U.S. patent application number 13/602005 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-04 for system and method for holding running shoes and other triathlon equipment for optimal transition speed during a triathlon.
This patent application is currently assigned to Triathalon Scientific, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Alexander Arrow. Invention is credited to Alexander Arrow.
Application Number | 20130082016 13/602005 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47991615 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130082016 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Arrow; Alexander |
April 4, 2013 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HOLDING RUNNING SHOES AND OTHER TRIATHLON
EQUIPMENT FOR OPTIMAL TRANSITION SPEED DURING A TRIATHLON
Abstract
One embodiment is directed to a system for improving triathlon
transition area efficiency, comprising a main stand member
comprising a base portion and a top portion, the base portion being
configured to be supported by a ground surface; and a first shoe
coupler fixedly coupled to the top portion of the main stand member
and configured to removably couple a first shoe to the main stand
member in a manner wherein a pose is established for the first shoe
such that a foot of a standing athlete may be urged into the first
shoe without the use of one or more hands of the athlete to
stabilize the shoe.
Inventors: |
Arrow; Alexander; (Menlo
Park, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Arrow; Alexander |
Menlo Park |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Triathalon Scientific, Inc.
Redwood City
CA
|
Family ID: |
47991615 |
Appl. No.: |
13/602005 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61529690 |
Aug 31, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/85.1 ;
211/37; 211/85.3; 211/85.7; 248/121; 248/156; 248/158; 248/469;
248/474; 248/545 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 25/80 20130101;
A63B 2225/12 20130101; A63B 2225/68 20130101; A63B 69/0028
20130101; A47G 25/0671 20130101; A63B 47/00 20130101; A63B 71/0036
20130101; A63B 69/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/85.1 ;
248/158; 248/156; 248/545; 248/121; 211/37; 211/85.7; 248/469;
248/474; 211/85.3 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A system for improving triathlon transition area efficiency,
comprising: a. a main stand member comprising a base portion and a
top portion, the base portion being configured to be supported by a
ground surface; and b. a first shoe coupler fixedly coupled to the
top portion of the main stand member and configured to removably
couple a first shoe to the main stand member in a manner wherein a
pose is established for the first shoe such that a foot of a
standing athlete may be urged into the first shoe without the use
of one or more hands of the athlete to stabilize the shoe.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises a
substantially straight elongate member.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the base portion is oriented
substantially perpendicularly relative to the ground surface.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises an
above-ground stand.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the above-ground stand comprises
three or more legs.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises a
ground-coupling feature configured to temporarily couple one end of
the base portion to a ground portion below the ground surface.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the ground-coupling feature
comprises a sharpened end of the base portion configured to be
forcibly driven into the ground portion below the ground
surface.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the ground-coupling feature
comprises a substantially helical end fitting configured to be
augered into the ground portion below the ground surface.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first shoe coupler comprises
a two-sided clip biased to removably grasp a tongue of the
shoe.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the two-sided clip is configured
to grasp the tongue to retain the pose of the first shoe until the
foot of the standing athlete is urged into the shoe, thereby
placing a separating force on the first shoe which causes the
tongue to become uncoupled from the clip.
11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second shoe coupler
fixedly coupled to the top portion of the main stand member and
configured to removably couple a second shoe to the main stand
member in a manner wherein a pose is established for the second
shoe such that a foot of a standing athlete may be urged into the
second shoe without the use of one or more hands of the athlete to
stabilize the second shoe.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first shoe coupler
comprises a two-sided clip biased to removably grasp a tongue of
the shoe.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the two-sided clip is
configured to grasp the tongue to retain the pose of the first shoe
until the foot of the standing athlete is urged into the shoe,
thereby placing a separating force on the first shoe which causes
the tongue to become uncoupled from the clip.
14. The system of claim 11, further comprising a shoe alignment
member removably coupling the first shoe to the second shoe to
maintain spatial alignment of the shoes relative to each other.
15. The system of claim 1, further comprising a first shoe heel
coupler member removably coupled between a heel of the first shoe
and the main stand member to further stabilize and maintain the
pose of the first shoe.
16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a second shoe heel
coupler member removably coupled between a heel of the second shoe
and the main stand member to further stabilize and maintain the
pose of the second shoe.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the top portion comprises a
substantially straight elongate member.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the top portion comprises a bike
rack coupler fitting configured to be removably coupled to a nearby
bicycle rack for additional stability of the main stand member in
the triathlon transition area.
19. The system of claim 1, further comprising an accessory hook
member coupled to the main stand member and configured to hold one
or more triathlon accessory items.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the one or more triathlon
accessory items are selected from the group consisting of: a pair
of goggles, a pair of sunglasses, a visor, a running hat, and a
bicycle helmet.
21. The system of claim 1, further comprising an accessory shelf
coupled to the main stand member and configured to hold one or more
triathlon accessory items.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the one or more triathlon
accessory items are selected from the group consisting of: a pair
of goggles, a pair of sunglasses, a visor, a running hat, and a
bicycle helmet.
23. The system of claim 1, further comprising a mirror coupled to
the main stand member.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein the mirror is movably coupled
to the main stand member with one or more adjustable structures
such that the mirror may be posed in a particular orientation by
the athlete.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the one or more adjustable
structures are selected from the group consisting of: a single
joint; a multi-joint construct; and a bendable member.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to sports equipment
racking systems, and specifically to technologies for athletes
competing in events such as triathlon, wherein efficient equipment
change and access to various accessories and components may be
important to the athlete's overall time or result.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Athletes competing in triathlons will often win first,
second, or third place in the event by beating their opponents to
the finish line by just a few seconds. Over the course of a 2-hour
Olympic-distance triathlon, an average of two to three minutes of
the athlete's time is spent "in transition." Transition time in a
triathlon is defined as time spent by the athlete doing activities
other than swimming, bicycling, or running, such as taking off a
wet suit, putting on a bicycle helmet, putting on running shoes,
donning sunglasses, or attaching a racing number around one's
waist.
[0003] Since the swimming, biking, and running speeds of
competitive triathletes are often quite similar, spending 10 or 20
seconds less time in transition may very well make the difference
between winning a race and taking second place, or between third
place and fourth place, etc. Therefore, triathletes put great
effort into being efficient while in transition. For example, they
typically attempt to physically arrange their racing equipment
(running shoes, bicycle helmet, etc.) before the start of the race
within the confines of their allotted space in the transition area
(FIGS. 1-2B; elements 2,4,6) so that each item will be convenient
to find and grab during the race. They may buy portable mats that
they think will help them arrange their shoes and other items
efficiently (FIGS. 3A-B; elements 8,10), and companies advertise
these "Triathlon Transition Mats" to them with slogans like "Every
Second Counts" in print advertisements (11), as shown in FIG. 4.
They buy time-saving devices, such as elastic cinchable shoelace
holding systems (FIGS. 5A-B; elements 12, 14) and shoelace
substitutes (FIG. 5C; element 16) to allow them to skip the
10-second process of tying their shoes. Such athletes typically
look for any possible technique to minimize the time they spend in
transition, such as clipping their bicycle shoes to their bicycle
pedals before the race begins and suspending their bicycle shoes to
the sides of their bicycle with small rubber bands (FIG. 6; element
18) or even specially-designed clips with spring-loaded elastic
reels (FIG. 7; element 20), to allow them to skip the approximately
10-20 second process of putting their bicycle shoes on during the
first of their two visits through the transition area during a race
(known as "T1", wherein a triathlete switches from swimming to
cycling).
[0004] During the second of their two visits through the transition
area during a race (known as "T2", wherein a triathlete switches
from cycling to running), immediately after letting go of their
bicycle (FIG. 8A; element 22), triathletes typically spend 10-30
seconds bending down to grab their running shoes (FIG. 8B; element
24) and using their hands to hold their shoes while they hurriedly,
sometimes franticly, push their feet into them while the clock
ticks and spectators watch (FIG. 8C).
[0005] When two competing athletes enter "T2" at approximately the
same time (FIG. 9), it becomes obvious to the athletes (26, 28),
the referees (30), and any onlookers (32) that the athlete who
spends less time bent over donning his/her shoes will be able to
begin the run segment of the triathlon sooner and therefore have a
significant advantage toward winning the race.
[0006] Referring to FIG. 9, Athletes A and B (elements 26 and 28
respectively) have entered the transition area for T2 at
approximately the same time. Each athlete rushes to his designated
spot in the transition area, bends over in a hunched-back fashion
(26, 28), and hurriedly dons his running shoes. Athlete A is about
10 seconds faster in donning his shoes than Athlete B is. Referring
to FIG. 10, Athlete B (34) is still hunched over working his shoes
onto his feet while Athlete A (36) sprints out of the transition
area, gaining a significant lead. Referring to FIG. 11, Athlete B
(38) then begins his run, but must now make up the 10 seconds he
lost in order to have any chance of catching up to Athlete A. The
extra time that Athlete B spend bent over working his shoes onto
his feet may very well cost him the race.
[0007] While there are conventional shoe racks or shoe storage
structures, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 12A-D (elements 13,
15, 17, and 19), and conventional devices for racking or storing
other athletic equipment, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 13A-D
(elements 21, 23, 25, and 27), none are currently adapted to be
used in triathlon transition areas and in particular are not able
to hold or suspend running shoes in such a way that a rushed
athlete can don them without using his/her hands.
[0008] There is a need for a device that holds a pair of running
shoes in such a position that a rushed triathlete can don them
without using his or her hands, and without bending down, thereby
saving valuable seconds during a race.
SUMMARY
[0009] One embodiment is directed to a system for improving
triathlon transition area efficiency, comprising: a main stand
member comprising a base portion and a top portion, the base
portion being configured to be supported by a ground surface; and a
first shoe coupler fixedly coupled to the top portion of the main
stand member and configured to removably couple a first shoe to the
main stand member in a manner wherein a pose is established for the
first shoe such that a foot of a standing athlete may be urged into
the first shoe without the use of one or more hands of the athlete
to stabilize the shoe. The base portion may comprise a
substantially straight elongate member. The base portion may be
oriented substantially perpendicularly relative to the ground
surface. The base portion may comprise an above-ground stand. The
above-ground stand may comprise three or more legs. The base
portion may comprise a ground-coupling feature configured to
temporarily couple one end of the base portion to a ground portion
below the ground surface. The ground-coupling feature may comprise
a sharpened end of the base portion configured to be forcibly
driven into the ground portion below the ground surface. The
ground-coupling feature may comprise a substantially helical end
fitting configured to be augered into the ground portion below the
ground surface. The first shoe coupler may comprise a two-sided
clip biased to removably grasp a tongue of the shoe. The two-sided
clip may be configured to grasp the tongue to retain the pose of
the first shoe until the foot of the standing athlete is urged into
the shoe, thereby placing a separating force on the first shoe
which causes the tongue to become uncoupled from the clip. The
system further may comprise a second shoe coupler fixedly coupled
to the top portion of the main stand member and configured to
removably couple a second shoe to the main stand member in a manner
wherein a pose is established for the second shoe such that a foot
of a standing athlete may be urged into the second shoe without the
use of one or more hands of the athlete to stabilize the second
shoe. The first shoe coupler may comprise a two-sided clip biased
to removably grasp a tongue of the shoe. The two-sided clip may be
configured to grasp the tongue to retain the pose of the first shoe
until the foot of the standing athlete is urged into the shoe,
thereby placing a separating force on the first shoe which causes
the tongue to become uncoupled from the clip. The system further
may comprise a shoe alignment member removably coupling the first
shoe to the second shoe to maintain spatial alignment of the shoes
relative to each other. The system further may comprise a first
shoe heel coupler member removably coupled between a heel of the
first shoe and the main stand member to further stabilize and
maintain the pose of the first shoe. The system further may
comprise a second shoe heel coupler member removably coupled
between a heel of the second shoe and the main stand member to
further stabilize and maintain the pose of the second shoe. The top
portion may comprise a substantially straight elongate member. The
top portion may comprise a bike rack coupler fitting configured to
be removably coupled to a nearby bicycle rack for additional
stability of the main stand member in the triathlon transition
area. The system further may comprise an accessory hook member
coupled to the main stand member and configured to hold one or more
triathlon accessory items. The one or more triathlon accessory
items may be selected from the group consisting of: a pair of
goggles, a pair of sunglasses, a visor, a running hat, and a
bicycle helmet. The system further may comprise an accessory shelf
coupled to the main stand member and configured to hold one or more
triathlon accessory items. The one or more triathlon accessory
items may be selected from the group consisting of: a pair of
goggles, a pair of sunglasses, a visor, a running hat, and a
bicycle helmet. The system further may comprise a mirror coupled to
the main stand member. The mirror may be movably coupled to the
main stand member with one or more adjustable structures such that
the mirror may be posed in a particular orientation by the athlete.
