U.S. patent application number 11/273278 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-25 for wagering game with bonus game.
Invention is credited to Jeremy M. Hornik, Larry J. Pacey.
Application Number | 20060111164 11/273278 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36461607 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060111164 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hornik; Jeremy M. ; et
al. |
May 25, 2006 |
Wagering game with bonus game
Abstract
A method of playing a wagering game at a gaming terminal. The
method includes conducting the wagering game at the gaming terminal
and displaying a plurality of game elements. Each of the game
elements hides an award. At least one of the plurality of game
elements is struck with a moveable object, causing at least one
game element to disappear. The award associated with the at least
one game element is then revealed and the award is granted to the
player.
Inventors: |
Hornik; Jeremy M.; (Chicago,
IL) ; Pacey; Larry J.; (Northbrook, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Daniel J. Burnham;JENKENS & GILCHRIST
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
225 W. Washington, Ste. 2600
Chicago
IL
60606-3418
US
|
Family ID: |
36461607 |
Appl. No.: |
11/273278 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60630450 |
Nov 23, 2004 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/2 ;
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3267 20130101; G07F 17/3295 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/002 ;
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of playing a wagering game at a gaming terminal,
comprising: conducting the wagering game at the gaming terminal;
displaying a plurality of game elements, each of the game elements
hiding an award; striking at least one of the plurality of game
elements with a moveable object, the striking causing the at least
one game element to disappear; revealing the award associated with
the at least one game element; awarding an award to the player.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the striking includes bouncing the
moveable object between a bumper and the plurality of game
elements.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the bumper is moveable.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the moveable bumper is controlled
by one of the player and the gaming terminal.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the moveable object has a path and
the path is randomly determined.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the moveable object has a path and
the path follows the laws of physics.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the plurality of game elements are
stationary.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the plurality of game elements are
moving.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the wagering game payoff includes
all of the revealed awards.
10. A gaming terminal comprising a wagering game having a plurality
of game elements, each of the plurality of game elements having
associated indicia, the gaming terminal displaying the plurality of
game elements, at least one of the plurality of game elements being
struck by a moving object, such that the at least one game element
reveals the associated indicia.
11. The gaming terminal of claim 10 wherein the wagering game
includes a basic game and the game elements are displayed during
the basic game.
12. The gaming terminal of claim 10 wherein the wagering game
includes a basic game and a bonus game, the basic game having a
plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of
the basic game, and the plurality of game elements are displayed on
the gaming terminal in response to the randomly selected outcome at
the gaming terminal being a start-bonus game outcome.
13. The gaming terminal of claim 10 wherein the wagering game
further comprises a bumper and the moveable object moves between
the bumper and the plurality of game elements.
14. The gaming terminal of claim 13 wherein a portion of the bumper
is removed once the bumper is hit by the moveable object.
15. The gaming terminal of claim 13 wherein the wagering game ends
when the moveable object misses hitting the bumper.
16. The gaming terminal of claim 10 wherein the moveable object
disappears once it strikes one of the plurality of game
elements.
17. A gaming system comprising: at least one display; a gaming
terminal for playing a wagering game; and a controller coupled to
the gaming terminal and the at least one display, the controller
operative to (i) cause the display to display a plurality of game
elements, the plurality of game elements covering a plurality of
indicia, (ii) cause a moving object on the display to strike at
least one of the plurality of game elements; (iii) reveal at least
one of the plurality of indicia when the at least one game element
has been struck by the moving object, and (iv) determine an award
amount based on the revealing.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein the controller is operative to
randomly select the game elements to be revealed.
19. The system of claim 17 wherein the controller is further
operative to cause the display to display a bumper such that the
moving object moves between the bumper and the plurality of game
elements.
20. The system of claim 17 wherein the controller is housed in the
gaming terminal.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/630,450, filed Nov. 23, 2004,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to gaming terminals
for playing a wagering game and, more particularly, to a wagering
game having a unique feature for allowing a player to achieve
credits.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker
machines, and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming
industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such
machines with players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived
likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic
entertainment value of the machine relative to other available
gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number
of competing machines and the expectation of winning each machine
is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are most
likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting of the
machines.
[0004] Consequently, shrewd operators strive to employ the most
entertaining and exciting machines available because such machines
attract frequent play and, hence, increase profitability to the
operator. In the competitive gaming machine industry, there is a
continuing need for gaming machine manufacturers to produce new
types of games, or enhancements to existing games, which will
attract frequent play by enhancing the entertainment value and
excitement associated with the game.
[0005] One concept that has been employed is the use of a
progressive jackpot. In the gaming industry, a "progressive"
involves collecting coin-in data from participating gaming
device(s) (e.g., slot machines), contributing a percentage of that
coin-in data to a jackpot amount, and awarding that jackpot amount
to a player upon the occurrence of a certain jackpot-won event. The
percentage of the coin-in is determined prior to any result being
achieved and is independent of any result. A jackpot-won event
typically occurs when a "progressive winning position" is achieved
at a participating gaming device. If the gaming device is a slot
machine, a progressive winning position may, for example,
correspond to alignment of progressive jackpot reel symbols along a
certain pay line. The initial progressive jackpot is a
predetermined minimum amount. That jackpot amount, however,
progressively increases as players continue to play the gaming
machine without winning the jackpot. Further, when several gaming
machines are linked together such that several players at several
gaming machines compete for the same jackpot, the jackpot
progressively increases at a much faster rate, which leads to
further player excitement.
[0006] Another concept that has been successfully employed to
enhance the entertainment value of a game is that of a "bonus" game
which may be played in conjunction with a "basic" game. The bonus
game may comprise any type of game, either similar to or completely
different from the basic game, and is entered upon the occurrence
of a selected event or outcome of the basic game. Such a bonus game
produces a significantly higher level of player excitement than the
basic game because it provides a greater expectation of winning
than the basic game.
[0007] However, in some of the bonus games, the player is not as
engaged as he/she could be because the bonus game does not include
any action or elements involving motion.
[0008] Thus, there is a need to allow a player to play a bonus game
having an action component.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
method of playing a wagering game at a gaming terminal includes
conducting the wagering game at the gaming terminal and displaying
a plurality of game elements. Each of the game elements hides an
award. At least one of the plurality of game elements is struck
with a moveable object, such that the striking causes the at least
one game element to disappear. The award associated with the at
least one game element is revealed and then awarded to the
player.
[0010] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
gaming terminal is provided. The gaming terminal includes a
wagering game having a plurality of game elements, and each of the
plurality of game elements has associated indicia. The gaming
terminal displays the plurality of game elements. At least one of
the plurality of game elements is struck by a moving object, such
that the at least one game element reveals the associated
indicia.
[0011] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, a gaming system includes at least one display and a
gaming terminal for playing a wagering game. The system further
includes a controller coupled to the gaming terminal and the at
least one display. The controller is operative to cause the display
to display a plurality of game elements. The plurality of game
elements covers a plurality of indicia. The controller also causes
a moving object on the display to strike at least one of the
plurality of game elements and reveals at least one of the
plurality of indicia when the at least one game element has been
struck by the moving object. An award amount based on the revealing
is determined by the controller.
[0012] A method of playing a wagering game at a gaming terminal is
provided in another embodiment of the present invention. The
wagering game has a basic game and a bonus game. The method
includes conducting the basic game at the gaming terminal. In
response to achieving a start-bonus outcome during the basic game,
the bonus game is conducted at the gaming terminal. A plurality of
prize elements, a moving game element and a stationary game element
are displayed during the bonus game, and at least some of the
plurality of prize elements having an associated award. The moving
game element bounces between the stationary game element and the
plurality of prize elements. The gaming terminal then reveals the
associated award in response to one of the plurality of prize
elements being hit by the moving game element.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, a gaming terminal including a
wagering game having a plurality of game elements is provided. Each
of the plurality of game elements has associated indicia. The
gaming terminal displays the plurality of game elements. A moving
object bounces between a stationary game element and the plurality
of game elements, such that the display reveals the associated
indicia in response to one of the plurality of game elements being
hit by the moving object.
[0014] The above summary of the present invention is not intended
to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present
invention, as there are several novel methods and gaming terminals
incorporating this communication feature. The detailed description
and Figures will describe many of the embodiments and aspects of
the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and
upon reference to the drawings.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a video gaming terminal
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the gaming terminal of FIG.
1.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a main display of the gaming terminal of
FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates an initial screen of a bonus game of the
gaming terminal of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates another screen of a bonus game of the
gaming terminal of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a bonus game of the
gaming terminal of FIG. 1.
[0022] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way
of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein.
It should be understood, however, that the invention is not
intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather,
the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a typical gaming terminal
10 used by gaming establishments, such as casinos. With regard to
the present invention, the gaming terminal 10 may be any type of
gaming terminal and may have varying structures and methods of
operation. For example, the gaming terminal 10 may be a mechanical
gaming terminal configured to play mechanical slots, or it may be
an electromechanical or electrical gaming terminal configured to
play video slots or a video casino game, such as blackjack, slots,
keno, poker, etc.
[0024] As shown, the gaming terminal 10 includes input devices,
such as a wager acceptor 16 (shown as a card wager acceptor 16a and
a cash wager accepter 16b), a touch screen 21, a push-button panel
22, and an information reader 24. For outputs, the gaming terminal
10 includes a payout mechanism 23, a main display 26 for displaying
information about the basic wagering game, and a secondary display
27 that may display an electronic version of a pay table, and/or
also possibly game-related information or other entertainment
features. While these typical components found in the gaming
terminal 10 are described below, it should be understood that
numerous other elements may exist and may be used in any number of
combinations to create various forms of a gaming terminal.
[0025] The wager acceptor 16 may be provided in many forms,
individually or in combination. The cash wager acceptor 16a may
include a coin slot acceptor or a note acceptor to input value to
the gaming terminal 10. The card wager acceptor 16b may include a
card-reading device for reading a card that has a recorded monetary
value with which it is associated. The card wager acceptor 16b may
also receive a card that authorizes access to a central account,
which can transfer money to the gaming terminal 10.
[0026] Also included is the payout mechanism 23, which performs the
reverse functions of the wager acceptor 16. For example, the payout
mechanism 23 may include a coin dispenser or a note dispenser to
output value from gaming terminal 10. Also, the payout mechanism 23
may also be adapted to receive a card that authorizes the gaming
terminal to transfer credits from the gaming terminal 10 to a
central account.
[0027] The push button panel 22 is typically offered, in addition
to the touch screen 21, to provide players with an option on how to
make their game selections. Alternatively, the push button panel 22
provides inputs for one aspect of operating the game, while the
touch screen 21 allows for inputs needed for another aspect of
operating the game.
[0028] The outcome of the basic wagering game is displayed to the
player on the main display 26. The main display 26 may take the
form of a cathode ray tube (CRT), a high resolution LCD, a plasma
display, LED, or any other type of video display suitable for use
in the gaming terminal 10. As shown, the main display 26 includes
the touch screen 21 overlaying the entire monitor (or a portion
thereof) to allow players to make game-related selections.
Alternatively, the gaming terminal 10 may have a number of
mechanical reels to display the game outcome, as well.
[0029] In some embodiments, the information reader 24 is a card
reader that allows for identification of a player by reading a card
with information indicating his or her true identity. Currently,
identification is used by casinos for rewarding certain players
with complimentary services or special offers. For example, a
player may be enrolled in the gaming establishment's players' club
and may be awarded certain complimentary services as that player
collects points in his or her player-tracking account. The player
inserts his or her card into the player-identification card reader
24, which allows the casino's computers to register that player's
wagering at the gaming terminal 10. The information reader 24 may
also include a keypad (not shown) for entering a personal
identification number (PIN). The gaming terminal 10 may require
that the player enter their PIN prior to obtaining information. The
gaming terminal 10 may use the secondary display 27 for providing
the player with information about his or her account or other
player-specific information. Also, in some embodiments, the
information reader 24 may be used to restore assets that the player
achieved during a previous game session and had saved.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the various components of the gaming
terminal 10 are controlled by a central processing unit (CPU) 30
(such as a microprocessor or microcontroller). To provide the
gaming functions, the CPU 30 executes a game program that allows
for the randomly selected outcome. The CPU 30 is also coupled to or
includes a local memory 32. The local memory 32 may comprise a
volatile memory 33 (e.g., a random-access memory (RAM)) and a
non-volatile memory 34 (e.g., an EEPROM). It should be appreciated
that the CPU 30 may include one or more microprocessors. Similarly,
the local memory 32 may include multiple RAM and multiple program
memories.
[0031] Communications between the peripheral components of the
gaming terminal 10 and the CPU 30 occur through input/output (I/O)
circuits 35a. As such, the CPU 30 also controls and receives inputs
from the peripheral components of the gaming terminal 10. Further,
the CPU 30 communicates with external systems via the I/O circuits
35b. Although the I/O circuits 35 may be shown as a single block,
it should be appreciated that the I/O circuits 35 may include a
number of different types of I/O circuits.
