US3366387A

US3366387A - Golf putting game apparatus for utilization by a plurality of players

Info

Publication number: US3366387A
Application number: US226066A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ralph F Koener
Original assignee: Ralph F. Koener
Current assignee: RALPH F KOENER
Priority date: 1962-09-25
Filing date: 1962-09-25
Publication date: 1968-01-30
Anticipated expiration: 1985-01-30

Description

Jan. 30, 1968 R F; KOENER 3,366,387

GOLF PUTTING GAME AFPAR[-.'I'US FOR UTILIZATION BY A PLURALITY OF PLAYERS Filed Sept. 25, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet l S s L I NVENTOR.

RALPH F. KOENER Jan. 30, 1968 R. F. KOENER 3,366,387

GOLF PUTTING GAME APPARATUS FOR UTILIZATION BY A PLURALITY OF PLAYERS Filed Sept. 25, 1962 s Sheets-Sheet 2.

L? E Q g EX 8 QB U; [3 S 2 g P E Q Q i? 0 E3 E2 E1 INVENTOR. RALPH F KOENER W 3: M fjw Jan. 30, 1968 R. F KOENER 3,366,387

GOLF PUTTING GAME} APPARATUS FOR UTILIZATION BY A PLURALIT! OF PLAYERS 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sapt. 25 1962 INVENTOR. RALPH F KOENER Jan. 30, 1968 R. F. KOENER GOLF PUTTING GAME APPARATUS FOR UTILIZATION BY A PLURALITY OF PLAYERS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 25, 1962 a mM INVENTOR. RALPH F. KOENER BY 4 Z M Jan. 30, 1968 R. F. KOENER 3,366,387

GOLF PUTTING GAME APPARATUS FOR UTILIZATION BY A PLURALITY OF PLAYERS Filed Sept. 25, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 .Lu L EIM INVENTOR. @4410 F /(0A/ER b TTORNEYS lib United States Patent 3,366,387 GOLF PUTTING GAME APPARATUS FOR UTILIZA- TION BY A PLURALITY 0F PLAYERS Ralph F. Keener, 807 N. Morris Ave., Bloomington, Ill. 61701 Filed Sept. 25, 1962, Ser. No. 226,066 6 Claims. (Cl. 273-176) The invention relates generally to a golf game and more particularly to a novel golf putting game, particularly adapted for indoor use.

The invention has among its objects the production of a putting game, especially adapted for coin operation wherein, upon the insertion of a coin, a predetermined number of balls may be successively received and putted toward a cup, visual means being provided for indicating the number of balls played and the number of balls dropped into the cup.

Another object of the invention is the production of such a putting game in which a plurality of players may participate, visual means being provided for simultaneously indicating the scores of a plurality of players as, for example, up to four.

A further object of the invention is the production of a putting game having the above features which is substantially foolproof in operation, requiring a minimum amount of maintenance, etc., and which is very eflicient for the purposes intended.

Many other objects and advantages of the construction herein shOWn and described will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein given.

To this end my invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts;

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a putting game embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of such a putting game with the scoring structure and the playing surface adjacent the cup removed to illustrate the details of the mechanism;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken approximately on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are plan diagrammatic figures of the respective relay panel boards employed;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the mechanism for actuating the sweep arm;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line 99 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line 1010 of FIG. 2, illustrating the position of the green adjusting means in flat position;

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate changed positions of the structure illustrated in FIG. 10, FIG. 11 showing the adjustment of the parts for creating a central dip in the putting surface, while FIG. 12 illustrates the position of adjustment for creating a transverse pitch to the putting surface;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of means for agitating the ball pp y;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the structure illustrated in FIG. 13; and

FIG. 15 is a diagram of the electrical circuit.

The invention contemplates the provision of a putting surface including a cup, a coin operable mechanism for controlling the discharge of balls from a ball supply, and scoring means for indicating the number of balls played and the number of balls putted into the cup. The mechanism is preferably so designed that a plurality of scores may be indicated on a suitable display board, whereby a number of persons may play in competition. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the mechanism is so arranged that in the event only a single coin is inserted and thus only a single player involved, upon conclusion of the specified number of balls, usually nine, upon the insertion of another coin, the mechanism will recycle. However, if before the play of the first player has been completed, a second coin is inserted, the mechanism will retain the first players score upon completion thereof so that the second players score and that of the first will remain on the score board. Preferably the arrangement is such as to permit four players to successively play with all four scores being retained on the board. In any event, upon the conclusion of the game for which coins had been inserted, the mechanism will subsequently recycle for a single player upon the insertion of the next coin.

Provision is also made for sweeping a ball from the green area in the event the ball did not drop into the cup. as well as means for adjusting the surface of the green from a so-called fiat position in which the playing area remains transversely fiat, although longitudinally inclined, to a beginners position wherein the surface is downwardly pitched toward the line of movement of the ball towards the cup, in effect forming a slight dip along such line as an aid to a beginner in imparting the correct direction to the ball. Two other positions are also provided, in each of which the surface is given a continuous downward pitch from one side to the other of the playing surface. The adjustment thus runs from a beginners surface to a relatively flat surface to a pitched surface for more experienced golfers.

The mechanism is also designed to be substantially foolproof, means being provided for preventing jamming of the supply of balls,- with the general construction being designed to reduce maintenance to a minimum.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 13, the reference numeral 1 indicates generally a putting game having a putting or playing area indicated generally by the numeral 2 and a score board indicated generally by the numeral 3, the playing area being illustrated as comprising a putting surface 4 having an initial tee area 5 and a cup 7, the tee area 5 being substantially at general ground level and having oppositely disposed areas 6 upon which the player may stand, the particular area utilized depending upon Whether the player is right or left handed. At one side of the putting surface 4 is a ball runway 8 from which balls may be successively discharged to the tee area 5. The discharge of the balls may be suitably controlled by a push button switch 9 disposed adjacent the tee area.

Disposed on either side of the putting surface are respective side walls 11 connected by a rear wall 12 and preferably being provided with a bottom 13, the corresponding end of which forms the platform 6 and the tee area 5, which is substantially horizontal.

The area of the putting surface adjacent the cup 7 is adapted to be covered by a transparent sheet of material 14, as for example, a plastic sheet, and in the event a putted ball stops on the putting area beneath the transparent sheet 14, a sweep arm 15 is provided for sweeping the ball from such area, the arm 15 being pivoted at its inner end on a vertical axis, whereby the arm may sweep the putting area beneath the plate 14. The arm 15, as will subsequently be described in connection with the electrical circuit, is adapted to be actuated by a push button 16.

