GB2253934A - Coin-freed figure - Google Patents

Abstract

A coin or token-freed figure (e.g. in the form of a boxer) for use in an amusement game has a limb component 7, 8 (Fig 4) movable by a player-operated rotary actuator 23 associated with a locking mechanism 32, 33, 34 (Fig 6) to release and lock movement of the limb component. This locking mechanism comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced locking formations 33 (e.g. in the peripheral surface of a disc 32) which are moved by the rotary actuator 23, and a locking member 34 (e.g. in the form of a pawl) which is movable into and out of engagement with any one of the locking formations 33. A control mechanism is provided so as to control movement of the locking members. This control mechanism will release the locking upon insertion of a coin or token and re-engage the locking mechanism upon expiry of a predetermined period. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO AMUSEMENT GAMES The present invention relates to a figure for use in an amusement game as well as to figures for use in an amusement game.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a coin or token freed figure for use in an amusement game, the figure comprising a limb component moveable by a player operated rotary actuator associated with a locking mechanism to release and lock movement of the limb, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced locking formations moved by said rotary actuator and a locking member which is moveable into and out of engagement with any one of the locking formations so as respectively to lock and release movement of the limb, and a control mechanism for controlling movement of the locking member.

Preferably the locking formations are circumferentially spaced grooves in the peripheral surface of a disc which is rotationally fast with said rotary actuator.

Movement of the rotary actuator may be effected by levers or the like provided on the figure for operation by the player.

The figure may for example be a human-like or robot-like figure in which the limb component is an arm of the figure. Preferably, such a figure comprises two moveable arms, each operated by respective rotary actuators and each associated with a respective locking mechanism. For such a figure having two moveable arms, the two locking members may be mounted on a single bar or the like so as simultaneously to lock or release movement of the arms.

Preferably figures as described in the preceding paragraph are suitable for use in an amusement game intended to simulate a boxing match. In such a game, there would be two of the human-like or robot-like figures (each in the form of a pugilist) each operated by a player of the game. The aim of the game is for a player to operate his/her robot to "swing" punches at the opponents robot. Preferably each such robot is mounted on a base unit which permits omnidirectional movement of the robot on a surface on which the game is played. Such a base may include, for example, ball-bearings which roll on the playing surface to permit said omni-directional movement.

Preferably also, the playing surface is above the level of the floor (on which the players stand) and each robot is associated with a harness which is worn by the players such that bodily movements of the player are transferred to the figure to effect movement thereof across the playing surface.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a two-player amusement game for simulating a boxing match, the game comprising a playing surface a pair of figures each being independently moveable in any direction on the playing surface, each of said figures having at least one arm which is upwardly and downwardly moveable by the player operating that figure, and respective harness means associated with each of said figures, said harness means being for location on the player operating that figure and serving to transmit bodily movement of that player to the figure to effect movement thereof on the surface.

The invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 shows one embodiment of amusement game in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 is a view of one of the robots shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a view of the robot-like figures shown in Fig. 2 but with the head and a body cover removed; Fig. 4 is a detail of the robot, partly in section as viewed in the direction of arrow IV in Fig. 3 but omitted details of the locking member assembly for the purpose of clarity; Fig. 5. is a plan view illustrating details of the locking member assembly; and Fig. 6 is a side view looking generally in the direction of arrow IV in Fig. 5.

As shown in Fig. 1, the amusement game is intended to simulate a boxing match and comprises two figures in the form of robots 1 and 2 which are moveable on a surface 3 surrounded by a protective cage 4. Assess openings 5 are provided in each end of the cage 4 so that players (who stand on the floor) of the game may operate the robots 1 and 2 in the manner to be described.

Referring to Fig. 3, each robot comprises a central spine 5 supported on a base 6 provided with four ball-bearings 7 by means of which the robot structure is able to move in any direction on the surface 3. The robot has two arms 7 and 8 which are independently moveable up and down (see arrows 9 in Fig. 3) about an axis 10 by operation of respective levers 11 and 12 provided on the robot. The ends of the arms 7 and 8 are provided with loops 13 as shown intended to simulate boxing gloves. Additionally, each robot has a head 14 (not shown in Fig. 3) which is pivotally mounted on the spine 5 so as to be moveable about an axis 15. Biassing means (not shown) are provided to maintain the head in the position shown in Fig. 2 but the head is moveable against the bias in the direction of arrow 17.

Located on the front of the head is a U-shaped bracket 18 as shown.

As shown in Fig. 3, a rod 19 with a terminal plate 20 extends at right-angles rearwardly from the lower end of the spine 5. Although not illustrated in the drawings, a player of the game (who stands on the floor outside the cage 4) is fitted with a harness which is affixed to plate 20. The harness is such that bodily movements of the player are "transmitted" to the robot which is able to move (by means of its "roller" feet 7) in any direction on the surface 3. In addition to being provided with a harness, the player holds the levers 11 and 12 (one in each hand) of the robot by means of their hand grips 21. By operating a lever 11 or 12 the respective arm 7 or 8 is caused to move upwardly or downwardly in the direction of arrow 9.The aim of the game is for the robot to be manoeuvred (by bodily movements of the player) into proximity with the opponent's robot and for the arms 7 and 8 to "deliver a punch" onto the U-shaped bracket 18 on the head of the opponent's robot. If the blow is struck correctly, then the head 15 of the robot will pivot backwardly (arrows 17) and a sensor (not shown) will award a pre-determined number of points to the player whose robot has delivered the punch. The mounting of the head may be such as to incorporate an over-centre mechanism such that, if the punch is above a "certain force" the head is knocked so far back that it does not return to the position shown in Fig. 2. In such a condition, it can be considered that the opposing robot has struck a "knock-out blow" and the game may end.

Reference is now made to Figs. 3-5 to describe the mounting of the arms 7 and 8 on the robot. As shown in Fig. 4, two colinear shafts 22 are fixed to, and extend at right-angles from, opposite sides of the spine 5. Rotatably mounted on each shaft 22 is a boss 23 which, whilst being rotatable about shaft 22, has only limited axial movement therealong.

The arms 7 and 8 are mounted on plates 24 fixed to the outer ends of the bosses 23. It will thus be appreciated that rotation of bosses 23 about the shaft 22 will causes movement of the arms 7 or 8 in the direction of arrow 9.

Also fixed to each boss 23 is a depending arm 25. One of the arms 25 is associated with the lever 11 and the other is associated with the lever 12. More specifically, the end of lever 11 or 12 remote from the handle 21 is pivotally attached to the lower end of the respective arm 25. Thus, in the view illustrated in Fig. 4, the levers 11 and 12 come out of the paper. Referring specifically to Fig. 3, it will be seen that the levers 11 and 12 pass through apertures 26 in a support 27 provided on the back of the spine 5. Springs 28 are provided to bias the levers 11 and 12 to a central position.

It will thus be appreciated that movement of the levers to and fro through the apertures 26 causes the lower end of arms 25 to move in and out of the paper (as viewed in Fig. 4) and thus effect rotation of the respective boss 23 with corresponding movement of the arms 7 or 8. To prevent too violent a movement being imparted to the arms 7 and 8, dampers 29 (see Fig. 1) are provided between a shoulder 30 (see Fig. 3) and an elbow 31.

It is intended that each robot will be coin operated and thus each robot will have its own coin box (not shown) with associated coin release mechanism. There will now be described the mechanism by which the robot is immobilised until such time as the required monetary amount has been inserted into its coin box. The principles of the immobilisation mechanism are illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5. As shown in Fig. 4, the inner end of each boss 23 is affixed to a disc 32 having a plurality of equiangularly spaced slots 33 around its peripheral surface. The disc 32 effectively provides a ratchet wheel for which there is a complementary pawl 34 (see Fig. 5). Prior to the monetary amount being inserted in the coin box, the pawl 34 engages within a slot 33 so as to prevent rotation of the disc 32. As such, the arms 7 and 8 cannot be moved.Once the required monetary amount has been inserted in the coin box, a control mechanism causes the pawl 34 to be withdrawn from the slot 33 so that the levers 11 and 12 may be operated to move the arms 7 and 8. A timing mechanism (not shown) allows the pawl to be maintained in the withdrawn position for a predetermined length of time (ie. the allotted duration of the game), after which the pawl is moved back to the position illustrated in Fig.

5 to immobilise the robot's arms.

It will be appreciated that there are two pawls 34 (one for each disc 32). The two pawls 34 are carried on a bar 35 which is moveable to and fro in the direction of arrows 36 to effect engagement or release (as the case may be) of the pawl 34 with the disc 32.

The movement of the bar 35 is effected by the mechanism shown in Fig. 7. This mechanism is provided on the front of the spine 5 (as opposed to the bar 35 which is provided at the rear side of the spine).

The mechanism comprises an actuator 36 which is operated by signals sent along a line 37 from a timing mechanism (not illustrated). The actuator 36 has an output which is arranged to effect pivotal movement of a lever 38 in the direction of arrows 39. This lever 38 is pivotally connected (at the end remote from actuator 36) to a rod 40 which extends through the spine 5 from the front side thereof (as illustrated in Fig. 7) to the rear side (as illustrated as in Fig. 6). The actuator 36 (which may be a solenoid) is capable of effecting to-andfro axial movement of said rod 40. This rod 40 is externally threaded and as explained, extends through the spine 5 from the front side to the rear side thereof.At the rear side of the spine, the rod passes with clearance through a yolk 41 fixed to the rear side of the spine 5 and is extended to pass with clearance through an aperture in the bar 35. A nut 42 is provided on the rod 40 and a coil spring 43 is provided around the rod between the nut 42 and the bar 35. On the side of rod 40 remote from spring 43, is an elongate collar 44 which is retained in position by a short bar 45 passing transversely through the end of rod 40. At its end remote from bar 45, the collar 44 engages against the face of the bar 35.

At the outer ends of the bar 35 are mounted actuating rods 46 which extend through bushes 47 provided on the yolk 42. It is at the ends of the actuating rod 46 that the pawls 34 are provided.

Assume now that the pawls 34 are in the position illustrated in Fig. 5, ie. they engage the discs 33. The arms 7 and 8 of the robot are therefore immobilised. When the required monetary amount has been inserted in the coin box, the servo mechanism 36 is actuated so that rod 40 is caused to move through the spine 5 in a direction from the front to the rear thereof. As a result, the bar 35 is moved rearwardly so that its associated pawls 34 disengage from the discs 32.

Conversely, when the allotted time for the game is over, the timing mechanism operates the servo mechanism 36 so that the rod 40 moves through the spine in a direction from the rear to the front thereof.

This causes collar 44 to push the bar 35 towards the rear of the spine so that the associated pawls 34 once more come into engagement with the discs 32.

It should be noted that the free ends of the pawls 34 may be shaped such that, when engaged with the disc 32, the disc 32 is still capable of rotation in one direction to allow the arms 7 and 8 to "fall" under gravity.

Claims (24)

1. A coin or token freed figure for use in an amusement game, the figure comprising a limb component moveable by a player operated rotary actuator associated with a locking mechanism to release and lock movement of the limb, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced locking formations moved by said rotary actuator and a locking member which is moveable into and out of engagement with any one of the locking formations so as respectively to lock and release movement of the limb, and a control mechanism for controlling movement of the locking member.

2. A figure as claimed in claim 1 comprising a pair of independently moveable limb components moveable by respective play operated rotary actuators each associated with a locking mechanism.

3. A figure as claimed in claim 2 wherein the limb components are mounted on respective rotary members which are rotationally mounted on an upright support.

4. A figure as claimed in claim 3 wherein said rotational members extend at 1800 to each other from said support.

5. A figure as claimed in claim 4 wherein the rotational axes of said rotary members are generally co-linear.

6. A figure as claimed in claim 4 or 5 wherein said rotary members are mounted on respective shafts extending from said support.

7. A figure as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein said limb components are mounted at distal ends of said rotary members.

8. A figure as claimed in claim 7 wherein said locking formations are provided at adjacent ends of said rotary members.

9. A figure as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein said locking members are moveable by a common control mechanism.

10. A figure as claimed in claim 9 wherein said locking members are mounted on a common support member which is moveable by said control mechanism.

11. A figure as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 8 wherein said locking members are mounted on a common support member which is moveable by a common control mechanism to bring said locking members into and out of engagement with said locking formations.

12. A figure as claimed in claim 11 wherein said support member is mounted on an elongate actuator member which extends through said upright support, and said actuator member is operated by a drive mechanism provided on the opposite side of said upright support to said support member.

13. A figure as claimed in claim 12 wherein said drive mechanism comprises a solenoid operatively connected to said actuator member by a linkage mechanism.

14. A figure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein said locking formations are provided in the peripheral surface of a disklike member.

15. A figure as claimed in claim 14 wherein said locking formations are axially parallel slots.

16. A figure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein said the or each locking member and the associated locking formations provide a ratchet and pawl mechanism permitting unidirectional movement of the associated limb component.

17. A figure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein said figure is human-like or android-like figure having at least one arm provided by a said limb component.

18. A figure as claimed in claim 17 which is a pugilist.

19. A figure as claimed in claim 18 having a pivotally mounted head.

20. A figure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein the or each rotary actuator is fast with a lever which is pivotally connected to a linearly moveable player operable handle whereby linear movement of said handle effects movement of said limb component.

21. A figure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 having a base provided with rotatable supports adapted to allow omnidirectional movement of said base on a support surface.

22. A two-player amusement game for simulating a boxing match, the game comprising a playing surface a pair of figures each being independently moveable in any direction on the playing surface, each of said figures having at least one arm which is upwardly and downwardly moveable by the player operating that figure, and respective harness means associated with each of said figures, said harness means being for location on the player operating that figure and serving to transmit bodily movement of that player to the figure to effect movement thereof on the surface.

23. A coin or token-freed figure for use in an amusement game substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

24. A two-player amusement game for simulating a boxing match substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.