Billy C Oliver

US Patent:

57160490, Feb 10, 1998

Filed:

Dec 22, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/577697

Inventors:

James J. Pundzus - Lake Villa IL
John E. Mitchell - Waukegan IL
Billy C. Oliver - Waukegan IL

International Classification:

A63F 730

US Classification:

773118R

Abstract:

A target and associated impact sensing mechanism is provided including a target head above the pinball playing surface which is movable from a first position above the playing surface to a second position above the playing surface upon receiving a sufficient impact force from the pinball. A switch actuator depends from the head and extends below the playing surface in the interior of the pinball machine. A switch has an open state and a closed state with the switch actuator changing the switch from its open state to its closed state as an incident of the movement of the target head from the first position to the second position. A housing mount is provided below the playing surface containing the switch to protect the switch from the environment and to support the target head above the playing surface with the actuator in position to change the switch from its open to its closed state. By containing the switch in the housing mount, the switch is protected from exposure to dust and dirt and the like and thereby more reliably carries current to accurately sense pinball impacts. The housing mount can also be reversible so as to be capable of being mounted in different orientations under the playing surface while maintaining the target head in position to receive pinball impacts providing flexibility in designing the pinball game scheme and layout.