The score board section 3 is generally rectangular in shape, having a pair of side walls 17, to wall 18 and rear wall or panel 19, the front wall 20 comprising a sheet of transparent material which is suitably marked with four individual score boards 21 designated by numbers from 1 to 4, and as illustrated in FIG. 4, each of the score boards has two rows of numerals, the upper row being adapted to indicate the number of balls played and the lower row of numerals enclosed in circles indicating the number of balls dropped into the cup. Control of the operation of the game is adapted to be coin effected, the coin being dropped in a suitable coin-receiving member 23, illustrated as being mounted on the top wall 18 of the score board.

If desired, disposed in spaced relation with respect. to the panel 20 is a parallelly extending wall 20' which may be provided with the representation of a putting green, golfers, etc., to provide an attractive appearance and advertise the game, and illuminated by a suitable lamp L.

Ball delivery and general mechanical mechanism? Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, extending between the side Walls 11 below the putting surface 4 is a ball supporting platform 24 secured at one end to the end wall 12 and at the opposite end supported by a partition wall 25 also extending between the side walls 11.

Extending upwardly from the platform 24, which may slope downwardly slightly from the sides thereof, are a pair of diverging ball guides 26a and 26b which are spaced apart at their adjacent ends a distance slightly greater than the diameter of a ball to form an opening or gate 27 through which only a single ball may pass at one time. Aligned with such opening 27 is a ball guide or track indicated generally by the numeral 28, illustrated as being formed by a plurality of longitudinally extending wire elements 29 connected by suitable cross members 31. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the left cross member 31 may be secured to the platform structure 24 and the opposite member 31 is connected to a pair of upwardly extending parallel plates 32.

Rotatably supported between the plates 32 On a shaft 33 is a ball transport member 34 which is generally of a cylindrical or drum shape and is provided in its periphery with a ball receiving recess 35. Cooperable with the transport drum 34 is a ball receiving track or guide 36, also illustrated as being constructed from Wire elements, and adapted to deliver a ball into the runway 8 operative to guide the ball to the tee portion 5. The ball delivery drum 34 is adapted to be rotated through approximately ninety degrees by suitable means such as an electric motor 37 having a crank arm 38 which is operatively connected by a link 41 to a similar crank arm 39, rigidly connected to the shaft 33. Such movement of the drum will rotate the recess 35 to a point where a ball therein may be discharged from the drum onto the track 36.

The putting surface 4 is preferably covered with a suitable material simulating the surface of a putting green, as for example, rug or carpet material having a suitable nap to provide the desired characteristics, the putting surface being divided along a line 42, illustrated in dotted lines in FIG. 1, to provide a stationary section 43 and a movable or detachable section 44. The section 44 may be provided with suitable means, as for example, metal plates or clips 45 adapted to extend beneath the adjacent portion of the section 43 and maintain the sections in alignment. The opposite end of the section 44 is adapted to be supported on upwardly extending members 46 carried by the platform 24 and provided with peripheral slots therein adapted to receive adjacent portions of latch members 47 pivotally mounted on the underside of the section 44, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the end of the putting surface adjacent the scoreboard 3 is generally semi-circular in configuration, the edge thereof being outlined in dotted lines in FIG. 2, to provide a peripheral gutter into which the balls may drop, the bottom of such gutter being formed by the adjacent portions of the platform 24 so that balls dropping thereon will be collected between the ball guides 26a and 26b. The rear wall of such gutter is illustrated as defined by a semi-circular upwardly extending wall member 48, and disposed adjacent the front end of such gutter are inclined ramp members 49 which slope rearwardly to direct any balls dropping into such end portions of the gutter rearwardly from which the balls may roll onto the supporting platform 24 and thereafter drift to the center of the latform.

To insure proper feeding of the balls on the Platform 24 into the track 28 and prevent any ball jam-ups which would prevent such proper operation, suitable agitating means, indicated generally by the numeral 51, may be provided, operative to agitate the balls on the platform 24 under certain predetermined conditions. The agitating means 51 will be described in detail in conjunction with the electrical circuits which control its operation.

To provide a variety of putting conditions, the putting surface 44 may be made adjustable whereby its pitch or tilt may be selectively varied. The putting surface, in the embodiment illustrated, is adapted to be adjusted for any one of four different conditions, the first being a normal condition wherein the only pitch to the putting surface is in the tee to cup direction with no pitch transversely from either side of the surface, so that all points on a transverse line are at the same elevation. The second position is one in which the surface is slightly dished or inclined downwardly from each side of the putting surface toward the general ball path, in elfect forming a more or less troughlike surface extending along such ball path, particularly adapted for use by beginners and the like. The third and fourth positions involve pitching the putting surface transversely from one side to the other, one position having the surface sloping downwardly from right to left and the other position reversed and sloping from left to right. The various adjustments in the embodiment illustrated are effected by rotation of a shaft 52 extending transversely across the device, beneath the member 44, the ends of the shaft extending outwardly from the side walls 11 and provided with manually engageable knobs 53 by means of which it may be rotated, the shaft being supported by the side members of the base structure and at the center by a suitable bracket member 53.

Rigidly mounted on the shaft 52 and rotatable therewith are three

cam members

54, 55 and 56, the member 54 being disposed adjacent the transverse center of the putting surface, and the

members

55 and 56 being disposed adjacent the' longitudinal edges of the putting surface to provide support thereat to section 44 of the putting surface. The disposition of the shaft 52 and proportions of the

members

54, 55 and 56 are such that the various conditions of the playing surface may be achieved by suitable adjustment of the shaft 52.

FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 illustrate typical positions of the shaft 52 and members carried thereby, FIG. 10 illustrating the position of the members for achieving an unpitched playing surface, FIG. 11 the position for obtaining a central dip in the playing surface, and FIG. 12 the position for achieving a downward pitch from right to left of the playing surface as viewed in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 2, it will be noted that the portion of the playing surface comprising the section 44 is held at four points, namely, at the clips 45 and the uprights 46, the intermediate portion of the playing surface being supported on the

cam members

54, 55 and 56. To reinforce the putting surface and prevent damage thereto, for example, in the event a person were to stand thereupon, suitable upwardly extending blocks 57 may be mounted on the hot- 56c and 55d, 56d. Thus in the position illustrated in FIG.

