Start switch for gravity-driven cars

Details Start switch for gravity-driven cars Start switch for gravity-driven cars

2009-06-05

2011-10-25

Kim, Gene (Department: 3711)

Amusement devices: toys

Discrete launcher, accelerator, or retarder for toy vehicle

C446S444000

Reexamination Certificate

active

08043139

ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to gravity-driven car racing, specifically an improved electrical timing start switch for race tracks such as used in the popular Pinewood Derby race. The present invention eliminates the imprecise coupling between the mechanical release of start posts and the subsequent generation of an electrical timer start signal by a separate micro switch-based contact. The micro switch is eliminated and the start post trigger release mechanism itself is insulated and wired as a normally closed contact that will essentially immediately start the race timer when activated. The difference in the time the start posts begin to move and the time the trigger “switch” activates the timer is then reduced to an extremely short and precise time. This time is that for mechanical movement propagation from the trigger release point to the start posts, only about 20 millionths of a second for a one lane track.

REFERENCES:
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patent: 5575383 (1996-11-01), Seeley
patent: 6424598 (2002-07-01), Shultz
patent: 6664887 (2003-12-01), Fuchs
patent: 7241223 (2007-07-01), Caudill
patent: 7285035 (2007-10-01), Tullis
patent: 7651398 (2010-01-01), Ostendorff et al.

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