US2624581A - Pin ball-controlled racing game - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 6, 1953 D. R. wlsER ETAL PIN BALL-CONTROLLED RACING GAME 4 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Oct. 30, 1948 Jan. 6, 1953 D. R. wlsER ETAL 2,624,581

PIN BALLCONTROLLED RACING GAME Filed Oct. 50, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 DOUGLAS R. W/SER, THOMAS 'CL/NTON BARTLAM, 8 BRYAN R. BURKE.

/NVE/V TORS. HUEBNER,BEEHLER,WORREL.

HERZ/G 8 CALDWELL.

A TTOR/VEVS.

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`lan. 6, 1953 D. R. wlsER ErAL PIN BALL-CONTROLLED RACING GAME Filed Oct. 30, 1948 57 mim f Sheets-Sheet 3 Jpg. 7.

Doz/GL THOMAS BR VA /v CLINTON BARTLAM, R. BURKE.

/NVEN TORS.

HUEBNER.BEEHLER, WORRE'L,

HERZ/@ CALDWELL.

A TTORNEYS.

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8 4 9 l 3 w 11 4u. 6, o d u 4 A Patented Jan. 6, 1953 PIN BALL-CONTROLLED RACING GAME Douglas R. Wiser, Thomas Clinton Bartlam, and Bryan R. Burke, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application October 30, 1948, Serial No. 57,432

16 Claims.

This invention relates to racing games of a general character set forth in a co-pending application of Thomas Clinton Bartlam, Bryan R. Burke, Douglas R. Wiser, and Vincent C. Engstroin, Serial No. 774,742, and more specically to improvements in a game of said character, its mode of play, result and construction.

Figures l and 2 of the drawings of this application correspond to the same figures in the drawings of said co-pending application. The remaining drawings in the instant application are either entirely new (i. e., Figures 3 through or are in part similar to said prior application and in part new or modified to carry out the desired result of the instant invention (Figure 11). An improved total combination and game thereby results.

As in said prior application, it is the intention of the instant invention to simulate as near as may be in a game, a racing event which may be participated in by numerous players and the mechanism of which is preferably electrified or otherwise mechanically operative, its results depending upon a certain degree of control and initiation oi movement and operation by the players.

Manifestly, costs and elaboration of mechanism and likelihood of breakdown is increased in proportion as greater detail in simulation of an actual racing event is obtained. Even when this is achieved to a maximum desired extent, however, habitual players, or those playing with particular skill and luck, tend to become more or less consistent winners. Constant shifting or adjustment of the game apparatus and constant vigilance by skilled supervisors is necessary to avoid excessive advantage by one player over another and prevent the attendant loss of business and reputation by the amusement device (whether merited or not) on the grounds that the game is unfair to some players as giving unfair advantages to others.

The instant invention, without detracting from the excitement of competitive play and skill, but in fact enhancing such excitement by substantially equalizing the game, gives each player an even opportunity to score throughout the race. To do this the game achieves a speeding up of laggard racers and an elimination of run-a-way or consistent winners. The racers are thereby more closely grouped throughout a race. The lead constantly changes. Winners therefore are more evenly distributed. The resultant game thus presents a pageant of continuous excitement with consequent increased en- 2 ioyment to the participants, for a racer who lags, Whether at the beginning of the game or near its end, may yet win, and one who is apparently ahead at any stage may hold no necessary advantage during the balance of the race or in another stage of it.

The present invention, like that disclosed in said co-pending application, may also incorporate the features of multiple winners, ties, and/or fast finishes.

It is therefore among the objects of this invention to provide a new and improved simulated racing game per se.

lt is another object of this invention to provide in a game of the character described new and improved means for carrying out the purposes of the game.

Among the more specific objects of the invention are the provision of a substantially equalized game, the provision of a restraining barrier to avoid run-a-way winners, provision of a speed up of laggards, provision of facilities for regulating the speed of the game and of its speed-up and its restraining barrier either overall or in part, the optional incorporation of Win, Place and Show positions and mechanism for achieving them, the optional provision of a Fast Finish in unique association with the game as a whole and the equalizer in particular, provision of a new and improved progressive game regulator, and provision of new and improved equalizer means.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a new and improved gaine of the desired character described of simple construction, the parts of which are readily accessible for replacement or repair and which will provide long periods of continuous trouble-free use.

It is :likewise amongthe objects of this invention to provide improvements over prior art games and apparatus heretofore intended to accomplish similar or analogous results.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent in the drawings and the following specication relative thereto.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a frontal perspective view of a preferred form of game apparatus as may be used in this invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view as on a line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a detailed vertical elevational view as at a portion of the back side of the apparatus of Figure l, illustrating a pair of equalizer controls and associated mechanism. A

Figure 4 is a plan View of the same.

Figure 5 is a sectional view as on a line 5-5 of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a sectional View as on a line 6 5 of Figure 3.

Figure 7 is a sectional View as on a line l-i of Figure 6,

Figure 8 is a detailed view as on a line 8 8 of Figure 6.

Figure 9 isv a fragmentary view similar to Figure '7 showing parts in a different operative relationship.

Figure 10 is a simplified view of certain equalizer gear mechanism and associated parts. v

Figure 11 is a diagrammatic view of an operative and wiring mechanism of the'game apparatus, some parts being simplified and other parts omitted.

The operation of the apparatus chosen to illustrate this invention will proceed concurrently with a description of Figure 11 corresponding with certain modifications and improvements to Figure 2O of said co-pending application, and having reference, where feasible, to corresponding parts in both applications by means of corresponding reference numerals. Reference numerals starting in the '700 series herein are applied to parts added to or modified in the instant application. Direct reference to the prior application is made where its repetition herein would not serve to point out the improved structure or function now disclosed and claimed.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, there is shown (Figures 1 and 2) an annunciator panel or backboard designated by the numerall 3i), including a top 3l, ends 32 and a bottom 34. The front face of the annunciator may be divided into a plurality of parallel horizontally disposed lanes, such as l, di, Q2 and 43, etc., preferably extending entirely thereacross. Each lanemay be additionally divided into any number of segments or positions i5 upon which the progress of successive plays across the board for each corresponding player may be indicated as will appear.

Individual playing units eil, 5I, `52, etc., are provided corresponding to the lanes llt, el, li2, @3, etc., and each playing unit is electrically interconnected to the annunciator 3G in a manner to be described in order to control the progress of the game thereon through and by means of said individual playing units.

