GB2264877A

GB2264877A - Amusement-with-prizes machine

Info

Publication number: GB2264877A
Application number: GB9203925A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian James Ward
Original assignee: Topline Leisure Ltd
Current assignee: Topline Leisure Ltd
Priority date: 1992-02-24
Filing date: 1992-02-24
Publication date: 1993-09-15
Also published as: GB9203925D0

Abstract

A game of skill (10) comprises a target (18) and a missile (24), the position of which can be manipulated by a control means (40), missile release means operable by a player, sensing means on a target to sense contact by the missile (24), detecting means to check whether the target hit is correct and prize distribution means (38). <IMAGE>

Description

A Came of Skill The present invention relates to a game of skill in which a player on payment of a coin or token can use his or her skill to manipulate a missile relative to a target in order to make contact with that target and win a prize.

Accordingly the present invention provides a game of skill comprising a target and a missile the position of which can be manipulated by a control means, missile release means operable by the player, a sensing means on the target to sense contact by the missile, detecting means to check whether the target hit is correct and prize distribution means.

The present invention will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows a diagrammatlc perspective view of form of skill game according to the present invention, Referring to the drawing there is shown a game of skill (10) mounted in a cabinet (12). The cabinet (12) has two compartments (14) and (16), the compartment (14) being closed at the back and sides and having a clear front whilst the compartment (16) contains the control mechanism and some operating features of the game.

The compartment (14) has a base (14A) containing a dart board (18) configured in the conventional manner. A gantry (20) is mounted in the compartment (14) on two bars (22) which themselves are mounted on a carriage (not shown) which can move in the Y direction whilst the gantry (20) can move in the X direction on the bars (22).

A dart (24) is attached to the gantry (20) by a cord (26). A board at the back of the compartment (14) includes a timer (30), an instruction display (32) and a prize display (34).

The compartment (16) has on the face a coin or token entry slot (36), a prize collection chamber (38) and a control which can be in the form of a joystick or push switches in order to operate the gantry (20).

The compartment (16) also includes one or more printed circuit boards and a computer operated by pre-programmed software in order to play the game as will be described below.

A coin or token is placed into the slot (36) and the timer display will light up showing the amount of time available for the game, the instructions display will illuminate to indicate the target or combination or targets to be hit in order to win a prize and the prize display will show the prize available, if the player is successful.

The player uses the joystick or push switches (40) in order to move the gantry (20) along the X and Y axes on the bars (22) and the carriage supporting these bars. The gantry and the carriage are both driven by electric motors under the control of the player. As soon as the player considers that the dart (24) is over the target shown on the instruction display, then the player will operate a release button the controls which will release the cord allowing the dart (24) to strike the dart board The dart board is provided with pressure sensors to detect the position of the impact of the dart and the computer will check the position struck by the dart with the instructions on display (32).If the dart (24) has struck the correct target then the prize shown in display (34) will be discharged for collection in the chamber (38), The cord (26) Will then be automatically rewound by means of a winch driven by an electric motor so that the next game can commence on insertion of a further coin or token in the slot (36).

Throughout the period of the game the timer will display the amount of time left for playing the game and of course if the dart (24) does not strike the correct part of the board displayed in the instructions (32) no prize will be discharged.

The instructions may sho a sequence of targets so that the player may have to strike the correct targets in the correct sequence before the prize shown in display (34) is discharged into the collection chamber (38).

The prize may comprise coins or r tokens or a gift.

The target can comprise any suitable form and any appropriate form of missile can be employed and any appropriate form of sensor can be used to detect the position at which the missile contacts the target.

The missile can be secured and moved relative to the target by any appropriate means under the control of either a joystick or push switches.

Claims

1. A game of skill comprising a target and a missile, the position of which can be manipulated by a control means, missile release means operable by the player, a sensing means on the target to sense contact by the missile, detecting means to check whether the target hit is correct and prize distribution means.

2. A game of skill as claimed in claim 1 in which the missile is mounted on a gantry, the gantry being movably mounted on support means and the support means being movably mounted relative to the target.

3. A game of skill as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 including a timer an instruction display and a prize display.

4. A game of skill as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the sensing means on the target comprises pressure sensors.

5. A game of skill as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including a computer having means to compare the position on the target struck by the missile with the target indicated by the instruction display.

6. A game of skill as claimed in claim 5 in which the computer has means to operate the prize distribution means on the correct target being struck by the missile.

7. A game of skill constructed and arranged for use and operation substantially as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawing.