U.S. patent application number 16/657465 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-23 for breakaway athletic track hurdle and training device.
The applicant listed for this patent is AU ATHLETE LLC. Invention is credited to Steve Bollinger, Edward Covalschi, Johnathan Small, Madelyn Wesoloski.
Application Number | 20200122051 16/657465 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 70278500 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-23 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200122051 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Covalschi; Edward ; et
al. |
April 23, 2020 |
BREAKAWAY ATHLETIC TRACK HURDLE AND TRAINING DEVICE
Abstract
A training device includes a first leg, a second leg, and a top
board connectable to the first leg and the second leg. The top
board has a first position transverse to a path of travel between
the first leg and the second leg providing a releaseable
obstruction along the path of travel. The top board further
includes a breakaway joint operable to release at least a portion
of the top board to a second position on an impact to the top board
thereby providing an open passageway through the top board along
the path of travel.
Inventors: |
Covalschi; Edward; (Shelby
Township, MI) ; Small; Johnathan; (Zionsville,
IN) ; Bollinger; Steve; (Elkhart, IN) ;
Wesoloski; Madelyn; (Naperville, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AU ATHLETE LLC |
Shelby Township |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
70278500 |
Appl. No.: |
16/657465 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62747273 |
Oct 18, 2018 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2209/08 20130101;
A63B 2069/0037 20130101; A63B 5/16 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101;
A63B 2225/093 20130101; A63B 5/22 20130101; A63B 2244/088 20130101;
A63B 69/0028 20130101; A63B 71/0054 20130101; A63K 3/043
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63K 3/04 20060101
A63K003/04; A63B 69/00 20060101 A63B069/00 |
Claims
1. A training device comprising: a first leg; a second leg; and a
top board connectable to the first leg and the second leg, the top
board having a first position transverse to a path of travel
between the first leg and the second leg providing a releaseable
obstruction along the path of travel, wherein the top board
comprises: a breakaway joint operable to release at least a portion
of the top board to a second position on an impact to the top board
thereby providing an open passageway through the top board along
the path of travel.
2. The training device of claim 1, wherein the top board further
comprises: a first top board having a first end and a second end,
the first end rotatably connected to the first leg; and a second
top board having a first end and a second end, the first end
rotatably connected to the second leg, the breakaway joint
positioned between the second end of the first board and a second
end of the second board.
3. The training device of claim 2, wherein the breakaway joint
further comprises: a permanent magnet connected to the second end
of one of the first or the second top board; and a ferromagnetic
member connected to the second end of the other of the first or the
second top board in proximity to the permanent magnet, wherein in
the top board first position, the ferromagnetic member is attracted
to the permanent magnet thereby providing the obstruction along the
path of travel.
4. The training device of claim 1, further comprising: a top board
hinge connected to at least one end of the top board and the
respective second end of the first leg or the second leg, the top
board hinge operable to allow rotation of at least a portion of the
top board about an axis of rotation relative to the respective
first or the second leg.
5. The training device of claim 4, wherein the axis of rotation is
a first axis of rotation, and wherein the training device further
comprises: a leg hinge connected to one of the first or the second
leg and the top board hinge, the leg hinge operable to allow
rotation of the top board hinge and the at least a portion of the
top board about a second axis of rotation relative to the first or
the second leg.
6. The training device of claim 5, wherein the first axis of
rotation is generally perpendicular to the second axis of
rotation.
7. The training device of claim 1, further comprising: a leg hinge
connected to at least one end of the top board and the respective
second end of the first leg or the second leg, the top board hinge
operable to allow rotation of at least a portion of the top board
about an axis of rotation relative to the respective first or the
second leg.
8. The training device of claim 1, wherein the training device is
an athletic track hurdle.
9. The training device of claim 1, further comprising a base,
wherein the first leg and the second leg are each connected to the
base, and the first leg and the second leg are laterally spaced
apart from one another with respect to the base.
10. The training device of claim 9, wherein the first leg and the
second leg are each pivotally connected to the base allowing the
first and the second legs to rotate relative to the base between an
operable position and a folded storage position.
11. The training device of claim 9, wherein each of the first and
the second legs further comprise a lower member and an upper
member, the upper member is moveable along a height axis relative
to the lower member to selectively adjust the vertical height of
the top board relative to the base.
12. A breakaway athletic track hurdle comprising: a base; a first
leg connected to the base; a second leg connected to the base
laterally distant from the first leg; a first top board having a
first end and a second end; a second top board having a first end
and a second end, the first and the second top board having a first
operable position extending laterally between the first and second
leg transverse to a path of travel between the first and the second
leg; a first top board hinge connected to the first top board first
end; a second top board hinge connected to the second top board
first end; a first leg hinge rotatably connected to the first leg
about a leg hinge axis of rotation; a second leg hinge rotatably
connected to the second leg about a leg hinge axis of rotation; the
first and second top board hinges rotatably connected to respective
of the first and the second leg hinge and respectively rotatable
about an axis of rotation relative to the first and the second leg
hinge; a breakaway joint comprising: a first permanent magnet
connected to a portion of the first top board second end; a first
ferromagnetic member connected to a portion of the first top board
second end; a second permanent magnet connected to a portion of the
second top board second end positioned opposite the first
ferromagnetic member; a second ferromagnetic member connected to a
portion of the second top board second end positioned opposite the
first permanent magnet, wherein on a physical impact to one of the
first or the second top board, the breakaway joint releases thereby
respectively rotating the first and the second top boards to a
second position thereby providing an open passageway through the
first and the second top board along the path of travel.
13. An apparatus comprising: a first leg; a second leg; and a top
board comprising a breakaway joint, wherein the breakaway joint is
configured to: connect in a first position whereby the top board is
generally perpendicular to the first leg and the second leg, and
separate in a second position whereby at least a portion of the top
board is not generally perpendicular to the first leg and the
second leg.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the breakaway joint is
operable to separate in response to an impact to the top board.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein when the breakaway joint is
in the second position, a first portion of the top board and a
second portion of the top board are separated from one another.
16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein when the breakaway joint is
in the first position, a first portion of the top board and a
second portion of the top board are connected to one another.
17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein when the breakaway joint is
in the first position, a magnetic force holds a first portion of
the top board and a second portion of the top board together.
18. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a dual hinge
connecting the top board to the first leg.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the dual hinge permits the
top board to rotate with respect to the first leg along both a
first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first axis of rotation
and the second axis of rotation are generally perpendicular to one
another.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/747,273, filed Oct. 18, 2018, the entire
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This application generally relates to athletic track and
field hurdles and athletic training devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The sport of athletic track and field is popular and highly
competitive. Athletic track hurdle races are viewed as one of the
most challenging and physically demanding of the running-type
events. Conventional hurdle designs have long been problematic in
potential injury to athletes due to the high-speed impact of the
runner's legs with a hard top board of a hurdle and/or entanglement
with the subsequent toppling forward of the hurdle.
[0004] Other hurdle-like training devices are also popular in
collegiate and professional physical conditioning. These devices
may be smaller and lower-height devices used in closely-positioned
repetitive rows for speed, agility, and coordination training for
athletes. These devices suffer from disadvantages that athletes may
step on the rigid structures and sprain ankles and knees.
SUMMARY
[0005] Disclosed herein are various embodiments for a breakaway
athletic track hurdle and training device which resolves or
improves on prior athletic track hurdle and training devices.
[0006] In an example embodiment of a breakaway hurdle, the hurdle
includes a base and two vertically-oriented legs laterally spaced
across the base. The legs may be telescopically adjustable in
height relative to the base. The hurdle includes a dual hinge
design including a pair of leg hinges, one hinge rotatably
connected to each leg. The dual hinge further includes a pair of
top board hinges, one top board hinge rotatably connected to each
leg. In various embodiments, the top board includes a first top
board connected to one of the top board hinges and a second top
board connected to the other of the top board hinges.
[0007] In various embodiments of a hurdle, a breakaway joint is
positioned between the first top board and the second top board.
The breakaway joint may include at least one permanent magnet
connected to one of the first or the second top board and a
ferromagnet member positioned on the other of the first or second
top boards opposite the magnet. When the first and second top board
are positioned in a first or operative position, a magnetic force
between the magnet and ferromagnetic member causes the magnet and
the ferromagnetic member to be attracted to one another such that
the magnet and the ferromagnetic member are connected to one
another to keep the top boards in a horizontal position obstructing
a runner moving toward the hurdle along a path of travel.
[0008] On impact of a runner with one of the first or second top
boards, the impacted top board rotates about the top board hinge to
release or overcome the magnetic force connecting the magnet and
the ferromagnetic member of the breakaway joint, causing the first
and the second top boards to separate. Through the force of
gravity, the released first and second top boards rotate downwardly
about the leg hinges to a second position thereby removing the
obstruction thereby providing an unobstructed pathway for the
runner to pass through the hurdle without a significant impact with
the top bar or possible entanglement with the base. Thus, when the
first and second top boards separate, the first and second top
boards may rotatably move, by way of the dual hinge design, around
a first axis parallel with the legs of the hurdle and around a
second axis perpendicular or normal to the legs of the hurdle.
[0009] In various embodiments, physical training devices may be
formed that are similar to track hurdles but with different
dimensions than a track hurdle. For example, such a training device
may include a base, legs of a height significantly less than a
track hurdle, a top bar positioned at a much lower height relative
to the ground than a track hurdle top bar, at least one of each of
the top bar hinges and leg hinges, and a breakaway joint as
described above. In use, if a training athlete steps on the top
bar, the top bar breaks-away in the manner generally described
above thereby eliminating or reducing possible injury to knees,
ankles, or feet of the athlete.
[0010] These and other aspects of the present disclosure are
disclosed in the following detailed description of the embodiments,
the appended claims and the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention is best understood from the following detailed
description when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the
various features of the drawings are not to-scale. On the contrary,
the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded
or reduced for clarity.
