Horse Jump and Methods of Use

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Horse jumping for sport, first introduced in the Olympics in 1870, is a unique combination of raw power and grace. Show jumping events have hunter classes, jumper classes and hunt seat equitation classes. Hunters are judged subjectively on the degree to which they meet an ideal standard of manners, style, and way of going. Conversely, jumper classes are scored objectively, based entirely on a numerical score determined only by whether the horse attempts the obstacle, clears it, and finishes the course in the allotted time. Jumper courses tend to be much more complex and technical than hunter courses because riders and horses are not being judged on style. Courses often are colorful and at times, quite creatively designed.

Jumper classes are held over a course of show jumping obstacles, including verticals, spreads, and double and triple combinations, usually with many turns and changes of direction. The intent is to jump cleanly over a set course within an allotted time. Time faults are assessed for exceeding the time allowance. Jumping faults are incurred for knockdowns and blatant disobedience, such as refusals (when the horse stops before a fence or the horse, “runs out”) (see “Modern rules” below). Horses are allowed a limited number of refusals before being disqualified. A refusal may lead to a rider exceeding the time allowed on course. Placings are based on the lowest number of points or “faults” accumulated. A horse and rider who have not accumulated any jumping faults or penalty points are said to have scored a “clear round”. Tied entries usually have a jump-off over a raised and shortened course, and the course is timed; if entries are tied for faults accumulated in the jump-off, the fastest time wins.

Riders in either hunter class or jumper class make a significant commitment to training the rider, the horse, and the combination of the rider and horse. In addition to both rider's and mount's personal fitness, the horse and rider must both become familiar with different obstacles, at a variety of heights approached from a variety of angles. Riding skills are developed both individually, while practicing at a home barn or course, or with a coach. Coaching sessions may involve multiple riders taking turns going through the course. Costs for training, boarding, and coaching may costs thousands of dollars per month. Training sessions can be significantly delayed by the time spent replacing a bar or rail knocked from the cup during a pass.

In addition, a rider practices at a variety of jump heights. Often jumps need to be adjusted during a training session as a rider progresses from a warm-up height to a more advanced height. Often a training session involves multiple riders jumping bars set to different heights. Whether training with a coach or alone, each time a jump height is adjusted as the rider progresses to greater jump heights valuable practice time is lost. Each time a jump height is adjusted for a new rider valuable time is lost. Each time a rail is replaced after being knocked from the cup valuable time is lost.

Horse jumps must be robust enough to withstand the rigors of the course. A normal horse jump assembly must be able to support hundreds of pounds in order to avoid damage or failure when struck by a jumping horse. In addition, horse jumps are decorated to create an event theme, beautified, and can even function as valuable advertising space. Certain types of horse jumps can even include adornments such as shrubbery or other plants to give the jumps a more natural feel. A jump must also be easily reset to a desired height based on the jumper entering the course.

Accordingly, there is a need for a horse jump where the jump height can be remotely set. There is a need for horse jumps in which the jump height can be quickly determined. There is a need for horse jumps that can be rapidly adjusted. There is a need for a jump that can withstand the force of impact when struck by a horse. There is a need for a horse jump without unnecessary external chains, lines, cords, or other features that could endanger a horse or rider or make the horse jump unnecessarily difficult to move. There is a need for a horse jump that can adjust up and down without changing the façade. Moreover, there is a need for a horse jump system wherein multiple horse jumps on a single course can be quickly adjusted to pre-determined (or user-selected) levels without disrupting the flow of a competition or training session.

Some previous references disclose remotely adjustable jumps for animals, but none of these references solves each of the problems discussed above. However, a remotely adjustable jump that is configured to preserve the façade and adornments that give beauty and variety to horse jump competitions remains undisclosed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of having software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of them installed on the apparatus that in operation causes or cause the system to perform the actions. One or more computer programs can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of including instructions that, when executed by a data processing apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the actions. One general aspect includes a horse jump with a base. The base also includes a motor anchored by the base; a communications module in electronic communications with the motor; a threaded actuator screw extending perpendicular the base and in mechanical communication with the motor and configured to rotate upon activation by the motor; a post extending perpendicular to the base coupled at a first end to the base; a nut rotatably engaged with the threaded actuator screw and configured to advance in a first or a second direction along the threaded actuator screw, where the nut is engaged with the post; and a sleeve supported by the nut where the sleeve and the nut move in tandem. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The horse jump where the base is weighted to secure the horse jump assembly. The motor is fixed to the base. The communications module links the wireless network to the motor. The motor is configured to turn the threaded actuator screw. The post is fixed to the nut and the rail is configured to telescope axially with the screw. The horse jump may include a second post. The nut further may include a flange with an aperture configured to pass the post through the flange. The cross-sectional shape of the nut is configured to fit the cross-sectional profile of the post. The sleeve supported by the nut where is fixed to the nut. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

One general aspect includes a rising horse jump. The rising horse jump also includes a base, a rail set on the base, a motor set on the base, a communications module connected to a wireless network and in electronic communications with the motor, an actuator coupled to the motor, a coupling harness between the actuator and a sleeve where upon activation the sleeve actuates towards or away from the base, and a guide extending from the base coaxial with the rail through the sleeve where the support member is configured to maintain the alignment of the sleeve with the actuator through actuation. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The horse jump where the actuator further may include a chain and sprocket where a first sprocket is fixed to a first end of the rail and a second sprocket is fixed to a second end of the rail and a chain coupling the first sprocket to the second sprocket. The guide is a polygon. The sleeve is a polygon may include a plurality of corners where the plurality of corners of the sleeve align with the guide. The guide circumscribes the sleeve. The sleeve may include a keyhole track. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

One general aspect includes a horse jump. The horse jump also includes a base, a motor fixed to the base, a wireless communications module in electronic communications with a wireless network and where the electronic communication is in electronic communication with the motor, a threaded actuator screw extending perpendicular the base and in mechanical communication with the motor and configured to rotate upon activation by the motor, a nut extending the length of the threaded actuator screw and mechanically engaged with the threaded actuator screw, a hood supported by the nut where the hood is configured to actuate away from or towards the base, and a stabilizing member connecting the hood to the base extending away from the base and configured to prevent the hood from rotating. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The horse jump where the hood may include a keyhole track. The nut further may include a flange that may include an aperture where the stabilizing member extends through the aperture. Stabilizing member may include a frame may include a channel configured to accept the nut. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a representative system that provides a suitable operating environment for use with some embodiments of the described systems and methods;

FIGS. 2-3 each illustrate a representative networked environment for use with some embodiments of the described systems and methods;

FIG. 4 illustrates a horse jump assembly;

FIG. 5A illustrates a nut;

FIG. 5B is an exploded view of a nut and screw;

FIG. 6 illustrates a disassembled view of the nut and screw extending from a hood;

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative horse jump assembly;

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative jump assembly; and

FIG. 9A illustrates an alternative jump assembly in a first configuration;

FIG. 9B illustrates an alternative jump assembly in a second configuration; and

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate a method of implementing a jump assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A description of embodiments of the present invention will now be given with reference to the Figures. It is expected that the present invention may take many other forms and shapes, hence the following disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not limiting, and the scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the appended claims.

Some embodiments of the horse jump comprise a base. In some embodiments the base is round. In some embodiments the base includes two perpendicular legs. In some embodiments the base includes two crossed legs. In some embodiments a motor is anchored by the base. In some embodiments the motor is fixed directly to the base. In some embodiments the motor is selectively fixed to another feature such as a guide, a shell, a façade, a frame, or a rail to place the motor in mechanical communication with the actuator so as to prevent the motor from shifting and to ease transportation. In some embodiments the motor is fixed to a screw. In some embodiments the motor is fixed to a sprocket. In some embodiments the motor can be selectively removed.

In some embodiments a communications module is in electronic communications with the motor and permits a wireless handheld device to communicate with and initiate actuation of the motor from the wireless device. In some embodiments the horse jump is connected to a wireless network wherein the communications module links the wireless network to the motor. The described systems and methods can be used with any suitable operating environment and/or software. In this regard, FIG. 1 and the corresponding discussion are intended to provide a general description of a suitable operating environment in accordance with some embodiments of the described systems and methods. As will be further discussed below, some embodiments embrace the use of one or more processing units in a variety of customizable enterprise configurations, including in a networked or combination configuration, which may also include a cloud-based service, such as a platform as a service, software as a service, and/or as any other suitable service.

