US2139210A - Game appakatus - Google Patents

Description

^ rgf....f.isage j u i 50 placed on a bose l.

, l 2,139,210 Y Bsmsrrc Germ Arrsrsros Erwin Sauer-bier, Berlin, Germany *Application March 15, 193s, sein N 196.066

. InGermanyItarch16,1937- 1a claims. (c1. evamn This invention relates to ballistic game 'appriratus in' which the player tri'es to hit a movable aim.

It is nn object of the invention to provide an improved apparatus o f. the lrind described.

To this end, the apparatus is equipped with a casing from which light is excludei and a movable aim is arranged in the casing. In a preferred embodiment of the invention target is mounted to rotate in the darkened casing and carries a plurality of aims, for instance, representetions oi airplanes. A proiector projects a ray oi light against the movable aim, or the rotary target, es the case may be, a sight is arranged for observing the aim, or aims, and a scanning device is combined with the projector and arranged to be operated in such manner that the axis oi' the projector and the axis of the scanning device intersect at the aim.

The scanning device may be independent oi', or

operatively connected to, the projector. In the Erst case, it is possible to operate the projector with one hand, and the scanning device with the other, to moire their axes intersect at the aim.

In the second case, the scanning device is operatively connected to the projector, and the intersection of the axes is eected positively.

The term "scanning device includes en imitation of s. gun by which a projectile is thrown against the aim, and a scanning device proper by which the aim is merely aimed at. und n sonnning member, or. scanning point, is provided i'or indicating when the stm would have been hit.

.In the accompanying drawings an apparatus l equipped in imitation of a gun es the scanning device, and one equipped with an electric scanning device. are illustrated by Way of example.

In the drawings Fig. 1 is e. perspective illustration of the ilrstf mentioned apparatus Fig. 2 is a partly sectional elevation of the second-mentioned apparatus,

Fig. 3 is in end elevation of the apparatus,

viewed iromtlie right in Fig. 2,

Fig. 4 is a partly sectional elevation oi' en interruptor forming part of the apparatus, and

Fig. 5 is a diagram of its connections. Referring now to the drawings, und iii-st to Fig. 1, g casing 2 from which light m excluded, is Projecting from the iront end Wall 3 of the darkened casing is the butt 4 oi a gun whose barrel 5 projects into the casing. A target 6 is arranged et the opposite end of the casing, and rotated, or otherwise moved, continhere shown as pictures lof airplanes, are painted on the target B.

A iight projector 9 is rigidly connected to the scanning device, or nun, 1, 5 and its iight ray il! illuminates a small portion of the target 6. 5

The axes of the gun and ci' the projector are so. arranged as to intersect at the target. A A sight 'l issecured in the front end well 3 of lthe casing above the butt d of the gun through which the player observes the target. I! desired 1o this 'sight may 'oe equipped with optical means by which the sims 2 are enlarged or reduced to make them appear nearer or farther away.

If it is desired that other persons should observe the operation of the apparatus, a hood l i 15 is arranged above the target S, with an inclined mirror l2 above a hole i3 in the top of the casing 2. Instead of cutting away the wall of the casing at i3, it may be ma de transparent at this point, for instance, be made of glass. 20

The scanning device, or Kun, il, E, and the projector ii which, as mentioned. a rigidly connected to the gun, are mounted in n spherical bearing. or some other suitable device. permitting oi universal movement ci the two elements. The play- 25 er has the impression of e. night sq, since the casing 2 is darkened, and thc aims 8 only become visible it moving through the light rey O.

He now tries, by rocking the gun and the proiecad tor, to hit one' oi' the aims 8 with s. projectile from the gun. Instead of being rigidly connected, as shown.

the gun 6i, E end the projector 9 may also be arranged i'cr independent movement, as men- 35 tioned, so that the opexntor handles the gun with one hond, and the projector with the other.'

Referring now to Figs. 2 to 5, this apparatus is onein which the eim'is merely scanned, and

no projectile is thrown against it. The numo ber of scanning 'operations performed by the player is indicated on the diei 62 o an automatic counter, and the number of "hits is indlcuted on c. similar dial 6l, Fig. 3. In the example illustrated, the apparatus is shaped like an 4.5

enti-aircraft gun whose darkened casing 2 is supported by a suitable column, or tube, 60. It is coin-freed, i3 being the coin chute.

The scanning device is mounted in a spherical bearing i8 in the front end well oi' the casing 2. 50

The projecting end oi the scanning device is shaped like the butt i9 of a pistol, with a. trigger 25. The target 8 is inclined, as 'shown in Fig. 2, but hns been shown vertical in the diagram Fig. 5

. m, .i.. .i....,..

