Interactive ball throwing game - Patent Review 5658211

Claims

I claim:

1. An interactive ball throwing game, comprising:

a rigid supporting framework extending longitudinally from a player station;

a longitudinal game table in the form of an upwardly facing game table extending between a rearward end adjacent to the player station and a longitudinally spaced forward end;

an upright ball target mounted across and elevationally above the forward end of the game table;

a simulated runner for movement along a longitudinal path on the game table between a rearward starting position and a finishing position adjacent to the ball target;

a ball discharge mechanism for selectively delivering individual balls toward the rearward end of the game table for use by a player; and

a controller operably connected to the ball discharge mechanism and the runner for initiating movement of the runner along its path from its starting position in response to activation of the ball discharge mechanism.

2. The interactive ball throwing game of claim 1, further comprising:

a target sensor activated when a ball has been successfully thrown to the ball target by a player;

the controller being operably connected to the target sensor for determining whether the target sensor is activated prior to the runner reaching its finishing position.

3. The interactive ball throwing game of claim 1, further comprising:

a target sensor activated when a ball has been successfully thrown to the ball target by a player; and

an audible or visual signaling module for communicating message information to a human player concerning game progress;

the controller being operably connected to the target sensor and the audible or visual signaling module for determining whether the target sensor is activated prior to the runner reaching its finishing position and for communicating selected message information dependent upon whether or not this sequence of play has occurred.

4. The interactive ball throwing game of claim 1, wherein the ball target comprises:

an upright transverse backdrop spaced forwardly from the game table;

the backdrop including an aperture formed through it as a ball target area;

an impact plate movably mounted behind the aperture; and

a target sensor operably connected to the impact plate for activation when the impact plate is contacted by a thrown ball.

5. The interactive ball throwing game of claim 1, wherein the ball discharge mechanism ejects an individual ball in a longitudinal trajectory extending rearwardly over the game table and toward the player station.

6. The interactive ball throwing game of claim 1, wherein the ball discharge mechanism is a pitching machine recessed under the game table at a longitudinal location between its rearward and forward ends for selectively ejecting individual balls in a longitudinal rearward trajectory that extends over the game table.

7. The interactive ball throwing game of claim 1, wherein the ball discharge mechanism is a pitching machine recessed under the game table which imparts backspin to each ball as it is ejected in a longitudinal rearward trajectory that extends over the game table.

8. The interactive ball throwing game of claim 1, wherein the ball discharge mechanism is a pitching machine recessed under the game table; the pitching mechanism comprising:

a continuously-operated ball conveyor having a working flight for ejecting individual bails in a longitudinal rearward trajectory that extends over the game table; and

a ball release for directing individual balls to the working flight.

9. The interactive ball throwing game of claim 1, wherein the ball discharge mechanism is a pitching machine recessed under the game table; the pitching mechanism comprising:

a continuously-operated ball conveyor having a working flight for ejecting individual balls in a longitudinal rearward trajectory that extends over the game table; and

the controller being operably connected to the ball release and the runner for simultaneously initiating movement of the runner and activating the ball release.

10. The interactive ball throwing game of claim 1, wherein the ball discharge mechanism is a pitching machine recessed under the game table; the pitching machine comprising:

a continuously-operated ball conveyor having a working flight; and

an opposed stationary surface overlying at least a portion of the ball conveyor for imparting backspin to each ball as it is ejected.

11. The interactive ball throwing game of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal path of the simulated runner extends at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal length of the game table.

12. The interactive ball throwing game of claim 1, wherein the simulated runner is a mechanically movable figure positioned on and protruding upwardly from the game table during movement between its starting and finishing positions.

13. The interactive ball throwing game of claim 1, wherein the simulated runner comprises:

a runner support movably mounted on the framework;

a mechanically movable figure pivotally supported about a transverse axis on the runner support; and

a spring operably connected between the runner support and the movable figure for normally biasing the figure in an upright position while permitting the figure to move relative to the runner support in a forward direction over its transverse axis.