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an example
athletic track hurdle in a first or operative position, according
to various embodiments;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of another
example athletic track hurdle in a first or operative position,
according to various embodiments;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial side perspective view of a leg
of the example athletic track hurdle of FIG. 2, according to
various embodiments;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial side perspective view of an
example a dual hinge design for use in an athletic track hurdle,
according to various embodiments;
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of the example
athletic track hurdle of FIG. 2 in a second or released position
according to various embodiments;
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates an enlarged rear perspective view of a
breakaway joint of the example athletic track hurdle of FIG. 2,
according to various embodiments;
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a rear perspective view of the example
athletic track hurdle shown in FIG. 1 in a second or released
position and in a folded or storage position, according to various
embodiments;
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example
athletic track hurdle with a top board height adjustment mechanism,
according to various embodiments; and
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of an example
upper portion of an athletic track hurdle, according to various
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following description of example methods and apparatuses
are not intended to limit the scope of the description to the
precise form or forms detailed herein. Instead, the following
detailed description is intended to be illustrative.
[0022] There is a need for an improved athletic track hurdle that,
on impact by a runner, the top board releases allowing the runner
to "run through" the hurdle without a substantial impact or
toppling over of the hurdle. The same breakaway concept is equally
applicable to smaller training devices which athletes jump
over.
[0023] With reference to the figures, various embodiments of
improved breakaway athletic track hurdles and training devices are
described herein. The athletic track hurdles and training devices
disclosed herein may be used in competition, physical training, or
in any other context in which it is desired use a breakaway track
hurdle type device as disclosed herein. Various examples of
breakaway athletic training devices according to various
embodiments are shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1-8. Such
athletic training devices may be useful for track and field
athletes, and athletes in general for competition and/or physical
training without many of the disadvantages of prior devices.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an example
athletic track hurdle 10A in a first or operative position. FIG. 2
illustrates a rear perspective view of another example athletic
track hurdle 10 in a first or operative position. When discussing
features of the athletic track hurdle 10 and the athletic track
hurdle 10A that may be common to one another, the two embodiments
of FIGS. 1 and 2 are referred to herein as the hurdle 10, 10A even
though there are some differences between the embodiments, which
are further described herein. In these examples, the hurdle 10, 10A
includes a base 14, a pair of vertically-oriented legs 20, and a
breakaway top board 26 in a first operative position. The operative
position may be a position at which training or competition
typically occurs, such that an athlete may move toward the hurdle
10, 10A and jump and/or step over the breakaway top board 26. In
these examples, the base 14 includes a first foot 30 having a first
end 34, a second end 38, a bottom surface that rests on the ground,
two opposing lateral outer surfaces, and a top surface 40 opposing
the bottom surface of the first foot 30. The base 14 further
includes a second foot 50 having a first end 54, a second end 58, a
bottom surface that rests on the ground, two opposing lateral outer
surfaces, and a top surface 60 opposing the bottom surface of the
second foot 50. The second foot 50 may be similar in shape,
orientation, and/or construction to the first foot 30. In these
examples, the second foot 50 is laterally spaced apart from the
first foot 30 providing sufficient space for a runner (not shown)
to pass between along a path of travel 66.
[0025] In just one example, the hurdle 10, 10A may have a lateral
distance between the outermost lateral outer surfaces of the first
foot 30 and the second foot 50 may be anywhere from 38 to 50 inches
(e.g., 38 inches, 39 inches, 40 inches, 41 inches, 42 inches, 43
inches, 44 inches, 45 inches, 46 inches, 47 inches, 48 inches, 49
inches, 50 inches). The lateral distance between the first foot 30
and the second foot 50 may vary depending on the training or
competition purposes, applicable athletic competition rules, and/or
other factors.
[0026] In various embodiments, alternate forms of bases rather than
the base 14 may be used. For example, some embodiments may not be
in the form of a traditional track hurdle. In various embodiments,
the base 14 may be a single, continuous member, such as in the
shape of a "U", "C", "W", "V", or other configurations that suit a
particular application or desired shape. In various embodiments,
the base 14 may have fewer, different, or additional components
than those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, various embodiments
may have a different or no crossmember, may have feet of different
shapes or orientations with respect to the rest of a hurdle and/or
the crossmember, etc.
[0027] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the hurdle 10, 10A base 14
further includes a crossmember 70 having a first end 74 connected
to the first foot 30 and a second end 75 opposed to the first end
74 and connected to the second foot 50. The crossmember may also
include a bottom surface that rests upon the ground, opposing
lateral surfaces, and a top surface 78. In the examples of FIGS. 1
and 2, the first foot 30, the second foot 50, and the crossmember
70 are formed in a "U" section shape and are constructed from
extruded aluminum. In various embodiments, other sizes, shapes,
configurations, and orientations may be used. In various
embodiments, other materials may be used, such as polymers,
elastomers, composites, ferrous and other non-ferrous metals, and
other materials suitable for the particular application or
specification desired.
[0028] In the example hurdle 10, 10A of FIGS. 1 and 2, legs 20 may
include a first leg 79 and a second leg 79A. Although aspects of
the first leg 79 are discussed herein in detail, the second leg 79A
has similar components and functionality as the first leg 79. The
first leg 79 includes a lower member 80 having a first end 84 and a
second end 88. The first end 84 is connected to the first foot 30.
