U.S. patent application number 13/796134 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-03 for cabinet construction for an amusement game device.
This patent application is currently assigned to STERN PINBALL, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is STERN PINBALL, INC.. Invention is credited to George Gomez, Tom Kopera, Andrew J. Pines.
Application Number | 20140091519 13/796134 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50384444 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140091519 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gomez; George ; et
al. |
April 3, 2014 |
CABINET CONSTRUCTION FOR AN AMUSEMENT GAME DEVICE
Abstract
An amusement game having a cabinet wherein the cabinet is
assembled by attaching cabinet pieces together using knock-down
fasteners.
Inventors: |
Gomez; George; (Melrose
Park, IL) ; Kopera; Tom; (Melrose Park, IL) ;
Pines; Andrew J.; (Chicago, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
STERN PINBALL, INC. |
Melrose Park |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
STERN PINBALL, INC.
Melrose Park
IL
|
Family ID: |
50384444 |
Appl. No.: |
13/796134 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61684998 |
Aug 20, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/121R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 7/025 20130101;
A63F 2007/3662 20130101; A63F 7/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/121.R |
International
Class: |
A63F 7/02 20060101
A63F007/02 |
Claims
1. An amusement game, comprising: a plurality of cabinet panel
pieces having pre-formed openings for accepting knock-down hardware
used to assembly the cabinet panel pieces into an amusement game
cabinet; and a playfield which is adapted to be attached to the
amusement game cabinet and thereby provide structural support to
the amusement game cabinet.
2. The amusement game as recited in claim 1, wherein the playfield
is adapted to be attached to the amusement game on an incline and
wherein the amusement game comprises a pinball machine.
3. The amusement game as recited in claim 2, wherein the playfield
is pre-assembled and shipped with the plurality of cabinet pieces
and the knock-down hardware.
4. The amusement game as recited in claim 3, wherein the plurality
of cabinet panel pieces are powder-coated mdf panels.
5. The amusement game as recited in claim 4, wherein the playfield
comprises a plywood core sandwiched by high density fiber
board.
6. The amusement game as recited in claim 5, wherein a plunger unit
is pre-attached to the pre-assembled playfield and indexed to a
ball launching alley.
7. The amusement game as recited in claim 6, comprising a cover
hingedly attached to the amusement game cabinet and covering the
playfield.
8. The amusement game as recited in claim 7, wherein an end of the
cover rests on an upper edge of a font panel of the amusement game
cabinet and is substantially co-planer with upper edges of left and
right side panels of the amusement game cabinet.
9. The amusement game as recited in claim 8, wherein the upper
edges of the left and right side panels of the amusement game
cabinet adjacent to the upper edge of the front panel of the
amusement game cabinet are provided with radiused edges.
10. The amusement game as recited in claim 9, comprising a backbox
assembly attached to the amusement game cabinet.
11. The amusement game as recited in claim 10, wherein the backbox
comprises a vacuum-formed plastic structure.
12. The amusement game as recited in claim 11, wherein the backbox
carries a CPU and the CPU is coupled to a connector adapted to
releasable engage with a connector associated with an electrical
system of the playfield.
13. The amusement game as recited in claim 12, comprising LEDs
mounted directly to the board carrying the CPU.
14. The amusement game as recited in claim 1, comprising a ramp
playfeature mounted to the playfield, the ramp playfeature
comprising a plurality of flat plastic pieces arranged into a
three-dimensional structure.
15. The amusement game as recited in claim 14, wherein the
plurality of flat plastic pieces comprise corresponding tabs and
grooves for allowing the plurality of flat plastic pieces to be
placed into slidable engagement with one another.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/684,998, entitled "CABINET CONSTRUCTION FOR AN
AMUSEMENT GAME DEVICE", filed on Aug. 20, 2012, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The following relates generally to amusement game devices
and, more particularly, to a cabinet construction for an amusement
game device such as a pinball machine.
[0003] Amusement game devices, such as pinball machines, are well
known in the art. By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,737 ("the
'737 patent") illustrates and describes an amusement game device
having a cabinet which houses a playfield assembly including a
playing field or playfield which may be inclined. The playfield
assembly is covered by a transparent panel of glass or plastic
through which a player may view the playfield assembly and its
contents. As further described in the '737 patent, the cover panel
is maintained in position by use of a handguard (also known as a
lock-down bar) that is mounted to the front molding of the cabinet.
After removing the handguard, the cover panel may be slid off the
front of the cabinet to thereby allow operator access to the
playfield assembly. In addition, the playfield assembly is slidably
and pivotally mounted to the cabinet to thereby allow an operator
to remove the playfield assembly and/or access the underside of the
playfield assembly.
SUMMARY
[0004] The following describes an improved cabinet assembly for an
amusement game device, such as a pinball machine.
[0005] In addition, the following describes improved playfield
features for use with the playfield assembly carried by the
improved cabinet.
[0006] A better understanding of the objects, advantages, features,
properties and relationships of the amusement game device described
hereinafter will be obtained from the following detailed
description and accompanying drawings which set forth illustrative
embodiments which are indicative of the various ways in which the
principles of the invention may be employed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] For a better understanding of the amusement game device
described hereinafter reference may be had to the following
drawings in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary playfield
assembly supporting an exemplary ramp structure constructed
according to the description which follows;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a further view of the exemplary ramp structure
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a front, isometric view of an exemplary amusement
game device cabinet constructed according to the description which
follows;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a rear, isometric view of the amusement game
device cabinet of FIG. 3;
[0012] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the amusement game device
cabinet of FIG. 3;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a further front, isometric view of the amusement
game device cabinet of FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a detail showing an exemplary knockdown fastener
as used in construction of the amusement game device cabinet of
FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a transparent, front isometric view of the
amusement game device cabinet of FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a transparent, rear isometric view of the
amusement game device cabinet of FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a front isometric view of an exemplary amusement
game device constructed according to the description which
follows;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a front view of the amusement game device of FIG.
10;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a front isometric view of the amusement game
device of FIG. 10 illustrating a hinged, transparent playfield
assembly cover in an open position;
[0020] FIG. 13 is a side view of the amusement game device of FIG.
10 illustrating the cover in the open position;
[0021] FIG. 14 is a side view of the amusement game device of FIG.
10 illustrated the cover in a closed position; and
[0022] FIG. 15 is a front view of the amusement game device of FIG.
10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] With reference to the Figures, an amusement game device, in
the exemplary form of a pinball machine 10 similar to that shown in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,737 (which is incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety), is now described. More particularly, the
amusement game device 10 includes a cabinet 12 which houses various
apparatus used to define play of a game. Game play may be commenced
in response to insertion of money--paper or coins referred to
collectively as "coins"--into a coin accepting device, upon
exercising of credits earned, or by otherwise making game play
active. Upon activation of the game in this manner, game play, in
the case of a pinball machine, is defined upon an inclined
playfield assembly 14 that supports a number of playfield
accessories or devices. More particularly, in the case of a pinball
machine, game play is generally defined through the use of a pair
of flippers 18 to propel a ball relative to the playfield 14 and
accessories/devices associated with the playfield 14. The playfield
14 is usually inclined from the horizontal such that the ball tends
to eventually roll back down the playfield 14 in the direction of
the flippers 18. While not intended to be limiting, the playfield
accessories or devices may include elements such as bumpers, ramps,
and/or targets. The playfield 14 may be covered by a transparent or
glass sheet cover 25 to permit viewing of the playfield 14. In
addition to the foregoing, the playfield 14 includes a plunger
element 32 which shoots the ball up an alley onto the playfield 14.