10, the faces 55c and 550 of the outer cam members lie in a plane which is substantially tangent to the radius of the curved portion 54a of the center cam member so that the portions of the cam members engageable with the lower surface of the section 44 lie in a common horizontally extending plane and similarly transversely support the playing surface.

However, if the shaft 52 is rotated ninety degrees from the position illustrated in FIG. 10, the putting surface will be pitched from one side to the other, the direction of pitch depending on the direction in which the shaft was rotated. Thus assuming the shaft was rotated clockwise, the cams would assume the position illustrated in FIG. 12, in which case the putting surface would be supported by the curved edge 56a of the cam 56, the adjacent curved edge 54a of the center cam 54 and the fiat surface 55b of the cam 55, the radial distance of the surfaces diminishing to impart the desired pitch to the playing surface. If the shaft 52 is rotated ninety degrees from the position illustrated in FIG. but in the opposite direction to that illustrated in FIG. 12, the cams will assume similar but reversed positions, whereby the curved surface 55a, the adjacent curved surface 54a of the center cam and hat surface 56b of the cam 56 will be engaged with the section 44, thus pitching the playing surface from left to right.

If the shaft 52 is turned through one hundred and eighty degrees from the position illustrated in FIG. 10, the

flat edges

55d and 56d will engage the underside of the section 44, while the flat surface 54b of the middle cam will be in a lower position, and as the two outer cams are adapted to elevate the adjacent portions of the playing surface to a greater extent than the center cam, the playing surface will tend to pitch inwardly from both longitudinal edges thereof.

The scoreboard Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the embodiment of the invention illustrated is adapted to accommodate up to four players, retaining the individual scores thereof until all players have completed their game. Thus, each scoreboard 21 comprises an upper row 58 of numerals from 1 to 9 and a lower row 59 of corresponding numerals, the latter being illustrated as disposed within a circle, the upper row indicating the number of balls played and the row 59 indicating the number of played balls putted into the cup. The front face 26 of the scoreboard is preferably constructed of a transparent or translucent material whereby it may be illuminated from the rear and by proper selection of the colors of the numerals and background, which may be applied, for example, by a silk screen process or the like, each numeral may be illuminated by an electric lamp 61, the lamps being suitably shaded or shielded by partition walls. The arrangement is such, as will hereafter be described in connection with the electrical circuits, that upon delivery of each ball the appropriate numeral in the line 58 will be illuminated to designate the number of balls played and in the event any of the balls are holed, the total thereof will be indicated by an appropriate numeral in the line 59.

Assuming that only a single player is involved, when the ninth ball has been delivered, the numeral 9 in the line 58 will remain lighted, and following playing of the balls, the appropriate light in the line 59 will indicate the total number of balls that were holed out, such number likewise remaining illuminated.

In the event more than one player is playing, the score of the first player will remain lighted as will that of the additional players. Retention of the score on the scoreboard Will depend upon whether or not a coin was dropped into the coin slot 23 prior to the completion of a round by the preceding player. Thus if the first player completes his game without the deposition of another coin prior to such completion, the insertion of the coin following such completion will reset the scoreboard for the number 1 player. However, if the coin is dropped before the first player finishes his game, both the first and second players scores will be retained and in like manner if a third coin is dropped prior to the completion of the second game or a fourth coin dropped prior to the completion of the third game, the corresponding scores will be retained on the board and the scoreboard will be recycled for a single player only upon deposit of another coin.

The ball sweep mechanism The sweep arm 15 is supported at the upper end of a rotatable shaft 69 which is journaled in a generally horizontally extending plate 61 and a parallel bracket 62 which in turn are carried by a vertically extending plate 63 with axial downward movement being limited by a collar 63' rigidly connected to the shaft. The arm 15 is pivotally mounted on the shaft 60 by a suitable horizontally extending pivot pin or screw 64, the arm being counterbalanced in a generally horizontal position by a tension spring 65, one end of which is secured to the adjacent end of the arm 15 and the opposite end anchored to a disk or plate 66 rigidly mounted on the shaft 60.

The shaft 6!} is adapted to be oscillated through a partial revolution by an electric motor 67, the drive shaft of which is provided with a crank arm 68. Pivotally connected at one end to the crank 68 is a rack arm 69, the rack teeth of which are meshed with a pinion 71, whereby rotation of the crank arm 68 will result in a predetermined rotation of the pinion, first in one direction and then reversely in the opposite direction. The rack arm 69 is maintained in engagement with the pinion 71 by a clip member 72 which is pivotally movable about the axis of the shaft 60 and is provided with a generally U-shaped retaining portion 73 which confines the rack arm 69 to an axial movement relative to the clip.

The pinion 71 is operatively connected to the shaft 60 through a collar 74 having a plurality of V-shaped recesses 75 in its lower face adapted to receive cooperable complementary shaped projections 76 on the pinion 71, the collar 74 being urged toward and into engagement with the adjacent face of the pinion 71 by a compression spring 77 bearing on a collar 63" and adjustable lock nuts 78 threaded on the lower end of the shaft 60, whereby the degree of compression of the spring 77 may be adjusted. In actual practice the collar 74 preferably is provided with four recesses 75 spaced apart ninety degrees and the pinion 71 is provided with two projections '76. Thus in the event arm 15 is manually restrained, or otherwise impeded, the clutch formed by the pinion 71, collar 74 and complementary recesses and projections may slip when the restriction exceeds a predetermined amount. The provision of two additional recesses in the collar 74 insures that, even though slippage may take place, upon a reactivation of the device the arm will be picked up and brought to one or the other of the limits of its travel, at which point slippage may again take place to recycle the arm in proper relationship with respect to the pinion.

Control of the motor 67 is adapted to be effected by means of the push button 16 under the control of the player and a limit switch controlled by the crank arm 68, as will be described in greater detail in connection with the electrical circuits.

In operation, in the event a 'ball fails to be holed out or drops in the gutter and comes to rest on the portion of the putting surface disposed beneath the transparent plate 14, actuation of the sweep arm will result in its traveling about the axis of the shaft 60 rearward across the portion f the putting surface adjacent the cup 7 to approximately a position one hundred and eighty degrees from that illustrated in FIG. 1, automatically reversing its travel and returning to its original position shown, thereby sweeping any balls from the playing surface into the adjacent gutter. As hereinafter described, means are also provided for preventing scoring of a ball in the event the sweep arm in its travel inadvertently knocks a ball into the cup 7.

