TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to starting blocks. In particular, the present disclosure relates to temporary starting blocks. An aspect relates to starting blocks on ice.

BACKGROUND

Speed skating is well known and in recent years, speed skaters have switched from fixed skates to so-called clap-skates with which higher velocities can be reached. However, compared to fixed skates, the starting times achieved with clap-skates are found to be slower. There is a desire for faster starting times. Further, there is a desire for increased stability in the starting position, in particular for short distance races up to about 1500 m.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, a starting block device, a template and a system according to the append claims are

provided herewith.

In an aspect, a starting block for use on a surface, in particular an ice floor is provided. The starting block device comprises a suction cup adapted to releasably and securely engage the surface when evacuated, the suction cup being

configured to be connected to a pump for evacuating the suction cup. The starting block comprises a stop structure fixed to the suction cup adapted to engage a skate, in particular the blade of the skate, standing on the surface, the engagement being in a direction parallel to the surface and along a longitudinal side of the skate, in particular the longitudinal side of the skate blade.

Thus, the skater can push his skate against the

starting block to propel himself away from the starting block with more force than if he would merely push the blade against the surface. The engagement extending parallel to the surface ensures that the skater is in full control over the skate blade and its orientation comparable to a normal skating stroke.

In a particular embodiment, the engagement extends along a substantial part of the longitudinal side,

advantageously the entire length of the longitudinal side. It is noted that wherever the masculine form (he, his, ...) is used, the feminine form (she, her, ...) can be read equally well and should be considered included.

It is noted that in running sprint distances starting blocks are commonly used. Generally, starting blocks are

anchored using spikes driven into the running track surface and/or the tracks and starting blocks are provided with

cooperating connecting anchors for anchoring the starting blocks. Examples are disclosed in DE 1 524 634, US 3,401,931, US 3,724,843, US 4,089,519 and US 4,561,650. Similar constructions with spikes extending into an ice floor and/or ice-mounted connectors are known for (fastening) curling hacks e.g. see CA 2 037 190 and CA 2 122 895. A drawback of such arrangements is that the (track or ice) surface is affected by the anchoring method. On ice the method is particularly insecure, evidenced by the fact even with the gentle forces of playing curling, compared to explosive sprinting starts, ice-mounted hacks tend to break loose producing large holes and shards of ice. Pre- mounted connectors are unsuitable for speed skating since the (dangerous) holes in the ice floor of the connectors may

interfere with grooming (sweeping) of the ice which in turn could clog the hole and render the system defunct. Obviously, under no circumstance could any part of the connector protrude from the ice, restricting the possibilities for ice grooming.

DE 34 03 759, JP 07-034900 U disclose starting blocks for use with smooth floors, however, these starting blocks cannot provide suitable hold on ice. US 2011/0287897 discloses the use of a suction cup for anchoring a starting block to a smooth surface. However, this starting block cannot be used with skates and the required hinged connection between the starting block and the suction cup renders it inherently unstable for use on ice and with skates.

Further the starting block must reliably engage the ice and it must be removable without traces so as not to hinder the skaters and allow grooming of the ice. The suction cup

facilitates such removal. The pump connection facilitates establishing a suitable underpressure in the suction cup by pumping it so that the force of the skater may be withstood.

The stop structure engaging the blade of the skate facilitates defining a reliable force and position since the blade is generally straight whereas skating shoes have

individual sizes and curvatures. The stop structure may comprise a number of discrete stop points adjacent each other, but it is preferred that the stop structure comprises a generally

continuous straight surface so that localised forces on the skate and in particular on the skate blade are prevented.

Moreover, this renders the starting block insensitive to skate- sizes .

It is noted that speed skates tend to have tubes or barrels to which the blade proper is mounted, with the shoe mounted to the tube (via a hinge in the case of a clap skate) . However, within this text the term "skate blade" comprises the assembly of tube or barrel and blade proper unless stated otherwise .

An embodiment comprises a pressure release mechanism operable to reduce the underpressure within the suction cup when engaged on the surface for re-pressurising the suction cup and releasing the suction cup from the surface. This facilitates rapid removal of the starting block. Namely, at present skating speeds the skaters tend to take about 30 seconds to cross the starting positions anew after an initial 400 m lap. In order to operate the starting block in standard 400 m ice rinks that do not have a separate starting lane, the starting blocks must be completely removable within about 20 seconds including movement of the personnel, meaning that the starting blocks itself must be removable within about 10 seconds. With proper dimensioning of the pressure release mechanism, the removal time may be determined by the moving speed of personnel removing the

starting block.

The pressure control mechanism may comprise a controllable valve opening the suction cup to the environment to break the underpressure and let that the pressure inside and outside the suction cup become. In a particular embodiment, the pressure control mechanism may be arrangeable in a first

configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the suction cup and the pump are connected for evacuation of the suction cup and wherein in the second

configuration the suction device is open to the environment and the pump is shut off from the suction device and the

environment. Thus, the pump may be not exposed to the

environment and continue operation.

A particular embodiment comprises a buffer gas volume connected or connectable to the pump and connectable to the vacuum cup, preferably controlled by the pressure release mechanism. The buffer volume may be arranged between the pump and the pressure control mechanism, such that the buffer volume may be connected to the vacuum cup together with the pump and such that the buffer volume may be connected with the pump but closed from the environment when the pump is disconnected from the suction cup. These states may be controlled by the first and second configuration of the pressure control mechanism,

respectively. The buffer volume safeguards the pump against sudden leaks of the suction cup and/or operating the pressure control mechanism between the first and second configurations. Connecting a buffer volume that is evacuated by the pump to the suction cup when that is at relatively high pressure (e.g.

atmospheric pressure) accelerates establishment of an

underpressure in the suction cup which assists pressing the suction cup against the surface and closing possible leaks. This accelerates preparation of the starting block device. It is noted that presently the time between consecutive races

typically is in the order of under a minute, only exceptionally up to a few minutes, and any delay is undesired since may affect athletes' concentration and/or planning of tournaments and the associated market value thereof (e.g. broadcasting rights).

In an embodiment the starting block device comprises a pump connected to the suction cup for evacuating the suction cup. Thus, an integrated device is provided. This facilitates placement and removal of the device. Advantageously, the pump is a powered pump and the device also comprises a power source for operating the pump. Thus, a stand-alone device is provided which may be unconnected to other structures. A stand-alone device with little or no connecting cables etc. reduces or even removes obstacles on the rink and thus increases safety for skaters preparing for a start using the starting block. A powered pump may generally pump down the suction cup than a human-operated pump can, although provision of such latter pump, e.g. a hand pump or foot pump, is conceivable.

The pump may be an electric pump and the power source an electrical power source. This facilitates a compact unit and it reduces or prevents noises and fumes of an internal

combustion engine. The power source may comprise a rechargeable battery, which may be removable so that it can be replaced by a full battery recharged separately.

In an embodiment, the starting block assembly comprises a control system adapted to establish and maintain a pressure below a predetermined value in the suction cup. Thus reliability of the starting block device is increased, as leaking of the suction cup is counteracted. This may be particularly relevant for use of the starting block assembly on an uneven surface such as ice that has been skated on before, e.g. in a previous heat. The control system may be configured to operate a pump connected to the suction cup. The control system may be integrated in the starting block, in particular in a starting block comprising a pump and preferably also a power source. The predetermined pressure may be adjustable.

The control system may comprise a safety system to switch off the pump in predetermined situations, if after a predetermined time a particular pressure in the suction cup has not been reached. In an embodiment, the starting block device comprises a detector and an indicator configured to indicate a pressure in the suction cup. This enables quality control and prevention of false starts due to material dysfunction. One or more indicators may indicate different pressures. In an embodiment, the

indicator may be configured to provide an auditory signal.

Suitable visual indicators comprise a dial indicating the pressure in the suction cup, and/or one or more signal lights e.g. a green light for "OK" if the pressure within the suction cup is below a certain value and/or a red light for "fail" if the pressure is above a certain, typically higher, value, or in case of a malfunction etc. A signal light may be visible from afar providing information to users, officials and/or the public. It is advisable to that in case of signal lights

distinct lighting patterns are provided, e.g. continuous for "OK" and flashing for "fail", to accommodate colour vision impaired persons.

In an embodiment, the stop structure also comprises a portion adapted to engage an end of the skate in a direction parallel to the surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal side of the skate. Thus, energy loss of possible slipping of a skate in length direction along the stop surface due to a force component in the length direction of the skate is prevented.

In an embodiment, the starting block device is formed such that in use and when the suction cup operably engages the surface, an open channel is formed between the stop structure and the surface, the channel extending along and underneath the stop structure for accommodating a part of the blade of the skate in contact with the surface. Thus, the cutting edge of the skate blade may be accommodated in the channel and be protected from contact with foreign substances.

The channel may have a channel height with respect to the surface and a channel depth parallel to the surface and perpendicular to the channel height, wherein the channel height is in a range of 1-5 millimeter and the channel depth is equal to or more than the channel height, wherein preferably the channel depth is more than 1,3 times the channel height. It has been found that a channel height in a range of 1-5 millimeter is provides a suitable and reliable height for accommodating and protecting the cutting edge of the skate blade concerned, and prevents the skate becoming stuck underneath the stop structure. An equal height-to-depth ratio accommodates skate blades

oriented at an angle of about 45 degrees sideways inclination towards the surface. A deeper channel safely accommodates even steeper angles; a factor of 1,3 corresponds to an angle of about 30 degrees inclination, which corresponds to touching the surface with the shoe for most speed skates.

It is noted that the stop structure should be pressed so hard and securely towards the surface that any upward wedging or prying action by a skate extending in the channel underneath the stop structure is counteracted without the position and/or engagement of the starting block assembly being jeopardised.

In an embodiment, the suction cup comprises a rigid body and a deformable seal. This allows the combination of structural robustness of the suction cup due by the elongated rigid body and large deformability of a soft deformable seal. The body may be shaped in various forms and provide a large surface area, amounting to a large engagement pressure when evacuated. The seal may be compliant to small-length-scale surface structure variations to ensure a good leak-tight seal, also on rough surfaces such as ice on which has been skated.

The materials of the rigid body and the deformable seal may be very different. In an embodiment, the rigid body

comprises a polymeric surface. The body may be a first material, e.g. a metal, coated with a material providing the polymeric surface. Possibly the entire body is of a polymeric material. Dense polymeric materials e.g. HMPE (high-modulus polyethylene) tend to be very robust and to have a high resistance against freezing and getting stuck to water ice, so that the suction cup may readily be removed from an ice surface. The seal may

comprise a soft natural or artificial material e.g. an

elastomeric or rubber. In an embodiment, the seal may comprise a foam, in which case at least the outer surface of the seal should be coated and/or be formed as a closed-cell foam to prevent water ingress that may lead to freezing and getting stuck to ice. Such closed and/or coated material is also found not to leave marks on ice after use. To increase deformability and leak tightness the seal may have a bottom side with plural edges e.g. plural skirts or lips or a rib comprising a bottom for contacting the surface with a V-groove in transverse cross section along the seal.

In an embodiment wherein the suction cup comprises a rigid body and a deformable seal, part of the rigid body may form the stop structure. Thus an integrated and robust device may be provided. The rigid body may extend laterally over the seal to define the aforementioned channel accommodating the skating blade edge between the rigid body (top) , the seal (rear) and the surface (bottom) and being open on the side opposite the seal.

The deformation of the seal may be determined by properties of the seal, e.g. its hardness and/or height in uncompressed state. Another option is to provide one or more standoff surfaces in the rigid body such that, upon evacuation of the suction cup against the surface the seal is compressed and the body approaches the surface until the one or more standoffs contacts the surface. Thus, the height of the optional channel may be defined and/or a maximum tolerable deformation of the seal may be determined.

The starting block device may comprise a sensor adapted to detect a variation in the presence of a skate engaging or being in proximity to at least one of the stop structures and/or comprise at least one indicator connected to a time measuring system. With the sensor the presence or absence of a skate may be detected e.g. for detecting a proper engagement for reference purposes and/or for informing the athlete, the trainer,

officials, ... that the skater has assumed a proper starting position. Also the sensor may assist in detecting a false start, e.g. in combination with the said indicator. The indicator may indicate a timing of the athlete and/or it may be used to signal a starting signal or a false star signal. The sensor may be contact sensor and/or a proximity sensor. The sensor may be mechanical, optical or otherwise. An electromagnetic

encapsulated sensor without moving parts e.g. an inductive switch with an oscillator test circuit is considered suitable for detecting a metallic skate blade in a cold environment, since there are no parts that could collect snow, freeze and/or become otherwise stuck.

The starting block device may comprise an adjustable reference portion for positioning and/or orienting the starting block with respect to a predetermined position and/or structure, e.g., one or more adjustable rulers to align the block to the starting line.

However, since such starting block may become delicate and/or large and unwieldy with respect to the allowable

resources (time, space, personnel, ...) for positioning and in particular for removing the starting block device, in an aspect, a template is provided herewith. The template is adapted for aligning the starting block as provided herein to a

predetermined position and/or structure e.g. a starting line, the template comprising a reference portion and a fitting portion having a complementary shape to a shape of the starting block. The fitting portion may have a shape complementary to a portion of the stop structure. The starting block may be freely positioned on the surface and in use, the skater will stand, in the direction of the race, between the starting block and the starting line, comparable to the use of starting blocks in athletics. To establish a predetermined position of the starting block the template is provided with which the starting block may be aligned with respect to the reference structure. The

reference structure may be used to align the template to the starting line or to another structure. E.g., starting blocks for running tend to be all aligned to a reference line at a given standard distance behind the actual starting line. The athletes (or his entourage) then have to adjust the foot holds of the starting blocks to the athletes' desired positions with respect to the actual starting lines. The fitting portion ensures that, once the template is aligned to the predetermined position, the starting block is positioned in a predetermined position and/or orientation with respect to that predetermined position.

Thereafter the template may be removed so as not to obstruct the athletes .

In the template, at least one of a distance and an angle of the fitting portion with respect to the reference structure may be adjustable and fixable. This allows adjustment of the template to desired settings for different athletes.

To increase reliability of aligning the starting block to the template, it is preferred that the template is

temporarily fixable to the surface, e.g. under supervision of an official after which the starting block device can be aligned to the template without fear of displacing the template. The same considerations as regarding fixation and flexibility of the starting block assembly presented before apply, the template may comprise a suction cup adapted to releasably and securely engage the surface when evacuated, preferably, the suction cup is configured to be connected to a pump for evacuating the suction cup. Advantageously, and more preferably comprising the pump and a power supply for operating the pump. However, since the template need not withstand the full force of a starting

athlete, but merely an accidental stroke with the starting block device bumping into the template, the suction cup and/or pump need not be dimensioned equal to those of the starting block device but a lower engagement force to the surface suffices. Nevertheless, exchangeability of parts, in particular with respect to optional rechargeable batteries may facilitate maintenance, storage and/or use.

Another aspect is a system comprising the starting block as disclosed herein and a camera, and at least one of a display system and a projection system, the system being adapted to indicate a mask for placement of the starting block. The camera may be arranged above the starting line, e.g. as used for detecting a photo finish. The camera may be connected to a display system and display an image of the surface, e.g. an ice rink, and indicated the mask also on a display, e.g. by "keying in" the mask and virtually project it over an image of the surface. Using real time imaging and/or a feedback mechanism the user can check the actual position of one or more parts of the starting block device on the surface with respect to a desired position. The mask and the desired position and/or orientation may correspond to personal preferences. Another option is to project, e.g. with a laser beam, (an outline of) the desired position of at least one portion of the starting block device onto the surface, so that the starting block may be positioned onto the surface accordingly.

A further aspect is use of a starting block assembly as provided herein for skating, in particular ice skating, e.g.

speed skating. Such use may also comprise using the starting block device as a support for an information display, e.g.

providing the starting block with indicia regarding the athlete (name, nationality, team, sponsor, etc.), the tournament, general advertisements, etc. For such purposes a cover for at least partly covering the starting block and/or a protruding support, e.g. a flag pole and banner may be provided and/or connected to the starting block assembly, preferably at least part of such arrangement facilitates exchange of relevant indicia and/or display signs between subsequent heats in a tournament. In a simple embodiment, the indicia may be adhered to a housing by one or more magnets, clamps, and/or releasable adhesion structures (slow-curing or non-curing glue, hook-and- loop type fastener, etc.). An adjustable display, e.g. a

programmable scrolling banner may also be provided.

A further use of the starting block device is as a camera stand, which may reliably provide close up and action images of the athletes. This may provide footage with increased dramatic value and/or assist in judicial decisions, e.g. whether or not a false start was justly called. For this, the starting block device may be provided with a camera and/or a camera mount, which may be standardised.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-described aspects will hereafter be more explained with further details and benefits with reference to the drawings showing embodiments by way of example. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a starting block device;

Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the starting block device of Fig. 1 with a skate blade;

Figs. 3-6 are front, side, top and bottom view of another embodiment of a starting block device;

Fig. 7 is a front view of the embodiment of Figs. 3-6 with a front panel removed;

Fig. 8 is a possible pumping scheme;

Figs. 8A and 8B show a detail of Fig. 8 in two configurations ;

Fig. 9 is a top view of a first template for aligning the starting block in use;

Figs. 10A-10B are top and side views of a second template for aligning the starting block

Figs. 11A-11B are side views of the second template in two configurations;

Figs. 12A-12B are top views of the second template in two configurations in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

It is noted that the drawings are schematic, not necessarily to scale and that details that are not required for understanding the present invention may have been omitted. The terms "upward", "downward", "below", "above", and the like relate to the embodiments as oriented in the drawings, unless otherwise specified. Further, elements that are at least

substantially identical or that perform an at least

substantially identical function are denoted by the same

numeral.

Figs. 1 and 2 show a starting block device 1 for use on a surface 3, in particular an ice floor, comprising a suction cup 5 adapted to releasably and securely engage the surface 3 when evacuated. The suction cup 5 is configured to be connected to a pump for evacuating the suction cup 5. Here, the pump is comprised in a housing 7 and is hidden from view. The (suction cup 5 of the) starting block 1 comprises an elongated body having a side 9 with a protrusion 11. Best seen from comparing Figs. 1 and 2, the side 9 and the protrusion 11 form stop structures 9, 11 adapted to engage a the blade of a skate 13 standing on the surface 3 (only the skating blade and "shafts" for connection to a shoe are shown, the shoe is omitted) . The engagement of the side 9 is in a direction parallel to the surface 3 along a longitudinal side of the skate 13 and

extending along the full length of the skate blade 13, the protrusion 11 engages an end of the skate 13 in a direction parallel to the surface 3 and perpendicular to the longitudinal side of the skate 13.

The starting block device 1 is a stand alone device and has a hand grip 15 for carrying the device 1.

Figs 3-6 are more detailed images of a starting block device 1 of the type of Fig. 1. Here it may be seen that the suction cup 5 comprises a generally elongated rigid body 17 and a deformable seal 19 extending around the rigid body 17, here being received in a channel in the body 17. The seal 19 has a V groove 19A along its full length (partly indicated in Fig. 6) . When arranged on a closed surface 3, a volume V is defined between the surface 3, the rigid body 17 and the seal 19, which may be evacuated by pumping to engage the suction cup 5 to the surface 3 by the pressure difference between the volume V and the environmental pressure. Best seen in Fig. 6, the underside of the rigid body 17 is provided generally plane with recessed channels 21 defining islands 23 of body material. Thus, the volume to be evacuated of the suction cup 5 is reduced - and thus the evacuation time -, while maintaining physical strength of the body 17 and a large surface area of the suction cup.

In an embodiment, the interior side of the rigid body may be provided with a deformable coating or lining such that the volume V of the suction cup 5 to be evacuated is reduced, but if the seal 19 would be compressed so far that the underside of (the islands 23 of) the rigid body 17 would contact the surface 3 or debris on it, the bottom could deform against (the debris on) the surface 3 preventing an undesiredly high standoff of the body 17 from the surface 3. It is noted that the normal force Fn of the suction cup 5 onto the surface 3 equals the surface area A of the evacuated volume parallel to the surface (here: the surface area A

encircled by the seal 19 ) times the pressure difference between the volume V and the environmental pressure: Fn = A x AP(out- in) . Hence, the larger the effective area of the suction cup 5 and the lower the pressure, the higher the engagement force.

Since the reaction force T for lateral translation of the suction cup 5 over the surface 3 scales with T ² o Fn ² , a large engagement force Fn can suffice to prevent translation of the suction cup 5, i.e. preventing sliding of the suction cup 5 even over a smooth ice surface.

Suitable sizes may be: length of the suction cup 5 ca 500-600 mm, width of the suction cup 5 ca 200-250 mm, resulting in an effective surface area A of about 0.1 m ² . The target pressure reduction may be about 60%-80% atmosphere. At a

pressure in the suction cup of about 0.4 atmosphere an

engagement force of over 3000 N (300 kg) and a lateral reaction force of over 1500 N (ca 150 kg) are achievable. The entire device may weigh only about 10 kg.

In this embodiment again the sides 9 of the rigid body 17 form integrated and elongated rib-like stop structures and protrusions 11 form transverse stop structures extending

substantially perpendicular to the surface 3. It is noted that in this embodiment the stop structures 9 and 11 extend at a somewhat obtuse angle to each other, about 120 degrees. This facilitates removing the skate from the stop structures 9, 11 compared to a straight angle, but still provides a suitable force component parallel to the surface 3 and perpendicular to the longitudinal side of the skate 13 for engagement of an end of a skate 13.

Best seen in Figs. 4-6, the starting block 1 is generally mirror symmetric about a longitudinal axis of

extension of the suction cup 5. This facilitates engaging a left or a right skate against the device 1, for left- or right-legged skaters . Best seen in Figs. 3 and 5, each side 9 is provided with a sensor 21 for detecting the presence or absence of a skate, in particular being electromagnetic proximity sensors. The sensors 21 are connected to a controller and a transmitter integrated in the starting block device 1 (not shown) for wireless communication with a receiver. Communication from a transmitter to a receiver in the starting block device 1 and/or two way communication is also conceivable. Wired communication may however be preferred since that may still be more reliable and less prone to hacking than wireless communication.

On top of the housing 7 a main switch 23 for the pump (see below) , a manometer 25 configured to indicate the pressure in (the volume V of) the suction cup 5 and a signal light 27. Integrated in the hand grip 15 is a pressure release switch 29 (see below) .

Operation of the starting block device is best

understood from Figs. 7-8B taken together. The suction cup 5 is connected to a pump 31 via a conduit 33, switch 29, conduit 35, filter 37, conduit 39, one-way valve 41 and conduit 43. The pump 31 vents to the environment at 45. A first pressure-sensitive switch 47 is connected to the suction cup 5 for operation of the signal light 27. Manometer 25 is operably connected to the suction cup 5 for indicating the pressure in the suction cup 5. A second pressure sensitive switch 49 is connected between the pressure release switch 29 and the filter 37 for operation of the pump 31. A rechargeable battery 51 is provided as a power supply for the pump 31 and further apparatus, e.g. the signal light 27, the sensors 21, controllers, communications devices and/or any other suitable devices.

The pressure release switch 29 in this embodiment is located in the hand grip 15, which is formed by conduits 33-35. The switch 29 here is a three way valve operable between a first configuration (Fig. 8A) and a second configuration (Fig. 8B) . In the first configuration the conduits 33, 35 and thus the suction cup 5 and the pump 31 are connected for evacuation of the suction cup 5 on operation of the pump 31. In the second

configuration the suction device 5 is open to the environment at 53 whereas the conduit 35 to the pump 31 is shut off by the valve 29. In the second configuration the pressure within and outside the suction cup 5 is equal so that the starting block device may be lifted from the surface 3. At the same time, the pump 31 can evacuate the remaining connected parts 35-43 of the system, which together have an internal volume of about equal to that of the conduit 33 and the suction cup 5.

To use the starting block 1 for starting, the suction cup 5 is placed in a desired position (see below) onto a surface 3, which may have been cleaned beforehand. Then, the pressure release switch 29 is arranged in the first configuration (Fig. 8A) to connect the suction cup and the pump 31 and the main switch 23 is set to "on" so that the pump 31 is activated and evacuates the connected volume including the suction cup 5. When a first pressure level is reached, e.g. about 0.4 atmosphere, the first pressure sensitive switch 47 switches and activates the signal light 27 to indicate that the device 1 is

operational. When a second, lower pressure level is reached, e.g. about 0.2 atmosphere, the second pressure sensitive switch 49 switches and stops the pump 31 to save energy. When the pressure rises again, e.g. due to leaking the second pressure sensitive switch 49 switches back again and activates the pump 31 anew so as to maintain a pressure below the first pressure level. The switch 49 may exhibit an amount of hysteresis, being configured to switch the pump 31 off at the second pressure and switch the pump 31 on only at a third pressure, higher than the second pressure but lower than the first pressure, e.g. ensuring a pressure stability within about 10%. This saves energy.

For removing the starting block 1, the pump 31 may be switched off but that is not necessary. The suction cup is 5 vented and the pump 31 is closed off by opening the pressure release switch 29 to the second configuration (Fig. 8B) . The starting block 1 may then be removed and the pump 31 can remain standby to evacuate the remaining connected parts 35-43 of the system.

