GB574024A - Improvements in or relating to apparatus for playing games and for amusement purposes - Google Patents

Abstract

574,024. Games ; toys; amusement apparatus. SEARLE, G. R. Nov. 12, 1943, No. 18838. [Classes 132 (i), 132 (ii) and 132 (iii)] [Also in Group XXXV] An apparatus for a toy or for playing a game or for amusement purposes comprises a travel- ;ling member, a track for the travelling member having alternate sections oppositely inclined or having sections inclined in the same direction alternating with horizontal sections, the horizontal sections having means for retarding the travelling member, together with means under the control of an operator for imparting impulses to the travelling member when it is on sections of similar inclination or on a horizontal member. The sectional track 11 carrying rails 12 is supported by brackets 13 adjustably connected to supports 14 by slots 15 and bolts 16. Hollow rectangular formers 25-27 wound with coils 28 connected in circuit with a source of direct current surround the rails 12 on the sections 21-23. The vehicle 29 is adapted to travel on the track 11 through the formers 25-27 and may take the form of a motor car with wheels 30 carried on two axles 31 from which is suspended the soft iron core 32 by bolts 34, or may be a ball travelling in a groove or channel. The sections 17-20 of the track are adjusted so that when the vehicle 29 is placed at the upper end of one of these sections the action of gravity is just sufficient to overcome static friction and cause the vehicle to descend that section but insufficient to cause it to traverse the oppositely inclined or horizontal sections 21-23. Manipulation of the switch at the correct moment energizes the coil 28 and the electric field set up transmits an impulse to the core 32 so that it travels at an uninterrupted speed round the track 11. Alternating current and a non-magnetic core may be used or electromagnets or permanent magnets with electrically or mechanically withdrawn keepers may be substituted for the coils 28. The apparatus may be adapted for use as a race game or associated with coin-freed mechanism or constructed so that passengers may be carried in the vehicle, the passenger having control of the vehicle.