Ball Save System For An Amusement Game Device

Abstract

A ball save system for a pinball machine having an inclined playfield, a pair of flipper assemblies, and an outlane leading to a drain includes a ball sensor positioned in the outlane, an actuator responsive to the sensor, and a reconfigurable guide structure coupled to the actuator. The guide structure is selectively positionable between a stowed position allowing the ball to follow a default drain path and a deployed position establishing an upward guide path from the outlane between the flippers to redirect the ball onto an upper playfield portion. A timing circuit returns the guide structure to the stowed position after a predefined duration. The deployed position may require manual actuation of the flippers for ball passage, while the stowed position prevents ball trapping. A corresponding method senses ball entry, energizes the actuator to transition the guide structure, and channels the ball upward between the flippers to resume play.

Claims

1. A pinball machine comprising: an inclined playfield configured to support rolling ball gameplay; a pair of flipper assemblies positioned proximate a lower portion of the playfield; an outlane disposed adjacent to at least one of the flipper assemblies, the outlane defining a default path for a ball to exit the playfield into a drain; a ball sensor for sensing the ball near the outlane; an actuator responsive to the ball sensor; and a reconfigurable guide structure operatively coupled to the actuator, the guide structure selectively positionable between a stowed position permitting the ball to follow the default path into the drain and a deployed position establishing an alternative upward guide path from the outlane, between the pair of flipper assemblies, to redirect the ball back onto an upper portion of the playfield for continued play.

2. The pinball machine of claim 1, wherein the reconfigurable guide structure comprises a ramp that pivots about an axis when actuated.

3. The pinball machine of claim 1, further comprising a timing circuit operatively connected to the actuator, the timing circuit configured to return the reconfigurable guide structure to the stowed position after a predefined duration following activation.

4. The pinball machine of claim 1, wherein the deployed position of the reconfigurable guide structure is arranged such that passage of the ball between the flipper assemblies requires manual actuation of at least one flipper assembly to an upward orientation.

5. The pinball machine of claim 4, wherein the at least one flipper assembly is a left-side flipper assembly relative to a player-facing orientation.

6. The pinball machine of claim 1, wherein the stowed position of the reconfigurable guide structure eliminates a low-point depression that could trap the ball.

7. The pinball machine of claim 1, wherein the ball sensor comprises a mechanical switch that activates upon contact with the ball, and the actuator comprises a solenoid that extends to position the reconfigurable guide structure.

8. A ball save system for a pinball machine having an inclined playfield, a pair of flippers, and an outlane leading to a ball drain, the ball save system comprising: a ball sensor positioned to sense entry of a ball into the outlane; an activation device coupled to the ball sensor; and a reconfigurable guide structure driven by the activation device, the reconfigurable guide structure shiftable from a stowed position allowing ball drainage to a deployed position creating a redirecting channel that routes the ball upwardly from the outlane and through a space between the pair of flippers to reintroduce the ball to the playfield.

9. The ball save system of claim 8, wherein the ball sensor is a proximity switch disposed within the outlane.

10. The ball save system of claim 8, wherein the activation device includes a solenoid assembly that mechanically deploys the reconfigurable guide structure upon triggering.

11. The ball save system of claim 8, further comprising a reset timer operably coupled to the activation device, the reset timer operable to revert the reconfigurable guide structure to the stowed position after a set interval.

12. The ball save system of claim 8, wherein the deployed position permits ball passage between the flippers independent of flipper position.

13. The ball save system of claim 8, wherein the deployed position requires elevation of a right-side flipper to facilitate ball transit between the flippers.

14. The ball save system of claim 8, wherein the reconfigurable guide structure is a pivotally mounted ramp that rotates into the deployed position to form the redirecting channel.

15. A method for implementing a ball save in a pinball machine with an inclined playfield, flippers, and an outlane terminating in a drain, the method comprising: sensing presence of a ball in the outlane via a ball sensor; energizing an actuator based on the sensing; transitioning a reconfigurable guide structure from a stowed position, in which the ball proceeds to the drain, to a deployed position via the actuator; and channeling the ball along the reconfigurable guide structure in the deployed position upward from the outlane, passing between the flippers, to resume gameplay on the playfield.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising automatically reverting the reconfigurable guide structure to the stowed position upon expiration of a timed period.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein channeling the ball includes requiring user input to position at least one flipper upwardly to open a pathway between the flippers.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the user input positions both flippers upwardly in coordination.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein transitioning the reconfigurable guide structure involves pivoting the reconfigurable guide structure around an axis to affect the deployed position.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising designing the reconfigurable guide structure such that the stowed position avoids formation of a ball-trapping recess.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0010] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a pinball machine; and

[0012] FIG. 2 is an aerial view of a pinball machine playfield showing a reconfigurable guide structure of a ball saving system in a stowed position; and

[0013] FIG. 3 is an aerial view of a pinball machine playfield showing a reconfigurable guide structure of a ball saving system in a deployed position; and

[0014] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of incorporating a ball saving system according to the principles of this disclosure.

