GB2100136A

GB2100136A - Surface projectile game apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2100136A
Application number: GB8215913A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Bally Manufacturing Corp
Current assignee: Bally Manufacturing Corp
Priority date: 1981-06-15
Filing date: 1982-06-01
Publication date: 1982-12-22
Also published as: JPS584574A; JPS5926315B2; AU8363582A; IT8248602A0; ES8306906A1; FR2507489A1; NL8202413A; BE893507A; ES513050A0; BR8203406A; DE3221742A1; IT1148580B; DK249982A; LU84198A1; SE8203618L

Abstract

The apparatus comprises a playfield, a surface projectile, at least first (140) and second (100) targets, a striker (30), a gate (40) having variable open positions which permit the projectile to pass in all positions, means for varying the opening of the gate, and means for displaying the game score, the gate being disposed between the striker and the first target and the means for varying the opening of the gate being responsive to actuation of selected targets by the projectile. The gate opening may be narrowed responsive to actuation of the second target (100), and widened responsive to actuation of a third target (108). A player controls lateral movement of the striker by movement of a control handle (16). Selected targets propel the projectile towards the striker responsive to actuation of the responsive target. The game may further comprise fourth and fifth targets, and means for selectively adding or subtracting, respectively, points to an accumulating total responsive to actuation of the fourth target, or fifth target, respectively and may also include bumper rails (60) for blocking passage of the projectile and exit gates (50). <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Surface projectile game This invention relates to amusement game machines having a ball and a playfield such as pinball or other surface projectile game, and more particularly to an improved surface projectile game having a variable open position gate and a striker.

One type of gate device usable with the present invention is that disclosed in copending application Serial No. 262227, by Roman Tojza, for Game Gate Device, (Atty. No.

39877), assigned to the assignee of the present application, hereby incorporated by reference herein.

One type of striker usable with the present invention is that disclosed in copending application Serial No. 264582, by Donald E.

Hooker, for Game Ball Driving Assignment (Atty. No. 39876), assigned to the same assignee as the present application, hereby incorporated by reference herein.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a surface projectile game is provided with creates a new class of amusement games.

In the illustrated embodiments, a surface projectile game is shown comprising a playfield, a surface projectile, first and second targets, a striker, a gate having variable open positions which permits the projectile to pass in all positions, means for varying the opening of the gate, and means for displaying the game score. The playfield is preferably downwardly sloping. The striker, when properly positioned, propels the projectile towards the targets. The gate is preferably disposed between the striker and the first target.

The means for varying the opening of the gate does so responsive to actuation of selected targets by the projectile. Targets are actuated when the projectile strikes the target with sufficient force to actuate a switch. In the illustrated embodiment, the gate opening is narrowed responsive to actuation of one target and is widened responsive to actuation of another target. A control handle is provided with which a player can actuate lateral movement of the striker. The lateral positioning of the striker by the player is determinative of the rebound direction the projectile will move upon contact and propulsion by the striker.

The striker, in the illustrated embodiment, automatically propels and projectile towards the targets responsive to the projectile contacting the striker. Thus, the player's control of the game is based upon timely positioning of the striker. Alternatively, the transverse (propulsion) movement of the striker may be made player actuatable.

The targest include means for propelling the projectile towards the striker responsive to actuation of the respective target.

The means for propelling the projectile can do so automatically and consistently or can do so conditionally as a function of game score or game play, and may be actively driven, such as by a solenoid, or merely be elastically driven, such as by a spring or resilient rebounder. Also, the means for propelling the projectile can do so with a uniform force each time actuated, or can be designed such that the propulsive force varies as a function of the game score or game play at the point in time of target actuation.

The game is further comprised of a third target, a means for adding points to an accumulated total responsive to actuation of the third target by the projectile, and means for adding the accumulated total to the game score responsive to actuation of the first target by the projectile. As illustrated a fourth target may be provided and means for subtracting points from the accumulated total responsive to actuation of the fourth target. Also provided are means for displaying the current accumulated total separately from the game score.

The displays may be seven-segmented LED, liquid crystal, vacuum flourescent, gas discharge, incandescent or other types. The display of the current accumulated total may be cleared responsive to actuation of the first target in the play of the game.

In the illustrated embodiment, the game is further comprised of an exit gate for selectively providing a passageway opening, through which the projectile can roll out of play, responsive to the game score.

Additional targets may be added with respective means for adding to the game score either a fixed number of points or a game play determined number of points, responsive to actuation of the respective target by the projectile.

In the illustrated embodiment, a control system provides all of the means responsive to actuation of respective ones of the targets, and can be implemented directly in random logic, or can be alternatively embodied in a central processing unit based implementation, according to desired cost, performance, and other desired criteria.

The novel features believed characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the above advantages and features, as well as others, may be more readily understood by reference to the drawings and accompanying detailed description, wherein: Figure 1 is an amusement game machine illustrating the present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of the game of Fig.

1 illustrating positions of the control handle; Figure 3 is a top view of the amusement game shown in Figs. 1 and 2; Figure 4 is an exploded cut-away view of the playfield illustrating in detail and damped rail and exit gate; Figure 5 is a side sectional view of the exit gate and damped rail of Fig. 4 taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 4; Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the intercoupling of the control means, targets, lights, gates, and exit gates.

Referring to Fig. 1, an amusement game machine illustrating the present invention is shown as comprising a cabinet housing 10 having therein a surface projectile (such as a ball) 11, a playfield 14, a control handle mechanism 16, a coin chute 18, a striker 30, a gate 40, exit gates 50, damped rails 60, and targets. Illuminated graphics 225 appears atop the playfield and provide a visual indication of scoring potential during game play.

Graphics 230 may optionally be added atop the playfield, either illuminated or passive. In the illustrated embodiment, a display 1 2 is elevated above the playfield, and positioned for easy viewing by the player.

Referring to Fig. 2, a front view of the game of Fig. 1 is shown, illustrating the extreme left position 20, center position 21 and extreme right position 22 which the control handle 1 6 may be moved to. Movement of the control handle 1 6 causes coincidental movement of the striker 30, thereby allowing the user to position the striker 30 so as to intercept and propel the ball 11 upwardly along the play-field towards targets (as shown in Fig. 3). The game is activated by a player inserting a coin, such as a quarter, into the coin slot 1 7 of the coin chute 18, followed by the player's activating button switch 1 9 on the coin chute.Once activated, control means within the amusement game initialize the display means 12, zero the player's score, and otherwise initialize and set up the amusement game for play.

Referring to Fig. 3, a top view of the amusement game as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is shown. The control handle 1 6 is positioned at the front of the housing 10. Rotational movement of the control handle 1 6 causes coincidental lateral movement of the striker 30 in the direction of the horizontal vector of the control handle movement. The striker 30 has a conductive convex member 32 for propelling the surface projectile 11 when properly positioned. The conductive convex member 32 is mounted to a member which is mounted to a plate 36, the plate 36 moving laterally, coincidentally with the control handle's rotational movement. A conductive plate 34 is positioned on the playfield in front of the conductive convex member 32.When a conductive ball 11 contacts both the plate 34 and the member 32, the member 32 is driven forward so as to propel the ball 11 upwardly along the playfield towards the targets. Damped bumper rails 60 are positioned laterally adjacent to and on either side of the conductive plate 34 and provide means to keep the ball in play. Exit gates 50 are positioned adjacent the damped bumper rails 60 positioned between the side of the hous ing 10 and the damped rails 60. The damped rails 60 and exit gates 50 form barriers to the out of play region of the playfield outside of the lateral range of the conductive plate 34 and striker 30. The damped bumper rails 60 provide damped rebounding of a striking sur face projectile (ball) 11, thereby keeping the ball 11 within the active play region (upper portion) of the playfield.The exit gates 50 selectively pass or block the passage of the ball 11 through a selectively gated opening such that the ball 11 rolls out of play (out of the active play region) through the opening of the gate. In one embodiment, the exit gate 50 is selectively opened responsive to the game score. The exit gate 50 and damped rail 60 are shown and described in greater detail with reference to Figs. 4 and 5.

An upper graphics display 225 having illu minated indicator lights 220-223 provides a display of the total of accumulated points which will be added to the player's score when the surface projectile strikes the target 140. Individual ones of the lights 220-223 are activated (illuminated) or deactivated re sponsive to activation of targets 102 and 110. In the illustrated embodiment, a control means, not shown, adds points to the accu mulated total and activates selected ones of lights 220-223 to indicate the accumulated total responsive to actuation of the target 102 by the ball 11. In the illustrated embodiment, light 220 corresponds to 2000 accumulated points, light 221 corresponds to 5000 accu mulated points, light 222 corresponds to 10,000 accumulated points, and light 223 corresponds to 20,000 accumulated points.

In the illustrated embodiment, actuation oc curs responsive to the ball 11 striking the target 102 with sufficient force to close a switch member. Furthermore, the control means subtracts points from the accumulated total and deactivates selected ones of the lights 220-223 to display the present accu mulated total responsive to actuation of the target 110 by the ball 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the accumulated total is reduced to 2000 points responsive to actuation of target 11 0. As discussed in part above, actua tion of the target 140 by the projectile 11 causes the control means to add the illumi nated accumulated total to the user's game score.

The gate 40 has variable open positions, and is disposed upon the playfield between the target 1 40 and the striker 30, the gate permitting the ball 11 to pass through the opening in gate 40 in all of its positions.

Targets 100 and 108 provide means for vary ing the opening of the gate 40 in response to actuation of the targets by the ball 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening of the I gate 40 is narrowed responsive to actuation of the target 100, and the opening of the gate 40 is widened responsive to actuation of the target 108 by the ball 11. Thus, the size of the opening provided by the gate 40 through which the ball 11 may strike the target 140, thereby actuating target 140 and causing the accumulated total to be added to the game score, is controlled according to game play, and is responsive to the player's positioning of the ball 11. Each target 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, and 110 is actuated by the ball 11 striking the respective target.Actuation of targets 104 or 106 results in scoring of points (adding points to the game score) and may either be a fixed number of points, or may be a variable number of points the value of which is set according to game play up until the time the target is struck. Rebound of the projectile off any and all of the actuated targets may either be passive (resiliently rebounded) or active (electromechanically driven), or may selectively be passive and active responsive to game play. Lights 200-214 provide a visual display of game scoring options, features and happenings, and may be positioned at the upper end or the playfield (as illustrated) or may alternatively be positioned on the playfield nearer the lower end (closer to the player) for easier viewing.In the illustrated embodiment, lights 200-209 are illuminated when a respective target's rebound is active (kicked electromechanically) or to indicate a high score.

Referring to Fig. 4, an exploded cut-away view of the playfield 1 4 illustrates in detail the damped rail 60 and associated structure, and the exit gate 50 and associated structure. The exit gate 50 is comprised of an angled flap member 52 pivotably mounted to a hookedend flap pivot rod 54 which controls the pivoting movement of the angled flap 52.

Pivoting of the angled flap 52 blocks passage of the ball 11 through the opening of the exit gate 50 (when the exit gate is pivoted), and permits passage of the ball 11 through the exit gate 50 when the angled flap is in the rest (unpivoted) position. A control arm 56 is coupled to the hook-end of the rod 54, and causes pivoting of the angled flap 52 coincidental with pivoting of the hooked rod 54 by the control arm 56. The angled flap 52 is mounted adjacent a side bracket 58, the bracket 58 being mounted to and supported by support shaft 57. The hooked end rod 54 passes through an opening 59 in the side bracket 58 and couples thereafter to the angled flap 52. Lights 213 and 214, when illuminated visually indicate the pivoted (blocking) position of the respective exit gate 50, and when not illuminated indicates the rest (pass) position of the respective exit gate 50.The logical meaning of the illumination of lights 21 3 and 21 4 may be reversed as desired, or eliminated altogether.

The damped rail 60 is comprised of a rail 62 aligned laterally across the playfield, mounted to a spring support L member 64 of spring metal or the like. Rods 66 and 68 provide pivot stops so that he projectile may rebound differently according to where on the rail 62 the surface ball 11 strikes.

Referring to Fig. 5, a side sectional view of the exit gate 50 and damped rail 60 of Fig. 4 is shown taken along the lines 5-5 of Fig. 4.

The control arm 56 extends downwardly from its coupling point with the hooked-end rod 54 towards the playfield 14, extending through an opening in the playfield 14, and coupling to a solenoid 74 below the playfield 14. The solenoid 74 is mounted to a bracket 72, the bracket 72 mounting to the underside of the playfield 14 by mounting means 76 and 77, such as by rivets, screws, etc. The control means selectively activates the solenoid 74, responsive to the game play and game score, so as to move the control arm 56 upward, thereby moving rod 54 upward, thereby pivoting angled flap 52 to a projectile blocking position as indicated in dot-dash in Fig. 5.

Deactivation of the solenoid 74 results in the control arm 56 lowering to a rest position, thereby lowering rod 54, thereby returning angled flap 52 to its rest position, allowing for passage of the ball 11 thereunder.

The rail 62 of a rigid but of high tensile strength material such as nylon, metal, or the like, is mounted to the support L member 64 by mounting means 63. The support L member 64 extends upwardly, above the playfield and perpendicular thereto, and extends down through an opening in the playfield 14, angling under the playfield 1 4. A mounting means 70, such as rivet, screw, bolt, etc., attaches the L member 64 to playfield 1 4. The spring support L member 64 is of a spring material, such as of clock spring metal, having damped resilient response, so that the rebound of a striking ball 11 against the rail 64 is damped by the rail 64 in conjunction with the support shaft L member 64. The rods 66 and 68 provide pivot stops against which the rail 62 is urged by the striking projectile 11.

Referring to Fig. 6, the intercoupling of the control means 300 with the targets 301, lights 302, gate 303, and side gates 304 are shown. The lights 302, in the illustrated embodiment, include lights 200-214 and 220-223, and may include less or more lights. The targets 301, in the illustrated embodiment, includes targets 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, and 110, and may include additional targets, or may exclude some of the targets. The gate 303, in the illustrated embodiment, includes the gate 40 and associated control and driven apparatus. The side gates 304 include the exit gates 50, associated apparatus 52, 54, 56, 57, 58, and 59, solenoid 74, and associated apparatus.The control means 300 provides supervisory and logical control of the overall game operation, and may be comprised of a central processing unit (microcomputer) based control function implementation, or may be implemented in discrete electronic circuitry to provide all necessary logic, control and drive functions.

Examples of suitable control systems which may be employed in the present game are disclosed in U.S. Patents 4093232 and 4198051, assigned to the assignee hereof.

From the foregoing description, it can be seen that the features of the present embodiment of the invention engage the player of the surface projectile game in a battle against the machine, itself. The automatic response of the striker mechanism to the ball and the automatic response of the targets and kickers with increasing propelling force as a function of game score increases the challenge to the player and removes, to some extent, the delaying or slowing action of the player from the play of the game.

With the automatic operation of the striker and target mechanisms the speed of the game becomes independent of the slowness or delay factor that would otherwise be caused by the player, and this forces the player to gain proficiency and mastery of the machine in order to obtain a high score.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiment, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments as fall within the true scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A surface projectile game comprising: a downwardly sloping playfield; a surface projectile; first and second targets; a striker for propelling the projectile toward any of the targets; a gate having variable open positions, disposed between the first target and the striker, which permits the projectile to pass in all open positions; means for varying the opening of the gate in response to actuation of the second target by the projectile; and means for displaying the game score.