In various embodiments, the first end 84 of the first foot 79 may
be connected to the crossmember 70 instead of or in addition to
being connected to the first foot 30. In the example of FIG. 2, the
first leg 79 is connected to the first foot 30 by a bracket 96. The
bracket 96 securely mounts the first leg 79's lower member 80 to
the first foot 30. The bracket 96 permits rotation of the lower
member 80 relative to the first foot 30 about an axis 98, allowing
the first leg 79 to fold down for transportation or storage as
shown in FIG. 7 and described below. The second leg 79A is
similarly attached to the second foot 50 with a bracket. In various
embodiments, different connection mechanisms may be used. In
various embodiments, depending on the size and configuration of the
crossmember 70, the first foot 30, and the second foot 50, the
first leg 79 and/or the second leg 79 may be connected to the
crossmember 70 with a bracket instead of or in addition to being
connected to the first foot 30 and the second foot 50.
[0029] In the example of FIG. 2, the lower member 80 is hollow,
with a square cross-sectional shape, and includes at least one
height mounting hole 90. FIG. 3 illustrates a partial side
perspective view illustrating the leg 79 of the example athletic
track hurdle 10 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the lower member 80
may also include a plurality of height mounting holes 90A to suit
the particular height adjustment needed for the particular
application or competition. Accordingly, height mounting holes may
be on any surface of the legs 79, 79A (e.g., on an inside surface
as shown in FIG. 2 with the height mounting hole 90, on an outside
surface as shown in FIG. 3 with the height mounting holes 90A, or
on a front or back surface of the legs 79, 79A).
[0030] The leg 79 of the hurdle 10, 10A may further include an
upper member 100 that includes a first end 104 and a second end
108. In the example, upper member 100 is telescopically received
inside lower member 80 and selectively moves relative to lower
member 80 along height axis 124 as shown in FIG. 2.
[0031] The upper member 100 further includes a front side 110
(shown in FIG. 4) positioned/facing toward the direction in which
the foot 30 extends and opposing the path of travel 66 from which a
runner (not shown) would approach the hurdle 10, 10A. The upper
member 100 further includes a rear side 114 on the opposite side of
the front side 110 of the upper member 100. As best seen in the
example shown in FIG. 2, the upper member 100 includes a plurality
of height mounting holes 118 which allow the position of the upper
member to be selectively fixed or locked relative to the lower
member 80 along the height axis 124. The height mounting holes 118
may therefore align with the height mounting holes 90, 90A of the
lower member 80 so that a pin or other mechanism may pass
therethrough to selectively fix or lock the height of the upper
member 100.
[0032] As best seen in FIG. 3, the hurdle 10, 10A may include a
locking member 120. In the example, the locking member 120 includes
a spring-biased pin or button mounted on the upper member 100 which
is biased to extend laterally outward toward the lower member 80
and is aligned to engage the plurality of mounting holes 90A to
selectively adjust or set the height of the upper member 100
relative to the lower member 80, thereby setting the height of the
top breakaway top board 26 relative to the base 14 and ground or
track supporting the base 14.
[0033] It is understood that locking member 120 may take many
different forms including, for example, manual pins or other
devices which are manually inserted through aligned holes in both
of the lower member 80 and upper member 100 to adjust the height of
upper member 100 and subsequently the top board 26 as desired.
Another example of a height locking device is shown in FIG. 8 and
discussed further below. It is further understood that locking
member 120 in the form of a biasing button or pin may be positioned
on either the lower member 80 or upper member 100. In an alternate
example, the locking member may be electronic, for example an
electronically actionable solenoid that is triggered electronically
through a hard-wired connection to an activation button or
wirelessly through a remote electronic input pad or device. The
locking member 120 may also be duplicated on the other side of the
upper member 100, such that multiple locking members extend through
opposing mounting holes in the lower member 80.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, the breakaway top board 26
includes first top board 130 having a first end 134, a second end
138, an upper surface 139 and a lower surface 140. Breakaway top
board 26 further includes a second top board 142 also including a
first end 146, a second end 150, an upper surface 151 and a lower
surface 152. In a first operative or competition position shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, the first 130 and second 142 top boards extend
substantially horizontally along a lateral axis 154 between and
spanning the first leg 79 and second leg 79A as generally
shown.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the hurdle 10, 10A further
includes a double-hinge top board system with a first double hinge
160 that connects the first leg 79 to the first top board 130 and a
second double hinge that connects the second leg 79A to the second
top board 142. The first double hinge 160 is shown in and described
with respect to FIG. 4, but the second double hinge is similar to
the first double hinge in functionality. Each of the first double
hinge 160 and the second double hinge include a top board hinge 166
and a leg hinge 190. As shown in FIG. 4, the top board hinge 166 is
rigidly connected to the first end 134 of the first top board 130.
Similarly, a second top board hinge is rigidly connected to the
first end 146 of the second top board 142. The top board hinge 166
includes an axis of rotation 170, a channel 174 for receipt of the
first end 134 of the first top board 130, and fasteners 180 to
rigidly connect the first top board 130 to the top board hinge 166.
In various embodiments, the top board hinge 166 is made from
aluminum, but in other embodiments may be made from other materials
such as polymers, other metals, or any other compositions or other
materials. The top board hinge may also take other forms and/or
orientations, for example, only connecting to one side of the top
board, such that the channel 174 is not present but there is still
a mechanism for connection to the first top board 130 (compared to
the channel 174 that connects the top board hinge 166 to both sides
of the first top board 130 as shown in FIG. 4).
