Golf game

May 1, 1934

F. L. FOX ET AL

1,957,331

GOLF GAME

Filed Nov. 30, 1928 6 Sheets-Sheet 1

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May 1, 1934.

F. L. FOX ET AL

1,957,331

GOLF GAME

Filed Nov. 30, 1928

Sheets-Sheet 2

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May 1, 1934.

F. L. FOX ET AL

GOLF GAME

1,957,331

Filed Nov. 30, 1928 6 Sheets-Sheet 3

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<img file="US1957331A_D0006.tif" />

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May 1, 1934.

F. L. FOX ET AL

GOLF GAME

1,957,331

Filed Nov. 30, 1928

Sheets-Sheet 4

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May 1, 1934.

F. L. FOX ET AL

GOLF GAME

1,957,331

Filed Nov. 30, 1928 6 Sheets-Sheet 5

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May 1, 1934

F. L. FOX ET AL

GOLF GAME

1,957,331

Filed Nov. 30, 1928

Sheets-Sheet 6

<img file="US1957331A_D0011.tif" />

Patented May 1, 1934

1,957,331

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

1,957,331

GOLF GAME

Frederick L. Fox, Washington, D. C., and Frank C. Gibson, Fairfax, Va.

Application November 30, 1928, Serial No. 322,885

Claims. (CI. 273—87)

This invention relates to an improved game of the species embodying a game board whose surface is printed, painted, or otherwise patterned to provide a complete playing field intended to ΰ accommodate one or more indicators which are movable successively over predetermined sectors and areas of the playing field in a systematic and orderly manner from an established starting point to a distant finishing point, depending on 10 the action of a player-actuated device, and it has more particular reference to a structural organization of this class which is made and designed to provide a golf game.

In carrying out the invention, we provide a 15 base in the nature of a game board, and this Is preferably constructed in the form of a low' table to rest firmly on a floor or other support at a suitable elevation. The face of the board is designed and charted to represent a miniature 20 golf course. Associated with, and systematically movable over the distinct sectors of the course are appropriately fashioned indicators. In addition, one or more impact devices are provided and constructed to be actuated by the players. 25 Each device includes a movable impact element (preferably a regulation golf ball) intended to be actuated by a blow from a conventional golf club and constructed to operate in conjunction with and coincident to the indicators in proper 50 relation so that the indicators automatically and properly record the degree of movement and power of the blow imparted to the impact device, whereby the indicators move a distance in proper proportion to the power of the blow imparted to S3 the impact element.

A primary aim is to generally improve upon known patented and marketed games of this class by providing one which is characterized by a number of distinguishable features such as O intimately cooperate in producing a novel and new organization of details so associated as to produce a complete structure providing the sensational effects of the actual game of golf as played on an out-of-doors course.

We have evolved and reduced to practice a game which may be easily learned, one which is designed and patterned in a manner to make it entirely realistic, serviceable, dependable and positive in operation, and one which requires 53 prudent judgement, and skill such as not only familiarize the players with the actual game, but enhances their capabilities, enthusiam, and skill.

The structure, while primarily an amusement 55 device, is further desirable in that it is fascinat ing, and appropriately instructive, for it will teach both juveniles and older persons the rudiments and etiquette of an actual game of golf on the out-of-doors course.

Introducing further a salient object, we deem 66' it advisable to mention the development of an invention of this class which is regarded as a mechanical achievement in the art, one which is practicable, modern and distinctive, both as to idea, and result, highly efficient in performance, 65 smooth and quiet in operation, previously unequaled in the art, and capable of fulfilling the requirements of a structure of this class in a satisfactory and suitable manner.

In the drawings: 70^:

Figure 1 is a top plan view, showing diagrammatically, a golf game constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view taken on a horizontal plane beneath the top of the game board, 75 showing the single electric motor and power transmission means.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary contracted top plan view, in elevation and section, showing one section or sector of the playing field. 80

Figure 4 is a view in section and elevation showing a novel impact device with a cover- plate of the mechanism casing removed.

Figure 5 is a top view showing a return speed regulating governor structure for the impact ele- 35 ment.

