US3467386A - Game board with movable barrier means - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 16, 1969 c. E. SMITH GAME BOARD WITH MOVABLE BARRIER MEANS Filed Sept. 13, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet l FIG. 2

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mvzsmox 634242044 5. 544/777 M fiflwn 4 7 rae/vsy Sept. 16, 1969 c. E. SMITH GAME BOARD WITH MOVABLE BARRIER MEANS Filed Sept. 13. 1966 3 SheetsSheet 2 4 Tree/v5 Y w m5 W54. Z w F fl m N J:r \Iin 8 m F Sept. 16, 1969 c. E. SMITH GAME BOARD WITH MOVABLE BARRIER MEANS 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 13. 1966 H {.T MM 75 N E VIL M R on Ah 6 ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,467,386 GAME BOARD WITH MOVABLE BARRIER MEANS Carroll E. Smith, 2336 Graydon, Monrovia, Calif. 91016 Continuation-impart of application Ser No. 408,170. Nov. 2, 1964. This application Sept. 13, 1966, Ser.

Int. Cl. A63f 3/00 US. Cl. 273-126 3 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A game board with a vertically retractable barrier that acts to block a slidable playing piece. The barrier consists of a series of pins pivotally attached to a bar which bar is under the game board playing surface. The pins extend through holes in the playing surface and may be extended to block or be retracted to a position flush with the playing surface. The bar supporting the barrier pins is hingedly connected to the underside of the playing surface and is actuated by a camming latch bar that moves longitudinally of the table when a coin operated mechanism is activated.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Ser. No. 408,170, filed Nov. 2, 1964, and entitled Game apparatus now abandoned.

The present invention relates generally to games; more particularly, the invention relates to improvements in game apparatus for games of the type wherein playing pieces or markers are propelled along a playing surface in an attempt to locate the markers in scoring relation to a plurality of scoring zones spaced about the surface.

Game apparatus of the class to which this invention relates are well known in the art and are used for playing a variety of games. Poker, for example, is played with game apparatus of this type. In this case, the scoring zones are defined by playing cards bonded to the playing base or card facsimiles imprinted on the base. The game is played by assigning each player a given number of playing pieces, or markers, which the player propels along the base in an attempt to locate each marker in scoring relation to one or more of the playing cards. The player whose markers register the best poker hand wins. As indicated above, poker is only one of the many different games which may be played with game apparatus of this general type.

Briefly described, the invention provides game apparatus wherein each marker is shaped to define, or otherwise includes, one or more indicators, the eflFective size of each of which is substantially smaller than the overall size of the marker. The scoring zones on the playing base of the apparatus are spaced in such a way that each indicator of each marker may be disposed in scoring relation to only one scoring zone at one time. Accordingly, the maximum number of scoring zones relative to which a marker may be disposed in scoring relation at one time may be controlled. For example, if a marker has but a single indicator, each marker may be disposed in scoring relation to only a single scoring zone. If the marker is equipped with two spaced indicators, the marker may be disposed in scoring relation to either one or two, but no more, scoring zones at one time. In the illustrative embodiment of the invention, each marker has three indicators, whereby each marker may be disposed in scoring relation to a maximum of three scoring zones at one time. A unique feature of the invention resides in the fact that each marker is so configured in relation to the spaces between adjacent scoring zones that the marker may assume either a scoring position in any space, wherein the marker is disposed in 3,467,386 Patented Sept. 16, 1969 scoring relation to one or more of the adjacent scoring zones, or a non-scoring position, wherein the marker is not disposed in scoring relation with any of the adjacent scoring zones. Thus, each marker of the illustrated embodiment of the invention may assume a non-scoring position or a scoring position in relation to one, two or three adjacent scoring zones. In this regard, the present game apparatus differs significantly from the existing game apparatus of the same class of which I am aware. In some of the existing game apparatus of this class, for example, the scoring zones are contiguous so that no spaces exist between the adjacent zones. In this case, the markers or playing pieces are incapable of assuming a non-scoring position. In other existing game apparatus, the adjacent scoring zones are spaced in such a way that each marker or playing piece may assume either a non-scoring position or a scoring position in relation to one scoring zone, only. In other words, in these latter game apparatus, while each marker or playing piece may assume either a scoring position or a non-scoring position, the marker may be disposed in scoring relation to only one scoring zone, and no more, at any given time. This unique shape of the marker also permits a playing base of given size to contain a maximum number of scoring zones and, in addition, permits the markers themselves to be of convenient size and to have sufiicient mass for etfectively sliding them along the playing base.

A further aspect of the invention resides in an improved table construction which embodies the playing base of the present apparatus. This table is equipped with scoring keeping means disposed below the base and accessible from one end of the table. The base has a transparent area overlying the score keeping means to permit the latter means to be viewed from above the base, thereby facilitating keeping of a players score, without diminishing the overall playing area of the base. A particularly unique feature of the present game table resides in a coin operated or controlled barrier mechanism which is eflective to permit unauthorized use of or play on the table until the appropriate coin is inserted into the mechanism. This barrier mechanism, therefore, adapts the present game table for commercial use in taverns and other public gathering places.

It is therefore the general object of the present invention to provide improved game apparatus of the character described.

A related object of the invention is to provide game apparatus of the character described wherein the game table is equipped with a coin operated barrier mechanism which is effective to prevent unauthorized use of or play on the table until the appropriate coin is inserted into the mechanism.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those versed in the art from a consideration of the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the present improved game apparatus;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary top plan view of the apparatus;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken at line 33 in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a unique playing a piece or marker according to the invention;

FIGURE 5 is a side elevation view, partially broken away, of the marker of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a bottom view of the marker of FIG- URES 4 and 5, taken at line 66 in FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of a modified game apparatus according to the invention;

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary vertical sectional view taken at linea8-8 in FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the game apparatus in FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of a modified game apparatus according to the invention embodying a game table which is equipped with a coin operated barrier mechanism for preventing unauthorized use of or play on the table until the appropriate coin is inserted into the mechanism;

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged section taken on line 11-11 in FIGURE 10 illustrating the barrier mechanism of a game table in its normal extended or operative position;

FIGURE 12 is a further enlarged section similar to FIGURE 11 illustrating the barrier mechanism in the retracted or inoperative position which it assumes in response to insertion of the appropriate coin in the mechamsm;

FIGURE 13 is a section taken on line 1313 in FIG- URE 11; and

FIGURE 14 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the barrier mechanism illustrating, in particular, the pivoting action of certain barrier pins embodied in the mechanism.

Referring first to FIGURES 1 through 6, there is illustrated game apparatus 10 in the form of a game table. This table includes a playing base 12 of generally rectangular outline. As shown best in FIGURE 3, the base 12 comprises a rectangular transparent sheet 14, which may be plastic or glass. Cemented or otherwise bonded to the under surface of this sheet are a multiplicity of playing cards 16. Cards 16 are located at one end of the base 12 and are spaced about the base in the rectangular pattern shown in FIGURES l and 2. As will be explained later, each playing card 16 defines a scoring zone on the base.

Base 12 is supported by a horizontal platform 18 of the table 10. Fixed to the under surface of this platform are legs 20 for positioning the base 12 at a convenient height above the floor. Upstanding side rails 22 are fixed to the side edges of the table platform 18 and rise above the base 12 to define a border thereabout. According to preferred practice of the invention, a resilient cushion 24 is bonded or otherwise secured to the inner surfaces of the rails 22. The purpose of this cushion will appear presently. A channel shaped cap 26 may be fitted over the upper edges of the rails 22 and cushions 24, as shown in FIGURE 3, to provide the table 10 with a finished appearance.

At one end of the table 10 is a score keeping enclosure 28. This enclosure has a bottom wall 30 secured to the adjacent table legs 20 and vertical side Walls 32 secured to the ends of the bottom wall 30, the outer surfaces of the adjacent legs 20, and the table platform 18. The score keeping enclosure 28 opens endwise of the table 10. Within the enclosure are score keeping means 34. Various score keeping means may be employed on the table'. The illustrated score keeping means comprises a plurality of horizontal supporting rods 36 which are fixed at their ends to the enclosure side walls 32 and mount thereon a plurality of counters 38. The location of the score keeping means 34 below the playing base 12 is convenient from the standpoint of compactness. In other words, the score keeping means are located out of the way and yet in a position which they are readily accessible for keeping the players scores. However, the score keeping means 34, being disposed beneath the table 12, as it is, is not readily visible from above the table or from the end of the table.

For this reason, the base 12 is provided with a transparent area or Window 40 overlying the score keeping enclosure 28 through which the score keeping means 34 are readily visible from above the base. The transparent area 40 is simply provided by cutting an opening 42 in the table platform 18 in registry with and preferably of the same size as the enclosure 28. The transparent sheet 14 extends over the platform opening 42 to provide the transparent viewing area 40. The sheet 14, extending over the platform opening 42, as it does, provides a continuous playing surface which extends from one end of the table 10 to its other end and over the platform opening 42. As a result, the entire upper surface area of the table is available for play.

To enhance the appearance of the table 10, the inner side wall and bottom wall surfaces of the score keeping enclosure 28 are preferably lined with a felt material 44 or other suitable lining material. According to the preferred practice of the invention, this lining material is also interposed between the transparent sheet 14 of the base 12 and the platform 18 of the table 10, to cushion the sheet.

Used in conjunction with the table 10 are playing pieces, or markers 46. One of these markers is illustrated in enlarged detail in FIGURES 4 through 6. As shown in these latter figures, each market 46 comprises a generally flat, triangular body 48. The markers may comprise any suitable material, and may preferably be fabricated of steel. For appearances sake, the sides of the markers may be recessed as indicated at 50. As explained hereinafter, the markers 46 must slide freely along the playing surface of the base 12, which is the upper surface of the transparent sheet 14. To this end, each marker 46 may be equipped with plastic feet or bearings 52 for engaging the playing surface. These bearings may comprise pins of Teflon, nylon, or other appropriate material, which are simply press-fitted into the underside of each marker, as shown in FIGURE 5. According to the preferred practice of the invention, each marker is equipped with three bearings arranged in a triangular pattern of FIGURE 6 so that each marker will rest fiat on the playing surface.

According to the present invention, at least one and preferably all three, of the apex points of each marker 46 define an indicator or pointer 54 which cooperate with the scoring areas 16 in the manner described below. In the event that less than all of the apex points of each marker are to be used as indicators or pointers, the marker points which are to be so used may be designated by colors, or in some other fashion. conceivably, in some games which may be played with the present apparatus, the points of each marker may be differently colored and assigned different may be differently colored and assigned different point values to be used in calculating the total score which is registered by each marker during the progress of a game. It is apparent of course that the marker indicators 54 may comprise other than physical points on the marker. For example, each indicator 54 might comprise a simple line or other mark impressed into or otherwise formed in each marker.

According to the present invention, the scoring zones 16 are spaced in such a way that each of the marker indicators 54 can be disposed in scoring relation to only one scoring zone at one time. Thus, if each marker is equipped with only one indicator 54, the marker can be disposed in scoring engagement with but a single scoring zone. If each marker is equipped with two indicators, each marker can be disposed in scoring relation to one or two, but no more, scoring zones at one time. In the event each marker is equipped with three indicators, as in the case of the marker shown in FIGURE 4, each marker may be disposed in scoring relation to a maximum of three scoring zones at one time. It is apparent, therefore, that the maximum number of scoring zones relative to which each marker may be disposed in scoring relation at one time may be controlled or varied by changing the number of indicators on the marker. In some games, such as the illustrated poker game, it is desirable to provide each marker with three indicators, as shown, so that each marker may be disposed in scoring relation to up to three scoring zones, or playing cards 16, at one time.

When playing a game with the illustrated game apparatus 10, each player is assigned a given number of markers 46. During each turn of a player, he propels one or more of his markers along the playing surface of the base 12 toward the scoring zones or playing cards 16.

The players score is then computed by noting which if any of the indicators or pointers 54 of the corresponding markers are disposed in scoring relation to the scoring zone 16. In the case of the illustrated poker game, the player whose markers registered the-best poker hand during each round would be designated the winner of that particular round and would be assigned a number of points commensurate with his particular winning hand.

It will be observed that each marker indicator or pointer 54 is substantially smaller in size than the overall size of the marker. This is advantageous since it permits a playing base 12 of given size to contain a maximum number of scoring zones 16 and, as well, the use of markers of convenient size and appropriate weight. In other words, if each marker were simply made round, in the usual way, the only way in which it would be possible to limit or control the maximum number of scoring positions relative to which the marker could be disposed in scoring relation at one time would be to make the spaces between adjacent scoring zones larger than the markers. This, in turn, would require the spaces to be made excessively large or the markers to be made excessively small. Large spaces between adjacent scoring zones, of course, would increase the overall size of the game apparatus, which excessively small markers would render the latter difiicult to handle. According to the present invention, these difiiculties are simply solved by providing each marker with the indicators 54 which are substantially smaller than the markers themselves and by using the game apparatus in such a way that the scoring relation of each marker to a scoring zone 16 is determined by the relative position of the zone and one of the indicators on the marker rather than by the relative position of the zone and the marker as a whole. This obviously permits the spaces between adjacent scoring zones to be minimized, thereby permitting a reduction in the overall size of the game apparatus for a given number of scoring zones, and, at the same time, permits the use of markers of any convenient overall size and weight. It is apparent that the number of indicators with which each marker is equipped may vary from game to game depending upon the maximum number of scoring zones relative to which each marker is to be disposed in scoring relation at one time for the particular game.

The modified game apparatus illustrated in FIGURES 7 through 9 includes a table 100 which is similar to that described earlier and includes a base 102 having means, such as playing cards, defining a plurality of scoring zones 104 spaced about the base. In contrast to the eariler game apparatus, however, the base 102 of the table 100 is divided into two playing areas or fields 106a and 10612 by an upstanding, longitudinally extending divider 108 rising above the upper playing surface of the base 102 and extending lengthwise of the latter along its longitudinal center line. Each of these playing fields has a number of the scoring zones 104 spaced thereabout, in the manner best illustrated in FIGURE 9. The modified apparatus also includes playing pieces or markers 100 which are identical to the markers illustrated in FIGURES 4 through 6.

The table 100 is somewhat dilferently constructed than the table 10 described earlier. The differences between the two tables, however, are unimportant except that in the case of the table 100, the score keeping means 112 are located above the playing base 102, at one end of the table. In this case, the score keeping means comprise a rod 114 which extends between and is secured at its ends to the upstanding side rails 116 of the table and mounts counters 118.

The modified game apparatus of FIGURES 7 through 9 is used in much the same way as the game apparatus of FIGURES 1 through 6. In the case of the apparatus of FIGURES 7 through 9, however, each player is assigned one of the two playing fields 106a or 106k and each players score is determined by the positions of his markers relative to the scoring zones 104 in his respective playing field.

The modified game apparatus of FIGURES 10 through 14 embodies a game table 200 which is identical to the game table 10 illustrated in FIGURE 1 except that the game table 200 embodies a coin operated barrier mechanism 202 for eifectively preventing unauthorized use of or play on the table until the appropriate coin is inserted into the mechanism. Accordingly, only the barrier mechanism 202 will be described.

Generally speaking, the barrier mechanism 202 includes a barrier or gate 204 which extends crosswise of the game table 200, intermediate the left hand end of the table in FIGURE 10, at which the players stand, and the right hand end of the table containing the scoring zones 206. This barrier is vertically movable between its upper extended position of FIGURES 10 and 11, wherein the barrier protrudes above the upper playing surface of the playing base 208 of the game table, and its lower retracted position of FIGURE 12, wherein the barrier is located substantially flush with or slightly below the playing surface. In its extended position, therefore, the barrier 204 prevents or obstructs movement of the markers or playing pieces 210 of the game apparatus from the left hand end of the game table to the scoring zones 206. In its retracted position, the barrier clears the playing surface to permit unobstructed movement of the playing pieces to the scoring zones. Associated with the barrier 204 is a coin operated mechanism 212. This mechanism is etfective to normally retain the barrier in its extended position and thereby prevent unauthorized use of or play on the game table 200. Insertion of the appropriate coin into a coin slot (not shown) on the game table activates the mechanism 212 to effect retraction of the barrier 204 and thereby condition the game table 200 for play.

Referring now in greater detail to the barrier mechanism 202, the barrier 204 comprises an elongate, generally channel shaped supporting member 214 which extends cross-wise of the game table 200, below the playing base 208 of the table. Supporting member 214 is pivotally attached along one longitudinal edge, by a hinge 216, to the under side of the table base for swinging on an axis extending crosswise of the table. Extending through the supporting member 214, adjacent its opposite longitudinal edge, are a number of holes 218 arranged in a row parallel to the pivot axis of the member. Each hole 218 loosely receives the lower end of an upright pin 220. Each pin 220 is restrained against axial movement relative to the supporting member 214 by means of spring clips 222 which are secured to the pin,above and below the member, as shown best in FIGURE 14. As indicated by the broken lines in FIGURE 14, each pin 220' is loosely connected to the supporting member 214 in such a way that the pin can pivot or rock through a small angle relative to the member. Pins 220 fit slidably within openings 224 which extend through the playing base 208 of the game table 200, normal to the upper playing surface 226 of the base. At this point, it is evident that the pins 220 are vertically movable, relative to the table base 208, between their upper extended positions of FIGURES l0 and 11 and their lower retracted positions of FIGURE 12 by swinging of the supporting member 214 about its pivot axis.