[0036] The double-hinge 160 further includes the leg hinge 190. The
leg hinge 190 is rotatably connected to the second end 108 of the
leg upper member 100 on the rear side 114. The leg hinge 190 is
rotatable about an axis of rotation 196 relative to the respective
leg 79, 79A. When the hurdle 10, 10A is in the first or operative
position, the axis of rotation 196 is generally perpendicular, or
normal, to the axis of rotation 170, the first leg 79, the second
leg 79A, the first top board 130, the second top board 142, and the
crossmember 70. Further when the hurdle 10, 10A is in the first or
operative position, the axis of rotation 196 is generally parallel
to the path of travel 66 of a runner, the first foot 30, and the
second foot 50. In the example of FIG. 4, the leg hinge 190 is a 90
degree or "L" shaped bracket with a first portion 204 in abutting
contact with leg rear side 114, and a second portion 208 which
abuttingly supports a bottom of the top board hinge 166. The leg
hinge 190 may take other forms and configurations than the "L"
shape as illustrated and described. The leg hinge 190 may be made
from aluminum or any other suitable or desired materials.
[0037] As further described below, top board hinges may rotate
about axis of rotation 170 relative to leg hinge 190, and leg hinge
190 may rotate about axis of rotation 196 relative to leg 79, 79A.
When the hurdle 10, 10A is in the first or operative position, the
axis of rotation 170 is generally parallel to the first leg 79 and
the second leg 79A. Further when the hurdle 10, 10A is in the first
or operative position, the axis of rotation 170 is generally
perpendicular, or normal, to the first top board 130, the second
top board 142, the axis of rotation 196, the crossmember 170, the
first foot 30, and the second foot 50. In the example as best seen
in FIGS. 2 and 4, a first pivot fastener 210 rotatably connects the
top board hinge 166 to the leg hinge 190. A second pivot fastener
216 may be used to connect the leg hinge 190 to the upper member
100 of the leg 79. In various embodiments, the first pivot fastener
210 and the second pivot fastener 216 include shoulder bolts
providing a secure connection, but free rotation between the
connected components about the respective axes of rotation. Other
fasteners and connection schemes may also be used in various
embodiments.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, an embodiment of a breakaway
joint 230 is shown. The second end 138 of the first top board 130
and the second end 150 of the second top board 142 define a spatial
gap 226 along a lateral axis 154 as shown in FIG. 6. The second end
150 of the second top board 142 is oriented at an angle 220
relative to the second top board upper surface 151. The second end
138 of the first top board 130 is positioned substantially parallel
to the second end 150 of the second top board 142, defining the
spatial gap 226. In one example, the angle 220 is 54.5 degrees. In
various embodiments, the angle 220 may be any other angle, for
example any angle from 20 degrees to 90 degrees (e.g., 20 degrees,
25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50
degrees, 55 degrees, 60 degrees, 65 degrees, 70 degrees, 75
degrees, 80 degrees, 85 degrees, 90 degrees). In various
embodiments, the second ends 138, 150 may also be positioned at
different angles relative to the top surface 151 and/or may take
configurations other than a straight edge as shown in FIG. 6.
[0039] The breakaway joint 230 further includes a first
ferromagnetic member 234 having a first portion 238 and a second
portion 240 as shown in FIG. 6. The first portion 238 may be a
planar portion that is fixedly connected to the second end 138 of
the first top board 130. The second portion 240 may be angularly
positioned relative to the first portion to be substantially
parallel to the upper surface 139 of the first top board. In the
top board first position shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 (e.g., where the
breakaway joint 230 is connected to hold the first top board 130
and the second top board 142 together), the second portion 240 is
positioned in a notch or channel 242 in the upper surface 151 of
second top board 142 as generally shown. In various embodiments,
the first ferromagnetic member 234 may have different shapes or
configurations. For example, the first ferromagnetic member 234 may
not include the second portion 240, and/or may include a planar
portion that extends from an edge of the first portion 238 further
into the spatial gap 226 (e.g., so that additional planar portion
of the ferromagnetic member 234 covers part of a magnet 270 when
the breakaway joint 230 is connected as shown in FIG. 6).
[0040] Still referring to FIG. 6, the breakaway joint 230 further
includes a second ferromagnetic member 250 having a first portion
254 and a second portion 256 similarly constructed as described for
first ferromagnetic member 234 above, but oriented differently than
the first ferromagnetic member 234. In the example, the first
portion 254 of the second ferromagnetic member 250 is fixedly
attached to the second end 150 of the second top board 142 as
generally shown. In the example, the second portion 256 is
positioned in a notch or channel 258 in the lower surface 140 of
the first top board 130. Like the first ferromagnetic member 234,
the second ferromagnetic member 250 may vary in different
embodiments, such as being different sizes or shapes, being
oriented differently, being attached to a different location of the
second top board 142, and/or may interact with a magnet in
different ways. In various embodiments, a hurdle may also include
only a single ferromagnetic member on one of the first top board
130 or the second top board 142. In various embodiments, a hurdle
may include more than two ferromagnetic members that are attached
to the first top board 130 and/or the second top board 142.