[0032] The gaming terminal 10 is typically operated as part of a
game control network 50 having control circuitry and memory
devices. The game control network 50 may optionally include a
system memory 52 for alternative storage of data. The game network
50 can include instructions for playing games, such as progressive
jackpots that are contributed to by all or some of the gaming
terminals 10 in the network 50. The gaming terminal 10 often has
multiple serial ports, each port dedicated to providing data to a
specific host computer system that performs a specific function
(e.g., account system, player-tracking system, progressive game
control system, etc . . . ). To set up a typical serial
communication hardware link to the host system, the typical RS-232
point-to-point communication protocol that is often present in the
gaming terminal 10 is converted to an RS-485 (or RS-485-type)
master-slave protocol so as to take advantage of some of the
advantages of the RS-485 capability (e.g., multi-drop capability
that allows many gaming terminals 10 to communicate with the game
control network 50). To perform this function, a custom interface
board may be used by the gaming terminal 10 for each communication
port in the gaming terminal 10. It should be noted that the gaming
terminal 10 can initially be designed to be configured for a
typical RS-485 protocol, instead of the typical RS-232 protocol.
Further, the gaming terminal 10 may simply be designed for an
Ethernet connection to the game control network 50.
[0033] As has been discussed, the gaming terminal 10 and/or the
associated gaming network 50 is capable of executing such wagering
games on or through a controller. The controller, as used herein,
comprises any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware
that may be disposed or resident inside and/or outside of a gaming
terminal 10 or like machine which may communicate with and/or
control the transfer of data between the gaming terminal and a bus,
another computer, processor, or device and/or a service and/or a
network. The network may include, but is no limited to a
peer-to-peer, client/server, master/slave, star network, ring
network, bus network, or other network architecture wherein at
least one processing device (e.g., computer) is linked to at least
one other processing device. The controller, as used herein, may
comprise one or more controllers. In one implementation, each
gaming terminal 10 comprises, or is connected to, a controller
enabling each gaming terminal to transmit and/or receive signals,
preferably both, in a peer-to-peer arrangement. In another example,
the controller may be adapted to facilitate communication and/or
data transfer for one or more gaming terminals 10 in a
client/server or centralized arrangement. In the example shown in
FIG. 2, the controller in the gaming terminal 10 comprises CPU 30
and the I/O circuits 35 (e.g., Network Interface Units) connecting
the gaming terminal 10 via a conventional I/O port and
communication path (e.g., serial, parallel, IR, RC, 10bT, etc . . .
) to the game network 50, which may include, for example other
gaming terminals connected together in the network 50.
[0034] Turning now to FIG. 3, the main display 26 of one embodiment
of the present invention is shown in more detail. In this
embodiment, the basic game is a slot machine game, with symbols on
five different reels 36, 38, 40, 42, 44. The reels 36-44 may be
either traditional mechanical reels or they may be
computer-generated images of reels, with each reel composed of a
plurality of symbols. Pay line indicators 46 indicate a randomly
selected outcome for each pay line, which is the combination of
symbols on the reels 36-44. Thereafter, an outcome indicator 48
indicates whether the outcome has resulted in a payout, a
progressive jackpot, a bonus game, or whether it resulted in
nothing. While multiple pay lines 46 are shown, a gaming terminal
10 with a single pay line will also work with the present
invention.
[0035] In the present example, the wagering game follows the theme
of a Las Vegas Party, where the symbols represent different things
generally associated with Las Vegas (e.g., people, singers,
waitresses, cards, chips, dice, drinks, etc . . . ). Various
combinations of the symbols can result in prizes, including
monetary and non-monetary prizes. The non-monetary prizes include
free spins, multipliers, entry into a bonus game, entry into a
progressive game, etc.
[0036] In this particular embodiment, a particular combination of
symbols generates entry into a bonus game. The game enters the
bonus stage when a particular symbol is present on a pay line of
the first reel 36 and a different symbol is present on a pay line
in the fifth reel 44. In this embodiment, the combination
illustrated is a symbol of a person 54 in the first reel 36 along
with a deck of cards symbol 56 in the fifth reel 44. In other
embodiments, other symbol combinations (including symbols on other
reels) may trigger the bonus game.
[0037] In some embodiments there may be minimum requirements for a
player to enter the bonus game. These may include: the player
placing a minimum wager; the player being registered on the network
50, the player playing all lines; etc . . .
