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  
       [0001]     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  
       [0002]     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  
       [0003]     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.  
         [0004]     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.  
         [0005]     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.  
         [0006]     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  
       [0007]     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.  
         [0008]     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.  
         [0009]     Releasing means releases the releasable member causing the second U-shaped member to pivot downward toward the first U-shaped member.  
         [0010]     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.  
         [0011]     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.  
         [0012]     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.  
         [0013]     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  
         [0014]     Releasing the releasable member causing the second U-shaped member to pivot downward toward the ground and the first U-shaped member.  
         [0015]     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.  
         [0016]     It is yet another object of the invention to control the drop of the starting gate in a random timing unknown to the driver.  
         [0017]     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.  
         [0018]     It is still another object to utilize a battery operated starting mechanism that is initiated by the driver but having a random timing actuation.  
         [0019]     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.  
         [0020]     These and other objects and advantages will be found in following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]     In the drawings:  
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a side view of the portable motocross starting gate illustrating a front wheel of a motocross motorcycle near the gate;  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the portable motocross starting gate of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the starting gate with one embodiment of the gate release mechanism;  
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the gate release mechanism in  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 5A  is a sectional view of the one embodiment of the gate release mechanism;  
         [0027]      FIG. 5B  is a sectional view of the one embodiment of the gate release mechanism in an actuated position;  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of the gate release mechanism; and  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  is a schematic view of yet another embodiment of the gate release mechanism. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0030]     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.  
         [0031]     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.  
         [0032]     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.  
         [0033]     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.  
         [0034]     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.  
         [0035]     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.  
         [0036]      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 .  
         [0037]      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 .  
         [0038]      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 .  
         [0039]      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 .  
         [0040]     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.  
         [0041]     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.  
         [0042]     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.  
         [0043]     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  
         [0044]     Releasing the releasable member causing the second U-shaped member to pivot downward toward the ground and the first U-shaped member.  
         [0045]     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.  
         [0046]     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.  
         [0047]     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.  
         [0048]     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.  
         [0049]     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.  
         [0050]     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.