Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
273118000 | Ball games | 42 |
20100283201 | PINBALL TABLE/DINING TABLE COMBINATION - A piece of specialized furniture is presented which permits the use of a pinball machine while holding beverage glasses and dining utensils and plates. The furniture is constructed from wood or plastic and possesses a transparent observation panel in its upper surface that allows unobstructed viewing of the pinball machine playing area, and allows access to the paddle buttons and ball starting controls. | 11-11-2010 |
20130264772 | AIR-BLOWING ASSEMBLY OF GAME TABLE - An air-blowing assembly of game table, which is installed in a table frame of the game table, includes a face board, an inner board and an air space defined between the boards. One or more flow guide members are arranged in the air space, each flow guide member has multiple lattices arranged in rows. At least one air guide channel is formed on each flow guide member so that at least one lattice row has longitudinal notches and/or lateral notches. Accordingly, the flow guide member has longitudinal and/or transverse airflow passages. A fan is used to blow air into the air space. Under the guide of the air guide channels, the air flows out of the face board from fine orifices thereof. | 10-10-2013 |
20130270767 | JUNGLE BOCCE GAME - A game combines knowledge cards and exercise in rolling painted animal coconuts on a playing surface. The animal coconuts move in an unpredictable way with painted marks that identify jungle animals. A weight can be disposed inside the animal coconut to make it waddle as it rolls. A sound box can be placed inside the animal coconut so that it makes the sound of the animal that the coconut represents as it waddles down the playing surface. The playing surface can be a rug marked by a vine with starting lines for various ages, handicap, and/or skill of players. A fact or question/answer card can be read before a player can roll their animal coconut. A shag rug is used to slow down the animal coconut as it is heading to score. The game allows a person to affirmatively answer the question, “Have you rolled a coconut?” | 10-17-2013 |
20130320619 | BALL TRACK SET - A track set includes track sections having parallel first and second rail edges on which a ball travels. Each track section includes a first upstanding sidewall projecting from the first rail edge having a first guide rail positioned a sufficient distance radially outward of the first rail edge. Each track section further includes a second upstanding sidewall projecting from the second rail edge having a second guide rail positioned a sufficient distance radially outward of the second rail edge. A connection member includes a resilient retaining portion configured to be inserted and retained between two spaced-apart pillar supports on at least one other track section to attach thereto. The track sections accommodate a derailed ball using a guide rail positioned a sufficient distance from an adjacent rail edge, to support the derailed ball via the guide rail and one rail edge when the ball rolls off the first and second rail edges. | 12-05-2013 |
20140353911 | TABLE AND GAME FOR MARBLES - An apparatus for playing marbles games. The apparatus is a circular or polygonal playing board or ring, which encompasses a playing surface. A top ring extends above the playing board along its outer circumference, and may extend over the outer perimeter of the playing board, allowing marbles struck off the playing surface to pass underneath into a marble collection mechanism. Marbles drop onto a sloped guide track, and then roll down to one of a plurality of collections slots. | 12-04-2014 |
20110115155 | LED Pinball Machine Graphics Display - The subject invention discloses an improved pinball machine and a method of updating existing pinball machines by replacing existing internal gas tube graphic displays with bright, large LED dot matrix or plasma dot matrix displays. These bright and large displays may be attached to a pinball machine within the backbox, external to the backbox or both. These large graphic displays contain multiple display circuit boards that can be separately removed and replaced devices for cheaper maintenance. This method allows any existing pinball machine to be updated with large, bright displays that can illuminate in a variety of colors with adjustable brightness. | 05-19-2011 |
20130147111 | Display for a Pinball Game - A pinball machine or other entertainment device is provided that includes a video display and one or more sensors proximal to the display that can detect proximity of or contact with an object such as a pinball. Graphical images and/or animations can then be shown on the display, such that the images appear to directly interact with, or result from apparent contact with, the pinball or other object to provide an enhanced gameplay experience for the player. | 06-13-2013 |
20140265113 | TILT SENSING IN AN AMUSEMENT GAME DEVICE - Operation of an amusement game device is controlled in part by using an accelerometer positioned with a game cabinet of the amusement game device. The accelerometer is first used to establish a reference idle position for the amusement game device. During game play of the amusement game device, it is then determined if a force applied to the amusement game device as sensed by the accelerometer exceeds a threshold that is set relative to the reference idle position for the amusement game device. When it is determined that a force applied to the amusement game device as sensed by the accelerometer during play of the amusement game device exceeds the threshold that is set relative to the reference idle position for the amusement game device, play of the amusement game device is caused to be inhibited in whole or in part. | 09-18-2014 |
20160121203 | ELECTROMAGNET FOR AN AMUSEMENT GAME DEVICE - An electromagnet assembly for use with an amusement game having a playfield and an object which moves across a surface of the playfield. The electromagnet assembly includes a magnet core constructed from a ferromagnetic material, a protector element constructed from a non-ferromagnetic material which is attached to a first end of the magnet core, and a magnet connector assembly disposable around the magnet core for activating the magnet core under control of a processing device of the amusement game. The protector element surrounds the magnet core and is arranged relative to the magnet core such that a surface of the protector element which is to be exposed on the first surface of the playfield is flush to a surface of the magnet core which is also to be exposed on the first surface of the playfield. The desired protector element is sized to define an area on the first surface of the playfield that is larger than an area on the first surface of the playfield in which the object may move when the magnet core is activated for the purpose of capturing the object upon the first surface of the playfield. | 05-05-2016 |
273119000 | Combined with projector | 28 |
20090230620 | GAME APPARATUS - An apparatus for playing a game comprising a playing surface | 09-17-2009 |
20100301552 | TABLE BALL GAME DEVICE - The present invention relates to a table ball game device ( | 12-02-2010 |
20110049802 | GAME APPARATUS - An apparatus for playing a game comprising a playing surface having a first area and a second area, a projectile, and at least two propulsion devices. First and second sets of playing pieces are provided, each playing piece having a lower peg portion, and a substrate overlaying and spaced above the playing surface and extending across both the first and second areas of the playing surface. In a game, the playing pieces are located on the substrate above the first area of the playing surface, with their peg portions extending below the substrate, and each propulsion device is capable of propelling the projectile such that the projectile can impact with a peg portion of a playing piece and thereby dislodge the playing piece. | 03-03-2011 |
20110291356 | GAME APPARATUS WITH PROJECTILES - An apparatus for playing a game comprising a playing surface having a first area and a second area, a projectile, and at least two propulsion devices. First and second sets of playing pieces are provided, each playing piece having a lower peg portion, and a substrate overlaying and spaced above the playing surface and extending across both the first and second areas of the playing surface. In a game, the playing pieces are located on the substrate above the first area of the playing surface, with their peg portions extending below the substrate, and each propulsion device is capable of propelling the projectile such that the projectile can impact with a peg portion of a playing piece and thereby dislodge the playing piece. | 12-01-2011 |
20140035226 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A TABLE GAME - A mechanical ball launcher for a table game is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the mechanical ball launcher has a body that rotates about a first axis. The body has a launch arm that extends along a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The launch arm has a ball receptacle at a terminal end. The mechanical ball launcher has a supporting plate supporting the body and a mechanical spring connected between the body and the supporting plate. The mechanical spring is placed in a loaded position when the launch arm is pulled back. A launch angle, a lateral angle, and a speed of the ball are adjusted as the ball is launched from the ball receptacle of the mechanical ball launcher. | 02-06-2014 |
20150137447 | AMUSEMENT GAME APPARATUS - A game apparatus comprises a first portion, a second portion, a first side hinge coupling an interior end of the first portion to an interior end of the second portion, and a second side hinge coupling an interior end of the first portion to an interior end of the second portion. The game apparatus has a folded, closed configuration in which it is portable, and opens to an opened configuration for use and enjoyment. One embodiment of the game apparatus comprises a stand that supports the game apparatus in the opened configuration in an inclined position to bias rolling members ejected onto a playing surface to roll towards a receiving end of the playing surface. | 05-21-2015 |
20160184697 | Game Board Assembly - A game board assembly includes a table that has a top surface and a perimeter edge. The top surface has a center area defining a highest point of the top surface. The top surface slopes downwardly in all directions continuously from the center area to the perimeter edge. A perimeter wall is attached to and extends upwardly from the perimeter edge. The perimeter edge and the perimeter wall have a plurality of notches therein. Openings are defined in the perimeter wall each associated with one of the notches. A plurality of mounts is attached to the table. Each of the openings has one of the mounts positioned adjacent thereto. Each of the mounts has one of a plurality of paddles attached thereto. Each of the paddles includes a grip to facilitate rotating the paddles. A ball is positioned on the table and is strikable with the paddles. | 06-30-2016 |
273120000 | Gravity projectors | 2 |
20110101605 | GAME MACHINE - A main CPU of a game machine for playing a game with playing balls allows a player to launch the playing balls until 30 seconds have lapsed after the player inserted a predetermined amount of metal money into the game machine. Whenever the playing ball enters any predetermined win hole mounted on a playfield of a game board, a ticket CPU of the game machine controls the game machine to pay a ticket as a payout medium different from the playing ball out, not playing balls, so that the sales figures of the game machine can be boosted since the acquired playing balls are not reused for a next game play, that is, the player has to borrow new playing balls with money paid for the next game play. | 05-05-2011 |
20110101606 | GAME MACHINE - A main CPU of a game machine outputs launching control data for enabling playing balls to be launched for 30 consecutive seconds to a launching drive circuit after the player inserted a predetermined amount of coins into the game machine. A launching strength generation circuit generates launching strength determined in accordance with the value of the launching volume. The generated strength is kept at equal to or more than a strength with which the playing balls reach a playfield on the game machine. When the launching control data is inputted, the launching drive circuit launches the playing balls toward the playfield with the launching strength generated by the launching strength generation circuit by a hammer. Thereby, the sales figures of game machine can be boosted since the playing time is limited to 30 consecutive seconds in principle, and waste time in the launching operation is saved. | 05-05-2011 |
273120000 | Electric or magnetic | 2 |
20110101605 | GAME MACHINE - A main CPU of a game machine for playing a game with playing balls allows a player to launch the playing balls until 30 seconds have lapsed after the player inserted a predetermined amount of metal money into the game machine. Whenever the playing ball enters any predetermined win hole mounted on a playfield of a game board, a ticket CPU of the game machine controls the game machine to pay a ticket as a payout medium different from the playing ball out, not playing balls, so that the sales figures of the game machine can be boosted since the acquired playing balls are not reused for a next game play, that is, the player has to borrow new playing balls with money paid for the next game play. | 05-05-2011 |
20110101606 | GAME MACHINE - A main CPU of a game machine outputs launching control data for enabling playing balls to be launched for 30 consecutive seconds to a launching drive circuit after the player inserted a predetermined amount of coins into the game machine. A launching strength generation circuit generates launching strength determined in accordance with the value of the launching volume. The generated strength is kept at equal to or more than a strength with which the playing balls reach a playfield on the game machine. When the launching control data is inputted, the launching drive circuit launches the playing balls toward the playfield with the launching strength generated by the launching strength generation circuit by a hammer. Thereby, the sales figures of game machine can be boosted since the playing time is limited to 30 consecutive seconds in principle, and waste time in the launching operation is saved. | 05-05-2011 |
273121000 | Return course | 19 |
20090085287 | Dynamically Altering Pinball Playfield Elements - The present invention teaches systems and methods to dynamically alter pinball playfield elements. The key observation is that these systems and methods are organic to conventional pinball play, and thus acceptable to a typical pinball player. The present invention has two broad components under control of a game's processor. One, physically moving a playfield component such as a bumper, and two, changing the force of a playfield component, such as an angle bumper kicker or flipper. | 04-02-2009 |
20130113161 | PINBALL MACHINE AND REDEMPTION SYSTEM - In one embodiment there is provided a pinball game comprising a play field having a plurality of different achievable objects, a plurality of different reward cards, each reward card associated with one of the achievable objects and capable of being dispensed by a card dispenser in response to the achieving of its associated achievable object, and wherein at least one reward card is dispensed by the card dispenser during or after game play upon at least one of the achievable objects being achieved, and wherein a different reward card is dispensed depending on the achievable object that is achieved. In one embodiment, a networked redemption system is associated with the game and the game further enables connectivity with social media and/or other publishing avenues for communicating information about the player and/or game play. | 05-09-2013 |
20140091519 | CABINET CONSTRUCTION FOR AN AMUSEMENT GAME DEVICE - An amusement game having a cabinet wherein the cabinet is assembled by attaching cabinet pieces together using knock-down fasteners. | 04-03-2014 |
20150091250 | Pinball Game Truss System - A modular pinball game truss system provides for lighting and other pinball game features, such as targets, ramps, ball pathways, bumpers, and ball-reactive game or decorative elements, features that move, make sounds, flash, display score, register points, illuminate, or otherwise react to a given pinball movement, to be easily added to existing games and changed at any time by individual game owners. | 04-02-2015 |
20160121202 | ROLLOVER SWITCH FOR AN AMUSEMENT GAME DEVICE - A rollover switch has a housing carrying a depressible cover coupled to a switch whereby a depression of the cover in response to contact being made between the cover and an object movable across a first surface of a playfield of an amusement game functions to activate the switch. A mounting collar is sized to be positioned within an opening formed in the playfield wherein the opening extends between a second surface of the playfield and the first surface of the playfield. The mounting collar and the housing of the switch assembly have cooperating features that allow the switch assembly to be adjustably mounted within the mounting collar to thereby allow the cover to be positioned at a desired location relative to the first surface of the playfield. | 05-05-2016 |
20090085286 | MECHANICAL BALL PROJECTION GAME DEVICES - Mechanical ball projection game devices, including game devices having mechanically-actuated ball loader assemblies, and game devices to release a tangible prize upon game balls reaching or entering a prize location to release a tangible prize upon game balls reaching or entering a prize location. Game devices disclosed herein include prize inserts that may be configured to receive one or more of paper currency, gift cards, financial transaction cards, greeting cards, toys, and candy. Mechanical ball projection game devices may include user-controllable features to redirect ball travel, features to guide and obstruct ball travel, and ball projector devices. | 04-02-2009 |
20120306150 | GAME MACHINE - A game machine includes a predetermined number of playing balls; a game board provided with a playfield on which the playing balls cascade downward; a launching device configured to launch the playing balls toward the playfield; a supply part configured to supply the playing balls to the launching device; a collecting part configured to collect the playing balls supplied from the supply part to the launching device and launched to the playfield; and a guide part configured to guide the playing balls collected by the collecting part to return to the supply part without discharging the playing balls outside the game machine. The predetermined number of playing balls circulate through the game board, the collecting part, the guide part and the supply part, and can be repeatedly used. | 12-06-2012 |
20100072699 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING GAME-PLAY TIME OF PINBALL MACHINES - A self-adjusting-difficulty feature for a pinball machine enables operators to set a desired game playtime. The difficulty of play, the chance of a ball draining or staying on the playfield, is adjusted through moving active features such as posts to different positions on the playfield. Thus the machine is made easier to play for a novice and tougher for an experienced player. The score given by playfield features is increased as the level of difficulty is increased. Thus, the novice and experienced player may play for a similar amount of time, the experienced player is more likely to get a higher score. Additionally, some playfield features may only be unlocked when the machine is set for a high level of difficulty. | 03-25-2010 |
20130181398 | Pinball Machine with Controllable Lighting Elements - Pinball machines with controllable lighting components. In some embodiments, a method may include electronically determining a physical property of a ball, the ball configured to move within a playfield of a pinball machine during a pinball game, and modifying a characteristic of a light emitted by a pinball target in response to an evaluation of the physical property. In other embodiments, a pinball machine may be configured to identify a state or mode of a game, and to control a light emitted by a pinball target located within the playfield in response to the state or mode, thus providing a visual indication of the state or mode. In yet other embodiments, a pinball target may include a substrate configured to receive impact from a ball during a game and a light element embedded within the substrate, the light element configurable to emit a light having a controllable property. | 07-18-2013 |
