Abstract: A pinball machine has been designed with several novel mechanical and electrical features such that it is easily serviceable and is easily retrofittable or convertible between a first pinball game and a second pinball game. One of these features is a novel mounting mechanism for a playfield of the pinball machine. The pinball machine includes a cabinet to which the playfield is mounted. The cabinet includes slides rails having notches for mating with corresponding pieces of the playfield thereby permitting easy rotation of the playfield within the cabinet during servicing or game conversion. Thus, the electronics and mechanical components below the playfield can be readily accessed.

Abstract: A lock-down bar release system for a pinball machine serviceable in a location-service mode and an operator-service mode. The pinball machine includes a playfield disposed within a game cabinet and a lock-down bar for securing a playfield glass over the playfield and onto the game cabinet. A handle mechanism and associated latching structure is operable to release the lock-down bar. In the location-service mode, the movement of the handle and release of the lock-down bar is effected automatically by using a location-service key. In the operator-service mode, the operator uses an operator-service key to access the interior of the game cabinet through a coin door from wherein the operator may physically pull the handle to release the lock-down bar. The pinball machine includes a restraint mechanism for inhibiting removal of the playfield (and thereby preventing access to the coin box or cash box under the playfield) in the location-service mode.

Abstract: A pinball machine having a vertically displaceable ramp play feature. The ramp moves between an upper position in which it does not interfere with gameplay, and a lower position in which the lower edge of the ramp rests on the playfield. When the ramp is in the lower position, balls can be directed up the ramp towards a suitable target, such as a raised playfield.

Abstract: In a machine to dispense balls (spherical or near-spherical objects such as gumballs) wherein means is provided to play a game with one of the balls before it is dispensed, a temporary holding chamber is provided for a ball by two blades of a paddle-wheel-like wheel which coact with stationary surrounding side members. A latch engages a wheel portion to prevent the wheel's rotation except in response to the actuation of a target by a rolling ball in play on a playfield. By providing such a chamber in this manner, unwanted release of a ball in response to even extreme tilting or shaking of the machine is prevented because the apparatus can easily be made so that no amount of shaking or tilting will change the characteristics of the chamber to make it possible for a ball to exit the chamber except in response to actuation of the latch.

Abstract: A serpentine ramp is rotatable about a horizontal axis between its center and its upper end to lift a pinball from a lower play surface to an upper play surface. A ball is directed from the lower surface into a ball receiving portion in the lower end of the ramp. This closes an optical switch causing the ramp to rotate between a receiving position and a discharge position. A ball disposed in the receiving portion rolls on the ramp to its upper end and then onto the upper surface. A second optical switch is closed by the return of the ramp to the receiving position which terminates the operation of the device.

Abstract: Machine to dispense spherical or near-spherical objects such as gumballs or rubber balls. A reservoir holds the balls and a sloping playfield is provided. After a coin is inserted a ball from the reservoir is dropped onto the playfield. A player can then use flippers to try to hit a target with the ball before the ball falls through one of the holes which the playfield contains. If this happens the ball is dispensed and the player no longer has an opportunity to hit the target. If the player is able to hit the target with the ball that ball is dispensed. At the same time, a second ball is dispensed as a prize.

Abstract: A play feature for a pinball game permits the storage of a number of game balls and release of the balls at high speed and in quick succession back onto the playfield for multiple ball play. A rotor element having a plurality of vertical vanes is disposed within a circular housing having a conical lip. The base and vanes of the rotor, together with the conical lip, define receptacles for receiving game balls. When a predetermined rotor speed is reached, the balls travel upwards on the conical lip and outward against an outer wall of the housing. The stored balls are conveyed successively to a discharge channel where they return to the play field at high speed.

Abstract: A rolling ball game is provided with a token dispenser which dispenses game tokens by rolling them onto the inclined cover glass of the game cabinet. The dispenser is provided with controls to permit interaction of the dispenser with the game housed within the cabinet. Thus, dispensing may occur during game play as a function of player skill when appropriate events occur on the game playfield. Tokens provide a basis for players to defer game rewards, such as bonus points or special game features until another game.

Abstract: The invention comprises a multilevel, vertically oriented pinball game arranged in a cabinet that occupies a minimum of floor space. Because the smaller game cabinet limits the depth of the playfield, a single horizontal playfield would not provide the play or challenge of a standard game. To overcome this drawback, the pinball game of the invention includes a plurality of vertically displaced playfields. The playfields are arranged such that the player plays vertically between the playfields as well as playing horizontally on the individual playfields. Each playfield includes a number of play features such that even though the game is contained in a smaller cabinet it will provide a typical number of play features. At least one player controlled flipper is provided on each playfield to allow the player to control the ball when on that level. A wide variety of ramps or other ball transfer devices can be used to convey the ball between the playfields.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus in which a ball is traveled onto a revolving surface has a plurality of rings of differing diameters which jointly form the revolving surface. The rings are centered on a vertical axis of rotation and may rotate in opposite directions or in the same direction at different speeds. The rings have winning apertures and losing apertures through which a rolling ball may drop through the ring. The rings, other than the final ring along the path of travel of the ball, also have pass zones at which a ball may roll on to the next ring without dropping into an aperture. Progressively higher score values may be assigned to the winning apertures of the successive rings along the path of ball travel. In the preferred form, the apparatus includes a ball launcher and detectors for counting balls which drop through winning apertures.

Abstract: A ramp element is provided on the top of a drop target member so that when the target is activated and moved to its lower position, the ramp is accessible by the game ball and may travel thereover to reach elevated game features. A series of ramp elements may be provided in a row so that when all targets have been lowered, there is provided a ramp of increased size providing increased access to the elevated game feature.

Abstract: A wire form loop for use in conjunction with a pinball machine having a playfield on which is mounted a plurality of game play features. The playfield includes a shooter lane, play area, and drop area wherein at least one game play feature is located in the drop area. The wire form is provided for allowing a pinball to travel from the shooter lane to the play area and includes an entrance in the shooter lane, an exit to the play area, and an open area between the entrance and the exit. A spring biased plunger attached to the shooter lane is used to impart a plurality of speeds upon the pinball such that a first speed will allow the pinball to travel completely along the wire form from the entrance to the exit and a second speed will cause the pinball to fall from the open area of the wire form to the drop area.

Abstract: In a pinball machine a ball trough is provided for moving the ball between the drain hole and the shooter lane. The ball trough comprises a channel fixed to the playfield and has a first end adjacent the drain hole and a second end proximate to the shooter lane. A rotatable carrier is movable between a first position and a second position for carrying the ball from the channel to the shooter lane and has a load opening, an exit opening, and a passage therebetwen. The load opening is positioned adjacent to the second end when the carrier is disposed in the first position and the exit opening is disposed adjacent to the shooter lane when the carrier is disposed in the second position. The passage may have an arcuate surface on which the ball will ride as the carrier approaches the second position for urging the ball out the exit opening.

Abstract: A pinball game using a pinball adapted to be propelled along a playfield is provided. The pinball game includes a target mounted above the playfield and first and second movable objects mounted above the playfield which are movable between a closed position wherein the first and second movable objects are disposed substantially adjacent to each other and an open position wherein the first and second movable objects are disposed substantially apart from each other. A solenoid having a plunger movable between an extended position and a retracted position in response to contact of the target by the pinball. An arm rotatable about a pivot point having first and second ends displaced from the pivot point is linked to the plunger at a point spaced from the pivot point. A first link connects the first end of the arm to one of the movable objects and a second link connecting the second end of the arm to the other of the movable objects.

