EP0523145B1 - Game with mobile figures - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a game with mobile figures which can be moved over a board. The technical field of the invention is that of manually controlled games and toys. A game according to the invention comprises a board on which figures can be moved within longitudinal strips by driving means arranged below the board. The driving means comprise at least one handle and means for joining them to the figures. The game comprises at least 2 sets which can be moved along the longitudinal median axis of the game by means of said handles. Each set comprises at least one longitudinal element (11, 28, 38), at least one vertical element (14, 27, 37) and at least one transverse element (12, 26, 36). The vertical and transverse longitudinal elements are rigid and rigidly interconnected. The handle, which projects beyond the longitudinal side flanks of the frame of the game, can move longitudinally along said flanks in at least one slot (6) over a distance (53) equal to approximately half the length of the frame.

Description

The present invention relates to a set of mobile figurines that can move over a tablet.

The technical field of the invention is that of games and toys with manual controls. The invention relates more particularly to a board game in which the players move, by means of manual control means connected to moving parts by mechanical transmissions located under the game tablet, figurines located above this tablet.

Numerous game devices are already known in which figurines are moved; US Patents 2,229,232 (Widegren) and FR 1,395,049 (Parrot) describe devices where the figures are controlled by alternating rods which protrude at the ends of the game and which are therefore liable to annoy the players and which, moreover, may be subjected to shocks causing serious risks of deterioration of the rods and therefore of these games.

Furthermore, US Patents 2,148,354 (Hurlock)) and US 3,419,271 (Waskowsky) describe play devices in which the figures are attached to alternating straps, which makes it difficult or impossible for the figures to move in a different direction. that the direction of said belts in particular in a direction corresponding to the direction of the width of the game, and which also prevent the rotation of these figures on themselves.

Furthermore, the patents GB 1 051 371 (Cane), US 3 475 028 (Rodorigo) and US 4 691 921 (Takeo Iseki), describe play devices allowing the rotation of the figures on themselves and in which the significant overshoot of the manual control rods outside the game are avoided by means of complex electromechanical transmissions, which are likely to cause jerky operation and which also contributes to the fragility of these gaming devices and the obligation to resort to a source of external energy such as batteries for example.

Also known from US Pat. No. 4,311,309 (BRADLEY et al), a set of mobile figurines which can move along transverse bands thanks to transverse slots provided in a shelf, comprising drive means comprising assemblies which can be moved transversely by players, each set comprising a rigid transverse rod and a rigid vertical axis supporting a figurine, a rotation of the rod around its longitudinal axis causing a rotation of said vertical axis and of the figurine.

The problem posed therefore consists in providing a device for playing mobile figures with manual controls which make it possible to control the movement of the figures on a tablet in at least one longitudinal direction of play, by authorizing the movement of the figures inside longitudinal strips. , which is of a very simple design, which does not require complex electro-mechanical drive means and which does not require a manual operating rod which protrudes excessively from the frame of the game.

The solution to the problem posed consists in providing a set of mobile figurines which can move above a substantially horizontal shelf, said set and said shelf having a longitudinal central axis and a median transverse axis, said figurines being able to move interior of longitudinal strips by means of drive arranged under the plane of said shelf, which drive means comprise at least one handle and comprise means of joining with said figures, in which said drive means comprise at least two assemblies which can be moved in a direction parallel to said median longitudinal axis by players actuating said handles, and each of said assemblies comprises at least one longitudinal element, at least one vertical element, at least one transverse element, which longitudinal, vertical and transverse elements are rigid and which elements of one of said e nsembles are rigidly linked together, and each of said assemblies comprises said handle which is prominent relative to the lateral longitudinal flanks of the frame of said set, and said flanks comprise at least one slot which allows the longitudinal displacement of said assemblies over a distance whose value is close to and substantially less than half the length of said frame, and said frame comprises means for longitudinally guiding said assemblies, for example of said longitudinal elements of said assemblies.

Advantageously, said guide means comprise longitudinal angles which are regularly spaced and which delimit between them longitudinal spans (which are placed under said shelf and which are preferably located opposite said strips which are for example drawn on said shelf) in which can slide said longitudinal elements, and each of said longitudinal elements is connected by a rear end to said vertical element, and in each of said spans is arranged one of said longitudinal elements so that in two adjacent spans, the free ends of the corresponding longitudinal elements can cross during the longitudinal movement of said corresponding sets.

Advantageously, said assembly comprises at least one internal longitudinal rod which can move in a direction transverse to said clearance relative to an external longitudinal cradle which constitutes said longitudinal element, which longitudinal rod is rigidly connected to at least one internal vertical spacer which can be moving in said transverse direction relative to an external vertical spacer which constitutes said vertical element, which internal vertical spacer is rigidly connected to at least one transverse rod which can slide in said transverse direction relative to an external transverse slide which constitutes said transverse element , and said longitudinal rod carries said means of junction with said figurines.

