CA3021674A1 - Breakaway athletic track hurdle and training device - Google Patents

Abstract

An athletic training device includes a base, a first leg connected to the base, a second leg connected to the base laterally distant from the first leg, and a top board connected to the first leg and the second leg. The top board has a first position transverse to a path of travel between the first leg and the second leg providing a releaseable obstruction along the path of travel. The athletic training device further includes a breakaway joint positioned between the first leg and the second leg. The breakaway joint is operable to release at least a portion of the top board to a second position on an impact to the top board thereby providing an open passageway through the top board along the path of travel.

Description

BREAKAWAY ATHLETIC TRACK HURDLE AND TRAINING DEVICE
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority from US 62/747273, filed on October 18, 2018, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This application generally relates to athletic track and field hurdles and athletic training devices.
BACKGROUND

[0002] The sport of athletic track and field is popular and highly competitive. Athletic track hurdle races are viewed as one of the most challenging and physically demanding of the running-type events. Conventional hurdle designs have long been problematic in potential injury to athletes due to the high-speed impact of the runner's legs with the hard top board and/or entanglement with the subsequent toppling forward of the hurdle.

[0003] Other hurdle-like training devices are also popular in collegiate and professional physical conditioning. These devices are typically much smaller and lower-height devices used in closely-positioned repetitive rows for speed, agility and coordination training for athletes.
These devices suffer from disadvantages that athletes can step on the rigid structures and sprain ankles and knees.

[0004] There is a need for an improved athletic track hurdle that on impact by a runner, the top board breaks away or releases allowing the runner to "run through" the hurdle without a hard impact or toppling over of the hurdle. The same breakaway concept is equally applicable to smaller training devices which are jumped over by athletes.
SUMMARY

[0005] Disclosed is a breakaway athletic track hurdle and training device which resolves or improves on prior athletic track hurdle and training devices.

[0006] In one example of a breakaway hurdle, the hurdle includes a base and two vertically-oriented legs laterally spaced across the base. The legs are preferably telescopically adjustable in height relative to the base. The hurdle includes a dual hinge design including a pair of leg , hinges, one hinge rotatably connected to each leg. The dual hinge further includes a pair of top board hinges, one top board hinge rotatably connected to each leg. In the preferred example, the top board includes a first top board connected to one of the top board hinges and a second top board connected to the other of the top board hinges.

[0007] In the preferred example hurdle, a breakaway joint is positioned between the first top board and the second top board. The breakaway joint preferably includes at least one permanent magnet connected to one of the first or the second top board and a ferromagnet member positioned on the other of the first or second top boards opposite the magnet.
When the first and second top board are positioned in a first or operative position, the magnet and ferromagnetic member are attracted and/or connected to one another to keep the top boards in a horizontal position which obstructs a runner moving toward the hurdle along a path of travel.

[0008] On impact of a runner with one of the first or second top boards, the impacted top board rotates about the top board hinge to release or overcome the breakaway joint and separating the first and the second top boards. Through the force of gravity, the released first and second top boards rotate downwardly about the leg hinges to a second position thereby removing the obstruction thereby providing an unobstructed pathway for the runner to pass through the hurdle without a significant impact with the top bar or possible entanglement with the base.

[0009] The invention in the form of a hurdle described above is equally applicable to physical training devices formed similar to track hurdles. In the example, the training device includes a base, legs of a height much less than a track hurdle, a top bar positioned at a much lower height than a track hurdle top bar, at least one of the top bar hinges and leg hinges, and a breakaway joint as described above. In use, if a training athlete steps on the top bar, the top bar breaks-away in the manner generally described above thereby eliminating or reducing possible injury to knees, ankles or feet of the athlete.

[0010] These and other aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description of the embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
10011] The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not to-scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of one example of the invention in the form of an athletic track hurdle in a first or operative position;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of another example of the invention in the form of an athletic track hurdle in a first or operative position;
[0014] Figure 3 is a partial side perspective view of one example of a leg for the invention in the form of an athletic track hurdle;
[0015] Figure 4 is a perspective view of one example of a dual hinge design for use in the invention in the form of an athletic track hurdle;
[0016] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the example shown in Figure 2 in a second or released position;
[0017] Figure 6 is an enlarged rear view of an example of a breakaway joint shown in Figure 2;
[0018] Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the example shown in Figure 1 in second or released position and in a folded or storage position; and [0019] Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the example shown in Figure 2 with an example of a top board height adjustment mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Examples of breakaway athletic training device, shown in an exemplary form of an athletic track hurdle 10 is shown in Figures 1 - 8. The athletic training device is useful for track and field athletes, and athletes in general for competition or physical training without many of the disadvantages of prior devices.
[0021] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, alternate examples of the invention in the form of an athletic track hurdle 10 and 10A are shown. In the examples, each of hurdle 10, 10A include a base 14, a pair of vertically-oriented legs 20 and a breakaway top board 26 in a first, operative or competition position as generally shown. In the example shown, exemplary base 14 includes a first foot 20 having a first end 34, a second end 38 and a top surface 40.
Base 14 further includes a second foot 50 having a similar first end 54, a second end 58 and a top surface 60 similar in shape, orientation and construction as first foot 30. In the example, second foot 50 is laterally spaced apart from first foot 30 providing sufficient space for a runner (not shown) to pass between along a path of travel 66.
[0022] In one example of hurdle 10, 10A, the lateral distance between the laterally outer sides of the first 30 and second foot 50 is 44 inches. It is understood that the lateral distance between the first 30 and second foot 50 may vary depending on the training or competition purposes, applicable athletic competition rules and other factors known by those skilled in the art.
[0023] It is further understood that alternate forms of bases 14 can be used. For example, when the invention is not in the form of a traditional track hurdle, when the athlete is not running between the feet 30, 50, the base 14 may be a single, continuous member, for example in the shape of a "U", "C", "W", "V" or other configurations that suit the particular application.
[0024] Still referring to Figs. 1 and 2, exemplary hurdle 10, 10A base 14 further includes a crossmember 70 having opposing ends connected to respective one of the first 30 or second foot 50 and a top surface 78 as generally shown. In one example, first foot 30, second foot 50 and crossmember 70 are formed in a "U" section shape and are constructed from extruded aluminum.
It is understood that other sizes, shapes, configurations and orientations may be used as known by those skilled in the art. It is further understood that other materials may be used for example, polymers, elastomers, composites, ferrous and other non-ferrous metals, and other materials suitable for the particular application or specification known by those skilled in the art.
100251 In the example hurdle 10, 10A, legs 20 preferably include a first leg 79 and a second leg 79A as generally shown. In the example, each leg 79, 79A includes a lower member 80 having a first end 84 and a second end 88. First end 84 is rotatably connected to the respective first 30 or second 50 foot and/or crossmember 70 by brackets 96. In the example, brackets 96 securely mount the leg lower members 80 to the feet 30, 50 and or crossmember 70 while permitting rotation of the lower members 80 relative to the feet 30, 50 about axis 98 allowing the legs 20 to fold down for transportation or storage as shown in Fig. 7 and described below.
[0026] In the example, lower members 80 are hollow, square section in shape and include at least one height mounting hole 90 as best seen in Fig. 2. In an alternate example shown in Fig. 3, ' , lower member 80 may include a plurality of height mounting holes 90A to suit the particular height adjustment needed for the particular application or competition.
[0027] Referring back to Figs. 1 and 2, exemplary hurdle 10, 10A legs 20 further include an upper member 100 including a first end 104 and a second end 108. In the example, upper member 100 is telescopically received inside lower member 80 and selectively moves relative to lower member 80 along height axis 124 as best seen in Fig. 2.
[0028] In the example, leg upper member 100 includes a front side 110 positioned toward feet 30, 50 and opposing the path of travel 66 from which a runner (not shown) would approach the hurdle 10, 10A. Upper member 100 further includes a rear side 114 on the opposite side of the upper member 100. As best seen in the example shown in Fig. 2, each upper member 100 includes a plurality of height mounting holes 118 which allow the position of the upper member to be selectively fixed or locked relative to the lower member 80 along the height axis 124.
[0029] As best seen in the Fig. 3 example, hurdle 10, 10A includes a locking member 120.
In the example, locking member 120 includes a spring-biased pin or button mounted on the upper member 100 which is biased to extend laterally outward toward the lower member 80 and is aligned to engage the plurality of mounting holes 90A to selectively adjust or set the height of the upper member 100 relative to the lower member 80, thereby setting the height of the top breakaway top board 26 relative to the base 14 and ground or track supporting the base 14.
[0030] It is understood that locking member 120 can take many different forms including, for example, manual pins or other devices which are manually inserted through aligned holes in both of the lower member 80 and upper member 100 to adjust the height of upper member 100 and top board 26 as desired. An alternate example of a height locking device is shown in Fig. 8 and discussed further below. It is further understood that locking member 120 in the form of a biasing button or pin can be positioned on either the lower member 80 or upper member 100. In an alternate example, the locking member can be electronic, for example an electronically actionable solenoid that is triggered electronically through a hard-wired connection to an activation button or wirelessly through a remote electronic input pad or device.
[0031] Referring to Fig. 2, exemplary hurdle 10, 10A breakaway top board 26 includes first top board 130 having a first end 134, a second end 138, an upper surface 139 and a lower surface 140. Breakaway top board 26 further includes a second top board 142 also including a first end 146, a second end 150, an upper surface 151 and a lower surface 152. In a first operative or competition position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the first 130 and second 142 top boards extend substantially horizontally along a lateral axis 154 between and spanning the first leg 79 and second leg 79A as generally shown.
