US2103744A - Machine for game playing - Google Patents

Description

9 Sheets-Sheet 1 c. R. DUMBLE MACHINE FOR GAME PLAYING Filed June 14, 1933 Dec. 28, 1937.

Dc. 28, 1937'. c. R. DUMBLE 2,l03,'744

` MACHINE FOR GAME PLAYING Filed June 14, 1933 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 De& 1937. c. R. DUMBLE MACHINE FOR GAME PLAYING Filed June 14, 1933 9 Sheet-Sheet 3 I CZ?" ard zfl y I r m@ 2, 1o3,744 Dec 28 1937. c. R. DUMBLE MACHINE FOR GAME PLAYING -Sheet 4 Filed June 14, 1953 9 Sheets Dec. 28, 1937. DUMBLE 2,103,744

MACHINE FOR GAME PLAYING Filed June 14, 1933 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Dec. 28, 1937. c R D MBLE 2,103,744

MACHINE FOR GAME PLAYING Filed June 14, 1933 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 y DwTZOI Dec. 28, 1937. v c DUMBLE 2,103,744

MACHINE FOR GAME PLAYING I Filed June 14, 1933 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Dec. 28, 1937. c, DUMBLE 2,103,`744

MACHINE FOR GAME PLAYING Filed June 14. 1933 9`Sheets-Sheet 9 r ,zz

Jy MM %m-a f aggy.

Patented Dec. 28, 1937 UNITED STATES MACBINE ron GAME PLAYING Clifford R. Dumble, Arlington, Masa., asignor. by mesne assignments, to Joseph L. Zeiaskow,

New York, N, Y.

Application June 14, 1933, Serial No. 675,'119

36 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved amusement device and particularly to such a device of the pin board type, wherein balls may be rolled over a board having groups of pins surrounding openings. the latter having different scoring values. Balls passing through certain of the openings may also be effective in Operating suitable playing disk return means adapted to give a series of playing disks to the person using the machine, these disks permitting the person again to play the game. Thus, a game of this type may be played by inserting a disk in a suitable receiving mechanism and by actuating handles or manually operable controls to cause the movement of the balls into proper position and the successive projection thereof over the pin board itself. If the balls pass into certain openings. a return mechanism is actuated to permit a plirality of disks to be supplied by the machine so that the player may use them in repeated operations of the machine. often players of games of this type become very skiiled and used to the peculiarities of individual machines so that they may manipulate the machines in an unfair man- 5 ner to obtain more frequent return of disks than are warranted. Under such conditions, the ma chine may be subjected to wear and rough handling of undue severity. Thus machines of -this type may be tilted to permit the rolling of I the balls into openings effective to return playing disks, while in numerous cases shaking or vibrating of the machine may have a similar effect, or a properly timed repetitive manipulation of the disk receiving slider of the machine may be effective in causing unmerited premiums.

The present invention is effective in affording an improved, accurately Operating machine of this general type, particularly adapted to afford the same chances of obtaining a return of disks;

under all normal Operating conditions, and being substantially immune to improper operation;

Thus, a machine of this type is arranged to avoid the obtaining of undeserved disks when it is tilted or either the whole machine or the disk receiving portion thereof is vibrated or Shaken. Furthermore, the present invention affords a novel arrangement of trip elements operable by balls receivable in 'a certain series of openings in the pin board; accordingly, a machine of this 0 type rather than returning one or two disks in response to the reception of balls by various openings, may give a larger number of disks when bal-ls are received in each opening of a. combination or set of openings, such as three 55 openings. Thus interest in the game may be stimulated. In a typical embodiment of the invention, four sets of three openings each may be aflorded to return disks, each set of three openings being arranged to give a different number of playing disks, if desired. To permit these re- 5 suits, the present invention afl'ords an arrangement of associated instrumentalities effective to permit the operation 'of the game device in the conventional manner, these instrumentalities including various associated electrical switches and lO circuits as well as cooperating mechanisms. A tilting control may be afforded to interrupt flow of electrical current through the ain Operating circuits when the machine is tilted, as well as to cause the energization of a warning light, thus 15 to prevent operation of the return mechanism due to tilting of the machine, in an attempt to evade the conditions impoed by regular operation of the machine.

Furthermore, switch means may be afl'orded to 20 preclude possiblity of manipulation of the disk receiving portion or slider of the mechanism to cause unmerited operation of the return mechanism or a repeated operation of the same when but a single operation is proper. Associated with 25 the electrical means and included therein are a plurality of trip operated switches associated with each of the sets' of openings above referred to. Thus, when balls are received in each opening of a given set, corresponding switches may be closed 0 to permit the flow of current to the return mechanism. This mechanism itself may be provided with electrical control means effective to an unwarranted repeated operation of the disk returning mechanism despite any jiggling or shaking of 35 the machine.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a machine constrtcted in accordance with this invention. the lower portions of the iegs being broken away; 40

Flg. 2 is a top view of the pin board portion of the machine, the upper cover or casing thereof having been removed;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the front end of the machine with the pin board and related parts 45 removed and with parts broken away;

Fig. 4 is an elevational view of a portion of the disk returning mechanism with certain parte being broken away and shown in section;

ng 5 is a cross section of the rear portion of the machine including the pin board. the underly panel and related parts;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the disk returning mechanism; v

mg. 7 is a front elevation of the same; v u

matic in character;

Figs. 13 and 130. are respectively vertical and horizontal sections of an optional tilting control switch; i r

Fig li is a bottom view of the assembly shown in Flg. r

Fig. 15 is a sectional detail of a portion of a trigger. switch assembly, such ss is shown in Fig. 14, illustrating the manner in which the switch may be actuated by a ball, and also showing in dot and dash lines the position of the switch and trip element after the ball has been' released;

Fig. 16 is a top view of an optional disk returning mechanism:

Fig. '17 is a side elevation oi' the same Flg. 18 is a section on line II-i! of Fig. 16;

Fig. 19 is a view, partly in section and partly in plan, of means for Operating the dispensing wheel; 4

Fig. 20 is a side elevation oi' the assembly shown in Fig. 19; and

Fig. 21 is a wiring diagram for the assembly of Figs. 16 and 17.

To facilitate an understanding of this invention, I will first generally describe a well-known type of game device to which the prlnciples et' this invention are applied. This machine or game device comprises a generally rectangular casing l, which ,may be mounted on suitable legs 2 and provided with an inclined cover 4 in the form of a v suitable glass panel, so that the movement of the balls' within the casing may be readiiy witnessed. A mirror or advertising panel 6 may be disposed at the tear of the machine. Disposed in the upper part of the rectangular casing l is the pin board proper, designated by numeral 80. This board is provided with a marginal frame adapted to act as a guide for the balls and is siightly inclined upwardly toward the tear so that the balls ejected toward the rear wall or abutment surface I i normally roll down toward the front end of the machine where they may be received in slots li The board ll is provided with a series of openings l4 of a size to receive `a suitable ball. Dlsposed on the board in various spaced positions as well as in groups or rows about or in the vicinity of the openings are pins against which a ball may strike or roll, thus being diverted'from its original path and adding to the interest of the game.

At one side of the board l0 a groove or alley l'l is provided along which aball may be impelled to the playing surface of the board. A spring !0 mounted on an upright pin or stud 20 at the outlet end of alley I' is arranged to prevent neturn movement of a ball from the body portion of the board |0 to the alley. Beneath the pin board I 0 is a lower board 30 (Flg. forming the bottom of a ball receiving chamber. Thus balls passing downwardly through openings |4 or slots !3 ultimately pass into this chamber, as'will be more fully explained, and may roll downwardly into a receiving compartment at the front right-hand corner of the machine. A swinging arm' ll provides an end plate I! movable in this chamber to engage a single ball and elevate to the region oi' a transverse. substantially semi- 'amanet circular passage or trough 33 through which the ball passes into the aliey i "i, this general arrangement of the ball return mechanism being well known and conventionhl in the art. A handle 29 is provided to actuate the elevator parts 3| and 32 through linkage 34.

A plunger 35 extends into the front end of alley- I! and is normally held in the position shown in Fig. 2 by a coiled spring (not shown) disposed within casing 36. The piunger is provided with a handle 31 on the outside of the machine, this handle being operable to cause retraction of the plunger so that it may be returned to or snapped i back to its normal position by action of the spring within the housing 36, thus driving a. ball along the alley l'i past spring 89 in the direction of the curved border surface l i of the pin board, whence the ball may roli' forwardiy over board I0, normally passing into engagement with certain pins IS and perhaps falling into one of the openings M or perhaps continuing to the lower front end of the board and being 'received by one of the slots l3.

A sliding panel 40 may be mounted beneath the pin board proper io; suitable supporting brackets fli engage the edges of the panel 40 to hold it in this position. A tension spring 42 (Fig. 5) is normally eflective in drawing the panel il toward the front of the machine where it may engage a suitable stop. In its normal position the panel 40 underlies slots i3 and certain openings N so that the balls passing into the slots or openings are held in view of the player until a subsequent operation is performed. Special means which will be described and which are associated with the panel 40 are efifective in holding the balls positioned in other openings so.

that-,the total number ofballs passing in' the openings after a given period of play or plays with a set of balls of determined number may be s readily ascertained. Ordinarily the scores which are counted for roiling the balls into the individual openings are indicated on the board itself so that the player can readily caiculate his score. Colored circies F may be painted on the board ll to identify the sets of openings which are particularly signiflcant in Operating the dish returning mechanism; thus each set of openings may be identified by different coiored clmles.

At the front of 'the machine is a light T disposed' beneath a suitable glass panel. Upon the panel a suitable word such as "Tilted" may be printed so that the glass behind this word is i illuminated when the light T is energized, the

disk-receiving mechanism, it is to be understood that a' fixed bracket receives a Slider Si, this plate, as* shown, having a circular opening 52 (Flg. 3)

over a smaller opening on bracket 50, to provide a generaliy anrular rabbet upon which the margin of the disk may rest. As shown, a projection 54 is provided on the bracket to prevent the operation f the machine with an ordinary circular slug having, for example, the shape of a. conventional coin, but only permitting operation of the machine with a special playing disk having a cut or slot in its margin to fit the 'projection !4.

A tension spring 56 is connected to altrans- ,verse bar 51 at the inner end of the slider SI.

toward the back'of the machine when a disk is inserted in the recess 52 and passes under the conventional latching mechanism (not shown),

thus permitting the slider .to push the lug 59. A swinging switch element SI affords one contact of a switch A adjoining the slider SI. The member il is normally held in position by the bar 51, but when the slider is pushed inwardly the element Si may swing so as to separate its contact from the fixed contact 60 of the switch A. a spring 63 tending to cause the switch to open. After the bar 51 is returned to its normal position, it engages an insulating block 60 at the end of element El, thus automatically to cause closing of the switch. Accordingly, the flow of current through switch A is interrupted only when the slider 5! is pushed inwardly to cause movement of the panel 40.

At the rear of the machine (Figs. 5 and 14) are a plurality of fixed magnets D arranged in parallel circuits, as will be described; each of these magnets is associated with a swingng armature 65 pivotally mounted on a bracket 69 depending from the board |0. A spring 'II normally holds each armature 65 in the retracted position shown in-Fig. 5 wherein the armature serves 'as a lock to hold a swinging support in the illustrated tilted position. i

The plate 10 supports a mercury switch C which, when in the position illustrated in Fig, 5, is effective in closing contacts between leads 14 and '15. When the magnet D is energized, the looking armature 65 is moved out of the illustrated position so that the adjoining end of swinging support 10 moves downwardly to break the circuit between leads 14 and 15. When the parts are in this position and panel 40 is moved toward the rear of the machine, a depending lug o-r ear 80, carried by this panel, engages the downwardly inclined portion 10 of member 10 to swing the latter and the switch C to its normal position, whereupon the spring ll may be effective in moving the looking armature 65 under the opposite end of member 10 to support the latter in its normal tilted position.

Beneath certain of the openings |4 are trigger elements 90 which are in eflect extensions of swinging brackets 9| supporting mercury containing tubes or switches 93, these switches being inserted in series with consecutive sections of leads 15. Preferably there may be several sets of switches 93 arranged in series. Thus, 'there maybe four sets of three openings provided with trigger elements 90, the switches of each set being in series so that the closing of the three switches due to the recept'on of balls on the corresponding three triggers 90 is efiectivein closing a circuit in order to operate the playing disk returni ing mechanism in the manner which will be more fully described.

Fig. 5 illustrates the normal position of a trip or trigger 90 in rel'ation to the opening I4. Disposed beneath the opening is adepending sheet metal member 92 of substantially U-shaped cross section. The trip 90 and its continuation, which carries an upstanding stop 94 for switch element 93, extends through the opening between the legs of this hood 92.

Fig. illustrates the position of parts 90 and 93 when a ball has been received in the corresponding opening l4. As shown in full lines in this figure, the member 90 is tripped so that stop 94 engages panel 40 as a stop, the'circuit between lead sections 15 being closed in this position of the parts and the ball being supported in the opening l4. It is thus evident that the trip elements 90 are effective in holding the balls in the corresponding openings I4, while portions of the A panel 40 are effective in supporting the balls in the other openings. Thus after a set -of balls has been projected onto the board, the balls which have been received in the scoring openings |4 may be readily observed, and the player can calculate his score. After this has been done, and when the slider 5| is again actuated to move the panel back, each element 00 is moved rearwardly with the panel into the position shown in dot and dash lines in Fig. 15, thus moving away from the hood 02 so that suflicient room is afforded to permit the' ball to pass through the opening thus provided onto the board 30. Thus when the panel 40 is slid toward the rear of the machine it moves the trips '90 out from the positions wherein they retain balls in corresponding openings l4, while it moves to cause openings formed in the panel 40 itself to register with the remaining openings |4 as well as with the siots !3. Thus return of the balls to the elevating and project ng instrumentalities is permitted.

Mounted on board l0 between magnets D there is a conditioning switch 13 carried on a support I'I0 similar to the support 10 of switches C. A lug or cam element 180 similar to the elements 00 is efifectivein temporarily tilting this switch and closing the circuit between its leads 200 and 205 when the panel 40 reaches its rearmost position. Nerma-Hytbe lug !00 isspaced from switch 13 so that the latter is opened. This switch is arranged to condition the tilting control after the device has been tilted in order to permit resumption of normal operation.

The tilting control illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11 has a master switch !00 in series with the various sets of switches 93. This control is provided with a sw nging support 99 carrying the master switch !00 having leads Hil, !02 and |03 extending into the same and arranged so that a circuit may be closed' between either leads |0| and !02 or between leads l0l and 103. Adjoining the master switch |00 is a standard !05 fixedly connected to a base plate !01 which is secured by fas'tenings l09 to' a suitable horizontal board or lower closure member |08 that may. for example, be disposed beneath the board (Fig. 1). Accordingly, tilting of the machine. including the board |08, out

'a slight inclinatio-n froni the vertical in each one of four different directions and containing a quantity of mercury such that the tipping of the plate |01 and consequent inclination of the upright !05 to a slight angle may be efiective in bringing one of the elements I l I to a circuit closing position. The closing of this switch is effective in energizing the magnet M which causes tilting of the master switch !00 against the action of spring |0,4 to open the circuit between leads |0| and !02 and close the circuit between leads |0| and l03. The dot and dash line showing of Fig. 11 illustrates this'tilted position of the master switch wherein its support may be locked by the swinging latch I'l4 which is actuated by the leaf spring l l5.

For an interval after such a tilting operation the master switch may remain locked in the position shown in dot and dash lines. An electromagnet R is disposed adjoining the upper end of to cause inclination of the 'switch when it occupies its dotted line position and consequent closing of'the circuit between leads !0! i and !02, which might result in operation of the disk-returning mechanism, as will be more fully described in connection with the operation of the machine.-

The disk-receiving mechanism. is arranged to release a disk from recess 52 of slider 50 when the latter moves inwardly to move the panel 40,

and permit the balls to drop through openings !4 and slots !3. The released disk is received by a circular hopper !20 (Figs. 6 and 7). `Rotatable in this hopper is a star wheel !2! having semicircular recesses cooperating' with the inner wall of hopper !20 in defining compartments in which a series of the playing disks or tokens may be received.

Secured to the wheel !2l is a ratchet pinion' !22. Above pivot !22, an arm !!9 is independently rotatable and carries a pawl !23 efiective to turn wheel !22 and'star wheel l2! in an anticlockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 6. The end of arm !!9 carries an element !24 having a V-shaped recess, in which the pin !!8 on arm of the disk-receivng mechanism may engage (Fig. 3), thus to cause an oscillatory movement of arm !!9 and a movement of pawl !23 suflicient to move the pinion wheel !22 a single step in response to actuation of slider 5!.

The bottom of hopper !20 is provided with outlet passages !25 disposed' over disk groupi'ng and dispensing wheels !30 which are pivotally mounted on horizontal shafts and'have radial recesses !3! (Fig. 8) to receive a plurality of the playing disks. The recesses !3! upon one side of each of the wheels !30may normally be filled with disks, while on the opposite side of the wheels these recesses may be open. On the first-named side of each wheel a suitable substantially semi-circular hoop element !35 may be provided to prevent outward movement of the disks from the recesses as the latter move toward an inverted position, the elements !35 terminating adjoining the lowermost portion of the periphery of each wheel so that when a recess arrives at the bottom of the wheel it i's free to emit the disks contained therein into a discharge passage !36. Thence the disks fall into a sliding drawer !38 accessible from the exterior of the machine (Fig. 1).

suitable mechanism is provided for Operating the various dispensng wheels in response to the actuation of a set'of triggers 90. w For this purpose a plurality of solenoids S are provided, the solenoids corresponding in number to the dispensing wheels !30. Each solenoid is provided with a plunger !40 connected by a link to the outer member !4! of a ball clutch unit such as shown in Fig. 9, so that movement of a plunger !40 in one direction, i. e., to the right in Fig. 7, may be effective in causing the rotation of the clutch element !4! and the adjoining-element !42 which is fixed to one of the dispensingyvheels !30. Ac-,

cordingly the energizati'n of the solenoid may be effective in causing rotation of the corresponding The switch !IS is,

dispensing wheel !30 through a fraction of a revobeyond the proper raction of a revolution which will permit the dispensing of disks from one recess !3!, a swinging stop pawl !54 is provided with a cam lug !55 engageable with the pivotal connection! 56 of the plunger link and the ball clutch mechanism so that movement of the plunger to the left may permit the pawl !54 to drop into en e for example, a suitable battery, through a lead 200 which. is associated with a 'return lead 20l. One side of lead 20! may be connected by a branch 20! to a` light T. The opposite side'of this light is connected to the lead !03 which terminates in a contact at one end of the master switch !00 of the tilting control `mechanism. From the switch tube !00, lead !0! extends to switch tube !!0; from the latter the lead !0! extends to a connection with lead 200 and to a lead !0I that is connected to one side of magnet M; A lead !00 extends from the latter to each of the switch tubes The opposite contacts of the latter are connected in parallel by a lead 204 which extends to the opposite side of the magnet M, which in turn is connected to the branch 20! of lead 20!. Branch 20! is connected to the magnet R, associated with latch !!4, and the opposite side of magnet R is connected bylead 205 to conditioning switch '!3 (Fig. 14) at the rear of panel 40, the latter being in turn conrespective main switches C and from each magnet D a lead 209 extends to the fixed contact of switch B, the movable contact !60 of the latter being connected by a lead 2 0 to the solenoid S, the opposite side of the solenoid being connected by lead 2!2 to the main switch C.

The-lead 2!0 is extended to join the lead 201,

andleads 2!4 and 2 !5 connect a magnet N in parallel with the solenoid S.

The general operation of a machine of this character will now be described with particular reference to the wiring diagram and with general reference to the other portions of the mechanism, the operation of individual instrumentalitles and subassemblies having been previously dis cussed in respective -instances Assuming that a suitable playing disk is disposed on the recess portion 52 of the slider mechanism, the slider`5! is pressed inwardly to operate the bar 51, thus momentarily opening switch A. Under such a condition of the parts current can not flow through the soienoid S and leads and 2!2. Accordingly, jiggling or vibratory movement of the slider 5! and panel 40 and closing of switches 93 does not aifect a soienoid S. Inward movement of the slider 5! is normally effestive through bar 51 and lug 59 in pushing the panel 40 toward the rear of the machine, thus permitting the balls to pass downwardly from the Slots !3 in the pin board as well as from the openings !4, which are provided with triggers 90 and the remaining openings. At the same time. should a switch C be open, a member 80 may engage the part of the member 10 to return the latter to its normal tilted position shown in Fig. 5, the latch 55 snapping into a position to support the member 10 and switch 13 in this illustrated position. `Thus, if the switch C has previously been opened, it will be closed by this operation.

' The switch 13 is also momentarily closed by movement of panel 40. A

The closing of switches C and 13 conditions the circuits extending between the corresponding series of trigger switches 93 and the corresponding soienoid S. Obviously when the slider is fully actuated in this manner the playing disk is received within the bowl !20 and then the star wheel is rotated a fraction of a revolution. Thus, disks are distributed in the various recesses provided by the periphery of the star wheel and the disks are received by the radial recesses in wheel !30. The slider 5! may then be released by the operator to close switch A, the spring 56 returning this slider to its original position; the balls under these conditions have rolled to the chamber adjoining elevator 32, having rolled from the board 30 into this chamber. Under these conditions each switch C is closed, while the trigger switches 93 and the solenoid-operated switches B may be open. The handle 31 may then be cperated to cause the movement of one of the balls through the trough 33 into the alley !1, whereupon the operator is ready to start playing.

'I'he handle 31 is pulled toward the operator and released, the spring associated with this handle being effective in causing the plunger to strike the ball and cause its movement through the alley !1 past spring !9 onto the pin board !0. The ball normally may strike the curved abutment surface !i at the rear of the pin board and then roll downwardly, normally striking certain of the pins !6 and either falling in one of openings !4 or passing downwardly to be received by one o'f the siots !3. In this position of the parts the ball may be supported by the panel 40 and/or triggers 90 so that if a competitive game is being played by two or more players, the positions of the balls may be observed to permit keeping of score. Successive balls may be brought into playing position and moved by the plunger 31 in the same general manner as has been described. If the player fails to cause balls to move to each of the holes !4 of one set to engage the corresponding triggers 50, the balls will remain in the described position, resting on the triggers 90 and/or panel 40 in openings !4 or slots !3 until another `disk is inserted on the slider 5! and the same again actuated, whereupon the panel 40 will bc moved to permit the balls to drop downwardly onto the inelined bottomboard 30.

while the balls are supported in openings !4 or slots !3, ii the player or an accomplice should attempt to obtain the return of disks by tilting of the machine to cause the balls to roll into 'the be taken by the player.

openings, a slight tilting is sumcient to cause the closing oi' the circuit between the leads extending to one of the tubes this being effective in permitting the flow of current from lead 200 through one side of the magnet M, one of the tubes and lead 204 to the other side of magnet M and thence through lead 20l.

Accordingly magnet M is energized to cause movement of the master switch !00 out of normal position and the closing of the circuit between leads !0! and !03. Under these conditions current may flow from lead 200 and its branch !0! leads l0!, switch !00, lead !03, light T and leads 20l' and 20!. Thus the light T is energized to indicate that the device is being tilted. This light may be disposed at the front of the machine, as shown in Fig. 2. If the machine has been tilted in this manner it can not be reconditioned for disk dispensation until another disk has been inserted, whereupon the panel 40 is moved, closing switch 13; and magnet R may be energized to move the latch !4, thus permitting the return of master switch !00 to its normal position.

After the tube !00 has been moved to its dotted line position, as shown in Fig. 11, and locked in that position by the latch !40, a player might' maneuver the machine by tilting to cause the balls to roll into openings corresponding to one set of trip members 93 and then tip the entire machine so that the switch tube !00, although in its dotted line position, as shown in Fig. 11, would be inclined sufilciently to close the circuit between leads !0! and !02 thus permitting operation of the disk returning mechanism in the normal manner which will be described. However, the switch !6 is so arranged that when the entire machine is tilted in this manner, the circuit between leads !0i and !!l! is automatically broken thus preventing flow of current to the disk returning mechanism.

When a player in normal play is successful in causing balls to engage each one of the trigger elements 90 of one of the sets of these elements, each of the corresponding switches 33 is moved to its closed position. Since the switches A and C are already in closed position, current may pass from lead 200 through lead !0!, switch !00, lead !02, lead sections !02 and and switches 93 of the circuit corresponding to the depressed triggers 90. From the last switch 93 of this series the current may pass to the conditioning switch C and thence to soienoid S and to magnet N. The latter releases the looking wheel !!5! and the corresponding dispensing wheel !30 while the soienoid S moves the plunger !40 toward the left, as viewed for example in Fig. 4, thus turning wheel !30 through the ball clutch mechanism I4, !42. This results in releasing a set of playing disks from one of the recesses in wheel !30 so that they pass downwardly through ehute or outlet !33 into drawer !38 from which they may Thus the player may repeat play several times; employing the playing disks thus received.

As the plunger !40 approaches the end of its path, it closes switch B, thus causing current to flow through magnet D which is effective in A balls.

the panel 80 is eflected to ensure the return of play this game in turn, each projecting the balls,

over the pin board !0 and computing the scorng values of the openings into which they may roll When a player receives additional disks due to the depression of the triggers of one set by the balls which he has rolled onto board !0, 'the additional playing disks permit him to operate the machine a. number of additional times and to receive an increased score. It ie thus evident that the arrangement of the trigger elements 90 in sets adds to the uncertainty of the game when played by a single player starting with a set of playing `disks.

Fig. 13 illustrates an optional switch arrangement which may be substituted for the switches !!I. In this embodiment of the invention a single tilting switch may be mounted on any suit able support and may comprise a cylindrical holder 300 in which there is a pool of mercury 30! beneath a horizontally disposed wire loop 302, the loop being connected to a. lead 308 at the top of the receptacle and an opposite lead 30'! having a contact immersed in the mercury 30l. With this embodiment of the invention, slight tilting of the receptacle'300 causes contact between the mercury body 30! and a portion of the hoop 302, thus closing the circuit between leads 306 and 301 which may be connected to the magnet M to operate the master switch !00 in the manner already described.

Figs. ,16 to 21 inclusive illustrate an optional disk returning mechanism wherein the movement of the dispensing wheel may be eflected through a series of manually operated plungers !8!', lsl !Si or lsl within the casing a substantlally vertical duet !52 is arranged to receive playing disks from the slider Gi. These playing disks therefore become stacked in the lower part of the duct !52 which is supported on a bracket !83 Secured upon a supporting frame !86. An opening is provided at the lower end of duct !82 -so that disks may pass into circular recesses !85 in a dispensing wheel !86 having a vertical axis oi' rotation. The support !84 is arranged below the major portion o! the wheel !68, thus providing bottoms for recesses !85, but adjoining the duct !02 a depending passage or outlet !89 (Fig. 16) is aiforded to supply playing disks to a chute !12 which is provided with a spring-held closure !ll which may be actuated to release the disks into the hand of the player. Each of the plungers .Isl !8! s and IS! is connected to a horizontally disposed push rod !14. Thus in the illustrated embodiment of the invention there are four of these push rods located one above the other. The inner end of each ot these rods is provided with a laterally projeeting arm !15 connected to a tension spring !16. Thus'the spring normally tends to move the corresponding plunger and push rod to the position illustrated in Eigs. 16 and 17 ,wherein the upturned end of the push rod provides a stop member engaging the front wall of the cabinet as an abutment.

Upon the side o! each of the rods i" are a plurality ot teeth !71, providing a rack engaging the teeth of a fragmentary pinion !8!, a portion of the periphery of which is extended to aflord an outstanding plate !82. Secured upon the lower face of the plate !82 is a pawl !83 (Flgs. 19 and 20) pressed by a spring !04 into engagement with ratchet teeth of a ratchet wheel !85, the latter being connected to a spindle !86 which is coaxial with and secured to the dispensing wheel !88. Accordingly when a plunger, as, for example, the

plunger lel is pushed inwardly, the correspond- 'over the outlet !69 to emit playing disks into chute !12.

As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the plungers may be provided in difierent lengths corresponding to segmentalportion's of the wheels !86 occupiedby a different number of recesses. !95. Thus the.

shortest plunger s may be efl'ective in turning the wheel !68 so that the playing disks from one recess are dropped into the chute !!2, while the plungers Isl, !BI and !64 may be actuated to supply playing disks from two, three and four recesses, respectively. V

Preferably each of the plungers normally is locked in its outermost position by a spring-held latch element !90 engaging ratchet teeth !Qi upon the side of the push rod !79. Accordingly the plunger can not be actuated to cause operation oi' the dispensing mechanism unless the latch !90 is moved from its normal position. For that purpose a series of magnets !92 maybe provided adjoining the respective latches !90, a suitable vertical support !93 being arranged to hold the magnets and latches in proper vertically spaced relation. p

Each magnet !92 may be connected in series with the trigger switches 93 in the same manner that the solenoid S is connected when an electrically operable dispensing mechanism is employed. Thus, as shown in Fig. 21, the general ari-angement of the wiring diagram may be the same as illustrated in Fig. 12, the,connections to the tilting control switches being as previously described and the switch C being arranged in the general manner pre'dously iilustrated. From the switch C the lead 2!! may be connected to the magnet !92, the Iatter being connected to the opposite side oi' the line !!0. 'At the end of the path of each push i rod !14 is a cutout switch B corresponding to the switch B, this switch being connected by lead 209 to the magnet D and having its opposite side connected to the lead 2|0. Thus when a plunger and corresponding push rod move inwardly to turn a dispensing wheel !86 and cause the same to drop playing disks into the chute. !12, the correspondlngswitch B energizes the magnet D, thus temporarily opening the corresponding switch C and deenergizing the circuit of magnet !92. The circuit remains in this condition until another playing disk is disposed upon the slider 5!, whereupon the slider and panel 40 are pushed toward the rear of the machine and the switch C is again closed, in the manner previously described, to con- .dition the circuit so that the magnet !92 may of an electrical circuit.,a playing disk-returning mechanism normally operabie in response to current passing through said circuit, a master switch in said circuit, and control means therefor, said away-14 -ing, a switch operatively associated with each trigger element, an eiectrical circuit in which said switch is located, playing disk-returning mechanism operable in response to flow of current through said circuit, a master switch in said circuit, and control means for said master switch responsive to tilting of the board and efiective to cause opening of the master switch and prevent flow of current to the disk-returning mechanism.

3. A machine of the class described comprising a board having a plurality of openings therein, trigger elements associated with certainopenings, each arranged to be actuated when an article, such as a ball, passes into the corresponding opening, a switch associated with each trigger element, an electrical circuit in which the switches are located, playing disk-returning mechanism operable in response to flow of current through said circuit, a master switch in said circuit, and control means for the master switch including a receptacie containing a conductive liquid adapted to move into and out of circuitclosing position in response to slight tilting of the board.

4. A machine of the class described comprising a board having a plurality of openings therein, trigger elements associated with certain openings, each arranged to be actuated when an article, such as a ball, passes into the corresponding opening, a switch associated with each trigger element, an electrical circuit in which said switch is located, playing disk-returning mechanism operable in response to flow of current through said circuit, a master switch in said circuit, and control means for said master switch including a plurality of mercury containing tubes tilted in different directions in relation to each other and each arranged so that movement of the tube out of its normal tilted position is effective in closing a control circuit, a magnet in said control circuit operable upon the closing thereof to open the master switch and interrupt flow of current to the disk-returning mechanism, thus to prevent operation of said mechanism when the machine is tilted.

5. A machine of the class described comprising a board having a plurality of openings therein, trigger elements associated with certain openings, each arranged to be actuated when an article, such as a ball, passes into the corresponding opening, a switch associated with each trigger element, an electrical-circuit in which said switch is located, playing disk-returning mechanism operable in response to flow of current through said circuit, a master switch in said circuit, control means operable upon tilting of the board out of normal position to open the master switch and interrupt flow of current through said circuit, and a warning signal actuated upon operation I of said control means to indicate that the main, trigger devices arranged in certain of said openings to 'be actuated by a ball rolling into these openings, switches associated with the respective trigger devices and arranged in series in a circuit so that the circuit may be closed when all of the corresponding trigger devices areactuated, a playing disk-returning mechanism normally operative in response to the closing of said circuit, said disk-returning mechanism including a magnet in said circuit, and a dispensing wheel rotatable through a fraction of a revolution in response to the energization of said magnet to emit a plurality of playing disks.

'7. A machine of the class described comprising a pin board having a plurality of openings therein, trigger devices arranged in certain of said' mally operative in response to the closing of said v circuit said disk-returning mechanism including a solenoid in said circuit, a dispensing wheel rotatable through a fraction of a revolution in response to the energization of said solenoid to emit a plurality of playing disks, 'and a switch operable in response to movement of the dispensing' wheel and energization of the solenoid to interrupt flow of current through said circuit after the dispensing wheel has moved sumciently to emit playing disks.

8. A machine of the class described comprising a trigger switch adapted to be actuated under certain conditions of play, a playing disk-returning mechanism, including an electrically actuable mechanism, in circuit with said switch, a main switch in said circuit, means operable in response to energization of the electrically actuable mechanism to emit a set of playing disks, means operable thereafter to open said main switch and prevent further operation of the electrically actuable mechanism, and means to receive a playing disk and then to close the main switch to permit repeated play and repeated operation of the disk-returning mechanism after 'another playing disk has been inserted in said .playing disk thereon to direct balls for projection over the pin board, a switch in series with the trigger device and dispensing mechanism arranged to be opened upon movement of the slider so that vibratory movement of the Slider can not be eflective in causing movement of the trigger device to close the circuit when the trigger device is not actuated by receiving a ball.

10. Disk-returning mechanism of the electrically operated type comprising a hopper, a dispensing wheel rotatable about a substantially horizontl axis beneath the hopper and having a plurality oi radial recesses adapted to register with an outlet from the 'hopper and receiving playing disks therefrom, a closure member en- 75 solenoid.

ll. Disk-returning mechanism of the electrically operated type comprising a hopper, a dispensing wheel rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis beneath the hopper, and having a plurality of radial recesses adapted to register with an outlt from the hopper and receiving playing disks'therefrom, a closure member encircling a portion of the dispensing wheel but arranged to permit emission of playing disks from one of said recesses as it approaches its lowermost position, a solenoid having a plunger arranged to cause the rotation of the dispensing wheel through a fraction of a revolution to permit emission of disks from one of said radial recesses in response to each actuation of the solenoid, a notched wheel Secured to the dispensing wheel, a locking pawl normally engaging a notch in the wheel to prevent rotation of the 'dispensing wheel, and an electromagnet in circuit with the solenoid to move the locking pawl out of normal position to release the wheels and permit the dispensing wheel to rotate in response to energlzation of -the solenoid.

12. Disk-returning mechanism of the electrically operated type comprising a supply chamber, a dispensing wheel beneath the chamber and having a plurality of recesses to register with an outlet from the chamber and receive playing disks there'from, means arranged to receive playing disks from one of said recesses, means to cause the rotation of the dispensing wheel through a fraction oi a revolution to emit disks to' said firstnamed means, a notched wheel connected to the dispensing wheel, a locking pawl normally engaging a notch in the wheel to prevent rotation of the dispensing wheel, an electromagnet to move the locking pawl. out of normal position to release the wheels and permlt the dispensing wheel to rotate, and a second pawl moved upon energization of the solenoid into position to catch 'against the edge of a notch upon said notched wheel to prevent overrunning movement of that wheel and the diapensing wheel.

13. A machine of the class' described comprising a dispensing wheel having a series' of recesses therein. means to supply 'playing disks to the recees as they pass a given point during the rotation of the wheel, means adjoining another part o! the wheel arranged to receive playing disk: !rom the recesses, locking means normally effective to prevent rotation of the wheel, a playing board, a trigger device associated with the playing board, a switch adapted to be moved to closed position in response' to movement of the trigger device, an electromagnet controlled by said switch and eflective when energized to release the locking means thus to permit rotation of the dipensing wheel, and means to eect rotation of the dispensing wheel to cause the emission of playing disks from one of the recesses thei-ein.

. 14. Amachine of the class described comprising a dispensing wheel having a series oi' recesses therein, means to supply playing disks to the recesses asthey pass a given point during the disks from the recesses, locking means normally eiiective to prevent rotation of the wheel, a playing board, a trigger device associated with the playing board, a switch adapted to be moved to closed position in response to movement of the trigger device, an electromagnet controlled by said switch and efiective when energized 'to release the locking means out of its locking position thus to permit rotation of the dispensing wheel, means to efiect rotation of the dispensing wheel to cause the emission of playing disks from one oi the recesses therein, and a cut-off switch operatively associated with the electromagnet and operable in response to actuation of said lastnamed means to prevent repeated operation of the dispensing wheel in response to a single actuationof the trigger device.

15. A machine of the class described comprising a dispensing wheel having a series of recesses therein, means to supply playing disks to the recesses as they pass a 'given point during the rotation of the wheel, means arranged to receive playing disks from the recesses adjoining another part of the wheel, locking means normally efiective to prevent rotation of the wheel, a playing board, a trigger device associatedwith the playing board, a switch adapted to be moved to closed position in response to movement of the trigger device, an electromagnet controlled by said switch and effective when energized to release the locking means out of its locking position thus to effect rotation of the dispensing wheel, and means to eect rotation of the dispensing ;vheel to cause the emission, of playing disks from one of the recesses therein, said locking means including a notched wheel connected to the dispensing wheel and a spring-pressed pawl normallyengaging a notch in the notched wheel.

16. A machine of the class described comprising a dispensing wheel .having a series of recesses therein, means to s'upply playing disks to the recesses as they pass a given point during the rotation of the wheel, means adjoining another part of the wheel arranged to receive playing disks from the recesses, a manually controllable member to rotate the wheel, locking means normally efiective to prevent rotation of the wheel, a playing board, a trigger device associated with the playing board, a switch adapted to be moved to closed position in response to movement of the trigger device, an electromagnet controlled by said switch and effective when energized to move the locking means out of its locking posltion thus to. permit rotation of the dispensing wheel by said member, a switch operatively associated with the electromagnet and disposed at one end of the path of said member so that the switch is opened as the member approaches the end of its path thus preventing repeated operation of the dispensing wheel.

17. A machine of the class described comprising a trigger element, a trigger switch associated therewlth, an electromagnet, a circuit connecting said trigger switch and electromagnet in series. a dispensing wheel having recesses to contain playing disks, means associated with the' with the dispensing wheel and normally locking the same against rotation, said locking means being releasable in response to energization of the electromagnt dueto the closing of the trigger switch, a main switch in series with the electromagnet and the trigger switch, and means operative in response to rotation of the dispensing wheel to open the main switch and thus to deenergize the magnet which has been retaining the looking means out of its normal looking position.

18. A machine of the class described comprising a trigger element, a trigger switch adapted to be closed in response to movement of the trigger element, a dispensing wheel, said dispensing wheel having a series of recesses to hold playing disks, means operatively connected to the dispensing wheel to release playing disks from successive recesses thereof when said recesses reach a given point during rotation of the dispensing wheel, looking means normally preventing rotation of the dispensing wheel, and electromagnetic means eflective to release the dispensing wheel from the looking means in response to closing of the trigger switch.

19. A machine of the class described, comprising a triggedevicaa'trigger switch operable in response to movement of the trigger device, a dispensing wheel having a plurality of recesses to hold playing disks, means assoclated with the dispensing wheel to release disks from successive recesses as they reach one point during rotation oi' the dispensing wheel, pawl mechanism normally eective in looking the dispensing wheel against rotation, an electromagnet in series with the trigger switch eflective to release the looking means so that the dispensing wheel may rotate, a reciprocating member effective to cause rotation oi' the dispensing wheel, and a switch effective to cause deenergization of the magnet when the reciprocating member reaches one end of its path.

20. A machine o! the class described 'compris- V ing a trigger switch, a dispensing wheel, looking means normally preventing rotation of the dispensing wheel, said dispensing wheel having a series oi' recesses from which playing disks may be emitted when successive recesses reach a given point during rotation of the wheel, means operable in response to actuation ci the trigger switch to release said looking means, a manually operable plunger effective to rotate the dispensing wheel for a predetermined fraction oi a revolution, and a cutout switch operable in response to movement of the plunger to alter the condition of said last-named means, thus to interrupt the maintenance oi said looking means in released condition, whereby the dispensing wheel may be relocked.

21. Mechanism of the class described comprising a common support, a control instrumentality mounted upon the support and arranged to be actuated by a ball or the like, a normally inoperative, dispensing mechanism, electrical means operable in response to actuation of said instrumentality to release said dispensing mechanism for operation, and control means mounted upon the support and including a body of electrically conductive liquid operatively assoclated with the electrical means, said control means being ei'- iective to prevent operation of said first-named means when the support is tilted, thereby preventing release of the dispensing mechanism in response to improper actuation of the instrumentality by a ball or the like due to tilting of the support.

22. A machine of the class described comprising a playing board, a plurality of trigger devices assoclated with the board and adapted to be actuated by a ball or the like passing over the board, a normally inoperative, playing disk-returning mechanism, electrical control means effective to make said mechanism operable in response to the actuation of the trigger devices, said mechanism including a dispensing wheel rotatable through a fraction of a revolution to emit playing disks, and a switch operable in response,

to movement of the dispensing wheel when the latter moves to dispense playing disks, the operation of said switch rendering said control means ineflective, thus preventing repeated movements of the dispensing wheel to emit disks.

23. A machine of the class described comprising a casing, a playing board enclosed thereby, a game playing instrumentality capable of operation upon insertion o! a playing disk into the casing, a trigger switch assoclated with the board and capable of being actuated under certain conditions oi play, a dispensing wheel shaped to receive disks, means to direct inserted disks to the wheel, said wheel being movable to a disk-emitting position, looking meansto prevent movement of the wheel toward said position, means operable in response to actuation of the trigger switch to release said locking means, and a manually operable handle effective to rotate the dispensing wheel to said position.