20130181399 | Deploying Components in a Pinball Machine - Systems and methods for deploying components within pinball machines. In some embodiments, a device may include a physical object coupled to an actuator via a flexible link, the physical object configured to interact with a pinball within a playfield of a pinball machine under control of the actuator. In other embodiments, a pinball machine may include a physical object configured to directly or indirectly interact with a pinball during a pinball game, the physical object coupled to an area within a playfield of the pinball machine other than a playable surface accessible to the pinball during a pinball game, the physical object suspended above the playable surface. In yet other embodiments, a pinball machine may include a plastic playfield cover configured to cover a playfield of the pinball machine, the plastic playfield cover configured to provide a player with access to one or more physical objects within the playfield. | 07-18-2013 |
20130214484 | Pinball Machine with Hybrid Playfield - Pinball machines with hybrid playfields. A method may include electronically determining a physical property of a physical object, the physical object allowed to move above a display disposed within a playfield of a pinball machine, and rendering a virtual object on the display in response to an evaluation of the physical property. Another method may include rendering a virtual object on an electronic screen, the electronic screen disposed within a playfield of the pinball machine, and changing an aspect of a physical object located within the playfield in response to the virtual object exhibiting a predefined property. Yet another method may include providing a list of one or more software applications via an electronic display arranged within the playfield of the pinball machine, allowing a user to select one of the one or more software applications, and executing the selected software application. | 08-22-2013 |
20130228970 | Pinball Machine With Configurable Playfield - Pinball machines with configurable playfields. A method includes detecting an event during a game played at least in part over a surface of a playfield in a pinball machine, the playfield having a first and a second playfield portions with two outermost lateral edges between which the game takes place, and, in response to the event, electronically activating a playfield reducer located between the first and second portions, the playfield reducer configured to extend between the two outermost lateral edges of the playfield portions in a manner sufficient to prevent the pinball from traveling between the first and second playfield portions. A machine includes a main playfield portion having a set pinball components disposed therein, the components configured to interact with a pinball during a game, the main playfield portion further configured to receive any of a plurality of modular playfields, each of the modular playfields having different sets components. | 09-05-2013 |
20130300058 | Pinball Machine With Animated Playfield Components and Automatic Level Detection - Pinball machines with animated playfield components and automatic level detection are described. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a method may include changing a visual appearance of a surface of a physical object within a pinball machine, the physical object configured to physically interact with a pinball during a pinball game. In another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a pinball machine may be configured to receive leveling information detected by one or more accelerometers, the leveling information selected from the group consisting of: pitch, roll, and yaw. In yet another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a pinball machine may be configured to periodically or continuously receive leveling information detected by one or more accelerometers during a pinball game, and then discourage the player from applying force to the pinball machine in response to the leveling information meeting a value and/or encourage a player to apply force to the pinball machine. | 11-14-2013 |
20140035227 | COIN OPERATED GAME DEVICE USING LEDS TO PROVIDE GENERAL ILLUMINATION - A coin operated amusement game such as a pinball machine having a playing surface wherein tri-colored LEDs are provided to illuminate the game playing surface. | 02-06-2014 |
20150028541 | PROGRAM, SERVER, AND METHOD FOR PINBALL GAME - One object of a game program according to an embodiment is to provide a pinball game requiring more strategies. The game program comprises: a stage selection module for receiving stage selection by the user; a ball selection module for receiving selection of one or more ball objects by the user from a plurality of ball objects each having parameters; a screen display module for displaying a game screen; an owned point updating module for updating the owned point information such that the points are consumed in accordance with the game play; an injection module for injecting the ball objects; a ball-hitting operation module for operating flippers in accordance with instructions from the user; a game progress module for progressing the pinball game based at least on the parameters assigned to the selected ball objects; and a level updating module for updating the level of the ball objects. | 01-29-2015 |
20150335994 | PINBALL MACHINE AND REDEMPTION SYSTEM - In one embodiment there is provided a pinball game comprising a play field having a plurality of different achievable objects, a plurality of different reward cards, each reward card associated with one of the achievable objects and capable of being dispensed by a card dispenser in response to the achieving of its associated achievable object, and wherein at least one reward card is dispensed by the card dispenser during or after game play upon at least one of the achievable objects being achieved, and wherein a different reward card is dispensed depending on the achievable object that is achieved. In one embodiment, a networked redemption system is associated with the game and the game further enables connectivity with social media and/or other publishing avenues for communicating information about the player and/or game play. | 11-26-2015 |
20090322022 | GAMES MACHINE - A games machine ( | 12-31-2009 |
20130140769 | GAME MACHINE - A game machine includes: an entertainment button that can move up and down from a normal operation position to a protruding position in which the entertainment button protrudes upward from the normal operation position; an assigned object determining part that determines an assigned object that defines a result of a game; an assigned object display part that displays an assigned object symbol corresponding to the assigned object determined by the assigned object determining part; a movement determining part that determines whether or not to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; a drive control part to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position, when the movement determining part determines to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; and a push operation detecting part that detects the entertainment button being pushed. | 06-06-2013 |
20130181400 | Game Machine - A game machine includes: an entertainment button that can move up and down from a normal operation position to a protruding position; an assigned object determining part that determines an assigned object; a prize determining part that determines a prize to be given to a player, when the assigned object determining part determines an assigned object; a prize display part that displays a prize symbol corresponding to the prize determined by the prize determining part; a movement determining part that determines whether or not to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; a drive control part to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position, when the movement determining part determines to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; and a push operation detecting part that detects the entertainment button being pushed down. | 07-18-2013 |
273121000 | Electric or magnetic | 9 |
20090085287 | Dynamically Altering Pinball Playfield Elements - The present invention teaches systems and methods to dynamically alter pinball playfield elements. The key observation is that these systems and methods are organic to conventional pinball play, and thus acceptable to a typical pinball player. The present invention has two broad components under control of a game's processor. One, physically moving a playfield component such as a bumper, and two, changing the force of a playfield component, such as an angle bumper kicker or flipper. | 04-02-2009 |
20130113161 | PINBALL MACHINE AND REDEMPTION SYSTEM - In one embodiment there is provided a pinball game comprising a play field having a plurality of different achievable objects, a plurality of different reward cards, each reward card associated with one of the achievable objects and capable of being dispensed by a card dispenser in response to the achieving of its associated achievable object, and wherein at least one reward card is dispensed by the card dispenser during or after game play upon at least one of the achievable objects being achieved, and wherein a different reward card is dispensed depending on the achievable object that is achieved. In one embodiment, a networked redemption system is associated with the game and the game further enables connectivity with social media and/or other publishing avenues for communicating information about the player and/or game play. | 05-09-2013 |
20140091519 | CABINET CONSTRUCTION FOR AN AMUSEMENT GAME DEVICE - An amusement game having a cabinet wherein the cabinet is assembled by attaching cabinet pieces together using knock-down fasteners. | 04-03-2014 |
20150091250 | Pinball Game Truss System - A modular pinball game truss system provides for lighting and other pinball game features, such as targets, ramps, ball pathways, bumpers, and ball-reactive game or decorative elements, features that move, make sounds, flash, display score, register points, illuminate, or otherwise react to a given pinball movement, to be easily added to existing games and changed at any time by individual game owners. | 04-02-2015 |
20160121202 | ROLLOVER SWITCH FOR AN AMUSEMENT GAME DEVICE - A rollover switch has a housing carrying a depressible cover coupled to a switch whereby a depression of the cover in response to contact being made between the cover and an object movable across a first surface of a playfield of an amusement game functions to activate the switch. A mounting collar is sized to be positioned within an opening formed in the playfield wherein the opening extends between a second surface of the playfield and the first surface of the playfield. The mounting collar and the housing of the switch assembly have cooperating features that allow the switch assembly to be adjustably mounted within the mounting collar to thereby allow the cover to be positioned at a desired location relative to the first surface of the playfield. | 05-05-2016 |
20090085286 | MECHANICAL BALL PROJECTION GAME DEVICES - Mechanical ball projection game devices, including game devices having mechanically-actuated ball loader assemblies, and game devices to release a tangible prize upon game balls reaching or entering a prize location to release a tangible prize upon game balls reaching or entering a prize location. Game devices disclosed herein include prize inserts that may be configured to receive one or more of paper currency, gift cards, financial transaction cards, greeting cards, toys, and candy. Mechanical ball projection game devices may include user-controllable features to redirect ball travel, features to guide and obstruct ball travel, and ball projector devices. | 04-02-2009 |
20120306150 | GAME MACHINE - A game machine includes a predetermined number of playing balls; a game board provided with a playfield on which the playing balls cascade downward; a launching device configured to launch the playing balls toward the playfield; a supply part configured to supply the playing balls to the launching device; a collecting part configured to collect the playing balls supplied from the supply part to the launching device and launched to the playfield; and a guide part configured to guide the playing balls collected by the collecting part to return to the supply part without discharging the playing balls outside the game machine. The predetermined number of playing balls circulate through the game board, the collecting part, the guide part and the supply part, and can be repeatedly used. | 12-06-2012 |
20100072699 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING GAME-PLAY TIME OF PINBALL MACHINES - A self-adjusting-difficulty feature for a pinball machine enables operators to set a desired game playtime. The difficulty of play, the chance of a ball draining or staying on the playfield, is adjusted through moving active features such as posts to different positions on the playfield. Thus the machine is made easier to play for a novice and tougher for an experienced player. The score given by playfield features is increased as the level of difficulty is increased. Thus, the novice and experienced player may play for a similar amount of time, the experienced player is more likely to get a higher score. Additionally, some playfield features may only be unlocked when the machine is set for a high level of difficulty. | 03-25-2010 |
20130181398 | Pinball Machine with Controllable Lighting Elements - Pinball machines with controllable lighting components. In some embodiments, a method may include electronically determining a physical property of a ball, the ball configured to move within a playfield of a pinball machine during a pinball game, and modifying a characteristic of a light emitted by a pinball target in response to an evaluation of the physical property. In other embodiments, a pinball machine may be configured to identify a state or mode of a game, and to control a light emitted by a pinball target located within the playfield in response to the state or mode, thus providing a visual indication of the state or mode. In yet other embodiments, a pinball target may include a substrate configured to receive impact from a ball during a game and a light element embedded within the substrate, the light element configurable to emit a light having a controllable property. | 07-18-2013 |
20130181399 | Deploying Components in a Pinball Machine - Systems and methods for deploying components within pinball machines. In some embodiments, a device may include a physical object coupled to an actuator via a flexible link, the physical object configured to interact with a pinball within a playfield of a pinball machine under control of the actuator. In other embodiments, a pinball machine may include a physical object configured to directly or indirectly interact with a pinball during a pinball game, the physical object coupled to an area within a playfield of the pinball machine other than a playable surface accessible to the pinball during a pinball game, the physical object suspended above the playable surface. In yet other embodiments, a pinball machine may include a plastic playfield cover configured to cover a playfield of the pinball machine, the plastic playfield cover configured to provide a player with access to one or more physical objects within the playfield. | 07-18-2013 |
20130214484 | Pinball Machine with Hybrid Playfield - Pinball machines with hybrid playfields. A method may include electronically determining a physical property of a physical object, the physical object allowed to move above a display disposed within a playfield of a pinball machine, and rendering a virtual object on the display in response to an evaluation of the physical property. Another method may include rendering a virtual object on an electronic screen, the electronic screen disposed within a playfield of the pinball machine, and changing an aspect of a physical object located within the playfield in response to the virtual object exhibiting a predefined property. Yet another method may include providing a list of one or more software applications via an electronic display arranged within the playfield of the pinball machine, allowing a user to select one of the one or more software applications, and executing the selected software application. | 08-22-2013 |
20130228970 | Pinball Machine With Configurable Playfield - Pinball machines with configurable playfields. A method includes detecting an event during a game played at least in part over a surface of a playfield in a pinball machine, the playfield having a first and a second playfield portions with two outermost lateral edges between which the game takes place, and, in response to the event, electronically activating a playfield reducer located between the first and second portions, the playfield reducer configured to extend between the two outermost lateral edges of the playfield portions in a manner sufficient to prevent the pinball from traveling between the first and second playfield portions. A machine includes a main playfield portion having a set pinball components disposed therein, the components configured to interact with a pinball during a game, the main playfield portion further configured to receive any of a plurality of modular playfields, each of the modular playfields having different sets components. | 09-05-2013 |
20130300058 | Pinball Machine With Animated Playfield Components and Automatic Level Detection - Pinball machines with animated playfield components and automatic level detection are described. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a method may include changing a visual appearance of a surface of a physical object within a pinball machine, the physical object configured to physically interact with a pinball during a pinball game. In another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a pinball machine may be configured to receive leveling information detected by one or more accelerometers, the leveling information selected from the group consisting of: pitch, roll, and yaw. In yet another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a pinball machine may be configured to periodically or continuously receive leveling information detected by one or more accelerometers during a pinball game, and then discourage the player from applying force to the pinball machine in response to the leveling information meeting a value and/or encourage a player to apply force to the pinball machine. | 11-14-2013 |
20140035227 | COIN OPERATED GAME DEVICE USING LEDS TO PROVIDE GENERAL ILLUMINATION - A coin operated amusement game such as a pinball machine having a playing surface wherein tri-colored LEDs are provided to illuminate the game playing surface. | 02-06-2014 |
20150028541 | PROGRAM, SERVER, AND METHOD FOR PINBALL GAME - One object of a game program according to an embodiment is to provide a pinball game requiring more strategies. The game program comprises: a stage selection module for receiving stage selection by the user; a ball selection module for receiving selection of one or more ball objects by the user from a plurality of ball objects each having parameters; a screen display module for displaying a game screen; an owned point updating module for updating the owned point information such that the points are consumed in accordance with the game play; an injection module for injecting the ball objects; a ball-hitting operation module for operating flippers in accordance with instructions from the user; a game progress module for progressing the pinball game based at least on the parameters assigned to the selected ball objects; and a level updating module for updating the level of the ball objects. | 01-29-2015 |
20150335994 | PINBALL MACHINE AND REDEMPTION SYSTEM - In one embodiment there is provided a pinball game comprising a play field having a plurality of different achievable objects, a plurality of different reward cards, each reward card associated with one of the achievable objects and capable of being dispensed by a card dispenser in response to the achieving of its associated achievable object, and wherein at least one reward card is dispensed by the card dispenser during or after game play upon at least one of the achievable objects being achieved, and wherein a different reward card is dispensed depending on the achievable object that is achieved. In one embodiment, a networked redemption system is associated with the game and the game further enables connectivity with social media and/or other publishing avenues for communicating information about the player and/or game play. | 11-26-2015 |
20090322022 | GAMES MACHINE - A games machine ( | 12-31-2009 |
20130140769 | GAME MACHINE - A game machine includes: an entertainment button that can move up and down from a normal operation position to a protruding position in which the entertainment button protrudes upward from the normal operation position; an assigned object determining part that determines an assigned object that defines a result of a game; an assigned object display part that displays an assigned object symbol corresponding to the assigned object determined by the assigned object determining part; a movement determining part that determines whether or not to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; a drive control part to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position, when the movement determining part determines to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; and a push operation detecting part that detects the entertainment button being pushed. | 06-06-2013 |
20130181400 | Game Machine - A game machine includes: an entertainment button that can move up and down from a normal operation position to a protruding position; an assigned object determining part that determines an assigned object; a prize determining part that determines a prize to be given to a player, when the assigned object determining part determines an assigned object; a prize display part that displays a prize symbol corresponding to the prize determined by the prize determining part; a movement determining part that determines whether or not to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; a drive control part to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position, when the movement determining part determines to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; and a push operation detecting part that detects the entertainment button being pushed down. | 07-18-2013 |
273121000 | Pachinko (i.e., nearly vertical playing surface) | 3 |
20090085287 | Dynamically Altering Pinball Playfield Elements - The present invention teaches systems and methods to dynamically alter pinball playfield elements. The key observation is that these systems and methods are organic to conventional pinball play, and thus acceptable to a typical pinball player. The present invention has two broad components under control of a game's processor. One, physically moving a playfield component such as a bumper, and two, changing the force of a playfield component, such as an angle bumper kicker or flipper. | 04-02-2009 |
20130113161 | PINBALL MACHINE AND REDEMPTION SYSTEM - In one embodiment there is provided a pinball game comprising a play field having a plurality of different achievable objects, a plurality of different reward cards, each reward card associated with one of the achievable objects and capable of being dispensed by a card dispenser in response to the achieving of its associated achievable object, and wherein at least one reward card is dispensed by the card dispenser during or after game play upon at least one of the achievable objects being achieved, and wherein a different reward card is dispensed depending on the achievable object that is achieved. In one embodiment, a networked redemption system is associated with the game and the game further enables connectivity with social media and/or other publishing avenues for communicating information about the player and/or game play. | 05-09-2013 |
20140091519 | CABINET CONSTRUCTION FOR AN AMUSEMENT GAME DEVICE - An amusement game having a cabinet wherein the cabinet is assembled by attaching cabinet pieces together using knock-down fasteners. | 04-03-2014 |
20150091250 | Pinball Game Truss System - A modular pinball game truss system provides for lighting and other pinball game features, such as targets, ramps, ball pathways, bumpers, and ball-reactive game or decorative elements, features that move, make sounds, flash, display score, register points, illuminate, or otherwise react to a given pinball movement, to be easily added to existing games and changed at any time by individual game owners. | 04-02-2015 |
20160121202 | ROLLOVER SWITCH FOR AN AMUSEMENT GAME DEVICE - A rollover switch has a housing carrying a depressible cover coupled to a switch whereby a depression of the cover in response to contact being made between the cover and an object movable across a first surface of a playfield of an amusement game functions to activate the switch. A mounting collar is sized to be positioned within an opening formed in the playfield wherein the opening extends between a second surface of the playfield and the first surface of the playfield. The mounting collar and the housing of the switch assembly have cooperating features that allow the switch assembly to be adjustably mounted within the mounting collar to thereby allow the cover to be positioned at a desired location relative to the first surface of the playfield. | 05-05-2016 |
20090085286 | MECHANICAL BALL PROJECTION GAME DEVICES - Mechanical ball projection game devices, including game devices having mechanically-actuated ball loader assemblies, and game devices to release a tangible prize upon game balls reaching or entering a prize location to release a tangible prize upon game balls reaching or entering a prize location. Game devices disclosed herein include prize inserts that may be configured to receive one or more of paper currency, gift cards, financial transaction cards, greeting cards, toys, and candy. Mechanical ball projection game devices may include user-controllable features to redirect ball travel, features to guide and obstruct ball travel, and ball projector devices. | 04-02-2009 |
20120306150 | GAME MACHINE - A game machine includes a predetermined number of playing balls; a game board provided with a playfield on which the playing balls cascade downward; a launching device configured to launch the playing balls toward the playfield; a supply part configured to supply the playing balls to the launching device; a collecting part configured to collect the playing balls supplied from the supply part to the launching device and launched to the playfield; and a guide part configured to guide the playing balls collected by the collecting part to return to the supply part without discharging the playing balls outside the game machine. The predetermined number of playing balls circulate through the game board, the collecting part, the guide part and the supply part, and can be repeatedly used. | 12-06-2012 |
20100072699 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING GAME-PLAY TIME OF PINBALL MACHINES - A self-adjusting-difficulty feature for a pinball machine enables operators to set a desired game playtime. The difficulty of play, the chance of a ball draining or staying on the playfield, is adjusted through moving active features such as posts to different positions on the playfield. Thus the machine is made easier to play for a novice and tougher for an experienced player. The score given by playfield features is increased as the level of difficulty is increased. Thus, the novice and experienced player may play for a similar amount of time, the experienced player is more likely to get a higher score. Additionally, some playfield features may only be unlocked when the machine is set for a high level of difficulty. | 03-25-2010 |
20130181398 | Pinball Machine with Controllable Lighting Elements - Pinball machines with controllable lighting components. In some embodiments, a method may include electronically determining a physical property of a ball, the ball configured to move within a playfield of a pinball machine during a pinball game, and modifying a characteristic of a light emitted by a pinball target in response to an evaluation of the physical property. In other embodiments, a pinball machine may be configured to identify a state or mode of a game, and to control a light emitted by a pinball target located within the playfield in response to the state or mode, thus providing a visual indication of the state or mode. In yet other embodiments, a pinball target may include a substrate configured to receive impact from a ball during a game and a light element embedded within the substrate, the light element configurable to emit a light having a controllable property. | 07-18-2013 |
20130181399 | Deploying Components in a Pinball Machine - Systems and methods for deploying components within pinball machines. In some embodiments, a device may include a physical object coupled to an actuator via a flexible link, the physical object configured to interact with a pinball within a playfield of a pinball machine under control of the actuator. In other embodiments, a pinball machine may include a physical object configured to directly or indirectly interact with a pinball during a pinball game, the physical object coupled to an area within a playfield of the pinball machine other than a playable surface accessible to the pinball during a pinball game, the physical object suspended above the playable surface. In yet other embodiments, a pinball machine may include a plastic playfield cover configured to cover a playfield of the pinball machine, the plastic playfield cover configured to provide a player with access to one or more physical objects within the playfield. | 07-18-2013 |
20130214484 | Pinball Machine with Hybrid Playfield - Pinball machines with hybrid playfields. A method may include electronically determining a physical property of a physical object, the physical object allowed to move above a display disposed within a playfield of a pinball machine, and rendering a virtual object on the display in response to an evaluation of the physical property. Another method may include rendering a virtual object on an electronic screen, the electronic screen disposed within a playfield of the pinball machine, and changing an aspect of a physical object located within the playfield in response to the virtual object exhibiting a predefined property. Yet another method may include providing a list of one or more software applications via an electronic display arranged within the playfield of the pinball machine, allowing a user to select one of the one or more software applications, and executing the selected software application. | 08-22-2013 |
20130228970 | Pinball Machine With Configurable Playfield - Pinball machines with configurable playfields. A method includes detecting an event during a game played at least in part over a surface of a playfield in a pinball machine, the playfield having a first and a second playfield portions with two outermost lateral edges between which the game takes place, and, in response to the event, electronically activating a playfield reducer located between the first and second portions, the playfield reducer configured to extend between the two outermost lateral edges of the playfield portions in a manner sufficient to prevent the pinball from traveling between the first and second playfield portions. A machine includes a main playfield portion having a set pinball components disposed therein, the components configured to interact with a pinball during a game, the main playfield portion further configured to receive any of a plurality of modular playfields, each of the modular playfields having different sets components. | 09-05-2013 |
20130300058 | Pinball Machine With Animated Playfield Components and Automatic Level Detection - Pinball machines with animated playfield components and automatic level detection are described. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a method may include changing a visual appearance of a surface of a physical object within a pinball machine, the physical object configured to physically interact with a pinball during a pinball game. In another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a pinball machine may be configured to receive leveling information detected by one or more accelerometers, the leveling information selected from the group consisting of: pitch, roll, and yaw. In yet another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a pinball machine may be configured to periodically or continuously receive leveling information detected by one or more accelerometers during a pinball game, and then discourage the player from applying force to the pinball machine in response to the leveling information meeting a value and/or encourage a player to apply force to the pinball machine. | 11-14-2013 |
20140035227 | COIN OPERATED GAME DEVICE USING LEDS TO PROVIDE GENERAL ILLUMINATION - A coin operated amusement game such as a pinball machine having a playing surface wherein tri-colored LEDs are provided to illuminate the game playing surface. | 02-06-2014 |
20150028541 | PROGRAM, SERVER, AND METHOD FOR PINBALL GAME - One object of a game program according to an embodiment is to provide a pinball game requiring more strategies. The game program comprises: a stage selection module for receiving stage selection by the user; a ball selection module for receiving selection of one or more ball objects by the user from a plurality of ball objects each having parameters; a screen display module for displaying a game screen; an owned point updating module for updating the owned point information such that the points are consumed in accordance with the game play; an injection module for injecting the ball objects; a ball-hitting operation module for operating flippers in accordance with instructions from the user; a game progress module for progressing the pinball game based at least on the parameters assigned to the selected ball objects; and a level updating module for updating the level of the ball objects. | 01-29-2015 |
20150335994 | PINBALL MACHINE AND REDEMPTION SYSTEM - In one embodiment there is provided a pinball game comprising a play field having a plurality of different achievable objects, a plurality of different reward cards, each reward card associated with one of the achievable objects and capable of being dispensed by a card dispenser in response to the achieving of its associated achievable object, and wherein at least one reward card is dispensed by the card dispenser during or after game play upon at least one of the achievable objects being achieved, and wherein a different reward card is dispensed depending on the achievable object that is achieved. In one embodiment, a networked redemption system is associated with the game and the game further enables connectivity with social media and/or other publishing avenues for communicating information about the player and/or game play. | 11-26-2015 |
20090322022 | GAMES MACHINE - A games machine ( | 12-31-2009 |
20130140769 | GAME MACHINE - A game machine includes: an entertainment button that can move up and down from a normal operation position to a protruding position in which the entertainment button protrudes upward from the normal operation position; an assigned object determining part that determines an assigned object that defines a result of a game; an assigned object display part that displays an assigned object symbol corresponding to the assigned object determined by the assigned object determining part; a movement determining part that determines whether or not to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; a drive control part to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position, when the movement determining part determines to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; and a push operation detecting part that detects the entertainment button being pushed. | 06-06-2013 |
20130181400 | Game Machine - A game machine includes: an entertainment button that can move up and down from a normal operation position to a protruding position; an assigned object determining part that determines an assigned object; a prize determining part that determines a prize to be given to a player, when the assigned object determining part determines an assigned object; a prize display part that displays a prize symbol corresponding to the prize determined by the prize determining part; a movement determining part that determines whether or not to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; a drive control part to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position, when the movement determining part determines to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; and a push operation detecting part that detects the entertainment button being pushed down. | 07-18-2013 |
273121000 | Ball supply means | 2 |
20090085287 | Dynamically Altering Pinball Playfield Elements - The present invention teaches systems and methods to dynamically alter pinball playfield elements. The key observation is that these systems and methods are organic to conventional pinball play, and thus acceptable to a typical pinball player. The present invention has two broad components under control of a game's processor. One, physically moving a playfield component such as a bumper, and two, changing the force of a playfield component, such as an angle bumper kicker or flipper. | 04-02-2009 |
20130113161 | PINBALL MACHINE AND REDEMPTION SYSTEM - In one embodiment there is provided a pinball game comprising a play field having a plurality of different achievable objects, a plurality of different reward cards, each reward card associated with one of the achievable objects and capable of being dispensed by a card dispenser in response to the achieving of its associated achievable object, and wherein at least one reward card is dispensed by the card dispenser during or after game play upon at least one of the achievable objects being achieved, and wherein a different reward card is dispensed depending on the achievable object that is achieved. In one embodiment, a networked redemption system is associated with the game and the game further enables connectivity with social media and/or other publishing avenues for communicating information about the player and/or game play. | 05-09-2013 |
20140091519 | CABINET CONSTRUCTION FOR AN AMUSEMENT GAME DEVICE - An amusement game having a cabinet wherein the cabinet is assembled by attaching cabinet pieces together using knock-down fasteners. | 04-03-2014 |
20150091250 | Pinball Game Truss System - A modular pinball game truss system provides for lighting and other pinball game features, such as targets, ramps, ball pathways, bumpers, and ball-reactive game or decorative elements, features that move, make sounds, flash, display score, register points, illuminate, or otherwise react to a given pinball movement, to be easily added to existing games and changed at any time by individual game owners. | 04-02-2015 |
20160121202 | ROLLOVER SWITCH FOR AN AMUSEMENT GAME DEVICE - A rollover switch has a housing carrying a depressible cover coupled to a switch whereby a depression of the cover in response to contact being made between the cover and an object movable across a first surface of a playfield of an amusement game functions to activate the switch. A mounting collar is sized to be positioned within an opening formed in the playfield wherein the opening extends between a second surface of the playfield and the first surface of the playfield. The mounting collar and the housing of the switch assembly have cooperating features that allow the switch assembly to be adjustably mounted within the mounting collar to thereby allow the cover to be positioned at a desired location relative to the first surface of the playfield. | 05-05-2016 |
20090085286 | MECHANICAL BALL PROJECTION GAME DEVICES - Mechanical ball projection game devices, including game devices having mechanically-actuated ball loader assemblies, and game devices to release a tangible prize upon game balls reaching or entering a prize location to release a tangible prize upon game balls reaching or entering a prize location. Game devices disclosed herein include prize inserts that may be configured to receive one or more of paper currency, gift cards, financial transaction cards, greeting cards, toys, and candy. Mechanical ball projection game devices may include user-controllable features to redirect ball travel, features to guide and obstruct ball travel, and ball projector devices. | 04-02-2009 |
20120306150 | GAME MACHINE - A game machine includes a predetermined number of playing balls; a game board provided with a playfield on which the playing balls cascade downward; a launching device configured to launch the playing balls toward the playfield; a supply part configured to supply the playing balls to the launching device; a collecting part configured to collect the playing balls supplied from the supply part to the launching device and launched to the playfield; and a guide part configured to guide the playing balls collected by the collecting part to return to the supply part without discharging the playing balls outside the game machine. The predetermined number of playing balls circulate through the game board, the collecting part, the guide part and the supply part, and can be repeatedly used. | 12-06-2012 |
20100072699 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING GAME-PLAY TIME OF PINBALL MACHINES - A self-adjusting-difficulty feature for a pinball machine enables operators to set a desired game playtime. The difficulty of play, the chance of a ball draining or staying on the playfield, is adjusted through moving active features such as posts to different positions on the playfield. Thus the machine is made easier to play for a novice and tougher for an experienced player. The score given by playfield features is increased as the level of difficulty is increased. Thus, the novice and experienced player may play for a similar amount of time, the experienced player is more likely to get a higher score. Additionally, some playfield features may only be unlocked when the machine is set for a high level of difficulty. | 03-25-2010 |
20130181398 | Pinball Machine with Controllable Lighting Elements - Pinball machines with controllable lighting components. In some embodiments, a method may include electronically determining a physical property of a ball, the ball configured to move within a playfield of a pinball machine during a pinball game, and modifying a characteristic of a light emitted by a pinball target in response to an evaluation of the physical property. In other embodiments, a pinball machine may be configured to identify a state or mode of a game, and to control a light emitted by a pinball target located within the playfield in response to the state or mode, thus providing a visual indication of the state or mode. In yet other embodiments, a pinball target may include a substrate configured to receive impact from a ball during a game and a light element embedded within the substrate, the light element configurable to emit a light having a controllable property. | 07-18-2013 |
20130181399 | Deploying Components in a Pinball Machine - Systems and methods for deploying components within pinball machines. In some embodiments, a device may include a physical object coupled to an actuator via a flexible link, the physical object configured to interact with a pinball within a playfield of a pinball machine under control of the actuator. In other embodiments, a pinball machine may include a physical object configured to directly or indirectly interact with a pinball during a pinball game, the physical object coupled to an area within a playfield of the pinball machine other than a playable surface accessible to the pinball during a pinball game, the physical object suspended above the playable surface. In yet other embodiments, a pinball machine may include a plastic playfield cover configured to cover a playfield of the pinball machine, the plastic playfield cover configured to provide a player with access to one or more physical objects within the playfield. | 07-18-2013 |
20130214484 | Pinball Machine with Hybrid Playfield - Pinball machines with hybrid playfields. A method may include electronically determining a physical property of a physical object, the physical object allowed to move above a display disposed within a playfield of a pinball machine, and rendering a virtual object on the display in response to an evaluation of the physical property. Another method may include rendering a virtual object on an electronic screen, the electronic screen disposed within a playfield of the pinball machine, and changing an aspect of a physical object located within the playfield in response to the virtual object exhibiting a predefined property. Yet another method may include providing a list of one or more software applications via an electronic display arranged within the playfield of the pinball machine, allowing a user to select one of the one or more software applications, and executing the selected software application. | 08-22-2013 |
20130228970 | Pinball Machine With Configurable Playfield - Pinball machines with configurable playfields. A method includes detecting an event during a game played at least in part over a surface of a playfield in a pinball machine, the playfield having a first and a second playfield portions with two outermost lateral edges between which the game takes place, and, in response to the event, electronically activating a playfield reducer located between the first and second portions, the playfield reducer configured to extend between the two outermost lateral edges of the playfield portions in a manner sufficient to prevent the pinball from traveling between the first and second playfield portions. A machine includes a main playfield portion having a set pinball components disposed therein, the components configured to interact with a pinball during a game, the main playfield portion further configured to receive any of a plurality of modular playfields, each of the modular playfields having different sets components. | 09-05-2013 |
20130300058 | Pinball Machine With Animated Playfield Components and Automatic Level Detection - Pinball machines with animated playfield components and automatic level detection are described. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a method may include changing a visual appearance of a surface of a physical object within a pinball machine, the physical object configured to physically interact with a pinball during a pinball game. In another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a pinball machine may be configured to receive leveling information detected by one or more accelerometers, the leveling information selected from the group consisting of: pitch, roll, and yaw. In yet another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a pinball machine may be configured to periodically or continuously receive leveling information detected by one or more accelerometers during a pinball game, and then discourage the player from applying force to the pinball machine in response to the leveling information meeting a value and/or encourage a player to apply force to the pinball machine. | 11-14-2013 |
20140035227 | COIN OPERATED GAME DEVICE USING LEDS TO PROVIDE GENERAL ILLUMINATION - A coin operated amusement game such as a pinball machine having a playing surface wherein tri-colored LEDs are provided to illuminate the game playing surface. | 02-06-2014 |
20150028541 | PROGRAM, SERVER, AND METHOD FOR PINBALL GAME - One object of a game program according to an embodiment is to provide a pinball game requiring more strategies. The game program comprises: a stage selection module for receiving stage selection by the user; a ball selection module for receiving selection of one or more ball objects by the user from a plurality of ball objects each having parameters; a screen display module for displaying a game screen; an owned point updating module for updating the owned point information such that the points are consumed in accordance with the game play; an injection module for injecting the ball objects; a ball-hitting operation module for operating flippers in accordance with instructions from the user; a game progress module for progressing the pinball game based at least on the parameters assigned to the selected ball objects; and a level updating module for updating the level of the ball objects. | 01-29-2015 |
20150335994 | PINBALL MACHINE AND REDEMPTION SYSTEM - In one embodiment there is provided a pinball game comprising a play field having a plurality of different achievable objects, a plurality of different reward cards, each reward card associated with one of the achievable objects and capable of being dispensed by a card dispenser in response to the achieving of its associated achievable object, and wherein at least one reward card is dispensed by the card dispenser during or after game play upon at least one of the achievable objects being achieved, and wherein a different reward card is dispensed depending on the achievable object that is achieved. In one embodiment, a networked redemption system is associated with the game and the game further enables connectivity with social media and/or other publishing avenues for communicating information about the player and/or game play. | 11-26-2015 |
20090322022 | GAMES MACHINE - A games machine ( | 12-31-2009 |
20130140769 | GAME MACHINE - A game machine includes: an entertainment button that can move up and down from a normal operation position to a protruding position in which the entertainment button protrudes upward from the normal operation position; an assigned object determining part that determines an assigned object that defines a result of a game; an assigned object display part that displays an assigned object symbol corresponding to the assigned object determined by the assigned object determining part; a movement determining part that determines whether or not to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; a drive control part to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position, when the movement determining part determines to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; and a push operation detecting part that detects the entertainment button being pushed. | 06-06-2013 |
20130181400 | Game Machine - A game machine includes: an entertainment button that can move up and down from a normal operation position to a protruding position; an assigned object determining part that determines an assigned object; a prize determining part that determines a prize to be given to a player, when the assigned object determining part determines an assigned object; a prize display part that displays a prize symbol corresponding to the prize determined by the prize determining part; a movement determining part that determines whether or not to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; a drive control part to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position, when the movement determining part determines to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; and a push operation detecting part that detects the entertainment button being pushed down. | 07-18-2013 |
273123000 | Pocketed | 5 |
20090066019 | BILLIARD GAME WITH CHESS INDICIA AND METHOD OF PLAY - A game is played on a billiard type table using balls with indicia of chess pieces. A cue stick is used to strike the balls following rules of movement that vary with the indicia on the ball to be moved. Game rules control movement and pocketing of balls are representative of the movement and capture of chess pieces, but are modified for use on a billiard table. The game is also adaptable to other playing surfaces including electronic displays. | 03-12-2009 |
20100181718 | Cups and Games of Skill Involving Such Cups - Cups and games of skill involving such cups are provided. A representative cup includes: an aperture communicating with a cavity; and a barrier extending partially about the periphery of the aperture such that a portion of the cup lacking the barrier forms a lateral entrance to the cavity, the barrier having an upwardly and outwardly sloping first portion and a downwardly and outwardly sloping second portion, the first portion being located between the second portion and the aperture. | 07-22-2010 |
20130214485 | MUSIC TEACHING AID - A music teaching aid may incorporate a pinball-like game. The music teaching aid may comprise a playing field depicting a musical staff and a keyboard. Lines and spaces on the staff may contain pockets into which a ball may fall and be contained. The pockets may correspond to notes on a staff, which may correspond to notes on the keyboard. A ball launched into the playing field may fall into a pocket. A user may select a note on the keyboard. If the selected note matches the note corresponding to the pocket having the ball, the ball may be released from the pocket. The note may be audibly rendered. The ball may be released into or out of the playing field. The music teaching aid may be implemented mechanically, electrically, or any appropriate combination thereof. | 08-22-2013 |
20150314192 | Roulette drinking game - A roulette drinking game provides an apparatus and method of playing a drinking game wherein a concave table is provided with markings and recesses resembling those of a roulette wheel, indicating types and quantities of alcoholic beverages. The player spins a golf ball around the rim of the table. The location at which the ball stops determines the type and quantity of alcoholic beverage the player must consume. | 11-05-2015 |
273125000 | Ball return | 1 |
20080217848 | Cue ball table game - A table game comprising a flat surfaced table, a free standing upsettable penalty tower, seven holes spaced away from sides of the flat surface, seven cue balls, one of which is a premium ball, and an individual cue ball return channel, sound deadening pad, ball drop slot, and scoring box, each corresponding to a given hole. | 09-11-2008 |
273118000 | Magnetic or electric | 4 |
20100283201 | PINBALL TABLE/DINING TABLE COMBINATION - A piece of specialized furniture is presented which permits the use of a pinball machine while holding beverage glasses and dining utensils and plates. The furniture is constructed from wood or plastic and possesses a transparent observation panel in its upper surface that allows unobstructed viewing of the pinball machine playing area, and allows access to the paddle buttons and ball starting controls. | 11-11-2010 |
20130264772 | AIR-BLOWING ASSEMBLY OF GAME TABLE - An air-blowing assembly of game table, which is installed in a table frame of the game table, includes a face board, an inner board and an air space defined between the boards. One or more flow guide members are arranged in the air space, each flow guide member has multiple lattices arranged in rows. At least one air guide channel is formed on each flow guide member so that at least one lattice row has longitudinal notches and/or lateral notches. Accordingly, the flow guide member has longitudinal and/or transverse airflow passages. A fan is used to blow air into the air space. Under the guide of the air guide channels, the air flows out of the face board from fine orifices thereof. | 10-10-2013 |
20130270767 | JUNGLE BOCCE GAME - A game combines knowledge cards and exercise in rolling painted animal coconuts on a playing surface. The animal coconuts move in an unpredictable way with painted marks that identify jungle animals. A weight can be disposed inside the animal coconut to make it waddle as it rolls. A sound box can be placed inside the animal coconut so that it makes the sound of the animal that the coconut represents as it waddles down the playing surface. The playing surface can be a rug marked by a vine with starting lines for various ages, handicap, and/or skill of players. A fact or question/answer card can be read before a player can roll their animal coconut. A shag rug is used to slow down the animal coconut as it is heading to score. The game allows a person to affirmatively answer the question, “Have you rolled a coconut?” | 10-17-2013 |
20130320619 | BALL TRACK SET - A track set includes track sections having parallel first and second rail edges on which a ball travels. Each track section includes a first upstanding sidewall projecting from the first rail edge having a first guide rail positioned a sufficient distance radially outward of the first rail edge. Each track section further includes a second upstanding sidewall projecting from the second rail edge having a second guide rail positioned a sufficient distance radially outward of the second rail edge. A connection member includes a resilient retaining portion configured to be inserted and retained between two spaced-apart pillar supports on at least one other track section to attach thereto. The track sections accommodate a derailed ball using a guide rail positioned a sufficient distance from an adjacent rail edge, to support the derailed ball via the guide rail and one rail edge when the ball rolls off the first and second rail edges. | 12-05-2013 |
20140353911 | TABLE AND GAME FOR MARBLES - An apparatus for playing marbles games. The apparatus is a circular or polygonal playing board or ring, which encompasses a playing surface. A top ring extends above the playing board along its outer circumference, and may extend over the outer perimeter of the playing board, allowing marbles struck off the playing surface to pass underneath into a marble collection mechanism. Marbles drop onto a sloped guide track, and then roll down to one of a plurality of collections slots. | 12-04-2014 |
20110115155 | LED Pinball Machine Graphics Display - The subject invention discloses an improved pinball machine and a method of updating existing pinball machines by replacing existing internal gas tube graphic displays with bright, large LED dot matrix or plasma dot matrix displays. These bright and large displays may be attached to a pinball machine within the backbox, external to the backbox or both. These large graphic displays contain multiple display circuit boards that can be separately removed and replaced devices for cheaper maintenance. This method allows any existing pinball machine to be updated with large, bright displays that can illuminate in a variety of colors with adjustable brightness. | 05-19-2011 |
20130147111 | Display for a Pinball Game - A pinball machine or other entertainment device is provided that includes a video display and one or more sensors proximal to the display that can detect proximity of or contact with an object such as a pinball. Graphical images and/or animations can then be shown on the display, such that the images appear to directly interact with, or result from apparent contact with, the pinball or other object to provide an enhanced gameplay experience for the player. | 06-13-2013 |
20140265113 | TILT SENSING IN AN AMUSEMENT GAME DEVICE - Operation of an amusement game device is controlled in part by using an accelerometer positioned with a game cabinet of the amusement game device. The accelerometer is first used to establish a reference idle position for the amusement game device. During game play of the amusement game device, it is then determined if a force applied to the amusement game device as sensed by the accelerometer exceeds a threshold that is set relative to the reference idle position for the amusement game device. When it is determined that a force applied to the amusement game device as sensed by the accelerometer during play of the amusement game device exceeds the threshold that is set relative to the reference idle position for the amusement game device, play of the amusement game device is caused to be inhibited in whole or in part. | 09-18-2014 |
20160121203 | ELECTROMAGNET FOR AN AMUSEMENT GAME DEVICE - An electromagnet assembly for use with an amusement game having a playfield and an object which moves across a surface of the playfield. The electromagnet assembly includes a magnet core constructed from a ferromagnetic material, a protector element constructed from a non-ferromagnetic material which is attached to a first end of the magnet core, and a magnet connector assembly disposable around the magnet core for activating the magnet core under control of a processing device of the amusement game. The protector element surrounds the magnet core and is arranged relative to the magnet core such that a surface of the protector element which is to be exposed on the first surface of the playfield is flush to a surface of the magnet core which is also to be exposed on the first surface of the playfield. The desired protector element is sized to define an area on the first surface of the playfield that is larger than an area on the first surface of the playfield in which the object may move when the magnet core is activated for the purpose of capturing the object upon the first surface of the playfield. | 05-05-2016 |