U.S. patent application number 14/359083 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-19 for arcade basketball game with illuminated rim.
The applicant listed for this patent is BENCHMARK ENTERTAINMENT, LC. Invention is credited to Steven Corso, Curtis Elrod, Ronald Halliburton.
Application Number | 20150051026 14/359083 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48430357 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150051026 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Halliburton; Ronald ; et
al. |
February 19, 2015 |
Arcade Basketball Game with Illuminated Rim
Abstract
An basketball arcade game is disclosed that includes a rim, a
backboard, a ball sensor for the detection of balls that pass
through the rim, a scoreboard for displaying a score relating to
the game, a ball control access panel to permit and restrict access
to balls that are used with said game, and a central processor that
receives input from the ball sensor and provides output to the
scoreboard, and the rim further includes a light source and a motor
to laterally drive the rim which are both controlled by the central
processing unit, and the rim may display light signals reflecting
conditions of the game including bonus conditions and the time of
play remaining.
Inventors: |
Halliburton; Ronald; (Del
Ray, FL) ; Corso; Steven; (Jupiter, FL) ;
Elrod; Curtis; (Boca Raton, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BENCHMARK ENTERTAINMENT, LC |
Hypoluxo |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48430357 |
Appl. No.: |
14/359083 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
November 16, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2012/065549 |
371 Date: |
May 16, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61629293 |
Nov 16, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/480 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/0669 20130101;
A63B 2225/74 20200801; A63B 2063/001 20130101; A63B 2220/805
20130101; A63B 63/083 20130101; A63B 2225/72 20130101; A63B 71/022
20130101; A63B 67/002 20130101; A63B 2220/62 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/480 |
International
Class: |
A63B 63/08 20060101
A63B063/08; A63B 71/06 20060101 A63B071/06 |
Claims
1. An basketball arcade game comprising, a rim, a backboard, a ball
sensor for the detection of balls that pass through said rim, an
electronic scoreboard for displaying a score relating to the game,
a ball control access panel to permit and restrict access to balls
that can be used with said game, and a central processor, said
adapted to receive input from said ball detector and to provide
output to said scoreboard and wherein said rim further comprises a
light emitter for the emission of light in the visual spectrum,
said light emitter controlled by said central processing unit to
manifest different light signals reflecting different conditions of
the game.
2. The basketball arcade game recited in claim 1, wherein said
light emitter comprises a plurality of LEDs.
3. The basketball arcade game recited in claim 2 wherein said
controller activates a plurality of the LED light emitters in a
blinking pattern to signal a bonus scoring condition.
4. The basketball arcade game recited in claim 2 wherein the
controller includes a scoring mode that is signaled by the
sequential activation of adjacent LED's around the circumference of
the rim to signal a bonus condition.
5. The basketball arcade game recited in claim 2 wherein said LEDs
include a plurality of different color light emitters and said
controller include a scoring mode where a single color light
emitter is activated to signal a bonus condition.
6. A basketball arcade game recited in claim 1 further comprising a
ticket dispenser controlled by said processor wherein the number of
tickets that are dispensed is dependant upon the score calculated
by said central proceeding unit.
7. The basketball arcade game recited in claim 1 wherein said
scoreboard further comprising a countdown timer and the time
elapsed in a game is signaled by said light emitters.
8. The basketball arcade game recited in claim 1 further comprising
a credit detector, said credit detector providing input to said
controller and, in response to the detection of a credit, said CPU
will activate a credit switch.
9. The basketball arcade game recited in claim 1 wherein said rim
is comprised of a translucent material and said game further
comprises a light source for the illumination of said transparent
material.
10. The basketball arcade game recited in claim 1 wherein said
light emitters attached to said rim comprises EL wire.
11. The basketball arcade game recited in claim 9 wherein said
light source is illuminated top reflect a bonus condition.
12. A basketball arcade game comprising, a rim, a backboard, a ball
sensor for the detection of ball that pass through said rim, an
electronic scoreboard, and a ball control access panel, and a
central processor to receive input from said ball sensor provide
output to said scoreboard and an engine attached to said rim to
move said rim in a lateral direction.
13. The arcade basketball game recited in claim 12 further
comprising a light source for proving different light signals that
reflecting different game scoring conditions of the device and said
light source is attached to said rim.
14. The arcade basketball game recited in claim 12 wherein said
engine is a stepper motor.
15. The arcade basketball game recited in claim 13 wherein said rim
is attached to a continuous drive belt, and said drive belt is
powered by said stepper motor.
16. The arcade basketball game recited in claim 1 wherein the game
is activated for a predetermined time and said CPU provides a
signal to said light emitters that reflects the time that is
remaining in a game.
17. The arcade game recited in claim 15 wherein said signal
comprise the sequential deactivation of adjacent lights on said
rim.
Description
[0001] The Applicants claim the benefit of the filing date of U.S.
Application No. 61/629,293 that was filed on Nov. 16, 2011. Coin
operated basketball games have proved to be popular attractions in
arcades and tavern locations. The main object of these games is to
rapidly shoot basketballs through a basketball hoop. Scoring is
typically achieved by calculating the number of baskets scored
during the time interval of play. In commercial embodiments, the
relative point value of a basket may be increased during a portion
of the play time. There have been versions of basketball games that
move the backboard and rim towards and away from the shooter to
make the shot more difficult.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to improvements to
conventional commercial basketball arcade games and new scoring
techniques. A first feature of the invention is directed to the
provision of externally directed lights within the hoop or rim that
generally form a circle around the opening of the rim. The lights
can be illuminated to signal to players that the game is a bonus
condition and may also be used to provide other scoring techniques.
A second aspect of the invention is to mount the hoop on the rear
of the game device to allow for lateral movement of the rim with
respect to the player during game play.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a rim that is used in an
embodiment of the invention,
[0004] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rim depicted in FIG. 1
after assembly.
[0005] FIG. 3 is a line drawing of the bottom view of the rim
together with a bracket.
[0006] FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of the assembly depicted in
FIG. 3.
[0007] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the controllers for the rim
including input and output functions.
[0008] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
basketball arcade game in which the rim assembly of the invention
is used.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] Now referring to FIG. 1, an exploded view of the rim
assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the invention is
depicted. The rim assembly 10 includes a top layer 14, a center
layer 16 and a bottom layer 18, On a bottom surface 19 of bottom
layer 18 a trim layer 26 is attached to layer 18 that includes ball
sensor transmitter 28. The ball sensor transmitter 28 detects when
a ball has passed through the hoop. The sensor 28 transmits signals
to a central controller or processor. The sensor depicted includes
an infrared light source and a photo detector. The photo detector
can detect light infrared reflected from the surface of a ball
passing through the hoop. Signals are transmitted to a central
processor unit for processing. Sensors may include infrared light
sources and photo detectors that are arranged on opposite sides of
the rim wherein a ball passing through the rim will interrupt a
light signal thereby generating a signal to the CPU. In addition,
in alternative contemplated embodiments, mechanical detectors, such
as a spring loaded wire, that will sense the ball and then provide
an electronic signal to the controller in response to a mechanical
engagement. The layers 14, 16 and 18 are made from a synthetic
resin such as plexiglass and the upper layer 14 is provided with a
rounded edge around the interior and exterior circumference of the
rim. While a synthetic resin is used to make the layer components
of the rim in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the rim may be
comprised of other suitable rigid materials such as metal or
wood.
[0010] A series of LED lights contained in LED strip 20 are
attached to the center layer 16. The exterior dimension of the
annular ring 29 of the center middle layer 16 is smaller than the
exterior dimension of the rings of top layer 14 and bottom layer
18. This arrangement results in a recessed groove into which the
LED strip 20 can be seated and, in this location, the individual
lights are protected from impact with the balls. A transparent
strip cover 21 is positioned over the strip to further protect the
LEDs from impact from balls and damage. The top layer 14, center
layer 16, bottom layer 18, and trim layer 26 are attached together
with bolts 35 and nuts 36.
[0011] Now referring to FIG. 2 which shows the rim assembly, it is
apparent that the LED strip cover 21 does not extend out as far as
the rounded edge 38 on the top layer 18.
[0012] The LED lights in the rim are used for a variety of purposes
and are controlled by a central controller to react to and
communicate to the player different and dynamic game conditions. A
first function that the lights serve is to define and communicate
to the player a bonus scoring condition. A bonus condition is
anytime that the CPU provides a score that is more than what is
credited for a successful shot. A bonus score condition is
communicated to the player by providing a unique illumination
sequence of the LED's on the rim. For example, in a preferred
embodiment all of the lights are rapidly activated and then
deactivated to indicate that the game is in a first bonus mode. In
another example, at a predetermined time or after a sequence of
successful shots, the lights can be illuminated in an alternative
distinctive pattern to indicate that an alternative bonus scoring
situation is in effect and successful shots may be credited with an
increased value. Thus for example, the lights may rapidly blink on
and off; the lights may be constantly illuminated; each adjacent
light may be sequentially illuminated in the series around the rim;
the lights may be simultaneously sequentially illuminated in both a
clockwise and counterclockwise direction; different color lights
may be illuminated at different times, each to communicate to the
user different bonus conditions. As such, in addition or in place
of a sequence of illumination to be used as a signal, different
colored lights on the LED strip may be activated to reflect a bonus
condition. For example, during conventional scoring the green
lights may be illuminated; during a bonus condition, red lights may
be illuminated. A further special bonus may involve the
illumination of yet additional other colored LEDs on the rim, such
as blue or green.
[0013] An additional feature that provided by the use of lights on
the rim is a game condition that allows a player to attempt to time
his or her shot so that it passes through rim at the same time
lights converge or pass by a target position. In another mode, the
lights on the LED strip are sequentially activated to reflect a
chasing pattern in a circular motion around the hoop. If the player
makes the shot when the lights in the position directly in front of
the rim are illuminated, an additional bonus is awarded. In an
embodiment, the bonus feature is activated after a predetermined
time after the game is activated and play has started. As the timer
nears the end of the play period, the bonus is activated and the
rim displays a bonus sequence by rapidly blinking on and off. In a
second contemplated alternative mode, a bonus feature is activated
after a predetermined number of shots are made within a
predetermined time period which may reflect the consecutive scoring
of baskets.
[0014] As discussed above, in a further scoring embodiment, the LED
lights 20 are sequentially illuminated around the rim and a player
can attempt to time his or her shot so that the ball will pass
through the rim at the same time that the chasing light converges
with a target light or center position. If the ball is sensed when
the LED that corresponds to the target position is illuminated, the
controller will award a bonus. The controller can be programmed to
implement a further bonus wherein if consecutive shots made when
the light is illuminated opposite a target position the score of
the bonus is escalated. This condition may be signaled by the
illumination of a particular color LED. For example, if a first
bonus is made 3 points are awarded, and the game reflects a bonus
condition by blinking red lights, if a second bonus is earned then
six points are awarded and the bonus condition is to a third
condition reflected by blinking blue lights. If this bonus is
earned, then nine points are awarded. The bonus condition may
include illuminating all the lights on the rim at the same
time.
[0015] In a further embodiment, the lights on the hoop remain off
until a bonus condition is signaled. After a miss, the hoop would
illuminate solid for a short period when the shot value would be
higher, if the player makes his next shot before the lights go out
he would be awarded the higher value.
[0016] In yet a further embodiment the hoop lights can also be
programmed to function as a time indicator. In many conventional
coin operated basketball games a numerical countdown timer is
provided to indicate the time period that remains. In an embodiment
of the invention, the lights on the rim also provide a timing
signal, wherein the rim lights are programmed to remain constantly
illuminated at the beginning of the game thereby indicating full
time remaining. Once play begins, the light's are sequentially
extinguished at a predetermined rate until the last one goes off
indicating time has expired. In the foregoing embodiment, lights
opposite a center location may be sequentially turned off as they
progress to a center location that faces the player. In yet another
embodiment, as discussed above, the hoop could begin to blink near
the end of the period to reflect that the time has almost elapsed.
This may also reflect that the game is in a bonus condition.
[0017] Using the hoop as the location to signal game bonus events,
the time remaining for play, and to time the sinking of shot is a
preferable location because most players keep their eyes the hoop
during play. Because information about the status of the game
including time remaining and bonus conditions is provided on the
rim, the player does not have to divert his or her attention to a
timer or a bonus indicator to understand the status of the game
conditions. In this regard, basketball players are often trained to
keep their eyes narrowly focused on the rim that they are shooting
at and providing information about the bonus condition of the game
directly on the rim allows the player to be informed of such game
conditions without having to shift the focus of his or her eyes to
a second signal. Because a visual signal of a bonus condition or
the time remaining is provided directly on the rim, the player does
not have to take his or her eyes off the target to receive the
communications that the rim is in a bonus condition, and that the
time for play is nearing the end.
[0018] As discussed above, providing the lights on the rim also
allows a convenient manner in which to provide signals to the
player that are performing the game feature wherein the ball passes
through the rim to correspond with a home position. The use lights
on the rim also provide a unique attraction feature for the game
and the illumination of the lights may be programmed to be
displayed in a variety of formats including having all the lights
blink on and off at the same time, have the lights sequentially be
illuminated. In a further embodiment the lights are illuminated
simultaneously from the both the right side and the left side of
the rim to converge on the center of the front of the rim. In this
embodiment, the player may attempt to have the ball pass through
the rim when the lights converge at the center of the rim for an
additional bonus. In yet a further alternative embodiment, the
lights will blink at a more rapid rate as the time elapses. In yet
a further scoring embodiment, as the ball is repeatedly made
through the hoop within predetermined time periods, the lights on
the rim will remains illuminated and reflecting a continuing bonus
condition and extended time.
[0019] In other embodiments, the light on the rim is provided by
electroluminescent wire ("EL wire"), by low powered lasers such as
LED lasers, LED wire or neon lights. In an embodiment, three
different color EL wires substantially surround the rim. The wire
is attached to a controller that can cause the wires to blink or be
active in predetermined sequences to signal different game
conditions. Providing such lights on the rim as a signal to the
player allows for novel and unique scoring systems and can make
play more enjoyable.
[0020] Now referring to FIG. 3, rim 10 depicted in FIG. 1 is shown
integrated into support bracket 300 which is, in turn affixed to
timing drive belt 310. LED strip 312 and 313 is provided on the
rear edge of the rim assembly 10 to illuminate the translucent top,
bottom and middle layers. Stepper motor 315 is used to drive the
hoop back and forth by engaging timing drive belt 310 which is
affixed to the bracket 300. The timing drive belt 310 is a
continuous loop that is driven by pulley 318 and extends around
idler pulley 232 which is attached to frame 320. The use of stepper
motor 315 allows explicit digital speed and motion control that
would not otherwise be easily attainable. The stepper motor is
attached to frame 320 which is attached to the rear surface or back
board of game. The frame also provides a guide for the top surface
390 of the rim assembly 10 to keep the rim level and in a
horizontal plane. Bearings or rollers, not shown, are provided to
reduce friction. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, the ball sensor
includes both infrared light emitter 500 and photo detector sensor
328 and photo detector 329 located on the rear surface of bracket
399. The detectors 328 and 329 send signals to a central processing
unit 550 ("CPU") or controller when the light is interrupted that
indicates that a ball has passed through the hoop.
[0021] The provision of an engine and drive system to provide for
lateral movement of the hoop adds an additional element of skill to
the game and, when the engine providing for the movement is
activated, the central controller can provide for yet an additional
bonus scoring conditions. These conditions may also be signaled to
the player by the illumination of the rim or illuminating light
sources provided on the rim. The use of a stepper motor to move the
hoop assembly has advantages when used in the basketball hoop drive
described herein. If the motor or hoop gets `stuck`, no damage will
be done to the system as the motor will simply stall without
creating an overcurrent or overheating problem. In addition, as a
result of using a stepper motor, limit switches, encoders, and
clutches are eliminated.
[0022] As discussed above, the game may be configured to allow for
a variety of scoring systems using both the LED lights and lateral
hoop movement. For example, in an embodiment, a first time interval
of scoring, a single point is awarded for each basket. In a second
scoring interval, three points are provided when shots are made
when the LED on the rim corresponds to a target position. In a
third scoring interval, the rim of the basket is put into motion
back, six points are awarded.
[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the scoring proceeds as
follows: [0024] In Round 1: 2 point shots are awarded or 3 points
if rim is lit in blue; [0025] In Round 2: 2 point shots or 3 points
if rim is lit in the color red; [0026] In Round 3: the rim is put
into lateral motion and the scoring is the same as in Round 2;
[0027] In Round 4: the rim moves faster and the scoring is the same
as described in Rounds 2 and 3 above; [0028] In Rounds 2, 3, and 4,
if the rim is maintained red for 5 consecutive shots lights the rim
turns to purple; For every purple lit shot made, ten points are
awarded.
[0029] In the foregoing example the each round has a predetermined
time that is counted down by the countdown timer 801. Upon
activation of the credit switch 608, the first round is initiated
which is followed by the subsequent rounds until the entire time
provide for play has elapsed. In embodiments, additional time may
be awarded upon scoring predetermined scores, making shots during
bonus periods that are communicated by the illuminated rim, or by
making a predetermined number of consecutive shots. Consecutive
shots may be inferred by the CPU wherein the time between
successful baskets is calculated and may not necessarily reflect
actual shots made. In further embodiments, manners to detecting
missed shots may include the presence of ball detectors, like those
disclosed in FIG. 3 but provided at locations within the lateral
screen and access panel.
[0030] Again referring to FIG. 5, the game is controlled by a
central processing unit 550. It includes input from upper ball
sensors 328 and 329. In order to ensure that the ball completely
passed through the basket, CPU 550 is programmed to not award a
score unless a signal is received from both sensors 328 and 329.
Infrared light source 28 is powered by a 12 volt battery or power
supply. CPU 550 also controls the ticket dispenser 530, the score
board which is a part of the header leads 522, ball access control
panel 525. The game is activated by the detection of a credit
switch 608. The Main CPU also controls the illumination of all of
the LEDs including the hoop LEDs 520, the Header LEDs 522 and Side
LEDs 540. Stepper motor 315 is also controlled by the CPU 550 and
provides for the lateral movement of the rim 10 wither respect to
the backboard 590.
[0031] Now referring to FIG. 6, an arcade game is depicted wherein
rim 10 and motorized attachment brackets are attached via frame 320
(not shown) to rear backboard element 590. Access to the balls are
provided by elevating access panel 526 by motor 525 to allow balls
613 to roll down ramp 600 to an area that may be accessed by a
player. When the time has elapsed, the access panel 526 is lowered
and the balls 613 are retained behind the access panel. The device
includes a scoreboard 800 and countdown timer 801 that are Dart of
the Header LEDs 522. Balls are restrained within the device by side
netting 700 and top guard 750.
[0032] One or more games may be linked together to provide for
simultaneous multiplayer competition. A ticket dispenser 561 is
provided that dispenses tickets according to the score earned. In
contemplated alternative embodiments, two or more rims are provided
to allow for the simultaneous play of multiple players.
[0033] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the
embodiments described above can be altered in many ways without
departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope
of the invention should be determined by the following claims and
their legal equivalents
* * * * *