Improvements in Apparatus for Playing Games and like Purposes.
Year: 1896

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Playing Games and like Purposes.
I, HENRY MARLES, of 72 Cobden Road, Brighton, Sussex, Mechanic, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The invention consists of an improved apparatus or device for projecting or
shooting pieces, balls, or any other form of projectile that may be used in play-
ing games of skill, such as are usually played upon a table or other similar surface.
The said apparatus or projector may, if desired, be made to resemble the figure
of a man.
It is preferably stamped in one piece from sheet steel or other suitable material,
and consists of two substantially parallel, vertical strips or spring legs, having a
parallel space between and being connected at their base and continued behind in
à horizontal direction to form a stand for the figure or projector. The said legs
are also connected at their upper ends and continued to form the body of the figure,
or may terminate in a flat piece somewhat resembling the handle of an ordinary
tea-spoon to be held between the finger and thumb of the operator. The parallel
space between the two said legs is occupied by a spring tongue or strip, connected
at its upper end to the handle or body of the figure and having its lower end free,
being slightly shorter than the said outer legs. The centre tongue or strip to-
gether with the two outer legs forming three substantially vertical,, parallel strips
which are preferably bent slightly backwards or curved to form them into spring
bows.
It will now be evident that by depressing the handle or body of the figure or
projector, the two outer legs will bend first, allowing the centre tongue to descend
until its lower end comes in contact with the base, when the said tongue will also
bend, being prevented from slipping forward at its lower end by a slight ridge or
catch which is provided for that purpose on the said base.
When the said tongue together with the outer legs are sufficiently bent or bowed
the handle is forced slightly forward, causing the lower end of the centre tongue
to slip over the afore-mentioned ridge or catch, and spring forward, acting as a
projector or kicker, when operated sufficiently near to the object to be projected.
Directly the pressure is taken off the handle, the spring legs and tongue return
automatically to their normal positions. When formed in imitation of the figure
of a man, one of the two aforementioned outer legs may be dispensed with, the
projector standing on one leg only, the spring tongue representing the other leg,
and the catch formerly described as provided on the base of the figure may, if.
desirable, be formed on the fixed leg."
The preferred form of game suitable for this invention is as follows, but it is to
be understood that the apparatus here described may be used for any other form of
ame or adapted to any other like purpose.

page_text: The game to be played by two sides each consisting of one or more players,
each side being provided with a similar number of dises or other suitably shaped
pieces, which are preferably known by distinguishing colours, and with a goal of
any suitable formation. The two goals being placed upon a table in opposite
positions, at a suitable distance apart, and each having the discs or pieces of one
of the opposing sides ranged in front thereof. An extra disc or piece, represent-
ing a ball, is then placed about midway between the goals, the object of each side
being to force the ball into their opponents' goal by projecting their own pieces
against it, by means of one of the spring projectors hereinbefore described."
Dated this 16th day of September 1896.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
Improvements in Apparatus for Playing Games and like Purposes.
I, HENRY MARLES, of 72 Cobden Road, Brighton, Sussex, Mechanic, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This invention consists of an improved apparatus or device for projecting or
shooting pieces,, balls or any other form of projectile that may be used in playing
games of skill such as are usually played upon a table or other similar surface.
Figs. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings represent front and side view
respectively of one form of the apparatus. It is preferably stamped in one piece
from sheet steet or other suitable material, and consists of two substantially
parallel, vertical strips or spring legs "A" "A," supported on a base "B," and
having a spring tongue "C" between them. The upper part "D" serving as a
handle to be held between the finger and thumb of the operator.
Figs. 3 and 4 show the manner of using the apparatus.
The handle "1" is held between, the finger and thumb and depressed until all
three springs are sufficiently bent, the lower end of the centre tongue being
retained by the, catch or ridge E." The handle is then forced slightly forward
causing the lower end of the said tongue to slip over the said catch or ridge and
spring forward acting as a projector or kicker when operated sufficiently near to
a disc or other projectile.
Figs. 5 and 6 are front and side views of a modified form of the apparatus, made
to resemble the figure or outline of a man, and having the catch "E" for retaining
the spring tongue or leg "C" formed on the fixed leg "A."
The preferred form of game suitable for this invention is as follows, but it is
to be understood that the apparatus here described may be used for any other form
of game, or adapted to any other like purpose.
The game to be played by two sides each consisting of one or more players, each
side being provided with a similar number of discs or pieces, which are known
by distinguishing colours, and with a goal of any suitable formation.
The two goals being placed on a table in opposite positions, at a suitable
distance apart, and each having the discs or pieces of one of the opposing sides
ranged in front thereof. An extra disc or piece representing the ball is then
placed about midway between the goals, the object of each side being to force the
said ball into their opponents' goal by projecting their own pieces against it, by
means of one of the spring projectors hereinbefore described.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said In-
vention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:-
The manufacture and use of apparatus, substantially as, and for the purposes
hereinbefore described and ascertained by the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 12th day of June 1897
HENRY MARLES.