US2251305A - Target baseball - Google Patents

Description

, Allg 5, l941 J. P. TARBox 2,251,305

TARGET BASEBALL Va sheets-sheet 1 Filed May 27, 1937 Aug 5 1941 J. P. TARBox 2,251,305

TARGET BASEBALL Filed May 27, 193'? 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 oeooooooaoom carcan- @096m Aug 5, 1941. J. P. TARBOX TARGET BASEBALL Filed May 27, 1937 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 EN@ mij @E OH INVENT OR.

wmDm OP mwN aan

..50 mgmm O Q mr w Filed May 27, y1937 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 NVENTOR.

AAug 5, 1941.

J. P. TARBOX TARGET BASEBALL Filed Hay 27, 1937 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 FICIiO JEICIQ u 102 M INVENTQR.

HCH/L.

ICI 13.

Aug 5, 1941. J. P. TARBox TARGETVBASEBALL Filed Hay 27, 1937 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 SCORE BLUES SCURES RED.

11234567891H121BMFmw/...

/OOOOOOO 00000 SCORES INVENTOR.

32116.16 mlm' 23456789hn 5m Aug 5 1941- J. P. TARBox TARGET BASEBALL Filed May 27, 1937 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR.

mmx NEM 4Patented Aug. 5, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 TARGET BASEBALL .lohn P. Tarbox, Philadelphia, Pa. Application May ,27, 1937. Serial No.r145,119 ls claim.l (cl`.z'1:'.-1oz.z)v

'Ihe ball throwing game of my invention is devised with especial reference to improvement This simulation is attained jointlythe plays of the game and its scoring in a manner almost, if not quite so complete, as that employed in a real baseball game. Base running both to and between bases is simulated upon the diamond display. Running on safe plays ixes display on safe arrival at base. Running on outs plays terminates without fixing arrival at the base. Registering displays of strikes, balls," outs, innings" and scoring of opposing teams are afforded, all inter-related precisely as in the actual game. Even the play of four balls results in a "runs display giving safe display on first base and advancement of any runner previously on first base. Still further, enlivenment is provided through the duplex constitution of the diamond displays and the innings" and scorings" displays in colors alternately used on alternate innings to represent opposing teams.

II. The constitution of such a game in a form generally adapted for indoor use in dimensions and quarters of any available accommodation, from the accommodation of the nickel in the slot spring projected ball games, through the room length portable installation, and by way of the accommodations of the varying sized stalls of amusement parks and vacation resorts (such as skee ball and hand ball`type gaming stalls) to full length throwing alleys which will accommodate a full pitched ball, even to the accommodation of the Well known bowling alley.

III. The end of utmost simplicity, reliability, economy, and freedom from installation costs and supervisions incident to underwriter and municipal engineering, construction and power regulations. This latter is attained by an organization utilizing the power in the projected ball to do most of the work of operation of the mechanisms through which the displays are effected, and low voltage lights to efl'ect the'displays, of the order for example, from 10 to 20 volts. Thus the transformer of a toy train can be utilized to supply the electric power. There follows not only a low cost of installation but also a low cost of maintenance.

The accompanying 4drawings disclose those forms of my invention now best known to me.

Figure lis a three quarter perspective view from the right with the right side broken away,

ot the installation oi my game in a stall or an lalley ol an amusement park or vacation resort,

the showing being that of a room having one end open as common in such stalls and the other end closed, the target and display board of the game being provided at the closed end.

Figure 2 is a similar perspective three quarter i view from the right of a skee ball type of installation of my game.

Figure 3 is a detail longitudinal vertical section (in the main) of certain of the paths coursed by the ball at the foot of the display board of Figure l. (This section is approximately on line 3-3 oi.' Figure 3b in rear view of the portion of the board.)

Figure 3a is a top plan view oi the portions of the pathway shown in Figure 3 in which the left hand portion of the top coverings have been removed to show in full lines the horizontally extending portions of the paths.

Figure 3b is a rear view of those portions of the gisplay board and the paths shown in Figure Figure 4 is a similar view to that of Figure 3 showing in cross section in a longitu vertical plane paths coursed by the ball in connection with the skee ball installation of Figure 2.

Figure 4a is a cross sectional detail of one of the troughs deilning their paths shown in Figrality of paths P commonly coursed by a projected ball and showing super-imposed thereon diagrammatically the various display operating devices, T the unit play integrating device in the form of an electric switch, R the various display registers, and O operating means for the device T and the display registers R located in the courses of the ball over the various paths P.

Figures 6, '7 and 8 are, respectively, top plan, transaxial section on line 1-1, and section on line 8-8 of Figure 6 or the unit integrating device T of Figure 5.

Figure 8a is a perspective of a wire crank.

Figures 9 to 14 are a series of diagrammatic i1- lustrations in plan view as respects the device T, o! various of the operations of the device T related principally to home plate conditions of the game.

Figure l5 is a diagrammatic enlargement of the details of organization and operation of the display registers R of Figure 5.

Figure -16 is adiagram'of the electric circuits of connection between the electric switch which is constituted the integrating unit T and a baseball diamond display A and between the display registers R and the lamps of the associated play and scoring displays Y. v

Figure 17 is a showing in perspective of the lever link crank mechanism which prevents scoring on three outs."

Figure 17a is a showing in perspective in another position of the lever and crank mechanism of Figure 17. l

Figure 18 is a diagram similar to Figure 5 superseding mechanical operating means by electrical operating means O associated with the paths P coursed by the ball.

Let us examine ilrst the perspective views of full installations portrayed in Figures 1 and 2 and the manner of playing the game. 'I'he game in the stall type shown in Figure 1 is played by pitching balls 46. taken from trough 4| and counter 42, one by one v ai'. the target 43 in the face of the display board`44 at the closed end of -the stall. The players purchase from an attendant or through a slot mechanism a number of balls with which to play the game. 'I'hey stand before the counter 42 and throw the ball at the target 4I upon any desired projectory and at any desired velocity. The target 43 is in the form of a plurality of concentrically arranged receptacles 45, 46 received in the face of the display board 44 and discharging to the rear thereof as appears in Figure 3. The aim of the player is to hit. if possible, the central receptacle 45, the

, bulls eye of the receptacle type target. Failing this, the ball may be received by the annularly surrounding receptacle 46, or may even strike the face oi' the display board 44 and drop to a trough shaped receptacle 41. In any case it is discharged from the receptacles 45, 46 and 41 by a system of channels 46, 46 and 50, respectively, to the paths collectively designated P which are located in housing 5i extending from the display board 44 to the counter 42. Over the ball paths P contained in the housing 5|, the projected ball courses in common, sometimes over one path and sometimes over another. In its varying coursings on the paths P it variably operates the diamond display A and the various play andvscoring and register displays Y indicated as mounted upon the display board 44 about the target 45, 46. The integrating device T and the registering display devices R are located in the raised portion 52 of the housing 5I immediately above the paths P, in which position they are most directly operable from the operating .devices O associated with the paths P as appearing in Figure 5.

In the skee ball form of the game shown in Figure 2, the balls 40 are contained in a trough 4i at the fore end ol the skee alley 53 and the paths P and the mechanisms O, T and R are housed beneath the flooring 54 of the alley 53. The target receptacles 45, 46 and the diamond display D are received in the face of the inclined target board 55 of the general form and dimension commonly found in skee ball installations. The play and scoring displays Y are received upon the face of a vertical extension 56 from the inclined board 55. Intermediate the inclined board v515 and the alley flooring 54 at the juncture between the alley flooring v54 and the inclined board 55. the alley flooring 54 is given a rise 51 providing Jog 56 vbetween it and the inclined board 55 which is constituted trough 41 as clearly appears in Figure 4. Figurev 4 also shows the return channels 48, 49 and 50 associated respectively, with receptacles 45, 46 and 41 in their relation to the paths l1: contained beneath the -iiooring 54 of the alley 53. In this skee ball type of installation the game is played either by throwing a pitched bali atvelocity, or a tossed ball, or a skee rolled ball, as indicated by the respective ltrajectories designated 59. 60 and 6I.

In each form of game the action is rapid and enlivening. The projected ball courses through the several receptacles 45, 46, 41, in accordance with the relative accuracy of the throw and in its return course by way of channels 46.,` 46 and 56, and follows to some extent at random and to some extent, asl will be seen later, influenced by the accuracy of the throw, one of the 'various paths P on its return course toward lthe thrower. On paths P it engages operating means O and operates the integrating unit T and the various play and scoring registers R. First the integrating device T is operated, progressing the illumination from the home plate position H by successive stages 62 to the ilrst base position F and thence by yet other immediate progressive stages 62 ultimately to home plate H and a scoring. If Athe run should be a home run illumination is progressed successively to second base position S, 3rd base position D, then on again to the home plate H, and immediately upon the reaching of the display illumination at the home plate H a score is registered on the board for either the Reds" or -the Blues, as the case may be. So are registered in accordance with the paths P coursed by the ball successively but variably, strikes, balls, outs, and yet further scores, until on three outs the innings display is changed. 'I'he diamond and innings displays initially illumined say in red as shown by theblack dots. then immediately shift to blue, as shown by the open circles, and further play results in diamond display for the Blues and scoring for the4 Blues, the scoring for the Reds remaining undisturbed.

Reverting now to Figures 3 and 4. it will be seen that the coursing of the ball from target receptacles 45, 46, 41 through the channels 46, 49, 50 is an organized one. 'I'he channels 46 and 56 leading from receptacles 45 and 41, respectively, are interchangeably connected through hinged gate 63, 63a with single trough S (meaning strike) of the paths P, and the group at large consisting of eight parallelly extending troughs designated, respectively. FS, F0, DS, D0, HS, HO, SS and SO (which designations refer to safe and out conditions connected, respectively. with rst base F. second base S, third base D and home plate or fourth place H). 'I'hese latter can be denominated the hits group of paths P.

` Gate 63, 63a is simply a hinged board, the hinge 64 clearly appearing as arranged at an angle of inclination transversely of the channels 46 and 56 in such manner that it serves as the one wall of a trough to coursethe ball when desired, to an aperture 65 (or 65a) through which it courses to path S, identified with strikes Operation of the gate 63, 63a, is by means of a lever 66 alongside paths P (see Figs. 1 and 2) connecting by link B1 with the gate arm 66. Gate 63. 63a is duplex, one half hinged in channel 46 and the other in channel 56. From that half 63 hinged in channel 56 the ball is coursed along the face of the gate and dropped into the aperture 65 of the "strike" path S. When this half of the gate 88 is opened parallel to channel lll the ball is free to drop through channel lill into the region of paths FS, FO, SS, SO, etc., the hits paths.

Similarly, whenever the half gate 88 in channel 50 is transversely of that channel, closing it, l

the half 89a in channel is opened parallel to channel 48 as clearly appears. When gate 88a is opened parallel to channel 48 the ball is free to drop to course in the hits channels' FS, FO, SS, etc., whereas when the gate is athwart channel 48 the ball is carried along the incline of the gate to drop through a second aperture "d (see Fig. 3a) again into the strikes path S.

Thus the bulls eye target receptacle 45 may be alternated in function between relation to Strikes and relation to hits" with the trough receptacle 41, with the result that players may play the game with or. without taking sides. If no sides are taken, as for example, when a man Plays the game alone, target receptacle l45 ls associated with hits paths FS, etc., in order that the player may score through accuracy of pitching to the bulls eye ci. the target. If sides are taken, bulls eye 45 is associated withvthe "strikes channel S, whereby the accuracy of the pitchers throw may be utilized to strike out his opponent.

The annular receptacle 48 surrounding the bulls eye receptacle 45 is connected always through channel 48 and a laterally extending inclined trough 69 through an aperture 18 with that one of the paths P, designated also B, associated with the display registry of balls".for the entire game. This path B is intermediate the path S and the first of the hits paths, FS, this first one being that associated with one base hit as distinguished from 2, 3 and 4 base hits. (See again Figure 5.)

The lateral extent of the several lchannels 48, 49 and 58 and their relation to the lateral extent of-the several paths S, B, and the group of paths FS, FO, etc., is best shown in the plan views, Fig. 3a corresponding to Fig. 3 and depicting in plan as if in section taken on'line 8a, 3a of Fig. 3, the general direction and extent oi' the paths P and the openings in the covering Wall 1| of these paths through which the ball courses as it is discharged from the channels 48,' '49 and 58. Thus there appear more extended apertures or approaches 12 and 13, which when either gate halves 83 are opened, respectively communicate with the'broad channel 14 which leads to that group of paths P designated, respectively FS, FO, etc. 'I'hese latter paths are `defined by a series of vertical partitions forming channel-shaped troughs. These partitions as appears clearly in each of Figures 31a and 4a, and in Figures 3 and 4, emanate from that portion of the channel 14 which lies in advance of the foremost of the apertures 85, 12. 18. etc. through which the channels 48, 49 and 88 communicate therewith. Moreover,v the partitions 15 are started on a gradual upward sweep from the ooring 18 of the paths, and as shown in detail in Figure 4b taken on line 4-b, 4-b of Fig. 3a, are of inverted V-cross section on their upper edges, whereby approaching balls are not stopped by the partition as they course along as might be if the partitions rose abruptly irom the flooring 18, and are not jammed between them and the cover 1|, butv if they engage the partitions 15 at all, ride upwardly but for a moment and then fail to one side or` another of the V- shaped edge to course Vfully and freely along one 0f the paths FS, F0, which partitions 18 define.

The operating means O -for the display system at large are located in the paths P. In the form of my invention shown (see Fig. 5),v these are shown to be a system of oscillable flaps 11 which are suspended across the paths P from a system of oscillable shafts 18, journaled transversely of the tops of the partition walls 18 which deilne the paths. These flaps '|'I shown diagrammaticaliy as projecting to some extent at least horizontally from the shaft 18, actually depend from the shafts downwardly into the 'troughs 15. In this position, they will be struck by the balls coursing the paths P deiined by these troughs.

All of the flaps I1 are flxedly connected to the shafts, and most of the shafts (all of those in the group of paths FS, F0, etc.) are provided with a multiple number of flaps. Each flap struck by the ball in succession as it courses upon any given path, is raised by the ball, the ball passing under it and to the next succeeding nap, etc., etc., and the raising of the nap oscillates the shaft which supports it. Each shaft is provided with a. lever 19 or a crank which has a lost motion connection with a common sliding bar 80 mounted for longitudinal reciprocation. The arm 19 appearing by virtue of the diagrammatic showing to extend in the horizontal plane, actually extends downwardly, depending from the shafts 18 as do the flaps 11. Likewise, the bar 88 appearing by reason of the diagram to be edgewise in the horizontal plane, is arranged vertically edgewise in the general vertical plane of the various ratchet and pawl mechanisms with which it is associated. The connection as illustrated is by the bearing of the levers 19 freely against one side only of pins 8|, whereby oscillation of the shafts 18 in one direction positively moves the bar but oscillation in the opposite direction may take place without moving the bar. I'hus conversely, the bar may. be freely reciprocated from any one of the flaps 11 but does not through its reciproca'ticn ailect oscillation of any of the shafts 18 excepting the one involved. Thus reciprocating bar 80 is utilized to operate the unit integrating device T from which the diamond display yA is operated and certain oi' the registering displays are controlled. Let us now examine the device T.

As appearing in Figures 5y and 6 to 8, more particularly in Figure 5 for the moment, device T consists of an electric step-by-step switch of four blades 82 having a common electrical connection Il with each other. 'I'hese blades sweep over or past a series of electric contact-s 84 and enect the energization of various electric circuits connected with contacts 84. There are, as shown, I8 of these contacts 84 designed to control |8 electric circuits, four for each base run ofa baseball diamond. Step-by-step movement for the contacts 82- is provided by mounting themA on axis shaft 85 to which step-by-step motion is imparted from a ratchet and pawl 88, 81. This ratchet and pawl is operated through a linkage connection 88 with *the reciprocating common bar 88 of the depending flap operating mechanism O. In fact, the ratchet and pawl may be said to be a part of the operating mechanism O at large. p v

In detail with especial reference to Figures 6 'to 8, the step switch integrating unit T is comprised of a base 89 in the center of which the axis shaft 88 is rotatably Journaled in a suitable 75.' bearing 98. The four switch arms 82 are mount- 4the rotatable axis 85, preferably the upper side wardly from 'the base 89 on a circle about the axis 85 and having terminals 92 beneath the base for electrical connections. The axis 85 likewise has a terminal 83 for its electrical connection.

