Abstract: A pinball machine is provided and includes a game cabinet having disposed therein a playfield movable between open, intermediate, and closed positions. A support assembly is used for maintaining the playfield within the cabinet. The support assembly includes a pair of cabinet brackets mounted one to each side of the cabinet where each of the brackets has a riding surface. A pair of wheels are mounted to the playfield and are provided to ride along the riding surface of a corresponding one of the cabinet brackets. A pair of support arms is further provided each having one end thereof pivotally attached to the cabinet and the other end thereof pivotally attached to the playfield wherein at least one of the support arms has pivotally attached thereto a prop arm which is engageable with the playfield when the playfield is disposed in the intermediate position.

Abstract: A ball diverter mechanism for use in directing a ball in a pinball game having an entry path and first and second exit paths. The ball diverter mechanism comprises a solenoid having a plunger movable between a first position wherein the plunger is extended and a second position wherein the plunger is retracted, a first ball contacting surface linked to the plunger, and a second ball contacting surface also linked to the plunger. When the plunger is in the first position, the ball will engage the first ball contacting surface and travel under the second ball contacting surface to cause the ball to be diverted from the entry path to the first exit path. When the plunger is in the second position, the ball will engage the second ball contacting surface and travel over the first ball contacting surface to cause the ball to be diverted from the entry path into the second exit path.

Abstract: A wand for a pinball game which carries a pinball from one position to another by electromagnetism. The pinball rolls along the bottom surface of the wand as the wand is rotated to move the pinball from one position to another.

Abstract: A target for a pinball game utilizing a pinball rolling on a game surface is provided. The target includes a single pallet having disposed thereon a first display and a second display. A mask is disposed in overlapping relation with the single pallet. A pinball activatable switch is used for generating a detection signal. A solenoid is used for changing the overlapping relation between the mask and the single pallet in response to the detection signal between a first relationship wherein only the first display is visible and a second relationship wherein only the second display is visible.