US3466043A - Combined passing race track and self-propelled vehicles - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 9, 1959 L.. H. McRosKEY ETAL 3,466,043

COMBINED PASSING RACE TRACK AND SELF-PROPELLED VEHICLES Filed Deo. `v, 1966 2 sheets-sheet 1 Sept. 9, 1969 L H, MCRQSKEY ET AL 3,466,043

COMBINED PASSING RACE TRACK AND SELFPROPELLED VEHICLES Filed DSG. '7, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 V MQW@ owvr www r @m HM /5 W MW Mm H/ MM Wf Z f J B .Ewa

United States Patent O 3,466,043 COMBINED PASSING RACE TRACK AND SELF-PROPELLED VEHICLES Leonard H. McRoskey and John W. McRoskey, Los

Angeles, Calif., assignors to Republic Tool & Manufacturing Corp., a corporation of California Filed Dec. 7, 1966, Ser. No. 599,779 Int. Cl. A63f 9/14 U.S. Cl. 273-86 3 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLGSURE An amusement game in which contestants compete,

with each other by racing miniature toy vehicles on an endless lap race track course, the vehicles being selfpropelled at a substantially uniform speed, and wherein the race course for each vehicle has a starting point and lap finish point, starting gates under the control of each contestant being provided for releasing the start of his vehicle, and manually operable switching devices being provided under the control of each contestant whereby his opponents vehicle may be directed over an auxiliary track course to increase the lap distance, and wherein each contestant may direct his own vehicle over an auxiliary track course to decrease the lap distance. Automatic counters indicate the laps completed by each vehicle.

The present invention relates generally to an amusement or game device, and is more particularly concerned with a device of such character in which toy vehicles compete with each other on a race track course, and in which one or more elements of the competition are mutually under the Icontrol of the competing players.

It is one object of the present invention to provide an amusement or a game device which may be economically produced, in which a plurality of propelled `vehicles may be controlled by the players in a realistic race of skill and speed around a closed track course comprising several routes under the control of the players.

A further object is to provide a novel vehicle racing game in which vehicles are self-propelled at a substantially uniform speed around a race course of variable length under the mutual control of the players having the competing vehicles.

Another object of the herein described invention is to provide a novel racing game which employs se1fpropelled vehicles which move over an endless lap race course, and in which starting gates are controlled by the competing players.

Still another object is to provide a novel variable length race course which includes a main track and manually switchable auxiliary tracks for increasing and decreasing the race course distance, the means for switching the auxiliary tracks being under the control of competing players.

A still further object of the invention is to provide in a vehicle racing amusement and game device novel starting gate means, and switching mechanisms operable by the competing players for manually controlling the movement of the competing vehicles and for varying the lap distance travelled by the vehicles.

Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only:

FIG. 1 is a perspective View of a playing board of an amusement device embodying the features of the present "ice invention, showing the race course track conguration thereof;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view through a track portion, and diagrammatically illustrating the cooperative relationship of the vehicle guiding ameans;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary bottom plan view of the playing board showing details of the lap counter mechanism;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the counter mechanism, partly in section, as viewed in a direction of the line 4--4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View, taken substantially on line 5--5 of FIG. 1 to show constructional features of a remote actuator device;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary bottom plan view showing the interconnection of an actuator of FIG. 5 as connected with a track switching device; and

FIG. 7 is a similar view showing the details of a gating device as operable by an actuator such as shown in FIG. 5.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, for illustrative purposes, there is shown in FIG. 1 a game board 10. This game board hay be constructed of any suitable material and is shown as being constructed of a molded plastic or other material to provide a substantially rectangular structure having a flat upper surface 11 and a peripheral downwardly turned edge flange 12.

The surface 11 is formed on a wall structure in which there is formed a race track course by molding therein a guiding groove 13, as shown in FIG. 2.

In general, the race course is comprised of a closed or endless track of several routes which may be varied at the will of the competing players, in a manner which will hereinafter be explained more fully. The race course, more specifically, comprises a main track A which establishes the basic lap distance for the competing vehicles. The main track A is in general of rectangular configuration with slightly curved end sections 14a and 14b which are interconnected with straight side sections 14C and 14d.

