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Title:
COIN PUSHING GAME APPARATUS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2022/118002
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A coin pushing game apparatus (1), comprises a playing surface (2) upon which coins (3) are distributed, a falling edge (4), and a coin reservoir (5) underneath the falling edge (4). Inserted coins are placed into an open upper edge of a pin board (9), where they fall toward the playing surface (2) and a pusher (10) is placed beneath the pin board (9) so as to push coins toward the falling edge (4). One or more agitators (11) are movable between a passive position, and an active position protruding from the playing surface (2). Movement of each agitator (11) is achieved by an actuator (12) in response to a control unit (13) which may be connected to a user input means (14).

Inventors:
STERGIDES JOHN (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2021/053110
Publication Date:
June 09, 2022
Filing Date:
November 29, 2021
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
ELECTROCOIN LEISURE S WALES LTD (GB)
International Classes:
G07F17/32
Foreign References:
EP1205893A12002-05-15
GB2381469A2003-05-07
EP3021298A12016-05-18
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
WILSON GUNN (MANCHESTER) (GB)
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Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A coin pushing game apparatus comprising at least one playing surface, at least one coin insert, a coin distribution means connecting the at least one coin insert and the at least one playing surface, such that the coins inserted into the at least one coin insert are distributed upon the at least one playing surface, a pusher, wherein the pusher and playing surface are movable relative to each other, and at least one agitator disposed within at least one playing surface which is movable from a passive position to an active position, where in the passive position the agitator does not protrude from the playing surface, and in the active position the agitator protrudes from the playing surface.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the or each agitator comprises an actuator operable to drive movement of the or each agitator.

3. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the or each agitator is connected to a control unit operable to control the movement of the agitator between the passive and active position.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein for the or each agitator disposed in a region of the playing surface which is intermittently occluded by the pusher, the control unit is operable to maintain the agitator in the passive position at times when it is occluded by the pusher.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein the control unit is connected to a user input means.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the user input means is operable in response to user actuation to output control signals.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the control unit is operable to control movement of all the agitators in response to control signals.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7 wherein the control unit is operable to control movement of only selected agitators in response to control signals.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 5, 6, 7 or 8 wherein the agitators selected for control are selected randomly.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 6, 7, 8 or 9 wherein the agitators selected for control is determined by the nature of the control signal and/or the nature of the user actuation of the user input means.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the or each agitator may remain in the active or passive position indefinitely before being actuated to the other position.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the or each agitator remains in the active position for an active time interval before reverting to the passive position.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the active time interval may be fixed or variable.

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the fixed period is related to the motion cycle of the pusher and the playing surface.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the active time interval is variable, and the variation of the active time interval is varied randomly or in response to control signals.

16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the active time interval is varied in response to variation in control signals, and the control signals are varied in response to the nature of actuation of the user input means.

17. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the or each agitator has a passive position and multiple active positions within a defined range.

18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the range of active positions is defined by variation in the extent to which the agitator protrudes from the playing surface. 14

19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17 or 18 wherein the or each agitator is continuously variable within the range or is stepped between one or more discrete positions within the range.

20. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein more than one pusher is provided for the playing surface.

21. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the apparatus comprises multiple playing surfaces.

22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein the multiple playing surfaces are arranged in tiers. 23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21 or 22 wherein each playing surface is provided with at least one pusher.

24. An apparatus claimed in claim 21, 22 or 23 wherein there is at least one agitator disposed in each of the playing surfaces.

Description:
COIN PUSHING GAME APPARATUS

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to coin pushing games. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved apparatus for a coin pushing game.

Background to the Invention

Coin pushing games are well known in the art, and commonly comprise a coin insertion means by which a user may insert coins into the apparatus, a playing surface on which coins rest in use, and a pusher, where the pusher and playing surface are movable relative to each other. The pusher may typically comprise a substantially upright surface, and the playing surface may comprise a substantially horizontal surface and the relative motion can move coins on said playing surface. Conventionally, the pusher operates over only part of the playing surface, ‘the intermediate zone’, in order that coins in the intermediate zone are pushed into a ‘holding zone’ within the playing surface, where the coins accumulate. Ultimately, coins can be pushed off a falling edge of the playing surface as winnings to be collected by the user.

