GB502270A - An improved coin freed apparatus for playing a game of skill - Google Patents

Abstract

502,270. Coin-freed game apparatus. TURRALL, W. Nov. 9, 1937, No. 30706. [Class 27] [Also in Group XV] A coin-freed apparatus for a bowling game comprises a plurality of targets adapted to be displaced individually by missiles and when displaced to close the circuits of electrically operated score indicating means, the score indicating means comprising a number of indicators and the targets being arranged in corresponding sets, means being provided to operate automatically a gameended notifying device when an indicator reaches a predetermined or maximum score indication. The balls 13, 14, Fig. 1; after release by coil-freed mechanism, which also energizes an electromagnet to allow the indicator mechanism to zeroize, are taken from a trough 63 and rolled up the table 1 and ramp 22 to drop upon spring-supported targets 2 arranged in triangular formation. The targets have central illuminated discs of different colours so as to divide the targets into four groups associated respectively. with four indicators R, G, A, B, Fig. 3, behind a vertical glass panel 24. When a ball depresses a target an electric contact behind the target is momentarily closed and one of a number of lamps 23 is illuminated as described below, in the corresponding indicator, the indicator B (losing indicator) being also operated when a ball fails to strike any target. The latter operation is effected by a switch as the ball returns over and depresses a flap 21. The balls are continually. returned to the trough 63 for re-use until the player has reached a prize-winning score or has made a predetermined number of losing shots as registered by the indicator B. To effect an indication, the closure of a target contact causes a corresponding electromagnetically-operated switch to rotate and to advance a series of contact arms over contact studs, and on repeated striking of the target to illuminate successively the lamps 23 of the corresponding indicator. At the end of the switch movement a further contact arm on the switch closes a circuit to give an audible and a visible warning that all the lamps of one indicator are illuminated. The circuit of the source of supply for the operating means of the score indicating devices is also broken. To prevent one throw of a ball from operating an indicator more than once, a relay magnet associated with the driving magnets of the rotary switches opens the target contact circuits at each indicating movement of a switch, the normal circuits being re-established when a ball running down the return shoot 15 closes a relay cut-out switch. The balls in passing to the return shoot 15 and rocking the flap 21 close the circuit of a magnet which then momentarily withdraws its armature from a ball-obstructing position across the shoot and allows the previous ball to proceed to the player.