Amusement devices: games – Surface projectile game; game element – Ball games
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-28
2001-11-06
Chiu, Raleigh W. (Department: 3711)
Amusement devices: games
Surface projectile game; game element
Ball games
C463S003000, C273S11800R, C273S11900R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311975
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Scope of Invention
This invention relates generally to conventional pinball machines, and particularly to the combination of an improved pinball machine and remote playerless control therefor enabling two players to simultaneously compete with one another during each pinball game.
2. Prior Art
Conventional pinball machines which are played by one player at a time are well known. Such machines have a slightly inclined play field and a metal ball which is projected to roll over the play field while, hopefully, striking various pinball striking and scoring members positioned thereon. When each scoring member is struck by the pinball, the particular score assigned to that particular scoring member is added to the total score of one player for each round of play onto an electronic scoreboard.
Each of these pinball striking members or flippers are manually actuated by the player to propel the pinball back into play for higher scoring. These non-scoring pinball striking members are also manually actuable to maintain the pinball in play for extended scoring opportunities. However, applicant is unaware of any improvement in pinball machines which would allow simultaneous competitive play between two players on the same pinball machine.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to a two-player pinball machine with a remote control unit for a second player. The invention includes a pinball machine having a play field including a plurality of spaced scoring bumpers and pinball striking members mounted on the play field. A pinball proper is operable by a first player for propelling a pinball onto said play field. Push buttons mounted on each side of the pinball machine operable by the first player are connected to each individual pinball striking member for selectively striking the pinball to maintain play. Each scoring bumper, when struck by the pinball, registering a score. A score redirecting arrangement includes a score control circuit of the pinball machine and a separate wireless remote control unit operable by a second player. The remote control unit includes a separate actuator button spacially arranged to correspond to each scoring bumper for electronically activating the score control circuit to redirect a crediting of each score made from the total score of the first player to the total score of the second player when, in anticipation of the score to be made by the first player, the second player timely presses one the actuator buttons corresponding to the scoring bumper about to be struck by the pinball within a very short period of time immediately prior to pinball impact thereof.
It is therefore a broad object of this invention to provide a combination two player pinball machine and remote control device which facilitates simultaneous two player competition during each pinball game sequence.
In accordance with this and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
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Chiu Raleigh W.
Prescott Charles J.
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