Alternatively, said assembly comprises at least one rotary joining means which can rotate about a substantially vertical axis above said longitudinal element, under the action of horizontal belts which are set in motion by said handle by means of a transverse rod rotatably mounted relative to said transverse element, and vertical belts located in said vertical element.

Advantageously, said vertical elements of said assemblies which are situated on the same side with respect to said median transverse axis and which are provided with said protruding handle on the same side of said set, are of different length (or height), and each of said flanks longitudinal side of said frame comprises at least two of said slots which are superimposed so that said assemblies can cross during their longitudinal movements, and preferably said assemblies provided with said shortest vertical elements are provided with a transverse element also shorter.

Advantageously, said figurines are removably connected with respect to said joining means of said assemblies of said driving means, and said tablet of said game comprises a playing surface covered with a removable interchangeable plate of so that said game simulates a competitive sport, a strategy game, a combination game or a show.

Advantageously, said joining means are magnetic, said tablet is non-magnetic, said figures are each provided in their base with at least one permanent magnet which can cooperate with a permanent magnet provided on said longitudinal element of said set of said drive means.

Advantageously, said joining means are mechanical, the base of said figurines is connected to said longitudinal element of said driving means by at least one pivot which can pass through said shelf by means of slots provided therein.

Advantageously, a game according to the invention further comprises a set of said figurines which are fixed on a horizontal circular plate comprising a central pivot around which said horizontal circular plate can rotate, and a free space is provided between said figurines and said horizontal circular plate which may contain a ball allowed to escape under the effect of centrifugal force due to the rotation of said circular plate, by side openings arranged between said figures and said plate.

Advantageously, said set further comprises figurines or models comprising a superstructure which can tilt laterally between transverse guides fixed on the base of said figurine, which superstructure is capable of tilting during an impact with another of said figurines during 'a displacement of said figurines on the surface of said game.

In the device according to the invention, a simple sliding of control buttons along said slots opening on the two halves of the length of at least one of the two sides of the device, causes an equivalent displacement of the figurines along the useful length of the playing field (delimited between the two goal lines in a game imitating a competitive team sport), while a slight movement of the control buttons in a direction perpendicular to the guide slots allows obtain a homologous movement of the figures in the width of the game. In a variant, a rotation of the control buttons makes it possible to obtain the rotation of the figures on the playing surface.

• dans un étage supérieur placé immédiatement sous la surface de jeu : lesdits éléments longitudinaux horizontaux et parallèles dont la longueur ne dépasse pas la moitié de la longueur de l'appareil, et auxquels sont rattachées, vers le haut, et en alternance, les figurines ou maquettes appartenant à deux équipes en présence;
• dans un étage intermédiaire situé au-dessous du précédent lesdits éléments verticaux et parallèles rattachant d'une façon orthogonale, et par l'une de leurs extrémités, lesdits éléments longitudinaux de l'étage supérieur auxdits éléments transversaux de l'étage inférieur tels que décrits ci-après ;
• dans un étage inférieur situé au-dessous du précédent lesdits éléments transversaux horizontaux et parallèles, présentant une extrémité libre terminée par un bouton de commande extérieur, lequel bouton (ou poignée) coulisse le long d'une desdites fentes de guidage ouvertes sur l'une des moitiés de la longueur de l'un au moins des deux côtés de l'appareil ;
• étant précisé que, dans les appareils imitant des sports de compétition par équipes ou des jeux de combat, les éléments transversaux ont une longueur inférieure à la moitié de la largeur de l'appareil et sont répartis, d'une façon symétrique autour de l'axe vertical fictif passant par le centre du jeu, entre quatre secteurs délimités par des plans verticaux passant par lesdits axes médians dudit jeu.

The result targeted by the invention is achieved by attaching the figurines, mechanically or magnetically, individually or by alignments, to a mechanism comprising three series of elements distributed between three stages superimposed horizontally below the playing surface (tablet), namely:

• in an upper stage placed immediately below the playing surface: said horizontal and parallel longitudinal elements the length of which does not exceed half the length of the apparatus, and to which are attached, upwards, and alternately, the figurines or models belonging to two teams present;
• in an intermediate stage situated below the preceding one, said vertical and parallel elements connecting orthogonally, and by one of their ends, said longitudinal elements of the upper stage to said transverse elements of the lower stage as described below;
• in a lower stage situated below the preceding one, said horizontal and parallel transverse elements, having a free end terminated by an external control button, which button (or handle) slides along one of said guide slots open on one halves the length of at least one of the two sides of the apparatus;
• it being specified that, in apparatus imitating competitive team sports or combat games, the transverse elements have a length less than half the width of the apparatus and are distributed symmetrically around the fictitious vertical axis passing through the center of the game, between four sectors delimited by vertical planes passing through said median axes of said game.

