Motocross portable starting gate

Abstract

A single position motocross starting gate having a pair of U-shaped members pivotally connected together at one end of each U-shape. A releasing mechanism having a normally extending pin is positioned on one of the U-shaped members to pivotally support in an interference relationship the other U-shaped member in a first angular position relative to the one U-shaped member. Releasing means such as a lanyard is connected to the releasing mechanism to slideably move the pin causing the other U-shaped member to drop and be in line with the one U-shaped member. When this happens, the rider on the motocross motorcycle can move forward over the two U-shaped members. Typically another individual other than the driver pulls the lanyard.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to co-pending Provisional Patent Application claiming the benefit of Ser. No. 60/469,843 entitled “Motocross Portable Starting Gate” having attorney docket 03-01 filed on May 10, 2003 by James Gunderson.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to motorcycle staring gates in general and more particular to a motocross starting gate that is portable and can be operated by a non-driver causing random timing of gate operation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

In the sport of motocross, the start of the race is very important to placement of the motorcycle and driver at the finish. A fast start allows the driver to have his motorcycle out in front of the pack allowing him to find the best route over the several moguls.

Motocross racing generally involves several cyclists who race side-by side down a dirt track having at least one mogul. The cyclists and their motorcycles remain behind a mechanically operated starting gate prior to the beginning of a race. A Starter is generally positioned along the starting line, controls the operation of the starting gate. The Starter actuates a mechanism that releases an upper U-shaped gate at each start position. Upon release, the upper U-shaped gate drops, due to its own weight, to the ground. When the upper U-shaped gate is on the ground the motorcycle drivers drive their motorcycles over the starting gate and down the track. If one of the drivers tries to start early, the upper U-shaped gate will block the front wheel of the motorcycle from moving forward. The driver must then physically move his motorcycle back until the upper U-shaped gate drops and then he can move forward down the track, well behind the other racers. U.S. Pat. No. 4,134,230 is an example of such a multiple rider starting gate but is not a portable starting gate due to its size and construction.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,994,491 illustrates another type of multiple rider starting gate that uses a plurality of cables strung across each starting position. When the Starter actuates the gate, the cables are pivoted downward to a horizontal position to lie on the ground, allowing the drivers to drive over them. A heavy plate member that is latched to a fixed post delineates each starting position. The heavy plate member supports the cables in the vertical position so as to keep the motorcycles from starting until a latch mechanism on each plate member is released and the cables pivot and fall to a horizontal position on the ground. In this gate, if a motorcycle starts early, it is held against the cables until the cables drop. The driver does not have to physically move the motorcycle to clear the cables as the cables drop away from the cycle.

At the present time, practicing the start of the race, unless a driver has access to a motocross racetrack, is very difficult due to the unavailability of a portable motocross starting gate. With a portable motocross starting gate, a driver with the help of another person can effectively tune his reflexes in manner that is very similar, if not exactly in conditions similar to that which he/she would find at a motocross race.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A motocross portable starting gate provides a starting gate operation for a single motocross motorcycle as that found in motocross races. The gate has a first U-shaped member with a pair of substantially straight parallel sides secured to a first base member. A second U-shaped member is adapted to nestle within the first U-shaped member and the second U-shaped member likewise has a pair of substantially straight parallel sides secured to a second base member.

At least two hinge members are each positioned at the extending ends of the first and second U-shaped members allowing the second U-shaped member to pivot relative to the first U-shaped member. A releasable member is positioned along at least one of the straight parallel sides of the first U-shaped member, the releasable member normally holds the second U-shaped member in a first pivot position wherein the second U-shaped member is angularly spaced from the first U-shaped member.

Releasing means releases the releasable member causing the second U-shaped member to pivot downward toward the first U-shaped member.

A method to provide a single motocross motorcycle a starting gate operation such as that found in motocross races comprises the steps of securing a first U-shaped member having a pair of substantially straight parallel sides secured to a first base member.

Then nestling a second U-shaped member having a pair of substantially straight parallel sides secured and nestling the second U-shaped member within the substantially straight parallel sides of the first U-shaped member in a first position. Securing the first U-shaped member to the ground.

Hinging together the first and second U-shaped members at their extending ends forming a unitary member. Next angularly pivoting the second U-shaped member relative to the first U-shaped member.

Positioning a releasable member along at least one of the straight parallel sides of the first U-shaped member, for normally holding the second U-shaped member in a first pivot position angularly spaced from the ground and the first U-shaped member; and then

Releasing the releasable member causing the second U-shaped member to pivot downward toward the ground and the first U-shaped member.

It is a principal object of the invention to have a portable starting gate for a single motorcycle that allows a driver to practice starts.

It is yet another object of the invention to control the drop of the starting gate in a random timing unknown to the driver.

It is another object of the invention to have a mechanical starting mechanism that is activated by a person other than the driver creating random start timing.

It is still another object to utilize a battery operated starting mechanism that is initiated by the driver but having a random timing actuation.

It is another object to have a portable starting gate that can be operated by the motorcycle driver without the aid and assistance of another person.

These and other objects and advantages will be found in following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the portable motocross starting gate illustrating a front wheel of a motocross motorcycle near the gate;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable motocross starting gate of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the starting gate with one embodiment of the gate release mechanism;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the gate release mechanism in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5A is a sectional view of the one embodiment of the gate release mechanism;

FIG. 5B is a sectional view of the one embodiment of the gate release mechanism in an actuated position;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of the gate release mechanism; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of yet another embodiment of the gate release mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the sport of motocross, the start of the race is very important to placement of the motorcycle and driver at the finish. A fast start allows the driver to have his motorcycle out in front of the pack allowing him to find the best route over the several moguls.

At the present time, practicing the start of the race, unless a driver has access to a motocross racetrack, is very difficult due to the unavailability of having a portable motocross starting gate. With a portable motocross starting gate, a driver with typically with the help of another person can effectively tune his reflexes in manner that is very similar, if not exactly in conditions similar to that which he/she would find at a motocross race.

Referring to the preferred embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1, the single starting gate 10 is positioned on the ground 12 in an open position in relationship to the front wheel 14 of a motocross motorcycle cycle. Since the driver concentrates on the dropping of the first U-shaped member 16, the front wheel 14 of the motorcycle is spaced a distance from the gate 10. The starting gate 10 comprises an upper substantially U-shaped upper gate member 16 that is pivotally 18 secured to a second U-shaped member 20 functioning as a base member to the gate. The weight of the upper gate member 16 is such that it will fall to the ground when released as hereinafter described.

The second or lower U-shaped member 20 is located on the ground to support the portable starting gate 10. Secured to the second U-shaped member 20 is a bracket 22 that in the preferred embodiment supports a spring released latching pin 24. The one end 26 of the pin 24 bears against the upper U-shaped gate member 16 holding the upper gate member at a first pivot position relative to the base member 20. The first pivot positions the gate member 16 so that the top surface of the gate member 16 is above the centerline of the axle 27 of the front wheel 14 of the motocross cycle. This positioning will not allow the motocross cycle to push the gate member 16 down if the pin has not been slideably retracted.

Continuing with FIG. 2, which is a perspective view of the portable starting gate 10 with reference to the front tire 14 of the cycle, there is illustrated the bracket 22 positioning on the base member 20 with the latching pin 24 bearing against the gate member 16. This bracket 22 can be U-shaped illustrating the relationship of the pin 24 and the gate 16. The relative position of the bracket 22 is a matter of design and not invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, one end 26 of the latching pin 24 is an extension of the pin that will typically terminate in a rectangular end and the other end terminates in a head 30 to secure the pin 24 to the bracket 22 in a normal position with the pin extended. Attached to the head 30 of the latching pin and outboard of the bracket 22 is a ring member 34 that is secured to a lanyard 36 such that by pulling the lanyard the latching pin 22 will compress the spring 28 and slideably pull away from the gate 16. Once the one end 26 of the latching pin is free of the gate, the weight of the gate causes the gate 16 to drop down to the ground 12. Once the gate drops, the motocross driver can drive over the gate thus creating a starting situation. The advantage of the portable starting gate is that another person, such as another driver, a friend, and etc. can pull on the lanyard 36 without the driver in the gate knowing when the latching pin is pulled until he sees the gate 16 fall. This duplicates the action of one stall of a multiple gate found in the motocross races.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the portable motocross starting gate 10 showing one embodiment of the relationship of the gate member 16, the base member 20 and the related bracket 22. Spaced along the base member 20, there are holes 38 for the placement of one or more pins to hold the base member 20 to the ground 12.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the normal position of the pin 24 mounted in a channel bracket 40 secured to the second U-shaped member 20. In FIG. 5A the lanyard 36 is connected to the ring member 34. The pin member 24 has a stop member 42 located inside the channel bracket 40 that controls the free length of the compression spring 44. The other end of the compression spring 44 is located against the inside of the channel bracket 40. In FIG. 5B the lanyard 36 is pulled and the pin member 24 is slideably moved from its interference relationship with the first U-shaped bracket 16. The spring 44 is compressed and the stored energy therein, upon release of the lanyard will cause the pin member 34 to slideably return to its normal position. Since the first U-shaped member is now on the ground, the stop member 42 and the head 30 prevent the pin member from disengaging from the channel bracket 40. When the starting gate is to be used again, the pin is slideably moved back into the channel bracket to be released in an interference relationship with the first U-shaped bracket 16.

FIG. 7 is a view of another release mechanism similar to that of FIGS. 5A and 5B. In this FIG., the mechanism is positioned substantially adjacent to the hinge 18.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematic illustrating how an electrical circuit may be employed as the release mechanism. The release mechanism is a solenoid 50 that has its plunger 52 held substantially out of the solenoid 50 and in interference relationship with the first U-shaped bracket 16. A compression spring 54 is mounted on the solenoid plunger 52 with its length controlled by a stop member 56. The solenoid 50 is secured to the second U-shaped member 20 substantially adjacent to the hinge 18. The placement of the solenoid 50 is a matter of design and not invention. A battery 58, such as an automobile battery or the like is electrically connected through a normally open push button switch 60 to the solenoid 50. Upon switch actuation, the solenoid is energized slideably moving the plunger 52 out of the interference relationship with the first U-shaped member 16 causing it to drop to the ground 12.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, a method provides a single motocross motorcycle a starting gate operation such as that found in motocross races comprises the steps of securing a first U-shaped member having a pair of substantially straight parallel sides secured to a first base member.

Then, nestling a second U-shaped member having a pair of substantially straight parallel sides secured and nestling the second U-shaped member within the substantially straight parallel sides of the first U-shaped member in a first position. Securing the first U-shaped member to the ground.

Hinging together the first and second U-shaped members at their extending ends forming a unitary member. Next angularly pivoting the second U-shaped member relative to the first U-shaped member.

Positioning a releasable member along at least one of the straight parallel sides of the first U-shaped member, for normally holding the second U-shaped member in a first pivot position angularly spaced from the ground and the first U-shaped member; and then

Releasing the releasable member causing the second U-shaped member to pivot downward toward the ground and the first U-shaped member.

In the method for operating a portable starting gate the step of releasing includes provides a base member having a bore extending therethrough. The base member is mounted to one straight parallel side of the first U-shaped member. Positioned in the bore is a slideably mounted pin member that typically extends from both ends of the bore. The pin member has a stop member at one end. Surrounding the pin member is a spring member bearing between the base member and the stop member holding the pin member in an interference relationship with the second U-shaped member in the first pivot position. Securing a lanyard to the pin member at the end opposite the stop member, and then pulling on the lanyard for slideably moving the pin member out of the interference relationship with the second U-shaped member releasing it from the first pivot position.

In this method, there are typically two people involved, one the driver and the other is a friend for pulling the lanyard at a random time, creating the environment of a motocross race.

An alternate method for operating a portable starting gate changes the step of releasing by providing a power source. A solenoid is placed so as to have a reciprocating armature normally in an interference relationship with the second U-shaped member.

A solenoid is placed in circuit with the power source; and then a normally open switch member is positioned in electrical series with the power source and the solenoid so that upon actuation of the switch member power is supplied to the solenoid for slideably moving the armature from its normally interference relationship with the second U-shaped member releasing it from the first pivot position.

While the present invention has been described in an illustrative manner, it should be understood that the terminology used is intended to be in a nature of words of description rather than of limitation.

Accordingly, various changes and modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiment without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that those skilled in the art will readily apply these teachings to other possible variations of the inventions. However, it is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited in any way to the illustrative embodiment shown and described.

Claims

1. A motocross motorcycle portable starting gate for providing a single motocross motorcycle a starting gate operation as that found in motocross races, the gate comprising:

a first U-shaped member having a pair of substantially straight parallel sides secured to a base member;

a second U-shaped member adapted to nestle within said first U-shaped member, 3aid second U-shaped member having a pair of substantially straight parallel sides secured to a base member;

at least two hinge members each positioned at the extending ends of said first and second U-shaped members allowing said second U-shaped member to pivot relative to said first U-shaped member;

a releasable member positioned along at least one of the straight parallel sides of said first U-shaped member, said releasable member normally holding said second U-shaped member in a first pivot position wherein said second U-shaped member is spaced from said first U-shaped member; and

means for releasing said releasable member causing said second U-shaped member to pivot downward toward said first U-shaped member.

2. A portable starting gate according to claim 1 wherein said first U-shaped member has a plurality of holes along said straight parallel sides adapted to receive means for securing said first U-shaped member to the ground.

3. A portable starting gate according to claim 1 wherein the base member of said second U-shaped member is normally positioned parallel to and above the front axle of the front wheel of the motocross motorcycle preventing the front wheel from moving past said first pivot position prior to said releasable member being released.

4. A portable starting gate according to claim 1 wherein said releasable member is a solenoid with a normally extending plunger holding said second U-shaped member in said first pivot position.

5. A portable starting gate according to claim 4 additionally including a series circuit having a normally open switch in series between a power means and said solenoid, the actuation of said switch releases said second U-shaped member from said first pivot position.

6. A portable starting gate according to claim 1 wherein said releasable member comprises:

a base member having a bore extending therethrough;

said base member mounted to said one straight parallel side of said first U-shaped member;

a pin member slideably mounted in said bore and extending from both ends of said bore, said pin member having a stop member at one end;

a spring member surrounding said pin member and bearing against said base member and said stop member and operable to hold said pin member-in an interference relationship with said second U-shaped member in said first pivot position;

a lanyard secured to said pin member at the end opposite said stop member and operable to slideably move said pin member out of said interference relationship with said second U-shaped member causing said U-shaped member to be released from said first pivot position.

7. A portable starting gate according to claim 6 wherein said spring member is a compression spring.

8. A method providing a single motocross motorcycle a starting gate operation as that found in motocross races, the method comprising the steps of:

securing a first U-shaped member having a pair of substantially straight parallel sides secured to a base member;

securing a second U-shaped member having a pair of substantially straight parallel sides secured to a base member;

nestling the second U-shaped member within the substantially straight parallel sides of the first U-shaped member in a first position;

hinging together the first and second U-shaped members at their extending ends;

allowing the second U-shaped member to pivot relative to the first U-shaped member;

securing the second U-shaped member to the ground;

positioning a releasable member along at least one of the straight parallel sides of the second U-shaped member, for normally holding the second U-shaped member in a first pivot position spaced from the ground and the first U-shaped member; and then

releasing the releasable member causing the first U-shaped member to pivot downward toward the ground and the second U-shaped member.

9. A method for operating a portable starting gate according to claim 8 wherein the step of releasing includes:

providing a base member having a bore extending therethrough;

mounting the base member to one straight parallel side of the second U-shaped member;

positioning a pin member slideably mounted in the bore and extending from both ends of the bore;

providing the pin member with a stop member at one end;

surrounding said pin member with a spring member bearing between the base member and the stop member holding the pin member in an interference relationship with the first U-shaped member in the first pivot position;

securing a lanyard to the pin member at the end opposite the stop member; and then

pulling on the lanyard for slideably moving the pin member out of the interference relationship with the first U-shaped member releasing it from the first pivot position.

10. A method for operating a portable starting gate according to claim 8 wherein the step of releasing includes:

providing a power source;

placing a solenoid having a reciprocating armature normally in an interference relationship with the first U-shaped member;

positioning the solenoid in circuit with the power source; and then

positioning a normally open switch member in electrical series with the power source and the solenoid so that upon actuation of the switch member power is supplied to the solenoid for slideably moving the armature from its normally interference relationship with the first U-shaped member releasing it from the first pivot position.