IE20210038U1 - Hurdles - Google Patents

Abstract

A hurdle for horseracing has an elongate integrally formed body section having two sides, a top end, a bottom end, a front face, and a rear face. Channels along each side of the body section securely receive a respective stake parallel to the front face, and are open at the bottom end to allow the stake to project therefrom. This allows the stake to be driven into the ground to fix the body section to the ground. A foot member or toe board extends from the body section at or near the bottom end and defines a base surface which is angled relative to the front face. The angle is chosen so that when the base surface is placed on flat ground the front face presents a surface that slopes away from an approaching horse as the height increases. This allows the hurdle to be positioned on the ground at the correct angle before securing the hurdle to the ground with the stakes.

Description

Hurdles Technical Field This invention relates to hurdles for use in horse racing and similar sports.

Background Art Hurdles are used in national hunt racing in the UK and Ireland, and also in other countries such as France, Australia and the United States. Traditional hurdles are made using wooden frames of ash. Upright side members in the form of stakes having pointed ends are connected by cross members. The face ofthe frame is traditionally covered in birch brush (i.e. small birch branches and twigs) which provide a degree of cushioning if a horse collides with the hurdle as it attempts tojump.

A significant problem with hurdles is the fact that they are prone to breakage if a horse strikes the hurdle or lands on the hurdle when it mis—times a jump. Numerous injuries have been observed due to the hurdle splintering or shattering, exposing dangerous pointed splinters and broken ends of stakes and cross members. Another problem is that ifthe jump is mis—timed the horse's front legs can penetrate through the birch covering and between the cross members which can result in broken legs and other serious injuries.

Attempts have been made to address these problems by using padded hurdles, but this only mitigates some ofthe cuts and scrapes, and does not fundamentally improve the design ofthe hurdle.

Another problem is that at the end of a typical race, a proportion of the hurdles will have been damaged or knocked over and need to be replaced which is time consuming and laborious. The hurdles are installed in the ground at an angle of 60-65 degrees, so that the front face is sloped away from an approaching horse at an angle of 120-125 degrees relative to the ground in front of the hurdle, requiring care to be taken to achieve the correct angle. Delays in race start times can arise due to the requirement to replace hurdles, and costs arise from replacement of broken or damaged hurdles.

Training hurdles exist which can be placed on the ground and have a wide base (in the direction of jumping) and an angled face, but these are not usable in horse races as they do not comply with the rules and are unsuitable for the requirements of being jumped by a full field of racing horses.

Disclosure of the Invention There is provided a hurdle for horseracing, comprising: an elongate integrally formed body section having two sides, a top end, a bottom end, a front face, and a rear face; the body section having a channel along each side which is dimensioned to securely receive a respective stake parallel to the front face; each of said channels being open at the bottom end to allow the stake to project therefrom, such that in use the stake may be driven into the ground to fix the body section to the ground; a foot member extending from the body section at or near the bottom end thereof; wherein the foot member defines a base surface which is angled relative to the front face such that when the base surface is placed on flat ground the front face presents a surface that slopes away from an approaching horse as the height increases.

The provision of a pair of side channels to receive stakes which only project from the channels below ground level (when the hurdle is installed) fully protects the horses from any splinters or breakages. The material ofthe body section will be chosen to be resilient, durable, and resistant to breakage, thereby protecting the stake. In this way, wooden stakes can continue to be used in driving the hurdle into the ground, as opposed to for example having a plastic stake which would not be strong enough or would be too expensive to mould with the required strength characteristics, or a metal stake which would be dangerous.

Typically, the body section will be a moulded polymeric body. The channels can thus provide a closely fitting plastics or rubber sleeve around a wooden stake, with the dimensions of the stake being chosen to match the internal channel dimensions.

The stakes may be moulded in place within the channels.

In some embodiments, the stakes are not part of the hurdle. In other words, the hurdle is secured to the ground by separately provided stakes.

Preferably, the hurdle comprises a pair of stakes supplied as separate members, the stakes being suitably dimensioned to be driven into the channels when the hurdle is being installed or prepared for installation.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the channels are also open at their top ends, such that the leading (bottom) end ofthe stake can be driven into the channel from the top end, through the length ofthe channel, and out the bottom end of the channel.

Preferably, the hurdle further comprises a cover member adapted to cover the open top end of the channel after a stake has been installed to thereby enclose the stake within the channel.

The provision of a cover will avoid exposing the stake to a horse in case of a mishap. It will also assist in protecting the wood from the elements.

In other embodiments, the stakes are permanently secured in place within the channels and form an integral part ofthe hurdle.

As an example, the stakes can be pressed into the channels shortly after the body member is moulded to permanently encapsulate the stake within the interior ofthe channel.

In such cases, the projecting part ofthe stake (which is driven into the ground) may be covered by and received within a projecting, protective channel which acts as a sheath around the structural stake member.

Preferably, each stake is a unitary structural member with a length at least equal to the height of the hurdle measured from top to bottom plus 30 cm.

The stake can thus run through the entire channel length and project below the bottom edge of the hurdle body to extend into the ground and secure the hurdle in place.

Preferably, the stakes are wooden members.

Wooden members can for example be kiln—dried stakes made of ash or other suitable material having proven strength and which is a known material in traditional hurdles. The wooden members may be treated with preservative or other protective treatments or coatings.

This ensures that the base surface has a sufficient footprint to allow the hurdle to be placed in position at the correct angle on the ground.

Preferably, the front face is covered with padding, the padding including an outer membrane and a foam captured between the outer membrane and the front face.

Preferably, the top end ofthe body section is provided with a brush.

By ”brush” is meant real or artificial brush similar to birch brush and providing a similar texture and similar protective qualities to a horse that grazes the top ofthe hurdle.

The brush is preferably provided as one or more replaceable members extending across the width of the body section.

Preferably, the body section comprises a generally planar and rectangular structure having integrally formed channels at each side.

Preferably, the body section presents a continuous surface at the front face thereof.

Preferably, the body section has one or more reinforcing ribs extending from transversely one side to the other.

Preferably, the body section is provided with formations for fixing a foot member and padding on the front face thereof.

Preferably, the channels are cylindrical channels with a circular cross—section.

Preferably, the body section is integrally formed as a moulded polymeric member.

Preferably, the body section is formed from a material selected from medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, compression moulded rubber, moulded ethylene—vinyl acetate or sponge rubber.

There is also provided a method of affixing a hurdle to the ground comprising the steps of: providing a hurdle having a front face and a base surface which is angled relative to the front face such that when the base surface is placed on flat ground the front face presents a surface that slopes away from an approaching horse as the height increases, the hurdle having a channel for receiving a stake therethrough, such that the stake may be driven through the channelt o project from the hurdle beyond the base surface; lacing the hurdle on the ground with the base surface flat on the ground; and riving a stake through said channel to affix the hurdle to the ground with the base section flat on the ground and the front face sloping away from the direction of approach to the hurdlein normal use.

Brief Description ofthe Drawings Fig.

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Fig. .1 is a perspective front view ofa hurdle; is a side view ofthe hurdle of Fig. 1 when mounted in the ground; is a front elevation view of the hurdle of Fig. 1; is a sectional elevation ofthe hurdle of Fig. 1, taken along the line |V—|V in Fig. 3; is a perspective view ofthe body member ofthe hurdle of Fig. 1; is a front perspective view ofthe foot member ofthe hurdle of Fig. 1; is a rear perspective view ofthe foot member ofthe hurdle of Fig. 1; is a detail taken from Fig. 7; is a partial cutaway detail ofthe channel, rubber cap and top end of the stake ofthe hurdle of Fig. 1; is a perspective view ofthe hurdle of Fig. 1 shown mounted in the ground; and . 11 is a perspective front view of an alternative embodiment of hurdle.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments In Fig. 1t here is indicated generally at 10 a horseracing hurdle in the form of a generally planar, rectangular body having a top end 12, bottom end 14, left side 16, right side 18, front face 20 and rear face (not visible).

The hurdle is designed to be mounted in the ground by a pair of stakes 22, 24, each ofwhich is received in a respective channel 26 running vertically along either side 16, 18 ofthe body (only the left channel 26 is visible in Fig.1).

