US3724843A - Starting control device for running events - Google Patents

Starting control device for running events Download PDF

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Publication number
US3724843A
US3724843A US00108719A US3724843DA US3724843A US 3724843 A US3724843 A US 3724843A US 00108719 A US00108719 A US 00108719A US 3724843D A US3724843D A US 3724843DA US 3724843 A US3724843 A US 3724843A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
control device
rail
starting
starting control
central rail
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00108719A
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English (en)
Inventor
W Fichter
O Armbruster
F Assmus
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Gebrueder Junghans GmbH
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Gebrueder Junghans GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gebrueder Junghans GmbH filed Critical Gebrueder Junghans GmbH
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3724843A publication Critical patent/US3724843A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63K—RACING; RIDING SPORTS; EQUIPMENT OR ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • A63K3/00—Equipment or accessories for racing or riding sports
    • A63K3/02—Starting-appliances
    • A63K3/023—Starting-blocks

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A track mountable starting control device for running events wherein a central rail is resiliently suspended from a stationary support rail.
  • the support rail is detachably secured to the running track by the use of a spiked base.
  • the central rail surrounds the support rail and has laterally formed apertures therein for receiving'starting blocks.
  • the starting blocks may be positioned in any of the apertures, on either side of the central rail,'according to the requirements of the particular runner using the device.
  • a contact device is provided on the support rail so that the movement of the central rail, which occurs when the runner is leaving the blocks, will signal the start of the event.
  • the invention relates to a starting control device for running events, having a starting signal device and a starting machine comprising a stationary element secured on the track and a central bar provided with starting blocks and adapted to be resiliently displaced relatively to the stationary element.
  • a contact device adapted to be actuated by the displacement and a stop limiting the displacement are also provided.
  • the starting blocks are secured to a rail or bar arranged to be displaceable somewhat on the ground with the bar engaged, at its rear end, in the housing of a contact device.
  • This known device is costly 'in construction and inconvenient to manipulate.
  • accurate adjustment is necessary.
  • This accurate adjustment takes a considerable amount of time.
  • reliable securing of the starting blocks is not guaranteed.
  • the invention is based on solving the problem of how to provide a starting control device of the type mentioned which will be simple in design and guarantee the entirely satisfactory functioning and adjusting of the starting blocks.
  • the stationary portion is a support bar or rail arranged in spaced relationship with respect to the track and supported, .in raised position, at its ends on the track.
  • the central rail is designed as a box structure surrounding the support rail and having laterally formed apertures therein for positively securing the starting blocks.
  • the central rail is suspended resiliently from the stationary rail in the longitudinal direction in spaced relationship with respect to the track.
  • the central rail carrying the starting blocks is, in this manner, always readily displaced independently of the nature of the ground. Furthermore, a positive connection between the adjustable starting blocks and the central rail is assured, without screwing means being necessary for this purpose.
  • legs on which spikes are arranged for engaging in the track are provided, for supporting the support rail, legs on which spikes are arranged for engaging in the track.
  • the support rail is supported, forwardly in the direction of running, by a centrally arranged leg.
  • the support rail is supported, by two laterally arranged legs.
  • securing of the starting machine is accomplished by simply setting-down the machine on the track.
  • this may be achieved without it being necessary to additionally secure the machine by means of nails.
  • lateral wobble is avoided, even when the track is uneven.
  • the central rail may be designed as an upwardlyopen box structure. In this case, it will be possible to manufacture it from a conventional channel section.
  • the central rail may, however, also be designed in the form of a closed box structure.
  • apertures for securing the starting blocks, in the lateral walls of the central rail, and upwardly opening slots which preferably form with the longitudinal axis of the rail an acute angle of an appropriate amount, such as approximately
  • the starting blocks may then be engaged, with lateral projections taking for example the form of pins, in a simple manner in the slots, whereby absolutely safe securing is achieved.
  • a rearwardly acting force is exerted on the blocks, whereby, due to the inclined slots, the starting machine is drawn against the ground so that slipping of the entire starting machine is prevented.
  • the support rail may be designed as a hollow frame and serve for receiving electrical leads.
  • this hollow frame or hollow beam may also contain a lead feeding a soundgenerator arranged directly on the starting machine and supplying an acoustic starting signal.
  • a soundgenerator arranged directly on the starting machine and supplying an acoustic starting signal.
  • a loudspeaker may expediently be used.
  • the sound generator may be arranged for example on a rail or also directly on a starting block. Also, the arrangement of a plurality of sound generators on a starting machine is possible.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first-embodiment of a starting control device according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows a lateral elevational view of the device according to FIG. 1, individual elements being shown broken-away, for clarity of illustration;
  • FIG. 3 shows a section taken along the line IIIIII of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 shows a partial illustration of a second example of an embodiment of a starting control device according to the invention.
  • FIG. 5 shows a detail view of a starting block used for the starting control device according to the invention
  • FIG. 6 shows a detail view of a starting block constituting a variant with respect to FIG. 5;
  • FIG. '7 shows a partial view of a rail or bar at one end of which a sound generator is arranged
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a starting block provided with a sound generator.
  • reference numeral 10 designates a support rail which may be designed as a square hollow frame or bearer.
  • the support rail 10 has, at its ends, support legs 10a and 10b secured on bases 11, 12
  • the bases carry spikes 20 adapted to engage in the surface of a track and to the support rail.
  • Central rail 21 is displaceable somewhat in its longitudinal direction.
  • the central rail has slots formed in its sides. The slots form an acute angle of substantially 75 with the longitudinal axis of the rail.
  • the slots 22 serve for engagement of the starting blocks (to be described later).
  • a contact device 17 co-operating with a stop 18 on the displaceable central rail 21.
  • the stop 18 is adjustable with the aid of a screw 19, so that actuation of the contact device 17 is adjustable.
  • the screw 19 is accessible through an aperture 100.
  • the contact device 17 is connected, via a lead 29 extending through the hollow frame with a plug 27 at the rear end. Plug 27 may be connected, via a plug-in cable, with an indicator device (not shown).
  • a feed conductor for a sound generator source of sound
  • the sound generator may also for example be attached at the forward portion 10a of the support rail, in order that it may be in,the immediate vicinity of the runner.
  • a stop 23 against which bears a spring 26 the bias of which is adjustable with the aid of a set screw 25 adapted to be screwedin a screwthread formed in strap 24.
  • the spring 26 presses the central rail 21 forwardly into a position such that the contact device 17 is not actuated.
  • the runner starts the central rail 21 is moved-back against the force of spring 26, whereby the contact device 17 is actuated.
  • the front and rear zones of the U-shaped central rail 21 may be covered by caps 30 (FIG. 1).
  • the central rail is also U-shaped but the open side faces downwardly.
  • the central rail is designated 42.
  • the slots 43 for securing the starting blocks are provided here in the same manner, but there are formed in the web of the channel section additional slots extending in the longitudinal direction. It would also be conceivable to design the central rail as a closed box structure.
  • a starting block is shown in detail in FIG. 5. It comprises two lateral plates 31 formed in the front portion with an aperture for receiving a pivot 34 about which abutment 32, properly sized for the runners feet is pivotally mounted.
  • the front side of the abutment 32 may be given a covering 33 of plastic material which reliably prevents slipage.
  • the abutment32 carries a pivot 35 which is pressed forwardly in a slot by means of a spring (not shown) and engages in a tooth-like arrangement 36. With the aid of toothing 36 the advance of the angle of incidence of the abutment 32 is made possible.
  • an angle member 37 provided internally with a pin 38.
  • the angle member 37 is fitted from above on the centralrail.
  • the angle member engages over the lateral wall of the central rail 21 and the pin 38 engages in the slot 22. In this manner, without any kind of screwing means, absolutely reliable retaining of the starting block is assured.
  • the starting blocks may be provided on both sides with a retaining angle member 37 or with headed pins 39, so that they may be used on both sides of the central rail 21m 42.
  • adjustable stop 28 takes the form of an eccentric.
  • FIG. 7 shows the front end of a rail for securing starting blocks as described hereinabove.
  • the rail is provided at one end (preferably the front end) with a housing 61 containing a source of sound, for example a loudspeaker 63, connected via alead 62' with a signal source supplying electrical signals which energize the loudspeaker.
  • a source of sound for example a loudspeaker 63
  • alead 62' with a signal source supplying electrical signals which energize the loudspeaker.
  • FIG. 8 shows a starting block having an installed sound generator, for example a loudspeaker 65, with feed cable 66.
  • an installed sound generator for example a loudspeaker 65
  • a track mountable starting control device for running events having a starting signal device and a starting machine comprising:
  • stationary means comprising track engaging means located generally at ends thereof and an elongated support rail extending therebetween, said support rail being disposed in a raised position relative to said track engaging means;
  • stop means carried by said central rail and said support rail and operable to limit longitudinal displacementof said central rail relative to said support rail;
  • a contact device carried by said support rail and cooperating with and actuatable upon contact with a second stop means carried by said central rail upon longitudinal displacement of said central rail relative to said support rail;
  • biasing means normally biasing said central rail to a position where said contact device is-not actuated
  • starting block means detachably secured on said central rail through cooperation with said apertures.
  • said track engaging means includes base members having spikes engageable in said track.
  • said track engaging means further includes a centrally arranged forwardly mounted support base and two rearwardly mounted laterally arranged support bases.
  • central rail comprises a U-shaped box structure.
  • said central rail further comprises U-shaped leaf springs for suspending said central rail at its ends from said support rail.
  • the starting control device according to claim 1 5 14.
  • said starting block means laterally include at least one projection, said projection engageable with said at least one of said apertures formed in said central rail.
  • said starting block means additionally include a retaining angle member engageable with said projection.
  • the starting control device including a sound generator for supplying starting signals, said generator being arranged directly on said starting machine.
  • the starting control device including a sound generator for supplying starting signals, said generator being arranged on said starting block means.

Landscapes

  • Train Traffic Observation, Control, And Security (AREA)
  • Escalators And Moving Walkways (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
US00108719A 1970-01-28 1971-01-22 Starting control device for running events Expired - Lifetime US3724843A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE2003845A DE2003845C3 (de) 1970-01-28 1970-01-28 Startvorrichtung fuer Laufwettbewerbe

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3724843A true US3724843A (en) 1973-04-03

Family

ID=5760755

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00108719A Expired - Lifetime US3724843A (en) 1970-01-28 1971-01-22 Starting control device for running events

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US3724843A (de)
JP (1) JPS502289B1 (de)
AT (2) AT302861B (de)
DE (1) DE2003845C3 (de)
FR (1) FR2077092A5 (de)
GB (1) GB1300198A (de)

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4611803A (en) * 1983-06-29 1986-09-16 Newton Jr Milton A Starting block assembly
WO1989011895A1 (en) * 1988-06-01 1989-12-14 All Ohio Youth Athletic Club Starting block for runners
US5467652A (en) * 1994-01-03 1995-11-21 Richards; Katy S. Apparatus and method for determining response parameters of a runner to a start signal
US5620395A (en) * 1995-09-07 1997-04-15 Como; Raymond Method and associated apparatus for installing an above ice surface curling hack
USD385606S (en) * 1996-07-29 1997-10-28 Newton Jr Milton A Runner's starting block assembly
WO1999032889A3 (en) * 1997-12-02 1999-09-16 Lynx System Developers Inc Reaction time measurement system
US6929585B1 (en) * 2003-01-29 2005-08-16 Gill Athletics, Inc. Starting block with connected pedals
US20050227813A1 (en) * 2002-05-03 2005-10-13 Francesca Curry Starting aid for use in swimming
US20070021271A1 (en) * 2005-07-25 2007-01-25 Held Franklin W Portable runners starting block
US20070087900A1 (en) * 2003-12-15 2007-04-19 Virklund Sport A/S Starting block
US20110287897A1 (en) * 2010-05-19 2011-11-24 Ford Michael C Track and field starting block anchor
CN102814032A (zh) * 2011-06-07 2012-12-12 瑞士时序有限公司 用于体育比赛中参赛者的起动设备
US20140221159A1 (en) * 2012-12-21 2014-08-07 Wendell Lawrence Force feedback starting blocks
CN106943705A (zh) * 2017-05-02 2017-07-14 江苏金陵体育器材股份有限公司 出发台

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB8700228D0 (en) * 1987-01-07 1987-02-11 Hendrey A R Starting block assembly
GB2206805B (en) * 1987-07-10 1991-07-24 Lillywhites Cantabrian Ltd Athletes starting blocks
DE8815898U1 (de) * 1988-07-07 1989-02-16 Pieh, Claudia, 3300 Braunschweig, De
JP7263100B2 (ja) * 2019-04-26 2023-04-24 セイコータイムクリエーション株式会社 スタート装置

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2900187A (en) * 1957-02-14 1959-08-18 Donald J Hondorp Starting block
US2937871A (en) * 1958-09-24 1960-05-24 John H Mccafferty Starting aid for foot races
US3384377A (en) * 1966-01-14 1968-05-21 Robert L. Stipp Golf stance guide
US3494615A (en) * 1968-05-07 1970-02-10 Pacer Products Inc Starter block apparatus
US3608897A (en) * 1969-04-14 1971-09-28 Topper Mfg Co Ltd Starting block assembly

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2900187A (en) * 1957-02-14 1959-08-18 Donald J Hondorp Starting block
US2937871A (en) * 1958-09-24 1960-05-24 John H Mccafferty Starting aid for foot races
US3384377A (en) * 1966-01-14 1968-05-21 Robert L. Stipp Golf stance guide
US3494615A (en) * 1968-05-07 1970-02-10 Pacer Products Inc Starter block apparatus
US3608897A (en) * 1969-04-14 1971-09-28 Topper Mfg Co Ltd Starting block assembly

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4611803A (en) * 1983-06-29 1986-09-16 Newton Jr Milton A Starting block assembly
US4913420A (en) * 1986-04-25 1990-04-03 All Ohio Youth Athletic Club Starting block for runners
WO1989011895A1 (en) * 1988-06-01 1989-12-14 All Ohio Youth Athletic Club Starting block for runners
AU633493B2 (en) * 1988-06-01 1993-02-04 All Ohio Youth Athletic Club Starting block for runners
US5467652A (en) * 1994-01-03 1995-11-21 Richards; Katy S. Apparatus and method for determining response parameters of a runner to a start signal
US5620395A (en) * 1995-09-07 1997-04-15 Como; Raymond Method and associated apparatus for installing an above ice surface curling hack
USD385606S (en) * 1996-07-29 1997-10-28 Newton Jr Milton A Runner's starting block assembly
WO1999032889A3 (en) * 1997-12-02 1999-09-16 Lynx System Developers Inc Reaction time measurement system
US6002336A (en) * 1997-12-02 1999-12-14 Lynx System Developers, Inc. Reaction time measurement system
AU743664B2 (en) * 1997-12-02 2002-01-31 Lynx System Developers, Inc. Reaction time measurement system
US20050227813A1 (en) * 2002-05-03 2005-10-13 Francesca Curry Starting aid for use in swimming
US6929585B1 (en) * 2003-01-29 2005-08-16 Gill Athletics, Inc. Starting block with connected pedals
US20070087900A1 (en) * 2003-12-15 2007-04-19 Virklund Sport A/S Starting block
US20070021271A1 (en) * 2005-07-25 2007-01-25 Held Franklin W Portable runners starting block
US20110287897A1 (en) * 2010-05-19 2011-11-24 Ford Michael C Track and field starting block anchor
US9242187B2 (en) * 2010-05-19 2016-01-26 Michael C. Ford Track and field starting block anchor
CN102814032A (zh) * 2011-06-07 2012-12-12 瑞士时序有限公司 用于体育比赛中参赛者的起动设备
EP2532400A1 (de) * 2011-06-07 2012-12-12 Swiss Timing Ltd. Startvorrichtung für einen Wettkämpfer, der an einem Sportwettkampf teilnimmt
US20120316036A1 (en) * 2011-06-07 2012-12-13 Swiss Timing Ltd Starting device for a competitor in a sports competition
JP2012254298A (ja) * 2011-06-07 2012-12-27 Swiss Timing Ltd スポーツ競技の競技者用スタート装置
US8992386B2 (en) * 2011-06-07 2015-03-31 Swiss Timing Starting device for a competitor in a sports competition
CN102814032B (zh) * 2011-06-07 2015-04-22 瑞士时序有限公司 用于体育比赛中参赛者的起动设备
US20140221159A1 (en) * 2012-12-21 2014-08-07 Wendell Lawrence Force feedback starting blocks
CN106943705A (zh) * 2017-05-02 2017-07-14 江苏金陵体育器材股份有限公司 出发台

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AT311858B (de) 1973-12-10
DE2003845B2 (de) 1973-11-15
FR2077092A5 (de) 1971-10-15
AT302861B (de) 1972-10-25
DE2003845A1 (de) 1971-08-19
DE2003845C3 (de) 1974-06-06
JPS502289B1 (de) 1975-01-24
GB1300198A (en) 1972-12-20

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