Abstract: An apparatus for improving jumping skill including an adjustable height platform and a pad with a clock enabling an athlete to stand on the platform and jump onto the timing pad then immediately jump off the board. The contact time of the athlete on the board is recorded by the timing device.

Abstract: A system of monitoring impact stress, or acceleration forces on a user while exercising is disclosed. An exercise machine is equipped with sensing apparatus that measures the downward force exerted on the supporting surface by the lower extremities of the user. In this way, the corresponding impact forces are determined as a function of the user's body weight and communicated via a display monitor as “G-forces” or “Earth Gravity Units.” This allows the user to keep exercise impact within limits desired by the user, a physical therapist, or other qualified professional.

Abstract: An adjustable step trainer including two straps and more than one slat through which the straps are passed. Each end of the slat has a fixing section through which the strap is passed. A press unit is disposed in a chamber of the fixing section for pressing and fixing the strap.

Abstract: An inclined ramp is provided for practicing jumps and starts for track and field events. The inclined ramp includes a rigid inclined surface and is usable as part of two different training methods. The training method for jumps involves positioning the ramp near the landing zone with a lower end thereof nearest the approach area, while the training method for starts involves reversing the ramp so that the athlete's feet are on the higher upper end and the hands are on the low end.

Abstract: An adjustable grid having a base with a predetermined width is disclosed. Two ends of the base has a respective fixing portion; each fixing portion having a through hole for being passed through by a rope. Each fixing portion having a clamping device for fixing the rope. By the pulling force of the rope, the base can be installed steadily. The base is pivotally installed with an adjustable grid. A positioning device is installed between the base and the grid for positioning the grid as the grid stands uprightly. Therefore, the users may stumble over the grid and the grid can fall down as it is collided.

Abstract: An agility ladder for athletic training and exercise use is shown and described. The ladder has at least two elongated parallel railings spaced by rungs extending between the railings. The railings are preferably flexible so that they may be folded to collect the rungs into a stacked or bundled configuration. The collected rungs may then be mounted on an elongated handle for storage purposes. The rungs are slidably mounted on the railings so that they may be repositioned thereon, but a locking arrangement is also provided to allow the rungs to be firmly fixed in place on the railings.

Abstract: An adjustable grid having a base with a predetermined width is disclosed. Two ends of the base has a respective fixing portion; each fixing portion having a through hole for being passed through by a rope. Each fixing portion having a clamping device for fixing the rope. By the pulling force of the rope, the base can be installed steadily. The base is pivotally installed with an adjustable grid. A positioning device is installed between the base and the grid for positioning the grid as the grid stands uprightly. Therefore, the users may stumble over the grid and the grid can fall down as it is collided.

Abstract: An apparatus for practicing aerial snowboard maneuvers is described. A wooden footboard is formed in an elongated oval shape that matches or approximates the shape and size of a standard snowboard. One or more sets of strap holes are cut into the footboard to accommodate the insertion of flexible straps for each foot. Flexible straps are threaded through the strap holes for each foot and secured over the user's shoes. Different sets of strap holes for each foot allow a user to change his stance on the footboard. The board is used in conjunction with a trampoline or similar bouncing device By jumping up and down on the trampoline while wearing the board, the user is able to practice aerial snowboard maneuvers.

Abstract: A method to measure height of a vertical jump of a jumper. At least one switch is deactivated by the jumper stepping thereon. The switch is initially activated by the jumper jumping upward therefrom and thereafter deactivated upon return. A time period is measured while the switch is activated. The square of the activated time period is calculated and thereafter the result is multiplied by a constant to derive vertical jump height. Finally, the resultant vertical jump height of the jump is displayed.

Abstract: Disclosed as an apparatus for measuring at least one performance metric of an athlete. The apparatus comprises an elongated tether with a first end and a second end. An attachment means is attached to the first end of the elongated tether wherein the attachment means can be attached to the athlete. A vertical jump by the athlete causes a displacement of the elongated tether proportional to a distance, or height, of the vertical jump. A retractor is attached to the second end of the elongated tether to withdraw the elongated tether after a jump. An encoder determines a magnitude of the displacement of the elongated tether and generates a signal proportional to the magnitude. A conversion device receives the signal from the encoder and converts the signal to the performance metric. An output device reports the performance metric.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting an individual in training for a long jump, wherein the long jump includes a long jump runway and a long jump pit. The training apparatus includes a launching board positioned on the runway to propel a jumper into the apparatus. The apparatus has a frame assembly with a top portion, a bottom portion, a front portion, and a pair of opposing side portions. Each of the side portions has a lower flexible member extending therefrom which is positioned to allow a jumper's respective legs to pass thereover. The frame assembly also has an upper flexible member positioned to contact a jumper's chest. Alternatively, the training apparatus includes a plurality of separate movable elements, instead of an integral frame assembly.

Abstract: Jumps for horses comprise control means for altering with elapse of time at least one of the shape, configuration and position relative to the ground of the obstacle presented by the jump to the horse. Examples of obstacles presented of which at least one of the shape, configuration and position relative to the ground are caused to vary are an axially rotatable beam with a non-circular cross-section, water issued from a plurality of selectively controllable water jet nozzles, and a plurality of mutually parallel poles mounted to be driven in a direction perpendicular to their length along a closed loop, which itself moves along the ground.

Abstract: An athletic performance evaluation device utilizes ultrasonic sensing circuitry or infrared sensing circuitry, a vibration sensitive switch, and an audio input to signal a microprocessor to start a timing function that calculates therefrom an objective evaluation of the athlete's performance. A light emitting diode (LED) may be included in the apparatus to signal the athlete to begin performance while simultaneously starting the timing function. The vibration sensitive switch may be placed on the ground adjacent to a selected position on which the athlete stands to stop the timing function. In operation, the athlete jumps and the ultrasonic sensor signals the microprocessor to begin the timing function and the vibration sensor sends a second signal to stop the timing function when the athlete lands again. The interval between signals is used in distance formula h=g(I/2).sup.

Abstract: A jump training device has a substantially ladder-like element including two longitudinal bar members spaced from one another in a transverse direction, and a plurality of transverse members connected to the longitudinal members movably movable in a longitudinal direction, each of the transverse members being yieldable so that when an athlete jumping over the transverse members touches a transverse member, the transverse member yields so as to prevent injury to the athlete.

Abstract: A method to measure height of a vertical jump of a jumper. At least one switch is deactivated by the jumper stepping thereon. The switch is initially activated by the jumper jumping upward therefrom and thereafter deactivated upon return. A time period is measured while the switch is activated. The square of the activated time period is calculated and thereafter the result is multiplied by a constant to derive vertical jump height. Finally, the resultant vertical jump height of the jump is displayed.

Abstract: A jump cup for supporting an end of a jump pole used in equestrian activities includes a curved plate forming an upwardly facing concave surface. A lateral support pin and a mounting pin are fixed to the plate and project from a rear side thereof. The mounting pin includes an axle portion that can be inserted into a hole of a conventional jump standard, the axle portion defining an axis about which the plate can pivot downwardly once the lateral support pin has passed across a front surface of the standard, whereby the standard is straddled by the lateral support pin and a portion of the mounting pin. The jump cup is formed of fixedly interconnected parts and can be installed or removed with one hand of a user.

Abstract: An apparatus for use during the performance of squat-jump type exercises utilizes a weight-laden frame which is grasped by the hands of a user during the performance of the exercise routine and leg members associated with the frame which are spring-biased from a retracted position toward an extended position. During an exercise routine performed with the apparatus, the apparatus is lifted from the floor during a jump phase of the routine and is returned to the floor during a rebound phase of the routine. The spring-biased leg members of the apparatus cushion the effects of the weight-laden frame as the apparatus is returned into contact with the floor and facilitate the lifting of the apparatus during a subsequent jump phase of the routine.

Abstract: A beam of electromagnetic wave is suspended at an adjustable distance above a floor or an ice surface by a mechanism that generates electromagnetic wave energy and detects that same energy bounced back from a reflector plate placed a distance apart from the generator source. This beam of electromagnetic transmission suspended across the distance between the transceiver and reflector keeps an electric switch open and an electric alarm disabled or silent. Whenever the invisible beam is broken or cut by any obstruction, such as a skate's boot or leg, the alarm mechanism is energized and it will signal an interruption. The alarm signal indicates how high the skater did not reach, so that a practicing skater can be certain of step by step upward progress by constantly trying to keep the alarm off or silent.

Abstract: An interchangeable/adjustable hurdle component assembly made of a collection of interchangeable parts. The assembly has a plurality of leg support pairs of varying lengths which can be utilized as vertical leg supports or horizontal leg supports. One leg support pair is utilized as a first and second vertical leg support, and one leg support pair is utilized as a first and second horizontal leg support. The first vertical leg support is connected to a first tee and to a first elbow, and the second vertical leg support is connected to a second tee and second elbow. The vertical leg supports determine the height of the hurdle. The first horizontal leg support is connected to the first tee and the second horizontal leg support is connected to the second tee to provide support to the hurdle assembly. A crossbar connects to the first and second elbows. The component parts are tubular for realizing snap-fit connections. Both tees of the assembly are identical and interchangeable as are both elbows.

Abstract: Methods for producing a chipped wood surfacing material having unusually high shock absorbing capabilities are provided. The chipped wood is processed in order to give it a very high shock absorbing quality. This invention also relates to chipped wood having these unusually high shock absorbing characteristics.

Abstract: Water hurdles are provided to include a plurality of "L" shaped supports mounted to underlying plates, wherein the supports are arranged to direct fluid nozzles in a coincident relationship relative to one another to provide for a hurdle structure.