US3759516A - Game device - Google Patents

Abstract

A game utilizing a pair of game poles which support horizontally extending bars. The outboard end of each bar journals for rotation a member that is vertically oriented such that a bicycle with a horizontally extending bar clipped to the handlebars is adapted to clear the spacing between the rotatable members. The cyclist attempts to pass between the poles without having the bar engaging the rotatable members. The horizontally extending bars are horizontally adjustable to vary the space between the rotatable members and carry indicia to allow precise adjustment.

Description

O United States Patent [111 3,759,516

Miller Sept. 18, 1973 GAME DEVICE Primary ExaminerRichard C. Pinkham [76] Inventor: Richard K. Miller, 1004 Stump Rd.,

Akron Ohio Atlorney-Joseph Januszkiewlcz [22] Filed: June 22, 1971 211 App]. No.: 155,576 [57] ABSTRACT A game utilizing a pair of game poles which support horizontally extending bars. The outboard end of each g 273/ bar journals for rotation a member that is vertically ori- [58] Field l E 26 R ented such that a bicycle with a horizontally extending c 273/26 bar clipped to the handlebars is adapted to clear the spacing between the rotatable members. The cyclist attempts to pass between the poles without having the [56] References Cited bar engaging the rotatable members. The horizontally UNITED STATES PATENTS extending bars are horizontally adjustable to vary the 3,118,672 l/l964 Smith 273/26 E space between the rotatable members and carry indicia 3,602,50 8/1971 Chapman 273/26 R to allow recise'ad'ustrnerlt. 3,342,484 9/1967 Christensen 272/62 X p I 4 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures Pmmtnsm 1 3.759.516

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RICHARD K. MILLER ATTY.

GAME DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a game and more particularly to a game that is simple in construction, adapted for testing the bicycle driving skill of children and especially adapted for use as an educational device and an amusement toy, yet in use will enhance the skill as well as coordination of those participating.

The game to which this invention pertains involves the use of a bicycle having conventional structure with any type of handlebars to which is attached a bar which is adapted to clear spaced test poles. The poles have ro- SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention contemplates the use of one, two or more poles that are suitably mounted on bases, such that the bases can be positioned to provide for a predetermined distance between poles which distance may be adjusted. Each pole has a horizontally extending rod with a rotatable member journaled on the outboard end thereof. The rotatable member has that portion to one side of the journal mounting greater in length than the otherportion such that it retains a vertical attitude. A bar is clipped to the handlebars of a bicycle with the setting of the poles such that the distance between the rotatable members is slightly greater than the length of the bar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bar that attaches to the handlebars of a bicycle;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a modified form of rotatable member showing a portion of the pole broken away;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the rotatable member shown in FIG. 3 taken along lines 4-4 thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shown in FIG. I a pair of spaced game poles designated generally as 10. Each game pole 10 is similar and only one will be described. Game pole l comprises a base 11', which base 11 suitably'supports a vertically extending pole l2. Pole 12 has a plurality of spaced bores 13. A rod 14 having an annular abutment l limits the movement of the inboard end portion 16 into. the bore 13. The outboard end portion of rod 14 journals for rotation a pivotal member 18. v

A bar 20 having a pair of spaced spring clips 21 facilitates the mounting of such bar 20 on the handlebars 22 of a bicycle 23 shown in FIG. 1. A modification of the game pole is shownin FIG. 3 wherein the pole 12 has a plurality of threaded bores 25 (only one shown). Threadedly mounted in the bore 25 is a sleeve member 26. Sleeve member 26 may be a molded plastic member whose bore 27 is slightly oblong, such that on grasping and squeezing such sleeve, the bore 27 becomes round and permits insertion, linear movement and adjustment of the rod 28. Rod 28 has indicia 29 scribed thereon to indicate the extent to which rod 28 projects out of sleeve 26. Rotatably journaled on the outboard end of rod 28 is a pivotal member 30. The distance from the journal or connection on rod 28 to one end of member 30 is designated section A" while the distance from such connection to the other end of rod 28 is designated section "8. The length B is greater than A to assure that such member 30 assumes a vertical attitude. Rod 18 is similarly dimensioned to assure a vertical attitude. Rod 18 may if desired have the sections of the same length but a weight provided on one section to achieve the same result.

