US3857565A

US3857565A - Stop-action sports game

Info

Publication number: US3857565A
Application number: US00397636A
Authority: US
Inventors: S Friedman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-09-17
Filing date: 1973-09-17
Publication date: 1974-12-31
Anticipated expiration: 1991-12-31

Abstract

A set of first transparencies is provided, each having a plurality of first frames showing images of at least one offensive player in different offensive playing situations. Some of the first frames are provided with one or more indicia indicative of respective playing results. A set of second transparencies is also provided, each having a corresponding plurality of second frames which show images of at least one defensive player in different defensive playing situations. Each of the second frames is provided with an opaque area having a window large enough to show all indicia of a first frame which it overlies. A holder is provided for holding any two first and second transparencies in overlying relationship, in which each first frame is in registry with a second frame and forms a projectable composite the image of which can be projected. A projecting arrangement is capable of projecting the composite images of the respective composites individually the sequentially onto a surface. A tab-setting arrangement permits the players to selectively cover different portions of each window prior to the projection of the respective composite images, so that the remaining uncovered portion of each window is only large enough to show such indicia as may be present on the exposed portion of the associated first frame.

Description

finite tea Friedman atet 91 [1111 3,57,565 [451 Dec. 31, 1974 1 STOP-ACTllON SPORTS GAME [76] Inventor: Sol Friedman, 10 Ronald Dr.,

Monsey, NY. 10950 [22] Filed: Sept. 17, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 397,636

[52] [1.5. CI. 273/85 R, 273/94 R, 353/35 [51] Int. Cl. A631 7/06 [58] Field of Search 353/35; 273/85 R, 88, 94 R [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,120,439 6/1938 Jamison 273/94 R 2,260,467 10/1941 Le May 273/94 R 2,385,771 10/1945 Bogue 353/35 X 2,986,968 6/1961 Kropp et a1 353/35 3,336,681 8/1967 Minasy 353/35 X 3,375,007 3/1968 Meyer 273/94 R 3,413,002 ll/l968 Welch 273/88 X 3,547,441 12/1970 Thornton 273/94 R 3,563,547 2/1971 Marsh 273/94 R 3,687,536 11/1972 Gorrell et a1. 353/35 Primary Examiner-Anton O. Oechsle Assistant Examiner-Harry G. Strappello Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Michael S. Striker 5 7 STRACT A set of first transparencies is provided, each having a plurality of first frames showing images of at least one offensive player in different offensive playing situations. Some of the first frames are provided with one or more indicia indicative of respective playing results. A set of second transparencies is also provided, each having a corresponding plurality of second frames which show images of at least one defensive player in different defensive playing situations. Each of the second frames is provided with an opaque area having a window large enough to show all indicia of a first frame which it overlies. A holder is provided for holding any two first and second transparencies in overlying relationship, in which each first frame is in registry with a second frame and forms a projectable composite the image of which can be projected. A projecting arrangement is capable of projecting the composite images of the respective composites individually the sequentially onto a surface. A tab-setting arrangement permits the players to selectively cover different portions of each window prior to the projection of the respective composite images, so that the remaining uncovered portion of each window is only large enough to show such indicia as may be present on the exposed portion of the associated first frame.

12 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PAIENTEnnm 1 1974 SHEET m 4 3.857.565

F/as

l sToRAcTioN SPORTS GAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, accordingly, an object of the present invention to provide an improved sports game which avoids the drawbacks of the prior art. More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a stop-action sports game which permits the players to simulate to a high degree the realism of such opponent-oriented games as football, baseball, basketball, hockey and the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a stop-action sports game which permits the players to provide for an interplay between the offensive and defensive parties of the game, in a logical manner which is at least in part dependent upon the skill of the offense and/or defense in selecting a proper tactical approach.

Still an additional object of the invention is to provide such a stop-action sports game which is relatively inexpensive to. produce.

In keeping with these objects, and others which will become apparent hereafter, one feature of the invention resides in a stop-action sports game which, briefly stated, comprises a set of first transparencies each having a plurality of first frames which show images of at least one offensive player in different offensive playing situations, some of the first frames being provided with one or more indicia indicative of respective playing results. A set of second transparencies is also provided, each having a corresponding plurality of second frames whichshow images of at least one defensive player in different defensive playing situations. The transparencies show a logical sequence of plays as the frames are moved thru the projector. For example, in football, the first frame shows the offense and defense teams lined up at the line of scrimmage. Frame 2 shows the quarterback receiving the ball. Frame 3 may show the quarterback falling back to pass. Frame 4 may show the quarterback throwing the ball. Frame 5 may show the receiver running down field. Frame 6 may show the receiver jumping to catch the ball. This action is taking place by the offense because the offensive player selected a pass play slide. At the same time, the defense has selected one of his defensive slides, and each frame will show the defense team in action sequentially. Each of the second frames is provided with an opaque area having a window large enough to show all indicia of a first frame which it overlies. Means is provided for holding any two first and second transparencies in overlying relationship in which each first frame thereof is in registry with the second frame thereof and forms a projectable component having a composite image formed by the individual images of the overlying first and second frames of the composite. Means is provided for projecting the composite images of the respective composites individually and sequentially onto a surface. Finally, means is provided for selectively covering different portions of each window prior to such projection, so that the remaining uncovered portion of each window is just large enough to show only such an indicia which may be present on the exposed portion of the associated first frame.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanyingdrawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is an exploded perspective view illustrating the stop action sports game according to my invention, in one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary detail view of one of the transparencies of a first set of transparencies;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, but showing a portion of one of the transparencies of a second set of such transparencies;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing the transparencies of FIGS. 2 and 3 in overlying relationship; FIG. 5 is a section taken on line V-V of FIG. .1; FIG. 6 is a section taken on line VI--VI of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary detail view, having the cooperation 'of the tabs with the transparencies; and

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary plan view showing that film strips can be used as the transparencies.

DESCRIPTION oF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS My novel stop-action sports game, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. l-6, comprises a projector I having a housing 2 which is provided in an upperside 3 with a slot 4. In the illustrated embodiment the slot 4 is of undercut cross-sectional configuration, that is, it is substantially dovetail-shaped in cross section as shown most clearly in FIGS. 1 and 5 A holding frame 5 is provided, having, as seen in FIG. 1, an upper open side. The opening bounded by the frame 5 is provided with a groove 6 having two or more portions, that is the portions of the groove 6 may be provided in the sidewalls bounding the opening and/or in the bottom wall bounding the opening. In theillustrated embodiment they are provided only in the side walls. It will be noticed that the frame 5 has a lower edge portion which is configurated and oriented so as to be receivable with freedom of sliding movement in the groove 4. The engagement is a mating engagement, as clearly seen by a comparison of the lower edge portion of the frame 5 and the cross-sectional configuration of the slot 4. Extending through the interior of the housing 2, as shown in FIG. 5, is a rod or shaft 7 a free end portion of which extends to the exterior, of the housing 2 and carries a handle, here illustrated as a crank 8. By means of this crank 8 the rod or shaft 7 can be rotated. Mounted on the shaft 7 is a friction wheel 9, having a friction-promoting surface thereon, for instance of rubber or a suitable synthetic plastic elastomer. The periphery of the wheel 9 is located at such a level (when it is mounted on the shaft 7) that it engages the underside of the lower edge portion of the frame 5, when the latter is inserted into the slot 4. When the crank 8 is then turned, the shaft 7 rotates and since the wheel 9 is fixedly connected with the shaft, the wheel 9 similarly rotates and due to its frictional engagement with the frame 5, causes the latter to be moved in the direction in which the wheel 9 is rotated, either to the left or to the right in FIG. 1. The frame is of course held against any movement other than longitudinal displacement by the fact that the slot 4 is undercut.

Also mounted on the upper side 3 of the housing 2 is a casing 10 which may be of one piece with the housing 2, or which can be a separate component and be suitably (preferably releasably) connected thereto, for

instance by means of screws, interlocking portions or the like. How this is done is of no particular consequence, since such connecting means are well known in the art. Accommodated in the casing 10, as seen in FIG. 5, is a reflector '1 1 in which there is located a light source, here illustrated as a lightbulb 12. The light bulb 12 is electrically connected with a source of electrical energy, here illustrated in form of a series of connected batteries 13. Of course, another source could be used. For instance, the bulb 12 could be made to be connected with a cord having a plug permitting it to be plugged into a household outlet. The electrical connections have been shown by way of example in FIG. 5, but they are not novel and are not believed to require a detailed description. For the sake of convenience an onoff switch 14 is incorporated in the electrical circuit to permit the bulb to be turned on and off at will. A lens system 15 is provided, common on various different typesof projectors and therefore not in need of further description. Any conventional lens system 15 used in commercially available projectors can be employed.

My novel sports game further comprises a set of first transparencies, one of which is designated with reference numeral 16 and is fragmentarily shown in FIG. 2. The transparencies of this set are strip-shaped and each have a plurality of frames 18, that is of projectable frames. The number of frames may be selected at will, but will be identical in all of the transparencies 16. A second set of transparencies 17 is provided, and these also each have a number of frames 19. Again, the number of frames 19'may vary but will be the same in all of the transparencies 17; moreover, the number of frames in the transparencies 16 must be identical with the number of frames in the transparencies 17.

As FIG. 2 shows, the frames 18 in each of the transparencies 16 each show at one side (the right side or the left side (in the illustrated embodiment it is the left side) one or more (only one shown) offensive player. Only one player has been shown in only one of the frames 18, but it should be understood that each of the frames 18 -will have one or more players, and that the offensive playing situations will differ in the different frames, in accordance with the sequence to be expected during an actual play. Each of the frames 18 is provided, in FIG. 2 adjacent its upper edge, with a plurality of indicia which are representative of different playing results. If for instance the frames 18 show sequences of a football game action, then the indicia shown in FIG. 2 may be representative of 0 yards gained in the play, of l yard lost or of 2 yards lost in a play. The transparent area above each frame 18 is subdivided (see the dotted lines) into six sections, each .of which is further subdivided into three boxes. The indicia 20 are provided in respective areas of the boxes. To

avoid confusion, this subdivision has been shown only for one of the frames 18. The transparencies 17 shown in FIG. 3 represent the defensive side of the game, for instance in the case of football the defensive team whose players are usually shown at the opposite side from those of the offensive team. Each set of

transparencies

16 and 17 is composed of an identical number of transparencies, for instance six. It should be understood that only one transparency of each set has been illustrated, because this is sufficient for an explanation of the invention, but that of course the

frames

18 or 19 of the different transparencies of each set will show offensive or defensive players in different situations. For instance, in one transparency 16 the various frames 18 might show (assuming that they are concerned with football) a long pass, and one defensive transparency 17 might show in its various frames an interception. A second offensive transparency 16 might show a short pass or a trick play, and a second defensive transparency might show an appropriately responsive play thereto. V

The defensive transparencies 17 are each provided adjacent the respective frames 19 thereof with opaque areas 19a, which are also subdivided (see the broken lines in FIG. 3) into six sections. One of these sections is provided with a transparent window 21. The location of the window 21 will be different in the different transparencies.

When the game is to be played, the player holding the set of offensive transparencies 16 selects one of these transparencies and places it upside down into the frame 5, making certain that the player holding the defensive transparencies 17 cannot see which offensive transparency 16 has been selected. The player holding the defensive transparencies 17 does the same, namely he selects one of his defensive transparencies and also places it upside down in the frame 5, so as to overlie the selected transparency 16. The size of the windows 21 is such that each window can show all those indicia 20 in the corresponding section of an associated first frame 18 which it overlies, which are relevant to the particular play. The particular section of the frames 18 of an offensive slide 16, which is projected during a game, is selected by'the location of the window 21 as the defensive slide 17 which is used in conjunction with the offensive slide. The other five sections of each frame 18 are blocked out by the remainder of the area 19a. All three boxes (and any indicia 20 in them) of the then selected section will be projected during play. It must be remembered that the defensive player is not aware of which transparency 16 has'been chosen by the offensive player, so that in choosing one of the defensive transparencies 17 the defensive player must attempt to anticipate the offensive players intentions To further permit modification of the play results I provide a slidable tab member 22 which is mounted on the casing 10 (it could be secured otherwise) extending across the open side 27 thereof, so as to be located between the frame 5 and the light source 12. The member 22 is slidable transversely of the open side, for which purpose it may be provided with slots as illustrated, into which screws or other projections 26 extend, which are secured'on the casing 10. Of course, this arrangement of screws and slots could be reversed. As shown in FIG.

