Abstract: Portable exercise incline board devices and methods for exercise and balance fitness that can be easily assembled, disassembled and transported. The incline board can be assembled from a generally rectangular top ice with raised upper surface, along with a pair of right triangle support pieces and a rear vertical piece wherein raised protrusions align into mateable grooves so that the pieces slide and lock together for assembly and slide apart for disassembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a starter block for use in athletic events. The bottom-surface cleats which anchor the starting block to the ground are associated with blind bores extending through the lower surface. Each cleat has an associated blind bore. The positioning of the blind bores relative to the cleats allow the cleats of one starting block to be received by the blind bores of another starting block, and vice versa. This configuration allows the blocks to be stored easily and safely.

Abstract: A swim platform with a higher level of performance offered by an increase in the horizontal velocity and force off of the swim platform, thus enabling the athlete to enter the water further from the start. The athlete having full control over adjustments can create an optimal setup for their specifications.

Abstract: A starting blocks device includes a longitudinal member, a forward block removably connected to a forward part of the longitudinal member by way, and a rear block removably connected to a rear part of the longitudinal member and a sensor for determining force applied by the user.

Abstract: The process enables a reaction time of an athlete at the start of a race to be measured with a personalized transponder module positioned on the athlete and a base station. The module comprises a receiver unit, a processing unit, a transmitter unit for data signals and a motion sensor to supply measurement signals to the processing unit. The module is activated by a received wake-up signal and a measurement of the movement is performed by the sensor at the start of the race. The data signals are transmitted to the base station and a determination of the reaction time of the athlete at the start of the race is performed to determine a possible false start if the reaction time is below a determined time threshold following the starting signal.

Abstract: A stretching device and method of use for stretching the foot and lower leg muscles of a user. The stretching device may include a base and an adjustable incline support that can be adjusted at various angles relative to the base. The incline support may further be divided into separate fingers that can be adjusted to different angular positions relative to one another. A support member may extend across and support the incline support.

Abstract: The competitor starting device in a sports competition is a starting block device. It includes one rear base for holding the device on a competition surface, a force detection sensor connected to a processing circuit, and two starting blocks for competitor's feet. Each block is adjustably mounted on a longitudinal bar, which is connected to the base and activates the sensor to determine a response time at the competition start. The longitudinal bar is connected to an H-shaped structure having two strips, spaced apart. The strip ends are rigidly connected to an immobile portion of the rear base, while a central bar connecting the strips is secured to the rear end of the longitudinal bar. When a force is applied to the block(s), the central bar is pushed in one direction via the bending of the strips to activate the sensor to determine a response time at the competition start.

Abstract: Exercise equipment is adaptable to a variety of resistance and acceleration configurations which are used improve an individual's start in the forty yard dash, and to improve an individual's performance in a variety of other exercises.

Abstract: A lightweight runners starting block assembly with adjustable positions for the foot blocks and adjustable angles for the foot plates is disclosed. The longitudinal 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 as to fit in a space 12 inches long, 12 inches wide and 6 inches high. The three parts can be stored in a small bag for convenient portability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain new and useful improvement in starting blocks, which, like prior art adaptations, are advocated and adapted for use at the customary line of start of a track either indoors or outdoors. The invention is generally comprised of a vacuum suction device operatively and releasably attached to an interface that also operatively and releasably attached to a track and field starting block of various configurations.

Abstract: A starting block is used by a runner in a track event. The starting block has five components, a rail, a left foot pedal assembly, a left connector, a right foot pedal assembly, and a right connector. The rail has two outwardly-positioned rows of upwardly directed teeth and two upwardly-projecting guides running parallel to and between the rows of teeth. Each connector has an engaging member for selectively engaging its respective row of teeth and a sleeve for enveloping and selectively engaging its respective guide.

Abstract: A top for a starting platform at one end of a swimming pool has an upper surface, which is adapted to support both feet of a swimmer in a starting position, and a lower surface, at which the top is mountable so that the upper surface slants downwardly and frontwardly. Ribs on the upper surface slant downwardly and laterally and channels between the ribs slant similarly so as to drain water from the upper surface. Along each lateral edge, an upper trough and a lower trough facilitate grasping by one hand of such a swimmer. The upper trough receives water drained by some of the channels. The front edge is connected to each lateral edge by a unitary grip, which a swimmer in a different position can grasp with one hand.

