Patent GB-257521-A (GB)
Title: An improved race game apparatus
IPC: A63F9/14
Filed: 1926-04-06
Abstract: 257,521. Vivian, E. V. April 6, 1926. Race games, mechanical. - A race game apparatus comprises a number of models or figures such as horses or automobiles mounted upon electrically-driven carriages which travel from a starting barrier to a finishing post upon sets of rails arranged to form an approximately oval track (a separate set of rails for each figure) the electric current being supplied through a transformer or other means to each set of rails and so to the motor of each carriage through a corresponding number of independent circuits with hand-wheel operated switch devices operated by the several players or competitors, each player controlling one of the independent circuits, each circuit including a rheostat whereby the current supplied to the motor therein may be adjusted, and each set of rails having that portion between the finishing post and the starting barrier insulated from the main portion, the current for operating the motors over such insulated portion of the rails being an independent current solely under the control of the attendant in charge of the apparatus. In Fig 2 is shown a plan view of the track and in Fig. 4 a cross-section. The track comprises a number of sets of rails each set consisting of two outer carrying-rails 17 and a central feeder rail 18. A four-wheeled carriage 24 surmounted by a model 28 and carrying an electric motor runs on each set of rails and receives current from the central rail, the return being through the outer rails. The rails between the starting barrier 22 and the finishing post 21 are insulated from the remaining rails so that the motors will cease to be energized as soon as the winning post is passed. Each competitor is provided with a handle 30 corresponding to a model. The maximum speed of the model is obtained by rotating the handle at a certain critical speed determined by the switch device shown in Fig. 5. This comprises an insulated tube 40 containing a bead of mercury. The tube is rotated about a shaft 32 through gearing 31 connected to the player's handle. If the speed is neither too great nor too small, centrifugal force moves the bead within the tube so as to short-circuit a resistance in the driving circuit and thus to increase the current through the motor and increase the speed of the carriage. The inclination of the mercury tube 40 may be adjusted by a screw 42. A rheostat is included in each circuit so that the differences in length of the several sets of rails, and variations in the motors may be compensated for. In playing a game, the players rotate their handles and the attendant closes a main switch, thus energizing an electromagnet 74, Fig. 8, which rocks a lever 72 and releases the starting barrier 22. The barrier rises under spring action and a hammer 76 strikes a gong 77. The carriages, propelled by their motors, move along the track and are accelerated by correct turning of the handles. As soon as the leading horse passes the winning post its number is automatically indicated on a marking board, and the horses on passing on to the insulated sections of the rails are stopped by brake plates 54 hinged to pivoted track boards 50 which carry depending rods 51 arranged above arms 59 connected to a hand lever 60. The attendant switches off the main current and pulls the hand-lever 60 thereby releasing the brakes and closing an electrical contact 61 to supply current to the insulated section and thus move the horses forward to the barrier, a cord 63 at the same time lowering the starting gate.