24. A machine o! the class described comprising a casing, a playing board enclosed thereby, a game playing instrumentality capable of operation upon insertion of a playing disk into the casing, a trigger switch assoclated with the board and capable o! being actuatedunder certain conditions of play, a dispensing wheel shaped to receive disks, means to direct inserted disks to the wheel, said wheel being movable to' a disk-'emitting position, looking means to prevent movement of the wheel toward said position, means operable in response to actuation of the trigger switch to release said looking means, a pinion connected to the wheel, a manually operable rack to rotate the pinion and cause the wheel to move to said position, and a cut-out switch actuable by the rack to cause return or the looking means to normal position, whereby repeated actuations of .the rack and movements of the wheel are prevented.

25. Mechanism oi the class described, comprisi'ng a playing board, a trigger switch arranged to be actuated by a ball proiected over the board, a normally inoperative, dispensing mechanism, electrlcal controlling means making the mechanism operable in response to actuation of said switch, said controlling means including a switch automatically operable in response to tilting of the board thereupon to prevent said trigger switch !rom causing the dispensing mechanism to be operable, thereby preventing improper operation of the dlspensing mechanism due to tilting of the board to cause a ball to actuate the trigger switch, means operable in response to the insertion of a playing disk to release balls for projection over the board and to cause said last-named switch to u erable in the normal manner.

27. Mechanism of the class described, comprsing a playing board having ball-receiving' openings, a trigger switch arranged to be actuated by a ball projected over the board and into one of the openings, a normally inoperative, dispensing mechanism, electrical controlling means making the mechanism operable in response to actuation of said switch, said controlling means including a tilting control switch automatically operable in response to tilting of the board thereupon to prevent said trigger switch from causing the dispensing mechanism to be operable, thereby preventing improper operation of the dispensing mechanism due' to the tilting of the board, a sliding panel movable in response to the,

insertion of a playing disk and permitting balls to drop through said openings and to be released for another proiection over the board, a switch closed when the panel is thus slid, and an electromagnet which is arranged to be energized when said last-named switch is closed, said magnet having an armature operatively associated with the tilting control switch so that energizetion of the magnet restores said switch to normai condition.

28. A machine of the class described, compris-` lng a playing board, a plurality of trigger devices associated with the board and adapted to be actuated by a ball passing over the board, a normally inoperative, playing disk returning mechanism, a slide upon which a playing disk may be placed and inserted into the machine upon movement of the slide, means operable in response to such a movement of the slide to release balls for projectiocgg the playing board, means to direct a playing thus inserted to the dispensing mechanism, electrical control means effective to make said mechanism operable in respcnse to the actuation of the trigger devices, said mechanism including a dispensing wheel rotatable to emit playing disks, a cut-out switch operable in response to movement of the dispensing wheel when the latter moves to dispense a playing disk, the operation of said switch rendering said control means ineffective thus to prevent repeated movements of the dispensing wheel to emit successive disks, and means responsive to another movement of the slide with a playing disk thereon to return said cut-out switch to normal condition, whereby the dispensing mechanism may be ready for operation following a subsequent actuation of a trigger device.

29. A machine of the class described, comprising a playing board, a trigger switch actuable by a ball projected over the board, a normally inoperative, playing disk dispensing mechanism, means operable upon insertion of a playing disk to release balls for projection over the board and to direct the inserted disk to said mechanism, electrical control means operatively connecting s'aid mechanism and the trigger switch so that actuation of the latter renders said mechanism operable to dispense playing disks received from said first-named means. a

30. A machine of the class described, comprising a playing board, a trigger switch actuable by a ball projected over the board, a playing disk returning mechanism, means operable upon insertion of a playing disk to release balls for projection over the board and to 'direct the inserted disk to said mechanism, looking means associated with said mechanism and normally preventing operation thereof, manually operable means to actuate said mechanism, and electrical control means operable in -response to actuation of said trigger switch to release the looking means so that the dispensing mechanism may be manually operated.

31. A machine of the class .descn'bed'comprising a playing board, a set of trigger switches electrically connected in series and actuable by balls projected over the board, a normally inoperative, playing disk return mechanism, means operable upon insertion of a playing disk to release balls for projection over the board and to a plurality of disk receiv'ng openings, a plunger to rotate the wheel' through a fraction of a revolution, looking means normally preventing movement of the plunger, said looking means being releasable upon operation of the playing assembly in a given manner, the plunger then being movable inwardly to rotate the wheel n one direction to permit .an opening or openings in the wheel to receive disks and movable outwardly to cause the wheel to rotatein the opposite direction to emit disks thus received into an outlet duet, and delay means opei'atively connected to the wheel to prevent the rapid movement of the plunger.

33. A machine of the class described comprising a game playing assembly, disk `receiving means arranged to release the assembly for operation when a playing disk is received by the machine, switch means operable when the game l is played in a certain manner, disk returning' mechanism including a manually actuable plunger, a wheel rotatable through a fraction of a, revolution in response to actuation of the plunger, means to supply disks to said openings and vent disks from the openings to the exterior of the machine, an electromagnet controllable by said switch means, and an armature associated therewith movable to release' the plunger and wheel'and permit their movement through a limited distance thus to emit disks to the exterior of the machine, and delay means operatively connected to the wheel to prevent the rapid movement of' the plunger.

34. A machine of the class described comprising a pin board, means associated with the board adapted to be actuated' when articles, such as balls, rolled over the board engage said means,

electrical switches operable in response to actua- 35. A machine of the class described compris-' 'x ing a board having a plurality of openings theras '(5 in; trigger elements associted with certain openings, each arranged to be actunted when an article, such as a ball, passes into 'the corresponding opening, a switch :Associated with each trigger element, an electricai circuit in which said switch is located, playing disk-dispensing mechanism operable in response to flow of current through said circuit, a. master switch in said circuit, and control means for said master' switch responsive to tiiting of the board and effective to cause opening of the master switch and prevent flow of current to the disk-dispensing mechanisn.

36. Mechanism of 'the class described comprising a. common support, a control instrumentality manged to beactuated by a. ball or the like, a. dispening mechanism, means operahie in response to actustion of said instrumentality to render said dispensing mechanism operable, and

'tiiting control means effective to prevent operation of said mechanism when the support is improperly tilted to bring the ball into Operating relation with said instrumentaiity.

CLIFFORD R. DUMBLE.

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