US1774360A - Game - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 26, 1930. o. A. DRENGWITZ GAME , 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 16 -m nmumuumu IJIII A g- 1930- o. A. DRENGWITZ GAME 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 16, 1928 INVENTOR Aug. 26, 1930.

'0. A. DRENGWITZ GAME , 1928 5 Sheets-Sheat 3 Fi led June 16 r: llllll lml illlllllll ill! I. I.

gswizimq.

INVENTOR Patented Aug. 26, 1930 stairs stare ATENT OFFICE GAME Application filed June 16,

This invention relates broadly to games and is for a game wherein a game piece may be mechanically moved along a game board by means of an actuating mechanism or impeller of novel construction.

According to my invention, game pieces may be moved along circular, polygonal, sinuous r winding pathways by an impeller which can be operated from a driving means conveniently located on the game board.

There may be confined with the impeller for moving the game pieces, various indicators and coordinated mechanisms for producing certain desired action. For instance,

the invention may be embodied in a baseball game where the action of some of the players is mechanically represented, or in racing games, where various hazards of the race may be encountered.

In the accompanying drawings I have shown certain present preferred embodiments of the invention wherein Figure 1 is a plan view of a game board with a portion removed;

Figure 2 is aplan view of a portion of the game board shown in Figure 1 but having the top or playing surface removed in order that the operating parts may be seen, the parts being in a different operative position than shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a cross section on the line III-IH of Figure 1, portions being cutaway;

Figure a is a detail to enlarged scale of a portion of the device shown in Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a detail view showing the operation of the impeller on a movable playing piece;

Figure 6 is a top plan view of a portion of the mechanism shown in Figure 5 but with the figure of the player removed for simplicity;

Figure 7 is a detail view showing the operative connection of one of the playing pieces to its actuating mechanism;

Figure 8 is a plan view of the play indicator shown in Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 9 is a plan view of a modified form of game board with a portion of its playing surface removed;

1928. fierial No. 285,887.

a side elevation and Figure 12 a front view;

and

Figure 13 is a detail view of the playing piece representing the batter.

Referring more particularly to the draw ings and to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 8, inclusive, reference numeral 2 designates generally a game board having side walls 3, a bottom 4 and a top or playing surface 5. Strips 6 are fastened to the interior of the side walls and support the bottom 4 and the top 5, which are formed of sheet metal. Connected'to the bottom 4 is an upwardly porjecting member 7 having formed as a part thereof a pair of vertically extending walls 8. The inner of the walls 8 is of less height than the outer as shown in Figure 3 for a purpose to be presently described. The walls 8 together with the memher 7 form a channel which is substantially closed on three sides and which extends in a curve, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, substantially underlying a representation on the board of the base paths of a baseball diamond. The top 5 of the board has a slot 9 extending completely around the base paths of the diamond. so that the top is in fact divided into an outer portion 10 and an inner portion 10, which inner portion 10 is fastened to the bottom a by screws 11. The outer por ion 10 of the top is also fastened to the bottom by screws 12. The outer wall 8 is reversely curved at 13, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, to accommodate the impeller, to be presently described.

Suitably journalled at 14 on the bottom 4.- is a shaft 15 to which outside a side wall 3 of the board is keyed a pinion 16. Journalled in the side wall 8 adjacent the shaft 15 is a stud shaft 17 to which is keyed a gear 18 meshing with the pinion l6 and having affixed thereto an operating handle 19.

Connected to the shaft 15 is an impeller 20 having a substantially helical portion 21. This impeller, as shown in the preferred embodiment, comprises a flexible metal coil.

ment to the impeller 20.

