Amusement game involving rolling balls to target on rotating horizontal wheel

Abstract

An amusement game comprising a base and a wheel mounted on the base for rotation and a drive motor to rotate the wheel, and the wheel has a target aperture and a barrier around the periphery to prevents balls that have been introduced to the wheel from falling off, and a propulsion device that, when aligned with a ball near the edge of the wheel, can propel the ball toward the target aperture so that it may fall through the aperture and be awarded to a player, and after a ball has been awarded, a new ball is introduced to the wheel from a ball reservoir.

Description

Amusement Game Involving Rolling Balls to Target on Rotating Horizontal Wheel

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This Application claims the benefit of the filing Date of U.S. Application No. 63.527,155 that was filed on July 17, 2023.

[0003] Background of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an amusement game that will award a prize in response to the exercise of skill of a player. Such game machines are commonly located in family fun centers, arcades and may be located at street locations that do not require an attendant that can manage the game.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The amusement game disclosed and described herein is directed to a rotating wheel enclosed in cabinet having a transparent window. The wheel is a flat planar structure that serves as playfield and is configured to rotate in a horizonal plane. There is a cylindrical sidewall or annular rail around the wheel’s circumference which is preferably attached to the wheel. The wheel has a central opening that connects the top of the wheel to a passage, through the wheel and ends in a prize access area. A sensor is provided to detect items such as balls that may fall through the central opening. The wheel is posited above a base platformand rests on a series of rollers, one which is powered by a motor that drives the wheel at a constant speed. At a location close to the center pf the wheel, there are a series of fixed upright stabilizer bars that keep the axis of the wheel at a fixed position. In an embodiment, around the periphery of the wheel are a series of home positions, wherein each home position is defined by a concave depression near the edge of the wheel and the depression has a dimension that is slightly larger than a spherical cap dimension of a balls that are used in the game. As the wheel is rotated, balls that are located in these home positions pass by a propulsion device such as a striker assembly which may include a hammer element that is positioned at a fixed position with respect to the rotation of the wheel. The hammer can be activated by player to cause the hammer to strike a ball, turning with the wheel, that is near the edge of the wheel and cause it to roll in the direction of the central axis defined by the wheel and the central opening or target aperture. If the player correctly times the activation of the propulsion device as, it will engage the ball as the wheel passes by the propulsion device and propel the ball toward the center of the wheel.

[0007] The object of the game is to time the strike of the ball so it will roll across the rotating wheel and fall into the central opening. If the ball falls into the central opening, it is detected by the sensor as it passes through a passage and a chute directs the ball to an access area where it is awarded as a prize to the player.If the ball misses the central opening, the ball will eventually be forced to the edge of the wheel by centripetal force and be guided to an open home position. The ball is prevented from falling off the wheel by a barrier such as rail attached to the wheel. In another embodiment, the barrier can be fixed outside of the wheel. In embodiments, the ball will stop rolling on the surface of the wheel near the periphery when it is seated in a concave spherical depression. In alternative embodiments, an annular groove is provided near the circumference of the wheel and balls that are on the rotating will be directed to the groove. In yet further embodiments, a series of radial grooves or channels are provided near the periphery that stop the balls from rolling along the wheel surface as the wheel rotates. When a ball leaving the playfield is detected by the sensors, a replacement ball is substituted on the playfield that is in communication with a hopper or ball reservoir. In embodiments the hopper is located above the playfield and balls are directed from the hopper to the playfield on the wheel using a chute.

[0008] In an embodiment, the balls that are awarded are inflated at a relatively high pressure and have a high impact bounce. In alternative contemplated embodiments, the game may use other balls such as tennis balls, baseballs, wiffle balls, mini-basketballs, golf balls, or ping pong balls. In embodiments, the impact portion of the striker can resemble a thematic elementsuch as a baseball bat, tennis racquet, ping pong paddle, golf club head, boxing glove, shoe, or other element.

[0009] The diameter of central opening on playfield is sized slightly larger than the diameter of the ball that is selected for use in the game. In embodiments, different grommets are provided to allow the operator to alter the size of the central opening to accommodate different sized balls and make the play of the game easier or more difficult to win. In a further embodiment, the speed of the wheel can be adjusted by the game operator to make the game easier or more difficult to win. In yet further embodiments, a bonus condition is signaled to a player and, if a player successfully times the impact of the striker element with a ball to cause it to fall through the center opening a bonus is awarded. The bonus can be in the form of tickets, free plays, gift cards or other prizes. A bonus condition may also comprise slowing the speed of rotation of the wheel or increasing the circumference of the central circular opening for a player turn. A bonus condition may be activated in response to a predetermined number of unsuccessful plays, and may be activated when two or more consecutive successful plays have been executed.

[0010] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of the game assembly of a first embodiment of the invention.

[0012] Fig. 2 is right side view in elevation of the game of Fig. 1.

[0013] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the game of Fig. 1.

[0014] Fig. 4 is a left side view in elevation of the game of Fig. 1

[0015] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the base of the game of Fig. 1 viewed from the front of the game that shows the right side.

[0016] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the base section of the game of Fig. 1 viewed from the left side that also shows the rear.

[0017] Fig. 7 is a front perspective view of the upper section of the cabinet game of Fig. 1 showing the left side and a portion of the lower ball chute.

[0018] Fig. 8 is a front view in elevation of the upper section of the game of Fig. 1 showing a portion of the lower ball chute.

[0019] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the playfield and the floor of the upper section of the cabinet.

[0020] Fig. 10 is a further perspective view of the playfield wheel and the floor of the upper section of the cabinet depicting a motor, playfield wheel rollers and a ball sensor. .

[0021] Fig. 11 is a view in elevation of the playfield wheel and the floor of the upper section of the cabinet depicting a motor, playfield wheel rollers and a ball sensor. .

[0022] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the upper cabinet.

[0023] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a ball striker.

[0024] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the upper cabinet assembly.

[0025] Fig. 15 is a side view in elevation of a ball supply chute.

[0026] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the ball supply chute of Fig. 15.

[0027] Fig. 17 is a schematic view of striker embodiment in the shape of a racquet.

[0028] Fig. 18 is a schematic view of striker embodiment in the shape of a bat.

[0029] Fig. 19 is a schematic view of striker embodiment in the shape of a golf club.

[0030] Fig. 20 is a schematic view of the electronics of the invention.

[0031] Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

[0032] Now referring to Fig. 1, game unit 101 includes a top portion 103 having transparent window 105 and a bottom portion 105 that includes a ball access area 155. At the center of the upper cabinet striker assembly 110 is positioned to have its impact element 112 above playfield wheel 120 and can engage a ball, such as ball 127. that is located on the edge of the playfield. A score board 125 comprising an LED display is located inside cabinet 103 that providesscore information, game instructions and will signal to player the existence of bonus condition. An illuminated sign 160 is provided above upper cabinet 103 along with loudspeakers 305 and 306 to attract players to the game and provide audio signals regarding he game conditions and instructions. Hopper 155 is provided at the top of upper cabinet 103 to hold a supply of balls that can be introduced to the playfield of the game to replace a ball that has been awarded. As best seen in Fig. 3, hopper 155 can be accessed by secure door 307.

[0033] Referring now to Fig. 2, as seen in the side view, a ball supply chute 138 is provided on the side of the upper cabinet 103 that is in communication with hopper 155. When the game controller or solenoid activator switch 205 is activated, a solenoid will cause a ball propulsion device such as a striker element to move toward the central opening or circular aperture 125. On the rear of upper cabinet 103 one or more LED displays are provided, such as display 125, that provides instructions for the game, displays game bonus conditions, and provides game play data such as attempts made in a player’s turn, attempts left in a player’s turn, and successful plays.

[0034] As best seen in Fig. 3, the center of the playfield wheel 120 has a circular aperture 125 that is sized to allow a ball to pass though. In embodiments, interchangeable circular disks having different dimensions of a central aperture are provided to allow an operator to change the size of the centralaperture of the game. By providing different disks with different sized central openings, the operator can adjust the machine to alter the ease of play of the machine or alter the machine to accommodate different size balls. Fig. 3 also shows striking element 110 positioned in the center of the front of upper cabinet 125 that is enclosed by transparent windows. Balls that have been introduced to wheel 120 will move to wheel edge 123 of wheel 120 and pass by striker 110 as the wheel rotates.

[0035] As seen in Fig. 4, when a ball passes through the central aperture it is directed down a first lower chute 410 that is defined by rails 415 and 416 and a third rail (not seen). Chute 410 directs the balls to second lower chute 420 that directs the balls to access area 164. As the ball passes through the lower chute 410 it is detected by sensor 450 and a signal is sent to a controller to activate the release motor on the upper chute 138. In embodiments, sensor 450 is a light source and photodetector and the ball passes by a light curtain.

[0036] Referring to Fig. 5, located on the center of the front side of the lower portion of the cabinet is ball retention area 164 which may be configured as an access area where balls that have passed through central aperture 125 of playfield wheel 120 are directed. In embodiments, the balls from retention area may be transported back to the hooper for replay using a transport assembly (not shown). In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 5, a dollar bill acceptor 505 and acoin acceptor 508 are provided on the front panel of the cabinet to accept a credit and allow player access to the game. In alternative embodiments, the game may be provided with prepaid card readers, credit card readers, or other payment methods such as Apple pay. The front of the cabinet also has a series of gift card dispensers wherein, in embodiments, when a player achieves a bonus, such as successfully playing the game wherein a predetermined number of a balls are sequentially played and enter the central aperture in a row, a high value gift card is provided. This feature tends to increase interest and play of the game. As seen in Fig. 6 balls that have been directed from chute 410 will enter chute 420 through opening 550. Also seen are the rear portions of the currency acceptor 505 and coin acceptor 508 that extend into the cabinet. Below the coin or token acceptor 508 is a reservoir (not shown) that collects coins or token that have been inserted into the coin acceptor and accepted as genuine.

[0037] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the upper cabinet components that include wheel 120 through which center opening 125 is provided. Surrounding opening 125 is an annular ring 127 that can be removed and be substituted with annular rings that have different sized central openings. At wheel edge 123 transparent rim 710 extends perpendicular to the wheel and serves to maintain the balls on playfield wheel 120. The top surface of the device (not shown in Fig. 7) has access door 307 that can be secured and allows for theintroduction of balls into hopper 155. Loudspeakers 305 and 306 are mounted on top surface 315. Rails 416 and 417 guides balls from central aperture 125 to the lower cabinet and access area. A vibratory motor 175 is connected to the floor of hopper 155 to keep the balls from sticking together due to static electricity or other force and which facilitates the travel of the balls to chute top portal 1501 as depicted in Fig. 16.

[0038] Fig. 8 depicts rear display panel 135 that includes information on a bonus status that may be made available to players that successfully play the game. In an embodiment, when a player times the activation of the striker on three consecutive turns to cause three balls to sequentially enter the central aperture 125, a bonus is awarded in the form of a gift card. When the game is activated, field 830 will display the number of turns that are provided in return for the player credit. Field 821 is illumined to signal the terms of a bonus that is awarded. After a first ball is detected that has passed through the central aperture, field 823 is illuminated to communicate that a first ball has been detected as having passed through the central aperture and the player’s next turn will be an attempt to have two successful plays in a row. After two successful plays in sequence, field 825 is illuminated that signals that the player is now attempting three wins in a row and the bonus may be awarded. If the player makes three successful plays in sequence, a light display and an audio effect is initiated to signal that a player has won abonus. In the embodiment depicted, a gift card dispenser light on the front of the cabinet is illuminated signaling that a player can access a gift card. Field 835 displays the number of shots that a player has successfully executed in a row and field 830 shows the number of shots remaining in the game. As a player inserts currency or coins into the game, the number of shots or attempts will be tracked by display 830. As shots are executed, display 830 counts down the number of remaining shots.

[0039] The structure of playfield wheel 120 and its components are illustrated in Figs. 9-12. The wheel is positioned on a series of wheel bearings that are provided on floor 350 of the upper cabinet that allows the wheel to rotate around the stabilizing posts 920, 921, 922 and 923 and the central aperture 125. As the wheel turns, balls, such as ball 150, on the wheel will roll to the periphery of the wheel and contact rail 123 and they stop rolling away from the center axis of the wheel. In embodiments, an annular groove or a small concave depression is provided on the wheel surface to maintain the balls at fixed locations on the wheel as the wheel rotates. Extending from the bottom of floor 350 are three rails 415, 416 and 417 that are located below the central aperture 125 and serve to guide balls that have fallen through the aperture 125 and enter lower vertical chute 410.Referring now to Fig. 10, wheel 120 rests on a series of wheel bearings, such as wheel bearings 1050, 1051 and 1503 that support the wheel and allow the wheel torotate around the posts that are located near the center of wheel 120. Wheel 120 is powered by stepper motor 1020 that is attached to floor 350 and, as best seen in Fig. 11, drive wheel 1160 of motor 1005 engages annular ring 1155 that is attached to the bottom surface of wheel 120 to propel the wheel. Also attached to surface 350 is solenoid 1005 that is designed to engage the lower portion 1312 of striker 110. Referring now to Fig. 13, when the solenoid 1005 is activated, its plunger will hit a lower side of the striker 110 causing it to pivot and its upper head section 1305 to move towards the wheel. If a ball is opposite the head section 1305 when the solenoid is activated, the striker head 1305 will hit the ball and propel it towards the center of the wheel. If the activation of the solenoid is not timed correctly and the ball is not directly aligned with the striker head, the striker may cause the ball to roll from its position against the rail but may miss the center of the target.

