Title:
DART AND ROULETTE BOARD
United States Patent 3850432
Abstract:
A dart and roulette board adapted for playing the games of standard darts, standard roulette, rotating darts wherein the game board rotates about its axis, and rotating roulette darts wherein the game board rotates about its axis, including a circular frame having a circular target disc rotatably supported therein and adapted to be rotatably driven by a motor mounted therebehind, the face of the disc having imprinted thereon a roulette playing surface along with a dart playing surface, and a plurality of pins projecting normal to the face of the disc and spaced about the circumferal edge thereof adapted to coact with a hinged pointer mounted on the frame in a position adapted to engage such pin upon rotation of the board about its axis when the board is used for standard roulette play, the board adapted to be mounted to any suitable vertical supporting surface such as a wall, door and the like.
US Patent References:
/1076002.html
Clarke - October 1913 - 1076002
/1136345.html
Kempien - April 1915 - 1136345
Target game
Cookson - September 1936 - 2056095
Roto dart game
Moss - April 1937 - 2077001
Game
Lee - November 1939 - 2179471
/1076002.html
Clarke - October 1913 - 1076002
/1136345.html
Kempien - April 1915 - 1136345
Target game
Cookson - September 1936 - 2056095
Roto dart game
Moss - April 1937 - 2077001
Game
Lee - November 1939 - 2179471
Application Number:
05/396530
Publication Date:
11/26/1974
Filing Date:
09/12/1973
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
273/142JA
International Classes:
A63F5/04; F41J3/00; A63F5/00; A63B71/02
Field of Search:
273/95R,12B,105.2,105.6,142
US Patent References:
Primary Examiner:
Oechsle, Anton O.
Assistant Examiner:
Siskind, Marvin
Claims:
Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is
1. A dart and roulette board comprising a circular frame having a circular back surface with cylindrical side walls extending outwardly normal thereto from the peripheral edges of the back surface and terminating in a forward most end edge defining a vertical plane parallel to the back surface and spaced outwardly therefrom, a circular compartment defined interiorly of the side walls and back surface in the frame and concentric therewith, a circular disc of a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the frame compartment and of a thickness slightly less than the depth of the compartment and adapted to be received in the compartment concentric therewith, the disc having a front face surface forming a target imprinted thereon and formed of a dart supporting material adapted to receive and retain the pointed ends of conventional type darts therein, a back surface parallel to the face surface, and peripheral cylindrical side walls interconnecting the peripheral edges of the face and back surfaces, an electric motor mounted to the exterior surface of the frame back surface and having a shaft driven thereby projecting axially therefrom through an axial opening provided in the frame back surface with the shaft terminal end projecting into the frame compartment centrally thereof, said motor shaft terminal end disposed concentrically with the disc and connected to the disc back surface to support the disc in spaced apart juxtaposition with the frame back surface and with the disc peripheral side wall surfaces in juxtaposition with the interior frame side walls and spaced slightly therefrom, the target face of the disc disposed substantially co-planar with the plane defined by the outer ends of the frame side walls, the electric motor operative to rotate the disc about its axis upon energization of the motor, a source of electric energy, an electrical cord adapted to interconnect the electric motor to the source of electric energy, an electrical switch interposed in the electrical cord adapted to energize and de-energize the electric motor, a plurality of circumferally spaced axially projecting pins disposed angularly about the peripheral edges of the target face and projecting outwardly therefrom, a flexible pointer connected to the frame and projecting normal to the target face adapted to coact with successive pins exposed thereto during the rotation of the disc about its axis, the pointer being pivotally mounted between an operative pin engaging position disposed forwardly of the plane of the target face of the disc and an inoperative position disposed rearwardly from the plane of the target face of the disc, and a multiplicity of radially extending lines and concentric circular lines imprinted on the disc face and having numbers associated therewith defining a target on the disc face.
2. The board as set forth in claim 1 wherein the pointer comprises a pair of flanges interconnected by a hinge pin, one flange being fixedly mounted to the frame side wall with the hinged end thereof disposed adjacent and slightly rearwardly of the forward most end edge of the frame side walls and extending parallel to the plane thereof, the second flange hingedly connected to the hinge pin for pivotal movement thereabout into an operative position disposed in longitudinal alignment with the first flange and projecting outwardly of the forward most end edge of the frame side walls in a manner overlying the pins projecting from the disc target face, and an inoperative position disposed rearwardly of the plane of the target face and within the plane of the frame, an elongated flexible pointer member mounted to the free end of the movable flange member in a position thereon projecting normal to the plane of the disc when in the operative position to engage successive pins on the disc face and coact therewith in a manner to slow and stop the rotation of the disc about its axis upon the de-energization of the motor, and adapted to be moved into an inoperative position in the plane of the frame when the board is being used with darts or the like whereby the pointer would not offer any possible interference to the path of a dart striking the disc face.
3. The board as set forth in claim 2 wherein the frame back surface is provided with an aperture exteriorly thereof in the top portion thereof, a hook member having one end adapted to be mounted to a suitable supporting vertical surface, such as a wall, door and the like, with the hook member opposite end adapted to engage the back surface aperture in a manner to support the board on the vertical surface spaced a slight distance outwardly therefrom.
1. A dart and roulette board comprising a circular frame having a circular back surface with cylindrical side walls extending outwardly normal thereto from the peripheral edges of the back surface and terminating in a forward most end edge defining a vertical plane parallel to the back surface and spaced outwardly therefrom, a circular compartment defined interiorly of the side walls and back surface in the frame and concentric therewith, a circular disc of a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the frame compartment and of a thickness slightly less than the depth of the compartment and adapted to be received in the compartment concentric therewith, the disc having a front face surface forming a target imprinted thereon and formed of a dart supporting material adapted to receive and retain the pointed ends of conventional type darts therein, a back surface parallel to the face surface, and peripheral cylindrical side walls interconnecting the peripheral edges of the face and back surfaces, an electric motor mounted to the exterior surface of the frame back surface and having a shaft driven thereby projecting axially therefrom through an axial opening provided in the frame back surface with the shaft terminal end projecting into the frame compartment centrally thereof, said motor shaft terminal end disposed concentrically with the disc and connected to the disc back surface to support the disc in spaced apart juxtaposition with the frame back surface and with the disc peripheral side wall surfaces in juxtaposition with the interior frame side walls and spaced slightly therefrom, the target face of the disc disposed substantially co-planar with the plane defined by the outer ends of the frame side walls, the electric motor operative to rotate the disc about its axis upon energization of the motor, a source of electric energy, an electrical cord adapted to interconnect the electric motor to the source of electric energy, an electrical switch interposed in the electrical cord adapted to energize and de-energize the electric motor, a plurality of circumferally spaced axially projecting pins disposed angularly about the peripheral edges of the target face and projecting outwardly therefrom, a flexible pointer connected to the frame and projecting normal to the target face adapted to coact with successive pins exposed thereto during the rotation of the disc about its axis, the pointer being pivotally mounted between an operative pin engaging position disposed forwardly of the plane of the target face of the disc and an inoperative position disposed rearwardly from the plane of the target face of the disc, and a multiplicity of radially extending lines and concentric circular lines imprinted on the disc face and having numbers associated therewith defining a target on the disc face.
2. The board as set forth in claim 1 wherein the pointer comprises a pair of flanges interconnected by a hinge pin, one flange being fixedly mounted to the frame side wall with the hinged end thereof disposed adjacent and slightly rearwardly of the forward most end edge of the frame side walls and extending parallel to the plane thereof, the second flange hingedly connected to the hinge pin for pivotal movement thereabout into an operative position disposed in longitudinal alignment with the first flange and projecting outwardly of the forward most end edge of the frame side walls in a manner overlying the pins projecting from the disc target face, and an inoperative position disposed rearwardly of the plane of the target face and within the plane of the frame, an elongated flexible pointer member mounted to the free end of the movable flange member in a position thereon projecting normal to the plane of the disc when in the operative position to engage successive pins on the disc face and coact therewith in a manner to slow and stop the rotation of the disc about its axis upon the de-energization of the motor, and adapted to be moved into an inoperative position in the plane of the frame when the board is being used with darts or the like whereby the pointer would not offer any possible interference to the path of a dart striking the disc face.
3. The board as set forth in claim 2 wherein the frame back surface is provided with an aperture exteriorly thereof in the top portion thereof, a hook member having one end adapted to be mounted to a suitable supporting vertical surface, such as a wall, door and the like, with the hook member opposite end adapted to engage the back surface aperture in a manner to support the board on the vertical surface spaced a slight distance outwardly therefrom.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to games and more particularly to a novel combined dart and roulette board providing for the play of four separate games thereon with three of such games utilizing darts.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It has been known in the prior art to provide a dart board to be mounted on a suitable vertical surface or having a stand for supporting the same on a horizontal surface and adapted to receive darts therein, the face of the dart board being marked in various configurations for the play of different types of games thereon, such as standard darts, baseball, football, and the like played by an individual throwing darts at the board with the scoring and process of play depending upon where the darts strike the board. However, after numerous hours of play an individual soon develops a skill and expertise at striking the dart board in the desired location so that no further enjoyment or challenge is presented with the dart board soon falling into a state of disuse. It would thus be desirable to provide a dart board which would maintain an individual's interest regardless of an individual's skill and expertise as to always presenting a challenge thereto.
A further game which is popular in the home is the game of roulette which may be played using the conventional dish shaped apparatus having a rotating central member and a ball adapted to be spun about the outside of the dish member until falling into a pocket or the like disposed on a segment of the rotating member, the apparatus intended for operation in a horizontal plane by resting on a suitable support surface, such as a table or the like. A further way of playing the fame of roulette is by the use of a vertical wheel mounted at its axis for rotation thereabout and having a plurality of pins projecting outwardly from the circumferal surface thereof and spaced thereabout adapted to be engaged with a pointer disposed at the top of the frame of the board, rotation of the board effecting the series engagement of the pins with the pointer which effects the slowing of the board until finally the board stops with the pointer indicating the winning number as imprinted on the face of the board. The game of roulette is a popular party game played by a plurality of individuals, and in view of the separate equipment which must be purchased for the play of the game and the expense thereof only few homes and individuals have the game available for enjoyment at parties or the like. Further, the conventional play of the game of roulette soon becomes boring so that it would be desirable to provide a modification thereof which would enhance the enjoyability of the play thereof and require more of an individual skill and expertise rather than mere chance on the spinning of the board.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a novel combination dart board and roulette board which permits the playing of darts and roulette in the standard manner, and also permits the play of modified forms of such games in a manner to heighten the excitement and interest therein.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide a combined dart and roulette board which is of an increased versatility and usefullness by providing a stationary as well as a moving board permitting play of stationary or moving roulette and darts thereon.
A further feature of the present invention provides a combined dart and roulette board adapted to be used by persons of all ages and expertise and adapted to compensate for difference in skills between individuals, such as by one individual playing the game of standard darts with the board in a stationary position, with the other individual playing against said first individual and having a greater skill and expertise playing the same game of darts but having the board rotating requiring a greater skill to achieve a high score.
Still a further feature of the present invention provides a combined dart and roulette board adapted for the play of several games thereon without requiring time consuming changes or modifications thereto.
Yet still a further feature of the present invention provides a combined dart and roulette board which is motorized to rotate about its axis in a manner to enhance the playing of the games of darts and roulette by providing a moving target therefor.
Yet still a further feature of the present invention provides a combination dart and roulette board which is relatively simple in its construction and which therefore may be readily manufactured at a relatively low cost and by simple manufacturing methods.
Still a further feature of the present invention provides a combined dart and roulette board which is rugged and durable and which therefore may be guaranteed by the manufacturer to withstand many years of the intended usage; one which is aesthetically pleasing and refined in appearance; one which may be sold with associated accessory equipment permitting the play of the complete game of darts and roulette therewith, or which may be sold separately with the individual able to purchase such additional parts to play darts and roulette separately from the board; and one which, otherwise, is well adapted to perform the services required of it, are further desirable features which have been borne in mind in the production and development of the present invention.
Other features and advantages of this invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, and in which like reference characters are employed to designate like parts throughout the same;
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a board constructed in accordance with the present invention mounted on a vertical wall;
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the board of FIG. 1, partially broken away to disclose details thereof;
FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the board;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the hinged pointer illustrated in the inoperative position; and
FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of the hinged pointer in the operative position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings there is illustrated a preferred form of a combination dart and roulette board constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and which is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 10, the board comprised of a disc shaped target 11 rotatably mounted about its axis in a frame 12 and adapted to be rotatably driven about its axis by a motor 13 disposed rearwardly of the frame.
The frame 12 is of a circular configuation having a back surface 21 and side walls 22 of a cylindrical configuration having one end connected with the peripheral edges of the back surface with the side walls extending outwardly normal thereto and terminating at outermost end 23, the outermost ends defining a horizontal plane parallel to the back surface and spaced outwardly therefrom. Defined interiorly of the side walls 22 and back surface 21 is a circular compartment 25 adapted to receive target 11 therein as will be later described. The back surface 21 is provided with an aperture 26 in the top portion thereof adapted to engage the outermost end of a hook member 27 projecting outwardly from a vertical wall surface 28 in a manner to support the frame 12 therefrom.
The motor 13 is mounted centrally of the back surface 21 on the exterior surface thereof and is provided with a motor shaft 31 projecting through an aperture 32 in the back wall 21 axially thereof and adapted to engage the target 11 as will be later described. The motor 13 is preferably of an electric motor adapted for operation on normal 115 volts alternating current and is provided with a power supply cord 33 having a plug 34 at the free end thereof adapted to be plugged into a typical standard electrical outlet 35, with a control switch 36 electrically interposed in the cord 33 to be operated in a manner energizing and de-energizing the motor 13.
The target 11 is in the form of a circular disc having a face surface 41, a parallel back surface 42, and cylindrical side walls 43 interconnecting the peripheral edges of the face and back. The target 11 is of a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the compartment 25 and is of a thickness slightly less than the depth of the compartment, the target adapted to be rotatably received in the compartment concentric therewith and connected to motor shaft 31 in a manner to supportably retain the target in the frame 12 in a manner rotative in the plane of the frame.
The face 41 of the target 11 is provided with a plurality of circumferally spaced pin like members 45 disposed at spaced apart intervals about the peripheral edge of the target face and projecting normal thereto. The face 41 is provided with a series of radially extending lines and concentric circles having numbers associated therewith defining a dart board type target surface, and is also provided with a series of random numbers disposed about the peripheral edge surface relative to the pins in a manner defining a conventional type roulette numbered board. It is to be understood that such markings are preferably imprinted directly on the face surface 41 with such face surface being of a penetrable material adapted to receive and retain therein the pointed ends of darts thrown thereagainst in a conventional manner, the lines thus not interfering in any way with the dart penetration of the target 11.
Mounted on the side wall 22, preferably at the top of the frame 12, is an elongated flexible pointer 51 projecting normal to a flange 52 hingedly connected by hinge pin 53 to a flange 54 secured to the side wall 22 by fasteners 55, such as screws, bolts or the like, with the pointer being pivotable about pin 53 to an operative position wherein the pointer projects parallel to the target face 41 in a direction toward the axis thereof and in a position to coact with pins 45 in typical standard roulette fashion, such operative position being designated generally in phantom configuration in FIG. 4 and indicated by reference numeral 56. The pointer 51 is pivotable about hinge pin 53 to the inoperative position wherein the pointer is disposed in the plane of the frame and does not project in front of the target face 41, thus avoiding any possible interference with darts being thrown at the target face.
In operation, the board 10 is mounted by hook 27 to the vertical wall surface 28, the switch 36 placed in the off position, and the plug 34 inserted into socket 35 preparatory to energize the motor 13.
To play the game of standard darts, the motor is not energized so that the target 11 is stationary, after which darts are thrown against the target face 41 in the normal manner with the scoring and play of the game proceding in any of the standard conventional manners. During this play of darts, the pointer 51 is placed in the inoperative position to avoid any possibility of interfering and deflecting a dart being thrown at the target face 41.
To play the game of standard conventional type roulette, the pointer 51 is placed in the operative position to coact with pins 45, after which switch 36 is utilized to energize motor 13 to spin the target 11 about its axis, switch 36 de-energizing the motor at a random time by manual operation of the players with the pointer slowing the rotation of the target by engagement with successive pins 45 until the target finally stops and the pointer indicates the winning number as imprinted on the target face 41.
To play the game of rotating darts, the pointer 51 is placed in the inoperative position, after which the motor 13 is energized to rotate the target 11 about its axis after which the players take turns in throwing darts thereagainst, but this time requiring a greater skill and expertise to strike desired portions of the dart board in view of the rotation of the same. In this regard, it is to be understood that this rotation of the dart board permits a player of great expertise to play against a player of little expertise in that the player of little expertise may throw his darts with the dart board in a stationary position, after which the dart board may be energized to rotate about its axis with the player of greater expertise having to strike intended targets while the dart board is moving, this placing the two players at a somewhat equal skill position so that players of unequal skills may play against each other with a high level of enjoyment not previously possible when a player of great skill could so easily win over a game played with a player of lesser skill.
In operation to play roulette rotating darts, the pointer 51 is placed in the inoperative position after which the motor 13 is energized to spin the target 11 about its axis, with the players then announcing a selected number to the other players and then attempting to throw a dart at the moving target to strike the announced number, a player winning if his dart strikes the number as announced and losing if his dart strikes any other number. The skill of this game is heightened by requiring that the players throw the darts to strike the target face in areas adjacent the projecting pins where the roulette numbers are imprinted on the target face.
There is thus provided a novel combined dart and roulette board permitting the play of both the game of darts and the game of roulette in ways other than the standard conventional ways thus both increasing the versatility and usefullness of the board while heightening the excitement and interest thereof.
It is to be understood that the form of this invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that this invention is not to be limited to the exact arrangement of parts shown in the accompanying drawings or described in this specification as various changes in the details of construction as to shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of the novel concepts thereof, or the scope of the sub-joined claims.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to games and more particularly to a novel combined dart and roulette board providing for the play of four separate games thereon with three of such games utilizing darts.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It has been known in the prior art to provide a dart board to be mounted on a suitable vertical surface or having a stand for supporting the same on a horizontal surface and adapted to receive darts therein, the face of the dart board being marked in various configurations for the play of different types of games thereon, such as standard darts, baseball, football, and the like played by an individual throwing darts at the board with the scoring and process of play depending upon where the darts strike the board. However, after numerous hours of play an individual soon develops a skill and expertise at striking the dart board in the desired location so that no further enjoyment or challenge is presented with the dart board soon falling into a state of disuse. It would thus be desirable to provide a dart board which would maintain an individual's interest regardless of an individual's skill and expertise as to always presenting a challenge thereto.
A further game which is popular in the home is the game of roulette which may be played using the conventional dish shaped apparatus having a rotating central member and a ball adapted to be spun about the outside of the dish member until falling into a pocket or the like disposed on a segment of the rotating member, the apparatus intended for operation in a horizontal plane by resting on a suitable support surface, such as a table or the like. A further way of playing the fame of roulette is by the use of a vertical wheel mounted at its axis for rotation thereabout and having a plurality of pins projecting outwardly from the circumferal surface thereof and spaced thereabout adapted to be engaged with a pointer disposed at the top of the frame of the board, rotation of the board effecting the series engagement of the pins with the pointer which effects the slowing of the board until finally the board stops with the pointer indicating the winning number as imprinted on the face of the board. The game of roulette is a popular party game played by a plurality of individuals, and in view of the separate equipment which must be purchased for the play of the game and the expense thereof only few homes and individuals have the game available for enjoyment at parties or the like. Further, the conventional play of the game of roulette soon becomes boring so that it would be desirable to provide a modification thereof which would enhance the enjoyability of the play thereof and require more of an individual skill and expertise rather than mere chance on the spinning of the board.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a novel combination dart board and roulette board which permits the playing of darts and roulette in the standard manner, and also permits the play of modified forms of such games in a manner to heighten the excitement and interest therein.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide a combined dart and roulette board which is of an increased versatility and usefullness by providing a stationary as well as a moving board permitting play of stationary or moving roulette and darts thereon.
