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US2076054A - Race game apparatus - Google Patents

Race game apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US2076054A
US2076054A US59279A US5927936A US2076054A US 2076054 A US2076054 A US 2076054A US 59279 A US59279 A US 59279A US 5927936 A US5927936 A US 5927936A US 2076054 A US2076054 A US 2076054A
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United States
Prior art keywords
drive
shaft
race
sprocket
drum
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US59279A
Inventor
Bradlce W Williams
Homer S Williams
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Bally Manufacturing Corp
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Bally Manufacturing Corp
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Priority to US59279A priority Critical patent/US2076054A/en
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/14Racing games, traffic games, or obstacle games characterised by figures moved by action of the players
    • A63F9/143Racing games, traffic games, or obstacle games characterised by figures moved by action of the players electric

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a race game apparatus, the main purpose of which is to afford amusement to the player, or players, thereof.
  • the game is of that type in which 5 a suitable table is provided with a pluralty of rape-ways, in each of which is moved an appropriate racing object.
  • the group of racing objects When the game is released for piay, simultaneously leaves a starting position to be 10 moved toward an objective or finish line.
  • In their movement means is operative to vary the rate of travel of the several objects in a. differential manner, so that it will be impossible to predict which race object will win the race by 15 first reaching the finish line. Accordingly, the maximum amusement value is created for the player who tries to guess which object will win the race.
  • the main object of the present invention is to provide an improved race game apparatus.
  • Another object is to provide a plurality of race object endless chain or belt carriers in combination with an improved smple, and eiective means for diierentially varying the speed drive of the said chains, so that the racing 0b- ;m jects will advance toward the finish line in an unpredictable marmer;
  • Another object is to provide an improved electrically driven game apparatus and an electromechanicai control means for varyng the travel of the several race objects.
  • Still another object of the invention is to pro-. vide an improved mechanism for designating automatically the winning race object at the termination of the race.
  • Another object is to provide an impr0ved means for slidably mounting the race objects for movement along race-ways formed in a table.
  • the race objects will be in the form of horses to simulate a horse race.
  • these cbjects may assume other Iorms, such for example, as automobiles, walking race automatons, rabbits, or sail boats, and the 1ike.
  • the typeof racing ob- i0 ject to be cmployed is optional, for all types mentioned, and others, may be used with the game apparatus of this invention.
  • a suitable cabinet which carries a horizontal table formed with the desired. number of parallel, spaced, slotted ways.
  • a bracket carryii1g a cross shaft structure for mounting a plurality of spaced sprocket wheels.
  • the wheels on one end of the table are idlers and those at the other end are drivers; the wheels on the respective shaft stru'ctures being alined in pairs to carry a plurality of endless chains.
  • These chains correspond in number with the slotted ways in the table so that each chain is fixedly c0nnected at one point with a mounting movable in a slotted way for carryngarace horse or other simulated object.
  • An electric motor of the reversible type is geared to drive the driven shaft structure, there being operatively assoeiated with each drive sprocket wheel a friction olutch means and an eIectroma-gnet.
  • the drive spzockets are free for independent rotation and the friction means normally holds the sprockets for driving the same.
  • a timing mechanism is also driven by power derived from the motor te cause successive energization of the electromagnets whereby brakes or stop devices are successvely applied to restrain movement of the drive sprocket wheels for temporarily checking the movement of the respective chains and race objects whereby to vary the rate of travel ofthe simulated horses.
  • a mechanica] control means is provided to vary the times When the drive sprockets again are eiective to drive the race objects, so that it will mathematically, or otherwise, be impossible to predict or foretell the c'ycles of movement of the race objects.
  • a switch is closed to cause energization of an auxiliary electromaghetic'means to control the setting of a driven rotatable drum located in the cabinet at the finish or goal end of the table, said drum also being rotated by power derived from the electric motor.
  • This drum carries appropriate legends to indicate.or desigriate the winning horse, said legend being viewed through a window or slot formed in a cover placed over the drum. Such indicator is necessary in the event several horses appear in a close finish.
  • the winning horse further closes another switch to cause energization of another electromagnetic device to operate an appropriate switch to establish circuits to cause reverse rotaition of the motor, whereupon all chains are reversely driven to return all horses to their starting positions and aline same in a transverse row preparatory to the start of another race.
  • the horses do not all return together; however, the controls are so arranged that when the last horse returns to the starting position the motor circuit is opened to cause cessation of its operation so that all parts come to rest preparatory to starting the next race. 80 much, it is believed, will suiflce in giving ageneral view of the improved game apparatus.
  • Figure 1 is a general plan view of the game
  • Figure 2 is a detail side elevational view of one of the electrmagnetic control units and the stop detent on the winner indicating drum ior causing the latter to stop in its rotation at the termination oi arace to designate the winner;
  • Figure 3 is a detail, side elevational view of the 2 electromagnetic control"for the tilting mercury type motor switches, the view being taken along the line 3-3 of Flgure 5, looking in the indlcated direction;
  • Figure 4 is a detail, cross sectional view, taken along the line"44 of Figure 18, to show the mounting of the race objectss in the table;
  • Flgure 5 is a general, bottom plan view of the game structure
  • Figure 6 is an enlarged, bottom plan view of the timer or the electromagnetic clutch controls, partly in section, taken along the line 6-6 of Figure '1, looldng in the dirction of the arrows;
  • Figure '1 is a side elevational view, partly in section, through the same timer unit, taken along the line 1--1 of Flgure 6 looking in the indicated direction;
  • Figure 8 is a detail, elevational view, partly in section, taken along the line 8-8 of Figure 5, looking in the direction of the arrows;
  • Figure 9 is a detail side view, partly in section, of the starting end of thedrive chains showing an associated idler wheel, taken along the line 9-9 of Figure 10, looking in the direction indicated;
  • Figure 10 is a similar view, showing the same parts, the section being taken along the line I0l0 of Figure 5, looking in the indicated direction;
  • Figure 11 is a Sectional side view through the driven -end of the drive chain structure, taken along the line H--Il of Figure 12, looking in the indicated direction;
  • Figure 12 is a fragmentar enlarged, detail, cross sectional view through the structure shown in Figure 11, taken approximately along the line l2l2 of Figure 1, looking in the designated direction;
  • Figure 13 is an enlarged, detail, transverse sectional view of the drive shaftstructure, taken along the line I3-l3 of Figure 11;
  • Figure 14 is a similar view, but taken along the line I4I4 of Figure 9 to show that structure
  • Figure 15 is a detail, transverse, sectional view, taken along the line
  • Figure 16 is an enlarged side elevational view of the game as viewed from the section line I6- 70 IS of Figure 5, looking in the indicated direction;
  • Flgure 17 is an enlarged,detail, side elevational view, partly in section, to show the indicating drum, its drive, and control, taken along the line
  • Figure 19 is a, wiring diagram for the electrical structure of the game.
  • the game is housed in any appropriate box or cabinet 20, the same carrying a horizontal table 2l, which extends from the front wal] 22 of the cabinet to a cross plate 23 near the opposite or rear end of thecabinet.
  • This strip 23 is marked in spaced relation with num'ners, in the present instance trom I to 9, since there are to be provided nine simulated race horses in the present dis closure for purposes of lllustratlon. Obviously, this number may be varled, as desired, and the numbers designate the nine horses.
  • the forward, or startin'gend of the-board, or table 2I carries on its under side, a depending U-shaped bracket 35, which is disposed transversely. See Figures 5, 9, 10, 14 and 16. Journaled in the ends of the bracket is a transverse, horizontal idler shaft 36, which has loosely mounted thereon for independent rotation, nine sprocket wheels 31, held apart in suitably spaced relationship by collars, or spacer sleeves 38. Each sprocket wheel has respectively wrapped therearound the forward loop, of nine endless sprocket chans 39,which run horizontally be low the table.
  • Each chain 39 carries at fixed transversely alined points a fastening device 40 (sec Figure 4) for rigidly securing the slides 30 t0 the upper run of the chains.
  • the bracket 35 along its front side f.urther carries a cross bar 4! as shown in Figures 9 and 10,
  • This bar 41 in alinement with each slide 30, carries spaced insulator strips 42, which serve in mounting separate pairs of conductor spring arns 43, extending vertically with contact points 44 at their upper ends normally held engagedbecause of the spring in the arms 43.
  • Wires 45 respectively lead in parallel from the arms 43 as shown in Figures 9 and 19.
  • transverse bracket 41 also U-shaped, and. carrying as shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13, a transverse drive shaft 48 on which are loosely mounted nine sprocket wheels 49, around which are respectively wrapped the 15 nine drive chains 39.
  • each wheel 49 jacent a face of each wheel 49, is a friction clutch disk 50, and adjacent eachdisk 50 the shaft has keyed thereto, a disk 5l.
  • Each drive sprocket assembly thusdncludes a loose wheel 49, a loose disk 50, and a keyed disk, or wheel 5I, with the friction disks 50 respectively sandwiched between a wheel 49 and wheel 5l.
  • These unit assemblies are properly spaced apart along the shaft 48 by means of spacers 52.
  • a spring 53 between one end of the bracket and the ad jacent wheel 49 serves to press all unitsyieldably to hold the frction disks in engagement with the respective wheels 49, H in each assembly.
  • each wheel 5! is pro vided with a circumferentially spaced series of holes 54 in any one of which may be mounted a transversely extending cylindrical pin 55, which may include a roller, if desired.
  • the underside of the table 2i carries a re- 3 versible type of electric motor 56 as shown in Figures 5 and 16, the motor having a shaft to drive a worm gear set 51, thereby turning the drive shaft 48. See also Figure 17.
  • each lever at its upper end is formed with a bent end to provisie a dog 6I adapted to be moved into engagement with the teeth on the adjacent sprocket wheels 49.
  • each lever 60 includes a cam, or wedge surface 62 adapted to lie respectively in the path of movement of the pins 55 on the wheels 5I.
  • Each lever 60 at a point midway or so between its ende has connected to it one end of a pull spring 63, the other end of which is connected to a channelshaped lever 64 pivoted at 65 to a bracket 66 mounted on the plate 58, as shown.
  • Each lever 64 includes a bight portion carrying on its under face an armature element 61 located in position to be attracted by an electromagnet 68. Niue of these magnets are mounted on the plate 58, one for each unit now being described. Further, each lever 64 has the bight thereof stopped short of the end of the lever thereby providing a stop shoulder 69 and. extended sides to span the respective levers 60.
  • the bracket 41 on its rearside, carries a cross bar 10 as appears in Figure 11 for munting adjacent each finishing. end of the strips 21, en insulator pack 1! for carrylng separate switch units, respectively comprising groups of three spring arms 12 including contacts, normally held open by the springiness of the stock, saidspring arms extending upwardly with one arm in each group higher than the others in the same group and carrying a bumper element 13. 'I'here are nine such switch units with each presenting a bumper 13 in the path of movement of the slides 30, so that when any slide reaches the race finish line, it will engage and close the switch unit for a purpose presently to appear,
  • a timer mechanism is provided and driven from the shaft 48 for causing successive enezgization of the nine drive regulating electromagnets 68. This timer will next be described, and reference is now made to Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8.
  • a sprocket chain driven from the sprocket wheel 16 drives a sprocket wheel 8l'fast on a shaft 82 joumaled transversely in a housing 83 suspended from the underside of the table 2I.
  • the box 83 carries a vertical insulation plaats 85 in which the shaft 82 is also journaled and projects therethrough so that it may carry a vertical timer wheel 86 made of conductor material.
  • the edge of this wheel is constantly wiped by a conductor spring 81 anchored at its other end in an insulated pack 88 on a bracket 89 carried by the plate 85.
  • the pack 88 also carries a pair of spring contact bars 90 one of which is longer than the other to dispose same in the path of movement of a series of insulated pegs or pins 9-l carried in a circular spaced series on the face of the wheel 86 away from the plate 85.
  • the face of the wheel 86 adjacent the plate 85 (see F'igure -6) carries a conductor wiper 92 adapted to wipe and contact a circular series of conductor buttons 93 mounted in the plate 85. As shown best in Figures 6 and 19, separate wires 94 lead respectively from each of these buttons 93, of which there are nine, to each of the nine electromagnates 68, heretofore described.
  • a wire 95 from a main power line 91 with a suitable source of energy is provided with taps 98 res pectively into said nine electromagnets 68 as shown in Figure 19.
  • the wire shown as connectod bctween the wiper 92 and conductor 81 is pnrely illustrative and is to be considered diagraminatic only. The exact structure can be seen in Figure 6. It wil] be seen that the wire 91 additionally is provided with nine taps 98 rcspectively leading into the nine spring switch units 12, heretofor described, and located at the finish end of the nine race ways 29.
  • the shaft 48 carries a sprocket wheel l04 (see aiso Figure 15) loose on the shaft, but pressed by a spring
  • Said wheel I04 drives a chain 101, which in turn drives a. sprocket wheel
  • bracket I09 At one end of the drum and. therebeiow the cabinet 20 appropriately carries a bracket I09 (see ' Figures 16, 17 and 5), which provides an upper arcuate surfce as shown to conform to the shape of the cylinder l0l.
  • This wall or bracket i09 carries in alternate disposition on opposite faces thereof, nine brackets H0 (see aiso Figure 2), each bracket respectively carrying an eiectromagnet H I of which there are nine arranged arcuately and appropriateiy spaced apart.
  • Each bracket carries a.n armature II2 on a pivot H3, with a spring, as shown in. Figure 2,
  • each bracket IIO includes a.n upstanding portion H5 carrying a. horizontal pivot Il6 for pivotally mounting a dog H1-having at its free end a transverse pin H8 for a purpose presently to appear.
  • Each dog "1 is spring pressed upwardly toward the drum 0! and also includes at its heel end ashoulder 'II to cooperate with the stop I I4 for normaily holding the dog H1 in the full line position shown in Figure 2.
  • the drum IN is formed with a cut out opening I20 adjacent which is an inwardly xtending radial bracket I2l carrying a pivot I'22 for a. radiaily outwardly extending dog l23, the sarne normaiiy being spring pressed against the edge of the opening as shown in Figure 2, the dog l23 projecting into the path of movement of the dogs 1 and particularly the pins H8 thereon.
  • the drum IOI carries a stop 123 for a. purpose to appear.
  • each electromagnet Hl is respectvely connected by taps IN with a main power line l25, (j5 1eading from a suitable source of energy. Further, each electromagnet HI is connected by a wire I26 leadng respectively to the nine finish switches 12 heretofore described. Each switch 12 aiso is connected by a wire I21 with a line wire l28 that connects with an electromagnet l29.
  • the magnet 129 is mounted on a. bracket I30 suitabiy carried by the underside of the table 2! or the adjacent wa1l of the cabinet.
  • This bracket l30 aiso mounts a solenoid I3I having a core operating a link 132,
  • This arm I33 is rockably mounted with a. horizontal shaft [36, the portion of the arm surrounding the shait being enlarged as a. wheel which includes a cam notch I31.
  • This notch 131 is cooperable with the hoek end.
  • the shaft I36 extends through the bracket to carry on the other side of the bracket a disk I4I carrying spring clamps II2 ior mounting a pair of tilting type mercury switches H3 and I.
  • wire I28 leads to the electromagnet 129 and a wire I 45 leads from the latter to the mercury switch l43.
  • 1 ⁇ tap H6 connects the wire I45 with the main fire S25, as shown.
  • a wire I41 goes from the switch to be connected with one half of the wires 45 for the switches 46, while the other tap 45 of these switches goes into a wire H8 leading to the motor 50.
  • 49 leads from the switch l43 to the switch of the timer and another wire I 50 leads from the same switch I43 into a variabie resistance I 5! connected by a tap 152 to the motor 56.
  • a wire I53 leads from the other mercury switch M4 to the motor 56 and another wire I54 aiso leads from the switch I44 to the line l52 and into the motor 56.
  • a hand closed starting switch button I55 is carried on the front wal] of the cabinet, the same having a wire 156 to the solenoid 13! and a wire I51 into the line 91.
  • both switches are tilted with their forward ends down and their rear ends nism; if desired.
  • Closing of the starting switch I55 as best seen in Figure 19 causes the solenoid 131 to be energized, whereupon the armature [32 is operative to pull the lever I33 (see Figure 3) to rock the shaft
  • the shouider l31 locks with the hooked end l38 of the armature for the magnet l29.
  • the solenoid is only momentarily energized and the look l31, I3B acts to hold the switches releasably in their newiy tilted positions.
  • the motor 56 turns and its shait through worm gears 51, and reduction gearing shown in Figure 5, rotates the rear cross shaft 40.
  • This causes al] of the nine driver disks 51 to turn and through the friction means 50, each of the loos sprocket wheels 49 is driven to drive the nine chains 39.
  • all nine carrier slides leave the switches 45, causing them to open, and to advance the horses 34 toward the winning end of the track.
  • the chain 101 drives the drum 101 to rotate it clockwise as viewed in 30 Figure 16.
  • the dog- 123 merely iolds back to pass any obstructions in its path of movement as the drum turns.
  • each of the nine electromagnets 68 is successively energized and deenergized to cause delay in the drive to the nine chains and nine horses.
  • the gravity pawl driver 16 operates to pick up and release the ratchet wheel 14 in an indeterminate manner to prevent the occurrence of any regular, predictable cycles oi movementfor the horses.
  • the switch 143 now is reversed to break the motor circuits heretofore described which caused the drive to advance the horses toward the finish line.
  • 'I'he circuit to the motor is now as follows: from wire 125, through wire 146, wire 145, switch 143 into wire 141, through the closed switches 44 and the wire 148 and into the motor 56.
  • wire 152 By means of wire 152 the circuit goes through wire. 154, switch 144, wire 153 and back into the motor 56.
  • the circuit with the power line. 91 is completed by the upper wire shown in Figure 19 connected between the motor 56 and said wire 91.
  • the reverse setting of the mercury switch 144 serves to eiect, through the circuits described, a reversal of the motor 56 and a reverse drive of all sprocket wheels 49 and the chains 39, thereby causing the carrier slides 30 with the horses to be moved back to the starting line.
  • This reversal of the drive throgh chain 101 causes reverse rotation of the drum 101.
  • said drum ll rotates reversely until stopped when the stop 123 thereon hits the end of the raised stop dog ll'l as shown in Figure 17.
  • the winning horse is number 9 will be visible through the window N13 in the cover plate 102 to designate to the player in a deflnite manner the result of the race.
  • a race game en elongated horizontal table having a series of spaced longitudinal race ways, objects movable in said ways from a. starting position at one end of the table to a flnish position adjacent the other end thereof, a cross shaft journaled on the under side of the table at the starting end thereof, said shaft carrying a series of spaced idler sprocket wheels, a cross drive shaft journaled on the under 'side of the table at the other end thereof, said latter shaft loosely carrying a series of spaced drive sprocket wheels respectively alined in pairs with the wheels on the first shaft, endless chains respectively wrapped around said pair s of wheels, carriers mounting the obiects and fastened to said chains for moving the objects in the ways, driver disks turnable with the drive shaft and respectively positioned adjacent each drive sprocket, friction means interposed between each drive sprocket wheel and its driver disk, yieldable means engaging each friction means and.
  • drive sprocket wheel with a driver disk
  • a motor including connections to drive the drive shaft to move the chains
  • an electromagnetic device operatively associated with each drive sprocket wheel including a movable armature, a look member movably mounted adjacent each armature and normally held disengaged from a drive sprocket wheel, means for energizing the elecwhereby the released sprocket wheels resume driving.
  • a race game en elongated horizontal table having a series of spaced longitudinal race ways, objects movable in said way s from a. start-- ing position at one end-of the tble to a finish position adjacent the other end thereoif, a cross shaft journaled on the under si de of the table at the starting end thereof, said shatt carrying a series of spaced idler sprocket wheels.
  • a cross driveshaft journaled on the under side of the table at the other end thereof, said latter shaft loosely carrying a series of spaced drive sprocket wheels respectively alined in pairs with the wheels on the first shaft, endless chains respectively wrapped around said pairs of wheels, carriers mounting the objects and fastened to said chains for moving the objects in the ways, driver disks turnable with the drive shaft and respectively psitioned adjacent each drive sprocket, friction means respectively interposed between each drive sprocket wheel and its driver disk, resilient means normally engaging the drive sprocket wheels and friction means with the driver disks, a motor including connections to drive the drive shaft to move the chains, an electromagnetic device operatively associated with each drive sprocket wheel including o.
  • movable armature a look lever associated with each armature and normally held disengaged from a drive sprocket wheel
  • means operatively associated with the driver disks to move the levers automatically to sprocket releasing positions whereby the released sprocket wheels resume driving.
  • an elongated horizontal table having a series of spaced longitudinal race ways.
  • objects movable in said ways from a startloosely carrying a series of spaced drivesprocket wheels respectively alined in pairs with the wheels on the first shaft, endless chains respectively wrapped around said pairs of wheels, carriers mounting the objects and fastened to said chains for moving the objects in the ways, driver disks turnable with the drive shaft and respectively positioned adjacent each drive sprocket, friction means respectively interposed between each drive sprocket wheel and its driver disk, yieldable means normally engaging the drive sprocket wheels and friction means with the driver disks,
  • motor including connections to drive the drive shaft to move the chains, an electmmagnetic device operatvely associated with each drive spr0cket wheel including a movable armature, a movable look member associated with each ar- 2 mature and normally held disengaged from a drive sprocket wheel, means for energizing the electromagnetic devices to cause the members to look the drive sprocket wheels and stop drive of the associated chains, and means to move the members to sprocket releasing positions whereby the released sprocket wheels resume driving, said last mentioned means comprising a trip device carried on each driver disk to engage the member.
  • each driver disk isprovided with a circular series of angularly spaced holes in any one of which the trips may be mounted. whereby the trips respectively on the several disks may have diierent relative angular positions thereon.
