CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/310,948, filed February 16, 2022, and entitled “Adjustable Hurdle,” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure herein generally relates to a training device for sports performance, and more particularly, to a training hurdle for track and field, performance training, and athletic training.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In many sports, such as track and field, as well as team sports such as soccer, football, lacrosse, baseball, basketball, and tennis for example, players often wish to improve their jumping and/or hurdling ability. More particularly, to improve agility and speed athletes often utilize hurdles, or other vertical devices as an obstacle to jump (or hurdle) over while running to increase leg muscle performance. A player often benefits from repeated practice of running and jumping over such a hurdle device in a consistent manner, as it allows for increased speed and reaction time in performing the jump. Such repetition can help develop strength and muscle development for increased performance.

[0004] Coaches, trainers, or the athlete themselves may position hurdles in a “drill,” where one or more hurdles are provided at various locations in an obstacle course, often with sports cones or other devices to provide a path or route for training. The athlete may then repeatedly run through the course, practicing both the speed in which the course may be completed as well as accuracy in avoiding knocking over or contacting any of the one or more hurdles. The drill or obstacle course may be setup, for example, on a sports field, basketball, or tennis court, or on a running track.

[0005] One aspect of a desirable hurdle is to provide a compact and lightweight hurdle to assist with adjusting the drill into various configurations, as well as to allow for ease of transportation and carrying of the hurdle. Furthermore, as athletes may be of various ages, skill levels, or may be training for a particular sport or event, it is further desirable for the hurdle to be adjustable to various heights to provide the desired difficulty in jumping over the hurdle. [0006] Accordingly, a need exists for an improved hurdle device for sports training, which is collapsible to be compact for storage and transportation, as well as adjustable to precise heights for usability for a wide range of age groups, skill levels, and training exercises.

SUMMARY

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure are related to a training hurdle with adjustable sizing capabilities. In particular, implementations of the present disclosure provide for a training hurdle with a flexible body having an elongated shape and oppositely opposed foot members. The foot members may be coupled together via a height adjustment system. The height adjustment system may include a tensioning device which allows a user to change the amount of tension applied to the opposite ends of the flexible body, thus causing increased deflection of the flexible body, and causing the foot members to be positioned in closer proximity to one another. For example, the height adjustment system may include a first strap (i.e., a fixed strap) which is attached to a first foot of the foot members, and may include a second strap (i.e., an adjustable strap) which is attached to a second foot of the foot members. At the opposite ends, the fixed strap and the adjustable strap may interconnect via the tensioning device, which may include for example, a buckle, a loop, or hook. As such, a user may adjust relative position between the adjustable strap and the fixed strap within the tensioning device to adjust the overall length of the height adjustment system and consequently the height of the hurdle. In various implementations, the height adjustment system may additionally or alternatively include cables, ropes, or various hook and loop fasteners.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0008] These and other features and advantages of the claimed invention will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description, in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary training hurdle, according to various implementations of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the exemplary training hurdle of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary training hurdle illustrated at a first adjustment height, according to various implementations of the present disclosure. [0012] FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary training hurdle of FIG. 3A illustrated at a second adjustment height, according to various implementations of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3C illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary training hurdle of FIG. 3A illustrated at a third adjustment height, according to various implementations of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a prospective view and side view, respectively, of an exemplary training hurdle 100 according to various implementations of the present disclosure. The training hurdle 100 may include a flexible body 102 having a generally elongate shape defining a first end region 104, a second end region 106 opposite the first end region 104, and a central region 105 interposed between the first end region 104 and the second end region 106. The flexible body 102 may be made of various suitable materials to provide deformable flexibility, including for example, plastic, foam, rubber, metal (such as aluminum), or other suitable material as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

[0015] In one aspect, the training hurdle 100 may include foot members 108 A, 108B respectively coupled with the first end region 104 and the second end region 106. The foot members 108A, 108B may be fixedly or removably attached to the flexible body 102. The foot members 108A, 108B may have a cross-width relative to the flexible body 102 which is wider than the flexible body 102. In use, the foot members 108A, 108B rest on a support surface and impart stability to the training hurdle 100 to prevent the training hurdle 100 from tipping over during use. While shown as separate components from the flexible body 102, the foot members 108 A, 108B may be integrally formed with the flexible body 102 as a uniform or continuous structure according to various implementations.

[0016] In one aspect, the training hurdle 100 may include a height adjustment system 110 which operably couples the first end region 104 and second end region 106 of the flexible body 102 (for example via the foot members 108A, 108B). The height adjustment system 110 may provide adjustable tension between the first end region 104 and second end region 106, such that the first and second end regions 104, 106 are tensioned closer towards one another.

[0017] According to various implementations, the height adjustment system 110 may include one or more straps, ropes, cables, or other suitable means to provide tension between the first and second end regions 104, 106. For example, the height adjustment system 110 may at least one strap that extends a distance between the first end region 104 and the second end region 106 and is adapted to adjust that distance depending on the desired height of the training hurdle 100. In the illustrated embodiment, a fixed strap 112 having a first end 114 operably couples to the first end region 104 of the flexible body 102. The first end 114 of the fixed strap 112 may attach to the first foot member 108 A, such as through an opening 116A provided in the first foot member 108A. In various implementations, the fixed strap 112 may attach directly to the first end region 104 of the flexible body 102. A second end 118 of the fixed strap 112, opposite the first end 114, may include a tensioning device 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the tensioning device 120 is a buckle.

[0018] The height adjustment system 110 may include an adjustable strap 122 having a first end 124 which operably couples to the second end region 106 of the flexible body 102. The first end 124 of the adjustable strap 122 may attach to the second foot member 108B, such as through an opening 116B provided in the second foot member 108B. In various implementations, the adjustable strap 122 may attach directly to the second end region 106 of the flexible body 102. A second end 126 of the adjustable strap 122 may be inserted through (or otherwise engage) the tensioning device 120. The tensioning device 120 may frictionally engage the adjustable strap 122 to retain it in place relative to the fixed strap 112. While a buckle is illustrated as the tensioning device 120 in the illustrated embodiment, other mechanisms may be used to retain the straps 112, 122 in the desired relative position. For example, a hook and loop (i.e., Velcro) fastening system, a snap fastening system, a button fastening system, etc. may be used to adjustably secure the straps 112, 122 together. Note that the tensioning device 120 (as is the case with a buckle) may permit relative positioning of the straps 112, 122 at a substantially infinite number of locations along the length of the adjustable strap 122 because no discrete or predetermined relative positioning locations are defined. However, in other embodiments the tensioning device 120 permits relative positioning of the straps 112, 122 only at discrete or predetermined locations relative to each other. [0019] According to various implementations, a user may manipulate (for example, apply a force to) the adjustable strap 122 to adjust the particular portion of the adjustable strap 122 within the tensioning device 120, thus adjusting the overall length of the height adjustment system 110. By adjusting the overall length of the height adjustment system 110, increased tension is provided between the first and second end regions 104, 106 of the flexible body 102. As tension is increased in the height adjustment system 110, the flexible body 102 increasingly deflects such that the distance between the first and second end regions 104, 106 decreases. In so doing, the parabolic shape of the flexible body 102 becomes more pronounced, such that the height H between the ground surface and the vertex (i.e., highest point) of the flexible body 102 increases. Conversely, increasing the overall length of the height adjustment system 110, for example by the user manipulating the adjustable strap 122 in the opposite direction, decreases deflection of the flexible body 102 such that the parabolic shape of the flexible body 102 becomes less pronounced, and thus reduces the height H between the ground surface and the vertex of the flexible body 102. Exemplary configurations of the overall length of the height adjustment system 110 are shown in further detail with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C, below.

[0020] In one aspect, the length of the fixed strap 112 of the height adjustment system 110 may determine the minimum distance in which the first and second end regions 104, 106 may be adjusted towards each other. More specifically, as a user manipulates the adjustable strap 122, for example by applying a pulling force on the second end 126 to increase the length of the tail portion 130 of the adjustable strap 122, ultimately all or substantially all of the adjustable strap 122 will be pulled through the tensioning device 120. As such, the second foot member 108B (or the second end region 106) may be in contact or nearly in contact with the tensioning device 120, such that no further tightening may be provided. Thus, the minimum overall length of the height adjustment system 110 may be nearly equal to the length of the fixed strap 112. Therefore, the length of the fixed strap 112 may be selected to provide a maximum height H of the training hurdle 100. Depending on the material and strength properties of the flexible body 102, for example, the length of the fixed strap 112 may be specifically determined to avoid exceeding the maximum deflection capabilities of the flexible body 102.

[0021] In one aspect, the combined length of the fixed strap 112 and of the adjustable strap 122 may be determined to provide a maximum overall length of the height adjustment system 110, such that all (or nearly all) tension applied by the height adjustment system 110 on the flexible body 102 is removed. As such, the height adjustment system 110 may allow for the flexible body 102 to extend to a linear or nearly linear shape, such that the height H of the training hurdle 100 is zero, or nearly zero. Such a “flat” configuration may allow for a user to collapse the training hurdle 100 when the training hurdle 100 is not in use, such as for shipping, storage, and transportation.

[0022] According to various implementations, the height adjustment system 110 of the training hurdle 100 may include a band 128 which may couple the second end 126 (or a portion near the second end 126) of the adjustable strap 122 to the fixed strap 112. As shown, when the adjustable strap 122 is positioned through the tensioning device 120, the second end 126 functions as a tail portion 130 which is not in tension. To avoid this tail portion 130 interfering with the training hurdle 100 when in use, the band 128 may hold the tail portion 130 in alignment with the fixed strap 112. The band 128 may be made from an elastic material such that part of the tail portion of the adjustable strap 122 and the fixed strap 112 are frictionally engaged within the band 128. Thus, as the adjustable strap 122 is manipulated by a user and the length of the tail portion 130 increases and decreases, the band 128 may be moved to various positions along the fixed strap 112 between the first foot member 108A and the tensioning device 120. As such, the band 128 may be permanently maintained on the fixed strap 122, such that the tail portion 130 of the adjustable strap 122 may be fed through the band 128 and slid through, or subsequently removed from, the band 128 when the user adjusts the training hurdle.

[0023] According to various implementations, alternative height adjustment systems 110 may be utilized to achieve similar adjustment of the distance between the first and second end regions 104, 106 of the flexible body 102. For example, a single strap (or cable or rope) may be used, which spans the entire distance between the first and second end regions 104, 106 (or between the foot members 108 A, 108B). More particularly, the strap may be fixed at the first end region 104 and extend to and/or through the second end region 106. For example, the singe strap may be pulled through the second foot member 108B and adjusted via a tensioning device 120 located proximate to the second foot member 108B.

[0024] In use, a user uses the height adjustment system 110 to set the height of the training hurdle 100 and positions the training hurdle 100 on a support surface such that first end region 104 and the second end region 106 are proximate the support surface and the central region 105 extends upwardly from the support surface. In some embodiments, foot members 108 A, 108B rest on the support surface and stabilize the training hurdle 100 on the support surface.

[0025] FIG. 3 A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary training hurdle 100 illustrated at a first adjustment height Hi, according to various implementations of the present disclosure. In particular, the adjustable strap 122 of the height adjustment system 110 may include markings 302 imprinted or otherwise indicated on the adjustable strap 122 which correspond with various height adjustment configurations. For, example, while the adjustable strap 122 may be adjusted within the tensioning device 120 to provide a range of overall lengths of the height adjustment system 110, particular length “settings” may be desirable. For example, a user may wish to use multiple training hurdles 100 simultaneously, and may desire that all of the training hurdles be set to the same height H. Similarly, when repeated training exercises are performed over various training sessions, a user may wish to repeat training at the same height H as was utilized previously. As such, markings 302 may be provided on the adjustable strap 122 to denote particular heights H of the training hurdle 100. The markings 302 may be visually presented in various ways, including markings, numerals, letters, or color-coded markings. Furthermore, any number of markings 302 may be included on the adjustable strap 122.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3A, the adjustable strap 122 has been adjusted such that a first marking 302A is visible within the tensioning device 120. More particularly, the first marking 302A indicates a “6”, denoting that the adjustment height Hi is six inches.

[0027] FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary training hurdle 100 illustrated at a second adjustment height H2, according to various implementations of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3B, the adjustable strap 122 has been adjusted such that a second marking 302B is visible within the tensioning device 120. More particularly, the second marking 302B indicates a “9”, denoting that the adjustment height H2 is nine inches.

[0028] FIG. 3C illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary training hurdle 100 illustrated at a third adjustment height H3, according to various implementations of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3C, the adjustable strap 122 has been adjusted such that a third marking 302C is visible within the tensioning device 120. More particularly, the third marking 302C indicates a “12”, denoting that the adjustment height H3 is twelve inches.

[0029] Examples

[0030] Example 1 : A training hurdle includes a flexible body comprising a first end region, a second end region opposite the first end region, and a central region interposed between the first end region and the second end region and at least one strap operably coupling the first end region and the second end region of the flexible body. The training hurdle also includes a tensioning device located along the at least one strap between the first end region and the second end region and configured to adjust an overall length of the at least one strap to adjust a distance between the first end region and the second end region of the flexible body, wherein the training hurdle is configured to rest on a support surface such that the first and second end regions are more proximate the support surface and the central region extends to a height above the support surface. [0031] Example 2: The training hurdle of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the flexible body comprises a first foot member associated with the first end region and a second foot member associated with the second end region, wherein the first foot member and the second foot member are configured to rest on the support surface to retain the training hurdle in an upright position.

[0032] Example 3: The training hurdle of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the first foot member and the second foot member each have a width greater than a width of the flexible body.

[0033] Example 4: The training hurdle of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the first foot member and the second foot member are removably coupled to the flexible body.

[0034] Example 5: The training hurdle of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the first foot member and the second foot member are fixedly coupled to the flexible body.

[0035] Example 6: The training hurdle of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the at least one strap comprises a first strap operably coupled to the first end region and a second strap operably coupled to the second end region, wherein the tensioning device secures the first strap to the second strap.

[0036] Example 7: The training hurdle of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the first strap comprises a first strap length and the second strap comprises a second strap length, and wherein the tensioning device is adapted to secure the first strap to the second strap at non-predetermined locations along the second strap length.

[0037] Example 8: The training hurdle of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the tensioning device comprises a buckle through which the second strap is positioned.

[0038] Example 9: The training hurdle of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the buckle is secured to an end of the first strap distal the first end region.

[0039] Example 10: The training hurdle of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the height at which the central region extends above the support surface increases as the distance between the first end region and the second end region decreases. [0040] Example 11: The training hurdle of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the at least one strap comprises markings that correlate to the height at which the central region extends above the support surface.

[0041] Example 12: A training hurdle includes an elongate flexible body comprising a first end region, a second end region opposite the first end region, and a central region interposed between the first end region and the second end region, a first foot member associated with the first end region, a second foot member associated with the second end region, and a height adjustment system coupled to the foot members, the height adjustment system comprising at least one strap operably coupling the first foot member to the second foot member; and a tensioning device frictionally engaged with the at least one strap between the first end region and the second end region, wherein the tensioning device is configured to adjust a relative position between the first foot member and the second foot member, wherein the first foot member and the second foot member are configured to rest on a support surface such that the central region extends to a height above the support surface.

[0042] Example 13: The training hurdle of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the first foot member and the second foot member each have a width greater than a width of the central region of the elongate flexible body.

[0043] Example 14: The training hurdle of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the at least one strap is configured to be manipulated by a user to adjust a portion of the at least one strap within the tensioning device.

[0044] Example 15: The training hurdle of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein an overall length of the at least one strap defines a maximum distance between the first and second foot members.

[0045] Example 16: The training hurdle of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the at least one strap comprises markings that correlate to the height at which the central region extends above the support surface.

[0046] Example 17: The training hurdle of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the markings are visible within the tensioning device.

[0047] Example 18: A method includes providing a training hurdle including a flexible body comprising a first end region, a second end region opposite the first end region, and a central region interposed between the first end region and the second end region and a height adjustment system including at least one strap operably coupling the first end region and the second end region of the flexible body and a tensioning device located along the at least one strap between the first end region and the second end region. The method also includes setting the training hurdle to a desired height using the tensioning device to adjust an overall length of the at least one strap to adjust a distance between the first end region and the second end region of the flexible body. The method also includes positioning the training hurdle on a support surface such that the first and second end regions are more proximate the support surface and the central region extends to the desired height above the support surface.

[0048] Example 19: The method of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, including wherein the at least one strap comprises a first strap operably coupled to the first end region and a second strap operably coupled to the second end region, wherein the tensioning device secures the first strap at a position relative to the second strap, and wherein setting the training hurdle to a desired height using the tensioning device comprises adjusting the relative position of the first strap and the second strap to adjust the distance between the first end region and the second end region.

[0049] Example 20: The method of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, including wherein adjusting the relative position of the first strap and the second strap comprises longitudinally translating the second strap relative to the first strap.

[0050] Although certain exemplary embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0051] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, it should be understood that they should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed above could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.