Pinball machine target assembly

Abstract

A target and associated impact sensing mechanism is provided including a target head above the pinball playing surface which is movable from a first position above the playing surface to a second position above the playing surface upon receiving a sufficient impact force from the pinball. A switch actuator depends from the head and extends below the playing surface in the interior of the pinball machine. A switch has an open state and a closed state with the switch actuator changing the switch from its open state to its closed state as an incident of the movement of the target head from the first position to the second position. A housing mount is provided below the playing surface containing the switch to protect the switch from the environment and to support the target head above the playing surface with the actuator in position to change the switch from its open to its closed state. By containing the switch in the housing mount, the switch is protected from exposure to dust and dirt and the like and thereby more reliably carries current to accurately sense pinball impacts. The housing mount can also be reversible so as to be capable of being mounted in different orientations under the playing surface while maintaining the target head in position to receive pinball impacts providing flexibility in designing the pinball game scheme and layout. In addition, as the target assembly herein does not rely upon the resiliency of leaf spring members for rebounding the pinball off of the target impact surface, the response of the pinball after impacting the target herein is more consistent over longer time periods than leaf spring type targets.