant, the trunk protector including: a. protective padding b. at least one impact sensor, c. at least one microprocessor integral with the protective padding, for collecting and analyzing data from the at least one impact sensor, d. at least one display area, integral with the trunk protector, for displaying information related to the combat sport and combat sport participant; and an energy based method for scoring combat sports.

A punching bag training comprises a flexible housing adapted to be wrapped around a punching bag. The housing supports a strike pad array. Each strike pad in the array comprises a force sensor to detect strikes, together with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are positioned around the force sensor and that are lit when the user strikes the pad accurately (e.g., within a predetermined strike zone, and within a predetermined time). In addition, each strike pad has associated therewith an extension (or connecting) portion that couples the strike pad to the center portion. The connecting portion advantageously includes a set of LEDs that are selectively lit to telegraph a hit point to the user, namely, the strike pad associated with the connecting portion. The LEDs arranged on the connecting portion serve as a runway with the LEDs being lit progressively from the center portion and outward toward the strike pad to be hit next in a programmed hit sequence. As the user interacts with the system, speed, timing and accuracy preferably are measured to determine a score. The lighting elements are controlled using a controller unit that may be integral with the housing, attached thereto, or coupled to the housing wirelessly. The controller unit outputs one or more programmed hit sequences (i.e., to provide the control signals that activate the LEDs), and to detect and record electrical signals generated by the force sensors as the user strikes the pads.

A punching bag training comprises a flexible housing adapted to be wrapped around a punching bag. The housing supports a strike pad array. Each strike pad in the array comprises a force sensor to detect strikes, together with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are positioned around the force sensor and that are lit when the user strikes the pad accurately (e.g., within a predetermined strike zone, and within a predetermined time). In addition, each strike pad has associated therewith an extension (or connecting) portion that couples the strike pad to the center portion. The connecting portion advantageously includes a set of LEDs that are selectively lit to telegraph a hit point to the user, namely, the strike pad associated with the connecting portion. The LEDs arranged on the connecting portion serve as a runway with the LEDs being lit progressively from the center portion and outward toward the strike pad to be hit next in a programmed hit sequence. As the user interacts with the system, speed, timing and accuracy preferably are measured to determine a score. The lighting elements are controlled using a controller unit that may be integral with the housing, attached thereto, or coupled to the housing wirelessly. The controller unit outputs one or more programmed hit sequences (i.e., to provide the control signals that activate the LEDs), and to detect and record electrical signals generated by the force sensors as the user strikes the pads.

A punch-and-cycle exercise device is described. The device includes a cycling mechanism, a frame to which a punch pad is attached, a plurality of delineated target zones arranged on the punch pad, a sensor unit that includes an impact sensor, accelerometer, a single or plurality of hall effect sensors, each communicatively connected to the target zones. A control unit communicatively connects with the sensors, and a display. Gloves with built in magnets interact with the sensors and provide data to the controller to track user success at responding to illuminated and sequenced punching programs while cycling. Output can be displayed locally or on any paired device.

A punch-and-cycle exercise device is described. The device includes a cycling mechanism, a frame to which a punch pad is attached, a plurality of delineated target zones arranged on the punch pad, a sensor unit that includes an impact sensor, accelerometer, a single or plurality of hall effect sensors, each communicatively connected to the target zones. A control unit communicatively connects with the sensors, and a display. Gloves with built in magnets interact with the sensors and provide data to the controller to track user success at responding to illuminated and sequenced punching programs while cycling. Output can be displayed locally or on any paired device.

An exercise system includes a target having a rectangular body composed of a polycarbonate material; a first handle having an opening extending through a thickness of the rectangular body; striking the rectangular body causes an audible noise.