General electrical circuits The electrically actuated mechanisms for controlling the operation of the device, in the embodiment illustrated, are primarily mounted on three

panels

81a, 81b and 810, the panels 81:: and 8112 being disposed within the scoreboard 3, as illustrated in FIG. 3, while the panel 810 is adapted to be disposed beneath the playing surface, as for example, in the space indicated by the broken line in FIG. 2 and designated 81c. Preferably the various panels may be interconnected by separable cable connectors, whereby the panels may be readily disconnected from one another and from the other mechanism mounted in the scoreboard or beneath the playing surface, facilitating maintenance as any of the panels may be readily removed and replaced with a substitute panel whereby interruptions of usage of the same due to operational difficulties may be reduced to a minimum.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated two voltage sources are employed, one at 110 volts for actuation of the electric motors employed and the energization of relay windings which are designed for 110 volt operaation. However, to eliminate the necessity of using 110 volt bulbs in the various indicating circuits, the latter are operated at 6 volts, enabling the user of smaller, more inexpensive bulbs. To simplify the wiring diagram of FIG. 15, connection from the low voltage source will merely be indicated by plus and ground symbols, while the respective sides or lines of the 110 volt source will be indicated by the letters X and Y.

Briefly, the operation of the mechanism is controlled by two stepping relays, RP and REP. Both relays are of the stepping type, the relay RP, termed the power relay, comprising two sections, designated RPa and RPb, and as its name implies controlling the power to the remainder of the mechanism and thus determining whether the device is operative r inoperative. The relay RBP, designated the balls played relay, comprises three sections RBPa, RBPb and RBPc, and controls the indication of the number of balls played and the selection of the proper scoreboard to indicate the number of balls holed out. The designation of the number of players in the game is controlled by a stepping relay RPl, having three sections RP1-1, RPI-Z, and RP1-3, while scoring of the balls holed out is effected by one of four stepping relays RSC-l, RSC2, RSC-3, and RSC-4.

The various stepping relays RP, RBP, RPl, and relays RSC, are each provided with two actuating windings, each of which is designated 1 or s and in the description of the circuitry will be identified by prefixing the relay identification thereto. Thus, with respect to the relay RP RPL-s indicates the setting or actuating winding of the relay, energization of such winding being operative to step each of the sections of the relay one step, while the winding RPl-r constitutes the reset winding, energization of which is operative to reset the sections of the relay to their original starting positions. The corresponding windings r and s of the other relays are operative upon energization to function in like manner,

The section RPa of the power relay primarily controls the on and off condition of the power to the remaining electrical circuits, while the section RPb is cooperable with the section RBPb of the relay RBI to determine when a complete game or games have been played corresponding to the number of coins deposited, following which completion the entire circuitry is returned to its original inoperative position.

The indication of the number of balls played is controlled by a section RBPc of the associated relay, while the selection of the players scoreboard which is to register the number of balls holed out is determined by the section RBPa.

tion light L designating such ninth ball will be held in illuminated condition until the machine is recycled by the dropping of another coin. Retention of the indication of such ninth ball is effected by a stepping relay R9B, having three

sections

2 and 3, corresponding to the first, second and third players, which is provided with setting and resetting windings s and r, such relay being advanced one step each time a ball is delivered and being operative to maintain the number 9 ball indicator of each players bank or scoreboard illuminated following completion of the play of such player. No provision is made on such relay for the fourth player as the number 9 ball indicating lamp L will remain illuminated through section RBPc of the relay RBP.

Operation of the electrical circuits The relationship of the various components above described Will be apparent from a description of the operation of the entire electrical circuit step by step;

Upon the dropping of a coin in the coin chute 23, such movement of the coin will momentarily close the contacts of a switch CS, such closing of the contacts connecting one side of the volt source to one side of the actuating winding of a relay CR, termed the coin relay, the opposite side of which winding is operatively connected to the other side of the power source. Upon energization of the winding, the contacts CRa, CRb, and CR0 will be momentarily closed with the following results:

(1) contacts a operatively close a circuit to all of the reset windings r of the relays RBP, RPl, R93, and the four relays RSC No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4, the circuit extending from the line X of the 110 volt source through the movable arm of section RPa, the first contact of such section to one contact of the pair CRa, the other contact of such pair being operatively connected to the previously named reset windings r of the relays RBP, RPl, R9B and the four relays RSC. As the No. 1 players lamp L is continuously lighted, no resetting of relay RPl will take place unless more than one game had to be played prior to the dropping of such coin.

(2) Actuation of such reset windings is operative to return the movable contact arms of any such relays which have been actuated to the starting position as illustrated in FIG. 15.

(3) Simultaneously with closure of the contacts CRc, power is connected to the setting winding s of the relay RP, such circuit extending from one side of the power source through contacts CR0 and winding s of relay RP, the opposite side of which winding is connected to the other side of the power source. Such actuation of the relay RP will result in advancement of the movable contact arms of sections RPa and RPb, the former operatively connecting the 110 volt power source to various components as will hereinafter be apparent, including connecting power to one contact of the contact pair CRb, whereby in the event CR is subsequently energized the winding RP1s may be energized in the event more than one player is to be involved. Advancement of the contact arm of section RPb will have no effect as the first eight contacts thereof are unconnected.

The machine is now ready to deliver a ball to the player. This may be accomplished by depression of the button 9 which is operable to close the contacts of switch SBD which may be termed ball delivery switch and thereby actuate the ball delivery motor 37, the button 9 being depressed until the switch SBDL, designated as the ball delivery limit switch, is actuated by the crank arm 38, whereupon the switch SBDL, which is illustrated as being of a single pole double throw type, and which is normally in the position illustrated in FIG. 15, is shifted to the opposite position, thereby closingthe contacts SBDL-a to maintain the motor circuit operative until the crank arm has returned to its original starting position. Such actuation of the motor 37 will result in a reciprocation of the ball delivery drum 34 through approximately ninety degrees clockwise from the position illustrated in FIG. v3

9 to deliver a ball from the track 28 to the guide track 36. As the ball rolls down the inclined guide track 36 it will pass over and momentarily close the contacts of switch SBC.

Closure of such contacts will result in energization of the actuating winding of the relay RBC, termed the ball counting relay, such circuit extending from power line Y through contacts SBC, winding RBC, the elongated stationary contact of section RPa and the movable contact of such section to power line X.

The relay RBC is provided with two sets of contacts a and b, which sets are closed upon actuation of the relay, the contacts RBC-a being operative to energize the setting windings s of the relays RBP and R9B, the circuit extending from line X through contacts RBCa and winding REP-S the opposite side of which winding is connected to line Y, and from the contacts RBCa to the winding R9B-s, the opposite side of which winding is likewise connected to line Y. Relays RBP and R9B are thus each actuated one step. Section RBPa readies a connection from its movable contact, which is connected to ground, to one contact pair RMSa. No connection is effected by actuation of the section RBPb. Section RBPc is operative to effect illumination of the No. 1 lamp L of the first players scoreboard, the circuit extending from ground, a negative, through the movable contact of section RBPc, the corresponding stationary contact, and No. 1 lamp L, the opposite side of which is operatively connected to positive. Actuation of the relay R9B merely steps each movable contact of the associated sections one step which effects no operative electrical connections.

Closure of contacts RBCb is operative to energize the setting winding s of relay RP, the circuit extending from power line X through contacts R130!) and winding s, the opposite side of which is connected to line Y. The resulting stepping of the relay RP eflfects no operative change in the circuitry, as all of the stationary contacts, of RPa, with the exception of the first contact are electrically connected, while the first eight contacts of section RPb are unconnected.

In the event a ball fails to drop into the cup 7 or to roll ofi of the putting surface onto the platform 24, but stops on the putting surface disposed beneath the transparent plate 14, such ball may be swept from the putting surface into the side channel or gutter by actuation of the sweep arm 15 heretofore described. This may be accomplishd by depressing the button 15, closing the contacts of a switch SS operative to actuate the motor 67 of the sweep mechanism, movement of the crank arm 63 thereof being operative to actuate a limit switch SSL illustrated in FIG. 9 as being mounted on the plate 61, which switch is of a single pole double throw type, having cooperable contact pairs a and b, the contacts a being normally closed as illustrated in FIG. 15. Upon actuation of the motor 67 and rotation of the crank 68 the contacts a will be opened and the contacts [7 closed to lock in the motor until the crank arm has made one revolution and again engaged the actuating arm of the switch to return the switch to the condition illustrated in P16. 15.

In the event a ball rolls into the cup 7, it will roll down a guide member 82, rolling over an actuating arm 83 of a switch SBS. Actuation of such switch results in the ringing of an indicating bell 84 and the actuation of the players scoreboard to indicate that the ball has been holed. The bell 84 is adapted to be operatively connected to the 6 volt circuit by the closing of the contacts of a relay B, which contacts are in series with the bell and the voltage source, the winding of the relay B being in turn actuated by the closing of the switch SBS, completing a circuit from the movable contact of the sweep limit switch SSL through contacts a, the contacts of switch SBS, and Winding B, the opposite side of which is connected to line Y. At the same time a circuit is closed from line X through switch SSL and switch SBS to the actuating winding of main scoring relay RMS, the opposite side of which is connected to line Y. Simultaneously therewith a circuit is extended from the switch SBS to one side of the setting windings s of the scoring relays RSC-1, 2, 3 and 4-. The relay RMS is provided with four sets of contacts a, b, c, d, one contact of each pair extending to a bank of stationary contacts on the section RBPa, each bank of stationary contacts comprising nine contacts which may be operatively connected to ground through the movable arm of section RBPa.

The particular bank of contacts of section RBPa connected to ground through the movable contact of such section will depend upon the number of players involved and the number of balls that have been played. Thus for the nine balls of the first player, the movable contact of such section will be engaged with one of the contacts of the first bank operatively connected to one contact of the pair of contacts RMS-a, the contacts of the second bank being connected to one contact of the pair of contacts RMSb and in like manner the third bank to one contact of the pair RMS-c and the fourth bank to one contact of the pair RMSd. The other contacts of the pairs of contacts of the relay RMS extend to the windings of corresponding isolation relays RS1, RS2, RS3 and RS4, each of which has a pair of contacts adapted to be closed upon actuation of the cooperable winding. The contacts of relay RS1 are adapted when closed to connect the line Y of the power source to one side of the setting winding s of relay RSCl, and in like manner the power line Y may be connected by contacts RS2 to winding RSC-2s and the setting windings RSC- 3-s and RSC4s being accordingly connected to power line Y upon actuation of their associated relay RS.

Consequently, assuming that the movable contact of the section RBPa is engaged with one of the contacts of the first bank of such section, actuation of the relay RMS following the holing of a ball will result in actuation through contacts RMSa of the relay RS1 and in turn the closing of its contacts will result in actuation of setting coil RSC-1s, the circuit being from line Y through contacts RS1, winding RSC-l-s, switch SBS and switch SSL to power line X. Actuation of the relay RSC-l will result in the movable arm of such relay engaging the first stationary contact to illuminate the number 1 lamp L, indicating that one ball has been holed. It will be apparent that insofar as the relay RS1, 2, 3 and 4 are concerned, if section RBPaemployed a movable contact which was isolated from the movable contacts of the other sections of the relay and thus permitted connection of such movable contact to the volt power source, the connections could be efiected directly from section RBPa through associated contacts of the relay RMS to the cooperable setting coil of one of the relays RSC.

The ball scoring circuit from the switch SBS is extended through the sweep limit switch SSL to avoid the possibility, in the event the sweep arm 15 knocks a ball into the cup 7, of an erroneous indication of a score. Thus in the event the sweep arm is actuated by depression of the button 16 and closing of the contacts SS, the switch SSL will not only lock in the motor through contacts SSLb but at the same time will open the contacts SSLa, thereby breaking the operative circuit to the scoring switch SBS and preventing the possibility of the actuation of one of the scoring relays RSC.

Each time the button 9 of the ball delivery switch SBD is depressed, the relays RP, RBP and R98 will be actuated through their setting windings s to successively advance the various relays one step. Assuming that only the first players coin has been dropped into the chute 23, after the eighth ball has been delivered the movable contact arms of the sections of the relays RP, RBP and R9B will be on the eighth stationary contact of the particular section involved. In the event the button 9 is then depressed for delivery of the ninth ball, the following action will take place:

The movable contact of section RPBb will advance to contact No. 9 of such section which is operatively connected to one contact of a pair of contacts a of relay 1 1 RFC, thereby completing a circuit from ground to such contact.

Simultaneously therewith the movable contact arm of section RPb will engage the ninth contact of its section, thereby closing a circuit to the winding of the relay RPC, the circuit being from line X through the movable contact of section RPa, the movable contact arm of section RPb, and stationary contact No. 9 of such section to the winding RPC, the opposite side of which is connected to line Y. Energization of such winding will be operative to close the contacts of such relay, thereby extending the connection from ground through section RPBb to the Winding of a holdrelay RPD, the opposite side of which is connected to the plus side of the low voltage source, energizing the winding of the relay RPD and closing the contacts a of such relay.

While such action is taking place the motor 37 will be delivering the ninth ball in response to the original closing of the switch SBD, actuation of such motor actuating the switch SBDL, whereby the motor is locked in through contacts SBDLa, while the contacts SBDLb, are opened. Upon actuation of the switch SBDL when the ball delivery mechanism has completed its function, the contacts b of the switch SBDL will close, thereby completing a circuit from line X, through the contacts a of relay RPD to the winding RP-r, the opposite side of which winding is connected to the line Y. Relay RP will thereby be reset to the position illustrated in FIG. 15. The 110 volt source is thus disconnected from the various operating components, the movable contact of the section RPa, however, operatively connecting the line X to one of the contacts CRa as originally described. Thus all circuits are disconnected, other than those pertaining to the lamps indicating the number of players, number of balls played by each player and number of balls holed by each player. The ninth indicator lamp of the number 1 players scoreboard will remain illuminated as neither relay RBP nor relay R9B has been reset.

In the event a coin is subsequently dropped in the coin chute 23, actuation of the switch CS and relay CR will result in the resetting of the relays RBP, R9B and relays RSC. The reset winding r of relay RPl will also be energized, but as this relay had not been actuated, such energization will have no effect.

When a second player desires to join the first player, prior to completion of the latters play, in other words before the first player has played all nine balls, the second player may drop a coin into the coin chute 23 which will result in the following:

The coin will close the contacts CS with the resultant actuation of relay CR, thereby closing contact pairs a, b and c of such relay. Closure of contacts a will have no effect as movable contact arm of section RPa is not on the No. 1 contact so that no connection exists between the movable contact arm of section RPa and the associated contact of the pair CR-a.

However, closure of contacts CRb will result in energization of the winding RPl-s, the circuit extending from line X through the movable contact of section RPa and contacts CRb to winding RP1s, the opposite side of which is connected to the line Y. Such actuation will result in advancement of the movable contacts of the three sections of relay RPl, thereby operatively connecting ground through the movable contact of section RP1-1 to one side of No. 2 lamp L of the player-indicator lamps, thereby indicating that the score will be maintained for two players. At the same time contacts CR-c will operatively connect the line X to the setting winding RP-s of the relay RP, and as the opposite side of such winding is connected to the line Y such winding will be energized to advance the movable contact arms of both sections RPa and RP!) one step.

Such advancement will have no immediate action on the mechanism, but as section RPb has now been advanced out of operative coordination with the movable arm of section RBPb, upon the first player pressing the button 9 for delivery of his ninth ball and subsequent advancement of both relays RBP and RP, while the movable contact of section RBPb will engage with the ninth contact and thus operatively connect ground to one of the contacts RPC-a, the movable contact of section RPb will be at contact No. 10 instead of contact No. 9 and thus will not complete the circuit to the winding of relay RPC. Consequently relay RP will not be reset as previously described. Likewise this relay could not be reset when the movable contact of section RPb arrived on contact No. 9, completing the circuit to and energizing the winding RPC as the movable Contact of section RBPb, at such time, was only on contact No. 8 and therefore no connection would result at contacts RPC-a.

When the second player depresses the button 9 for delivery of his first ball, resulting actuation of the relays RP, RBP and R9B will take place and the movable contacts of the various sections will thus advance one step. This will result in the movable contact of section RBPa passing from the first contact bank associated with the first player, to the second contact bank associated with the second player, thereby readying a circuit from ground through such second bank to one of the contacts RMSb. In like manner the movable contact arm of section RB'Pc will advance to the stationary contact associated with the No. 1 lamp on the second players balls played scoreboard to indicate that such player has received his first ball. While the advancement of the movable contact of section RBPc will disengage the contact associated with the No. 9 lamp L of the balls played scoreboard of the first player, the movable contact of section #1 of the relay R913 will thereafter maintain the circuit to the No. 9 lamp closed, to maintain such lamp illuminated.

t Will be noted that the only contacts of section RPb operatively connected to the winding of relay RPC cornprise the ninth, nineteenth, twenty-ninth and thirty-ninth contacts. Consequently, while the dropping of the coin of the second player advanced section RPb out of operative coordination with the number nine contact of section RBPb, to enable the play of the second player as above described, in the event no further coins are dropped prior to completion of the second players game, upon delivery of the ninth ball of the second player, the movable contact arm of section RBPb will engage contact 18 of such section and at the same time the movable contact arm of section RPb will engage contact 19 of such section to actuate the cancellation circuits comprising relays RFC and RPD in the same manner as previously described in connection with the delivery of the ninth ball of a single game.

In the event a third coin is dropped into the coin chute 23 any time prior to delivery of the eighteenth ball, relay CR will again be energized with the contacts 12 thereof closing to energize setting winding RP1s to step the relay thercof one step and illuminate lamp No. 3 along with the lamps Nos. 1, 2, indicating operation for three players. At the same time the contacts 0 will be closed to step relay RP one step and advancement of section RPb thereof will prevent cancellation following delivery of the eighteenth ball as the movable contact arm of section RPb will be on the twentieth contact when the movable contact of section RBPb is on the eighteenth contact.

On delivery of the nineteenth ball the movable contact arm of section RBPa will move to the third bank of scoring contacts of such section, readying relay RS3, whereby subsequent balls holed out will be registered on the third players scoreboard. In the event no further coin is dropped prior to the delivery of the twenty'seventh ball, upon delivery thereof the movable contact arm of section RPb will be on the twenty-ninth contact thereof to effect energization of relays RFC and RPD, while the movable contact arm of section RBPb will engage the twenty-seventh contact of such section and cancellation in the manner previously described will be efiected.

In the event a fourth coin is dropped into the coin 13 chute prior to the delivery of the twenty-seventh ball, the action of relay CR will result in the fourth players lamp being illuminated and the stepping of section RPb one step, whereby cancellation will not take place upon delivery of the twenty-seventh ball but will subsequently take place upon delivery of the thirty-sixth ball,

The kicker mechanism indicated generally by the numeral 51 is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 13 and 14 and is shown in operative relation to the ball supply structure in FIG. 2. As illustrated therein the agitating means comprises an electro-magnetic device which is suitably mounted on the wall 26b, and comprises a suitably supported core structure 85 carried, for example, on a bracket 86 which is mounted on the wall 26b by suitable means such as screws 87. Cooperably associated with the core 85 is an actuating Winding 88. Movable relative to the core 85 and winding 88 and cooperable therewith is an armature 89 which carries a generally S-shaped arm 91 having an intermediate portion 92 which extends through a pair of uprights 93 forming a guide for the arm, the free end of the arm having a transversely extending portion 94 and terminating in a reversely directed portion 95 extending generally parallel to the portion 92. The latter end of the arm, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, extends through a slot 96 formed in the wall 26b, the armature and associated arm being biased in a direction toward the right as viewed in FIGS. 13 and 14 by a compression spring 97. One end of the spring 97 bears against the adjacent upright 93 and the opposite end bears against a washer 98 carried by the portion 92 of the arm 91, axial movement of the washer being restricted by a suitable pin 99. Thus the kicker arm is normally biased in a position such asillustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, but upon energization of the winding 88 the armature 89 will be sharply drawn into the core and winding, whereby the transversely extending portion 94 of the kicker arm will be projected toward the left as viewed in FIG. 13, sharply agitating the balls on the platform 24 and breaking up any ball jams which would prevent the feeding of balls into the track 28. To prevent the possibility of the kicker 51 actuating the scoring mechanism by knocking a ball into the guide member 82 and tripping the actuating arm 83 of the switch $138 to indicate a score, a small vertically extending ball deflector 101 may be mounted on the platform 24 in a position to prevent agitated balls from rolling up into the guide 82.

The agitating device 51 is adapted to be controlled by two switches SK and SKC, the switch SK having an actuating arm 102 disposed adjacent the inner or rear face of the guide wall 26a such actuating arm being disposed to be engaged by balls which have accumulated adjacent the track 28. In like manner the switch SKC is provided with an actuating arm 103 which is disposed to be engaged and actuated by a ball on the track 28. Thus, referring to FIG. 2, it will be apparent that the arm 103 is adapted to be depressed by the second ball, indicated in dotted lines, from the transport drum 34. The switch SK is of the normally open type, adapted to be closed by actuation of the arm 102, while the contacts of the switch SKC are of a type to be normally closed and adapted to be opened upon actuation of the arm 103 under the action of a ball resting thereupon. Referring to FIG. 15, it will be noted that the winding K of the agitating device 51 is adapted to be operatively connected to the power source through the section RPa of relay RP and switches SK and SKC. Thus an operative circuit may be traced from the movable contact of section RPa through the elongated stationary contact and contacts SK and SKC to the winding K, the opposite side of which is connected to the line Y of the power source. If the track 28 contains at least two balls, the second ball, resting upon the actuating arm 103, will open the contacts SKC, whereby the winding K will not be energized even though the contacts SK may be closed by action of one or more balls resting upon the actuating arm 102. However, in the event of a ball jam whereby the balls are prevented from entering the track 28, as balls are delivered therefrom the switch SKC will ultimately close when there is only one ball remaining on the track 28 and the winding K will thereupon be energized with resulting actuation of the arm 89 which will sufiiciently agitate the balls to break up any jam. As soon as the track 28 is filled with balls the switch SKC will thereby be opened and the agitating device rendered inoperative.

In the event of testing of the apparatus and servicing thereof, it often is desirable to be able to reset the various relays to their original or off positions and to enable this to be readily accomplished, when desired, reset switch SR, FIG. 15, having an actuating button 104 may be provided whereby actuation of the button will reset all stepping relays to their 01f positions. The switch SR comprises two pairs of contacts SRa and SRb, the contacts SRa being operable upon closure by actuation of the button 104 to connect the line X of the power source to the reset windings RBP-r, RPl-r, RSC-Lr, RSC2-r, RSC3-r, RSC-4-r, and R9B-r. In like manner the contacts SRb upon closure are adapted to connect the line X of the power source to the winding RPr through line Z (only the ends thereof at the switch SR and at the reset winding r of relay RP being illustrated). Actuation of the switch SR thus will reset all of the stepping relays. The

button may be suitably placed, as for example, within the scoreboard 3.

It will be appreciated that the general scoreboard structure 3 may be of any suitable design, the mechanical details of which do not form a part of the invention. Likewise, the various indicia of each individual players scoreboard may be varied as desired.

It will be noted from the above description that I have provided a novel putting game which is relatively simple in construction, foolproof in operation and enables from one to four players to participate.

It will also be apparent that I have provided novel means for preventing jamming of the balls in the supply hopper as well as a novel mechanism for sweeping balls from the playing surface adjacent the cup.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various immaterial modifications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of my invention; hence I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described, or uses mentioned.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a golf putting game for group utilization by a plurality of players, the combination of a putting surface including a tee portion and a playing portion, a ball collecting area, a cup disposed in said playing portion for receiving balls and delivering the same to said collecting area, electrically actuated ball delivery mechanism for feeding balls in sequential relation from said area to said tee portion, a game initiating means including playeroperated switch means operative to ready the ball delivery means for feeding balls to the tee portion, switch means for actuating said ball delivery means, switch means disposed for actuation by a ball during delivery thereof to the tee portion, first and second stepping relay means, each having actuation and cancellation windings, each relay means being operable through a plurality of successive steps with the steps of each relay means being divided into a plurality of groups, one group for each player to be accommodated, the group of the first relay means for the first player having a step for each ball to be played for a complete game, and the succeeding groups each having a corresponding number of steps and one additional step, the groups of the second relay means having the same number of steps in each group as the number of steps in the first group of said first relay means, the actuation winding of said first relay means being operatively energizable upon actuation of either of said game 75 initiating and ball actuated switches, and the actuation winding of said second relay means being operatively energizable upon actuation of only said ball actuated switch, cancellation means for effecting energization of the cancellation winding of said first relay means, and including contact means associated with the last step of each group of both relay means, whereby said cancellation means will be actuated only when said relay means are simultaneously disposed at the last step of corresponding groups, and said cancellation means will therefore energize said cancellation winding upon delivery of the last ball of the last players game as determined by the number of times said initiating switch is actuated, cancellation upon completion of a game prior thereto being prevented by the advancement of the first relay means incident to actuation of said game initiating switch.

2. A putting game as defined in claim 1, comprising electrically operated means for agitating balls in said collecting area when a ball jam exists therein, normally open ball actuated first switch means disposed in said collecting area and normally closed second switch means disposed in the path of and actuatable by balls delivered to said delivery mechanism, said first and second switch means being electrically connected to actuate said agitating means when the first switch means is actuated by a ball in said area and said second switch means is not actuated as a result of the absence of a ball thereat.

3. A putting game as defined in claim 1, electrically operated means for agitating balls in said collecting area when a ball jam exists therein, electrical scoring means having a scoring switch actua table by a ball entering said cup, a movable sweep arm disposed to sweep balls from the playing portion adjacent said cup, electrically actuated means for moving said sweep arm including a manually actuatable switch, said first relay means having contact means operative, upon cancellation of said relay means, to discontinue power to said ball delivery means and said agitating means, with power being continued to said scoring means and to said game initiating switch, and switch mean associated with said sweep arm and said scoring switch for rendering the latter inoperative when said sweep arm is in motion.

4. A putting game as defined in claim 1, comprising an electrical scoreboard for each player, each having means for indicating each ball delivered to the player and each ball holed, means operative to indicate the number of scoreboards in play and thus the number of players in the game, relay means responsive to actuation of said game initiating switch means for controlling said means for indicating the number of players, means operatively associated with said second relay means for actuating the means for indicating the number of balls delivered to each player, scoring switch means actuatable by a ball entering said cup, means operatively associated with said second relay means and said scoring switch means for operatively connecting the latter to the ball holed scoring means of the player involved, means associated with the balls delivered indicating means for the last ball of each game to maintain said indicating means actuated following delivery of such ball until the device is recycled for play by a first player, said first relay means having contact means operative to control the power to said ball delivery means following actuation of said player operated switch and said second relay means having contact means for maintaining power to said scoreboards to maintain the indicating means thereof actuated following cancellation of said first relay means.

5. In a golf putting game for group utilization by a plurality of players, the combination of a putting surface including a tee portion and a playing portion, a ball collecting area, a cup disposed in said playing portion for receiving balls and delivering the same to said collecting area, electrically actuated ball delivery mechanism for feeding balls in sequential relation from said area to said tee portion, a game initiating means including playeropera-ted switch means operative to ready the ball delivery means for feeding balls to the tee portion, switch means disposed for actuation by a ball during delivery thereof to the tee portion, first and second stepping relay means, each having actuation and cancellation windings, said first and second relays being cooperably operative to control the number of balls to be delivered to each player, and energization of the cancellation Winding of the first relay means, an electrical scoreboard for each player having means for indicating each ball delivered to the player and each ball holed thereby, means operative to indicate the number of scoreboards in play and thus the number of players in the game, relay means responsive to actuation of said player-operated switch means controlling said means for indicating the number of players, means operatively associated with said second relay means actuated by said ball actuated switch means for actuating the means for indicating the number of balls delivered to each player, scoring switch means actuated by a ball entering said cup, means operatively associated with said second relay means and said scoring switch means for operatively connecting the latter to the holed ball scoring means of the player involved, means associated with the indicating means for the last ball of each game to maintain said indicating means actuated following delivery of such ball until the device is recycled for play by a first player, said first relay means having contact means operative to supply power to said ball delivery means following actuation of said player operated switch and said second relay means having contact means for maintaining power to said scoreboards to maintain the indicating means thereof actuated following cancellation of said relay means.

6. In a golf putting game for group utilization by a plurality of players, the combination of .a putting surface including a tee portion and a playing portion, a ball collecting area, a cup disposed in said playing portion for receiving balls and delivering the same to said collecting area, electrically actuated ball delivery mechanism for feeding balls in sequential relation from said area to said tee portion, a game initiating means including playeroperated switch means operative to ready the ball delivery means for feeding balls to the tee portion, switch means disposed for actuation by a ball during delivery thereof to the tee portion, first and second control means, each having actuation and cancellation windings, the actuation winding of said first control means being operatively energizable upon actuation of either of said switch means, and the actuation Winding of said second control means being operatively energizable upon actuation of only said ball actuated switch means, cancellation means for effecting energization of the cancellation winding of said first control means, and means associated with each control means for actuating said cancellation means when said control means are simultaneously disposed in predetermined cooperable relationship.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 614,996 11/1898 Sloan et al. 27394 1,612,291 12/1926 Jackson 273176 1,899,860 2/1933 Flower 273176 2,110,925 3/1938 Trangmar 273179 2,234,627 3/ 1941 Eyer 273 2,334,540 11/1943 Butfham 273176 2,609,199 9/1952 Koener 273--l79 2,618,485 11/1952 Durant 273121 2,627,411 2/1953 Bartlam et al. 273121 X 3,011,791 12/1961 Page 273176 X 3,025,059 3/1962 Di Buano 273-35 FOREIGN PATENTS 518,760 3/1939 Great Britain.

DELBERT B. LOWE, Prima/y Examiner;

G. I. MARLO, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

6. IN A GOLF PUTTING GAME FOR GROUP UTILIZATION BY A PLURALITY OF PLAYERS, THE COMBINATION OF A PUTTING SURFACE INCLUDING A TEE PORTION AND A PLAYING PORTION, A BALL COLLECTING AREA, A CUP DISPOSED IN SAID PLAYING PORTION FOR RECEIVING BALLS AND DELIVERING THE SAME TO SAID COLLECTING AREA, ELECTRICALLY ACTUATED BALL DELIVERY MECHANISM FOR FEEDING BALLS IN SEQUENTIAL RELATION FROM SAID AREA TO SAID TEE PORTION, A GAME INITIATING MEANS INCLUDING PLAYEROPERATED SWITCH MEANS OPERATIVE TO READY THE BALL DELIVERY MEANS FOR FEEDING BALLS TO THE TEE PORTION, SWITCH MEANS DISPOSED FOR ACTUATION BY A BALL DURING DELIVERY THEREOF TO THE TEE PORTION, FIRST AND SECOND CONTROL MEANS, EACH HAVING ACTUATION AND CANCELLATION WINDINGS, THE ACTUATION WINDING OF SAID FIRST CONTROL MEANS BEING OPERATIVELY ENERGIZABLE UPON ACTUATION OF EITHER OF SAID SWITCH MEANS, AND THE ACTUATION WINDING OF SAID SECOND CONTROL MEANS BEING OPERATIVELY ENERGIZABLE UPON ACTUATION OF ONLY SAID BALL ACTUATED SWITCH MEANS, CANCELLATION MEANS FOR EFFECTING ENERGIZATION OF THE CANCELLATION WINDING OF SAID FIRST CONTROL MEANS, AND MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH CONTROL MEANS FOR ACTUATING SAID CANCELLATION MEANS WHEN SAID CONTROL MEANS ARE SIMULTANEOUSLY DISPOSED IN PREDETERMINED COOPERABLE RELATIONSHIP.