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US 5,358,241 AGranted
Helical monorail ramp for a pinball game
AssigneeWilliams Electronics Games, Inc.
InventorsPython V. Anghelo, Raymond J. Czajka
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The ramp consists of a wire rail formed as a helix. The rail extends between a first elevation where the ball enters the ramp to a second, lower elevation where the ball exits the ramp. A straight rail extends through the center of the helical rail for the length thereof. The helical rail is dimensioned such that the distance between it and straight rail is less than the diameter of the ball. As a result, the ball will contact both the straight rail and helical rail simultaneously as it rolls down the helical rail by the force of gravity.
Claims7
A play feature for a pinball game, comprising:
- a) a rolling ball;
- b) a first surface for supporting the rolling ball;
- c) a second surface for supporting the rolling ball disposed below the first surface;
- d) a straight rail extending substantially from the first surface to the second surface;
- and
- e) a helical rail surrounding said straight rail, said helical rail being spaced from said straight rail such that the transverse distance between the straight rail and the helical rail is less than the diameter of the ball, the ball being suspended between and in rolling contact with said first and second rails.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.