Figure 6 is a horizontal sectional view taken approximately upon the plane of the line 6—6 of Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a vertical sectional and fragmentary 90 view taken approximately upon the plane of the line 7—7 of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a view taken upon the plane of the line 8—8 of Figure 4.

Figure 9 is a cross sectional view taken approx- 95 imately upon the plane of the line 9—9 of Figure 3.

Figure 10 is a view in section and elevation showing a novel selective clutch structure constituting an important factor of the invention. 19.3

Figure 11 is a horizontal section taken on the line 11—11 of Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a fragmentary detailed view observing a portion of one of the pulleys of the clutch structure. 105

Figure 13 is a view in elevation, on an enlarged scale, of one of the movable indicators.

Figure-14 is likewise a view of the same indicator, with a portion broken away and shown in section to disclose the construction more plainly, no

1,957,331

Figure 15 is a horizontal sectional view somewhat similar to Figure 2, showing a modified form of power transmission means.

Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 15 with certain of the details in Figure 15 eliminated to disclose the endless power cable means.

Figure 17 is a view, of a contracted type, taken approximately upon the plane of the line 17—17 of Figure 15.

Figure 18 is a detailed view of one of the movable indicators employed in this embodiment of the invention.

Figure 19 is a vertical section through Figure 18, the view being taken at approximately right angles to Figure 18.

Figure 20 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the game table showing a different embodiment of electro-mechanical motor control device.

Figure 21 is a horizontal sectional view taken approximately upon the plane of the line 21—21 of Figure 20.

Figure 22 is an exaggerated cross sectional view taken approximately upon the plane of the line 22—22 of Figure 21.

Figure 23 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional and elevational view taken substantially on the line 23—23 of Figure 22.

Figure 24 is a transverse or horizontal section taken on the line 24—24 of Figure 23.

Figure 25 is a detail view of the pressure relief valve and adjustable vent means.

Figure 26 is a horizontal section on the line 26—-26 of Figure 25.

The base or game board

One of the principal details of this invention is that part which is generally mentioned as a base, the same being designated by the reference character 25. The base is preferably in the form of a game board of suitable proportions, and is more precisely in the nature of a table having short supporting legs so as to dispose the board close to the floor or other supporting surface. As before intimated, the surface of this board is charted or otherwise laid off to provide a playing field commonly called a “golf course” or the “links”. In laying off the field, the figures and representations depicted are of a general diversified nature. For instance, there are representations of various forms of hazards representing natural and artificial obstacles, thus lending an appearance of reality and appeal to this part of the structure. The present board is laid off to provide a nine hole golf course and the “holes” are here distinguished as individual sectors or sections arranged in proper sequence as indicated by the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. Each sector embodies a fairway 26, at one end of which is the teeing ground 27 and at the opposite end of which is the putting green 28. This green 28 also· includes the customary cup or “hole” 29, it being the object of this game, as in the usual out-ofdoors game, to move the indicator in the least number of strokes from the teeing ground into the cup on the putting green.

In accordance with the present invention, the fairway 26 is made up as shown for instance in Figure 9. Here the reference character 30 designates an embedded or inlaid plate having a series of spaced parallel slots 31, 32, 33 and 34. This is arranged as a cover over a partitioned box 35 suspended from the under side of the board and providing a housing or casing for a plurality of power transmission and propulsion cables, all of which are designated by the reference characters 36. These are arranged directly beneath the slots 31 to 34 inclusive. The reference character 37 designates freely rotatable star wheels which overlie the cables as shown and prevent 80 displacement of the cables through the slots as will be hereinafter seen. Obviously, the cables 36 serve to move the indicators 38 along the fairway. Incidentally, it will be noted that we provide at least four distinguishable indicators 38 in order 85 to permit the game to be played single, twosome, threesome, and foursome.

The field indicators

The indicators are preferably in the form of 90 miniature golf balls. For instance, as shown in Figures 13 and 14 (showing one form of indicator) the ball 39 is mounted on a small circular base 40 having a plurality of prongs 41 which straddle the operating cable and which are held 95 in place by a retention spring 42. As indicated in Figure 1 and also again in Figure 3, the indicators are to be of distinguishable colors, each player being represented by his selected color.

It has been found convenient for instance as 100 shown in Figure 3 to provide colored markers 43, 44, 45 and 46 at the teeing ends of the slots on each sector. At 43 the marker is blue, at 44 it is red, at 45 green, at 46 white. A manually regulated pointer generally is designated 105 by the reference character 47 in Figure 1 and this is selectively positioned according to the particular color being played at the time. (This pointer 47 is seen in Figure 10 where it is associated with other details to be hereinafter de- 110 scribed.) It may be mentioned here, as also shown in Figure 1, that the pointer cooperates directly with a set of four complemental colored disks 43', 44', 45', and 46'. The utilization of this pointer, the colored markers, and disks, will 115 be clear as the description proceeds.

The electro mechanical player actuated means

While considering this general base construction in Figure 1 we also call attention to refer- 120 ence character 48 which designates generally a player actuated impact device at the left, and 49 a corresponding device at the right. It is proper to say here that 48 designates a device for a right hand player and 49 a device for a left hand play- 125 er. Thus the game is adapted for use by both right and left hand players. Moreover, the reference character 50 designates an operating means for a motor reversing switch comprising a turnable pointer cooperable with indexes 51 130 and 52 associated with a reversible electric motor to be hereafter described. The index 51 is for forward driving, that is, movement of the indicator 38 in a direction from left to right along fairway No. 1. The button 52 is for reverse of the 135 motor for movement of the indicator in a retrograde or return direction from right to left along the same fairway. The advantage of these features will also be clear as the description proceeds. 140

Motor and selective clutch structure

Closely associated with the features 50, 51 and 52 (Figure 1) is an electric motor 53 of the reversible type shown in Figure 2. This is mount- 145 ed on a hanger plate 54 in a position to operate a series or gang of pulleys. In this connection attention is naturally directed to Figure 10 wherein this pulley construction is shown. The structure here is characterized particularly by a novel 150

1,95 selective clutch structure. It is proper, however, to note first that 55 designates the motor shaft provided with a worm 56 meshing with the threads of a worm gear 57 mounted on a worm 5 drive sleeve 58. This sleeve is journaled for rotation in appropriate bearings 59 and it is provided with diametrically opposite longitudinal slots 60. Mounted for operation between the bearings and surrounding the sleeve are the idler10 drive pulleys 61, 62, 63 and 64, respectively, which cooperate with the power cables 36. The hub portions of the pulleys are formed to provide key-ways 65 for registration with the slots 60 and for cooperation with a pair of spring-pressed 15 pivotally mounted clutch fingers 66. These fingers are mounted on a slidable and rotary core or shaft member 67 which is plainly shown is actuated normally in a direction from left to right by a spring 68 in order that the pointed 2o spindle 69 on the right hand end may be selectively engaged with a manually adjusted segmental cam 70. This segmental cam is carried by a shaft 71 which also carries the aforesaid regulation pointer 47. Moreover as shown in 25 Figure 11 the peripheral edge of this segment is formed with circumferentially spaced and properly arranged depressions or seats 61α, 62α, 63α, and 64α adapted to be matched respectively with the complemental pulleys 61, 62, 63 and 64. In 30 addition there is a neutral pocket or depression at 72 in which the spindle 69 is normally projected. It is obvious that the segmental element 70 acts as a cam and moves the clutch fingers 66 one step further as it is turned in the direc₃₅ tion from right to left in Figure 11. In other words when the spindle 69 is received in the seat 61α this brings the fingers 66 into position to clutch the pulley 61 so that it operates while the remaining pulleys idle. The free ends of 40 the fingers are so made as to be projected through the slots 60 to snap into the key-ways 65 in an obvious manner.