The one or more adjustable structures may be selected from the
group consisting of: a single joint; a multi-joint construct; and a
bendable member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B illustrate examples of triathlon
transition areas in which triathletes have taken time and effort to
arrange their running shoes and other racing items in an organized
fashion in hopes that it will lead to fewer seconds expended "in
transition" (between swimming and cycling and between cycling and
running).
[0011] FIGS. 3A-B illustrate specialized triathlon transition mats
intended to help triathletes organize the items in their transition
area.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates an advertisement for a triathlon
transition mat featuring the slogan that best embodies the goals of
triathletes with regard to organizing their transition areas:
"Every Second Counts."
[0013] FIGS. 5A-C illustrate commonly-used shoelace aids and
shoelace substitutes that eliminate the need to tie one's shoelaces
during a triathlon.
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates the practice, common among serious
triathletes, of using thin rubber bands to attach the backs of
biking shoes to a bicycle, for the purpose of saving a few seconds
in transition by avoiding the process of struggling to put on one's
bike shoes before beginning to ride the bike.
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates Tri-Clips.RTM. devices for aiding
triathletes in suspending their bicycle shoes from the frame of
their bicycles in fashion similar to the use of rubber bands shown
in FIG. 6, again for the purpose of saving a few seconds in
transition during a race.
[0016] FIGS. 8A-C illustrate a triathlete entering a transition
area after finishing the bicycle portion of the race, first racking
and letting go of his bicycle (8A), then bending over and hurriedly
or even franticly using his hands to hold his shoes while pushing
his feet into his shoes (8B) while the clock ticks and spectators
watch (8C).
[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates a situation in which two triathletes
enter the transition area at the same time, racing each other to
don their running shoes because each hopes to gain a few seconds
head start over the other.
[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates the same transition area shown in FIG.
9, but 10 seconds later. One triathlete has apparently managed to
don his running shoes faster than the other one has and is
therefore gaining a head start on the run portion of the race.
[0019] FIG. 11 illustrates the same transition area shown in FIGS.
9 and 10, but another 10 seconds later. In this Figure, the second
triathlete has finally finished putting on his running shoes, and
must clearly work extra hard to attempt to catch up with the first
runner.
[0020] FIGS. 12A-D illustrate various commercially-available shoe
racks.
[0021] FIGS. 13A-D illustrate various athletic equipment holding
racks.
[0022] FIGS. 14A-D illustrate one embodiment of the present
invention, featuring an apparatus for suspending a pair of running
shoes in the air in a specific position and orientation (or "pose")
optimized for hands-free shoe-donning by a hurried triathlete who
has just completed the bicycle segment of a triathlon and is ready
to begin the running segment.
[0023] FIG. 15 illustrates the approach that a triathlete's
outstretched and pointed foot will take during the T2 portion of a
triathlon as it enters a running shoe that has been removably
coupled to one embodiment the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 16 illustrates the position of a triathlete's foot and
running shoe shortly after the foot has entered the shoe. The
downward momentum of the foot, and the triathlete's body weight,
free the shoe from both the quick-release clip and the
shoehorn-like member.
[0025] FIG. 17 illustrates the position of a triathlete's foot and
running shoe another split-second later as they hit the ground
using one embodiment of the present invention, with foot-in-shoe
and ready to run.
[0026] FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention in which the tripod-like base of the previously-depicted
embodiments is replaced with a sharp metal spike configuration
suitable for piercing the ground surface of a grassy-field
triathlon transition area and coupling to the material below to
hold the inventive structure in place relative to the ground
surface.
[0027] FIG. 19 illustrates a typical grassy-field triathlon
transition area.
[0028] FIG. 20 illustrates a typical parking-lock asphalt triathlon
transition area.
[0029] FIG. 21 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention featuring a top portion comprising a bendable arm
terminating in a bike rack coupling member or fitting, such as a
clamp with adjustable screw sized to be attached to a horizontal
beam of triathlon transition area bicycle rack.
[0030] FIG. 22 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention in which the top of the inventive structure features the
same configuration as illustrated in FIG. 21, and also features a
side hook or hanging member for hanging other items of triathlon
racing gear.