6, the member 22 is provided with tabs 23 which are formed by making

cutouts

24a, 24b and 240. The extent to which the member 22 can be moved due to the presence of the slots 26 is so selected that the member 22-can be moved to a plurality of positions, including one end position in which the cutout 24a is located adjacent one lateral edge 28 bounding the open side 27, and an other end position in which the cutout 240 is located adjacent the opposite lateral edge 28. This means that two parts of each window area 21 can be blocked out, leaving only one part visible. Since there are two rows of indicia (of which one row is always blocked out by a part of the respective opaque area 19a) the setting of the member 22 permits in effect six different areas to become visible in each window 21. In other words, the setting of the tabs 23 determines which one of the three boxes of a section selected by window 21, is to be projected, and the other two boxes areblocked out by I the tabs 22.

In the illustrated embodiment, the transparencies l6, 17 are inserted upside down so that the windows 21 are positioned correctlywith reference to the tabs 23.

If the transparencies I6 and H7 which have been shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are superimposed as shown in FIG. 4, then the indicia 2 and 0 shown in FIG. 2 are blocked out by the opaque area of the associated frame 19a and only one indicium l is visible in the associated window 21, if the member 22 is appropriately set. This visibility is designated with reference numeral 25 in FIG. 4. Had the member 22 been shifted towards the left or towards the center in FIG. 6, to one of the other two possibilities indicated by the three arrows in FIG. 6, then the indicium 1 would have been blocked out also by one of the tabs 23. Of course, not all of the frames 18 have indicia associated with them, whereas others may have more or fewer indicia than those shown in FIG. 2.

The relationship between the cutouts 24 and the transparencies i6, 17 is shown in FIG. 7, which is selfexplanatory. The cutouts 24 are illustrated in this figure in their center position.

Since either the offensive player or the defensive player sets the member 22 to one of the three tab settings shown in FIG. 6 before projecting is begun, a further variable has now been introduced, it being obvious that at the time the setting of the member 22 is made neither player is aware of which particular transparency in or 17 the other one has selected.

Evidently, when the light bulb 12 is now energized the composite image of two superimposed

frames

18 and 19 will now be projected onto a suitable surface, for instance a screen (not shown). This is illustrated in FIG. 4. At the same time, the play result will also be projected onto this surface. If no indicium 25 (representative of the play result) is exposed through the associated window 21, then there will be no play result; if an indicium is indeed shown, then it will be projected, as is the indicium i in FIG. 4.

Of course, the players begin by projecting first the superimposed frames 18 and H9 at one end of the superimposed transparencies l6 and 17, for instance at the left-hand end. The crank 8 is then turned until the next composite composed of the next two superimposed frames 1% and 19 is projected onto the screen. In this manner a play is carried through its logical sequence. The composites are projected sequentially and one at a time, as long as no play-results become visible in the window 21 associated with the respective composite. As soon as a play result becomes visible, as indicated with reference numeral 25 in FIG. 4, the play ends and a record is made of the results which have been obtained for the offense or for the defense. New transparencies l6 and 117 are now selected by the opposing players. The play result may not appear until the very last composite of superimposed frames l8 and i9 is projected, or it may appear in the second or third com posite.

The indicia may of course include such information as penalty," fumble, touchdown, or abbreviations therefor, assuming that the game is football. Or they may contain appropriate other indicia associated with other types of games.

Since the game is played in subdued light, to permit proper viewing of the projected composite images, it may be advantageous if the rear wall or a side wall of the casing 10 (or of another appropriate part of the projector, for instance of the housing 2) can be hingedly raised or otherwise moved so that some of the light from the light source 112 may escape rearwardly and aid the players in making their selections from the respective set of transparencies.

