Pinball machine target assembly
US5716049A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 1995 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F7/3065
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A target and associated impact sensing mechanism is provided including a target head above the pinball playing surface which is movable from a first position above the playing surface to a second position above the playing surface upon receiving a sufficient impact force from the pinball. A switch actuator depends from the head and extends below the playing surface in the interior of the pinball machine. A switch has an open state and a closed state with the switch actuator changing the switch from its open state to its closed state as an incident of the movement of the target head from the first position to the second position. A housing mount is provided below the playing surface containing the switch to protect the switch from the environment and to support the target head above the playing surface with the actuator in position to change the switch from its open to its closed state. By containing the switch in the housing mount, the switch is protected from exposure to dust and dirt and the like and thereby more reliably carries current to accurately sense pinball impacts. The housing mount can also be reversible so as to be capable of being mounted in different orientations und…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.