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US 4,051,811 AGranted
Starting apparatus for rodeo events
OwnerArthur C. Smithinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A latching device detachably holds a flexible barrier across the exit opening of a contestant's stall, In response to a signal, the latching device releases the barrier and a timing device is activated. Disengagement of the barrier by the contestant prior to the signal activates a penalty indicating device.
Claims7
In a rodeo stall for detaining a contestant, which stall includes:
- a first stationary support member,
- a second stationary support member spaced from said first support member and defining an exit opening therebetween for said contestant,
- a flexible barrier secured at one end to said first support member and having a free end extending substantially to said second support member, and
- biasing means normally urging said free end of said barrier from said second support member,
- an improved latching device for use in combination therewith for detachably engaging the free end of said barrier and for releasing said barrier in response to a predetermined signal, said latching device comprising:
- a. a frame for attachment to said second support member;
- b. engagement means for detachably engaging the free end of said barrier and carried by said frame,
- said means normally holding said barrier against the force of said biasing means and releasing said barrier in response to the application of additional force to said barrier;
- and
- c. release means carried by said frame and cooperating with said biasing means for operatively disengaging said barrier from said engagement means.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.