Some embodiments of the described systems and methods embrace one or more computer readable media, wherein each medium may be configured to include or includes thereon data (non-transitory or transitory) or computer executable instructions for manipulating data. The computer executable instructions include data structures, objects, programs, routines, and/or other program modules that may be accessed by one or more processors, such as one associated with a general-purpose modular processing unit capable of performing various different functions and/or one associated with a special-purpose modular processing unit capable of performing a limited number of, and/or specific, functions.

Computer executable instructions cause the one or more processors of the one or more enterprises to perform a particular function or group of functions and are examples of program code means for implementing steps for methods of processing. Furthermore, a particular sequence of the executable instructions provides an example of corresponding acts that may be used to implement such steps.

Examples of computer readable media (including, without limitation, non-transitory computer readable media) include random-access memory (“RAM”), read-only memory (“ROM”), programmable read-only memory (“PROM”), erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM”), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), compact disk read-only memory (“CD-ROM”), any solid state storage device (e.g., flash memory, smart media, etc.), and/or any other device or component that is capable of providing data and/or executable instructions that may be accessed by a processing unit.

With reference to FIG. 1, a representative enterprise includes modular processing unit 100 (e.g., a computer system, a wireless computer device, and/or other computer device), which may be used as a general-purpose or a special-purpose processing unit. For example, modular processing unit (or computer device) 100 may be employed alone or with one or more similar modular processing units as a smart phone, a cellular phone, a feature phone, a tablet computer, a smart television, a mobile computer device, a personal computer, a notebook computer, a PDA or other hand-held device, a workstation, a minicomputer, a mainframe, a supercomputer, a multi-processor system, a network computer, a processor-based consumer device, a smart appliance or device, a control system, and/or the like. Indeed, in some embodiments, the modular processing unit 100 comprises at least one of a server and a computer device (including, without limitation, a wireless computer device). Using multiple processing units in the same enterprise provides increased processing capabilities. For example, each processing unit of an enterprise can be dedicated to a particular task or can jointly participate in distributed processing.

In FIG. 1, the modular processing unit 100 (e.g., a computer system and/or computer device) includes one or more buses and/or interconnects 105, which may be configured to connect various components thereof and enables data to be exchanged between two or more components. The bus(es)/interconnect(s) 105 may include one of a variety of bus structures, including, without limitation, a memory bus, a peripheral bus, and/or a local bus that uses any of a variety of bus architectures. Typical components connected by the bus(es)/interconnect(s) 105 include one or more processors 110 and one or more memories 120. Some other non-limiting components that may be selectively connected to the bus(es)/interconnect(s) 105 through the use of logic, one or more systems, and one or more subsystems, include one or more mass storage device interfaces 130, input interfaces 140, output interfaces 150, and/or network interfaces 160, each of which will be discussed below.

In some embodiments, the processing system 110 includes one or more processors, such as a central processor, a microprocessor, and optionally one or more other processors designed to perform a particular function or task. It is typically the processing system 110 (also referred to as a processor or computer processor) that executes the instructions provided on computer readable media, such as on the memory 120, a magnetic hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a magnetic cassette, an optical disk, and/or from a communication connection, which may also be viewed as a computer readable medium.

In accordance with some embodiments, the memory 120 includes one or more computer readable media (including, without limitation, non-transitory computer readable media) that may be configured to include or includes thereon data or instructions for manipulating data, and may be accessed by the processing system 110 through the system bus 105. The memory 120 may include, for example, ROM 122 used to permanently store information, and/or RAM 124 used to temporarily store information. In some embodiments, ROM 122 includes a basic input/output system (“BIOS”) having one or more routines that are used to establish communication, such as during start-up of computer device 100. In some embodiments, RAM 124 includes one or more program modules, such as one or more operating systems, application programs, and/or program data.

One or more mass storage device interfaces 130 may be used to connect one or more mass storage devices 132 to the system bus 105. The mass storage devices 132 may be incorporated into and/or may be peripheral to the computer device 100 and allow the computer device (and/or computer system) 100 to retain large amounts of data. Optionally, one or more of the mass storage devices 132 may be removable from computer device 100. Examples of mass storage devices include hard disk drives, magnetic disk drives, tape drives, solid state mass storage, and/or optical disk drives.

Some non-limiting examples of solid state mass storage include flash cards and memory sticks. The mass storage device 132 may read from and/or write to a magnetic hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a magnetic cassette, an optical disk, or another computer readable medium. The mass storage devices 132 and their corresponding computer readable media provide nonvolatile storage of data and/or executable instructions that may include one or more program modules, such as an operating system, one or more application programs (or applications), other program modules, or program data. Such executable instructions are examples of program code means for implementing steps for methods disclosed herein.

One or more input interfaces 140 may be employed to enable a user to enter data (e.g., initial information) and/or instructions to computer device (or computer system) 100 through one or more corresponding input devices 142. Examples of such input devices include a keyboard and/or alternate input devices, such as a digital camera, a sensor, bar code scanner, debit/credit card reader, signature and/or writing capture device, pin pad, touch screen, mouse, trackball, light pen, stylus or other pointing device, a microphone, a joystick, a game pad, a scanner, a camcorder, and/or other input devices. Similarly, examples of input interfaces 140 that may be used to connect the input devices 142 to the system bus 105 include a serial port, a parallel port, a game port, a universal serial bus (“USB”), a firewire (IEEE 1394), a wireless receiver, a video adapter, an audio adapter, a parallel port, a wireless transmitter, and/or another interface.

One or more output interfaces 150 may be employed to connect one or more corresponding output devices 152 to the system bus 105. Examples of output devices include one or more monitors, projectors, display screens, speakers, lights, wireless transmitters, printers, and the like. A particular output device 152 may be integrated with or peripheral to computer device 100. Examples of output interfaces include a video adapter, an audio adapter, a parallel port, and the like.

One or more network interfaces 160 enable computer device (or computer system) 100 to exchange information with one or more local or remote computer devices, illustrated as computer devices 162, via a network 264 that may include one or more hardwired and/or wireless links. Examples of the network interfaces include a network adapter for connection to a local area network (“LAN”) or a modem, a wireless link, an infrared link, a BLUETOOTH® link, and/or another adapter for connection to a wide area network (“WAN”), such as the Internet. The network interface 160 may be incorporated with or be peripheral to computer device 100.

In a networked system, accessible program modules or portions thereof may be stored in a remote memory storage device. Furthermore, in a networked system computer device 100 may participate in a distributed computing environment, where functions or tasks are performed by a plurality networked computer devices. While those skilled in the art will appreciate that the described systems and methods may be practiced in networked computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, FIG. 2 represents an embodiment of a portion of the described systems in a networked environment that includes clients (or computer devices 265, 270, 275, etc.) and/or and one or more peripheral devices (illustrated as multifunctional peripheral (MFP) MFP 280) connected to a server 285 via a network 260. While FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment that includes three clients (e.g., computer devices, such as smart phones and/or other wireless computing devices) connected to the network (and one or more servers 285), alternative embodiments include at least one client connected to a network or many (e.g., 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and or any other suitable number of) clients connected to a network and/or one or more servers.

In one non-limiting illustration of a basic view of the described systems, FIG. 3 shows that, in some embodiments, the system comprises two or more computer devices (e.g., 365 and 375) that are connected to a server (or other computer system) 385 through a network 360 (e.g., the Internet and/or any other suitable server). While the computer devices can comprise any suitable computer device (e.g., as described above), including, without limitation, a display comprising (or otherwise in signal communication with a device comprising a) processing unit (e.g., a smart display, a smart TV, etc.), a smart phone, a cell phone, a tablet, a laptop, a desktop computer, and/or any other suitable computer device, in some embodiments, the first computer device comprises a smart phone and the second computer device comprises smart phone and/or a smart display. In some other embodiments, however, at least one computer device (e.g., a first computer device 365) in a transaction comprises a wireless computer device (e.g., a smart phone, cell phone, tablet, laptop, etc.) while at least one other computer device in the transaction (e.g., a second computer device 375) comprises a computer device that is in signal communication with a display (e.g., TV, monitor, projector, screen, and/or other display). Using the communications network 360 enables the user to open an app on a cell phone and immediately select a variety of jump heights (in some cases, for multiple horse jumps simultaneously) without having to manually adjust a single jump. In addition, the app allows a trainer to adjust a jump height to accommodate a rider's needs at any time during the ride, as well as upon the successful completion of a course, allowing the rider to progress from warm-up to practice without unreasonable delays.

