Vertically arranged arcade game
An amusement game such as those found in arcades is disclosed having a housing, player controls, and a playing area surrounded by a transparent housing, the game comprising a vertical array of targets; an actuator movable in X, Y, and Z directions, player controls for moving the actuator in the X and Y directions, means for extending the actuator in the Z direction toward the vertical array of targets, a suction device for adhering the actuator to a target. The actuator moves toward the targets and can remove a target from its position if properly aligned by the player.
1. An amusement game having a housing, player controls, and a playing area surrounded by a transparent housing, the game comprising:
a vertical array of targets;
an actuator movable in X, Y, and Z directions;
player controls for moving the actuator in the X and Y directions;
means for extending the actuator in the Z direction toward the vertical array of targets;
a suction device for adhering the actuator to a target;
means for retracting the actuator once it has adhered to the target to pull the target off its vertical array and into a collection bin; and
a door to access the target within the collection bin.
2. The amusement game of claim 1 wherein the means for extending the actuator is a rack and pinion drive system.
3. The amusement game of claim 2 wherein the rack and pinion drive system is actuated by a motor.
4. The amusement game of claim 1 further comprising a microprocessor that receives input from the player controls and sends signals to move the actuator according to the signals.
5. The amusement game of claim 1 wherein the suction device is a plunger that is connected to a vacuum source.
6. The amusement game of claim 1 wherein the targets are prizes inside containers selected to mate with the suction device.
7. The amusement game of claim 6 wherein the containers are spherical.
8. The amusement game of claim 1 further comprising first and second motors for moving the actuator in the X and Y directions, respectively.
9. The amusement game of claim 1 further comprising a pressure switch that disconnects the suction device once a target is above a collection bin.
10. The amusement game of claim 1 wherein a microprocessor controls movement of the actuator in the X direction and a player controls movement of the actuator in the Y direction.
11. The amusement game of claim 1 wherein the microprocessor controls movement of the actuator in the Y direction and the player controls movement of the actuator in the X direction.
12. The amusement game of claim 1 wherein a player controls movement of the actuator via the player controls in the X and Y directions.
13. The amusement game of claim 1 wherein a prize is connected to a target.