The pop bumper was invented in 1948, and soon replaced the regular
bumper on most
pinball games. Whereas the bumpers were metal
springs or coils that would bounce the ball a little bit, the pop bumper is
mechanical.
The pop bumper is mushroom shaped. The top is larger than the column, and usually decorated. When the ball comes in contact with the bumper, a second disk is rapidly moved vertically. This disk kicks the ball away from the bumper at a high speed, and usually in the opposite direction.
They may also be called jet bumpers and thumper bumpers by various pinball manufacturers.
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