FIG. 4 illustrates a horse jump assembly 400. Some embodiments of horse jump assembly 400 comprise a post 410 supported by a support 402. In some embodiments the support 402 may be made of wood, metal, composite or concrete stone masonry. In some embodiments the support 402 is rigid. In some embodiments the support 402 telescopes. In some embodiments the support 402 is hydraulic. In some embodiments the support 402 comprises a threaded actuator screw 404. In some embodiments the threaded actuator screw 404 extends away from a base 406. In some embodiments the threaded actuator screw 404 is in mechanical communication with a motor 408 such that the motor 408 rotates the screw 404. In some embodiments the support 402 is a rod. In some embodiments the rod separates a first sprocket and a second sprocket. In some embodiments the rod spaces a first pulley and a second pulley.

In some embodiments the post 410 extends perpendicular to the base 406. In some embodiments the base 406 is weighted to secure the horse jump assembly 400. In some embodiments the post 410 is fixed to the base 406 at a first end 424. In some embodiments a stabilizing rod (e.g., a stabilizing rod 506 of FIG. 5B) is substantially parallel to the screw 404, while in some embodiments the stabilizing rod is welded to the base 406. In some embodiments the stabilizing rod is fastened to the base 406 with screws. In some embodiments, a coupler 422 is engaged with the screw 404 and configured to advance along the primary axis of the post 410.

In some embodiments the actuator comprises a system of chain and sprockets wherein a first sprocket is fixed to a first end of the support and a second sprocket is fixed to a second end of the support and a chain couples the first sprocket to the second sprocket. In some embodiments one sprocket is coupled to the motor 408. In some embodiments the motor 408 actuates the sprocket, moving the chain. In some embodiments the chain is coupled to the sleeve 418 to allow the sleeve 418 to actuate up and down with the actuation of the motor 408. In some embodiments the sleeve 418 further comprises a keyhole track 420 configured to receive the cup used to support the cross bar. In some embodiments light sensors are used to confirm the height alignment of sleeves used in a set of horse jump assemblies.

In some embodiments the motor 408 is coupled to a battery pack 412 to provide power to the motor 408. In some embodiments the battery pack 412 may provide power to a battery communications module 424 and allow the horse jump assembly 400 to communicate to the wireless network via an antenna 416. In some embodiments an AC power supply is used to power the horse jump assembly 400. In some embodiments a DC power supply is used to power the horse jump assembly 400. Some embodiments comprise a charging port to charge the battery 412 housed in the horse jump assembly 400.

In some embodiments the power supply is wired. In some embodiments a wireless remote control 414 is configured to set the jump height. In some embodiments the remote control 414 is wired to a wired network to communicate with horse jump assembly 400.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a nut 502 that may be rotatably engaged with the threads on the threaded actuator screw 504. In some embodiments the nut 502 (e.g., a coupler) is configured to move along or advance axially along the screw 504 in a first direction and advance axially along the screw 504 in a second direction, depending on the direction the screw 504 is rotated. The nut 502 may be any length. In some embodiments the nut 502 extends the length of the threaded actuator screw 504.

In horse jumps, the load placed on the nut as it moves axially along the screw can be hundreds of pounds and can threaten to over-torque the screw 504 as it rotates. In some embodiments stabilizing rods 506 brace the screw 504 and protect it from damage that may result either from lifting a heavy load or from contact with a jumping horse, as well as other potential causes of damage. The number of stabilizing rods 506 used to ensure the screw 504 remains aligned may be one, two or more.

In some embodiments the nut 502 comprises a flange 508 extending distally. In some embodiments the nut flange comprises ports or apertures 510 through which a stabilizing rod 506 may pass. In some embodiments flange 508 slides along the stabilizing rod 506. In some embodiments the flange 508 engages the stabilizing rod 506 through passive bearings housing the annular port 510. In some embodiments the flange 508 is fixed to the stabilizing rod 506 so that the stabilizing rod 506 telescopes to accommodate the change in distance from the base to the nut 502. In some embodiments the stabilizing rod 506 comprises a plurality of sections comprising a system of brackets and slides. In some embodiments the post (e.g., the post 410 of FIG. 1) is fixed to the nut 502 and the rail is configured to telescope axially with the screw 504. Adding a plurality of stabilizing rods 506 allows the nut 502 to be isolated without losing structural strength, as shown in FIG. 5B. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 a circular nut 602 is utilized in a square sleeve 606 as the nut 602 is stabilized by stabilizing rods 604.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative horse jump assembly 700, according to one or more embodiments. In some embodiments the nut is an extended nut 702 forming a cap that covers the screw 704. In some embodiments the extended nut 702 is internally threaded and configured to engage the thread screw 704, allowing the extended nut 702 to engage the screw 704 at an interface contact region. In some embodiments the extended nut 702 is limited from extending along the screw beyond a limit. In some embodiments the extended nut 702 is coupled to a sleeve or hood 706. In some embodiments the extended nut 702 comprises a flange to engage the stabilizing rods. In some embodiments a sleeve or hood 706 is coupled to the nut 702 and supported by the nut 702. In some embodiments the sleeve 706 and the nut 702 move in tandem. In some embodiments the sleeve or hood 706 rests on top of the extended nut 702. In some embodiments, vertical movement of the sleeve 706 due to coupling with the extended nut 702 allows for adjustment of the height of the horse jump assembly 700 without disrupting decorations or other materials for maintaining a façade of the horse jump assembly 700.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative horse jump assembly 800, according to one or more embodiments. In some embodiments the nut comprises cross-sectional profile of a polygon. In some embodiments the polygon may have a plurality of sides, including between three sides and 12 sides, and preferably between four and six sides. In some embodiments the post 802 may provide a guide channel 804 along which the nut may travel. In some embodiments the stabilizing channels may provide additional alignment security. In some embodiments the stabilizing channels may provide alternative stabilizing security. In some embodiments the cross-sectional shape of the nut is configured to fit the complimentary cross-sectional profile of the post 802. In some embodiments a sleeve 806 is fixed to the nut.

In some embodiments the horse jump comprises a guide 804 extending coaxially to the support from the base 808 coaxial with the rail through the sleeve 806 wherein the support member is configured to maintain the alignment of the sleeve 806 with the actuator through actuation. In some embodiments the guide 804 is a polygon. In some embodiments the guide 804 is the sleeve 806. In some embodiments the guide 804 circumscribes the perimeter of the sleeve 806 so that the sleeve 806 rises from within the guide 804.

In some embodiments the horse jump assembly comprises a façade. In some embodiments the façade is a frame formed around the support. In some embodiments the façade comprises an aesthetic, such as a faux rock wall, faux brick wall, faux wood fence and the like. In some embodiments the façade is formed using rotational mold techniques. In some embodiments the façade comprises advertising or messaging. In some embodiments the façade comprises a digital display with rolling advertisements and information about a competition, a rider, a horse, a score and the like. In some embodiments the façade comprises lighting to create an ambient effect or to improve the safety of the jump for a horse and rider.

Some jumps incorporate cameras which can provide feedback during training based on the techniques used by the horse and rider. In some embodiments this feedback is provided by a wireless or wired communications link.

In some embodiments, such as is shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the horse jump assembly 900 comprises a post 902 that is rotatably fixed to a base 904. In some embodiments the post 902 is rotatably fixed to the base 904 by any suitable means, such as by a spring, a hinge, a socket, or another suitable mechanism. In some embodiments the horse jump assembly 900 is biased toward an upright position 906, such as by a spring, a counterweight, a motor, or by another means, as shown in FIG. 9A. In some embodiments, the horse jump assembly 900 may be pushed into a tipped position 908 (such as by contact with a horse, thereby allowing the horse jump assembly 900 to move instead of tripping the horse), as shown in FIG. 9B. In some embodiments, the horse jump assembly 900 is configured to automatically to return to an upright position 906 after it is moved to a tipped position 908.

Some embodiments comprise a retrieval catch. In some embodiments the retrieval comprises a catch member configured to extend from a side of the horse jump assembly 900. In some embodiments the retrieval catch comprises a counterweight. In some embodiments the retrieval catch comprises a spring. In some embodiments the retrieval catch comprises a bias in the material. In some embodiments the retrieval catch comprises a second motor. In some embodiments, the retrieval catch can be used to return the horse jump assembly 900 to an upright position 906 after the horse jump assembly 900 is moved to a tipped position 908. In some embodiments, the horse jump assembly 900 is configured to remain in a tipped position 908 until a user resets the horse jump assembly 900 or until a user signals to the horse jump assembly 900 to return to the upright position 906.

In some embodiments in which a post 902 is rotatably attached to a base 904, the post 902 comprises any of the elements of other embodiments of the horse jump assembly 900. For example, the horse jump assembly 900 may comprise a motor, a screw, a stabilizer rod, a nut, and any other elements. In some embodiments, all such additional elements are configured to move into the tipped position 908 along with the rod. In some embodiments, the motor is still operable when the horse jump assembly 900 is in the tipped position 908, allowing the height of the horse jump assembly 900 to be adjusted even when the horse jump assembly 900 is not in the upright position 906.

In some embodiments, the horse jump assembly 900 comprises a second motor configured to move the horse jump assembly 900 from a tipped position 908 to an upright position 906. In some embodiments, the second motor is attached to the base 904 and to the post 902. In some embodiments, the second motor is configured to connect to a network. In some embodiments, the second motor is configured to receive a signal. In some embodiments, the second motor is connected to the same systems that the motor is connected to. In some embodiments, the second motor (and the tipped/upright state of the horse jump assembly 900) can be programmed along with the jump height.

In some embodiments, the height of the horse jump assembly 900 is configured to be adjusted by adjusting an angle at which the posts 902 of the horse jump assembly 900 are rotated relative to the base 904.

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate a method 1000 of implementing a horse jump assembly. By way of example, method 1000 comprises a method for setting the height of a plurality of horse jumps. At operation 1002, method 1000 comprises connecting a plurality of horse jumps to a processor. In some embodiments the horse jump comprises a base, as shown at operation 1004. In some embodiments, at operation 1006, each horse jump comprises a motor connected to the base. In some embodiments, at operation 1008 each horse jump comprises an actuator (e.g., a threaded screw) extending orthogonally from the base. In some embodiments of each horse jump the threaded screw is in mechanical communication with the motor so the motor can rotate the screw in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In some embodiments, at operation 1010, the horse jumps each comprise a nut circumscribing the screw and configured to actuate axially along the primary axis of the screw wherein the nut supports a cross-bar. At operation 1012, the method 1000 comprises sending instructions from a terminal to the processor to set each horse jump to a pre-determined height. At operation 1014, the method 1000 comprises actuating the nut to the instructed height.

Some embodiments of the method 1000 comprise, as shown in operation 1016, connecting the terminal and the processor to a wireless network wherein the instructions are sent wirelessly from the terminal to the processor. In some embodiments the terminal comprises a cellular or mobile device. In some embodiments the terminal comprises a computer.

In some embodiments, the method 1000 further includes, as shown in operation 1018 of FIG. 10B, scanning a badge worn wherein the badge comprises the instructions. In some embodiments, the terminal comprises a scanner capable of reading the instructions from the badge. In some embodiments, the badge is a card with a magnetic strip, and the scanner reads the magnetic strip. In some embodiments, the badge has a chip that can be inserted into the scanner.

In some embodiments, the badge has a bar code, a QR code, or another type of code that can be read via an optical scanner. In some embodiments, the badge is a cell phone or mobile device. In some embodiments, the instructions on the badge can be modified. It may be useful for different users to have different badges, each badge including different instructions for the plurality of horse jumps. The height of the plurality of horse jumps may be automatically adjusted to the height prescribed by the instructions for each badge.

In some embodiments, the instructions are pre-programmed, such that a user can send the instructions from the terminal to the processor (thereby adjusting the height of one or more horse jumps) simply by pressing a button, flipping a switch, clicking a device on a user interface or touch screen, or otherwise selecting a pre-programmed setting. In some embodiments, the instructions can be set manually, such as by inputting a desired height for one or more horse jumps, and then sending the instructions from the terminal to the processor.

In some embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises executing a sequence, wherein the terminal sends the processor a second set of instructions after sending the processor the instructions. In some embodiments, the second set of instructions sets each horse jump to a second height (which can be the same as the predetermined height set by the initial instructions for any given jump), thereby changing the course from a first configuration to a second configuration. In some embodiments, the terminal sends the processor the second set of instructions after a specified time period. In some embodiments, the terminal sends the processor the second set of instructions after a user indicates to change the course from the first configuration to the second configuration (e.g., by scanning a badge, pressing a button, flipping a switch, clicking an icon on a user interface or a touch screen, or otherwise indicating for the course to change). In some embodiments, the executing the sequence can include sending a third set of instructions, a fourth set of instructions, or any number of additional sets of instructions. In this manner, the course can be custom programmed for a variety of uses, such as for use by different horses and riders, different types of practices, warm-up runs, and competition events.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Horse Jump and Methods of Use

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Provisional Applications (1)