WO1994017878A1

WO1994017878A1 - Improvements relating to amusement apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1994017878A1
Application number: PCT/GB1994/000260
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerard Geoffrey Linfoot
Original assignee: Phoenix Electronic Developments Limited
Priority date: 1993-02-13
Filing date: 1994-02-09
Publication date: 1994-08-18
Also published as: GB9302919D0; AU6004794A

Abstract

The invention relates to an amusement apparatus for playing a game of skill which is adapted for use in a domestic or public environment. The game is designed to test the manual dexterity of the player by the way he/she uses the controls to guide the movable member through a route defined in preferably three dimensions. The relative speed of the movable member with respect to the route to be traced and the size and shape of the movable member and the route can be altered so as to vary the complexity of the game.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO AMUSEMENT APPARATUS

The invention relates to an amusement apparatus for playing a game of skill which game is adapted for use either in the domestic or public environment.

Amusement apparatus or games of skill where a player's hand-to-eye coordination and/or manual dexterity are tested are known. Such games can take many forms. For example, a player may be presented with a target and a projectile with the view to hitting the target with the projectile; the most common form of this game is the provision of a bull's-eye and a shotgun. Alternatively, a player may be presented with a basket and a ball with a view to throwing the ball into the basket. Another form of this sort of game involves the provision of a grasping device such as an articulated crane and a number of objects to be grasped; and further the provision of a control panel for controlling the crane device and so grasping a number of the objects. Although such games of skill rely on the hand-to-eye coordination of a player and the manual dexterity of a player in games of the former instance the length of time that an individual needs to concentrate is relatively short and is defined by the time taken to shoot a gun or throw a ball. In the latter instance, the time span of a player's concentration is determined by the time a player spends manipulating the crane device. We have therefore developed an amusement apparatus for testing the hand-to-eye coordination and manual dexterity of a player which places greater demands on a player than existing devices. This is because prolonged concentration is required, unlike the prior art, the player cannot decide to take a break during the game.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an amusement apparatus which is designed to test continuously and over a prolonged period of time a player's hand-to-eye coordination at varying speeds and also manual dexterity.

According to the invention there is therefore provided an amusement apparatus for playing a game of skill comprising:

an obstacle means about which a relatively movable member is guided;

a control means for controlling movement of the relatively movable member with respect to the obstacle means and also for determining at least the game position of the movable member with respect to the obstacle means; and

an operating means for enabling a player to operate the control means and so move the movable member with respect to the obstacle means.

It will be understood from the above that a player of the game is able to test his manual dexterity by the way he uses the operating means to control the control means.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the obstacle means defines a three dimensional course about which the movable member can be guided so that the three dimensional skill of the player can be tested and ideally comprises a means defining a circuitous route about which the movable member must be guided. Preferably the obstacle means comprises at least one convoluted strip member such as a convoluted strip of wire or the like.

In a yet preferred embodiment of the invention, the strip member is in the form of an endless or continuous circuit.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention, the obstacle means is adapted for adjustment such that the game can be varied. Alternatively, the strip member, or obstacle means, may be adapted for removal such that new obstacle means, having different characteristics to previous obstacle means, may be inserted into the apparatus.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention the new obstacle means comprises a new obstacle course.

Preferably the obstacle means is provided with collision detecting means such as pressure sensitive means or conducting means.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention the obstacle means comprises at least one convoluted conducting member.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention the obstacle means comprises a pair of substantially similar aligned and spaced members between which an obstacle course is provided.

The movable member of the apparatus is adapted for movement in both a horizontal and vertical direction and further it is jointed so as to enable the member to twist. Movement of the member in the aforedescribed manner ensures that the three dimensional dexterity of the player can be tested. Ideally, the obstacle means and the movable member are sized and shaped so as to provide a predetermined amount of clearance between the obstacle means and the movable member. Further, the movable member is adapted either to be interchangeable with members of differing size so as to alter the complexity of the game; or alternatively the obstacle means and/or said movable member is adapted so that the relative size and shape of one can be adjusted with respect to the other with a view to varying said clearance so as to alter the complexity of the game.

In a yet further embodiment of the invention the movable member comprises a resilient means. Further, said resilient means may be in the form of a coiled spring. Alternatively, said resilient means is a leaf spring member.

In a yet further embodiment of the invention said movable member comprises a resiliently biased articulated member which is resiliently held in a game position and when contact is made between said member and said obstacle means, said member releasably articulates with respect to said obstacle means so that the member can be withdrawn prior to resumption of the game position and continuing or re-start of the game.

The member is in a game position when it is provided adjacent the obstacle means but spaced therefrom by a predetermined amount so as to provide clearance between the member and the obstacle means such that the two can move with respect to each other without collision. For instance, when the movable member is in the form of a claw, horseshoe or hoop, it is typically placed about the obstacle means so that there is a predetermined amount of clearance between the member and the obstacle means. In the instance where the moving member is of a linear configuration it is typically placed between a pair of spaced members defining an obstacle means such that there is clearance between the member and the obstacle means thus facilitating movement of one with respect to the other.

In a yet further embodiment of the invention, the obstacle means and movable member are adapted for movement with respect to each other so that either the obstacle means can be moved with respect to the movable member, or alternatively, the movable member is adapted for movement with respect to the obstacle means. Further, a control means may be adapted to selectively control the speed with which the obstacle means and movable member move with respect to each other so as to alter the complexity of the game.

Preferably, the control means is adapted to detect contact between the movable member and the obstacle means and to respond by either stopping the game and/or, where a scoring mechanism is provided, by allocating a player a number of points.

In a yet further preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is further provided with a currency mechanism such that operation of the apparatus is dependent on currency.

In a yet further embodiment of the invention, success in the playing of the game, either in its entirety, or in part, is rewarded either by the provision of a prize, redemption voucher or cumulative scoring which enables the user to play a game for a second period of time at either a reduced rate or free of charge.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the invention also includes distraction means which are periodically activated so as to, periodically, distract the attention of the player. Such distraction means may take any number of forms, for example, they may include a novelty figure which quickly, and possibly repeatedly, pops up from a concealed location.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 represents a side elevation view of an apparatus in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 represents a plan view of an apparatus in accordance with the invention;

Figure 3 represents a side elevation of an alternative apparatus in accordance with the invention;

Figure 4 represents a plan view of the alternative apparatus in accordance with the invention;

Figure 5 represents a front view of an alternative apparatus with printed covers in accordance with the invention;

Figure 6 represents a close up of the side view of the alternative apparatus in accordance with the invention;

Figure 7 represents a front view of the alternative apparatus without the printed covers in accordance with the invention;

Figure 8 represents a plan view of the alternative apparatus in accordance with the invention;

Figure 9 represents an alternative movable member in the form of a single coil spring in accordance with the invention;

Figure 10 represents an alternative movable in the form of a double coil spring claw in accordance with the invention;

Figure 11 represents an alternative movable member in the form of a sprung hinged claw in accordance with the invention; and

Figure 12 represents an alternative movable member in the form of a fixed leaf spring claw in accordance with the invention. Referring firstly to Figure 1 , there is illustrated an amusement apparatus including a housing 1 having an upper substantially planar surface 2 which is shown in Figure 2 to be hexagonal. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the shape of the housing, the housing can take any predetermined shape and/or configuration.

Mounted on platform 2 is an obstacle means 3 comprising a convoluted circuit including downwardly depending opposed supports 4. Thus, it can be seen that circuit 3 is open in that space represented by X provided between its two ends.

A movable member 5 in the form of arm 5a is slidably attached to support

6 so as to move upwards and downwards in the vertical direction indicated by reference Y. The support 6 is slidably attached to platform 2 so as to move inwards and outwards in a horizontal direction indicated by reference Z. Towards the outer most end of 5a there is provided a horseshoe shaped member 5b. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the shape of member 5b. Member 5b may take any predetermined shape. Member 5b is attached to arm 5a via a swivel joint (not shown) so as to enable twisting of member 5b. Member 5b is either adapted so as to be interchangeable with another member of similar shape but different size, or alternatively, member 5b is adjustable so as to alter its size thereby controlling the relative difficulty of playing the game.

Movement of the obstacle means 3 with respect to the movable member 5, in this embodiment of the invention, is provided via movement of obstacle means 3. This is best illustrated in Figure 2 where it can be seen that obstacle means 3 is mounted on a rotating platform 7 such that circuit 3 passes in front of movable member 5.

Alternative embodiments can be envisaged in which the movement of the obstacle means 3 with respect to the movable member 5 is provided by a movement of movable member 5. Movable member 5, for example, could be mounted on a rotatable platform such that it travels around obstacle means 3 which, in such an alternative embodiment, would be fixed. Movable member 5 could be placed within or external to the circuit formed by obstacle means 3. The arm 5a being so positioned so as to ensure that the horseshoe shaped member 5b is adjacent to the obstacle means.

Apparatus is further provided with control means 8 which takes the form of joy-sticks, push buttons and the like, which control means are functionally coupled to movable member 5 such that manipulation of controls 8 enable movable member 5 to be moved with respect to circuit 3.

In use, initiating of the game involves positioning of movable member 5 at start position 9, this is brought about by rotation of platform 7 so as to bring position 9 in alignment with member 5. Thereafter, rotation of member 7 in an anti-clockwise direction in this particular embodiment ensures that circuit 3 passes in front of member 5. A player of the game then manipulates controls 8 such that the relative position of member 5, and in particular horseshoe-shaped member 5b, is adjusted with respect to circuit 3 so that member 5b does not make contact with circuit 3. In the event that contact is made between member 5b and circuit 3 this contact is detected, for example, by pressure detection or the closure of a circuit or any other conventional manner, so as to affect either whether the game can be played further, or the scoring of an individual playing the game.

The apparatus therefore also includes, not shown, a scoring means such that the progress of the individual playing the game can be recorded. Where the apparatus is for use in a public environment, the apparatus may also include prize dispensing means such that a successful player of the game can be awarded with a prize. Alternatively, the apparatus may include a calculating means such that a successful player of the game may be awarded points and when a sufficient number of points have been accrued, such a player may be allowed to play a subsequent game either at discount, or free of charge.

In the instance where the obstacle means 3 defines an endless circuit sensor means are provided within or adjacent the obstacle means so that the control means can determine the relative position of the obstacle means with respect to the movable member. For instance, where sensor means are provided adjacent the obstacle means the apparatus is adapted such that when a predetermined part of the obstacle means is aligned with the sensor means said sensor means is activated so as to signal that the obstacle means is at either a start or a stop position. Once this has been determined the movable member can be positioned with respect to the start or stop position such that the game can be initiated or halted. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the game will start at a predetermined position and end at a predetermined position. Alternatively, the game could be made more varied by providing a number of sensing means such that the game can start and stop at different positions depending upon the programming of the control means.

Referring now to Figure 3, an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown and with respect of the aforegoing like parts are referenced with the aforelike references.

In contrast to the aforedescribed game, this apparatus includes an obstacle means comprising a convoluted circuit 3 which is substantially linear. Further, the upper platform 2 is of rectangular construction.

It can more clearly be seen by reference to Figure 4 that movable member 5 is mounted for slidable movement along track 12 such that member 5 is made to move with respect to stationary circuit 3. In this way, member 5b is made to travel along circuit 3 via movement of member 5 with respect to circuit 3. In addition, playing of this embodiment of the invention firstly involves positioning of member 5 at a start position defined by a first outer most end of circuit 3. Once member 5 has been positioned at the start position, then it is made to move along track 12 thus ensuring that member 5, and in particular member 5b, is made to travel about circuit 3.

Alternative embodiments can be envisaged in which relative movement of movable member 5 with respect to obstacle means 3 is provided via movement of obstacle means 3. Obstacle means 3, for example, could be mounted on a movable platform such that in use, movable member 5 is made to travel along circuit 3 via movement of circuit 3 with respect to movable member 5.

The obstacle means 3 shown in Figures 3 and 4 defines in space a two dimensional circuit. During play, member 5 is made to move along track 12 at a predetermined speed providing movement of member 5 with respect to said circuit in a substantially horizontal first direction (Q).

Movement of member 5 with respect to the obstacle means in a substantially vertical second direction is controlled by the player via operation of the control means. In this way, the member 5 passes over the obstacle means 3 and member 5b traces out in space the two dimensional circuit defined by said obstacle means. Such an embodiment of the invention which is restricted to the tracing of a circuit in two dimensions is particularly suitable for less skilled players, for example, children.

Alternatively, the obstacle means 3 may define in space a three dimensional circuit, as in the particular embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2. In this particular embodiment, obstacle means 3 is mounted on platform 7 which is rotated at a predetermined speed during play. In this way, obstacle means 3 is moved with respect to member 5 in a substantially horizontal first direction (Q). Movement of member 5 relative to obstacle member 3 in a substantially vertical second direction (Y) and, in addition, in a substantially horizontal third direction perpendicular to the axis defined by direction Q (Z) is controlled by the player via operation of the control means. In this way, member 5 passes over the obstacle means 3 and member 5b traces out in space the three dimensional circuit defined by said obstacle means.

The embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6 includes an upper substantially planar housing 14 which is shown in Figure 8 to be circular. Housing 14 is positioned above platform 2 (not shown) by housing support (not shown). Mounted on the outermost rim of housing 14 in a substantially downward direction are supports 17. The uppermost of two substantially similar, aligned and spaced rails 3a is suspended from the lowermost point of supports 17. The second of the substantially twinned rails 3b is suspended and spaced apart from rail 3a by further supports 18. The obstacle means provided by rail 3a and 3b defines a convoluted circuit 3 to be traced by movable member 5.

In this particular embodiment, as also shown in Figure 7, movable member

5 includes a mount 5c slidably attached to vertical support rails 16. Member 5 further comprises a single coil spring 5d extending outwards from the outermost surface of mount 5c in a substantially horizontal direction. An LED 13, or other attention attracting means, is positioned on the outermost end of spring 5d.

Member 5 is mounted within the drum shaped structure formed by housing 14, supports 17 and 18 and obstacle means 3. Alternative positioning of member 5 with respect to obstacle means 3 could be without the drum shaped structure.

In addition, printed covers 15a and 15b extending downwards from the outermost rim of housing 14 to the uppermost surface of rail 3a and extending downwards from the lowermost surface of rail 3b to the platform 2 (not shown) are provided. The surface design of the printed covers, or other similar concealing means, may take any form and may in particular be topical to the game.

The operation of this embodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 7 without printed covers 15a and 15b, is carried out substantially as aforedescribed. The relative movement of member 5 with respect to obstacle means 3 could be provided by movement of member 5 whilst obstacle means 3 is stationery. Alternatively, said relative movement could be provided by movement of obstacle means 3 whilst member 5 and vertical support rail 16 are stationary.

In the particular embodiment shown in Figures 5-8 the obstacle means is substantially circular and comprises two substantially twinned rails 3a, 3b between which the circuit 3 to be traced is provided. Said circuit is essentially two dimensional in this particular embodiment, in that the relative movement of member 5 with respect to said obstacle means need only be two dimensional for member 5 to trace said circuit. During play, obstacle means 3 is rotated with respect to member 5 substantially as aforedescribed. In this way, obstacle means 3 moves with respect to member 5 in a substantially horizontal first direction. Movement of member 5 with respect to obstacle member 3 in a substantially vertical second direction is controlled by the player via operation of the control means.

The single coil spring 5d is shown in Figure 9 in more detail. In this example, the spring 5d extends outwards centrally from the front planar surface of an elongate support plate 5e. Means for attaching the spring 5d to the plate 5e are provided by members 20 adapted to accept a screw (not shown) or similar fastening means.

Figures 10-12 show by way of example further preferred embodiments of movable member 5. A further embodiment of the member 5b which comprises part of the movable member 5 is shown in Figure 10. Here, two spaced apart single coil springs 5f extend outwards from the front planar surface of an elongate support plate 5e. Members 20 operate as aforedescribed. Support plate 5e includes a pivot point 21. In this particular embodiment, pivot point 21 is centrally located on 5e. Pivot point 21 is adapted to operate with arm 5a (not shown) so as to enable support plate 5c to twist with respect to arm 5a and hence with respect to obstacle means 3 (not shown) so as to facilitate playing of the game.

An alternative embodiment of member 5b is shown in Figure 11. Here, member 5b comprises a resiliently biased articulated member and includes a rear mount 30 and curved arms 26. Arms 26 are pivotally attached to mount 30 by pivots 22. At the outermost end of arms 26 are situated members 27. Members 27 are shaped so as to facilitate entry to and exit from the enclosure formed by arms 26, by obstacle means 3. Stop

24 prevents arms 26 from closing together further than is shown in Figure 11 a. Spring 23 is connected at its outermost end to points part way along arms 26, so as to resiliently hold arms 26 in a game position. That is a position which accommodates obstacle means 3 within the enclosure defined by arm 26 and provides a predetermined amount of clearance therebetween so that a player can play the game. When contact is made between member 5b and obstacle means 3 during play, member 5b releasably articulates as shown in Figure 11b, so facilitating re-positioning of member 5b with respect to obstacle means 3 prior to resumption of the aforementioned game position and continuing or re-start of the game.

Pivot point 21 functions as aforedescribed.

A yet further embodiment of member 5b is shown in Figure 12. Here, member 5b comprises a substantially circular body 29 open at one side.

Body 29 comprises arms 26, pivot point 21 and members 27 which function as aforedescribed. Leaf spring 31 comprises arms 32 and rear member 33 and is attached symmetrically about pivot point 21 to the inner surface of the rearmost portion of body 29.

It will be apparent from the above that the invention is not to be limited by the shape or construction of the movable member. Rather the invention includes the provision of a member which can move with respect to the obstacle means and which, depending upon the nature of the obstacle means, can be made to trace, in space, a two dimensional or three dimensional path.

In either of the above described inventions, the rate at which obstacle means 3 and member 5 move with respect to each other can be varied so as to increase the difficulty in playing the game. Further, it is preferred that means 3 can be varied, either by removing means 3 and re-inserting an alternative means, or by means 3 being made of a flexible material which can be deformed into any predetermined configuration.

It will be apparent from the above that the invention is not to be limited by the nature of the obstacle means provided. Rather the invention includes the provision of any predetermined sized or shaped obstacle means which presents a circuit in or about which a movable member can be guided.

There is also further provided a number of distraction means which include novelty elements, normally concealed, which periodically appear in/on/around or adjacent to the circuit 3 so as to distract the attention of the player and thus increase the difficulty of the game. It will be apparent that the nature of such distraction means may take any form and may, for example, be topical or entertaining or amusing.

The invention therefore provides for an amusement apparatus which is designed to test the skill of a player and in particular the manual dexterity of a player has he/she guides a member about a two or three dimensional obstacle course It should be noted that the embodiments of the invention herein described are by way of example. Further embodiments of the invention comprising mechanical equivalents of any feature herein described are also envisaged.

Claims

1. An amusement apparatus for playing a game of skill comprising obstacle means with respect to which a relatively movable

5 member is guided, a control means for controlling movement of said relatively movable member with respect to said obstacle means and also for determining at least the game position of said movable member with respect to said obstacle means and an operating means for enabling a player to operate control means and so move said movable member with o respect to said obstacle means.

2. An amusement apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the obstacle means defines a three dimensional course about which the movable member can be guided.

3. An amusement apparatus according to Claims 1 or 2 5 wherein the obstacle means comprises a circuitous route about which the movable, member must be guided.

4. An amusement apparatus according to Claim 3 wherein said circuitous route is in the form of an endless or continuous route.

5. An amusement apparatus according to any preceding Claim 0 wherein the obstacle means comprises at least one convoluted strip member.

6. An amusement apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein said obstacle means is adapted for adjustment such that the game can be varied.

7. An amusement apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein said obstacle means is adapted for removal such that new obstacle means can be provided.

8. An amusement apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein said new obstacle means comprises a new obstacle course.

9. An amusement apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein said obstacle means comprises at least one collision detecting means.

10. An amusement apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein said obstacle means comprises a pair of substantially similar aligned and spaced members between which an obstacle course is provided.

11. An amusement apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein said movable member is adapted for movement in both a horizontal and vertical direction.

12. An amusement apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein said movable member is jointed so as to enable the member to twist.

13. An amusement apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein said obstacle means and movable member are sized and shaped so as to provide a predetermined amount of clearance between same.

14. An amusement apparatus according to Claim 13 wherein said obstacle means or said movable member is adapted so that the relative size or shape of one can be adjusted with respect to the other with a view to varying said clearance so as to alter the complexity of the game.

15. An amusement apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein said movable member is adapted to be interchangeable with members of different size so as to alter the complexity of the game.

16. An amusement apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein said movable member comprises a resilient means.

17. An amusement apparatus according to Claim 16 wherein said resilient means comprises at least one coiled spring.

18. An amusement apparatus according to Claim 16 wherein said resilient means is a leaf spring member.

19. An amusement apparatus according to any of Claims 1 -15 wherein said movable member comprises a resiliently biased articulated member which is resiliently held in a game position until contact is made between said member and said obstacle means whereupon said member releasably articulates so facilitating re-positioning of said member with respect to said obstacle means prior to resumption of said game position and continuing or re-start of the game.

20. An amusement apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein said control means is adapted to selectively control the speed with which said obstacle means and said movable member move with respect to each other so as to alter the complexity of the game.

21. An amusement apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein said control means is adapted to detect contact between said movable member and said obstacle means and to respond by either stopping the game and/or, where a scoring mechanism is provided, allocating a player a number of points.

22. An amusement apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein the apparatus is provided with a currency mechanism such that operation of the apparatus is dependent on currency.

23. An amusement apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein there is further provided distraction means which are periodically activated so as to periodically distract the attention of the player.

24. A movable member for use with apparatus described in any preceding Claim which is adapted to be interchangeable with members of different size and/or shape so as to alter the complexity of the game.

25. An obstacle means for use in apparatus described in any preceding Claim which is adapted to be interchangeable with members of different size and/or shape so as to alter the complexity of the game.

26. An amusement apparatus for playing a game of skill substantially described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.