[0041] The breakaway joint 230 further includes a first magnet 260
having a first end 264 and a second end 266. In the example shown,
the first magnet 260 is fixedly connected to a lower portion of the
second end 138 of the first top board 130 below the first
ferromagnetic member 234. A second magnet 270 having a first end
274 and a second end 276 is fixedly connected to an upper portion
of the second end 150 of the second top board 142. As illustrated,
when the breakaway top board 26 is in a first operative or
competition position shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 along the lateral axis
154, the first ferromagnetic member 234 and the second
ferromagnetic member 250 are positioned in alignment and in close
proximity to a respective one of the first magnet 260 or the second
magnet 270. In the example, the second magnet 270 and the first
magnet 260 are permanent magnets and have a strong magnetic
attractive force to the first ferromagnetic member 234 and the
second ferromagnetic member 250, respectively. The proximate
position and strong magnetic attraction form a strong, but
releaseable connection between the first top board 130 and the
second top board 142. In combination with the double hinge system
described above (e.g., with respect to FIG. 4), the breakaway joint
230 positions and holds the first top board 130 and the second top
board 142 in a substantially horizontal position along lateral axis
154 unless and until the magnetic force is overcome, at which point
the double hinge system allows the first top board 130 and the
second top board 142 to separate, as further shown in and discussed
with respect to FIG. 5.
[0042] In FIG. 6, the second portions 240, 256 of the first
ferromagnetic member 234 and the second ferromagnetic member 250
abuttingly engage the respective top board upper surfaces in the
respective notches 242, 258 to better support the first top board
130 and the second top board 142 in the vertical direction under
the force of gravity. The first ferromagnetic member 234 and the
second ferromagnetic member 250 may take other forms and
configurations, for example, eliminating the second portions 240,
256 for just a planar first portion or bar for simplicity. Each
ferromagnetic member may be made from a ferromagnetic material,
which causes the first ferromagnetic member 234 and the second
ferromagnetic member 250 to be attracted to a magnetic field
produced by each of the magnets 270, 260, respectively.
[0043] The breakaway joint 230 may be formed from other materials
and combinations than described above and illustrated. For example,
a single ferromagnetic member and a corresponding single magnet may
be used instead of two each as shown. Although permanent bar
magnets are shown, other types or forms of magnets may be used, and
of different strengths to suit a particular application. Depending
on the desired attractive force for breakaway joint 230, variations
of the configurations of the top board second ends 138, 150, the
magnets 260, 270 and ferromagnetic members 234, 250 may be used to
suit the particular properties or application. In various
embodiments, selective engagement attractive devices or members may
be used instead of, in addition to, or in combination with the
magnets 260, 270 and ferromagnetic members 234, 250. For example,
electromagnetic devices may be used to selectively energize and
attract another material, for example the ferromagnetic members
234, 250. Further, it is contemplated that the strength of the
permanent magnets or electromagnets could be selected and/or
changed to suit a particular competition. For example, the same
hurdles 10, 10A with the breakaway joint 230 could be set in one
competition for young kids so the attractive force is low, thereby
easily breaking away, while being set with a high attractive force
requiring a higher impact force for older kids, high school,
collegiate or Olympic athletes in other settings. In one example
(not shown), the permanent magnets 260, 270 could be removable such
that the magnets 260, 270 are easily replaced and temporarily
secured with different strength magnets to vary the impact force
required to release the breakaway joint 230.
[0044] Other breakaway type of materials or components may be used
other than magnets and corresponding ferromagnetic materials. For
example, other breakable or releaseable devices and materials may
be used to join or releasably connect the first top board 130 and
second top board 142 together. In one example not shown, a
fracturable device, for example a polymer strip or tie may be used
to temporarily secure the second ends 138, 150 together. The tie
could fracture on impact and simply be replaced with a new tie
thereby restoring the breakaway top board 26 to a first or operable
position ready for competition. In another example, hook and loop
type temporary connections may be used. In another example,
corresponding shapes on the first top board 130 and the second top
board 142 could releasably fit together with a compression fit.
Other breakaway materials or components may be used instead of, in
addition to, or in combination with the various embodiments
described herein.
[0045] In the example of FIG. 1, the hurdle 10 also includes a
locking sleeve 280 which may be selectively positioned over or
around the breakaway joint 230 to prevent disengagement of
breakaway joint, for example when transporting the hurdle 10, 10A
in the operative or competition position. In an example, the
locking sleeve 280 is a continuous sleeve that surrounds the outer
surfaces of at least one of the first top board 130 or the second
top board 142 (e.g., the locking sleeve encloses at least a part of
the breakaway top board 26). To secure the breakaway joint 230 from
disengaging or releasing, the locking sleeve 280 may be moved
laterally along lateral axis 154 to a position surrounding the
breakaway joint 230. When not in use, the locking sleeve 280 may be
laterally moved toward and/or abutting one of the first leg 79 or
the second leg 79A allowing the breakaway joint 230 to release on
impact as described herein. Other forms or configurations of the
locking sleeve 280 may be used to suit the particular breakaway
joint 230 configuration.
[0046] In use, the hurdle 10,10A is raised to a first, operative or
competition position as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6. The height of
the breakaway top board 26 is adjusted through raising or lowering
the legs 20 and locking the vertical position as described herein.
In the operative position, the breakaway joint 230 is positioned as
shown in FIG. 6 with the magnets 260, 270 holding the first top bar
130 and the second top bar 142 in a substantially horizontal
position along lateral axis 154.
[0047] As a runner approaches the hurdle 10, 10A along the path of
travel 66, the breakaway top board 26 is transverse to the path of
travel 66 thereby providing an obstruction, the breakaway top board
26, when the runner passes between the legs 79, 79A when moving
along the path of travel 66. If the runner does not vertically
clear the breakaway top board 26, the runner may hit or impact one
or both of the first top bar 130 or the second top bar 142. If the
runner impact force is high enough, it will overcome the attractive
force between the magnets 260, 270 and the corresponding
ferromagnetic members 234, 250 and the breakaway joint will release
or disengage.
[0048] Substantially simultaneous with the impact and release of
the breakaway joint 230, the top board hinges 166 will allow
rotation of one or both of the first 130 and second 142 top boards
about the axis of rotation in a direction of the path of travel 66.
This rotation of the first top bar 130 or the second top bar 142
about the axes of rotation 170 without forcing a raising or
rotation of the base 14 as with conventional hurdles, eases the
impact force that the breakaway top board 26 inflicts on the
runner.
[0049] Further, as the rotation of the top boards 130, 142 causes
release of the breakaway joint 230 and thereby disengagement (of
attraction) of the first top board 130 from the second top board
142, the force of gravity pulls down on the now unsupported and
cantilevered first top bar 130 and second top bar 142 which may
still present at least a partial obstruction to the runner along
the path of travel 66. At substantially the same time or shortly
after the time in which the first top board 130 and the second top
board 142 disengage, the leg hinges 190 allow the first top bar 130
and the second top bar 142 to rotate downwardly through rotation
about the axes of rotation 196 to a second or disengaged position,
such as that shown in FIG. 5. This second hinged movement or
rotational movement about axes 196 further reduces the impact force
from the breakaway top board 26 on the runner and lessens possible
entanglement of the runner with the hurdle as the runner swiftly
passes over and partially through the breakaway top board 26 and
between the legs 79, 79A.
[0050] The substantially simultaneous double hinging and double
rotation about the axes 170 and 196 allow the first top bar 130 and
the second top bar 142 to "breakaway" and rotate outwardly along
the path of travel 66 and downwardly removing the prior obstruction
to passage of the runner "through" the top board. The greatly
reduced impact of the top board to the runner is a significant
improvement over prior design creating a safer competitive
environment for athletes of all ages and competitive levels.
[0051] Once a particular race or training run is complete, any
impacted and "sprung" hurdles 10, 10A in a second position as shown
in FIG. 5 may be quickly and easily reset to the first operative
position. In an example process, the first top bar 130 and the
second top bar 142 may be rotated about the axes 170, 196 to place
the second ends 138, 150 in close proximity so the attractive force
between magnets 260, 270 and members 234, 250 to again secure the
first top bar 130 and the second top bar 142 in a substantially
horizontal position along the lateral axis 154 to the first or
operative position for the next race or training run.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 7, the hurdle 10, 10A is shown in a folded
or storage position. Conventional track hurdles have a disadvantage
of being large, rigid structures that are difficult to transport
and bulky to store. The example hurdle 10,10A is easily folded to a
relatively flat storage position as shown in FIG. 7. In one
example, the height of the legs 20 may be reduced to a minimum
through the adjustment holes 90, 90A and the locking member 120.
Further, as described herein, the legs 20 may selectively pivot
relative to the base 14, for example at the brackets 96 to place
the legs 79, 79A atop of the feet 30, 50 as shown in FIG. 7.
Further, the breakaway joint 230 may be released and the top boards
130, 142 rotated about axes 170, 196 thereby substantially placing
the top boards 130, 142 atop the legs 20 as shown in FIG. 7. The
process would be substantially reversed to reconfigure the hurdle
10, 10A back to the first or operable position. Other steps and
methods for placing the hurdle 10, 10A in a storage position, and
back to an operable position may be used.
[0053] FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example
athletic track hurdle with a top board height adjustment mechanism.
In particular, a device 290 for raising and lowering the height of
the legs of a hurdle and a breakaway top board 26 is schematically
shown. In the example, a pedal or foot activation pad 294 is
positioned in the crossmember. Dual first connecting rods 296 are
connected with the pedal or foot activation pad 294 and extend
through the crossmember to the legs. A second pair of connecting
rods 298 are connected to the first connecting rods and transfer
rotation or movement of the first connecting rods 296 to the second
connecting rods 298.
