US3224771A

US3224771A - Fluid pressure drive racing game apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3224771A
Application number: US254290A
Authority: US
Inventors: Frank A Altieri
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1963-01-28
Filing date: 1963-01-28
Publication date: 1965-12-21
Anticipated expiration: 1982-12-21

Description

Dec. 21, 1965 F, A. ALTlER] 3,224,771

FLUID PRESSURE DRIVE RACING GAME APPARATUS Filed Jan. 28, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 X daba. I

ATTORNEYS` Dec. 2l, 1965 F. A. ALTIERI 3,224,771

FLUID PRESSURE DRIVE RACING GAME APPARATUS Filed Jan. 28, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 lEA INVENTOR FRANK A. ALT/ER/ ATTORNEYS Dec. 2l, i965 F. A. ALTIERI FLUID PRESSURE DRIVE RACING GAME APPARATUS Filed Jan. 28. 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 FRAN/C A. ALT/ER! ATTORNEYS ERI FLUID PRESSURE DRIVE RACING GAME APPARATUS Filed Jn. 28, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 COMPRESSOR.

L9 REGULATOR ,700

Jf /6/ T 70 7/ 72 73 TUBE TUBE TUBE TUBE 50d 50e sob son.

6 0 GUAGE /040' /046 /0 4 b [Mal TANK TANK TAN K TANK [/7 v// /5 i V v dim j/250' ,/25c 1256 /zsal CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL f/32d 432C /Zb 4.32m

TUBE TUBE TUBE TUBE 52d 52e 52B 52a INVENTOR P:'l E E FRANK A. ALT/ER/ BY da 0G] l @f7/Jo .5a/v

ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,224,771 FLUID PRESSURE DRIVE RACRNG GAME APPARATUS Frank A. Altieri, Atlantic City, NJ., assignor of one-half to Charles lrivinia, Atlantic City, NJ. Filed dan. 28, 1963, Ser. No. 254,290 6 Claims.. (Cl. 273-86) This invention relates generally to entertainment devices, and is specifically concerned with a novel game apparatus of the type providing for selectively controlled racing of movable objects.

Various types of racing games have heretofore been suggested. In many of such games, there is individual control by an operator of each movable object being raced, and when a game board is used, as is common, some control mechanism is provided for each operator so as to permit independent adjustment of the respective individual moving objects. In some games which operate with a game board, movement is achieved in accordance with a numerical indicator, which indicator either takes the form of a predetermined scale having a spinning pointer cooperating therewith, or the form of one or more dice.

in still other forms of racing-type games which have previously been suggested, some power means is incorporated and associated with each of the objects whereby the same can be automatically controlled. For instance, it has been suggested that electrical motors be used, and that some control be associated therewith whereby the speed of a particular object, such as an automobile, can be varied. Still further, prior workers in the art have contemplated the use of lluid under pressure, such as for example air, and the direction thereof against an object to be moved. With the prior electrical-type game, as well as with the prior compressed air-type games, some adjustment in movement of the particular object can be achieved, and certain control over relative speeds of a group of objects can be exercised.

While the above discussed types of prior units are but exemplary of a multitude of prior suggestions, all of the prior suggestions, to the best of my knowledge, fail to provide any system which yields a true simulation of certain types of races, such as, for example, horse races. In the normal reallife horse race, the jockey riding the horse exercises complete control over the horse. rlfhe jockey may stimulate the horse at the outset of the race so that he moves to the front of the pack, he may run the horse at a substantial constant speed throughout the race, or he may attempt only to stimulate the horse toward the end of the race and in the so-called stretch Regardless of the particular technique adopted by the jockey, an inherent characteristic of any animal is that only a certain maximum energy can be expended in any given race by any given horse or other animal. Thus, in the normal horse race, if the jockey stimulates the horse at the outset, the horse normally fades" in the stretch Similarly, if the horse is raced comparatively fast throughout the entire racing course, the hores does not have excess energy to use in the stretch. Further, if the horse is raced comparatively slowly at the outset, the horse normally possesses some extra energy which can be used to achieve faster movement in the stretch.

While a horse race has been used illustratively in the preceding description, it should be readily apparent that the same considerations are applicable to persons racing in a track meet, to dog races, and to other races wherein the moving object possesses a predetermined maximum energy which can be expended during the race. Thus, where the term horse is used in this specification, the

ICC

term dog, human and other terms may be substituted readily therefor.

Bearing in mind the foregoing considerations, a primary -object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus which is selectively controllable by individual operators so as to factually simulate racing conditions experienced in connection with the racing of objects which have a predetermined maximum energy that can be expended during the race.

