US2312423A - Game - Google Patents

Description

March 2, 1943.

M. F. LATHERS GAME Filed 001;. 13 1941 Patented Mar. 2, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE GAME Matthew F. Lathers, Orlando, Fla.

Application October 13, 1941, Serial No. 414,877

2 Claims.

This invention relates to a game.

The invention is more particularly concerned with a miniature golf game embodying all of the essential playing elements as a single unitary device, whereby it is capable of being carried in ones pocket or otherwise conveniently transported for use as an amusement during spare time at any place or any time.

While it is appreciated that games have heretofore been proposed which are somewhat similar in the manner of playing to that herein disclosed, nevertheless they failed in the provision of a game conducive of maximum simplicity and which was capable of being easily transported for ready use without the necessity of selecting independent elements embodied in the game.

It is a primary object of this invention to provide a miniature golf game embodying a flexible disc-like base having a plurality of holes therein adjacent the margin thereof, and a marble or ball having a flexible connection with the center of the base and adapted to be shot by impact on the base beneath the ball adjacent the margin of the base toward a hole diametrically opposite the initial position of the ball.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a game of the above noted character wherein the flexible connection includes a pointer rotatably supported in the center of the disc.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a miniature golf game comprising a flexible disc-like base having hcles adjacent its margin, a pointer rotatably supported in the center of the base, a ball and links interconnecting the pointer and ball for positioning the ball between adjacent holes for a play by impact against the flexible base beneath the ball, with a resulting throw or shot of the ball toward or into a hole diametrically opposite its initial playing position.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a game of the above noted character which is durable, fascinating, and which is of maximum simplicity, thereby enabling it to be produced or repaired at a minimum of cost.

For a more complete understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference will be had to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the aCcOmpanying drawing, wherein:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the improved game in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a diametrical section on the line 2-2 of Fi 1.

Referring now in detail to the drawing, the improved miniature golf game comprises a circular or disc-like flexible base H] which is preferably constructed of relatively heav cardboard, but may be of other materials if desired.

The base II] is provided with a plurality (preferably nine) of holes II which are concentrically arranged adjacent the margin of the base. The holes are numbered as indicated in Fig. 1 with odd and even numbers alternating and in non-consecutive order to enhance the fascination of the game.

A suitable pointer I2 is rotatably supported in the center of the base, and while such pointer may be of any desired construction it is preferabl formed of a paper fastener as indicated for simplicity and cheapness of construction as well as for easy replacement thereof. As shown, the fastener has one leg thereof bent parallel with the base for forming the pointer and the other leg thereof is bent into the form of an eye l3. The game further includes a marble or ball I4 which is connected with the eye l3 by links desirably in the form of paper clips I5, likewise for the purpose of simplicity, cheapness, and. easy replacement thereof.

As indicated in Fig. 1, the links are of such length as to confine the ball to a radius substantially equal to that of the circular center line of the holes ll, whereby the ball will rest upon a tee (T) between adjacent holes in readiness for a play.

The improved game while being highly simple in construction has been found to provide entertainment and amusement for both young and old and is played in the following manner.

The base It] is held with the left hand, as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 1, the thumb being placed over hole number 9 for the particular play for hole number I and with the index and second fingers beneath the thumb and base. The pointer 12 is then turned by the right hand into alinement with the center of hole number I. The player then shoots the ball which is resting on the tee (T) between holes 2 and 5 by the well known knuckle down or marble shooting method, except that the ball [4 is not directly shot but an impact against the bottom of the base beneath the ball causes it to move in a vertical arc toward hole number I. The manner of imparting such impact to the base is indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 1.

If the pointer is accurately positioned and the impact is just hard enough the ball will enter hole number I. If the ball misses the hole, the shooting, by tapping lightly on the bottom of the base, must be continued until the hole is made. The player then proceeds in like manner to make the other eight holes in the proper order, viz., 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing disclosure that a game is provided in accordance with this invention which provides entertainment and amusement the year round for both young and old of all walks of life, and due to its simplicity it can be enjoyed by all. Furthermore, since the game is unitary and of relatively small dimensions it can be readily transported for enjoyment at all leisure moments without loss of time in assembling the constituent elements.

While I have disclosed but a single specific embodiment of my invention, nevertheless such is to be considered as illustrative only andnct restrictive, the scope of the invention being defined in the sub-joined claims.

What I claim and desire to secure by U. S. Letters Patent is:

1. A miniature golf game comprising a flexible plane disc-like base having a plurality of uniformly spaced holes adjacent the margin thereof with the centers of the holes in a circle whose to be played for and the ball is in alinement with the pointer and on the opposite side of said center, and the flexible base imparting a throw to the ball upon impact on the bottom thereof beneath the ball.

2. A miniature golf game comprising a flexible .plane disc-like base having a plurality of uniformly spaced holes adjacent the margin thereof with the centers of the holes in a circle whose center is at the center of the base, a pointer pivotally supported at the center of the base, a ball, a flexible connection between the pointer and ball of a length to normally support the center of the ball on the center line of said holes, and the holes being non-diametrically alined such that when the pointer is directed toward a hole to be played for and in alinement with the flexible connection, the ball is disposed on the base diametrically of said hole to be played for and between a pair of holes.

MATTHEW F. LATHERS.

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