It is evident that even if two identical plays should be selected in succession, or closely together (that is if the two players should select the same transparency 116 or v 17 in two successive or closely following plays) the play results will not necessarily be the same because the tab settings will be changed in each. case by shifting the member-22. This means that the play results will in all instances depend upon at least three variables, namely which transparency 16 .is selected by the offensive player, which transparency 17 is selected by the defensive player, and how the member 22 is set by either the offensive or the defensive player. Evidently, this permits a great variation in play results.

The game is thus a strategic battle of wits between the offensive and defensive players. Assuming that the particular game shown in the

various frames

18 and 19 is football, then the offensive player may have transparencies 16 of which one shows for instance a long pass play, another shows a short pass play, one or more others show trick plays, and one or more others show running plays. The transparencies E7 of the set available to the defensive player may show such plays as defense long pass, defense short pass, defense trick plays or defense running plays. The play result will of course be directly connected with the question how badly the offense has managed to mislead the defense. For instance, if the player having the offensive transparencies 16 has selected one showing in its various frames a long pass, and if the defensive player selects a transparency 17 showing a long pass defense, the result may be an interception, a fumble or a great loss of yardage. If, on the other hand, the defensive player selects a transparency 17 showing a short pass defense, the result may be a smaller loss of yardage or an incomplete play. If the defensive player selects a transparency 17 showing a trick play defense, the result may be a gain of yardage for the offense. If the defensive player selects a transparency 17 showing a running play defense, the result may be a touchdown or a very long gain. The result of the interplay between offense and defense is therefore logical and not so much dependent on luck as on the skill in selecting the proper defense in various tactical situations. The success of the offense, conversely, de-

pends not so much on luck as in skill on misleading the defense and selecting an unexpected play.

Evidently, various variations are possible from the embodiment that has been illustrated in the drawing. Thus, the member 22 might be omitted and each of the transparencies 17 might be provided with a slidable portion having opaque areas 19 and the windows 21 provided thereon, so that the shifting of the portion having the area 19 and the windows 21 would replace the selection which is accomplished in the illustrated embodiment'with the member 22. It is also possible to use moving picture film strips which have been superimposed, instead of the strip-shaped

transparencies

16 and 17. The film strips could be in form of endless loops, and the manner in which they could be superimposed and projected is well within the skill of those conversant with the art. The member 22 could in this case be used in the identical manner shown in FIG. 6, or it could be replaced by a further strip having an opaque area provided with transparent portions corresponding to the

apertures

24a, 24b and 240, and the setting (in lieu of the shifting of member 22) could be accomplished by appropriately offsetting this strip with reference to the strips having the images before the projection begins. FIG. 8 shows somewhat diagrammatically the two film strips 80 and 81, one offensive and one defensive one. These have the

same frames

18 and 19 as previously described, as well as the associated transparent sections, opaque areas and windows, ex-

cept that of course a greater number of the

frames

18 and 19 must be provided. No details have been shown, because they are adequately explained in the reference to FIGS. 2-4. A standard motion picture projector can be used to project these film strips 80 and 81. If the tab setting is.to be used, an arrangement such as that of FIG. 6 can be employed.

The drive of the holding frame could be provided via a rack and pinion arrangement, rather than frictionally.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a stop-action sports game, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimedas new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent isset forth in the appended claims:

1. Stop-action sports game, comprising a set of first transparencies each having a plurality of frames which show images of at least one offensive player in different offensive playing situations, some of said first frames being provided with one or more indicia indicative of respective playing results; a set of second transparencies each having a corresponding plurality of second frames which show images of at least one defensive player in different defensive playing situations, each of said second frames being provided with an opaque area having a window large enough to show at least one indicium of a first frame which is overlies; means for holding any two first and second transparencies in overlying relationship in which said first frame thereof is in registry with a second frame thereof and forms a projectable composite having a composite image formed by the individual images of the overlying first and second frames of the composite; means for projecting the composite images of the respective composites individually and. sequentially onto a surface; and means for selectively covering different portions of each window prior to such projection, so that the remaining uncovered portion of each window is just large enough to show only such an indicium which maybe present on the exposed portion of the associated first frame.