In many conventional coin pushing games, playing surfaces are tiered. In such cases, one of the upper playing surfaces lies atop a pusher for a lower playing surface, with any coins falling from the upper playing surface atop the pusher falling onto the lower playing surface, on which the pusher is operable to move the coins. Multiple such tiers of playing surface may be provided.

In some known coin pushing games, there are multiple pushers, operable on the same playing surface where the pushers are horizontally adjacent, or in a manner where a pusher is movable relative to a playing surface which is itself the top surface of another pusher.

The game is played with the goal of inserting a sufficient amount of coins onto the playing surface that the pusher moves the coins on the surface, and pushes them over an edge of the playing surface. In some variations, there are ‘winning’ and ‘losing’ edges, with the coins falling off the ‘winning’ edge being collectible by a user, either for continued play or to keep as winnings. Any coins falling off a ‘losing’ surface will not be available for the user to collect. In known variants, the coins are instead replaced by tokens which function in an analogous manner.

In some cases, small prizes such as toy and keyrings are placed on the surface in addition to the coins, with any prizes which are pushed from the playing surface being kept by the user.

In conventional coin pushing machines, the user has little direct impact on the placement of coins on the playing surface, as the coin insertion means offers little control to the user. Conventionally, the coin insertion means comprises a discrete number of slots in which the coin can be inserted, providing little control to the user. Further, most conventional coin pushing games have a Tivoli-like arrangement through which the coins fall after insertion, further randomising and thus removing control from the user.

In conventional coin pushers, the coins are inserted such that they are upright when they leave the coin insertion means, and thus roll before falling onto the playing surface. This again removes control over the coin placement to the user.

The lack of direct control over the coins (or feeling thereof) can lead to frustration of the user, which may lead to reduced playing time and decreased interest.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate these issues in conventional coin pushing game apparatuses.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coin pushing game apparatus comprising at least one playing surface, at least one coin insert, a coin distribution means connecting the at least one coin insert and the at least one playing surface, such that the coins inserted into the at least one coin insert are distributed upon the at least one playing surface, a pusher, wherein the pusher and playing surface are movable relative to each other, and at least one agitator disposed within at least one playing surface which is movable from a passive position to an active position, where in the passive position the agitator does not protrude from the playing surface, and in the active position the agitator protrudes from the playing surface.

The provision of at least one agitator in at least one playing surface allows for the displacing of coins on that playing surface, adding a further element of skill and player engagement. For example, activating the agitator can displace coins on the playing surface vertically, de-activating the agitator may similarly displace coins, and/or maintaining the agitator in the active position may prevent some coins being moved by the pusher, allowing for stacking or other motions of coins not attainable without the agitator.

The or each agitator may comprise an actuator operable to drive movement of the agitator. The actuator may comprise any suitable device. One example of a suitable device is a solenoid.

The or each agitator may be placed in any position in the playing surface. Where multiple agitators are provided on a playing surface, they may be disposed about the playing surface according to a regular pattern.

The or each agitator may be connected to a control unit. The control unit may be operable to control the movement of the agitator between the passive and active position. In cases where the or each agitator is disposed in a region of the playing surface which is intermittently occluded by the pusher, the control unit may be operable to maintain the agitator in the passive position at times when it is occluded by the pusher. This can prevent a collision between the agitator and pusher.

The control unit may be operable to randomly operate the or each agitator. In some embodiment, the control unit may be connected to user input means. The user input means may be operable in response to user actuation to output control signals. In such embodiments, the control unit may be operable to control movement of the or each agitator in response to said control signals.

