BLINK OF AN EYE - 2-step Fast Transition Running Shoes

Submitted 4 years ago

We (partner and I) are holders of two patents (U S 9,119,436 B1 - awarded Sept 20, 2015; and U S 9,144, 262 B2 - awarded Sept 29, 2015). As far as we know and as demonstrated by the patents, these are the first patents to teach how to make and use a hands-free, no-bending required, fast entry running shoe. Both patents describe this innovative entry system for inserting feet into running shoes quickly and without using hands.

We seek your advice on a specific issue related to a partnership with our patents.

To facilitate matters, I'll break this communication into a few basic parts - what we have, why such a design matters, what we've done and what we need.

INTRODUCTION: WHAT WE HAVE

Our patented and exclusive designs require no hands nor any bending to enter and secure feet in running shoes. Thus, running shoes with these designs will enable rapid, stress-free 2-step actions for athletes transitioning from one discipline (e.g., the bike) to another (e.g., the run). In addition, the ease of entry into shoes that require no bending or hand manipulation to guide and secure shoes also makes the designs attractive to the very young and those with physical limitations who can't easily tie their shoes.

Raphael Lupo and I are not shoe makers or manufacturers; we harbor no interests whatsoever in pursuing either calling. Ray is a retired lawyer devoted to doubles tennis and much else of a philosophical nature, no doubt including discovering the meaning of life; I'm fully engaged promoting wellbeing and competing in national and world triathlon competitions.

With limited resources and time, we haven't yet created a functional, demonstrative prototype suitable for showcasing the fast entry shoe for multi-sport competitions. Our biggest challenge remains locating a competent craft specialist with the skills, facilities and equipment necessary to meet our patent standards. We need someone skilled in the art and science of shoe design able to transition from our test models and protected designs to running shoes that enable our no hands, no bending 2-step entry system.

In summary, we want a prototype that will involve adaptation of the heel section of a standard shoe in three ways:

1) how the heel is cut so that it may be reclined in an open position, as taught by the patents;

2) how a closing mechanism per instruction found in the patents can be optimally inserted and set so that the heel snaps shut when a foot enters the reclined back heel;

3) how the patent-demonstrated shoe-sealing mechanism closes the heel section to the rest of the shoe, most likely with a velcro-like extension that adheres to a velcro-like stationary surface on the outer side of the shoe).

WHY A FAST TRANSITION SHOE

Triathletes will buy it. There are over 500,000 active participants in this sport.
Including such a shoe will create a buzz in the industry. Nike held a contest in an attempt to create such a shoe.
We are open to negotiating a license and/or purchase agreement.

WHAT WE'VE DONE AND WHAT WE NEED

First, we successfully convinced the United States Patent and Trademark Office through the examination process to grant us two patents on the first hands-free, rapid entry running shoe. Shown below are a few of the conceptual drawings taken from our United States Patents.

Second, we as amateur shoe modifiers created a conceptual prototype from an existing shoe. In doing so, we demonstrated one of our several patented teachings, namely, the drop down heel that enables a no-hands entry as shown in a 32 second video entitled the Blink of an Eye T2. This video depicts a runner stepping into and closing shoes and then commencing a run without touching the shoes with his/her hands, or bending over to secure the shoes. This method diminishes the percentage likelihood of developing leg cramps in the bike-run transition phase of a triathlon, a not uncommon cramp-inducing fate occasioned by bending over to secure shoes after extensive swimming and biking.

Third, our hands-free, fast-entry concepts can be marketed as a line of shoes for those who can't tie their shoes due to physical limitations associated with aging or other medical issues.

Lastly, an early 3D model of another embodiment of the hands-free, fast-entry design is
conceptually shown at this link. Note that this depiction can be manipulated from different angles.

Finally, here is a link to my website www.donardell.com where you can get a sense for the nature of my work and athletic pursuits, as well as athlete profiles in the current editions of Triathlon Today and Endurance Sports and Fitness magazines.

Thanks for considering this. We'll be delighted to hear from you.