US713576A - Game-register. - Google Patents

Description

No. 7|3,576. Patented Nov. Il, |902.

E. J. WELLS.

GAME REGISTER.

(Applicntion tiled May 24, 1901.)

(No Model.)

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ELMER J. WELLS, OF NAsI-IUA, IOWA, AssIGNOR OE ONE-HALF To GIDEON E. WOOD, OF NAsIIUA, IOWA.

GAM E-REGISTER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 713,576, dated November 11, 1902.

Application filed May 24,1901. Serial No. 61,779. (No model.)

This invention relates to registers, and is.

designed to provide an improved device of this character which is especially adapted for zo use in connection with the game of pool or similar games in which a plurality of balls or movable objects are set up or grouped by an inclosing frame at the beginning of each game. It is furthermore designed to provide I such a frame with a registering device to register each time the balls are set up and to plainly indicate the number of games played. Moreover, it has for its object to provide for automatically actuating the register by the zo operation of setting up the balls.

With these and other objects in view the present invention consists in the combination and arrangement of parts, as will be hereinafter more fully described, shown in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that changes in the form, proportion, size, and minor details may be made within the scope ofthe claims without depart- 3o ing from the spirit or sacrificing any Of the advantages of the invention.

In the drawings, Figure l is a perspective view of an ordinary triangular frame employed in connection with a pool-table for setting up the balls and provided with the present game-register. Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail elevation of the register with the faceplate or casing removed therefrom. Fig. 3 is a detail longitudinal sectional view thereof.

4o Fig. l is a detail transverse sectional view taken on the line 4 4 of Fig. 3.

Like characters of reference designate corresponding parts in all of the figures of the drawings.

To adequately illustrate the application and operation of the present invention, there has been illustrated in the drawings a trianguiar frame l, suoli as commonly employed in connection with a pool-table for setting up 5o or bunching the balls at the beginning of each game.

In carrying out the invention there is provided a tongue 2, mounted upon the inner face Of one side ot the frame and formed by means of a metallic spring-plate, having one end iixedly secured to the frame, as at 3, and its opposite end portion bent or inclined outwardly from the frame, so that it may be forced backwardly against the adjacent side of the frame bythe balls when the latter are 6o being set up and for the purpose of actuating the register by the backward movement of the tongue. It will of course be understood that the tongue is comparatively thin, so as not to interfere with the proper setting up of the balls and is also designed to spring Outwardly when the frame is removed from the balls, so as to be in position for again actuating the register when the balls are again set up for another game. 7c

The registering mechanism comprises a slidable plate 4:, mounted upon the outer face of the same side of the frame to which the tongue is attached and adapted to slide longitudinally in opposite directions thereon. A longitudinal slot extends throughout the intermediate portion of the plate and is for the reception of a guide-block 6, which is connected to the frame by suitable fastenings 7, and has opposite longitudinal flanges S, 8o that overlap the outer side of the plate, and thereby slidably hold the latter to the frame. The upper edge of the plate is provided with alongitudinal series of ratchet-teeth 9, and a longitudinal series of numbers l0 is pro- 85 vided upon the lower portion of the outer face of the slidable plate and progressing regularly from zero at the right hand to any predetermined number at the opposite end of the series.

For adj ustably holding the slidable register-plate against accidental movement there is provided a ratchet device ll in the forln of a spring-dog arranged in operative relation with respect to the ratchet-teeth of the slide. 95 As shown in the drawings, this dog is formed from a single length of spring-wire having one end bent into a catch-head for engagement with the ratchet-teeth and its opposite end bent into a lateral spur l2,which is driven Ioo into the frame, there being an intermediate loop or eye 13 for the reception of a fastening '14 set into the frame.

In order that the slidable number-plate may be actuated to slide longitudinally by the inward movement of the tongue 2, the latter is provided with a transverse finger 15, which works through a slot or opening 16, formed in the adjacent sideof the frame, so that the finger may engage the ratchet-teeth of the slide, and thereby force the latter longitudinally one step at a time. The inner actuating edge of the finger is disposed at an angle to the teeth of the plate, so that in traveling across each tooth the latter is forced to yield tothe finger whereby the slide is moved. Moreover, the finger is vertically elastical, so as to yield to the upward inclination of each tooth as the slide moves forwardly and also to snap downwardly after clearing the tooth when sprung outwardly from engagement therewith in order that the outer end of the linger may be in position to engage the lowermost portion of the next tooth. At the outer end of the finger there is provided a hook 18, disposed at the front or outer edge thereof and designed to engage a vertical stop-pin 19, extending across the slot or opening in the frame, whereby the tongue is prevented from springing too far away from the side of the frame.

