Pinball machine
US4840375A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 17, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jun 20, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 17, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F2007/3688
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A pinball machine has a horizontal playfield as well as a vertical playfield. The playfields are preferably integrated to permit a ball put into play on the horizontal playfield to be carried into the vertical playfield for continued play of the same ball. An elevator mechanism is therefore provided in the form of an electromagnet carried by a motor driven winch. The electromagnet carries the ball from the horizontal playfield along a vertical path for release on a retractable landing. The ball rolls off the landing into play, with one or more flippers on the vertical playfield used to propel the ball under player control. "Mouseholes" are further provided on the vertical playfield which lead to hidden conduits behind the playfield surface through which the ball rolls. Scoring displays set flush with the vertical playfield surface form part of the playfield.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.