AU2002301058B2 - Starting box assembly for greyhound racing - Google Patents

Description

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AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant: Greyhound Racing Authority (NSW) Actual Inventor: Grant Reeckmann and Geoffrey R. Pitt Address for Service: BALDWIN SHELSTON WATERS MARGARET STREET SYDNEY NSW 2000 CCN: 3710000352 Invention Title: STARTING BOX ASSEMBLY FOR GREYHOUND RACING Details of Associated Provisional Application No. PR7782 dated 19 Sep 2001 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- File: 33097AUP01 FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a starting box assembly for use in greyhound racing.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Starting boxes are used in greyhound racing to temporarily house greyhounds prior to the commencement of a race. At the appropriate time, the greyhounds are released from their respective starting boxes by the opening of a gate. However, the current design of starting boxes have a number of shortcomings.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To this end, the present invention provides a starting box assembly for use in greyhound racing, said starting box assembly including a compartment within which a greyhound is confined prior to the commencement of a race, the compartment including an opening controlled by a hinged gate rotatable about an axis between a closed position and a fully opened position, the motion of the hinged gate being controlled by an actuator, the axis of rotation of the gate being located rearwardly of the plane of the gate when the gate is in the closed position.

In one preferred embodiment, the actuator comprises a pneumatic actuator.

In an alternative embodiment, the actuator comprises a gas spring.

Preferably, the starting box assembly further includes a gate locking mechanism for locking the gate in the closed position, the gate locking mechanism comprising a locking pawl which is pivotally mounted on a frame member of the starting box and rotatable between an engaging position and a disengaged position and a complementary lug located on the hinged gate wherein the locking pawl engages with the lug when the gate is in the closed position, the locking pawl being biased to the engaging position by a spring and being connected to solenoid to cause the pawl to move to a disengaged position and thereby permit the gate to open under the action of the actuator.

Preferably, the starting box assembly is configured such that a timing mechanism for the timing of a greyhound race is triggered upon the opening of the gate.

In one preferred embodiment, the timing mechanism is triggered by sensing the movement of a magnetic piston of the actuator.

Preferably, the gate includes arms which are connected to respective hinge points located on the starting box frame rearwardly of the plane of the gate when the gate is in the closed position.

Advantageously, the starting box assembly, according to at least preferred embodiments of the present invention, provides one or more of the following advantages in comparison to known starting box designs: achieves a gate opening height of the order of 800 mm within a time frame of approximately 500 milliseconds; provides automated gate opening and activation of a timing system for timing of the race; reduces health and safety risks for starting box operators; provides easy access for maintenance and component replacement.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the starting box assembly according to the present invention with the gate shown in its closed position; Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the starting box assembly with the gate of the starting box shown moving between its closed position and its fully open position; Fig. 3 is a view of the gate latching mechanism according to one aspect of the present invention; Drawing Sheets Al to A4 are detailed engineering drawings of one preferred embodiment of the present invention; Drawing Sheets B 1 to B4 are detailed engineering drawings of a further preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Drawing Sheets Cl to C4 are detailed engineering drawings of a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.

-4- DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the starting box assembly 1 is depicted. The starting box assembly provides a plurality of adjacent compartments within which greyhounds are confined prior to the commencement of a race. Each compartment 2 includes an opening 3 through which the greyhound is released at the commencement of the race. The opening 3 is controlled by a hinged gate 4 which moves between a closed position (Fig. 1) and a fully opened position (Fig. The gate includes arms 5 which are connected to respective hinge points located on the starting box frame. The hinge points define an axis of rotation 6 for the gate and is located rearwardly of the plane 7 of the opening. Movement of the hinged gate 4 is controlled by one or more actuators (not shown).

In a preferred embodiment, the gate opening assembly, including the gate opening actuators, is located within the starting box. The starting gate assembly is designed such that the attachment points of the gate opening actuators with the gate are located on the under side of the gate. This provides improved operation and safety in comparison to known designs. Additionally, the design permits waterproof sealing of the compartments containing the gate opening mechanism, thereby improving the life of the gate opening system.

Preferably, the internal floor 8 of each compartment is covered with a suitable material with a textured surface to provide additional grip for the greyhound at the time of starting. Flooring of rubber or high density polyethylene sheet material is preferred.

Referring to Fig. 2, the sweep of the gate as it moves from its closed position to its fully open position is illustrated. For the sake of comparison, the sweep of an existing starting box gate is also shown. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the hinge point 6 between the gate 2 and the starting box frame is located rearwardly of the opening. By locating the gate hinge point 6 rearwardly of the gate opening, the angle of sweep required in order to achieve a desired 800 mm gate clearance height is reduced. This represents a significant improvement over the current designs, and provides for more rapid opening of the gate.

Referring to Fig. 3, a preferred embodiment of a gate release mechanism 10 for the starting box assembly is illustrated. The gate release mechanism utilises a locking pawl 11 which is pivotably mounted at point 12 on the starting box frame. One end 13 of the locking pawl 11 engages with a complementary lug 14 located on the inside face of the gate 2. The opposing end of the pawl 16 is connected via an arm 17 to an actuator (not shown) to apply a force to the pawl to disengage the pawl from the door and thereby permit the gate to be opened. The operation of the actuator may be performed manually by an official starter, or alternatively may be operated by a switching mechanism triggered when the lure reaches a predetermined position at the commencement of a race. A return spring 18 is connected to the pawl and acts to return the pawl to its rest position once the force exerted by the actuator is released. Fig. 3 depicts the locking pawl 11 both in an engaged position and a disengaged position. In order to disengage the locking mechanism, the actuator applies a force to the pawl via the arm 17 in the direction indicated by arrow A. This results in the rotation of the pawl about pivot point 12 as indicated by arrow B. The locking end 13 of the pawl disengages from the locking lug 14 located on the inside face of the gate resulting in the gate being able to swing open as indicated by arrow C. It is to be noted that this is an improvement over the existing locking mechanism, which has a lift action into the path of the up swinging gate. Advantageously, the gate release mechanism according to the present invention reduces the time required to open the gate and hence permits a quicker release of a dog from the compartment.

In one preferred embodiment, the gate of the starting box is opened by means of one or more pneumatic actuators driven by a supply of compressed air. Compressed air to drive the pneumatic actuators to open the starting box gate is delivered from an air reservoir in the form of a compressed air tank. Preferably the compressed air tank is charged with compressed air by means of a 240 volt electric motor driven compressor.

The flow of compressed air from the compressed air tank to the pneumatic actuators is controlled by means of valving and a manifold so as to deliver equal pressure to each actuator. Typical operating pressures are of the order of 600 kPa.

In one preferred embodiment, the closing of the gate is also controlled by the pneumatic actuators, thereby eliminating the need for manual gate handling.

In one preferred embodiment, at least one of the pneumatic actuators includes a magnetic piston. Movement of the magnetic piston is sensed by a sensor operatively connected to a timing mechanism for timing the duration of the race. Upon the opening of the gate, the movement of the magnetic piston is detected by the sensor, which triggers the timing mechanism.

In an alternative embodiment, the timing mechanism is connected to a switch.

When the gate is closed, the switch is held open and upon opening of the gate the switch is closed thereby triggering the timing mechanism.

A starting sequence at the commencement of a race will now be described. The official starter switches on a light (typically red) indicating that the dogs are being prepared in the starting box. When the dogs have been placed in their respective compartments the official starter then switches on a second light (typically green) indicating the dogs are ready to start the race.

In one preferred embodiment, the starting box assembly is adapted to provide automated opening of the gates to release the dogs at the commencement of a race.

Details of a starting box assembly according to this embodiment of the invention are provided in the accompanying engineering drawings on drawing sheets Al to A4. In this embodiment, a proximity switch is located on the rail carrying the lure in the area where the starting boxes are located. The motion of the lure passing the rail mounted proximity switch acts to trip the switch. This sends an electrical signal to a solenoid actuator of the gate locking mechanism which moves the pawl of the locking mechanism to a disengaged position and thereby unlocking the gate. At the same time, control valves of the compressed air system are opened to permit the flow of compressed air from the compressed air tank to the pneumatic actuators which in turn force open the gate of the starting box. Upon the opening of the gate the timing mechanism is triggered, preferably by sensing the movement of a magnetic piston in the pneumatic actuator. Advantageously, the unlocking and opening of the gate and the starting of the timing system is automatically controlled when the lure triggers the proximity switch.