A further feature of the present invention provides a combined dart and roulette board adapted to be used by persons of all ages and expertise and adapted to compensate for difference in skills between individuals, such as by one individual playing the game of standard darts with the board in a stationary position, with the other individual playing against said first individual and having a greater skill and expertise playing the same game of darts but having the board rotating requiring a greater skill to achieve a high score.
Still a further feature of the present invention provides a combined dart and roulette board adapted for the play of several games thereon without requiring time consuming changes or modifications thereto.
Yet still a further feature of the present invention provides a combined dart and roulette board which is motorized to rotate about its axis in a manner to enhance the playing of the games of darts and roulette by providing a moving target therefor.
Yet still a further feature of the present invention provides a combination dart and roulette board which is relatively simple in its construction and which therefore may be readily manufactured at a relatively low cost and by simple manufacturing methods.
Still a further feature of the present invention provides a combined dart and roulette board which is rugged and durable and which therefore may be guaranteed by the manufacturer to withstand many years of the intended usage; one which is aesthetically pleasing and refined in appearance; one which may be sold with associated accessory equipment permitting the play of the complete game of darts and roulette therewith, or which may be sold separately with the individual able to purchase such additional parts to play darts and roulette separately from the board; and one which, otherwise, is well adapted to perform the services required of it, are further desirable features which have been borne in mind in the production and development of the present invention.
Other features and advantages of this invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, and in which like reference characters are employed to designate like parts throughout the same;
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a board constructed in accordance with the present invention mounted on a vertical wall;
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the board of FIG. 1, partially broken away to disclose details thereof;
FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the board;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the hinged pointer illustrated in the inoperative position; and
FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of the hinged pointer in the operative position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings there is illustrated a preferred form of a combination dart and roulette board constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and which is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 10, the board comprised of a disc shaped target 11 rotatably mounted about its axis in a frame 12 and adapted to be rotatably driven about its axis by a motor 13 disposed rearwardly of the frame.
The frame 12 is of a circular configuation having a back surface 21 and side walls 22 of a cylindrical configuration having one end connected with the peripheral edges of the back surface with the side walls extending outwardly normal thereto and terminating at outermost end 23, the outermost ends defining a horizontal plane parallel to the back surface and spaced outwardly therefrom. Defined interiorly of the side walls 22 and back surface 21 is a circular compartment 25 adapted to receive target 11 therein as will be later described. The back surface 21 is provided with an aperture 26 in the top portion thereof adapted to engage the outermost end of a hook member 27 projecting outwardly from a vertical wall surface 28 in a manner to support the frame 12 therefrom.
The motor 13 is mounted centrally of the back surface 21 on the exterior surface thereof and is provided with a motor shaft 31 projecting through an aperture 32 in the back wall 21 axially thereof and adapted to engage the target 11 as will be later described. The motor 13 is preferably of an electric motor adapted for operation on normal 115 volts alternating current and is provided with a power supply cord 33 having a plug 34 at the free end thereof adapted to be plugged into a typical standard electrical outlet 35, with a control switch 36 electrically interposed in the cord 33 to be operated in a manner energizing and de-energizing the motor 13.
The target 11 is in the form of a circular disc having a face surface 41, a parallel back surface 42, and cylindrical side walls 43 interconnecting the peripheral edges of the face and back. The target 11 is of a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the compartment 25 and is of a thickness slightly less than the depth of the compartment, the target adapted to be rotatably received in the compartment concentric therewith and connected to motor shaft 31 in a manner to supportably retain the target in the frame 12 in a manner rotative in the plane of the frame.
The face 41 of the target 11 is provided with a plurality of circumferally spaced pin like members 45 disposed at spaced apart intervals about the peripheral edge of the target face and projecting normal thereto. The face 41 is provided with a series of radially extending lines and concentric circles having numbers associated therewith defining a dart board type target surface, and is also provided with a series of random numbers disposed about the peripheral edge surface relative to the pins in a manner defining a conventional type roulette numbered board. It is to be understood that such markings are preferably imprinted directly on the face surface 41 with such face surface being of a penetrable material adapted to receive and retain therein the pointed ends of darts thrown thereagainst in a conventional manner, the lines thus not interfering in any way with the dart penetration of the target 11.
Mounted on the side wall 22, preferably at the top of the frame 12, is an elongated flexible pointer 51 projecting normal to a flange 52 hingedly connected by hinge pin 53 to a flange 54 secured to the side wall 22 by fasteners 55, such as screws, bolts or the like, with the pointer being pivotable about pin 53 to an operative position wherein the pointer projects parallel to the target face 41 in a direction toward the axis thereof and in a position to coact with pins 45 in typical standard roulette fashion, such operative position being designated generally in phantom configuration in FIG. 4 and indicated by reference numeral 56. The pointer 51 is pivotable about hinge pin 53 to the inoperative position wherein the pointer is disposed in the plane of the frame and does not project in front of the target face 41, thus avoiding any possible interference with darts being thrown at the target face.
In operation, the board 10 is mounted by hook 27 to the vertical wall surface 28, the switch 36 placed in the off position, and the plug 34 inserted into socket 35 preparatory to energize the motor 13.
To play the game of standard darts, the motor is not energized so that the target 11 is stationary, after which darts are thrown against the target face 41 in the normal manner with the scoring and play of the game proceding in any of the standard conventional manners. During this play of darts, the pointer 51 is placed in the inoperative position to avoid any possibility of interfering and deflecting a dart being thrown at the target face 41.
To play the game of standard conventional type roulette, the pointer 51 is placed in the operative position to coact with pins 45, after which switch 36 is utilized to energize motor 13 to spin the target 11 about its axis, switch 36 de-energizing the motor at a random time by manual operation of the players with the pointer slowing the rotation of the target by engagement with successive pins 45 until the target finally stops and the pointer indicates the winning number as imprinted on the target face 41.
To play the game of rotating darts, the pointer 51 is placed in the inoperative position, after which the motor 13 is energized to rotate the target 11 about its axis after which the players take turns in throwing darts thereagainst, but this time requiring a greater skill and expertise to strike desired portions of the dart board in view of the rotation of the same. In this regard, it is to be understood that this rotation of the dart board permits a player of great expertise to play against a player of little expertise in that the player of little expertise may throw his darts with the dart board in a stationary position, after which the dart board may be energized to rotate about its axis with the player of greater expertise having to strike intended targets while the dart board is moving, this placing the two players at a somewhat equal skill position so that players of unequal skills may play against each other with a high level of enjoyment not previously possible when a player of great skill could so easily win over a game played with a player of lesser skill.
In operation to play roulette rotating darts, the pointer 51 is placed in the inoperative position after which the motor 13 is energized to spin the target 11 about its axis, with the players then announcing a selected number to the other players and then attempting to throw a dart at the moving target to strike the announced number, a player winning if his dart strikes the number as announced and losing if his dart strikes any other number. The skill of this game is heightened by requiring that the players throw the darts to strike the target face in areas adjacent the projecting pins where the roulette numbers are imprinted on the target face.
There is thus provided a novel combined dart and roulette board permitting the play of both the game of darts and the game of roulette in ways other than the standard conventional ways thus both increasing the versatility and usefullness of the board while heightening the excitement and interest thereof.
It is to be understood that the form of this invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that this invention is not to be limited to the exact arrangement of parts shown in the accompanying drawings or described in this specification as various changes in the details of construction as to shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of the novel concepts thereof, or the scope of the sub-joined claims.