A still further primary object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus which is .so constructed as to propel a series of movable objects through a basic or primary energy source across or around given racing paths whereby each of the objects, under the operation of the basic or primary energy source, would traverse the course from start to iinish in the same time, and which apparatus further includes means for selectively applying individually, as desired by individual operators, a predetermined maximum amount of extra energy to each of the objects whereby the movements thereof can properly and factually simulate the movement experienced in a horse race, in a dog race, or the like, depending upon the selective control exercised by the particular operator.

Although the above-stated primary objects are of particular importance, it has been found that in satisfaction of such objects, certain specific objects can be achieved, namely, (a) the provision of a game apparatus which provides for the selective control and basic movements referred to above through .the use of compressed air; (b) the provision of such a game apparatus which can have as its primary power source, either a motordriven compressor, or manually operated means for compressing air, or other uids; (c) the provision of such an apparatus which can be constructed on a comparatively large scale for use by the public in public places, such as along a boardwalk, or which can be constructed on a comparatively small scale for use in the homej` (d) the provision of a game apparatus which can readily be fabricated as a horse race, as a dog race, as a human race, or even if desired, as a race of other forms of objects such as automobiles; (e) the provision of a game apparatus which can be easily constructed and operated so as to be useable by adults as well as children, and so as to be available to the public at a comparatively inexpensive cost; and, (f) the provision of an apparatus conforming with all of the preceding objects which can be formed from existing basic components and materials and which will prove trouble-free with continued use.

A game apparatus constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment hereof includes a plurality of movable racing objects, means for guiding the objects along predetermined racing paths extending between start and finish locations, first drive means reacting with each of the objects to propel each of the objects along one of the predetermined racing paths at a predetermined speed proportionately related to the one path whereby the same time lapse occurs for each object in normal travel of the objects between start and finish locations along the predetermined racing paths, and second drive means independently associated with each of the racing paths and selectively controllable by individual operators, the second drive means also reacting with each object to propel the same at speeds selectively increased with respect to the predetermined speed. The invention, however, lies in the combination construction and arrangement of certain means and components, as well as in certain methods of operation.

Moreover, the invention will ybe better understood, and objects other than those specifically set forth above will become apparent, when consideration is given to the fol,-

lowing detailed description of the illustrative and preferred embodiments of the invention presented in the annexed drawings. In the drawings:

FIGURE l is a plan view, generally schematic in form, of a game apparatus constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a side sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of FIGURE 3 and showing in structural detail a movable object, guide means and drive means, as the same would appear in a fragment of the apparatus provided hereby;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the apparatus as the same would appear in a section taken along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary detailed view of a portion of each of the tubes incorporated as part of the drive means in an apparatus constructed in accordance herewith;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary plan view, partially broken away, of a game apparatus constructed in accordance herewith;

FIGURE 6 is a schematic diagram of a drive system and control arrangement constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment hereof for use with the apparatus of FIGURES 1 through 5; and

FIGURE 7 is a schematic diagram of a drive system constructed in accordance with a modified embodiment hereof for use with the apparatus of FIGURES 1 through 5.

In FIGURE 1, there is shown a game apparatus generally designated by the numeral 2 which is constructed in accordance herewith. The apparatus includes a board 4 having a plurality of predetermined racing paths, a, b, c, and d disposed thereon. Further, the apparatus 2 includes a selective control panel 6 having a plurality of control handles 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d projecting from the upper surface thereof.

The game board 4, as best shown in FIGURE 2, is in the form of a housing 10 having a top wall 12, a bottom wall 14, and end walls 16 which serve to maintain the top wall 12 in spaced relation to the bottom wall 14. The top wall 12 of the game board, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, is provided with a series of generally parallel or congruent openings 18 therein. The openings 18, in effect, form the predetermined paths for each of the objects to be raced.

As shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIGURE 3, an object to be raced can comprise the model of a horse, such as the model 20. The horse 2t) is shown as being supported by a post 22 on the supporting member or carriage 24 of the movable vehicle generally designated by the numeral 26. The vehicle includes wheels 28, 28' which support the member 24 in spaced relation to the bottom wall 14, the -bottom wall 14 being the surface over which the vehicle 26 moves.

FIGURE 2 presents the detailed construction of the interior of the housing 10` insofar as the same is pertinent to the outer most racing path d. It is to be understood that the interior of the housing as pertinent to each of the other racing paths, a, b and c, is virtually identical with that applicable to the racing path d. Thus, where four movable objects are to be raced, such as the horses 20, the construction shown in FIGURE 2 and described immediately below, is duplicated for each of the racing paths a, b, c, and d, the only difference lying in variations made because of the relative length of the respective racing paths.

The vehicle 26 described above and particular model carried thereby, such as horse 20, cumulatively form a movable racing object. Such object, or specically, the

wheels

28 and 28 thereof, cooperate with means for guiding the object along a predetermined racing path.

Preferably the means for guiding are in the form of a track which includes the

rails

30 and 32. The

rails

30 and 32 are disposed under, and to opposite sides of the opening 18 whereby when the

wheels

28 and 28 of the vehicle 26 are cooperatively engaged therewith, just as a normal model railroad car has wheels which engage a normal model railroad track, the post 22 projects through the opening 18 whereby the model horse or other object 20 is supported above the top wall 12 of the housing 10. Insofar as an individual operator or player is concerned, the only visible elements are the moving models themselves, and the portion of the post 22 which projects through and above the exposed top wall 12 of the housing 10. In essence, the top wall 12 appears to be the game board, and only the model 20 and supporting posts are seen to the user or player. However, as explained, each post is carried by a movable wheeled vehicle 26, which wheeled vehicle cooperates with a

track including rails

30 and 32 so that the post is at all times maintained centered in the opening 18, and so that in turn, the particular model 20 is maintained along a given racing path.

Extending downwardly of the support member 24, and as shown in phantom in FIGURE 3, are a plurality 0f side brackets 4t) which support the axles 42 for each of the

wheels

28 and 28. While this construction is preferred, it should be readily apparent that the vehicles 26 could well comprise a normal flat-bed model railroad car, and that the means for guiding the vehicles along the predetermined racing path could well comprise a model railroad track. The preferred construction and modification suggested, however, are not to be interpreted as limiting, because the important fact is that a movable racing object is provided together with means for guiding the object along a predetermined racing path.

Now, again returning to FIGURES 2 and 3, it will be noted that intermediate the

rails

30 and 32, two tubes 5t) and 52 are provided. These tubes are preferably centrally disposed of the rails, and lie under th-e underside of the member 24. The underside of the member 24 carries a detiection means 60 in the form of a bent plate having a downwardly extending deflector 62. The deflector 62, as shown, travels closely adjacent but over the top of the

tubes

50 and 52. The tubes 50` and 52 provide a tube means or passageway means through which compressed air, or other gas, can be conveniently delivered and directed through openings in the tubes against the deflection means or deflector 62. By reference to FIGURE 4, it will be noted that the tube 5t) includes a series of generally equally spaced apertures 66. These apertures are so designed as to deliver a proper forced air current against the deflector 62, when air is delivered to the tube under proper pressure, so as to propel the vehicle 26, and thereby the particular model being raced, completely about the given racing path at a predetermined speed. The tube 52, on the other hand, may be provided with a series of equally spaced apertures, or it may be provided with groups of apertures 64 as explained more fully below.

In any event, it should be understood from the preceding description that the preferred embodiment contemplates utilizing a pair of tubes 56 and 52 disposed around or about each continuous racing path, and preferably intermediate the -rails which form the guide means for the vehicle 26.

Two racing paths, c and d, are shown in FIGURE 5 and the hidden structural elements are shown in dotted' lines, whereas those elements which would be seen view-v ing the game board from the top are shown in full lines. The relative disposition of the tubes 56 and 52, of the deflector 62, of the wheels 28 and 2S', and of the opening 18 are clearly shown in this figure. Also, from FIGURE 5, as well as FIGURE 1, it will be noted that in any continuous race game, where a plurality of objects are moved along different continuous but generally parallel paths, the objects moving along the outer-most path must travel a greater distance between set transverse start and finish positions, than the object traveling in an inner path. Specically, if in FIGURE 1, the line X represents the start,

and the line Y represents the finish, then the object traversing racing path d must travel a greater distance than the object traversing racing path a. In relative order, the object traversing path d travels the greatest distance, the object traversing path c travels the next greatest distance, the object traversing path b travels the next greatest distance, and the object traversing path a travels the least distance.

Now, in order to understand the manner in which the drives for each of the vehicles operates so as to achieve basic movement of the objects or models along the racing paths, reference is next made to FIGURE 6. In this ligure, a series of lines 7i), 71, 72 and 73 are shown as leading respectfully to tubes 50a, Stili, 50c and Sd. For convenience of description, a parenthetical notation is used adjacent certain numerals in this specification so as to indicate the particular race path with which the particular component is associated. Thus, in this instance, as shown in FIGURE 6, tube Stia is tube Sti disposed in racing path a, tube 50h is tube 5t) disposed in racing path b, etc. Similarly, as shown in FIGURE 5, side walls 16e and 16d are shown in FIGURE 5, such side walls being used to support adjacent portions of wall 12 separated by openings 18d, 18e, etc.

Referring again to FIGURE 6, a plurality of

liuid valves

74, 75, 76, and 77 are connected in the lines '70, 71, 72 and 73. These valves connect the lines 70 through 73 inclusive, individually with a bus line 78 which is in turn connected through a pressure regulator 79 with the output of a compressor 80. The compressor 80 delivers liuid under pressure, namely, compressed air, to the regulator 79 which in turn maintains the pressure of the air delivered at a substantially constant level. The air leaves the regulator 79 and traverses the valves 74 through 77 inclusive, then passing respectively to the tubes Stia, Stib, e

50c, and 50d. In this way, through the valves and the compressor, as referred to above, compressed air is delivered to the primary drive tubes Sti in each of the racing paths.

Now, as suggested in the preceding discussion, in any race between start and inish locations X and Y, as shown in FIGURE 1, diiferent distances must be traversed. Accordingly, consistent with the invention, there is a cornpensation in the relative speeds of the objects traversing the respective paths. To achieve this compensation, the valve 74 is adjusted to completely open position. For example, the valve 7S is adjusted to a relatively less open position, the valve 76 is adjusted to a still relatively less open position, and the valve 77 is adjusted to a still relatively less open position. Thus, the quantity and/ or pressure of the air fed to the respective tubes 59a through 50d is adjusted through control of the opening of valves 74 through 77 so as to deliver to each racing path a, b, c, and d a selective quantity and/or pressure of air, which selective quantity and/or pressure regulates the speed at which the object in the particular path will travel.

It is to be understood that all of valves 74 through 77 are closable, and that the relative maximum opening thereof can be preset in any desired manner, as for ex-` ample, by using adjustable abutments disposed to limit motion of the valve operating member or handle. In any event, during a race, the pressure and/or quantity of air passing into the tubes 50a, Stib, Stic, and 50d is adjusted. This adjustment is retiected in the output from the openings 64 in each tube, and in turn the air which is forced against the detiector 62 of each of the objects moving in the respective paths is controlled. Accordingly, through adjustment of the maximum open position of valves 70 through 77, the speed at which the vehicles 26a, 26h, 26e and 26d travel is compensated (vehicle 26d being driven the fastest, and vehicle 26a being driven the slowest) with the adjustment being such that the time required for the respective vehicles to travel between the start location X and the finish location Y exactly the same for each vehicle.

The feed to the tubes 52 is similar to the feed to the tubes 5t), although substantially different control is provided thereover. Again referring to FIGURE 6, it will be noted that the compressor Sti also feeds through line 11i@ to a common bus line 102. Preferably, a gauge 160 is incorporated in line 11th so as to provide an indication of the pressure existent in such line. Connected with the common bus line 102 are a plurality of tanks or chamber means 10451, 1Mb, 164C and 1ti4d. Disposed in the

lines

106, 107, 1118 and 109 which couple the bus line 102 with the tanks 11Min, 1Mb, 164C, and ltild respectively are a plurality of

auxiliary valves

110, 111, 112 and 113. These auxiliary valves can be operated by a common mechanical connection schematically shown and designated by the numeral 114. Leading from each of the tanks 194e, 1Mb, 104C and 164ml is an

outlet line

115, 116, 117 and 118 respectively. Coupled in the lines 115 through 118 are a plurality of

further valves

119, 12d, 121 and 122 respectively. Still further, individual control valves 12551, 125i), 125C and 125d are coupled in the 'lines 115 through 118 respectively. The valves 119 through 122 inclusive are also operable through a common mechanical connection 131B which is shown schematically.

On the output side of each of the individual control valves 125g, 125]), 125e and 12d is a connection 132er, 132b, 132e and 132:1, which lead respectively to the

tubes

52a, 52b, 52C, and 52d.

Now, assume that initially the valves 74 through 77 were closed so that no air could pass to the tubes 50a, Sub, Stic and Stiel. Assume further that the valves 119 through 122 inclusive were closed, but that the valves 111i through 113 inciusive had been opened through operation of the common mechanical connection 114. Assume further that the compressor 80 was started, and served to feed compressed air through the line 1111i, bus line 1112, and individual lines 1116 through 109 inclusive to the respective tanks 1ti4a, 16411, 104C and 1641i. After the compressor had been in operation for some period of time, the gauge 161B would indicate a particular pressure that had been achieved, and this pressure would be indicative of the pressure within each of the tanks. If the tanks were equally dimensioned, as shown the quantity of air under pressure in each of the tanks would be the same.

After the above-described operation had been performed, eventually the gauge would indicate a predetermined desired pressure, and at that time, the valves 111i through 113 could be closed through operation of the common mechanical connection 114. The tanks 16d-ta, 1114i?, 194e and 10441 would then contain a predetermined maximum quantity of compressed air under a given pressure.

All of the objects would have previously been moved, or would then be moved to the starting position, in side by side alignment. A starting post or gate could be provided, if desired. At starting time, the

valves

74, 75, '76 and 77 would be opened to their preset degrees of opening and simultaneously the valves 119 through 122 would be opened fully. For this purpose, it will be noted that a common mechanical connection 161 is provided between the valves '74, 75, 76 and 77. This connection is common via connection 159 with the mechanical connection 131i. Various mechanical connections which permit individual operation, as well as automatic operation, are known, and any type of such means could be used for

connections

130, 159 and 161. Moreover', the valves in question could be conventional electrically responsive valves, whereby electrical current could be supplied to the valves to cause the desired automatic simultaneous operation thereof, while still permitting any necessary mechanical adjustment thereof.

In any event, the valves 74 through 77 are opened simultaneously with the valves 119 through 122 inclusive. The opening of these valves results in delivering air under pressure to the tubes 50a, Stlb, 50c, and 50d, which in turn results in directing such air through any one or any group of apertures 64 against the respective deectors 62a, 62b, 62e, and 62d. When the air is directed against the delectors, as explained above, the vehicles 26a, 261;, 26e and 26a.' start their movement about the predetermined racing paths a, b, c and d. Without any extraneous control, and if the individual control valves 12561, 125i), 125C and 125e' remained closed, then all of the objects would finish the race simultaneously due lto the compensation which is provided in the maximum opening of the valves 74 through 77. Of course, the compressor Sil is operating to continuously deliver fluid under pressure to each of the

lines

70, 71, 72 and 73, and in turn to

tubes

50a, 50h, 50c and 50d.

Due to the provision of the individual control valves, 12551, 125b, 125e and 125d, which can be operated through the control handles 8a, 8b, 8c and 8a' respectively as shown in FIGURE l, the speed of each of the objects being moved can be selectively adjusted. The tanks 104c1, limb, 104C and ltllld contain a quantity of compressed air under suitable pressure, which quantity is predetermined and adjusted so that the same is not sufficient to be delivered continuously to any one of the tubes 52a, 52]), 52C and 52d respectively throughout the entire time of the race if associated valve 125a, 125i), 125e or 125d is fully open. In other words, the quantity of compressed air in any tank is substantially smaller than the quantity of compressed air required to propel the object associated therewith entirely around the race course from start to finish. However, the compressed air in the tanks is selectively deliverable, as desired by the operator, to the tubes 52a, B2b, 52C, and 52d through adjustment of valves 12551, 125b, 125C and 12561. Thus, if the operator of the object in racing path a desired to move his horse as fast as possible initially, he can completely open his individual control valve 125a, which in turn will result in the delivery of additional compressed air to the tube 52a, thereby creating two strong forced air paths on the deilector 62a and moving the vehicle 26a more rapidly than the same would move solely under the action of air leaving the tube 50a. The air leaving tube 52a is obviously cumulative with the air leaving the tube 50a, and thus if the operator of the object in racing path a wanted initial speed, he would fully open his individual control valve 125a.

Still further, as an example, the operator of the object moving in racing path d may decide that he wants his horse to be strong in the stretch. In this instance, he may permit his horse to travel the initial part of the racing path solely through the action of the air being delivered to the tube 50d. As the horse enters the stretch, the operator concerned with the object in path d may then fully open his individual control valve, supplying the predetermined quantity of compressed air from tank 1040. to his horse for faster propulsion thereof in the stretch. As a still further example, the operator of the object traveling in racing path c may decide to provide for a quick get-away of his horse, as well as a comparatively strong finish. In this instance, the operator would selectively open his individual control valve 125e at the start of the race, and he may then close the same, and use the remainder of his predetermined quantity of compressed air in tank 104C in the stretch.

Since the individual control valves are selectively adjustable, any particular combination of events or techniques may be used by a given operator. Still, the net result is the true stimulation of any race wherein the object has a predetermined quantity of energy which can be expended during the racing time. It will be noted during the race, tanks 104er, 104i), 104C and liidd operate independently because all communication therebetween is closed by

valves

110, 111, 112 and 113.

Once the race is completed, and the winner is determined, by any suitable means, then the process described above is started again. Valves 74 through 77 inclusive are closed, valves 119 through 122 inclusive are closed, valves 111) through 113 are opened, and the tanks are again lled with compressed air to a predetermined pressure. The initial closing operation described above is then repeated, valves 119 through 122 are opened, and the game is then again ready, once the objects are moved to starting position, for a repeat operation.

Although the preferred embodiment of the apparatus provided hereby contemplates the use of a compressor and individual valves and tanks as shown schematically in FIGURE 6, it is appreciated that the costs of such an assembly may be substantial. Accordingly, for home use, the construction may be varied with the compressor titl' being replaced by a foot bellow such as that shown in FIGURE 7 and designated by the numeral 200. In this instance, bellows would feed, through suitable couplings 202e, 202i), 202C and 202:1 to the

respective tubes

50a, 50h, 50c and 50d. Constrictions which are preset may be provided in each of the couplings to yield selective adjustment of predetermined speed for the respective objects, or alternatively, valves may be provided in each of the lines, or adjustable restrictive elements can be used. For example, a screw might well be threaded through the wall of one of the couplings so as to provide a substantial obstruction which is selectively adjustable with respect to the extent the same extends within the tube. In this manner, the relative speeds of the objects could be preset so as to compensate for the difference in distances which must be traveled. The bellows 200 would replace the compressor, but provide the continuous source of compressed air during operation of the game, one of the participants merely pumping the bellows to provide the propelling forces. Any variation in the propelling forces would equally affect each of the objects, and thus lack of uniformity in operation of the bellows would have substantially no effect on the outcome of the race.

In replacing the tanks and selective control valves of FIGURE 6, there may be provided a series of compressible

hollow bulbs

21a, 210b, 210C and 210d having check valves therein. Each of the bulbs could be similar to the bulb used at the end of a syringe and upon compression of each of the bulbs, a quantity of compressed air would be delivered to each of the

tubes

52a, 52h, 52C and 52d, in accordance with the operation of the bulbs by the operator. In this instance, it is conceivable that an operator could supply auxiliary air constantly to his object the entire race, but in normal operation, the hand usually tires. The energy required to open and close the hand so as to compress the bulbs inherently sets its own limit. Thus, in using the game, if the operator pumps the bulb with his hand strongly at the start, he normally pumps weaker at the nish. Similarly, if he pumps his Ihand weakly at the start, he normally has retained sucient energy that he can pump his particular bulb more strongly at the nish. Here, the human element itself compensates in operation of the game so as ,to provide a true and realistic facsimile of an actual horse race, dog race, human race, or other race as the case may be.

Aside from the apparatus and methods which may be provided to utilize the game, as described above, the game may well be constructed with a post at each turn in the board, and with apertures provided in the

tubes

52a, 52b, 52e :and 52d only at the turns. In this instance, there may be no exact stimulation `of a horse race, but the individual controls would have to be operated at a predetermined time consistent with the positioning ofthe holes in order to achieve an increase in speed of the particular object being controlled. This is a variation of the game which might well be used, and represents an illustrative modification.

When the preceding description is read in full, it will be appreciated that there are in fact two drive means utilized. These drive means may be operated from a common source of compressed air, such as the compressor 80, or they may be individually operated, with each containing its own souce of power, such as a bellows and a series of compressible bulbs. lIn any event, the first drive means includes a passageway means or tube 50 receiving compressed air therein and directing the same therefrom, whereby the first drive means reacts with the object to propel the object along the racing path at a predetermined speed. The second drive means which includes a passageway means or tube 52 receiving compressed air therein and directing the same therefrom, is selectively controllable by an operator, and reacts with the object to propel the object at speeds selectively increased with respect to the predetermined speed of the object resulting from the propulsion thereof by the first drive means. Accordingly, the terms first and second drive means are used Aherein, and in the appended claims to describe basic apparatus aspects hereof.

Although apertures 64 and 66 have been only .generally described, it will be appreciated that the same can be angularly disposed with respect to the axis of the tubes 80 las to direct air therefrom at given angles thereby providing more efficient reaction of the air against the deectors 62. The tubes d and 52 may be continuous, or closed at one end disposed intermediate the start and finish locations. Further, the coupling of the tubes to lines 7d through 73 and 132g through 132e?, can be madeat various locations so as to evenly distribute the air leaving apertures 64 and 66 and provide for uniform movement of the objects under given pressures, regardless of the position of the lobjects along the racing paths.

After reading the foregoing detailed `description of illustrative and preferred embodiments of the invention, it should be apparent that the objects set forth at the outset of the present specification have been successfully achieved, Accordingly,

What is claimed is:

l. In a game apparatus, the combination of:

a plurality of movable racing objects;

means for guiding said objects along predetermined racing paths extending between start and finish l-ocations; first drive means reacting with each of said objects to propel each said Object along one of said predetermined racing paths at a predetermined speed proportionately related to the said one path whereby the same time lapse occurs for each object in normal travel of said objects between said start and finish locations along the predetermined racing paths;

`second drive means independently associated with each of said racing paths and selectively controllable by individual operators, said second drive means reacting with each object to propel the same at speeds selectively increased with respect to said predetermined speed;

each of said racing objects including deflector means;

said second drive means including tube means and means for delivering iluid under pressure through said tube means;

said tube means including tubes disposed about each said racing path, each tube having outlets therein disposed to direct fluid against the deflector means of `1n-object traveling along the racing path about which the tube is disposed;

said second drive means further including a plurality of chamber means for storing a predetermined volurne of fluid under pressure yand independently selectively controllable valve means connecting each said chamber means with a different one of said tubes;

said volume having a magnitude, and said outlets in said tubes being sized such that said volume is less than the v-olume required to continuously maintain a fluid flow from the outlets of any one of said tubes during the time required for an object to entirely traverse the predetermined racing path about which that tube is disposed when the valve means connected with that tube is selectively controlled to permit full dow of fluid from said chamber means to that tube.

2. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said object comprises a support member, wheel means supporting said member in spaced relation to a surface, said deflector means extending under said support member, said means for guiding comprising a track cooperatively engageable with said wheel means to guide said object, said tube means being disposed intermediate the sides of said track whereby said deflector means passes therebetween.

3. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said first -drive means includes further tube means and means for delivering fluid under pressure through said tube means, said further tube means also being disposed about said racing path and having outlets therein disposed to direct fiuid against sai-d deflector means.

4. In a racing game apparatus, the combination of:

a movable racing object;

means for guiding said object along a predetermined y racing path;

first drive means reacting with said object along said predetermined racing path at a predetermined speed; and

second drive means selectively controllable by an operator and `reacting with said object to propel said object at speeds selectively increased with respect to said predetermined speed;

said racing object including deilector means;

said first and second drive means each including tube means and means for delivering uid under pressure through said tube means;

said tube means being disposed about said racing path and having outlets therein disposed to direct fluid against said deector means;

said second drive means further including chamber means for storing a predetermined volume of fluid under pressure and selectively controllable valve means connecting said chamber means with the tube means of said second drive means;

said volume having a magnitude, and said outlets in the tube means of said second drive means being sized, such that said volume is less than the volume required to continuously maintain a duid flow from the outlets of the tube means of said second drive means during the time required for said object to entirely traverse said predetermined racing path when `said valve means is selectively controlled to permit maximum flow of fluid therethrough from said chamber means to said tube means of said second drive means.

5. `In a game apparatus, the combination of:

a plurality of movable racing objects having deflector means;

means for guiding said objects along predetermined racing paths extending between start and yfinish locations;

first drive means reacting with each of said objects to propel each said object along one of said predetermined racing paths `at a predetermined speed proportionately related to the said one path whereby the same time lapse occurs for each object in normal travel of said objects between said start and finish locations along the predetermined racing paths;

second drive means independently associated with each of said racing paths and selectively controllable by individual operators, said second drive means reacting with each obj-ect to propel the same at speeds selectively increased with respect to said predetermined speed;

said second drive means having a force which is less than that required to react with said object to propel the same along the entire predetermined path;

said rst and second drive means including fluid passageway means disposed .about each racing path;

the fluid passageway means disposed about each path having outlets therein disposed to direct fluid against the deflector means of an object moving in such path; and,

means for delivering fluid under pressure to Said passageway means;

each of said racing objects including a support member,

Wheel means supporting said member in spaced rela-tion to a surface, said deflector means extending under said support member, said means for guiding including a track cooperatively engageable with said wheel means to guide said o'bject, sai-d passageway means being disposed intermediate the sides of said track whereby said deflector means passes therebetween;

said means for delivering luid under pressure to said passageway means including a compressor means;

said first drive means including a plurality of selectively operable valve means associated individually with each of said racing paths to selectively control the uid delivered t-o each passageway and thereby preset said predetermined speed individually for each of said objects;

said second drive means including a plurality of chamber means connected to said compressor means, a plurality of auxiliary valve means for establishing and disestablishing fluid delivery connection between said chamber means and each of said compressor means, .and `a plurality of selectively operable individual control valves for establishing and disestablishing uid delivery connection between a given one of said chamber means and a given one of said passageway means.

`6. A racing game apparatus comprising:

a game Iboard means having thereon a starting location, la finish location, and a plurality of racing paths extending between said locations;

a plurality of movable racing objects, each disposed in an individual racing path;

main drive means operatively associated with each of said racing `objects to cause all of said racing objects to move simultaneously from said starting location to said iinish location; and

variable speed drive means operatively #associated with each of said racing objects and `being selectively controllable to increase the speed of a selected racing object;

each of said racing objects including dellector means;

said main drive means including a plurality of rst uid conduit means, one disposed along each of said racing paths;

each of said rst fluid conduit means having a plurality of apertures spaced therealong and .being communicable with a constant pressure fluid source whereby when said fluid discharges through said apertures under pressure and reacts against said deector means, each of said racing objects will be moved -along its racing path;

said variable speed drive means including a plurality of second uid conduit means, one disposed along each of said racing paths, with each of said second fluid conduit means ihaving a plurality of openings spaced therealongg said variable speed drive means further including a separate secondary Huid supply source coupled to each of said second fluid conduit means, and a plurality of selectively operable control valve means, one connect-ed `between each of said secondary fluid supply sources and said second fluid conduit means;

said second-ary fluid supply sources having a predetermined fluid supply of a magnitude less than that required to move said racing objects completely from said starting location to said linish location;

each of said selectively operable control valve means being manually controllable to selectively admit a quantity of fluid from a secondary supply source to a second Huid conduit wherein said fluid can discharge through said openings to react against the deflector means of the racing object associated therewith to thus supplement said main drive means and to thereby selectively increase the speed of said racing object.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 790,895 5/ 1905 Henrichsen. 1,899,706 2/1933 MCClean 273-86 2,180,448 11/ 1939 Williams 273-86 2,631,041 3/1953 Zaichick 273--86 DELBERT B. LOWE, Primary Examiner.

RICHARD C. PINKHAM, Examiner.

Claims

1. IN A GAME APPARATUS, THE COMBINATION OF: A PLURALITY OF MOVABLE RACING OBJECTS; MEANS FOR GUIDING SAID OBJECTS ALONG PREDETERMINED RACING PATHS EXTENDING BETWEEN START AND FINISH LOCATIONS; FIRST DRIVE MEANS REACTING WITH EACH OF SAID OBJECTS TO PROPEL EACH SAID OBJECT ALONG ONE OF SAID PREDETERMINED RACING PATHS AT A PREDETERMINED SPEED PROPORTIONATELY RELATED TO THE SAID ONE PATH WHEREBY THE SAME TIME LAPSE OCCURS FOR EACH OBJECT IN NORMAL TRAVEL OF SAID OBJECTS BETWEEN SAID START AND FINISH LOCATIONS ALONG THE PREDETERMINED RACING PATHS; SECOND DRIVE MEANS INDEPENDENTLY ASSOCIATED WITH EACH OF SAID RACING PATHS AND SELECTIVELY CONTROLLABLE BY INDIVIDUAL OPERATORS, SAID SECOND DRIVE MEANS REACTING WITH EACH OBJECT TO PROPEL THE SAME AT SPEEDS SELECTIVELY INCREASES WITH RESPECT TO SAID PREDETERMINED SPEED; EACH OF SAID RACING OBJECTS INCLUDING DEFLECTOR MEANS; SAID SECOND DRIVE MEANS INCLUDING TUBE MEANS AND MEANS FOR DELIVERING FLUID UNDER PRESSURE THROUGH SAID TUBE MEANS; SAID TUBE MEANS INCLUDING TUBES DISPOSED ABOUT EACH SAID RACING PATH, EACH TUBE HAVING OUTLETS THEREIN DISPOSED TO DIRECT FLUID AGAINST THE DEFLECTOR MEANS OF AN OBJECT TRAVELING ALONG THE RACING PATH ABOUT WHICH THE TUBE IS DISPOSED; SAID SECOND DRIVE MEANS FURTHER INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF CHAMBERS MEANS FOR STORING A PREDETERMINED VOLUME OF FLUID UNDER PRESSURE AND INDEPENDENTLY SELECTIVELY CONTROLLABLE VALVE MEANS CONNECTING EACH SAID CHAMBER MEANS WITH A DIFFERENT ONE OF SAID TUBES; SAID VOLUME HAVING A MAGNITUDE, AND SAID OUTLETS IN SAID TUBES BEING SIZED SUCH THAT SAID VOLUME IS LESS THAN THE VOLUME REQUIRED TO CONTINUOUSLY MAINTAIN A FLUID FLOW FROM THE OUTLETS OF ANY ONE OF SAID TUBES DURING THE TIME REQUIRED FOR AN OBJECT TO ENTIRELY TRAVERSE THE PREDETERMINED RACING PATH ABOUT WHICH THAT TUBE IS DISPOSED WHEN THE VALVE MEANS CONNECTED WITH THE TUBE IS SELECTIVELY CONTROLLED TO PERMIT FULL FLOW OF FLUID FROM SAID CHAMBER EANS TO THAT TUBE.