US2435141A - Amusement game - Google Patents

Description

J. C. KOCl AMUSEMENT GAME Jan. 27, 194s.

Filed May 51, 1944 4 sheets-sheet 1 Q i@ .4.34% l y @/V@ m/ J.'c. Kocl AMUSEMENT GAME Jan. 27, 1948a 4 sheeis-sheet 2 Filed May 3l, 1944' JQ C. KOCI AMUSEMENT GAME f Jan. 27, 194s.

Filed May 31, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 FJegy. /L/ocl.

y Jan. 27, 194s.

J. C. KOCl l AMUSEMENT GAME 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May 3l 1944 Patented Jan. 27, 1948 AMUSEMENT GAME Jerry C. Koei, Riverside, Ill., assignor to The Wolgen Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application May 31, 1944, Serial No. 538,144

Claims. (Cl. 46-143) This invention relates to an amusement device or game in which the players control the movements of combatant gures to score points by striking an opposing figure, the device having visual means to indicate the score as the game progresses and means to indicate timed divisions of the game.

In present devices of this general type, which are usually coin-operated, the outcome of the contest is decided by knocking down or otherwise rendering ineffectual the combatant gure or figures controlled by one of the players, the game thereupon being terminated, and the mechanism rendered inoperative for further play without the deposit of another coin. In these devices, it often happens that through the difference in the skill of the opposing players, or by accident or luck, the game is terminated very shortly after it has begun. This, of course, is disappointing, since the interest of the game, as in any contest, derives primarily from the closeness of the competition, and a brief contest does not afford as great an opportunity for the interplay of various factors as does a longer contest.

In many instances, also, the game ends without either players gure or figures having been rendered ineffectual by the other player, and since there is no means for scoring the contest, there is no way of determining which player has manipulated the igures'most effectively, and any controversy as to this point must remain unsettled.

The present invention insures that the contest will continue to the end of the predetermined period of operation of the game, so that there is ample opportunity for various factors to come into play, such as skill, judgment, quickness of reaction, and the like. The provision of scoring means insures that there will be a definite indication of which player has best manipulated the game, so that there will be no controversy over,

means and the stage-indicating means operateA contemporaneously, the players may obtain a very accurate idea of the status of the game by noting the score and the stage to which the game has progressed.

The game can end in a tie score only if the players have manipulatedthe respective figures 2 with equal success, so that the score-indicating means show the same score for each player.

It is an important object of this invention to provide an amusement gaine for opposing players which requires concentration, quickness of perception and reaction, coordination and judgment for success in the playing thereof.

It is another object of this invention to provide an amusing game for opposing players which develops latent or underdeveloped qualities of concentration, coordination, perception, and the like.

It is an object of this invention to provide an amusement device or game which is operated for a predetermined period of time regardless of the relative success of the opposing players.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a game device in which scoring means progressively indicate the success of the players.

It is another object of this invention to provide an amusement game in Which opposing gures are resiliently secured to their respective carriers and their movements thereon limited.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a game in which opposing figures are loosely mounted on their respective carriers, and limited movement relative thereto permitted, but having means to prevent the gures from falling down. Y

.It is also an object of this invention to provide a game which has scoring means operated by the opposed elements of the game accurately indicating the relative success of the players.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel form of combatant for a game.

A further object of the invention resides in the provision of improved indicating and recording means directly responsive to the actions of the players.

In accordance with the general features of the invention there are provided in a game opposing combatants with manually operable oscillating striking elements and having blow-responive means, with electrically operated register means operable sequentially by the blow-responsive means to progressively indicate visually the status of the combat.

Another feature relates to the provision in the game of the aforementioned type a novelly supported combatant figure.

Other and further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description and the amended drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the device shown in Figure l partly broken away;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary rear detail view of one of the figures of the device and associated parts, the rear covering member of the gure being removed;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on the line IV--IV of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 5 is a sectional view similar to Figure 4, but showing a modificationfoftheimeans for actuating the arms or the figures; y

Figure 6 is a fragmentary bottom view of the gure supporting and actuatingerneans;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on the line VII-VII of yFigure 4 looking in the direction of the arrows;

'Figures lis. a fragmentary .View similar :.to'iFigure 'litaken online VIII--VIH offFigureA looking `finfthe direction of the arrows; and

I Figure 9 isa diagrammatic View.v ofi the electrical '.-circuits of the device.

.Thelinventionis shown anddescribed as embodied in` aigame. or-.amusement `device simulating a boxing contest, although-it will be obvious that .the invention-is applicable to a wide range of Vlgamessimulating contestsof various kinds. .For

example-the game .might simulate a cock-iight, with the combatant figures simulating gamev'cocks,or;a fencingv match, .withthe gures simullatingfencers.

As shown inlthe 'drawingsythe Adeviceincludes a casing'l I, `the top-of which constitutes a plat- V"form -I2 onwhich is-mounted a miniature boxing welljknowninthe art, itisnot considerednecessary to,il1ustrate ordescribe the same.

Each combatant or :ligure I4 iscarried by a slide member -.I9 which is disposed beneath the platform I2 within thevcasing I I, .with a portion extending out of the casing through an opening .in` a side wall of the casing. The slide member is manipulated by means of handles such as 20 .mounted .on the outer portion thereof. An electric contact actuator 2I is disposed on this outer portion for convenient operation. The slide .member I9 is supported by brackets 22 and 23 .se-

cured to the under side of the platform I2. The bracket`22 is slightlylonger than the width of the slide member I9, and the'bracket23`is somewhat longer than `the bracket 22. 'Thefbracket 22 is disposed near the side wall of the casing, and 'thebracket'23 is 'mountednearer the center of the casing. 'The slide IS may thus be moved longitudinally and laterally, and -may also be Vmoved in-a pivotal mannerto swing theinner end of the slide member substantially in an arc. The-dotted lines 'and broken lines of-Figure l show extreme pivotal positionsfof-the slide. The-lateral and pivotal movement of the slide I9 is limited by the brackets. Longitudinal movement of the slide I9 is limited by a stop member 24 secured to the under side of the slide as by a bar 5 25, the stop 24 moving between the bracket 22 and the bracket 23, and preventing inward movement of the slide when brought against the .bracket 2.3 and outward movementzof fthe slide whenitfstrikesibracket 22. 'To prevent undue jarring or shock, the brackets may each carry a .buffer member 26 with a surface of resilient or shock-absorbing material such as rubber or the like. Within the limits indicated, the slide mem- .ber 1.I:91and.the gure IlI carried thereby may be moved vfref'elyfbylthe player as he may see fit.

The slide memberis always under the close and fdirectcontrolof the player, and moves easily in response to pushing, pulling, and other movements of his hands. vThus, regardless of hoW rapid and sudden or how slow and gradual those -Amovements may be, theimovements of the Vslide laccuratelyfollow them. 'The ligure I4 may -thus Xbe moved 1in gany :direction either .quickly and sharply to v,evade blowsor followup an advanztage, onmoregslowlyandcautiouslyto avoid unvnecessaryeblows or.` obtain a;favorable position -for attack.

.The .slide :L9 .is :composed .of a framework linfcluding flongitudinally -extending angle imembers 21. JThe end,;;si des,.-and;top of the. outer portion fofitheslide;aregcoveredbysheet metal 28 or the like'topresent a,neat, nished appearance. .To

.theangle;members:2l.near the inner ends thereof, supporting brackets29 aresecured which extendupwardly tosubstantially the-plane of Vthe fupper `surface of the .platform I2, a substantial 'aperturejbeing formed in the platform of sufIi- .cient-areatopermitmovementof the slide memjrberzwithout interference between the bracketsZiI 40 `and-the .edges vof the vaperture.3l), so that move- :mentoflthe slidemember I9 is limited only by ,thebrackets 22 and .'23 and the stop-members 2A and,-261asfp1eviously described. To the upper portions of the brackets29 issecured, asby weldingor otherwise, a `plate 3| of such size as to cover the .aperture36 regardless of the move- Jments-made by the slide member. In the forward I'portionof the plate Y:Iis an aperture 32 for a purpose-.which-.will bedescribed hereinafter.