Other player-activated elements, typically in the form of
push-buttons on the sides of the cabinet 12, are usually provided
for controlling operation of the flippers 18. The amusement game 10
may also includes a backbox 90 which is mounted to overlay a top
rear portion of the cabinet 12 and which contains a game display,
such as a dot matrix display, CRT, or the like. The backbox 90 may
also support speakers associated with the game sound system. Within
the backbox 90 may be located various of the electronic circuits
for controlling the operation of the playfield, the display,
general illumination, and the sound system.
[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the lower limit of the playfield
assembly 14 is defined by one or more upstanding walls 40. The
walls 40 are preferably fabricated by attaching laser cut flat
pieces of transparent plastic to the playfield using hardware 42. A
drain hole 44 is defined within the walls 40, intermediate the
flippers 18, through which the ball exits the playfield 14. The
drain hole 44 leads to a ball holding area 46 which may be sized
and arranged to hold one or more balls. A solenoid activated
kicking device 48 is positioned adjacent to a lower area of the
ball holding area 46 and is provided to move a ball into the area
adjacent to the plunger element 32. The plunger element 32 is
attached to the top of the playfield 14 so as to be indexed
accurately to the alley. The plunger element 32 will extend from an
opening formed in the cabinet front piece 50 to thereby allow for
interaction with the plunger element 32 by a player. The area 14A
of the playfield that is below/behind the walls 40 can be hidden
from the view of the player by providing appropriate view blocking
material to the cover 25.
[0025] For use in illuminating the playfield 14, multi-colored or
single colored LEDs can be arranged around the playfield as
described in U.S. Published Application No. 2008/0036143 which
published application is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0026] The playfield 14 can be constructed from a plywood core
sandwiched by high density fiber board surfaces. A playfield 14 so
constructed provides a smooth surface that requires minimal
finishing for the rolling ball while providing a core that will
have the ability to hold the fasteners that are used to attach the
playfield 14 to the cabinet 12 as described below.
[0027] Turning to FIG. 2, an exemplary ramp structure 60 for
mounting to the playfield 14 is illustrated. The exemplary ramp
structure 60, which is used to carry a ball during game play, is
fabricated by assembling laser cut flat plastic pieces on a laser
cut flat plastic sheet that is provided as a ball supporting
surface 62. As shown in FIG. 1, the ball supporting surface sheet
62 may be attached in an elevated manner relative to the playfield
14. The plastic pieces can be attached to the ball supporting
surface sheet 62 by use of posts, other fasteners, and/or by use of
interlocking tabs adapted to be slid into correspondingly formed
grooves to provide a three dimensional structure as shown. As
compared to ramps made using a thermoforming process, the subject
ramp structure 60 eliminates the need for tooling and facilitates
rapid design during product development. For sensing the ball
during game play, the playfield 14 may additionally support ball
sensors that use a combined reflective infrared emitter/receiver
device. In addition or alternatively, hall effect sensors could be
utilized to sense the ball (in replacement of roll-over mechanical
switches). Still further, such sensors, particularly the combined
reflective infrared emitter/receiver device, can be utilized in
other playfield features, such as pop bumpers or the like, to
thereby eliminate the need for mechanical switch adjusting. The
sensors can be linked to one or more processing circuits via use of
laminated, flexible printed circuit film to minimize the use
of/need for cable harnesses. Additional compactness and cost
savings can also be achieved by, for example, using a combination
slingshot mechanism powered by a single solenoid.
[0028] For carrying the playfield 14, the cabinet 12 is constructed
from a plurality of panels, such as front panel 50, left and right
side panels 70, end panel 72, support panels 74, bottom panel 75,
and backbox supporting panel 76. As will be appreciated, these
panels may themselves be formed using one or more panel elements.
More particularly, the panels are powder-coated mdf (medium-density
fiberboard) panels that provide a higher finish quality (due to
consistency of manufacturing process) at a relatively lower cost.
The use of powder-coating also allows for color matching of the
panels to theme aesthetics of the amusement game 10 and allows for
color to be introduced to any exposed inside walls of the amusement
game cabinet 12, e.g., in the area above the playfield 14. As
further illustrated, the corners 70A of the left and right side
panels 70 are preferably provided with radiused edges for
comfortably receiving hands of user as they access the buttons for
activating the flippers 18. The provision of such radiused edges is
advantageous as the subject design eliminates the use of/need for a
handguard (also known as a lock-down bar).
[0029] To assemble the cabinet 12, the cabinet panels are
preferably provided with pre-fabricated openings used to hold
and/or receive knock-down fastening hardware 80 as shown, for
example, in FIG. 7. By way of non-limiting example, knock-down
fastening hardware is utilized to attach the support panels 74
(which may comprise side panel to side panel upstanding brace panel
74A and front panel to back panel/side panel to side panel
horizontal brace panel 74B as seen in FIG. 8) to front panel 50, to
side panels 70, and back panel 72. The front panel 50 and the back
panel 72 may include structures 50A and 72A (preferably provided to
the panels when shipped) for use in attaching the support panel 74
thereto. The side panels 70 may also be attached directly to the
end panel 72 and the front panel 50 and the bottom panel 75 may
likewise be attached directly to the side panels 70, the front
panel 50 and rear panel 72 via the use of such knock-down fasteners
as needed. In addition, the side panels 70 may include rails 70B
(preferably povided to the side panels when shipped) for supporting
the playfield 14 which is also intended to be attached to the
cabinet 12.
[0030] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the game
device 10 can be shipped in an unassembled state with the cabinet
12 then being constructed by attaching the panels together using
the knock-down fasteners and by attaching the pre-assembly
playfield to the cabinet 12. Once attached to the cabinet 12, the
playfield 14 will also act as a structural member providing support
for the cabinet 12. Furthermore, if any of the panels are damaged
in handling, transit, or use, the cabinet 12 can be quickly
de-assembled and the damaged panel or panels quickly replaced.
Still further, decorative grade knock-down hardware can be provided
which hardware allows the consumer to assemble the cabinet with
minimum labor and tools (e.g., by use of an Allen wrench alone or
use of an Allen wrench and screwdriver). It will also be
appreciated that the assembly may includes legs 902 that are to be
attached to the assembly cabinet 12.
[0031] For covering the playfield 14, the transparent cover 25,
which may be a glass cover or the like, is attached via use of a
hinge structure 82 to the backbox supporting panel 76. The hinge
structure 82 is provided to allow an operator to quickly raise the
cover 25 to, for example, clean the playfield 14, free a stuck
ball, or the like. When assembled, the front of the cover 25 is
intended to sit on a top edge 50B of the front panel 50 while being
substantially co-planar with top edges 70C of the side panels 70.
While not required, the cover can be attached to the backbox
supporting panel 76 when shipped to eliminate the need for the
consumer to attach the same during construction.
[0032] The backbox 90, which is mounted to the backbox supporting
panel 76, is preferably constructed from vacuum-formed plastic to
minimize weight and lower cost while providing a high-finish
quality with ease of assembly. The backbox 90 supports at least one
speaker and preferably includes a form of backlighting and a
display device. The backlighting may be provided by LEDs that are
mounted directly to a CPU board that is carried within the backbox
90. The mounting hardware used to attach the CPU board can thereby
act as a heat sink for the LEDs. The CPU board is preferably
coupled to an electrical system having a connector which is adapted
to releasably mate with a connector provided to the electrical
system used with the playfield 14. In this regard, the game device
10 is provided with a modular electronics system which is designed
to allow scalable expansion to support various product
configurations and to support game features of varying
complexity.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the panels, pre-assembled
playfield, cover, legs, and backbox are together sized to conform
to UPS shipping requirements in dimensions and weight.
[0034] While a specific embodiment of the invention has been
described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that various modifications and alternatives to those details
could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the
disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangement disclosed is
meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of
the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended
claims and any equivalents thereof.
* * * * *