Of course, the fictitious geometric limits mentioned above are concretely materialized by the limitations imposed on the movements of the mobile elements of the device by the guidance and support means attached to the frame.

Thanks to the distribution of said transmission means on superimposed planes, and thanks to the subdivision into two or four sectors of said transverse elements carrying the control buttons, two or four players can maneuver their figurines, simultaneously, in alternating lines and over the whole length of the playing surface, without causing shocks between the different moving parts of said drive means located under the playing surface.

The description presents several exemplary embodiments which are distinguished in particular by the means used to support and guide said movable elements in order to keep them constantly parallel to themselves during their movements, failing which the mechanism would be blocked.

• des figurines magnétiques s'orientant automatiquement dans le sens de leur marche, telles que celles décrites dans le brevet français N° 1 144 513 du 23.03.1956 (Léonard);
• des figurines entraînées par des aimants rotatifs, telles que celles décrites dans le brevet US N°2 492 423 du 27.12.1949 (Gray);
• des figurines entraînées par des pivots rotatifs traversant des fentes de la surface de jeu, telles que celles décrites dans le brevet US N° 2 229 232 du 21.01.1941 (Widegren).

The invention provides for the use of several kinds of figurines combined with suitable joining means which can be, for example:

• magnetic figurines orienting themselves automatically in the direction of their travel, such as those described in French patent No. 1,144,513 of March 23, 1956 (Leonardo);
• figurines driven by rotating magnets, such as those described in US Patent No. 2,492,423 of December 27, 1949 (Gray);
• figurines driven by rotary pivots passing through slots in the playing surface, such as those described in US Patent No. 2,229,232 of January 21, 1941 (Widegren).

In games requiring the propulsion of a ball, these figurines can be provided with a beveled base similar to that described in patent FR No. 920 246 of 16.01.1940 (Vanlanthen).

Finally, the invention is completed by several original devices which make it possible to adapt the same device to the particular rules of the various sports, games or imitated shows.

The numerous advantages provided by the invention will be better understood through the following description which refers to the appended drawings which illustrate, without any limiting character, modes of particularization of game of figurines according to the invention.

Figure 1 is a simplified perspective view of a first embodiment of the assembly of drive means according to the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates by a perspective view substantially on the same scale as in FIG. 1, a frame of a game according to the invention which can be used in cooperation with the sets of drive means of FIG. 1.

Figure 3 illustrates in the same way as in Figure 1 a second embodiment of said sets of drive means according to the invention.

Figure 4 illustrates in the same way as in Figure 1 a third embodiment of said sets of drive means according to the invention.

Figure 5 illustrates in the same way as in Figure 1 a fourth embodiment of said sets of drive means according to the invention.

Figure 6 illustrates in partial longitudinal section a particular embodiment of a game according to the invention.

Figure 7 illustrates in cross section another embodiment of a game according to the invention.

Figure 8 illustrates in cross section another embodiment of a game according to the invention.

Figure 9 illustrates in partial plan view, a particular embodiment of the drive means and the frame according to the invention.

Figures 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b illustrate in sections and plans some details of embodiment of figurines used with games according to the invention.

In Figure 1, there are shown located inside a frame 9 whose envelope is shown in dotted lines, several means of driving a set of movable figures according to the invention.

To improve the clarity of this figure, a single set has been drawn completely, the other sets being drawn partially.

We see in Figure 1 that according to the invention a set of drive means comprises in this embodiment two longitudinal elements 11₆ and 11₈ substantially parallel, which each have on their upper face connecting means 1 with figurines.

We see that each of said longitudinal elements 11₆, 11₈ is connected via a vertical element 14, rigidly, to a transverse element 12, which can slide in a transverse slide 16, which transverse slide 16 is itself mounted in this embodiment via a second vertical spacer 17 on a support which can slide itself inside a longitudinal slide 18 which extends substantially over the entire length of said frame; it can be seen in this figure that the clearance and said frame are provided with a median transverse axis M3-M4 and a median longitudinal axis M1-M2. It can also be seen that said longitudinal elements extend parallel and are spaced apart in a substantially regular manner in said longitudinal direction of said clearance.

For reasons of clarity, there has been shown only for the assembly described above, said vertical and transverse elements and the corresponding guide means, which have not been shown for the other longitudinal elements marked 11₁ to 11₅ and 11₇ which are shown in this figure.

It will nevertheless be readily understood that in this embodiment, said longitudinal elements 11₁ and 11₃ are themselves connected to a transverse element which can be actuated by a handle situated on the side opposite to said clearance relative to the observer looking at this figure, from same as the longitudinal elements 11₂ and 11₄ are connected to another transverse element not shown and provided with a control handle also not shown, just as said longitudinal elements 11₅ and 11₇ are themselves connected to a transverse element identical to said element 12 , and connected to a handle identical to the handle 13 and located on the same side as the latter with respect to said clearance; we see that according to the invention and thanks to the longitudinal sliding means which are provided for each of said sets of said drive means of said figurines, each of said sets can slide thanks to a slot 6 provided in the lateral longitudinal sides of said frame which allows the sliding of said control handle connected to said transverse element 12 so that, during this movement, said longitudinal elements can cross and so that the figures which are driven by means of said joining means can also cross; advantageously, the distance 53 measured along a longitudinal axis of said clearance which constitutes the possible stroke for said elements of said drive means, allows each of said joining means and therefore each of said figurines to cover a distance which can be substantially equal to the half the length of said set; moreover, due to the possibility of sliding transverse of said transverse element 12 with respect to said transverse slide 16 which can be carried out on a stroke 54 corresponding substantially to the width of said bands or said spans in which said figurines can move, it is possible thanks to the invention to obtain an equivalent movement of these figurines.

We see in Figure 2 that in the embodiment of the frame 9 corresponding to the elements of said drive means of Figure 1, said frame comprises said slots 6 arranged in said longitudinal side walls of said frame and advantageously comprises a central cross member 7 on which rest angles 15 which advantageously have a U-shaped profile, which extend substantially over a length equal to half the length of said frame and which have a solid face along their said length and which are arranged alternately from side and on the other of said median transverse axis M3-M4, when one moves along it.

In Figure 3, there is shown in a similar manner to Figure 1, another embodiment of said sets of said drive means; it can be seen that in this embodiment, each of said assemblies (only one of which is entirely shown in this figure in order to improve the clarity thereof) comprises said longitudinal element 28 which is produced by a beam having substantially a U-shaped profile and which is connected to a vertical spacer 27 which is substantially a beam with the same profile as said longitudinal element 28; said vertical element 27 is itself rigidly connected to an external transverse slide 26 which extends parallel to said median transverse axis M3 M4; in this embodiment, a rod or longitudinal bar 21 is provided, which can slide transversely inside said U-profile of said longitudinal element 28, which rod 21 carries said joining means 1 allowing the drive of said figures, which bar or profile 21 extending along a longitudinal axis parallel to said axis M1-M2 and is rigidly connected to a vertical bar 24 substantially of the same profile as said bar 21, which can itself slide transversely in said profile 27; it can be seen that two of said vertical bars 24 can be rigidly connected to an internal transverse rod 22 which can slide transversely inside said transverse slide 26; we also see that a handle 13 is provided at the end of said transverse rod so as to allow the manipulation of said drive means by said players; said transverse rod 22 crosses said longitudinal side faces of said frame 9 thanks to said slots provided therein, which allows the displacement of said sets of said drive means of figurines over said lengths of longitudinal displacement 53 and which also allows the displacement of said bars 21. 24, 22 of a transverse stroke 54 relative to said elements 28, 27, 26, which allows the movement of said figurines in said transverse and longitudinal directions.

In Figure 4 are shown sets of drive means according to the invention having a structure similar to those shown in Figure 3 but in which each of said handles 23 is associated with a single longitudinal bar 21 carrying said connecting means 1 with said figurines; we see that in this embodiment, a first set of drive means comprises said longitudinal element 28₁, said vertical element 27₁, said external transverse element 26₁ and that said longitudinal bar 21₁ can slide transversely relative to said longitudinal element 28₁ as said bar 21₁ is rigidly connected to said bar 24₁ which is linked to said transverse bar 22₁, at one end of which is located said handle 23₁; it can be seen that a second set of drive means comprising said handle 23₂, said internal transverse rod 22₂, and said longitudinal element 28₂ in which a longitudinal bar 21₂ can slide is also provided, the two sets of said drive means described below above, being situated on the same side of said median longitudinal axis of said set, said vertical and transverse elements of said two assemblies being of different value, said assembly provided with means marked with an index 1 being provided with said vertical and transverse elements of larger dimension that said second assembly provided with means identified with an index 2 in this figure; we also see that two of said slots 6₁ and 6₂ are provided which respectively allow passage through said lateral longitudinal flank of said frame, said transverse rods 22₁ and 22₂ and which allow the longitudinal sliding of these rods and said sets of corresponding drive means , and that also allow action on said drive means by said handles 23₁ and 23₂.

In Figure 5, there is shown another embodiment of said sets of said figurine drive means, in which two sets shown below left in this figure are provided with vertical and transverse elements of different lengths so as to allow their relative movement and their crossing during their longitudinal displacements, in which said upper longitudinal element which constitutes a kind of cradle 38 is provided with rotary magnets 45 which are fixed on a support which can rotate relative to a substantially vertical axis as well as the 'indicate the arrows in this figure, said rotary supports 45 being able to be driven in rotation by virtue of substantially horizontal belts 31 extending generally along said longitudinal axis of said set, which belts 31 can be moved by the intermediate return pulleys located inside said verti elements blocks formed here by a hollow external spacer 37, of substantially square profile, which belts can also be set in motion by means of a rotary handle 33 which can rotate a rotary transverse rod 32; it can be seen in this figure that each of said upper elements 38 is rigidly connected by its rear end 38a to said vertical spacers 37, which vertical spacer is connected to a transverse slide 36 which partially surrounds at least said transverse rotary rod 32, and that the free end 38b of said longitudinal cradles 38 of two sets located in said adjacent longitudinal spans (or bands), can cross during their longitudinal movements according to arrows F1 and F2.

• les tringles longitudinales 11 placées immédiatement sous la surface de jeu amagnétique 19, et en contact constant avec cette surface;
• les tringles transversales 12, dont l'extrémité extérieure se termine par les boutons de commande manuels 13;
• les tringles verticales 14 reliant, d'une façon rigide et orthogonale, l'une des extrémités des tringles 11 aux tringles 12;
• les aimants permanents 1 affleurant à la face supérieure des tringles 11, et en contact constant avec la surface de jeu 19 de façon à entraîner les aimants permanents cylindriques 2 posés sur la surface de jeu;
• les embases 3 des figurines, ces embases comportant à l'avant (comme illustré Figure 10) une alvéole dans laquelle est logé librement un aimant 2 retenu par une collerette circulaire 4, et comportant à l'arrière, un lest 5 dont l'effet est d'augmenter l'adhérence de la face arrière de l'embase sur la surface de jeu; cette disposition a pour but d'obliger les figurines ou maquettes à s'orienter automatiquement dans le sens de leur marche 6₁ et ce, en tournant librement autour de l'aimant tracteur 2 à la manière d'une remorque autour de son pivot d'amarrage selon les flèches 6₂;
• les fentes 6 ouvertes sur chacun des côtés du jeu, et sur la moitié de la longueur du bâti 9, pour guider le coulissement des boutons (non représentés);
• les cornières fixes 15 en U supportant les tringles mobiles 11, étant remarqué qu'à leur position de départ représentée à la figure 6, les tringles 11 ne posent sur les cornières 15 que par leur extrémité libre;
• la traverse médiane 7 supportant les cornières fixes 15, celles-ci s'ouvrant sous la ligne de centre de la surface de jeu pour se terminer, alternativement, à l'une ou l'autre des extrémités du bâti 9.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 6 and seen in perspective in Figure 1, we observe:

• the longitudinal rods 11 placed immediately under the non-magnetic playing surface 19, and in constant contact with this surface;
• the transverse rods 12, the outer end of which ends with the manual control buttons 13;
• the vertical rods 14 connecting, rigidly and orthogonally, one of the ends of the rods 11 to the rods 12;
• the permanent magnets 1 flush with the upper face of the rods 11, and in constant contact with the playing surface 19 so as to drive the cylindrical permanent magnets 2 placed on the playing surface;
• the bases 3 of the figurines, these bases comprising at the front (as illustrated in FIG. 10) a cell in which is freely housed a magnet 2 retained by a circular collar 4, and comprising at the rear, a ballast 5 whose effect is to increase the adhesion of the rear face of the base on the playing surface; the purpose of this arrangement is to force the figurines or models to orient themselves automatically in the direction of their 6₁ travel and this, by freely rotating around the tractor magnet 2 in the manner of a trailer around its pivot mooring according to arrows 6₂;
• the slots 6 open on each side of the game, and on half the length of the frame 9, to guide the sliding of the buttons (not shown);
• the fixed angles 15 in U supporting the movable rods 11, it being noted that in their starting position shown in FIG. 6, the rods 11 only rest on the angles 15 by their free end;
• the middle cross member 7 supporting the fixed angles 15, these opening under the center line of the playing surface to end, alternately, at one or the other of the ends of the frame 9.

Note that the length of the longitudinal rods 11 does not exceed half the length of the frame 9 and that, as can be seen in Figure 1, the length of the transverse rods 12 does not exceed half the width of this built.

On the other hand, Figure 1 also shows that the internal width of the fixed angles 15 is at least twice as large as the external width of the longitudinal rods 11, which allows them to move transversely inside the longitudinal angles 15.

