Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to barbell and dumbbell support systems that allow for a user to perform exercises without requiring movement of the body of the user from the proximity of weight support assemblies when weights are in use. Weight support systems include extendable arm assemblies for the holding and positioning of barbells or dumbbells in a location conducive to performing exercises. Extendable arm assemblies automatically retract when a user removes the barbell or dumbbells from the assemblies, allowing the user to perform the intended exercise without moving away from the system. The retracted position of the extendable arm assemblies allows the user to replace the weights without the assistance of others at the conclusion of the exercise.

Abstract: Improvements in a weight bar locking mechanism that secures a zig-zag or bent curling bar or straight bar. Curl bars have only limited areas where the bar can be rested where the bar is perpendicular to the weights. The central area is typically fairly narrow in dimension and placing the curl bar on this central area can be difficult and is the bar is not placed into the central area the curl be can be unbalanced. The locking mechanism captures both the top and bottom of the curl bar to lock the bar and prevents the curl bar from falling if the curl bar is not properly placed onto the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism forces the retained sides of the curl bar like an over-center torsion bar type arrangement to forces both sides of the curl bar to be essentially parallel orientation.

Abstract: A training ladder formed of a plurality of substantially rigid polygon-shaped segments detachably secured together with segment connectors extending therebetween. The sides of each segment are substantially the same to allow the segment connector to join any sides between two adjacent segments. Accordingly, the path through the ladder can be varied. In one disclosed embodiment, the segments are octagon shaped and pivotally secured to the segment connectors, thereby allowing the ladder to collapse into a stack when not in use and allowing some of the segments to extend substantially vertically, thereby defining a hurdle or other possible vertical structure.

Abstract: An exercise hurdle apparatus with two end members connected by a two ends of a central member, that is adapted to be assembled with standard traffic-type or disc-shaped athletic cones to increase the height of the apparatus for hurdle training. The apparatus may be assembled right-side-up with traffic-style cones and may also be assembled upside-down with disc-shaped cones. The apparatus may be substantially hollow so it can be stacked for ease of transport and storage, and it may contain an aperture to allow the use of a carrying strap to secure a plurality of the apparatus when stacked.

Abstract: A portable hurdle for use primarily athletes has a base portion operably secured to a bow portion that holds the hurdle to a predefined height when the bow portion is placed in tension by a securing structure. The hurdle lays substantially flat when the bow portion is returned to its neutral position. In one disclosed embodiment, the securing structure is a trap that forms the top of the hurdle. In other disclosed embodiments, the base portion defines the top of the hurdle. An adjustment structure allows for adjustment of the hurdle's height.

Abstract: Folding hurdles are disclosed. Some example folding hurdles may include a generally horizontal bar. A first leg may be pivotably coupled to a first end of the generally horizontal bar. The first leg may include a generally horizontally extending first foot and/or may be pivotable between an erected position in which the first foot is oriented generally perpendicular to the generally horizontal bar and a folded position in which the first foot is substantially coplanar with the generally horizontal bar. A second leg may be pivotably coupled to a second end of the generally horizontal bar. The second leg may include a generally horizontally extending second foot and/or the second leg may be pivotable between an erected position in which the second foot is oriented generally perpendicular to the generally horizontal bar and a folded position in which the second foot is substantially coplanar with the generally horizontal bar.

Abstract: A hurdle which may be readily converted between an erect/in-use state and a collapsed/readily storable state includes a crossbar having adjustable height, and the ability to be converted between a supporting state where one or more support legs maintain the hurdle in an erect position, and a folded state wherein the support legs are folded within the plane of the hurdle so that it will not readily stand erect. Thus, the crossbar may be collapsed to a lowest-height position and the hurdle may be put in its folded state for easy transport and storage, or the support leg(s) may be unfolded to its supporting state and the crossbar may be raised to a desired height so that the hurdle is ready for use. A handle may also be provided for allowing easy collection and transport of multiple hurdles.

Abstract: An obstacle supporter for an obstacle assembly. The obstacle supporter includes: (a) a body which is at least partially flexible; and (b) a body support coupled to the body and which is adjustable between a plurality of different sizes. The obstacle supporter is convertible between a larger size for a use-mode and a relatively compact size for a non-use mode. Two or more obstacle supporters can be spaced apart to support an obstacle therebetween.

Abstract: A mounting for poles of jumps in equestrian sport. A dish-shaped pole receiver suspended on a generally vertical rail can be connected together by bolts, then fixed to a stand. The bolts, which are flanged such that the shaft is not as wide as the head, extend in multi-segmented slots having serially connected narrow, wide and further narrow portions. The width of the narrow portion of the slot corresponds to approximately the width of the bolt shaft, while the wide portion of the slot is wide enough to accommodate the bolt head. The slot can secure the bolts by firstly introducing the bolt head into the wide portion of the slot, then engaging the shaft with the narrow part of the slot until the shaft comes in contact with the further narrow portion.

Abstract: A mounting for poles of jumps in equestrian sport, with a dish-shaped pole receiver which is suspended on a generally vertical rail adapted to be fixed to a stand. The pole receiver and the rail can be connected together by bolts which extend in one or more multi-segmented slots having one or more serially connected narrow, wide and further narrow portions. The bolts are flanged, or headed such that the shaft is not as wide as the head. The width of the narrow portion of the slot corresponds to approximately the width of the bolt shaft, while the wide portion of the slot is wide enough to accommodate the bolt head. The slot is able to secure the bolts by firstly introducing the bolt head into the wide portion of the slot, then engaging the shaft with the narrow part of the slot until the shaft comes in contact with the further narrow portion.

Abstract: An apparatus used to train pole vaulters to practice the swing and stretch of the vault from the pole plant and bend phase to the inversion phase which includes an upside down "U" shaped tube member with two short extensions protruding from a top surface of the upside down "U" shaped tube with steel straps extending from each extension with handles attached to the end of steel straps, the "U" shaped tube, extension and straps and grips are positioned so that the handles hang parallel, level but offset from each other about eight inches. The "U" shaped tube is swingingly attached to the horizontal bar by the use of velcro straps while a cloth mat is provided between the "U" shaped and the horizontal bar allowing the "U" shaped tube to swing freely around the horizontal bar. Safety wrist straps are attached to the hand grips assuring the athlete's safe grip during the training.

Abstract: A portable stanchion in which a tubular base and tubular post are in interlocking relation. The base is formed of semi-rigid material and has two parallel L-shaped kerfs defining a flexible L-shaped tang which carries the tongue. The spacing of the kerfs matches a cross sectional dimension of the lowermost hollow portion of the post allowing a first foot portion of the post to fit inside of the base. The flexible tang and tongue pivot, when urged by application of an impulsive force, to allow insertion of the first foot portion into the base, while the adjacent second foot portion is outside of the base. The base and post are disassembled also by application of an impulsive force, providing a knock down structure for shipping and storage. A pair of similar stanchions will support a fence segment to form a jump wing. A pair of jump wings will support a jump bar for horse jumping.

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: A track and field board supporting apparatus and hurdle includes a support assembly for positioning on a track or field surface, substantially vertical members emanating from said support assembly and a board holder which facilitates securing a board thereto, wherein the board is aligned properly at/over a desired location on the track.

Abstract: An equestrian jumping device using telescopic standards which adjust the height of the jump. The jump height is determined by placing an elongated cup having a pin into predetermined holes positioned on the telescopic posts. The elongated cup and adjustable posts enable one to create a corner obstacle comprising of two poles and three standards. The two poles meet at one end in the elongated cup and then proceed in opposite directions to form a triangle or corner. The advantage of the adjustable standard eliminates the standard from protruding above the pole which could injure either horse or rider.

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: A cupholder for supporting a hurdle boom (10) includes a gliding part (1) which is sleeve-like and mounted around a pillar so as to be moved vertically on the pillar and a support (2) on which the end of the boom (1) is supported. The sleeve-like gliding part is broken at one point and a locking apparatus for the gliding part if formed by a tightening apparatus which pulls the opposite edges of the gliding part towards each other so that the gliding part presses against the pillar.

Abstract: A playground base and standard assembly (10) includes a typical hollow traffic cone (28) having a top hole (20) for receiving a standard (12) into the cone (28). The cone (28) is modified by placing an insert (26) inside the cone for stabilizing the standard (12). The insert (26) is a solid polyethylene foam member shaped to fit snugly in the cone (28). The insert (26) has a hole (34) coaxial with a top hole (20) on the cone (28) for receiving and supporting any standard (12). One possible standard (12) includes telescoping members (40,42) for adjusting the height of the standard.