US3727740A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Coin-operated trained animal amusement apparatus
Assignee: ANIMAL BEHAVIOR ENTERPRISES INC US
•
Filing: 1971-07-08
•
Granted: 1973-04-17
•
Expires: 1991-07-08
Abstract
Abstract A trained animal amusement apparatus in which a trained chicken or other animal in a containing compartment engages a person in a game of skill which takes place in a playing compartment. Electric circuitry is provided to enable a trained animal and a person to participate in a sequential game. Provision is expressly made to prevent both players from operating at the same time. A solenoid controlled impeller is provided to direct a ball towards a target. Alternative switching provides for separate turns for the trained animal and person. Scoring may be registered when the ball goes through a target in one embodiment. The trained animal is rewarded for successful completion of its specified routine of performance or game task.
Inventors
- 👤 R Bailey
- 👤 G Evans
- 👤 B Petty
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 18:43
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01K; A01K15/00; A01K15/02; A01K15/025; A01K15/0201; A63; A63F; A63F9/00; A63F9/06; A63F9/0601
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
In a contest amusement game to be played between a trained animal player and a person, the combination of: a. game task means operable by either player, b. means for activating said game task means for sequential play by said players, c. lockout means for preventing simultaneous play by both players, d. means for operating a cue signal when it is time for the animal player to play, e. means for operating an animal feeding device when the animal player has successfully completed its use of the game task means, and f. means for operating said lockout means to transfer play from one player to the other when the first has completed its game task.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
In a contest amusement game to be played between a trained animal player and a person, the combination of: a. game task means operable by either player, b. means for activating said game task means for sequential play by said players, c. lockout means for preventing simultaneous play by both players, d. means for operating a cue signal when it is time for the animal player to play, e. means for operating an animal feeding device when the animal player has successfully completed its use of the game task means, and f. means for operating said lockout means to transfer play from one player to the other when the first has completed its game task.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said game task means includes a solenoid actuated impeller.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for activating said game task means includes an electric switch activated solenoid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said switch is coin operated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said lockout means includes an electric control device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said control device is a relay circuit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for operating the animal feeding device includes a solenoid.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for transferring play is an automatic relay circuit.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The appaRatus of claim 1 wherein the means for transferring play is a solid state circuit.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
103 words
A trained animal amusement device providing a game between two players, one being a person and one being a trained animal comprising means to establish an initial playing condition for the first player while locking out the playing means for the second player, playing means by which the initial player performs a game task and establishes a similar playing condition for the second player, playing means by which the second player performs the game task while locking out the playing means for the first player and completes the playing cycle, and means to reward the trained animal for successfully operating its playing means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
103 words
A trained animal amusement device providing a game between two players, one being a person and one being a trained animal comprising means to establish an initial playing condition for the first player while locking out the playing means for the second player, playing means by which the initial player performs a game task and establishes a similar playing condition for the second player, playing means by which the second player performs the game task while locking out the playing means for the first player and completes the playing cycle, and means to reward the trained animal for successfully operating its playing means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
The trained animal amusement device of claim 10 which includes means upon completion of the second game task to reestablish the original conditions of the device.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The trained animal amusement device of claim 11 wherein the means to establish conditions for the first player to play includes a switch.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The trained animal amusement device of claim 12 wherein said switch is coin activated.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
The trained animal amusement device of claim 11 wherein the playing means for each player includes a switch to activate an impeller solenoid to perform the game task.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
The trained animal amusement device of claim 11 wherein the means for changing conditions of play upon completion of each player''s game task includes a relay switching circuit.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The trained animal amusement device of claim 11 wherein the means to reward said trained animal includes an electrically activated feeder.
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) | 1976-04-16 | 1976-10-16 | 1977-04-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-16 | 1980-10-16 | 1981-04-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-16 | 1984-10-16 | 1985-04-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |