US4516781A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Dart game with two microcomputers
Assignee: INDUSTRIAL DESIGN ELECTRONIC ASSOCIATES Inc
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Filing: 1982-11-17
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Granted: 1985-05-14
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Expires: 2002-11-17
Abstract
Abstract A novel dart game which allows one or more players to participate and which has a dart board mounted over a matrix switch and with segments to actuate the matrix switch when struck by a dart thrown by a player and which uses a first microcomputer to scan the matrix switch to detect where the dart struck the dart board and a second microcomputer which performs numerous functions such as totalizing the score for each player, actuating indicators which inform the players of the conditions and score of the game for each player. The novel dart board is formed with movable segments which are guided by guide ribs so as to provide smooth and accurate response of the segments to darts received on the board.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald P. DeVale
- 👤 Robert J. Brejcha
- 👤 Robert W. Van Naarden
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 08:06
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41J; F41J3/00; F41J3/0009; F41J3/0033; F41J3/0042; F41J5/00; F41J5/04; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S273/00; Y10S273/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A dart game comprising a segmented dart target, a switch matrix associated with said segmented dart target, a first microcomputer connected to said switch marix and continuously scanning said matrix, a second microcomputer connected to said first microcomputer, a scoring indicator connected to said second microcomputer, means within said second microcomputer for controlling said first and second microcomputers so that they can operate together, including a game selector switch connected to said second microcomputer, including a plurality of indicator lights connected to said second microcomputer, and wherein said segmented dart target is formed with segments with holes for receiving darts and feet attached to said segments and moveable to close selected ones of said matrix switches when a dart strikes a segment, wherein said continuous scanning of said matrix by said first microprocessor prevents any double scoring.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
A dart game comprising a segmented dart target, a switch matrix associated with said segmented dart target, a first microcomputer connected to said switch marix and continuously scanning said matrix, a second microcomputer connected to said first microcomputer, a scoring indicator connected to said second microcomputer, means within said second microcomputer for controlling said first and second microcomputers so that they can operate together, including a game selector switch connected to said second microcomputer, including a plurality of indicator lights connected to said second microcomputer, and wherein said segmented dart target is formed with segments with holes for receiving darts and feet attached to said segments and moveable to close selected ones of said matrix switches when a dart strikes a segment, wherein said continuous scanning of said matrix by said first microprocessor prevents any double scoring.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A dart game according to claim 1 wherein said switch matrix can be removed from said segmented dart target so that broken tips of darts can be removed from said segments.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A dart game according to claim 1 wherein said segmented dart target comprises a frame in which said segments are moveably mounted.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A dart game according to claim 3 including guide ribs mounted between said frame and said segments.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A dart game according to claim 3 wherein if a dart strikes a dart in said target and is deflected to a second segment said first microcomputer will score a hit in said second segment.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
A dart game according to claim 3 wherein a dart which engages one of said segments will cause only a single score to be recorded, even if the dart becomes disengaged after hitting the segment.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A dart game according to claim 1 including a coin receiver connected to said microcomputer.
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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) | 1988-05-13 | 1988-11-12 | 1989-05-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-05-13 | 1992-11-12 | 1993-05-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-05-13 | 1996-11-12 | 1997-05-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |