Title:
SIMULATED BALL GAME APPARATUS
United States Patent 3715124
Abstract:
Game piece carriers to and from which selectively a game piece can be separably connected and disconnected manually, are moved over a predetermined path under control of a player through successive offensive plays directed by a player operated indicator. Selectively operable defensive play means through a continually changing chance mechanism are either active or inactive and each thereof has associated therewith an indicium which may be designated by rules of play as correlated with a selected indicium on the offensive play indicator, the chance mechanism being changed by and with the mechanism for moving the game piece carriers. Also included are selectively operable defensive play indicating means, and means for actuating one thereof in response to operation of a defensive play means which is energized when so actuated. The separable connection of the game pieces to the carriers permits movement of the game pieces from one carrier to another in simulation of base stealing.
US Patent References:
Electrically operated simulated game
Iannone et al. - April 1959 - 2883193
Simulated ball game apparatus
Swartz - January 1966 - 3227453
/1044679.html
Mattoni - November 1912 - 1044679
Electrically operated simulated game
Iannone et al. - April 1959 - 2883193
Simulated ball game apparatus
Swartz - January 1966 - 3227453
/1044679.html
Mattoni - November 1912 - 1044679
Application Number:
04/877179
Publication Date:
02/06/1973
Filing Date:
11/17/1969
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
International Classes:
A63F7/06; A63F7/00; A63F7/06
Field of Search:
273/93R,88
Primary Examiner:
Pinkham, Richard C.
Assistant Examiner:
Shapiro, Paul E.
Claims:
I claim
1. In a simulated game apparatus including a playing board, movable offensive game pieces mounted on said board and selectively operable defensive play indicating means, the combination comprising: an offensive play indicator associated with said board selectively manually operable and bearing indicia to indicate one of a variety of offensive plays, a plurality of offensive game piece carriers, game piece carrier actuating means located on said board and selectively manually operable to move said game piece carriers to selected positions on said game board over a predetermined course of movement, said carriers and game pieces having hole portions and pin portions, respectively, coactively providing for separable connection of the game pieces with the carriers for positive movement of the game pieces by and with the carriers and for manual movement of the game pieces selectively from one carrier to another carrier, with the addition of a plurality of selectively operable defensive play means, means for actuating one of said defensive play indicating means in response to the operation of a defensive play means, which defensive play indicating means may be energized when said defensive play means is so operated, and wherein said coacting portions and said game pieces also provide for selective connection and separation of a game piece to and from a carrier, and said game piece and said means for actuating the defensive play indicating means include cooperating portions providing for the interruption of said defensive play indicating means when said game piece is connected to said carrier.
2. In a simulated game apparatus as defined in claim 1 said coacting portions of a game piece carrier and a game piece comprising respectively a hole in the carrier and a pin on the game piece slidably insertable into and removable from said hole and said defensive play indicating means including an electrical indicator and a normally closed switch therefor, and said pin coacting with said switch to open it when said carrier is in a certain position on said predetermined course of movement and said game piece is disposed in said carrier.
3. In a simulated game apparatus comprising a frame including a playing board, means including an offensive play indicating member movably mounted on said board to selectively indicate by chance one of a plurality of offensive plays on said board, a game piece carrier actuating means including a manually operated drive plate for moving a game piece along a predetermined course on said board, a defensive play indicating device at each of a plurality of locations on said board some of which are spaced along said course, a defensive play means including two coacting parts for controlling the activation of each of said defensive play indicating devices, the first one of said coacting parts being manually operable and being an actuating contactor for a switch in an electrical circuit and said second part being a ring loosely encircling and rotated by a shaft journaled on said support board in insulated relation to said switch, to control a defensive play indicating means, and with the addition of means including said drive shaft of the game piece carrier operating means for rotating the last-mentioned shaft in timed relation to the operation of said game piece carrier actuating means, said second part being formed to allow or to prevent actuation of said first part depending upon the position of said second part on the shaft, providing by chance for activation or non-activation of the defensive play indicating means, the second parts of said defensive play means being rigidly connected to each other, and the addition of resilient means normally holding all of said first parts inactive, said resilient means being manually operable by a defensive player to release said first parts to activity simultaneously.
1. In a simulated game apparatus including a playing board, movable offensive game pieces mounted on said board and selectively operable defensive play indicating means, the combination comprising: an offensive play indicator associated with said board selectively manually operable and bearing indicia to indicate one of a variety of offensive plays, a plurality of offensive game piece carriers, game piece carrier actuating means located on said board and selectively manually operable to move said game piece carriers to selected positions on said game board over a predetermined course of movement, said carriers and game pieces having hole portions and pin portions, respectively, coactively providing for separable connection of the game pieces with the carriers for positive movement of the game pieces by and with the carriers and for manual movement of the game pieces selectively from one carrier to another carrier, with the addition of a plurality of selectively operable defensive play means, means for actuating one of said defensive play indicating means in response to the operation of a defensive play means, which defensive play indicating means may be energized when said defensive play means is so operated, and wherein said coacting portions and said game pieces also provide for selective connection and separation of a game piece to and from a carrier, and said game piece and said means for actuating the defensive play indicating means include cooperating portions providing for the interruption of said defensive play indicating means when said game piece is connected to said carrier.
2. In a simulated game apparatus as defined in claim 1 said coacting portions of a game piece carrier and a game piece comprising respectively a hole in the carrier and a pin on the game piece slidably insertable into and removable from said hole and said defensive play indicating means including an electrical indicator and a normally closed switch therefor, and said pin coacting with said switch to open it when said carrier is in a certain position on said predetermined course of movement and said game piece is disposed in said carrier.
3. In a simulated game apparatus comprising a frame including a playing board, means including an offensive play indicating member movably mounted on said board to selectively indicate by chance one of a plurality of offensive plays on said board, a game piece carrier actuating means including a manually operated drive plate for moving a game piece along a predetermined course on said board, a defensive play indicating device at each of a plurality of locations on said board some of which are spaced along said course, a defensive play means including two coacting parts for controlling the activation of each of said defensive play indicating devices, the first one of said coacting parts being manually operable and being an actuating contactor for a switch in an electrical circuit and said second part being a ring loosely encircling and rotated by a shaft journaled on said support board in insulated relation to said switch, to control a defensive play indicating means, and with the addition of means including said drive shaft of the game piece carrier operating means for rotating the last-mentioned shaft in timed relation to the operation of said game piece carrier actuating means, said second part being formed to allow or to prevent actuation of said first part depending upon the position of said second part on the shaft, providing by chance for activation or non-activation of the defensive play indicating means, the second parts of said defensive play means being rigidly connected to each other, and the addition of resilient means normally holding all of said first parts inactive, said resilient means being manually operable by a defensive player to release said first parts to activity simultaneously.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to game apparatus and more particularly, to games wherein a game piece, for example, a ball or manikin, is mechanically moved in offensive plays by one person or a group of persons along a predetermined path, for example, a simulation of the base lines of a baseball game, and movement of the game piece may be "stopped" by defensive plays in simulation of "putting out" a base runner by another person or group of persons.
2. The Prior Art
Probably the most pertinent prior art is my U.S. Pat. No. 3,227,453 which discloses a playing board having movable offensive game pieces mounted thereon and selectively operable defensive play indicating means, an offensive play indicator selectively manually operable to indicate one of a variety of offensive plays, offensive game piece actuating means on the board selectively manually operable to actuate the game piece to a position over a predetermined course of movement, a plurality of selectively operable defensive play means which are by chance either active or inactive and each of which has associated therewith an indicium which may be designated as correlated with a selected indicium on the offensive play indicator, and means for actuating one of said defensive play indicating means in response to the operation of a defensive play means which is energized when so actuated.
While the prior art game apparatus is capable of simulating many of the plays of a baseball game, it is desirable that the apparatus make possible a simulation of additional plays commonly experienced in a game of baseball and that the element of chance be greater so that the game apparatus will be more exciting to and sustain the interest of the players.
SUMMARY
A primary object of the present invention is to provide game apparatus of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,227,453 embodying novel and improved features of construction whereby a greater number of baseball plays can be simulated, including base stealing, and the element of chance is greater and is continually changed during the playing of the game.
Another object is to provide in such a game offensive game-piece carriers and a game piece which is manually movable selectively from one carrier to another and which coacts an electric switch that controls a defensive play indicator whereby to simulate offensive attempts to steal bases subject to the danger of being defensively prevented from doing so.
The invention also contemplates a chance mechanism which is driven step-by-step synchronously with the movement of the game piece carrier in such a manner that the element of chance is continually changed during the movement of the game piece; and also the chance mechanism is independent of the circuit for the defensive play electric signals for example, electric lamps, but the chance mechanism affects the operation of the switches in said circuit.
Other features are the control of all switches for the outfield plays by one drum, and the control of all switches for the infield plays by another drum, and the control for the switches for the bases, for foul balls and for home runs by individual stop rings, with all of said drums and stop rings mounted on and driven by the same shaft.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of the invention reference should be had to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a baseball game apparatus embodying the invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view on the plane of 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 (sheet 3) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view on the plane on the line 3--3.
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 on the plane of the line 4--4 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 (sheet 1) is a fragmentary vertical sectional view on the plane of the line 5--5.
FIG. 6 is a horizontal sectional view on the plane of the line 6--6 of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with the playing board removed for clearness in illustration.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view on the plane of the line 8--8 of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view on the plane of the line 9--9 of FIG. 7.
FIG. 10 (sheet 3) is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the apparatus including one of the base positions and illustrating one of the game pieces in operative relation to one of the base stealing switches.
FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view on the plane of line 11--11 wherein the game piece is shown in switch opening relation to the switch.
FIG. 11 A is a sectional view of the game piece and switch of FIG. 11 in such relation as to permit closing of the switch.
FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view of the chance mechanism on the plane of the line 12--12 of FIG. 7, looking in the direction of the arrows and showing the switch contactors in cross section.
FIG. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view on the plane of the line 13--13 of FIG. 7; and FIG. 14 is a similar view on the plane of the line 14--14 of FIG. 7.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Specifically describing the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the game apparatus includes a frame or table A that is formed of any suitable material, preferably a synthetic plastic composition, and has a playing board B mounted at the upper end of the frame in any suitable manner. As shown, the frame has a front wall 10, side walls 11 and 12 and a rear wall 13, and said walls are formed adjacent their upper edges with a rabbet C in which the board B is seated.
Beneath the playing board B and in spaced relation thereto is an apparatus support board D, and beneath the support board D is fixedly mounted an electricity-conducting plate E which forms a part of electrical circuits to be hereinafter described.
The playing board B may be translucent or may have a plurality of transparencies or windows with each of which is associated a signal device, for example, an electric lamp. In the present instance, these transparencies or windows are located on the playing board in positions corresponding to baseball players, the windows 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 denoting first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, home plate and shortstop, respectively, while the windows denoted 6, 7, and 8 represent the left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder, respectively.