Power cables

It is to be noted in connection with this pul-⁵ ley drive and clutch structure that the cables 36 are of endless form, extending over a series of supplemental horizontally disposed guide pulleys 73 somewhat as shown in Figure 2 whereby a single electric motor, gearing and pulley and co clutch structure may be properly used for actuating the indicators irrespective of the sector on which they are being played at the time. While considering Figure 2 it will be observed that 74 designates generally a reversing switch of for the motor 53 which is controlled as before stated by the means 50 as shown in Figure 1. In other words, when the pointer is opposite the index button 51 the motor is actuated to drive the indicators forwardly and when it is opposite the button 52 the direction of the motor is reversed to drive them in an opposite direction.

Impact means

We consider it appropriate to describe now in detail the impact devices 48 and 49. Of course these devices are exactly the same in construction except that the elements are reversed in order that they may be employed by right and left hand players respectively. Hence, a ^L description of one device will suffice for both. The primary details of the device are seen in Figures 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Broadly, each device embodies a motor-control switch so made and 7·; timed in its operation as to cause the movable ',331 3 indicators (through the medium of the motor and selective clutch structure) on the playing field to move a distance proportionate to the power of the blow imparted by the golf club to the impact element of the impact device. In ac- 80 complishing this, we have found it convenient, in one instance, to employ, as seen in Figure 4, a box-like casing 75 in which the motor control switch 76 is mounted. This switch includes a stationary contact 77 and a movable contact 85 78. The movable contact is cooperable with what is hereinafter described as a travelling disk 79. This disk is threaded and operable on a screw-threaded portion 80 of a rotary shaft 81 journaled in appropriate bearings in the casing. 90 On one side the disk is formed with a notch which rides up and down on a stationary retaining key or rib 82 as shown in Figure 6. There is also a peripheral notch of a relatively large degree on one side of the disk adj a- 95 cent to which a bracket 83 is mounted to position it for cooperation with the spring contact 78 of the switch. The reference character 84 designates a return spring and 85 designates generally the movable player-actuated unit of 100 the impact device. This unit comprises an arm 86 carried by the lower end of the shaft 81 and in turn carrying a regulation golf ball 87. It is to be noted that the golf ball is connected to the arm through the medium of a shock ab- 105 sorbing and coupling spring 88. It is evident that as soon as the club strikes the ball 87 the arm 86 is moved in the proper direction against the tension of the spring 84. This imparts rotation to the shaft 81 and starts the disk 79 110 to thread its way upwardly, thus releasing the spring contact 78 and permitting the motor circuit to be closed. This starts the electric motor 53. It is intended that the shaft 81 as well as the arm 86 shall move rapidly in the 115 proper direction, but proportionately slow in a retrograde direction. It is important that the impact unit travels freely and without undue resistance in a forward direction in order to permit fail· recordation of the “drive”. 120

The indicator begins its movement as soon as the motor is started and continues its movement in the same direction while the arm 86 is returning to its normal position. In other words, the disk 79 must move upwardly and -125 return to its normal position before the switch 76 is again opened and the motor stopped. The means for retarding the return of the travelling disk is detailed in Figures 4 and 5 wherein it will be observed that 89 designates a pawl and 130 ratchet structure, 90 a gear on the shaft 81 meshing with a smaller gear 91 on a stub shaft. The stub shaft also carries a larger gear 92 in mesh with a complemental smaller gear 93. The gear 93 constitutes a part of a speed regulat- 135 ing governor. As seen in Figure 5 this governor includes a pair of weighted arms 94 having friction brake shoes 95 cooperable with a stationary brake band 96 fastened to the casing. The pawl and ratchet mechanism 89 permits the 140 shaft 81 to rotate rapidly in a forward direction. When however the spring 84 begins to act to return the arm 86, the gearing train is brought into play and this together with the governor and brake structure and retards the 145 return rotation of the shaft 81.

