U.S. patent number 3,870,307 [Application Number 05/334,416] was granted by the patent office on 1975-03-11 for pin ball game apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Marvin Glass & Associates. Invention is credited to Marvin I. Glass, Burton C. Meyer.
United States Patent |
3,870,307 |
Meyer , et al. |
March 11, 1975 |
PIN BALL GAME APPARATUS
Abstract
A pin ball type game in which a ball is propelled by means of a
launcher over an inclined playing surface among various types of
targets. The game has flipper members which are used to keep a ball
in play on the playing surface. Operation of any one of the
flippers actuates a sound mechanism which renders simulated
motorcycle noise by striking a diaphragm with a plurality of
striker elements. The game also has a return channel which allows a
ball in play to be directed back for repeat launching, in the form
of a reward. The entrance to the return channel has a ball
receiving area for holding a number of balls at a time. When a ball
in play is hit against a ball in the ball receiving area the ball
in the receiving area is knocked into the channel to be directed
for launching. In addition, the game has a centrally located bell
mounted on the playing surface, which is moved whenever it is
struck by a ball to signify an achievement of a score. Mounted on
the playing surface away from and generally surrounding the bell
are a plurality of guide rails. An imaginary extension of each
guide rail defines a path of travel to the bell. A plurality of
ball propellers, one for each guide rail, are rotatably mounted
adjacent each guide rail for engaging a ball and propelling the
ball around the periphery of the propeller along the guide rail. A
ball so engaged will be directed to and strike the bell. The
movement of the bell is response to the striking thereof by a ball
mechanically registers a score.
Inventors: |
Meyer; Burton C. (Downers
Grove, IL), Glass; Marvin I. (Chicago, IL) |
Assignee: |
Marvin Glass & Associates
(Chicago, IL)
|
Family
ID: |
23307110 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/334,416 |
Filed: |
February 21, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/121A;
273/127R; 273/124A; 273/129R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F
7/027 (20130101); A63F 2250/028 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63F
7/02 (20060101); A63F 9/00 (20060101); A63f
007/10 () |
Field of
Search: |
;273/118R,118A,118D,119R,119A,121R,121A,121D,121E,122R,122A,123R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Oechsle; Anton O.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Coffee & Sweeney
Claims
We claim:
1. In a pinball type game including a housing having an inclined
playing surface over which a ball may be propelled, at least one
ball to be propelled on said playing surface, a launcher for
propelling a ball onto the playing surface, and target means
mounted on the playing surface for striking by a ball, the
improvement wherein said target means comprises:
an upstanding, generally circular guide rail mounted on the playing
surface; and
rotatably driven ball propulsion means mounted at least in part
within the circumference of said guide rail for engaging a striking
ball and positively propelling said ball from the periphery of said
propulsion means along the inside of the guide rail whereby the
ball is directed by the guide rail to other areas of the playing
surface.
2. The game of claim 1 wherein the ball propulsion means includes a
wheel-like member mounted on the playing surface for rotation about
an axis generally perpendicular to the playing surface and spaced
thereabove, said wheel member having angularly spaced, downwardly
depending ball pushing tabs for capturing and pushing a ball about
the underside of the wheel member and drive means operatively
connected to said wheel member for continuously rotating said wheel
member.
3. The game of claim 2 wherein said guide rail is formed by an
annular flange protruding upwardly from the playing surface about a
portion of the periphery of said wheel member.
4. In a pin ball type game including a housing having an inclined
playing surface over which a ball may be propelled, at least one
ball to be propelled on said playing surface, a launcher for
propelling a ball onto the playing surface, and target means
mounted on the playing surface, the improvement in said target
means comprising:
a central signal means movably mounted on the playing surface for
producing a sound whenever a ball strikes the signal means
signifying the achievement of a score;
a plurality of guide rails mounted on the playing surface away from
and generally surrounding said signal means, an imaginary extension
of at least one guide rail defining a path of travel to said signal
means; and
a plurality of ball propulsion means, one for each guide rail,
rotatably mounted adjacent each guide rail for engaging a striking
ball and propelling said ball around the periphery of said
propulsion means along the guide rail whereby a ball is caused to
strike the signal means.
5. The game of claim 4 including means connecting the signal means
with score registering means, said connecting means including a
pivotally mounted means connected to said signal means and having a
pawl member operatively associated with the score registering
means, said score registering means including a generally circular
rotatably mounted ratchet member having teeth adapted for
engagement with the pawl member whereby said ratchet member moves
an increment of rotation each time the connecting means pivots,
said score registering means further including an indicator secured
to the ratchet member for rotation therewith overlying an indicia
bearing face for indicating the score.
6. The game of claim 5 wherein the ball propulsion means includes a
wheel-like member mounted on the playing surface for rotation about
an axis generally perpendicular to the playing surface and spaced
thereabove, said wheel member having angularly spaced, downwardly
depending ball pushing tabs for capturing and pushing a ball about
the underside of the wheel member.
7. The game of claim 6 wherein said guide rail is formed by an
annular flange protruding upwardly from the playing surface about a
portion of the periphery of said wheel member.
8. The game of claim 4 wherein said playing surface has a slot
formed therein and said signal means is a bell captured for
movement within said slot.
9. The game of claim 4 wherein at least one guide rail directs a
ball to another propulsion means.
10. In a pinball type game including a housing having an inclined
playing surface over which a ball may be propelled, at least one
ball to be propelled on said playing surface, a launcher for
propelling a ball onto the playing surface, and target means
mounted on the playing surface, the improvement in said target
means comprising:
a plurality of upstanding, generally circular guide rails mounted
on the playing surface; and
a plurality of rotatably driven ball propulsion means, one for each
guide rail, each mounted at least in part within the circumference
of one of said guide rails for engaging a striking ball and
propelling said ball from the periphery of said propulsion means
along the inside of the guide rail whereby a ball is directed to
other areas of the playing surface, at least one of said guide
rails directing a ball from the ball propulsion means therewithin
toward another one of said ball propulsion means.
11. In a pinball type game including a housing having an inclined
playing surface over which a ball may be propelled, at least one
ball to be propelled on said playing surface, a launcher for
propelling a ball onto the playing surface, and target means
mounted on the playing surface for striking by a ball, the
improvement wherein said target means comprises:
a guide rail mounted on the playing surface;
rotatably driven ball propulsion means mounted adjacent the guide
rail for momentarily engaging a moving ball and positively
propelling said ball around the periphery of said propulsion means
along the guide rail; and
signal means mounted on the playing surface away from said ball
propulsion means for producing a sound whenever a moving ball
strikes the signal means signifying the achievement of a score,
with an imaginary extension of said guide rail defining a path of
travel to said signal means whereby a ball engaged by said ball
propulsion means is directed by the guide rail to the signal
means.
12. The game of claim 11 wherein said signal means is movably
mounted on said playing surface so that said signal means will move
relative to the playing surface when struck by a ball, said game
including scoring means for registering a score in response to said
movement.
13. The game of claim 12 including registering means for
registering a score every time the signal means is struck by a
moving ball and means connecting the signal means with the
registering means, said connecting means including pivotally
mounted means connected to said signal means and having a pawl
member operatively associated with the registering means, said
registering means including a generally circular rotatably mounted
ratchet member having teeth adapted for engagement with the pawl
member whereby said ratchet member moves an increment of rotation
each time the connecting means pivots, said registering means
further including an indicator secured to the ratchet for rotation
therewith.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to improvements in pin ball type games.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
Pin ball games or machines have been known for many years and have
enjoyed a great deal of popularity. The usual pin ball game
generally includes a housing having an inclined playing surface
over which a ball may be propelled, a launching station whereat a
ball is positionable preparatory to launching, a spring loaded
plunger-type launcher adjacent the launching station for propelling
a ball onto the playing surface, flipper members which are
selectively actuable for keeping a ball on the playing surface, and
some form of scoring means. The scoring means usually include
target members mounted on the playing surface and registering means
for registering the score everytime a target member is struck by a
moving ball.
Some of the prior art pin ball games provide for the generation of
noise when a flipper member is actuated. Some other of the prior
art pin ball games have a ball return means whereby a ball launched
on the playing surface is directed back to the launching station
for another "turn." Such a return is considered to be in the way of
a reward or advantage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The principal object of the present invention is to provide a new
and improved pin ball type game. More particularly, it is an object
of the present invention to provide a new and improved pin ball
type game designed on a "motorcycle" type theme, including related
sound and ball propelling devices.
One feature of the invention is the provision of a target member
which generally includes an annular guide rail mounted on the
playing surface and ball propulsion means rotatably mounted
adjacent to and on the inside of the guide rail for momentarily
engaging a ball and propelling it around the periphery of said
propulsion means against the inner edge of the guide rail. WHen the
ball is so engaged, it is directed to other areas of the playing
surface for further play.
Another feature of the invention is to provide in the form of a
signal means movably mounted on the playing surface for producing a
sound whenever a moving ball strikes the signal means. When a ball
strikes the signal means it signifies the acheivement of a score
which is mechanically registered.
Another feature of this invention is to provide a plurality of
target members as above described around and spaced from a single
centrally located signal means. Imaginary extensions of the guide
rails define paths of travel to said signal means from the ball
propulsion means so that whenever a ball is engaged by the ball
propulsion means it will strike the signal means which in turn will
cause the registery of a score.
Still another feature of the present invention is to provide a
channel adjacent the launching station which provides a ball path
of travel between the playing surface and the launching station.
The channel includes a ball receiving area at the entrance thereto
open to the playing surface. The ball receiving area holds a number
of balls at a time. A ball held in the receiving area will not be
directed down the channel to the launching station until another
ball in play strikes the held ball. In this manner the player can
be rewarded or given an advantage by being given an "extra turn" so
that he can replay the ball so returned.
Still another feature of the present invention is to provide a
flipper noise mechanism which simulates the sound of a motorcycle.
The noise mechanism generally includes a diaphragm mounted in the
housing, a striker support journaled in the housing for rotation
relative thereto adjacent the diaphragm, and a plurality of striker
elements carried by the support for movement in a manner to strike
the diaphragm causing noise thereby. The noise mechanism also has a
gear train in the housing which is operably connected to the
striker support for effecting rotation thereof and means connecting
the gear train with both flippers so that when a flipper is
actuated the connecting means causes the gear train to rotate which
causes the striker elements to strike the diaphragm. In the
preferred embodiment the connecting means includes two arms each of
which are connected between a flipper and the gear train. The gear
train has lost motion means to engage one end of each arm so that
the noise mechanism will produce noise in response to the pivoting
of one flipper without causing the simultaneous pivoting of the
other flipper.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the game of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the game of the present
invention;
FIG. 3 is a partially fragmented vertical sectional view taken
generally along the line 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmented exploded perspective view of a
flipper assembly provided for in the game of the present
invention;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmented exploded perspective view of a
portion of the flipper noise mechanism provided for in the game of
the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmented exploded perspective view of a
target member provided for in the game of the present invention;
and
FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmented perspective view of an on-off
switch of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawings in greater detail the pin ball game of
the present invention includes a housing, generally designated 10,
which has a playing surface 12, surrounded on three sides by a
continuous upright wall 14 and on a fourth side by a base wall 16.
As best seen in FIG. 3, the housing 10 is designed for positioning
on a table or the like in an inclined position by means of a pair
of front legs 18 and a pair of base legs 20. Legs 18 are longer
than legs 20 so that the playing surface 12 is sloped downwardly
toward the base wall 16. Playing objects in the form of balls 22
roll down the playing surface amongst target members, generally
designated 24, signal means 26 in the form of a bell, and other
components on the playing surface.
The balls 22 are initially held in a storage channel 28 and are fed
one at a time into a launching chute 30 adjacent thereto by a
release mechanism, generally designated 32 (FIG. 2). The release
mechanism 32 includes a bent rod-like member having a portion
rockably mounted over a shaft 36 which acts as a fulcrum and which
is secured between a pair of brace-type brackets 38 fixed
underneath the playing surface 12 on the underside of the housing
10. An angled rod portion 38 underlies the launching chute 30 and
part of the storage channel 28. A generally vertical rod portion 42
(FIG. 1) protrudes upwardly at the end of rod portion 34 so that
the upper end thereof extends through a notch 44 in the floor 46 of
the storage channel 28. A handle portion 48 is exposed on the
outside of the base wall 16.
When a ball 22 is positioned at the base end of the storage
compartment 28 overlying notch 44, it is blocked from rolling into
the launching chute 30 by a blocking step 50 which is inclined
toward the launching chute and is at a somewhat higher level than
the floor 46 of the storage channel. In order to move the ball from
the storage channel into the launching chute 30, the handle portion
of the release mechanism 32 is pushed downwardly so that the
upstanding rod portion 42 is moved upwardly. Portion 42 then
engages the underside of the ball 22 and moves it over the step 50
into the launching chute 30 where the ball is positioned in the
base end of the launching chute 30 defining a launching station 51
where the ball is positioned preparatory to launching.
A ball propelling device or launcher, generally designated 52 is
provided adjacent the launching station 51 and is in the form of a
spring loaded plunger 52 (FIGS. 1 and 2) reciprocally mounted
through the housing. The plunger has a handle portion 56 exposed
outside the housing 10 in front of the base wall 16 and a ball
engaging portion 58 at the opposite end thereof at the launching
station. A coil spring 60 (FIG. 1) is positioned about the plunger
54. In order to propel a ball 22 from the launching station 51 onto
the playing surface 12, the plunger is pulled outwardly away from
the base 16 and released whereupon the ball engaging end 58 of the
plunger 54 strikes the ball and propels it up the launching chute
30 onto the playing surface 12.
A leaf spring 62 is positioned as best seen in FIG. 1 so that a
bent end portion 64 thereof blocks the exit of launching chute 30.
The leaf spring 62 is sufficiently flexible to permit a ball 22
which is propelled by the launcher 52 to pass thereby onto the
playing surface 12. However, the spring 62 prevents a ball which is
already on the playing surface 12 from passing back past the spring
into the launching chute 30.
The other manually actuable components of the present pin ball game
are a pair of slipper assemblies, generally designated 66L and 66R.
All of the components of the flipper assemblies 66L and 66R are the
same. However, for ease of discussion all of the components of the
flipper assembly on the right hand side of the housing 10 when
viewed in FIG. 1 will be designated and referred to by a number
followed by the letter "R." All corresponding components of the
left hand flipper assembly will be designated and referred to by
the same number followed by the letter "L." When it makes no
difference which corresponding flipper assembly component is
referred to, the suffix "L" or "R" will not be used.
As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each flipper assembly 66L and 66R
has a ball engaging element 68 which overlies the playing surface
12 and a manually manipulatable element 70 which protrudes
outwardly from one side of the housing 10 operably connected to
element 68. Also included adjacent portion 70 of each manually
manipulatable element 70 is a stationary simulated motorcycle
handle 72. The combination of flipper portion 70 and motorcycle
handle 72 simulates a handlebar of a motorcycle, i.e., a handle
plus hand brake, the element 70 simulating a hand brake. When
element 70 is moved toward handle 72, element 68 moves to hit a
ball onto the playing surface 12.
As best shown in FIG. 4, the handle 72L is received through an
opening (not shown) in the housing 10 and is fixed to the wall 14
by receiving portions thereof in two vertical notches 76L and 78L
formed in the handle 72. The portion 80 of the handle 72L which is
inside the housing 10 has two relatively thin, flat, spaced apart,
parallel ears 82L and 84L. Each ear 82l and 84L has a slotted
opening 86L (only the opening in ear 82 is shown) which are in
registery with each other.
Turning againt to FIG. 4, the manually manipulatable element 70L
has an interior portion 88L within the housing 10 and includes a
top surface 89L, a pivot post 90L extending above and below the
portion 88L, and an upwardly extending guide post 91L. Portion 88L
is adapted to be received between the ears 82L and 84L while the
pivot post 90L is received in the slotted openings 86L. In this
manner, the manipulatable element 70L is mounted to pivot with
respect to handle 72L about pivot post 90L.
Elements 70L and 72L are operably connected to one another through
an L-shaped member, generally designated 92L (FIG. 4), which has a
horizontal leg 94L supported on the top surface 89L of portion 88L
and a T-cross sectioned vertical leg 96L extending upwardly from
the horizontal leg. Fixedly mounted on vertical leg 96L is a plate
98L which receives the leg 96L through a mating T-shaped opening
100L formed in the plate.
The top of the vertical leg 96 extends above the playing surface 12
through a round opening 102L formed therein. The portion of the
vertical leg 96L extending above the playing surface is received
into the bottom of a hub 104L having a mating opening 106L therein.
The ball engaging element 68 is force fit onto the hub 104 through
a round opening (not shown) formed in element 68.
When element 70L is manually moved toward handle 72L as shown by
arrow A in FIG. 1, element 70L rotates about pivot post 90L in the
direction shown by arrow B in FIG. 4. When element 70L so rotates,
post 91L bears against the side of the horizontal leg 94L of the
L-shaped member 92L and pushes the horizontal leg 94L in the
direction shown by arrow C in FIG. 4. While horizontal leg 94L is
being pushed, it slides over the top surface 89L and causes the
vertical leg 96L to rotate within the opening 102L in the direction
shown by arrow D in FIG. 4. The rotation of vertical leg 96L causes
the hub 104L and the connected ball engaging element 68L to rotate
in the direction shown by the arrow E in FIGS. 1 and 4 in a ball
striking motion.
Depending stops 108 (FIGS. 2 and 4) are provided to limit the
movement of the flipper assemblies 66. The L-shaped members 92 bear
against stops 108 before actuation of the flipper assemblies.
For each flipper, a coil spring 110 (FIGS. 2 and 4) is connected
between the horizontal leg 94 of the L-shaped member 92 and a post
112 depending from the underside of the housing 10 in order to bias
the flipper assemblies 66 to a "retracted" position so that the
L-shaped member 92 bears against stop 108. When so mounted, the
spring 110 returns the ball engaging element 68 to the position
shown in FIG. 1 after actuation.
As mentioned above the exemplary embodiment of the invention
incorporates a "motorcycle" theme. This is evident by the design of
the flipper assembly 66. Also included is a flipper noise mechanism
generally designated 114 which simulates the sound of a motorcycle.
The noise mechanism 114 is actuable in response to the actuation of
either the flipper assembly 66.
As best seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 the noise mechanism 114 is seen
generally to comprise a generally frusto-conical diaphragm 116, a
striker assembly, generally designated 118, a gear train, generally
designated 120, and a support frame 122 to the inside of the
housing 10. The frame structure 122 includes a pair of spaced apart
members 126 and 128, preferably fabricated of metal and having
aligned openings therethrough to rotatably support three shafts
130, 132 and 134 respectively.
Shaft 130 has mounted thereon the striker assembly 118 which
includes a pair of disc-shaped plates 136 and 138 disposed in a
relatively fixed, spaced apart relation by pins 140 (FIG. 3). Each
of the pins 140 carries a circular washer-like striking element 142
having a centrally enlarged opening 144 through which a pin is
received. Consequently each striking element 142 is rotatable
relative to the supporting plates 136 and 138 and is also shiftable
relative to its supporting pin 140 generally under centrifugal
force.
The gear train 120 for effecting rotation of the striker assembly
118 includes a main drive gear 146 fixed on supporting shaft 132
for rotation therewith, a pinion gear 148 on the shaft 134 which
also carries a larger gear 150. A gear 152 is mounted on shaft 130
adjacent the striker assembly 118 and is in mesh with the gear 150.
Rotation of the main gear 146 is transmitted through the pinion
gear 148 and then through the gear 150 to the gear 152 fixed on the
striker assembly shaft 130. The two step-down, large to small, gear
arrangements steps up the speed of rotation from shaft 132 to the
striker assembly 118 on shaft 130.
Shaft 134 is journaled at opposite ends in a pair of aligned
elongated slots 154 formed in the metal plates 126 and 128. This
allows shaft 134 and gears 148 and 150 to move bodily relative to
the other gears in the gear train which affords a free running
arrangement for the striker assembly 118 after the main gear 146
has stopped its motion. Such disengagement of the main gear 146
from the pinion 148 permits the striker assembly 148 to function as
a fly wheel and continue rotation and striking of the diaphragm
until such fly wheel stops rotating. More particularly, the initial
movement of the main drive gear 146 causes pinion gear 148 and its
associated shaft 134 and gear 150 to move in the slots 154 with
gear 150 pressing against the gear 152 on the striker assembly
shaft 130. As gear 150 rotates and moves into driving engagement
with gear 152, the pinion gear 148 moves out of engagement with the
main gear 146 to provide a free running motion for the striker
assembly 118 on shaft 130.
The rotation of the striker assembly 118 causes each of the striker
elements 142 to strike against the diaphragm 116 in sequence
causing a noise thereby. Due to inertia, the rotation of the
striker assembly 118 diminishes in speed as it continues to rotate
and such reduction in speed affects the timing of the striking
engagement of the striker elements 142 against diaphragm 116
resulting in a change in the pitch in the sound produced
thereby.
As seen in FIG. 5, spring 155 rotates main gear 146 back to its
initial position after it moves out of engagement with pinion gear
148. Repeated and intermitent rotation of the main gear in quick
succession will produce rapid changes in speed of operation in the
noise mechanism 114 with accompanying changes in pitch so as to
simulate the revving of a motorcycle.
In order to operably connect the flipper assemblies 66 with the
noise mechanism 114 to drive the main gear 146, two connecting arms
158 are provided, each connecting the noise mechanism 114 with each
of the flipper assemblies 66. (FIG. 2). Each arm 158 is a rod-like
element having hooked end portions 160 and 162. As best shown in
FIG. 4, end portion 160L is received in a hole 164L formed in the
plate 98L. As best shown in FIG. 5, end portions 162L and 162R are
received in slotted openings 166L and 166R, respectively, formed in
the main gear 146.
When the hand manipulatable element 70 is moved toward the handle
72 as shown by arrow A in FIG. 1, the plate 98 rotates in the
direction as shown by arrow D in FIG. 4. When plate 98 is so
rotated, arm 158 pulls the main gear 146 so that it rotates in a
direction shown by arrow F in FIG. 2. This will produce the sound
already described.
It should be noted that the slotted openings 166 provide lost
motion means so that the actuation of one flipper assembly 66 will
not affect the other flipper assembly. That is, the main gear can
only be rotated an amount allowed by the slotted openings 166. The
end portion 162 of the arm 158 that is not pulling the main gear
146 merely stays in the same position while the gear 146 rotates
relative to the stationary arm.
As shown in FIG. 2, each of the target members generally includes a
ball propulsion means, generally designated 170, and a guide rail
172, generally around the periphery of the propulsion means 170.
For ease of discussion the four target members and their
corresponding components will be referred to by the same reference
numeral followed by either "a," "b," "c" or "d."
Turning now to FIG. 6, each ball propulsion means, 170a (in FIG.
6), includes a fixedly mounted vertical post 174a in the form of a
hollow cylinder extending above and below the playing surface 12.
Each end of the post 174 has an opening 176 therein (only the top
opening is shown) through which a shaft 177 is rotatably mounted. A
pulley 178 is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the shaft 177 below
the post 174 for rotation therewith and a generally circular
umbrella-like top member 180 is fixedly mounted on the top of the
shaft 177 above the post 174 for rotation therewith (see FIG. 3).
Looking at FIG. 6, top 180a has a plurality of depending ball
pushing tabs 182 extending downwardly from the interior thereof and
a downwardly facing opening 184 which is adapted to be press fit
onto the top of shaft 177 for rotation therewith. The members 180
are shaped to resemble motorcycle tires, or the like.
A pulley drive belt 186 is wrapped around all the pulleys 178 (FIG.
2) so that all of the members 180 rotate together. Post 174d is
longer than either 174a, b or c in order to accommodate a longer
shaft which has mounted at the bottom thereof another pulley 188. A
second pulley drive belt 190 is wrapped around pulley 188 and a
drive shaft 192 of an electric motor 194 which is carried in a
motor frame 196 attached in the housing 10 (FIGS. 2 and 3). Thus
when motor 194 is turned on. shaft 192 rotates causing the rotation
of ball propulsion means 170d which, in turn, causes simultaneous
rotation of all of the other ball propulsion means.
Motor 194 receives electric power from two batteries 198 carried
within the housing 10 in a battery carriage 200. The electricity
generated by the batteries 198 is carried to the motor 194 by means
of ordinary wiring 202. The motor circuit is completed by engaging
a movable contact 204 with a fixed contact 206. Contact 204 is
attached to a knob 208 (FIGS. 1 and 7) by means of a shaft 210
secured therebetween through an opening (not shown) in the housing
10. As can be seen in FIG. 7 when knob 208 is rotated in the
direction shown by arrow G contact 204 will rotate in the direction
of arrow H causing contact 204 to engage contact 206 thus
completing the motor circuit.
The guide rail 172a is in the form of an upstanding rib which is
generally curved around the periphery of the ball propulsion means
170a. Looking at FIG. 1, it can be seen that an imaginary extension
of each of the guide rails 172a, b and d defines a path of travel
to the bell 26. An imaginary extension of rail 172c defines a path
of travel toward target member 24b.
When the knob 208 is turned to the "on" position, thus causing all
the ball propulsion means 170 to spin, any ball launched onto the
playing surface 12 which rolls between a ball propulsion means and
respective guide rail will be engaged by the depending tabs 182 on
the underside of the top 180, propelling the ball around the
periphery of the ball propulsion means against the guide rail 172
and returned outwardly therefrom on another side of the propulsion
means. If the ball is propelled against the bell 26, it will ring
to signify an achievement of a score and a score will be
mechanically registered as described hereinafter.
The bell 26 is movably mounted within a slot 212 (FIG. 2) formed in
the playing surface 12. The bell is fixedly mounted on a central
support post 213 at the top thereof which extends downwardly
through the slot 212 into the interior of the housing. Everytime
the bell 26 is struck by a moving ball, it will move relative to
the playing surface 12 causing a score registering means, generally
designated 214 to register or indicate a score.
Turning to FIG. 2, it can be seen that a pivoting member is fixedly
secured to the bottom of post 213. The other end of the pivoting
member 216 is rotatably secured to the housing at pivot point 220.
A reciprocating member 222 is rotatably secured to the first
pivoting member 216 intermediate points 218 and 220 at point 224.
Slot 224 is formed in pivoting member 222 and is adapted to capture
pin 226 depending from the top of the housing 10 in order to insure
generally reciprocal movement of member 222.
Secured to the end of the pivoting member 222 is a pawl member 228
in the form of a leaf spring extending therefrom. The free end of
the pawl member 228 is in engagement with teeth 230 of a circular
ratchet member 232. Ratchet member 232 is secured to a shaft 234 at
one end thereof. Shaft 234 is rotatably mounted within an elongated
opening 236 having an indicator 238 secured to the upper end
thereof (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3). Thus, it can be seen that indicator 238
is mounted for rotation with ratchet member 232.
Indicator 238 overlies a simulated speedometer face 240 having
numerals printed thereon (FIG. 1). The numerals are representative
of the total score a given player has accumulated.
When a ball 22 strikes the lower side of the bell 26, shaft 213
moves within slot 212. The moving of the bell in this manner causes
the pivoting member 216 to pivot about point 220. The pivoting of
member 216 causes member 222 to move in a direction opposite that
shown by arrow J which causes the pawl member 228 to positively
move the ratchet member 232 one increment of rotation. The rotation
of ratchet member 232 causes rotation of indicator 238. The
rotation of the indicator 238 visually indicates a change in the
score on the face 240.
Spring 241 is attached between the end of member 216 and some point
in the interior of the housing. After bell 26 has been moved and a
score registered, spring 241 returns the bell to its initial
position.
WHen a ball 22 strikes the upper side of the bell 26, shaft 213
moves member 222 in the direction shown by arrow J in FIG. 2. This
movement causes pawl member 228 to engage the next tooth 230 of the
ratchet member 232. Then spring 241 returns the the bell to its
initial position and simultaneously causes pawl member 228 to
positively move the ratchet member 232 one increment of rotation to
indicate a change in score.
Many times a ball which is propelled by a target member 24 so that
it strikes the bell 26 will ricochet off of the bell 26 toward a
ball receiving area, generally designated 242 (FIG. 1), formed at
the upper end of the ball storage channel 28 which defines an
entrance thereto adjacent the playing surface 12. The ball may also
be propelled off of propulsion means 107b. One or more balls 22 can
enter the ball receiving area 242 through opening 244. The first
ball to enter within the ball receiving area 242 is held between a
wall 246 and a smaller detent ridge 248. That is, it is not
available to the player. However, if during the play of another
subsequent ball by the same player, that subsequent ball is caused
to ricochet against the side of the ball in the receiving area
which faces the playing surface, the subsequent ball will knock the
previously held ball across the detent ridge 248 into the storage
channel 28 for further use by that player. Thus, unlike reward type
apparatus provided for in a pin ball game which returns a ball, the
structure of the instant invention requires that two balls be
directed sequentially to the same general area before the first
ball is returned for a second "turn."
Other scoring features are provided near the base of the playing
surface 12 and are shown best in FIGS. 1 and 3. More particularly,
a U-shaped rib 250 which is open toward the top of the playing
surface 12 is provided to capture a ball therein. If a ball 22 is
captured within the U-shaped rib 250 it can signify, depending upon
the rules of the game, either a penalty or a reward. For example,
it could signify a bonus in terms of points or a multiplying factor
in terms of points. As can be seen in FIG. 3, rib 250 has its leg
portions low enough so that a ball received therein can be knocked
out into play by another ball.
Bumpers 252 are provided between the ball engaging elements 68 of
the flipper assemblies 66 in order to ricochet the ball 22 as it
nears the base of the housing 10.
A plurality of ribs 254 are spaced along the inside of the base
wall 16. Scoring indicia may be provided in the spaces between the
ribs 254 to provide scoring means should a ball 22 come to rest
between two of the ribs.
The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of
understanding only and no unnecessary limitations should be
understood therefrom as some modifications will be obvious to those
skilled in the art.
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