The baseball diamond is represented by a rectangular slot 9 in the playing board having its angles or corners disposed adjacent the respective basement and home plate. This slot may be formed in any suitable manner, but as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, a rectangular hole is formed in the playing board and within the hole is mounted a square piece 14 of similar material having its edges spaced from the side walls of the hole and the edges of the piece 14. The piece 14 may be mounted in the frame in any suitable manner, but as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, said piece is secured to a tubular post 15 which is rigidly supported on the support board D.
A game piece actuating plate 16 has a hub 17 journaled on the post 15. The plate 16 has a plurality of equidistantly spaced radially disposed slots 18 longitudinally of each of which is movable a game piece carrier F which in the present instance comprises a block slidably supported on the plate 16 and having alined bosses 21 and 22 at its lower and upper sides projecting respectively through the corresponding slot 18 and the slot 9, in the playing board. Another boss 23 on the block projects into the slot 9 to prevent rotation of the block. The bosses 21 and 22 have a hole therethrough in which is removably mounted a game piece G which is shown as comprising a pin 24 slidably fitted in the hole and having a head 25 which may be in form of a manikin.
The slot 9 is of a width to permit free movement of the carrier F therealong with the game piece projecting upwardly above the game board, and as the plate 16 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1, the game piece will be propelled along the slot 9 in the direction in which a base runner would move from home plate around the bases.
A batting or offensive play indicator is provided and is shown as comprising a circular disc 27 pivotally mounted, for example, on a pivot pin or stud 28, on the playing board B on the underside of the playing board B. The indicator disc has a plurality of indicia 29 thereon that represent in the present instance strikes, balls, foul balls, one-base hit, two-base hits, three-base hits and four-base hits or homeruns. For example, the letter "S" indicates "strikes," "F" indicates "foul ball," "B" indicates "ball" and "1" indicates "one-base hits". The indicator is moved alternately in opposite directions and a detent 30 is provided for stopping movement of the indicator in one direction. As shown, a pinion 31 is integrally connected to the disc 27 coaxially therewith and meshs with a rack 32 on a rack bar 33 which is longitudinally slidably mounted in the frame as by bearing blocks 34 on the apparatus support board with one end extending through and beyond the rear wall 13 of the frame. The rack bar 33 is movable in one direction by the person or player representing the defensive fielding team and upon release is actuated in the other direction by a spring 35 so as to spin the indicator disc 27 in a clockwise direction in FIGS. 1 and 6. When the disc is rotated by the defensive fielding team in a counterclockwise direction, the rack 32 engages an electrical contactor 38 to energize a signal at the pitcher's box represented by a window P in a manner about to be described.
The rotation of the disc under the influence of the spring 35 may be stopped by the detent 30 which is operated by the person representing the batter, said detent in the present instance being shown as a spring strip having one end fixedly connected to the side wall 11 of the frame and its other end projecting upwardly through a hole 40 in the playing board and its intermediate portion normally biased into engagement with one of a plurality of teeth 39 on the periphery of the disc. All of the indicia except one are normally concealed beneath the playing board, but one of the indicia is displayed through a window 40 in the playing board as best shown in FIG. 1. The rack bar 33 is operated each time a ball is to be pitched, and the indicium displayed in the window 40 indicates the play to which the batter is entitled, for example, a strike or a home run. The plate 16 is rotated by suitable means, a preferred one of which is shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. A driving element H is mounted on a shaft 52 which is journaled in a bearing 53 projecting inwardly from the side wall 11 of the frame A. The driving element comprises a crank 54 having an actuating pin 55 projecting therefrom to coact successively with elongated notches 56 in a skirt flange 57 that depends from the plate 16 concentrically therewith. The driving element also has a stop lug 58 diametrically opposite the pin 55 which has an arcuate surface to coact with similarly shaped notches 59 in the skirt flange 57 disposed alternately in relation to the notches 56 circumferentially of the flange. A finger piece or knob 60 is rigidly connected to the shaft for rotating it. With this construction it will be observed that when the finger piece is rotated the pin 55 will successively coact with the notches 56 to rotate the plane 16 step by step and that while the pin 55 is outside a notch, the stop lug 58 will enter one of the notches 59 to insure properly timed entry and exit of the pin 55 into and from the notches 56.
A game piece having been placed in the slot 9 at home plate, when the indicator 27 indicates a batted ball, the batter immediately starts to rotate the finger piece 60 as fast as possible to move the game piece along the slot toward first base, the game piece representing a base runner, and at the same time the fielding team which is the defensive player, tries to stop the play, that is, to put out the base runner. This is done by a system of electrical signals and connections to a source of electricity most of which are affected by a chance mechanism J which includes a main shaft 61 journaled in bearings 62 projecting upwardly from the support board D and rotated step by step in timed relation to the rotation of the plate 16 by a pawl 63 one end of which is mounted on and driven by an eccentric 64 on the shaft 52 (FIGS. 2 and 3) said pawl having a tooth 63a normally engaging a ratchet 66 on the shaft 61. As shown, the pawl is maintained in contact with the ratchet by gravitational action on the pawl but, of course, a spring could be utilized.
In the present instance the source of electricity is shown as including dry batteries 41 mounted in a holder which includes a spring cradle 42 having one spring arm 43 interposed between the batteries and the conductor plate E and supporting the batteries in contact with horizontal abutment wall 44 carried by the support board D. The spring cradle strip also has a spring arm 45 which is interposed between a vertical abutment wall 46 and the negative terminal end of one battery and resiliently presses the batteries together with the positive terminal of the other battery abutting a contact bridge 47 which is secured to the support board D (FIGS. 7, 13, and 14) and has upstanding contact flanges 47a and 47 b in the same plane and also has a contact flange 47c in spaced parallel relation to the flange 47a and 47b. The bridge 47 and the contactor 38 are connected together in the circuit by a wire 38a.
The signal at the pitcher's box is shown as comprising an electric lamp 65 mounted in a socket 65a with its center terminal in contact with the common conducting plate E. The socket is mounted on and electrically connected to a conducting support strip 67 secured to the board D and having an upstanding contact arm 68 against which contactor 38 is pressed by the rack bar 33 when the latter is pushed.
The signal device at each of the windows 1-8 comprises an electric lamp 69. The socket for each of the lamps at windows 5, 6, 7 and 8 (for example, short-stop and the outfield positions) is mounted on and is in electrical contact with a conducting strip 70 which is secured on the underside of the board D. The socket 71 for each lamp at the windows 1, 2, 3 and 4 corresponding to first base, second base, third base and home plate, respectively, is mounted in a socket on and in electrical contact with a contact bracket 72 secured to the board D and having an upstanding contact arm 73 with which normally contacts a resilient contactor 74 having one end secured to an insulating block 75 which is mounted on the support board D. The contactor 74a has an upwardly facing inclined wing 75 with which coacts the conical end of the pin 24 of the game piece, as best shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 11a so that when the game piece is completely inserted in the carrier as shown in FIG. 11 the pin pushes the contactor away from the contact 73 to open the switch while when the pin is withdrawn as shown in FIG. 11A the inherent resiliency of the contactor strip holds the strip in switch-closing contact with the arm 73. The coaction of the game piece pin 24 with the wing 75 is utilized in simulation of the stealing of bases, as hereinafter described.
The defensive player defends against the batting and base-stealing of offensive player by inserting a stylus K through the proper one of a plurality of holes in the playing board and thereby causing actuation of the proper switch to energize the proper defensive play indicator; and in accordance with invention the chance mechanism J is independent of the circuits but is capable of unpredictably either facilitating or thwarting or interfering with the player's attempt to operate the switches.
For this purpose, a two wide rings 76 and 77 and five narrow rings 78, 79, 80, 81 and 82 formed of insulating material loosely encircle and are suspended from the shaft 61 so as to be frictionally rotated by the shaft. The several rings are held against movement longitudinally of the shaft by collars fixed on the shaft.
One wide ring 76 has three circumferential rows of recesses 83, 84 and 85 representing the outfield positions respectively, right field, center field and left field positions. The other wide ring 77 has five circumferential rows of recesses 86, 87, 88, 89 and 90 representing the infield positions, respectively, pitcher, first base, second base, third base and short stop positions. The five narrow rings 78, 79, 80 and 81 and 82 represent respectively foul ball, home plate, first base, second base and third base. The recesses in each ring are in irregularly staggered relation to the recesses of the outer rings circumferentially of the rings.
Coacting with the ring 76 are three spring contactors 83a, 84a and 85a, (FIGS. 7 and 13) each for one row of recesses and having one end connected to an anchor block 91 on the board D and its other end resting on one arm of an angular spring plate 92 whose other arm is secured to the side wall of frame A. The spring plate normally holds the contactors in overlying spaced relation to the ring 77 and to the edge of the arm 47a of the contact bridge. A hole 93 is provided in the playing board B above the spring plate through which the stylus K is insertable for depressing the spring plate so as to allow the contactor to drop into contact with the ring. Each contactor has a finger 94 which when it contacts the periphery of the ring will hold the contactor out of contact with the bridge 47 but which when it drops into one of said recesses will permit contact of the contactor with the bridge so as to close the switch. The contactors are connected by the respective wires 95, 96 and 97 with the defensive indicator lamps for left field, center field and right field.
Coacting with the other wide ring 77 are five spring contactors 86a, 87a, 88a, 89a and 90a (FIG. 7), each for one row of recesses and having one end connected to the anchor block 91 and its other end resting on one arm of an angular spring plate 100 secured to the frame A in the same way as plate 92. The spring plate 100 normally holds the contactors in overlying spaced relation to the ring 77 and to the edge of the arm 47b of the bridge contact 47. A hole 101 is provided in the playing board above the spring plate 100 to receive the stylus K for depressing the spring plate to allow the contactors to drop. Each contactor has a finger 102 operative in the same manner and for the same purpose as the fingers 94. The contactor 86a is electrically connected by wire 103 to the contact arm 68 for the pitcher defensive indicator (lamp) 65, while the contactor 90a is connected to the short-stop indicator lamp 70 by wire 104 the other contactors are similarly connected to the respective contactors 74 for the lamps at first base, second base, third base, short-stop and home plate.
Each of the five individual rings 78, 79, 80, 81 and 82 has circumferentially spaced recesses 104 in its periphery and coacting therewith are the respective spring contactors 78a, 79a, 80a, 81a, and 82a, (FIGS. 7 and 13), each of which has one end secured to the anchor block 91 and is normally held by its inherent resiliency in overlying spaced relation to the bridge contact and the corresponding ring. Each contactor has a finger 105 which when it contacts the periphery of the ring will hold the contactor out of contact with the flanges 47a and 47c of the contact bridge 47 but which when it is alined with a recess 103 will permit the contact of the contactor with the flange 47a of the bridge to close the switch. A plurality of holes 105 are provided in the playing board, one above each of the contactors, for insertion of the stylus K to press the contactors against the rings.
To provide for simulation of base stealing, the flange 47c of the contact bridge 47, is provided with a lip 108 overlying and in spaced relation to which are the contactors 79a, 80a 81a, and 82a the playing board has a plurality holes 109 each of which is above one of said contactors to receive the stylus K for pressing the contactors against said lip to close the respective circuits. Each of said contactors, except the contactor 78a for foul balls is electrically connected by wires in parallel circuit with the contactors 87a - 90a to the contactor 74 for one of defensive play indicators for home plate, first base, second base and third base (FIG. 7). The contactor 78a is connected directly to the contactor 79a which is connected to the contactor 74 for the home plate defensive play indicator.
Each of the stylus holes is identified on the playing board by an indicium, the letters OF and IF denoting respectively, outfield and infield, and the letters F, H, 1, 2, 3 denoting respectively, foul, home plate, first base, second base and third base.
For ease of description and brevity in describing the playing of the game, let X represent the offensive team at bat and Y the defensive team. In playing X faces the game with the diamon in his lower right hand corner and his opponent directly opposite him. X will pull the batting indicator detent back out of engagement with the offensive player batting indicator disc 27 allowing Y to depress the pitch bar (rack bar33) its full stroke which closes circuit at 38.68 so as to energize the signal lamp 65 at the pitcher's box. The instant the bar is released the pitcher light 65 goes out and the disc 27 begins to spin. Release of the batting indicator detent stops and disc in any one of 24 positions variously marked with one of five characters B, S, F, I, O (B=ball, S=strike, F=foul, I= infield, O=outfield). When the indicator indicates a batted ball, X rotates the finger piece 60 to move the game piece along the slot A; and Y tries to insert the stylus in the proper hole to defeat X's play, i.e. to put out the runner. With few exceptions the rules are the same as for conventional baseball. If the bases are all occupied when a batter walks all runners are moved foreward bringing the man on third base home. If there is an empty base then the runners must be withdrawn from their carriers and reinserted. When an infield hit is indicated by play indicator 27, the batter can proceed no further than first base. If the first base light is lit before the runner gets there he is out. If he enters the first base area he breaks the circuit and is safe, the light cannot light. This is true of every base area. Any infield light energized while the runner is running to first base, indicates a caught fly and the runner is out. When an outfield hit is indicated by the play indicator disc 27, the lighting of any outfield light before the runner reaches first base indicates a caught fly and the runner is out. After the runner passes first base he can be put out only by lighting the base toward which he is running; then failure to light any base he must pass constitutes a home run.
To steal a base X must remove the runner manikin G from his carrier at one base and transfer it to the next preceding carrier so as to actuate contactor 74 at the stolen base and break the circuit to the corresponding defensive signal lamp and thereby prevent lighting of the defensive signal lamp at the stolen base. While X is attempting this transfer, Y should insert his stylus into the appropriate one of the holes 106 in an effort to actuate the corresponding one of the contactors 78a, 79a, 80a and 81a to cause the lighting of the defensive signal lamp at the base to which the runner is stealing before X can succeed in breaking said circuit. If X succeeds in breaking the circuit and preventing the lighting of the defensive signal lamp, his runner has successfully stolen the base. If Y succeeds in causing the lighting of the signal lamp, then X must try to return his runner to the base just left, but if Y succeeds in lighting the signal lamp at that base before X can return the runner, then the runner is out.
When a foul is indicated, Y will insert his stylus into the hole marked F. If home plate lights up, the foul was a popup and was caught and the batter is out.
When the stylus is inserted into any hole, except the base stealing holes, it must be worked up and down to allow the chance mechanism, which is moving while the runner is making the bases, to change its position.
In order to concentrate and direct the light from the lamp 69 to the windows 1-8, light tubes 69a are provided and of course reflectors and other light directing devices could be utilized and other types of windows or transparencies other than the holes shown, could be utilized.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to game apparatus and more particularly, to games wherein a game piece, for example, a ball or manikin, is mechanically moved in offensive plays by one person or a group of persons along a predetermined path, for example, a simulation of the base lines of a baseball game, and movement of the game piece may be "stopped" by defensive plays in simulation of "putting out" a base runner by another person or group of persons.
2. The Prior Art
Probably the most pertinent prior art is my U.S. Pat. No. 3,227,453 which discloses a playing board having movable offensive game pieces mounted thereon and selectively operable defensive play indicating means, an offensive play indicator selectively manually operable to indicate one of a variety of offensive plays, offensive game piece actuating means on the board selectively manually operable to actuate the game piece to a position over a predetermined course of movement, a plurality of selectively operable defensive play means which are by chance either active or inactive and each of which has associated therewith an indicium which may be designated as correlated with a selected indicium on the offensive play indicator, and means for actuating one of said defensive play indicating means in response to the operation of a defensive play means which is energized when so actuated.
While the prior art game apparatus is capable of simulating many of the plays of a baseball game, it is desirable that the apparatus make possible a simulation of additional plays commonly experienced in a game of baseball and that the element of chance be greater so that the game apparatus will be more exciting to and sustain the interest of the players.
SUMMARY
A primary object of the present invention is to provide game apparatus of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,227,453 embodying novel and improved features of construction whereby a greater number of baseball plays can be simulated, including base stealing, and the element of chance is greater and is continually changed during the playing of the game.
Another object is to provide in such a game offensive game-piece carriers and a game piece which is manually movable selectively from one carrier to another and which coacts an electric switch that controls a defensive play indicator whereby to simulate offensive attempts to steal bases subject to the danger of being defensively prevented from doing so.
The invention also contemplates a chance mechanism which is driven step-by-step synchronously with the movement of the game piece carrier in such a manner that the element of chance is continually changed during the movement of the game piece; and also the chance mechanism is independent of the circuit for the defensive play electric signals for example, electric lamps, but the chance mechanism affects the operation of the switches in said circuit.
Other features are the control of all switches for the outfield plays by one drum, and the control of all switches for the infield plays by another drum, and the control for the switches for the bases, for foul balls and for home runs by individual stop rings, with all of said drums and stop rings mounted on and driven by the same shaft.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of the invention reference should be had to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a baseball game apparatus embodying the invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view on the plane of 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 (sheet 3) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view on the plane on the line 3--3.