[0038] Turning now to FIG. 4, a display of the bonus game is shown
that is triggered by the symbol combination in the basic game, as
shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the bonus game includes a
brick wall 58 made of three rows of bricks 60. On the bottom of the
main display 26, a bumper 62 and a ball 64 are illustrated. Once
the player enters the bonus game, the ball 64 is released and
bounces between the bumper 62 and the brick wall 58. As
illustrated, there are gaps between the bumper 62 and the side of
the main display 26. In some embodiments, the bumper 62 is moveable
(either by the player or the gaming terminal 10), causing the ball
64 to ricochet in different directions. In some embodiments, the
movement of the ball is governed by physics, and the ball 64
follows a logical trajectory. In other embodiments, the movement of
the ball 64 is completely random.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, as the ball 64 hits a brick 66, the hit
brick 66 "breaks" or disappears and reveals a bonus award (5
credits in the illustrated case). In the embodiment in FIG. 5, the
ball 64 has already "broken" three bricks 66, for a total bonus
amount of 16 credits, which is displayed in a bonus meter 68 at the
bottom of the display 26. The bonus awards may be monetary credit
awards as shown, or they may be non-monetary, such as free spins,
cause extra bricks to be "broken," grant extra balls, make a ball
invincible for a certain period of time, and the like. In this
embodiment, the ball 64 continues to bounce between the bumper 62
and the brick wall 58 until the ball 64 hits an entire column of
bricks 60 or misses the bumper 62. In the case where the ball 64
misses the bumper 62, the bonus game has ended and the player is
awarded all of the bonus awards achieved.
[0040] If the ball 64 breaks all of the bricks 60 in a particular
column, the next time the ball 64 passes through that column, the
player advances to another bonus screen with more awards.
Alternatively, the ball 64 may just be propelled back towards the
bumper 62 with no award being given.
[0041] In other embodiments, the bumper 62 may be stationary, and
pieces of the bumper 62 may also disappear once they are hit,
increasing the likelihood of the ball 64 missing the bumper 62 with
each additional bounce. Even if the bumper 62 moves, pieces of it
may disappear once the ball 64 hits the bumper 62.
[0042] In some embodiments, the size of the bumper 62 may change
randomly with each bonus game or the size may depend on how many
pay lines were wagered or how much was wagered on each pay line. In
other embodiments, the bumper 62 may not be a continuous line, but
a series of small bumpers.
[0043] In some other embodiments, certain of the bricks 60 may be
"special" bricks. When one of the "special" bricks 60 is struck, a
chain-reaction is set off and a number of adjacent bricks 60 are
also broken. The bricks affected in the chain-reaction could be all
of the bricks in a particular row or column, or a predetermined
number of adjacent bricks.
[0044] In some embodiments, certain of the bricks 60 may be
game-ending bricks. When a game-ending brick is struck, the bonus
game ends.
[0045] Turning now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the bricks 60 are not
arranged in a wall pattern, but are instead scattered around the
main display 26, and there are also a plurality of bumpers 62
spread out over main display 26. In this embodiment, once the
player achieves the bonus screen, the player is given a number of
balls 64. One of the balls 64 is shot from a shoot 70 and smashes
into the bumpers 62. Once the ball hits a brick 60, the brick 60 is
shattered as before, revealing a bonus award. The player is then
credited with the bonus award. However, in this embodiment, the
ball 64 also disappears. The next ball 64 is then shot from the
shoot 70 and into bonus game. This continues until all of the balls
64 awarded to the player have been used. The number of balls 64
granted to the player may be random, or it may be based on pay
lines played or amount wagered.
[0046] In some embodiments, the ball 64 may not disappear after
hitting one brick 60, but may disappear after hitting another
predetermined number of bricks. The number of bricks 60 required to
be hit to make a ball disappear may be fixed or it may vary. In
some embodiments, the bumpers 62 may be fixed, may spin, or some
may be fixed and some may spin.
[0047] In some embodiments, in which the player is controlling the
bumper(s) 62, the outcome of the bonus game is randomly determined
before the ball 64 begins to move, but the values of the bricks 60
that create the outcome are modified as the ball 64 is in motion in
order to ensure the correct outcome. For example, if it is randomly
determined that the bonus is worth 20 credits and the first brick
60 struck is worth 20 credits, no matter which brick 60 the ball 64
strikes next will be a bonus-ending brick or a "ball destructor."
This gives the player the illusion of having control over the
motion of the ball 64 and his/her winnings, while still allowing
the gaming machine to meet gaming requirements.
[0048] In another embodiment, the movement of the ball 64 could be
controlled by an animated character. The animated character could
fling the ball at the bricks 60. In some embodiments, the animated
character could be controlled by the player, while in other
embodiments, it is controlled by the gaming terminal 10. The ball
64 may act in any of the ways described above. For example, the
gaming terminal 10 may still include the bumper 62, and after the
ball 64 is thrown and hits a brick 60, the ball 64 may continue to
bounce between the bumper 62 and the wall of bricks 60. In other
embodiments, there may not be a bumper 62 and the ball 64 may
disappear after it strikes the brick 60.
[0049] In some embodiments, the animated character may throw an
item other than a ball, such as a coconut or bomb. In some
embodiments, the ball 64 may be an animated character, such as a
human canonball.
[0050] While the present invention has been described with
reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in
the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof
is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the
claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *