U.S. patent application number 14/453886 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-05 for ball shooting amusement game.
This patent application is currently assigned to Benchmark Entertainment LC. The applicant listed for this patent is Benchmark Entertainment LC. Invention is credited to Curtis Elrod, Haliburton Ron.
Application Number | 20150061224 14/453886 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52461924 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150061224 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ron; Haliburton ; et
al. |
March 5, 2015 |
Ball Shooting Amusement game
Abstract
A shooting game amusement device is disclosed that includes a
projectile striker, a rotating self-loading annular magazine that
holds game projectiles and transports them to a location close to
the striker to allow the striker to propel them toward a target
array. The target array includes indicator lights that are
activated when the targets are successful stuck by game projectiles
and can dispense tickets in response to successful play.
Inventors: |
Ron; Haliburton; (Delray,
FL) ; Elrod; Curtis; (Boca Raton, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Benchmark Entertainment LC |
Hypoluxo |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Benchmark Entertainment LC
Hypoluxo
FL
|
Family ID: |
52461924 |
Appl. No.: |
14/453886 |
Filed: |
August 7, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61863272 |
Aug 7, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/340 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
A63F 7/307 20130101; G07F 17/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/340 |
International
Class: |
A63F 7/30 20060101
A63F007/30 |
Claims
1. An amusement device comprising a projectile striker, a movable
and self-loadable annular magazine for holding game projectiles and
for transporting game projectiles to a location close to said
striker to allow said striker to engage said projectiles, at least
one target, said target further comprising an indicator to
communicate a signal if said target has been engaged by a game
projectile and wherein said annular magazine is rotated by an
engine.
2. The amusement device recited in claim 1 further comprising a
controller, a credit detection device and a credit activation
switch, wherein in response to the detection of sufficient credits,
said credit activation switch may be activated and allow
manipulation of said the projectile striker.
3. The amusement device as recited in claim 1 wherein said
projectile striker is powered by a solenoid.
4. The amusement device as recited in claim 1 wherein said
indicator further comprises a sensor and said sensor further
comprises means to transmit a signal indicating that a target has
been engaged by a projectile.
5. The amusement device as recited in claim 2 further comprising
game projectiles and wherein said magazine, said targets and said
projectiles are enclosed in a cabinet.
6. The amusement device recited in claim 1 wherein said magazine
further comprises a plurality of depressions along said annular rim
for receiving game projectiles.
7. The amusement device as recited in claim 5 wherein said magazine
will continuously and automatically self-load said projectiles into
said magazine.
8. The amusement device as recited in claim 5 wherein said
projectiles are spherical.
9. The amusement device recited in claim 1 further comprising a
ramp said ramp located within the circumference of said annular
magazine and said ramp oriented to allow projectiles engaged by
said striker to travel up said ramp and become airborne.
10. The amusement device as recited in claim 9 wherein the height
of said ramp may be adjusted.
11. The amusement device recited in claim 5 further comprising a
target array, a visual score board display and a ticket dispenser
wherein said controller receives signals from said target array,
and transmits signals to said visual score board and said ticket
dispenser.
12. The amusement device recited in claim 5 further comprising a
plurality of targets and each said targets further comprising a
signal light that indicating whether the target has been
successfully engaged during a game play sequence and said signal
light is controlled by said controller.
13. The amusement device recited in claim 1 wherein said magazine
further comprises a domed surface and wherein projectiles that fall
onto said domed surface will be guided to the periphery of said
annular magazine.
14. The amusement device wherein said target further comprises an
opening through which projectiles may pass, and said target further
comprises a sensor to sense a projectile passing through said
opening and transmit a signal indicating that a projectile has
passed through said opening.
15. The amusement device as recited on claim 1 further comprising
at least one projectile guide, said guide oriented adjacent to the
periphery of said wheel and posited to collect and projectiles from
the interior of said annular magazine to positions on the periphery
of said magazine.
16. The amusement device recited in claim 5 further comprising a
magazine location detector, said magazine location detector further
providing a signal to said controller reflecting the angular
position of said annular magazine and projectile detectors
positioned adjacent to said magazine to determine if a particular
location on said magazine is provided with a projectile and
transmit a signal to the controller reflecting the presence or
absence of a projectile at a particular angular position on said
magazine.
17. The amusement device recited in claim 5 further comprising a
timer, and said timer counts down a provides a predetermined time
period in which said projectile striker is activated and after said
time period has elapsed, the controller deactivates said striker.
Description
[0001] The Applicants claim the benefit of the filing date of U.S.
Application No. 61/863,272 filed on Aug. 7, 2013.