[0031] FIGS. 23A-B illustrate another embodiment of the present
invention with the same features as the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 22, but also with bicycle helmet holding features, making it
useful for the "T1" portion of a triathlon in addition to "T2."
[0032] FIG. 24 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention with features similar to the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 22, but also with a combination or key lock incorporated into
the bike rack coupling clamp configuration.
[0033] FIG. 25 illustrates one embodiment of a configuration for
utilizing a triathlon transition area efficiency structure such as
those described herein.
[0034] FIG. 26 illustrates one embodiment of a configuration for
utilizing a triathlon transition area efficiency structure such as
those described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] In accordance with the present invention, a pair of athletic
running shoes may be held suspended in air with an easy-release
clip holding up each shoe's tongue and a shoehorn-like member
making it possible for a rushed athlete to don the shoes without
using his/her hands. For descriptive purposes, the overall assembly
or structure may be referred to as a "transition area efficiency
structure", "efficiency structure", or "Caddy".
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 14A-D, in one embodiment, an efficiency
structure (200) comprises a main stand member (202) which may
comprise a base portion (204) and a top portion (218). The base
portion may comprise a substantially straight elongate member (206)
as shown, as well as a supporting structure, such as an
above-ground stand comprising three or more legs (208). The stand
may be configured to orient the substantially straight elongate
member (206) in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative
to the adjacent ground surface or other surface. The top portion
(218) may be coupled to the base portion and may also comprise a
substantially straight elongate member (236), which may be
adjustably oriented relative to the base portion (204) using an
adjustable and lockable joint assembly (244), which may comprise a
movable joint clamping member. One or more accessory shelves (210,
212) may be coupled to the top portion (218) to facilitate fast
access to accessory items which may be stored thereon, such as a
pair of goggles (276), a pair of sunglasses (214), a visor (216), a
running hat, a towel, and/or a bicycle helmet (282). The shelves
(210, 212) may be movably and/or removably coupled to the top
portion (218) using movable joints or clamps to improve the
customized fit and accessibility of the overall efficiency
structure (200) for the athlete. A crossmember (238) is shown
coupled to the main stand member (202) with tension members (240,
242) coupled thereto. The ends of the tension members may be
coupled to first and second shoe couplers (224, 226), which may
comprise two-sided clips that are biased to removably grasp a
structure interposed between the two sides, such as the tongue of a
shoe. Referring to FIG. 14A, a tongue (232) of a first shoe (220)
is shown grasped within the first shoe coupler (224) while a tongue
(234) of a second shoe (222) is shown grasped within the second
shoe coupler (226). The coupling configuration of the shoe couplers
(224, 226) and tongues (232, 234) alone may retain the shoes (220,
222) in the depicted positions and orientations, or "poses",
depending upon the centers of gravity of the shoes (220, 222) and
the positions of the tongues (232, 234). To maintain a pose as
depicted for each shoe, wherein each shoe is pointed slightly
gravity upward, and wherein the shoes (220, 222) are aligned
approximately in parallel with each other, other structures may be
utilized to support the shoes. Such a pose is desired for its
ability to allow the athlete to place his feet, toes first, into
the shoes in a hands-free manner, as described further below.
Referring again to FIG. 14A, the depicted embodiment also comprises
a shoe alignment member (246) removably coupled between the shoes
(in this embodiment, between the heels of the shoes) to maintain
relative alignment of the shoes (220, 224). The alignment member
(246) may comprise a simple structural rod, cable, or other member
configured to be removably coupled to the shoes and to apply a very
slight aligning load to bias the shoes back into alignment should
they start to become unaligned as they are suspended by the
efficiency structure (200). The alignment member (246) may be
supported by a support structure (248) such as a simple stand,
which may comprise a base (250) configured to be suitable for the
ground conditions (here a simple rectangular or square base
configured to rest upon a substantially planar ground surface). The
alignment member (246) may be coupled to the shoes (220, 222) by
small shoe heel couplers (252, 253), which may resemble shoe-horn
structures that are lightly inserted into the heels of the shoes
(220, 222), and which may be easily pulled out as an athlete pushes
his feet into the shoes, as described in further detail below.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 14B, a side view of an efficiency
structure (200) similar to that of FIG. 14A is shown in side view.
Referring to FIGS. 14C and 14D, close up views illustrate the shoes
(220, 222) removably coupled to and suspended by the efficiency
structure (200).