[0015] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] An embodiment of a ball save system for an amusement game device, such as a pinball machine, is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. As shown in FIG. 1, a pinball machine may include a cabinet 1 which can house various mechanical, electrical, and electronic apparatus. These apparatus may operate for defining and controlling gameplay. The core of the gameplay can occur on an inclined playfield 2 tilted at an angle. The tilt can facilitate gravitational rolling of a ball, preferably metallic, downwardly and also allow player-controlled propulsion upwardly. The playfield 2 can support a multitude of playfield accessories or devices, which may include targets, bumpers, ramps, and lanes. All of these can be designed to interact with the ball, and such interactions may score points, trigger effects, or advance game modes.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, gameplay can be primarily controlled through a pair of flipper assemblies 4 and 6, as shown in FIGS. 2-3. These assemblies may be positioned proximate the lower portion of the playfield 2. The flippers 4 and 6 can be solenoid-actuated bats or paddles, or some other suitable means. They may be manipulated by the player via external buttons. This manipulation can strike and propel the ball relative to the top surface of the playfield 2. On either side of the flippers 4 and 6, guide paths can form outlanes 8 and inlanes 17. The inlanes 17 may safely return the ball to the flipper area for continued play. The outlanes 8 can pose a risk by channeling the ball toward a drain 12 and ending game play.

[0019] In some embodiments, an outlane 8 may be adjacent to at least one of the flipper assemblies 4 and 6. The outlane 8 can define a default path 10 for the ball to exit the playfield 2, wherein the ball may then enter a drain 12. The drain 12 may typically collect the ball, and this collection can end that particular ball's turn in the game play.

[0020] One exemplary embodiment includes a unique user-activated ball save system 11 to extend a particular ball's turn in the game play. Such an embodiment is shown in FIGS. 2-3. A ball save system 11 may provide an upward guided path 34 to redirect the ball upwardly along the playfield 2 between the flipper assemblies 4 and 6. The ball save system 11 can be employed instead of merely blocking entry to the outlane 8 or ejecting the ball laterally. The ball save system 11 can include a ball sensor 14 near the outlane 8 and may also include an actuator 16 responsive to the ball sensor 14. Additionally, the ball save system 11 can feature a reconfigurable guide structure 18 operatively coupled to the actuator 16. The ball sensor 14 may be strategically positioned within the outlane 8. This positioning can detect the entry of the ball, or preferably the presence of the ball early in its descent to allow sufficient time for the system 11 to activate. This activation can occur before the ball reaches the point of no return toward the drain 12, such that ball save is successful.

[0021] In operation, the ball may enter the outlane 8 or the area adjacent to the outlane 8 and the ball sensor 14 can trigger a signal. The sensor 14 may be a mechanical switch which may activate upon physical contact with the ball or may be another suitable sensor such as an optical or magnetic sensor. This signal may energize the actuator 16. The actuator 16 can be a solenoid 30 and may extend and/or retract a plunger 36. The solenoid 30 may be chosen for its rapid response time and its capability of handling repeated cycles without significant wear.

[0022] In some embodiments, a reconfigurable guide structure 18 is provided. It can be selectively positionable between a stowed position 20 and a deployed position 22. In the stowed position 20, the structure 18 may remain unobtrusive, as shown in FIG. 2. This can permit the ball to follow the default path 10 and lead the ball into the drain 12. This default path 10 maintains the standard risk-reward dynamic of the game. However, upon activation, the structure 18 may shift to the deployed position 22 and establish an alternative upward guide path 34 from the outlane 8, as shown in FIG. 3. This path 34 may route the ball through a space 38 between the pair of flipper assemblies 4 and 6 and redirect the ball back onto an upper portion of the playfield 2 for continued play, thereby saving the ball.

[0023] In some embodiments, the reconfigurable guide structure 18 may preferably comprise a ramp 24. The ramp 24 can pivot about an axis 26 when actuated. This pivoting action may allow the ramp 24 to swing smoothly into deployed position 22 and create a functional incline to guide the ball upwardly once redirected. The ramp 24 may be constructed from durable materials which may include molded plastic or metal, or some other suitable material. The ramp 24 may have smooth surfaces to minimize friction for consistent ball travel. For instance, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 2 may depict the ramp 24 in its normal resting stowed position 20. In this position 20, the ramp 24 does not interfere with the default path 10 to the drain 12. FIG. 3 illustrates the deployed position 22. Here, the ramp 24 is pivoted to form an upward guided path 34.

[0024] In some embodiments, the pinball machine may include a timing circuit 41, as shown in FIG. 3. This circuit 41 can be operatively connected to the actuator 16. The timing circuit 41 can be implemented via a microcontroller and may also use a simple analog timer in the game's control system. The circuit 41 may be configured to automatically return the reconfigurable guide structure 18 to the stowed position 20. This return can occur after a predefined duration which is, for example, typically a few seconds. The timed reset may condition that the ball save is a temporary feature in the duration of the overall game play.

[0025] In some embodiments, triggering the deployed position 22 of the reconfigurable guide structure 18 may be designed in a specific way. Passage of the ball between the flipper assemblies 4 and 6 can require manual actuation of at least one flipper assembly 4 and 6 to an upward orientation. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, this may involve a user player holding the left-side flipper assembly 4 upward relative to a player-facing orientation. It can create a temporary gap between the left flipper 4 and the right flipper 6. This gap allows the ball to pass through the space 38 between the flipper assemblies 4 and 6. Alternatively, the ball save system 11 can be adapted so that the ball re-enters the playfield 2 without necessitating the left flipper 4 to be held up, or either or both flippers 4 and 6. The ball save system 11 may require holding the right flipper 6 upward instead, or a combination of both flippers 4 and 6. This may be achieved through adjustments in the ramp 24 positioning, angle, or extension length. Such variations can allow game designers to tailor the difficulty and interactivity.

[0026] In some embodiments, the stowed position 20 of the reconfigurable guide structure 18 may be engineered to eliminate any low-point depression, wherein such a depression could inadvertently trap the ball. In the resting stowed position 20 shown in FIG. 2, the ramp 24 design may comprise a flat or upward-curving profile to promote free ball movement and reduce the risk of jams. Such jams could disrupt gameplay or require maintenance of the pinball machine.

[0027] In some embodiments, the activation device 32 may preferably include a solenoid assembly 30, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. This assembly 30 can mechanically deploy the reconfigurable guide structure 18 upon triggering. The reconfigurable guide structure 18 can shift from a stowed position 20 where it may allow unimpeded ball drainage to the drain 12. The reconfigurable guide structure 18 can also shift to a deployed position 22 where it may create a redirecting upward guide path 34. The path 34 can route the ball upwardly from the outlane 8 through a space 38 between the pair of flippers 4 and 6 and reintroduce the ball to the playfield 2. In some embodiments, the reconfigurable guide structure 18 may be a pivotally mounted ramp 24 which can rotate into and out of the deployed position 22 and form the redirecting upward guide path 34 with minimal energy input.

[0028] Some embodiments may include a reset timer 40. This timer 40 can be linked to the activation device 32 and may be operable to revert the reconfigurable guide structure 18 to the stowed position 20. This reversion can occur after a set interval or may mirror the game play's timing circuit 41 for consistent behavior. In either alternative, the deployed position 22 may permit ball passage between the flippers 4 and 6. This passage can be independent of flipper 4 and 6 position, which may be ideal for beginner-friendly games. Alternatively, the reset timer 40 can require elevation of one of the flippers, e.g., the right-side flipper 6, and this elevation may facilitate ball transit.

[0029] A method of implementing a ball save system 11 as described in a pinball machine may comprise several sequential steps, as shown in FIG. 4. A first step 401 may comprise sensing the presence of a ball in (or approaching) the outlane 8. This sensing may occur via a ball sensor 14. A second step 402 may comprise energizing an actuator 16 based on the sensing of the presence of the ball. A third step 403 may comprise transitioning a reconfigurable guide structure 18 from a stowed position 20, where the ball may proceed unopposed to the drain 12, to a deployed position 22. Transitioning the reconfigurable guide structure 18 may occur via the actuator 16. A fourth step 404 may comprise channeling the ball along the reconfigurable guide structure 18 while in the deployed position 22 such that the reconfigurable guide structure 18 may direct the ball upwardly from the outlane 8 on an upward guide path 34. The ball may pass between the flippers 4 and 6 and resume gameplay on the playfield 2.

[0030] In some embodiments, the method may be augmented by automatically reverting the reconfigurable guide structure 18 according to a reset timer 40. A final step 405 may comprise reverting the reconfigurable guide structure 18 to the stowed position 20 and may occur upon expiration of a timed period, if such a time period is determined to have expired. In such an embodiment, the actuator 16 may automatically revert the reconfigurable guide structure 18 to the stowed position 20 and regular game play will resume.

[0031] In a manual application, channeling the ball to allow passage and re-entry into game play may incorporate requiring user input to position at least one flipper 4 and 6 upwardly to open a pathway between the flippers 4 and 6. Alternatively, the user input may position both flippers 4 and 6 upwardly in coordination to achieve various game play maneuvers.

[0032] In some embodiments, transitioning the reconfigurable guide structure 18 may involve pivoting the guide structure 18 around an axis 26 to effect the deployed position 22. This motion can be both mechanically simple and visually engaging for players. Further, the method can include designing the reconfigurable guide structure 18 such that the stowed position 20 avoids formation of a ball-trapping recess.

[0033] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.