US4360203A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rollover switch for pinball game
Assignee: D GOTTLIEB & Co A CORP OF IL
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Filing: 1980-09-08
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Granted: 1982-11-23
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Expires: 2000-09-08
Abstract
Abstract A rollover switch for pinball game includes a yieldable, and preferably elastic surface deformable between a position substantially level with the playfield surface and a position above the playfield surface. In one embodiment, the elastic surface is defined by a plurality of members connected by a hinge to support structure. The support structure defines a periphery, and the members extend inwardly from the hinged periphery. A plunger is provided to engage switch contacts as the members are advanced about the hinged connection. In another embodiment, the elastic surface is defined by a stretchable membrane which is deformable between a position substantially flush with the surface of the playfield and a position above the playfield.
Inventors
- 👤 Roman F. Garbark
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 13:17
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F7/00; A63F7/22; A63F7/30; A63F7/305; A63F7/3065
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 55
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
A ball actuated rollover switch for a shaped opening in a playfield of a pinball game, comprising: (a) a plurality of yieldable surface-defining members which define the yieldable surface to be deformable between first and second shapes upon ball engagement with said surface, thereby to provide a surface region which travels in a direction substantially normal to the playfield a detectable distance upon ball engagement with said surface; (b) structure configured to fit into said shaped opening for firmly supporting the periphery of said members at the level of the playfield ; and (c) a detector disposed with respect to said surface for detecting said surface region travelling said detectable distance.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
A ball actuated rollover switch for a shaped opening in a playfield of a pinball game, comprising: (a) a plurality of yieldable surface-defining members which define the yieldable surface to be deformable between first and second shapes upon ball engagement with said surface, thereby to provide a surface region which travels in a direction substantially normal to the playfield a detectable distance upon ball engagement with said surface; (b) structure configured to fit into said shaped opening for firmly supporting the periphery of said members at the level of the playfield ; and (c) a detector disposed with respect to said surface for detecting said surface region travelling said detectable distance.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
118 words
A ball actuable rollover switch for a shaped opening in a playfield of a pinball game, comprising: (a) a plurality of yieldable surface-defining members which define the yieldable surface to have a surface region movable in a direction substantially normal to the playfield between a first non-ball engaged position to a second ball engaged position, said second ball engaged position being substantially level with the playfield surface to thereby minimize ball deflection upon such engagement; (b) structure configured to fit into said shaped opening for firmly supporting the periphery of said members at the level of the playfield; and (c) a detector disposed with respect to said surface for detecting said surface region moving to said second position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
118 words
A ball actuable rollover switch for a shaped opening in a playfield of a pinball game, comprising: (a) a plurality of yieldable surface-defining members which define the yieldable surface to have a surface region movable in a direction substantially normal to the playfield between a first non-ball engaged position to a second ball engaged position, said second ball engaged position being substantially level with the playfield surface to thereby minimize ball deflection upon such engagement; (b) structure configured to fit into said shaped opening for firmly supporting the periphery of said members at the level of the playfield; and (c) a detector disposed with respect to said surface for detecting said surface region moving to said second position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The switch according to claim 1 wherein said ball engagement shape is a substantially planar shape substantially level with the playfield surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The switch according to claim 1 wherein said first shape is defined by said surface region elevated above said playfield and said second shape is a substantially planar shape substantially level with said playfield.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The switch according to claims 1 or 2 wherein said detector includes at least one electrical switch contact.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The switch according to claim 1 wherein said members are resiliently deformable to thereby return said surface region to said first shape after ball engagement with said surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The switch according to claim 1 wherein said members are resiliently deformable to thereby return said surface region to said first position after ball engagement with said surface.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
134 words
A ball actuable rollover switch for a shaped opening in a playfield of a pinball game, comprising: (a) means, including a plurality of members, adapted to be supported with respect to the surface of the pinball game playfield for defining a yieldable surface deformable to provide a surface region movable in a direction substantially normal to the playfield between a position not substantially level with the playfield surface and a position substantially level with the playfield surface; (b) structure configured to fit into said shaped opening for firmly supporting the periphery of said yieldable surface at the level of said playfield; and (c) a set of switch contacts disposed with respect to said surface-defining means to be actuated thereby when the region moves between said positions due to ball engagement with the yieldable surface.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
134 words
A ball actuable rollover switch for a shaped opening in a playfield of a pinball game, comprising: (a) means, including a plurality of members, adapted to be supported with respect to the surface of the pinball game playfield for defining a yieldable surface deformable to provide a surface region movable in a direction substantially normal to the playfield between a position not substantially level with the playfield surface and a position substantially level with the playfield surface; (b) structure configured to fit into said shaped opening for firmly supporting the periphery of said yieldable surface at the level of said playfield; and (c) a set of switch contacts disposed with respect to said surface-defining means to be actuated thereby when the region moves between said positions due to ball engagement with the yieldable surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The rollover switch according to claim 8 wherein said surface-defining means is translucent.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The rollover switch according to claim 9 and further including a light source disposed for illuminating the surface-defining means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The rollover device according to claim 10 wherein said plastic is translucent.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The rollover switch according to claim 8 and including means for urging the yieldable surface-defining means into the non-surface level position.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
44 words
The rollover switch according to claim 8 and including means for urging the yieldable surface-defining means into the non-surface level position with a force of a value which allows ball engagement with the elastic surface to urge the yieldable surface to the surface-level position.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
41 words
The rollover switch according to claim 8 wherein said yieldable surface-defining means comprises a support and a plurality of members connected to the support such that the non-level playfield position defines an overall surface which tapers therefrom toward the playfield surface.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The rollover switch according to claim 13 and including a plurality of hinges connecting said members to said support.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The rollover switch according to claim 8 wherein said surface-defining means comprises a plurality of hingedly connected members which define said yieldable surface.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
30 words
The roll-over switch according to claim 8 and including a plunger commonly engageable with said members for actuating the switch contacts in response to the surface deforming between said positions.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The rollover switch according to claim 16 wherein said plunger includes means for commonly engaging the ends of the members opposite the hinge connections.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The rollover switch according to claim 8 and including a plunger for actuating the switch contacts in response to the surface deforming between said positions.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
The rollover switch according to claim 8 wherein said surface-defining means is elastic, thereby to return said surface region to said non-substantially level position.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
103 words
A ball rollover device for pinball game machine comprising: (a) support structure adapted to be supported by the pinball game playfield; (b) a plurality of surface-defining members extending outwardly from a central region to respective peripheral areas; and (c) means movably connecting the respective surface-defining members to said support structure at the peripheral areas, whereby the plurality of surface-defining members are movable with respect to each other to define an overall elastic surface which is deformable to provide substantially flat and substantially pyramidal shapes; said connecting means being configured to allow said surface defining members to move in response to ball engagement therewith.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
103 words
A ball rollover device for pinball game machine comprising: (a) support structure adapted to be supported by the pinball game playfield; (b) a plurality of surface-defining members extending outwardly from a central region to respective peripheral areas; and (c) means movably connecting the respective surface-defining members to said support structure at the peripheral areas, whereby the plurality of surface-defining members are movable with respect to each other to define an overall elastic surface which is deformable to provide substantially flat and substantially pyramidal shapes; said connecting means being configured to allow said surface defining members to move in response to ball engagement therewith.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
The rollover device according to claim 20 wherein said support structure, said surface-defining members, and said connecting means are unitary.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
15 words
The rollover device according to claim 20 wherein said surface-defining members are formed of plastic.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
39 words
The rollover device according to claim 20 and including: (a) a set of switch contacts; and (b) a plunger movably supported between said contacts and said support structure for urging the surface-defining members into the substantially pyramidal surface configuration.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
The rollover device according to claim 20 wherein said connecting means is a hinge.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
26 words
The rollover device according to claim 20 and including a plunger movably supported by the support structure for advancing the members to define the pyramidal shape.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
70 words
The rollover device according to claim 20 wherein said support structure includes first structure adapted to be supported by the playfield and second structure for supporting said members, said first and second structures being respectively of greater and lesser peripheral dimensions to allow the second structure to fit inside the first structure, said second structure including serrated edges adapted to snap-fit and retain the second structure into the first structure.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
98 words
A rollover switch for actuating a detector which includes at least one contact of a set of electrical contacts for a pinball game machine, comprising: (a) support structure adapted to be supported by the pinball game playfield; (b) means, including a plurality of movably supported members, defining an elastic surface deformable between first and second positions; (c) means connecting the surface-defining means to the support structure; and (d) means disposed between the elastic surface-defining means and the detector to effect actuation of the electrical contacts in response to the elastic surface deforming between the first and second positions.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
98 words
A rollover switch for actuating a detector which includes at least one contact of a set of electrical contacts for a pinball game machine, comprising: (a) support structure adapted to be supported by the pinball game playfield; (b) means, including a plurality of movably supported members, defining an elastic surface deformable between first and second positions; (c) means connecting the surface-defining means to the support structure; and (d) means disposed between the elastic surface-defining means and the detector to effect actuation of the electrical contacts in response to the elastic surface deforming between the first and second positions.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
24 words
The rollover switch according to claim 28 wherein the movable means comprises a plunger movably supported between the electrical contacts and the surface-defining means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
13 words
The rollover switch according to claim 28 wherein the surface-defining means is translucent.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
The rollover switch according to claim 28 wherein the connecting means includes a hinge.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
80 words
A ball actuated rollover switch for a playfield of a pinball game, comprising a yieldable surface-defining member which is adapted to be supported with respect to the surface of the pinball game playfield and which defines the yieldable surface to be deformable between first and second shapes upon ball engagement with said member, thereby to provide a surface region which travels a detectable distance upon ball engagement with said member; said member including a plurality of hingedly-connected, relatively flat elements.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
80 words
A ball actuated rollover switch for a playfield of a pinball game, comprising a yieldable surface-defining member which is adapted to be supported with respect to the surface of the pinball game playfield and which defines the yieldable surface to be deformable between first and second shapes upon ball engagement with said member, thereby to provide a surface region which travels a detectable distance upon ball engagement with said member; said member including a plurality of hingedly-connected, relatively flat elements.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
87 words
A ball actuable rollover switch for a playfield of a pinball game, comprising a yieldable surface-defining member which is adapted to be supported with respect to the surface of the pinball game playfield and which defines the yieldable surface to have a surface region movable between a first non-ball engaged position and a second ball engaged position, said second ball engaged position being substantially level with the playfield surface to thereby minimize ball deflection upon such engagement; said member including a plurality of hingedly-connected, relatively flat elements.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
87 words
A ball actuable rollover switch for a playfield of a pinball game, comprising a yieldable surface-defining member which is adapted to be supported with respect to the surface of the pinball game playfield and which defines the yieldable surface to have a surface region movable between a first non-ball engaged position and a second ball engaged position, said second ball engaged position being substantially level with the playfield surface to thereby minimize ball deflection upon such engagement; said member including a plurality of hingedly-connected, relatively flat elements.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
27 words
The rollover switch according to claims 32 or 33 and further including a detector disposed with respect to said member for detecting movement of said surface region.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
16 words
The rollover switch according to claim 34 wherein said detector includes at least one switch contact.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
97 words
A ball actuated rollover switch for a playfield of a pinball game, comprising a yieldable surface-defining member which is adapted to be supported with respect to the surface of the pinball game playfield and which defines the yieldable surface to be deformable between first and second shapes upon ball engagement with said member, thereby to provide a surface region which travels a detectable distance upon ball engagement with said member; said yieldable surface-defining means including a support and a plurality of members connected to the support to define said yieldable surface to taper towards the playfield surface.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
97 words
A ball actuated rollover switch for a playfield of a pinball game, comprising a yieldable surface-defining member which is adapted to be supported with respect to the surface of the pinball game playfield and which defines the yieldable surface to be deformable between first and second shapes upon ball engagement with said member, thereby to provide a surface region which travels a detectable distance upon ball engagement with said member; said yieldable surface-defining means including a support and a plurality of members connected to the support to define said yieldable surface to taper towards the playfield surface.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
