US2627411A - Ball actuated racing game - Google Patents

Description

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BALL. ACTUATED RACING GAME Filed Sept. 18, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 4I INVENTORS.'

THOMAS CL/N TON BAR TLAM BRYAN-R. BURKE VINCENT G. ENGSTROM a4 i .(42 DOUGLAS R. WISER- A 7' TORNEYS.

Feb. 3, 1953 T. c. BARTLAM ETAL 2,527,411

BALL ACTUATED RACING GAME Filed Sept. 18, 1947l 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN VEN TORS I THOMAS CL//V TON BART/ AM BRYAN R. BUR/f E DOUGLAS R. W/SER A TTOIPNEYS.

Feb- 3, 1953 T. c. BARTLAM lu-:TAL 2,527,411

BALL ACTUATED RACING GAME Filed Sept. 18, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 ff .all 37.15 254 v INVENTUM: THOMAS cL//vroN aARrL/w ERVAN R. BURKE VINCENT G. ENGSTROM DOUGLAS R. W/SER -4 WWMMM A v ATTORNEYS.

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BALL ACTUATED RACING GAME Filed Sept. 18, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 T. C. BARTLAM ET AL BALL ACTUATED RACING GAME Teb. 3, 1953 lO Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed Sept. 18, 1947 Patented Feb. 3, 1953 UNITED STATES PATNT OFFICE BALL ACTUATED RACING GAME said Wiser Application September 18, 1947, Serial No. 774,742

18 Claims.

This invention relates to game apparatus and more particularly to a simulated racing game generally intended for competitive play by any number of players or individual playing units operatively connected to a collective annunciator panel or the like.

Various forms of racing games are known to the prior art including those intended to simulate, for example, horse racing, automobile racing and analogous progress sports. The mechanism associated with such games, however, has frequently tended to deteriorate and to cause considerable trouble in operation. Attempts to secure more desirable and trouble-free results have invariably led to exorbitant original and replacement costs. Moreover, in the course of play it is extremely irksome and costly to find that some remote portion of the equipment is faulty and must be tediously located and possibly removed for replacement or repair. In View of the fact that such games are generally intended for the amusement of paying participants whose available time for such recreation is limited, it is, of course, of utmost importance that the game apparatus be as simple and positive in operation and as free from operative break-down as possible.

It is also important in apparatus of this character to incorporate as many of the details characteristic oi real races as is feasible. Such atmosphere of reality, however, must be carefully balanced against the necessity oi substantially continuous and expeditious playing so as to insure maximum return to an ownerV utilizing the apparatus for profit.

The game which is the subiect matter of this application dispenses with many unnecessary trivialities and details whose incorporation would involve excessive outlays of equipment, unnecessary intricacies in manufacture, and undue expenditure of time during operation. Notwithstanding this fact, the game incorporates for the Erst time certain desirable features intended to lend an atmosphere of reality including, for instance, the provision of multiple winners such as a first winner, a second winner or place and a third winner or showf including also provision for ties or "dead heats for such positions, depending upon a selected construction employed.

This game also features the provision of a stretch or the like at a short space before the nish line in which the provision is made for a fast finish. But when relatively few players are competing it is often both unnecessary and undesirable to have more than one winner and, accordingly, provision is made for selective modification of the game to provide for only a single winner, or for rst and second places only. Obviously, any number of winners will be seen to be possible by duplication or modification of the disclosed pertinent structures.

In view of the above considerations and others which might obviously be mentioned, it is among the objects of this invention to provide a new and improved simulated racing game.

It is another object of this invention to provide, in a game of the character described, new and improved means for carrying out t'he purposes of the game.

Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved features particularly adapted to a simulated horse racing gaine, but which may optionally be used upon any type of racing or progress technique, such as automobile racing, airplane racing, ship racing and the like.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a new and improved game apparatus of the desired character described which is simple in construction, relatively economical in manufacture, and enduring and trouble-free after repeated usage.

It is among the more specic objects of this inventiony to provide a new and improved game apparatus of the character described incorporating an optional win, place and/or show feature with or without the great likelihood of a tie or dead heat, and in any such win, place, show, etc. position optionally also to provide selective means for the inclusion of as many or as few successive winners as may be desired.

Another or specific object of this invention is to provide a racing game incorporating a fast finish or the like.

Another further specific object of the invention is to provide a new and improved progressive race indicator mechanism and regulator.

Yet another object of the invention is the disclosure of preferred mechanical, conventional relay and electronic mechanisms as illustrative of suitable optional means for accomplishing the desired results.

Still another specific object of the invention is the provision of a new and improved well balanced individual playing unit.

It is also among the objects of this invention to provide improvements over prior art games and apparatus intended to accomplish generally similar results.

Other and further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the drawings and the following specifications relative thereto.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred form of game apparatus illustrative of the invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view as on a line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a top perspective View of a playing unit, parts being cut away to show details of construction of said unit and a playing board therein.

Figure 4 is a plan view of a playing unit.

Figure 5 is a sectional view as on a line 5-5 of Figure f1 showing a ball in the act of rolling over the board.

Figure 6 is a sectional view as on a line E--B of Figure 4.

Figure '7 is a fragmentary elevational view of the back portion of the annunciator.

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional View as on a line 8 8 of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a detailed fragmental view of an operative portion of a stepping bar relay in part as seen from the left-hand side of Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a detail sectional View as on a line I0I 0 of Figure 7.

Figure 11 is a detailed sectional view as 0n a line II-H of Figure 7.

Figure 12 is a sectional view of a stepping bar and associated parts similar to Figure 8 showing the parts in a Win position.

Figure 13 is another view similar to Figures 8 and 12, but showing the parts in a place position.

Figure 14 is yet another view similar to Figures 8, 12 and 13, but showing such parts in a show position. Y

Figure 15 is an end elevational View, with parts broken away, of a driving mechanism for operating certain control apparatus in the annunciator panel.

Figure 16 is a sectional plan view as on a line Iii-I6 of Figure 15.

Figure 17 is a vertical sectional View as on a line H-i 'i of Figure 16. Y

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the driving mechanism of Figures 15, 16 and 17.

Figure 19 is an exploded view of a clutch mechanisrn.

Figure 210 is a diagrammatic plan view of an operative and the wiring mechanism of the preferred form of the game apparatus as illustrated in Figures 1 through 18, some parts being simplified and other parts omitted.

Figure 21 is a wiring diagram of a modied game apparatus. Y

Figure 22 is a wiring diagram of a still further modified game apparatus.

be additionally divided into any number of segt' ments or positions i5 upon which the progress of successive plays across the board for each corresponding player may be indicated as will appear.

Individual playing units 5B, 5 i, 52, etc. are pro- Vcessive winners.

vided corresponding to the lanes 4U, 4l, 42, and 43 etc., and each playing unit is electrically interconnected to the annunciator 30 in a manner to be described in order to control the progress of the game thereon through and by means of said individual playing units.

