Apparatus for Playing Bagatelle and similar Games.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Sept., 1891-Accepted, 7th Nov., 1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Apparatus for Playing Bagatelle and similar Games.
I ROBERT PROSSER of Victoria Street, Gloucester in the City and County of
Gloucester, Furniture Dealer 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 apparatus for playing various games indoors, such
as bagatelle, pyramids and games of a similar nature.
At one end of the table which may be termed the playing end, a board is arranged
with the necessary cups or holes for retaining the balls as in bagatelle, also pockets
which may consist of two or more being placed in suitable positions at the side of
the table or board.
At the other end of the table in the centre is arranged a pivotted shoot, which
is capable (by means of gear to be subsequently described) of moving in either
direction.
At one side of the table is placed a jointed shoot, fixed guide and other apparatus
necessary for playing the game or games.
When ready to play the player places his ball at the top of jointed shoot, and
lifts same to desired angle for speed, and then with a lever arranged in connection
therewith, starts the ball rolling.
The shoot being jointed it is at the discretion of the player, to raise the top part
of jointed shoot to any height to give a greater or less speed to the ball when
starting.
At the same time the player by means of a sliding bar connected to cranked
lever or rod, moves the pivotted shoot at other end in either direction necessary
either for cushioning at either side or end of the table, or playing at the ball, balls,
pockets or holes direct, the shoot being in the centre of the table, allowing of this
being done.
The ball being played, the player looses the lever or handle in connection with
jointed shoot, which drops to its normal position by reason of its weight or by the
assistance of a spring if thought necessary.
The player at the same time releases the sliding bar connected to pivotted shoot,
which asserts its normal position (that is central) by means of spiral springs, or
other suitable mechanism arranged in connection therewith.
I may also if thought convenient, place the pivotted shoot, and apparatus for
playing the game or games at the same end.
Referring to the accompanying drawings
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of improved apparatus.
Fig. 2 is a plan.
Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation of apparatus for raising jointed shoot, and starting
ball.
Fig. 4 is a side elevation of same.
A is the table and B portion of same; this being loose, and having necessary
cups for bagatelle. The loose piece B being secured in its place by springs and
capable of being turned over, so that a plain board for other games is uppermost.
C is a trough for holding balls, which can be slided in or out.
D is a fixed guide for balls, while E is jointed at F, and can be raised to any
desired position.
G is a pivotted shoot which can be turned in either direction by means of the
sliding bar H, and rod I, the bar J being secured to the stud of pivot G, and con-
nected to table or board with springs K. K. which brings the pivotted shoot G back

page_text: Fig. 3 and 4 show an enlarged scale of the apparatus for raising the jointe
shoot E, and starting balls.
M is a handle fixed to tube whereby the jointed guide E is raised up to height
desired.
N the lever whereby the ball by means of the bar O is lifted to start the ball.
It will readily be seen that the pivotted shoot and apparatus could all be
arranged at the playing end, also that the fixed guide, jointed guide, and other
parts appertaining thereto, with the board or table can be folded up or detached if
necessary.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is;
The combination of parts constituting the apparatus for playing at bagatelle or
similar games, constructed, arranged and operated in the manner hereinbefore
described and shown in the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 28th day of September 1891.