Patent GB-430435-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to coin operated amusement apparatus
IPC: G07F17/38
Filed: 1933-12-27
Abstract: 430,435. Table games. BRECKNELL, MUNRO, & ROGERS (1928), Ltd., Pennywell Road, DOLMAN, H. J., Church Road, Staple Hill, and TRIPP, E. J., Hillcroft, Stonehill, Hanham, all in Bristol. Dec. 27, 1933, Nos. 36314/33, 19647/34, and 24586/34. [Class 132 (ii)] [See also Group XVIII] Relates to an amusement apparatus of the type comprising a table on which coins may be rolled or otherwise delivered, the surface of the table being provided with electric contacts so that when a coin is delivered to certain positions on the table an electric current will be established to register a win and/or deliver a prize. The invention consists in providing slow-moving mechanism that after a time delay, sets into action means for clearing the table of the accumulated coins. A coin is inserted in a slot 12, Fig. 1, in a swivelling shoot 6 which may then be tipped by the player to roll the coin on to a table 1 provided with electric contacts 2, 3. If the coin bridges corresponding contacts a win is indicated or a prize is delivered. The contacts are connected to a mercury switch 4 carried by the table. A clockwork-controlled arm 31 is rotated in counterclockwise direction by a driving spring 33 until it displaces a trigger 28 and allows a counterweighted switch arm and mercury switch 22 to rock and energize a solenoid 21. The solenoid plunger 15 moves upward and its upper looped end displaces a latch to permit the table to tilt about an axis 13 and discharge the coins therefrom. The lower end of the solenoid plunger rocks a lever 34 to restore the clockwork controlled arm 31. The mercury switch 4 breaks a circuit to put the win registering or prize-delivering apparatus out of action, and a rod 38 re-engages the switch arm 24 with its trigger 28. The return of the solenoid plunger restores the table to playing position. In order to prevent a player from obtaining a prize by jolting the apparatus so as to cause a coin to bridge the gap between two electric contacts 2, 3, a vertically-movable arm 45 is arranged above the trigger 28. If the apparatus is jolted a pair of spring-balanced levers each having one end against the casing, depresses the arm 45 and liberates the trigger 28 thus causing the tipping of the table. When the table is in the tipped position a spring closure arm 55 prevents a coin being rolled from the shoot 6 but the arm is displaced by contact with the table if the latter is locked in the horizontal position. In a modification, Fig. 8, the shield portion 57 on the casing prevents the insertion of coins unless the coin delivery shoot 6 is tipped back. The tipping movements of the shoot rotate, intermittently, a cam 68 which ultimately tips a holding trigger 69 and allows the table 1 to tip. The tipping movement of the table raises a trip rod 83 and allows a counterweight arm 74 to fall and pull down a rod 77 to restore the table to horizontal position. The counterweighted arm is restored by a connection 62 operated by the next downward movement of the delivery shoot 6. In order to liberate the table and thus prevent fraudulent use by jolting the apparatus, a ball 90 is supported on a pedestal. A jolt causes the ball to fall on to a pivoted tray 87 which then tips and displaces the table-holding trigger 69 to permit the table to tip. The ball is restored to its pedestal by the next rocking movement (to coin-receiving position) of the delivery shoot 6. To prevent the insertion of a wire through the coin shoot in order fraudulently to move the coins on the table, a curved lever is arranged with its ends projecting into the coin shoot so as to obstruct the passage of a wire but allow, by an oscillating movement, the passage of the coin.