Abstract: A starting block apparatus comprising a first generally tubular-shaped member, a second generally tubular-shaped member slidingly engaged within a radially disposed channel extending through the first member, a first generally C-shaped sleeve secured to a pin extending out of and slidingly engaged within an axially disposed slot in the first member, a generally tubular, T-shaped coupler having a lower leg removably secured over the outer end of the second member, a second generally C-shaped sleeve removably secured along the length of the upper portion of the coupler, and a pair of foot platforms having an outer surface structured for engagement with a runner's foot and an opposite inner surface structured for mating engagement with the first and second sleeves. A plurality of removable spikes are positioned at spaced apart locations along the first and second members, to maintain the apparatus in a stationary position on the track or ground.

Abstract: A runners starting block is disclosed that can be used separate from an anchor bar, each block to be individually positioned on the track, each block capable of being adjusted over a wide range of foot support angles, the starting blocks usable on artificial surfaces as well as natural ones.

Abstract: A portable calf stretcher is provided having a base plate which is arranged to be supported on the ground. A foot plate and an adjustable support plate are pivotally mounted on opposing ends of the base plate. The adjustable support plate is arranged to support the foot plate above the base plate at any one of numerous fixed angles therebetween. A person positions one foot on the foot plate and leans forward for isolating and stretching the corresponding calf muscle. The foot plate is pivoted flat against the base plate in a storage position.

Abstract: A portable starting block, used by track athletes, is constructed of sections of two lightweight aluminum extrusions. One of these extrusions comprises a foot pedal portion having a generally concave, outwardly facing, foot-engaging portion with an inwardly turned track-engaging end. The other portion of the starting block is a support plate, which also has a track-engaging end and an upper end for pivotal interconnection with the foot pedal portion. The pivotal interconnections are formed as mating extrusions, one of which slides into the other to form a movable hinge between the two portions of the starting block. This permits any desired incremental angle adjustment of the starting block within a fairly wide range of angles. The two parts are locked together by a locking pin; and when the block is folded into its storage position, the foot pedal portion underlies the support plate portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reaction time measurement system that includes a hard-wired or battery-powered accelerometer module attached to a starting block or platform to detect acceleration when a contestant moves. Although the block is grossly stationary, it undergoes slight movement and mechanical vibration, so the accelerometer produces an output signal. A filter or a processing unit in the module processes the output signal to define the reaction time or moment when the athlete starts to leave the block. Preferably the module removably attaches to the starting block by a rigid coupling, and its processor stores and annotates the accelerometer signal. A link or connector signals the reaction time, or the stored signal on request, to a central monitor at which false start detection determination are made and records created.

Abstract: A method of installing an above ice surface curling hack is described. Firstly, embed a base member into a sheet of ice. The base member must be totally covered by ice thereby leaving an ice surface that is devoid of any hack depressions. The base member has at least two vertically oriented female receptacles. Secondly, drill the ice out of the female receptacles. Thirdly, mate the female receptacles of the base member with depending male members of a detachable foot pad.

Abstract: A runners' training apparatus and method are disclosed, the apparatus for measuring pressures exerted on starting blocks by a runner's feet responsive to a start signal and measuring time intervals between the start signal and selected pressure levels developed at the starting block.

Abstract: A method for conducting racing events begins with the determination of the number of lanes to be utilized in all of the individual races of the overall competition. Each racing competition includes a plurality of individual sprint races preferably equal in number to the predetermined number of lanes being utilized. Each competitor for the entire racing competition is assigned a predetermined speed ranking, and then the competitors are aligned for the individual sprint races. The competitor with the highest speed ranking is aligned in the first lane of the first sprint, and subsequent competitors in order of descending speed ranking are aligned in the first lane of subsequent sprints until the first lane of each individual sprint is filled. The remaining competitors are then aligned in the second lane of each sprint, again in descending speed ranking order. Any subsequent lanes are aligned in the same fashion.

Abstract: A starting block 60 includes a foot-support means 12 and a heel-support portion 14. The heel-support portion 14 extends from the foot-support means 12, for supporting a user's heel, and is adjustably arranged relative to the foot-support means 12.