• des coulisseaux transversaux 16 guidant lesdites tringles transversales 12;
• des coulisseaux longitudinaux 18 fixés au fond du bâti 9 pour servir de guides aux flèches longitudinales 8;
• des entretoises verticales 17 reliant lesdits coulisseaux 16 auxdites flèches longitudinales 8.

In this arrangement, it is necessary, to avoid blocking of the mechanism, to restrain the rods 11 as well as the rods 12 and 14 to remain constantly parallel to themselves during their movements using, for example, a guide system comprising

• transverse slides 16 guiding said transverse rods 12;
• longitudinal slides 18 fixed to the bottom of the frame 9 to serve as guides to the longitudinal arrows 8;
• vertical spacers 17 connecting said slides 16 to said longitudinal arrows 8.

In this embodiment, the thickness of said angles 15 and of the cross member 7 determines the minimum height of the vertical rods 14, which can therefore be reduced to extremely short junctions, without however being completely eliminated.

Furthermore, the absence of any free space under the playing surface requires, in order to imitate a sport requiring a goalkeeper, the use of external goal posts 41 each equipped with a tilting mannequin 42 which can be operated by buttons.

• les tringles longitudinales 11 sont remplacées par des tringles internes 21 admises à se déplacer latéralement (transversalement) à l'intérieur des berceaux longitudinaux 28, en forme de cornières en U;
• les tringles transversales 12 sont remplacées par des tringles internes 22 guidées à l'intérieur de coulisseaux transversaux 26;
• les tringles verticales 14 sont remplacées par des tringles internes 24 reliant les tringles internes 21 et 22, et par des tringles externes 27 reliant les berceaux 28 aux coulisseaux 26.

In another exemplary embodiment, which includes two variants shown in Fig. 4 on the one hand and Fig. 7 and 9 on the other hand, it is observed, by comparison with the first exemplary embodiment, that the movable rods 11, 12 and 14 were each split as follows:

• the longitudinal rods 11 are replaced by internal rods 21 allowed to move laterally (transversely) inside the longitudinal cradles 28, in the form of U-shaped angles;
• the transverse rods 12 are replaced by internal rods 22 guided inside of transverse slides 26;
• the vertical rods 14 are replaced by internal rods 24 connecting the internal rods 21 and 22, and by external rods 27 connecting the cradles 28 to the slides 26.

In this arrangement, the longitudinal cradles 28 slide between fixed angles 25 in inverted T - or I - which replace the fixed angles 15 in U. These angles 25 extend over the entire length of the frame 9 and are supported in their middle by the cross member 7. The fact that the angles 25 support the cradles 28 over their entire length allows the length to be reduced considerably cradles 28 and rods 21, relative to the length of the rods 11, so as to place, at each end of the frame, a rotary button 44 controlling either a rotary magnet 45 or a rotary sleeve intended to rotate on it- even a figurine in the image of a goalkeeper, such as that shown in Figure 11.

On the other hand, the internal width of said cradles 28 is at least twice as large as the external width of said rods 21, while the external width of these cradles 28 is equal to the spacing existing between two of said fixed reference angles 25 of the contiguous figures 7 and 9.

Thanks to this arrangement, said movable rods 22, 26 and 27 are required to remain constantly parallel to themselves during their movements. In fact, the role assigned to said slides marked 16 and 18 in FIG. 6 is fulfilled here respectively by said slides 26 and by said angles 25.

This feature allows, in a variant, to order all the figurines of each wing of each team by a single button (item 13 in Figure 3) and, in a second variant, to order each row of figures by an individual button (item 23 of Figure 4).

By comparison, the first exemplary embodiment (FIG. 1) allows only a group order of the figurines of each of the wings of each team.

• des arbres rotatifs transversaux 32 commandés par des boutons 33, remplaçant les tringles coulissantes 22 commandées par les boutons 23;
• des doubles rappels d'angle verticaux comportant soit des systèmes de poulies à courroies verticales 34, soit des couples de pignons coniques 10 calés sur des arbres verticaux 20, pour remplacer les tringles 24;
• des trains de poulies à courroies horizontales 31, remplaçant les tringles longitudinales internes 21, pour entraîner la rotation des aimants (repère 45 de la figure 5), ou des manchons rotatifs femelles.

In the third embodiment of Figure 8, which is shown in perspective in Figure 5, it is observed, by comparison with the embodiment of Figures 4, 7 and 9, that said external rods 26, 27, 28 have have been replaced respectively by said slides 36, said spacers 37 and cradles 38, inside which are housed mechanical transmissions such as, in particular:

• transverse rotary shafts 32 controlled by buttons 33, replacing the sliding rods 22 controlled by the buttons 23;
• double vertical angle recalls comprising either pulley systems with vertical belts 34, or pairs of bevel gears 10 wedged on vertical shafts 20, to replace the rods 24;
• trains of pulleys with horizontal belts 31, replacing the internal longitudinal rods 21, to drive the rotation of the magnets (reference 45 of FIG. 5), or of the rotary female sleeves.

The magnets 45 can either be constituted by a single North / South magnet or by two North / South and South / North magnets joined together (FIG. 11) to drive magnets with complementary magnetization 47 housed in the bases of the figurines and arranged in their axis of rotation.

The rotation and the rectilinear displacements of the magnets 45 and 47 on either side of the non-magnetic playing surface 19 are facilitated by small cylindrical pads 48 interposed between said magnets and the playing surface, and arranged along the axis of rotation of these magnets. In fact, experience shows that these pellets considerably reduce the braking caused by the adhesion and friction of the magnets 45/47 on either side of the playing surface 19.

Of course, the use of female rotary sleeves in which the pivots 49 of the figurines such as those shown in FIG. 12 are engaged, requires a playing surface 39 cut with slots 40 open over the entire length of the game.

In the exemplary embodiments of Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5, the longitudinal displacement of said figurines or models over the entire useful length 51 of the playing surface between the limits 52 is obtained by a simple sliding 53 of said buttons 13, 23 , 33, along said guide slots 6.

It is observed that said useful length 51 is approximately equal to said length 53 of said guide slots 6 increased by the length 58 of the rows of figures, which allows them to cover the entire length of the sports field represented on the The free spaces at each end of the device are occupied by the point counters 59 usually used in this kind of games.

In first embodiments, the lateral displacement 54 of the figurines, over the entire width of the corridors longitudinal delimited by the fixed angles 15,25, is obtained by an equivalent transverse movement 54 of the control buttons 13 or 23.

In another exemplary embodiment, the lateral displacement 54 of the figurines is replaced by a rotation 56 of the figurines on themselves, obtained by means of a rotation 57 of the control buttons 33.

FIG. 6 shows how the figurines progress according to the arrows 61, while automatically orienting themselves in the direction of their travel according to the arrows 62, and how the figurines can propel a ball 60 by a succession of passes.

In the devices shown in the drawings, each of the wings of each team has two rows of three magnetic or mechanical junctions each, but it would be possible to use three or even four rows of two or three junctions each. These junction queues would be controlled either by a single button, or by two buttons each controlling one or two queues, or by three or four buttons each controlling a single junction queue. In the latter case, three or four guide slots 6 would be superimposed on each of the halves of the sides of the frame 9, which would preferably require a device mounted on feet like a billiard table.

Of course, the statutory number of figurines suitable for each game or imitated sport will be obtained, in devices comprising, for example 12, 16, 18 or 24 junctions per team, leaving a number of these junctions unused.

It is obvious that figurines such as those presented in Figures 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b and 12a, 12b can be made in the image of various characters, in particular football players (or rugby, American football, hockey), warriors , grenadiers, majorettes, athletes, runners, dancers.

Similarly, models such as those presented in Figures 13a, 13b and 14a, 14b can also be produced in the image of cars, ships, motorized vehicles, robots, spaceships, real animals or imaginary monsters ...

Generally, known games are designed to simulate a single competitive sport, for example football, to the exclusion of all other game. In this case, the fixed playing surface (tablet) 19 or 39 could be directly printed on the regulatory lines of the sport to be imitated.

In order to allow players to simulate, at will, any one of several games or sports, the invention provides an apparatus, such as that of FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, in which the fixed playing surface 19 or 39, which does not bear any lineage or distinctive sign, can be covered by a removable plate 29, these plates being stored at rest in a store 30.

It is obvious that the non-magnetic playing surfaces 19 require non-magnetic removable plates, while the slotted playing surfaces 39 require removable plates pierced with slots superimposable on the slots 40 of the playing surfaces 39.

In board games simulating struggles or combats, the invention provides for the use of two-part models such as those presented in FIGS. 13a, 13b and 14a, 14b. These models include, for example, an infrastructure 82 (horse) or 83 (tank), and a superstructure 84 (rider) or 85 (turret). The superstructure can tilt laterally between transverse guides 86 (saddle) or 87 (cradle of the turret), these guides on the contrary preventing any tilting forwards or backwards. In this way, the game consists, see FIGS. 13a, 13b and 14a, 14b, of maneuvering a model, for example the one on the left, so as to strike laterally the superstructure of an opposing model, the one on the right, by means of the lance 88 or cannon 89, the length of which substantially exceeds the anterior end of the infrastructure.

The devices according to the invention can also be used in the manner of puppet scenes, in which said control buttons as well as said guide slots will be grouped on one side of said frame.

Compared to the examples presented, this arrangement amounts to reducing the device to one of its halves, delimited by a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal median of the game. In this case, the mobile elements under the game are no longer symmetrically arranged. with respect to a vertical axis passing through the center of the device, but with respect to a vertical plane passing through the transverse median of the game.

On the other hand, to make apparatuses allowing individual control of each of the lines of figurines belonging to each wing of each team, the mechanism according to the invention makes it possible to use as many control buttons 23, 33 as there are. necessary (see Figures 4,5,7 and 8), these buttons sliding in slots 6 stepped, from top to bottom, on the sides of the frame 9, in the order in which these rows of figurines are placed from the side edge and up to the longitudinal median of the playing surface, which excludes any overlap between the vertical elements 24, 27, 34 and 37 and the transverse elements 22, 26, 32 and 36, illustrated in FIGS. 4,5,7 and 8 .

Finally, to produce devices simulating American football, the playing field will be advantageously equipped, on one of its sides (as illustrated in FIG. 8), with a graduated rule 66 sliding in a fixed casing 68 to ensure removable numbering terrain lines; on the other side (as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9), a slide 71/72 carrying an indicator arrow 73 to follow the progress of the ball and the teams during the successive phases of the game.

Claims (9)

1. Game with movable figurines which can move over a substantially horizontal board, said game and said board having a median longitudinal axis (M1-M2) and a median transverse axis (M3-M4), said figurines being movable within strips by virtue of driving means arranged under said board, which driving means comprise at least one handle (13, 23, 33) protruding with respect to the lateral longitudinal flanks of the frame (9) of said game, said driving means comprising means for joining them to said figurines, and comprising at least two assemblies which can be moved by players actuating said handles, each one of which assemblies comprises at least one rigid vertical element (14, 27, 37) and at least one rigid transverse element (12, 26, 36) characterized in that said figurines move inside longitudinal strips, said assemblies move in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis and comprise at least one rigid longitudinal element (11, 28, 38), said longitudinal, vertical and transverse elements of one of said assemblies are rigidly connected together and said flanks comprise at least one slot (6) which allows the longitudinal movement of said assemblies over a distance (53) whose value is close to and substantially less than half the length of said frame, and said frame comprises means for the longitudinal guidance of said assemblies.
2. Game according to claim 1, characterized in that said guidance means comprise longitudinal angle irons (25) which are regularly spaced and which delimit between them spans in which said longitudinal elements can slide, and in that each of said longitudinal elements is connected by a rear end (38a) to said vertical element, and in that in each of said spans there is arranged one of said longitudinal elements in such a manner that in two adjacent spans, the free ends (38b) of the corresponding longitudinal elements can pass each other during the longitudinal movement of said corresponding assemblies.
3. Game according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said assembly comprises at least one internal longitudinal link rod (21) which can move in a direction transversal to said game with respect to an external longitudinal cradle which constitutes said longitudinal element (28), which longitudinal link rod is rigidly connected to at least one internal vertical spacing piece (24) which can move in said transversal direction with respect to an external vertical spacing piece which constitutes said vertical element (27), which internal vertical spacing piece is rigidly connected to at least one transverse link rod (22) which can slide in said transversal direction with respect to an external transverse slide which constitutes said transverse element, and in that said internal longitudinal link rod (21) carries said means for joining to said figurines.
4. Game according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that said assembly comprises at least one rotary joining means (45, 46) which can turn about a substantially vertical axis above said longitudinal element, under the action of horizontal belts (31) which are set in motion by said handle via a transverse link rod mounted rotatably (32) with respect to said transverse element, and vertical belts (34) situated in said vertical element (37).
5. Game according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said vertical elements of said assemblies which are situated on the same side with respect to said median transverse axis and which are provided with said protruding handle on the same side of said game, are of different length, and each of said lateral longitudinal flanks of said frame comprises at least two of said slots (6) which are superimposed so that said assemblies can pass each other during their longitudinal movements.
6. Game according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said figures are connected in a removable manner to said joining means of said driving means, and in that said board of said game comprises a game surface (19) covered with an interchangeable removable cover (29).
7. Game according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said joining means are magnetic, said board is non-magnetic and said figurines are each equipped in their base (3) with at least one permanent magnet (2) which can interact with a permanent magnet (1) provided on said longitudinal element of said assembly of said driving means.
8. Game according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said joining means are mechanical and the base (3) of said figurines is connected to said longitudinal element of said driving means by at least one pivot (49) which can traverse said board by virtue of slots (40) provided in the latter.
9. Game according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said game further comprises figurines or models comprising a superstructure (84, 85) which can tip laterally between transverse guides (86, 87) fixed on the base of said figurine, which superstructure is capable of tipping during an impact with another of said figurines during movement of said figurines on the surface of said game.

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