US 5,844,861 AGranted

Athletic jump duration timing apparatus

OwnerGregory C. Maurerinventor

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Abstract

An athletic jump duration timing apparatus is designed to measure the time from when an individual initiates a jump until he or she lands from the jump or stride. The apparatus will measure and display the elapsed time of the individual's flight or "hang time". A timing device is positioned in a housing. The timing device is activated by a sensor positioned under a weight bearing surface. A signal is sent to a controller which simultaneously activates two previously zeroed timers. These timers or counters begin counting the impulses from a clock generator. When the sensor senses a weight, the signal is given to the controller to cease the flow of impulses, which freezes the two counters. The event counter is cleared back to zero and the hold counter displays the hang time for the count value. Subsequent jumps are measured and the hold counter displays the jump with the longest hang time by comparing each jump against the event counter.

Claims5

Dependent claims

An athletic jump duration timing apparatus, for use in providing information regarding the elapsed flight time of an individual, said structure comprising:

a structure comprising a housing for the containing of said apparatus;
a removable pressure sensing system positioned between the individual and a weight bearing area of equipment used in the particular sport for being able to be positioned as necessary in any number of standard footwear;
said removable pressure sensing system having a sensor for sensing the relative absence or presence of weight;
said sensor comprises an array of pressure sensitive momentary switches;
a timing unit positioned within said housing for determining the elapsed flight time of said individual;
said timing unit comprises clock means for providing impulses that are initiated by a signal from said removable pressure sensing system;
said timing unit further comprises a plurality of counters for measuring said impulses from said clock means;
said plurality of counters having an automatic hold counter for measuring the longest jump duration time;
said plurality of counters further having an event counter for measuring the timing of the current jump, said event counter automatically zeroing out after each jump;
said plurality of counters further having an automatic comparator for measuring the timing of both said counters and adjusting said hold counter according;
a circuitry system connecting said pressure sensing means with said timing unit;
and
a display unit for showing the elapsed flight time of said individual.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.