Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a boxing training assistive device that allows users to perform various boxing training modes with controlled motion, real-time feedback, and guided interaction for enhancing training efficiency, accuracy, and user engagement while ensuring a safe and adaptive environment suitable for users of different skill levels and training preferences.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Boxing is a physically demanding sport that requires precision, speed, strength, and proper technique, making consistent practice essential for skill development and performance improvement. Traditional training methods often rely on coaches or partners, which limits flexibility and accessibility, while manual equipment does not provide real-time feedback, personalized difficulty, or guidance. Users frequently face challenges such as maintaining correct posture, timing, and force, tracking performance accurately, and ensuring safety during intense practice sessions. Additionally, hygiene concerns arise from shared equipment. These limitations highlight the need for an assistive device that offers controlled practice, adjustable difficulty, performance monitoring, real-time feedback, and safe, hygienic training in a self-contained, user-friendly environment.

[0003] There are several devices currently available for boxing training but the available devices suffer significant drawbacks: many focus on upper body punches only and neglect footwork or full body movement, limiting realistic skill development. They often lack precise motion or force feedback required for proper technique refinement. Some require large mounting space or inconvenient setup for home use. Additionally, many are marketed as fun or rhythm based devices rather than serious training tools, making them less suitable for users looking to develop boxing technique in a comprehensive way.

[0004] US5582561A discloses a boxing and martial arts training device including a punching bag and a rotatable foot platform. The foot platform includes a treadmill. Rotation of the foot platform and operation of the treadmill are independently controlled from a hand-held switch wired to motors located below the foot platform. The punching bag is supported on a frustoconical backboard. Height of the punching bag and its proximity to the center of the foot platform are manually adjustable. The training device simultaneously promotes strength, balance, coordination, and physical conditioning.

[0005] US6220992B1 has an adjustable frame that can selectively adjustably support different types of punching bags in optimum position to be struck with the hands and/or feet of a person or persons using the apparatus. In particular, the frame is releasably attachable to a conventional treadmill for simultaneous use of the boxing exercise apparatus and the treadmill. In one form of the invention, the frame is capable of being free-standing independently of use with a treadmill, and in another form the frame relies upon its attachment to a treadmill to support it in an operative upright position.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are available in the market for assisting the user in boxing training. However, the cited inventions lack comprehensive functionality, such as simultaneous upper- and lower-body training, real-time performance monitoring, adjustable difficulty, force feedback, and automated guidance. Additionally, these existing inventions also fail to address safety, hygiene, and space constraints, making them less effective for independent, controlled, and adaptive boxing practice.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to be capable of providing a self-contained, user-friendly boxing training environment with adjustable difficulty, real-time feedback, multi-directional training, and performance monitoring, while ensuring hygiene, safety, and proper technique development, enabling users to train effectively without reliance on coaches, partners, or extensive equipment setup.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that enables users to perform different training modes with controlled movement, feedback, and guidance for improved practice efficiency.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that ensure user safety and hygiene during boxing training by detecting correct equipment placement and automatically performing sanitization after each use.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that allow users to adjust training difficulty, target firmness, and movement settings according to individual preferences for a personalized training experience.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a boxing training assistive device that enables users to perform various boxing training modes with controlled movement, real-time feedback, and guided interaction for improved practice efficiency, while also ensuring user safety and hygiene by detecting correct equipment placement and automatically performing sanitization after each training session.

[0014] According to an aspect of the present invention, a boxing training assistive device, includes a kiosk integrated with an imaging unit configured to detect user presence and control a motorized sliding gate for entry, a chamber with a hinged flap at the top providing access to stored boxing gloves held securely in glove holders equipped with weight sensors and embedded UV-sanitizing units for post-use sanitization, a selection module with a control unit and display panel enabling user selection among warm up mode, defense mode, and attack mode, an articulated rod attached to a plate for deploying an adjustable-height punching bag incorporating a non-Newtonian fluid layer and Peltier unit to vary surface firmness, a motorized ball-and-socket joint enabling multi-directional articulation of the punching bag, a pair of articulated limbs with boxing gloves mounted on motorized sliders to simulate defensive strikes, and a pair of articulated bars with punch pads and proximity sensors on motorized sliding units to simulate attack targets, all equipped with pressure sensors integrated across punching bag, gloves, and punch pads for real-time force monitoring and feedback, a camera coupled with an image recognition module for performance tracking and skill analysis, a projection unit displaying visual cues and guidance, floor lighting elements adapting patterns to indicate optimal footwork positioning, and a speaker synchronized with the camera and selection module to deliver audible instructions and feedback, collectively providing an immersive, adaptive, and safe boxing training experience.