Automatic stop

It is important to note that the reference character 97 designates a stop pin whose lower 150 ί, 957,331 end extends down through an opening in the bottom of the casing and into the path of movement of the arm 86. A spring 98 surrounds the pin and tends to normally move it upward and 5 to retract the protruding lower end into or flush with the casing and to dispose said projecting portion out of the path of movement of the arm 86 before the arm completes its first revolution. Associated with this pin 97 is pivoted 10 an arm 99 which as shown in Figure 7 carries a vertically disposed presser pin 100. This pin extends up through an opening in the partition 101 where it is engaged with the travelling disk 79. Consequently, as the disk is fed 15 down on the screw threads 80 of the shaft 81, it engages the pin 100 and forces it downwardly. In turn this reacts to move the stop pin 97 downwardly against the tension of the spring 98 where the protruding end is projected into 20 the path of movement of the arm 86. The parts here described are so· related that as soon as the shaft 81 begins to turn from the impact applied to the ball 87, the presser pin 100 is allowed to move upwardly at a rate of speed to permit 25 the pin 97 to> be retracted in time to remove the protruding end thereof from the path of movement of the arm 86. The idea here is to have a stop pin to normally hold the arm in a predetermined position at the start but to 30 permit this stop to become ineffective at the proper moment so as not to interfere with the complete revolutions of the arm 86, and the structure is simplified by directly associating it with the disk 79 in order that the disk will have 35 ’ the multiple function of automatically releasing the stop pin, resetting the stop pin, and automatically opening and closing the motor control switch 76.

Operation of structure thus far described 40 ,

At this time we desire to introduce in a briei way, the operation of the complete game so far described. For sake of illustration it is to be assumed that the game now to be played will be 45 : played by four persons. First, each player must select his designating or distinguishing color. It will be remembered that we provide at least four distinct colors and correspondingly colored golf ball indicators. In order that the explanation may 50 be simplified, we will confine the language to play on a single sector. Take for example, the first sector (No. 1) on the golf course. The colored markers are disposed in proper order at the teeing end of the slots in the fairway. For example, the 55 white marker 46 will be placed opposite the slot 31, the green marker 45 opposite the slot 32, the red marker 44 opposite the slot 33 and the blue marker 43 opposite the slot 34. This is the order in which the markers occur as seen in Figure 3. 60 This arrangement of markers is repeated in the order named on each of the succeeding sectors of the course. Of course, the aforesaid clutch structure is such in construction as to permit the plays to be carried on in any desired order. As a mat65 ter of convenience however we will assume that the pointer 47 has been placed opposite the disk 43' (see Fig. 1) which represents the slot 34 in Figure 3. Incidentally the colored disks 41' to 45' inclusive, are independent of, but cooperate 70 with the colored markers 41 to 45, in the color scheme utilized. By thus turning the pointer 47, the shaft 71 is turned to actuate the segmental cam 70 and to allow the pointed end of the core 67 to drop into the depression 64 (see Fig. 11). 75 Thus through the medium of the sliding and expansible action of the clutch fingers 66, the pulley 64 (see Fig. 10) is now keyed to the worm sleeve 58. Consequently as soon as the motor starts into operation, this pulley will rotate carrying the blue indicator ball along the slot 34. 80

Now assuming that a right handed player, who has selected blue, takes his club in hand and drives the impact ball 87. The power of the blow imparted to the golf ball will depend upon the character of play that he deems advisable to make 85 at the time. Naturally it would be his aim, if this is the first shot, to regulate the drive to cause the indicator ball to move a considerable distance along the fairway and into close proximity to the putting green. As is already apparent when the 90 ball 87 has been struck, the arm 86 swings freely in a clockwise or forward direction a number of turns depending upon the power of the blow struck. Through this swinging action of the arm and through the medium of the aforesaid travel- 95 ling disk 79 in Figure 4, it is obvious that the disk begins to travel upwardly and simultaneously release the stop pin 97 and allows the motor circuit controlling switch to close. Thus as soon as the motor is set into operation the pulley 64 100 begins to turn and propel the cable 36 which is trained thereover. Obviously, since the blue indicator ball has already been placed in position and attached to this cable, it will move along the fairway toward the putting green. 105

It is also evident that the return swinging of the arm is retarded by the ratchet and governor mechanism already described. It is important to note too that the stop pin is so timed, and operated that it will move up flush with the bottom Π0 of the housing just before the ball arm makes the first revolution and by so doing it permits the ball arm to make any number of turns. Also, this stop pin lowers to stopping position in time to bring the arm to rest when the travel- Ila ling disk has returned to its normal starting point and again opens the motor control switch 76. It is clear that the clutch structure is such as to permit keying of any one of the drive pulleys to the drive sleeve and this depends on the 1*9 position of the pointer 47. Hence, when the next player performs, he moves the pointer to the desired disk, depending on the color which he has selected, thus bringing into play the next succeeding power transmission cable, and so on. 5A5

It is important to bear in mind that the construction shown and described takes care of an “over-shot”. For example after a player has approached the putting green and it is his turn to drive again, it is possible that he might hit the 133 ball 87 too hard which will cause the indicator 38 to travel to a point beyond the cup. As it is impossible for the indicator ball to move further, the cable which carries it and which is received between the prongs and spring will simply slip 13S through the prongs until the ball carrying arm comes back to rest and the circuit to the motor is broken. This is the end of an “over-shot” drive. When this particular player again takes his turn to drive, it will be necessary for him to ^i;i ·’ resort to a reversal of the motor in order that the indicator ball will travel in a return direction to produce a desired “reverse drive”. As before explained, this is done through the medium of the motor reverse switch 74 and the control means 50 located on the top of the board. This will temporarily reverse the direction of travel of the cable with the result that the ball will move in a direction toward the cup. To make another for- igg

1,957,331 ward drive, the player must reset the motor reverse switch for forward driving. It is apparent with this arrangement that the player does not attempt to drive the impact ball in an opposite 5 direction, but continues to drive in the same direction and retains the same position as under normal conditions.

Modified power transmission ana indicator 19 propulsion means

It is within the scope and conception of this invention to provide a more positive type of propulsion means for moving the indicator ball along - the various fairways. The means in question is depicted in Figures 15 to 19 inclusive. By directing attention to these figures it will be seen that the game board is represented by the reference character 102 in Figure 17. It is equipped with an embedded slotted metal plate formed in the fairway in a manner already described and as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 15. In accordance with this form of the invention we utilize a series of four feed screws located in spaced par_?r allelism under the slots in the plate and these screws are journaled for rotation at one end in a bracket 105 and at the opposite end in a bracket 106 as seen in Figure 17. On the last named ends, the feed screws or shafts are provided with bev_r„ eled gears 107 in mesh with complemental beveled gears 108. Each gear 108 is mounted on a stub shaft 109 carrying an upper grooved pulley 110 and a lower pulley 111. Endless cables 112 are connected with the pulleys 110 while individual . power cables are provided at 113 for driving the '^J pulleys 111 and the stub shafts 109. The cables 113 receive motion from the individual pulleys 114 of the motor driven clutch structure. This clutch structure is the same as already described. .. Moreover, the regulating means and motor are the same and are indicated by the same reference characters. In Figure 15 we have shown three groups or individual series of feed shafts for three sectors or fairways on the golf course and these are disposed in a plane above the endless cable assembly for transmitting power to the various sectors from the single electric motor. The showing is somewhat diagrammatic and fragmentary, and. in Figure 16 the feed screws are omitted to disclose the general arrangement of training the cables over the various supplemental drive pulleys 110. The guide pulleys are represented by the reference characters 115.

The revised indicator

Referring to Figures 18 and 19 it will be seen that in accordance with the power transmission assembly just described, it is necessary to revise and provide specially constructed indicators. . Each indicator is generally designated by the ref’ crence character 116 and comprises an indicator ball 117 suitably fastened to a pair of depending legs 118 which, straddle the screw-threaded portion of the cooperating propulsion shaft 104. j The lower end portions of these legs are stamped or formed in order that they may have threaded connection with the shafts, whereby when the shafts are rotated the indicators will be fed along the slotted plates. Incidentally, this arrange; ment also takes care of “over-shots” beyond the putting green since the resilient nature of the legs 118 allows the threads to have a ratcheting action in the event that the indicator moves to the end of the slots beyond the putting green. Of 5 course, the method of play is not altered by the utilization of this different form of power transmission and propulsion means.

Modified electro-mechanical motor control

Not only do we contemplate variable forms of ₈₀power transmission means and propulsion elements, but we prefer to disclose a different embodiment of .means utilized for controlling the electric motor circuit, the same being within the scope and spirit of the invention and constituting g_g. the preferred construction for controlling the motor. This structure is shown in Figures 20 to 26 inclusive.

Tire means under consideration has been devised with a view toward providing a single impact device which is capable of being utilized by right and left handed players. It will be remembered that in the form of the invention first described, individual impact devices were required for this purpose. However, in order to make the structure _qmore fool-proof and practicable it is believed that this single device will be found superior. One of the principal parts of this revision is the horizontally disposed awiagably mounted arm 119 which is pivoted between its ends as at 120. That portion 121 of the arm which extends out from beneath and beyond the table is equipped with a coupling spring 122 carrying the regulation impact golf ball 123. Carried by this portion 121 and located near the pivot is a special switch actuator 124 comprising an upstanding arcuate plate whose upper edge is shaped to provide a pair of duplicate cams 125 and 126 respectively. These are of equal proportion as shown in Figure 22. The actuator is secured to the arm 121 by an attaching flange 126'.

That portion of the arm extending beyond the pivot and indicated at 127 terminates in a fork 128 whose arms straddle a longitudinally bowed spring carrier rod 129. The rod is anchored at , . its opposite ends in bearings 130. Mounted on the intermediate portion of this rod are coiled springs 131 and 132 respectively. These are of equalized tension and bear at their outer ends against adjusting collars 133 and at their inner „ ends against washers 134 placed on opposite sides ' of the fork arms. The collars allow the tension of the springs to be adjusted to suit circumstances. This arrangement allows the impact ball 123 to be driven in either direction. When struck by a . . right hand player it swings in a direction from - * right to left whereupon the forked end 28 compresses the spring 131. On the other hand when struck by a left hand player, the spring 132 is compressed. After the blow, the springs operate .. „ to return the arm 119 to its normal centralized — position.

Electric circuit make and brake device

This device is shown in detail in Figures 23 to 26 inclusive. It is generally designated by 135 the reference character 135. It is somewhat in the nature of a dash-pot structure. For instance, it comprises a vertical cylinder 136 having a special bracket 137 at its top and an upstanding guide 138 for the hollow stem 139 of a pressure relief valve 140 140. The valve is normally held seated by a retaining spring 141. The valve 140 is unseated by pressure produced in the cylinder 136 through the medium of the reciprocatory piston 142. This piston is of cup-like form and is normally held 143 down in its lowermost position through the medium of a spring 143. As shown in Figure 25 the upstanding tubular stem of the valve is internally screw threaded to accommodate an adjustable vent screw 144. 150

1,957,331 indicia representing a miniature golf course, a plurality of distinguishable indicators independently movable in groups over a predetermined sector of said course, and electro-mechanical means for successively controlling and operating said in- 80 dicators.

2. An indoor golf game of the class described comprising a game board having its face provided with indicia representing a miniature golf course including a plurality of successive sector?, each 85 of which includes a teeing ground, a remote putting green and cup, and an intervening fairway, a plurality of individual and distinguishable golf ball indicators successively movable along each fairway to and beyond the cup on said green, and 90 electro-mechanical player-actuated means for selectively controlling and operating said indicators.

3. An indoor golf game of the class described comprising a game board having its face provid- 95 ed with indicia representing a miniature golf course including a plurality of successive sectors, each of which includes a teeing ground, a remote putting green and cup, and an intervening fairway, a plurality of individual and distinguishable 100 golf ball indicators successively movable along said fairway to and beyond the cup on said green, and electro-mechanical player-actuated means for selectively controlling and operating said indicators, said means embodying an im- 105 pact element in the form of a golf ball.

4. An indoor golf game of the class described comprising a game board having its face provided with indicia representing a miniature golf course including a plurality of successive sectors, each no of which includes a teeing ground, a remote putting green and cup, and an intervening fairway, a plurality of individual and distinguishable golf ball indicators successively movable along said fairway to and beyond the cup on said green, and 115 electro-mechanical player-actuated means for selectively controlling and operating said indicators, said means embodying an impact element in the form of a golf ball, and a manually manipulated selective regulating device for individually 520 actuating said indicators.

5. In an indoor golf game of the class described, a game board having its surface constructed to represent a miniature golf course, an indicator simulating a golf ball movable over said course, a 125 prime mover operatively connected with the golf ball, and player-actuated electro-mechanical switch means cooperable with said prime mover for rendering it effective.

6. In an indoor golf game of the class described, 130 a game board having its surface constructed to represent a miniature golf course, a golf ball movable over said course, a prime mover operatively connected with the golf ball, and player-actuated electro-mechanical switch means cooperable with 135 said prime mover, said means embodying an arm and an impact golf ball carried by said arm.

7. In an indoor game of the glass described, a game board having its surface constructed to represent a miniature golf course, an indicator in the -_.;o form of a golf ball movable on said board, an electric motor, an operating connection between the motor and indicator, a switch for said motor, and player-actuated impact means for controlling said switch. Shi

8. In an indoor game of the class described, a game board provided with a playing field having at least one guide way, an indicator movable longitudinally in said guide way, an electric motor, operating means for said indicator operatively 750

Threaded on the lower end of the cylinder is a screw cap 145 having a series of segmental openings 146 as shown in Figure 24 and provided with a central depending guide 147. This guide serves 5 to accommodate a sliding rod 148 provided on its bottom with a roller 149 for cooperation with the cams 125 and 126 respectively. The guide 147 also carries an outstanding arm 150 equipped with an inner stationary contact 151 and a relatively mov10 able spring contact strip 152. The strip 152 is normally movable toward the contact 151 and electric circuit wires are connected with these contacts and in turn are adapted to be connected with the electric motor 53 and the reverse switch 74. A 15 slidable trip element 153 is slidably mounted on the guide 147 and has its upper end in contact with the bottom of the piston and its lower end in engagement with the free end portion of the contact strip 152. This element 153 is of light weight 20 material so that it will offer little resistance in its movement in either direction.

Tn the arrangement just described it is obvious that the ball 123 may be driven either toward the right or the left. Assuming for instance that the 25 player is right-handed, it will be seen that the arm portion 121 will swing in a direction from right to left in Figure 21 thus compressing the spring 131. In so doing it will cause the roller 149 to ride up on the cam 124 in Figure 22. Nat30 urally, this will slide the rod 148 through the guide 147 thus lifting or sliding the piston 142 against the tension of the spring 143. The pressure thus produced within the cylinder will open the valve 140 against the tension of the small 35 spring 141. This movement of elements will permit the trip 153 to lift upwardly in following the piston 142. This will also permit the spring contact 152 to bridge the contact 151 and thereby close the motor circuit. The circuit will stay 40 closed until the trip 153 is returned to its normal position. The weight of the trip alone is not sufficient to move the contact 152 for breaking the circuit. It is necessary that this element 153 be forced down by the action of the piston 142 45 returning to· its normal position. This return is correspondingly slow since after the arm 119 rapidly returns to its normal centralized position, and the roller 149 drops down into· the space between the two cams, a vacuum will be set up in the 50 cylinder and will be relieved slowly by a small amount of air which enters through the adjustable vent screw 144.

It is believed that a careful consideration of the detailed description in conjunction with the 55 drawings will enable the reader to obtain a clear comprehension of the construction, the features and advantages and operation of the invention. Moreover, it is thought unnecessary to recite the rules and regulations for playing the game since 60 these will vary slightly but will ordinarily be modeled after the rules followed in playing the actual game of golf. Of course, in order to avoid improper operation, suitable legends will be printed on the board or otherwise significantly dis65 played on the rule card in order to caution the players with respect to the right and left impact devices when they are used and to the reversing switch for the motor in order to take care of “over-shots”. Finally, the rules will contain di70 rections for carrying out the color scheme in order that the game may be played without confusion or mistake.