US4773646A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Moving target assembly
Assignee: Williams Electronics Games Inc
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Filing: 1987-01-28
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Granted: 1988-09-27
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Expires: 2007-01-28
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a play feature for a pinball game. The invention includes a plurality of targets mounted on a target carrier. The target carrier can be raised above the surface of the playfield where the targets can be hit by a ball or lowered below the playfield so that the ball will pass over the targets. Located behind this first set of targets on the playfield is a second set of targets. This second set of targets is either covered by a visor or exposed to be contacted by a ball. The visor is operatively connected to the target carrier such that downward movement of the target carrier results in upward movement of the visor. In this manner, the two target areas are alternately exposed to the player to vary the scoring opportunities.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph Joos, Jr.
- 👤 Barry Oursler
- 👤 Gary L. Berge
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 02:39
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F7/00; A63F7/22; A63F7/30; A63F7/305; A63F7/3065
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
In a pinball game machine of the type having an inclined playfield which supports a rolling ball and one or more play features, the improved play feature comprising: (a) first ball target means; (b) second ball target means disposed behind and screened from play by the first ball target means; (c) means for raising and lowering said first ball target means to put it in play and move it from play, respectively; (d) means for shielding said second ball target means from all contact with the ball when said first ball target means is in play; and (e) means for operatively connecting said shielding means with said means for raising and lowering said first ball target means whereby when said first ball target means is removed from play said second ball target means is exposed to play and vice versa.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
140 words
In a pinball game machine of the type having an inclined playfield which supports a rolling ball and one or more play features, the improved play feature comprising: (a) first ball target means; (b) second ball target means disposed behind and screened from play by the first ball target means; (c) means for raising and lowering said first ball target means to put it in play and move it from play, respectively; (d) means for shielding said second ball target means from all contact with the ball when said first ball target means is in play; and (e) means for operatively connecting said shielding means with said means for raising and lowering said first ball target means whereby when said first ball target means is removed from play said second ball target means is exposed to play and vice versa.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The play feature of claim 1, including a means for controlling the activation of said means for raising and lowering.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The play feature of claim 2, wherein the means for controlling comprises a first switch located on the playfield for starting said rotary drive means and a second switch operatively associated with said means for raising and lowering for stopping said rotary drive means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The play feature of claims 1 or 2, including means associated with said first ball target means to register a score.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
76 words
The play feature of claim 4, wherein said means for raising and lowering said first ball target means comprises: a guide channel arranged perpendicularly to the playfield; a carrier means for slidably supporting said first ball target means within said guide channel; a rotary drive means; and a transmission means connecting the output of said rotary drive means to said carrier means converting said rotary drive means into the linear reciprocating movement of said carrier means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
55 words
The play feature of claim 5, wherein the transmission means comprises: a horizontally extending slot on said carrier means; a disk member fixedly attached to said rotary drive; and a camming finger attached to and extending out from said disk member, wherein said camming finger extends into said horizontally extending slot for operable engagement therewith.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The play feature of claims 1 or 2, including means associated with said second ball target means to register a score.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
78 words
The play feature of claims 1 or 2, wherein said means for raising and lowering said first ball target means comprises: a guide channel arranged perpendicularly to the playfield; a carrier means for slidably supporting said first ball target means within said guide channel; a rotary drive means; and a transmission means connecting the output of said rotary drive means to said carrier means converting said rotary drive means into the linear reciprocating movement of said carrier means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
55 words
The play feature of claim 5, wherein the transmission means comprises: a horizontally extending slot on said carrier means; a disk member fixedly attached to said rotary drive; and a camming finger attached to and extending out from said disk member, wherein said camming finger extends into said horizontally extending slot for operable engagement therewith.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The play feature of claim 8, wherein the means for connecting said means for raising and lowering said first ball target means with said shielding means comprises a mechanical linkage system.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
44 words
The play feature of claim 8, wherein the means for controlling comprises a first switch located on the playfield for starting said rotary drive means and a second switch operatively associated with said means for raising and lowering for stopping said rotary drive means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The play feature of claim 1, wherein the shielding means comprises a pivotable visor.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
The play feature of claim 1, wherein the means for connecting said means for raising and lowering said first ball target means with said shielding means comprises a mechanical linkage system.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
The play feature of claim 1, wherein said shielding means prevents the ball from contacting the second ball target means from the sides and back when said first ball target means is removed from play.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-09-27 | 1992-03-28 | 1992-09-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-09-27 | 1996-03-28 | 1996-09-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-09-27 | 2000-03-28 | 2000-09-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |