US3658333A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gravity operated horse racing game
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-03-24
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Granted: 1972-04-25
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Expires: 1991-03-24
Abstract
Abstract A horse racing game consisting of a plurality of parallel race tracks which are inclined slightly downhill to permit simulated race horses housed in a starting gate to be simultaneously released, and slide downhill on the tracks to a finish line at the end of the track. A pair of handles mounted adjacent to the starting gate allows the game operator to both open the starting gate and release the horses with a loud audible sound so that they will simultaneously begin sliding down the inclined guided tracks to the finish line.
Inventors
- 👤 John Carcel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-10 02:36
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F9/00; A63F9/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
124 words
An apparatus for racing toy horses, comprising: an inclined raceway having a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart racetracks; a starting gate, mounted at the highest portion of said inclined raceway; a plurality of horses, each disposed in each track of said raceway; sliding skates secured to the feet of each of said horses; means for releasing said horses for travel in the tracks of said inclined raceway; means for opening said starting gate to permit said horses to traverse the length of said inclined raceway; a detachable tray, including a handle pivotably secured to said tray for disposal in front of and to the rear of said tray; and means for receiving said tray at the starting gate and at the finish of said raceway.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
124 words
An apparatus for racing toy horses, comprising: an inclined raceway having a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart racetracks; a starting gate, mounted at the highest portion of said inclined raceway; a plurality of horses, each disposed in each track of said raceway; sliding skates secured to the feet of each of said horses; means for releasing said horses for travel in the tracks of said inclined raceway; means for opening said starting gate to permit said horses to traverse the length of said inclined raceway; a detachable tray, including a handle pivotably secured to said tray for disposal in front of and to the rear of said tray; and means for receiving said tray at the starting gate and at the finish of said raceway.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
82 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said releasing means comprises a groove formed along the edge of said tray for receiving and demountAbly securing the front skates of said horses, a hammer disposed below said groove and pivotably coupled to said raceway, and a handle coupled to said hammer so that the movement of said handle will cause said hammer to strike the bottom of said tray to permit the front feet of said horses to release from said groove.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said means for opening starting gate comprises a second handle, a lever pivoted to said raceway and coupled to said second handle and engaging said starting gate, and a latch engaging said lever when said starting gate is moved to its fully open position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said hammer handle and said second handle are pivotably coupled to the same pivot and are disposed adjacent to each other for simultaneous movement.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein each of said horses includes a weighted member disposed within the body of said horse over the front feet.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein said horse additionally comprises a rider demountably secured to the saddle of said horse.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein said raceway forms an S curve, and said tracks are inclined on the curved portions of said track.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said tray comprises a forward pair of extending pins for engagement within a corresponding slot formed adjacent to said starting gage for demountably securing said tray at the beginning of said raceway.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-04-25 | 1975-10-25 | 1976-04-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-25 | 1979-10-25 | 1980-04-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-25 | 1983-10-25 | 1984-04-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |