Abstract: A swimming starting platform having a base supporting a tread surface and an anchor ledge for supporting swimmers. The base includes a shaft extending through an interior cavity of the base from a first side panel to a second side panel. An adjustment mechanism is coupled to an end of the shaft and positioned along the first side panel, where the adjustment mechanism is actuatable to rotate the shaft and adjust a position of the anchor ledge relative to the base of the starting platform.

Abstract: A race course system for operating scale vehicles having a race course section having a race course portion, a base support, a hinge, a portable member, an attachment member, a strut mechanism, and a console.

Abstract: A masquerading detection system includes: an imaging unit (2) that obtains a first image by imaging an inspection object (12) from a first angle, and a second image by imaging the inspection object from a second angle which is different from the first angle; a unit (101) that detects first feature points from the first image, obtains first feature point coordinates of the detected feature points, detects second feature points from the second image, and obtains second feature point coordinates of the detected feature points; a unit (104) that obtains transformed coordinates by performing a plane projective transformation for the second feature point coordinates from the second image to the first image; and a unit (105) that determines that masquerading has been attempted when the difference between the transformed coordinates and the corresponding first feature point coordinates is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value.

Abstract: The invention entails a modular sectional race track with recreational style racing vehicles, such as four wheel all terrain recreational vehicles. The sectional race course usually has moving obstacles, various obstructions plus the general design of the course track induces the racing vehicles to spin out, tilt over on their side or framework roof and/or rollover completely. The race vehicles have specifically designed roll over frameworks that, with the driver's safety harness fastened, assist the racing vehicles to roll back over on to its drive tires. The racing vehicle may be additionally assisted to roll back over by a driver initiated mechanical righting device. The race tracks' sections can be configured to be sized and shaped for specific race venues. The track sections can be quickly attached, detached and transported as needed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a race track configured to encourage passing. The race track includes a pavement that defines a turn, a first path around the turn, and a second path around the turn. The second path is longer than the first path, and the two paths are spaced-apart such that a first car can travel on the first path and a second car can travel on the second path in an overlapped position relative to the first car. At least a portion of the first path passing over a plurality of depressions defined in the pavement at predetermined positions. The depressions configured to reduce the amount of friction available to the first car such that the first car is slowed sufficiently for the second car to maintain the overlap position or pass the first car through the turn as the second car travels on the longer second path.

Abstract: This invention relates to gravity-driven car racing, specifically an improved ramp, such as used in the popular Pinewood Derby race, which is cycloid shaped. The present invention eliminates excessive centripetal force and related problems such as car oscillation caused by prior art ramps which are curved too much or curved in the wrong places. The present invention comprises a ramp shaped as a section of a cycloid curve with the ramp bottom tangent to the horizontal coasting run. It can be shown mathematically that such a curve will produce the least possible centripetal force and associated friction increase in the car wheels as it accelerates toward the coasting run. The present invention causes a ramp to assume the cycloid shape by applying appropriate bending forces to the underside of the ramp. In a preferred embodiment, a hinged brace automatically applies the key bending force as the main support legs are lowered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a race track configured to encourage passing. The race track includes a pavement that defines a turn, a first path around the turn, and a second path around the turn. The second path is longer than the first path, and the two paths are spaced-apart such that a first car can travel on the first path and a second car can travel on the second path in an overlapped position relative to the first car. At least a portion of the first path passing over a plurality of depressions defined in the pavement at predetermined positions. The depressions configured to reduce the amount of friction available to the first car such that the first car is slowed sufficiently for the second car to maintain the overlap position or pass the first car through the turn as the second car travels on the longer second path.

Abstract: This invention relates to gravity-driven car racing, specifically an improved ramp, such as used in the popular Pinewood Derby race, which is cycloid shaped. The present invention eliminates excessive centripetal force and related problems such as car oscillation caused by prior art ramps which are curved too much or curved in the wrong places. The present invention comprises a ramp shaped as a section of a cycloid curve with the ramp bottom tangent to the horizontal coasting run. It can be shown mathematically that such a curve will produce the least possible centripetal force and associated friction increase in the car wheels as it accelerates toward the coasting run. The present invention causes a ramp to assume the cycloid shape by applying appropriate bending forces to the underside of the ramp. In a preferred embodiment, a hinged brace automatically applies the key bending force as the main support legs are lowered.

Abstract: A race course system for operating scale vehicles having a race course section having a race course portion, a base support, a hinge, a portable member, an attachment member, a strut mechanism, and a console.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate location-aware distributed competitions. In one embodiment, a system facilitates a distributed sporting event that includes multiple players traveling over courses that are remote from one another. The system includes a manager that receives state information, such as location information, from client devices used by each of the players. The manager then transmits location information for each of the players to the client devices, which are each configured to present a graphical representation, such as a map annotated with the locations of each of the players. The manager asserts a course to each of the players, by providing specific instructions to travel along a particular path. The client devices provide the players with the appearance of competing over the same course, even though they are all actually competing over courses remote from one another.

Abstract: A racing facility with a racing surface and a pit road. The pit road includes an pit road entrance connected to the racing surface, a plurality of pit walls defining a plurality of elongate pit boxes/stops each connected at a first end thereof to the pit road entrance, wherein the pit boxes are arranged in a side by side configuration and are arranged at an angle with respect to the pit road entrance and wherein the pit walls are movable such that a given pit box can be defined on a left side or a right side of a respective pit wall. The pit road also includes a pit road exit connected to the pit boxes at opposite second ends thereof wherein at least a portion of the pit road exit is arranged substantially parallel to at least a portion of the pit road entrance. The pit road entrance and/or pit road exit can intersect the racing surfaces at acute angles. The pit boxes can intersect one or both of the entrance and pit road exits at acute angles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for conducting a more fair race around an oval track by having runners in each lane run equal arc angles. Such a configuration eliminates the disproportionate effect of centrifugal force on competitors running in different lanes. Embodiments of the invention provide for the addition of a straight section to a standard oval track extending from a curved section perpendicular to the existing straightaway section. Runners in each lane start at staggered locations on the straight section. The staggered starting locations are chosen such that each runner travels an equal distance from the starting location to a common finish line. A single straight section may be employed to conduct races covering the entire length and half the length of the oval track or two straight sections may be employed to allow finishes for both races at a common finish line.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for conducting a more fair race around an oval track by having runners in each lane run equal arc angles. Such a configuration eliminates the disproportionate effect of centrifugal force on competitors running in different lanes. Embodiments of the invention provide for the addition of a straight section to a standard oval track extending from a curved section perpendicular to the existing straightaway section. Runners in each lane start at staggered locations on the straight section. The staggered starting locations are chosen such that each runner travels an equal distance from the starting location to a common finish line. A single straight section may be employed to conduct races covering the entire length and half the length of the oval track or two straight sections may be employed to allow finishes for both races at a common finish line.

Abstract: A toy race track providing a mat for simulating a stock car racing track is disclosed. The toy race track includes a plurality of interlocking tiles having top and bottom surfaces. Each interlocking tile top surface includes top surface indicia depicting a portion of a stock car race track. Upon interlocking the tiles, the various top surface indicia cooperate to depict a complete stock car race track.

Abstract: A racing facility is arranged to accommodate various types of automotive racing, including Indy, CART, Formula 1 cars etc., and is disclosed to include a super oval or complex oval arrangement of racing surface in at least two loops of racing surface each looping about a common central area, and connecting to one another at an overpass feature. The racing facility of the present invention is a continuous closed circuit speedway with at least two loops which loop about a common center area and with speedway passing over itself at least once at a crossing which is not of a common grade level, such as an overpass, underpass or bridge, and so that the speedway does not have a crossing at a common or the same level, to thus allow a vehicle making an entire circuit of the speedway the option of only making turns in one direction and not passing over any portion of the racing surface more than once is a single complete circuit or lap of the racing surface.

Abstract: A racetrack designed to accommodate various types of auto racing class including Indy, CART, Formula 1 etc. is disclosed. The race track of the present invention is a continuous closed circuit track with at least two loops which loop about a common center area and with track passing over itself at least once by a nonlevel crossing such as an overpass so that the track does not have a level crossover and thereby allowing a vehicle making an entire circuit of the track the option of only making turns in one direction and not passing over any portion of the track more than once is a single circuit of the track.

Abstract: A race gate has a base and a start bar connected to the base, where the start bar has an elevated start position and a level finish position. A release mechanism interconnects the base and the start bar and retains the start bar in the start position. A controller governs the release mechanism. The controller may be programmable to measure a preset time period and a random time period.

Abstract: An elevated wood and concrete racetrack includes a wooden support surface having a plurality of floor boards laid flat to form at least one straightaway, and at least one banked curve, each floor board of the plurality having two lengthwise, substantially parallel, spaced apart sides. A concrete racetrack surface is overlayed on the wooden support surface, and a racetrack support frame has a plurality of vertical support posts anchored on suitable land and a plurality of support members connected thereto for supporting the wooden support surface above ground.

Abstract: A bridge for use over a racetrack surface is provided. The racetrack surface has a cross-track width. The bridge includes a bridge structure supported over the cross-track width of the racetrack at a height sufficient to provide clearance for use of the racetrack. The bridge structure has a first end and a second end and a bridge length to span at least a portion of the cross-track width of the racetrack. The bridge structure has at least one walkway to provide access to at least one seating area. Viewing seats are located in the seating area, positioned on the bridge structure to provide for viewing of at least a portion of the racetrack.

Abstract: A top for a starting platform at one end of a swimming pool has an upper surface, which is adapted to support both feet of a swimmer in a starting position, and a lower surface, at which the top is mountable so that the upper surface slants downwardly and frontwardly. Ribs on the upper surface slant downwardly and laterally and channels between the ribs slant similarly so as to drain water from the upper surface. Along each lateral edge, an upper trough and a lower trough facilitate grasping by one hand of such a swimmer. The upper trough receives water drained by some of the channels. The front edge is connected to each lateral edge by a unitary grip, which a swimmer in a different position can grasp with one hand.

Abstract: A real-size simulated drag strip ride is presented which recreates the physical and visual sensations of a drag race. A pair of real-size dragsters are positioned along specified and controlled parallel linear tracks. The occupant is positioned inside the driver's compartment, with a full safety harness securing him in place in an adjustable seat. The invention includes audio sounds of ignition, “burn-out” and acceleration simulating a drag strip race, as well as simulated smoke from the “burn out” portion of the race preparation. Once the simulated light tower signals that the dragster is set to race, each driver of two, side-by-side vehicles pushes the acceleration pedal to accelerate the vehicle through an initial acceleration zone. The dragsters are propelled by use of a pneumatically powered piston attached to a cable located out of sight underneath the vehicle. The race is finished when the cars pass the finish line. Speeds and the winner are displayed on the starting line tower.

Abstract: A race track for remote control toy vehicles includes a plurality of interlocking race track segments of several different configurations. Each race track segment includes a removable side rail. The race track is arranged so that the perimeter of the race track is completely bordered by side rails. As such, the remote control toy vehicles are contained within the race track. Three race track surfaces are provided to simulate various racing conditions.

Abstract: A real-size simulated drag strip ride is presented which recreates the physical and visual sensations of a drag race. A pair of real-size dragsters are positioned along specified and controlled parallel linear tracks. The occupant is positioned inside the driver's compartment, with a full safety harness securing him in place in an adjustable seat. The invention includes audio sounds of ignition, “burn-out” and acceleration simulating a drag strip race, as well as simulated smoke from the “burn out” portion of the race preparation. Once the simulated light tower signals that the dragster is set to race, each driver of two, side-by-side vehicles pushes the acceleration pedal to accelerate the vehicle through an initial acceleration zone. The dragsters are propelled by use of a pneumatically powered piston attached to a cable located out of sight underneath the vehicle. The race is finished when the cars pass the finish line. Speeds and the winner are displayed on the starting line tower.

Abstract: The invention relates to a racetrack arrangement for holding speed and/or skill races, for comparing the performance of mobile devices powered by human strength or operated by people and for arranging these so that the races provide equal opportunities for the competitors, the danger of accidents is reduced to a minimum and the opportunity for disturbing the competitors is avoided. The racetrack is installed on a site and has a starting point, finishing point and a route leading from the starting point to the finishing point. Furthermore, in a given case, the arrangement is supplemented with information displays serving to inform the competitors and/or protective equipment suitable for protecting the competitors.

Abstract: An elevated wood and concrete racetrack includes a wooden support surface having a plurality of floor boards laid flat to form at least one straightaway, and at least one banked curve, each floor board of the plurality having two lengthwise, substantially parallel, spaced apart sides. A concrete racetrack surface is overlayed on the wooden support surface, and a racetrack support frame has a plurality of vertical support posts anchored on suitable land and a plurality of support members connected thereto for supporting the wooden support surface above ground.

Abstract: A top for a starting platform at one end of a swimming pool has an upper surface, which is adapted to support both feet of a swimmer in a starting position, and a lower surface, at which the top is mountable so that the upper surface slants downwardly and frontwardly. Ribs on the upper surface slant downwardly and laterally and channels between the ribs slant similarly so as to drain water from the upper surface. Along each lateral edge, an upper trough and a lower trough facilitate grasping by one hand of such a swimmer. The upper trough receives water drained by some of the channels. The front edge is connected to each lateral edge by a unitary grip, which a swimmer in a different position can grasp with one hand.

Abstract: A method and a device for braking vehicles, in particular race car vehicles at the edge of a racetrack, whereby an elastic, safety wall consisting of individual elements linked together movably like a chain and extending far beyond the critical location is arranged in a clearance adjacent to the critical location of the racetrack. A vehicle coming off the racetrack and colliding with the safety wall is braked by the elastic movement of the safety wall with the vehicle. This inexpensive method of manufacturing a safe safety wall guarantees linear and soft deceleration of a vehicle, greatly improving the safety of the race car drivers.

Abstract: The invention discloses an amusement park comprising an elevated wooden racetrack built in combination with another park activity. The combination comprises a wooden racetrack surface extending along at least one portion elevated above ground level, and a support frame comprising a plurality of vertical supports connected to support the elevated portion above ground level, and another park facility constructed at least partially below the elevated portion of the racetrack to thereby conserve space in the amusement park. The combination includes a go-kart as the motorized amusement vehicle. The park facility constructed below the racetrack is selected from an amusement ride, a building, and a parking lot, the amusement ride being particularly a boat ride having bumper boats. An amusement ride includes a second racetrack operated at least partially below an elevated portion of the first racetrack, and sharing a pit area therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for a racetrack for operating go-karts and similar motorized amusement vehicles thereon. The racetrack includes a wooden racetrack portion supported on a frame having a plurality of vertical support posts connected to a plurality of support members positioned underlying a wooden racetrack surface, thereby providing elevation above ground and structural support. The wooden racetrack surface includes a first and second outer periphery, and extends along a plurality of tiers elevated above ground level, forming a multi-level racetrack surface. In addition, the wooden racetrack surface includes a plurality of banked curves built from wooden slats positioned vertically on edge, each wooden slat abuttingly adjoining at least one other wooden slat of the plurality, bent into shape and positioned at a predetermined angle of inclination from an inside curve periphery to an outside curve periphery, thereby forming an especially smooth banked curve.

Abstract: Offset racing rail arrangements (16) of the fixed and relocatable variety are made safer by fitment of a cover designed to prevent riders from falling between and sometimes onto the poles which support the racing rail. A cover (22) is provided which is releasably attachable to a receptacle portion of the rail which is also resiliently spaced by a support means from the posts (10) which support the rail. The cover (22) is one embodiment comprises sheet material (24) bent (30, 32, 34, 36 and 38) underneath itself in such a manner as to provide a resilient self supporting spacing from each posts (10). The cover (22) is also in the embodiment provided with an edge portion (26) adapted to releasbly attach to a receptacle portion (56) of the rail without the use of fasteners.

Abstract: A touch panel for a swimming race comprises a rear panel, a front panel spaced from and opposed to the rear panel and movable vertically and horizontally relative to the rear panel, and a top edge panel having a first end portion connected to the rear panel and a second end portion connected to the front panel. A sensor is mounted in the space between the front panel and the rear panel and is actuable in response to rearward horizontal movement of the front panel for generating a signal. An elastic member is movably disposed in a space defined by the front panel, the rear panel and the top edge panel for biasing the top edge panel and the front panel vertically upwardly. A sliding member is disposed between the elastic member and the rear panel for reducing a friction between the elastic member and the rear panel during movement of the elastic member.