[0015] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a boxing training assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0018] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0020] The present invention relates to a boxing training assistive device that enables users to perform various training modes with controlled movement, feedback, and guidance for improved practice efficiency, while allowing users to adjust training difficulty, target firmness, and movement settings as per individual preferences to provide a customized and effective boxing training experience.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a boxing training assistive device is illustrated, comprising a kiosk 101, an imaging unit 102 integrated with the kiosk 101, a motorized sliding gate 103, a hinged flap 104 arranged at a top of a chamber 105 within the kiosk 101, a display panel 106 provided in the kiosk 101, an articulated rod 107 attached to a plate 108 positioned within the kiosk 101, a punching bag 109, a pair of articulated limbs 110, each having a boxing glove 111 at an end, arranged within the kiosk 101 through motorized sliders 112, a pair of articulated bars 113, each having a punch pad 114 at an end, arranged within the kiosk 101 through motorized sliding units 115, a plurality of lighting elements 116 arranged at the floor of the kiosk 101, the chamber 105 comprises a plurality of glove holders 117, a plurality of UV-sanitizing units 118 is embedded within the chamber 105, a projection unit 119 integrated within the kiosk 101, a motorized ball-and-socket joint 120 is integrated between the rod 107 and the plate 108, a camera 121 installed within the kiosk 101 and a speaker 122 is integrated within the kiosk 101.

[0022] The device disclosed in the present invention comprise of a kiosk 101 to provide users with a self-contained, adaptive, and safe training environment. The kiosk 101 serves as the main housing and support structure for all integrated components, providing an organized and compact space where various training modes are executed. The kiosk 101 allows for user interaction, movement, and guided training without the need for additional external equipment.

[0023] An imaging unit 102 is integrated with the kiosk 101 to detect the presence of a user in the vicinity of the kiosk 101. The imaging unit 102 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images in vicinity of the kiosk 101 and the captured images are stored within a memory of the imaging unit 102 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 102 also comprises of a processor that employ computer vision and deep learning protocols, including object detection, segmentation, and edge detection, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller.

[0024] A motorized sliding gate 103 is arranged on the kiosk 101 to open for allowing the user to enter the kiosk 101 safely. Upon detecting the user, the imaging unit 102 triggers a signal to the control unit to open the gate 103. The motorized gate 103 opens using an electric motor that drives a rolling assembly. When activated by the microcontroller, electric current powers the tubular motor housed within the gate 103 drum. The motor turns a gearbox, which rotates the winding shaft, causing the gate 103 to roll upward around the drum. As the gate 103 rolls upwards, limit switches detect when the gate 103 is fully opened and halt the motor to prevent over-rotation.

[0025] A selection module is integrated with an inbuilt control unit of the device, allowing the user to select one of three training modes: warm-up mode, defense mode, and attack mode, through a display panel 106 integrated into the kiosk 101. As the user enters the kiosk 101, the control unit activates the display panel 106 to select the required training mode.

[0026] The display panel 106 consists of multiple layers, including a transparent conductive layer such as indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass, which forms the surface that users directly touch. Beneath the layer lies a grid of electrodes, typically made of a conductive material like copper or silver, arranged in rows and columns. When the user touches the display panel 106, it creates a measurable change in capacitance at the point of contact, altering the electrical field between the electrodes. This change is detected by the controller circuitry embedded within the display panel 106, which interprets the position and intensity of the touch. The controller then converts this data into digital signals representing user inputs, which are further processed by the microcontroller associated with the device.

[0027] A hinged flap 104 is installed at the top of a chamber 105 that is arranged within the kiosk 101 and provides controlled access to stored boxing gloves. Upon selecting the training mode, the control unit activates the hinged flap 104 to open and allow access of the chamber 105. A hinge joint is integrated with the flap 104 to provide required angular motion to the flap 104 for opening the chamber 105.

[0028] The hinge joint preferably involves the use of an electric motor to control the movement of the flap 104 connected to the hinge joint. The hinge joint provides the pivot point around which the movement of the flap 104 occurs. The motor is the core component responsible for generating the rotational motion. The motor converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy, producing the necessary torque that drives the flap 104. As the motor rotates, the flap 104 opens.

