Game apparatus

Sept. 14, 1937.

Η. B. STONER ET AL

GAME APPARATUS

2,093,293

Filed July 6, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet 1

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Sept. 14, 1937.

Η. B. STONER ET AL

2,093,293

GAME APPARATUS

Filed July 6, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet 2

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Sept. 14, 1937.

Η. B. STONER ET AL

2,093,293

GAME APPARATUS

Filed July 6, 1936

Sheets-Sheet 3

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Sept. 14, 1937.

2,093,293

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Η. B. STONER ET AL

GAME APPARATUS

Filed July 6, 1936

Sheets-Sheet 4

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L

Sept 14, 1937.

Η. B. STONER ET AL

GAME APPARATUS

2,093,293

Filed July 6, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet 5

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L

Sept. 14, 1937.

Η. B. STONER ET AL

GAME APPARATUS

2,093,293

Filed July 6, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet 6

<img file="US2093293A_D0008.tif" />

Sept. 14, 1937.

2,093,293

Η. B. STONER ET AL

GAME APPARATUS

Filed July 6, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet 7

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Sept. 14, 1937.

H. B. STONER ET AL 2,093,293

GAME APPARATUS

Filed July 6, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet 8

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Patented Sept. 14, 1937

2,093,293

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

2,093,293 GAME APPARATUS

Harry B. Stoner and Karl Knickerbocker, Aurora, DI.

Application July 6, 1936, Serial No. 89,060

Claims. (Cl. 273—121)

Tills invention relates to amusement or game apparatus of the type in which the player causes an object, such as a ball, to travel or to be projected over a playing surface which is provided 5 with suitable areas or openings over or into which the object or ball may be moved. More particularly, the present invention is directed to that class of game apparatus, the operation of which is controlled by coin operated mechanism.

IO It has been generally recognized as a prime requisite in game apparatus of this general class that, in order to be commercially successful, the game should possess that characteristic known as “player appeal”. In other words, it must be 15 so constructed and arranged as to provide amusement and entertainment and also· create or stimulate and maintain interest as an inducement or incentive for the player or players to continue operating or playing the apparatus. Such appeal 20 may be the result of the action of the objects or balls moved over the surface of the playing field, and/or the action required on the part of the ¹ player, such as adjustment or manipulation of certain apparatus incident to playing the game.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide in game apparatus of the character indicated novel means adapted to be manipulated by the player prior to actuation of the coin operated mechanism to pre-designate by selection the 30 particular area or objective of the playing field over or into which it is desired to move or lodge the object or ball.

Another object resides in the provision of novel game apparatus wherein a plurality of areas or 35 objections of the playing field over or into which it Is desired to move or lodge the object or bail may be pre-designated or selected prior to actually playing the game apparatus; said preselection being separately made prior to one of a plu40 rality of successive actuations of the coin operated mechanism by insertion of a plurality of coins.

A further object resides in the provision of electrically operated visual indicating means cor45 responding to certain areas or objectives of the playing field, adapted to be pre-selected by the player and rendered visible upon actuation of the coin operated mechanism.

Another object is to provide reward or score .50 indicating means rendered operative and visible upon actuation of coin operated mechanism, after the ball or object has been set in motion on the playing field.

Still another object is to provide variable re55 ward or score indicating means adapted to be re-adjusted upon each actuation of the coin operated mechanism.

A still further object resides in the provision of an improved game apparatus of the character indicated having means adapted to be manipulated by a player to preselect or designate an ⁵area or objective of the playing field, over or into which it is desired to move or lodge the object or ball, and wherein said means is rendered visible upon actuation of coin operated mechanism, . together with the provision of means for visually ¹⁰indicating the area or objective wherein said movable object or ball has passed or has become lodged.

A still further object resides in the provision of ,correlated electrical actuated means wherein the ¹player may pre-select or designate an area or objective of the playing field over or into which a ball passes or is lodged, and wherein said selection is visually indicated by actuation of coin operated mechanism, together with the provision of electrically atuated means for visually indicating the area or objective wherein the object or ball has passed or has become lodged.

Still another object of this invention is to pro- _2gvide a novel game apparatus of the character described which is simple to operate and which possesses appeal for creating, stimulating and maintaining interest of the player for inducing play of the apparatus. ₃θ

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists in certain novel features of construction, arrangement and combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in _3gthe accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the form, proportion, size and minor details of the structure may be made without departing from the spirit ₄₀or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of our invention, we have illustrated in the accompanying drawings, a preferred embodiment thereof, from an inspection of which when considered in connection with the following description, our invention, its mode of construction, assembly and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

Referring to the drawings in which the same characters of reference are employed to indicate corresponding or similar parts throughout the several figures of the drawings: 55

2,093,293

Figure 1 is a plan view of game apparatus embodying the present invention, with parts broken away to show details of construction;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the underside of the 5 playing field with the operating mechanism mounted thereon;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of a portion of a bank of relay devices for controlling the operation of certain electrical cir10 cuits;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view through the bank of relays, taken as indicated at line 4—4 on Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view through a relay, taken as Indicated at line 5—5 on Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the relay armature;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view through pre-selecting mechanism, taken as indicated at line Ί—1 on Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is an underside view of the selector panel and associated mechanism, taken as indicated at lineS—8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view through the control for the ball projecting mechanism, taken as indi25 cated at line 9—9 on Fig. 1;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view of the underside ί of the upper end of the playing field showing the control for the reward or score indicating lights and associated parts;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged sectional view through the control mechanism, taken as indicated at line i ί—! ί on Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a view of the underside of the control mechanism showing the arrangement of elec35 trical contact strips and schematic wiring to said contacts for the various electrical circuits;

' Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken as indicated at line J3—13 on Fig. 2;

Fig. 14 is a section taken at line 14—14 on Fig. 40 1, showing the operating lever projecting through and above the surface of the playing field, and associated switch controlled thereby;

Fig. 15 is a sectional view taken as indicated at line IS—15 on Fig. 2, showing the kicker mecha.45 nism for moving the balls into position for projection preparatory to playing the apparatus;

Fig. 16 is a sectional view through the pivot connection of the ball projecting lever, taken at line 16—16 on Fig. 2;

Fig. 17 is a sectional view taken as indicated at line Π—Π on Fig. 2;

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary sectional view taken at line 18-—18 on Fig. 2; and

Fig. 19 is a schematic wiring diagram of the 55 various electrical circuits for controlling operation of the game apparatus embodying the present invention.

The specific embodiment of the present invention chosen for the purpose of illustration com60 prises means for visually indicating a pre-selected or designated area over which it is desired that a ball shall pass, together with a second series of visual indicating means corresponding to various areas of the playing field to designate the par65 ticular area of the playing field over which a ball has passed. There is also provided visual indicating means for representing various rewards or scores in the event the pre-selected area of the playing field corresponds to the particular 70 area over which the ball has passed.

Although, the game apparatus embodying the present invention will function entirely satisfactorily if a single ball is employed for projection or movement over the playing field, we; desire, 7-5 however, to employ a plurality of balls for in creasing the player appeal of the game, and as will hereinafter appear, the actuation of the preselecting means and the means indicating the area over which a ball has passed will function in the same manner as when a single ball is em- 5 ployed, because the mechanism is so constructed and arranged as to function upon the passage of the first ball over one of the areas which control said visual indicating means.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, the χθ game apparatus embodying this invention comprises a cabinet type receptacle ί 0 provided with a playing field 11 which is preferably inclined slightly to the horizontal, so that the balls, indicated generally at A, when projected towards the 15 upper end of said field will roll either by the action of gravity, or as the result of its impact force, towards the lower end of the field. At the upper right hand corner of the playing field, as seen in Fig. 1 of the drawings, is a projection 20 chute or passageway, indicated at 12, where the ball or balls are initially lodged preparatory to projection onto the playing field.

The upper portion of the playing field is formed with a reversely curved track 13 which terminates 25 in a curved portion i 3a and registering therewith is a track portion 14 forming a continuation thereof, so that the balls are redirected in an upward angular direction after which they may roll down over the playing field. The upper por- 30 tion of the playing field adjacent the track portion 13 is divided into a plurality of passages through which the balls may roll downwardly over the. playing field, and the partitions defining the respective passages desirably are formed by ³⁵coiled springs 15 extending substantially longitudinal of the playing field and connected at opposite ends to pins IS. Said springs are disposed at a slight angle so as to ensure directing the balls in the general direction of the areas which 40 are associated with visual indicating means. Said areas are preferably located at the lower end of the playing field and, as herein shown, are in the form of a plurality of spaced stalls separated by partitions or bars 18. These stalls, for conven- 45 ience, are herein numerically designated as I to 7, inclusive, which numerical designations will correspond to both the visual pre-selecting means and the visual means for indicating the particular stall or area into and over which the first ball 50 passes.

The playing field is provided with elongated apertures !9 in registration with each of said stalls, and through each of which apertures extends a lever arm 20 extending slightly above the 55 surface of the playing field so as to be engaged and depressed by a ball passing through the respective stalls. Said lever arms are pivotally mounted on a transversely extending rod or shaft 2 ί journaled on the underside of the playing field. 60 Associated with each of said lever arms is an insulated disk or member 22, which, as seen in Fig. 14, rests upon an extension of the switch arm 23 of a switch, indicated generally at 24, and which switches are connected in electrical circuits 65 as hereinafter described. Each of the switches 24 is provided with contact arms 25, and in the normal position of said lever 20, said switch arms 23 and 25 are separated or in operative position. However, when a ball passes over the lever 2D de- 70 pressing it, the insulating disk 22 moving downwardly swings the switch arm 23 into operative contact with the switch arm 25 to complete a portion of an electric circuit.

At the side of the playing field opposite the pro- 75

8,093,293 jection chute is a raised panel 27, the inner edge of which serves to define a portion of the playing field. Said panel is provided with a multiplicity of recesses containing sockets for small electric light bulbs which desirably are covered by small panels of translucent or transparent material and serve as visual indicating means. It will be observed that the electric light bulbs are divided up into a plurality of groups. The group adjacent the uppermost portion of the playing field comprises seven light bulbs, herein designated as 28α, 28b, 28c, 28d, 28e, 28f and 28g, may be understood to represent or designate rewards or scores to be accorded the player in the event he is successful in projecting the first ball of the group over the pre-selected area. Associated with each of these light bulbs may be various numerical designations representing a score or reward. For example, if the game apparatus is constructed as a race game, these various light bulbs may be numerically designated by numerals indicating the odds in favor of the player in the event he is successful.

The lower portion of the panel 27 is provided with two parallel rows or series of lights designated as 29α, 29b, 29c, 29d, 29e, 29/, 29g, and 30α, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30c, 30/ and 30cr, respectively. The series of lights 30α to 30g are connected into electrical circuits that may be completed by the switches 24, actuated by the levers 20 in the respective stalls I to 7, inclusive. The other bank of lights 29α to 29g, inclusive, are connected in a series of electrical circuits which corresponds to the respective stalls I to 7, inclusive, to the preselecting device which is to be manipulated by the player. It is to be understood that only one of the lights 30α to 30g will be illuminated by the balls passing through the respective stalls by virtue of the particular mechanism employed for controlling the electrical circuits, and only the first ball to actuate a lever 20 will be effective to close its respective electric circuit for illuminating its corresponding light of the series 30α to 30g.

Below the two parallel banks of light bulbs above described are two additional light bulbs designated as 31 and 32, respectively. The lights 31, as will hereinafter be described, is connected into the main electrical circuits and is controlled by conventional tilting mechanism (not here shown or described), so as to be set into operation in the event the game apparatus is tilted so as to render the game apparatus inoperative. The light bulb 32 is connected into the main electrical circuit, as will hereinafter be described, and is intended to indicate when the game apparatus is in functioning condition as a result of actuation of the coin operating mechanism, indicated generally at 33, upon the insertion of a coin.

The lower end of the playing field is formed with a trough 35 for receiving the balls as they pass through the respective stalls, and for accumulating them preparatory to re-play of the game apparatus. Said trough is slightly inclined toward the projection chute, so that when released they will roll by gravity.

Located inwardly of the projection chute 12 and defined by the block 37 and the guard bar 38 is a passageway 40 into which the balls roll when they are released, and through which the balls are initially projected for disposing them in the projection chute 12 preparatory to projection onto the playing field. Said balls, however, are normally confined in the trough 35 by a pin or rod 41 which is connected to the ball ejector bar 42, as seen in Fig. 2, and which is withdrawn upon operation of the coin slide mechanism 33 so as to permit the balls to roll by gravity down the inclined trough 35 into the passage 40. As said balls roll into the passageway 40 they de- ₆press a relatively resilient finger or lever arm 44 which is formed with an angular extension 45 which is simultaneously moved, and which serves to complete an electrical circuit through normally spaced apart switch arms 46 and 47 of the switch 48, which is connected in an electric circuit for energizing a kicker mechanism, designated generally at 50. (See Fig. 15.)

The kicker mechanism is of conventional construction comprising a coil 51 which when ener- i₆gized attracts the pivoted armature 52 which is in the form of a lever having a bent over nose portion 53 positioned to strike the ball disposed in the passageway 40 for projecting said ball upwardly therethrough and by virtue of the reverse- ₂o ly curved portion 30α of the guard rail 38, the balls are re-directed downwardly into the projection chute 12, preparatory to projection onto the playing field. Manifestly, each time a ball is forcibly struck by the nose of the armature 25 lever 52 for impelling it up the passageway 40, the lever arm 44 is permitted to return to normal position due to the spring action of the switch arm 47 of the switch 43, which movement simultaneously breaks the circuit between the 30 switch arms 46 and 47 and the armature lever 52 is returned to the position seen in Fig. 15, by the coil spring 54. The operation is repeated each time a ball discharges from the trough 35 onto the lever 44 which, as above indicated, com- 35 pletes the electrical circuit for energizing the kicker coil 51 and operates the armature 52. ί Obviously, when the last ball has been projected up the passageway 40, the resilient lever 44 remains in the position seen in Fig. 15 at which 40 position the electric circuit for the kicker mechanism is open or broken.

Mounted at the lower end of the playing field adjacent the kicker mechanism is a selector device by virtue of which the player may set up 45 by selection electrical circuit connections adapted to be completed upon actuation of the coin mechanism 33, and which circuits energize corresponding light bulbs of the series designated as 29α to 29g, inclusive. It is to be understood 50 that said selector mechanism includes a panel and indicator (not shown) associated with a cover plate ί 0α which overlies the lower portion of the playing field covering the balls in the collecting trough 35, and it is also to be understood that 55 said indicator and panel are provided with a series of designated positions corresponding to the stalls indicated at I to 7, and which adjustments complete certain electrical circuit connections, as above mentioned. βθ

The selector device includes a cast frame 56 which is an integral portion of a main die cast frame, indicated at 57, mounted on the underside of the playing field, as seen in Fig. 2. Secured on said frame 56 is a panel of insulating 05 material 58, the upper surface of which is provided with a circular series of alternating electrical contact points 59 and 59α which extend through said panel and which are connected by electrical conductors into circuits of the respec- 76 tive lights of the series 23α to 29g, inclusive.

Extending upwardly through the insulating panel centrally of the circular series of contact points is a stem or arbor 60 carrying a contact bar 61 which is insulated from said arbor by a 75 £,093,293 bushing of insulating material, indicated at 62. Said contact bar 61 includes a pair of oppositely extending arms 61α and 6 lb, the arm 6ia being adapted to engage the contact points 59, while 5 the arm Gib engages one of the contacts 59α to complete portions of the circuits for the lights 29α to 29cz, inclusive. As may be seen in the drawings, contacts 59 are located at different angular positions corresponding to stall portions IQ I to 7, and are connected to corresponding relay devices for the lights 29α to 29&lt;j, while contacts 59α are all connected to a common conductor 59b (Fig. 8) to complete the circuit through the contact bar 61.

By virtue of means presently to be described, it will be seen that the respective contact arms 61 a and 6 ί b are moved definite angular amounts so that the contact arm 6 ί a will always register with a contact point 59 for one of the circuits 20 of the lights 29α to 29g, inclusive, and the contact arm 6 Eb will simultaneously align with a contact 59α.

Connected to the arbor 60 on the underside of the panel 58 is a gear member 64 in the 25 form of a star wheel, as seen in Fig. 8, which normally is meshed with a co-operating gear 65 mounted on a horizontally extending shaft 66 journaled in bearings 56α of the frame 56. To the outer end of the shaft @6 is rigidly secured an 30 operating handle 67 for rotating said shaft, which in turn through the gearing 64 and 65 rotates the contact bar 61 to a desired position of adjustment at which the indicator above referred to registers with a numerical designation corre35 sponding to one of the light bulbs 29α to 29g, inclusive, and which, as above mentioned, indicates which of the stalls I to Ί the player selects, and if the first of the series of balls running down the playing field passes through the stall 40 corresponding to the selector adjustment it will complete a corresponding electrical circuit for the aligned light of the series 30α to 30g, inclusive, which will indicate a winning combination.

To ensure that the contact arms 61α and 61b are moved definite angular positions of adjustment for engaging contacts 59 and 59α, which are connected in the respective electrical circuits of the series of lights 29α and 29g, there is pro50 vided a lever 68 pivoted at G9 to the underside of the panel 58 and the free end of which carries a roller 79 adapted to seat between adjacent teeth of the star wheel or gear 64. The roller 76 is urged into operative engagement with the 55 teeth of the star wheel by a coil spring 71 and manifestly as the operating handle 67 is rotated for aligning the indicator with a desired numerical position corresponding to the selected light of the series 29α to 29g, said roller as it passes the 60 crest of the respective teeth of the star wheel will tend to ride down the slope of the tooth so as to seat firmly between adjacent teeth and thus ensure arresting the star wheel at definite positions corresponding to registration of the respec65 tive contact arms 61α and 6 ib with the contact terminals 59 and 59α for completing a portion of the selected circuit. The gear 65 is provided with a slot 65α in its hub which engages a pin 66α of the shaft 66 which provides positive ro70 tation for said gear, but permits axial movement thereof along the shaft 66 so as to disengage it from the gear 64. The purpose of this construction is to render the selecting means inoperative during the period that the coin operated mechanism 33 is being manipulated.

In operating this game apparatiis, the selector device must be manipulated or adjusted prior to operation of the coin slide mechanism 33 in order to set up the desired circuit connections which are to be subsequently completed by virtue of the ₅operation of the coin slide mechanism. Therefore, to prevent players from adjusting the selector more than once for each operation of the coin mechanism, the drive connections for the selector device from the knob 67 are broken dur- χθ ing the movement of the coin operated mechanism 33.

Mounted on the shaft 66 beyond the gear 65 is a coiled spring 72 normally tending to maintain said gear 65 in operative engagement with the χ5 gear 64, but permits axial movement of said gear for disengagement from the gear 64, by the movement of the bifurcated or forked ends of the lever 73 which is rigidly mounted on a transversely extending rock shaft 74 journaled in the 20 main frame 57. As seen in Fig. 2 of the drawings, said shaft is provided with an offset end portion 74α carrying a roller 74b adapted to be engaged by an offset projection 75α which is rigidly connected to the main longitudinal movable operat- 25 ing bar 76 which is actuated in response to movement of the coin slide mechanism 33 upon insertion of a coin, and is returned to normal position by coil spring 76/. Therefore, when the operating bar 76 is moved to the left from the 30 position seen in Fig. 2, the projection 75α will contact the roller 64b and rock the shaft 74, swinging the bifurcated lever 73 in clockwise direction with respect to the illustration in Fig. 7, for moving the gear 65 out of operative engage- 35 ment with the gear 64, against the action of the coil spring 72, and said gears 64 and 65 will be maintained out of engagement with each other during that portion of the stroke of the main operating lever which sets up the entire mecha- 40 nism preparatory to the playing of the apparatus. Mounted on.the rock shaft 74 in association with the lever 73 is an arm 77 carrying an adjustable set screw 78 adapted to engage the lever 73 and permit accurate adjustment there- 45 of for insuring proper adjustment of the lever 73 with respect to the engagement thereof with the end of the hub of the gear 65.

Extending upwardly through an arcuate slot 11 c of the playing field, in registration with the 50 projection chute 12, is an arm 42α of the ejector lever 42 which is pivotally mounted at 43 in the main frame 57. Circumscribing said pivot 43 is a relatively heavy spring 80 which is positioned to react on said lever, so that when it is swung 55 in counterclockwise direction with respect to the position shown in Fig. 2 by virtue of movement of the main operating bar 76 due to actuation of the coin mechanism as will hereinafter be described, said spring will become tensioned for 60 forcibly returning the lever 42 to the position seen in Fig. '2, and during which return movement the upstanding projection 42α extending above the surface of the playing field in the projection passageway 12 will have forcibly impinged 65 against the balls A disposed in said projection chute for impelling them upwardly onto the playing field for play.

In order that the player may have control of the projection of the balls onto the playing field, 70 said lever 42 when swung upwardly from the position shown in Fig. 2 is latched in its upward position by a detent lever 81 normally held in operative position by a coil spring 82, which lever is connected by a rod 83 to a lever arm 84 pivoted 75

3,093,293 at 85 to the main frame 57. The upper end of said lever 84 extends around a rod 86 which is journaled in a bearing 57b, and the outer end of which is provided with a knob or handle 87. The 5 inner end of said rod is provided with an abutment 88 in the form of a cotter pin or the like, so that upon withdrawal of the rod 86 in an outward direction by grasping of the knob 87, said lever 84 is rocked upon its pivot 85 pulling on the 10 rod 83, thereby rocking the lever 81 in a direction for releasing the ejector lever 42 for impelling the balls through the projection chute 12 onto the playing field. (See Fig. 9.)

Mounted on the underside of the playing field 15 panel 11 is a bank of relay devices and switch mechanism controlled thereby, which devices are connected into electrical circuits for controlling I the two series of lights 29α to 29g and 30α to 30g, inclusive, and also for controlling the light 31 20 connected in the circuit controlled by tilting mechanism of conventional type. The switches and relays, designated generally at 89α to 89g, inclusive, are connected in corresponding circuits with the respective lights of the series 30α 25 to 30g, inclusive, while the group of relay devices, designated generally 90α to 90g, inclusive, are connected in corresponding circuits for the lights 29α to 29g, inclusive. This latter series of lights corresponds to the circuits which the player may 30 preliminarily establish by the selector mechanism, while the former series of lights 30α to 30g, corresponds to lights of the circuits that may be completed by the balls entering the stalls I to 7, inclusive, on the playing field. It is to be 35 understood that the relay devices 89α to 89g and 90α to 90g are identical in construction, and as seen in Figs. 3 to 5 of the drawings, each comprises a coil 9f and a pivoted armature 92 which is provided with an offset portion 92α at the outer 40 end to form a stop shoulder 92b. Said armature levers 92 are normally urged toward the coils by fiat spring members 93, as seen in Fig. 4 of the drawings.

Associated with each relay device is a triple 45 switch construction, indicated generally at 94, including three pairs of switch arms 94α—94b, 94c—94d and S4e and 94/. It will be understood that these switch arms are assembled and insulated from each other in conventional manner 50 by blocks of insulated material, as indicated at 95, and all of the switch units together with the coils are mounted on a supporting plate or base 96, which in turn is secured to the underside of the panel I!.

Associated with each relay switch device is a latch device comprising a lever 97 pivotally mounted on a rod 98 carried on upstanding ears 96α of the mounting plate 96. Rigidly formed with said latch lever is an angularly extending GO arm 99 carrying an insulated pin 100 positioned intermediate the switch arms 94b and 94c. Mounted on the rod 98 in association with each lever 97 is a coil spring 101 having leg portions reacting against the mounting plate 96 and the 05 levers 97 tending to normally swing said levers 97 in counterclockwise direction, with respect to the position indicated in Fig. 4. It is to be understood that the switch arms 94α to 94/, inclusive, are of relatively resilient material, and nor70 mally when the relays have been set in operative position by operation of the coin chute mechanism, as will presently be described, the levers 97 engage the stop 92b of the armature 92, in which position of adjustment the insulated 75 pin 100 moves the switch arm 94b into circuit closing with the switch arm 94α and the other two sets of switch members 94c—94d and 94e— 94/ are maintained in open position. The circuit which is subsequently completed through the closed switch arms 94α and 94b of the relay 5 device corresponding to the adjustment of the selector device, or the closing of the corresponding switch 24, energizes its coil 91 which attracts the armature 92 so as to disengage the abutment 92b with the shoulder adjacent the aperture in 10 the lever 97, so as to permit said lever 97 to swing in clockwise direction which breaks the circuit between the switch arms 94α and 94b and establishes circuit connections between the respective pairs of switches 94c—94d and 15 94e—94/.

The last relay device of the bank, as indicated at 103, is somewhat similar to the other relay devices above described, and is connected in a circuit including the light bulb 31 which is adapt- 20 ed for actuation by tilting mechanism in the event the game apparatus is tilted, and also is connected in circuit with another switch device to be hereinafter described, so as to ensure a full stroke of the coin operating mechanism and main 25 operating bar 76 in order to complete various circuit connections preparatory to playing the game.

The switches of the unit, designated at 103, differ slightly from the switches represented in 30 Fig. 4, in that the lever 97 when positioned as in Fig. 4 closes contact between the switch arms 103α and 103b and switch arms 103c and 103d, while the switch arms 103e and 103/ are normally separated. When the coil of the relay 103 is ³⁵energized as by actuation of the tilt mechanism, not herein shown, the switch arms 103α—103b and 103c—103d become separated, while arms 103e—103/ are moved into contact to complete an electrical circuit for light 31 and simulta- 40 neously breaking certain main circuits to temporarily disable the game.

Referring now to the main mechanism actuating mechanism:

Rigidly connected to the main operating bar 45 76 is a transversely extending arm f 05, which is positioned to register with and engage a roller 42c on the end of the lever 42 opposite the ejector arm: 42α so that upon longitudinal movement of the main operating bar 76 by movement of 50 the coin slide mechanism 33, said arm 105 acting on the roller 42c will cause said lever 42 to swing in counterclockwise direction with respect to the position seen in Fig. 2, tensioning the spring 80 and causing the ejector end 42α of the lever to 55 be latched in operative position by the detent lever 81. Such movement of the arm 105 also causes the pin 42d, on which said roller 42c is mounted, to engage an abutment 107α of a lever 107 pivoted at I Old on a lever 107b which in go turn is pivoted at 107c on the main casting 57, causing said levers 107 and 107b to swing downwardly, and simultaneously, said lever adjacent the end of the stroke of the main operating lever 76 engages a lever 108 pivoted at 108α to the g5 frame 57, swinging it downwardly and moving the pin 108c, carried by the outer end of said lever 108, out of contact with the switch arm 109d, which movement permits the switch arms 109α, 109b, 109c and 109d, respectively, to be- 79 come separated and break portions of electrical circuits hereinafter described.

During such movement of the parts, the ejector lever 42 becomes latched in operative position by the detent lever 81 and its stud 42d engages an 75

2,093,293 upstanding abutment ί G8cZ of the lever 138 for maintaining said lever out of contact with the switch arms 109α, 109b, ί 09c and ί 93d, maintaining said circuit controlled by said switches in open g condition during the time that said ejector lever is in latched position preparatory to ejecting the balls onto the playing field. A coil spring I 16 is connected to the lever 108 and to the frame 57 for returning said lever 80S to normal position, as ₁₀ seen in Fig. 2, when released by the ejector lever 42. It is to be understood that in the movement of the ejector lever 42 to operative position, the pin 42d during the final portion of such movement disengages from the abutment shoulder i 07α of the lever 107 so as to permit said levers 107 and 107b to return to the position shown in Fig. 2 under the influence of a coil spring 111 connected to said lever and to the frame 57. The lever 187 is permitted to swing in a counter-clock₂₀ wise direction only as viewed in Fig. 2, and is held in the position shown in Fig. 2 by the spring ί I la.

Pivotally connected to the lever 107 is a lever 112, the opposite end of which is pivotally connected to a longitudinally extending relay reset 25 bar 113 which extends over all of said relay devices, as seen in Figs. 2 and 4, in close proximity to the armatures 92. Pivotally connected to opposite ends of said reset bar are a pair of substantially parallel links 114 and 115 pivotally con30 nected respectively at 116 to the frame 57 and at 117 to the frame ί 18 of the control mechanism, to be presently described. It will now be clear that as the main operating lever 76 is moved longitudinally by the coin slide device 33, movement will 35 be imparted to the reset bar 113 swinging it in a parallel transverse direction so as to cause said bar to engage the levers 97 associated with the relays that have been just previously actuated, swinging them about their pivot connection to a 40 position at which the armatures 92 under the influence of the springs 93 moves outwardly to dispose their abutment shoulders 93 in blocking engagement with the corresponding levers 97.

The lever ί 15 connected to the upper end of 45 the relay reset bar f i 3 is provided with an extension ί ί 5α carrying the insulated disk 8 ί 5b which normally engages switch arm J19α maintaining it in operative contact with its cooperating switch arm I ί 9b for controlling the main electric circuit. 50 It may be observed, however, that during the movement of the relay reset bar i i 3, the disk ί 15b maintains said switch arms Π8α and 119b in operative contact except for the final portion of the movement of the reset bar, and it may be well 55 to here mention at the present time that the main function of this switch is to temporarily break the main circuit which controls all the relay devices and thereby prevent fluttering of the armatures due to the establishment of a circuit by the 60 selector mechanism, and which may .also be due to the position of the armature 92 and the co-operating latch lever S7 resulting from previous actuation of the game apparatus. Furthermore, the breaking of the main circuit through the relays at 05 this stage of set up of the operating mechanism prevents actuation of any of the relay devices until all of said relay devices have been properly adjusted by the reset bar IIS.

Mounted on the main frame 57 is a dash pot S20 70 of conventional construction, including a control member 120α, the upper end of which is provided with a laterally projecting insulating pin 128b which normally engages a switch arm 12la for maintaining it in operative or closed relation to 75 the switch arm 12 lb, which switch arms are con nected in the circuit for controlling all of the switches 24 associated with the operating levers 29 disposed in the respective stalls I to 7 at the lower end of the playing field. When the coin slide mechanism 33 is actuated, a laterally ex- g tending upstanding lug 75d carried on the bar 75 rigidly associated with the main operating bar 76 is caused to engage the end of the dash pot member 12 Ba depressing the same, and due to the resilient character of the switch arms 120α and 120b, jq said arms separate to break the electrical circuit for said switches 24 which are connected respectively in circuits with certain of the relay devices. The dash pot device provides a relatively slow moving element for closing the circuit through 15 the switch arms 120α and 129b for re-establishing the circuit through the switches 24.

The main purpose of this device is to prevent players from taking unfair advantage of the game apparatus, and it will be apparent that because 20 the switch arms 121α and 12lb remain separated for breaking the circuit for the group of switches 24, it will not be possible for any balls that may have, become lodged in some portion of the playing field above the stalls from passing through the 25 stalls and closing the respective switch 24 which otherwise would establish a circuit and perhaps would indicate a score that the player obviously would not be entitled to. Therefore, the circuits controlling the switches 24 is not re-established 30 through the switch arms 121α and 12 (b by virtue of the dash pot 120, for a predetermined interval of time during which the coin slide mechanism will have been returned to normal position and all of the balls on the playing field will have passed 35 through the stalls into the trough 35.

The main operating bar TS is guided in its I longitudinal path of movement by two sets of grooved rollers, indicated at 122 and 123, respectively, adjacent opposite ends of said bar. 40 Mounted closely adjacent the main operating bar 76 are two switch devices 124 and 125 provided with contact arms 124α and 124b, 125α and 125b, respectively. Said pairs of contact arms are normally separated and under control of a 45 pin of insulating material 76c carried on the main operating bar 76. As may be seen in Fig. 2 of the drawings, the position of the pin 76c is such as to engage the switch arm 121 a normally maintaining it out of operative engagement with its co-operat- 50 ing switch arm 124b while the switch arms 125α and 125b normally are in spaced apart relation.

When the main operating bar 76 is actuated by the coin slide mechanism engaging the downwardly projecting lug GcZ adjacent the forward 55 end of said bar, the pin 76c moves out of engagement with the switch arm 124α permitting said arm to move into operative engagement with the switch arm 124b for completing a circuit connection through the tilt light bulb 31 and relay 60 mechanism, designated generally at 8 03, for purposes hereinafter described. As the operating bar approaches its limit of movement, the pin 76σ encounters the switch arm 125a for completing a circuit between the switch arms 125α and 65 i 25b, which switch completes an electrical circuit through the selector mechanism to one of a relay device and corresponding light of the series, designated generally at 29α to 2Sg, respectively.

Mounted adjacent the lower end of the main 70 operating lever 76 is a timing mechanism, indicated generally at 127, which may be understood to be of conventional construction, and which includes a switch 128 comprising switch arms 128α and 123b which are moved into operative 75

2,093,293 position for completing the main electrical circuit for actuating the apparatus when the bar 76 has been actuated in response to operation of the coin mechanism 33. The timing mechanism 5 includes a laterally extending arm 127α adapted to be engaged by a depressing pin 76e on the operating bar 76 during the final portion of the inward stroke of the bar 76, and which movement energizes the spring motor of the timing mechanism for maintaining the electrical circuit of the game apparatus in operative condition for a predetermined interval of time, which may be understood to be adequately sufficient for complete normal play of, the game apparatus. The jg main purpose of the timing mechanism is, however, to ensure breaking the main circuits and conserving electrical energy while the apparatus remains idle.

Mounted adjacent the upper end and on the _Μ underside of the playing field is a control device, indicated generally at 130, as shown in Figs. 10 to 12, carried on the frame 118 which serves to complete electrical circuits to certain of the visual reward or score indicating lights 28α to 25 28p, respectively. This mechanism is constructed so as to be actuated in response to movement of the main operating bar 76 upon each actuation of the coin operated mechanism 33 for establishing different circuit connections to the respective 30- reward indicating lights.

It may be understood that the game apparatus thus far described would suffice to provide an extremely interesting and entertaining game wherein the rewards in the event a player was 35 successful in selecting a light corresponding to the light energized by the first ball operating one , of the switches 24 by passing through one of the stalls. However, to render the same further entertaining and amusing, there may be associated with the apparatus, although not herein shown, ⁴⁸ conventional mechanism by virtue of which the player may automatically receive a token or tokens corresponding to the reward designated by one of the light bulbs 28α to 28(7. Such reward tokens may, for example, be of various 45 forms, such as in the form of a ticket which may be exchanged for suitable tokens which are capable of manipulating the coin mechanism 33 to permit the player to operate the game apparatus. Therefore, the electrical circuits of the 50 game apparatus comprising this invention have been arranged to include such reward mechanism.

The control device 130, which as above indicated, establishes various electrical circuits to the different visual indicating light bulbs 28α to 55 28&lt;7, respectively, also establishes electrical circuits to the reward payout mechanism, above referred to. Said control device includes a panel of insulating material 131 on which is disposed two concentric circular rings 132 and 133, respec60 tively, which are electrical conductors for portions of said electrical circuits.

Intermediate said rings are four circular series of electrical contact points, designated generally at 134, which extend through the panel of insu65 lating material and are integrally connected to a plurality of segmental or arcuate contact strips of conductor material, designated generally at 135. Said contact strips 135 are connected to electrical conductor wires for completing por70 tions of various electrical circuits to the visual reward or score indicating lights and the reward payout mechanism.

Mounted centrally with respect to the contact rings 132 and 133 and the series of contact points 75 134 is a depending arbor or pin 136 on which is mounted a carrier 137 including two laterally extending arms 137α and 137b. Carried on the arm 137α are a pair of. brushes or contact fingers 138α and 138b which maintain contact with the conductor rings 132 and 133 in any angular po- _gsition of adjustment of said arm. Mounted on the arm 137 are a pair of brushes or contact fingers 139α and 139b which are positioned to engage the contact buttons 134. It is to be understood that the contact buttons 134 of the ₁₀respective four circular series are so arranged that only two contact buttons of any two of the respective circular series are in radial registration so as to be engaged by the contact fingers 139α and 139b. The contact fingers 138α, 138b, _lg139α and 139b are insulated from their respective supporting arms 137α and 137b, by insulating material indicated at 139 and the respective contact fingers 138α and 139α and 138b and 139b are connected by conductors 138c and I38d, respectively, for completing portions of the electrical circuits, as hereinafter described.

Rigidly connected to the carrier 137 is a ratchet wheel 140 which is adapted to be rotated various angular amounts by actuation of the main oper- 25 ating bar 76, as will presently be described. Mounted on the arbor 136 above the ratchet wheel 140 is a motion transmitting lever arm 141 which carries a pawl 142 normally held in operative position with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 30 by a spring 143. Mounted on the frame 118 is a detent pawl 144 normally held in operative position with the teeth of the ratchet wheel by a spring 145 for preventing reverse rotation of the ratchet wheel. Carried on the extreme end of 35 the main operating bar 7 6 opposite the coin mechanism 33 is a ratchet wheel 147 carrying a depending pin 148 which is adapted, when the bar 7 6 is actuated in response to actuation of the coin operated mechanism, to engage the motion ₄θ transmitting lever 141, swinging it about its arbor 13», and through pawl 142 which imparts rotation to the ratchet wheel 140, which movement in turn positions the respective contact fingers 139α and 139b on a different set of _4gcontact buttons 134 for completing portions of different electrical circuits for the respective visual reward or score indicating light bulbs 28α to 29g, respectively.

Pivotally mounted on the lower end of the bar _gQ76 adjacent the ratchet wheel 147 is a detent pawl 150 yieldingly held in engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 147 by a coil spring 151. Mounted on said underside of the playing field 11, adjacent the control mechanism is a pawl _r(52 pivotally mounted on a bracket 153 which is ^υnormally held against a stop 154 by a spring 155. During the in-stroke of the bar 76 by virtue of which the pin 148 swings the lever 141 for shifting the brushes or fingers 139α and 139b for θθ completing different electrical circuits, the teeth of the ratchet wheel 148 will encounter the pawl 152 and upon return movement of the bar 76, said ratchet wheel 147 is rotated a definite angular amount. Manifestly, each time that the main ₆₅operating bar 76 is moved in and out in response to operation of the coin mechanism 33, the pin 148 on the ratchet wheel 147 is disposed in a different angular position so as to vary the effective stroke of the operating bar 76 with respect 70 to the motion transmitted to the lever 141. In other words, the lever 14! will be moved through different ranges upon successive strokes of the bar 76. Such an arrangement of motion imparting mechanism will make it almost impossible 75

2,093,293 for a player to determine the possible sequence of the circuits established to the reward or score mechanism by the successive operation of the operating bar 76 through the coin mechanism 33.

In the construction herein disclosed, the number of teeth of the main ratchet wheel 140 corresponds exactly with the different sets or pairs of contact buttons 134 that may be engaged by the contact Angers i39a and i39b, and to ensure 70 positive registration of these contact Angers with the contact buttons 134, an adjustable stop member 156 is mounted on. a lug of the frame 118, and the end of said stop is positioned to serve as an abutment for arresting the pawl 142. The 7₅ member 156 thus permits minute adjustment of the mechanism so as to ensure accurate registration of the contact Angers with the buttons 134 at any angular position of adjustment. As will be observed in the drawings, the contact Angers 2o and 1396 are of sufficient width to register respectively with the two innermost and the two outermost circles of contact buttons 134. The arrangement of the contact points 134 of the respective series is such that contact points of the 25 innermost and outermost circles are in radial registration, and contact points of the two inter i mediate circles are also disposed in radial registration. Therefore, as the contact Angers 139α and 1396 move over the contact points the cir30 cuit will be established between contact points of either the two intermediate circles or the outer and inner circles of contact points.

As above mentioned, the visual indicating panel containing light bulbs 28α to 2Bg, inclusive, may 35 designate certain visual rewards or scores to be accorded the player under certain conditions, and I it may be understood that the panel containing these light bulbs may be provided with various reward designations associated with the respec40 tive bulbs. By way of illustration, let it be assumed that the highest reward designation of the panel is represented by the Ught bulb 28d and the next highest designation of the reward panel is represented by the light bulb 28c. As above 45 described, the control mechanism, designated generally at 830, may be re-adjusted by each operation of the coin slide mechanism 33 for establishing connections for the various circuits to the respective light bulbs of the reward or 50 score indicating panel.

To reduce the chances of completing portions of the circuit including the light bulb 28d, which designates the highest reward to be accorded to the player during successive operation of the 55 complete game apparatus, there is provided mechanism actuated by the main operating bar 76 which upon successive strokes of said bar alternately completes portions of electrical circuits to the two highest reward or score designated ing light bulbs 28cZ and 28c. Said means comprises two double sets of switches, designated generally at 160—868 and 162—163, and it may be understood that the respective pairs of switches 160—161 and 862—163 are alternately opened and 65 closed by encounter with an insulated pin 865 carried on a lever 166 pivoted at 167 on the frame 168 which is mounted on the underside of the panel 11 and straddles the bar 76. The upper portion of the lever 166 is formed with two 70 oppositely extending cam surfaces 166α and 166b adapted to be alternately engaged by a pin 169 on the lever 179 pivoted at 180 on the main operating bar 76. Connected to the end of said lever opposite the pin 169 is a coil spring 83 8 the opposite end of which is connected to the bar 76 and serves to yieldingly maintain said lever 170 and its pin 169 in alignment with the bar 76. As the bar 76 is moved longitudinally in response to operation of the coin mechanism 33, the pin 167 engages one of the cams 166α or 166b, rocks 5 the lever 166 about its pivot so as to cause the insulated pin 865 to swing over center to close the opposite pair of switches. Associated with the lever 166 is a spring 182 which is adapted to assist in positively swinging said lever 166 in ₁₀either direction after said lever has been moved slightly over the central position by encounter with the pin 169. The switch 169 is adapted to complete a portion of the circuit which includes the high reward or score indicating bulb 28c? 75 while the switch 862 is adapted to complete a portion of the circuit which includes the next highest reward or score indicating bulb 28c. The corresponding switches ί 61 and 163 complete respectively portions of circuits to the automatic ₂o reward mechanism above referred to.

In order that a clear and complete understanding may be had of the construction and operation of the game apparatus embodying this invention, it is deemed advisable to brieAy describe Arst the 25 genera! action of the game apparatus as may be observed by a player, and then describe various I electrical circuits that may be established as the result of the action of the player setting the game apparatus into play. 30

Preparatory to playing the game, the player Arst adjusts the selector mechanism by manipulating the handle 67 so that the indicator (not shown) registers with a numeral which corresponds to the particular stall at the end of the 35 playing Aeld that the player expects and intends the Arst ball to enter. Then the player inserts a 1 coin in the coin mechanism, designated at 33, for releasing the mechanism and permitting movement of a conventional slide bar which engages 40 the main operating bar 76, and during the Anal portion of the inst-roke of the bar 76, the balls, designated generally at A, resting in the trough 35 at the lower end of the playing Aeld, are quickly projected one after the other up the passage- 45 way 40 for lodgment into the chute 12 for projection upon the playing Aeld.

During the complete movement of the coin mechanism 33, an electric circuit is completed through the selector mechanism for illuminating 50 one of the lights of the series 29α to 29g which corresponds to the adjustment of the indicator of the selector mechanism. Such movement of the bar 76 has also established certain portions of an electrical circuit through the control device, in- 55 dicated generally at 139, to one of the light bulbs of the score or reward indicating series, indicated at 28α to 28g, inclusive, and which circuit is completed upon projection of the balls upon the playing Aeld. Said light bulb when illuminated desig- 60 nates the particular reward or score to be accorded the player in the event the Arst baU entering the stalls operates a switch 24 controlled by a Anger 20 in the particular stall which corresponds to the numerical position of adjustment of 65 the indicator of the selector device. If this happens, another electrical circuit is completed which illuminates a corresponding light of the series 39α to ZBg, and also completes an electrical circuit to automatic reward mechanism for rewarding the 70 player in the form of a token or tokens corresponding to the reward designated by the illuminated light of the series 28α to 28sr.

By virtue of the construction herein shown and described, the player or players may make a mul- 75

2,098,293 tiplicity of selections for each complete play of the game apparatus. As above described in detail, a multiplicity of circuits to the respective lights 29α to 29g may be set up by adjusting the 5 indicator of the selector mechanism in response to successive actuations of the main operating bar 76 by operation of the coin mechanism 33 prior to the projection of the balls on the playing field.

In order that a clear understanding may be had 10 of the various electrical circuits that may be established upon complete operation of the game, we will now describe the various circuits in connection with a hypothetical illustration. Referring now to the schematic wiring diagram repre15 sented in Fig. 19, it will be noted that for convenience, the various selector contacts corresponding to the different stalls of the playing field, as well as the switches 24 associated with the respective stalls, are provided with numerical desig20 nations 1 to 7, inclusive, corresponding to the numbers of said stalls. Relay devices of the series 90α to 90ff, which are connected in the various circuits with the selector mechanism, likewise are provided with corresponding numerical desig25 nations, and the series of relay devices designated as 89α to 89α, which are connected in series with ¹ corresponding switches 24, likewise bear similar numerical designations corresponding to the designations of both the selector device and the 30 stalls on the playing field.

For the purpose of illustration, let it be assumed that the indicator of the selector mechanism has been adjusted to a position to complete a circuit through the contact bearing numerical ³⁸ designation 7 (which corresponds to the particular stall of the playing field that the player in¹ tends the first ball to enter). During the end stroke of the main operating bar 76, the stop 41 is withdrawn so that the balls A may roll down 40 the trough 35, one at a time, into the lower end of the passageway 40, and as each ball rolls in the said passageway, it depresses the resilient finger 44 which closes the switch contact arms 46 and 47, energizing the coil 51 of the kicker 45 mechanism causing the armature lever or kicker bar to be forcibly attracted to the coil, causing the end of said armature lever to forcibly strike the ball in the passageway 40 and propel it up said passageway, and due to the curved portion 38α 50 of the guard bar 38, the ball is re-directed downwardly into the projection chute 12. Therefore, as each ball rolls in sequence into the passageway 40 and closes the switch 48 for energizing the kicker coil 5i, said balls are promptly directed 55 into the projection chute. The circuit including the switch 40 and the kicker coil 51 includes a main conductor wire 190, and a branch conductor wire 191 which is connected directly to the switch arm 46. The circuit is completed through the 60 switch by virtue of the connection of the switch arm 47 by a conductor wire 192 to one end of the coil 51, the opposite end of said coil being connected by a conductor 193 to the returned side of the circuit as represented by its connection to the 65 conductor wire 194. Such inward movement of the coin slide mechanism and operating bar 76 moves the pin 76c downwardly so as to permit the switch arms 124α and 124b to be moved into closed position, in which position they will remain until 70 the complete return movement of the said coin slide. It will be noted that the circuit controlled by the switch 124 includes the tilt relay device, generally designated by the reference character ί 03, and the tilt light designated at 31, so that the 75 latter will be effective for rendering the game in operative for certain purposes unless the coin slide is fully returned to its original position in a manner to be presently more fully described.

The tilt relay device (03 with its associated switches is also arranged so as to function in 5 response to conventional tilt control mechanism which may be in the form of a swinging pendulum adapted when the device is tilted to engage a contact for closing the circuit to the relay device 103 and its associated switches to thus 10 render the device inoperative for certain purposes.

As the operating bar approaches its lower limit of movement, it energizes the spring timer mechanism designated generally at 127, which 15 closes the main control switch 128 for completing the main electrical circuit of the game apparatus, and simultaneously the switch 125 is closed by the pin 76c of the bar 7S for energizing the relay circuit which includes the portion 20 of the circuit established by the adjustment of the selector mechanism. Just as soon as the switch 125 is closed, current flows through the main conductor wire 196 and branch wire 195, through the switch unit, designated generally 25 at 103, the current passing through the switch arm 103d to switch arm i 03c and thence through a conductor wire 196 to branch conductor wire 197, through the closed switch 125 and thence through branch conductor 198 to the ground 30 connection, designated at 199, of the selector device. The current then flows through the contact arms 61b and 6ία, completing the circuit through the contact 59 (at position 7 of the selector mechanism) through the conductor wire ³⁸200, which is connected to the switch arm 94α of the switch associated with relay 90α (number 7) and through the switch arm 94b to the coil of said relay 90α. Said relay coil is also connected to a main ground conductor 201 which 40 connects all of the relay coils of the two series through the closed switch arms 94α and 94b associated with the relay 89α, and the current then flows through corresponding switch arms associated with all of the relays 89/ to 89α, and 45 thence through conductor 202, through the closed switch composed of arms ί 03α and 103b and thence through conductor 203 to switch H9 and back through the conductor 194.

As above mentioned, the switch 119 is closed 50 substantially at all times except during a brief interval adjacent the inward limit of movement of the bar 76. The completion of the circuit through the relay 90α (number 7) energizes its coil for attracting its armature 92 which breaks 55 the circuit between corresponding switch arms 94α and 94b, and completes portions of electrical circuits through its respective switch arms 94c, 94d, and 94e—94/, as above described in detail. The switches associated with the relays 60 90α to 90α are identical in construction, and it may be understood that the switch arms 94e and 94/ when closed control a corresponding light circuit for the bulbs 29α to 29α, while the arms 94c and 94d when closed control electrical cir- 65 cuits to the reward mechanism.

As soon as the electrical circuit just described has been broken by opening of the switch composed of the arms 94α and 94b, the current will flow from the conductor 196 through the switch 70 arms 94/ and 94e of relay device 90 and through a conductor 204 to the light bulb (number 7) designated at 29α, to the return side of the circuit through the conductors 205α and 205, through the main switch 128, and the conduc- 75

IO

2,093,293 tor wire 205 to the return side of the circuit connected to the source of energy. Thus when said circuit is completed, a light bulb 7 which corresponds to the indicated position of adjustment of the selector mechanism is illuminated. To indicate that the game is functioning properly upon actuation of the coin mechanism, the light 32 is connected at one side by a conductor 207 to the conductor 196, the opposite side of the light being connected by a conductor 208 to the conductor 205α through the conductor 206 to the return side of the circuit. Said light 2 Off remains illuminated during the normal period of operation of the game until the current supply is broken by opening of the switch 128 by the timer mechanism 127 notwithstanding the fact that the switch 125 has been opened by return of the bar 76.

Simultaneously with the establishment of the foregoing circuits by the operation of the bar 76 through the coin mechanism 33, the control device, indicated generally at 130, sets up one of a plurality of different circuit connections to reward or score indicating lights 28α to 28ff. As above mentioned, the lights 28α to 28ff do not become illuminated until the balls are projected onto the playing field. The balls are projected onto the playing field by pulling on the knob or handle 87 which releases the detent lever 8! and permits the ejector bar 42 under the influence of the spring 80 to impinge against said balls which are disposed in line in the projection chute 12 and propel them onto the playing field. As the ejector bar 42 is released, it releases the lever 108 which returns to the position seen in Fig. 2 for closing electrical circuits through the respective switch arms 109α, !09b and 109c, said switches being connected respectively in electrical circuits to the reward payout mechanism through the control device 130 for completing a circuit to one of the lights 28α to 28ff, designating the reward or score to be accorded the player.

For the purpose of illustration, we have selected a circuit including reward or score indicating light 28b with corresponding contact terminals of the control device, and the circuit through said control device and said light is completed by a branch conductor wire 209 from the main conductor wire ί 91 through the closed switch composed of switch arms !09c and 109d, thence through conductor wire 210 to the terminal contact ring 132, of the control device. The current then flows from said ring through a conductor 21! to one of the aligned contact terminals 134 which, it is to be understood, is the terminal engaged by the finger 139α of the control mechanism. The current then passes through a conductor 212 to the light 28b and returns through the conductor 205, 205α and 206 to the return side of the electrical source of energy.

Now, if it be assumed that the first ball rolling down the playing field enters stall 7, which corresponds to the adjusted position of the selector mechanism, said ball will depress the lever 20 closing the corresponding switch 24. As above pointed out, the switches 24 associated with the respective stalls are connected in series with the relay devices 9 Ito to 9! g. Thus when said switch 24 associated with stall 7 is closed, it illuminates the corresponding light 30ff (number?) and completes an electrical circuit to the reward mechanism for causing its actuation and paying to the player tokens corresponding to the reward designated in connection with the light 28b.

Thus by closing the switch 24 associated with the stall 7, current flows from the conductor 191 through a conductor 213 through the closed switch composed of switch arms 121α and 121b through the temporarily closed switch 24 actuated 5 by the first ball and through conductor 214 to relay device (number 7) designated at 89ff. The opposite end of said relay coil is connected to the ground conductor 201 and the current flows through the normally closed switch composed of 10 arms 9Φα and 94b of said relay through correspondingly closed switches associated with the other relays of the series 89α and 89ff, and thence returns through conductor 202 and switch arms 103α and 103b to conductor 203 and switch 119 15 to the return conductor 194. This circuit when complete energizes the coil of relay 89ff, breaking the circuit between the switch arms 94α and 94b and completing portions of electrical circuits by closing of the switch arms 94c, 94d and 94e— 20 94/, respectively. The circuit established by closing the switch composed of arms 94c and 94d illuminates the corresponding light (number 7) designated 30ff, while the switch arms 94e and 94/ complete a circuit through the switch arms 94c 25 and S4d of the corresponding relay device (number 7) designates 90ff to the reward mechanism.

The electrical circuit for the light 3 Off includes a conductor 2(5 connected to the main conductor 196 from whence current flows through ³⁰the switch arm 94c to the switch arm 94d associated with the relay device 89ff (number 7) through the conductor 216 to the light bulb 39ff, the circuit being completed through the conductor 208 and conductors 205α, switch (28 and ³⁵conductor 206 to the return side of the circuit of electrical source of energy. Thus, illumination of the light 30ff (number 7) visibly indicates that the first ball to roll down the playing field has passed into, stall 7, corresponding to. the indicated 40 position of adjustment of the selector mechanism which resulted in previously illuminating the corresponding light (number 7) designated as 29ff.

Simultaneously with completing the circuit including the light 3 Off, a circuit is completed to 45 the reward mechanism, and in this connection it is to be noted that each of the switches composed of arms 94c and 94d of the respective relay devices, designated at 89α to 89ff, are connected in series with the switches composed of arms 94c 50 and 04/ of the corresponding relay devices, designated as 98α to 90ff. The circuit to the reward mechanism in the present instance is completed from the main current conductor wire 196 to branch conductor wires 215, 218 through the 55 switch arm 94/ associated with the relay device 89ff through the cooperating switch arm 94e, which in turn is connected in series by a conductor 219 with the switch arm 94d associated with relay device 99ff, and current passes from CO said arm to the switch arm 94c to conductors 220 and 22! (which is also included in a circuit with the switch 124) through the switch arm 109α to the switch arm 169 b and thence through a conductor 222 to contact ring 133 of the control de- 65 vice. The conductor 224 completes the circuit from the contact finger 138b to the aligned terminal 134 with which the finger 139b is in engagement, and from which terminal the circuit is completed through the conductor 225 to the re- 70 ward mechanism, which thereby becomes actuated to reward the player in accordance with the adjustment of the control device ISO, as indicated by the reward designating light 28b.

Should the balls be projected onto the playing 75

2,093,293 field after a selection has been made and before the complete returned movement of the coin slide has been had a ball passing over the selected area or stall would be ineffective for actuating the pay5 out mechanism by reason of the fact that the switch 124 would still be in closed position and, therefore, the circuit which would be completed upon the passing of the ball over the switch 24 would be to energize the tilt relay 103, thereby 10 preventing a closing of the circuit to the payout mechanism or to any of the relays 89α to 89g. The circuit that will be closed under those circumstances will be if we assume that the stall selected over which the ball is intended to pass 15 is stall No. 7, and that a ball has passed through said stall, the current will flow from the energized wire 220 by reason of the closing of the switch 94c—94d of the coil 90g to the conductor 221, then through the switch arms 124α to 124b 20 through conductor 230, branch conductor 23 i to tilt relay 103. The other end of the relay, it will be noted, is connected to the live wire 194 through the switch 119, conductor 207, switches 103α and 103b and conductor 232. The result of 25 the energizing· of the tilt relay 103 will be to break the contacts 103α—103d and 103c—103d and in

I turn complete the circuit through contacts IO3e— ί 03/. The result of this will be to illuminate the tilt light 31 and at the same time prevent the 30 closing of a circuit to the payout mechanism, which circuit can only be closed when the switch i03a—103b is in closed position. Thus it will be 'noted that unless the coin slide is fully returned to its original position in which position it will 35 break engagement between the contacts 124α— i 24b, it will be impossible to complete a circuit ' to the payout mechanism.

If it happens that the first ball passing into one of the stalls enters one other than that se40 lected by the player, that particular light of the series 30α. to 30g, corresponding to the stall through which the ball passed, will be illuminated, but manifestly because the switch composed of arms 94e and 94/ associated with the 45 relay switches of the series 89α and 89b will not then be connected in series with the corresponding pair of switch arms of the series of relay switch devices 90α to 90b, the reward mechanism will not function.

If the control mechanism 130 becomes adjusted for completing circuits through the higher reward indicating light bulbs 28c and 28d, the contact fingers 139α and 139b of the control device will engage the terminals designated respec55 tively at X and Y, in Fig. 19, and if the respective switches 162 and 163 are closed, as indicated in the wiring diagram, circuit is established through the light 28c and the corresponding contact of the reward mechanism. Whereas if the 60 switches 160 and 161 are closed instead by operation of the bar 76, current will flow through the light bulb 28d which is the highest reward designating light bulb and will also complete a corresponding electrical circuit to the reward 65 mechanism subject, of course, to the final completion of the circuits controlled by the relay devices actuated by the proper switch 24 associated with the stall through which the first ball passes, and which corresponds to proper adjust70 ment of the selector mechanism prior to playing the game.

It is believed that our invention, its mode of construction and assembly, and many of its advantages should be readily understood from 75 the foregoing without further description, and it should also be manifest that while a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described for illustrative purposes, the structural details are nevertheless capable of wide variation within the purview of our invention as de- g fined in the appended claims.