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 on the plane of the line 4--4 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 (sheet 1) is a fragmentary vertical sectional view on the plane of the line 5--5.
FIG. 6 is a horizontal sectional view on the plane of the line 6--6 of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with the playing board removed for clearness in illustration.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view on the plane of the line 8--8 of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view on the plane of the line 9--9 of FIG. 7.
FIG. 10 (sheet 3) is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the apparatus including one of the base positions and illustrating one of the game pieces in operative relation to one of the base stealing switches.
FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view on the plane of line 11--11 wherein the game piece is shown in switch opening relation to the switch.
FIG. 11 A is a sectional view of the game piece and switch of FIG. 11 in such relation as to permit closing of the switch.
FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view of the chance mechanism on the plane of the line 12--12 of FIG. 7, looking in the direction of the arrows and showing the switch contactors in cross section.
FIG. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view on the plane of the line 13--13 of FIG. 7; and FIG. 14 is a similar view on the plane of the line 14--14 of FIG. 7.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Specifically describing the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the game apparatus includes a frame or table A that is formed of any suitable material, preferably a synthetic plastic composition, and has a playing board B mounted at the upper end of the frame in any suitable manner. As shown, the frame has a front wall 10, side walls 11 and 12 and a rear wall 13, and said walls are formed adjacent their upper edges with a rabbet C in which the board B is seated.
Beneath the playing board B and in spaced relation thereto is an apparatus support board D, and beneath the support board D is fixedly mounted an electricity-conducting plate E which forms a part of electrical circuits to be hereinafter described.
The playing board B may be translucent or may have a plurality of transparencies or windows with each of which is associated a signal device, for example, an electric lamp. In the present instance, these transparencies or windows are located on the playing board in positions corresponding to baseball players, the windows 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 denoting first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, home plate and shortstop, respectively, while the windows denoted 6, 7, and 8 represent the left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder, respectively.
The baseball diamond is represented by a rectangular slot 9 in the playing board having its angles or corners disposed adjacent the respective basement and home plate. This slot may be formed in any suitable manner, but as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, a rectangular hole is formed in the playing board and within the hole is mounted a square piece 14 of similar material having its edges spaced from the side walls of the hole and the edges of the piece 14. The piece 14 may be mounted in the frame in any suitable manner, but as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, said piece is secured to a tubular post 15 which is rigidly supported on the support board D.
A game piece actuating plate 16 has a hub 17 journaled on the post 15. The plate 16 has a plurality of equidistantly spaced radially disposed slots 18 longitudinally of each of which is movable a game piece carrier F which in the present instance comprises a block slidably supported on the plate 16 and having alined bosses 21 and 22 at its lower and upper sides projecting respectively through the corresponding slot 18 and the slot 9, in the playing board. Another boss 23 on the block projects into the slot 9 to prevent rotation of the block. The bosses 21 and 22 have a hole therethrough in which is removably mounted a game piece G which is shown as comprising a pin 24 slidably fitted in the hole and having a head 25 which may be in form of a manikin.
The slot 9 is of a width to permit free movement of the carrier F therealong with the game piece projecting upwardly above the game board, and as the plate 16 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1, the game piece will be propelled along the slot 9 in the direction in which a base runner would move from home plate around the bases.
A batting or offensive play indicator is provided and is shown as comprising a circular disc 27 pivotally mounted, for example, on a pivot pin or stud 28, on the playing board B on the underside of the playing board B. The indicator disc has a plurality of indicia 29 thereon that represent in the present instance strikes, balls, foul balls, one-base hit, two-base hits, three-base hits and four-base hits or homeruns. For example, the letter "S" indicates "strikes," "F" indicates "foul ball," "B" indicates "ball" and "1" indicates "one-base hits". The indicator is moved alternately in opposite directions and a detent 30 is provided for stopping movement of the indicator in one direction. As shown, a pinion 31 is integrally connected to the disc 27 coaxially therewith and meshs with a rack 32 on a rack bar 33 which is longitudinally slidably mounted in the frame as by bearing blocks 34 on the apparatus support board with one end extending through and beyond the rear wall 13 of the frame. The rack bar 33 is movable in one direction by the person or player representing the defensive fielding team and upon release is actuated in the other direction by a spring 35 so as to spin the indicator disc 27 in a clockwise direction in FIGS. 1 and 6. When the disc is rotated by the defensive fielding team in a counterclockwise direction, the rack 32 engages an electrical contactor 38 to energize a signal at the pitcher's box represented by a window P in a manner about to be described.
The rotation of the disc under the influence of the spring 35 may be stopped by the detent 30 which is operated by the person representing the batter, said detent in the present instance being shown as a spring strip having one end fixedly connected to the side wall 11 of the frame and its other end projecting upwardly through a hole 40 in the playing board and its intermediate portion normally biased into engagement with one of a plurality of teeth 39 on the periphery of the disc. All of the indicia except one are normally concealed beneath the playing board, but one of the indicia is displayed through a window 40 in the playing board as best shown in FIG. 1. The rack bar 33 is operated each time a ball is to be pitched, and the indicium displayed in the window 40 indicates the play to which the batter is entitled, for example, a strike or a home run. The plate 16 is rotated by suitable means, a preferred one of which is shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. A driving element H is mounted on a shaft 52 which is journaled in a bearing 53 projecting inwardly from the side wall 11 of the frame A. The driving element comprises a crank 54 having an actuating pin 55 projecting therefrom to coact successively with elongated notches 56 in a skirt flange 57 that depends from the plate 16 concentrically therewith. The driving element also has a stop lug 58 diametrically opposite the pin 55 which has an arcuate surface to coact with similarly shaped notches 59 in the skirt flange 57 disposed alternately in relation to the notches 56 circumferentially of the flange. A finger piece or knob 60 is rigidly connected to the shaft for rotating it. With this construction it will be observed that when the finger piece is rotated the pin 55 will successively coact with the notches 56 to rotate the plane 16 step by step and that while the pin 55 is outside a notch, the stop lug 58 will enter one of the notches 59 to insure properly timed entry and exit of the pin 55 into and from the notches 56.