14. An interactive baseball throwing game, comprising:

a rigid supporting framework extending longitudinally from a player station;

a longitudinal game table in the form of an upwardly facing game table that is inclined upwardly between a rearward end adjacent to the player station and a longitudinally spaced forward end;

an upright ball target mounted across and spaced from the forward end of the game table, the ball target having an upwardly and rearwardly inclined back surface including indicia simulating a base and a defensive baseball player guarding the base;

at least one ball adapted to be manually thrown to the ball target by a player at the player station;

a simulated mechanical runner mounted to the framework for selective movement along a longitudinal base path on the game table between a rearward starting position and a finishing position adjacent to the ball target;

a ball discharge mechanism recessed within the game table at a location longitudinally spaced from its rearward end for selectively ejecting individual balls in a longitudinal trajectory that extends over the game table and toward its rearward end for use by a human player; and

a controller operably connected to the ball discharge mechanism and the runner for initiating movement of the runner along its path from its starting position in response to activation of the ball discharge mechanism.

15. The interactive baseball throwing game of claim 14, wherein the back surface of the ball target is formed on a flexible backdrop yieldably suspended on the framework.

16. The interactive baseball throwing game of claim 14, wherein the back surface of the ball target is formed on a flexible backdrop yieldably suspended on the framework;

the backdrop having an aperture formed through it and being dimensioned to permit free passage of a ball; and

a target sensor mounted on the framework, the target sensor including an impact plate spaced forwardly from the backdrop in longitudinal alignment with the aperture for activation when a ball has been successfully thrown through the aperture by a human player;

the controller being operably connected to the target sensor for determining whether the sensor is activated prior to the runner reaching its finishing position.

17. The interactive baseball throwing game of claim 14, wherein the back surface of the ball target is formed on a flexible backdrop yieldably suspended on the framework;

the backdrop having an aperture formed through it and being dimensioned to permit free passage of a ball;

a target sensor mounted on the framework, the target sensor including an input plate having a light-transmitting area spaced forwardly from the backdrop in longitudinal alignment with the aperture for activation when a ball has been successfully thrown through the aperture by a human player; and

a light souce located on the framework at a location forward of the light-transmitting area of the impact plate.

18. The interactive baseball throwing game of claim 14, wherein the back surface of the ball target is formed on a flexible backdrop yieldably suspended on the framework;

the backdrop having an aperture formed through it and being dimensioned to permit free passage of a ball;

a target sensor mounted on the framework, the target sensor including an impact plate having a light-transmitting area spaced forwardly from the backdrop in longitudinal alignment with the aperture for activation when a ball has been successfully thrown through the aperture by a human player; and

a light source located on the framework at a location forward of the light-transmitting area of the impact plate;

the controller being operably connected to the ball and to the light source for selectively activating the light source in response to activation of the ball discharge mechanism.

19. The interactive baseball throwing game of claim 14, wherein the planar rear surface of the ball target is formed on a flexible backdrop yieldably suspended on the framework;

the backdrop having an aperture formed through it and being dimensioned to permit free passage of a ball;

a target sensor mounted on the framework, the target sensor including an impact plate spaced forwardly from the backdrop in longitudinal alignmemt with the aperture for activation when a ball has been successfully thrown through the aperture by a player; and

an audible or visual signaling module for communicating message information concerning game progress to a player;

the controller being operably connected to the target sensor for determining whether the target sensor is activated prior to the runner reaching its finishing position.

20. The interactive baseball throwing game of claim 14, wherein the ball discharge mechanism is a pitching machine recessed under the game table, the pitching machine comprising a ball conveyor that selectively ejects each ball in a longitudinal trajectory extending rearwardly over the game table and toward the player station.

