Amusement devices: games – Surface projectile game; game element – Ball games
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-01
2001-08-28
Chiu, Raleigh W. (Department: 3711)
Amusement devices: games
Surface projectile game; game element
Ball games
C273S12100R, C273S11900R, C273S11900R, C273S11800R, C273S11800R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279904
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a pinball machine having a downward and side sloping playing field, and having a plurality of slots at the bottom of the playing field, which change in value according to a program. More particularly, the slots contain one or more slots which sense entry of a ball so as to register a score.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Pinball machines have numerous configurations that are well known in the art. It is conventional practice in a pinball machine apparatus to modify the structure on the game surface, the design and the score value of different targets in order to revive the incentive of practiced players without changing the principal of the game.
There are many commercially available pinball machines that incorporate various scoring indicators, lights, graphics and sound. These machines include mechanical three-dimensional figures that communicate visually and audibly with a player.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,049 to Borg, which is herein incorporated by reference, discloses a pinball machine wherein a section of the playing field is changed by rotating the section to expose different components.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,142 to Arad, which is herein incorporated by reference, discloses a pinball machine having provisions for translating a ball in play throughout a plurality of locations. There is also provided an audio system to provide a speaking effect in response to different play conditions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided a pinball machine having a slanted playing field and a plurality of playing slots arranged at the bottom of the playing field. The slots are provided with sensors for detecting a ball that enters the slot. A microprocessor is provided, which can activate at least one slot to record a score and change which slot is activated or deactivated so as to alter the playing of the game. Means are provided on the playing field to translate a ball in play throughout a plurality of locations thereon.
Advantageously, audio means are provided in association with the microprocessor for providing speaking and/or sound or light effects in response to different play conditions.
The playing field may optionally be tilted to a side wall so as to provide a double slope either mechanically or manually.
There may also be provided a three dimensional figure, which responds to a play on the field.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a pinball game apparatus, which changes in scoring strategy at low cost.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a pinball game apparatus, which alters the playing field to challenge the skill of the user.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide visual and sound effects, which respond to the playing conditions.
It is a further object of the invention to allow a player to alter the playing field according to a programmed selection.
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patent: 3963241 (1976-06-01), Meyer
patent: 4015847 (1977-04-01), Myers
patent: 4030555 (1977-06-01), Boyce et al.
patent: 4046380 (1977-09-01), Goldfarb et al.
patent: 4176844 (1979-12-01), Ryan et al.
patent: 4650190 (1987-03-01), Geiger
patent: 5112049 (1992-05-01), Borg
patent: 5607155 (1997-03-01), Cambell
American Alpha Inc.
Chiu Raleigh W.
John Lezdey & Asso
LandOfFree
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