In an alternative embodiment, the gate release mechanism may be configured for manual operation. Details of a starting box assembly according to this embodiment of the invention are provided in the accompanying engineering drawings on drawing sheets Bl to B4. The official starter operates a hand lever located on the starting box to release the gate lock and open the gate. The automated gate opening and timing may still be achieved by utilising a proximity switch located adjacent the locking pawl which is tripped by the movement of the locking pawl, and which uses an air signal to open control valves of the compressed air system thereby charging the cylinders with compressed air to open the gate. The timing mechanism is started at the opening of the -7gate by a proximity switch mounted on a pneumatic actuator, which is triggered by the movement of a magnetic piston in the pneumatic cylinder.

The official starter closes the gate by depressing a switch, which opens control valves of the air system resulting in the cylinders being charged with compressed air so as to close the gate. In moving to the closed position the locking lug on the gate engages with the locking pawl.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the opening of the gates may be performed manually by the official starter. The official starter operates a hand lever located on the starting box to release the gate locks and activate the gate opening mechanism. The automated gate opening is achieved by employing a proximity switch which is tripped when the locking pawl is moved to an unlocked position and which results in an air signal opening control valve to charge the cylinders with compressed air to open the gate. In a preferred embodiment a race timing system is automatically triggered by a proximity switch mounted on the air cylinder which senses the movement of a magnetic piston in the pneumatic cylinder. Otherwise the official timekeeper starts the timing at the gate release with a manual stopwatch. After the dogs have been released from their respective starting boxes the official starter closes the gate by depressing a switch, which opens air control valves resulting in the cylinders being charged with compressed air to close the gate into the locks, ready for the next start.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, opening of the gate of the starting box is achieved by means of a "gas spring" system. Details of a starting box assembly according to this embodiment of the invention are provided in the accompanying engineering drawings on drawing sheets C1 to C4. In a practical example of this embodiment of the invention, six gas springs are employed each with a stroke of the order of 400 mm and capable of generating a force of the order of 1200 N.

Upon release of the gate locking mechanism the gas springs, each comprising a self-contained pressurised tube with piston and rod system, act on the gate to open the gate within the desired time frame and hold the gate in the opened position.

In one configuration, the official starter moves a lever which unlocks the gate locking mechanism and permits the gate to open under the action of the gas springs.

In an alternative configuration, the motion of the lure passing a rail mounted proximity switch acts to trip the switch and send an electrical signal to a solenoid -8causing the gate to be unlocked. The unlocked gate is then opened under the force of the gas springs.

In order to close the gate, the operator activates a switch which operates a hydraulic pump. The pump feeds pressurised hydraulic fluid to hydraulic cylinders connected to the gate assembly. The hydraulic cylinders act to close the gate.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims (8)

1. A starting box assembly for use in greyhound racing, said starting box assembly including a compartment within which a greyhound is confined prior to the commencement of a race, the compartment including an opening controlled by a hinged gate rotatable about an axis between a closed position and a fully opened position, the motion of the hinged gate being controlled by an actuator, the axis of rotation of the gate being located rearwardly of the plane of the gate when the gate is in the closed position.

2. The starting box assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said actuator comprises a pneumatic actuator.

3. The starting box assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said actuator comprises a gas spring.

4. The starting box assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 3 further including a gate locking mechanism for locking the gate in the closed position, said gate locking mechanism comprises a locking pawl which is pivotally mounted on a frame member of the starting box and rotatable between an engaging position and a disengaged position and a complementary lug located on the hinged gate wherein the locking pawl engages with the lug when the gate is in the closed position, the locking pawl being biased to the engaging position by a spring and being connected to solenoid to cause the pawl to move to a disengaged position and thereby permit the gate to open under the action of the actuator.

The starting box assembly as defined in claim 1 configured such that a timing mechanism for the timing of a greyhound race is triggered upon the opening of the gate.

6. The starting box assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein the timing mechanism is triggered by sensing the movement of a magnetic piston on said actuator.

7. The starting box assembly as claimed in claim I wherein the gate includes arms which are connected to respective hinge points located on the starting box frame rearwardly of the plane of the gate when the gate is in the closed position.

8. A starting box assembly for use in greyhound racing substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples. DATED this 19th Day of September, 2002 GREYHOUND RACING AUTHORITY (NSW) Attorney: RUSSELL J. DAVIES Fellow Institute of Patent Attorneys of Australia of BALDWIN SHELSTON WATERS