The positions 45 may be finished oi in front by translucent glass, cellophane, or plastic material 54, and may be provided with indicator lamps 55. These are preferably separated from one another by means of individual cells 56 bounded, for example, by the top of the annunciator panel 3 I, a panelboard 5l and any number of horizontal and transverse partitions 58 and 59 respectively.

By way of illustration, though not of limitation, the illustrated annunciator 3D is divided into racing lanes 40, lll, 2 etc., each of which may in turn be divided into a horizontal series of forty positions 45. As shown, these are divided as by a vertical tape 6D. Thus, the ten positions in spaces on the right of the tape in each lane as illustrated collectively comprise the stretch, While those thirty at the left collectively constitute the straightaway Both in the straightaway and the stretch it is preferable, as heightening interest in the game, to illustrate distinguishing characters, such as horses 62, in various stages of gait so as to give the illusion of movement when the individual 'lamps 55 are progressively illuminated from left to right (Figure 1) during the p-lay. Such characters also tend to differentiate the several lanes and so identify the players with their respective horses.

The vertical row of positions designated by the numeral may constitute the post or starting line, and the last vertical row of spaces designated by the numeral 56 at the right hand side of each lane is ordinarily considered the nish line. To the right of the finish line in each lane, the name of the corresponding horse or the like in such lane may be set forth and optionally continuously illuminated during play, or the same may be illuminated simultaneously with the occurrence of a winner in such lane.

Any number of winners and corresponding win positions may be provided for, but it is preferable as corresponding with conventional racing practice to pro-vide three catagories of winner sepa rately designated in each row. rThus the rst Ymay be indicated as in a win position 64 in Veach should preferably carry an inscription,

as stated, appropriately designating it as a wirr placef show or the like signal.

A master control 'box 'i5 may be provided under the control of an operator or general supervisor by whom the game may be selectively started, as by depressing a start button l5; cancelled during the course of a game as by an emergency trip '51; or, at the end of the game, as by a cancel button i3. Or a game may be selectively altered from one involving only one winner, to one involving two, three or any other number of suc- The latter result may be achieved as by means of a selective trip lever '15, all in a manner which will be more fully apparent as the description proceeds.

An electrical conductor cable Si! may connect 5 the control switch box to the annunciator 3|) and the playing unit 50, etc., while another cable 8| may also connect the conductors from the playing units to the annunciator.

The playing units 50, 5|, 52, may be individually or collectively mounted as upon a table 82 in front of which the players may sit or stand in a position to actuate the individual plungers 83. The plungers and their associated mechanism are set forth in further detail in Figures 3 through 6 to which attention is now directed. Each playing unit 55, for example, includes a plunger 83 extending through `a front end 84, also a far end 85 and right and left sides 85 and 81 respectively. A frame 59 may be removably secured to the unit in a conventional manner `so yas to enable the removal or replacement of a transparent cover- 90 contained therein.

A playing board or eld 95 is provided within the box-like outer portion. This preferably includes a lane 9| having a curved margin 92 terminating in a bumper 53. A preferably rubber ball 94 may thus be rolled by the plunger 83 along the lane 9i against the bumper 93. Upon rebound from the bumper, the ball may be guided by the inclination of the playing field 95 back across the eld 95. In such return movement the ball is guided as by any suitable wire guides 98, S9 through paths such as |95, ||l|, |02, |03, |54 and |85.

While passing through the paths lili), etc., the ball may actuate buttons HE), III, H2, H3, ||4, H5, H5, H1 and H3 which are connected to and actuate circuits connected with the annunciator panel as will be discussed later. It will be noted that certain lanes, such as ISI, |53 and |55 may be provided with two buttons, whereas, lanes itil, |22 and |04 are provided with only one button. This arrangement is intended to activate certain win circuits as will appear.

Corresponding to certain lanes, preferably those having two buttons, are colored windows |23, |2| and |22 most desirably set flush with the face of the playing field 95 (see Figure 5) and illuminated through a suitable circuit as by a lamp |23 secured to the lower face of the playing leld S5 by a bracket |25.

After leaving the paths |05, etc., the ball collides with another wire guide |2t` whence it is conducted back to a position in front of the plunger 53 for replay.

As may be seen most clearly from Figure 5, the buttons, for example, H3 and H1, have a shank portion |21 and a head |25. The shank projects upwardly through the playing field and is engageable and depressible by the ball 94 which, when it rolls thereover, closes a pair of spring contacts as |3il and |3|, each of which may have an upper leaf |32 and a lower leaf |33 upon the first of which the head of the pin yieldably rests and is thereby normally urged upwardly to project above the face of the playing field. The closing of the spring contacts i3d and |3| and other similar contacts corresponding to the other pins projecting above the playing field actuate appropriate circuits to progressively illuminate the indicator lights on the annunciator panel as will hereinafter be more fully explained.

Referring yet to Figures 3 through 6 in particular, the plunger mechanism 33 generally comprises a knob |45 secured to the end of a piston l4| axially slidable within a housing |42 secured to the playing unit by any desired means. rThe piston il is yieldably urged inwardly by a spring |43. The spring is secured to one end of an eye 6 bolt |44 or the like which is adjustably anchored as within an eyelet |45 by means of a nut |46 threaded on the bolt. The spring |43 is also secured to an arm |48 loosely pivoted as within a staple |49 and may be notched to make a loose hinged connection with one leg thereof.

The arm |48 in turn accommodates the piston |4| by means of a. yoke arrangement |5I thereby providing a simple mechanism which is at the same time readily and delicately adjusted to any degree of tension for iixing the thrusting power of the piston |4| at a desired optimum tension.

Also associated with the plunger for adjusting the vball 94 as to distance from the end |52 and for aligning said ball with respect thereto is a centering device |55 preferably comprising a wire whose base |56 may be formed in the shape of a U to straddle a bolt |53 intended to hold the 'centering device in any position of angular adjustment. The ends |513 of the wire are turned upwardly on either side of the piston |4| for engaging the ball at laterally spaced points to adjust the angle of incidence of the piston and the ball, whereby to achieve a desired effective direction and force for the ball.

It is to be understood that the operation of the game can be materially eiiected by an improper angle 0f impact between the piston and the ball. A suflicient maladjustment will render the plunger mechanism inoperative -so that the ball cannot then be driven accurately or at all along the .passageway 9| to arrive at the open portion of the playing field 95 beyond.

Inasmuch as this game is intended to be primarily competitive, it is desirable that all units are simultaneously freed for play. For this purpose it is necessary to have a locking mechanism or the like for the ball $4 so that upon the release thereof all of the balls are free to be played.

