Michael Lee Worley

US Patent:

61559571, Dec 5, 2000

Filed:

Nov 5, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/434894

Inventors:

Michael L. Worley - Fletcher NC
Dexter E. Diepholz - Hendersonville NC
Joseph A. Worley - Fletcher NC

International Classification:

A63B 2100

US Classification:

482 8

Abstract:

Disclosed as an apparatus for measuring at least one performance metric of an athlete. The apparatus comprises an elongated tether with a first end and a second end. An attachment means is attached to the first end of the elongated tether wherein the attachment means can be attached to the athlete. A vertical jump by the athlete causes a displacement of the elongated tether proportional to a distance, or height, of the vertical jump. A retractor is attached to the second end of the elongated tether to withdraw the elongated tether after a jump. An encoder determines a magnitude of the displacement of the elongated tether and generates a signal proportional to the magnitude. A conversion device receives the signal from the encoder and converts the signal to the performance metric. An output device reports the performance metric.