US1559120A - Toy race course - Google Patents

Description

t- 7,.1925- v F. L. MILLS TOY RACE COURSE Filed April 12 192 3 Sheets-Sheet l T Z :3 a. AZ 5 B W! H .E@ SE E Z l r T AQ Q wJ Mv h. N 5%,. E I. Q QQQ/ E I A 1 Z mnv H/Q .0 W Ed I MN Oct. 27, 1925. 1,559,120

F, L. MILLS TOY mm; counsn Filed April 12 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 llllllllli llllllllll Wad %7Z6,

F. L. MILLS 'TOY RACE COURSE Filed April 12 1924 3 Sheets-sheaf 5 212226717071, j radifli/Z Patented Oct. 2 7, 1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT JOEFICE.

FRED L. HILLS, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR 'I'O MILLSNOVELTY COMPANY, OF

' CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

TOY RACE COURSE.

Application filed April 12, 1924. tserlal No. 706,058.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRED L. MILLs, a citizen of the United States, residing at Oak Park, in the county of Cook and State of 5 Illinois, have invented a new and use ful Improvement in Toy Race Courses, of which the following is a specification.

.This invention relates particularly to a toy race course and to means for controlling the operation thereof. The control ispreferably efi'ected through the medium of a musical instrument, and such musical instrument is preferably of the automatic or semi-automatic type such as a player-piano,

an automatic violin machine, a console machine, etc.

Musical machines of the type referred to are on the market, known as the Mills machines. Machines of this character areillustrated in various Letters Patent of the United States, among which may be mentioned Sandell Patent. 807,871, granted Dec.

19, 1905, Sandell Patent 855,021, granted May 28, 1907, Sandell Patent 856,604, granted June 11, 1907, Sandell Patent 1,045,444,

granted Now-26, 1912.

Generally stated, the invention comprises a series of independently movable racingbodies, dummies, or racers, such as horses,

. automobiles, bicycles, or the like; and per mutation actuating-means for said racers.

The actuating means for the device ma be controlled in any suitable manner. Pre erably, however, it. is controlled'by a coin-' controlled member of an automatic music machine; and, preferably, the race course is provided with a sequence-changing device which is controlled by note-playing, or notesounding means of an automatic, or semiautomatic, musical instrument. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, the racer employed has the form of a horse and rider; the racers are mounted on endless tracks; and the permutable actuating means for the racers comprises a relatively fast niovin permutation-belt equipped with a plurality. of longitudinal series of raceractuating members adapted to permutably which they move across the area of vision,

and a relatively slow-moving endless ositioning-belt which carries a'member w ch is adapted. to engage all ofthe racers and engage the racers and vary the sequence in,

return them to the initial end of the field of vision and place'them in position to be permutably engaged by such members of the permutation-belt as maychance to come into position opportunely to engage and advance i the racers across the field of vision.

The belts mentioned are of. different lengths and so cooperate as to change the combination or sequence ineach operation of the device. fected, however, themselves follow a certain sequence, or cycle of sequences. It is preferred, therefore, to provide means for varying the movements of the two belts withrelation to'each" other. Preferably, this is effected by providing means for interrupting the movement of the positioningbelt, and controlling the operation of this sequence-changing through the medium of the note-playing mechanism, or notevcontrolling mechanism, of a musical instrument. In this manner, the sequence-chang -ing device may be controlled simply and variably 'by utilizing the playing action which corresponds with the playing. of a certain note of a piece of music.

The invention is illustrated in its pre- The permutations thus efferred embodiment in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 represents a side elevational view of the improved device, a fragment of the cabinet of a self-playing musical instru-v ment being shown in connection therewith; Fig. 2, a portion of the development of the permutation belt, this view showing also a portion of the racer-positioning belt and the member actuated thereby; 'Fi 3,

another portion of the development 0 said ermutation-belt; Fig. 4, an enlarged broen rear elevational view of the left hand rtionof the mechanism shown in Fig. 1; ig. 5, a plan view of. the mechanism shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 6, a fragmentary view showing a slightly modified form of a bar constituting a race track; and'Fig. a view which is diagrammatic in its nature, and which will facilitate an understanding of .the operation of the mechanism and the electric circuits thereof.

In the embodiment illustrated, A represents the frame of the race course; B, the race tracks forming a part of said frame; G, the permutation-belt employed; D, the

- ed; E a drum secured on the shaft E and upon which one end of the permutation-belt C is mounted; H, a shaft journalled at the opposite end of the frame and equipped with a drum H upon which the correspondingend of the belt C is mouted; I, a shaft journalled in the end of the frame beyond the shaft H and equipped with a drum or wheel I upon which one end of the belt D is mounted; J, a magnet controlling the clutch F; K, a motor-circuit-controlling switch which is controlled by a closing magnet K and an opening magnet K L, a switch controlling the circuit of the clutchshifting magnet J, and which is operated by a circuit-closing magnet L and a 011'- cuit-opening magnet L M,-a portion of the note-playing means of a self-playing musical instrument, specifically a tracker-bar of such an instrument; M, a note-sheet controlling the playing of themusical instrument; N, a. switch controlling the electric circuits shown; and N, a coin-controlled member which serves as a means for closing the switch N when a coin, or slug, is charged into the machine through a coin chute N The improved device preferably is mounted in the cabinet of an automatic or semiautomatic playing musical instrument. For example, the device may be mounted in the cabinet of a self-playing piano, the playing of which is controlled through the medium of a note sheet, a tracker bar, and circuitcontrolling contacts co acting therewith. An illustration of such an arrangement is given in the accompanying drawings, However, the improved device may be mounted in the cabinet of an automatic stringed instrumentmachine; it may be mounted in the cabinet of a machine provided with stringed instruments of the viol class which are operated or played from a console; or the improved device may be mounted in the cabinet of an ordinary hand-played machine operated through the medium of a keymanual.

.opening A which may be covered with a transparency, such as a plate of glass A. The view-opening A represents the field circuit was broken when the racers reached the position shown.

The racers are designated by the numerals 1 to 6 inclusive. The corrresponding actuating members of these several racers for the race illustrated are designated 1 to 6 inelusive in F ig. 2; and the corresponding race tracks, of the series of tracks B are designated in Fig.- 5 as 1 to 6 inclusive, the front, or near track, 1 appearing also in Fig. 1.

Each track comprises'an endless bar having an upper member 7, a lower member 7*, a curved initial end 7", and a curved final end 7, these loops completing the trackcircuit. The curves 7 b and 7 are struck from the centers I and G, respectively, these centers being somewhat below the plane of the centers of the shafts E and H, which are the centers for the permutation-belt C.

In the illustration given, each racer is shown as representing the figure of a horse and rider. Each racer is movable independently of the other racers. The racer 1, for example, is mounted so as to be capable of moving freely on the track rail 1". Thus, the front feet of the horse are shown mounted on a member 8 which is equipped with rollers 8 which engage the upper and lower edges of the track. The .rear feet of the horse are shown mounted 'on a member 9 equipped with a roller 10 which engages the outer edge of the track. Connected with the lower end of the member 10 is a trigger, or catch-member, 11 which is of an angular form and which has its elbow portion equipped with a roller 11 which engages the inner edge of the track. The depending arm 11 of the member 11 is adapted to be engaged by an actuating member of the permutation-belt C. It may also be engaged by a member 13 carried by the positioning-belt D. A spring 12 serves tohold the roller 11 in engagement with the inner edge of the track. The construction is of a design adapted to permit the racers to move about the curved ends of the track without binding or becoming jammed thereon.

The racer actuating member 1" which has been designated by reference characters in Figs. 1 and 2, is one of a longitudinal series of such members with which the permutation-belt C is equipped. Any one of these members 1 may serve to actuate the racer 1, depending upon the combination which chances to be in effect during a race. In a similar manner, the permutation-belt is provided with a longitudinal series of actuating members 2 a longitudinal series of actuating members 3 etc. These several lon- .is a staggered one, and may be varied, in any desired manner, 1n the manufacture of the permutation-belt.

The permutation-belt C may be of any do sired'material. It may, for example, comprise an endless light metal band.

The belt D may comprise an endless metal tape, if desired. It is equipped at one point with a -racer actuating member 13. This member is shown as consisting of a light bar of metal which has one end portion 13 secured to the belt D, a portion 13 rising therefrom, a cross-bar portion 13 which is disposed in a high enough plane to avoid contact with the racer actuators mounted on the permutation-belt C, an offset arm 13, and an upturned arm 18 which is equipped witha roller 13 which engages the rear track 6", and thus supports the. freeend of the member 13.

It will be noted that the'upper portion 7 of the track is close enough to the upper .side of the permutation-belt to enable the racer actuators 1", 2, etc., to engage the triggers, or catches, of the racers. On the other hand,. the lower portion 7 of the track is removed so far from the lower. side of the permutation-belt that the racer actuators of the permutation-belt cannot engage the fingers, or catches, of the racers during the return movement of the racers at the underside ot the course. This result is accomplished by setting the centers G and I below the centers E and H.

' The motor E may be of any. suitable type.

The clutch F serves normally to clutch the pulley or sprocket wheel F to the shaft E. The clutch is engaged by a clutch-shifting lever 14 which is mounted on a pivot 14 and which has its free end within the range of action .of the clutch-shifting magnet J. lVhenever a certain'note of the musical instrument is struck, as occurs, for example, when contact 18 engages the tracker-bar M to energize the circuit 18 which causes the striking of the note in a well-known manner, the magnet J (assuming its circuit to be closed) is energized and disconnects the sprocket wheel F from the shaft E for an instant of greater or less duration, depending upon the length pf the note. When the fimagnet J is' de-energized, the clutch is returned to the clutching position by'means of a spring 15 (Fig. 5).

The circuits and the method of operation will best be understood from the diagrammatic view shown in Fig. 7, in which the parts are given reference characters corresponding with those employed in the other figures. The mains of the electric circuit are designated 16 and 17. Themain 16 has branches 16 and 16 which are electrically connected with the metal frame A. The branch 16 has a sub-branch 16 leading to one end of i the circuit-closing magnet K and a branch.- 16 lead ng to the switch K. 'A branch 16 of the positive side of-the circuit also leads to the metal trackerbar, or. roll M.

A negative main 17 has a branch 17 leading to-one side of the motor E, and has a branch 17" leading to one of the inembers'of the switch N. N ole-controlling contacts which cooperate with the tracker-bar M are f designated 18,. These members have circuits 18 which control the playing of the notes of the musical instrument. these contacts, corresponding with a certain note, has connected .therewith a conductor 16 which leads to one end of the clutchcontrolling magnet J. On the other end of the magnet J, a conductor17 leads to a contact 19 which cooperates with the switch L. From the switch L a conductor 17 connects with the branch 17. From the conductor 17, a branch 17 leads to one end'of the magnet L. y e

The switch K cooperates with a contact point 20 which is connected 'b a branch 16 with one side of the motor The switch K is adapted to remain in either position after being actuated by either magnet.

The circuit is provided with a contact point 21 which is adapted to be connected with the positive side of the circuit by means of a switch 22 which has an actuating member 22*? which .is adapted to be moved to close the circuit by meansofan actuating member 23 secured to the belt I). Fig. 7 shows the position after the switch 22 has been closed to energize the magnet K and to interrupt the motor circuit. After such action, the switch 22 returns to the open, position. l

.From the contact 21, a branch 16 extends to one end of the magnet K and a branch One of 16 extends to one end of the magnet L. On the other end of the magnet K? a branch 17 extends to the branch 17 of the negative main. .With the branch 17' there is connected a branch 17 which connects" with one end of the magnet L WVith the other end of the magnet L there is. connected a branch 16 which leads to a contact point 24 which is adapted to be connected with the positive side of the circuit through the medium of a switch 25 which is equipped with an actuating member 25. The swltch 25 is adapted to be closed when the member 23 on the belt D engages the member 25. Vhen this occurs, the circuit oftlie magnet L will. be energized. This will move the end of the course to the end of the race (illustrated in Fig. 1). In the illustration given, the clutch-shifting magnet J can energized as often as the note wlnch controls the actuation of the magnet J is struck during the playing of the musical instrument, but only during that portion of the cycle while the racers are moving from the position shown in Fig. 1 through one-half of the circuit. It is noted, however, that the racer-positioning member 13 does not come into contact with the racers while they are moving from the position shown in 1 to the transversely alined position at the final end of the range of action of the permutation-belt C. Without some provision for interrupting the circuit of the magnet J, it might happen that the belt I) would not bring the member 23 into position to interrupt the motor circuit and stop the race while the racers are within the range of act-ion of the device C. When the clutch is disconnected, the belt D stops "for a moment, while the permutation-belt C continues to move. The result of these stoppages is to change the permutation. That is, the permutation will not follow any regular cycle, such as it might follow if one depended merely u n the normal movements or" the two belts and D to effect the change. Every stoppage of the belt D means a laggin of the racers in their return t the initial. end of the track; and, since the permutation-belt U continues to move, there is no way of determining which actuating members on the pernm-tation-belt will engage the racers when the racers are brought into the range of action of the actuating members on the permutation-belt.

The switch N controls the starting of the motor (not shown) of the musical instrument. in a well known manner. This switch also controls the circuits of the racing device. which have been described. However,

iSi it possible, while the musical instrument continues its playing, for the racing device to be actuated a number of times. This may be accomplished by dropping a coin into the instrument and actuating the switch N whenever it is desired to see the race.

The operation of the device may be r estated briefly. \Vhen a coin, or slug, closes the switch N, a circuit is established from lit-he positive main 16 through the magnet K, from thence through a branch 17 to the switch, and from the switch through the branch 17 to the negative main 17. This causes the magnet K to close the switch K and permit current to pass through the mo- 'tor E. The motor operates until the membegins. They may, for example, be located, as represented in Fig. 1. They are carried by the permutation-belt to the left end of the device, as viewed in Fig. 1. After they pass the range of action of the mutationbelt, they are in transverse ahnement and remain idle until they are engaged by the racer actuating member 13 mounted on the belt D. They are then moved about the end of the race track and returned at the underside of the race track, and finally brought again to the initial end of the track within the range of action of the permutation-belt and carried to the end of the race, which corresponds, in a general way, with the position of the racers, shown in Fig.1.

During a portion of the cycle, the positioning-belt may be stopped momentarily, from time to time. Such stoppages occur when the note controlling the circuit of the magnet J is struck, provided the switch is in the closed position; and the switch ii is in the closed position, in the illustration given, while the racers are moved from the position shown in "Fig. 1 through one-half of the circuit.

i /'hen the racers are carried to the upper portion of the race course, by the positioning-belt, they are brought, in alined relation, across the initial end of the permutation-belt, and are picked up, one after the other, by the projections on the permutation-belt. The sequence, or order, in which the racers move across the field of vision, is varied, however, and such variation is affected, from time to time, by the operation of the musical instrument.

From the description given, it will be un derstood that while the improved device is capable of operation independently of a musical instrument, it may be used in connection with a musical instrument very advantageously, and will serve to attract interest to the musical instrument. Very expensive musical instruments of the character referred to are now available upon the market; and the use of the improved device as an adjunct, will, without greatly adding to the expense of the installation, enable the receipts from the musical instrument to be very largely increased. For illustration, the rendition of a piece of music on a highpriced instrument may require several minutes of the time of the instrument, and this may be secured for a nickel or a dime. When the improved device is used in connection with the musical instrument, interest may be kept up by inserting coins to enable the races to be watched, and thus the c receipts may be increased. The variation in the sequences in which the racers cross the range of yision adds greatly to the interest, and this interest is enhanced by the fact that the change in sequence is efi'ected by the control of the device through the medium of I the mechanism which controls the notesounding means of the musicalinstrument. While, in the embodiment illustrated, the

. race course is shown in the form of an elon-.

gatedendless h, it is to be understood ghat this is on y a preferredform for the.

evice.

a Any suitable automatic, or semi-automatic musical instrument may have the improved I device employed therewith. Those skilled may serve also to set in operation the im- 5. In a device of the character "set forth,

proved racin device. In Fig. 6, designates a; track-bar having wavy edges, designed to giveto the racer, a cantering effect as the racer is advanced along the bar. J

The foregoing detailed description has been given forclearness-of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, but the appended claims should be construed asbroadly as permissible, in view of the prior art.