To this end a wire |18 may be formed with a vertical shank portion |1| journaled in a plate |12 and in a co-axial opening corresponding thereto in the playing held. A horizontal arm |13 may be formed at approximately 90 degrees from the vertical portion |1| and preferably having an end portion |14 slightly offset to engage the ball squarely and hold the same away from the plunger in one extreme of its rotation. Suitable means, such as a solenoid V55, may be positioned below the playing field adjacent to arm |18 so that when the solenoid |15 is energized, another offset portion |16 of the wire will be rotated and drawn thereagainst holding the ball 94 away from the end |52 of the plunger by said part |14.

When the solenoid |15 is de-energized by a means to be described, the upper arm |13 will swing around gravitationally into a `position substantially perpendicular with the piston |4| by virtue of the normal relationship of the vertical portion |1| with the playing board 95 and due to the degree of tilt of the playing board itself. If desired, the horizontal arm |13 may be normally held in a non-locking position by means of a spring or the like, not shown. The locking position of the wire |10 is shown in phantom outline in Figure 4 where also, but independently, the arm |48 is shown in dotted outline conforming to a retracted position of the plunger. The ball 94 in said figure is shown in dotted outline in a non-locked position.

Preferably mounted upon the back of the annunciator 35, as seen most clearly in Figure '1 and also Figures 8 through 14, are a plurality of stepping relays generally designated by the nu merals |8|, |82, |83, etc. corresponding in number and operatively connected to the playing units and to the lanes 49, 4|, 42, etc. on the front of the panel 30. The function of these stepping relays may, of course, be performed by any other appropriate regulatory means as electronically, or mechanically, by means of conventional relays, or by any combination of these, as will be illustrated and described by way of example in connection with Figures 21 and 22.

But as shown in the illustrations under discussion, the stepping relays generally comprise vertical bars |85 mounted for preferably vertical movement between pairs of spaced guides comprising upper bearings |18 and |19 and lower bearings |8| and |82. The bearings are each held in place as by suitable bolts |83 and preferably include washers |84 overlapping their companion bearings (|18 and |82 respectively) to hold the bars against sdewise movement. Similar washers may be provided upon the opposite edge of the bars adjacent the annunciator panel if desired, but in the absence thereof, the bars are held from edgewise movement by the annunciator panel itself. Electrically conductive plates |31 ground the bars |85 by continuous sliding contact therewith.

Each bar |85 is provided with a row of teeth |90 along one edge |9I, and each is supported at various positions of elevation correspondent to the distance between the teeth |90 as by means of an escapement latch |92 carrying detent |93 pivotally secured as to a transverse frame member |94 as by means of a bolt |95 optionally provided with a tension spring |90. The detent |93l of each escapement is normally held in mesh with one of the teeth |90` of the corresponding bar |85 as by means of a spring |91 secured at one of its ends, for example, to the bracket |89 located on the back |80 of the annunciator in rst relay 8| and at the other of its ends in the latch element |92. The latch is thereby drawn `against an abutment |98 anchored as by screws |99 in the transverse member |94.

Opposed to the spring |91 is a solenoid 200 like- Wise mounted in the transverse member |94 as by a bracket 20|. Likewise pivoted to the latch as by means of a pin 202 is a dog 203 having one end 204 Vurged by a coil spring 205 downwardly and having an opposite end 206 normally bearing against an ear 201 projecting from the latch member to limit the upward pivotal movement of said end 206.

Upon actuation of the solenoid 200, as will be more fully explained hereinafter, the armature 208 of the latch will be drawn thereagainst, to disengage a tooth |99, thereby bringing the dog 203 under and into engagement with the tooth |90 next above the one into which the detent |93 had previously engaged, and the detent |93 Will simultaneously be moved to the right (Figure 9) and thereby withdrawn from the tooth theretofore resting upon it.

When the solenoid 200 is then de-energized, as will later appear, the weight of the bar |85 will overcome the spring 205 so as to lower the bar by a distance corresponding to such tooth. The next upper tooth |90 having its upper fiat face 2| 0 substantially in alignment with the upper face 2|| of the dog 203 will slide over such face, thereby camming the detent |93 into its operative position engaging such next upper tooth under the inuence of the spring |91, as best illustrated vin solid outline in Figure 9. Said camming posiof the stepping relays.

d tion of the dog 203 is suggested in said gure in dotted outline.

Any number of intermittent energizations of any solenoid 200 will thus cause a corresponding bar to move downwardly a distance equal to a similar number of teeth |90.

Non-conductive contact plates 2|5 corresponding to and adjacent each Ibar |85 may be provided with a double row of contact points, one such row being designated by the numeral 2I6 and the other by the numeral 2 1. The bar itself is tted with a pair of preferably yieldable slide contact 'points 2|8 and 2|9 respectively engageable with the contacts in the rows 2 S and 2 1 as the points are moved into a position of adjacency to said contacts. This will be accomplished, as will be apparent, each time the bar |05 is lowered by one tooth |90, a distance which is equal to that between adjacent tooth faces 2| 0. The purpose for said contacts will appear as the description proceeds.

In order to render the delay arrangement more compact (see Figures 7 and 9), the rst spring |91 corresponding to the stepping relay |85 may be secured to the frame bracket |36 as noted, but corresponding springs 220 on succeeding relays |92, |83, etc. may be secured to the corresponding latches |92 at one of their ends and to upstruck ears 222 comprising a portion of the housings 223 around the solenoids 200, said housings being secured in each case, if desired, to the brackets 20| as by screws 224.

Above the rows of teeth the bars are each notched out as at 229 to provide a dwell within which, when a bar has dropped to a sufficient extent (as at the end of a game), further oscillatory step-inducing movement of the latch |92 as heretofore described no longer serves to operatively engage its corresponding bar for any purpose.

During the course of play and as the bars |85 drop step by step as above noted, and upon play causing the intermittent actuation of the solenoids 200, a point is reached at which the topmost tooth 223 is released by the latch |92 in one In the nrst instant that such a result is achieved in any bar (corresponding with a winner) a win shoulder 230 formed at the lower end of the bar is permitted to drop upon a win anvil 23| extending transversely across the annunciatorpanel in line and preferably in common with all of the bars |85 (see Figure 12).

This action is calculated to bring the Contact points 2| 8 and 2|9 at the top of such bar into a position of engagement with the lowermost contacts 233 and 239 respectively on the contact plate 2 5, thereby establishing a win circuit, signalizing a winner on the annunciator, and simultaneously energizing any number of place relays 235 (see Figure 11). Such action therefore establishes a rst winner.

The relays 235 which are energized by the closing of a first Win circuit attract an armature 236 rigidly secured to a place anvil 231 to pivot the same upon an axis 238 and bring the same into alignment with the place shoulders 2&0 of each bar, whereby said shoulder of a subsequent winner may come to rest upon the top 20| of the place anvil. Such operative position of the place anvil 231 is shown in solid outline in Figure 13. By this means therefore, when a second bar |85 is released from engagement with the detent |93 as by disengagement of its uppermost tooth 228, such bar |85 comes to rest by means of its place shoulder 240 upon the top 24| of the place anvil. The contact points 2|3 and 2 |9 carried by said bar are thereby brought into engagement with place contacts 225 and 245 respectively to establish a place circuit in the annunciator panel and designate a place or second winner.

Simultaneously with the scoring of a place, a preliminary third winner or show circuit is set up through any number of show solenoids as 245 (see Figure 1l) which draw the armature 243 of a show anvil 253 into an operative position as shown in Figure le. Thus, when a third winner or show is scored by any player due to the dis-engagement of a detent |93 from the uppermost tooth 223 of any third bar it, a place portion 252 of the shoulder 231i corresponding to such bar can come to rest upon the top 253 of said place anvil 255. Such action is similarly calculated to bring the contacts 2 I8 and 2 l 9 upon the bar |35 corresponding to the show winner into engagement with a pair of show contacts 255 and 253 respectively (see Figure 14) s0 as to set up a show circuit in a like manner to the win circuits and place circuits heretofore described, and also optionally to close down the game as will be seen.

Springs 253 and 25S may be secured to the frame 83 and the place and show anvils 237 and 255 respectively to return said anvils to their inoperative positions respectively (as shown for example in Figures 8, 9, 11 or l2) when the cor- I responding solenoids 235 and 243 have been respectively de-energized,

Shoulders 251' upon each bar |85 may be adjustable or removable by means of a suitable clamping device 253, provided with a set screw Zei, and are intended to be engaged by an angle iron 255 or the like common to all of the shoulders 257. The angle iron 235 is movable vertically on a cable 235 to which it is held as by means of clamps 257 so as to return all of the bars |85 to their uppermost start position wherein all of the latches |32 engage the bottom-most tooth 270 on each of the bars 85. This restores the game to a condition for re-commencement of P19457.

Automatic return mechanism associated with the bar return angle iron 255 is illustrated most clearly in Figure 7 wherein a motor 272 may drive a belt 273 operatively connected to a pulley wheel 27d having a pinion gear 275 operatively connected thereto for driving any gear train, as a first large gear 276, drivingly connected to a second large gear 277 through a second pinion 273.

A cam 253 and an arm 28| may be keyed to a shaft 282 of the gear 277. A tip 283 of the cam normally engages a normally closed micro-switch 284 or the like mounted upon a frame member 285. Upon rotation of the gear 277, and thereby cam 23o, the micro-switch 284 is freed permitting the same to open until one complete revolution of the cam has been made at which time the tip 283 thereof again engages and closes the microswitch, stopping the motor, as will be explained hereinafter in connection with the explanation of the Wiring diagram of Figure 20.

The cable 255 is secured as by an eyelet 235 and clasps 223 and 23| to the arm 28| after passing around a pair of opposite sheaves 232 and 253 secured to frame members 294 and 295 respectively and also around another pair of sheaves 236 and 237 spaced above said rst pair.

Tracing the cable from its end 293, it is passed around the sheave 232 then secured `by a bracket 237 to the horizontally disposed `bar return 265 from which it is passed over sheave 297 by an adgear box 3|, a sprocket wheel 3||.

10 ditional groove formed therein for such purpose, whence it is returned around another doublegrooved sheave 253 back to its other point of connection 29| on the arm 28 By this construction, it will be apparent that as the arm 28| makes a single revolution as in a clockwise direction from its position shown in Figure 7, the bar return angle iron 255 will be drawn initially upwardly to a desired extent before being returned to its lowered position as indicated in said figure. The extent of upward movement of the angle iron 255 is adjusted such that all of the shoulders 257 of the bars |35 will be simultaneously engaged and collectively raised to their uppermost positions as at the start of a game, the latches |32 then engaging the bottom teeth 2723 of the respective bars |85.

Referring now more particularly to Figures 15, 16, 17 and 18 it may be seen that a main motor shaft 308 connected to a motor (not shown) is in turn preferably drivingly connected to a pulley wheel, such as 339, which drives a belt 307 and thence, as by means of any appropriate gear train encased for example in a A chain 3|2 and an enlarged sprocket wheel 3|3 act to drive a shaft 3|4 and thereby a sprocket wheel 3|5 which may be keyed to the shaft 3|4 so as to drive a sprocket chain 3|6, a gear 3|7, keyed to a shaft EIS and other mechanism as through a clutch 3|5 in order to activate a fast finish in a manner to be described. The clutch 319 may be said to be included in a higher speed intermittently operable device.

The shaft 3|-4 is also operatively connected to other mechanism which activates the indicator lamp 55, etc., through and by means of other clutches 328 and 32| or the like. These may be said to be included in a primary speed device.

A cam actuated trip member 325 is mounted in any suitable manner as upon an upright framemember 323 and is tiltable upon an axle 326 secured to the frame 323, by any appropriate brackets 327 and 328.

The upper clutch mechanism 3|9 is associated with the upper end of the trip member and comprises a cam wheel 336) formed on its periphery with any predetermined number of cam elements 33|. (The number of cam elements actually used upon any cam wheel, however, determines the number of moves of the players along the lane 40, 4|, etc., on the face of the annunciator panel.) A pair of radial pins 332 or the like are secured to the shaft 3|3 where they may confine spring plates 333 which latter are normally held in a condition of compression against and engageable within suitable recesses 334 o1 the like formed in clutch disks 335 normally bearing against opposite faces 336 of the cam wheel 330.

The shaft 328 normally rotates continuously during play and thereby carries with it the shafts 3 4 and 3 il so that but for any restraining movement preventing rotation of the disk wheels 330, for example, the same will rotate with the shaft 3|8. But said wheels 333 may be equipped a-s with pins 342, engageable with latches 34| whose ends 342 are movable into the path of the pin 34|] to restrain the normal counterclockwise rotation of the wheel, and whose other end may be rigidly secured to armatures 345. In this event continued rotation of the shaft 3|8 and its associated clutch plates 335 and springs 333 will merely cause the clutches to slip while the wheels 330 remain stationary.

To accomplish this purpose the arms 34| may each be rigidly secured to corresponding armatures 345 which may in turn be pivotally secured within suitable brackets 346 mounted upon a portion of the frame 341. Thus, the latches 34| are normally held in a position of engagement with the pins 399 as by means of coil springs 398 secured at one of their ends as to ears 399 formed in the brackets 349 and at their other ends to the armatures 345 as aforesaid. In this position of the parts, the cam -wheels may be held stationary until the actuation of a corresponding coil as 35| or 352 which, when energized, will draw the corresponding latches 39| away from the pins 349, thereby freeing the wheels 339 for rotation with the shaft 3|8. Energization of the coils 35| etc., is accomplished only momentarily,` as will hereinafter appear, but suiciently to release the corresponding pin 399 thereafter permitting the latch members 39| to return to their former positions. The wheels 339. however, upon rotation in a counterclockwise direction following release by their respective latches will make a complete revolution before they will again engageV the latches.

It should be noted that each cam wheel 339 contains l cam elements 33| which, upon rotation for one complete revolution, cause the arm 325 to oscillate ten times. motion actuates corresponding micro-switches 351 which are individually connected in electrical series with their corresponding coils 299 associated with each bar |85, thereby causing said bars to drop a distance. corresponding to ten teeth |99 in a manner heretofore noted. Moreover, the wheel 339 is connected to the shaft 3|8 which, by virtue ofY ther relatively small sprocket wheel 3|1 is rotated relatively rapidly as compared with the shaft 3| 4 driven by the larger sprocket wheel 3|5. rlhe result is a relatively rapid movement of the corre` sponding bar |85 to bring about whatv will hereinafter be described as a fast nish.

`Similar release of any cam wheel 389 (held as by a pin 349) having eight cam elements 33| thereon by thev analogous actuation of its corresponding coil 353, for example, will permit said wheel to rotate only half. a turn because of further engagement of its latch with a diametrically opposite pin 362 provided thereon to Vcause the` corresponding trip member to operate its micro-switch 351, for each release of saidV wheel, four times.

Av cam wheel 365 mounted in a similar manner to the cam wheel 359 may be` provided, for eX'- ample, with ten cam elements. thereon so that'. upon each corresponding release by actuation of its coil 359 the member 325 will be oscill'ated five times. The clutches 329 and 32| and the accompanying. cam wheels may be said to be of varied actuating capacity because of progress advance of four or five spaces in the lane.

Rollers 366 and 391 may be. provided on the: members 325 to facilitate the movement of the arms over the cam elements. Since for each lane there is provided a playing board, a bar |85, and a set of cam Wheels, thesemay be treated and comprehended within a playing unit for each lane.

Operation of first embodiment of game The operation of theapparatus chosen to illustrate this inventionwill proceed-concurrently with a description of Figure. andhaving reference.

This oscillatory i2 to a considerable extent to Figure l aswell as to the diagrammatic representation of the first form of the invention illustrated in Figure 20. We assume initially a power source connected to the apparatus from main power leads 389 and 38| connected to a 11G-volt transformer which may be stepped down to 25 volts and 16 volts respectively as indicated. We also assume that the selective switch 19 is set for three winners, i. e., a win, a place and a show, corresponding to rst, second and third At the commencement of the game, an operator in custody of the control box 15 (Figure 1) depresses the start button 19 (Figures l and 20) thereby moving the blade 382 (Figure 20) thereof from a contact point 383 to a contact point 383 to energize and ring a bell 385 for a period dependent upon the length of time the start button 16 is held down by the operator.

The bell-energizing circuit may begin in the transformer 312 and thence to conductors 386, 381, 388 and 389, the switch blade 392, contact 384, Wire 399, bell 385, wires 39|, 392 and thence, for example, to a 25 volt source through a wire 393. By this means the bell 385-so long as the start button 16 is depressed by an operator-signalizes the commencement of the game to the players.

It may here be noted that upon the conclusion of a game a relay 399 normally remains energized through a circuit including the switch blade 392 in a manner which will later appear, but simultaneously with the depression of the start button 19, said circuit is broken thereby de-energiaing the relay 394 and operating Vswitches 398, 391, 393 and 399 controlled thereby causing them to assume their normal positions for play as illustrated in Figure 29. Simultaneously, therefore, with the actuation of the start button 16 by the operator, the switch 399 is permitted to open as shown thereby opening the bell circuit Wires 386 and 499, switch 396, wire 99|, thermo-switch 1292, Wire 493, bell 385 and wires 39|, 392 and 393.

The opening of the switch 391 opens the holding circuit for the relay 394 which circuit, when closed, is as follows: Through wires 386, 381, 388, 389, switch 382, contact point 383 wire 395, switch 391, coil 393 and conductors 392 and 393.

The movement of the switch 398 from the point 491 to the point 398 frees the individual balls 94 to each of the players in. the playing unit by deenergization. of the coils |15 in. each of the playing units and thereby releases the ball locks |10 through the breaking of their circuits 393, 392, switch 393, wires 499 and M9, coil |15 and wires 9||,d|2,499 and 388.

Said movement of the switch 398 also energizes all of the coils 299- associated with the bars for each of the playing units and Yenergizes the wires and switches associated with the buttons I9 through IIS respectively on each of the playing boards. That is to say, the closing of the switch 398 against the point 998 energizes wires M9, M5, coils 299 and wires M6 for each of the playing units, which, however, do not actuate any of the. associated mechanism until the occurrence of later events to be described.

Such closure of the switch 398 against the point 498 likewise energizes wires M3', 4| 8, M9 (normally closed trouble. switch 929) 429 and Wires 42| leading to switches associated with fivejump buttons H9, ||2 andV H9 as well as wires 422 leading to switches associated with fourjump buttons ||3 and ||5 respectively. In said latter lines also no current flows until the 13 occurrence of other subsequent events to be described.

It will be noted that the individual switch 424, susceptible of manual operation, is interconnected in line 4|9 of each of the playing units respectively so that any individual unit may be deenergized to prevent play therein or for repair without interfering with the operation of the other units. During use of the corresponding playing unit such switch is closed. As also noted, the lines 42| are connected with switches whose actuation will cause the progressive illumination of a similar number of indicator lamps 55 in the annunciator panel (to wit: lamps, therefore corresponding to the cam wheel 265) while the wires 422 are similarly connected to switches (and cam wheels 356) whose actuation will cause the illumination of four successive lamps in a row on the annunciator panel. This feature will also be more fully discussed as the description proceeds.

Simultaneously, with the actuation of the switches 396, 39'! and 396, the closure of switch 399 will cause the illumination through a preferably green window |24 of a go lamp |24 in -v each of the playing units, this last being most clearly observed in Figure 6, thereby further signaling the start of a game to the players. The illumination of the go lamp |24 is established as through wires 426, 42'1, switch 399, wire 429, lamp |24 and wires 430 and 4|2.

It may thus be seen that the pressing of the starting button l effectively sets up the game for operation. The next moves required for the progress of the game are under the control of the individual players although it may be noted that so long as the power through leads 396 and 38| is supplied to the system, regardless of the actuation of the starting button, the indicator lamps 55 in each lane 40, 4|, etc., of the annunciator panel corresponding to each playing unit are illuminated, depending upon the position of the contact point 2|9 on the respective bars |35. Thus, at the commencement of any game, the bars having normally been raised to their uppermost position, the contacts 2|9 on each bar will engage the uppermost Contact point in the row of contacts 2|? thereby illuminating the indicator lamp in the start row 65 of the annunciator panel. This illumination is occasioned as through wires 426, 432, 433 and 434 which commonly connect with all of the annunciator lamps 55 including those in the start row 65 as through wires 435 and 436, respectively, and thence through start lamps 65. Individual wires 436 leading from all said lamps interconnect with the corresponding contact points in each of the rows 2|? on the contact panels 2 I 5 (Figures 7 and 8) through the contact members 2|9 upon the bars |35 and lead thence as to a ground wire 436.

Immediately following said depression of the start button by an operator as heretofore described, each player directs his ball 94 over the playing board 95 and thence through any of the paths |69 through |65 thereon.

It will be noted by reference to Figures 3, 4 and 5 in particular that some or" the lanes may be provided with a single button as H6, ||2 or ||4, the depression of which is good for the progressive illumination along the players lane 4|, 42, etc., of his indicator lamps 55 for instance corresponding with iive space positions 45, whereas other lanes as |9I, |93 and |65 are marked for the progressive illumination of their lamps 55 for a distance equal to four positions 45 on the annunciator panel, or, in the alternative, when certain conditions have been established, ten positions.

Considering these alternative possibilities seriatum, it will rst be assumed that the ball passes along the path |00 thereby depressing the button |||l which has been marked for convenience of und-erstanding with a dotted numeral 5 in Figure 2O and which in Figures 3 and 4 is adjacent a similar dotted numeral 5. The depression of the button H0 is only momentary as` the ball passes over it but nonetheless an electrical impulse may pass from the wire 42| (Figure 20) along the path heretofore described, thence across a switch associated with button ||0 to wires 446 and 44| to a coil 354 associated with the cam wheel 365, instantaneously withdrawing its latch 34| from the pin 340 thereon. Thereupon said wheel 365 is rotated in the manner heretofore described in connection with Figures l5 through 18. The circuit through the coil 354 is completed by a wire 442 connecting with conductors 46B and 386.

As the wheel 365 rotates the cam members 33| thereon move the oscillating member 325 so as to close its micro-switch 351 intermittently in a manner to transmit impulses to a corresponding coil 296 as through wire 460, micro-switch 351, wire 4|6, coil 259, wires 4|5, 4|4, switch 396 and wires 392 and 393.

Each momentary closure of the micro-switch 35's' actuates said corresponding coil 260 which in turn causes the retraction from the teeth |96, of the corresponding bar |95, of its associated latch member |92. Accordingly in the present illustration the result will be recorded upon the annunciator panel, as in row 40, for example (assuming such lane corresponds with the playing board in question), by the successive illumination of indicator lamps 55 as in spaces 445, 446, 441, 448 and 449. At the completion of this particular play, i. e., through path |09), therefore, the lamp 55 in position 449 will remain illuminated and indicate the progress of a horse or the like along the lane 49 while the balance of said lane will be preferably dark.

Assuming that on the next play the ball 94 of the same playing unit as 50 traverses the path IGI (Figures 3 and 4) on said playing board, the button H6 (cf. Figure 20) will be depressed temporarily in a similar manner and a` current will then flow from a wire 422 through the switch corresponding with the button thence through wire 552 through the coil 353 corresponding with the cam wheel 366, thereby releasing the same to actuate the micro-switch 351 four times in succession in accordance with the heretofore described construction of said cam wheel, permitting the bar |65 to fall a distance corresponding to four of its teeth |99 and causing the progressive illumination of the indicator lamps 55 through spaces 459, 46|, 462 and 463. The last named space will then remain illuminated while the next spaces 454, etc., in that lane 40, will be dark.

It should be noted that the temporary passage of the ball 94 over the other button in path |'9l will have no effect in the annunciator panel so long as the contact point 2 I9 on the bar |85 does not engage one of the contacts in the row 2 |6 of the contact plate. For until such eventuality the circuit in wire 400, coil 35| corresponding to cam wheel 33|), wire 461, switch corresponding to said button and wire 468, will remain broken at contacts 469, 411 and 4'12 notwithstanding the closure of the switch at I I I The (blue) lamp 129 connected between wires 458 and 432 will therefore remain extinguished until the bar contact- 218 engages one of said contacts 469, 411 or 4"?2, drawing current therethrough and closing said last named circuit.

During the course of play, however, and after the illumination in any lane has traversed the straightway portion of the course (i. e., the portion to the left of the tape B as indicated in Figure l) the bar contacts 218 may come to rest upon one or more of the contacts in row 216 corresponding with the spaces to the right of the tape heretofore designated as the stretch Thus, in our example if the bar contact 218 should come to rest upon the-contacts 469 (a position corresponding to space 4'10 on the annunciator panel (cf. Figure l) the lamp 1211 would thereby be illuminated upon the corresponding playing unit.

If, therefore, in the next succeeding play in said unit the ball should traverse a path whose position is marked by illumination as at a window 1 21B- the bar contact point 219 then being at contact 469, 411 or 4"!2-the current will iiow as from ground 438 through said contacts and wire 458 and thence through the momentarily enclosed switch corresponding with button 116, wire 461, coil 351 corresponding to disk wheel 3311 and wires 490 and 38S. The coil 351 will thus'be energized to release the latch 341 thereof. The consequent rotation of said disk wheel 331i will carry the corresponding bar 185 downwardly over ten successive teeth or such lesser number as is necessary to achieve a winner.

As heretofore noted the rotation of the wheel 330 is preferably more rapid than the rotation of the corresponding wheels 364 and 355, the consequence of which is that the progress in the corresponding lane by the rotation of the Wheel 330 establishes what is referred to as a fast finish. It is understood, of course, that in the event another player succeeds in reaching the finish line with or without having achieved a fast iinish or any portion thereof, the finish line ES may be reached and a win scored in the interval between the onset and completion of the fast finish move. If both players or more reach the finish line at approximately the saine instant of time aphoto finish or tie may be the result.

Thus, due to the interconnection of the wire V4 68 to Contact points 459, 4'11 and 412 the com- In a similar manner (white) lamp 121 is con- Y nected into the circuit 432 and 4'14 which terminatesrin contacts 415, 416 and 471 corresponding on the annunciator panel with spaces 489, 48901V Y and 48022. Therefore, the stoppage of a bar conwith wires 432 and 482, whereby similar fast finish circuits may be set upas through contact points 483, 484, 485 and 486 comprising the terminations of the latter wire on the contact panel 215 corresponding on the annunciator panel with spaces 495m, 499i), 490e and 4991i. As in the other two instances, the passage of the playing ball through the path 195 on the playing board will, if the lamp 122 of the corresponding path is illuminated, bring about a fast finish. The circuits in which the red, white and blue lights are located may be said to constitute activating means, potential in nature since they must previously be conditioned to activate the fast finish or high speed intermittently operable device. Actuators for the activating means are switches on theV playing board designed to be tripped by the ball 94.

A winner, as stated, is designated upon the annunciator panel by the illumination of a corresponding space in the finish line 65. Thus, if a winner be designated in lane 40, for example, position lid would be illuminated as through a win lamp contact 234, wire 493, win lamp 494, Wires 434, 433, 432 and 4215.v Such illumination would be evidenced on the back on the annunciator panel in space 54.

Simultaneously continued illumination of the space 4945i may be achieved as by a nish line lamp 495 through wires 493, 494 and 497 and a common wire 498. A nish line place lamp 499 and a finish line show lamp 530 may also be connected as by similar wires 591 and 502 respectively, to wires 593 and 554.

Upon the making of a iirst winner the corresponding bar thereof comes to rest upon the win anvil 231 (cf. Figure 12), the latch E22 thereof having passed the uppermost bar tooth 223. Thereby contact point 219 engages the win contact 234 as just described to illuminate the finish line lamp 496 and the win lamp 454. Simultaneously, however, the contact point 233 engages a corresponding win contact 233 Ywhich actuates a solenoid 5413 through wire 541 and also wires 598 and 393, thereby closing a normally open switch 559 connected by wire 511i to a place contact 245 and simultaneously also closes a normally open switch 513 causing a current to fiow from a VllO-volt source 514 as through wire 515, switch blade 515, wire 5I?, stitch 553, wire 519, any number of coils 235 and wires 529 and 521 back to said source 514, thereby actuating said coils 235 to attract the armatures 235 (cf. Figure ll) verticalizing the place anvii 231' for engagement with the place shoulder 24? conditioned upon the achievement oi a place by a succeeding player. But, if desired, the selective trip switch '19, if pre-set at point 559, may act to close down the game at the making of only a single winner. Such a closing down will be discussed hereinafter.

The movement as aforesaid of the place anvil 23? which is preferably in common to all bars 185 causes the bar contact points 218 and 219 of a place winning bar to engage place contacts 245 and 24S thereby lighting the correspending finish lamp 499 and place lamp 522 and simultaneously closes a circuit through wire 511i, switch 545, coil 52S and wires 533 and 393, thereby energizing the solenoid 523 and closing the normally open switches 524 and 525. Optionally, also, the game may be shut down at the making of the second winner by pre-setting the switch 'i9 at place point 553.

The closingvof switch 525 establishes a circuit 17 from the 11G-volt source 5|4 through wire 5|5, switch SI5, wire 511, switch 525, wire 526, twin show coils 245 and wire 52| back to the l10- volt source 5M. This latter circuit energizes the show coils 248 and attracts the armatures 249 (cf. Figure il) associated with the show anvil 255, moving the same into a position for engagement with the bar show shoulder 252 upon the scoring of a third place or show by another player or players. The game is then ordinarily over but the actual shutting down of the game is accomplished as follows:

When the bar |85 corresponding to the show winner has fallen into a position of rest upon the show anvil 250, the bar contact 2|9 engages the show light contact 256 to light the show lamp 55 through wire 504, etc., as noted, and also illuminates the finish line show lamp 50|). Like engagement of the point contact 2id with the opposite show contact 255 closes a circuit through wire 534, switch 524 (previously closed by solenoid 523), wire 535, switch 19, wire 536, solenoid and wires 352 and 393, thereby energizing the solenoid 354.

The solenoid 354 operates to open the switch 355 thereby breaking the circuit to the go lamp |25 in each game. It also separates the switch 355 from the contact 45B, cle-energizing the stepping coils 250 in all units and the associated game mechanism including the button switches lil through H8 on the respective playing boards.

Movement of the switch blade 398 to contact point 401, moreover, actuates the coils |15 in each unit to lock the balls 94 against further play.

Simultaneously, the closing of the switch 351 establishes a holding circuit for the coil 394.

The switch 595, also closed by the energization of the coil 394, closes a circuit through wire 455, switch 395, wire 46|, point 540 of the thermoswitch 452, wire 465, bell 385 and wires 39|, 352 and 353, ringing the bell 385 and further signalizing the end of the game. A secondary current also flows through the tube 402 via heating element 54| and also, a wire 542, thereby shutting oli the bell after a predetermined period of time as established by the adjustment of a variable resistance 543.

Manual actuation of the cancel button 13 r causes the rotation of the arm 23| (Figure '1) by means heretofore described. The transverse cancel member 255 is thus raised, returning all the bars |85 to their initial elevated position ready for the commencement of another game. This is accomplished as follows:

Depression of the cancel button 18 starts a current owing from wires 33B, 381, 388 and 544, cancel switch 18, wire 545, coil 546 and wires iildand 553. This actuates the coil 545 associated wth the switch 5|6 in a manner to open the circuit in wire 551, etc., de-energizing the place and show coils 235 and 248, respectively, and causing the motor 212 to operate on a current drawn as through wires 52| and 55|), motor 212, wire 55|, switch 5|6 and wires 5|5 and 5|4.

Even if actuation of the cancel button 18 be only momentary, the initial rotation of the arm i283 by the motor 212 permits the opening of the normally closed micro-switch 284 thereby continuing the operation of the motor for one full revolution of the arm 28| even after the de-energization of the coil 545. Such temporary movement of the switch 5 l5 is sufficient to de- 18 energize the coils 235 and 245 and to permit the place and show anvils 251 and 255 to return to their inoperative positions under the influence of their coil springs 255 and 259.

In the event, as heretofore noted, that it is desired to make only a single winner, the switch 19 may be set upon the win point 55! whereupon the game is automatically closed down as aforesaid by the establishment of but a single winner. Or, in the event that a win" and a place is desired, but not a show, the switch blade may be set upon the place point 555. ir", however, a win, a place and a show position are alike desired, the selective trip switch may be placed upon the show point 551 as illustrated. The game will be automatically shut down accordingly.

it will thus be seen that a game has been produced simulating many of the essential characteristics of a real horse race or similar competition. Although a preferred form of the game apparatus is similar to that which has been illustrated and above described, the horses 62 or other gures may comprise physical threedimensional characters conducted along courses similar to that illustrated in connection with the instant apparatus by any well-known means.

More than one win, place or show winner may result in one cr more ties or dead heats.

The particular number o winners or players and the combination of operative parts herein set forth by way of illustration can be altered in any desired manner. Well-known innovations or alterations of the sequence or number of events or the number of steps may be used for the achievement of the desired result without departing from the intention herein contemplated. Such modifications within the intent and general spirit of the invention of various of the devices employed in the instant game will readily occur to anyone skilled in the art of mechanics, electricity and game manufacture. And as will now be shown, the stepping relays may be replaced as heretofore stated by conventional relays or electronic devices also intended to achieve a generally similar result.

Modified form In the modified form of game illustrated dia-r grammatically in Figure 2l, certain correspondingly numbered parts are substantially the same as in the preceding embodiment.