[0029] The chamber 105 comprises a plurality of glove holders 117, which are designed to securely hold the gloves and ensure that the gloves are positioned correctly prior to use. This configuration guarantees that the gloves are readily accessible while maintaining proper orientation and organization. A weight sensor is integrated with the glove holders 117 to detect the presence of the gloves before the user begins training, further ensuring proper usage.

[0030] The weight sensor comprises of a transducer and a strain gauge. The force applied on the sensor due to weight load leads to the deformation of the strain gauge. The deformations are measured and the transducer converts the force to the electrical resistance which is sent as an electrical output to the microcontroller. The sensor detects the weight and as the weight recedes a pre-defined threshold limit, the signal is sent to the microcontroller indicating the presence of gloves that needs to be used for training.

[0031] A plurality of UV-sanitizing units 118 is embedded within the chamber 105 are, which automatically sanitize the gloves after each use. Based on the determined presence of the gloves, the control unit activates the sanitizing units 118 to sanitize the stored gloves. The UV-sanitizing units 118 operate by emitting ultraviolet-C (UVC) light, which effectively inactivates bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens present on the surface of the boxing gloves. The UVC light is directed uniformly across the gloves, ensuring all surfaces, including the inner and outer areas, are exposed. The ultraviolet-C light is operated for a predetermined duration optimized for disinfection, automatically shutting off afterward to prevent user exposure, ensuring hygienic conditions, preventing the spread of germs and maintaining safety for multiple users.

[0032] An articulated rod 107 is attached to a plate 108 that is arranged within the kiosk 101 to extend and deploy a punching bag 109. The height of the punching bag 109 is adjustable via the articulated rod 107 to accommodate users of different stature. In case, the user selects warm-up training, the control unit actuates the rod 107 to deploy the punching bag 109 for warm-up training sessions.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the articulated rod 107 is operated through a pneumatic actuator that is powered by a pneumatic unit. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder from one end, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the rod 107 and due to applied pressure the rod 107 extends for deploying the punching bag 109.

[0034] The punching bag 109 includes a non-Newtonian fluid layer and a Peltier unit, allowing the surface firmness to be adjusted from soft to hard for providing variable resistance during training. The non-Newtonian fluid layer is designed to alter its firmness based on applied force and user-selected settings. Under light or moderate pressure, the fluid behaves in a soft, pliable manner, allowing easier punches for warm-up or beginner training. When higher force is applied or the user selects a firmer setting via the display panel 106, the fluid stiffens, providing increased resistance for advanced training. The Peltier unit works in conjunction with the fluid to regulate temperature, which further adjusts the viscosity and surface firmness.

[0035] The Peltier unit operates on the Peltier effect, where electrical current creates a temperature difference between two surfaces of a semiconductor junction. The Peltier unit consists of thermoelectric materials (usually bismuth telluride) arranged between two ceramic members. When a direct current (DC) flows through the Peltier unit, electrons move between different semiconductor materials, transferring heat from one side to the other. This results in one side of the Peltier unit becoming cold while the opposite side becomes hot. The cold side is used for cooling applications, while the hot side requires a heat sink or fan to dissipate excess heat. By reversing the current, the heating and cooling sides are switched.

[0036] A motorized ball-and-socket joint 120 is integrated between the articulated rod 107 and the plate 108 for enabling multi-directional articulation of the punching bag 109. This allows precise positioning and movement of the bag 109 during warm-up practice, ensuring realistic and effective punching simulation. The motorized ball and socket joint 120 allows for smooth, adjustable movement of the punching bag 109 in various directions. The joint 120 herein, has a ball-shaped part that fits into a cup-like socket. A motor controls this ball, making the ball to move around inside the socket. Actuators adjust the ball’s position to ensure that the ball moves accurately and flexibly, enabling accurate and controlled positioning of the punching bag 109 in multiple directions.

[0037] A pair of articulated limbs 110, each having a boxing glove 111 at a distal end and arranged on motorized sliders 112. These limbs 110 move to simulate defensive strikes, and the movement of each limb 110 is adjusted in both speed and angle through the selection module. In case, the user selects the defense mode, the control unit actuates the articulated limbs 110 to simulate defensive strikes according to the pre-fed data in the selection module.

[0038] The articulated limbs 110 contain several segments that are attached together by motorized joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the articulated limbs 110 to complete a specific motion to simulate defensive strikes.