[0032] As best seen in Figs. 2, 4 and 5, in the exemplary and preferred example, hurdle 10, 10A further includes a double-hinge top board system 160 including a pair of top board hinges 166 and a pair of leg hinges 190 further described below. In the example, a top board hinge 166 is rigidly connected to the first top board 130 first end 134 and a second top board hinge is rigidly connected to the second top board 142 first end 146 as best seen in Fig. 4. In one example, each top board hinge 166 includes an axis of rotation 170, a channel 174 for receipt of the respective top board first end, and fasteners 180 to rigidly connect the top board to the top board hinge 166. In one example, top board hinge 166 is made from aluminum, but may be made from other materials such as polymers, compositions or other materials known by those skilled in the art. It is also understood that top board hinge may take other forms and orientations, for example, only connecting to one side of the top board (versus both sides as shown in Figure 4).
[0033] Exemplary hurdle 10, 10A double-hinge 160 further includes a pair of leg hinges 190.
Each leg hinge 190 is rotatably connected to respective second end of each leg upper member 100 on the rear side 114. Leg hinge 190 is rotatable about an axis of rotation 196 relative to the respective leg 79, 79A. In the preferred example shown, leg hinge 190 is a 90 degree or "L"
shaped bracket with a first portion 204 in abutting contact with leg rear side 114, and a second portion which abuttingly supports a respective top board hinge 166. It is understood that leg hinges 190 can take other forms and configurations than the "L" shape as illustrated and described. In one example, leg hinge 190 is made from aluminum, but other materials known by those skilled in the art may be used.
[0034] As further described below, top board hinges can rotate about axis of rotation 170 relative to leg hinge 190, and leg hinge 190 can rotate about axis of rotation 196 relative to leg 79, 79A. In the example as best seen in Figs. 2 and 4, a first pivot fastener 210 rotatably connects each top board hinge 166 to the respective leg hinge 190. A second pivot fastener 216 is preferably used to connect each leg hinge 190 to the respective leg 79, 79A
upper member 100. In one example, first 210 and second 216 pivot fasteners include shoulder bolts providing a secure connection, but free rotation between the connected components about the respective axes of rotation. It is understood that other fasteners and connection schemes known by those skilled in the art may be used.
[0035] Referring to Figs. 2 and 6, an example of a breakaway joint 230 is shown. In the preferred example, first top board second end 138 and second top board second end 150 define a spatial gap 226 along the lateral axis 154 as best seen in Fig. 6. In the example, the second end 150 is oriented at an angle 220 relative to the second top board upper surface 151. In the example, the second end 138 of the first top board 130 is positioned substantially parallel defining spatial gap 226. In one example, angle 220 is 54.5 degrees. It is understood that second ends 138, 150 can be positioned at different angles relative to top surface 151 and take configurations other than a straight edge as known by those skilled in the art.
[0036] Exemplary breakaway joint 230 includes a first ferromagnetic member 234 having a first portion 238 and a second portion 240 as generally shown. First portion 238 is preferably a planar portion that is fixedly connected to the second end 138 of first top board 130. Second portion 240 is angularly positioned relative to the first portion to be substantially horizontal. In the top board first position shown in Figs 2 and 6, second portion 240 is positioned in a notch or channel 240 in the upper surface 150 of second top board 142 as generally shown.
[0037] Still referring to Fig. 6, exemplary breakaway joint 230 further includes a second ferromagnetic member 250 having a first portion 254 and a second portion 256 similarly constructed as described for first ferromagnetic member 234 above. In the example, second ferromagnetic member first portion is fixedly attached to the second end 150 of the second top board 142 as generally shown. In the example, second portion 256 is positioned in a notch or channel 258 in the lower surface 152 of first top board 130.
[0038] Exemplary breakaway joint 230 further include a first magnet 260 having a first end 264 and a second end 266. In the preferred example shown, first magnet 260 is fixedly connected to a lower portion of the second end 138 of first top board 130 below the first ferromagnetic member 234. A second magnet 270 having a first end 274 and a second end 276 is fixedly connected to an upper portion of the second end 150 of the second top board 142 as generally shown. As illustrated, when the breakaway top board 26 is in an operative or competition position shown in Figs. 2 and 6 along the lateral axis 154, the first 234 and second 250 ferromagnetic members are positioned in alignment and in close proximity to a respective one of the first 260 or second 270 magnets. In the example, the first 260 and second 270 magnets are permanent magnets and have a strong magnetic attractive force to the ferromagnetic members 234 and 250. The proximate position and strong magnetic attraction form a strong, but releaseable connection between the first 130 and second 142 top boards. In combination with the double hinge system 160 described above, position and hold the top boards 130 and 142 in a substantially horizontal position along lateral axis 154 as generally shown.
[0039] In the example, the second portions 240, 256 of the first 234 and second 250 ferromagnetic members abuttingly engage the respective top board upper surfaces in the respective notch 242, 258 to better support the first 130 and second 142 top boards in the vertical direction under the force of gravity. It is understood that ferromagnetic members 234, 250 take other forms and configurations, for example, eliminating second portions 240, 256 for just a planar first portion or bar for simplicity. In the example, each ferromagnetic member is made from a ferromagnetic material which is attracted to a magnetic field produced by the magnets 260, 270.
[0040] It is understood that breakaway joint 230 may be formed from other materials and combinations than described above and illustrated. For example, a single ferromagnetic member and a corresponding single magnet may be used instead of two each as shown.
Although permanent bar magnets are shown, other types or forms of magnets may be used, and of different strengths to suit the particular application. Depending on the desired attractive force for breakaway joint 230, variation of the configurations of the top board second ends 138, 150, the magnets 260, 270 and ferromagnetic members 234, 250 may be used to suit the particular properties or application. It is further contemplated that selectively engagement attractive devices or members may be used. For example, it is contemplated that electromagnetic devices may be used to selectively energize and attract another material, for example the ferromagnetic members 234, 250. Further, it is contemplated that the strength of the permanent magnets or electromagnets could be selected and/or changed to suit the particular competition. For example, the same hurdles 10/10A breakaway joint 230 could be set in one competition for young kids so the attractive force is low, thereby easily breaking away. Alternately, the same hurdles could be set with a high attractive force requiring a higher impact force for older kids, high school, collegiate or Olympic athletes. In one example (not shown), the permanent magnets 260, 270 could be easily replaced and temporarily secured with different strength magnets to vary the impact force required to release the breakaway joint 230.