Each one of the switch arms 82 is in the form of a leaf spring oscillably xed at one end, 94. to the side of the mounting disc 9| and borne under spring pressure normally toward engagement with contacts 84 by fixed pins 95 carried by the mounting disc and bearing upon their radially inner faces in such manner as to develop a spring pressure of their free ends against the contacts 84 as shown in the instance of certain of the contacts in Figure 5 and in full lines in Figure 6 in the instance of one of the contacts on the upper left.

However. blades 82 are not normally permitted to rest on contacts 84 but are variably permitted to engage the contacts 84 by a corresponding series of blade-enabling mechanisms 98. These mechanisms are essentially small cranks of bent wire of a substantial gauge journaled in their main bodies in transverse bearings 91 on the periphery of the mounting disc 9| and substantially parallel to the axis 85. A crank arm 98 engages the balde 82 on one side of disc 9|. A crank arm 99 on the other side of disc 9| serves as an operating means for the crank 96. This latter crank arm is variously engaged by systems of "on" and ofi stops |99 and |9|. respectively,

projectible into and out of the path of movement of the crank arm 99 from the base 89. When crank arm 98 is moved to point radially inwardly as shown in the instance of the upper and left hand blades 82, Fig. 6, these blades are flexed overfpins 95 as fulcrums (the cranks lying toward the free ends of the blades from the biasing pins 85) to remove the free ends of the blades from passage over contacts 84. They are retained in this position through engagement of the crank arms 98 in small inward oisets |92 in the plates. When the cranks 98 are reversely operated to carry the arms 98 in positions tangent to the blades 82, as shown in the lower and right sides of Figs. 6 and 1, the blades are sprung into contact with contacts 84.

The on stop |99 is in the form of a pin or wire projecting through slot |93 in the base 89 and reciprocable asso projected back and forth along the length of the slot |93. At the inward extremity of slot |93 projection |99 lies in the paths of the crank arms 99 when crank arms 98 are engaged in the oiisets |92 in the blades 82, and the blades are in off.positions, not contacting with the studs 94. Each crank arm 99 in such position, as disc 9| is rotated counter-clockwise, may come into contact with stop |99 and thereby be operated counter-clockwise to dis-engage arm 98 from the offset |92 and permit blade 82 to spring into on position, contacting with the stud 84. However. when the stop |99 is at the outward end of slot |93, instead of engaging crank arm 99 it will engage the crank arm extension therefrom designated |94, in the instance of any crank 95 which approaches stop |99 in the on position, thereby moving crank 96 clockwise until arm 98 again engages offset |92 and moves the associated blade 82 to oil position. The so-called on stop |99 is normally in the on position at the inward end of. slot |93 but may be moved temporarily to the oil position at the oilset end of slot |93 by reciprocation of wire oru rod |95 of which it is of integral right angular extension. Rod 95 is carried in clip type bearings I98 beneath the base 89.

'Ihe normal oil" stops |9|I are in the form of wire pins projectible into and out of the paths of crank arms |94 by the oscillation of crank shafts of bent wire |91. of which they are a part. These lcrank shafts are mounted in Journals |98 beneath the base for oscillation through connections to crank arms |98, whereby the arms I i9 from which the stops l9l are extended, are oscillated to project stops |9| vertically from the upper side of the base 89 or to withdraw the stops within slots ||9'. There are four of these oscillable stops |9| provided at substantially 99 to each other, one in connection with each of the studs 84 connected with the bases of the diamond display A. These particular studs 84 are subdesignated by coupling number 84 with the letter designating the bases of the diamond A (see Fig. l) thus 84H designating the stud controlling the circuit of the home plate display H. 84F designating the stud controlling the circuit of the first base display, etc. Stops |9| in the embodiment shown are indicated as located just in .advance of these studs 84H, 84F, etc. It is to be noted that the directions of oscillation of the olf stops |9| connected with studs 84F and 84D are such that when in projected position, engagement of the cranks |94 tends to maintain them in projected position; and in the cases of those stops |9| associated with 84H and 84S the directions of oscillation are on lines generally tangential to the path of movement of the cranks |94, whereby when pressed upon by cranks |94 they are supported in upright position by the side walls of the slots ||9.

The mechanism for operating the four ofi stops |9| (see now Fig. 5) consists of four independent flaps respectively located in the outs series of paths P identified with the four bases, respectively paths HO, FO. SO and DO. Each of these ilaps is connected, respectively, to the stop |9| identied with the corresponding stud 84H, 94F, etc. Connection in each case is by means of crank arms H2, wire links ||3 and lost motion wire loops ||4 into which the crank arms |99 of cranks |91 are projected. The loops |4 are of such length that when the bali coursing in one of the paths HO, etc., strikes a flap and operating through link ||3, oscillates shaft |91 to carry stop |9| into the path of a crank |94, and coursing on of the ball leaves the flap the flap on its return carries loop ||4 backward without backward movement of stop |9|. It is assumed that the friction of the cranks |91 in their bearings |98 is such as to hold stops |9| in position against this backward movement of the loops ||4, and those stops |9| remain in their operated positions until retracted by another mechamsm.

This other mechanism for retracting stops |9| consists of a system of complemental loops ||5 also threaded over cranks |99 and connected by wire linkages ||6 and crank arms ||1 commonly with an oscillating release shaft ||8 having a crank and link connection ||9, |29, |2| (follow Fig. 5) with a common release shaft |22 journaled transversely of the paths P a distance |23 behind (to the left in our diagram) of the hindmost flap 11 of the operating mechanism O. The shaft |22 is provided with flaps |24 depending across each one of the eight paths identified with the bases displays of the diamond A. Thus FS,

F0. ss, s0, etc.. each is provided with a nap |24 on shaft |22. The lost motion relation of the loops ||5 to the stops |0| is the opposite ot the loops I I4. with the result that when acrank arm |09 of a stop |0| has been moved through a loop ||4 to project the stop, it Vhas been moved to a position in loop ||5 from which it may be next operated to retract stop operated by a movement of loop I| opposite to the movement of loop ||4, a movement brought about through the coursing of the ball into engagement with one of the ilaps |24. Passing ilap |24 the ball releases the nap, and the dimension o! loops ||5 is such that (friction of shafts |01 again coming into play to hold stops |0| in retracted position) loops ||5 return to the normal relative position with respect to loops ||4. Thus through the lost motion of the loops projection and retraction of stops |0| is brought about by the respective flaps |24 without interference with each other, thereby permitting stops |0| to remain in each case in the position to which moved by the one flap until that position is changed by the other ilap.

The on stop |00 is operated out of and again into "on position by connection of the :wire link |05 with cranks |25 and |25, respectively. 'I'he connection in each case is by means of passage of the link |05 through wire loops in the engaged ends of the crank shafts |25, |25 and engagenient of the loops by the abutments |21, |28 on the link |05. Crank |26 is oscillable from the movable element of a clutch |28 between the manually operable handle |29 and the shaft 85 of the integrating switch unit T. Crank |25 is oscillated by the wire link connection |3| with an cscillablecrank or lever |32 engaged to produce its oscillation by a register device |33. Register device |33 registers a limited number oi the reciprocations of the bar 50 of the operating mechanism O. That is to say, it registers a limited number of coursings of a projected ball over the paths P and hence a limited number of movements of the integrating switch unit T. The device |33 consists of a longitudinal reciprocable bar having ratchet teeth |34 on one edge engaged by an actuating pawl |35 carried from the bar t0. Pawl |35 is normally held in dis-engaged position by a shield plate |35, but whenever the bar 80 is retracted following a step of switch unit T, pawl |35 leaves the shield 36, engages a tooth of ratchet |34 and moves the bar |33 one step forward. There the bar is held by a pivoted retaining pawl |31. Pawl |31 may be released through a pull on wire link |39 from crank arm |39 on an oscillating shaft |40 provided commonly with one flap |4| in each of the channels of the hit series FS, FO, SS etc. Thus whenever in one case a projected ball courses under the flaps 11, a determinate number of times, the register |33 operates lever |32 to move stop |00 from its on position toward the center of the switch unit T and to an oil position away from the center of the switch T. Thus whenever switch Tis operated by the manual crank |29 the same is true. After release from any such operation stop |00 is always restored to its on position toward the axes of switch T, by the restoring spring |42.

Each one of the studs 84 of the integrating switch unit T is connected by a conductor |43 (see now Fig. 16) commonly lwith a corresponding pair of lamps 62 (see Figs. 1, 2 and 16) of the diamond display A on the display board 44, whereby as the integrating switch unit T is 02 are illumined in succession.

stepped from one stud 94 to another, the lamps 'I'he lamps associated with the respective base positions are provided with appropriate suilix designations, thus 52H, 521i', etc., corresponding to those used in connection with other parts identiiled with base positions. One lamp oi. each pair is one color and the other another, as for example, red and blue. All lamps of la given color are connected to a common return circuit, thus |44 'for the red lamps and |45 for the blue lamps of the diamond display. A common power connection -93 is provided for the switch arms 52 shown in dotted lines in Mg. 16, but dual power connections |41, |48 are provided for the respective common return circuits |44, |45. These dualk power connections are shown, Fig. 5, to have connection with the inningsf register presently to be described. v

In the connection |49 o! the home plate lamps 62H, however, there is provided a loop |49 which extends, Fig. 5, to a switch |50 operable from the register device |33, the same register-device |33 which controls the on stop |00 as just now described. Also operated from this register |33 is a switch |5| which controls the loop |52 in the circuit of the batters up" lamps |53 (see again Fig. 16). The arrangement of switches |50, |5| is such with respect to loops |49, |52 that after a pre-determined number oi' registers of device |33 power is cut from one of the loops |49l |52 and put on the other, and when register device |33 is released the connections are again restored to A normal.

The play and scoring displays as distinguished from the running displays of the diamond`A are designated Y, Figs. 1, 2 and 16. These displane.

plays are also in electric lamps as has heretofore been said. They are operated not from integrating switch unit T directly, but indirectly through the registers R. 'Ihese registers R. as Y Well as the corresponding displays Y are designated by legends as follows, in accordance with the play and score. Thus as they appear in each of Figs. l, 2, 5, 15 and 16, and particularly in the order from top to bottom as they appear in Figs. 5 and v15, they are designated balls, strikes, outs, innings, scores red and scores blue."

All of the registers are generally of the same `type as the register |33, comprising longitudinally reciprocable bars |54 provided on one side with ratchet teeth |55 and reciprocable longitudinally by means of systems of pawls. The showing is diagrammatic but it is believed quite clear.' The bars |54 are borne on roller bearings |53. 'Ihey are biased normally by weights (or equivalent devices) W to normal so-called zero registering positions against stops |51. Suitable guides and retaining devices not shown may be used to keep the bars in given paths. Preferably they are located side by side in parallel relation and with their bottom edges |59 in a common As shown diagrammatically, however, it is as if they were located one above the other. The ratchet teeth |55 provided are oi' the same dimension and their operating and retaining pawls have in general the same length oi stroke, but the number of ratchet teeth on each register is different. The retaining pawls |59, however,

are located in transverse alignment with each other and are commonly operable from a compound operating shaft |50. through operating crank arms ISI, whereby all of the registers may be released at one and the same time by oscillation of shaft |60 through the manual crank arm commonly operable but provided each with a different operating mechanism, excepting only the case of the scoring registers. Each register is provided with a contact arm |64 which plays over a series of contacts |65. These contacts |65 vary in number according to the number ot lamps in the corresponding displays Y and are connected each with its corresponding display Y by a corresponding number of conductors |66. Thereby whenever any register is operated, connection to a source of power is effected for the lamps of the corresponding display Y over one or another of the conductors of the groups |66 and successively the lamps |61 o1' the displays Y are illumined. A

The operating pawl |63 of the balls register is connected for reciprocatory operation by wire link |68 (see Figs. 15 and 5) to the crank arm |68 of an oscillating shaft |10 provided with a flap |1| depending into that one of the paths P designated B. Thus whenever a ball courses path B engaging the -flap |1|, pawl |63 of the |65 of an oscillating shaft |86 (reference now to Fig. 5) having an arm and link connection |81, |88, |89, with an oscillating shaft |30 provided with aps |8| depending in the paths of the out series designated, respectively, HO, FO, etc. Each of a series of three .coursings of the ball over the paths of this series at large may therefore operate the "outs" display Y as has been described in connection with the operation of the balls" and strikes displays, there being provided three ratchet teeth |55 in position for successive operation of the bar |54 from its normal zero position.

The strikes register is also arranged to op erate the outs" register. This is through the provision oi a latterally projecting arm |92 on balls register is moved forwardly, leaving the the four lamps |61 associated with the ballsK display Y (see Fig. 16) As the ball passes beyond the flap |1| on the path, the pawl |63 iis-restored to its normal positionin which it rests upon the shield |12 as shown.

There are provided four ratchet teeth in position to be engaged successively by successive i operations of pawl |63, whereby four balls" may be registered. Connected with the rear end of the bar |54 of the balls register is a wire link |13 (see Fig. 5) which extends rearwardly (to the left) and projects through wire loop .|14 on the end of a horizontally disposed bell crank |15, and terminates in-abutment |16. Movement of the register bar |54, four teeth forwardly to register the fourth "ball results in engagement of the wire loop |14 by the abutment R16, swinging bell crank |15 about. This bell crank connects through a link |11 with a gate |18 in that wall 15 which separates the balls path B from the path FS immediately adjoining. This path is that coursed by the ball for thel registration of a one base hit and contains (as inspection ,will show), four of the flaps 11 of the operating mechanism O of the switching unit T. Thus when gate |18 is opened to its dotted line position against its restoring spring |18, the ball on the path B is deflected (or switched) by it A into the path FS and a one base advance may be registered on the diamond display A.

The operating pawl |63 of the strikes register is similarly operated by a link connection |00 (Figs. 15 and 5), with crank |8| of an oscillating shaft |82 on which depends ilap |83 hito the strikes path designated S. In this case there lare provided three ratchet teeth in position to `the bar |54 of the strikes register adapted to engage and move forwardly the pawl |63 adapted `as shown in dotted lines to engage and more forwardly the pawl |63 of the outs" register, but only when. the third strike is being registered. This is because there is provided a distance between the zero position of arm |92 and pawl |63 of the outs register substantially equal to the length of two ratchet teeth |55.

The innings register does not have its pawl |63 operable from any one of the paths P coursed by the ball. Instead its pawl |63 is operable only through engagement with a laterally projecting arm |03 on the outs register similar to the arm |92 of the strikes" register. The distance between arm |93 and pawl |63 which lies in its path is likewise the length of two ratchet teeth |55, whereby after two outs" have been registered and a third out is in process of being registered, pawl |63 of the innings register is operated from its shields |12 into engagement with the innings bar |54 to move it one tooth forward, and thereby register one inning, and effect the corresponding display on the innings display Y of the board 44.- Every time three outs" are registered, one inning is regis tered.

