SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SECURE PERSONAL ITEM STORAGE IN TRIATHLON TRANSITION AREAS

• US 20130047683A1
• Filed: 08/09/2012
• Published: 02/28/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 08/09/2011
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Alexander Arrow
• Original Assignee: Alexander Arrow
• Inventors: Arrow, Alexander
• Application Number:
  US13/571,176
• Publication Number:
  US 20130047683A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 70/63
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 19/0005 Key safes E05B35/086 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 37/00 Permutation or combination locks handles with combination locks E05B13/103; keyhole guards with combination locks E05B17/145; electric permutation locks E05B49/00; Puzzle locks
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 67/00 Padlocks permutation locks E05B37/00; Details thereof
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 73/00 Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices motorcycle helmets A42B3/0413; supporting arrangements specially adapted for fastening helmets B62J11/24; gun racks A47B81/005; showcases with theft protection A47F3/002; anti-theft means for peg-boards, grids or rods for hanging merchandise A47F5/0861; show stands, hangers, shelves with provision against unauthorised removal A47F7/024; for self-service hand-carts A47F10/04; locking skis A63C11/004; locking bolts, nuts or pins F16B41/00
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 73/0005 using chains, cables or the like chain- or cable-locks of the padlock type E05B67/003; lockable clothing hangers or hanger racks E05B69/006
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00896 specially adapted for particular uses
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5031 Receptacle
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5097 Cabinet

Abstract

Embodiments are described for assisting an athlete in securely storing personal items such as keys, a smartphone, a camera, and the like in an outdoor triathlon transition area while he/she competes in the race. The locker is configured to lock the personal items securely with a combination or key, and in one embodiment, the locker may be additionally lockable to a triathlon transition area horizontal bicycle racking bar, and may be poseable from a position/orientation perspective relative to the racking bar. In one embodiment, the locker may be configured to have a watertight enclosure.

Claims

1. A triathlon transition area personal property security apparatus, comprising:

a. a locker housing;

b. a locking door movably coupled to the locker housing and comprising a lock configured to lockably close the locking door against the locker housing; and

c. a rack coupling member configured to removably couple the locker housing to a portion of a bicycle rack structure in a manner that substantially retains an orientation of the locking door relative to the bicycle rack structure.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locker housing comprises a substantially rectangular prismic outer shape profile.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking door is rotatably movably coupled to the locker housing.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the locking door is rotatably movably coupled to the locker housing with a rotatable hinge.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lock comprises a combination lock.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lock comprises a key-operated lock.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lock comprises a biometric input device.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the biometric input device comprises a fingerprint reader.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the biometric input device comprises a voice recording element.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the biometric input device comprises an iris imaging element.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rack coupling member comprises an elongate member with an arcuate portion configured to be positioned around a portion of the bicycle rack.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the elongate member comprises a flexible member.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the flexible member comprises a cable.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the flexible member comprises a plurality of linkage elements movably coupled to one another by movable joints.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the elongate member comprises a distal end configured to loop around the portion of the bicycle rack and recouple to a portion of the housing.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rack coupling member comprises an adjustable mechanical clamp.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rack coupling member comprises a second lock configured to lockably couple the housing to the portion of the bicycle rack.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rack coupling member comprises a second movable joint configured to allow for selective reorientation of the housing relative to the portion of the bicycle rack.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the second movable joint is selectively lockable in a selected orientation.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the second movable joint is selectively lockable in a selected orientation with an intercoupled manual locking engagement element.

21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the rack coupling member further comprises a third movable joint configured to allow for additional selective reorientation of the housing relative to the portion of the bicycle rack.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the third movable joint is selectively lockable in a selected orientation.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the third movable joint is selectively lockable in a selected orientation with an intercoupled manual locking engagement element.

24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the second and third movable joints are intercoupled via a joint coupling member interposed between said movable joints.