GB323304A - Improvements in or relating to appliances for playing games of skill - Google Patents

Abstract

323,304. Waite, R. T. Oct. 31, 1928. Arresting a moving model by competitive control, apparatus for.-The invention relates to a games apparatus of the type in which each of several players endeavours to arrest a moving object, and consists in providing the players with switches connected to solenoids, an operation of one of the switches at the proper time causing the core of the corresponding solenoid to be suddenly jerked upwards to engage the moving object. The solenoid circuits also remain broken at another point excepting when the object is in a certain position with respect to any particular solenoid, when the corresponding circuit is closed. All the circuits are under the control of a master switch. A miniature hare 6, Fig. 1, attached to a horizontal arm 8 is followed by the representation 5 of a dog attached to an arm 7. The latter arm 7 is secured to a vertical spindle 9 and the former arm 8 is rotatably mounted upon the vertical spindle, the two arms being connected by a spring 19 so that the fixed arm 7 pulls the free arm 8 round with it when the vertical spindle rotates, but should the free arm 8 be arrested, the fixed arm 7, will continue its motion as far as the spring 19 will allow. The free arm 8 may carry an electric bulb 22. The vertical spindle 9 is rotated by any convenient means and its speed may be varied. Each player can operate a switch 10 connected to a conducting arc 11 with which a member 12 depending from the, free arm 8 contacts as that arm revolves. This contacting member 12 is connected to a second similar member 13 which continuously contacts with a metal ring 14, whence the circuits are completed through an adjustable resistance 20 to a master switch and source of power (not shown). Between each switch 10 and its corresponding arc 11 is interposed a solenoid 15 having a core 16 which, if the switch is operated at the correct instant, will be lifted into engagement with a portion 17 of the free arm 8 and thus arrest the latter. If the switch is operated incorrectly, the core 16 rises to its maximum position and then falls to a lower stable position without engaging' with the arm 8. The height to which the core rises can be varied by adjusting the resistance 20. In a modification, Fig. 3, a pointer moves over a scale (not shown) the pointer being fixed to a spindle 24 to which is also secured a drum 26 of non-magnetic material having in its side a series of holes 27. A fixed solenoid 29 has a core which can be jerked into the holes so as to arrest the drum upon the initial completion of a circuit, but if the circuit is made continuously the core will remain in a lower stable position clear of the holes. Each of a number of switches 32 is connected to a separate arc 31, and as the drum and pointer rotate a member 34 connects the arcs each in turn to a ring 30 from which the circuit is completed through the solenoid 29 and master switch 33, so that a correct operation of a switch by a player will arrest the drum. Instead of a pointer, a slotted disc or an illuminated device may be used to indicate to the players the correct times for closing the switches.