The positions d5 may be nished o in front by translucent glass, cellophane, or plastic Inaterial 54, and may be provided with indicator lamps 55 (cf. also Figure 11). These are preferablys'eparated from one another by means of individual cells 56 bounded, for example, by the top of the annunciator panel 3l, a panel board 51 and any number of horizontal and transverse partitions 58 and 59, respectivelyl By Way of illustration, though not of limitation, the illustrated annunciator 3E) is divided into racing lanes or courses 4U, fil, Q2, etc., each of which may in turn be divided into a horizontal series of forty positions 45. As shown, these are divided as by a vertical tape Sil. Thus, an arbitrary ten positions in spaces on the right of the tape in each lane as illustrated collectively comprise the stretch or fast finish portion, While those thirty at the left may be collectively designated the straightaway 'portion.

`Both-inl the straightaway and the stretch it is preferable, as heightening interest in the game,

to illustrate distinguishing characters, such as horses 62, in various stages of gait so as to give the illusion of movement when the individual lamps 55 are progressively illuminated from left to right (Figure 1) during the play. Such characters also tend to differentiate the several lanes and so identify the players with their respective horses,

The vertical row of positions designated by the numeral 65 may constitute the post or starting line, and the last vertical row of spaces designated by the numeral 66 at the right-hand side of each lane is ordinarily considered the nish line. To the right of the finish line in each lane, the name of the corresponding horse or the like in such lane may be set forth and optionally continuously illuminated during play, or the same may be illuminated simultaneously with the occurrence of a winner in such lane.

Any number of winners and corresponding Win positions may be provided for, but it is preferable as corresponding with conventional racing practice to provide three categories of winner separately designated in each row. Thus, the rst may be indicated as in a win position 6ft in the last column 6l and may bear a designation win A place column 68 may also be provided and designated with place positions 63. A show column 59 may be made up of the show positions or spaces l0. Each of these spaces 6E., G3 and le may be illuminated individually in a manner similar to the spaces A5, but each should preferably carry an inscription, as stated, appropriately designating it as a Win, placa show or the like signal.

A master'control box l5 (cf. Figure 11) may be provided under the control of an operator or general supervisor by whom the game may be selectively started, as by depressing a start button l; cancelled during the course of a game as by an emergency trip ll; or, at the end of the game, as by a cancel button 78. Or a game may be selectively altered from one involving only one winner, to one involving two, three or any other number of successive winners. The latter result may be achieved as by means of a selective trip lever "i9, all in a manner which will be more fully apparent as the description proceeds.

An electrical conductor cable 8@ may connect the control switch box l5 to the annunciator 3U and the playing unit 5d, etc., while another cable 8l may also connect the conductors from the playing units to the annunciator.

The playing units 56, 5 l, 52, may be individually or collectively mounted as upon a table S2 in front of which the players may sit or stand in a position to actuate the individual plungers 83. suggestive plunger construction and associated mechanism are set forth in further detail in said co-pending application. Any conventional balldirecting and impelling means maybe employed.

The playing unit or board preferably includesy a usual starting lane along which a ball 94' (see Figure 11) may be rolled and guided, as by any suitable guides, through paths such as '123, 124, 125, 726, l2? and 'E28 defined thereby.

While passing through the paths '123, etc., the ball may actuate buttons and their switches ll, 192, 'm3, 70:55, l'ii, 7%, 7M, i638 and lilil which are connected to and actuate circuits associated with the annunciator panel as will be discussed later. It will be noted that certain lanes, such as "12d, l26 and 72S may each be provided with two buttons lill and 765, lili and lill, and T103 and 109, respectively, whereas, lanes 723, 'F25 and 121 may be provided with only one button each, e. g., 104, 106, and 108, respectively. This arrangement is intended to activate certain win circuits as will appear.

After leaving the paths 123, etc., the ball may be conducted back to a position for replay.

Said switch buttons preferably have a shank portion and a head, said shank projecting upwardly through the playing eld and engageable and depressible by the ball 94 which, when it rolls thereover, closes a switch 142 (optionally jointly associated, as by an offset arm 142 with said switch 142) or switches 10 102 and 103 upon which the heads of the pins yieldably rest and are thereby normally urged upwardly to project above the face of the playing field. The closing of the switches 142, 102 and 103 actuates appropriate circuits to progressively illuminate the progress indicator lights 55 on the annunciator panel as hereinafter explained.

inasmuch as this game is intended to be primarily competitive, it is desirable that all units are simultaneously freed for play. For this purpose it is preferable to have a locking mechanism or the like for the ball 94 so that upon the release thereof all of the balls are free to be played.

To this end a wire |10 may be moved as by a solenoid so that when the solenoid |15 is energized, the wire will hold the ball 94 against play until released as in a manner set forth in said co-pending application.

When the solenoid |15 is de-energized, the wire |10 may be normally held in a non-locking position by means of a spring or the like, not shown.

Preferably mounted upon the back |80 of the annunciator are a plurality of stepping relays described in said co-pending application. Said relays correspond in number and are operatively connected to the playing units and to the lanes 40, 4|, 42, etc., on the game progress recording means 30. The function of these stepping relays may, of course, be performed by any other appropriate regulatory means as electronically, or mechanically, by means of conventional relays, or by any combination of these, as illustrated and described, by way of example, in said application.

But as shown in the illustrations (cf. Figure ll) under discussion, the stepping relays generally comprise vertical bars |85 mounted for preferably r Vertical movement and are grounded as by a wire 438.

Each bar |85 is provided with a row of teeth |90 along one edge IBI, and each is supported at various positions of elevation correspondent to the distance between the teeth |99 as by means of an escapement latch |92. The detent |93 of each escapement is normally held in mesh with one of the teeth |90 of the corresponding bar |85 as by means of a spring |91.

Opposed to the spring |91 is a solenoid 200. Upon actuation of the solenoid 200 the latch will be drawn thereagainst, to disengage a tooth |90 actuating the escapernent tooth by tooth.

Any number of intermittent energizations of any solenoid 205 will thus allow a corresponding bar |85 to move gravitationally downwardly a distance equal to a similar number of teeth |30.

Non-conductive contact plates 2|5 corresponding to and adjacent each bar |85 may be provided with a double row 2 I9 and 2|1 of contact points. The bar |85 is fitted with a pair of preferably yieldable slide contact points 2|8 and 2| 9, respectively, engageable with the contacts in the rows 2|6 and 2|1 as the points are moved into a 6 position of adjacency to said contacts. This will be accomplished, as will be apparent, each time the bar |35 is lowered by one tooth |95, a distance which is equal to that between adjacent contacts in said rows.

During the course of play and as the bars drop step by step as above noted, and upon play causing the intermittent actuation of the solenoids 200, a point is reached at which the topmost tooth is released by the latch |92 in one of the stepping relays. In the first instant that such a result is achieved in any bar (corresponding with a winner) a win shoulder mechanism described in said co-pending application, preferably in common with all of the bars |35, holds the contact points 2|3 and 2|9 at the top of such bar into a position of engagement with the lowermost contacts 233 and 234, respectively, on the contact plate 2 l5, thereby establishing a win circuit, signalizing a iirst or winner on the annunciator, and simultaneously energizing any number of place relays 235 which operate in a manner also described in said application to allow the bar contacts 2 I0 and 2 |9 to engage the place contacts 245 and 245, respectively, for establishing a place circuit in the annunciator panel thereby designating a place or second winner.

As further described in said prior application, simultaneously with the scoring of a place, a preliminary third winner or show circuit is similarly set up by action calculated to bring the contacts 2|8 and 2|9 upon the bar |35 corresponding to the show winner into engagement with a pair of show contacts 255 and 255, respectively, so as to set up a show circuit in a like manner to the win circuits and place circuits heretofore described, and to close down the game.

The return of all of the bars |35 to their uppermost "start position wherein all of the latches |92 engage the bottcmrnost teeth on each of the bars |55 restores the game to a condition for recommencernent of play.

Automatic return mechanism associated with the bars is illustrated and described in said copending application wherein a motor 212 may be employed, controlled by switches 284 and 5|6 and solenoid 545, cancel switch 18, etc.

Referring now, for convenience, particularly to Figure 11, and considering operation with structure, we assume initially, as in said prior application, a power source connected to the apparatus from main power leads 385 and 38| connected to a 11G-volt transformer which may be stepped down to 25 volts and 16 volts, respectively, as indicated. We also may initially assume that the selective switch 19 is set for three winners, i. e., a win W, a place P, and a show S, corresponding as to iirstj second and third At the commencement of the game, an operator in custody of the control box 15 (Figure l) depresses the start button 16 (Figures l and 11) thereby moving the blade 382 (Figure 11) thereof from a contact point 383 to a contact point 384 to energize and ring a bell 385 for a period dependent upon the length of time the start button 16 is held down by the operator.

The bell-energizing circuit may begin in the transformer 312 and thence to conductors 385, 381, 388 and 389, the switch blade 382, Contact 384, wire 390, bell 355, wires 39|, 392 and thence, for example, to a 25 volt source through a wire 393. By this means the bell 38E-so long as the start button isdepressed by an operator-sigagee-.gear

nalizesY-the commencement of the game to thev players..

It may here .be noted that upon the conclusion of a-game a relay 394 normally remains energized through a circuit including the switch blade-392 ina .manner which willlater appear, butsimultaneously with thedepression of the start button. 76, saidcircuit is broken thereby de -energizing theA relay 399 land operating switchesV 39.6, 397, 398 and 399 controlled thereby causngthem to assume. their normal positions for,Y play as illustrated in Figure 1l., Simultaneously, therefore, with the actuation of the` start button 7Sby the operator, the switch 399 is permitted to open as shown, thereby opening the bell. circuitwires 399 andi, switch396, Wire, 40|, thermo-switch 992, wire 793bell 395 andV switch 398, wires 499fand M9, Vcoil l75 andiwires.

4l l, 412,499 and399.

Said movement of theswitch 399 also energizes all of the coils1299 associated withy the bars |85 foreach of the playing units and energizes thewires and switches associated with the buttons 7| through `7li9rrespectively on each ofthe playing boards.k That isto say, the closing of the switch 398 against the point 498 energizes wires M4, 975, coils 299 and wires 979, 7H, 7I2, 7| 3 switch H4, wire 7l5 and normally open switch 7 l G when in closed dotted position 7 i 9a for each of the playing units, which, however, `do not actuate any of the associated mechanism until the occurrence of later events to be described.

It will be noted that the individual switch 7l2, susceptible of manual operation, is interconnected in the line7l l-7l3 of each of the playing units, respectively, so that any individual unit may be defenergizedl to prevent play therein or for repair without interfering with the operation ofthe other; units. During use ofthe corresponding playing unit suchY switch is closed.

Lines ,'H, 7,!9 and 729are connected, with fast iinish switches whoseY actuation will cause the progressive illumination `of a predetermined number of indicator lamps 55 in the annunciator panel under aggiven set of circumstances torbe described while the conductor 72l and wire 722are similarly connected to the switches whose actuation will cause the illumination of any desired numberof successive lamps in a row on the annunciator panel'depending on the location of the barrier. This feature'will also be more fully discussed as the description proceeds.

Simultaneously, with theV actuation ofl -the switches 399, 397' and 398,' the closure of switch 399 will cause the illumination of-a preferably green go lamp 729 in each of the playing units, thereby further signaling the start of a game to the players. The illumination of the go lamp |211v is established as through wires 926, 327, switch 399, wire 429, lamp H24 and wires i339 and M2.

It may thus be seen that the pressing of the starting button 76 effectively sets up the game for operation. The next moves required for the progress ofthe gameareunolerl thecontrol .oftheindividual'players although it may benotedthat so long as the power through leads 399 and :33|:

is supplied to the system, regardless of the actuation of thev starting button 79, certain progress indicia, such. asindicator lamps 55 comprisingl each race course or lane of agame progress Vrecorder or annunciator panel corresponding to each playing unit, are illuminated, dependingr upon the position of the contact point 2i9on the.y

respective stepping bars' i S5.

Thus, at the commencement of any game, .the bars having normally been raised to their upper.-

most position, the contacts 2i9. on eachl bar willengage the uppermost contact point in the rowof contacts 2l 7 thereby illuminatingthe indicator:

lampin the start row of the annunciator panel.

This illumination is voccasioned as'through wiresv :326, 592, 933 andlitawhich commonly connect,y

with all of the annunciator lamps 95 including those 95 in a start row, as through wirest and 539, "espectively Said individualwiresas 335 and leading from all said lamps inte-rconnect with corresponding contact pointsl in each of the vertical rows 2%7 of the contact panels Ei, through the contact members 2l9 upon the bars its and lead thence as to a ground wire 938. Immediately following said depression of the start button by an operator as heretofore cle-- scribed, each player directs-his ball 94 over a play-1 ing board in any desired playing'unit 5U andi It will be noted that some of the lanes or paths for the balls 94 may -be provided with a single button, the depression of which is good for the progressive illumination along the players course of a number of indicator lamps 55 corresponding with the number of space positions between his active progress lamp or indicator and the barrierv 99. Other lanes are marked for the similar progressive illumination of'their lamps during ordinary play, or, when certain fast nish conditions have been established, such'anumber of positionsas Ahave been pre-established as the fast iinish area.

Considering these :alternative possibilities seriatum, it will rst be assumed that the ball passes along the path 723thereby depressing'the button 799. The depression of the button 799 is onlyv momentary as-the ball passes over it-but nonetheless an electrical impulse may pass from thecontact 1598 along the path heretofore described; thence along wires 739 and 73l, a-coil '732 associated with the equalizer wheel '733, instantaneously withdrawing its latch 735i from a pin as 735 thereon. Thereupon, said wheel 733 is rotated as described.` The-circuit-throughthecoil 732 fis completed by wires 79! and 722, switch 792`and wires 743 and M2.

The wheel 733 as it rotates, permits the wheel 799V to revolve causing the cam members'i and 799 thereon to move so as to close its associated micro-switch H6 intermittently, so longY as the coil 732 is energized, in a manner to transmitvimpulses to a corresponding coil 290 as'from point 493 through wires land 975, coil 299; wires 476 and 7H, switch H2, wire A7l3, ,switch 774, wire H5, switch H9 and wire M7. Aho1d-Y ing circuit on coil 132 is simultaneously established through point 408, wires 130 and 13|, coil 132, wires 14| and 122, normally open switch 148 (now closed), wire 149, and normally closed switch 150 grounded at 15|. Said holding circuit is broken by opening of the switch 150 by the long cam 152 and lever 153 barrier mechanism as herein described.

Each momentary closure of the micro-switch 1|6 actuates said corresponding coil 200 which in turn causes the retraction from the teeth |90 of the corresponding bar |85 and its associated latch member |92. Accordingly, in the present play under illustration, the result will be recorded upon the annunciator panel in a lane corresponding with the playing board in cuestion by the successive illumination of indicator lamps 55. At the completion of this particular play (i. e., through path 123), therefore, the lamp 55 in position 449 will remain illuminated and indicate the progress of a racer, as a horse or the like, along its course or lane 40 while the balance of said lane will be preferably dark.

Assuming that on the next play the ball 94 of the same playing unit traverses the path 124 on said playing board 50, and further assuming the blue lamp |20 is illuminated, the button 10| will be depressed temporarily in a similar manner to the button 104 and a current will then iiow from the wire 1|8 through the switch corresponding with the button as from wires 432 and 155, blue lamp and wire 433 to contacts 489, 41| or 412.

It should be noted that the temporary passage of the ball 94 over the button 10| in path 124 will have no effect in the annunciator panel so long as the contact point 2|8 on the .bar |85 has not engaged one of the contacts in the row 2| 9 of the contact plate, i. e., unless the blue lamp |20 is illuminated. For until such eventuality the circuit in wire 458, etc., will remain broken at the contacts 469, 41| and 412 notwithstanding the closure of the switch at 10 I.

The blue lamp |20 connected ybetween wires 468 and 432 will therefore remain extinguished duringr play until the bar contact 2 I8 engages one of said contacts 459, 41| or 412, drawing current therethrough to the ground through wire 438 and closing said last named circuit.

In the last illustration, the passage :of the ball over the switch 18| when the lamp |20, for example, is illuminated, will create a fast nish by drawing current from the point 408 of switch 398 through the wire 130. coil 151, wire 1|1, switch associated with button 10|, wire 498, Contact 45S, 41|, or 412, contact 258, and wire 438, thereby energizing the coil 151 and actuating the switches 158, 159, and 1|4 associated therewith.

Actuation of the switch 158 closes a holding circuit from wire 130 through the coil 151, said switch 158 and wire 141.

The closure of switch 159 energizes the coil 132 through wires 135, 13|, said coil 132, wires 14| and 160, said switch 159, and wire 141, causing the gear wheel 133 to turn until restrained by the barrier stop 8|3 in order that the winner oi the instant game will have no advantage, but will in fact be deprived of any accumulated equalizer movement in the next succeeding game.

The movement of switch 1|4 from the uppermost contact 152 to the lowermost contact 163, switches current from said point 408 through wires 4|4 and 4|5, coil 200, wires 4|6 and 1li, switch 1|2, wire 1|3, switch 1|4, contact 163, and

the fast finish panel 165 where the same is grounded. Rapid rotation of the contact point 165 over the fast finish contacts 151 causes rapid pulsations in the corresponding coil 200 thereby oscillating the latch |92 and permitting the corresponding bar to fall into a win, place, or show position, as the case may be, corresponding with contacts 233 and 234, 245 and 243, for 255 and 25B, respectively.

In the event that the blue lamps |20 in the lane 124 were not illuminated during the passage of the ball therethrough, no result would be accomplished by the balls passing over the button 10|. However, passage over the button 105 in the same lane 124 would close the switch 142 in a similar manner to the closure of the same by the button 104 in the rst illustration and with the same result of actuating the coil 132 to withdraw the latch 134 as from the equalizer wheel 133 to cause the same to rotate to an extent limited -by the barrier structure.

A-s heretofore noted the rotation of the 'roto 166 is preferably more rapid than the rotation of the wheel 133, the consequence of which'is that the progress in the corresponding lane by the rotation of the rotor 105 establishes what is referred to as a fast iinish. It is understood, of course, that in event another player succeeds in reaching the nish line with or without having achieved a fast finish or any portion thereof, the finish line G6 may be reached and a win scored in the interval between the onset and completion of the fast iinish move. If both players or more reach the finish line at approximately the same instant of time a photo iinish or tie may be the result.

Thus, due to the interconnection of the wire 498 to contact points 459, 41| and 412, the coming of the bar contact 2|8 to rest on any of these contact points will cause the blue lamp |20 to be illuminated on the corresponding playing unit with the result that ii the succeeding play results in the balls being passed over the corresponding path 124 (i. e. when an annunciator lane as 40 is illuminated in one of the spaces 410, 410@ or 410D in the stretch at the right-hand side of the tape 60), a fast iinish will result in that lane.

In a similar manner a lamp |2| (white) is connected into the circuit 432 and 414 which terminates in contacts 415, 416 and 411 corresponding on the annunciator panel with spaces 480, 48041 and 480D. Therefore, the stoppage of a Ibar contact point 2 I8 upon any of these contacts during play will result in the illumination of the lamp |2| on the corresponding playing board and similarly the passage of the ball through the path 126 on the next succeeding play will result in a fast iinish for said unit.

The lamp |22 (red) may also be interconnected with wires 432 and 482, whereby similar fast finish circuits may be set up as through contact points 483, 484, 485 and 486 comprising the terminations of the latter wire on the contact panel 2 5 corresponding on the annunciator panel with spaces 49M, 4901?, 499C and 490d. As in the other two instances, the passage of the playing ball through the path 128 on the playing board will, the lamp |22 of the corresponding path being then illuminated, bring about a fast finish.

A winner, as stated, is designated upon the lannunciator panel by the illumination of a corresponding space in the nish line 66. Thus, if a winner be designated in lane 40, for example, position 490d would be illuminated as through l1 a winrlamp contact 2345, wire 49h-'win lamp ses, "wires 1434,43 3, '4332 :and 26. `Such 'illumination vwouldnbe-evidenced on' .the back on the annuncia- 'torpanel in a space64.

