GB741131A - An improved table or like game - Google Patents

Abstract

741,131. Tables games. TOOGOOD & JONES, Ltd. Oct. 7, 1953 [July 8, 1952], No. 17120/52. Class 132(2) Apparatus for a table game comprises a horizontal board of non- magnetic sheet. material, two sets of playing pieces, movable over the upper playing surface of the board and each formed by a permanent magnet having one of its poles adjacent the playing surface, the poles adjacent the playing surface in one set of pieces being of opposite polarity to those in the other set and two actuating implements movable in play across the lower face of the board and each having an operative magnetic pole adjacent the lower face of the board, the operative poles of the actuating implements being of opposite polarity and each moving, by the force of attraction, the playing pieces of only one set across the playing surface. As shown, the board 11 of hard-board has an upstanding rim 12 of wood or rubber, short legs 13 to support it on a table and moulded plastic goal nets 16 resting on the playing surface which is marked to represent a football pitch. Two teams of five or eleven distinguishably coloured playing pieces 17, each consisting of a base disc 18 of plastic containing a permanent bar magnet 21 having an exposed pole 22, are selectively manipulated by actuating implements 25 each comprising a handle 31 and a wooden or plastic cylinder 26 drilled axially to receive a permanent bar maget 27 having an exposed pole face 28 which is surrounded by a wooden or plastic rim 29. The magnet in each actuating implement 25 is only slightly larger than the magnet in each playing piece so that each implement 25 can move by attraction only one playing piece at a time to propel a celluloid ball 24. The game may be played by two or more players and by inserting a magnet in the hall the apparatus may be used instructionally. In modification for public use the legs may be detachable and may support the board on the floor, a glass covering being provided and electromagnets operated by the insertion of a coin replacing the permanent magnets. Levelling screws and rubber suctions cups on the legs, to hold the board on the table, may be provided. In further modifications the board may be formed of two layers of transparent material cemented together with a marked sheet between the layers and the bases of the playing pieces may be frusto-conical, the sloping sides being concavely dished on a radius equal to that of the ball. The apparatus may be modified tor horse- and dog-racing, speedway &c.