[0002] The present invention relates to a skill-based amusement
game and more particularly a skill based game that is provides an
award for the successful play, such as a redemption game. A
redemption game is typically a skill-based game wherein a player is
awarded tickets for the successful play of a game. The present game
involves providing a plurality of balls on a substantially
horizontal rotating wheel. The wheel is provided with small
depressions where the balls can be seated. A player can control the
timing of a solenoid to strike a ball seated on the wheel with a
striker, propel the ball up a ramp and in the direction of a series
or array of stationary targets. After a ball may engage a target,
it will fall back to the surface of the wheel and, because the
wheel has an elevation at the center and is therefore cone shaped,
and because of centrifugal force, the ball will travel to the
periphery of the wheel and find an empty depression. The ball will
therefore be reloaded on the wheel and be located in a position
that will again pass by the striker.
[0003] In an embodiment, a target region includes a series of
discreet targets in an array that resembles an arc. The player may
attempt to propel a ball from the striker in different vectors
toward the target array by timing the activation of the striker as
the ball passes by the home location. If the solenoid is struck
causing the striker to engage a ball at a location before the
middle point of the ball is in direct alignment with the solenoid,
the ball will travel toward the left side of the target array. If
the solenoid is struck to cause the striker to engage a ball after
the middle point of the ball is in direct alignment with the
solenoid, the ball will travel to the right side of the target. The
extreme right and left sides of the target array tend to be more
difficult to hit than targets in the center of the array. In
embodiments, the object of the game is to hit each one of the
targets in the array within a predetermined time. Each target is
provided with a light, such as a light emitting diode, and a
pressure activated switch each of which is connected to a central
controller.
[0004] In embodiments, the balls are made acrylic. In alternative
embodiments, the balls are made of bakelight, or other
thermoplastic resin. In an alternative embodiment, the controller
will randomly select a target in the array and provide a bonus when
the target is selected. In a further embodiment, the targets on the
extreme right and left of the target array are designated as the
bonus.
[0005] After play in completed, the score of a player is calculated
and then correlated with an award of redeemable tickets that are
then distributed to a player by a ticket distributor. In
embodiments, if no player wins a game, a bonus award will continue
to increase until a player successfully plays the game so that each
of the lights are extinguished.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] There is persistent demand for new skill based games in both
gaming establishments and general amusement centers such as arcades
or family fun centers. It is generally accepted that customers are
more likely to repeat visits to game centers if the game
attractions provided by the operator are new and different. New
games may also generate publicity resulting in increased traffic
and increased play at such locations. In general, games that are
popular are those having a game concept that is quickly and easily
understood by a prospective player. In addition, the possibility
for a large bonus or award adds to the popularity of games. The
more popular a game, the more it is played and accordingly may
generate more revenue for the game operator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Over the years there have been many games that incorporate a
rotating wheel into the game concept. The motion of the wheel also
serves as an attraction. Here a rotating wheel also serves as a
magazine to hold a series of balls that pass by a striker that can
activated by a solenoid. A striker impacts a ball travelling in
front of the striker and causing it to travel up a stationary ramp
to a target array. The target array detects successful impacts and
sends a signal to a central controller. The controller will provide
an award if preselected game conditions have been achieved.
[0008] The present invention is a coin operated amusement device
wherein, upon activation of the device, a player is provided with a
predetermined number of strikes to propel balls toward a target.
The wheel rotates at a constant speed and, in an embodiment, is
powered by a stepper motor.
[0009] The play of the game may be altered by increasing or
decreasing the number of strikes given to a player for a credit,
providing an unlimited number of strikes within a predetermined
time, altering the number of targets, altering the nature of the
targets, providing a further ramp, providing a movable ramp,
altering the scoring criteria and altering the speed that the
magazine wheel turns.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of the
invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the play field and target
array according to a first embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front view in elevation of the play field and
target array according to a first embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view in elevation of the play field and
target array according to a first embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side view of the top surface of the play field
and target array according to a first embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is side view in elevation of the play field and
target array according to a first embodiment of the invention
opposite from that depicted in FIG. 4.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a rear view in elevation of the play field and
target array according to a first embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the playfield and target array
according to a first embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the controller and game
elements in communication with the controller.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Now referring to FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment of the
invention, the device includes a case or housing 120 with a
transparent window that allow for the viability of the playfield
and target array 105 as well as horizontal wheel that rotates on a
central axis. On the front of the cabinet below the solenoid switch
110 there is provided a coin or token acceptor that will detect
genuine coins or tokens and send a signal to a central proceeding
unit reflecting a credit has been detected. On the top surface of
cabinet 106 are activation button that control a solenoid that
activates a ball striker. Upon the detection of a genuine coin, a
credit switch is activated by the game controller or central
processor. Within the cabinet is a sign 115 that advertises and
identifies the game and includes a dial that keeps track of the
number of targets that have been activated. The sign 115 includes
scoreboard 109 that displays scores and bonus conditions. A bonus
may be incrementally increased based upon the number of times the
game is played without a player successfully hitting a jackpot. As
described above, in the preferred embodiment a jackpot is achieved
when all of the targets in the array have been hit by a ball.
[0020] Now referring to FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment of the
invention includes rotating wheel 205 which is oriented in a
horizontal position on support member 202. Wheel 205 is driven by a
drive wheel 206 connected to a motor (not shown). A plurality of
balls (not shown) are provided on wheel 205 that will come to rest
and are seated in holes 208 around the periphery of the wheels. The
balls are kept on the wheels by guide members 210, 211, 212 and
213. Wheel 205 is conical in shape and balls that are introduced to
the surface will roll to the periphery urged by powered by gravity
and the centrifugal force of the wheel. Guides 270 and 275 assist
with the seating of the balls at positions at the periphery of the
wheel. As the wheel turns, balls seated at the periphery pass by
striker 220. A passage 220 is cut into that allow the vertical
portion of the striker to engage the ball. If a solenoid that
powers the striker is activated at a time when a ball is in direct
alignment with striker 220, a ball is propelled up stationary ramp
230 toward the target array 240. As shown in FIG. 1 the target
array includes 13 separate independent targets each of which
include a spring loaded switch. In embodiments, when the switch is
closed, a signal is transmitted to a central controller which
extinguishes a light that is associated with the target. In
embodiments the controller also activates sound effects and other
lights to provide a signal to the player that a target has been
successfully been hit.
[0021] In an embodiment of the game, upon activation of a game
credit the wheel will rotate and the striker is enabled. The
direction that the ball travels is based upon the timing of the
activation solenoid. If the ball is struck on the left side, the
ball will travel to the right; if the ball is struck on the right
side of its center point, the ball will travel to the left. The
game may be configured for street locations wherein the object of
the game is to shoot all the lights out that correspond to targets
to win a gift card that is distributed directly to the player. In
an alternative embodiment, the device will distribute tickets that
can be redeemed for prizes. In an embodiment, an optical detector
is configured to detect where there is a ball located at a
particular detent at the edge of the wheel. If no ball is detected,
the CPU will deactivate the solenoid as the location passes by the
home position or striker location. A wheel position detector is
also provided which measures a home position and send a signal to
the CPU. The CPU can then correlate the location of an empty detent
as it passing by the striker and the game is thus configured to
deactivate the striker when no ball would be hit. In an embodiment
the player is provided with a predetermined number of strikes or
shots. In an alternative embodiment the player is provided with as
many shots or few shots as implemented within a predetermined time
period. For example, a player may be provided a 30 second time
period in which the player can take as many shots as desired. In
further embodiments, the player is provided with a predetermined
number of shots that must be used within a predetermined time
period. If the time period elapses and not all shots have been used
the game is over and the shooting solenoid is deactivated and the
CPU proceeds to calculate the score and provide any award that may
have been earned.
[0022] In a further embodiment, a player may be awarded extra shots
for hitting more difficult targets. In this regard, the targets
located on the extreme rights and left sides of the target array
are more difficult to hit than those targets positioned near the
center. If a player hits one of the targets located on the edge of
the target arrays, the player is awarded with additional shots. In
an embodiments, 48 balls are provided within the game and detents
are spaced within the wheel is spaced where they will always find a
depression and the location of the detents provides a space between
each adjacent ball to provide the player a shot that is not impeded
by adjacent balls. In embodiments, the balls have a diameter of 1.5
inch. The skill level can be controlled by adjusting the speed of
the wheel.
[0023] As seen in FIG. 3 the wheel 205 is attached to support
member 202 by a central axle or drive draft 314 to allow for
rotation. Wheel 205 is rotated at a constant rate and is driven by
frictional engagement with drive wheel 206 which contacts the outer
surface of wheel 205. Drive wheel 206 is powered by a stepper motor
309 that drives the wheel at a constant rate. In an embodiment the
rate or rotation is approximately 10 RPM. On the upper surface of
the wheel 205 are a series of adjacent circular holes 208 that are
sized to receive and the balls that are used to play the game. In
alternative embodiments, spherical indentations in the wheel may be
used to retain the balls at location on the periphery of the wheel.
The holes or indentations are provided around the entire wheel at
angular positions.
[0024] In embodiments, each hole or indentation is a provided a
through hole and an optical detector is located at an angular
position and in alignment with the through hole located at the
periphery of the wheel. Infrared light is emitted from the optical
detector. If a ball is located in the indentation location, light
is reflected from the ball and detected by a photo detectors that
are associated with the optical detectors. The light emitted and
detector therefore functions as a ball check detection device. As
the wheel turns each of the holes pass by the ball check detection
device and if no ball is retained in the cavity, the light from the
infra red light source will travel from the source and not be
reflected back. Alternatively, a detector may be include a light
source and reflective minor, and if the ball passes through the
light path between the light source and the photo detector, the
absence of a signal is interpreted by the CPU as the presence of a
ball at the location. Roller wheels such as 318 and 317 support the
wheel and facilitate the rotation of the wheel. As seen in FIG. 3,
the ramp 230 is stationary and held in place by support members
260. It is slightly inclined with respect to rotating wheel 205.
The wheel is mounted to the support member 202 at the center. A pin
314 that extends from support member 202 is received in a main
wheel bearing.
[0025] FIG. 3 also depicts the target array that includes 13
targets, include a center target 242 with the designation 0 and six
targets on either side of the center target such as target 245, 246
and 247. The target array is support be support member 260. FIG. 4
depicts a side view of the device including the striker 220 and
solenoid 405 that activates the striker. A spring biases the
striker member 220 back against the solenoid. When the solenoid the
striker moves toward the front of the device and the spring then
snaps the striker back allowing a contact surface to hit a ball.
FIG. 5 shows that the ramp does not extend all the way to the
targets. After the ball come into contact with the targets they
fall back to the wheel through a space designated as reference
numeral 60 in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 also depicts guide members 290 and 291
which keep the balls on rotating wheel.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a side view of the play field and includes support
member 201 on which the wheel and target array 242 is mounted.
Bracket 602 holds the striker and solenoid elements. The incline of
ramp 230 is clearly illustrated. FIG. 7 depicts the back side of
the play field including target array 242. A target sensor such as
a spring biased switch 702 is provided on the rear of each target
in the array. The bottom of the support member is depicted in FIG.
8 which includes apertures on which roller wheels such as wheel 318
are mounted. Also shown is stepper motor 309.
[0027] Now referring to FIG. 9 a main CPU 901 or controller serves
as an operator. Inputs to CPU 901 include signals from the coin
detector 905 which provides a credit to the player and consequently
activates the solenoid switch 803. Alternatively other credit
detection systems may be used. The solenoid switch 903 controls the
striker 220. Ball check optical sensor 909 remains in a stationary
position with respect to the annular magazine and provides signals
to the CPU 901 which reflect the presence of a ball in the
depressions as they pass between the light emitter and photo
detector. The signal to the CPU is generated by the photo
detector.
[0028] Now referring to FIG. 9, the operation of the device is
controlled by a central CPU 901. The wheel drive stepper motor 309
is also activated and controlled by the CPU (not shown). The CPU
901 also provides a signal to the display driver 919 which controls
the display 109 and which displays the bonus and scores to the
player at a particular time. In addition, the CPU controls a sound
amp 917 which powers speakers and a sound track which reflects
conditions of the game and lights for the game 915. For example, if
a win is detected the CPU may activate a sound effect consistent
with the win. The CPU may also activate sounds in an attract mode.
In operation, in response to a signal from a credit detector, such
as coin detector 905 or other credit sensing technology well known
in the art (magnetic card detector, token detector, dollar bill
acceptor, etc.), when adequate credit is detected, a signal is
transmitted to the CPU. CPU 901 activates the credit switch 907
which can be implemented to begin play of the game. CPU 901 then
activates the solenoid 903 for a predetermined number of
activations and begins a timer which times out a period in which
the solenoid is active. As play progresses, CPU 901 receives
signals from the target array 913 which include numerous targets
and associated sensors. CPU 901 also controls the activation of
lights on the target which are extinguished when a particular
target is hit. It is the object to hit all of the targets provided
on the target array 913. CPU 901 also receives signals from wheel
position detector 911 and ball detector 909. As discussed above, if
a ball is not present at a particular detent (or depression), the
solenoid 903 is inactivated by CPU 901. In embodiments, tickets are
dispensed from a ticket dispenser (not shown) also controlled by
the CPU 901 when a player successfully engages a predetermined
target or number of targets with the game projectiles.
[0029] In addition to the spring activated switches of the targets
that are disclosed, other targets may be providing including pocket
locations that will retain a ball, passages, or moving targets. In
addition, it is contemplated that other ramps may be provided that
will direct the balls to targets provided at different elevations.
Such ramps may be activated and rise from a primary ramp in
response to a bonus condition.
[0030] It will be clear 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.
* * * * *