[0038] Referring to FIG. 15, an athlete's foot (258) is shown being
inserted (286) into a suspected shoe (220) that has been positioned
and oriented in a pose selected to facilitate fast insertion of the
foot (258) from a standing position (i.e., with the athlete
standing in the transition area rapidly trying to get changed and
continue with the running portion of the triathlon)--with the toe
of the shoe (220) oriented slightly gravity up from the heel (256)
of the shoe (220). The embodiment of FIG. 15 varies from that of
FIGS. 14A-D in that a shoe heel coupler (252) is coupled via a
support member (254) directly to the main stand member (202) (in
the embodiment of FIGS. 14A-D, the shoe heel coupler (252) is
coupled to the shoe alignment member 246 which is coupled to the
associated stand 248, 250). FIG. 16 illustrates that with further
downward movement (260) of the foot (258) of the athlete, the shoe
coupler (224) becomes released from the tongue of the shoe, and the
shoe heel coupler (252) becomes released from the heel of the shoe,
allowing the athlete to continue the downward movement until his
foot/shoe assembly hits the ground surface, as shown in FIG. 17,
without intervention from the hands of the athlete. In other words,
a time-saving hands-free shoe installation is facilitated by the
efficiency structure (200).
[0039] Referring to FIG. 18, another embodiment is depicted wherein
a softer ground surface, such as one comprising unimproved dirt,
soft landscaping, and/or lawn, allows for coupling of the main
stand member (202) directly through the ground surface (264) to the
ground below, or an associated volume thereof. The embodiment of
FIG. 18 features a sharpened tip (266) structure comprising the
proximal end of the base portion of the main stand member (202)
which may be forcibly urged into, or hammered into, the ground to
support the efficiency structure. In another embodiment, a helical
fitting may be coupled to the proximal end of the base portion of
the main stand member (202), allowing for a helical, "augered in",
or "screwed in" type of coupling between the ground (262) and the
efficiency structure (200). Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, a
triathlon transition area (270) typically is crowded, and typically
comprises a horizontal bike rack member (268) to which bicycles
and/or other structures may be coupled. The embodiments illustrated
in FIGS. 21-22, 23A and 24 feature a releasable clamp (280)
configured to allow an athlete to temporarily couple the top
portion (218) of his main stand member (202) to a nearby bike rack
bar (268) to provide extra stability to his efficiency structure
assembly. As shown in FIGS. 21-22, 23A and 24, the releasable clamp
(280) may be coupled to the top portion (218) with a movable,
poseable, and/or flexible structure, such as flex joint structure
(272) comprising a series of poseable joints, to facilitate
customization of the fit between the bike rack bar (268) and the
main stand member (202). Various accessory structures may be
coupled to the efficiency structure in various locations to improve
the efficient interaction of the athlete with his or her efficiency
structure. For example, the embodiments of FIGS. 22, 23A and 24
feature an accessory hook coupled to the clamp (280) to facilitate
hanging of an accessory such as a pair of goggles (276), a pair of
sunglasses (214), a visor (216), a running hat, a towel (278),
and/or a bicycle helmet (282). The embodiment of FIG. 23A features
a cradle structure (284) which may be utilized to hold a bicycle
helmet (element 282 of FIG. 23B, for example) in a convenient
position and orientation for quick access and mounting onto the
athlete's head.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, various configurations are
illustrated in flowchart form.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 25, in one embodiment, a device is
provided that extends vertically from a tri-pod base and suspends a
pair of spring-loaded quick-release clips that can accommodate the
tongues of running shoes, and also suspends solid hanging members
shaped like outstretched shoe horns (114). On race day, the
triathlete transports folded-up caddy device to the race in his/her
transition backpack (116). Upon arriving in the triathlon
transition area, the triathlete unfolds the tripod base and sets on
the ground, extends the stalk and arms of the device, and then
loads his/her running shoes into the quick-release clips and around
the shoehorn-like members. The triathlete may also associate
accessory items or tools such as sunglasses and/or visor in the
device by coupling such items to the device and/or resting such
items on one or more shelves coupled to the device (118). After
finishing the bicycle portion of the race, the triathlete hurriedly
enters the transition area, lets go of his/her bicycle, and plunges
each foot into the appropriate running shoe without using his/her
hands. The downward force of each foot dislodges each shoe from the
device (120). The triathlete then runs out of the transition area,
able to begin the running portion of the race with a 10-20 second
advantage over those competitors who are not using the present
invention and must therefore bend over and use both hands to
hurriedly stuff their feet into their running shoes (122).