2. The game as in Claim 1 further comprising: a player actuatable control, wherein the striker is movable laterally responsive to the player actuatable control.

3. The game as in Claim 2 wherein the striker automatically propels the projectile towards the targets responsive to the projectile contacting the striker.

4. The game as in Claim 1 wherein the first target includes means for propelling the projectile towards the striker.

5. The game as in Claim 4 wherein said first target means for propelling does so automatically responsive to actuation of the first target by the projectile.

6. The game as in Claim 4 wherein said first target means for propelling is comprised of a resilient band.

7. The game as in Claim 4 wherein said first target means is further comprised of: mechanically assisted means for actively propelling said projectile.

8. The game as in Claim 4 wherein said first target means for propelling propels the projectile with a force which varies as a function of the game score.

9. The game as in Claim 1 further comprising: a third target, means for adding points to an accumulated total responsive to actuation of the third target by the pojectile; and means for adding the accumulated total of points to the game score.

1 0. The game as in Claim 9 further comprising: a fourth target, and means for subtracting points from the accumulated total responsive to actuation of the fourth target by the projectile.

11. The game as in Claim 9 or 10 further comprising means for displaying the current accumulated total of points separately from the game score.

1 2. The game as in Claim 10 wherein said means for subtracting reduces the accumulated total to a base value responsive to actuation of said fourth target.

13. The game as in Claim 9 or 10 further comprising: at least one fifth target, means for adding points to the game score responsive to the actuation of the fifth target by the projectile.

1 4. The game as in Claim 1 further comprising: a sixth target; and wherein said means for varying includes means for narrowing the opening of the gate responsive to actuation of the second target by the projectile, and means for widening the opening of the gate responsive to actuation of the sixth target by the projectile.

15. The game as in Claim 1 or 9 or 14 further comprising: a side gate for selectively providing a passageway opening through which the projectile can roll out of play, responsive to the game score.

16. A surface projectile game comprising: a downwardly sloping playfield; a surface projectile; a plurality of individual targets; control means for associating an independent function with each target including means for performing a respective function responsive to actuation of the respective target by the projectile; gate means, having variable open positions, for selectively changing the opening width responsive to the control means, a striker for propelling the projecting toward the targets; and display means for visually indicating the player's game score responsive to the control means.

17. The game as in Claim 14, wherein the striker is further comprised of: projectile striking means, laterally positioned responsive to player action, for propelling the surface projectile towards the targets automatically responsive to the surface projectile contacting the striking means.

18. The game as in Claim 1 6 or 1 7 further characterized in that said plurality of targets includes first, second and third targets, said game further characterized in that said control means is further comprised of: means for narrowing the gate opening responsive to actuation of the first target by the projectile; means for widening the gate opening responsive to actuation of the second target by the projectile; third means for adding points to the game score responsive to actuation of the third target by the projectile.

19. The game as in Claim 18 further characterized in that said third target is positioned at the upper end of said playfield beyond and between said gate opening.

20. The game as in Claim 18 further comprising: means for selectively providing an opening through which the projectile will roll out of play, responsive to the control means.

21. The game as in Claim 18 further characterized in that selected ones of said targets propel the surface projectile with a greater than normal force when the player's score exceeds a predefined value.

22. The game as in Claim 1 8 further comprising: fourth and fifth targets, said con trol means further comprising: fourth means for adding points to an accumulated total including means for illuminating the playfield to indicate the accumulated total responsive to actuation of the fourth target by the projectile, fifth means for subtracting points from the accumulated total responsive to actuation of the fifth target by the projectile; and means for adding the accumulated total to the player's score responsive to actuation of the third target by the projectile.

23. The game as in Claim 18 further comprising: a sixth target, said control means further comprising sixth means for adding a predefined number of points to the user's score responsive to actuation of the sixth target by the projectile.

24. A surface projectile game substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.