Athletic pace signaling system and method

• US 9,266,006 B2
• Filed: 09/17/2014
• Issued: 02/23/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 09/20/2013
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jeffrey A. Herold
• Original Assignee: Jeffrey A. Herold
• Inventors: Herold, Jeffrey A.
• Primary Examiner(s): RICHMAN, GLENN E
• Application Number:
  US14/489,067
• Publication Number:
  US 20150087477A1
• Time in Patent Office: 524 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/13 Relative positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/093 Height
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/74 with powered illuminating means, e.g. lights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0028 for running, jogging or speed-walking movable endless bands A63B22/02
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/12 Arrangements in swimming pools for teaching swimming or for training
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0686 Timers, rhythm indicators or pacing apparatus using electric or electronic means

Abstract

An athletic pace signaling system includes a plurality of light generating modules and a control assembly in communication with the plurality of light generating modules. The control assembly includes a control circuit configured to store a predetermined pace and to cooperatively control the plurality of light generating modules such that each module projects a light associated with a training pace.

Claims

1. An athletic pace signaling system comprising:

a plurality of light generating modules, each light generating module including

a housing,

a support member extending from the housing,

an arm pivotally coupled to the support member and defining a cavity having an opening, and

a light generating source positioned to project a light through the opening; and

a control unit couplable to the plurality of light generating modules, the control unit including

a controller coupled to memory,

a communication interface in communication with the memory, and

a user interface in communication with the controller,

wherein the controller is configured to store a predetermined pace and to cooperatively control the plurality of light generating modules to sequentially generate light representative of the predetermined pace.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the support member is a telescoping support member.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the light generating source is positioned within the arm.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the light generating source is positioned within the housing.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the light generating source is a laser generating source.

6. The system of claim 1, further including an external device for wirelessly communicating with the control unit.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the external device is attached to or integrally formed with one of a swimmer'"'"'s starting block or foot pad.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the external device is attached to or integrally formed with one of a runner'"'"'s starting block or foot pad.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the external device is one of an armband, a wristband, a belt clip, and a shoe.