Abstract: A unique race track construction for human-driven cars having a first and second linear track which are parallel to each other and in which each linear track has a beginning and an end. A first curvilinear track has a both first end and a second end with the first end being connected to the first linear track at a position between its beginning and end. The first curvilinear track forms a complete loop section adjacent to the first linear track, thereafter extending over the first linear track adjacent to the end of the first linear track and then forms a curved track section which joins with the beginning of one of the first or second linear tracks. Similarly, a second curved linear track has one end connecting to and extending outwardly from the second linear track adjacent its end.

Abstract: A track runner pacing device is provided including a running track. A pacer housing is adapted to move around the running track. A control mechanism serves to effect the movement of the pacer housing about the track at a speed calculated from a distance and time entered into the control means by a user.

Abstract: This invention is a slip resistant diving platform cover that can be easily installed or removed from a diving platform. The cover has a top mat laying in contact and covering a top plate of the diving platform, a front mat laying adjacent to a front plate of the diving platform, and a rear mat laying adjacent to a rear plate of the diving platform. These three mats are fastened to the diving platform by a U-shaped front clamp and a U-shaped rear clamp. Both clamps provide a screw means for engagement with the cover and the platform. The front clamp further provides a hinged leg bonded to an interior surface of the cover enabling permanent attachment thereto. The hinged leg preferably has a first portion that is attached to the top mat and a second portion which is attached to the front mat so that the front mat and the top mat may be rotated to an angle appropriate to conforming with the front and top plates of the platform.

Abstract: A racetrack structure includes several track sections, the track sections are engaged with each other by hinges, therefore the racetrack can be folded for storage. Each of the track sections of the racetrack structure has PC boards provided at two ends thereof, thereby forming an electrical loop by utilizing the PC boards electrically connected to each other by the hinges. By such arrangement, oxidization of the contact points is low.

Abstract: Motor vehicle track having a substantially "figure eight" configuration which includes a underpass and an overpass at different elevational levels at the intersection of the substantially "figure eight" configuration. Such a motor vehicle race track forms an enclosed loop which would be, preferably, be at least one half mile in length and three (3) miles or less in length and would accommodate motor vehicles having engines which generate in excess of 100 horsepower. Spectator seating would be provided around at least a portion, and perhaps the entire perimeter, of the motor vehicle race track and many spectators seats would permit spectators to view a substantial portion of motor vehicle race track.

Abstract: A track alert system for automobile racing employs a transmitter for transmitting a selected one of a plurality of channel signals, each of which is indicative of a particular race track flag condition, a receiver capable of receiving each of the transmitted channel signals, and a priority/tone generator coupled to the receiver for prioritizing two or more simultaneously received channel signals and for generating a particular tone corresponding to a received, prioritized channel signal. The transmitter is fixedly positioned at a chosen location on a race track and is controlled by a track flag operator. A receiver and priority/tone generator are mounted in each of the race cars participating in a race. The generated tone corresponding to a track flag condition is received through an ear piece worn by each race car driver. A reset switch mounted in each race car enables the driver to turn off a generated tone once it has been recognized.

Abstract: A race track is disclosed having a tri-oval banked, racing surface surrounded by a barrier support material delineating a race barrier support surface at a level below the racing surface. A plurality of barrier modules are mounted on the support surface in longitudinally aligned relationship to delineate two crash barrier rings circumscribing the racing surface. Each of the modules includes a base mounted on the barrier support surface with the inner ring in juxtaposed relationship with the racing surface. Each base includes a top surface substantially in elevational alignment with a perimetral portion of the racing surface. Each module includes a vehicle impact energy absorbing means mounted on and connected to its base for cushioning energy absorption upon impact by an out of control race vehicle; and, each module base and a portion of the barrier support material upon which that module is mounted together forming a further vehicle energy absorbing means.

Abstract: A racetrack includes a substantially circular outer track, a centrally located staging and finish area, and a plurality of substantially radially aligned juxtaposed racing lanes extending from within the centrally located area to the outer track. Racers race between the centrally located area and the outer track on the lanes, and about the outer track for a given number of laps.

Abstract: An exercising apparatus for a speed skater or similar athlete including a base having a plurality of board members arranged in side-by-side relationship. Hinges pivotally connect adjacent board members to each other. A flexible plastic sheet overlays the board members and has a smooth glide surface on which the skater can slide. Bumpers are located at opposite ends of the base. Clamps releasably interconnect the base, the sheet, and the bumpers.