The coin operated mechanism 212 comprises a frame 228 secured to the underside of the table base 208, approximately midway between the ends of the hinged, barrier pin supporting member 214. Frame 228 defines a narrow guideway 230 which is disposed in a vertical plane extending lengthwise of the game table 200 and normal to the pin supporting member 214. Slidable in this guideway, lengthwise of the game table, is a latch bar 232. Latch bar 232 has a beveled end 234 adjacent and engageable with the pin supporting member 214. The opposite end of the latch bar 232 is connected to the plunger 236 of an electrical solenoid 238. Acting between the frame 228 and the solenoid plunger 236 is a spring 240 which yieldably retains the plunger and the latch bar 232 in their extended positions of FIGURE 11. In these extended positions, the latch bar engages under the pivoted supporting member 214 of the barrier 204 to retain the barrier pins 220 in their extended positions of FIGURE 10. Left hand retraction of the solenoid lunger 236, as the mechanism 212 is viewed in the drawings, in response to energizing the solenoid 23'8 retracts the latch bar 232 to its solid line position of FIG- URE 12. In this retracted position of the latch bar, the latter clears the member 214 sufliciently to enable this member to swing downwardly to its position of FIGURE 12, wherein the barrier pins 220 occupy their retracted positions.

Solenoid 238 is normally deenergized. In this deenergized condition of the solenoid, the solenoid spring 240 retains the barrier 204 in its elevated position of FIGURE 10, thus to prevent unauthorized use of the game table. The solenoid is energized, from an electrical power source (not shown), in response to the insertion of the appropriate coin into the coin slots of the game table. Energizing of the solenoid retracts the latch bar 232, thus to permit the barrier 204 to descend to its retracted position under the force of gravity and thereby condition the game table 200 for play. It is obvious, of course, that during extension and retraction of the barrier 204, the barrier pins 220 and the pin supporting member 214 undergo relative angular movement. This relative angular movement of the pins and member is accommodated by the pivotal connections, described earlier and illustrated in FIGURE 14, between the pins and the member. It will be obvious at this point that while the barrier mechanism 202 of the game table 200 has been described as being coin controlled, this mechanism may be controlled in some other way, as by a remote, manual switch.

Those versed in the art will appreciate that the present invention achieves the objects and realizes the advantages hereinbefore mentioned.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it will be understood that the same are merely exemplary of presently preferred embodiments capable of attaining the objects and advantages hereinbefore mentioned, and that the invention is not limited thereto; variations will be readily apparent to those versed in the art, and the invention is entitled to the broadest interpretation Within the terms of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A game apparatus comprising a base having a playing surface, means on said base defining a plurality of scoring zones spaced about one end region of the base, a playing piece slidable on said playing surface and adapted to be propelled along said surface from the opposite end of said base toward said scoring zones, a supporting bar below and extending crosswise of said base between said end region and the opposite end of said base, hinge means along one longitudinal edge of said bar pivotally joining said bar to the under side of said base for hinging of said bar about a pivot axis extending along said one bar edge, a number of barrier pins pivotally secured to the opposite longitudinal edge of said bar and 8. projecting upwardly from said bar through holes in said base, and operating means on said base engaging said bar for operating said bar between an upper extending position, wherein said pins project above said playing surface to obstruct movement of said playing piece along said playing surface from said opposite end of said base to said scoring zones, and a lower retracted position, wherein said pins are substantially flush with said playing surface to permit said movement of said playing piece.

2. A game apparatus comprising a base having a playing surface, means on said base defining a plurality of scoring zones spaced about one end region of the base, a playing piece slidable on said playing surface and adapted to be propelled along said surface from the opposite end of said base toward said scoring zones, a supporting bar below and extending crosswise of said base between said end region and the opposite end of said base, hinge means along one longitudinal edge of said bar pivotally joining said bar to the under side of said base for hinging of said bar about a pivot axis extending along said one bar edge, a number of barrier pins secured to the opposite longitudinal edge of said bar and projecting upwardly from said bar through holes in said base, and operating means on said base engaging said bar for operating said bar between an upper extending position, wherein said pins project above said playing surface to obstruct movement of said playing piece along said playing surface from said opposite end of said base to said scoring zones, and a lower retracted position, wherein said pins are substantially flush 'with said playing surface to permit said movement of said playing piece, said operating means comprising a latch bar mounted on the under side of said base for movement endwise of said base between an extended position, wherein one end of said latch bar engages under said supporting bar to retain said latter bar in its extended position, and a retracted position, wherein said latch bar releases said supporting bar for downward hinging of said supporting bar to its retracted position, spring means for urging said supporting bar to its retracted position, and actuating means for driving said latch bar betwen its extended and retracted positions.

3. Game apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said one end of said latch bar is tapered to cam said supporting bar upwardly to its extended position upon movement of said latch bar to its extended position.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,139,783 12/1938 Van Tuyl 273.1 21 2,236,536 4/ 1941 Hilton 273 2,565,238 8/1951 Koci 273-126 2,593,641 4/1952 Wolverton 2 73l26 2,864,620 12/1958 Hooker et al. 273-124 3,228,688 1/1966 Dennison 273-125 X RICHARD c. PINKHAM, Primary Examiner THOMAS ZACK, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 273128

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