Sweepstake Programmer

Abstract

A game in which a player attempts to match a number or design selected by a chance mechanism. The player sets the game into operation by inserting a first token to operate the chance mechanism for selecting a number or design by the machine, which is to be matched by the player. The token also releases the selecting mechanism by which the player makes his selection. The insertion of a security key releases the trip mechanism for operation by the player. By operating the trip mechanism after the insertion of the security key the player attempts to match the first two numbers (or designs) selected by the machine. The insertion of a second token or other triggering means allows the player a choice of selecting a third number and a third token allows the player to select a fourth number. In the event the player matches the selected numbers the machine prints a tab indicating the correct selection.

Description

This invention relates to a coin operated game apparatus and more specifically to an apparatus in which the player attempts to match a combination of numerals or other designs selected by the apparatus.

There are a number of coin operated game devices in which the player has no choice of selection and his chance of winning or losing is preselected by the machine. There are also games of chance in which the player has only a limited selection.

It is an object of this invention to provide a game of chance in which the player can make a selection of one or more combinations of numerals and or designs to match a selection made by the machine.

It is a further object of this invention to produce an apparatus as aforesaid in which the winning selection is printed on a voucher which is supplied to the player.

It is a further object of this invention to produce an apparatus as aforesaid which can provide for the selection of large numbers of combinations using only simple electrical components.

These and other objects of the invention will become manifest upon reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a phantom view showing in diagrammatic form the arrangement of the major parts of the apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing some of the operating circuits;

FIG. 5 shows the selector and selecting circuits associated with the second column of switches;

FIG. 6 shows the selector and selecting circuits associated with the third column of switches;

FIG. 7 shows the selector and selecting circuits associated with the fourth column of switches;

FIG. 8 shows a detail of the selector switch for use with the first column of switches;

FIG. 9 is a view along the line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a view along the line 10-10 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 and showing the selector switch for use with the second column of switches;

FIG. 12 is a detail view of the switch-operating mechanism associated with the first column of switches;

FIG. 13 is a detail taken along the line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a view taken along the line 14-14 of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view of the blind and its operator.

With reference to FIG. 1 of the drawing there is illustrated a case C for housing the main operating parts of the apparatus. A plurality of token receiving openings A2, C2, D2 and a security opening B2 are located at the top of the case for receiving tokens during the course of the play. A plurality of selecting knobs A4, B4, C4, D4 are connected to switch operators in the case and are slidably mounted along slots A6, B6, C6, D6 for selecting a number or design. The selection is shown in windows A8, B8, C8, D8 associated with each knob and slot. The master combination which is selected by the apparatus is displayed in window W but is withheld from view by a blind till the player has made his selection and has finalized it by operating the handle H in the direction of the arrow 2.

The game is played by depositing a token in slot A2. This operates a chance device whereby the apparatus is operated to produce a master number in window W, but the number is unknown to the player. The token also activates the selecting mechanism to permit the player to select his matching number by sliding the knobs along the slots A6, B6, C6, and D6. The number selected by the player is always visible in windows A8, B8, C8, and D8. His selection can be changed till he makes it final in the manner noted above. A key must be deposited in slot B2 in order to allow the player to make his selection final. If desired the player can limit his selection to the first two numbers of the master combination by making his selection final after depositing the second key. The first three numbers of the master combination can be played by depositing a token in slot C2 and all four numbers can be played by depositing a token in slot D2. The selection is made final as noted above and the presence of a winning number is indicated by the light L which carries instructions to operate the switch S. Operation of the switch expels a tab, through the tab slot TS, on which is printed the winning combination.

CHANCE MECHANISM

The chance mechanism comprises a plurality of selectors indicated in general by the legends AC, BC, CC, and DC. Each selector comprises a motor M which remains connected to a voltage source through a master switch (not shown) and rotates at all times except for the period during which a selection is retained. Each motor drives a disc 10 carried on armature shaft 11 and having secured thereto an operating pin 12. A switch plate 14 is carried by the armature shaft 16 of a solenoid 18 and is moved toward the disc 10 when the solenoid is energized and is moved away from disc 10 by a spring mechanism in the solenoid when the solenoid is deenergized, in the directions indicated by the double-headed arrow 20 in FIG. 8.

The plate 14 of selector AC is formed with a pair of diametrically opposed elongated openings 22,24, the plate of selector BC is formed with three openings 26,28,30, the plates of selectors CC and DC are formed with four openings. The faces of plates 14 facing discs 10 are formed with a guide track 32 for guiding the head 13 of pin 12. A switch 34 is secured to each plate 14 adjacent each opening. Each switch comprises a pair of fixed contacts 36 and 38 and a movable contact 40 normally biased into engagement with contact 36. The movable contact carries an insulating contact shoe 42 extending into the adjacent opening. When the solenoid 18 is energized the plate 14 is shifted toward rotating pin 12. The head 13 of the pin will engage in the first elongated opening it finds to press on shoe 42 to separate contacts 36,40, whereby to deenergize the motor and close contacts 38,40 to form a circuit therethrough.

SELECTING MECHANISM

The selecting mechanism comprises four columns of selecting switches. Column A contains two switches 2A and 4A. Column B contains three switches 2B, 4B, and 6B. Column C contains four switches 2C, 4C, 6C, and 8C and column D contains four switches 2D, 4D, 6D, and 8D. Each switch comprises a fixed contact 44 and a movable contact 46 normally biased out of engagement with the fixed contact. Each column is supplied with an operator 48 which is provided with a cam 50 for engagement with an insulator 52 of movable contact 46 to move the contact into engagement with fixed contact 44. The operators are shifted longitudinally by means of knobs A4, B4, C4 and D4. The cam 50 is held to keep closed the selected contacts by means of detents which detain the operators in the location selected by the player.

ACTIVATING MECHANISM

The chance and selector mechanisms are normally locked in the inoperative state and are activated by depositing a token in opening A2 to close contacts 54,56 to complete a circuit from a voltage source to solenoids 58 and 60 through lines 61,62 and to solenoids 18 through line 64. The armature shaft 57 of solenoid 58 carries a pin 63 which is slidably entered into a recess 65 of operator 48 by the bias of spring 64 when the solenoid is deenergized. The pin is removed from the recess when the solenoid is energized to allow the shifting of the operator.

A housing 66 is carried by armature shaft 68 of solenoid 60 and houses a spring 70. The housing is provided with a recess for retaining a detent ball 72 for engagement with recesses 74 in operator 48 in column A. When solenoid 60 is energized spring 70 is sufficiently compressed to urge ball 72 into a recess 74 for retaining the operator in a selected position.

A spring 76 is secured to a bracket 78 secured in the case C and is secured to operator 48. The spring is under sufficient tension to move the operator when solenoid 60 is deenergized.

A security key deposited in opening B2 will close contacts 55,59 to complete a circuit from line 61 to switch 1A. The movable contact 67 of switch 1A is normally in engagement with fixed contact 69 and is held out of engagement by cam 50 of operator 48 when the operator is in its uppermost position. The electromagnet BE will attract movable contact 55 to maintain contacts 55 and 59 in engagement. The fixed contact 69 is connected to solenoid 124 by line 71.

A token deposited in opening C2 will close contacts 162 and 163 and the contacts will remain closed by the attraction of electromagnet CE on the moveable contact 162. The movable contact will then be disengaged from line 164.

A token deposited in opening D2 will separate movable contact 172 from line 174 and will close contacts 172 and 173. The contacts will remain closed by the attraction of electromagnet DE on the movable contact 172.

PRINTING MECHANISM

The printing mechanism comprises a plurality of printing mechanisms 80, 82, 84 and 86 having index wheels settable to form a bank of designs, such as numbers, which are operated by the chance mechanism to present the master combination elements toward the paper 88 preparatory for actuation into printing engagement. The paper is stored in a roll 90 and is led between feeding rollers 92 and 94. The roller 92 is rotated by motor 96 to feed a tab with the winning combination printed thereon. The printing wheels are stamped into printing engagement by operation of solenoid 98 which then withdraws the printing wheels and opens the circuit therethrough.

A solenoid 100 carries a locking rod 102 for engagement with an opening 104 in the end of roller 92. The roller is of sufficient circumference between openings 104 to expel a tab having the printed number thereon. The armature of the solenoid carries a plate 106 having a resilient reed 108 connected thereto. The movable contact 110 is carried by the reed to move into and out of engagement with the fixed contact 112.

Solenoid 100 is energized when there is a winning selection and removes the rod 102 from an opening 104 and closes contacts 110 and 112. Closing of contacts 110 and 112 energizes solenoid 98. A time delay switch 114 prevents operation of the motor 96 till the printing wheels have been contacted with the paper and withdrawn. The switch then closes to allow the motor to make a partial rotation to move 102 and 104 out of engagement to maintain contacts 110 and 112 closed to hold energized the indicating light L. Operation of switch S will again energize motor 96 to expel the tab and align 102 and 104 to open contacts 110,112 to extinguish the light and deenergize the motor. A time delay switch 111 will open the circuit to solenoid 100 after the motor 96 has made the partial rotation.

TRIP MECHANISM

The trip mechanism comprises a bellcrank lever pivotally mounted at 115 on the case C and having an arm H which is used as the operating handle and an arm SW which is used to operate movable contact 116 through an insulating post 118 and the movable contact of a time delay switch 120 through an insulating post 122. Solenoid 124 having a reciprocating armature shaft 126 is mounted in the case. Shaft 126 normally is extended to engage in an opening 128 in handle H to lock the handle against unauthorized movement. When a token is deposited in slot B2 the solenoid is energized to withdraw the shaft 126 from the opening to permit movement of the handle. A rod 130 is secured to arm SW and is loosely carried in an ear 132 carried by the blind 134. A pair of springs 136 and 138 support the blind in a position to cover the window W. When the handle is pivoted the blind is depressed to reveal the master combination through the window.

ENERGIZING CIRCUITS

The normally closed contacts of the switches 34 carried by plates 14 are arranged in series to connect a source of voltage to the motors M. In FIG. 4 a line 150 connects a source of voltage to the first movable contact of the series and a line 152 connects the last fixed contact 36 of the series to the motor. A line 154 leads to ground to complete the circuit. In FIG. 5 a line 156 connects a source of voltage to motor M2 and a line 158 connects the motor to the first fixed contact 36 of the series and a line 160 connects the movable contact of the last switch of the series to a movable contact 162 of a double throw switch in which the movable contact is normally in contact with a ground lead 164. In FIG. 6 a line 166 connects a source of voltage to the motor M3 and a line 168 connects the motor to the first fixed contact 36 of the series and a line 170 connects the last movable contact of the series to a movable contact 172 of a double-throw switch in which 172 is normally in contact with a ground lead 174. The connection of motor M4 is similar to that of M3 but the last movable contact of the series is permanently connected to ground lead 176. With the foregoing circuits the motors run until one of the series connected switches is opened.

A line 300 connects fixed contact 44 of switch 2A to fixed contact 38 of the first of the series of two switches 34 carried by plate 14 and a line 302 connects the fixed contact 44 of switch 4A to fixed contact 38 of the second of the two series of switches 34 carried by plate 14. Line 304 connects fixed contact 44 of switch 2B to fixed contact 38 of the first of the three series connected switches 34 on plate 14, line 306 connects fixed contact 44 of switch 4B with the fixed contact of the second of the series connected switches 34 carried by plate 14 and a line 308 connects the fixed contacts 44 of the fixed contact of the third series of switches 34. Similarly lines 310, 312, 314, and 316 connect the fixed contacts 44 of switches 2C, 4C, 6C, and 8C to the fixed contacts 38 of switches 34 carried by plate 14 and lines 318, 320, 322, and 324 connect the fixed contacts 44 of switches 2D, 4D, 6D, and 8D to the fixed contacts 38 of switches 34 carried by plate 14.

The movable contacts 46 of switches 2A and 4A are connected to line 326, the movable contacts 46 of switches 2B, 4B, and 6B are connected to a common line 328, the movable contacts 46 of switches 2C, 4C, 6C, and 8C are connected to a common line 330, and the movable contacts 46 of switches 2D, 4D, 6D, and 8D are connected to a common line 332.

Registers 334, 336, 338, and 340 are mounted behind window W and register the numbers selected by the chance mechanism. These registers are well-known devices and will record a preselected number upon completing the proper circuit. Register 334 has leads 342,344 connected to fixed contacts 44 of switches 2A and 2B and will register numeral 1 when line 342 completes a circuit and will register numeral 2 when line 344 completes a circuit. Similarly registers 336, 338, and 340 are connected to register numerals 1, 2, 3, or 4 dependent on the completion of the proper circuit.

The printing mechanisms 80,82,84,86 are in parallel circuits with registers 334, 336, 338, and 340 and will thus present the proper numeral for printing simultaneously with the presentation of the proper numeral by the register.

OPERATION

For purposes of explanation the description that follows will be made on the assumption that the player has selected the winning number 1123. However, it is to be understood that designs other than numbers can be used, for example, combinations of grapes, lemons, oranges, or geometrical figures such as combinations of circles, squares, etc.

A token is deposited in opening A2 to close contacts 54 and 56. The contacts remain closed by the attraction of movable contact 54 by electromagnet AE. Current flows from a voltage source to line 61, through engaged contacts 54,56, line 62 and to solenoids 58 and 60. Energization of solenoid 58 will operate to withdraw locking pin 63 from recess 65 to allow the player to slide operator 48 downwardly to close contacts 67,69 of switch 1A and to close contacts 44,46 of switch 2A. Energization of solenoid 60 will produce sufficient force on spring 70 to retain detent ball 72 in the selected recess 74 and to thereby detain cam 50 in engagement with contact 46. A circuit is also completed to solenoid 18A through line 200 and ground line 202. A circuit is completed to solenoid 18B through lines 204 and 206. Similarly, circuits are completed to solenoids 18C and 18D through lines 208,210 and 212,214. Energization of solenoid 18A will move plate 14 toward rotating plate 10 and cause the pin 12 to move contact 40 away from contact 36 into engagement with contact 38 to produce a series circuit with contacts 44,46 of switch 2A and to open the circuit to the motor M1 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Similarly plate 14 carrying three switches will be moved to cause pin 12 to move contact 40 away from contact 36 and into engagement with contact 38 to produce a series circuit with contacts 44,46 of switch 2B and to open the circuit to motor M2 as illustrated in FIG. 5. In FIG. 6 contacts 40 and 38 have been engaged to form a series circuit with contacts 44,46 of switch 4C and in FIG. 7 contacts 40 and 38 have been engaged to form a series circuit with contacts 44,46 of switch 6D and to open the circuits through motors M3, M4.

Completion of the circuit to switch 2A will complete a circuit from line 150 through contacts 40,38, line 300, and line 342 to register 334 to cause the register to exhibit numeral 1 in the window. Similarly a circuit is completed to printing mechanism 80 through line 343 to orient numeral 1 for printing on the tab.

Completion of the circuit to switch 2B will complete a circuit through the register 336 from a supply line 337, through line 304, contacts 38,40, line 160, contact 162 to ground line 164. Register 336 will then exhibit numeral 1 in the window W. Similarly a circuit is completed through printing mechanism 82 from a supply line 339 through lines 341,304 to ground to orient the second numeral 1 for printing on the tab.

Completion of the circuit to switch 4C will complete a circuit from supply line 341 through register 338 lines 311,312,38,40,36,40,170.172, to ground line 174 and the register will exhibit the numeral 2 in window W. Similarly a circuit is completed from supply line 343 through the printing mechanism 84, line 345, line 311 to ground and numeral 2 will be oriented for printing on the tab.

Completion of the circuit to switch 6D will complete a circuit from supply line 347 through register 340 lines 349,322 and the series arranged switches on plate 14 to ground line 176. Similarly a circuit is completed from a supply line 351 through printing mechanism 86, line 353 to ground and numeral 3 will be oriented for printing on the tab.

Completion of the foregoing circuits completes the selection of the master number by the apparatus and prepares the number for viewing in the window W and for printing on the tab.

The player can now make his selection by shifting the operators 48 by means of the attached knobs. Movement of operator 48 downwardly along column A will close switch contacts 67,69 and contacts 44,46 of switch 2A. Movement of the operators in columns B, C, and D will close contacts 44,46 of switches 2B, 4C, and 6D. The numbers selected by the movement of each operator can be viewed through windows A8, B8, C8, and D8. This operation sets the players selection of four numbers. By depositing a key in opening B2 switch contacts 55 and 59 are closed to energize solenoid 124 through lines 61,71 through closed contacts 67,69. The solenoid will withdraw pin 126 from opening 128 to free the handle for rotation. The player can now make his selection of two numbers final by rotating handle H to close contacts 116,117. A circuit is now completed from line 150 through contacts 38,40 line 300, switch contacts 44,46 of switch 2A, line 326, contacts 116,117, solenoid 100, line 328, closed contacts 44,46 of switch 2B line 304, contacts 38,40 line 160, contact 162 to ground line 164. The completed circuit energizes solenoid 100 for actuation to close contacts 110,112 and to complete a circuit from a source line 113 to light L, solenoid 98, and through delay line 114 to motor 96. The operation of solenoid 98 will print numbers 11 on the tab. The motor will now rotate sufficiently to cause pin 102 to bear on the end of roller 92 before being deenergized by the cutoff produced by delay line 114. The player can now act under instructions to close switch S. This completes a circuit from line 99 to the motor to again energize the motor to rotate the rollers 92 and 94 to expel the printed tab. Alignment of opening 104 with pin 102 will shift the pin into opening 104 and open contacts 108,110. Time delay mechanism 120 will retain the electromagnets AE, BE, CE, DE energized for a sufficient period of time to allow the player to compare his selection with the master number and will then open the circuit to deenergize the electromagnets. Upon deenergization of the electromagnets contacts 54,56 are opened and solenoids 58 and 60 are deenergized. Deenergization of solenoid 60 will release the pressure on spring 70 such that the detent mechanism cannot restrain movement of operator 48 against the bias of spring 76. The operator is therefore biased upwardly to open contacts 44,46 of switch 2A and open contacts 67,69 of switch 1A. The slanted edge 59 of the operator will bias the pin 63 to the edge of the operator whereby it will enter into opening 65 to lock the operator in position for the next play. Opening of contacts 67,69 will deenergize solenoid 124 to allow armature shaft 126 to be released for entry into opening 128 of the handle to lock the handle from unauthorized operation.

Openings of contacts 54,56 will also deenergize solenoids 18. The solenoids will therefore move plates 14 away from plates 10 to form the circuits for again energizing motors M. The registers and printing mechanisms are deenergized and return to their zero position where the characters 0 are exhibited in the window and oriented for printing by the printing mechanisms. Deenergization of electromagnet BE will open contacts 55,59; 162,163; and 172,173.

A token deposited in opening C2 will permit the player to play for three numbers of the combination. The token will close contacts 162,163 to complete a circuit from line 330 through closed contacts 44,46 of switch 4C, through contacts 36,38,40 of the series arranged switches 34 to line 170, movable contact 172 to ground line 174. The grounding circuit for solenoid 100 now includes series connected switches 4D and 34.

A token deposited in opening D2 will close contacts 172,173 and open contacts 172,174. Closing of contacts 172,173 will complete a circuit from line 332 through closed contacts 44,46 of switch 6D, through contacts 36,38,40 of the series arranged switches 34 to ground line 176. The grounding circuit for solenoid 100 now includes series connected switches 6D and switches 34. Operation of handle H will now complete the play for the four number match.

A four column game has been used to describe this invention but it is obvious that fewer or a greater number can be used. If desired, the chance mechanism can be replaced by a selection mechanism similar to the one described herein to allow one player to set the master combination and the second player to attempt a match with his opponent. These and other arrangements will now be apparent from the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A game apparatus comprising a chance mechanism for selecting a master combination of possible indicia designs; means operating said mechanism to select and register said chance-selected combination, said chance mechanism comprising a plurality of indicia design selectors, each selector comprising an electric motor, an electric operating current for said motor; a plurality of selector switches for controlling the current to each of said motors; other selecting means operable by a player for selecting and registering a possible matching combination of indicia designs; and means operable by a matching of said combinations for indicating that the player has correctly matched the indicia designs of

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the other selecting means comprises a plurality of columns of selecting switches, a plurality of selecting switches in each column, and switch operators operable by a player for closing a single switch of the plurality of switches in each

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said means operable by a matching of said combinations for indicating, comprises a signal, a signal switch for completing a circuit through said signal and a source of potential, and a solenoid energized by a circuit through the matching

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including means for printing

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the means for printing comprises a bank of designs, means setting the bank to correspond with the master combination, a solenoid for urging the bank into printing contact with the tab, and means operable by a matching of said combinations for

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including means for locking said selecting means to prevent operation thereof, and security key-operated means for releasing said locking means to permit operation

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said selecting means comprises a plurality of columns of selecting switches, a plurality of selecting switches in each column and a linearly movable operator in each column for selectively closing a single switch in each column, and said locking means comprises a locking solenoid and a lock shiftable by said solenoid when deenergized, into locking engagement with one of said

8. An apparatus as defined in claim 7 further including a token-operated switch for energizing said solenoid to shift said lock out of locking engagement with said operator to allow the operator to be moved by the

9. An apparatus as defined in claim 8 further including detent means for detaining each operator in selected switch operating location, said detent means comprising a detent, a recess in the operator for receiving the detent, a spring means for urging the detent into the recess; one of said

10. An apparatus as defined in claim 9 further including means for moving the operator engaged by said one of said detent means to locking position

11. A game comparison apparatus comprising a chance mechanism having indicia-selecting means for randomly selecting by chance a combination of indicia; said indicia selecting means comprising a plurality of indicia selectors, each selector comprising an electric motor in an operating circuit and a plurality of selector switches for each motor, actionable means to operate said chance mechanism to randomly select and register said chance selected combination of indicia, means settable by a player for selecting and registering a combination of possible matching indicia to that of said chance selected combination; and a player control for actuating comparison-indicating means to indicate the player having

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the means settable by the

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein means are provided for visually observing the indicia of the combination selected by the player.