For a subsequent use, the starting block is placed on the surface 3 and pressed against it with the pressure release switch 29 still in the second configuration. Then the switch 29 is operated to the first configuration (Fig. 8A) . The low pressure in the remaining volume 35-43 will immediately reduce the pressure in the suction cup 5, the resultant pressure possibly being close to the first pressure for proper operation. The second pressure sensitive switch 49 will activate the pump when needed to establish and maintain the second pressure in the entire volume including the suction cup.

However, a simple on-off switched pump, possibly remote from the device 1 and connected via a hose can also work.

Fig. 4A shows the indicated detail of Fig. 4, now including part of a skate blade 13 (not necessarily to scale) . In Fig. 4A may be seen that between the stop structure 9, the seam 19 and the surface 3, e.g. ice, a channel C is defined, open to the outside in a direction parallel to the surface 3. The channel has a height h and a depth d, such that the edge E of a skating blade 13 can be accommodated in the channel C without contacting the walls thereof. Not only does this protect the skate edge E it also protects the seam material from being cut by the skates.

Fig. 9 shows a template 53 for aligning the starting block to a predetermined position and/or structure. The template 53 comprises a reference portion 55 and a fitting portion 57. The reference portion 55 comprises a straight edge 56 for alignment to a straight structure, e.g. a starting line S. The fitting portion 57 has a side 58A-58B with a shape that is complementary to the shape of a portion of the starting block 1 comprising part of the stop structure 9. When fit to the

template 53, the starting block device 1 assumes a predefined angle to the reference portion 55, typically, in skating is about 30 degrees from parallel the starting line (about 60 degrees from the forward direction) . Note that in the

schematically shown embodiment of starting block device 1, sensors 21 are located in the corners of the stop structures 9, 11.

The reference portion 55 may be fixed to the surface with a suction cup as before (not shown) or otherwise held in place. The fitting portion 57 is connected to the reference portion 55 via adjustable sliders 59, 61 to establish a relative separation B between the reference portion 55 and the fitting portion 57, therewith defining the separation A between a point on the starting block device 1 and the starting line. The sliders 59, 61 may comprise position indicia (e.g. centimeter markings as shown) and they may be fixable to the reference portion 55, e.g. with a nut 63 and a key (not shown) . The sliders 59, 61 may be fixed to the fitting portion 57, allowing only relative translation of the reference portion 55 and the fitting portion 57. The sliders may also be rotatable with respect to the fitting portion 57, e.g. about pivot points P so that by selective adjustment of one or more sliders 59-61 the orientation angle may be adjusted (not shown) .

Before starting the race the template 53 is removed and the athlete stands more or less in the position of the template (the bold arrow indicates the forward direction of the match) .

The shown template 53 is for use by a skater preferring to have his right leg behind. When using the template for a left-legged skater, the fitting portion 57 must be exchanged or a different template must be used.

Figs. 10A-11B show a second template 53, comprising again a reference portion 55 and a fitting portion 57 having surfaces 58A, 58B with a shape that is complementary to the shape of a portion of a starting block 1. The fitting portion is adjustably connected with the reference portion 55 via slider 59 so that the separation between the reference portion 55 and the fitting portion 57 is adjustable. The separation may be fixed via a nut and a locking handle 63. Different from the embodiment of Fig. 9, here the angle of (the surfaces 58A-58B of) the fitting portion 57 is adjustable via a single set screw 65 and the angle of the starting block device may be directly read from an indicator 67. As shown in Figs. 12A-12B, this embodiment may be used by both left- and right-legged athletes .

However, other constructions may also be used.

The invention is not restricted to the above described embodiments which can be varied in a number of ways within the scope of the claims. For instance another stop structure may be mounted to the suction cup, possibly from another material. The stop structure may comprise a rounded structure, e.g. being formed as a generally round rib or series of protrusions which may accommodate snow-build-up on the skate. The pump need no be integrated in the device. The suction cup need not be

symmetrical and/or have another shape.

It is conceivable that the starting block device comprises both an integrated pump for evacuating the suction cup and a connection to an exterior pump. E.g. the exterior pump may be a relatively powerful pump to establish an initial pressure within the suction cup whereas the integrated pump may be relatively weak pump that suffices to maintain the established pressure within the suction cup against accidental leaking.

Thus, the weight and/or volume of the starting block device may be reduced. The resultant system may also save overall energy costs .

A pressure release mechanism may comprise a single two way valve in stead of a three way valve.

Elements and aspects discussed for or in relation with a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments, unless explicitly stated otherwise .