Portable runners starting block

Abstract

A lightweight runners starting block assembly with adjustable positions for the foot blocks and adjustable angles for the foot plates is disclosed. The position of the foot blocks can be adjusted by selecting from a series of holes in the central tie bar. The tilt angles of the foot plates can be adjusted by selecting from one of several notches in the brace arms. The foot blocks can be easily removed from the central tie bar and folded flat so that the three parts can be stored in a small bag for convenient portability.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not applicable STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not applicable REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX [0003] Not applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] This invention relates to equipment used by runners to get a good start in a sprint race. Initially starting blocks were developed for dirt tracks with large spikes driven into the dirt to keep them from slipping. Starting blocks generally evolved into assemblies with a central rail and a moveable block attached to each side as in U.S. Pat. No. 3,494,615 by G. L. Moore. With the advent of synthetic track surfaces starting blocks generally used shorter spikes to avoid damaging the track surface and often provided tilt angle adjustments for each foot block as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,611,803 by Newton, Jr. More recently, portable starting blocks small enough and light enough to be conveniently carri...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] This invention provides a truly portable starting block with a central tie bar that makes it easy to position the assembly on the track. The tie bar also prevents the displacement of the back foot block so that it is never necessary to reposition it after a start. The only part of the entire assembly to touch the track are the spikes which are placed directly under and behind the sprinter's feet. This arrangement insures the securest possible anchorage to the track and eliminates slippage problems.

[0009] Each foot block is easily removed from the tie bar and folded flat so that the three pieces can be stored in a small bag and easily carried in a runner's equipment bag.

Problems solved by technology

The earlier blocks with the central rail have the disadvantage of being heavy and too large to fit into a runner's equipment bag.

The more recent portable blocks have the disadvantage of being difficult to position on the track because they are two completely separate foot blocks and have to be positioned separately.

This is a significant disadvantage when doing repeat training starts or warmup starts for a race.

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