Within the perimeter of the main track, there is provided a pair of auxiliary or secondary tracks B and C which are of substantially similar configuration. The auxiliary track B is in the form of a loop which includes a curved end section 15a which leads into one end of the side section 14e of the main track, and a curved end section 15b which leads from the other end of the section 14C. Similarly the auxiliary track C has a curved end section 16a which leads into one end of section 14d of the main track, and an end section 16b which leads from the other end of the section 14d.

The adjacent sides of the auxiliary tracks B and C are interconnected through common track portions 17a and 17b which are interconnected at their innermost ends through parallel passing track sections 17C and 17d.

The auxiliary track B is further provided with a branch auxiliary track 18 which generally parallels the side section 14a` of the main track and has its entrance end connected with the end section 15a of auxiliary track B at a switch point 19a adjacent one end of the side section 14C. Adjacent the other end of the side section 14C, the branch auxiliary track 18 has its exit end connected with the end section 14b of the main track at a point 20. The auxiliary track C is similarly provided with a branch auxiliary track 21 which connects with end section 16a at a switch point 19h, and to the end section 14a of the main track at a point 23.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the competing vehicles are shown as comprising two miniature racing automobiles which have been indicated in phantorn lines and identified by the numeral 24 and 25 respectively. These vehicles are shown at the starting posi tions on the passing track sections 17e` and 17d respectively. While the vehicles have been disclosed as miniature racing automobiles, it is within the broad concepts of this invention that the vehicles might comprise other embodiments. The vehicles are self-propelled and carry their own motive power which may comprise an electric battery for energizing a driving electric motor connected to the vehicle drive wheel. The vehicles are thus driven at substantially uniform speeds over the track course. In order to guide each vehicle, the vehicle is provided with a guide pin 26, as shown in FIG. 2, which has its lowermost end portion positioned in the track groove 13. Main lap finish points are respectively provided for the vehicles at finish point 27 for vehicle 24, and finish point 28 for the vehicle 25. It will be observed that in traversing the main track A, the vehicles travel in the same direction, namely a counterclockwise direction of the track as viewed in FIG. 1. A lap counter, as generally indicated by the numeral 29 in FIG. 3, is installed at each finish point to record the number of laps of the respective vehicles. In order to key the vehicles to the counters, each vehicle is provided with a counter actuating tab 30 which projects below the vehicle chassis. In the case of the vehicle 25, the actuating tab is placed on the right side of the track, as viewed in FIG. 2, while in the case of vehicle 24, the actuating tab will be positioned on the opposite side of the track.

Since the lap counters are similarly constructed, it is Ibelieved that it will only be necessary to describe one of the counters in order to understand its construction. As shown in FIG. 3 the counter at each lap finish point is mounted on the underside of the playing board, as shown in FIG. 3 which illustrates the counter at lap finish point 28. The counter comprises an elongate rotatable structure which may be molded of plastic or other material, or otherwise formed to provide a unitary structure which includes an elongate shaft 31 having projecting end trunnions 32 and 33 which pivotally support the shaft structure for rotation in bearing brackets 34 and 35 respectively. It will be observed in FIG. 3 that the shaft structure extends transversely across the adjacent track 14b. Adjacent the end trunnion 33, the shaft carries a ratchet wheel 36 having a peripheral portion positioned in a slot 37 so as to project above the surface 11 of the playing board for engagement by the actuating tab 30 of the competing vehicle. At the other end of the shaft, there is provided a number drum 38 which has a portion of its periphery extending through a slot 39 in order that the lap indications may be visible to the player. The shaft 31 also carries a toothed wheel 40 upon which one end of a leaf spring 41 bears so as to provide holding means for retaining the number drum in its successively advanced positions.

At the opposite ends of the game board, there are provided controllers which may be actuated by the competing players to control the starting of their vehicles in the race and for track switching in order to vary the routes to be taken by the competing vehicles. The actuators are similarly constructed and at one end are indicated by the numerals 42a, 43a and 44a, while at the opposite end they are indicated by the numerals 42b, 43b and 4412 respectively. Since each actuator is of the same construction, it will be necessary to describe only one of the actuators. As shown in FIG. 5, each actuator comprises an angle lever 45 which is swingably mounted upon a horizontal pivot 46 which is supported by end bearing brackets 47 and 48. As thus mounted, one leg of the lever extends substantially vertically, while the other leg extends generally in a horizontal direction and is angularly defiected at its outer end to extend into a recess 49 and provide a support for a finger engageable button 50 carried thereby. The vertical leg is connected with a motion transmitting link 51.

Actuators 42a and 42b are respectively connected to track switching mechanisms at switch points 52a and 52b.

As exemplary of the switching mechanism, as shown in FIG. 6 the actuator 42a is connected with a switching mechanism at switch point 52a, which comprises a track switching member '53 which is swingably mounted on a vertical pivot 54. An end 53a of the switching member is connected to the motion transmitting link 51, while the opposite end 53b is arranged to swing edgewise into and out of a track opening 55. This end of the switching member is normally urged to a position out of the slot 5S, as shown in full lines, by means of a leaf spring 56 which is anchored at one end and has its free end bearing against the end 53a of the switching member. In this position, a vehicle would continue straight through the switching point on track 14b. However, when the end 53b is moved into the opening 55 to a position shown in phantom lines, a vehicle will be switched from track 14b to track 15b.

The actuator 43a is used to control a similar track switching mechanism at switch point 19b for selectively determining whether a vehicle will be switched from track 16a onto the branch auxiliary track 21. In a similar manner, actuator 43h controls a switching mechanism at switch point 19a.

Actuators 44a and 44b are respectively connected with track gates at starting points 57a and 57b for the competing vehicles. The gate mechanism, as shown in FIG. 7, comprises a gating member 58 in the form of a plate which is supported for swinging movement on a vertical pivot 59. This plate carries a finger projection `60 which is normally urged by a leaf spring 61 to a non-gating position as shown in full lines. One end of the spring 61 is anchored, while the other end is engaged with the gating member to apply a spring force thereagainst and move it in one direction. This spring also acts to move the associated actuator angle lever 45 in a direction to raise its nger engageable button 50. Thus, when the finger engaging button is depressed, the finger projection will be moved to a gating position, as shown in phantom lines, wherein it eX- tends into a `track opening 61 to a position where it will be engaged by the guide pin 26 of the vehicle and thus held at a starting position until released yby the player.

Various rules may be promulgated for the game of the present inveniton. Basically the game becomes a realistic race of skill and speed around a main track A which establishes the basic lap distance. Switching controls which may be operated by the competing players are effective to vary the lap distance either by decreasing the distance or increasing it, and the winner is the one who completes a predetermined number of laps in the fastest time. It is believed that the action will be readily clear by following te course of one of the racing vehicles.

yConsidering for example that the vehicle 25 is at the starting position 57a with its driving motor running. The vehicle will be held against movement by the gate means at this point, which is under the control of the actuator 44a. At the starting signal, the actuator 44a is released, whereupon the vehicle is released and will move onto the end section 15a from whence it continues onto side section 14e` of the main track. As the vehicle approaches the switch point 52a, there are two alternate courses. The player may decide to let the vehicle normally continue over track end section 14h and thence over side section 14d, end section 14a, and then over side section 14e to the lap finish point 28 where it would move the counter to show the completion of one lap.

As an alternative, upon approaching the switch point 52a, the player may decide to take the shorter route to the finish point and can through actuator 42a operate the switch at this point so as to switch his vehicle onto auxiliary track in section 15b, in which case his vehicle continues over track portion 17b, parallel track section 17d, thence onto end section 19a, and via side section 14e to the finish point 28. By thus taking the shortened route to the finish point, the player would be able to complete the lap in a shorter distance and less time.

Completion of the lap over the shortened course might be thwarted however by the competing player operating his actuator 43b prior to the other players vehicle reaching the switch point 19a. If the switch at this point is operated, the players vehicle instead of completing the short route will be switched onto branch auxiliary track 18 from which the vehicle will be routed through point 20 through a longer route over side section 14d, end section 14a, and thence over side section 14e to the lap finish point 28, which is a greater distance than the standard main track course. An exciting game is thus provided where two players are putting skill against each other.

The vehicles, as previously noted, are self-propelled. To this end, it will be noted the driving motor is arranged to apply its rotative force to only one of the rear Wheels, and in the present embodiment is applied to the right rear wheel. The left rear wheel is freely rotatable on the rear axle. As thus arranged, a left-wise transverse force will appear at the forward end of each vehicle, this force acting to keep the guide pin 26 of each vehicle in engagement with the left side of the track groove 13 as the pin 26 is moved forwardly therein. Advantage is taken of this tendency of the vehicle to automatically guide towards the left, to augment and more positively assure the desired guiding and switching movements of the vehicle.

From the foregoing `description and drawings, it will be clearly evident that the delineated objects of the invention will be accomplished.

Various modifications may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of our invention, and, hence, we do not wish to be restricted to the specific form shown or uses mentioned, except to the extent indicated in the appende-d claims.

We claim:

1. A competitive game device, comprising:

(a) a race course including an endless main lap track having starting and finish points for competing vehicles;

(b) competing self-propelled vehicles guidingly moved over said race course at a substantially uniform speed;

(c) means respectively under control of players having the competing vehicles for varying the track distance between said starting and nish points, including:

manually operable track switches, and

tracks connecting with said main lap track and including interconnected auxiliary portions providing parallel passing tracks arranged to pass a vehicle over one of said tracks when it is mov ing in one direction and over the other of said tracks when it is moving in an opposite direction; and

(d) releasable gate means on each of said parallel tracks for holding a competing vehicle thereon at a starting position, said gate means being respectively under the control of competing players.

2. A game device, comprising:

(a) a race course including an endless main lap track having finish Ipoints at different positions thereon for competing vehicles of respective players;

(b) competing self-propelled vehicles guidingly moved over said race course;

(c) auxiliary side tracks for the competing vehicles respectively connected into different points on the main lap track; and

(d) releasable gate means on each of said side tracks for holding a competing vehicle thereon at a starting position, said gate means being under control of the player having the competing vehicles thereon, each of said gate means comprising a gating member swingable on a vertical pivot to a gate closed position and to a gate open position, a leaf spring normally urging the member towards a gate open position, a remote actuator including an angle lever swingable on a horizontal pivot, and a connecting motion transmitting link extending between said gating member and one leg of the angle lever, with said spring urging the angle lever towards a raised position of its other leg to permit downward movement thereof for actuating the gating member towards a gate closed position.

3. A game device, comprising:

(a) a race course including an endless main lap having starting and finish points for competing vehicles; (b) competing self-propelled vvehicles guidingly moved over said race course at a substantially uniform speed;

(c) means respectively under control of players having the competing vehicles for varying the track distance between said starting and nish points, including at least one auxiliary track connectable and disconnectable with the main track for decreasing the distance between said starting and finish points, and at least one auxiliary track connectable and disconnectable with the main track for increasing the distance between said starting and nish points; and

(d) track switch means operable by one of said players for connecting and disconnecting one of said auxiliary tracks, and track switch means operable by another of said players for connecting and disconnecting the other of said auxiliary tracks, each of said track switch means comprising a track switching member swingable on a vertical pivot, a leaf spring normally urging the switching member towards one position, a remote switch actuator including an angle lever swingable on a horizontal pivot, and a connecting motion transmitting link extending between said switching member and one leg of the angle lever, with said spring urging the angle lever towards a raised position of its other leg to permit downward movement thereof for actuating the switching member towards another position.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,886,484 11/1932 Kline 104-149 3,117,755 1/1964 Kretzmer 46-216 X 3,228,600 l/1966 May 2.73-86 X 3,228,607 1/ 1966 Robinette 46--202 X 3,304,652 2/ 1967 Donofrio 46-243 FOREIGN PATENTS 473,950 10/1937 Great Britain.

ANTON O. OECHSLE, Primary Examiner THOMAS ZACK, Assistant Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE (,EH'IFICATE OF CORRECTION LEON/XPH, H. /CHOIQKEY and JOHN W. MCOSKY Inventorhaj and that smid Letters Patent are hereaby Correctd as shown blow:

ma EL.' mail AEM F12 JAN (SEAL) Attest:

.F1 ha, If. Edwrd M efe mmf I. ssamm, JR. Attesting Offlf mllhmer cx' Patents

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