'Simultaneous continued. iilumination .of the 'space-#law maybe achieved as by afinish line :lamp "45.6 1throughwwires @S3-and del, and a com-- mon -wire 495. A nish 'line-place 'lamp` eee and a finish line show lampbii-n'iay also be i-connected as by similar `wires :bei and SegrespeCt-ivelygto wires 583 and 5M.

` Upon `the making of a first -winner the corfrespondingbar |35 thereof comes to rest-upon But .if desiredr the VHselective tril .switch 1 9, if' pre-set at the win.point-afmwaactitofclose down ithe game-gat .the .'.making ofv .only a single winner. Such -aeclosing .down will .be discussed hereinafter. I

Optionally,also, Ytherga-me may be V.shut down iat the -making'of .the second .winner by .pre-seh ting the switch 1S atv place point 555 as de- `scribedherein or asfurther described inA said copendingapplication .flfhewactualishutting down of a game, for eX- vample after va sho-w" hasbeen scored,.is accomplishedas follows:

When the bar 185 .corresponding tothe show `winner has fallen `into .a positionof rest, thebar `contact ,249 engages -the show light contact 25d to light the show lamp y53| through wire 5M, etc., as; noted, .and .alsoilluminates Ikthe 'finish line `show .lamp-59e. .A like 'engagement of the .point .contact .ZIB with .theopposite show contact .25% ,closes :a ,circuit through wire 534, switch .52e `(previously .closed ,by .solenoid 52.3), wire .535, switch 13. `wire 535i, solenoid .3913 :and . wires 392 and 393, .therebyenergizing the solenoid 39.

Thesolenoid .394 operates to open the switch ,39,8 thereby .breaking the circuit .to the fgo lamp .|24 .in each game. .It also separates the switch 3.98 .from the contact M13, cle-energizing the stepping coils 200 in all units and the associated :game mechanism including .the button switches .1M through 109 .on .the yrespectiveplaying boards..

vMovement of .the .switch .blade .3533 to contact .point .40.1, .moreoven vmay .-actuate Icoils in each .unit Vto lock .the .balls 4gli against further play.

Simultaneously, 4.the .closing of kthe switch .39? .establishes .a holding .circuit for the ,coil ser?.

.The switch .386', also closed by the .energization of the coil 394,' closes .a ,circuit through wire 1.4 |l.,switch l396,wire 43|, point 5st! of the thermo-switch, .wire M3, bell '3.85 and .wires 3.9i, t3F12 and .3.93, ringing ythe bell .385 .and further signalizing .the end `of the game. A secondary current also .flows .through the .tube |32 via heating elementdl .and also .a wire .542, thereby ,shutting off .the bell after a predeterminedperiod of time as established bythe adjustment of .a Variableresistance 543.

Manual :actu-ation ofthe cancel button 18 .as .by means described in saidco-pending application, Areturns vall the bars |85 to their initial elevated .position .ready for-the commencement of another fgame, e. g., through themedium of a motor 212 and its associated :mechanism as therein `set .In .the event, iasiheretofore noted, :thatgitzis idesired to make only; a'single winner, :the: switch :19 may be setupon the-win point 5st whereupon the game is automatically closed down-as aforesaid, by theestablishment of but 'a'single winner. Or, in the event .that a win and a placeis 'desired,but not a show, the .switch'bladezmay be set upon the place point 5&6. If, however, a "win,. -a""place anda show position-are alike desired, theselective'trip switch maybe-placed upon'the show point` 551. as. illustrated. The Vgame will be automaticallyshut down accordingly.

"In orderthatthe more 'specieoperation ofthe barrier .equalizer and iassociated apparatus vmay be' understood in detail', reference his new had Vparticularly to `Figures 3 :through 8.

Individual 'barrier .and equalizer means, each .generally :designated at i139 '(one .corresponding to Aeachgrace course) ,zmaytbehoused fbetweenjndivi'dual corresponding side iframe members `lill and .'f'i separated by spacers ghel'dfin place 'by any means as :screws 116. lefold-dewnfplates retain theserunits "its inplace asby tie'rojds 116 equipped with wing nuts'l upon 'aframe member'lll preferably positioned atithegbackfof an rannunciator or other progress' A'recording mechanism-'3G'.

Any contacts "Tie and' "13d may provide electrical connection between the operative 'mechanism and wiring and the frame fstructure' 7|11 which latter maybe grounded. rSaid contact's'are connectedv with required wiring inthe switches 165, 134, 1138 and coil 132, for example.

The frames 11| and 1'12are notched at 182 to slidably accommodate a drive `shaft 183 `opel'- ated as by anelectricrmotor '184 (Figure "11) Vby any suitable means as a clutch arrangement '185. By'vintue of said slots 1%2 and the generalframe structure of the units 110, each maybeseparately removedby theloosening of the wing nut A118 andthe removal of the hold-on plate 115. 'The mechanisms -11S and their corresponding 'housings may then be individually lifted from their positions on the frame 111 and from their Arespective engagement with other `mechanism more permanently secured to the frame`111 and axle 183. vSaid axle is secured to the frame by any number of spaced bearings as 186 housed in brackets as 181.

Keyed to the shaft 183 as by screws 190 are collars 19| and 192 in spaced relationship to one another in a manner to carry between them any number of springs 193 nested as in recesses "193' within the collar 192. Also disposed between themisa clutch plate 18A normally .urged by the Vsprings 19,3 against a fabric clutch element 191 which bears aganstthe spur gear 1.96 frictionally abutting opposed fabric clutchelement 191. The latter bears against the collar 153|. By this means the gear '196 is frictionally held .between the elements 191 and 191 for clutched revolution with the Vshaft 183.

The gear `15S drives a gear train comprising a `barrier Vgear 198, a cam carrying and switch actuating gear 199, and an equalizer' gear 'L3-3. The connection between the barrier gear `1553 and the cam carrying gear 199 may be through a drive geariill turning on an aXle'BGZ journalled in the side members 11| and v112 and carrying a sleeve 803 thereon. The gear 80| is clutchingly associated with the gear 199 as through clutch elements '805 and a coil spring :80.6 vheld as iby .ya vpin 801.

:Cam dingers fand 146 von the. gear '199 -dur- 13 ing rotation of the latter actuate the microswtch 116.

The barrier and equalizer gears 198 and 133, respectively, may be separated from one another by any suitable sleeves 898 and 899 which may turn upon a common pin 819 secured as within a bearing 8i 1 to a side plate 112.

The barrier gear 198 carries a barrier limiting stop 812 and also preferably spaced therefrom a barrier stop 813, both of said stops being engageable with the equalizer stop 152 upon the equalizer gear 133. The distance between the stops 812 and 813 may be established or regulated so that any number of jumps equivalent to any desired maximum distance of travel along the race courses 49, etc., may be allowed. The barrier gear 193 may also carry the switch actuating wire 153 pivoted thereto by means of any appropriate yoke 814. The wire 153 has a switchengaging end 816 for actuating the snap switch 159 and a. stop-engaging end 811 extensible through an opening 815 in said gear 193 and engageable with the end of the edualizer stop 152 by means of which the wire 153 is tipped about its axis at 814 to the left, as` illustrated in Figures 1 and 9 and as recorded in the extreme of such pivotal movement in Figure 9.

The equalizer gear 133 carries, as noted, an equalizer stop 152 and also, preferably upon the opposite side thereof, any number of latch-engaging stops 135, 136, 131, 138 and 139 engageable with the end 626 of the solenoid actuated latch 134 for intermittently restraining rotation of said equalizer gear or permitting its rotation to any desired extent. The distance between the latch-engaging stops 135 through 139 is preferably such that corresponding rotation of the equalizer gear will cause a half revolution of the cam carrying gear 199 to bring about a single actuation of the micro-switch 116, in turn causing a move of one space in the corresponding race course.

The gear ratios are such that the barrier gear 198 moves relatively more slowly than the equalizer gear 133. The speed of the latter is such as to cause successive actuations of the switch H6 at a desired rate along the courses 46, etc., for example, two or three moves per second when the gear 133 is released for rotation by the latch 134. Rotation is then preferably limited by the equalizer stop 152 in its engagement with the barrier stop 6K3. (Its simultaneous engagement with the end 811 of the wire 153 also opens the switch 156.)

The speed of the barrier gear 198 relative to the equalizer gear 133 should be such that when the equalizer gear is stationary the barrier gear may move ahead of it in the direction of the arrow to the full extent permitted by the stops 152, 812 and 8 i 3 within the average time required to make successive tosses of the ball 94. Of course, this speed may be varied within wide limits depending upon whether it is desired to give the lagging player (i. e., one who is slower in projecting his balls, as distinguished from. a player whose game progress recording means is trailing) an actual advantage over his faster opponent or rather to give the rapid player a slight edge.

It will thus be seen )that upon release of the equalizer gear 133, it will rotate to catch un with the barrier gear and engage, by its stop 152, the stop 813. Thereby such a number of moves along the race course of the corresponding player will be recorded as equals the number of actuations of the switch 116.

The fast finish rotor arm 166 may be nonrotatably held on the shaft 163 as by a pinch bolt 825. A spring-urged contact 826 thereon is thus held in a position to make electrical contact with each of the buttons 161. Inasmuch as the fast finish contacts 161 are relatively closely spaced and also because the rotor arm 166 moves relatively rapidly as compared with the equalizer gear 133, a fast nish will be achieved preferably at a more rapid rate (as, for example, ve to ten moves per second) than the rate of progress occasioned by rotation of the equalizer gear. The fast nish is made only when one of the switches 101, 192, or 163 is actuated at or after the tape position 69, provided also a corresponding lamp 126 (blue), |21 (white) or 122 (red) is then illuminated.

In sum, the operation of the mechanism illustrated in greatest detail in Figures 3 through 10 is as follows:

When the game is set up for operation, the drive shaft 183 continuously revolves by means of the motor 184 thereby driving the gears 196 associated with each of the units 110. If no play is sooner made, the gears 136 turn the barrier gears 198 to a limit of rotation caused by engagement of the barrier limit stop 812 thereon with the equalizer stops 152 on the equalizer gear 133. Said gear 133 is normally restrained against rotation by engagement of the latch 134 (see Figure 6) with any of the stops 135 through 139 prior to commencement of play.

If no play is sooner made, the clutch mechanism 194, and 191, associated with the drive gear 196, next permits the latter to slip holding the barrier stop S12 against the equalizer stop 152 as illustrated in Figures 6 and '1.

Upon a plays being made, a circuit is closed as heretofore described through the coil 132 thereby momentarily disengaging the latch 134 from one of the stops 135, etc., permitting rotation of the equalizer gear 133 in a counter-clockwise direction as illustrated in Figures 6 and l0 at a more rapid rate than the barrier gear 198 (i, e., through the gear 891, clutch element 865 and cam carrying gear 199). Thereby the equalizer stop 152 upon said gear 133 is carried in a counterclockwise direction (Figures 6 and 10) ahead of the barrier stop 812 on the barrier gear 198.

n The switch 159 being normally closed, a holding circuit (of. Figure ll) is made for the coil 132 thereby permitting continued movement of the equalizer gear and stop 152 ahead of the barrier limiting stop 312 until the same is caused to engage with the barrier stop 813, as shown in Figure 9, in which position said equalizer stop 152 engages the end 311 of the Wire 153, moving the end 816 against and actuating the snap switch 156 to open the same and break the holding circuit in the coil 132. Thereupon, the latch 134 under the iniiuence of the coil spring 821, re-

sumes its position of engagement wth 7356130. 1 the stops ng said rotation of .and '236.

imentfbetweenithe gears "ist and'ill -Vslipsand,

being weaker than the clutch associated: with drivegea-r '.'dthereby permits a continued rota- 'tion "of the gears-liti, '195, and 796 (gear 'E98 rotating in a counter-clockwise direction, as illusf trated in Figures Sand l0) The barrier Vstop '8d3 thereupon moves away Vfrom theV equalizer stop 752, and the wire '153 is freed'to vreturn to the position of Figure 7, allowing vthe switch 'itt again 'to close and setting up themechanism `for another'play.

The amount of time taken by a. player to again pass the ball Slt through one of the playing lanes "F23, etc. (i. e., foi-'again depressing any of the buttons 'ist through 169), will govern vthe amount of `movement ci the barrier stop 8i3 away from the 'equalizer stop E52 between plays. `It will thereengagernentof the barrier limiting stop 812 with the equalizer stop l52 lwill halt further rotation of the barrier gear T98, causing the clutch mechanism associated with gear i595 to slip. Within limits, therefore, the slow player will lose time and progress without gaining the advantage of accumulating moves. Obviously, however, no matter how fast one play may follow another, no player 'can advance faster than nor go beyond the barrier.

It may be noted that the distance the stops 312 and d i3, i. e., the maximum distance therebetween covered by `the equalizer stop 752, may be adjusted to any desired extent to permit any number of moves to accumulate behind the barrier. Depending upon such pre-adjustment, the barrier may accumulate any desired maximum number of moves, though preferably two or more.

The. mechanism can be so adjusted that the fastest time within which the ball Sli may be replayed will correspond to the amount of time required for moving the barrier stop ti a distance equal to that between adjacent stops 735 Optionally, any additional time required during rotation of both gears 793 and '33 for Yequalizing their relative movement can be deducted.

It will thus be seen that a game has been produced simulating many of the essential characteristics of a real horse race or similar competition. Although a preferred form of the game apparatus is similar to that which has been illustrated'and'above described, the horses 62 or other figures mayv comprise physical three-dimensional characters conducted along courses similar to that illustrated in connection with the instant apparatus by any well-known means.

More than one win, place or show winner may result in oneor more ties or dead heats.

The particular number of winners or players and the combination of operative parts herein set forth by way of illustration can be altered in any desired manner. Well-known innovations or alterations of the sequence or number of events or the number of steps may be used for the achievement ofthe desired result without departing `from the intention herein contemplated.

Such-modifications within the intentment and general spirit of the invention of various-of 'the devices employed in theA instant game will readily occur to anyone skilled inthe art of mechanics, electricity and gaine manufacture. And, as shown in said co-pending application, the stepping relays may 'be replaced by conventional relays or electronic devices also intended to achieve-a generallysimilar result.

inasmuch as it -is-the normaldesire of a player to repeat his plays -as fastas possible and -also because separate playersdo not ordinarily close their corresponding switches on the playing ffield simultaneously, lagging'players are-the exception rather than the rule. They will. betaken-careof by theiaccumulatedplays created-behind thebarrier (exempliiied .in Lthe `barrier stopsV 8.43, etc., considered collectively) andl made up by the equalizer (exemplified by theequalizer vgear 7.33, camgear it, switches 'i iii, etc-) Y The .time-between average plays may bein the V`neighborhood of Vve seconds. but will vary. The

apparatus can in any -event be adjusted so. that any differential r.in time between the fastest and slowest average plays mayv accumulate any desired additional number of moves.

The progress indicators will, in this game, move across the racing eld in a usually'well-defined or closely packed group'. The barrier being, .generally speaking, in constant motion, -Will not be apparent Yto Vvthe players nor will -its position at any instant of time between plays begenerally known.. In any case, interest and enthusiasm in this close'type of racing will be enhanced by the realization that at or near the tape Eil the ball may pass through a lane having a lighted Yblue. white, or red lamp Mii, l2! or 222 resultinginone or more racers scooting ahead of the neld to a fast finish, preferably-regardless of the position of the other players on the neld. In fact, any of the racers might be moving` towards the tape under the influence of the equalizer '52 at a relatively slow pace and may therefore be overtaken and passed by the more rapid Vpace of the fast finish mechanism.

All of thesefactors contribute to a racing .game of great interest as is testified to bythe enthusiastic reception accorded its appearance at fairs and centers of amusement where its use is. primarily contemplated. By way of illustration, when used at the places mentioned, games made in accordance with the structures vand principles herein set forth have been-arranged-with approximately ten spaces in the stretch. .The elapsed time .for a fast finish from the tape -to theiinish line is approximately one and one-half seconds. The game has been also so arranged .that a player may accumulate as many as eight moves behind the barrier. The -rate at which movement takes place along the race courses for catching up with the barrier has been approximately threespaces per second.

Although -the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferredmethod.V and-embodiment, it is recognized that departures vmay be made therefrom within the-scope ofthe invention, which is not to be llimited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the-full scope of the claims so. as to embrace any'and all equivalent i structures and methods.

The invention having been herein described, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent-is:

1. A racing game comprising game progress recording means having race courses each including a start and a finish position and a plurality of playing units for individual players, electrin cal circuits and switches interconnecting said playing units `and said recording means, progress indicia associated with said courses intermittently actuated by said electrical circuits and switches in response to play upon said playing units, timecontrolled barrier means limiting the rate of progress of said progress indicia along said courses, a tape position on said courses between said start and nish positions, and fast iinish means actuatable by selected ones of said switches for accelerating corresponding progress indicia after said indicia have passed said tape position.

2. A racing game comprising game progress recording means having race courses and a plurality of playing units for individual players, electrical circuits and switches interconnecting said playing units and said recording means, progress indicia associated with said courses intermittently actuated by said electrical circuits and switches in response to successive plays upon said playing units, means driven at a first rate of speed for intermittently actuating electrical circuits and switches at each play, time controlled barrier means invisible to the players and continuously driven at a slower speed than said normal speed `of said actuating means, and stop means between said -actuating means and said barrier means preventing the actuating means from passing the barrier means as a result cf any single play upon said playing units, thereby limiting the extent of progress of said progress indicia along said course, and common drive means for said barrier means.

3. In a racing game of the character described, comprising a plurality of individual courses having a iinish position, individual racers designated in said courses and intermittent individual control means for recording the positions of said racers therealong, individual time-controlled barrier means invisible to the players and independent of the control means normally governing the extent of maximum recorded progress of said racers at any single actuation, and individual automatic time-controlled equalizer means operatively associated with said individual racers and with said control means for automatically expediting corresponding y lagging racers towards said iinish to an extent varying directly with the passage of predetermined intervals of time and as limited by said barrier means.

4. In a racing game of the character described, comprising a plurality of individual courses having a finish position, individual racers designated in said courses and intermittent individual control meansV for recording the positions of said racers therealong, a plurality of time-controlled barrier means, each individual to a racer having a common drive and invisible to the players and independent of the control means normally governing theextended maximum recorded progress of said racers at any single actuation, individual automatic time-controlled equalizer means operatively associated with said individual racers and with said control means for automatically expediting corresponding lagging racers towards said nish to an extent varying directly with the passage of predetermined intervals of time and as limited by said barrier, and time operated limiting means for limiting the extent of expedition of a racer towards the finish line after a prescribed maximum interval of time.

5. A racing game comprising game progress recording means having race courses including finish positions and a plurality of playing units for individual players, electrical circuits and switches interconnecting said playing units and said recording means, progress indicia associated with said courses intermittently actuated by said electrical circuits and switches in response to play upon said playing units, time-controlled barrier means limiting the rate of progress of said progress indici-a along said courses, fast finish means actuatable by a selected one of said switches at a predetermined position of said progress indicia along said courses for accelerating corresponding progress indicia over a portion of said courses, individual movable equalizer means associated with the barrier means for expediting corresponding lagging progress indicia towards the iinish positions, and advantage-eliminating means associated with said fast iinish means automatically cancelling the operation of the equalizer means for any player upon his actuation of the fast finish means in a corresponding playing unit and course.

6. A racing game comprising game progress recording means having race courses and a plurality of playing units for individual players, electrical circuits and switches interconnecting said playing units and said recording means, progress indicia associated with said courses intermittently actuated by said electrical circuits and switches in response to play upon said playing units, and time-controlled barrier means limiting the rate or" progress of said progress indicia along said courses, said time-controlled barrier means comprising a motor, a common drive means powered thereby, relays in said circuits, clutch driven relay actuating members normally movable by said drive means for intermittently actuating corresponding relays during play, and corresponding clutch-controlled stop members having elements positioned in the path of movement of said relay-actuating members, said stop members normally automatically moved at a uniform speed more slowly than the relay actuating members but ahead of said members and said elements preventing the relay actuating members from passing the same.

7. A racing game comprising game progress recording means having race courses including finish positions and a plurality of playing units for individual players, electrical circuits and switches interconnecting said playing units and said recording means, progress indicia associated with said courses intermittently actuated by said electrical circuits and switches in response to play upon said playing units, time-controlled barrier means limiting the maximum extent and over-all rate of progress of all said progress indicia along said courses to less than permitted by said intermittent actuation, and individual equalizer means associated with the barrier means for expediting corresponding lagging progress indicia towards the finish positions, said equalizer means comprising a plurality of clutch driven members comprising a. slow-moving member and a relatively fast moving member, said slow-moving member comp-rising a part of the barrier means, and means to drive said members at ydiiferent speeds, means engageable between a slow moving member and a relatively faster moving member to restrain over-running movement of the slow moving member by the faster member beyond a predetermined limit, latch means normally holding said faster moving member, means actuated by certain of said switches 19` to release said latch means for said over-running movement-within said limit, said faster moving member having means for; actuating other of said, switches during said over-running movement 8.A. racing game comprising game progress recording means having race courses including finish positions and a plurality of playing units for. individual players, electrical circuits and switches interconnecting said playing units and said recording means, progress indicia associated with said courses intermittently actuated by said electrical circuits and switches in response -to playupon said playing units, time-controlled barrier means limiting the rate of progress of allsaid vprogress indicia along said courses to lessthan permitted by said intermittent actuation, and individual equalizer means associated with the barrier means for eXpediting corresponding lagging progress indicia towards said finish positions, said equalizer means. comprising a plurality of clutch driven members comprising a slow-moving member and a relatively fast moving member, said slow-moving member comprising a part of the barrier means, and means to ldrive said means. at Vdiierent speeds, means engageable between a slow moving member .and a relatively faster moving member to restrain relative over-running movement of the slow moving member by the f-aster member beyond a predetermined limit, latch means normally holding saidfaster moving member, means actuated [by certain of said switches to release said latch means for said relative over-running movement within said limit, said faster moving member having means for actuating other of said switches during said over-running movement, said equalizer means further comprising corresponding stops engageable between said slow moving and said faster moving members following a predetermined relative over-running movement of said slower member relative to said faster member while said faster member is restrained from movement between successive plays.

9.-'A control mechanism for simulated horse racing games of the character described, said mechanism comprising drive means, a first member normally moved by said drive means at a predetermined speed, a second member normally moved by said rst member at a relatively faster predetermined speed,- a first clutchlike connectionbetween said drive means and said first moving member, and a second clutchlike connection of relatively less driving power than said first clutchlike connection between said first and second members, releasable stop means for said second moving member normally preventing movement thereof, first inter-engaging abutment means between said rst and second moving members whereby said rst moving member is stopped following an interval of movement relative to said second moving member, stop releasing means fortuitously operable to release Athe stop means for said second moving member whereby said second moving member is permitted to move at said relatively faster speed, and second inter-engaging abutment means between said rst and second moving members operating to limitsaid movement of said second moving member a predetermined distance with respect to said rst moving member, a stop re-establishing means operative upon said last limitation of movement between said i'irst and second moving members to re-engage said releasable stop means associated with said second moving member.

10. A control mechanism as describedinhclaim 9, including switch means actuatable bylsaid second moving member, a progress indicator,V`

said progress indicator being activated by and including `a circuit in common with said switch means.

1l. A control mechanism Aas described in claim 10 wherein said switch means comprises a gear wheel operatively associated with and rotatable by said second moving member and plurality of lingers extending from said gear wheel, said switch means further comprising an electric` switch engageable by said fingers during movement of said gear wheel and said second moving member whereby said switch is intermittently ing member is a solenoid and arm controlled thereby said second moving member including a number of abutments engageable against said arm, said stop releasing means including said stop re-establishing means comprising an electrical switch associated with said irst moving member, and further including an electrical holding circuit common to said solenoid and last mentioned switch, such switch being actuated by said second moving member for opening said holding circuit and permitting said arm to Are-v engage an abutment on said second moving member.

15. A control mechanism as described in claim 9, wherein said rst and second moving members are wheel-like and disposed in parallel spaced co-axial relationship, said inter-engaging means comprising mutually engaging abutments on sai-d rst and second moving members engageable at predetermined angles of relative rotation for limiting said relative rotation within said predetermined angles.

16. A control-mechanism for simulated horse racing games of the character described, said mechanismrcomprising drive means, a rst means normally vmoved by said drive means at a predetermined speed, a second means normally moved by said rst means at a relatively faster predetermined speed,'a first clutchlike connection between said drive means and vsaid rst moving means, and a second clutchlilie connection of relatively less driving power than, said rst clutchlike connection between said rst and second means, releasable `stop means for lsaid second moving means normally preventing movement thereof, inter-engaging means between said first and second movingmeans whereby said4 first moving means is stopped following an interval of movementv relative to said second moving means, stop releasing means fortuitously operable to release the stop means for said second moving means whereby said second moving means is permitted to move at said relatively faster speed, said inter-engaging means including means. operating to limit. said movement vof said second moving means a predetermined Adistance with respect to said rst moving means, a

stop re-establishing means operative .upon said last limitation of movement betweensaid first 21 and second moving means to rte-engage `the stop Number means associated with said second moving means. 1,697,701 DOUGLAS R. WISER. 1,707,859 THOMAS CLINTON BARTLAM. 1,947,608 BRYAN R. BURKE. 5 2,076,054 2,076,055 REFERENCES CITED 2,133,165 The following references are of record in the 2,230,563 file of this patent: 2,280,000

UNITED STATES PATENTS 10 Number Name Date N umbel' 1,454,968 Hguchi May 15, 1923 572,519 1,518,754 Prina et al Dec. 9, 1924 1,553,895 Garcia Sept. 15, 1925 Name Date Wallace Jan. 1, 1929 Johnson Apr. 2, 1929 May Feb. 20, 1934 Williams et al. Apr. 6, 1937 Williams et al Apr. 6, 1937 Eisenberg et al. Oct. 11, 1938 Garms et al. Feb. 4, 1941 Millar et al Apr. 14, 1942 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain Oct. 11, 1945

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