iThe gure YUI .is loosely mounted on the plate 3| by-,meansof openings33 in the base 34 of the leg portion 35 of the figure. Pins v36 .of .slightly smallei-diameter than the openings 33 extend upwardly therethrough and .are .secured vtotheplate 3| inany suitable manner. Acollar ..31 is secured to the upper end of each pin in any suitable -manner,.as byset screws, and has an .outer diameter `greater than that of the open- 'ing..33. The figure .Ill may therefore move vertically the distance between the plate. 3l and the bottom edge of the collar 31, and mayhave slight tilting .orrockingmovements about the pins `35,

but is Yheld from falling.

'Atythe sides `of Vthe'body portionof the figure I4-are two arms 38 each having an integral rearwardly extending pivot lug 3S bent to extend into'the body portion through an arcuate slot "413 lformed in each side member ofthe body portion. .Each arm is pivoted at an intermediate jpoint'thereof to the side member, as by'bolts V12|. `AfcoilspringllZ*has ,one end secured to the pivot-lug -39 and-the other -to any suitable -securing member in the head portion of the figure,

a tongue -43 struck inwardly from the sides of 175 "the -head -portion being shown =in -the ldrawings las the securing means. The spring 42 urges the pivot lug upwardly, and thereby urges the arm 38 downwardly. Another coil spring 44 extending downwardly has one end secured to the pivot lug 39 and the other end to a link 45 connected to one throw of a double crank portion 46 formed in the shaft 4l of a small electric motor 48 mounted on the angle member 21 and controlled by a suitable switch 49 operated by the actuator 2I. It will be seen that when the switch 45 is closed the motor will turn the shaft 41 and the crank portion 46, thereby alternately tensioning and releasing the springs 44 with a phase difference of 180, so that when one arm 38 is raised by the force of the tensioned spring 44 overcoming the force of the spring 42, the other arm 35 will be lowered because the spring 42' will not be opposed by the other spring 44, which will be released. The opening 32 in the plate 3| through which the springs 44 extend permits movement of the springs without scraping or other -interference. The springs 44 tend to hold the iigure on the plate against the force of any blows received by the figure, and bring it quickly into equilibrium when it has been rocked or otherwise moved by a particularly heavy blow. If desired, the pins 35 may be omitted, and it will be found that the springs 44r will hold the figure in resiliently secured position on the plate 3I. The loose, resilient mounting of the iigure I4 permits a player to rock the gure forwardly, backwardly, or sidewise, by a sudden jerk or stoppage of movement of the slide I9, as an evasive maneuver or otherwise, or to take advantage of the rebound action of the figure after such rocking movement without further movementof the slide I9.

It will be seen that the construction and arrangement of the slide member and figure permits absolute control of movements of the slide member, and of the gure when the slide movements are smooth, even though rapid. It will further be seen that even with sudden changes in speed or direction of movements of the slide member, the direction and amplitude of the resulting resilient movements of the iigure can be gauged within very close limits, so that complicated maneuvers may be carried out as desired.

Mounted in the chin portion of the figure I4 and freely slidable in the wall thereof is a button 53 formed with spaced flanges or collars,

` one outside and one inside the chin wall, which limit inward and outward movement of the button. The inner end of the button is pressed outwardly by a spring 5I, with which is associated a suitable switch 52. When the button is moved inwardly to overcome the force of the spring 5I, the switch 52 is closed. Closing of the switch 52 energizes an electrical circuit to light one of the scoring lights I'I, these lights being arranged to indicate a point score of from one to seventy-nine. It will be obvious that the number of these scoring lights might be increased or decreased to increase or decrease the range of the score which can be indicated. A step-bystep relay 53, known in the art as a stepping switch or step-up switch, is included in the scoring light circuit to operate the lights sequentially as the button 50 is repeatedly struck in the course of the game. Such a stepping switch is well known in the art, and is illustrated and described in my Patent No. 2,165,059, issued July 4, 1939, and reference is made to that patent for a disclosure of the structure and operation of the relay or stepping switch 53. It may be pointed out, however, that instead of the ratchet holding and releasing means disclosed in that patent, the present construction utilizes a solenoid-operated pawl. This holding and reset mechanism is described herebelow.

In Figure 9, which illustrates the electrical circuits of the amusement device, mains L carry electric current from a suitable source (not shown), and a step-down transformer S is provided to reduce the voltage to a desired value. An additional timing means T, which may be a clockwork mechanism, is provided to open the line L after a predetermined time. The timing means T is set in operation upon actuation of the coin-depositing mechanism I8. One stepping switch 53 and its associated parts are illustrated in some detail. To avoid confusion, however, all of the elements of the switch are not shown, and for the same reason all of the connections between the lights I'I and the switch contacts are not shown, the connections not shown merely duplicating those which have been illustrated. It is believed that a clear showing of the stepping switch and its associated parts and connections is made in the ligure, reference being had to the aforesaid Patent 2,165,059. The other score-indicating means are identical, and have been represented only generally, the stepping switch at 53 and the lights by the box o1' panel I5.

The rounds lights I5 are also operated in sequential order by a stepping switch 54 similar to the switch 53. The step-by-step operation of the switch 54 is accomplished by a timing motor or the like 55 which operates at a constant speed and by means of any suitable arrangement, such as a cam, periodically closes a suitable switch for momentary energization of the operating solenoid of the switch 54. The timing motor 55 is putl in operation by suitable switch means 55', which may be of the oir-center type having a counterweight 55, closed by actuation of the coin-depositing mechanism I8. The switch 55', with the switches 45, controls the circuits of the motors 48. As shown, the game is divided into ten rounds, and ten rounds lights are provided, but it will be obvious that the game might be divided into more or fewer rounds, and a corresponding number of lights provided instead of ten. The stepping switch 54 is provided with a contact 54 to which is connected a cut-out relay 5E which when energized opens the switch 55 to open the circuits of the motors 48 and 55 and of the switches 53 and 54, and thus terminates the operation of the game. The timing motor 55 actuates the stepping switch 54 at the termination of the lasi-l round to move the contact arm of the switch to the contact 54 to energize the relay 56 and open the circuits.

As will be clear from Figure 9, however, the cut-out relay 55 does not open the circuits of the scoring lights, which remain lighted for a predetermined period, until the circuits are opened by the additional timing means T. This provides a period of time in which the players of the game may ascertain the score, to determine the victor of the contest. The scoring light circuit timing means utilized in the present embodiment is well known in the art and as indicated hereinabove. is not shown or described specically,

The holding and reset mechanism for each of the stepping switches 53 and 54 comprises a pawl 51 normally spring-urged into engagement with the ratchet 58 of the stepping switch to hold thc ratchet 4.against .the action .of ,the torsion spring solenoid is energized. Uponl release of .theratchet S by withdrawal of the Apawl 5I, the ratchet and the `Contact arm rotated thereby are returned to starting position by the aforesaid `torsion spring `(not shown). Each solenoid 59 is energized by means of a double-throw switch 5.3', which in one position closes the circuits `through the solenoids 59 and in its other position closes the circuit through the switch `55'. The -switch 53 is normally held in the latter position, as by a spring `53", and is moved to .the former gposition -by means of the coin-depositing mechanism I8 when this kmechanism is actuated at the .start of a game.

`It will be seen from Figure 9, which includes a schematic showing of the Icoin-depositing mechanism I8, that when the mechanism I8 is moved in the direction of the arrow it @starts the timing means T into operation, vand at the same time it closes the switch 55' and moves the reset switch 53 to close the circuits lof the reset solenoids 59, and thereby permit :the stepping switches 53 and 54 to return to their starting positions, as described above. Upon return of the mechanism IS to its normal position, the reset switch 53' is moved ,to open .the circuits of the reset solenoids 59 and close the circuit through the switch 5,5. The switch 55 remains closed until energizationoof the relay 5E, and operation of the timing means T continues until its predetermined period has elapsed.