In the operation of the game poles, such game poles 10-10 are placed initially a predetermined distance apart, such that the distance between the rotatable members 18 is greater than the length of bar 20. With bar 20 clipped to the handlebars 22, the cyclist at tempts to ride between the poles 12-12 without bar 20 engaging either member l8-l8. FIG. 1 discloses the left member 18 being engaged by bar 20, such that member 18 will rotate without displacing the position of pole 10 yet indicating an unsuccessful attempt to traverse the course. FIG. 1 shows in phantom lines a successful attempt to pass between the poles l2-12 where bar 20 does not touch the members 18. Several pairs of game poles 10 may be placed in a given path to provide a series of test or practice. runs with each succeeding pair being closer together than the preceding pair. If desired, the pairs of poles may all be the same distance apart. A variation on the game ,is to have several single game poles 10 set in a circuitous route whereby the object is to hit each member 18 by bar 20 to cause each member 18 to rotate. In the modification of FIG. 3, the adjustment of rod 28 in sleeve 26 permits a finer adjustment for the different passes with the bicycle. The variation in the spaced bores 13 permits vertical adjustment of the rotatable members l8--18 to adjust for different height bicycles.

Various additional modifications are contemplated and may be resorted to by those skilled in the art without departing from the described invention, as hereinafter defined by the appended claims, as only preferred embodiments thereof have been disclosed.

, Claims: I

1. A game device for use with a bicycle comprising at least a pair of base members for positioning a predetermined distance apart, a pole mounted on each base member, two, rotatable members a pair of rod means for supporting said rotatable members, said rod means having indicia thereon, connecting means on each pole for connecting one of said rod means to one of said poles and for normally concealing said indicia, said connecting means and said rod means being selectively adjustable with respect to each other in a horizontal direction, to expose certain ofsaid. indicia in accordance with said adjustment, one of said rotatable members being mounted on each of said rod means for rotation thereon about a horizontal axis, an elongated bar, and said bar having clip means for securing said bar to the handlebars of a bicycle for selective cooperative engagement of said bar with said rotatable members or selective passage therebetween.

2. A game device for use as set forth in claim 1 wherein said connecting means includes a plurality of vertically spaced bores on said pole to facilitate vertical selective adjustment of said rod means from said base on said pole.

3. A game device for use with a bicycle of the character described comprising a pair of bases, each base having a vertically extending pole, each pole having at least one horizontally extending bore, a pair of sleeves, one of said sleeves mounted in a bore on each of said poles,

a rod member mounted on each sleeve, a member pivotally mounted on one end of each said rod members for rotation about a horizontal axis, and a horizontally extending clip bar for mounting on a bicycle for cooperative operation with said pivotal members.

4. A game device for use with a bicycle as set forth in claim 3 wherein each of said rod members has indicia thereon, and each of said rod members is linearly adjustable relative to its said mounting sleeve to adjust the distance between said pair of pivotal members.

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Claims (4)

1. A game device for use with a bicycle comprising at least a pair of base members for positioning a predetermined distance apart, a pole mounted on each base member, two rotatable members a pair of rod means for supporting said rotatable members, said rod means having indicia thereon, connecting means on each pole for connecting one of said rod means to one of said poles and for normally concealing said indicia, said connecting means and said rod means being selectively adjustable with respect to each other in a horizontal direction, to expose certain of said indicia in accordance with said adjustment, one of said rotatable members being mounted on each of said rod means for rotation thereon about a horizontal axis, an elongated bar, and said bar having clip means for securing said bar to the handlebars of a bicycle for selective cooperative engagement of said bar with said rotatable members or selective passage therebetween.

2. A game device for use as set forth in claim 1 wherein said connecting means includes a plurality of vertically spaced bores on said pole to facilitate vertical selective adjustment of said rod means from said base on said pole.

3. A game device for use With a bicycle of the character described comprising a pair of bases, each base having a vertically extending pole, each pole having at least one horizontally extending bore, a pair of sleeves, one of said sleeves mounted in a bore on each of said poles, a rod member mounted on each sleeve, a member pivotally mounted on one end of each said rod members for rotation about a horizontal axis, and a horizontally extending clip bar for mounting on a bicycle for cooperative operation with said pivotal members.

4. A game device for use with a bicycle as set forth in claim 3 wherein each of said rod members has indicia thereon, and each of said rod members is linearly adjustable relative to its said mounting sleeve to adjust the distance between said pair of pivotal members.

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