Also seen in Fig. 1 is a foot member 28 in the form of a toe board mounted to the front face 20 along the bottom end 14 ofthe hurdle, a padding arrangement 30 on the front face 20 above the foot member, and an artificial brush 32 mounted along the top end 12.

Fig. 2 shows the hurdle in partial cross—section when installed in the ground 34. Additional details ofthe padding arrangement 30 are seen in Fig. 2, with a polyurethane foam 36 providing overall cushioning to reduce the impact of a horse colliding with the hurdle by compressing and absorbing its impact. The foam 36 is held in place behind a 22 mm thick ethylene vinyl acetate expanded mat 38 which provides further cushioning and distributes an impact force across the front surface. Decorative polypropylene grass 40 on the outermost front surface provides an attractive appearance.

The mat 38 and grass 40 are captured and secured in place along their bottom edges by the foot member or toe board 28, and along their top edges they are secured to the main body ofthe hurdle.

The artificial brush 32 is formed of HDPE and provides a safe, and flexible alternative to traditional birch brush. It does not shatter or chip on impact and has been found to recover well even after severe impact.

It can be seen that the stake 22 visible in Fig. 2 emerges from the channel 26 at ground level. A moulded rubber cap 42 closes offthe channel 26 at the top end. In use, the stake 22 is driven through the channel 26 and into the ground 34 to secure the hurdle in place (it being understood that an identical but mirrored arrangement exists at the opposite side ofthe hurdle).

In order to ensure that the hurdle is mounted at the desired angle with respect to the ground, which is 60° in this case, the toe board 28 is shaped with a base surface 44 which makes an angle (indicated at 46) with the axis ofthe stake which is the same as the desired angle between the hurdle and the ground. Therefore, by placing the base surface 44 flush on the ground when installing the hurdle, the stake 22 can be driven through the channel 26 and into the ground 34 at the correct angle to ensure the hurdle is correctly angled.

Fig. 3 shows the hurdle in a front view with the stakes 22, 24 in place. It will be understood that the hurdle is supplied without the stakes in place, these being installed when mounting the hurdle in the ground. Fig. 3 also shows a section line |V—|V along which the section in Fig. 4 is taken.

In Fig. 4. the stake 24 on the right side ofthe hurdle is seen to run the full length of the channel 16 in which it is tightly fitted. The rubber cap 42 closes the channel at its upper end to prevent the stake 24 from splintering and to protect the horse and rider from potential injury. Fig. 4 indicates the polypropylene grass 40 received inside the body ofthe hurdle to secure it. The part ofthe grass 40 within the hurdle body at the top end is not in fact present in the section line |V—|V of Fig. 3, but is nevertheless shown in ghosted form in Fig. 4 to indicate how it is captured within the body. Fig. 4 provides a clear side view ofthe base surface 44 ofthe toe board 28, showing the 60° angle made with the stake 24.

Fig.5 shows the main body section 48 ofthe hurdle when the toe board 28, padding 30, stakes 22, 24, and caps 42 are removed. The main body section 48 is an integrally formed body section that has the channels 16 on either side, connected by a generally planar and rectangular body.

The body can be formed by rotationally moulding medium density polyethylene, although the skilled person will appreciate that the choice of material (for this and for all other components) and the choice of manufacturing technique is at the discretion ofthe manufacturer and designer.

In other words, the choices recited for the specific embodiments shown are not essential or limiting to the invention and are given as simply one way of putting the invention into practice.

The body is shown with optional and preferred reinforcing ribs 50 running transversely and providing additional structural strength.

The channels 16 can be seen to be open at their top ends 52 to allow passage ofthe stakes and to receive the rubber caps.

The top of the body has a transverse channel 54 running across the width ofthe body between the channels 16, which receive the mat 38 and grass 40 to secure them in place using appropriate fasteners (not shown). A pair of side notches 56 receive the top corners ofthe grass to further secure it in place.

Towards the bottom ofthe body there is a series of projecting cups 60 which are used to secure the toe board as will be described further below. Each cup 60 is in the form of a raised cylinder with a central aperture to receive a fastening member (not shown).

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the foot member or toe board 28 when isolated from the hurdle. It can be seen that a step 58 on the rear surface ofthe toe board defines a cut—out area within which the mat 38 and grass 40 are received and sandwiched against the body section 48 when the hurdle is assembled.

Fig. 7 shows the toe board 28 from the rear, with the step 58 visible. It can be seen that above the step there is a series of projections 62, one ofwhich is shown in an enlarged detail in Fig. 8 (which is taken at the area denoted VIII in Fig. 7), and can be seen to have a central aperture for a fastener, not shown. The projections 62 are positioned to be complementary to the cups 60 (Fig. ) and abut against them. This both allows a fastener to secure the toe board to the body (e.g. using a threaded fastener secured through the body from the rear, using snap fit fasteners, friction fit fasteners or the like, or indeed using any other engagement method between the toe board and body. The mat 38 and/or grass sheet 40 can be captured by the cups 60 and projections 62, such as by the mat having a series of corresponding apertures through which the cups and projections mate.

Fig. 9 shows a detail ofthe top of the channel 16 (which is cut away to show just a short vertical section ofthe channel). The stake 24 makes a snug fit within the channel and the rubber cap 42 is secured in place by a friction fit, with a pair of legs 64, one ofwhich is shown and the other of which is on the opposed side ofthe stake, extending down the channel 16 between the internal channel wall and the stake 24.

Fig. 10 shows the hurdle 10 in place on the ground 34, and it can be seen that the toe board 28 is disposed with the base surface 44 flush with the ground surface, dictating the correct angle of installation.

Fig. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a hurdle 110, in which like parts are denoted with the reference numerals of Fig. 1 advanced by 100, i.e. 10 -> 110. The hurdle 110 is identical to hurdle of Fig. 1 other than the visible projecting stakes 122, 124 being integrally formed with the channels and indeed the entire main body member. In this embodiment, the visible ”skin” of each channel and associated projecting stake is formed around an internal (and not visible) structural wooden stake member. The structural wooden stake member is a kiln dried stake which is pressed into the plastic body with force straight after the plastic body is moulded. This gives the projecting stakes 122, 124 rigidity and strength sufficient for the hurdle to be hammered into hard ground. This embodiment allows the entire hurdle 110 to be supplied with the stakes already in situ.

The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described or the details recited for such embodiments, except where a feature is described as essential. The skilled person may depart from the specific embodiments within the scope ofthe claims that follow.

Claims (5)

Claims

1. A hurdle for horseracing, comprising: an elongate integrally formed body section having two sides, a top end, a bottom end, a front face, and a rear face; the body section having a channel along each side which is dimensioned to securely receive a respective stake parallel to the front face; each of said channels being open at the bottom end to allow the stake to project therefrom, such that in use the stake may be driven into the ground to fix the body section to the ground; a foot member extending from the body section at or near the bottom end thereof; wherein the foot member defines a base surface which is angled relative to the front face such that when the base surface is placed on flat ground the front face presents a surface that slopes away from an approaching horse as the height increases.

2. A hurdle according to claim 1, wherein the channels are open at their top ends, permitting the leading end of a stake to be driven into the channel from the top end, through the length of the channel, and out the bottom end ofthe channel.

3. A hurdle according to any preceding claim, further comprising a cover member adapted to cover the open top end ofthe channel after a stake has been installed to thereby enclose the stake within the channel.

4. A hurdle according to any preceding claim, wherein the body section comprises a generally planar and rectangular structure having integrally formed channels at each side.

5. A method of affixing a hurdle to the ground comprising the steps of: providing a hurdle having a front face and a base surface which is angled relative to the front face such that when the base surface is placed on flat ground the front face presents a surface that slopes away from an approaching horse as the height increases, the hurdle having a channel for receiving a stake therethrough, such that the stake may be driven through the channel to project from the hurdle beyond the base surface; placing the hurdle on the ground with the base surface flat on the ground; and driving a stake through said channel to affix the hurdle to the ground with the base section flat on the ground and the front face sloping away from the direction of approach to the hurdle in normal use.