For the protection of the movable parts of the register there is provided a casing or faceplate 20, secured to the outer side of the frame bymeans of suitable fastenings, so as to inclose or house the slide and the ratchet device,there being an intermediate lateral extension of the casing, as indicated at 2l, for the reception of the finger l5 when it moves inwardly across the plate and projects outwardly beyond the same. An opening 22 is also formed in the casing, so as to expose a single number on the slidable plate, thereby to indicate how many gam es have been played.

To reset the slide after it has been moved to its limit in one direction, there is provided a suitable key 23, which is designed to be in the possession of the attendant in charge of the game-table and also adapted to be inserted through a keyhole-slot 24 and into engagement with a key-post 25, projected outwardly from the frame and located below the movable portion of the ratchet-dog, so that by turning the key into engagement with the dog the latter may be lifted ont of engagement with the teeth of the slidable plate, whereby the latter is freed and may be dropped back to its original position by bringing the frame into a Vertical position.

As hereinbefore indicated, it is designed to lock the register at the completion of a predetermined number of games, and to carry out this purpose the ratchet-teeth terminate short of what will be termed the rear end of the slide, so as to form an upstanding stopshoulder26, (shown in Fig. 2,) against which the outer end of the finger 15 Will strike Without any eect to move the plate. When the finger is in engagement with this lockingshoulder, the tongue 2 will be disposed substantially as in Figs. l and 3 or projected into the interior of the frame, whereby it will be impos ible to properly set up the balls, as the tongije, which is now rigid, will interfere therewith. p

For convenience in manually' manipulating the register-actuating tongue or member 2, should it become necessary, there is provided a suitable finger-piece 27, rising from the upper edge of the tongue and adjacent to its free end.

It will of course be understood that the numbers on the slide correspond to the ratchet-teeth, so that as the plate is fed lone step the next succeeding number will be brought opposite the opening in the casing, so as to be displayed therethrough.

Although a triangular frame has been shown, it is obvious that the register may be applied to any form of frame, according to the game. Moreover, the device may be applied to any side of the frame and to any part of the side; but it is preferred to locate the same as close as possible to one corner of the frame, such location being governed by the form of the frame-t'. e., whether or not the corners of the frame are provided with the rounded or concaved filling-blocks, as shown in Fig. 1.

It is desired to call attention to the fact that the part2 forms a yieldable obstructing member for normally obstructing the capacity of the frame and is constructed toractuate the register mechanism by a movement from its obstructing position; also, that the part 15 is projected externally of the frame during the register-actuating movement of the obstructing member, and the casing 21 houses the external path of the projected part so as to prevent access thereto to obstruct the register-operating movement of the obstructing member.

Having thus described my invention, I claiml. Aframe for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, havinga game-register, which is carried solely by and also forms a part of the frame. t

2. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, having a game-register, and an actuating device therefor, which is constructed and arranged for operative engagement with the playing devices when the latter are being set up.

8. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, having a game-register, and an elastically-yieldable actuating device therefor mounted upon the inner side of the frame and normally spaced away therefrom to lie in position for operative engagement with the playing devices.

4. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, havinga game-register, which is carried solely thereby, and isalso constructed for automatic operation by the manipulation of the frame during the setting up of the playing devices.

5. A frame for setting up the movable play- IOO IIO

ing devices of a game, havinga game-register, which is carried solely thereby, and is constructed for operative contact with the playing devices during the setting up thereof.

6. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, having a gaine-register mounted upon the outer side thereof, and a yieldable register-actuating device mounted upon the inner side of the frame for operative engagement with the playing devices, and having a lateral register-engaging projection, the frame having an opening for the slidable reception of the projection and to permit the latter cooperating with the register.

7. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, having a game-register, comprisinga slidable number-plate mounted upon the outer side of the frame, a casing inclosing the slide and having an opening for the exposure of a single number at a time, and an elastically-yieldable plate-operating device mounted upon the inner side of the frame and constructed for operative engagement with the playing devices when being set up.

S. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of agame, having a game-register, comprising an adj ustably-movable numbered Slide, means for adjustably holding the slide against accidental movement, a trip device therefor, and a plate-operating device mounted upon the inner side of the frame and constructed for operative engagement with the playingr device.

9. A frame for setting up the playing devices of a game having a game-register, com.- prising a numbered slide provided with ratchet-teeth, a ratchet-dog in engagement with the teeth, and a slide-operating device yieldably mounted upon the inner side of the frame for engagement by the playing devices, and cooperating with the ratchet-teeth of the slide to feed the latter with a step-by-step movement.

10. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, having a game-register, comprising a numbered slide mounted upon the outer side ot' the frame, and having ratchetteeth upon one longitudinal edge thereof, a spring ratchet-dog mounted upon the frame and in engagement with the ratchetteeth, and an elastically-yieldable slide-operating device mounted upon the inner side of the frame for engagement with the playing devices, and provided with a lateral projection cooperating with the ratchet-teeth to feed the slide with a step-by-step movement, there being an opening formed through the frame for the accommodation of the lateral projection of the slide-operating device.

ll. A framefor setting up the movable playing devices of a gaine, having a game-register, comprising a slidable plate mounted upon the outer side of the frame and having an intermediate longitudinal slot, ratchet-teeth upon one longitudinal edge, and a consecutive series of numbers at the opposite side of the slot, a guide-support passing through the slot and connected to the frame, a spring ratchetdog upon the frame and in engagement with the ratchet-teeth, a slide-operating device mounted upon the inner side of the frame, and having a lateral projection constructed for cooperation with the ratchet-teeth to feed the plate with a step-by-step movement, there being an opening formed through the frame to accommodate the projection, a casing inclosing the slide and the ratchet-dog, and provided with an opening to eXposea single linmber at a time, and a keyhole-slot adjacent to one side of the dog, a key-post projecting outwardly from the frame and alined with the keyhole-slot, and a key for engagement with the post to trip the dog out of engagement with the slide.

12. A frame for setting up the playing devices of a game, having a game-register, and an actuating device therefor, comprising a spring-tongue connected to the inner side of the frame and inclined away therefrom into the interior thereof for operative engagement with the playing devices when being set up, the tongue also having an operative engagement with the register.

13. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, having a game-register mounted upon the outer side thereof, a springtongue having one end connected to the inner side of the frame and inclined laterally away from and into the interior thereof for engagement with the playing devices when being set up, the free end portion ofthe tongue having a lateral projection constructed tor coperation with the register, and having an outer terminal lateral shoulder,there being an opening in the frame for the accommodation of the projection, and a stop-pin extending across the opening and cooperating with the shoulder to limit the movement ofthe tongue awayfrom the frame.

14. In combination with a pool-assembling guard or frame, a member attached thereto, adapted to obs'truct its capacity, which is held yieldably in obstructing position and is movable therefrom, combined with a registering mechanism mounted upon the guard and caused to operate by the movement of the obstructing member away from obstructing positiou.

l5. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, having a registering mechanism, and a yieldable combined frameobstructing and registering-actuating member adapted to obstruct the capacity of the frame, normallylying in obstructing position, and constructed to actuate the register mechanism by a movement of the member from its normal obstructing position.

16. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game provided with registering mechanism arranged to be automatically operated in setting up the said playing devices, substantially as described.

17. A framefor setting up the movable play- TOO IIO

IIS

ing devices of games, provided with game-reg- -istering mechanism and having actuating means normally projecting into the space Within the frame, whereby it is adapted to be operated by the playing devices,substantially as described.

18. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, a game-register mounted on the frame, and a movable actuating device normally projecting into the space inclosed by the frame and arranged to move outward to operate the game-register, .substantially as described.

19. A frame-for setting up the playing devices of a game, a game-register mounted on the frame and provided with characters for indicating the number of games, an actuating device for advancing theslide, and means forengaging the slide to hold the same against backward movement, said means beingadapted to be disengaged from the slide to permit the latter to drop back by gravity when the frame is arranged in an upright position, slibstantiall y as described.

20. A frame for setting up the playing devices of a game, a register mounted on the frame and provided with a gravity-return indicating-slide, and an actuating device for advancing the slide, substantially as described.

21. A frame for setting up the playing devices of a game, a register mounted on the frame and provided with a gravity-return indicating-slide,an actuating device for advancing the slide, and means for engaging the slide to lock the same against backward movement, said means being adapted to be disengaged from the slide, substantially as and for the purpose described.

22. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, a game-register mounted on the frame and provided with a slide having ratchet-teeth, and an actuating device normally projecting into the space iuclosed by the frame and arranged to engage the ratchet-teeth to advance the slide, substantially as described.

23. A frame for setting up the movable playing devices of a game, a game-register'mounted on the frame and provided with a movable indicating member having ratchet-teeth, and an actuating device arranged to engage the ratchet-teeth to actuate the indicating member and normally projecting into the space iuclosed by the frame, substantially as described.

24. Aframe forsetting up the movable playing devices of a game, a game-register mounted on the frame and having a movable indieating member provided with ratchet-teeth, an actuating device arranged to engage the ratchet-teeth to advance the movable member, and a dog also engaging the ratchet-teeth to lock the movable Vmember against backward movement, substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own 1 have hereto afiixed my signature l in the presence of two Witnesses.

ELMER J. WELLS.

Witnesses:

A. E. DYE, G. B. WOOD.

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