The scoring registers on the other hand have their pawls |63 connected in common to a bodily transversely reciprocable but transversely extending shaft |84 provided with crank arms |95, slidably Journaled. in a fixed frame |91. This shaft. |234 is oscillable through a crank connection |55 with a wire link |09 connected through reverse lever 200and wire link 20| with a wire crank 202 journaled in base 89 of the switching unit T adjoining the home plate stud 84H. This crank 202 (see Figs. 6, 8 and 9 to 14) has an upper arm 203 in the form of a sweep which lies directly in the path of the bight 204 of the crank arms 89 of the cranks 96 through which the contact blades 82 are moved into and out of contacting relation with the studs 84 controlling the are moved forwardly to engage one or the other of the bars |54 of the scoring registers, thereby to register one score. Crank arms 99 are held steady in the engagement of their bights with the sweep 203 through the passage of their small oisets 204a in this region beneath a projection 205 from the top of the base plate 89. The length of projection 205 is but sufficient to retain the crank arms 99 in engagemeritwith the sweep 203 sufllciently long to eii'ect the registration, and insufficiently long to affect theaction of the Determination of which of the scoring registers "red" or blue shall be operated is eiIected by transverse movement of the oscillating shaft 96 against the pressure of spring 2 06 (see Fig. 15) by means of an arm 201 connected with the shaft |96 and bearing by small roller 209l against the sinusoidal formation 209 Von the bar |54 of the "innings register. The pitch of the sinusoid is measured by the length or two of the teeth |55 of the innings register, whereby the roller 203 bears alternately upon the crests and thedepressions of the -sinusoid and alternately therefore shifts pawls |63 laterally in opposite directions. The lateral spacing between the pawls |63 is such that in the one case pawl |63 of the red register is in alignment with its teeth |55and in the other case pawl |63 of the "blue register is in alignment with its teeth. 'I'he shield |12 is of such form and arrangement that' both pawls are normally held out of engagement. Due to the fact that the distance between lthe two pawls |63 is different from the distance between the respective bars |54 only one of the corresponding rows of teeth |55 can be in engagement at a time. The distances differ by the amplitude of throw of the sinusoid 209. 'I'hus on alternate innings the display on register Y is for the hindmost system of flaps |24 associated with the paths P over which the projected ball courses.

|24 are the tlnal release system of iiaps. 'I'he "outs register is released as a result oi lregistration of the third out, because after the second out (see F18. 15) hook or dog 2|2 lies in the lower portion of slot 2|3. i

A similar system of the parts 2|2 to 2|5, respectively, is connected with the strikes" register eiective to bring about release of the strike`s" register'after the third strike has been registered, the drop in the groove 2|3 being removed a distance equal to the length of two teeth |55 from dog 2|2. Such release due to the absence oi one way coupling' 2|0 between strikes" and "balls registers will also bring about release of the balls register. Moreover this release is eiected by a wire link 2|1 and crank arm 2|8 with the same general release shaft ||6 from which the outs" register is released.

The "strikes register, however, is provided with another means of release, a release from the balls register, for it is necessary to re- Reds and the intermediate "innings for the rection coupling 2|0 in shaft |60 between the innings register and the outs register and a similar one direction coupling 2|0 between the outs register and the strikes register. Shaft |60 is, however, unbroken between the scoring registers, and innings" register and again unbroken between the strikes register and the balls register, whereby the retaining pawls |59 of the stated groups xedly connected together are at all times of operation operated in common. The direction of the one way couplings 2|0 is such that whenever therelease of the ixmings and scoring registers is effected the releases oi all the others is effected. This same directional relation results in the fact that the outs register may -be released without affecting the innings and scorings" registers, but requires that whenever the outs" register is released the strikes and balls registers are also released.

Release of the outs register is by means of a wire link 2|| (see Figs. 15 and 5), connected to reciprocate a hook 2|2 in a direction changing slot 2|3 in an upright plate 2|4 carried by bar |54 to move therewith. Normally, slot 2|3 keeps the dog 2|2 raised so that it cannot engage the upper end of the bell crank 2|5 which carries the retaining pawl |53, but the direction of the slot 2|3 changes downwardly after a disregistration of the second out dog 2|2 drops behind the crank 2|5, and then when link 2|| is operated, pawl |59 will be released. Wire link 2|| (now see Fig. 5) connects through crank arm 2|6 with that same general release shaft ||3 already described as governing the retraction of the oif" stops I0| .associated with the contact plates 32. This shaft lill is operated from the -tance oi two ratchet teeth |55, whereby after lease the "strikes register whenever four balls have been registered, just as surely as it is necessary to release the balls register whenever three strikes have been registered. This release from the balls register is eiected by a connection of its bell crank 2|5 over link 2|9 and through crank arm 220 with that same shaft |40 lying immediately behind the shafts of the operating mechanism O, from which release oi the register device |33 is effected.

'I'he outs register R (see now Fig. 5) is provided with a special connection 22| with a lost motion wire link 222 which is looped over one end of a lever 223. The opposite end of the lever 223 supports slidably by an eyelet 224, the end oi a wire loop 225 which is connected by'a wire 226 with crank 221 operable from a shaft 226 which is oscillable yby four depending ilaps 229, one oi.' which depends in each' of the paths P of the out series FO, SO. Lever,223 is normally biased to the position shown (see Figs. 5 and 6) by means of a spring 230, but when lever 223 is oscillated the lost motion link 225 becomes hooked over the end of crank arm |09 associated with that oil-stop |0| associated with the home plate position 64H. 'Ihe length of lost motion link 222 is such that operation of lever 223 to aect this hook-up occurs only after two outs have been registered. Thus on the third coursing of a ball through an outs channel of the FO, SO series off stop |0| associated with the home plate position is raised and all contact blades 62 are moved to off position before they reach the home pla-te position 84H.

The "innings register at every change of inning through an extension 233 from the shaft |96 operates switch 234 alternately connecting the source o f power by common lead 235 to the common control conductors |41, |40 governing the red and the blue displays, respectively.

The apparatus so organized functions as follows in the play of the game.

Either of the board organizations of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 being in use and the ball being rolled. tossed or pitched at the target 45, 46. if it strikes within the confines of the large diamond A, has

eye receptacle 45 may lodge either in the receptacle 48 or upon the ground of the diamond A just outside of it. It the latter it drops to trough 41.

Let us assume the two players are playing innings against each other, the one playing for the "reds and the other for the blues," and follow the game with each player. In this case the lever 66 has been previously moved to set the sections of gate 63, 83a to the dotted line positions shown in Fig. 3 whereby receptacle 45 l is connected through channel 48 and aperture 85ato the strikes" path S and receptacle 41 is opened by path 50 to the hits" paths oi' the series FS, FO, SS, SO, etc. When a pitched ball strikes the bulls eye receptacle 45 of the target, therefore, it courses the strike path S and registers a strike When it strikes the outer ring receptacle 46 it courses channel 48 and aperture 10 and the balls path B to register a ball-, and when it strikes the ground outside of the concentric receptacles 45, 46 it drops to the trough 41 and courses channel 58 and one of the eight paths of the hits series FS, FO, etc., to register either a safe hit or an "ou hit. Thus the pitching of the one player is to the bulls eye in an endeavor to strike the other out by three coursings of the' ball through the strike channel S. A skillful player may readily effect three strike Vregisters in succession. If his skill is short on one or more throws he may register one or more balls through striking within the annular receptacle 48. vThe manner in which the coursings of the ball over the paths S and B of Fig. 5 effects operations of the strikes" and balls registers and through the strikes" register the operation of the outs register, has been so recently and fully described as to need no repetition at this point. Sufiice it to say that the registration and the displays follow the throws of the ball so rapidly and so accurately that the game can proceed with any desired rapidity without error and with all the zest of a regular ball game. Even with an intermediate base or two on balls, three outs on strikes" out can be effected by a skilled player in the same number of pitched balls and less elapse of 'time interval than in the actual baseball game.

Bases on balls, it will be remembered, become displayed on the diamond A as a result of four successive coursings of the ball in channel B within playing by a given player short of three strikes, an out," or a base hit. The base on balls display is effected through the opening of gate |18 to the dotted line position upon the coursing of the fourth ball in channel B. To this end gate |18 is located in the path B between the depending flap |1| through which the balls" register is operated and that series of four flaps 11 on shaft 18 lying in the path FS. Gate |18 is a suiTlcient distance in the rear of the flap |1| and a suilicient distance in advance of the flaps 11 to give time for the balls register to fully open the gate before the ball in its course reaches the gate. The four shaft oscillations caused by the coursing of the ball under the flaps 11 operate pawl 81 and ratchet 8B four times to move that contact blade 82 of the switch T which at the beginning of the coursing lies at the home plate position 84H successively into contact with the contact studs 84 from home plate to the first base position 84F (see also Fig. 5), and to bring blade 82 to rest at the rst base stud 84F. Thereby the source of power is conne ted successively to those conductors |43 which control the lamps 82 which extend from the home plate position 82H to the first base position BIF coming to rest on the first base position 621i' and displaying therefore the movement of the player to and his rest upon first base. As this operation closes the further coursing of the ball along the path FS, which lt now occupies carries it under flap |4| connected with the oscillable release shaft |48 and this through connections 2|! and 220 effects release of both the balls and strikes registers as heretofore described, not only obliterating the balls and strikes displays theretofore existing, but also enabling spring |19 to restore the gate |18 to its normal position as part of the wall 15 between the balls path B and the one-base hit path FS.

Should the players skill be ineffective and the ball strike the face of the diamond A and course through the receptacle 41 to the hits" channels of the series FS, FO, SS, etc., it will result in the display upon the diamond A of the run of a player for base in a manner entirely similar to that described in connection with the base on balls" procedure just now described, except that in the instance of coursing in the second, third or fourth base safe hit channels of the series SS, DS, HS, the contactA blade 82 which lies on the home plate contact 84H at the outset of the coursing o! the ball will be progressed, respectively, through eight contact positions to the contact 84S, I2 contact positions to the contact 84D and I8 contact positions to the contact 84H, thus displaying, respectively, second base and third base hits and home runs. In each such case, the stepping of the switch T of the integrating unit by the ratchet and pawl 86, 81 is as rapid as the coursing of the ball along its path, the successive flaps 'I1 being engaged in rapid succession. The speed of the ball on its course depends jointly upon'the initial velocity of the throw of the player and the incline of the paths P downwardly toward their ends. This return inclination of the path may be made of any degree desired and thereby the rate of runs displays on the diamond A controlled relatively independently 0f the initial velocity of the pitched ball. Relative inclinations and abruptness of the receptacles 45, 46, 41 and the channels 48, 49, 50 and of the gates 68 and trough 69, etc., may likewise be alternatively adapted to appropriately regulate the velocity of the ball upon the paths P.

If the ball once entered upon the hits" paths of the FS, FO, SS, S0, etc., series, instead of striking the safe" hits FS, SS, etc., strikes in one l of the "outs" paths FO, SO, the integrating switch T is moved the same number of steps by the ratchet and pawl 86, 81 by reason of the identity of the number of depending flaps `1'| in these complementary paths, but While the running of the player is displayed through successive contacting of the blade 82 commencing its movement from the home plate 84H at the opening of the coursing, over the contacts 84 intervening between the home plate position 84H and that particular contact 84F, 84S, 84D or 84H measuring the value of the hit, this particular blade 82 commencing the play never comes to rest upon the contact which is the measure of the hit. This for the reason that just ahead ofthe fourth flap 11 from the last in the channel FO, SO, etc., coursed by the ball, is a ap on an oscillating shaft individual to that oiT stop 0| identified with the particular base contact in question, and when the ball strikes iap through connection ||2, H8, link ||4,etc., stop |0| is proiected into the path of-crank arm IM identined with that blade 82 in question, and when crank I strikes the stop IIII, crank I0 is turned to engage its crank arm 8l in the oset |02 of the blade, thus removing it from the contacts 84 5 and retaining it so removed. By locating the flaps Ill betweenthe last of those ilaps 11 identifled with the base immediately preceding the base measuring the value of the hit. and the first 0! the ilaps 11 identified with the base measur- 10 ing the value of the hit, the completion of runs from plays previously reaching bases is not interfered with on an outs hit. .Thus if there be vrunners displayed on first, second and third base through illumination of lamps 62F, 62S and 82D 15 vand an outs hit" of a fourth base valuation is in process of display through the coursing of a ball in channel 1:10,' then the two blades 82, respectively, at the outset resting upon contacts 84H and '84D remain in contact with studs 84 20 until the homeplate position 84H is reached, and there effect thev display of a home run and appropriate scoring. However, immediately following the reach of that blade 82 which may have been initially resting on contact BIF to 25 show a run on first base, reaches stud 84H and displays its run, stop IM identiiled with the home plate position is projected by the then engagement of the ilapvlli lying in they HO path, and the while the run display being made by that blade 30 t2 whose coursing was initiated at contact 84H by the four base outs hit is permitted to continue right up to the home plate position 62H, it is prevented from making' the home plate 62H,

for Just before blade 82 reaches the home plate 35 contact 84H |04 strikes its now projecting stop illi and is moved to an o position.

The same is 'true in connection with each of the stops Illl. For example, if there be a displayat the rst base position as by illumination oi' one 40 ofthe lamps 62E from contact of blade 82 with stud MF, and a play is made to course the ball on path SO of two base "outs hit" value, this results in advancing the display then on the nrst base position 62F to a 'display position at 45 third, 62D. However, the ou stop lili identied with the second base position 84S is not projected until that blade 82 at theoutset oi the operation on the ilrst base position MF has reached and passed the second base positioned and any displays of "balls or "strikes which ed may have preceded the hit, thus making ready for the next play or player as the case may be.

in any case in which the hit" has coursed an "outs" path` as FO, SO, etc., the ball also strikes the ilap iti. Thus through connections it, mi, t5

ist, itt, registering an "out" as previously de scribed. In any such case, when ,there have been previously registered two outs the third such' outs registered :lust as in the case of the third out" registered as a result oi three strikes." 7@

results in release of each oi the "outs," strikes and balls registers. This is by reason oi the striking of one oi the dans tit in the channels oi the FO, SO series yet further in advance oi the being crank I2I, the wirel20. the shaft Ill and the release connections .2li and 2H. Flaps |24 are a sufliclent distance |23 in advance of the flaps 11, Ill and Ill yto give time for the making of the last of the displays occasioned by coursing of the ball under these latter ilaps before the release is eifected. A matter of from one to three feet would be a correct such distance.

This release operation through the-connections II5 and III tiedto'the oscillated shaft IIB also edects the release of any of the "ou stops Ill which may have been projected into its "contact oil position through coursing-of the ball past flaps I I I in paths of the 110. SO series.

.Thus the play integrating unit T carries forward the base running displays in an orderly and accurate manner. Thus each base hit made advances all previous "safe hits" in the degree to which the particular hit is evaluated by the path coursed. This is true whether the play is safe or ou Thus "base onballs similarly advances each safe display. Thus running displays of unsafe or outs" hits are discontinued before the base of evaluation is reached and continues "out. This latter is to 4say that if-there are displays on first and second base positions 82E' and 62S andV a one base out is made, the first and second base displays are run to second and third base positions, respectively, and the immediate play stops short oi.' first base position. Thereupon if there'ensues coursing of the ball onzchannel SS for example. the displays now on second and third bases are advanced'successively to the home plate position and the absence of display on the ilrst base position is advanced as an absence and without illumination of any oi the lamps all the way from first base position to third base position synchronously with the advance of the latest display from home plate position to second base position, where the lamps 62B are illumined and continue illumined to display the safe hit. This is because that 'blade 82 which originally registered the out hit at first base through move'- ment away from the studs 84 before reaching first base contact NF, remains away from studs il throughout the remainder of its coursing to the home plate position I-I.

Every time any blade 02 reaches stud 84H identied with the home plate position in contact therewith, crank arm 89 engages by its bight 2M the arm iti (see Figs. 5, 'l and 8) and operates the appropriate one of the scoring registers to register the display of a score. Very obviously in all cases where the crank arms 99 have been swung about by the buts stops'li to move blades di to on position, the bisht of the crank arm it lies beyond the end radially inwards of the crank arm ist of the scoring registers and there is no score registered. This operation of the scoring registers and scoring display follows quiteso rapidly as the display of runs indicates that runners have reached the home plate position simultaneously, in other words, si-i multaneously with or just following the operation of the display lamps 62H identied with the home plate position.

Each time that a contact blade t2 succeeding that initiating a display passes the home plate contact Bt and goes beyond, as for example, on account of any play of an evaluation above that of a one base hit, such succeeding blade 82 is either retained in the olf position in which it reached the contact MH, or moved from the dans il, iti and iii, the operating connection 75 on position in which it reached contact till and there effected the display of a run to an oil position. This is effected in order to prevent the integrating switch T from making more than one diamond display for plays of greater hit value than that of a one base hit. This is brought about through the stop |88 which normally occupies the position in the path which is followed by crank arms 88 in their ott posi tions. In s uch normal position stop |88 engages the olf" crank arms 88 and trips the cranks 88 to release the blades 82 into contact with the studs 84. This is intended to happen for each blade 82 which reaches position' 84H in the "olf" position, whereby the "running display is eil'ected from the studs immediately in ad vance of the home plate stud 84H, irrespective of whether the blades 82 reach the home plate H in on position or not. On each play, however, beyond the rst base contact 84F the stop |88 is moved to the "oiT position radially outwardly of its "on position, and in thisl "05 position in the path of the "on positions of the crank arms 88, whereby the blade 82 initiating the play having passed beyond the stop |88, all succeeding blades 82 which during the continuance of the play thereafter pass it are moved to oif position.

This is effected by the connections |28, |21, |3|, |32, with the register device |33. The lever |32 is initially contacted by the bar |33 after pawl |38 has moved the device one tooth forward, that is to say, after the ratchet 8,8, 8l has moved the initiating blade 82 to the first stud 84 beyond the home plate position 84H. On the second step of switch T that from the rst to the second stud 84 beyond the stud 84H, lever |32is rocked has also engaged Just under the projecting'ledge 285 of the base 88. Thereupon as the next step (see now Fig. 12) takes the blade 82 into contact with lthe stud 84H todisplay a run reaching home plate, the bight 284 frees the arm 283 and is itself freed from retension by the ledge 285.`

to move the stop |88 into its 0115" position as described. 'I'here being but two teeth as shown Y back of the actuating pawl |38 on the bar |33, bar |33 stops in this position, retaining stop |88 in the "oil. position throughout the remainder of the immediate play. Thus it is that no other blade 82 than that which initiates the play from the home plate position 84H can bring about a running display. At the close of the running display the coursing of the ball past any one of the iiaps |4| in the paths of the hits series,

-FO, SO, SSetc., through connections |38, |38

operates release pawl |31 of the device |33, permitting it to be restored to its normal position against the stop, in which there again lie two teeth back of the point of the pawl |35.

'I'hese various functionings of the integrating unit T may be the better understood by a study of the detail of Figs. 6 to 14, especially of Figs. 9 to 14. Note first Fig. 9, in which is illustrated an approach of a blade '82 to the home plate position 84H while the blade 82 is yet in "on position contacting with the studs 84, but in which a stop |8| has been projected upwardly as indicated by the dot within its head, (after electrical.. symbolism) and lies therefore in the path of the crank arm |84 in its "on position. The crank arm |84 has just touched the stop I8I. Fig. 10 shows relations of the partsv upon the next ensuing step of the switch T. 'I'he crank |84 has swept over and past the upwardly projected stop |8| and thereby been turned through substantially .90 to sweep the associated crank arm 88 into engagement with the blade 82 and into latching engagement with the seat |82 on the blade 82, whereby the blade 82 is moved out of contacting engagement with the studs 84 and locked in such position.

Next note Figs. 11 to l2 which illustrate a 75 Figures 13 and 14 illustrate in detail the functioning of the stop |88. A blade 82 in Figure 13 is shown as having reached thehome plate position 84H in oil position. Stop |88'is about to be engaged by crank arm 88. Figure 14 shows that stop |88 has been engaged by crank arm 88a and crank arm 88 swept downwardly to releaseV the retaining arm 88 from blade seat |82 and enable blade 82 to contact with the first stud 84 beyond the home plate position 84H and commence the display of running to iirst base. Itis the reverse of thisl which happens when stop |88 is in-the dotted line position shown in Fig. 14. Here it lies in the paths of crank arms |84 in their on position Just as do the stops |8|when projected to be swept over by the arms |84 and` move them to "ofE positions as shown in Fig. 13. Thereby blades 82 may not, after they leave the home plate stud 84H again eentact with studs 84, except in of course blades 82 which initiate displays from the home plate position 84H as depicted in full in Figs. 13 and'l4.

Thrcugh contact |8| identified with the register device |33 (see Fig. 5) the batter-up lamp |53 operated over circuit |82 and normally i1- lumined is put out to obliterate the batter's display the moment that the integrating device ,'l'

makes its first step. This is by reason of the engagement of the upper end of the lever IBI by the pin |5|a on the side of the bar |33. 'Ihe circuit |52 is not again closed until device |33 has been released. This is after the play has been completed and another batters display should be made.

Simultaneously with the obliteration of the normal batters display lamp |53, the circuit |48 of the homeplate display at lamps 82H is enabled by closure of switch lever I 88 upon its comple'- mental contact. This does not happen at exactly the same moment, however, because the upper end of switch |88 is separated from stop pin Illa which is to engage it by the space of one tooth, the same space which separates the end of the device |33 from the upper end of lever |32. Thus upon the second step of switch T from the initial position of any play, the display lamps 82H are enabled, and they remain enabled until the end of the play. 'I'hus runs completed to home plate are displayed during any play. Thus at the close of each play, fresh display of batter up" is made.

So the game apparatus functions to enable the players to play the game and to enthuse their interest with the rapidity. the accuracy and the realism of the actual baseball play. Yet none of these numerous but simple movements of the simple apparatus are beheld by the players. They see but the results of their skill, and they feel but the zest of the game. for all of this apparatus is housed beneath the coverings above the paths coursed bythe ball. Only the target and the displays are exposed.

As innings are played, each time three outs are registered the innings register displays an additional half inning in appropriate red or blue and through the connection 233 and 234 similarly shifts the colors of the downward displays. The scoring registers respectively control lamps of different colors. Thus the game can be played for nine or any additional number of innings and to any reasonable number of scores, keeping up good order by the colors, as well as accurate inning indication and accurate scoring.

At the close oi the game the players restore the apparatus to normal by simply pushing crank arm H29 inwardly to engage clutch |26 and turning blades 82 through one complete revolution, thereby through stop |60 (during this movement in its ofi position) moving all of the blades 82 commonly to oii" position, which position they properly occupy to start any game. Restoration is completed by oscillating theregister crank |62 to release all six of the registers R. Thereupon a new game may be started by the same or dnerent players.

If the new game is to be a game without innings, then lever 6,5 is moved to shift the gate t3 to the full line position shown in Figs. 3 and 4. Thereupon striking the bulls eye receptacle it courses the ball over the hits paths ci the FS, FO, SS, SO series, and courses balls which strike the ground of the diamond to receptacle tl and thence to the "strikes paths S. A man playing alone or any number of players, then throws for the bulls eye to make the maximum oi scores possible, each for himself. Lacking or failing skill, balls are registered or strikea according as the ring receptacle dii or the face of' the diamond are struck by the thrown balls. The arrangement of the scoring is such that two such players can play against each other i'or the highest score, irrespective of innings, or two teams can so play. As illustrated, the innings register or function after each three outs but its display is simply discounted. Each player or each. team throws until three outs are registered, whereupon their opponents are given their turn.

An apparatus organization so' fully meeting the game requirements and so flexible in adaptation necessarily is possessed of innumerable possibilities oi modification without departing trom its generic spirit. "it is outstandingly true as itis true oi most mechanisms, that the functionings may be carried out through the utilization of other itincls of .power than those disclosed. Thus instead of mechanical power for all oi the integrating and registering operations, pneuinatidhydraulic, electric or other power might be utilized. ll have chosen to show in Figure i8 the operating mechanism O for the integrating mechanism T and the registers R as it may be electrified.

Referring to Fig. lo which is a plan. form diagram ci the saine order as of Fig. 5, similar reference numerals and legends are utilized to designate similar parts. However, instead of operation by flaps "it depending in the paths l?, electric contacts its are located in these paths in position to be closed by the ball as it variously courses them. These contacts control a group ,ot tour relays fito. These tour relays through a limit switch itt control driving motor ttt ior the integrating device T. IAccording to whether one or another of the relays 236 is energized, the limit switch 231 operates to limit the operation of the motor to the driving of the integrating device T through various multiples of 90 up to 360, thus driving it to the various base positions 84F, 84S, 84D and 34H.

The contacts 235 and the relays 236 have their numerals provided with suillxes F, S. D, H, indicating their relation to the various base positions 84F, 64S, etc. The relays arevconnected through brushes 233 with the similarly distin.. guished (through suilix designations) limiting contact segments 240 of theswitch 231. each one of which from 24F to 240H in order is successively 90 greater in extent than the preceding one. There is one pair of contacts 235 provided for each base position, respectively. the safe and out position (thus one in eachv or the channels FS and FO) and this pair is connected in parallel to the corresponding relay 236 `(thus contacts 2351 connected to 236F). vThe relays are provided with locking contacts 24|, respectively connecting with the brushes 239 of the limit switch 231, whereby they are locked up for that period required for the limitv switch 231 to have the corresponding brush 239 traverse the correspondv ing segment 240 (thus in lthe instance of relay 236F the segment 2461 extending through Limit switch 231 is connected with the integrat ing switch T and the motor 238 through a clutch 242 connected in parallel with the motor 233. Contacts 243 of the relays in parallel control the motor and clutch. circuit. Thus thev motor and clutch circuits are closed as long as any one of the relays 236 is energized and this is as long as is required for the motor to drive the limit switch 231 through the extent of the particular segment 240 through which the relay 236 is locked up.

This phase of the Aelectric operation should therefore be clearly apparent. Take an example from a base position. It the contacts 235-D associated with paths DS and DO are either of them energized relay 23d- D is pulled up and locked up through segment MUD, whereupon the integrating switch T and the limit switch 231 are driven by motor 23d through 270, the extent required to bring a contact plate starting from the home plate position MH to the third base position itD. At this juncture the associated brush. 239 leaves segment ttlJ-D and the circuits oi motor 2th and clutch 2452 are broken, bringing switch T to rest and unclutching the limit switch Ztl therefrom.

The clutched to the motor drive, is free to return to a determinate normal position each time it is operated, thus measuring from a determinate starting point each time, the angularity oi its movement. This determinate starting point is nxed by the engagement of a dog 2M carried by the switch with a fixed stop Mii. ways brought back to this position through the bias edected by a weight 2te or its equivalent.

if the ball coursing the path P is coursing a safe path, as for example, DS in the instance just now assumed, the appropriate blade 82 of the integrating device T comes to rest on the contact at position ttD. If, however, the coursing is in an out" path, as for example, DO, the appropriate one of the stops lill is projected to bring about retraction of blade t2. To this end the relays itt control each a contact Ml, each oi' which is individually identified with one only oi' the actuating electrode magnets or solenoids Mh through which stops mi are in this embodiment limit switch 231i, because detachably operated through draft on a core or an armature in a manner so well-known that no further description or detail showing is required. However,

'thesestops |5| are not immediately operated tov to the home plate contact 54H as in the mechanical embodiment. Thus the` closure of contacts 241 merely ,enableI .the :circuits of magnets 245 without completely eiecting them. The complete eiIecting is through a supplementary ou relay 245 itself controlled by'multiple contacts 255 inthe "outs" paths P only, and in turn through contact 25| governing the connection of the contacts 241 byway of circuit 252 `which it controls throughcontact ring 253 on the limit switch 231 in multiple to the short supplemental segments 254 identified one with each o! the limit segments 245 and terminating in the same radial line with these segments. Segments 254 are electrically insulated from segments 245 but closely adjacent thereto, so close as'to be respectively connected therewith by reason of the width of the respective brushes 235 individual each to a segment 245. Thus while at the instantof pulling up of any relay 235 and until the final 30 or 45 degrees of movement of switch T for any actuation, there is no energization of relays 245 and stops |5| are not projected in the paths of crank arms |54. In this last 30 or 45 degrees or thereabouts, stops |5| are projected and therefore the blade 52 representing a runner who is to be out at third base is moved to on position'before the contact 54D is reached. The closure of contact 255 energizes relay 245 which locks up through contacts 255 and locking circuit 255, presently to be described, closing and maintaining closed contacts 25|. The moment the wide ends of brushes 235 strike the short segments 254, power is placed upon contacts 241, and there is energized that relay 245 which is identified through contact241 with that relay 255 which has pulled up-in this instance relay 255D energizing the solenoid 245-D identiiied with contact 54D.

Locking circuit 255 extends through a normally open limit switch 251 which is opened against the pressure oi' spring 255 by the dog 244 whenever the switch is in its normal position asiliustrated. but closed when the switch moves a few degrees away from normal po'sition and maintained closed until the switch is returned to normal position. Thus return of the limit switch 231 to normal position opens switch 251 and unlocks relay 245. This, however, is after any relay 245 energized as a result of energization of one of the relays 235 has been de-energized simultaneously with passage oiI contact 245 of associated brush 255 of the limit segments with resultant release of relay 235 and opening of contacts 241. Therefore, return movement of the switch 2 31 does not reenergize solenoid 245.v a

For orderly succession of operation the conn tacts 255 are located a considerable distance 255 (say from one to three feet) in advance of the nearest of the contacts 235. Contacts 235, if

, over-its upper end.

positions when the magnets 245 are deenergized as described. Y l

Stop |55 is simply operated through a magnet 255. Its normal position, as in the mechanical embodiment, is such that it operates crank arms 55 to throw the blades 52 into "on" position. When solenoid 255 is energized it is pulled radially outward into the path of movement of arms |54 to throw them into the off position. Magnet 255 is controlled from circuit 25| from a limit switch 252 normally o pen, but which is operated into closed position by passage of the dog 244 (Note the dotted linepositions of the switches 251 and 252.) The distance 255 between the switches 251 and 252 is such that limit switch 231 and that contact which starts from the home-plate contact 54H has passed be- \\vond stop |55 before switch 252 is operated by lug 244.' Thus the run is instituted. Yet-immediately following, the magnet -255 is energized v and 'stop |55 projected in the'paths of arms |54,

preventing any subsequent -blade 52 from iny stituting a run until that blade which has started desired, may be located in rectilinear alignment transversely of the troughs.

There is required no special restoring device for stops |5| as in the mechanical embodiment, for .l

the run from contact 84H shall have completed its run. vOn the completion of the run the return of switch 231 to the normal position illustrated results in dog 244 passing switch 252 without 0perating it since its end is beyond the engagement of the dog, but when dog 244 strikes switch 251 to open switch 251 thevhoolr 254 carried by switch 251 engages over a pin 255 on the switch 252 and operates it to open position, thus deenergizing solenoid 255 and restoring stop |5| to its normal position. v

The registers R are most simply operated by applying to their respective operating and release pawls |55 and |55, operating and release magnets 255 and 251. These magnets strikes" and outs are respectively operated by actuating contacts 255 and vrelease contacts 255. The actuating and release contacts 255, 255 are respectively located in the same paths P and in the same relative positions in those paths as are -the associated mechanical flaps in the mechanical embodiment. Thus the actuating contacts 255 for the strikes, and outs" registers are located in the respective strike, and outs paths S and FO, SO, etc. The energizing or actuating circuits from the contacts 258 need no special designation because they are outstandingly identiiied with the registers on which the legends are printed, strikes and outs." However, it should be stated that the balls, strikes release circuit 215 (for release on hits plays to paths FS, FO, etc.) corresponds to the release achieved through connections 2|5, 225 of Fig. 5 and is operated with solenoid 255 from circuit 25|, while the release circuit v21| (for releaseon three outs" or three strikes) corresponds to that achieved through shaft |22 and connections |25 and |2| of Fig'. 5 identiiied with release through three strikes and three outs."

The operation of the scoring registers through the actuating magnets 255 results in simpliication oi' the shift from blues" to reds." That magnet 255 is energized whose connection to the source of power is eiected through that same switch 254 which controls the circuits |41 and |45 effecting shift of team colors on the display board (Figs. 5 and 16). `Actual energization is' over a circuit 212 controlled from contact 213 opened and closed by scoring crank 252 identifled with the integrating device T.

Restoration at the ends of innings is simply achieved from a restoring push button 214 which energizes and locks up relay 235-H over circuit

Images