Patent GB-380883-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to mechanical race game apparatus
IPC: A63F9/14
Filed: 1931-07-18
Abstract: 380,883. Race game apparatus. MILLER, Y. B., Naut, Warsash, Hampshire. July 18, 1931, No. 20579. [Class 132 (ii).] Mechanical race game apparatus comprises a track 1 composed of a number of flexible bands 2 mounted on end rollers 3, 3a, figures 19 representing greyhounds mounted above the track 1 on supporting uprights 18 extending through the longitudinal spaces between the track bands 2, and power transmitting means to move the bands longitudinally and at the same time to move the figures 19 in the reverse direction thereto, preferably at a lesser speed. Fences 27 are arranged along the track and means are provided automatically to impart characteristic movements to the figures 19 and to raise the figures while passing a fence. Means are also provided whereby the individual figures may at times have their progress arrested. Along the back edge of the track 1 is arranged a flexible band 5 mounted on vertical end rollers 6, 6a and having scenery painted thereon. This band 5 and the track bands 2 are preferably formed with short inserts of elastic webbing to take up slackness and may also be stiffened with cross members. The band 5 has a flexible wire sewn into the top edge thereof. The bands 2, 5 are driven in unison by means of belts and non-slip sheaves, or, as shown, by sets of chains 7 and sprocket wheels 8 connected with operating handles 9 by free wheel hubs 10 in such a manner that the weight of the drive is divided between the handles, giving the fastest winder the heaviest work. Motion is transmitted from the drum 3, which is rotated by the chains 7, to the drum 6 by means of toothed bevel wheels 11, 12 and a connecting shaft 13, or by means of a twisted belt. The bands 2 are supported on wooden strips 14 attached to spaced bearers 15 which are recessed at 16 below the longitudinal spaces 17 of the track. The uprights 18 carrying the figures 19 are attached to brackets 20 slidably mounted on guide rails 21 adjacent to the track surface. The figures 19 are moved by means of cords 22 leading from the brackets 20 through grooves 23 in spaced flanges 4 of the rollers 3 to winding drums 24 associated through the medium of spring- controlled clutch members 25 and transmission gearing 26 with the respective handles 9. The clutch members 25 permit automatic disengagement of a particular winding drum 24 from its handle during the race. A similar clutch element is provided on the roller 3 to permit its disengagement from the handles at the end of the race. The fences 27 have gaps at 28 for the passage of the uprights 18, and are mounted on spring hinges so as to give when passing the end rollers 3, 3a. A model of a hare may, if desired, be arranged to move along the track always in advance of the leading greyhound figure 19. The figures 19 are made of rubber or the like, or of rigid jointed sections, and characteristic movements are imparted thereto by means of link connections 29 articulated with a lever 30 adapted to be tripped by obstructions 31 on the edge of the adjacent track band 2. When the figures are built of rigid jointed sections springs are provided to make the limbs of the figures assume their former positions on release of the lever 30 from the obstruction 31, but when rubber figures are employed this is unnecessary. At the the edge of each track band 2 a projection 32 is arranged to trip a spring-controlled lever 33 mounted on the bracket 20 of the adjacent figure 19, and so to turn a pivotal bell crank lever 34 which lifts the upright 18 supporting the figure to the required extent within a vertical socket 35 of the bracket 20, so that the figure is raised when passing a fence. To cause the figures occasionally to hesitate in approaching a fence 27, a second spring-controlled lever 36 is mounted on each bracket 20, and is provided with an upper portion normally maintained in the path of the projection 32 by engagement of a lower ball-carrying portion of the lever with a strip 37 arranged below the track surface, suitable gaps 38 being provided at unequal distances along the strip, so that if the stud 32 contacts with the upper portion of the lever 36 while the lower portion thereof is in engagement with an uninterrupted portion oi the strip 37, the bracket 20 will be temporarily locked with the track band until the lever 36 reaches one of the gaps 38, causing the figure to move forward again. At the end of the track is pivotally mounted a concealed winning post 39 which is automatically raised into its operating position against a spring 40 on engagement of the support of the leading figure 19 with a corresponding trigger 41, which is connected by a rod 42 with a pawl 43 arranged to move out of engagement with a releasing member 44 and so to permit arms 45 to move under the action of the spring 40 into braking engagement with the flanges 4 of the drum 3, also causing the member 44 to lift the winning post 39 through the medium of connecting- rods 46. When the figures 19 are moved towards the starting end of the track the winning post is returned to its concealed position under the influence of the spring 40 and a further spring 47 on the rod 42. At the starting end a partitioned structure 48 is provided as a series of kennels wherein the figures 19 are housed until the beginning of the race. The structure 48 is carried by a cantilever mechanism 49 which enables it to be drawn forward against spring resistance and held by a suitable automatic catch 50, hinged closure flaps for the kennels being also held by a catch until, at the commencement of the race, the figures 19 press against these flaps until a stud on one of the bands 2 strikes first the catch holding the flaps and subsequently the catch holding the structure 48, which thereupon returns to its former position. The apparatus is enclosed in a box-like structure 51 which is separated and hingedly reconnected by links 52 to facilitate folding, toothed quadrants 53 being fitted to ensure accurate alignment of the sections when in use. The apparatus may be adapted for operation by an electric motor or other power means. Instead of dogs and hurdles other representations may be employed, and instead of endless track bands 2, strips anchored at their ends to the end rollers 3, 3a may be used. Cam and ramp mechanism may be fitted to give the figures the desired elevating and retarding effects. Automatic visual and/or audible warning appliances, such as electric lamps or bells, may be used in conjunction with or in substitution for the winning post 39. The apparatus may be constructed for indoor or outdoor use, and may be adapted for coin actuation by the provision of suitable coinfreed mechanism.