[0040] Fig. 11 presents another view of the wheel assembly including annular ring 1155 that is attached to bottom of wheel 120 that is engaged by the drive wheel 1160 of motor 1005. Four roller bearings 1050, 1051, 1053 and 1054 support wheel 120 and allow it to rotate with limited friction. As seen in Fig. 12, the bottom surface 355 of floor 350, a detector 1215 is provided that will detect any balls that pass through central aperture 125 and down the chute to the lower cabinet. In the embodiment depicted the detector includes a light source 1218 and aphotodetector 1220, wherein as balls pass by the light curtain created by the light source, a signal that is sent to a central controller from photodetector 1220 is interrupted. In embodiments other detection devices may be used including mechanical devices that physically sense a ball passing though the lower chute and generate a signal.

[0041] An exemplary striker is depicted in Fig. 13 which includes an upper hammer element 1305, pivot location 1309 and base section 1313. When the base section is struck by the plunger of a solenoid, the upper section will swing in the opposite direction. Alternative striker assemblies 1701, 1801 and 1801 are depicted in Figs. 17, 18 and 19 that each use a rack and pinion gear arrangement to translate the motion of a solenoid to a striker head. In Fig. 17 solenoid 1713 drives rack gear 1711 which turns pinion gear 1707 to rotate arm 1705 on which racquet element 1703 is positioned to engage a ball on a wheel. In Fig. 18 striker assembly 1801 includes solenoid 1813 that drives rack gear 1811 which turns pinion gear 1801 to rotate arm 1005 on which bat element 1803 is positioned. Portions of the respective propulsion assembly are enclosed in case 1810. The striker assembly 1901 of Fig. 18 includes solenoid 1913 that drives rack gear 1911 which turns pinion gear 1901 to rotate arm 1905 on which gold club element 1903 is positioned. In other embodiments, balls on the wheel may be propelled using othermeans such as providing a player access to a plunger element as used on pinball machines or a blast of compressed air may be released.

[0042] Now referring back to Fig. 14, a ball introduction chute 1415 is depicted that is located on the left side of upper cabinet 103. As depicted balls 1450 and 1451 are located in the chute above the play wheel 120. Balls enter the structure from hopper 155 through opening 1405. As seen in Fig. 15, the ball introduction chute includes ball introduction regulator motor 1435 that controls gate 1462 by belt 1429. As motor 1435 turns, gate 1462 will pivot on bracket 1468 at location 1465 and raise up until ball engagement element 1460 is above the circumference of the ball which allows the ball to fall through opening 1470 to lower region 1480 wherein it will contact ball dampening member 1470 and roll onto the wheel. As seen in Fig. 16, the balls such as ball 1550, enter the chute through portal 1501 and are held in the chute by rails 1520, 1522, 1524 and 1526. Gate 1462 is attached to gear 1415 which is turned by belt 1448 that is connected to chute motor 1435 that allows for the release of one ball time.

[0043] Fig. 20 is a schematic view of the electronics that are used in an exemplary embodiment. Power source 2050 provides power for CPU 2030 that controls the operation of the device and provides power for the various components of the game. CPU 2030 in communication with the credit acceptor505 and coin acceptor 508, and depending on the amount detected, will providethe number of turns that a player can operate the solenoid activator switch 205 to activate the striker solenoid 1005. In the event of a successful play that causes a ball to fall through the central opening, sensor 201 will transmit a signal to CPU 2030. Upon the detection of a ball, CPU 2030 will illuminate the appropriate bonus display and signal the top chute motor 1435 to operate and introduce another ball to the wheel. The wheel motor 1020 is also controlled by CPU 20 which maintains the rotation of wheel at constant speed. The CPU also intermittently actives the vibratory motor 175 on the hopper based upon predetermined instructions. In the event that a bonus is awarded in the form of a gift card, the bonus indicator 527 is illuminated and the bonus distribution motor may be activated. Upon the award of a bonus, a light display 135 and sound effects 2005 are also activated to signal to the player that the bonus has been awarded. The game also includes a tilt sensor 2080 that detects if the game is subject to shaking or lifting which may reflect a player trying to cheat. If the tilt is detected, the wheel motor is shut down, an access door to the ball access area is closed and the bonus sequence is deactivated and the game credit is resent to zero. In embodiments, the can be game can be restarted after a predetermined time wherein the access door is opened, the wheel motor is again activated and the game will accept new credits to play. In embodiments, a signal is sent to the game operator that can then physically reset the game.

[0044] All descriptions, embodiments, illustrations, depictions, drawings, features, and features made herein are for the purpose of revealing the invention and are not intended to limit the scope and application of the invention which is defined in the appended claims. The above-described embodiments are intended to be illustrative in all respects, rather than restrictive, of the embodiments. Thus, the embodiments are capable of many variations in detailed implementation that can be derived from the description contained herein by a person skilled in the art. No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the embodiments unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more items. Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not to be limited to the specific examples presented and that modifications and other examples are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing description and the associated drawings describe examples of the present disclosure in the context of certain illustrative combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative implementations without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An amusement game comprising a base and a wheel mounted on said base for rotation and a drive motor to rotate said wheel, said wheel having a target aperture through said wheel, and a barrier around the periphery of said wheel, and a propulsion device configured to propel balls that are located near the edge of said wheel to cause them to travel along the top surface of said wheel in the direction of said target aperture.

2. The amusement game as recited in claim 1 wherein said top surface of said wheel is flat and is mounted for rotation in a horizonal plane.

3. The amusement game as recited in claim 1 further comprising controller, and in communication with said controller, a credit detector, a display, a ball detector, and a ball introduction distributor to introduced new balls to the top surface of said wheel, wherein said ball detector is positioned to detect balls that fall though aid target aperture and send a signal to said central controller, and said introduction distributor comprise a motor connected to a gates and said motor is controlled by said central controller, and in response to the detection of a ball, said controller send a signal to said introduction distributor to release a new ball to said wheel, and in response to the detection of a credit, said controller activates said ball propulsion device.

4. The amusement game recited in claim 3, further comprising a ball reservoir and a ball introduction device is provided balls from said reservoir.

5. The amusement game of claim 1 wherein said ball propulsion device further comprises a control switch, a solenoid and a striker element wherein, in response to a signal from said control switch said striker element is propelled by said solenoid.

6. The amusement game of claim 1 wherein said target aperture is located at the center of said wheel.

7. The amusement game recited in claim 3 wherein said wheel is surrounded by a cabinet comprising a transparent window that allows for the observation of said wheel.

8. The amusement game recited in claim 3 further comprising a chute that directs balls from said aperture to ball retention area.

9. The amusement game recited in claim 8 wherein said retention area is accessible to a player.

10. The amusement game as recited in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of annular disks that can be received on said wheel to alter the size of said target aperture.

11. The amusement game recited in claims 3 further comprising a bonus prize dispenser and said controller is configured to activate said dispenser upon the detection of three consecutive turns that resulted in a ball falling through said aperture.

12. An amusement game comprising a cabinet containing a wheel having an central opening, said wheel in communication with a motor that drives said wheel at a constant speed, a barrier that prevents balls from falling off said wheel, a reservoir to store balls above said wheel,an upper chute that can receive balls from said reservoir and deliver them to said wheel, said upper chute comprising a gate that can be opened and closed by motor in communication with a central controller, at least one ball propulsion device located near the edge of said wheel with a switch configured to activated by a player of the game, wherein the activation of said propulsion device when a ball on said wheel is in proximity to said propulsion device and said device is activate, said propulsion device will impose a force on said ball causing it to roll away from said propulsion device, and a lower chute, said lower chute positioned to direct balls that have passed through said central opening to an access area, and a ball detector that detect balls that have passed through said chute and send a signal to said controller, and a credit detector, that in response to the detection of a valid credit, will activate the switch of said propulsion device, and a display, that publishes information comprising game status.

13. The amusement device recited in Claim 12, wherein the top surface of said wheel is planar.

14. The amusement device recited in Claim 12, wherein said wheel is rotated a horizontal plane.

15. The amusement device recited Clam 12, where said barrier is attached to said wheel.

16. The amusement game recited in Claims 12 further comprising a plurality of balls.

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