Back to results
US 5,467,652 AGranted
Apparatus and method for determining response parameters of a runner to a start signal
OwnerKaty S. Richardsinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A runners' training apparatus and method are disclosed, the apparatus for measuring pressures exerted on starting blocks by a runner's feet responsive to a start signal and measuring time intervals between the start signal and selected pressure levels developed at the starting block.
Claims20
An apparatus for use with a starting block for determining response parameters of a runner to a start signal comprising:
- pressure sensing means at the starting block for sensing a plurality of pressure levels applied to the starting block by the runner and providing an output signal indicative of sensed pressure levels;
- processing means connected with said pressure sensing means to receive said output signal for processing said signal to measure a time interval from at or after the start signal to the occurrence of at least one of said plurality of pressure levels;
- and
- indicating means connected with said processing means for indicating at least said time interval measurement.
1 more element
A runners' starting block assembly comprising:
- first and second relatively positionable blocks;
- pressure sensing means at at least one of said blocks for sensing pressure applied to said at least one of said blocks by a runner and providing an output signal indicative thereof;
- input means for receiving an indication of a race start signal;
- timing means connected with said pressure sensing means and said input means for utilizing said output signal and said indication of a start signal to measure a time interval between said indication of the start signal and maximum sensed pressure applied to said at least one of said blocks by the runner;
- and
- memory means associated with said timing means for storing data indicative of at least said time interval measurement.
3 more elements
A method for determining selected response parameters of a runner in response to a start signal comprising the steps of:
- sensing and providing a signal indicative of a plurality of pressure levels applied to a starting block by the runner;
- and
- processing said signal to determine a response time parameter of a runner based on said sensed pressure levels that occur after the start signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.