108 words
A ball actuable rollover switch for a playfield of a pinball game, comprising a yieldable surface-defining member which is adapted to be supported with respect to the surface of the pinball game playfield and which defines the yieldable surface to have a surface region movable between a first non-ball engaged position to a second ball engaged position, said second ball engaged position being substantially level with the playfield surface to thereby minimize ball deflection upon such engagement; said yieldable surface-defining means including a support and a plurality of members connected to the support such that the first position defines said yieldable surface to taper towards the playfield surface.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
108 words
A ball actuable rollover switch for a playfield of a pinball game, comprising a yieldable surface-defining member which is adapted to be supported with respect to the surface of the pinball game playfield and which defines the yieldable surface to have a surface region movable between a first non-ball engaged position to a second ball engaged position, said second ball engaged position being substantially level with the playfield surface to thereby minimize ball deflection upon such engagement; said yieldable surface-defining means including a support and a plurality of members connected to the support such that the first position defines said yieldable surface to taper towards the playfield surface.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
26 words
The rollover switch according to claim 36 or 37 and including a detector disposed with respect to said member for detecting movement of said surface region.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
92 words
A ball actuable rollover switch for a playfield of a pinball game comprising means adapted to be supported with respect to the surface of the pinball game playfield for defining a yieldable surface deformable to provide a surface region movable between a position not substantially level with the playfield surface and a position substantially level with the playfield surface; said yieldable surface-defining means comprising a support and a plurality of members connected to the support such that the non-level playfield position defines an overall surface which tapers therefrom toward the playfield surface.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
92 words
A ball actuable rollover switch for a playfield of a pinball game comprising means adapted to be supported with respect to the surface of the pinball game playfield for defining a yieldable surface deformable to provide a surface region movable between a position not substantially level with the playfield surface and a position substantially level with the playfield surface; said yieldable surface-defining means comprising a support and a plurality of members connected to the support such that the non-level playfield position defines an overall surface which tapers therefrom toward the playfield surface.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
40 words
The rollover switch according to claim 39 and including a set of switch contacts disposed with respect to said surface-defining means to be actuated thereby when the region moves between said positions due to ball engagement with the yieldable surface.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
97 words
A ball rollover device for pinball game machine comprising: (a) support structure adapted to be supported by the pinball game playfield; (b) a plurality of surface-defining members extending outwardly from a central region to respective peripheral areas; and (c) means movably connecting the respective surface-defining members to said support structure at the peripheral areas; wherein said support structure, said surface-defining members, and said connecting means is unitary, whereby the plurality of surface-defining members are movable with respect to each other to define an overall elastic surface which is deformable to provide substantially flat and substantially pyramidal shapes.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
97 words
A ball rollover device for pinball game machine comprising: (a) support structure adapted to be supported by the pinball game playfield; (b) a plurality of surface-defining members extending outwardly from a central region to respective peripheral areas; and (c) means movably connecting the respective surface-defining members to said support structure at the peripheral areas; wherein said support structure, said surface-defining members, and said connecting means is unitary, whereby the plurality of surface-defining members are movable with respect to each other to define an overall elastic surface which is deformable to provide substantially flat and substantially pyramidal shapes.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
64 words
A ball actuable rollover switch for a playfield of a pinball game comprising a plurality of members adapted to be supported with respect to the surface of the pinball game playfield for defining in combination a yieldable surface deformable to provide a surface region movable between a position not substantially level with the playfield surface and a position substantially level with the playfield surface.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
64 words
A ball actuable rollover switch for a playfield of a pinball game comprising a plurality of members adapted to be supported with respect to the surface of the pinball game playfield for defining in combination a yieldable surface deformable to provide a surface region movable between a position not substantially level with the playfield surface and a position substantially level with the playfield surface.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
41 words
The rollover switch according to claim 42 and including at least one switch contact disposed with respect to said plurality of members to be actuated thereby when the region moves between said positions due to ball engagement with the yieldable surface.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-11-22 | 1986-05-24 | 1986-11-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-11-22 | 1990-05-24 | 1990-11-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-11-22 | 1994-05-24 | 1994-11-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |