Lock-down bar release system for a pinball machine
US6120021A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F2007/3045
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
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. The restraint mechanism moves to a non-blocking position when the coin door is opened in the operator-service mode so as to permit removal of the playfield in the operator-service mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.