21. The interactive baseball throwing game of claim 14, wherein the ball discharge mechanism is a pitching machine recessed under the game table, the pitching machine comprising a continuously-operated ball conveyor having a working flight and an opposed stationary surface overlying at least a portion of the ball conveyor for imparting backspin to each ball as it is ejected;

the pitching machine further comprising a ball release for directing individual balls onto the working flight of the pitching mechanism.

22. The interactive baseball throwing game of claim 14, wherein the ball discharge mechanism is a pitching machine recessed under the game table, the pitching machine comprising a continuously-operated ball conveyor having a working flight and an opposed stationary surface overlying at least a portion of the ball conveyor for imparting backspin to each ball as it is ejected;

the pitching machine further comprising a ball release for directing individual balls onto the working flight of the pitching mechanism; and

the controller being operably connected to the ball release and the runner for simultaneously initiating movement of the runner and activating the ball release.

23. The interactive baseball throwing game of claim 14, wherein the ball discharge mechanism is a pitching machine recessed under the game table, the pitching machine comprising a continuously-operated ball conveyor having a working flight and an opposed stationary surface overlying at least a portion of the ball conveyor for imparting backspin to each ball as it is ejected;

the pitching machine further comprising a ball release for directing individual balls onto the working flight of the pitching mechanism; and

a gravity ball return extending along the framework at an elevation beneath the game table for directing individual balls to the ball release after they have been thrown toward the ball target.

24. The interactive baseball throwing game of claim 14; wherein each ball is a compressible ball having a nominal diameter substantially equal to the diameter of a conventional rigid playing ball;

the ball discharge mechanism being a pitching machine recessed under the game table;

the pitching machine comprising a continuously-operated ball conveyor having an upright working flight engaged about a upper and lower pulleys on the framework, the lower pulley being rotatably mounted about a fixed transverse axis on the framework and the upper pulley being mounted about a parallel axis spaced elevationally above the fixed transverse axis;

an opposed upright stationary surface overlying at least a portion of the working flight of the ball conveyor to impart backspin to each ball as it is rolled upwardly against the stationary surface by motion of the working flight of the ball conveyor; and

a lower end of the stationary surface being spaced from and wrapped about the lower pulley at a spacing less than the nominal diameter of a ball to block passage of a rigid playing ball having a diameter at least as great as such nominal diameter.

25. The interactive baseball throwing game of claim 14, wherein the runner comprises:

a runner support movably mounted on the framework;

a movable figure pivotally supported about a transverse axis on the runner support; and

a spring operably connected between the runner support and the movable figure for normally biasing the figure to an upright position while permitting the figure to move relative to the runner support in a forward direction over its transverse axis.

26. The interactive ball throwing game of claim 14, wherein the runner comprises:

a runner support movably mounted on the framework along an endless conveyor including an upper working flight extending between front and rear rotational supports the working flight being parallel to and recessed beneath the game table; and

a movable figure pivotally supported about a transverse axis on the runner support.

27. An interactive ball throwing game, comprising:

a rigid supporting framework extending longitudinally from a player station;

a longitudinal game table extending between a rearward end adjacent to the player station and a longitudinally spaced forward end; and

a ball discharge mechanism for selectively ejecting an individual ball in a longitudinal trajectory extending rearwardly over the game table and toward the player station;

the ball discharge mechanism being a pitching machine recessed under the game table at a longitudinal location intermediate its rearward and forward ends which imparts backspin to each ball as it is ejected in a longitudinal rearward trajectory that extends over the game table.

28. The interactive ball throwing game of claim 27, wherein the ball discharge mechanism is a pitching machine recessed under the game table, the pitching machine comprising a continuously-operated ball conveyor having a working flight and an opposed stationary surface overlying at least a portion of the ball conveyor for imparting backspin to each ball as it is ejected; and

the pitching machine further comprising a ball release for directing individual balls onto the working flight of the pitching mechanism.

29. The interactive ball throwing game of claim 27, wherein the ball discharge mechanism is a pitching machine recessed under the game table, the pitching machine comprising a continuously-operated ball conveyor having a working flight and an opposed stationary surface overlying at least a portion of the ball conveyor for imparting backspin to each ball as it is ejected;

the pitching machine further comprising a ball release for directing individual bails onto the working flight of the pitching mechanism; and

a gravity ball return extending along the framework at an elevation beneath the game table for directing individual balls to the ball release.

30. The interactive ball throwing game of claim 27, further comprising:

at least one compressible ball having a nominal diameter substantially equal to the diameter of a conventional rigid playing ball;

the ball discharge mechanism being a pitching machine recessed under the game table;

an opposed upright stationary surface overlying at least a portion of the working flight of the ball conveyor to impart backspin to each ball as it is rolled upwardly against the stationary surface by motion of the working flight of the ball conveyor;

a lower end of the stationary surface being spaced from and wrapped about the lower pulley at a spacing less than the nominal diameter of a ball to block passage of a rigid playing ball having a diameter at least as great as such nominal diameter.

31. An interactive ball throwing game, comprising:

a rigid supporting framework extending longitudinally from a player station;

a longitudinal game table extending between a rearward end adjacent to the player station and a longitudinally spaced forward end;

an upright ball target mounted across and elevationally above the forward end of the game table; and

a simulated runner for movement along a longitudinal path on the game table between a starting position adjacent to the player station and a finishing position adjacent to the ball target;

the runner comprising:

a runner support movably mounted on the framework;

a movable figure pivotally supported about a transverse axis on the runner support; and

a spring operably connected between the runner support and the movable figure for normally biasing the figure to an upright position while permitting the figure to move relative to the runner support in a forward direction over its transverse axis.

32. The interactive ball throwing game of claim 31, wherein the runner support is movably mounted on the framework along an endless conveyor including an upper working flight extending between front and rear rotational supports the working flight being parallel to and recessed beneath the game table.

33. A method for playing an interactive ball throwing game, comprising:

providing a longitudinal game table that extends between a rearward end adjacent to a player station and a longitudinally spaced forward end;

locating an upright ball target across and elevationally above the forward end of the game table;

selectively delivering individual balls toward the rearward end of the game table for use by a player attempting to toss each ball to the ball target; and

causing a simulated runner to move along a longitudinal path on the game table between a starting position adjacent to the player station and a finishing position adjacent to the ball target, movement of the runner along its path from its starting position being initiated in response to delivery of each ball.

34. The method for playing an interactive ball throwing game of claim 33, further comprising:

sensing when a ball has been successfully thrown to the ball target by a player; and

determining whether the sensor is activated prior to the runner reaching its finishing position.

35. The method for playing an interactive ball throwing game of claim 33, further comprising:

sensing when a ball has been successfully thrown to the ball target by a player;

determining whether the sensor is activated prior to the runner reaching its finishing position; and

communicating selected message information to a player by activation of an audible or visual signaling module, the selected message information being dependent upon whether or not this sequence of play has been achieved.

36. The method for playing an interactive ball throwing game of claim 33, wherein the delivering step ejected individual balls in a longitudinal trajectory extending rearwardly over the game table and toward the player station.

37. The method for playing an interactive ball throwing game of claim 33, wherein the delivering step ejects individual balls from under the game table at a longitudinal location intermediate its rearward and forward ends in a longitudinal trajectory extending rearwardly over the game table and toward the player station.

38. The method for playing an interactive ball throwing game of claim 33, wherein the delivering step imparts backspin to each ball as it is ejected in a longitudinal rearward trajectory that extends over the game table.

39. The method for playing an interactive ball throwing game of claim 33, wherein the delivering step comprises the following sub-steps:

continuously operating a ball conveyor having a working flight that ejects individual balls in a longitudinal rearward trajectory that extends over the game table; and

selectively directing individual balls onto the working flight.

40. The method for playing an interactive ball throwing game of claim 33, wherein the delivering step comprises the following sub-steps:

continuously operating a ball conveyor having a working flight that ejects individual balls in a longitudinal rearward trajectory that extends over the game table;

selectively directing individual balls onto the working flight; and

simultaneously initiating movement of the runner as each ball id directed onto the working flight.

41. The method for playing an interactive ball throwing game of claim 33, wherein the delivering step comprises the following sub-step:

continuously operating an upright ball conveyor having a working flight that rollingly engages each ball in opposition to an adjacent upright stationary surface to impart backspin to it as it is ejected in a longitudinal rearward trajectory that extends over the game table.

42. The method for playing an interactive ball throwing game of claim 33, wherein the delivering step comprises the following sub-steps:

continuously operating a ball conveyor having a working flight that ejects individual balls in a longitudinal rearward trajectory that extends over the game table and an opposed stationary surface overlying at least a portion of the ball conveyor to impart backspin to each ball as it is ejected;

individually releasing each ball to direct it onto the ball conveyor; and

initiating movement of the runner simultaneously with the release of each ball.

43. The method for playing an interactive ball throwing game of claim 33, wherein the simulated runner is moved along a longitudinal path that extends at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal length of the game table.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to amusement games for arcade usage. More specifically it pertains to an interactive ball throwing game wherein a human player first catches a ball thrown automatically toward the player. He or she then tries to throw it at a fixed target before a mechanized game figure completes movement along a path leading near the target. With respect to baseball, it simulates a "squeeze play" at home plate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electromechanical arcade games have become increasingly complex and sophisticated in recent years. Many newer games try to simulate real life and sports events. They also have become increasingly interactive, with the machinery and the human player cooperatively or competitively playing out a variable sequence of sporting events.

The present invention arose from a desire to simulate a baseball "squeeze play" within the physical limitations and confines of a typical arcade game environment.

A "squeeze play" in the game of baseball is a prearranged play wherein a runner at third base starts running for home plate as the ball is pitched. The batter attempts to bunt to give the runner time to score. The defensive fielding team in turn attempts to put the runner "out" by quickly catching the bunted ball and throwing it to the catcher at home plate before the runner reaches it. Its strategic use is most exciting to fans and usually crucial to the progress of the game, since a successful runner is credited with a "run" that directly adds to the score of the offensive team. Conversely, by successfully defeating a "squeeze play" at home plate, the defensive team averts the score.

The present arcade game has been designed to challenge the ability of a human player to rapidly catch and throw a ball accurately to a target under simulated squeeze play conditions. The human player tries to successfully throw at a target before a visible "runner" completes a path of movement along the game table in front of the player. These actions can be effectively coordinated with both visible and audible sound signals to simulate the crowd noises and player banter that typically take place during such events at an actual baseball game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the arcade game;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view;

FIG. 3 is a rear view taken from the right in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary rear perspective view illustrating the ball discharge and gravity ball return mechanisms;

FIG. 5 is a sectional side view taken along line 5--5 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a sectional plan view taken along line 6--6 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a skeletal diagrammatic side view illustrating the basic components in the arcade game;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary side sectional view of the ball pitching machine as seen along line 8--8 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the ball release;

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the ball release, the forward wall shown in FIG. 9 being removed;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary top plan view of the ball release;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 12--12 in

FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional side view of the ball target as seen along line 5--5 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the impact plate assembly;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 15--15 in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary plan view taken just beneath the game table, showing the simulated runner mechanism;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 17--17 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line 18--18 in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation view of the runner figure as seen along line 19--19 in FIG. 18; and

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of the controller and associated electrical components for the game apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws "to promote the progress of science and useful arts" (Article 1, Section 8).

The present interactive throwing game has been designed specifically to simulate the activities that occur during a "squeeze play" at home plate in the game of baseball. However, it could be revised to simulate other activities wherein a ball is caught or otherwise grasped by a human player and immediately is thrown at a target in a timed sequence coordinated with visible action along a path leading toward the target. Other simulations might or might not be related to sports events.

The key element of this arcade game is the requirement that the human player catch or grasp a ball and successfully toss it at an identifiable target before completion of a moving visible event occurring in sight of the human player. While the following description will relate the components of the arcade game to the game of baseball, it is to be understood that this is not a limitation of the disclosure.

A general understanding of the arcade game can be obtained from FIGS. 1-7, and specifically from FIG. 7, which shows a playing ball at several progressive positions about the game apparatus in a sequence illustrating the manner in which the arcade game is played.

For verbal reference, the arcade game is housed within an enclosure and framework that have longitudinal lengths and transverse widths. Their lengths extend from rearward ends adjacent to a player station at which a human player will normally be standing (shown to the right in FIG. 2) to a forward ends at which a ball target is mounted (shown to the left in FIG. 2). The terms "rearward," "back," and "rear" and the terms "forward" and "front" will be used consistently within this disclosure and the appended claims in relation to the described longitudinal ends of the illustrated enclosure as set out in the preceding sentence.

To generally summarize the playing sequence of the game, reference will be made to the schematic illustration in FIG. 7. The arcade game is designed to be played by a human player (not shown) facing forwardly at the right hand (rearward) end of a supporting framework 10. All playing activity of the human player takes place in a forward direction along the framework 10.

Play is initiated by operation of a ball release 57 that directs a ball 18a into the bottom of an upright ball discharge mechanism 50.

The ball discharge mechanism 50 delivers individual balls 18b to the human player by tossing each ball through an upwardly inclined game table 20 in a trajectory directed toward the rearward end of the apparatus.

As each ball 18a is delivered by the ball release 57 to the ball discharge mechanism 50, a simulated runner 40 begins movement along the game table 20 toward a ball target 30. Runner 40 moves between a starting position 40a adjacent to the player station and a finishing position 40b adjacent to the ball target 30.

The object of this game is for the human player to catch the ball moving toward him or her at 18b and immediately toss it accurately through the ball target 30 (as shown by ball 18c) before the simulated runner 40 reaches its finishing position 40b. Whether or not a ball is successfully thrown through the ball target 30, each ball 18d is returned along a gravity ball return 60 leading to the ball release 57.

The rear surface of the ball target 30, which can be seen in FIG. 3, is preferably decorated to illustrate a defensive baseball catcher and umpire stationed at home plate during a baseball game. The ball target 30 includes a ball-receiving aperture 32 located within the boundaries of a catcher's mitt portrayed on the painted backdrop 31.

During play of the game, the moving simulated runner 40 travels in a direction leading diagonally away from the human player standing at the rearward end of framework 10. At the end of its movement, the runner 40 pivots downwardly and forwardly to simulate a running offensive player sliding toward home plate.

In addition to the physical handling of each ball by the human player and the timed challenge presented by movement of the simulated runner 40, the game apparatus uses both sound, lights, messages and other sensory responses to impart realism, excitement and motivation to the game activities as they unfold. An audible or visual signaling module 22 extends across an intermediate transverse location along the game table 20. The signaling module 22 might include a controllable LED display 24 and speakers 25 which can be operated in a coordinated manner to provide background crowd sounds, encouragement or taunts from simulated game players, and congratulatory messages when a ball has been successfully thrown to the target in the required timed sequence. Other lights and speakers can be arranged about the framework 10 as desired.

Operation of the various components included in this interactive arcade game are managed by a programmed controller 70. Its interconnections to the various sensors, motors, controls and other components are schematically illustrated in FIG. 20.

The method for playing the interactive throwing game basically involves provision of a longitudinal game table 20, extending between a rearward end adjacent to a player station and a longitudinally spaced forward end. It further involves locating an upright ball target 30 across and elevationally above the forward end of the game table 20.