  • a race game en elongated horizontal table having a series of spaced longitudinal race ways, objects movable in said ways from a starting position at one end of the table to a finish position adjacent the other end thereof, a cross shaft journaled on the under side of the tabl'e at the starting end thereof, said shaft carrying a series of spaced idler sprooket wheels, a cross drive shaft journaled on the under side of the table at the other end thereof, said latter shaft loosely carrying a series of spaced drive sprocket wheels respectiveiy alined in pairs with the wheels on the first shaft, endless chains respectively wrapped around said pairs of wheels, carriers mounting the objects and fastened to said chains or moving the objects in the ways, driver disks turnable with the drive shaft and. respectively positioned adjaoent each drive sprocket, friction means respectively interposed between each drive sprocket wheel and its driver disk,
  • yieldable means normally engaging the drive sprocket wheels and friction means with the driver disks, 2, motor irrcluding connections to drive the drive shaft to move the chains, an electromagnetic device operatively asso ciated with each drive sprocket wheel including a, movable armature, a movably mounted look member associated with each armature and. normally held disengaged from a drive sprocket wheel, means 70 for energizing the electromagnetic devices to cause movement of the members to look the drive sprocket wheels and stop drive of the assooiated chains, means operatively associated with the driver disks to move the members to 75 sprocket releasing positions whereby the released -the order of theirenergization and deenergization.
  • a race game as claimed in claim 5 in which the timer is a rotary device and has operatively associated therewith an interrupter to prevent arcing.
  • a race game en elongated horizontal table having a series of spaced longitudinaal race ways, objects movable in said ways from a starting position at one end of the table to a finish position adjacentthe other end thereof, a. cross shaft journaled on the under side ofthe tabie at the starting end thereoi', said shaft carrying a series of spaced idler sprocket wheels, a cross drive shaft journaled on the under side of the table at the other end thereof, saidlatter shaft loosely carrying a.
  • an elongated horizontal table having a series of spaced longitudinal race ways, objects movable in said ways from a starting position at one end of the table to a finish position adjacent the other end thereof, a cross shaft journaled on the under side of the table at the starting end thereof, said shaft carrying a, series of spaced idler sprocket wheels, a, cross drive shaft journaled on the under side of the table at the other end thereof, said latter shaft loosely carrying a.
  • an electromagnet operatively associated with each drive sprocket wheei including a movable armature, a look member movably associated with each armature and normaliy held disengaged from a drive sprocket wheei, means for energizing the electromagnet to cause movement of the members to look the drive sprocket wheels and stop drive of the associated chains, means operable by the disks to move the members to sprocket reieasing positions whereby the releasedsprocket wheels resume driving, en open switch located at the finish end of each race way, said letter switchesl being closed when a race object engages the Same, said Switches being in a circuit with an electromagnetic device, and 8. motor control switch operable by said device when a switch is closed to reverse the motor to drive the objects back to their starting positions.
  • a race game en elongated horizontal table having a series of spaced longitudinai race ways, objects movable in said ways from a. starting position at one end of the tabie to a finish position adjacent the other end-thereof, a cross shaft journaled on the under side of the tab1e at the starting end thereof, said shaft carryinp, a series of spaced id1er sprocket wheels, a cross drive shaft journaled on the under side of the table at the other end thereof, said letter shait loosely carrying a series of spaced drive sprocket wheels respectively alined in pairs with the wheels on the first shaft, endless chains respectively wrapped around said pairs of wheels, carriers mounting the objects and fastened to said chains for moving the objects in the ways, driver disks turnable with the drive shaft and resbectively positioned adjacent each drive sprocket, friction means normally engaging the drive sprocket wheels and friction means with the driver disks, a motor inciuding connections to drive
  • rotary switch device for regulating the energization and deenergization of the electromagnetic devices, and means for driving the rotary switch from the drive shaft, said iatter means including a ratchet wheel and gravity pawl for indeterminately rotating the switch device.
  • a race game en eiongated horizontal tabie having a series of spaced longitudinai race ways, objects movable in said ways from a starting position at one end of the table to a finish position adjacent the other end thereof, a cross shaft journaled on the under side of the table at the starting end thereof said shait carrying a series of spaced idler sprocket wheels, a cross drive shaft journaled on the under side of the tab1e at the other end thereof, said latter shaft loosely carrying a series of spaced drive sprocket wheels respectively alined in pairs with the wheels on the first shaft, endless chains respectiveiy wrapped around said pairs of wheels; carriers mounting the objects and fastened to said chains or moving the objects in the ways, driver disks turnable with the drive shaft andrespectively positioned adjacent each drive sprocket, friction means respectively interposed between each drive sprocket wheel and its driver disk, yieldable means normally engaging the drive sprocket wheels and friction means with the driver disks,
  • an eiectromagnetic device operatively associated with each drive sprocket wheel including a movabie armature, a look lever associated with each armature and normaliy held disengaged from a drive sprocket wheel, means for energizing the eiectromagnetic devices to cause release of the levers to look the drive sprocket wheels and stop drive of the associated chains, a pin carried on each driver disk to engage and move the levers to sprocket releasing positions wherebythe released sp1ocket wheels resume driving, and a rotary switch device driven intermittentiy by power derived from the motor to regulate the order of energization and deenergization of said eiectromagnetic devices.
  • an elongated horizontai tabie having a series of spaced longitudinal race ways, objects movable in said ways from a starting position at one end of the table to a finish position adjacent the other end thereof, a cross shaft journaled on the under side of the table at the starting end thereof, said shaft carrying a series of spaced id1er sprocket wheels, a cross drive shaf t journaled on the under side of the table at the other end thereof, said letter shaft loosely carrying a series of spaced drive sprocket wheels r'espectively alined in pairs with the wheels on the first shait, endless chains respectively wrapped around said pairs of wheels, carriers mounting the objects and fastened to said chains or moving the objects in the ways, driver disks turnable with the drive shaft and respectively positioned adjacent each drive sprocket, friction means respectiveiy interposed between each drive sprocket whee1 and its driver disk, yield.ble means normally engaging the drive sprocket wheels
  • a rotary indicator for indicating the winning object, said indicator being driven trom power derived from the motor
  • a horizontal tabie carrying on its under side a piurality of endless chains each of which rigidly mounts a race object movab1e through longitudinal slots arranged in spaced relation on the table, the said chains being driven by a drive structure including a shaft carrying 1oose sprocket wheels each of which is associated with a. driver disk fastqon the shaft, friction means respectively interposed between each drive sprocket wheel audits driver disk for normally cansing the disks to drive the sprocket wheels, an electromagnetic brake device for each sprocket wheel.
  • a driven timer to regulate the order of operation of the brake devices, means on the disks to release the brake devices, and an intermittent driving connection from the drive shaft for driving the timer
  • a horzontal table carry ing on its under side a plurality of endless chains each of which rigidly mounts a race object movable through longitudinal slots arranged in spaced relation on the table, the said chains being driven by a drive structure including a shaft carrying loose sprocket wheels each of whieh is associated with a driver disk fast on the shaft, friction means respectively interposed between each drive.
  • an electromagnetic brake device for each sprocket wheel, 2 motor having connections to drive the shait, spring means normally engaging the disks and sprocket wheels to drive the chains, and a plurality of means to cause diiferential travel of the objects comprising a rotary switch to regulate the order of operation of the brake devices, pins mounted one on each disk in different relative angular positions to regulate release of the brake devices, and mechanism for intermittently rotating the switch.
  • a race game comprisi ng a horizontal table having an elongated cut out opening formed therein, a plurality of inverted channel shaped strips mounted longitudinallyin said opening in spaced apart relation to provide parallel race ways between them, each strip including track portions, carriers slidably mounted on the track portions and each including an offset arm projccting upwardly through an adjacent race way, a race object. carried on each arm above the table, drive chains located below the table for the respective carriers, and means for connecting the carriers respectively to the drive chains.
  • a race game comprising a horizontal table having an elongated cut out opening formed therein, a plurality of inverted channel shaped strips mounted longitudinally in said opening in spaced apart relation to provide parallel race ways between them, each strip includlng track portions, carriers slidably mounted on the track portions and each including at each end an upstanding end wall ormed to ride on said track portions and including means to slidably interlock therewith, each carrier carrying between its end walls an offset upstanding arm projecting through an adjacent race way, and a race object mounted on each said arm above the table.
  • a race game having an elongated frame carrying a transverse shaft at each end thereof, one shaft carrying a plurality of idler sprocket wheels and the other shaft carrying a like number of loose drive sprocket wheels, means for driving the latter shaft and means on said latter latch means for causing release of the latch means and movement of the brake members to drive sprocket engaglng positions, and respective means operatively associated with each drive sprocket wheel to cause disengagement of the brake members and their return to latched inoperative positions.
  • race object moving chains enveloping the idler and.
  • a drive shaft a drive sprocket for a ehain, the sprocket mounted loose on the shaft, a driver disk turnable with the shaft, means yieldably moving the sprocket against the disk, a friction member between the disk and sprocket, said disk carrying a trip pin, 9. spring pulled brake lever pivotally mounted adjacent the sprocket and.
  • a movably mounted latch member for normally holding the brake lever in released position
  • the combination with said brake lever of trip devices respectively positioned to release the latch member te cause movement of the brake lever to engage and brake the sprocket
  • the driver disk trip pin serving to disengage the brake and free the sprocket and cause movement of the brake to its relased latched position.
  • a drive shaft a drive sprocket for a chain, the sprocket mounted loosely on the shaft, a driver disk turnable with the shaft, means yieldably moving the sprocket against the disk, friction means between the sprocket and disk, a brake lever pivotally mounted adjacent the sprocket and adapted to engage the sprocket to brake same, the combination with said lever of a movable latch means iornormally holding the lever in a disengaged position, movable trip means positioned to release the latch means and cause movement of the brake lever to brak'e the sprocket, and means operable from the disk to cause release.of the brake lever to disengaged latched position.
  • a drive shaft a drive sprocket for a chain, the sprocket mounted loosely on the shaft, a driver disk turnable with the shaft, means yieldably moving the sprocket against the disk, irictlon means between the sprocket and disk, a brake lever pivotally mounted adjacent the sprocket and adapted to engage the sprocket to brake same, the combination with said lever of a movable latch means for normally holding the lever in a disengaged position, movable trip means positioned to release the latch means and cause movement of the brake lever to brake the sprocket, means operable by the disk to cause release of the brake lever to disengaged latched position, and means driven from the shaft to cause operation of the movable trip means.
  • a drive shaft a. drive sprocket or a chain, the sprocket mounted loosely on the shaft, a driver disk turnable with the shaft, means yieldably moving the sprocket against the disk, friction means between the sprocket and disk, a brake lever pivotally mounted adjacent the sprocket andadapted to engage the sprocket to brake same, the combination with said lever 61' a movable latch means ior normally holding ⁇ the lever in a disengaged position, movable trip means positioned to release the latch means and cause movement of the brake lever to brake the sprocket, 9.
  • a drive shait a drive sprocket for a chain, the sprocket mounted loosely on the shaft, a driver disk turnable with the shaft, means yieldably moving the sprocket against the disk, friction means between the sprocket and disk, a brake lever pivotally mounted adjacent the sprocket and adapted to engage the sprocket to brake same, the combination with said lever of a movable latch means for normally holding the lever in a disengaged position, movable trip means positioned to release the latch means and cause movement of the brake lever to brake the sprocket, means operable trom the disk te cause release of the brake lever to disengaged latched position, a sleeve loose on the drive shait including a ratc
  • driver arm tast on the shait adjacent the ratchet Wheel a tree swinging pawl on said arm adapted in an irregular manner momentarily to pick up the ratchet wheel and turn the sleeve with the shatt and means driven trom said sleeve to cause operation of the movable trip means.