The control unit may be operable to control movement of all the agitators in response to control signals. Alternatively, the control unit may be operable to control movement of only selected agitators in response to control signals. The agitators selected for control may be selected randomly. In other embodiments, the agitators selected for control may be determined by the nature of the control signal and/or the nature of the user actuation of the user input means. In such embodiments, selected agitators may be associated with selected user input means such that actuation of said user input means controls movement of said associated agitators. Selection of agitators provides an additional element to the game. This increases user engagement and provides for more satisfying play. Further, when under user control, this increases the ‘re-playability’ and player retention of the game, as the user can now use different tactics in order to achieve better results.

In some embodiments, the or each agitator may remain in the active or passive position indefinitely before being actuated to the other position. In other embodiments, the or each agitator may remain in the active position for an active time interval before reverting to the passive position. The active time interval may be fixed or variable. In some embodiments, the fixed period may be related to the motion cycle of the pusher and the playing surface. Where the active time interval is variable, the variation of the active time interval may be varied randomly or in response to control signals. Where the active time interval is varied in response to variation in control signals, the control signals may be varied in response to the nature of actuation of the user input means. Variation of active time intervals provides an additional element to the game. This increases user engagement and provides for more satisfying play. Further, when under user control, this increases the ‘replayability’ and player retention of the game, as the user can now use different tactics in order to achieve better results.

In some embodiments, the or each agitator may have a passive position and multiple active positions within a defined range. The range of active positions may be defined by variation in the extent to which the agitator protrudes from the playing surface. The or each agitator may be continuously variable within the range or may be stepped between one or more discrete positions within the range. The position of the agitator within the range may be varied randomly or ins response to control signals, where the variation is in response to variation in control signals, the control signals may be varied in response to the nature of actuation of the user input means. Variation of active position provides an additional element to the game. This increases user engagement and provides for more satisfying play. Further, when under user control, this increases the ‘re-playability’ and player retention of the game, as the user can now use different tactics in order to achieve better results.

The user input means may comprise a single device or multiple devices. Suitable input devices include but are not limited to buttons, dials, triggers, switches, touchscreens etc. The skilled person will understand that there are many possible suitable user input devices.

In some embodiments the control signal output by the user input means may be varied in response to the user actuation of the user input means. In this context, the variation in actuation may be variation in duration, force applied or any other parameter detectable by the user input means.

The pusher may comprise a substantially upright surface. Such a surface may be substantially perpendicular to the playing surface or may be provided at an alternative angle to the playing surface. The pusher may comprise a substantially planar surface. In some embodiments, the pusher may be provided with a lip element adjacent to the playing surface. The lip element may be curved.

In some embodiments more than one pusher may be provided for the playing surface. In such embodiments, each pusher may push in the same direction or pushers may push in different directions. In such embodiments, the pushers may be provided adjacent to one another or separated from one another.

The playing surface, in use, may be substantially level. This aids the possibility of coins being moved across the surface under influence of relative motion between the pusher and playing surface. The playing surface may be substantially horizontal. This can aid coins remaining in position on the surface unless under the influence of the pusher/agitator.

The playing surface may comprise a holding zone and an intermediate zone. The intermediate zone may be defined as that portion of the playing surface which can be occluded by the relative motion between the pusher and the playing surface. Coins incident on the intermediate zone may be moved to the holding zone under the influence of the pusher as it occludes the intermediate zone. The holding zone may be provided with one or more falling edges. The or each falling edge may be at an opposing side of the holding zone to the moving area. Ultimately, as more coins are moved into the holding area under the influence of the pusher, some are pushed over the falling edge. In some embodiments, the falling edge may comprise a lip. The lip may be angled upward relative to the playing surface. This can help support coins partially positioned over the falling edge, and/or results in coins falling over the falling edge in groups rather than singly, which adds an element of unpredictability and excitement.

The apparatus may comprise one or more coin reservoirs to collect coins which have been pushed from the playing surface. In some embodiments, each coin reservoir may be accessible by a user, the user can thus collect any fallen coins from the reservoir as winnings. In other embodiments having multiple coin reservoirs, at least one of the coin reservoirs may not be accessible by the user.in this way, the machine operator can retain a portion of fallen coins.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise multiple playing surfaces. The multiple playing surfaces may be arranged in tiers. In such embodiments, each playing surface may be provided with at least one pusher.

In some embodiments where there are multiple playing surfaces, there may be at least one agitator disposed in each of the playing surfaces. In other such embodiments, only some playing surfaces are provided with agitators. The playing surfaces in different tiers may be offset laterally. This permits coins to fall from a falling edge of one playing surface to a playing surface on a different tier. This can provide a cascade effect increasing player excitement and engagement.

The or each coin insert may comprise multiple coin receivers. The or each coin insert may comprise multiple coin distribution means. The or each coin receiver may be connected to a single coin distribution means. Alternatively, each coin receiver may be connected to multiple coin distribution means. The or each coin distribution means may serve to randomly distributed coins. In each of the above embodiments, the skilled man will appreciate that the playing surface may be fixed in position whilst the pusher moves; the playing surface may move whilst the pusher remains in a fixed position; or the playing surface and the pusher may both move in order to achieve relative motion. Furthermore, the skilled man will appreciate that in embodiments with multiple playing surfaces and multiple pushers, different combinations of moving and fixed pushers/playing surfaces may be used as appropriate. In addition to the above, whilst the term coin has been used above, the skilled man will appreciate that the present invention may be used with any other suitable articles including but not limited to tokens, counters or the like.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention in a first state.

Figure 2 is a corresponding view to that of Figure 1, with the apparatus in a second state.

Figure 3 is a corresponding view to that of Figures 1 and 2, with the apparatus in a third state.

Figure d is a corresponding view to that of Figure 1, with the apparatus in a fourth state.

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a front view first embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention in a first state.

Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention in a first state.

Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention in a second state.

As shown in Figure 1, there is provided a coin pushing game apparatus 1, comprising a playing surface 2 upon which coins 3 are distributed. In this embodiment, the playing surface 2 is a substantially horizontal planar surface. Along one of its edges, the playing surface 2 comprises a falling edge 4. In this embodiment, the falling edge 4 comprises a lip, which serves as a detent to deter coins 3 from moving off the playing surface 2, although it will be understood that the lip cannot prevent the coins 3 from leaving the playing surface 2 entirely.

A coin reservoir 5 is placed underneath the falling edge 4, so as to catch any coins 3 will fall from the falling edge 4. The coin reservoir 5 is accessible by the user, so as to retrieve the coins 3 as winnings, either to keep or reinsert into the apparatus 1 for continued play.

The apparatus 1 has a coin insert 6 placed in a position on the apparatus 1 which is accessible by a user. The coin insert 6 comprises an appropriately sized slot 7 to receive coins 3 which are inserted by a user. The coin insert 6 comprises a mechanism (not shown) which operates to check whether the coins 3 inserted into the slot 7 are appropriate for use in the apparatus. For example, the coins 3 may need to be a particular denomination, say a 2 pence coin.

The coin insert 6 is connected to a coin distribution means 8, which operates to transfer the coins 3 between the coin insert 6 to the playing surface 2. In this embodiment, the coin distribution means 8 comprises a pin board 9 disposed vertically above the playing surface 2. The coins 3 from the coin distribution means 8 are placed into an open upper edge of the pin board 9, where they fall toward the playing surface 2, being diverted randomly upon being incident upon the pins of the pin board 9. The coins 3 eventually exit an open lower surface of the pin board 9.

A pusher 10 is placed beneath the pin board 9, the pusher 8 having a lower surface disposed adjacent the playing surface 2. The pusher 10 is movable between a first position, and a second position. A front surface of the pusher 10 aligns with the rear surface of the pin board 9 when the pusher 10 is in the first position. The first position is placed opposite the falling edge 4 of the playing surface 2.

Figure 2 shows the apparatus 1 with the pusher 10 in its second position. The second position of the pusher 10 extends over the playing surface 2 in the direction of the falling edge 4, so as to occlude a portion of the playing surface 2. This portion is the intermediate zone 2a. The pusher 10 oscillates between the first and second position, such that the entirety of the intermediate zone 2a can be occluded by the pusher 10. The portion of the playing surface 2 which is not occluded by the pusher 10 is the holding zone 2b.

Figure 3 shows the apparatus 1 with the pusher 10 in its first position.

In this embodiment, the playing surface 2 is stationary, although it will be understood that the playing surface 2 may be operable to move between respective first and second positions in other embodiments.

A series of agitators 11 are disposed in the playing surface 2. The agitators 11 are movable between a passive position in which they do not protrude from the playing surface 2, and an active position in which the agitators 11 protrude from the playing surface 2.

Figure 4 shows the agitators 11 in the active position. The coins 3 which distributed upon the playing surface 2 above the agitators 11 (in their passive position) have been displaced by the agitator 11.

As shown in Figure 5, this embodiment comprises three agitators 11, all disposed in the holding area 2b. The agitators 11 are each movable by an actuator 12. Each actuator 12 is operable to move an agitator 11 between the passive and active positions, and vice versa. In this embodiment, each actuator 12 is a solenoid.

Each actuator 12 is connected to a common control unit 13. The control unit 13 is operable to control the operation of each actuator 10. The control unit 13 is connected to a user input means 14.

In this embodiment, the user input means 14 comprises three user input devices 14. Each user input device 15 corresponds to one of the agitators 10. In this embodiment, each user input device 15 is a button. Each user input device is operable to send a control signal to the control unit 13. In other embodiments, a user input device and associated control signal are operable to activate all the agitators 11 simultaneously, or to activate an agitator 11 at random. Each control signal comprises information on which agitator 11 is to be activated. In this embodiment, the control unit 13 is operable, on receipt of a control signal, to activate the relevant agitator 11 for a set time period, after which the agitator 11 will deactivate.

Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, there is an agitator 11 disposed in the intermediate zone 2a. The agitator 11 is in the active position.

Figure 7 corresponds to Figure 4, with the agitator 11 having been deactivated by the control unit 13 in order to prevent a collision between the pusher 10 and agitator 11.

In use, a user will insert coins 3 into the slot 7 of the coin insert 6. The coin distribution means 8 will transfer these coins 3 to the pin board 9, which will serve to at least partially randomise the position of the coins 3 as they fall through the pin board 9.

The coins 3 will exit the pin board 9, either directly onto the playing surface 2 (if the pusher 10 is in its first position as the coins 3 exit the pin board 9), or onto the upper surface of the pusher 10.

If this occurs, then the upper surface of the pusher 10 serves as an upper playing surface 2z. In this scenario, the coins 3 on this upper playing surface 2z will be pushed from the upper plating surface 2z and onto the ‘main’ playing surface 2 as the pusher 10 moves towards its first position. These coins 3 will fall into the intermediate zone 2a, as will any coins 3 which fall from the pin board 9 whilst the pusher 8 is in its first position.

The pusher 10 will then move towards its second position, occluding the intermediate zone 2a, and moving any coins therein into the holding zone 2b. Accordingly, the pusher 10, once it has reached its second position, will retreat towards its first position.

The movement of the coins 3 from the intermediate zone 2a to the holding zone 2b will cause movement of some of the coins 3 already in the holding zone 2b towards the falling edge 4. This may cause coins 3 to fall from the falling edge 4, into the reservoir 5, enabling collection by the user. Many coins 3 in the holding zone 2b will not be moved a significant distance toward the falling edge 4. In order to advance this motion of coins 3, the user may wish to activate any or all of the actuators 11 in order to displace the coins 3 upon the playing surface 2. The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only.

Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.




 
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