Individual balls 18 are selectively delivered toward the rearward end of the game table for use by a human player (not shown), who then attempts to aim and toss each ball successfully to the ball target 30. At the same time, a simulated runner 40 is moved along a longitudinal path 43 on the game table 20. The runner 40 moves along game table 20 between a starting position adjacent to the player station and a finishing position adjacent to the ball target 30. Movement of the runner 40 along its path from its starting position is initiated in response to initiation of the delivery of each ball 18.

The method further involves the step of sensing when a ball has been successfully thrown to the ball target 30 and a determination as to whether this occurs prior to the simulated runner 40 reaching its finishing position. This information is then communicated to the human player by activation of audio/visual signaling module 22. The selected message information communicated is dependent upon whether or not a sequence of play was achieved whereby the ball was successfully thrown to the ball target 30 prior to the simulated runner 40 reaching its finishing position.

The arcade game process additionally includes the step of ejecting individual balls in a longitudinal trajectory extending rearwardly over the game table 20 and toward the player station. This occurs at a longitudinal location along the game table 20 that is intermediate its rearward and forward ends. Furthermore, the balls have backspin imparted to them as they are ejected. Backspin minimizes bouncing of each ball 18 on the game table 20 if the ball is not initially caught on the fly by the human player.

The delivery of each ball is achieved by continuously operating a ball conveyor having a working flight that ejects the individual balls 18. Individual balls 18 are selectively directed onto the working flight as the game cycle progresses. The step of initiating movement of the simulated runner occurs simultaneously as each ball 18 is directed onto the working flight of the discharging ball conveyor.

The interactive throwing game illustrated in the drawings is supported upon a rigid framework 10 extending longitudinally from the player station at the longitudinal rear of the game apparatus. A human player at the player station faces the apparatus while in a standing position with his or her hands free to catch each ball 18 as it is ejected toward the player station.

The framework supports vertical side walls 11, a forward enclosure 12, and a solid top panel 13. Screens 14 enclose the sides and top of the ball throwing area, while permitting visual access by onlookers.

The game enclosure includes a rear wall 15 that supports a conventional coin operated control mechanism 16 and a conventional ticket dispenser 17. The coin operated control mechanism 16 is used to receive coins as required for game playing purposes. Ticket dispenser 17 provides prize coupons to a player in response to game results.

A transverse fluorescent lamp assembly 19 is fixed across the top of the framework above the longitudinal center of game table 20. It includes a rearwardly facing tube and a transverse supporting fixture that evenly directs light across the ball target 30 and the game table 20. Light from the activated fluorescent tube extends rearwardly and across the surface of the game table 20 at a location forward from the player station. The lighting boundaries across the equipment are indicated in FIG. 5, which shows the upper lighting boundary at 27 and the rearward lighting boundary at 28.

In this manner the ball target 30 and game table 20 are flooded with light that also covers the rearward trajectory of each ball ejected from the ball discharge mechanism 50. However, the light source at lamp assembly 19 is shielded from the eyes of the human player standing at the apparatus. Lamp assembly 19 will normally be continuously lighted to draw attention to the equipment and make it enticing to prospective human players.

The game table 20, which transversely spans framework 10 and is fixed to it, is inclined upwardly between its rearward and forward ends. It includes primary and secondary areas 29 and 21, which are separated by the transverse audible or visual signaling module 22. Both areas 29 and 21 are identically inclined within a common plane and together form the game table 20. For visual effect, the primary area 29 of game table 20 can be covered with synthetic turf or it might be appropriately painted to simulate the playing surface of a baseball diamond or any other selected playing surface design.

Visual displays 24 on the rear face of the audible or visual signaling module 22 are preferably inclined upwardly at an angle to the game table 20 so as to be easily readable by the human player during game operation. The speakers included within the audible or visual signaling module 22 are also aimed at the human player so as to provide sufficient sound levels for effectiveness, while directing sound to a narrow playing location so as to not unduly disrupt adjacent games.

A manually operable start button 23 is provided at the right hand rear corner of the secondary area 21 along game table 20. B