[0039] A pair of articulated bars 113, each having a punch pad 114 at the end is provided within the kiosk 101 to move and simulate attack targets. The articulated bars 113 are mounted on motorized sliding units 115 and are integrated with proximity sensors to monitor user strikes in real-time. In case, the user selects the attack mode, the control unit activates the proximity sensors to detect the presence of user in proximity of the limbs 110 to initiate the training sessions.

[0040] The proximity sensor used herein is a capacitive proximity sensor that detects the presence or absence of the user within its vicinity without physical contact. The proximity sensors detect changes in capacitance caused by the presence of the user near the sensor's surface. The proximity sensor operates by generating an electrostatic field from an electrode. When the user comes in contact with this field, it alters the capacitance between the sensor and the user due to differences in the dielectric constants of materials. The sensor detects the change in capacitance and determines the presence or absence of the user.

[0041] The proximity sensor is configured to detect and monitor the user’s actions in real time, including the position, movement, and timing of strikes. By continuously tracking the user’s interactions with the punching pads 114 or articulated bars 113, the proximity sensor provides immediate feedback, enabling accurate assessment of technique, speed, and precision, while ensuring safe and responsive training during all selected modes.

[0042] Based on the determined interaction of the user, the control unit actuates the bars 113 to simulate the attack according to the movement of the user. The articulated bars 113 work in the similar manner as of the articulated limbs 110 mentioned above.

[0043] The sliding units 115 are actuated by the control unit to position the bars 113 in alignment with the user to enhance the efficiency of the training. The sliding units 115 consist of a sliding rail and a motorized slidable member connected to the sliding rail. The motorized slidable member is attached to the bars 113 and sliding rail on both sides to make the bars 113 slide. The slidable member is attached to a motor which provides movement to the member in a bi-directional manner.

[0044] A camera 121 installed within the kiosk 101 monitors user’s performance, tracks movements, and analyzes skill execution. The camera 121 works in synchronization with the selection module to provide real-time feedback and performance tracking, enabling the user to assess and improve technique during practice. The camera 121 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the user and the captured images are stored within a memory of the camera 121 in form of an optical data. The camera 121 also comprises of a processor that employ an image recognition module, including object detection, segmentation, and edge detection, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller.

[0045] A projection unit 119 installed within the kiosk 101 displays visual cues, feedback, and guidance during training. These visual cues correspond to the selected training mode and assist the user in performing exercises correctly. The projection unit 119 works by emitting focused light to highlight the guidance during the training. When activated by the microcontroller, powering the light source, typically an LED or laser. The light is then directed through lenses or mirrors to focus the beam into an accurate spot or pattern. This projected light serves as a visual guide, marking the guidance.

[0046] A plurality of lighting elements 116 arranged on the floor of the kiosk 101 visually guide the user’s footwork, adapting dynamically based on mode selection and user movement to optimize positioning and enhance training effectiveness. The lighting elements 116 are made from semiconductor materials which have properties that allow them to emit light. The lighting elements 116 contains a p-n junction, where a p-type region is positively charged and an n-type region is negatively charged. When voltage is applied, electrons from the n-region move towards the p-region, and holes from the p-region move towards the n-region. As the electrons move across the p-n junction, they recombine with the holes. During this process, the electrons lose energy, and this energy is released in the form of photons (light).

[0047] A plurality of pressure sensors is integrated with the punching bag 109, gloves 111, and punch pads 114 to monitor the applied force for provide feedback, and ensure safe interaction with the user. The pressure sensor used here is a capacitive pressure sensor that works by measuring changes in capacitance. The pressure consists of two conductive members separated by a small gap. When pressure is applied, the gap between the member is changed, altering the capacitance. The sensor detects this change and converts it into an electrical signal that relates to the amount of pressure. This signal is then sent to the microcontroller to be processed to give a precise pressure reading.

[0048] A speaker 122 is integrated with the kiosk 101 to provide audible feedback, instructions, and guidance in synchronization with the camera 121 and selection module. The speaker 122 delivers real-time audio cues and coaching, complementing the visual and mechanical feedback to create a fully interactive and immersive training environment.

[0049] The speaker 122 works by converting the electrical signal into the audio signal. The speaker 122 consists of a cone known as a diaphragm attached to a coil-shaped wire placed between two magnets. When the electric signal is passed through the voice coil, a varying magnetic field is generated by the coil that interacts with the magnet causing the diaphragm to move back and forth. The movement of the diaphragm pushes and pulls air creating sound waves just like the electrical signal received and used to notify the user.