[0041] It is further understood that other breakaway type of materials or components may be used other than magnets and corresponding ferromagnetic materials. For example, other breakable or releaseable devices and materials may be used to join or releasably connect the first top board 130 and second top board 142 together. In one example not shown, a fracturable device, for example a polymer strip or tie may be used to temporarily secure the second ends 138, 150 together. The tie could fracture on impact and simply be replaced with a new tie thereby restoring the breakaway top board 26 to a first or operable position ready for competition. Other devices known by those skilled in the art may be used.
[0042] It is further understood that the location of the breakaway joint 230 on the top board 26 may be in different locations than shown in the illustrations (about half way between the legs 20). For example, the breakaway joint may be positioned closer to one leg 20 than the other. It is further contemplated that one example may include a single breakaway top board 26 and positioning the breakaway joint where the top board 26 and leg 20 meet. In this example, only one leg hinge 190 would be needed on the opposite end of the top board 26.
Other configurations of the double hinge system 160 and breakaway joint 230 may be used as known by those skilled in the art.
[0043] In one example shown in Fig. 1, hurdle 10 includes a locking sleeve 280 which is selectively positioned over or around the breakaway joint 230 to prevent unauthorized disengagement of breakaway joint, for example when transporting the hurdle 10, 10A in the operative or competition position. In a preferred example, locking sleeve 280 is a continuous sleeve that surrounds the outer surfaces of one of the first 120 or second 142 top boards. When it is direct to secure the breakaway joint 230 from disengaging or releasing, the locking sleeve 280 may be moved laterally along lateral axis 154 to a position surrounding the breakaway joint 230.
When not in use, the locking sleeve 280 may be laterally moved to abut the respective leg 79/79A allowing the breakaway joint to release on impact as described below.
Other forms or configurations of locking sleeve 280 may be used to suit the particular breakaway joint 230 configuration.
[0044] In use, the hurdle 10,10A is raised to a first, operative or competition position as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 6. The height of the breakaway top board 26 is adjusted through raising or lowering the legs 20 and locking the vertical position as described above.
In the operative position, the breakaway joint 230 is positioned as shown in Fig. 6 with the magnets 260, 270 holding the first top bar 130 and second top bar 142 in a substantially horizontal position along lateral axis 154.
[0045] As a runner approaches the hurdle 10, 10A along the path of travel 66, the breakaway top board 26 is transverse to the path of travel 66 thereby providing an obstruction for the runner to pass between the legs 79, 79A and breakaway top board 26. If the runner does not vertically clear the breakaway top board 26, runner will hit or impact one or both of the first 130 or second 142 top boards. If the runner impact force is high enough, it will overcome the attractive force between the magnets 260, 270 and the corresponding ferromagnetic members 234, 250 and the breakaway joint will release or disengage.
[0046] Substantially simultaneous with the impact and release of the breakaway joint 230, the top board hinges 166 will allow rotation of each of the first 130 and second 142 top boards about the axis of rotation in a direction of the path of travel 66. This rotation of the top boards 130, 142 about axes of rotation 170 without forcing a raising or rotation of the base 14 as with conventional hurdles, eases the impact force that the top board inflicts on the runner.
[0047] Further, as the rotation of the top boards 130, 142 causes release of the breakaway joint 230 and thereby disengagement (or attraction) of the first top board 130 from the second top board 142, the force of gravity pulls down on the now unsupported and cantilevered top boards which still present at least a partial obstruction to the runner along the path of travel 66. At substantially this time and position of top boards 130, 142, the leg hinges 190 allow the top boards 130, 142 to rotate downwardly through rotation about the axes of rotation 196 to a second or disengaged position shown in Fig. 5. This second hinged movement or rotational movement about axes 196 further reduces the impact force from the top bar on the runner and lessens possible entanglement of the runner with the hurdle as the runner swiftly passes over and partially through the top board.
[0048] The substantially simultaneous double hinging and double rotation about the axes 170 and 196 allow the top boards 130, 142 to "breakaway" and rotate outwardly along the path of travel 66 and downwardly removing the prior obstruction to passage of the runner "through" the top board. The greatly reduced impact of the top board to the runner is a significant improvement over prior design creating a safer competitive environment for athletes of all ages and competitive levels.

[0049] Once the particular race is complete, any impacted and "sprung"
hurdles 10, 10A in a second position as shown in Fig. 5 can quickly be reset to the first operative position. In a preferred process, the first 130 and second 142 top boards are rotated about axes 170, 196 to place the second ends 138, 150 in close proximity so the attractive force between magnets 260, 270 and members 234, 250 to again secure the top boards 130, 142 in a substantially horizontal position along lateral axis 154 to the first or operative position for the next race.
[0050] In alternate examples (not shown), breakaway hurdle 10/10A may include the breakaway joint 230, but include only one of the hinges in the double hinge system 160. For example, breakaway joint 230 may be used with the top board hinges 160 allowing the first top board 130 and second top board 142 to rotate about axis of rotation 170 (allowing a runner to "run through" the top board along the direction of travel 66. In an alternate example, breakaway joint 230 may be used only with the leg hinges 190 (allowing the first top board 130 and second top board 142 to rotate downward). One exemplary use for this is discussed below in examples of the inventive, smaller training device.
[0051] Referring to Fig. 7, hurdle 10,10A is shown in a folded or storage position.
Conventional track hurdles have a disadvantage of being large, rigid structures that are difficult to transport and bulky to store. The exemplary hurdle 10,10A is easily folded to a relatively flat storage position as shown in Fig. 7. In one example, the height of the legs 20 may be reduced to a minimum through the adjustment holes and locking member 120. Further, as described above, legs 20 may selectively pivot relative to base 14, for example through brackets 96 to place the legs 79,79A atop of the feet 30, 50 as shown in Fig. 7. Further, the breakaway joint 230 can be released and the top boards 130, 142 rotated about axes 170, 196 thereby substantially placing the top boards 130, 142 atop the legs 20 as shown in Fig. 7. The process would be substantially reversed to reconfigure the hurdle 10, 10A back to the first or operable position. Other steps and methods for placing the hurdle 10, 10A in a storage position, and back to an operable position, known by those skilled in the art may be used.
[0052] Referring to Fig. 8, an alternate example of a device 290 for raising and lowering the height of the legs 20 and the breakaway top board 26 is schematically shown.
In the example, a pedal or foot activation pad 294 would be positioned in the crossmember 70.
Dual first connecting rods would be engaged with the pedal and extend through the crossmember 70 to the

-11-legs 20. A second pair of connecting rods 298 are connected to the first connecting rods and transfer rotation or movement of the first connecting rods 296 to the second connecting rods 298.
[0053] Retractable pins 300 or other devices are connected to the second connecting rods 298 to transfer rotation or movement of second connecting rods 298 to the pins to selectively engage or disengage the pins 300 with the mounting holes in the leg upper member 100 to selectively secure or lock the height of the breakaway top board at the desired height. In one example of use, a user could step on or depress pedal 294 to disengage pins 300 from the mounting holes. The user can then manually raise or lower the breakaway top board to the desired vertical height. The user can then depress or release the pedal 294 thereby re-engaging the pins 300 to temporarily lock the breakaway top board 26 at the desired height. Other components, configurations and process steps may be used as known by those skilled in the art.
[0054] In an alternate example, an electronic locking mechanism (not shown) may be used.
For example, depression of the pedal 294 may send a signal through hard wires to an electronic device, for example an electronic solenoid which actuates a motor or other activation device to engage or disengage pins 300 from mounting holes in the legs.
[0055] In an alternate athletic training device (not shown), a much lower and narrower training device similar in general structure to the hurdle 10, 10A is within the disclosure of the invention. These smaller hurdle devices are typically sized and are useful for high speed, repetitive, low height leg and knee movements for agility training. For example, devices with a height of 6 - 18 inches and 12 - 30 inches in width are placed in rows in close proximity to one another, similar to old/conventional street tires or parallel ropes.
[0056] An alternate present invention training device (not shown) is configured as miniature hurdle-like devices with breakaway crossmembers or top boards 130, 142, double hinge system 160, and breakaway joint 230 as generally described above. Instead of having to raise the runner's entire legs up and over the full-size hurdle 10, 10A, the inventive lower height example athletic device requires only slight raising of the knees, for example in quick side-step movements over the ankle or shin-high devices.
[0057] In such sizes and configurations, a suitable-sized and constructed breakaway top board and joint 230 (similar to 26 and 230) may be used. In the example, a much less robust or strong attractive force may be needed, but the concept is substantially the same. On an athlete stepping on top of, or swiping a foot into the side of the top bar, the alternative double hinge

-12-system (similar to 160 described above) and breakaway joint (similar to 230 described above) would release in the manner described above allowing the foot or angle to pass through (vertically and/or horizontally) through the top bar thereby reducing the impact with the foot, ankle and/or shin. Similarly, the reduced impact of the training device on the body reduces the risk of injury to the athlete. In one example (not shown), the lower height hurdle example for speed training may only include the top board hinges (similar to 166) and a breakaway joint (similar to 230 shown in Fig. 6 and described above). In another example (not shown), breakaway joint 230 may be used with leg hinges 190 and not employ the top board hinges 166.
Other devices and configurations in accord with the inventions described above may be used as known by those skilled in the art.
[0058]
While the invention has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.

-13-

Claims (10)

What is claimed is:

1. An athletic training device comprising:
a base;
a first leg connected to the base;
a second leg connected to the base laterally distant from the first leg;
a top board connected to the first leg and the second leg, the top board having a first position transverse to a path of travel between the first leg and the second leg providing a releaseable obstruction along the path of travel; and a breakaway joint positioned between the first leg and the second leg, the breakaway joint operable to release at least a portion of the top board to a second position on an impact to the top board thereby providing an open passageway through the top board along the path of travel.

2. The training device of claim 1 wherein the top board further comprises:
a first top board having a first end and a second end, the first end rotatably connected to the first leg; and a second top board having a first end and a second end, the first end rotatably connected to the second leg, the breakaway joint positioned between the second end of the first board and a second end of the second board.

3. The training device of claim 2 wherein the breakaway joint further comprises:
a permanent magnet connected to the second end of one of the first or the second top board; and a ferromagnetic member connected to the second end of the other of the first or the second top board in proximity to the permanent magnet, wherein in the top board first position, the ferromagnetic member is attracted to the permanent magnet thereby providing the obstruction along the path of travel.

4. The training device of claim 1 further comprising:
a top board hinge connected to at least one end of the top board and the respective second end of the first leg or the second leg, the top board hinge operable to allow rotation of at least a portion of the top board about an axis of rotation relative to the respective first or the second leg.

5. The training device of claim 4 further comprising:
a leg hinge connected to one of the first or the second leg and the top board hinge, the leg hinge operable to allow rotation of the top board hinge and the at least a portion of the top board about an axis of rotation relative to the first or the second leg.

6. The training device of claim 1 further comprising:
a leg hinge connected to at least one end of the top board and the respective second end of the first leg or the second leg, the top board hinge operable to allow rotation of at least a portion of the top board about an axis of rotation relative to the respective first or the second leg.

7. The training device of claim 1 wherein the training device is an athletic track hurdle.

8. The training device of claim 1 wherein the first leg and the second leg are each pivotally connected to the base allowing the first and the second legs to rotate relative to the base between an operable position and a folded storage position.

9. The training device of claim 1 wherein each of the first and the second legs further comprise a lower member and an upper member, the upper member is moveable along a height axis relative to the lower member to selectively adjust the vertical height of the top board relative to the base.

10. A breakaway athletic track hurdle comprising:
a base;
a first leg connected to the base;
a second leg connected to the base laterally distant from the first leg;
a first top board having a first end and a second end;
a second top board having a first end and a second end, the first and the second top board having a first operable position extending laterally between the first and second leg transverse to a path of travel between the first and the second leg;

a first top board hinge connected to the first top board first end;
a second top board hinge connected to the second top board first end;
a first leg hinge rotatably connected to the first leg about a leg hinge axis of rotation;
a second leg hinge rotatably connected to the second leg about a leg hinge axis of rotation; the first and second top board hinges rotatably connected to respective of the first and the second leg hinge and respectively rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the first and the second leg hinge;
a breakaway joint comprising:
a first permanent magnet connected to a portion of the first top board second end;
a first ferromagnetic member connected to a portion of the first top board second end;
a second permanent magnet connected to a portion of the second top board second end positioned opposite the first ferromagnetic member;
a second ferromagnetic member connected to a portion of the second top board second end positioned opposite the first permanent magnet, wherein on a physical impact to one of the first or the second top board, the breakaway joint releases thereby respectively rotating the first and the second top boards to a second position thereby providing an open passageway through the first and the second top board along the path of travel.