A gong 65 or other sounding `means may be associated with the stepping switch 54 to -be sounded at each step movement thereof, so that the players may have an aural indication of the passing of each round or other time interval as well as the visual indication provided by the lights I6. A sounding device: 6B may also be associated with each of the stepping switches 53, to be sounded each time the contact button 50 -is struck, and thus give an aural indication of each blow struck on the button, in addition to the indication given by the lights I1. It will be obvious that each of the various sounding means may have a sound or tone differing from that of the others, so that a clear and distinct indication will be given as -to the blows struck each button and the passage of `vthe time intervals. Sounding devices of this type are well known in the art, and, therefore, are not here described in detail.

Figure 5 illustrates a modification of the invention in which the springs 44 are operated manually instead of by means of the motor 48. In this construction, each `arm 38 of the Aiigure I i is separately actuated, the lower end of its spring 4c being connected to one .arm of a bell crank lever Si! suitably pivoted on the slide member I9. A rod -6I extending longitudinally of the slide I9 has one end connected to the other arm of the bell crank lever B9, and the other end of the rod is bent to form an upstanding handle .52

extending through a slot 63 in the cover 28 .of

,t-,hefrod wili be maintained in. desired relation to the .other elements ci the structure. It will he .clear .that when .the rod .6I .is -moved outwardly by lmeans .of its handle 2, the bell crank lever ,a0 will .tension the spring .44 to raise the arm 3.8 With a striking motion. When the handle 62 is released, thespring 44 will draw the rod 6I forwardly, and will resume its released position so that the arm 38 will be moved downwardly by the spring 42,.

It will be obvious that, if desired, a separate motor Y43 and switch 49 may be provided for each arm 38 of the figure I4, one spring i4 being connected to .a single crank on the shaft of each motor.

The game may be used as a therapeutic or training .device to restore or develop quickness of perception, quickness of reaction, the ability to concentrate, and judgment and coordination in general. It is, therefore, valuable in the treatment of persons who for any reason may .be defective in any of these qualities.

It will, of course, be understood that various details of construction may be varied through a wide range without departing from the principles of this invention and it is, therefore, not the purpose to limit the patent granted hereon otherwise than necessitated by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. An amusement game comprising timing mea-ns to limit the duration of the game, combatant gures movable to strike each other, a blow-responsive element on each figure, an electrical circuit operable by said element including means Ytosequentially operate visual means indieating the number of blows struck said blowresponsive element, and another electrical circuit controlled by said timing means including means to sequentially operate visual means indicating the passing of time intervals of the game, and means to open said other circuit to prevent operation of the game upon the passing of a predetermined number of said time intervals.

2. An amusement game comprising combatant gures operable to strike each other, means for operating said gures, timing means for rendering the game mechanism inoperative after a predetermined period, said timing means including visual means marking the passage ci equal time intervals during said period, blow-responsive means on said gures, and registering means operable by said blow-responsive means for progressive visual indicaton of blows received by said blow-responsive means, said registering means and said marking means operating contemporaneously and progressively indicating the status .of the game.

3. In a game including an apertured plat- -i'orm and a figure movably mounted thereon adjacent said aperture, said gure having a movable element thereon and actuating means therefor'beneath said platform, resilient means eX- tending between said element and said actuating means and yconstituting the sole connection for moving said element a-nd for holding said figure for limited oscillating and vertical movement relative to said platform.

4. In a game simulating a boxing contest, a slide, a boxer loosely carried by said slidehaving independently movable arms, spring means urging each larm upwardly, spring means urging each arm downwardly, crank means disposed beneath the boxer ,and acting through `one of said spring means to oscillate said arm and yieldably retain the boxer on the slide, an opening in the base of said boxer, a pin secured to said slide and extending through said opening to limit motion of said boxer, said spring means cooperating with 5 said pin to restore the boxer to equilibrium after movement thereof relative to said slide.

5. For use in an amusement device, a platform, a combatant gure having a head portion and a body portion supported in an upright position on said platform, striking elements pivoted on said body portion, opposed resilient means for each striking element urging said element in opposite directions, one of said resilient means also tending to hold said figure in an upright position on said platform, and means for tensioning and releasing said resilient means to move said striking elements.

JERRY C. KOCI.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS

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