[0050] The present invention works best in the following manner, when the user approaches the kiosk 101, the imaging unit 102 detects the presence of the user in the vicinity and automatically triggers the motorized sliding gate 103 to open, allowing entry into the kiosk 101. The user accesses the stored boxing gloves through the hinged flap 104 at the top of the chamber 105, and the weight sensor integrated with the glove holders 117 confirms correct placement of the gloves, while the embedded UV-sanitizing units 118 ensure the gloves are sanitized and safe for use. The user selects the training mode warm up, defense, or attack via the selection module and display panel 106, which configures the corresponding components. In warm-up mode, the articulated rod 107 attached to the plate 108 extends and deploys the punching bag 109, with its height adjustable and surface firmness controlled through the non-Newtonian fluid layer and Peltier unit based on user input, while the motorized ball-and-socket joint 120 enables multi-directional articulation for realistic practice. In defense mode, the pair of articulated limbs 110 with boxing gloves 111 move through motorized sliders 112 to simulate defensive strikes, with adjustable speed and angle. In attack mode, the articulated bars 113 with punch pads 114, equipped with proximity sensors, move to simulate targets and monitor user strikes in real-time, while the pressure sensors on the punching bag 109, gloves 111, and punch pads 114 provide feedback to ensure safe interaction. The camera 121 linked to the image recognition module monitors user performance, and the projection unit 119 and floor lighting provide visual guidance for technique and footwork, while the speaker 122 delivers synchronized audible feedback and instructions, creating the interactive and adaptive training environment.

[0051] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A boxing training assistive device, comprising:

a) a kiosk 101;
b) an imaging unit 102 integrated with the kiosk 101, configured to detect the presence of a user in the vicinity of the kiosk 101, and to cause a motorized sliding gate 103 to open to enable user entry;
c) a hinged flap 104 arranged at a top of a chamber 105 within the kiosk 101, configured to allow the user to access the stored boxing gloves;
d) a selection module configured with a control unit to enable one of a warm up mode, a defense mode and an attack mode as per user input via a display panel 106 provided in the kiosk 101;
e) an articulated rod 107 attached to a plate 108 positioned within the kiosk 101, configured to extend and deploy a punching bag 109 upon selection of the warm-up mode, for enabling a user to practice punches, wherein the punching bag 109 is adjustable in height via the articulated rod 107;
f) a pair of articulated limbs 110, each having a boxing glove 111 at an end, arranged within the kiosk 101 through motorized sliders 112, configured to move and simulate defensive strikes upon selection of the defense mode, each limb’s movement is adjustable in speed and angle;
g) a pair of articulated bars 113, each having a punch pad 114 at an end, arranged within the kiosk 101 through motorized sliding units 115, each bar integrated with proximity sensors configured to monitor user strikes in real-time, wherein the bars 113 are configured to move and simulate attack targets upon selection of the attack mode, with adjustable position and movement speed to provide accurate feedback; and
h) a plurality of lighting elements 116 arranged at the floor of the kiosk 101, configured to visually guide the user with optimal footwork positioning during training, the lighting pattern adapts based on the selected mode and user movement.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chamber 105 comprises a plurality of glove holders 117 configured to securely hold boxing gloves and ensure correct positioning before use.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of UV-sanitizing units 118 is embedded within the chamber 105 to automatically sanitize gloves after each use.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a projection unit 119 integrated within the kiosk 101 is configured to display visual cues, feedback, and real-time guidance to the user during practice.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the punching bag 109 comprises a non-Newtonian fluid layer and is integrated with a Peltier unit, such that the surface firmness is adjustable from soft to hard based on user-selected input via the display panel 106.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized ball-and-socket joint 120 is integrated between the rod 107 and the plate 108 to enable multi-directional articulation and precise positioning of the punching bag 109 during warm-up practice.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of pressure sensors is integrated with the punching bag 109, gloves 111, and punch pads 114 to monitor applied force, provide feedback, and ensure safe interaction with the user.

8) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is integrated with the glove holders 117 to detect presence and correct placement of gloves prior to use.

9) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a camera 121 installed within the kiosk 101 is linked with an image recognition module to monitor user performance, track movement, and analyze skill execution.

10) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a speaker 122 is integrated within the kiosk 101 to provide audible feedback, instructions, and guidance in synchronization with the camera 121 and selection module during training sessions.