US20050073092A1 - Pinball game sport simulations - Google Patents
Pinball game sport simulations Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050073092A1 US20050073092A1 US10/678,493 US67849303A US2005073092A1 US 20050073092 A1 US20050073092 A1 US 20050073092A1 US 67849303 A US67849303 A US 67849303A US 2005073092 A1 US2005073092 A1 US 2005073092A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pinball
- pinball game
- ramp
- game according
- playing surface
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F7/00—Indoor games using small moving playing bodies, e.g. balls, discs or blocks
- A63F7/02—Indoor games using small moving playing bodies, e.g. balls, discs or blocks using falling playing bodies or playing bodies running on an inclined surface, e.g. pinball games
- A63F7/025—Pinball games, e.g. flipper games
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F7/00—Indoor games using small moving playing bodies, e.g. balls, discs or blocks
- A63F7/06—Games simulating outdoor ball games, e.g. hockey or football
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F7/00—Indoor games using small moving playing bodies, e.g. balls, discs or blocks
- A63F7/06—Games simulating outdoor ball games, e.g. hockey or football
- A63F7/0604—Type of ball game
- A63F7/0612—Basketball
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F7/00—Indoor games using small moving playing bodies, e.g. balls, discs or blocks
- A63F7/06—Games simulating outdoor ball games, e.g. hockey or football
- A63F7/0604—Type of ball game
- A63F7/0616—Football or soccer
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F7/00—Indoor games using small moving playing bodies, e.g. balls, discs or blocks
- A63F7/06—Games simulating outdoor ball games, e.g. hockey or football
- A63F7/0604—Type of ball game
- A63F7/0616—Football or soccer
- A63F7/062—Penalty shooting
Definitions
- the present invention relates to pinball games and, more particularly, to pinball games that more accurately simulate professional or collegiate sports.
- Pinball arcade games have been popular for sometime. Most of these games include bumpers, lights, rebounders, and the like. Players use paddles to cause a pinball to move around the playing field to hit the bumpers, lights, rebounders, and the like to score points in some arbitrary manner.
- Certain professional and collegiate sports also have been popular for sometime. Many of these games include special features and scoring, such as passing and field goals in football, 3-point shots and 2-point shots in basketball, and the like.
- pinball games title themselves after particular sports, including professional and collegiate sports. But other than the titles, these games have little resemblance to the actual sport being simulated. Moreover, the score and special effects of the game are based largely on conventional pinball score systems and conventional pinball designs rather than the simulated sport.
- pinball games Two sport games that have been reasonably well simulated by pinball games include baseball simulations and golf simulations, such as those developed by Old Century Classics, Inc. These games include fields of play similar to the sport being simulated in a pinball setting. However, even these sport pinball games use classic holes or ball drops to simulate the game and do not sport specific types of targets, such as, for example, foul poles in baseball, golf hole cups and flags, basketball hoops and backboards, and the like.
- a pinball game simulation of football comprises a pinball game having a pinball surface, a goal post, ramps, and targets.
- the ramps simulate passes and kicks (kickoffs, field goals, and punts).
- the targets represent yardage and touchdowns obtained by running and passing. Some of the targets are penalty targets, such as interception, and holding.
- the present invention further provides a pinball game simulation of basketball.
- the basketball simulation contains a pinball surface, ramps, and targets.
- the ramps may simulate shots or possibly a tip off, the target may represent a basketball hoop, offensive plays, defensive plays, or penalties.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a pinball football game consistent with the present invention
- FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a pinball basketball game consistent with the present invention.
- Pinball game 100 includes a playing surface 102 surrounded by a sidewall 104 .
- playing surface 102 incorporates traditional football markings, including yard lines 120 , an end zone 130 with goal posts 132 , sidelines 140 (which in this example are simply where the playing surface 102 and sidewall 104 abut), and a generic stadium 150 .
- Generic stadium 150 could be team specific, such as, for example, a stadium indicative of the football stadium for the Washington Redskins or the like. Stadium 150 could be removed, but provides a catch for aerial targets that are missed during game play, aerial targets are explained further below.
- Sidelines 140 could include figure representative of football players, coaches, and cheerleaders (not shown). Sidelines 140 could also include a yardage marker 142 . Possible uses for yardage marker 142 are explained below, including a use for scoring.
- targets 106 Strategically placed about playing surface 102 are a plurality of targets 106 , 108 , 110 , and 112 . While targets can be a number of devices, in this example, targets 106 includes holes or bumpers representative of offensive events that take place in the game, such as, targets 106 r may be a running play, target 106 t is a passing play, target 106 s is a score, target 106 p may be a penalty, such as holding or pass interference, target 106 c may be a change of possession, and the like. Targets may have multiple functions, for example target 106 t also indicates a score. Targets 106 may indicate yardage gains or losses, such as, for example, a +5 yard running play, a ⁇ 10 yard holding penalty, or the like.
- Targets 108 include ramps 108 r to simulate the aerial action of the ball, including for example, a passing play to touchdown reception in target 134 or a field goal through goal posts 132 .
- Targets 110 may be defensive plays, such as tackles, sacks, pass defenses, and interceptions. Targets 110 may indicate yardage gains or losses, such as, for example, a ⁇ 12 yard sack, a ⁇ 10 yard pass defense, or the like.
- Targets 112 may, for example, be more traditional pinball targets.
- targets 112 may be, as shown, bumpers or rebounders.
- Scoring would be similar to traditional football games as well. For example, if a player hit ramp 108 r such that the pinball goes through goal posts 132 , 3 points maybe awarded. If the player hits ramp 114 with the pinball such that the pinball goes through end zone target 134 , 7 points maybe awarded. If the player hits targets (for passing, running, and penalties) to accumulate sufficient yardage on yardage marker 142 to score a touchdown, 7 points maybe awarded. Plays having yardage gains and losses (such as from targets 106 and 110 ) could be automatically or manually tracked by yardage market 142 , which is shown as an analog slide, but could be digital.
- Playing pinball game would be similar to playing a conventional pinball game, but with the added benefit of football specific activities. Such activities include passing, penalties, change of possession, touchdowns, and field goals.
- Basketball simulation pinball game 200 include a court 202 and stands 204 surround the court 202 .
- a number of ramps 206 , basketball hoops 208 , and backboards 210 are strategically positioned around the court to simulate various types of shots.
- ramp 200 m which projects a pinball towards basketball hoop 208 m (being the middle ramp and hoop) may simulate a two point shot
- side ramps 206 s which projects a pinball towards basketball hoops 206 s may simulate a three point shot.
- Other features of a basketball game, including shot clock violations, backcourt violations, penalties and the like would be represented by traditional pinball targets such as holes, bumpers, rebounders, and the like similar to those described in accordance with FIG. 1 .
- Court 202 further would have indicia indicative of regulation basketball.
- court 202 may have a key 212 , a three point shot line 214 , and a foul line 216 .
- basketball pinball game 200 is designed as a two player version, thus another court 250 is attached to the first court 202 .
- Court 250 includes stands, which may be separate or a continuation of stands 204 as desired, and would have ramps 254 , basketball hoops 256 , and backboards 258 similar to court 202 .
- other traditional basketball features could be simulated by traditional pinball devices.
- the player on court 202 may miss a basket or other target causing his ball to land in court 250 . This would provide the player on court 250 an extra ball to use for scooting and scoring. This feature would be akin to a steal leading to an extra score for a regulation basketball game.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to pinball games and, more particularly, to pinball games that more accurately simulate professional or collegiate sports.
- Pinball arcade games have been popular for sometime. Most of these games include bumpers, lights, rebounders, and the like. Players use paddles to cause a pinball to move around the playing field to hit the bumpers, lights, rebounders, and the like to score points in some arbitrary manner.
- Certain professional and collegiate sports also have been popular for sometime. Many of these games include special features and scoring, such as passing and field goals in football, 3-point shots and 2-point shots in basketball, and the like.
- Frequently, pinball games title themselves after particular sports, including professional and collegiate sports. But other than the titles, these games have little resemblance to the actual sport being simulated. Moreover, the score and special effects of the game are based largely on conventional pinball score systems and conventional pinball designs rather than the simulated sport.
- Two sport games that have been reasonably well simulated by pinball games include baseball simulations and golf simulations, such as those developed by Old Century Classics, Inc. These games include fields of play similar to the sport being simulated in a pinball setting. However, even these sport pinball games use classic holes or ball drops to simulate the game and do not sport specific types of targets, such as, for example, foul poles in baseball, golf hole cups and flags, basketball hoops and backboards, and the like.
- Thus, it would be desirable to produce a pinball game having visual effects, targets, and scoring that simulated the visual effects, targets, and scoring of the simulated sport.
- To attain the advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a pinball game simulation of football is provided. The simulation comprises a pinball game having a pinball surface, a goal post, ramps, and targets. The ramps simulate passes and kicks (kickoffs, field goals, and punts). The targets represent yardage and touchdowns obtained by running and passing. Some of the targets are penalty targets, such as interception, and holding.
- The present invention further provides a pinball game simulation of basketball. The basketball simulation contains a pinball surface, ramps, and targets. The ramps may simulate shots or possibly a tip off, the target may represent a basketball hoop, offensive plays, defensive plays, or penalties.
- The foregoing and other features, utilities and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles thereof. Like items in the drawings are referred to using the same numerical reference.
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a pinball football game consistent with the present invention; and -
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a pinball basketball game consistent with the present invention. - The present invention will be further explained with reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 . Referring first toFIG. 1 , a footballsimulation pinball game 100 is shown.Pinball game 100 includes aplaying surface 102 surrounded by asidewall 104. Aspinball game 100 exemplifies a football simulation, playingsurface 102 incorporates traditional football markings, includingyard lines 120, anend zone 130 withgoal posts 132, sidelines 140 (which in this example are simply where the playingsurface 102 andsidewall 104 abut), and ageneric stadium 150.Generic stadium 150 could be team specific, such as, for example, a stadium indicative of the football stadium for the Washington Redskins or the like.Stadium 150 could be removed, but provides a catch for aerial targets that are missed during game play, aerial targets are explained further below. -
Sidelines 140 could include figure representative of football players, coaches, and cheerleaders (not shown).Sidelines 140 could also include ayardage marker 142. Possible uses foryardage marker 142 are explained below, including a use for scoring. - Strategically placed about playing
surface 102 are a plurality oftargets targets 106 includes holes or bumpers representative of offensive events that take place in the game, such as, targets 106 r may be a running play, target 106 t is a passing play, target 106 s is a score,target 106 p may be a penalty, such as holding or pass interference, target 106 c may be a change of possession, and the like. Targets may have multiple functions, for example target 106 t also indicates a score.Targets 106 may indicate yardage gains or losses, such as, for example, a +5 yard running play, a −10 yard holding penalty, or the like. -
Targets 108 include ramps 108 r to simulate the aerial action of the ball, including for example, a passing play to touchdown reception intarget 134 or a field goal throughgoal posts 132. - Targets 110 may be defensive plays, such as tackles, sacks, pass defenses, and interceptions. Targets 110 may indicate yardage gains or losses, such as, for example, a −12 yard sack, a ±10 yard pass defense, or the like.
-
Targets 112 may, for example, be more traditional pinball targets. Forexample targets 112 may be, as shown, bumpers or rebounders. - Scoring would be similar to traditional football games as well. For example, if a player hit ramp 108 r such that the pinball goes through
goal posts 132, 3 points maybe awarded. If the player hits ramp 114 with the pinball such that the pinball goes throughend zone target 134, 7 points maybe awarded. If the player hits targets (for passing, running, and penalties) to accumulate sufficient yardage onyardage marker 142 to score a touchdown, 7 points maybe awarded. Plays having yardage gains and losses (such as fromtargets 106 and 110) could be automatically or manually tracked byyardage market 142, which is shown as an analog slide, but could be digital. - Playing pinball game would be similar to playing a conventional pinball game, but with the added benefit of football specific activities. Such activities include passing, penalties, change of possession, touchdowns, and field goals.
- Referring now to
FIG. 2 , a basketballsimulation pinball game 200 is shown. Basketballsimulation pinball game 200 include acourt 202 and stands 204 surround thecourt 202. A number of ramps 206, basketball hoops 208, andbackboards 210 are strategically positioned around the court to simulate various types of shots. For example, ramp 200 m which projects a pinball towards basketball hoop 208 m (being the middle ramp and hoop) may simulate a two point shot, whileside ramps 206 s which projects a pinball towardsbasketball hoops 206 s may simulate a three point shot. Other features of a basketball game, including shot clock violations, backcourt violations, penalties and the like would be represented by traditional pinball targets such as holes, bumpers, rebounders, and the like similar to those described in accordance withFIG. 1 . -
Court 202 further would have indicia indicative of regulation basketball. For example,court 202 may have a key 212, a threepoint shot line 214, and a foul line 216. - One aspect of basketball not captured by pinball games is the unique one on one play potential. To capture this feature,
basketball pinball game 200 is designed as a two player version, thus anothercourt 250 is attached to thefirst court 202.Court 250 includes stands, which may be separate or a continuation ofstands 204 as desired, and would have ramps 254,basketball hoops 256, andbackboards 258 similar tocourt 202. Moreover, other traditional basketball features could be simulated by traditional pinball devices. - Using the one on one aspect, the player on
court 202 may miss a basket or other target causing his ball to land incourt 250. This would provide the player oncourt 250 an extra ball to use for scooting and scoring. This feature would be akin to a steal leading to an extra score for a regulation basketball game. - While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to particular embodiment(s) thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other changes in the form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (13)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/678,493 US20050073092A1 (en) | 2003-10-02 | 2003-10-02 | Pinball game sport simulations |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/678,493 US20050073092A1 (en) | 2003-10-02 | 2003-10-02 | Pinball game sport simulations |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20050073092A1 true US20050073092A1 (en) | 2005-04-07 |
Family
ID=34393948
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/678,493 Abandoned US20050073092A1 (en) | 2003-10-02 | 2003-10-02 | Pinball game sport simulations |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20050073092A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2010127426A1 (en) * | 2009-05-06 | 2010-11-11 | Claudio Roberto Do Nascimento Nobrega | Technical arrangement for a toy |
US20100301552A1 (en) * | 2008-02-13 | 2010-12-02 | Gerhard Kammerl | Table ball game device |
US20150217184A1 (en) * | 2011-08-05 | 2015-08-06 | Justin Kolb | Table/Parlour Football |
US9358448B1 (en) * | 2011-11-09 | 2016-06-07 | Rodger O. Brown | Pool game |
US10729972B2 (en) * | 2017-03-31 | 2020-08-04 | Stern Pinball, Inc. | Ball launching guide assembly for an amusement game device |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4015847A (en) * | 1976-03-25 | 1977-04-05 | Myers Stephen B | Pinball sports complex |
US4968031A (en) * | 1989-11-27 | 1990-11-06 | Data East Pinball, Inc. | Pinball machine with ball-launching ramps |
US5149094A (en) * | 1990-07-19 | 1992-09-22 | William Electronics Games, Inc. | Player-operated control system for pinball games |
US5913516A (en) * | 1998-02-02 | 1999-06-22 | Piotrowski; Peter J | Multimode target with variable trajectory ball ramp |
US20010030392A1 (en) * | 2001-03-08 | 2001-10-18 | Sming Huang | Sports pinball amusement device |
-
2003
- 2003-10-02 US US10/678,493 patent/US20050073092A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4015847A (en) * | 1976-03-25 | 1977-04-05 | Myers Stephen B | Pinball sports complex |
US4968031A (en) * | 1989-11-27 | 1990-11-06 | Data East Pinball, Inc. | Pinball machine with ball-launching ramps |
US5149094A (en) * | 1990-07-19 | 1992-09-22 | William Electronics Games, Inc. | Player-operated control system for pinball games |
US5913516A (en) * | 1998-02-02 | 1999-06-22 | Piotrowski; Peter J | Multimode target with variable trajectory ball ramp |
US20010030392A1 (en) * | 2001-03-08 | 2001-10-18 | Sming Huang | Sports pinball amusement device |
US6641136B2 (en) * | 2001-03-08 | 2003-11-04 | American Alpha Inc | Sports pinball amusement device |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100301552A1 (en) * | 2008-02-13 | 2010-12-02 | Gerhard Kammerl | Table ball game device |
US8360430B2 (en) * | 2008-02-13 | 2013-01-29 | Gerhard Kammerl | Table ball game device |
WO2010127426A1 (en) * | 2009-05-06 | 2010-11-11 | Claudio Roberto Do Nascimento Nobrega | Technical arrangement for a toy |
US20150217184A1 (en) * | 2011-08-05 | 2015-08-06 | Justin Kolb | Table/Parlour Football |
US9868051B2 (en) * | 2011-08-05 | 2018-01-16 | Justin Kolb | Table/parlour football |
US9358448B1 (en) * | 2011-11-09 | 2016-06-07 | Rodger O. Brown | Pool game |
US10729972B2 (en) * | 2017-03-31 | 2020-08-04 | Stern Pinball, Inc. | Ball launching guide assembly for an amusement game device |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CLASSIC SPORTS COMPANIES, INC., COLORADO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:OISTER, MICHAEL J.;BOETTCHER, WILLIAM C.;DOHERTY, THOMAS M.;REEL/FRAME:014586/0890 Effective date: 20030925 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CLASSIC SPORT COMPANIES, INC., COLORADO Free format text: RELEASE OF PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:MERRILL LYNCH BUSINESS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. ACTING THROUGH ITS DIVISION MERRILL LYNCH CAPITAL;REEL/FRAME:019991/0189 Effective date: 20070928 Owner name: CLASSIC SPORT COMPANIES, INC., COLORADO Free format text: RELEASE OF PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:THE BANK OF NEW YORK, IN ITS CAPACITY AS AGENT FOR THE LENDERS PARTY TO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT;REEL/FRAME:019991/0622 Effective date: 20070928 |