CA1051472A

CA1051472A - Kerb for tracks and the like for light-athletics

Info

Publication number: CA1051472A
Application number: CA245,494A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Fernando Stroppiana
Original assignee: Mondo Rubber SpA
Current assignee: Mondo Rubber SpA
Priority date: 1975-02-17
Filing date: 1976-02-11
Publication date: 1979-03-27

Abstract

ABSTRACT

A kerb for running tracks or spring boards which is resilient and therefore less damaging to athletes in the event of a fall. The kerb comprises an extruded section of resilient plastics material having a flat base and two upright side walls spanned by an arch-like upper section.
A lateral flange in register with one of the side walls assists location of the kerb against the lateral edge of a track covering of synthetic material.

Description

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The present invention relates to kerbs which delimit the lateral edges of running tracks and spring boards for light athletics, in particular the present invention relates to kerbs for running tracks of the type provided with a covering layer of synthetic material.
Previously known kerbs for marking the lateral edyes of running tracks have been made from cement in short sections and these are difficult and expensive to lay, needing to be bedded in sand or cement, and, moreover, being hard and rigid they constitute a source of danger for the athletes; even when covered with a rubber layer, as they sometimes are, they are still hard enough to cause injury in the event of a fall.
The object of this invention is to provide a kerb for running tracks or spring boards, in which the above-mentioned disadvantages are overcome.
According to the present invention there is provided a kerb for tracks or spring boards for Iight athletics, comprising an elongate section of resilient material having, with reference to a normal upright orientation, a generally tubular form with a flat base from the sides of which extend two upright parallel side walls the upper edges of which are connected by an arch-like portion, there being a longitudinal flange extending downwardly from the said base in register with one of the said side walls.
In using a kerb formed as an embodiment of the invention on a running track covered with a layer of synthetic material the flat base is secured by adhesive to the upper face of the synthetic material layer, adjacent the edge thereof, and the flange is secured by adhesive to the lateral edge of the synthetic material layer.

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Various other features and advantages of this invention will become apparent during the course of the following particular description of a preferred embodiment, in which reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, and which is ;provided purely by way of non-restrictive example.
In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a partial perspective view, in section, of a kerb formed as an embodiment of this invention; and Figure 2 is a section view taken on the line II-II
of Figure 1.
Referring now to the drawings, there is shown a covering layer 1 of synthetic material such as one used for the covering of a track or spring board for light athletics, the lateral region 2 of which is provided with a kerb 3 formed as an embodiment of the present invention. The kerb 3 comprises an extruded section of resilient material, for example PVC, but may alternatively be a natural or synthetic elastomeric material. The section includes a generally tubular body 4 having a flat base 6 with two upright side walls 4 and a curved upper portion 5 spanning the two,upright walls like an arch. Extending below the base 6 is a flange 7 aligned with one of the walls 4.
When using the kerb described above the flat base 6 rests on the upper surface of the lateral portion 2 of the co~ering layer 1 and the flange 7 rests against the lateral edge of the covering layer 1. The kerb 3 may be secured in place by means of adhesive applied to the contacting surfaces of the covering layer 1 and the kerb 3.
In order to improve the grip of the adhesive, the lowerface 6a of the flat base 6 is formed with a plurality of longitudinal ridges or grooves ~. The kerb 3 is also sam/~lo 3 -1(~514'7~

provided with at least one transverse groove 9 extending across the base 6 from one side to the other, to serve as a drainage outlet to allow water to run off the track or spring board.

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Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A kerb for tracks or spring boards for light athletics, comprising an elongate section of resilient material having, with reference to a normal upright orientation, a generally tubular form with a flat base from the sides of which extend two upright parallel side walls the upper edges of which are connected by an arch-like portion, there being a longitudinal flange extending downwardly from the said base in register with one of the said side walls.

2. A kerb as defined in Claim 1, wherein the lower face of the said flat base of the tubular body is provided with a plurality of lingitudinal ridges or grooves whereby to assist adhesion of the base to the surface of a track or spring board.

3. A kerb as defined in claim 1, wherein the tubular body is provided with at least one transverse groove extending across the said base from one side to the other thereof.