GB2435113A

GB2435113A - A bicycle timer with pre-start countdown

Info

Publication number: GB2435113A
Application number: GB0602515A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul William Turrell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-02-08
Filing date: 2006-02-08
Publication date: 2007-08-15
Also published as: GB0602515D0

Abstract

A timer for a bicycle incorporates a delay of three seconds between the rider pressing a button to initiate a timing period and the actual start of the timed period. A countdown of each second of the delay period is signalled to the rider by an audible beep and, at zero, the start of the timed period is signalled by a higher pitched tone. Counting up proceeds automatically from zero until stopped by the rider. The recorded time is displayed on a LCD panel and may be stored in a memory for future reference. The pre-start countdown allows the rider, who may be training alone, time to prepare before setting off along a course and the ability to time the run with greater accuracy. The timer attaches ergonomically beside the handlebar grip with its start/stop button within easy reach of the cyclist's thumb. Alternative custom fixings would enable attachment of the timer to other equipment and to be used in other sports, such as sailing, skiing and running.

Description

I

BEEP-BEEP TIMER

This invention relates to the problem faced by cyclists and alike, particularly downhill off road racers who are unable to accurately time themselves for training purposes. Currently the only solution to this problem is with laser based timing equipment used only in major competitions due to the cost and set up involved. An affordable and simple solution is required.

Example:

If a racer wanted to time them selves on a trail, for example, with a start at the top of a hill and a finish line 500m away through thick woodland at the bottom, he has a problem. He would have to start a traditional stopwatch, which won't allow him the time to put the stopwatch away in his pocket before setting off. On crossing the finish line he will stop his bike, remove the stopwatch from his pocket and stop the clock. This is obviously annoying and doesn't give an accurate time for the race, which is essential for training and fine-tuning of skills.

Alternatively a rider can ask a friend to time them again on a traditional stopwatch. They would stand at the start line and call out "go" and try to observe when the finish line is crossed. If the line of sight isn't clear the rider, on crossing the finish line, will need to call out "stop".

For the majority of trails the start cannot be seen or heard from the finish which means it can only work on very short courses and obviously requires the all important third party present and willing.

The invention: The invention is a timer, which overcomes this problem with a unique count down feature and an ergonomic fixing to the handlebar of the bike.

The countdown feature allows the rider to activate the unit with an easy dab of his thumb and have 3 seconds counted out in which to make ready and be poised to go. This is invaluable to such a sportsman.

The unit is held to the handle bar alongside the brake lever next to the grip.

The Start/Stop button of the timer is comfortably within reach of the riders thumb. Pressing a start/stop button activates the timer to sound 3 beeps, at one second intervals, which count the athlete down "3-2-1" to a higher tone beep which signals "Go" on 00:00:00.

The athlete on hearing that signal begins to race and the timer automatically begins counting the minutes, seconds and hundredths of a second, as would a traditional stopwatch from the zero beep. On crossing the finish line the athlete hits the start/stop button again to stop timing. That time is shown on an LCD display. There is a separate reset button to erase the last time showing from the display and make the timer ready for the next run.

The basic functionality and appearance of the timer is deliberate and meant to impress a market that requires specialist equipment, robust in design.

Other more intelligent models will be produced with features such as memory for saving best times under different trail names with coloured LED's as well as the beeps for the count down and a speedometer feature too.

From above the beep beep timer will, in principal, look like the drawing below, although the device has yet to go to a graphic designer where changes to the appearance will undoubtedly come about.

An outer shell made from the most appropriate impact and water resistant material with an LCD display, sunken for protection, showing the time.

The reset button is on left of the unit and requires a good prod.

The start/stop button is the large red button, which will be positioned and shaped to ergonomically compliment the angle of rider's thumb. On depressing the start stop button a telling and satisfying click can be felt along with the beep sounds. A button cell battery powers the timer.

Other users of this invention and its unique count in feature might include road cyclists, motorcyclists and fixings could be adapted for sailors, canoeists.

drivers of speed boats and alike, car drivers, skiers, equestrians and runners' (if hand held).

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A timer for cyclist.

2. A timer as claimed in claim 1 that fixes ergonomically beside the handlebar grip with the timer's controls within easy reach of the cyclist's thumb.

3. A timer as claimed in claim 1 and 2 including a feature that when activated it counts down to zero with audible beeps before counting up thus providing the cyclist with time to make ready for more accurate timing and help with training.

4. A timer as claimed in claim 3 constructed of materials appropriate for its intended use, which are impact resistant, weather proof and light weight.

5. A timer as claimed in any previous claim with memory for storing recorded times for the users reference. II,

6. A timer as claimed in any previous claim with adapted fixings for use on equipment other than bicycles and sports other than cycling.