Starting block apparatus for track runners, including a spine member and blocks having adjustable sloping foot support members, the blocks being laterally adjustable on arms projecting laterally on either side of the spine member. The arms are themselves longitudinally adjustable in position along the spine member. The foot support members provide support to the whole length of the foot of a track runner.
A starting block (10, 110, 210) for a runner to be used on a track having running lanes extending from a starting line (L, L', L") to a finish line including, a frame (11, 111, 211) for positioning in alignment with a running lane proximate to the starting line, fasteners (22, 222) for maintaining the frame at a selected location on the track, a first pad (55, 155, 255) selectively attachable longitudinally of the frame and having a substantially horizontal surface (56, 157, 257) for supporting one foot of a runner in a standing position, and a second pad (30, 130, 230) selectively attachable longitudinally of the frame and having an angularly upwardly extending surface (31, 131, 231) for engagement by the other foot of a runner in a standing position to assist in thrusting the runner across the starting line in a running lane toward the finish line.
A starting block (10) for a runner to be used on a track having running lanes extending from a starting line (L) to a finish line including, a frame (11) for positioning in alignment with a running lane proximate to the starting line (L), fasteners (22) for maintaining the frame at a selected location on the track, a front pad (55) selectively attachable longitudinally of the frame and having a substantially horizontal surface (56) for supporting one foot of a runner in a standing position, and a rear pad (30) selectively attachable longitudinally of the frame and having an angularly upwardly extending surface (31) for engagement by the other foot of a runner in a standing position to assist in thrusting the runner across the starting line (L) in a running lane toward the finish line.
A method of installing an above ice surface curling hack is described. Firstly, embed a base member into a sheet of ice. The base member must be totally covered by ice thereby leaving an ice surface that is devoid of any hack depressions. The base member has at least two vertically oriented female receptacles. Secondly, drill the ice out of the female receptacles. Thirdly, mate the female receptacles of the base member with depending male members of a detachable foot pad.
A runner's starting block such as is attachable, one on each side of a longitudinal alignment frame, in staggered relation, so as to position each foot of a runner at a selected position for the start of a race. The block can have the tilt of its foot contact plate minutely adjusted to the liking of each particular runner, by interacting screw and nut elements terminally pivoted to move the rear of the foot contact plate, which setting is readable in degrees and accordingly reproducible on other similar blocks. Block also has extension plate adjustable to support heel or instep of runner's shoe as desired.
A curling hack has a base made of a fire retardant plastic material and a replaceable grip pad with ends fixed to the top of the base. A mating groove and rib arrangement on the base and pad provide a resilient, cushioning effect. The grip pad is a soft, high friction material. The back of the hack is supported on the floor by adjustable height columns. The top surface of the hack is configured without a notch between the horizontal front surface and the upwardly sloping back surface.