What-I regard as new, and desire-to se cure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a device of the character a series oftracks, racer's mounted thereon, a permutation device adapted to actuate said racers, and separate movable means for positioning said racers within the range of action of said permutation device.

2. In a device of the character set forth, a series of independently movable racers,

permutation actuating means therefor opera- I tive normally to vary. the sequence of the racers during each cyclev of operation of the device, and additional means fon'efi'ecting permutation of the normal variation of .se:-'

quences.

3. In a. device of the character set forth, a series of independently movable racers, permutation actuating'nieans therefor operative normally to vary the sequence of the racers during each cycle of operation of the device, and an electro-magnetically operated device adapted to enable the normal variation' of sequences to be altered.

4. In a device of the character set forth, a series of independently movable racers, permutation actuating means therefor, normally operative to-vary the sequence of the racers and a sequence-changing device for varying the operation of said permutation actuating means.

a series of .independentlymovable racers, permutation actuating means therefor, a sequence-changing device for varying the operation of sald permutation actuating means,

and note-playing means of a musical instrument controlling saidsequence-changing device.

'6. In a device of the character set forth, a series of independently movable racers, actuating means for said racers, and note- 1 pla ingmeans of a musical instrument contro ling the action of said actuating means and operative to effect a change in sequence of'the racers.

7. In a device of the character set forth,

a series of racers, and permutation actuating means therefor, in combination with a controlling means comprising a note-sheet and attendant mechanism of a self-playing musical instrument. 4

8. In a device of the character set forth, a series of racers, I permutation actuating means therefor operative normally to change the sequence of said racers in each- 0 cle of operations, an electric motor for riving said actuating means, means for controlling the operation of said motor, and means for varyingthe action of said permutation actuating means during the operation of the motor.

9. In a device of the character setforth,

a series of racers, permutation actuating means therefor, an electric motor servin to drive aid actuating means, loom-contra led means controlling the circuit of said motor, set forth,

and means for varying the operation of said actuating means while it is' being driven by said motor, including a controlling-device comprlsi-nga member of a musical instrument. i

10. In. a device of the character set forth, a series of ,racers, permutation actuating means therefor, an electric motor-servin to drive said actuating means, coin-contro ledmean-s controlling the circuit of said motor,

and means for varying the operation of said actuatingmeans'while it is'beinlgd'riven by said motor,- includinga contro in comprising a member of a musica finst'rument which functions in thexoperation of playlng a note on said musical instrument.

device 11. I-na device of the character set' forth,

a series of racers, permutation actuating means therefor, a motor adapted to drive said actuating means, a device adapted to influence the operation of said permutation actuating means while it is being driven bv said motor, and an electromagnet contro ling said last-named device. 12. In a device of the character set forth,

a series of independently movable racers,

anda permutation actuating device for moving said racers, comprising a permutation member equipped with a plurality of'series of actuating members adapted to permutably engage'the racers,"and a cooperating racer positioning device having a period of movemember.

' ment different from that of saidpermutat-ion *with a plurality of series of actuating members for permutably engaging the racers, and a cooperating racer-positioning-belt equipped with means for engaging all of the racers, said last-named means being adapted to bring the racers into transverse alignment and position them within the range of action of said permutation-belt.

15. In a device of the character set forth, a series of independently movable racers, and permutation actuating means therefor, comprising a permutation actuating device equipped with a plurality of "series of actuating members for permutably engaging the several racers, and a positioning member equipped with means for positioning the racers in substantially transverse alignment and within the range of action of said permutation member.

16. Ina device of the character set forth, a series of independently movable racers, and a permutation member equipped with a plurality of series of catch-members for permutably engaging the racers, each of said series corresponding with one .of the racers and said series of catch-members moving in an endless path, and a cooperating racer-positioning device equipped with a member adapted to engage all of the racers, said permutation member being driven at a faster rate of speed than said positioning device. I g

17 In a device of the character set forth, a series of independently movable racers, and permutation actuating means therefor, comprising a permutation-belt equipped with a plurality of series of catch-members for permutably engaging the racers, and a longer racerepositioning-belt' equipped with means for engaging all of the racers.