[0054] Retractable pins 300 or other devices are connected to the
second connecting rods 298 to transfer rotation or movement of
second connecting rods 298 to the pins to selectively engage or
disengage the pins 300 with the mounting holes in the leg upper
member to selectively secure or lock the height of the breakaway
top board at the desired height. A user may step on or depress the
pedal or foot activation pad 294 to disengage pins 300 from the
mounting holes because the rotational movement transferred to the
first connecting rods 296 by the pedal or foot activation pad 294
cause the second connecting rods 298 to move vertically within the
legs of the hurdle. The user may then manually raise or lower the
breakaway top board to the desired vertical height while the pins
300 are disengaged from locking the height of the legs. The user
may then depress or release the pedal or foot activation pad 294
thereby re-engaging the pins 300 to temporarily lock the legs and
therefore the breakaway top board at a desired height. Other
components, configurations, and process steps may be used to adjust
the height of the hurdle than those shown in FIG. 8.
[0055] In various embodiments, an electronic locking mechanism (not
shown) may be used. For example, depression of a pedal, foot
activation pad, or other interface may send a signal through hard
wires or wirelessly to an electronic device, for example an
electronic solenoid which actuates a motor or other activation
device to engage or disengage pins 300 from mounting holes in the
legs.
[0056] In various embodiments of athletic training devices as
described herein, a hurdle or physical conditioning device may be
much lower and/or narrower device than the hurdle 10, 10A shown in
the figures and described herein. In such examples, the hurdle or
physical conditioning device may be sized such that it is useful
for high speed, repetitive, low height leg, and/or knee movements
for agility training. For example, in some training regimens,
devices with a height of 4-10 inches (e.g., 4 inches, 4.5 inches, 5
inches, 5.5 inches, 6 inches, 6.5 inches, 7 inches, 7.5 inches, 8
inches, 8.5 inches, 9 inches, 9.5 inches, 10 inches) and 8-16
inches in width (e.g., 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, 12
inches, 13 inches, 14 inches, 15 inches, 16 inches) may be placed
in rows, similar to street tires or parallel ropes. The training
devices described herein may therefore be configured as miniature
hurdle-like devices with breakaway crossmembers or top boards 230
as generally described herein. Instead of having to raise the
runner's entire legs up and over a full-size hurdle (e.g., over the
hurdle 10, 10A), lower height athletic devices may only require an
athlete to slightly raising the knees/feet/ankles, for example in
quick side-step movements over the ankle or shin high devices for
different types of athletic training or competition.
[0057] FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of an example
upper portion 900 of an athletic track hurdle. The upper portion
900 may include a first leg 902 and a second leg 904. The first leg
902 may be an upper member of a leg that is configured to fit into
or otherwise connect to a lower member of a leg of a hurdle and/or
base of a hurdle not shown. Similarly, the second leg 904 may also
be an upper member of a leg that is configured to fit into or
otherwise connect to a lower member of a leg of a hurdle and/or
base of a hurdle not shown. In this way, the upper portion 900 may
be sold as a standalone product that is compatible with the base
and/or legs of other preexisting hurdles. Accordingly, preexisting
or other hurdles may be modified with the upper portion 900 to
achieve the advantages of the breakaway joint described herein
without having to buy an entirely new hurdle.
[0058] The upper portion 900 further includes a first top board 906
and a second top board 908 connectable by a breakaway joint 910.
The breakaway joint 910 may be or may function similarly to the
breakaway joints described herein, such as the breakaway joint of
FIGS. 5 and 6. The first top board 906 may be connected to the
first leg 902 with a first dual hinge 916 and the second top board
may be connected to the second leg 904 with a second dual hinge
918. The first dual hinge 916 and the second dual hinge 918 may be
or may function similarly to the dual hinges described herein, such
as the dual hinge of FIGS. 2 and 4. The first leg 902 and the
second leg 904 of the upper portion 900 may further include a
mechanism for connecting the upper portion 900 to lower members of
legs attached to a base of a hurdle or may include a mechanism for
attaching the upper portion 900 to a base of a hurdle. In the
example of FIG. 9, the first leg 902 and the second leg 904 are
upper members of legs that are configured to attach to lower
members of legs that are attached to a base. Mounting holes 912 and
914 provide a mechanism for a pin, bolt, or other connection
mechanism to attach the first leg 902 and the second leg 904 to
lower members of legs as described herein. For example, the
mounting holes 912 and 914 may function similarly to the mounting
holes 118 of FIG. 2. Accordingly, the upper portion 900 and an
attachment mechanism of the upper portion 900 may be configured to
make the upper portion 900 compatible with any type of hurdle
base.
[0059] In such size and configurations, a suitable sized and
constructed breakaway top board may be used. In the example, a much
less robust or strong attractive force may be used, but the
breakaway joint of such a device may be configured accordingly and
function similarly to the breakaway joints described herein. On an
athlete stepping on top of, or swiping a foot into the side of the
top bar, the breakaway joint may release allowing the
foot/ankle/shin to pass through (vertically and/or horizontally)
through the top bar thereby reducing the impact with the foot,
ankle, and/or shin. Similarly, the reduced impact of the training
device on the body reduces the risk of injury to the athlete. Other
devices and configurations in accord with the embodiments described
herein may be used and are contemplated in accordance with the
disclosed embodiments.
[0060] While the invention has been described in connection with
various certain embodiments, it is to be understood that the
invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on
the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and
equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended
claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation
so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures
as is permitted under the law.
* * * * *