GB644323A - Improved game apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

644,323. Race games. TAYLOR, H. E. C. July 9, 1947, No. 18146. [Class 132 (ii)] Race game apparatus comprises tracks t 1 , t 2 along which models x, y can run and means operable by the players at one or more points a on the tracks to accelerate by mechanical or gravitational action the models together with automatically actuated accelerating means at other points b. Each player controls one track by a wheel 3 coupled by a chain 5 to a shaft 6 linked by a bar 9 to a shaft 10, the shafts 6, 10 carrying cams 7, 7<SP>1</SP>, 11 which support a plate beneath the tracks. Extending vertically from this plate are rods 16, one for each position a, which carry fingers 17 each engaging a bell-crank lever 19 acted on by a spring 21. The models x, y each have a depending part 23, 24 carrying a pivoted abutment 22. When the wheel 3 is rotated clockwise the rods 16 are raised by the cams 7, 71, 11 to move the lever 19 to the left (Fig. 3). If a model is passing above a section a at this moment the lever 19 urged by the spring 21 will engage the part 22 to accelerate the model. Similar mechanism operated by the wheel 4 is provided for the other player. Automatically actuated means are provided to ensure that a model will complete the circuit even though not engaged by the levers 19. A plate 38, supported beneath the tracks on cams 50 rotated by a shaft 45 and ratchet drive 43, 44 at the start of each race, carries vertical rods 37, two at each position b. The rods 37 when raised move levers 33, 36 to the left, Fig. 6, the lever 36 in its motion knocking a retaining catch 40 to hold lever 33 to the left. When a model comes to a point b a stop 23a engages the lever 36 which hits the catch 40 to release the lever 33 which then propels the model forward. The apparatus may be coin freed. Each player may brake his opponent's control by anti-clockwise rotation of his wheel 3 or 4. The above accelerating means may be replaced by pivoted sections of the track which on being tilted form ramps to accelerate the models, and in this construction the models may be in the form of balls or rollers. Alternatively flexible sections of the track may be raised to form humps down which the models may run. The progress and result of the game may be indicated by coloured lights. The Provisional Specification describes a modification similar to that described in Specification 658,086.