18. In a device of the character set forth, a series of independently movable racers, andpermutation actuating means therefor, comprising a permutation-belt equipped with a plurality of series of catch-members for permuta bly engaging the racers, a longer racer-positioning-belt equipped with means for engaging all of the racers, and means for driving the permutation-belt at one speed and the positioning-belt at a slower speed. 19. Ina device of the character set forth, a series of independently movable racers,

and permutation actuating means therefor, comprising a permutation-belt equipped with a plurality of series of catch-members for permutably engaging the racers, a lon er positioning-belt equipped with means or engaging all of the racers, means for driving ,with a plurality of series of catch-members the character set forth, 4

for permutably engaging the racers, a longer positioning-belt equipped with means for engaging all of the racers, means for driving said belts, and means controlling the operation of the positioning-belt,including a member of a musical instrument which participates in the sounding of a note of said instrument.

21. In a device of the-character set forth,

the combination of a series of elongated" endless tracks, a series of racersmounted thereon, a permutation-belt equippedwith a plurality of series of catch-members adapted to permutably engage the racers, a positioning-belt equipped with means for engaging all the-racers, and means for driving said belts at different speeds,

22. In a device of the character set forth, the combination of a series of elongated endless tracks, a series of racers mounted thereon, a permutation-belt equipped with a plurality of series of catch-members adapted to permutably engage the racers, a positioning-belt equipped with means for engaging all the racers, and means for driving said belts variably and with the permutation-belt operating at a greater speed than the positioningbelt.

23. In a device of the character set forth,

a a series of racers adapted to be moved in an endless course, permutation actuating means therefor'adapted to move the racers in permutable sequences through aportion of the course and then bring the racers into substantially transversely alined relation at the final end of the course, and means for engaging the racers after such transverse alinement and returning them to a position within the range of the action of the initial end of said permutation actuating means.

QLIn a device of the character set forth, a series of racers adapted to move in parallel endless courses, permutation actuating means for said racers, a motor for driving said actuating means, and means for automatically stopping the motor when the racers occupy a sequence of relative advancement.

25. In a deviceof the character set forth, a series of parallel endless race tracks, a series of racers mounted thereon, a permutation-belt equipped with a plurality of series opening, and a toy race course in said cabi net comprising a series of substantially parallel endless tracks. racers mounted on said tracks said view o enin bein disposed so as to display said racers while mov ing across one side of the course and the cabinet serving to conceal the return of the racers to'the-initial end of the course, and permutation actuating means forsaid racers, comprising a permutation-belt equipped with a plurality of longitudinal series of catch-members and a positioning belt equipped with means for engaging all of the racers, said belts being so arranged that the permutation-belt will carrynthe racers across the-field of vision and the positioning-belt will pick up the racers and return them to the initial end of the course.

27.In a device of the character set'forth, a series of endless rac tracks, a series of racers mounted thereon, a permutation-belt supported on centers lying in one plane and equipped with a plurality of seriesof catchmembers for permutably engaging the racers, a positioning-belt supported on centers disosed at a lower plane, said positioning-belt in of a greater lengththanthe permutation- It and equipped with a member adaptedto engage all the racers and return them'to the initial end of the course while the racers are free from engagement with the catch members-of the permutation-belt, and driving means for said belts.

- 28. In a device of the character set forth, a series of endless race tracks, a series of racers mounted thereon, a permutation-belt supported on centers lying in one plane and equipped with a plurality of series of catch members for permutably engaging the racers, a positioning-belt supported on centers disposed at a lower plane, said positioning-belt bein of a greater length than-the permutationelt and equipped with a member adapted to engage all the racers. and return them to the initial end of the course while the racers are free from engagement with the catch members of the permutationbelt, driving means for-said belt s, -and "means for varying the relative movements'ofy-said belts.

29. A cabinet provided with'an elongated view opening, and-a device mounted in said cabinet comprising a series of racers adapted to be-moved through'endless' paths, permutat ion means adapted to move said racers invarying sequences across the field of vision represented by. said view-opening and to return said racers to the initial end ofthe course, the return movement being hidden by said cabinet and said permutation actuating means being adapted to return the racers,

and position them in substantially trans- Verse ali'nement at the initial end of the course.

30. -In a device of the character set forth, a series of racers adapted to movethrough endless courses, permutation actuating means therefor, comprising a permutation member equipped with-a plurality of series off-catch members adapted to permutably engage the racers, a positioning member equipped with means adapted to engage all the racers and return them to the initial end of the course and position them in substantially transverse alinement within the range of action of said -permutation member, an "electrio motor adapted to drive said permutation tmember [and said positioning member, a clutch controlling the drive of said posi tioning member, an electromagnet controlling saidclutch, note-sounding .means in a musical instrumentcontrolling said magnet, a motor-controll ng circult, a c1rcuit controlling said electromagnet, an electromagnet controlling said last-named circuit, and means actuated by saidpermu'tation actuatingmeans and serving to control the circuit of said last-named magnet. v

31. In a device of the character set forth,

a series of racers adapted to move through endless courses, permutation actuating means therefor, comprising a permutation member equipped with a plurality of series of catch members adapted to permutably engage the racers, a ositioning member equipped with means a apted to engage all a the racers and return them to the initial end of'the course and to position them in substantially transverse alinement within the range of action-of said permutation member,

an electric motor adapted to drive said permutation member and said positioning mem- -ber, clutch controlling t c drive of said positioning member, an electro-magnet controlling said clutch, note-sounding means in a I musical instrument controlling said magnet, a motor-controlling-circuit, a circuit controlling said electro-magnet, .an electromagnet controllin said last-named circuit, means actuated y said permutationactuating means and serving-to control thecircuit off 1 said last-named magnet, a switchi'for the motor-circuit, an electromagnet controlling said switch, and a switch controlling said last-named electromagnet and which is it---. self controlled by the operation of said per- Y mutation actuating means.

32. In a device of the character set-forth,

a series of substantially parallel endless race belts.

tracks, a series of racers mounted thereon equipped with depending fingers, and permutation actuating means comprising a permutation member e uipped with a plurality of series of ca-tc permutably engage said fingers, and a positioning member equipped with a member adapted to engage all oi said fingers and serving to return the racers to the initial end of the course.

33. In a device of the character set forth, a series of Substantially parallel endless race tracks disposed in vertical planes, a series of racers mounted thereon, equipped with yielding depending fingers having bearings engaging said tracks, and permutation aqtuating means equipped with catch members adapted to permutably engage said fingers.

34. In. a device of the character set forth, a race course comprising a plurality of parallel-tracks, each having upper and lower Ways and curved connecting end ways, a plurality of racers mounted on. said tracks, an actuating belt equipped with racer-actuators arran 'ed in different positions longitudinally o? the belt and which serve to move the racers along the upper ways, a longer belt equipped with means for engaging the racers and moving them through the remainder of their circuits, and means for changing the relative movements of said 35. In a device of the character set forth, a race course comprising a plurality of parallel tracks, each having upper and lower members adapted to ways and curved connecting end ways, a plurality of racers mounted on said tracks, an actuating belt equipped with racer-actuators arran ed in different positions longitudinally o the belt and which serve to move the racers along the upper ways, a longer belt equipped with means for engaging the racers and moving them through the remainder of their circuits, and recurrently acting means serving to change the relative movements of said belts.

36. In a device of the character set forth, a series of circuits arranged substantially in parallel vertical planes, a series of racers adapted to be moved about said circuits, permutation actuating means adapted to move said racers in permutable sequences through aportion of the course, and means for bringing the racers within range of the initial end of the permutation actuating means.

37 In a device of the character set forth, a cabinet providedwith an elongated viewopening and a toy race-course in said cabinet comprising a series of endless tracks arranged in substantially parallel vertical planes and having their upper reaches disposed back of said view-opening, racers mounted on said tracks, permutation actuating means adapted to carry said racers past said view-opening, and means for returning the racers and positioningthem within the range of the initial end of said permutation actuating means.

FRED L. MILLS.

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