The coil 20 is resilient and partakes of the nature of an ordinary coil spring. It 6X- tends from the shaft 15 into the channel formed by the walls 8 and the member 7 being guided adjacent the shaft along the revei-sely curved portion 13 of the outer wall. The impclle of such a size as to substantially till the channel, although it is loose enough to permit of rotation substantiall about its Rotation of the fJ-fGtll 18 by means; of the operatin handle 19 transmits through the pinion lfi and the sl' aft 15, a rotational inovcll-v reason of its flexibil ty. such rotation is pos hle d pite the curves in the channel at he bases of the diamond. By reason oft pellcr and its containn tion is impeded at which in". i 1 d a nce points while pc" i\ t built up in the i1 1 impedance and thepoin t applied ther to. lVhen the str-z .o imparb ed to the impeller reaches a certain va ue it will be great enough to overcoi -e the impedance and to cause rotation of the impeller an impedance point at an increased so to tend to relieve it of unequal stresses. Thus if the operating handle 19 he continuously rotated at a. constant speed. there will ,1

be produced in the impeller a n term or jerky motion. A given point of the my pc ler will move at a normal speed for n increment of time, following which it move at a reduced speed due to the i and subseouently it will move at an rspeed due to overcoming: of the impedance above described. This non-uni term or jcrlzr motion of the impeller i 0 made use of as will be ,u'cscntly described.

Journalled in the board at a spending to the pitchers hot shaft havii a coil spring i dead-ended at its opposite end ot om 4-.

. voted to the bottom l which at opp one s at a point intermediate its ends. One end of the lever is pivoted to the linl; 2st at and the other end of tl c lever is pivoted t slide The sli lo 33 3 two lonflitudinal slots on connected the bottom Journallcd in the board at a point corresponding to the but ters DSS'l ClOE! is a verti al shaft 37 having a non circular upper eX- tremity Rigidly llTTQtl to the shaft 37 a linl; having a longitnd lal slot embracing a cally er-stcndfi pin 41 on the CllwO iout the sha't 3 at a point itermedilatc its ends is a lever 42 to nnectcd to the slide 7", 4-: an 1-1. standing post M) c .ular upper ex remit ,d t to lever 4-2 is pivoted I :8 having at its opposi extrenn t 111 u standin pin She vertical s 2 and 3? extend uo tl *ough circulz the top Tao post and the pi i l up thr h longitudinal slots in the top to permit of their motion su stantially in the direction of the length of the slide The shafts 22 and 37 and the post 45 are adapted to receive over their non-circular upper extremities playingpieces representing the pitcher, batter and catcher, respectively. The piece representing the catcher which fits over the post 46 serves as av means whereby a person playing the game may operate the mechanism above described. Assuming the parts to be in the position shown in Figure 2, to which p they are resiliently urged by the spring 26. the player grasps the piece representing the catcher and moves it to the loft, viewing such figure until the parts assume the position shown in Figure 1. In this position the spring 26 is under tension and is tending to restore the parts to the position shown in Figure 2 by movement generally to the right viewing such figure.

Movement of the parts generally toward the left as above described causes the shaft 22 upon which the piece representing the pitcher is mounted to rotate throughout a small angle in a clockwise direction. This movement is intended to simulate the pitchers windup. In Figure 7 is shown a playing piece 50 representing the pitcher having a base 51 in which is a vertical slot 52 of a size adapted to receive the non-circular extremity 23 of the shaft 22. A set screw 53 is provided for securely holding; the piece on the shaft. The playing pieces above described representing the batter and catcher are constructed generally similarly to the piece representing the pitcher, except that appropriate figures ar used for the respective pieces. The piece representing the batter is slightly modified, however, as will be presently described.

Movement of the parts generally toward the left also causes rotation of the shaft 37, and consequently of the playing piece representing the batter which is mounted there on, throughout a small angle in a clockwise direction. The batter is represented as being right-handed, so that rotation of the piece in the manner described is intended to simulate drawing back of the hat by the batter preparatory to striking at a pitched ball.

At the same time as the pitcher is in posi tion to pitch the ball and the batter is in position to strike at it, the catcher is in a posisuitable size intended to represent a base ball is placed in the slot in the top of the board which contains the pin l9 and against the pin. The ball must, of course, be large enough not to pass through the slot and small enough so that movement of the pin will project it over the surface of the board toward the home plate. All of the parts as thus de scribed are therefore in position for commencement of a play by a pitched ball.

The person playing the game quickly releases the piece representing the catcher so that the parts under action or the spring 26 are caused to move quickly to the right. This movement causes the piece representing the pitcher to be rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, simulating pitching the ball, the piece representing the batter to be rotated in a counter-clockwise lirection, simulating striking at the ball, and the piece representing the catcher to be moved to the right, simulating adjusting his position for receiving the pitched ball. the same time the pin 49 is moved sharply to the left projecting the ball from the pitchers box across the home plate. The piece representing the batter, shown in Figure 13, has an extension 9? just above the level of the top of the board which is moved into the path of the ball b the rotation of the piece, simulating the hitting or" the ball by the bat, whereupon the ball is pro jected out over the board as is t 1e case with a batted ball in a baseball game.

The cycle of events above described is repeated each time a ball is pitched and, when taken in combination with the elements and steps yet to be described, constitutes the playing of the game.

The slide 33 has a lateral extension 54 which in turn has a lateral extension 55. The end 56 or" the extension at lies between the top latter, upon movement of thelug to the right,

to be rotated at a considerable speed.

The indicating disc 61 is provided with 1ndicia disposed at din'ferent distances rrom its center. The top 10 is provided with slots will be seen that en ch mic that the piece representing the catcher is drawn to the left by the person playing the game and then permitted to snap to the right, as above describes, the lug 59 engages a tooth of the gear 62, thereby rotating the'disc 61 in a clockwise direction. The lug 59 moves far enough to the right to pass out of mesh with the gear 62 so that the disc will continue its rotation until it comes to rest by reason of the friction at its pivotal mounting. At the time when the disc finally comes to rest, the portions of the indicia which are exposed through the slots 63 indicate the fate of the batter, such as whether he had a strike or a ball or made a hit or grounded out, etc. Thus the indicating disc 61 determines upon the pitching of each ball what takes place with regard to the batter. This indicator, therefore, determines in what instances a batter becomes a base runner.

The indicia on the disc 61 may comprise different colored arcu ate portions 98, as shown in Figure 8, the respective colors being referred to an appropriate chart to determine the fate of the batter.

The actuator 20 serves as a means by which the pieces representing base runners are moved around the base paths. When according to the indicator 61 a batter becomes a base runner, a playing piece G l (Figure 5) representing a base runner is placed in operative engagement with the actuator along the path from home plate to first base. The playing piece 6% has a flat base 65 and from which extends downwardly a projection 66 of such shape as to fit between successive convolutions the actuator, as clearly shown in Figure 5. The base 65 rests upon the top of the board and the projection 66 passes through the slot 9 to engage the actuator. Upon turning of the operating handle 19 and consequent rotation of the actuator, the playing piece 64 will be moved in the direction of the axis of the actuator in a manner whic i is apparent.

Loosely mounted about the shaft 22 is an indicating disc 67 having a large circular central opening 68. This opening is merely to permit the passage of the shaft 23 therethrough and does not serve as hearing or centering means for the indicating disc 67. As shown in Figure 3, the disc rests at its edges upon the inner upright wall 8. It is provided at its periphery with teeth 69. These teeth are not equally spaced about the entire periphery of the disc but are closer together at portions thereoi than at other portions. The purpose of this provision will be presently made apparent.

The teeth 69 of the indicating disc 67 engage between the successive convolutions of the actuator as shown in Figures 1 to incl ve. Upon LOi'"O11 the actuator, th re con 0 'ns thereof bear against th es he teeth of the in hea ing disc and cause it to move in a. counterclockw e direction, viewin Figure 2, as indicated by the arrow. If the motion of the actuator were uniform throughout at all times and the teeth o the indicatin disc were equa spaced about entire periphery, the rotational movement of the disc would be ata constant speed. However, above e1:- daincd, the actuator moves form or jerky motion.

d :c is provided with lot equally spaced about perv. Consequently, when a. portion of int: teeth more clos spaced act vitb the actuator, the disc will in more slowly than when a portion of it ha eth the board has slots adapter to indicia as do the slots above the in disc 61. here are preferably four slots The indicia on the indica runner for each base. disk 6'? determine the fate of a has. once he has become such, by virtue of the indicating disc 61. Thus the disc 67 indicates whether a player is safe or out at first ba so, whether he shall continue to second base, when he shall move to third. when he is safe or out at any base, etc.

At each. play the base runner or runners are advanced by turning the operating handle 19, the ind'cating disc 6'7 being atthe same time rotated, as above d of eribed. Its action being; uncertain, itis not possible for the players to predict, by reason of any previous knowledge of the board, what fate will come to any given runner or runners. The amount which the player turns the crank to move the players after each play involving movement of a base runner is determined by the indicia appouring through slots T0 at the time a base runner reaches a base.

In Figures 9 and 10 is show an eiibodimeat of certain of the broa features of my invention in a somewhat d1 .erent type of game. In thes figures is shown a board 71 having; side walls 72, strips i 55, a bottom 7-1: and a top The board is held. in assembled relationship by means of nuts and bolts 76. Channels are provided on the bottom 74 slots 83 through which suitable indicia on the ind catino discs may be viewed.

The canoe of the modification shown in Figures 9 and 10 is a contest between two p eces and S5 representine aeroplanes but having pr'oiections tltl substantia ly identical .vith the p ojection 66 of the piece fi l shown in Figure The indicia on the indicating discs 81 determine the flight of the respective planes. The impellers preferably move th a non-uniform or iergry motion. does the impeller of the above described embodiment, thus rendering uncertain the actuation of the indicating: discs.

In Figures 11 and 12 I have shown a modified form of game piece wherein the figure of the runner or other miniature form is vibrated as it moves along to simulate running or motion. The game piece has a fran'ie at the front of which is cross shaft 92 hav inc; roller surfaces at each end thereof and a gear wheel 9 L between the rollers. Pivoted to the back of the fr me 90 is a base and the forward end of this base rests on the gear wheel. This base carries a toy figure 96. The gear wheel 94: engages the helical in'ipeller, d when the latter rotates the gear wheel revolves. hen the gear wheel revolves the follcrs 93 roll on the surface of the game board at each side of the slot to move the game piece along. The rotation of the gear imparts a vertical vibrating motion to the base 95 and the figure carried thereon, thereby giving further action to the toy.

The flexible impelling' means for the game pieces permits of the movement of such pieces in various windings and bending athways and with various irregularities of movement where desired. At the same time the impelling means is preferably substantially concealed.

The combination of the means for causing the pieces representing players to move in simulation of motions made by players in the game of baseball, the use of a ball adapted to be projected. about the board and an impeller for moving the playing pieces about the bases and also for actuating an indicator produces a rame having both action and in.- terest for the players. The provision of means for moving the pieces representing players as above described in combination with an indicator actuated thereby and determining the fate of certain of the players also lends an element of interest and enjoyment to the game. This is particularly true when the players whose fate is thus determined are in turn actuated by the impeller and the impeller actuates another play indicator determining their success subsequently during the playing of the game.

The term game piece, as used in its broad sense in the claims, contemplates any instrumentality used in the game, such, for instance, as the rotatable discs, and is not limited to pieces freely movable along the impeller.

lVhile I have shown and described certain present preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the same is not limited thereto, but may be otherwise embodied within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. In a game, a game board having an elongated slot therein extending in at least two directions, a coiled wire confined under the game board in alignment with the slot, a

game piece movable along the game board having means thereon projecting through the slot and engaging said coiled wire, and means for rotating the coiled wire.

2. In a game, a rotatable impeller having a substantially helical piece-engaging portion, a movable piece cooperating therewith to be moved thereby upon rotation thereof, and a play indicator also cooperating with the impeller to be actuated upon rotation thereof.

3. In a game, a game board, an impeller for moving pieces along the game board comprising a flexible coil, means for rotating the coil about its axis and a toothed play indicator engaging said coil.

4. In a game, a game board, an impeller for moving pieces along the game board comprising a flexible coil, means for rotating the coil about its axis, and a toothed play indicator engaging said coil at a plurality of points about the periphery of said indicator.

5. In a game, a game board, an impeller for moving pieces along the game board, comprising a flexible coil, means for rotating the coil about its axis, and a toothed play indicator engaging said c-oil, said indicator having teeth of irregular pitch thereon.

6. In a game, a game board, an indicator, means for moving pieces about the game board comprising a flexible helix confined with relation to the game board and indicator, and means for simultaneously rotating the helix about its axis and operating the iiidicator.

7 In a game, a rotatable impeller having a substantially helical portion and arranged in a curve, means for rotating the impeller, and a loosely mounted rotatable play indicator having unequallyspaced teeth disposed within the curve of the impeller and'in engagement therewith at more than one point whereby the indicator 'will'be non-uniformly rotated upon'uniform rotation of the impeller. r

8. In a game simulating baseball, a diamond, a rotatable impeller having a substantially helical portion disposed substantially at the base paths of the diamond for moving playing pieces therearound, and playing pieces having means engaging the impeller whereby movement of the impeller causes 1110 51011 oi the playing pieces.

9. In a game simulatingbaseball, a diamond, a rotatable impeller having a substantially helical portion disposed therearoundfor moving playing pieces and a play indicator disposed withinthe diamond and actuatedby the impeller. 1

10. In a baseball game, a mechanism for elfecting movement of certain players indicating one of two opposing teams, means for efi'ecting movement of certain players of the other of the two opposing teams, an indicator operated by said mechanism for determining the initial operation of said means, and an indicator operated by said means for determining the extent of movement thereof.

11. In a baseball game, a game board having a diamond track thereabout inthe form of a slot, a coiled wire confinedunder the game board in alignment with the slot, means for rotating the coil, game pieces having means there-on engaging the coil by means of which they are moved around the diamond upon rotation of the coil, and an indicator operated by the coil for determining the ex tent of movement of the players upon each play.

12. In a baseball game, a game board having a diamond track thereabout in the form of a slot, a coiled wire confined under the game board in alignment with the slot, means for rotating the coil, game pieces having means thereon engaging the coil by means of which they are moved around the diamond upon rotation of the coil, an indicator operated by the coil for determining the extent of movement of the players upon each play, other players indicating a pitcher and a catcher, and means for eii'ecting movement of the pitcher and catcher.

18. In a game simulating baseball, pieces representing a pitcher, batter and catcher, respectively, a single operating means for causing all of such pieces to make representative movements, and an indicator actuated by such operating means for determining the play of the batter.

14. In a game simulating baseball, pieces representing players, means for causing a plurality of such pieces to make representative movements, indicating means operated thereby, a rotatable impeller having a substantially helical portion for moving other pieces, and pieces having means engaging the impeller whereby movement of the im peller causes motion of such pieces, the indicating means determining the operation.

15. In a game simulating baseball, pieces representing players, means for causing at least one of such pieces to make a representative movement, indicating means actuated thereby, a rotatable impeller having a substantially helical portion for moving pieces, and an indicator actuated by the impeller.

16. In a game simulating baseball, a diamond, a rotatable impeller having a substantially helical portion disposed therearound for moving playing pieces, and a play indicator having unequally spaced teeth in engagement with the impeller whereby the indicator will be non-uniformly actuated upon rotation of the impeller to move the pieces uniformly.

17. The combination with a game board having a slot therein with a flexible helical wire confined under the board along the slot, of a game piece adapted to be moved over the game board along the slot, said game piece having a roller adapted to engage the board at least one side of the slot and having a gear wheel connected with the roller adapted to engage said helical wire, said game piece having a pivoted base member adapted to rest on the gear wheel and be vibrated thereby.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

OTTO A. DRENGWITZ.

Images