Thus, for example, indicator lamps 55 are connected to the common conductor E34 through wires 435 and to corresponding contact points in row 2li' as by wires 435. The lowermost contact in the rows 255 and 2li are respectively 255 and 256. ( Contacts 233, 234, 245, and 245 of the preceding embodiment are omitted.) The wires 482, 414 and 458 associated with the (blue, white and red) lamps |23, |2| and |22 in each unit may remain the same as those in the rst form of the apparatus. Lamps such as 45S and 455 in the nish line 55 of each lane may be omitted and the one lamp as 556 retained in such position may be connected to the conductor 434 and contact point 256 respectively as by wires 458 and 150.

The bottom contact 255 in row 2|5 is electrically connected as by wires 15| and 152 to a win relay 153 which may in turn be connected as through wire 154, switch 1155, wire 556, switch 101 and wires 155 and 159 to the line 555, heretofore described, interconnected with the 25 volt source and the motor switch relay 545.

Switches 1||, 'H2 and 1'I3 are operatively as- V switches 110 and 11|.

19 sociated with and controlled by the win relay 103. The switch 1| may control a circuit from a` ground 438 as through wires 1|4, 1|5, 1|5 and win lamp 494.

The switch 1|2 shifts the current from the place and show relays 13| and 132, as will be notedto the shifting relay 120 through wires 12| and 122, shifting relay v120, and wires 123, 109 and 500 leading back to the 25-volt source heretofore described.

The energization of the relay 120 operates the switch'165 upon the winning unit and also corresponding switches 135, 136, etc., installed in corresponding controlen-cuits of each of the other playing units respectively. The actuation of the shifting relay 120 moreover breaks the win circuit l, 102, relay 103, wire 104, switch 105, wire 105, switch 101 and wires 108, 159 and 508, etc., on each unit my moving the corresponding switch 'blades 105, 135, 136, etc., from their upper to their lowermost contact points.

The actuationof the win relay 103 in moving the switch 'H3- to its lowermost contact point thereby closes a holding circuit for the win relay oi the winning unit as through wires 140, 14|, 123, 109 and 500, etc.

The place relays 13| of` each unit are interconnected to therground 438 as by way of the bars |85 andcontact points 2|0 which, when in engagement with the corresponding contacts 255, close a circuit inV the corresponding unit, as through Wire 10|, switch 1|2, wires 143 and 144, place relay 13|, wire 145', a blade 135 or 136 corresponding to bladeV 105 in the unit in question, awire 106, aV blade as 101, 155 or 155, etc., controlled bythe shifting relay 130 and wires 109 and 500, etc. to the source as previously noted.

The switch 152 controls a circuit to the place lamp 522 as through wires 1|4, 153, 154, place lamp 522, wire 435 and main conductor 434,

The switch 15| breaks the circuit through its uppermost contact point to theV show relay 132 and makes contact with its lowermost point as through wires 551 and 558 leading to the shifting relay 13G...x

The switch 150-holds theplace relayl 13| as through the wire 145, one of the switch blades 105, 135 or 136, wire 106, blade 101, 155 or 156 and wires108, 109 and 508, etc.

The show relay 1 32v is connected;v toa finishY lamp 500'through the wire 100, contact points 256. and 255 (when the win bar contactpoints 2|9 and 2i0are at saidv position), wire 10|, switch 1|2, wire 143, switch 15|, wires 160 and 15|; relay 13,2, wire 152, switch 101 or the like and wires 108,109 and 508, etc., connecting with the 25 volt source.

The show relay 132, when actuated, closes The switchr 110 is connected to the show lamp 53| as by means of ground conductors 430 and 1|4, wire 112, switch 110., wire 113, show lamp 53| and wires 435 and 43.4..

The switch 11| controls thecircuit 535 connected with contact point 551 on the selective switch 19 which in turn controls the shut down relay 394 (Figure 20) as through a wire 535.

The actuation of the shut-down relay 394 operates a series ofswitches 396, 391, 390 and 399 which control the operative mechanism of the game as heretofore set forth.

Operation of modified game -zJ/zmmatusV In the operation of the modified form of game apparatus, lastabove described, play may be con- 2Q. ducted inv the identical manner hereinabove described in connectionwith the discussion of thefirst embodiment, Accordingly, at the outset of the game the several operative parts of the modified mechanism disclosed in Figures 20 and 2l may be in the condition shown in said gures.

Upon the achievement cf a win the bar corresponding with the winnning playing unit will drop to its lowest position, as heretofore described. Note, however, that in the instant embodiment the lowest contact points 256 and 255 may be utilized to score either a win, a place or a showfdepending upon whether a previous win or win-and place have theretofore been made.

When a win is scored, the indicator lamps 55 will be operated in a similar manner to that set forth in connection with the rst embodiment of the invention, and the (blue, white and red) lamps |20, |2| and |22 and their associated mechanism interconnected with the lines 463, 414 and 402 respectively are also actuated as heretofore described.

The lamp 500l willV therefore be illuminated when the bar |05 has dropped to said lowermost position as against any suitable abutment (cf. win anvil as- 23| of previous embodiment) which will bring the contact points 2|9 and 2|8 into respective engagement with contacts 256 and 255. A current will then be established as through lines 434, 493, contacts 256 and 255, wires 10| andY 162, win relay 103, wire 104, switch 105, wire 106, switch 101 and wires 108, 109 and 508 back to the 25 volt source (cf. Figure 20).

Thel coil 103 will then be energized and will actuate switches 1||, 1|2l and 1|3. Switch 1|| will close thereby lighting the win lamp 494 of the corresponding winning unit by means of wires 434 and 435, win lamp 494, wire 1|6, switch 1| i,

` wire 'H5 and ground wires 114 and 438.

The actuation of switch 1|2 will open the contact between that switch and the wire 143, thereby breaking the circuit in wires 143 and 144 leading tothe place relay 13| and also the circuit in wire 103, switch 15|, wire 160 and wire 16| leading to the show relay 132.

In such winning unit,` therefore, the place and show relays 13| and 132 will be inoperative. These latter relays will, however, remain connected to the win contact 255 by means of the switch 1|2in each of the remaining non-winning unitsi The movement of the switch 1|2 will also close a circuit through the wire 12| which, in turn, is connected to a wire 122 leading to the win shiftingl relay 120l whence the current may pass through wires 123, 109 and 500 to said 25 voltY source.

The energizationof the shifting relay actuates the switch 105 corresponding to the winning unit under discussion, and also similar switches 136, etc., connected to the remaining nonwinning units in a manner to break the circuit in wires 106, 108 and 109 heretofore established by way of switches 105 and 101 and to de-energize the win relay 103 but for the simultaneous establishment of a relay holding circuit by means of switch 1|3V through wires 408 and 100, contact points 256 and 255, wires 10|` and 102, win relay 103, wire-140, switch 1|3 and wires 14|, 123, 109 and506-as aforesaid.

When a second winner-is made, i.k e., a placef anotherlamp500 in a line corresponding to such second place winner is illuminated in the finish position, thereby energizing the place coil 13|

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