An Improved Substitute for Dice.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 25th July, 1896-Accepted, 26th Sept., 1896
An Improved Substitute for Dice.
I, HERMANN BRAUKMANN, of Villingen, in the Grand Duchy of Baden
German Empire, Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of my invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described aud
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
The present invention consists of a device which may be employed in connection
with games of chance as a substitute for dice.
In order to render the present specification more easily intelligible reference is
had to the accompanying drawing in which similar letters of reference denote
similar parts throughout the several views:-
Fig. 1 is a plan and Fig. 2 side elevation of the device.
The device consists of a casing having top and bottom a and b in which are
mounted three rotary discs ccc having figures thereon, preferably from 1 to 6 or
instead of figures dots may be arranged thereon as on dice. In the circle described
by each of the rings of figures or dots y an opening is arranged in the casing as
shown at h, through which one figure of the disc is visible at a time. The said
discs are mounted ou suitable spindles and provided with ratchet wheels d one for
each diec. In the centre of the casing a lever f extending out of the latter and
having formed thereon a number of pawls e e e corresponding to the number of
ratchet wheels and dises and adapted when the lever is shifted round its pivot to be
brought into and out of engagement with said wheels.
The said lever may if desired be spring pressed to retain said ratchet wheels,
but this is not absolutely necessary. The discs are each driven by any suitable
clockwork, being advantageously adapted to rotate somewhat quickly when
released from the detent pawls. I do not confine myself to any particular form
of clockwork, which may or may not be located in the casing a b.
The operation of the device is very simple :-On depressing the lever, as
shown at Figure 1 from, its position the discs will be free to revolve bringing
various numbers behind the openings h as soon as the lever is released or returned
to its former position. Thus a similar effect will be produced as when throwing
dice.
The discs ccc should advantageously not be coupled and may if desired rotate
at varying speeds by any suitable means.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The combination of a casing, a series of discs rotatively mounted therein and
means for rotating same in the manner specified, ratchet wheels attached to said
disc spindles, and a series of pawls pivotally mounted to a common centre of said
casing and a lever extending out of said casing to actuate said pawls substantially
as described, and a series of figures or dots on said discs one of which on each disc
is visible when the discs are stopped.
2. The combination of a casing a b having orifices has specified, a series of
discs rotatively mounted therein and having figures or dots as described, a ratchet
wheel on the centre pin of each disc, and a series of pawls mounted on a common

page_text: pivot in the casing and capable of engagement with said ratchet wheels, a lever
to actuate said pawls and means for rotating the said discs substantially as
described.
Dated this 25th day of July 1896.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.