  • a motor means to rotate the drum by powerderived trom said motor, 2. stop on the drum, a series of electromagnetic device releasecl stops carried adiacent the drum proximate to the path of movement of the.
  • stop carried thereby means controlled by the closing of a switch by the winning object te cause energization of a corresponding electromagnetic device and release of its stop to cause such stop to be positioned in the path of movement of the stop on the dnnn whereby the letter is stopped in a position of rest to indicate the winning object, and friction clutch means included in the driving means ior the drum.
  • mee game providing a plurality of tracks along which objects are movable from a starting to a finishing position with respective normally open switches located at the finish end of each track, the combination with said switches of a drum rotatably mounted on a horizontal axis adjacent the finish end of the tracks and carrying legends to indicate the object which wins a race
  • an electric motor of the reversible type means to rotate the drum from a normal initial starting position by power derived from said motor, a stop on the drum, a plurality of electromagnetic device released stops carried adiacent the drum proximate to the path of movement of the stop carried thereby, means controlled by the closing of a switch by the winning object to cause energization of a corresponding electromagnetic device and release of its stop te position such stop in the path of movement of the stop en the drum whereby the letter is stopped in a position of rest to indicate the winning object, a friction olutch means included in the driving connections for the drum, and means for reversing the motor to drive the drum
  • a motor means to rotate the drum by power derived from said motor, a stop on the drum, a plurality of electromagnetic device released stops carried in en arcuate grouping ad- .1acent the periphery of the drum proximate to the path of movement of the stop carried thereby, means controlled by the closing of a switch by the winning object te cause energization of a corresponding eleotromagnetic device and release of its stop to cause such stop te be positioned in the path of movement of the stop en the drum whereby the letter is stopped in a position of rest to indicate the winning object, and means to make the driving connection for
  • a race game providing a plurality of tracks along which objeots are movable trom a starting to a finishing position with respective normally open switches located at the finish end of each track, the combination with said switches of a drum rotatably mounted on a horiz0ntai axis adjacent the finish end of the tracks and carrying legends to indicate the object which wins a race, 9.
  • plate covering said drum and provided with en opening through which a part of the legends may be viewed, a motor, means to rotate the drum by power derved trom said motor, 9.
  • stop en the drum a plurality of electro magnetic device released stops carried adjacent the drum proximate to the path oi movement of the stop carried thereby, means controlled by the closing of a switch by the winning object to cause energization of a correspondng electromagnetic device andrelease of its stop te cause such stop te be positioned in the path of movement of the stop on the drum whereby the latter is stopped in a position of rest to make the legend indicating the winning object visible through the opening in the cover plate, and means to make the driving connection ior the drum inefiective, when the latter is thus stopped.

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Description

April 6, 19371 a. w. WILLIAMS r AL RACE GAME APPRATUS Filed Jan. 15, 1936 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 pri 6,- 193 7 a. w. WILLIAMS Er AL 2,076,054
RACE GAME APPARATUS 65heets-Sheet Filed Jan. 15, 1956 RACE. GAME APPRATUS Filed Jan. 15, 1936 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 April 6, 1937. B. w. WILLIAMS ET AL RACE GAME APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet s Fled Jan. 15, 1936.
April B. w. WILLIAMS ET AL 2,076054 RACE GAME APPARATUS Filed Jan. 15, 1956 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patentecl Apr. 6, 1937 UNITED STATES RACE GAME APPARA'IUS Bradlee w. Williams and Homer s. Williams, Chicago, ll.assignors to Bally Manufacturing 00.,
Chicago, 111., a. corporation of Iliinois Application January 15, 1936, Serial NOL 59,279
26 Claims.
The invention relates to a race game apparatus, the main purpose of which is to afford amusement to the player, or players, thereof.
Generally, the game is of that type in which 5 a suitable table is provided with a pluralty of rape-ways, in each of which is moved an appropriate racing object. The group of racing objects, When the game is released for piay, simultaneously leaves a starting position to be 10 moved toward an objective or finish line. In their movement means is operative to vary the rate of travel of the several objects in a. differential manner, so that it will be impossible to predict which race object will win the race by 15 first reaching the finish line. Accordingly, the maximum amusement value is created for the player who tries to guess which object will win the race.
Games of this type have been previously built 20 and used, but it has been found that they were complicated in structure, unduly costly, and not adequately fooi-prooi in operation.
The main object of the present invention is to provide an improved race game apparatus.
Another object is to provide a plurality of race object endless chain or belt carriers in combination with an improved smple, and eiective means for diierentially varying the speed drive of the said chains, so that the racing 0b- ;m jects will advance toward the finish line in an unpredictable marmer;
Another object is to provide an improved electrically driven game apparatus and an electromechanicai control means for varyng the travel of the several race objects.
Still another object of the invention is to pro-. vide an improved mechanism for designating automatically the winning race object at the termination of the race.
w It is also an object to provide an improved driving mechanism for the race object carriers;
Further, it is an object to provide an improved timing mechanism in combination with electromagnetic clutch mechanism that governs the 45 dve for the rcspective chains.
Another object is to provide an impr0ved means for slidably mounting the race objects for movement along race-ways formed in a table.
other important objects will be apparent to those skilled in ths art as the disclosure is more fu11y made.
In the present practicable embodiment of the invention to be disciosed, the race objects will be in the form of horses to simulate a horse race. Obviously these cbjects may assume other Iorms, such for example, as automobiles, walking race automatons, rabbits, or sail boats, and the 1ike. In other words, the typeof racing ob- (i0 ject to be cmployed is optional, for all types mentioned, and others, may be used with the game apparatus of this invention.
Briefiy, these desirable objects are attained in an illustrative embodiment of the invention by providing a suitable cabinet, which carries a horizontal table formed with the desired. number of parallel, spaced, slotted ways. At each end of the table, and on its under side, is a bracket carryii1g a cross shaft structure for mounting a plurality of spaced sprocket wheels. The wheels on one end of the table are idlers and those at the other end are drivers; the wheels on the respective shaft stru'ctures being alined in pairs to carry a plurality of endless chains. These chains correspond in number with the slotted ways in the table so that each chain is fixedly c0nnected at one point with a mounting movable in a slotted way for carryngarace horse or other simulated object.
An electric motor, of the reversible type is geared to drive the driven shaft structure, there being operatively assoeiated with each drive sprocket wheel a friction olutch means and an eIectroma-gnet. The drive spzockets are free for independent rotation and the friction means normally holds the sprockets for driving the same. A timing mechanism is also driven by power derived from the motor te cause successive energization of the electromagnets whereby brakes or stop devices are successvely applied to restrain movement of the drive sprocket wheels for temporarily checking the movement of the respective chains and race objects whereby to vary the rate of travel ofthe simulated horses.
A mechanica] control means is provided to vary the times When the drive sprockets again are eiective to drive the race objects, so that it will mathematically, or otherwise, be impossible to predict or foretell the c'ycles of movement of the race objects. When one of the objects reaches the finish line, a switch is closed to cause energization of an auxiliary electromaghetic'means to control the setting of a driven rotatable drum located in the cabinet at the finish or goal end of the table, said drum also being rotated by power derived from the electric motor. This drum carries appropriate legends to indicate.or desigriate the winning horse, said legend being viewed through a window or slot formed in a cover placed over the drum. Such indicator is necessary in the event several horses appear in a close finish.
The winning horse further closes another switch to cause energization of another electromagnetic device to operate an appropriate switch to establish circuits to cause reverse rotaition of the motor, whereupon all chains are reversely driven to return all horses to their starting positions and aline same in a transverse row preparatory to the start of another race. The horses, of course, do not all return together; however, the controls are so arranged that when the last horse returns to the starting position the motor circuit is opened to cause cessation of its operation so that all parts come to rest preparatory to starting the next race. 80 much, it is believed, will suiflce in giving ageneral view of the improved game apparatus.
In the accompanying sheets of drawings this preferred form of the invention is illustrated in detail. In these drawings:
Figure 1 is a general plan view of the game; Figure 2 is a detail side elevational view of one of the electrmagnetic control units and the stop detent on the winner indicating drum ior causing the latter to stop in its rotation at the termination oi arace to designate the winner;
Figure 3 is a detail, side elevational view of the 2 electromagnetic control"for the tilting mercury type motor switches, the view being taken along the line 3-3 of Flgure 5, looking in the indlcated direction;
Figure 4 is a detail, cross sectional view, taken along the line"44 of Figure 18, to show the mounting of the race obiects in the table;
Flgure 5 is a general, bottom plan view of the game structure;
Figure 6 is an enlarged, bottom plan view of the timer or the electromagnetic clutch controls, partly in section, taken along the line 6-6 of Figure '1, looldng in the dirction of the arrows;
Figure '1 is a side elevational view, partly in section, through the same timer unit, taken along the line 1--1 of Flgure 6 looking in the indicated direction;
Figure 8 is a detail, elevational view, partly in section, taken along the line 8-8 of Figure 5, looking in the direction of the arrows;
Figure 9 is a detail side view, partly in section, of the starting end of thedrive chains showing an associated idler wheel, taken along the line 9-9 of Figure 10, looking in the direction indicated;
Figure 10 is a similar view, showing the same parts, the section being taken along the line I0l0 of Figure 5, looking in the indicated direction;
Figure 11 is a Sectional side view through the driven -end of the drive chain structure, taken along the line H--Il of Figure 12, looking in the indicated direction;
Figure 12 is a fragmentar enlarged, detail, cross sectional view through the structure shown in Figure 11, taken approximately along the line l2l2 of Figure 1, looking in the designated direction;
Figure 13 is an enlarged, detail, transverse sectional view of the drive shaftstructure, taken along the line I3-l3 of Figure 11;
Figure 14 is a similar view, but taken along the line I4I4 of Figure 9 to show that structure;
Figure 15 is a detail, transverse, sectional view, taken along the line |5|5 of Figure 5, looking in the indcated direction;
Figure 16 is an enlarged side elevational view of the game as viewed from the section line I6- 70 IS of Figure 5, looking in the indicated direction;
Flgure 17 is an enlarged,detail, side elevational view, partly in section, to show the indicating drum, its drive, and control, taken along the line |1-l1 of Figure 5, looking in the indicated di- 75 rection;
Figurc 18 is an cnlarged side elevational view, partly in section, through the race object mounting, taken along the line I8I8 of Flgure 4, looking in the direction indicated; and,
Figure 19 is a, wiring diagram for the electrical structure of the game.
The game is housed in any appropriate box or cabinet 20, the same carrying a horizontal table 2l, which extends from the front wal] 22 of the cabinet to a cross plate 23 near the opposite or rear end of thecabinet. This strip 23 is marked in spaced relation with num'ners, in the present instance trom I to 9, since there are to be provided nine simulated race horses in the present dis closure for purposes of lllustratlon. Obviously, this number may be varled, as desired, and the numbers designate the nine horses.
As shown in Figures 1, 13 and 14 the intermediate surface of the table 2l between its side dges, is cut out to provide a large opening 25 running the length of the table 2I. At its ends are mounted cross supports 26 for carrying ten longitudinally running, inverted channel strips 21 having inturned lower flanges 28 to provide tracks. These channel strips are transversely spaced apart to provide nine parallel raceway slots 29 as shown in Figure 1.
Looklng at Figures 4 and 18 it will be seen that nine of the channel strips carry for guided, sliding movement, an elongated sheet metal slide 30 having a horizontal bottom and upturned front and rear ends 3l,which ends near their upper portions are slotted as at 32 to flt and ride on the flanges 28. The slide 30 at its mid-portion carries to one side thereof an upstandingrigid support 33, which extends upwardly through a slot 29.as shown. The upper projected end of each support 33, above the table has securely fastened thereto, an appropriat racing object, such for example, as the simulated race horses 34 shown. It will thus be seen that ten channel strips 21 are provided to create nine slotted race ways 29. Only nine slots are formed because each support 33 is offsetto one side of its channel guide strip. The tenth strip 21 is merely provided to create a balanced, symmetrical appearance.
The forward, or startin'gend of the-board, or table 2I, carries on its under side, a depending U-shaped bracket 35, which is disposed transversely. See Figures 5, 9, 10, 14 and 16. Journaled in the ends of the bracket is a transverse, horizontal idler shaft 36, which has loosely mounted thereon for independent rotation, nine sprocket wheels 31, held apart in suitably spaced relationship by collars, or spacer sleeves 38. Each sprocket wheel has respectively wrapped therearound the forward loop, of nine endless sprocket chans 39,which run horizontally be low the table.
Each chain 39 carries at fixed transversely alined points a fastening device 40 (sec Figure 4) for rigidly securing the slides 30 t0 the upper run of the chains. The bracket 35 along its front side f.urther carries a cross bar 4! as shown in Figures 9 and 10, This bar 41, in alinement with each slide 30, carries spaced insulator strips 42, which serve in mounting separate pairs of conductor spring arns 43, extending vertically with contact points 44 at their upper ends normally held engagedbecause of the spring in the arms 43. Wires 45 respectively lead in parallel from the arms 43 as shown in Figures 9 and 19.
One of the arms, the rear one in each pair, ex-
tends higher than its mate, said higher arm 43 carrying a bumper member 46 in the path of movement of an end wall 3| of the alined slide 30. When the slide is in starting position the end 3I thereof engages the bumper 46 to spread the arms 43 apart to open the contacts 44 and breakthe circuit in which they are inciuded, for a purpose later to appear. When the slides; leave the bumper, of course, the contacts 44 automatically close.
At the winning end of the table, the same carries on its under side another transverse bracket 41 also U-shaped, and. carrying as shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13, a transverse drive shaft 48 on which are loosely mounted nine sprocket wheels 49, around which are respectively wrapped the 15 nine drive chains 39. Around the shaft 48, ad-
jacent a face of each wheel 49, is a friction clutch disk 50, and adjacent eachdisk 50 the shaft has keyed thereto, a disk 5l. Each drive sprocket assembly thusdncludes a loose wheel 49, a loose disk 50, and a keyed disk, or wheel 5I, with the friction disks 50 respectively sandwiched between a wheel 49 and wheel 5l. These unit assemblies are properly spaced apart along the shaft 48 by means of spacers 52. A spring 53 between one end of the bracket and the ad jacent wheel 49 serves to press all unitsyieldably to hold the frction disks in engagement with the respective wheels 49, H in each assembly.
As indicated in Figure 11 each wheel 5! is pro vided with a circumferentially spaced series of holes 54 in any one of which may be mounted a transversely extending cylindrical pin 55, which may include a roller, if desired.
The underside of the table 2i carries a re- 3 versible type of electric motor 56 as shown in Figures 5 and 16, the motor having a shaft to drive a worm gear set 51, thereby turning the drive shaft 48. See also Figure 17.
The depending ends of. the bracket 41 carry a transverse, horizontal plate 58 as shown best in Figures 11 and 12, said plate carrying nine upright brackets 59 for pivotally mounting a series of nine upright levers 60. Each lever at its upper end is formed with a bent end to provisie a dog 6I adapted to be moved into engagement with the teeth on the adjacent sprocket wheels 49. Below this end 49, each lever 60 includes a cam, or wedge surface 62 adapted to lie respectively in the path of movement of the pins 55 on the wheels 5I.
Each lever 60 at a point midway or so between its ende has connected to it one end of a pull spring 63, the other end of which is connected to a channelshaped lever 64 pivoted at 65 to a bracket 66 mounted on the plate 58, as shown. Each lever 64 includes a bight portion carrying on its under face an armature element 61 located in position to be attracted by an electromagnet 68. Niue of these magnets are mounted on the plate 58, one for each unit now being described. Further, each lever 64 has the bight thereof stopped short of the end of the lever thereby providing a stop shoulder 69 and. extended sides to span the respective levers 60.
In the position of the parts shown in Figures 11 and 12, the sp'rocket wh-eels 49 drive the chains 39. However, when a magnet 68 is energized, the associated lever 64 is pulled down, the shoulder 69 leaving the lever 60, whereupon the 70 spring 63 is operative to pull the lever 60 toward the adjacent sprocket wheel 49 to engage the dog 61 in the teeth thereof for locki ng the wheel 49 temporarily against rotation. The loose friction disk 50 permits this to happen. I-Iowever the wheel 5| keyed to the shaft 48 continues to raise the armature lever 54 and eventuallythe shoulder 69 locks with the lever 60 tohold the parts in the position shown in Figure 11. With the sprocket wheel 49 thus unlocked the friction disk 50 again serves to drive the same and its associated chain 39. By this means the chains move and stop to advance the hqrses carried thereby.
The bracket 41, on its rearside, carries a cross bar 10 as appears in Figure 11 for munting adjacent each finishing. end of the strips 21, en insulator pack 1! for carrylng separate switch units, respectively comprising groups of three spring arms 12 including contacts, normally held open by the springiness of the stock, saidspring arms extending upwardly with one arm in each group higher than the others in the same group and carrying a bumper element 13. 'I'here are nine such switch units with each presenting a bumper 13 in the path of movement of the slides 30, so that when any slide reaches the race finish line, it will engage and close the switch unit for a purpose presently to appear,
A timer mechanism is provided and driven from the shaft 48 for causing successive enezgization of the nine drive regulating electromagnets 68. This timer will next be described, and reference is now made to Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8.
The end of the drive shaft 48 away from the motor 56, projects beyond the end of the bracket 41, where it carries loosethereon a ratchet wheel 14 having a. long hub 1.5,which at its outer end includes an integral sprocket wheel 16. Adjacent the inner face of the loose wheel 14 the shaft 48 has keyed thereto an arm 11 (see Figure 8) at the free end of which is pivotally mounted for free swinging movement a pawl or dog 18, the same in one direction being limited in its movement bya pin 19 also carried on the arm 11.
A sprocket chain driven from the sprocket wheel 16 (see Fgure 16) drives a sprocket wheel 8l'fast on a shaft 82 joumaled transversely in a housing 83 suspended from the underside of the table 2I. By means of angle bars 84 the box 83 carries a vertical insulation plaats 85 in which the shaft 82 is also journaled and projects therethrough so that it may carry a vertical timer wheel 86 made of conductor material.
The edge of this wheel is constantly wiped by a conductor spring 81 anchored at its other end in an insulated pack 88 on a bracket 89 carried by the plate 85. The pack 88 also carries a pair of spring contact bars 90 one of which is longer than the other to dispose same in the path of movement of a series of insulated pegs or pins 9-l carried in a circular spaced series on the face of the wheel 86 away from the plate 85.
The face of the wheel 86 adjacent the plate 85 (see F'igure -6) carries a conductor wiper 92 adapted to wipe and contact a circular series of conductor buttons 93 mounted in the plate 85. As shown best in Figures 6 and 19, separate wires 94 lead respectively from each of these buttons 93, of which there are nine, to each of the nine electromagnates 68, heretofore described.
A wire 95 from a main power line 91 with a suitable source of energy, is provided with taps 98 res pectively into said nine electromagnets 68 as shown in Figure 19. In this figure the wire shown as connectod bctween the wiper 92 and conductor 81 is pnrely illustrative and is to be considered diagraminatic only. The exact structure can be seen in Figure 6. It wil] be seen that the wire 91 additionally is provided with nine taps 98 rcspectively leading into the nine spring switch units 12, heretofor described, and located at the finish end of the nine race ways 29.
As shown in Figures 2 5 and 16 the rear end of the table 2I in back of the bracket 41 carrics on its under side, jornai brackets 99 for rotatabiy mounting a transverse horizontal drive shaft 100 to carry a cylindrical drum l0l, which pmjects upwardly through an appropriate opening formed in the table 2I. This drum is covered by a suitable cover plate I02, which includes a transverse window opening I03 to enable reading of legends' on the drum, such as, The winning horse is number nine".
As seenin Figure 17 the shaft 48 carries a sprocket wheel l04 (see aiso Figure 15) loose on the shaft, but pressed by a spring |05 against a. disk l06 pinned fast to the shaft and having a friction acing 101 to drive the sprocket wheel |04. Said wheel I04 drives a chain 101, which in turn drives a. sprocket wheel |08 fast on the shaft 100, whereby to drive the drum IOI.
At one end of the drum and. therebeiow the cabinet 20 appropriately carries a bracket I09 (see 'Figures 16, 17 and 5), which provides an upper arcuate surfce as shown to conform to the shape of the cylinder l0l. This wall or bracket i09 carries in alternate disposition on opposite faces thereof, nine brackets H0 (see aiso Figure 2), each bracket respectively carrying an eiectromagnet H I of which there are nine arranged arcuately and appropriateiy spaced apart.
Each bracket carries a.n armature II2 on a pivot H3, with a spring, as shown in. Figure 2,
serving normally to press"the armature upwardiy or away from the electromagnet. Further, each armature at its free end includes a. stop III. Each bracket IIO includes a.n upstanding portion H5 carrying a. horizontal pivot Il6 for pivotally mounting a dog H1-having at its free end a transverse pin H8 for a purpose presently to appear. Each dog "1 is spring pressed upwardly toward the drum 0! and also includes at its heel end ashoulder 'II to cooperate with the stop I I4 for normaily holding the dog H1 in the full line position shown in Figure 2. g
At one portion in its periphery the drum IN is formed with a cut out opening I20 adjacent which is an inwardly xtending radial bracket I2l carrying a pivot I'22 for a. radiaily outwardly extending dog l23, the sarne normaiiy being spring pressed against the edge of the opening as shown in Figure 2, the dog l23 projecting into the path of movement of the dogs 1 and particularly the pins H8 thereon. The drum IOI carries a stop 123 for a. purpose to appear.
Looking at Figure 19 it will be seenthat these nine electromagnets Hl are respectvely connected by taps IN with a main power line l25, (j5 1eading from a suitable source of energy. Further, each electromagnet HI is connected by a wire I26 leadng respectively to the nine finish switches 12 heretofore described. Each switch 12 aiso is connected by a wire I21 with a line wire l28 that connects with an electromagnet l29.
Looking at Figures 3, 5 and. 19 the magnet 129 is mounted on a. bracket I30 suitabiy carried by the underside of the table 2! or the adjacent wa1l of the cabinet. This bracket l30 aiso mounts a solenoid I3I having a core operating a link 132,
which at its free end is pivotally connected to en arm |33 that normally is pulied by a spring I 34 to back the arm against a stop pin |35 aiso car ried on the bracket. This arm I33 is rockably mounted with a. horizontal shaft [36, the portion of the arm surrounding the shait being enlarged as a. wheel which includes a cam notch I31.
This notch 131 is cooperable with the hoek end.
on an armature I38 pivoted at 139 to the bracket l30, a, spring I40, serving normaliy to hold the said armature away from the electromagnet l29. The shaft I36 extends through the bracket to carry on the other side of the bracket a disk I4I carrying spring clamps II2 ior mounting a pair of tilting type mercury switches H3 and I.
Referring now to Figure 19 it will be seen that the wire I28 leads to the electromagnet 129 and a wire I 45 leads from the latter to the mercury switch l43. 1} tap H6 connects the wire I45 with the main lire S25, as shown. A wire I41 goes from the switch to be connected with one half of the wires 45 for the switches 46, while the other tap 45 of these switches goes into a wire H8 leading to the motor 50.
A wire |49 leads from the switch l43 to the switch of the timer and another wire I 50 leads from the same switch I43 into a variabie resistance I 5! connected by a tap 152 to the motor 56. A wire I53 leads from the other mercury switch M4 to the motor 56 and another wire I54 aiso leads from the switch I44 to the line l52 and into the motor 56.
A hand closed starting switch button I55 is carried on the front wal] of the cabinet, the same having a wire 156 to the solenoid 13! and a wire I51 into the line 91.
This completes the detailed description of the various structural parts and the marmer of use and mode of operation of the improved race game apparatus will next be described.
In starting the play of the game the nine horse carriers 30 are in the starting position at the front end=of the tracks 29 with all carriers and simulated horses in transverse aiinement. and with the respective front walis 3! of the carriers 30 pressed forwardly against the bumpers 46 to hold open 2.11 of the switches 44. In this connection it is important to keep in mind the tilted position of both mercury switches I43 and I 44. They are disposed for rocking movement on a.
transverse horizontal axis and they extend longitudinally. In starting both switches are tilted with their forward ends down and their rear ends nism; if desired. Closing of the starting switch I55 as best seen in Figure 19 causes the solenoid 131 to be energized, whereupon the armature [32 is operative to pull the lever I33 (see Figure 3) to rock the shaft |36 and disk Ml. both switches I43, M4 together. The shouider l31 locks with the hooked end l38 of the armature for the magnet l29. The solenoid is only momentarily energized and the look l31, I3B acts to hold the switches releasably in their newiy tilted positions.
Going back now to Figure 19 when the switches This tilts 143, 144 have been tilted down at their rear ends, we find certain circuits are closed. For instance, power goes through line 125, through tap wire 146 and into the wire 145. 'I'hence it goes through switch 143, wire 150, resistancel5l, wire 152, motor 56, and by tap shown to wire 91 to complete 2. motor circuit causing rotation of the motor in a direction that will drive the chains 39 to advance the horses from the starting position thereof and toward the finish line.
When the switch 143 is in this tilted positio'n just described, current also flows from the line through wire 149 into the timer switch 90 andzl wiper 81. 'Ihis timer circuit, of course, passes the current through the disk 96, to the wiper 92, one of the buttons 93, and one of thewires 94, to energize one of the electromagnets 66; the said circuit being compieted by the wires 95 and 91.
The motor 56 turns and its shait through worm gears 51, and reduction gearing shown in Figure 5, rotates the rear cross shaft 40. This causes al] of the nine driver disks 51 to turn and through the friction means 50, each of the loos sprocket wheels 49 is driven to drive the nine chains 39. As a consequence all nine carrier slides leave the switches 45, causing them to open, and to advance the horses 34 toward the winning end of the track. At the same time the chain 101 drives the drum 101 to rotate it clockwise as viewed in 30 Figure 16. The dog- 123 merely iolds back to pass any obstructions in its path of movement as the drum turns.
The horses have now started their advance. As the shait 48 turns the plate 11 also turns and 35 when the gravity dog 18 hangs pendantly from its pivot. said dog wiil pick up and engage the ratchet wheel 14 to turn same. It follows,therefore, that the sprocket wheel 16 also turns to drive the chain 80 and the timer wheel 86. The pins 91 now contact, in succession, the long switch arm 90 to make and break the circuit passing through the wheel 86 into the buttons 93. '1his make and break mechanism prevents arcing across the buttons 93. As the wheel 86 turns the wiper 92 delivers the energy to the circuit wires 94 for energizing the electromagnets. However, this rotation of the wheel 86 is not continuous since the gravity pawl 18 wil] drop out of engagement with the ratchet wheel 14 and cause temporary stoppage of the drive.
When an electromagnet 68 is energized as shown in Figure 11, the associated armature 64 is pulled down to release its stop 69 from the lever 60, whereupon the spring 63 pulls the lever to engage its stop 61 in the rim of the adjacent sprooket wheel 49, thus locking said wheel 49 against rotation. Accordingly, the associated chain 39 stops and the horse fastened thereto temporarily comes to rest to delay its progress in the race.
60 The associated driver wheel 51 continues to turn and eventally its pin 55 engages the cam 62 to push the lever back, or away from the sprocket wheel to free it whereupon the riction disk 50 causes the said wheel asain to be driven to advance the delayed chain and horse. When the lever 60 is thus forced back the same interlocks with the armature 64 of the deenergized electromagnet to releasably hold the lever 60 in its disengaged position.
By means of the timer wheel 86 each of the nine electromagnets 68 is successively energized and deenergized to cause delay in the drive to the nine chains and nine horses. The gravity pawl driver 16 operates to pick up and release the ratchet wheel 14 in an indeterminate manner to prevent the occurrence of any regular, predictable cycles oi movementfor the horses.
While the wires 94 from the conductor buttons 93 are shown herein connected in successive order is made possible by the provision of the different holes 54, provided for that purpose. A.s a result various time intervals for releasing the levers 60 occur, causing the horses to resume travel after various time intervals.
By the combination of timer, releaser pins, and gravity pawl it is impossible to predict the cycie of movement of the horses. This is desirable from the standpoiht of player interest and makes the game unusually fascinating.
Eventually, under the influence of the deiayed action diierential driving mechanism, one of the horses reaches the end of its raceway before any ofthe others. The flrst horse to reach the winning line causes the end 31 of thec'arrier 30 to push against the associated spring switch bumper Let us assume that the horse in the track numbered 9 reaches the winning line iirst and closes the end switch 12. Instantly a circuit from lead 91, a wire121, wire 128 sends the current to the electromagnet 129 which is connected by wire 146 to line 125. to complete the circuit. The magnet 129 therefore is energized.
As shown in Figure 3, the armature ior said magne t 129 is moved against the pull of its spring to free the hooked end thereof from the shoulder -131, whereupon the spring 134 pulls the lever 133 to rock the disk 141 and tilt the mercury switches 143, 144 to the position shown in Figure 3.
The switch 143 now is reversed to break the motor circuits heretofore described which caused the drive to advance the horses toward the finish line. 'I'he circuit to the motor is now as follows: from wire 125, through wire 146, wire 145, switch 143 into wire 141, through the closed switches 44 and the wire 148 and into the motor 56. By means of wire 152 the circuit goes through wire. 154, switch 144, wire 153 and back into the motor 56. The circuit with the power line. 91 is completed by the upper wire shown in Figure 19 connected between the motor 56 and said wire 91.
When the winning horse closed the No. 9 switch 12 a circuit through a wire 126 is also established to energize electromagnet 111 connected themwith. We will assume this No. 9 magnet 111 is shown in Figure 2 since they are all a1ike.
. Energization of this magnet 111 draws the associated armature 112 down thereby re1easing the stop 114 to free the pawl 111. Consequently its spring pushes the pawl 111 upwardly so that its pin lies in the path of the stop 121 and the end thereof lies in the path of the stop 123 on the drum 101.
The reverse setting of the mercury switch 144 serves to eiect, through the circuits described, a reversal of the motor 56 and a reverse drive of all sprocket wheels 49 and the chains 39, thereby causing the carrier slides 30 with the horses to be moved back to the starting line. This reversal of the drive throgh chain 101 causes reverse rotation of the drum 101. Thus, said drum ll rotates reversely until stopped when the stop 123 thereon hits the end of the raised stop dog ll'l as shown in Figure 17. In this position the legend The winning horse is number 9 will be visible through the window N13 in the cover plate 102 to designate to the player in a deflnite manner the result of the race.
The opening in the table 2! in which the upper portion of the drum i lll turns is so arranged that its rear edge as shown by the dotted line in Figure 17 isspaced from the drum a. distance suflicient to allow the dog I23 to pass with the drum upwardly through the table 2i at certain times without hitting the table and preventing turning of the drum counterclockwise as viewed in Figure 17. In the reverse direction of rotation of the drum I0l the dog |23 wipes over and resets the trip II'I which acted and then continues to turn with the drum until the dog 20 I23 hits the underside of the table 2| as shown in Flgure 16. In Figure 16 the drum is thus shown in its starting position and. accordingly it wiil be seen that this dog l23 assures that the drum will always have the same initial starting position. The stopping of the drum in a position indicating the winning horse is determined by one of the dogs II1 and the stop I213'.
When the drum IIII was so locked ag ainst turther reverse rotation the riction drive structure shown in Figure 15 comes into play to permit overrunning between the sprocket wheel 104 and the friction driver disk Iil6.
The horses with their slide carriers are now being driven back to the starting position; As the number 9 horse ieaves the No. 9 switch 12 the latter opens to oause 'deenergization of the No. 9 electromagnet III, but the reverse motor circuits remain established and the motor 56 continues to drive in reverse.
During the return of the horses the timer 86 is not driven foi the reason that driver pawl 18 rides freely over the drive ratchet wheel 'Il, thereby holding the latter against rotation.
The slides now return one by one inany order at a. uniform rate of travel and as they reach the starting positori each carrier slide in turn backs against the switches 44 to open the same. Sincethese switches are in parallel the motor circuit is not broken until the last horse to return, which in the present instance will be the number9 horse, opens its Switch. 'I'hus, -when the last switch 44 is opened the motor circuit is completely broken and the motor 56 stops with all carriers 30 holding open the nine switches 44 preparatory to the running of another race.
When the next race is run the i'orward rotation of the drum Il causes the dog I23 to hit the pin II8 on the dog- H'I which is still held up by the springs as shown in Figure 2 to cause the dog H'| to be lowered and again interlock itwith the armature H2 on the deenergized No. 9 electromagnt H I. In the manner described any of the other eight horses can win the race and set the drum to indicate the winner.
This completes the description of the operation and use of the improved game apparatus, and the same is now set for a subsequent play or race, when the starting switch I55 is again closed.
It is the intention to cover all changes and departures from the example disclosed which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as indicated by the appended claims.
What is claimed is:
1. In a race game, en elongated horizontal table having a series of spaced longitudinal race ways, objects movable in said ways from a. starting position at one end of the table to a flnish position adjacent the other end thereof, a cross shaft journaled on the under side of the table at the starting end thereof, said shaft carrying a series of spaced idler sprocket wheels, a cross drive shaft journaled on the under 'side of the table at the other end thereof, said latter shaft loosely carrying a series of spaced drive sprocket wheels respectively alined in pairs with the wheels on the first shaft, endless chains respectively wrapped around said pair s of wheels, carriers mounting the obiects and fastened to said chains for moving the objects in the ways, driver disks turnable with the drive shaft and respectively positioned adjacent each drive sprocket, friction means interposed between each drive sprocket wheel and its driver disk, yieldable means engaging each friction means and. drive sprocket wheel with a driver disk, a motor including connections to drive the drive shaft to move the chains, an electromagnetic device operatively associated with each drive sprocket wheel including a movable armature, a look member movably mounted adjacent each armature and normally held disengaged from a drive sprocket wheel, means for energizing the elecwhereby the released sprocket wheels resume driving.
2. In a race game, en elongated horizontal table having a series of spaced longitudinal race ways, objects movable in said way s from a. start-- ing position at one end-of the tble to a finish position adjacent the other end thereoif, a cross shaft journaled on the under si de of the table at the starting end thereof, said shatt carrying a series of spaced idler sprocket wheels. a cross driveshaft journaled on the under side of the table at the other end thereof, said latter shaft loosely carrying a series of spaced drive sprocket wheels respectively alined in pairs with the wheels on the first shaft, endless chains respectively wrapped around said pairs of wheels, carriers mounting the objects and fastened to said chains for moving the objects in the ways, driver disks turnable with the drive shaft and respectively psitioned adjacent each drive sprocket, friction means respectively interposed between each drive sprocket wheel and its driver disk, resilient means normally engaging the drive sprocket wheels and friction means with the driver disks, a motor including connections to drive the drive shaft to move the chains, an electromagnetic device operatively associated with each drive sprocket wheel including o. movable armature, a look lever associated with each armature and normally held disengaged from a drive sprocket wheel, means for energizing the electromagnetic devices to cause release of the levers to look the drive sprocket wheels and stop drive of the associated chains, and means operatively associated with the driver disks to move the levers automatically to sprocket releasing positions whereby the released sprocket wheels resume driving.
3. In a race game, an elongated horizontal table having a series of spaced longitudinal race ways. objects movable in said ways from a startloosely carrying a series of spaced drivesprocket wheels respectively alined in pairs with the wheels on the first shaft, endless chains respectively wrapped around said pairs of wheels, carriers mounting the objects and fastened to said chains for moving the objects in the ways, driver disks turnable with the drive shaft and respectively positioned adjacent each drive sprocket, friction means respectively interposed between each drive sprocket wheel and its driver disk, yieldable means normally engaging the drive sprocket wheels and friction means with the driver disks,
9. motor including connections to drive the drive shaft to move the chains, an electmmagnetic device operatvely associated with each drive spr0cket wheel including a movable armature, a movable look member associated with each ar- 2 mature and normally held disengaged from a drive sprocket wheel, means for energizing the electromagnetic devices to cause the members to look the drive sprocket wheels and stop drive of the associated chains, and means to move the members to sprocket releasing positions whereby the released sprocket wheels resume driving, said last mentioned means comprising a trip device carried on each driver disk to engage the member.
4. A race game as claimed in claim 3 in which each driver disk isprovided with a circular series of angularly spaced holes in any one of which the trips may be mounted. whereby the trips respectively on the several disks may have diierent relative angular positions thereon.
5. In a race game, en elongated horizontal table having a series of spaced longitudinal race ways, objects movable in said ways from a starting position at one end of the table to a finish position adjacent the other end thereof, a cross shaft journaled on the under side of the tabl'e at the starting end thereof, said shaft carrying a series of spaced idler sprooket wheels, a cross drive shaft journaled on the under side of the table at the other end thereof, said latter shaft loosely carrying a series of spaced drive sprocket wheels respectiveiy alined in pairs with the wheels on the first shaft, endless chains respectively wrapped around said pairs of wheels, carriers mounting the objects and fastened to said chains or moving the objects in the ways, driver disks turnable with the drive shaft and. respectively positioned adjaoent each drive sprocket, friction means respectively interposed between each drive sprocket wheel and its driver disk,
yieldable means normally engaging the drive sprocket wheels and friction means with the driver disks, 2, motor irrcluding connections to drive the drive shaft to move the chains, an electromagnetic device operatively asso ciated with each drive sprocket wheel including a, movable armature, a movably mounted look member associated with each armature and. normally held disengaged from a drive sprocket wheel, means 70 for energizing the electromagnetic devices to cause movement of the members to look the drive sprocket wheels and stop drive of the assooiated chains, means operatively associated with the driver disks to move the members to 75 sprocket releasing positions whereby the released -the order of theirenergization and deenergization.
6. A race game as claimed in claim 5 in which the timer is a rotary device and has operatively associated therewith an interrupter to prevent arcing.
7. In a race game, en elongated horizontal table having a series of spaced longitudinaal race ways, objects movable in said ways from a starting position at one end of the table to a finish position adjacentthe other end thereof, a. cross shaft journaled on the under side ofthe tabie at the starting end thereoi', said shaft carrying a series of spaced idler sprocket wheels, a cross drive shaft journaled on the under side of the table at the other end thereof, saidlatter shaft loosely carrying a. series of spaced drive sprocket wheels respeotively alined in pairs with the wheels on the first shaft, endless chains respectively wrapped around said pairs of wheels, carriers mounting the objects and fastened to said chainsfor mov ing the objects in the ways, driver disks turnable with the drive shaft and respeotiveiy positioned adjacent each drive sprocket, friction means respectively interposed between each drive sprooket wheel and its driver disk, yieldable means normaliy engaging the drive sprocket wheels and friction means with the driver disks, a reversible electric motor including connections to drive the drive shaft tomove the chains, a'n electromagnetic device operatively associated with each drive sprocket wheel including a movable armature, a movably mounted look member associated with each armature and normally held disengaged from a drive sprocket wheel, means for energizing the electromagnetic devices to cause release of the members to look the drive sprocket wheels and stop drive of the associated chains,
means operatively associated with the driver disks to move the members to sprocket releasing positions whereby the released sprocket wheels resume driving, whereby a differentiai movement of the objects toward the finish line results, and switch means closed when any race object reaches the finish line to cause reversal of the motor to drive the ohains reversely and return ali objeots to their starting positions.
8. In a race game, an elongated horizontal table having a series of spaced longitudinal race ways, objects movable in said ways from a starting position at one end of the table to a finish position adjacent the other end thereof, a cross shaft journaled on the under side of the table at the starting end thereof, said shaft carrying a, series of spaced idler sprocket wheels, a, cross drive shaft journaled on the under side of the table at the other end thereof, said latter shaft loosely carrying a. series of spaced drive'sprocket wheels respectivelyalined in pairs with the wheels drive the drive shaft to move the chains, an electromagnet operatively associated with each drive sprocket wheei including a movable armature, a look member movably associated with each armature and normaliy held disengaged from a drive sprocket wheei, means for energizing the electromagnet to cause movement of the members to look the drive sprocket wheels and stop drive of the associated chains, means operable by the disks to move the members to sprocket reieasing positions whereby the releasedsprocket wheels resume driving, en open switch located at the finish end of each race way, said letter switchesl being closed when a race object engages the Same, said Switches being in a circuit with an electromagnetic device, and 8. motor control switch operable by said device when a switch is closed to reverse the motor to drive the objects back to their starting positions.
9. In a race game, en elongated horizontal table having a series of spaced longitudinai race ways, objects movable in said ways from a. starting position at one end of the tabie to a finish position adjacent the other end-thereof, a cross shaft journaled on the under side of the tab1e at the starting end thereof, said shaft carryinp, a series of spaced id1er sprocket wheels, a cross drive shaft journaled on the under side of the table at the other end thereof, said letter shait loosely carrying a series of spaced drive sprocket wheels respectively alined in pairs with the wheels on the first shaft, endless chains respectively wrapped around said pairs of wheels, carriers mounting the objects and fastened to said chains for moving the objects in the ways, driver disks turnable with the drive shaft and resbectively positioned adjacent each drive sprocket, friction means normally engaging the drive sprocket wheels and friction means with the driver disks, a motor inciuding connections to drive the drive shaft to move the chains, an electromagnetic device operatively associated with each drive sprocket wheei including a movable armature, a look member movably associated with each armature and normally held disengaged from a drive sprocket wheel, means for energizing the electromagnetic devices to cause release of the levers to look the drive sprocket wheels and stop drive of the associated chains, means operable by the driver disks to move the levers to sprocket re- 1easing positions whereby the released sprocket wheels resume driving, a. rotary switch device for regulating the energization and deenergization of the electromagnetic devices, and means for driving the rotary switch from the drive shaft, said iatter means including a ratchet wheel and gravity pawl for indeterminately rotating the switch device.
10. In a race game, en eiongated horizontal tabie having a series of spaced longitudinai race ways, objects movable in said ways from a starting position at one end of the table to a finish position adjacent the other end thereof, a cross shaft journaled on the under side of the table at the starting end thereof said shait carrying a series of spaced idler sprocket wheels, a cross drive shaft journaled on the under side of the tab1e at the other end thereof, said latter shaft loosely carrying a series of spaced drive sprocket wheels respectively alined in pairs with the wheels on the first shaft, endless chains respectiveiy wrapped around said pairs of wheels; carriers mounting the objects and fastened to said chains or moving the objects in the ways, driver disks turnable with the drive shaft andrespectively positioned adjacent each drive sprocket, friction means respectively interposed between each drive sprocket wheel and its driver disk, yieldable means normally engaging the drive sprocket wheels and friction means with the driver disks, a motor inciuding 'connections to drive the drive shaft to move the chains. an eiectromagnetic device operatively associated with each drive sprocket wheel including a movabie armature, a look lever associated with each armature and normaliy held disengaged from a drive sprocket wheel, means for energizing the eiectromagnetic devices to cause release of the levers to look the drive sprocket wheels and stop drive of the associated chains, a pin carried on each driver disk to engage and move the levers to sprocket releasing positions wherebythe released sp1ocket wheels resume driving, and a rotary switch device driven intermittentiy by power derived from the motor to regulate the order of energization and deenergization of said eiectromagnetic devices.
11. In a race game, an elongated horizontai tabie having a series of spaced longitudinal race ways, objects movable in said ways from a starting position at one end of the table to a finish position adjacent the other end thereof, a cross shaft journaled on the under side of the table at the starting end thereof, said shaft carrying a series of spaced id1er sprocket wheels, a cross drive shaf t journaled on the under side of the table at the other end thereof, said letter shaft loosely carrying a series of spaced drive sprocket wheels r'espectively alined in pairs with the wheels on the first shait, endless chains respectively wrapped around said pairs of wheels, carriers mounting the objects and fastened to said chains or moving the objects in the ways, driver disks turnable with the drive shaft and respectively positioned adjacent each drive sprocket, friction means respectiveiy interposed between each drive sprocket whee1 and its driver disk, yield.ble means normally engaging the drive sprocket wheels and friction means with the driver disks, a motor including connections to drive the drive shaft to move the chains, an electromagnetic device operatively associated with each drive sprocket wheel including a movabie armature, a look member movably associated with each armature and normally held disengaged from a drive sprocket wheel, means for energizing the electromagnetic devices to cause movement of the members to look the drive sprocket wheels and stop drive of the associated chains,
means operable from the driver disks to move the members to sprocket releasing positions whereby the released sprocket wheels resume driving, thereby resiiiting in differential advance of the objects to the finish line, a rotary indicator for indicating the winning object, said indicator being driven trom power derived from the motor,
and other electromagnetic means operable when an object reaches the finish line to cause setting of said indicator to show the winning objct.
12. In a race game, a horizontal tabie carrying on its under side a piurality of endless chains each of which rigidly mounts a race object movab1e through longitudinal slots arranged in spaced relation on the table, the said chains being driven by a drive structure including a shaft carrying 1oose sprocket wheels each of which is associated with a. driver disk fastqon the shaft, friction means respectively interposed between each drive sprocket wheel audits driver disk for normally cansing the disks to drive the sprocket wheels, an electromagnetic brake device for each sprocket wheel. and a plurality of means to cause difl'erential travel of the objects comprising a driven timer to regulate the order of operation of the brake devices, means on the disks to release the brake devices, and an intermittent driving connection from the drive shaft for driving the timer".
13. In a race game, a horzontal table carry ing on its under side a plurality of endless chains each of which rigidly mounts a race object movable through longitudinal slots arranged in spaced relation on the table, the said chains being driven by a drive structure including a shaft carrying loose sprocket wheels each of whieh is associated with a driver disk fast on the shaft, friction means respectively interposed between each drive. sprocket wheel and its driver disk for normally causing the disks to drive the sprocket wheels, an electromagnetic brake device for each sprocket wheel, 2, motor having connections to drive the shait, spring means normally engaging the disks and sprocket wheels to drive the chains, and a plurality of means to cause diiferential travel of the objects comprising a rotary switch to regulate the order of operation of the brake devices, pins mounted one on each disk in different relative angular positions to regulate release of the brake devices, and mechanism for intermittently rotating the switch.
14. In a race game comprisi ng a horizontal table having an elongated cut out opening formed therein, a plurality of inverted channel shaped strips mounted longitudinallyin said opening in spaced apart relation to provide parallel race ways between them, each strip including track portions, carriers slidably mounted on the track portions and each including an offset arm projccting upwardly through an adjacent race way, a race object. carried on each arm above the table, drive chains located below the table for the respective carriers, and means for connecting the carriers respectively to the drive chains.
15. In a race game comprising a horizontal table having an elongated cut out opening formed therein, a plurality of inverted channel shaped strips mounted longitudinally in said opening in spaced apart relation to provide parallel race ways between them, each strip includlng track portions, carriers slidably mounted on the track portions and each including at each end an upstanding end wall ormed to ride on said track portions and including means to slidably interlock therewith, each carrier carrying between its end walls an offset upstanding arm projecting through an adjacent race way, and a race object mounted on each said arm above the table.
16. In a race game having an elongated frame carrying a transverse shaft at each end thereof, one shaft carrying a plurality of idler sprocket wheels and the other shaft carrying a like number of loose drive sprocket wheels, means for driving the latter shaft and means on said latter latch means for causing release of the latch means and movement of the brake members to drive sprocket engaglng positions, and respective means operatively associated with each drive sprocket wheel to cause disengagement of the brake members and their return to latched inoperative positions.
17. In a race game having an elongated frame carrying a transverse shaft at each end thereof, one shaft carrying a plurality of idler sprocket wheels and the other shaft carrying a like number of loose drive sprocket wheels, means for driving the latter shaft and means on said latter shaft for frictionally turning the drive sprocket wheels independently therewith, race object moving chains enveloping the idler and. drive sprocket wheels, spring pulled brake levers respectively mounted for movement to engage the drive sprocket wheels to held them against rotation, swingably mounted latch levers provided respectively for holding the brake levers in inoperative positions, the combination with said latch levers of movable trips respectively positioned adjacent the latch levers for causing release of the latch levers and movement of the brake levers to drive sprocket wheel engaglng positions, respective means turnable with the drive shaft to cause disengagement of the brake levers and their return to latched inoperative positions, and means driven from the drive shaft to g0vern the order of operation of the movable trips.
18. In a race game, a drive shaft, a drive sprocket for a ehain, the sprocket mounted loose on the shaft, a driver disk turnable with the shaft, means yieldably moving the sprocket against the disk, a friction member between the disk and sprocket, said disk carrying a trip pin, 9. spring pulled brake lever pivotally mounted adjacent the sprocket and. adapted to brake the sprocket, a movably mounted latch member for normally holding the brake lever in released position, the combination with said brake lever of trip devices respectively positioned to release the latch member te cause movement of the brake lever to engage and brake the sprocket, the driver disk trip pin serving to disengage the brake and free the sprocket and cause movement of the brake to its relased latched position.
19. In a. race game, a drive shaft, a drive sprocket for a chain, the sprocket mounted loosely on the shaft, a driver disk turnable with the shaft, means yieldably moving the sprocket against the disk, friction means between the sprocket and disk, a brake lever pivotally mounted adjacent the sprocket and adapted to engage the sprocket to brake same, the combination with said lever of a movable latch means iornormally holding the lever in a disengaged position, movable trip means positioned to release the latch means and cause movement of the brake lever to brak'e the sprocket, and means operable from the disk to cause release.of the brake lever to disengaged latched position.
20. In a race game, a drive shaft, a drive sprocket for a chain, the sprocket mounted loosely on the shaft, a driver disk turnable with the shaft, means yieldably moving the sprocket against the disk, irictlon means between the sprocket and disk, a brake lever pivotally mounted adjacent the sprocket and adapted to engage the sprocket to brake same, the combination with said lever of a movable latch means for normally holding the lever in a disengaged position, movable trip means positioned to release the latch means and cause movement of the brake lever to brake the sprocket, means operable by the disk to cause release of the brake lever to disengaged latched position, and means driven from the shaft to cause operation of the movable trip means.
21. In a race game, a drive shaft, a. drive sprocket or a chain, the sprocket mounted loosely on the shaft, a driver disk turnable with the shaft, means yieldably moving the sprocket against the disk, friction means between the sprocket and disk, a brake lever pivotally mounted adjacent the sprocket andadapted to engage the sprocket to brake same, the combination with said lever 61' a movable latch means ior normally holding \the lever in a disengaged position, movable trip means positioned to release the latch means and cause movement of the brake lever to brake the sprocket, 9. pin on the disk and turnable therewith to engage and release the brake lever te disengaged latched position, and means driven from the shait to cause operation of the movable trip device at irregular intervals. 22. In a race game. a drive shait a drive sprocket for a chain, the sprocket mounted loosely on the shaft, a driver disk turnable with the shaft, means yieldably moving the sprocket against the disk, friction means between the sprocket and disk, a brake lever pivotally mounted adjacent the sprocket and adapted to engage the sprocket to brake same, the combination with said lever of a movable latch means for normally holding the lever in a disengaged position, movable trip means positioned to release the latch means and cause movement of the brake lever to brake the sprocket, means operable trom the disk te cause release of the brake lever to disengaged latched position, a sleeve loose on the drive shait including a ratclnet wheel, a. driver arm tast on the shait adjacent the ratchet Wheel a tree swinging pawl on said arm adapted in an irregular manner momentarily to pick up the ratchet wheel and turn the sleeve with the shatt and means driven trom said sleeve to cause operation of the movable trip means.
23. In a race game providing a plurality 0! tracks along which objects are movable from a starting to a finishing position with respective normally open switches located at the finish end of each track, the combination with said switches of a drum rotatably mounted on a horizontal axis adjacent the finish end of the tracks and carrying legends to indicate the object which wins a. race, a motor, means to rotate the drum by powerderived trom said motor, 2. stop on the drum, a series of electromagnetic device releasecl stops carried adiacent the drum proximate to the path of movement of the. stop carried thereby, means controlled by the closing of a switch by the winning object te cause energization of a corresponding electromagnetic device and release of its stop to cause such stop to be positioned in the path of movement of the stop on the dnnn whereby the letter is stopped in a position of rest to indicate the winning object, and friction clutch means included in the driving means ior the drum.
24. In 9. mee game providing a plurality of tracks along which objects are movable from a starting to a finishing position with respective normally open switches located at the finish end of each track, the combination with said switches of a drum rotatably mounted on a horizontal axis adjacent the finish end of the tracks and carrying legends to indicate the object which wins a race, an electric motor of the reversible type, means to rotate the drum from a normal initial starting position by power derived from said motor, a stop on the drum, a plurality of electromagnetic device released stops carried adiacent the drum proximate to the path of movement of the stop carried thereby, means controlled by the closing of a switch by the winning object to cause energization of a corresponding electromagnetic device and release of its stop te position such stop in the path of movement of the stop en the drum whereby the letter is stopped in a position of rest to indicate the winning object, a friction olutch means included in the driving connections for the drum, and means for reversing the motor to drive the drum reversely backto its initial starting position.
25. In a race game providing a plurality of tracks along which objects are movable from a starting to a finishing position with respective normaliy open switches located at the finish end of each track, the combination with said switches of a drum rotatably mounted on a horizontal axis ad;lacent the finish end of the tracks and carrying legende to indicate the object which wins a race, a motor, means to rotate the drum by power derived from said motor, a stop on the drum, a plurality of electromagnetic device released stops carried in en arcuate grouping ad- .1acent the periphery of the drum proximate to the path of movement of the stop carried thereby, means controlled by the closing of a switch by the winning object te cause energization of a corresponding eleotromagnetic device and release of its stop to cause such stop te be positioned in the path of movement of the stop en the drum whereby the letter is stopped in a position of rest to indicate the winning object, and means to make the driving connection for the drum ineiective when the letter is thus stopped.
26. In a race game providing a plurality of tracks along which objeots are movable trom a starting to a finishing position with respective normally open switches located at the finish end of each track, the combination with said switches of a drum rotatably mounted on a horiz0ntai axis adjacent the finish end of the tracks and carrying legends to indicate the object which wins a race, 9. plate covering said drum and provided with en opening through which a part of the legends may be viewed, a motor, means to rotate the drum by power derved trom said motor, 9. stop en the drum, a plurality of electro magnetic device released stops carried adjacent the drum proximate to the path oi movement of the stop carried thereby, means controlled by the closing of a switch by the winning object to cause energization of a correspondng electromagnetic device andrelease of its stop te cause such stop te be positioned in the path of movement of the stop on the drum whereby the latter is stopped in a position of rest to make the legend indicating the winning object visible through the opening in the cover plate, and means to make the driving connection ior the drum inefiective, when the latter is thus stopped.
BRADLEE W. WILLIAMS. HOMER S. WI ILLIAMS.
US59279A 1936-01-15 1936-01-15 Race game apparatus Expired - Lifetime US2076054A (en)

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2526215A (en) * 1945-06-12 1950-10-17 Greyhound Amusement Device Com Ball-actuated racing game device
US2624581A (en) * 1948-10-30 1953-01-06 Douglas R Wiser Pin ball-controlled racing game

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2526215A (en) * 1945-06-12 1950-10-17 Greyhound Amusement Device Com Ball-actuated racing game device
US2624581A (en) * 1948-10-30 1953-01-06 Douglas R Wiser Pin ball-controlled racing game

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