Tilting play feature for a pinball game
AssigneeWilliams Electronics Games, Inc.
InventorsMark D. Ritchie, John W. Skalon
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The play feature of the invention consists of an inclined ramp mounted for tilting motion along a single axis. A reversible electric motor, controlled by the flipper buttons, can pivot the ramp in either direction about the axis. The player, by manipulating the flipper buttons, controls the tilting of the ramp thereby to control the path of travel taken by the ball as it rolls down the ramp. The ramp is provided with a plurality of bumpers, roll over switches and out holes that allow the player to score points if the player traverses the ramp in the manner directed by the game program.
Claims9
A play feature for a pinball game having an inclined playfield supporting a plurality of other play features and a rolling ball, comprising:
- a) an inclined ramp having an inlet end and an outlet end for supporting a ball as it rolls from the inlet end to the outlet end;
- b) means supporting said ramp for pivoting motion about an axis;
- c) means for pivoting said ramp about said axis in two directions;
- and
- d) means operated by the player for controlling the means for pivoting thereby to control the path of travel of the ball as it rolls from the inlet end to the outlet end.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.