A game piece having been placed in the slot 9 at home plate, when the indicator 27 indicates a batted ball, the batter immediately starts to rotate the finger piece 60 as fast as possible to move the game piece along the slot toward first base, the game piece representing a base runner, and at the same time the fielding team which is the defensive player, tries to stop the play, that is, to put out the base runner. This is done by a system of electrical signals and connections to a source of electricity most of which are affected by a chance mechanism J which includes a main shaft 61 journaled in bearings 62 projecting upwardly from the support board D and rotated step by step in timed relation to the rotation of the plate 16 by a pawl 63 one end of which is mounted on and driven by an eccentric 64 on the shaft 52 (FIGS. 2 and 3) said pawl having a tooth 63a normally engaging a ratchet 66 on the shaft 61. As shown, the pawl is maintained in contact with the ratchet by gravitational action on the pawl but, of course, a spring could be utilized.
In the present instance the source of electricity is shown as including dry batteries 41 mounted in a holder which includes a spring cradle 42 having one spring arm 43 interposed between the batteries and the conductor plate E and supporting the batteries in contact with horizontal abutment wall 44 carried by the support board D. The spring cradle strip also has a spring arm 45 which is interposed between a vertical abutment wall 46 and the negative terminal end of one battery and resiliently presses the batteries together with the positive terminal of the other battery abutting a contact bridge 47 which is secured to the support board D (FIGS. 7, 13, and 14) and has upstanding contact flanges 47a and 47 b in the same plane and also has a contact flange 47c in spaced parallel relation to the flange 47a and 47b. The bridge 47 and the contactor 38 are connected together in the circuit by a wire 38a.
The signal at the pitcher's box is shown as comprising an electric lamp 65 mounted in a socket 65a with its center terminal in contact with the common conducting plate E. The socket is mounted on and electrically connected to a conducting support strip 67 secured to the board D and having an upstanding contact arm 68 against which contactor 38 is pressed by the rack bar 33 when the latter is pushed.
The signal device at each of the windows 1-8 comprises an electric lamp 69. The socket for each of the lamps at windows 5, 6, 7 and 8 (for example, short-stop and the outfield positions) is mounted on and is in electrical contact with a conducting strip 70 which is secured on the underside of the board D. The socket 71 for each lamp at the windows 1, 2, 3 and 4 corresponding to first base, second base, third base and home plate, respectively, is mounted in a socket on and in electrical contact with a contact bracket 72 secured to the board D and having an upstanding contact arm 73 with which normally contacts a resilient contactor 74 having one end secured to an insulating block 75 which is mounted on the support board D. The contactor 74a has an upwardly facing inclined wing 75 with which coacts the conical end of the pin 24 of the game piece, as best shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 11a so that when the game piece is completely inserted in the carrier as shown in FIG. 11 the pin pushes the contactor away from the contact 73 to open the switch while when the pin is withdrawn as shown in FIG. 11A the inherent resiliency of the contactor strip holds the strip in switch-closing contact with the arm 73. The coaction of the game piece pin 24 with the wing 75 is utilized in simulation of the stealing of bases, as hereinafter described.
The defensive player defends against the batting and base-stealing of offensive player by inserting a stylus K through the proper one of a plurality of holes in the playing board and thereby causing actuation of the proper switch to energize the proper defensive play indicator; and in accordance with invention the chance mechanism J is independent of the circuits but is capable of unpredictably either facilitating or thwarting or interfering with the player's attempt to operate the switches.
For this purpose, a two wide rings 76 and 77 and five narrow rings 78, 79, 80, 81 and 82 formed of insulating material loosely encircle and are suspended from the shaft 61 so as to be frictionally rotated by the shaft. The several rings are held against movement longitudinally of the shaft by collars fixed on the shaft.
One wide ring 76 has three circumferential rows of recesses 83, 84 and 85 representing the outfield positions respectively, right field, center field and left field positions. The other wide ring 77 has five circumferential rows of recesses 86, 87, 88, 89 and 90 representing the infield positions, respectively, pitcher, first base, second base, third base and short stop positions. The five narrow rings 78, 79, 80 and 81 and 82 represent respectively foul ball, home plate, first base, second base and third base. The recesses in each ring are in irregularly staggered relation to the recesses of the outer rings circumferentially of the rings.
Coacting with the ring 76 are three spring contactors 83a, 84a and 85a, (FIGS. 7 and 13) each for one row of recesses and having one end connected to an anchor block 91 on the board D and its other end resting on one arm of an angular spring plate 92 whose other arm is secured to the side wall of frame A. The spring plate normally holds the contactors in overlying spaced relation to the ring 77 and to the edge of the arm 47a of the contact bridge. A hole 93 is provided in the playing board B above the spring plate through which the stylus K is insertable for depressing the spring plate so as to allow the contactor to drop into contact with the ring. Each contactor has a finger 94 which when it contacts the periphery of the ring will hold the contactor out of contact with the bridge 47 but which when it drops into one of said recesses will permit contact of the contactor with the bridge so as to close the switch. The contactors are connected by the respective wires 95, 96 and 97 with the defensive indicator lamps for left field, center field and right field.
Coacting with the other wide ring 77 are five spring contactors 86a, 87a, 88a, 89a and 90a (FIG. 7), each for one row of recesses and having one end connected to the anchor block 91 and its other end resting on one arm of an angular spring plate 100 secured to the frame A in the same way as plate 92. The spring plate 100 normally holds the contactors in overlying spaced relation to the ring 77 and to the edge of the arm 47b of the bridge contact 47. A hole 101 is provided in the playing board above the spring plate 100 to receive the stylus K for depressing the spring plate to allow the contactors to drop. Each contactor has a finger 102 operative in the same manner and for the same purpose as the fingers 94. The contactor 86a is electrically connected by wire 103 to the contact arm 68 for the pitcher defensive indicator (lamp) 65, while the contactor 90a is connected to the short-stop indicator lamp 70 by wire 104 the other contactors are similarly connected to the respective contactors 74 for the lamps at first base, second base, third base, short-stop and home plate.
Each of the five individual rings 78, 79, 80, 81 and 82 has circumferentially spaced recesses 104 in its periphery and coacting therewith are the respective spring contactors 78a, 79a, 80a, 81a, and 82a, (FIGS. 7 and 13), each of which has one end secured to the anchor block 91 and is normally held by its inherent resiliency in overlying spaced relation to the bridge contact and the corresponding ring. Each contactor has a finger 105 which when it contacts the periphery of the ring will hold the contactor out of contact with the flanges 47a and 47c of the contact bridge 47 but which when it is alined with a recess 103 will permit the contact of the contactor with the flange 47a of the bridge to close the switch. A plurality of holes 105 are provided in the playing board, one above each of the contactors, for insertion of the stylus K to press the contactors against the rings.
To provide for simulation of base stealing, the flange 47c of the contact bridge 47, is provided with a lip 108 overlying and in spaced relation to which are the contactors 79a, 80a 81a, and 82a the playing board has a plurality holes 109 each of which is above one of said contactors to receive the stylus K for pressing the contactors against said lip to close the respective circuits. Each of said contactors, except the contactor 78a for foul balls is electrically connected by wires in parallel circuit with the contactors 87a - 90a to the contactor 74 for one of defensive play indicators for home plate, first base, second base and third base (FIG. 7). The contactor 78a is connected directly to the contactor 79a which is connected to the contactor 74 for the home plate defensive play indicator.
Each of the stylus holes is identified on the playing board by an indicium, the letters OF and IF denoting respectively, outfield and infield, and the letters F, H, 1, 2, 3 denoting respectively, foul, home plate, first base, second base and third base.
For ease of description and brevity in describing the playing of the game, let X represent the offensive team at bat and Y the defensive team. In playing X faces the game with the diamon in his lower right hand corner and his opponent directly opposite him. X will pull the batting indicator detent back out of engagement with the offensive player batting indicator disc 27 allowing Y to depress the pitch bar (rack bar33) its full stroke which closes circuit at 38.68 so as to energize the signal lamp 65 at the pitcher's box. The instant the bar is released the pitcher light 65 goes out and the disc 27 begins to spin. Release of the batting indicator detent stops and disc in any one of 24 positions variously marked with one of five characters B, S, F, I, O (B=ball, S=strike, F=foul, I= infield, O=outfield). When the indicator indicates a batted ball, X rotates the finger piece 60 to move the game piece along the slot A; and Y tries to insert the stylus in the proper hole to defeat X's play, i.e. to put out the runner. With few exceptions the rules are the same as for conventional baseball. If the bases are all occupied when a batter walks all runners are moved foreward bringing the man on third base home. If there is an empty base then the runners must be withdrawn from their carriers and reinserted. When an infield hit is indicated by play indicator 27, the batter can proceed no further than first base. If the first base light is lit before the runner gets there he is out. If he enters the first base area he breaks the circuit and is safe, the light cannot light. This is true of every base area. Any infield light energized while the runner is running to first base, indicates a caught fly and the runner is out. When an outfield hit is indicated by the play indicator disc 27, the lighting of any outfield light before the runner reaches first base indicates a caught fly and the runner is out. After the runner passes first base he can be put out only by lighting the base toward which he is running; then failure to light any base he must pass constitutes a home run.
To steal a base X must remove the runner manikin G from his carrier at one base and transfer it to the next preceding carrier so as to actuate contactor 74 at the stolen base and break the circuit to the corresponding defensive signal lamp and thereby prevent lighting of the defensive signal lamp at the stolen base. While X is attempting this transfer, Y should insert his stylus into the appropriate one of the holes 106 in an effort to actuate the corresponding one of the contactors 78a, 79a, 80a and 81a to cause the lighting of the defensive signal lamp at the base to which the runner is stealing before X can succeed in breaking said circuit. If X succeeds in breaking the circuit and preventing the lighting of the defensive signal lamp, his runner has successfully stolen the base. If Y succeeds in causing the lighting of the signal lamp, then X must try to return his runner to the base just left, but if Y succeeds in lighting the signal lamp at that base before X can return the runner, then the runner is out.
When a foul is indicated, Y will insert his stylus into the hole marked F. If home plate lights up, the foul was a popup and was caught and the batter is out.
When the stylus is inserted into any hole, except the base stealing holes, it must be worked up and down to allow the chance mechanism, which is moving while the runner is making the bases, to change its position.
In order to concentrate and direct the light from the lamp 69 to the windows 1-8, light tubes 69a are provided and of course reflectors and other light directing devices could be utilized and other types of windows or transparencies other than the holes shown, could be utilized.