2. Stop-action sports game as defined in claim 1, wherein said first and second transparencies each comprise strips having respective openings, and wherein each of said frames is located in one of said openings.

3. Stop-action sports game as defined in claim 1, wherein said means for holding comprises a holding frame provided with an aperture bounded at least in part by a groove, and wherein said strips are insertable into said groove so as to become located in said aperture.

4. Stop-action sports game as defined in claim 1, wherein said means for holding comprises a holding frame provided with an aperture having an open side and closed sides, and a groove provided in said holding frame and bounding said aperture at said closed sides, said strips being insertable into said groove through said open side so as to become located in said aperture.

5. Stop-action sports game as defined in claim 1, wherein said means for projecting comprises a lightsource and a reflector for directing a light beam through the respective composites so as to project said composite images thereof.

6. Stop-action sports game as defined in claim 5, wherein said means for projecting further comprises a light source-accommodating casing having an opening which faces toward said means for holding and is bounded by two lateral edges; and wherein said means for selectively covering comprises a slidable member extending across said opening, said slidable member being provided with a plurality of apertures which are located laterally adjacent one another and being slidable between a plurality of positions, including a first end position in which one terminal one of said apertures is located adjacent one of said edges, and a second end position in which an opposite terminal one of said apertures is located adjacent the other of said edges.

7. Stop-action sports game as defined in-claim l; and further comprising advancing means-for advancing said means for holding incrementally with reference to said means for projecting, so as to permit said sequential projection of said composites.

8. Stop-action sports game as defined in claim 7, wherein said means for holding comprises a holding frame for holding the respective transparencies in said overlying relationship; and wherein said advancing means comprises a drive engageable with said holding frame for advancing the same.

9. Stop-action sports game as defined in claim 8, wherein said holding frame has a free edge portion which is elongated in the direction of advancement of being mounted on said shaft for rotation with the same, and a handle on said free end portion for enabling manual rotation of said shaft.

11. Stop-action sports game as defined in claim 1, wherein said transparencies are respective film strips.

12. Stop-action sports game as defined in claim 1, wherein said first and second transparencies each comprise a transparency strip provided with respective ones of said frames.

Claims

1. Stop-action sports game, comprising a set of first transparencies each having a plurality of frames which show images of at least one offensive player in different offensive playing situations, some of said first frames being provided with one or more indicia indicative of respective playing results; a set of second transparencies each having a corresponding plurality of second frames which show images of at least one defensive player in different defensive playing situations, each of said second frames being provided with an opaque area having a window large enough to show at least one indicium of a first frame which is overlies; means for holding any two first and second transparencies in overlying relationship in which said first frame thereof is in registry with a second frame thereof and forms a projectable composite having a composite image formed by the individual images of the overlying first and second frames of the composite; means for projecting the composite images of the respective composites individually and sequentially onto a surface; and means for selectively covering different portions of each window prior to such projection, so that the remaining uncovered portion of each window is just large enough to show only such an indicium which may be present on the exposed portion of the associated first frame.

5. Stop-action sports game as defined in claim 1, wherein said means for projecting comprises a light-source and a reflector for directing a light beam through the respective composites so as to project said composite images thereof.

7. Stop-action sports game as defined in claim 1; and further comprising advancing means for advancing said means for holding incrementally with reference to said means for projecting, so as to permit said sequential projection of said composites.

9. Stop-action sports game as defined in claim 8, wherein said holding frame has a free edge portion which is elongated in the direction of advancement of said holding frame; and wherein said drive comprises a rotatable friction wheel arranged to engage said free edge portion so as to frictionally advance said holding frame in response to rotation of said friction wheel.

10. Stop-action sports game as defined in claim 9, wherein said advancing means further comprises a rotatable shaft having an end portion, said friction wheel being mounted on said shaft for rotation with the same, and a handle on said free end portion for enabling manual rotation of said shaft.