[0042] Referring to FIG. 26, an embodiment similar to that of FIG.
21 is illustrated, with the exception that instead of a tri-pod,
the base of the Caddy system features a ground-coupling feature,
such as a sharp metal stake fitting or helical augering fitting,
suitable for piercing the ground of a grassy field and providing
support to a five-foot tall stalk with branches and hanging shoes.
A system is provided that extends vertically from a ground-coupling
fitting and suspends a pair of spring-loaded quick-release clips
that can accommodate the tongues of running shoes, and also
suspends solid hanging members shaped like outstretched shoe horns
(124). On race day, the triathlete transports folded-up caddy
system to the race in his/her transition backpack (126). Upon
arriving in the triathlon transition area, the triathlete unfolds
the ground-coupling fitting, couples it to the ground, extends the
stalk and arms of the system, and then loads his/her running shoes
into the quick-release clips and around the shoehorn-like members.
The triathlete may also associate accessory items or tools such as
sunglasses and/or visor in the device by coupling such items to the
device and/or resting such items on one or more shelves coupled to
the device (128). After finishing the bicycle portion of the race,
the triathlete hurriedly enters the transition area, lets go of
his/her bicycle, and plunges each foot into the appropriate running
shoe without using his/her hands. The downward force of each foot
dislodges each shoe from the Caddy (130). The triathlete then runs
out of the transition area, able to begin the running portion of
the race with a 10-20 second advantage over those competitors who
are not using the present invention and must therefore bend over
and use both hands to hurriedly stuff their feet into their running
shoes (132).
[0043] Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are described
herein. Reference is made to these examples in a non-limiting
sense. They are provided to illustrate more broadly applicable
aspects of the invention. Various changes may be made to the
invention described and equivalents may be substituted without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s)
or step(s) to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present
invention. Further, as will be appreciated by those with skill in
the art that each of the individual variations described and
illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may
be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of
the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or
spirit of the present inventions. All such modifications are
intended to be within the scope of claims associated with this
disclosure.
[0044] The invention includes methods that may be performed using
the subject systems and devices. The methods may comprise the act
of providing such a suitable device. Such provision may be
performed by the end user. In other words, the "providing" act
merely requires the end user obtain, access, approach, position,
set-up, activate, power-up or otherwise act to provide the
requisite device in the subject method. Methods recited herein may
be carried out in any order of the recited events which is
logically possible, as well as in the recited order of events.
[0045] In addition, though the invention has been described in
reference to several examples optionally incorporating various
features, the invention is not to be limited to that which is
described or indicated as contemplated with respect to each
variation of the invention. Various changes may be made to the
invention described and equivalents (whether recited herein or not
included for the sake of some brevity) may be substituted without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In
addition, where a range of values is provided, it is understood
that every intervening value, between the upper and lower limit of
that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated
range, is encompassed within the invention.
[0046] Also, it is contemplated that any optional feature of the
inventive variations described may be set forth and claimed
independently, or in combination with any one or more of the
features described herein. Reference to a singular item, includes
the possibility that there are plural of the same items present.
More specifically, as used herein and in claims associated hereto,
the singular forms "a," "an," "said," and "the" include plural
referents unless the specifically stated otherwise. In other words,
use of the articles allow for "at least one" of the subject item in
the description above as well as claims associated with this
disclosure. It is further noted that such claims may be drafted to
exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended
to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology
as "solely," "only" and the like in connection with the recitation
of claim elements, or use of a "negative" limitation.
[0047] Without the use of such exclusive terminology, the term
"comprising" in claims associated with this disclosure shall allow
for the inclusion of any additional element--irrespective of
whether a given number of elements are enumerated in such claims,
or the addition of a feature could be regarded as transforming the
nature of an element set forth in such claims. Except as
specifically defined herein, all technical and scientific terms
used herein are to be given as broad a commonly understood meaning
as possible while maintaining claim validity.
[0048] The breadth of the present invention is not to be limited to
the examples provided and/or the subject specification, but rather
only by the scope of claim language associated with this
disclosure.
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