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: An electromagnet is mounted beneath the playfield. Sensors, such as optical switch pairs, are positioned on the playfield in operative relation with the electromagnet to detect the ball and to produce a signal in response thereto. The microprocessor, in response to such signals, briefly pulses the magnet to accelerate the ball or energizes the electromagnet for an extended period to grab and hold the ball. When the ball is held, the magnet is thereafter deenergized and briefly pulsed to propel the ball on the playfield. In one embodiment, a plurality of electromagnets are provided along a ball path which are operated sequentially by the game microprocessor to move the ball from magnet to magnet in a stepped manner.

Abstract: The invention consists of a pair of flippers located adjacent the bottom of the playfield. A pair of ramps or other similar ball conveyors are provided where each ramp delivers the ball directly to one of the two flippers. A third ramp is provided that connects the first ramp with the second ramp such that a ball riding on either the first or second ramps can bypass the flipper associated with that ramp and be conveyed via the third ramp to the opposite flipper. Automatically operated gates control the access of the ball to the third ramp such that the game can control to which flipper the ball is delivered.

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 rotating pinball bridge and drop is provided which comprises a rotatable cylinder with a hole sufficiently sized to allow a pinball to pass through. The cylinder is rotated by a drive member so that a ball may either pass through or be dropped from the ramp.

Abstract: An amusement device has a playfield and a backboard display. The display comprises a display wall having a first image carried thereon, plus a transparent display wall portion. A rotatable arm is positioned behind the transparent display wall portion. The arm is decorated to form an integral part of the first image. For example, the first image may be a cartoon character or other entertainment figure, with the arm depicting an actual arm or leg of the figure and pivotally connected at the shoulder or hip of the first image. Thus, an illusion of image movement can be provided as the arm rotates, typically in response to a predetermined event taking place on the playfield. One or more second images may be carried on one or more panels. The panels are moved between a first position behind the first image and a second position behind the transparent display wall portion. This movement may be coordinated with the motion of the arm.

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.

Abstract: The play feature of the invention consists of an inclined ramp mounted for tilting motion along a single axis. A reversible electric motor, controlled by the flipper buttons, can pivot the ramp in either direction about the axis. The player, by manipulating the flipper buttons, controls the tilting of the ramp thereby to control the path of travel taken by the ball as it rolls down the ramp. The ramp is provided with a plurality of bumpers, roll over switches and out holes that allow the player to score points if the player traverses the ramp in the manner directed by the game program.

Abstract: A goal-scoring game is played on a convex playing field having an apex, a periphery lower than the apex, and a spaced apart plurality of goals adjacent the periphery for receipt of game pieces. A plurality of movable game pieces are provided for movement about the field and into the goals. Player-operated impacting flippers are disposed adjacent to and associated with each of the goals, for impacting one of the game pieces to drive the impacted game piece away from the associated goal. A disperser is disposed over the field for storing a plurality of the game pieces and dropping them one at a time in rapid succession precisely onto the apex of the field.

Abstract: The ramp consists of a wire rail formed as a helix. The rail extends between a first elevation where the ball enters the ramp to a second, lower elevation where the ball exits the ramp. A straight rail extends through the center of the helical rail for the length thereof. The helical rail is dimensioned such that the distance between it and straight rail is less than the diameter of the ball. As a result, the ball will contact both the straight rail and helical rail simultaneously as it rolls down the helical rail by the force of gravity.

Abstract: A pinball machine in which a movable target assembly is provided. The movable target assembly retrieves and seemingly devours the pinball sending the ball to another part of the playfield where it is either put back into play or is removed from action and placed in the ball reservoir. In playing the pinball game, the player attempts to place the ball in a target within reach of the movable target assembly. The assembly then pivots towards and picks up the ball. The ball is then seemingly swallowed by the movable target assembly, and is sent, through the assembly and under the playfield, back out to a second location on the playfield.

Abstract: The tilt switch/incline indicator of the invention consists of a first support member that is connected to the game cabinet in a known orientation. A second member is pivotably supported on the first member and can be fixed relative thereto at angles corresponding to the desired angle of incline of the playfield. The second member supports a pendulum-type tilt switch similar to that used in the prior art. The pendulum acts like a plumb line to give a visual indication to the game operator that the playfield is at the desired angle set at the second member by observing when the pendulum is centered relative to the contact. The mechanism of the invention uses the tilt switch as the level indicator such that the playfield can be positioned at a known angle without requiring a separate level indicator or the recalibration to the tilt switch.

Abstract: An amusement device has a playfield and a backboard display. The display comprises a display wall having a first image carried thereon, plus a transparent display wall portion. A rotatable arm is positioned behind the transparent display wall portion. The arm is decorated to form an integral part of the first image. For example, the first image may be a cartoon character or other entertainment figure, with the arm depicting an actual arm or leg of the figure and pivotally connected at the shoulder or hip of the first image. Thus, an illusion of image movement can be provided as the arm rotates, typically in response to a predetermined event taking place on the playfield. One or more second images may be carried on one or more panels. The panels are moved between a first position behind the first image and a second position behind the transparent display wall portion. This movement may be coordinated with the motion of the arm.

Abstract: A pinball machine which includes a ball engaging mechanism is provided such that when a pinball makes contact with a ball engaging mechanism, which propels the pinball, a player feels an impulse from the button that activates the ball engaging mechanism.

Abstract: In an amusement device, for example a pinball game, a rotatable turntable may be provided. A cover has a position for enclosing and retaining a ball rolling on the turntable. A shaft is also provided for raising the cover from that position, to permit the ball to roll outwardly across the periphery of the turntable to another portion of the device. This provides significant variation in the play of the amusement device in that the ball can leave the turntable in any horizontal direction to provide great variation in play of the ball.

Abstract: A pinball machine which includes a ball engaging mechanism is provided such that when a pinball makes contact with a ball engaging mechanism, which propels the pinball, a player feels an impulse from the button that activates the ball engaging mechanism.

Abstract: A pen case with a pinball game set comprises a case body for storing pens and an upper lid connected with the case body by way of a pivotal shaft which swings open or closed on the case body. The pinball game set is fixed on the upper lid and allows for the punching of steel balls up and down irregularly located pins and through channels to obtain scores. A movable fence stops balls in the channels and permits balls to fall down to a waiting room defined by an inclined horizontal plate and the movable fence; steel balls in the waiting room roll down a passageway on the puncher to be punched by pulling the movable fence leftward.

Abstract: The playfield is supported on a moving pivot that allows the playfield to move linearly away from the back box as it rotates away from the cabinet such that the playfield can pivot through an angle greater than 90.degree.. The moving pivot includes a pivot pin fixed to the wall of the cabinet which slidably engages a rail fixed to the underside of the playfield. The rail terminates in a locking mechanism that engages the pivot pin when the playfield is moved linearly to thereby fix the playfield to the pivot pin such that the playfield is capable only of pivoting motion.

Abstract: An outdoor game for family and friends gathered in a yard having a one-story garage roof or porch roof. The slanting, shingled roof is used to locate a plurality of traps to interrupt the descent of a ball thrown to the top area of the roof. The traps may be interspersed with diversion shields also distributed on the roof and located by flat plates inserted under shingle flaps. Baffle plates at the top of the roof are provided to prevent overthrow of the ball. A retriever shaft and arm can be used to remove the balls from the traps after a cycle of play. The traps can be provided with score indicia to allow scoring of a game by one or more players.

Abstract: A latch for securing the hinged back box of a pinball game to a horizontal playfield cabinet engages a self-contained secondary tab when not engaging a locking tab on the back box preventing damage to the locking mechanism of the latch when the game is prepared for shipment.

Abstract: A slot game utilizing coins provides an enclosed partially transparent case having at an upper end thereof input slots for placing coins into each of a plurality of vertical columns. At the lower end is positioned a coin retrieval slot the allows removal of the coins upon pulling of a handle. Between the uppermost and lowermost points on the case are disposed a plurality of horizontal rows of blocks and slots. The slots are sized to receive coins of a predetermined size. The blocks and slots of each row are individually movable horizontally to allow movement of the coins between columns, thus, facilitating passage of coins in the slots from upper to lower rows. Each row of blocks and slots may be operated for horizontal movement individually by means of slides projecting from the case along one side of its face.

Abstract: A miniaturized pinball machine serving as a funny toy is provided. The pinball machine includes a machine body, a ball-feeding device mounted between a ball-storing room and a ball path for feeding from the room to the path a ball to be propelled by a propelling medium through the path to an inclined board, a striking device striking the ball on the board to delay and/or prevent the ball from falling into the room, and a plurality of springing devices back springing on the board the ball bumping thereagainst.

Abstract: Apparatus including a multi-sectioned trough like organization directing impacted croquet balls from a starting position defined by a series of aligned recesses. Guide plates direct a struck croquet ball through a medial section of the apparatus and directs such croquet ball into one of a matrix of apertures overlying a return chute. Replaceable impediments are provided in the organization to include resilient bumpers defined as semi-cylindrical arcuate members mounted upon the surface of the organization to be selectively replaced by deflector rods and or deflector plates.

Abstract: A slot ball game wherein balls are rolled up a slightly inclined surface having at least one elongated slot formed therein defining a target having an opening of sufficient width and length to receive and "trap" a plurality of balls. The opening of the slot target automatically decreases in size as the balls are trapped therein which makes the game more difficult as the game progresses. Numbers may be provided adjacent the length of the slot target for scoring purposes, and a ball ejector may be incorporated with the game for selectively releasing the trapped balls.

Abstract: A pinball machine defines a play field pivotally carried by a housing to permit pivoting of the play field upwardly to a repair position from a lower, operating position. The housing carries on its lower side a metal bracket defining a downwardly facing base. A retaining aperture is defined in the base of the metal bracket. The support arm is carried by the housing and is pivotable whereby an outer end of the support arm can engage the retaining aperture when the play field is in its repair position, to reliably hold the play field in the repair position. The support arm preferably defines a longitudinally projecting tab of narrower width than the rest of the support arm, the aperture being proportioned to receive the tab while the outer end of the rest of the support arm bears against the base of the bracket when the play field is in the repair position.

Abstract: A game cabinet for pinball machines including a horizontal and vertical playfield comprises a horizontal case for the horizontal playfield and a vertical case for the vertical playfield. The two cases are pivotably interconnected so the vertical case can be positioned on top of, and parallel to, the horizontal case for transporting the pinball machine. The vertical case also has a pivotable marquee and a removable vertical playfield for service access.

Abstract: A pinball machine has an upper display cabinet pivotally movable with respect to a lower playfield cabinet between an upright use position spaced well above the lower cabinet with the rear walls of the upper and lower cabinets substantially coplanar and a forwardly folded-down position closely overlying the lower cabinet. The upper cabinet is supported on a support assembly which includes upper and lower pairs of support posts, respectively mounted inside the upper and lower cabinets on the rear walls thereof, with each post having a forwardly projecting pivot portion, the upper and lower pivot portions being pivotally interconnected at their forward ends. The lower posts project well above the lower cabinet, and the pivot portions and the pivot pin are all disposed entirely within the upper cabinet. The upper cabinet is supported by the support assembly in both its upright and folded positions and, in its upright position permits a clear view of the entire playfield by a user.

Abstract: A game in which play elements are immersed in liquid within a transparent cell contained in a cartridge insertable in an optical viewer or projector. The play elements have a specific gravity which is either slightly higher or lower than that of the liquid whereby the elements normally sink to the bottom of the cell or rise to the top thereof. The cartridge is provided with an external actuator which when manipulated by a player causes the play elements to move towards targets or other goals, this activity being viewable by the player on a screen.

Abstract: A pinball game includes plural parallel columns of kickers, each kicker being responsive to ball impact thereon for propelling the ball therefrom in a predetermined direction. Each kicker is rotatable for varying the predetermined direction and the kickers in each column are ganged together for manual simultaneous rotation thereof. Different types of kickers may be provided in different columns.

Abstract: An improved drop target assembly provides multiple target surfaces at a given drop target location. First and second target surfaces respectively are provided on first and second support members disposed in alignment such that the first member is in front of the second member, and the first target surface is in front of and shields the second target surface when the members maintain both targets in the above-playfield position. The first member is vertically moveable to drop the first target surface to a below-playfield position. This exposes the second target surface [exposed] for ball engagement. Preferably, a pair of switch contacts is provided behind the second target surface such that ball engagement of either the first target surface or the second target surface closes the switch contacts.

Abstract: An improved drop target assembly provides first and second target surfaces for ball engagement at a given drop target location. Only one of the target surfaces is engageable at any given time. Preferably, both target surfaces are on a single, vertically movable support member such that dropping of the member to lower the first target surface to a below-playfield position drops the second target surface into a ball engageable position. One or more switch contacts are provided for indicating ball engagement with the target surfaces and the dropping of the first target surface to the below-playfield position. A housing is provided to shield the second target surface from view when the first target surface is in the above-playfield position.

Abstract: A pinball-type game includes a housing having a playing surface located within the interior of the housing and a spirally winding object guide channel depressed in this playing surface. The channel includes a launching end and a target end at its opposite ends. The channel is sized to allow one of a plurality of objects located within the housing to move within the confines of the channel. An object launcher is located at the launching end of the channel and is capable of launching an object into the channel so as to cause the object to travel within the channel along a spiral pathway until it reaches the target end of the channel. A target is located at the target end of the channel. The target being of the type wherein it is capable of capturing the object only for a finite period of time.

Abstract: An amusement game device played by one or two persons and including an up-standing housing separated into left-hand and right-hand compartments by a vertical middle wall therebetween which is provided with a window for communication between the compartments. A pendulum is pivotally mounted in each compartment and each pendulum has an upwardly extending arm which extends above the pendulum pivot and a projectile target at the top of each arm. A launcher and a plurality of projectiles are provided for each compartment, and the pendulums are positioned within their respective compartments such that when a projectile is launched and thereby projects into the projectile target, the pendulum will pivot from the weight of the projectile resting in the target to dump the projectile into the compartment of the opponent through the aforesaid window in the center dividing wall.

Abstract: A pinball game is provided having two pairs of flippers, each pair being coordinately actuated by the pulling of a spring-biased lever toward the user. A spring-loaded ball projecting mechanism is provided operatively coupled by a ratchet to a ball counting device. The ball projecting mechanism is released by displacement of a lever to project the ball and index the ball counting device.

Abstract: A toy pinball game mounted within an appropriate housing has a playing surface and at least one movable object located within the housing movable upon the playing surface. The game includes an object launching member for initially propelling an object across the playing surface. The game is improved by incorporating on the playing surface a target member which is slidably mounted on the playing surface to move from an initial position through a plurality of intermediate positions to a signaling position. Operatively connected to the target member is a target retention apparatus which will retain the target in the initial position or any of the intermediate positions until the target is struck by the object at which time the retention apparatus releases the target member from the initial position allowing it to slide into the first of the intermediate positions.

Abstract: A flipper mechanism for use in a pinball game in conjunction with a playing surface to propel an object across that playing surface comprises a flipper member shaped to have a hub section and a finger section. The finger section includes a striking surface for making contact with and accelerating the object across the playing surface. The playing surface includes at least one upstanding boss projecting from the surface. The interior of the boss is hollow. The hub portion of the flipper member has a generally cylindrical-like surface which includes a spirally inclined cam integrally formed on the cylindrical-like surface. The hub portion of the flipper member fits over the upstanding boss projecting from the playing surface.