D-JY by a Suitable 310W?. not shown. Aims 8, for the sake of simplicity. The sight l is aru c Jaw.:

' inserted between the sight and the target.

The target is rotated by arnotcr iii. Fig. 5,- and is supplied with current from one terminal of e. battery ,d whose other terminal is earthed. The target is made of metal, oi' spherical Configureetion, a-nd covered with a. loyer i5 of insulating material et its back. The sims 8 nre pins with widened heads: i5. extending through the insuloting material, and are earthecl, or connected to the earthcd terminal of the battery (l5. A point 36 of an interinpier 22 is arranged to engage the heads IE 4of the sim pins ii.

The interrupter 22 is mounted in a bracket 2i at the end of a .rod 2U which extends inwardly from the bail bearing i8 ci the scanning device. An annular check 23 limits the oscillation of the scanning device about its ball bearing i8 so that lthf.` movement'oi the interrupter point 36 is limited to the area of the target. A projector tube,` with s. lamp 9 at its lower end, is secured to the rod 20 at such un angie that its ray strikes the target 5 on its front side at s. point which. is e7:- actly opposite the point where the armature poi-nt 3S of the lnterrupter 22 is positioned at the Yrem' side of the target.

The' trigger 2E, as best seen in Fig. 5, is equipped with a return spring. and its pivot is earthed. A Contact 25 is secured on the trigger. When the trigger is puller, its contact 25 first engages a Contact 2l at the free end oi a spring. and finally forces this contact against e fixed contact 28. The spring supporting the contact 21 is connected to a Wire- 53 from Whose end a wire 5l extends to one terminal of the lomp 9 and a Wire 5B with a manually operated switch 5S extends to one terminal of the motor i4. the switch 58 the motor H is cut out for arresting the target 6.

From the fixed contact 28 a wire 55 extends to one terminal 5d of the interrupter 22. The interrupter is equipped with o. coil 2S whose inlet end 5| is connected to the wire 58 by n wire 50.

When the trigger 25 is pulled. the contacts 28 and 2l close the circuits of the lamp 9 and the motor M, the target S starts rotating and is illuminated by the ray of the projector 24. As in the apparatus described, the. player sees what appears to be a. night sky where the aims 8 only become visible when moving through the projector rey. By pulling further the trigger, the operetor causes the contacts 2i and 2S to engage and to maire the circuit of the intermpter 22.

The coil 29 of the interrupter, Fig. 4, has an armature 3D which it attracts, when excited, against action of a return spring 3|. The spring is placed on a rod 33 projecting from the armature, Aand is inserted between u dislc 32 atl the free end of the rod, and a fixed abutment 34 of the bracket 2i. At the end which is opposite the red 33, and facing the baci: ofthe target 6, is arranged the point 35 which is guided in u tubuler extension of the armature 3U, und urged toward the target 6 by e. spring 35. When the armature is attracted by the excited coil 29, the

free end of the point is forced against the insulating layer l5 of the target 5 at that point where the target is struck by the projector ray at its opposite side. The point is determined by the angular position of the scanning device.

Connected to the terminal 54 which. us described, is connected to the contact 28 by the wire 55, is. an interruptor comprising an adjustable check 38, end a. spring 39. The spring 39 is ar.. ranged on an arm 4D which is pivoted on s. support 82 at 4i. 43 is a. preferably adjustable.

becket the free end o1' the erm dii. on the s rmsture 3) extends into tween the check 43 und the arm '40..

When the coil 2S is de-energ'i'fied the return spring 3i moves the armature 3G to' the lett in the check 33 which now makes contact with the spring 33 through o. hole in the arm. This makes the circuit of the coil 2S. On the other hand,

-wlren the coil 2S is excited and attracts its Fig. 4, and the dog lid moves the arm il'ageinst i ing the circuit of the coil 29 and allowing the' return-spring 3l to return the armature 30 into its initial position where the circuit of coil 29 is again made. -It will be understood that the interrupter 22 operates as en automatic cut-out but at a comparatively low frequency since the circuit of coil 2S is only interrupted after the armature 30 has moved throughs. given distance. The frequency can he regulated within certain mits by adjusting the check 63, and it must be such that the knocking of the point 36 against the back of the target 6 makes the impression of machine-gun re.

The outlet terminal 52 of the exciter coil 28 is connected to the contact check 3B at 63. When the spring 39 on the arm do makes contact with. the check, the terminal 52 is connected to the' contact 28 through wire 55. i

From 53 a. wire 6i) extends to a coil 6| which` through e. magnet armature, or the like, operates the operation counter 82, Fig. 3. connected to the wire 46 which. as described, is connected to the terminal 5l of the coll 28 by wires 48 and 50 so that thecounter coil 6I is connected ,in parallel to the lnterrupter coil 29. It is therefore energized und de-energized at the same time as the coil 28 and the indicator on the dial is moved on for one numeral for every reciprocetion of the armature Si). By these means. the counter 82 shows how often the point 3S has engaged the baci: of the target 6 and is designed for opening the switch 4l in the wire 45 after given number of scanning operations, say, 250.

The point Sii is connected to a terminal 6I, Fig. 4, which, in turn, is connected to the coil 65 of the hit counter 'i by a wire 53. 'I'he coll S5 is also connected to battery 45 bywlre 63. The hit counter coll 65 is excited when the point 38, upon attraction of armature 30, strikes one o1' the heeds i6 at the back of the target, i. e., the aim hes been hit by the player. Mechanical or optical signalling means such as an incandescent lamp i2 connected to the wires 53 end 46 by wires 'i0 and 1I, may be provided xor indicating the hits to other persons. l

The hlt counter 61 een be equipped with a. premium-paying mechanism. The premia. are paid by a device having an electrcmegnet 69 counected to wire 63 by a Wire including a. switch 68. The switch 58 is normally open und is closed by the counter 67 after a predetermined number of hits.

The coin control will now be described. A coin inserted in chute 11* passes a coin tester andthen arrives in the position illustrated in Fic. 5 where it completes an auxiliary circuit 14. The auxiliary circuit is connected to magnet l5 which operates a. delayed coin ejector which at the same time may be 9. counter, nnd to two magnets 'I8 and 'I3 The coil El is' v br wires l andf'l', respectively, which return the The operation is as follows.

'the armature 3Q now begins to-knocli against the l counters 32 and 61 into aero position.

' its mentioned, theswitcl'i il is opened by the Y. operation counter 62 when the. maximum number ol' ocerationshas been attained. When the magnet it returns the counter to zero position,- ihe switch 'i is closed and the apparatus is xeturned into lic-tive position. Y v

The player selves the butt 'i9 or' the scanning deviccvand pulls the trigger 25. When contacts and 27 engage the circuits of lamp 9 and motor' ill are,.closed,.as described, and the player l now observes, through tbe sight "l, a bright circular spot of iight at the centre ol the target 6 at the roar of the apparatus. He: now tries to catch-one of the aims 3 on the target and to l'ollow it with' the spot of light by turn-lne; the scanning device in its bearing i8. He now pulls the trigger 25 further to place the contact 2'1 against the fixed contact 2S and to close the circuit of the interrupter coil 2S., The point 36 of back of the target and the current impulses produced thereby are transmitted to the coil Si or counter 52, and indicated. On the other hand, since' the back of the target 5 i; lined with insulating material l5, the circuit 4of the coil G5 of the hit counter 67 can only be closed if the point 36 strikes one of the heads i6. This., however, will only occur i! the aim is exactly at the center ot the light spot as the axis of armature is the extension of the projector axis.

This operation is continued until the counter S2 opens the switch 61 so that the apparatus must be made ready for use by throwing in another coin at 73. The delayed operation of the ejector magnet 15 is provided in order to eiiect reliable operation of the electromagnets 1 8 and 'I9 after the insertion of a coin.` l

The column 8U may be made adjustable as to height, and may also be arranged to be tilted, if desired.

I claim:

1. In a ballistic game apparatus, a casing from which light is excluded, a movable aim in the casing, a projector for projecting 'n.ray of light against the aim, a sight f or observing the aim, a scanning point arranged fin the axis of the ray, a scanning device i'or positioning the point with respect to the aim, and electric means on the scanning device for operating the point.

' 2. In a ballistic game apparatus@ casing from which light is excluded, a movable aim in the casing, a projector for projecting a ray of light against the aim, a sight for observing the aim,

-a scanning point 'arranged to reciprocate inf the' axis of the rey, an automatic cut-out for operating the point, a scanning device for positioning the point with respect to the aim. and electric means on the scanning device for controlling the cut-out.

3. In a ballistic gerne apparatus, a casing yfrom which light is excluded, a movable aim in the caslne', a projector for projecting a ray ot light against the aim, n sight for observing the aim, s. scanning point arranged to reciprocate in the axis of the ray, an automatic cut-out lor operating the point, a scanning device for positioning the point with respect to the aim, electric means on the scanning device forcontrolllng the cut-out, and an operation counter under the control of the] automatic cut-out.

4. In a ballistic game apparatus, a casing from whizh light is excluded, e. movable aim in the casinia projector for pojectins a ray of light against the aim, a sicht for observing the aim, a.

an exciter coil for IJperatinfgy the point, a scan.-

.aasaalo .7 1 3' ,ning device for positionimv the point with respectto the aim, electric nica-ns on the scanning device for controlling the cut-out, and a'n operation counter including a coil connected in paralle] tothe exciter coil. j

. 5. In a ballistic game apparatus, a casing from which light is excluded, a'movablc aim in the casing. a projector for projecting a 'ray oi light against the aim, a sight i'or observing the aim, a

scanning pointarranged to reciprocate in the 'axis or the ray, an automatic-cut-out for operat-V ing the point, a scanningr device for positioningthe point with respect to the aim, electric-'means on the scanning device -for controlling the outout, a circuit connected to the electric means, an operation counter under the control of the automatic cut-cut, and an lnt'errupter switch arranged in the circuit and under the control of the operation counter.

6.l In a ballistic game apparatus, a casing from which iight is excluded, a movable aim in the casing, a projector for projecting a ray of light against the aim, a sight for observing the aim, a scanning point arranged in the axis oi the ray, a scanning device for positioning the point with respect to the aim, electric means on the scanning device for operating the point. and a hit counter under the control of the point.

7 In a ballistic game apparatus, a casing from which light is excluded, a movable aim in the casing, a projector for projecting a ray of light against the atm. a sight for observing the aim, n. scanning point arranged in the axis of the ray, a scanning device for positioning the point with respect to the aim, electric means on the scanning device for operating the point, a hit counter under the control oi .the point, and a premiumpaying mechanism under the control of the hit counter.

8. In a ballistic game apparatus. a casing from which light is excluded, a movable aim in the casing, a. projector for projecting a ray of light againstthe aim, a sight for observing the aim, e. scanning point arranged in the axis of the ray, a scanning device for positioning the point with respect to the aim, electric Ymeans on the scanning device for operating; the point. and signailing means under the control ot the point.

9. In a ballistic game apparatus, a casing from which light is excluded, a movable aim ln the casing, n. projector tor projecting a ray oi light against the aim, a. sight for observing the aim. a scanning poinJ arranged in the axis of the ray. contact pins in the aim adapted to be engaged by the point, a circuit including the pins and arranged to be made and broken by the point, a hlt counter in the circuit. a scanning device for positioning the point with respect to the aim,

manolo ,A Y l Honing point with respect to the sim, end I l sitioning the point with respect to the sim,A

counter unciel-` the controller' ciut-out, a. cir- A cuit arranged to matie by a. coin, and n. cci in inev circuit for return-ing the operation counter foto zero position.

411, In a coinfcontrolied; beiiistic game appa.-

ratus, a casing from which iiiz'nt is excluded. s

moveble sin; in the casing., a projector-for projecting e ray of iight against 'the aim, a. sight for observing the aim, e, scanning point arranged in the mais of the ray, o. scanning device for poelectric means on the scanning device foroperating the point, s. hit ccunier under the controlv of the point, s circuit arranged to be made by a coin, and a. coil in. the circuiizfor returning ti-.e hit counter into zero position. Y

12. In a, ballistic game apparatus. a casing from which iight is excluded, a. movable aim in the casing, en electric motor for driving theairn, a projector for projecsing a ray of iight against; the aim, a eight for yobserving the aim, ascenning point arranged in the exis oi' the ray, circuits connected to the motor, the projector, and

A. the scanning point, a. scanning device for posi.-

means on size scanning device for'rst making che projector and motor circuits.

circuit -of the scanning point.

the aim, a sight for observing the dim, a scanning point arranged in the axis of the ray, cirvd then me."

cuits connected no che motor, the projector, and

the scanning point. o. scanning device for positioning the peint with respect to the aim, a trigger-*on the scanning device, o. contact on the trigger, o. spring connected to the motor andprc jector circuits. e. contact on the spring arranged to be engaged by the trigger Contact, and a fixed Contact connected to the circuit of the scanning point and arranged to vbe engaged by the contact on the spring after the contacts on the trigger and t-he spring have been placed into co-oper ative relation.

f ERWIN SAUERBIER.

Images