Patent ID: 6336636
Filing Date: 2002-01-08
Classification: A63F,G07F

Abstract:
A method of extending playing time per round in a coin-operated crane game, comprising the steps of:providing a crane game machine including a crane movable from a home position to capture prizes contained in the machine, a timer, and a coin slot electrically connected to the timer; detecting a valid coin entry into the coin slot of the machine; providing an initial allotted playing time for a playing round according to a first predetermined ratio of seconds of playing time per coin; starting the timer when the crane is moved from its home position; continuing to detect valid coin entries after the timer starts; calculating a revised allotted playing time per round equal to the initial time plus any additional time purchased according to a second predetermined ratio of seconds of playing time per coin whenever additional coins are entered into the coin slot; maintaining the movement of the crane under player control except when a prize has been captured and the crane is returned to the home position to deposit the prize in a player-accessible prize box; and returning movement of the crane to player control after the crane deposits the prize in the prize box so long as the revised allotted playing time has not expired; whereby player can extend the revised allotted playing time per round by entering additional coins and can win more than one prize during the round.