Abstract: An upright open frame formed by an inverted U-shape member having rigidly interconnected legs entering the earth to support the frame in an upright position. A target anchor bar having sufficient mass to normally hold a target taut within the frame is slidably supported by the legs. Fastener members connected with the bight of the U-shaped frame and the anchor bar are connected with respective end portions of a target to be supported within the frame.

Abstract: An arcade game including an object sensor for detecting a playing piece directed by a player. A target field including at least one target receives the directed playing piece, and the sensor determines the identity and a position of the playing piece. A scoring mechanism provides a game score based on a distance between the final resting position of the playing piece and one of the targets. In a described embodiment, the playing piece is a golf ball putted by the player toward a target hole. A removal mechanism removes the playing piece from the target field so that the player may retrieve the playing piece. The sensor includes a visual sensor, such as a video camera, and a digital processor for examining recorded images of the target field to validate the playing piece, determine a final position of the playing piece, and determine the distance between the playing piece and the target. Target field images can also be examined to determine and validate the trajectory of the playing piece.

Abstract: An archery target incicia comprising an enlarged, color-distinguished cross-hair representation utilizing orthogonal line systems for use in conjunction with an archery targeting sight. The enlarged cross-hair indicia can be used in conjunction with a conventional bulls-eye representation or without such a center designation while facilitating an accuracy indication for arrows fired into the target. The enlarged cross-hair indicia effectively simulates a cross-hair sight from an archery bow which affords the user the opportunity to make a cross-hair alignment with the arrow loaded into the archery bow to facilitate archery training and shooting accuracy.

Abstract: In an adjustable height post for a volleyball net, in particular for a beach volleyball net, comprising a ground sleeve to be anchored in or on the ground and a net pole, which is lockable in variable positions of height and is displaceably guided in the ground sleeve, telescoping in the vertical direction, it is provided that the net pole and the ground sleeve are roller-seated relative to each other by means of bearing rollers, and that a rubber-elastic cord is mounted between the net pole and the ground sleeve, by the expansion of which a counterforce can be produced, which opposes the weight of the net pole.

Abstract: An interactive vibrator system provides stimulus to a computer user in response to interaction between computer and user. A signal pick-off device (16) gathers signals present at the computer input/output port (11) and delivers such signals to signal processing device (14) which in turn drives vibrator (21) to provide soothing vibration to the user's body. An interactive vibrator in conjunction with a multimedia computer detects pulses or the like from joystick or other input devices. Corresponding driving of one or more vibrators in response to the detected input device X, Y, Z movement commands or in response to detected audio output from the computer produces tactile feedback to a user of a multimedia game or the like. The vibrations can thereby simulate "G" forces or the like. The joystick, steering wheel or other such input devices are also suitably provided with vibrators therein to generate tactile feedback in response to operation thereof or in response to the audio signals.

Abstract: A sports goal comprises a goal frame, including substantially vertically oriented first and second goal posts each having a top end and a bottom end and a cross-bar interconnecting the first and second goal posts at their respective top ends. The bottom ends of the first and second goal posts define a goal line spanning therebetween. A ground contacting base is connected to the first and second goal posts at respective first and second fixed points adjacent the bottom ends of the first and second goal posts, so as to securely interconnect the first and second goal posts. The ground contacting base extends rearwardly behind the goal line to provide upright stability for the sports goal. The first and second goal posts are tiltably movable between a upright position and an impacted position disposed angularly rearwardly of the upright position. A net is secured to the goal frame and the ground contacting base.

Abstract: An improved vacuum crane game and method. Multiple prizes are provided on a rotating turntable. A player may control horizontal movement of a vacuum pick-up device positioned above the prize area. The pick up device includes a vacuum head that may be raised and lowered relative to the turntable in a z-direction. The vacuum head is used to pick up one of the prizes using a suction force that is provided by a vacuum pump coupled to the vacuum head by a hose and located away from the vacuum head. In one embodiment, a vacuum sensor in the vacuum head may sense whether a prize is picked up. The pick-up device is moved to a dispenser area and the suction force is removed to allow the prize to fall to a conveyor device, which moves the prize to a dispenser where it is delivered to the player.

Abstract: A water target game played with a ball or projectile for use in places such as amusement parks or the home is disclosed. The preferred embodiment consists of a circular target supported by a pole which is placed between two pods with spray nozzles. A water supply hose connects to the base of the target. Inside the base are control valves which regulate the flow of water to the spray nozzles in the pods. A motion sensor is located in the circular target. Indicator lights prompt players when to throw a projectile through the target. A control unit connects to the motion sensor, indicator lights and control valves. A player(s) stands on each pod holding a projectile. An indicator light flashes on the pole prompting the player(s) on one pod to throw. If the player(s) successfully throws the projectile through the target, the motion sensor signals to the control unit to activate the valves whereby water is sprayed on the opposing player.

Abstract: A game net post adapted to be placed in substantially vertical position into the ground or floor, the post being provided with mechanism for attaching a net and for tensioning a net cable, the cross-sectional profile of the post presenting a cavity, open to the outside, and having cross-sectional dimensions such that the net cable tensioning mechanism may be received and substantially housed within it. Preferably, in the cavity, a longitudinal member is slideably inserted and which has affixed to it the net cable tensioning mechanism. The tensioning mechanism may comprise devices carrying a wire shaft and a handle coupled to the wire shaft, adapted to rotate the wire shaft while avoiding the longitudinal displacement thereof, a running nut with a hook device being associated with the wire shaft. A second embodiment is a two-part height-adjustable post.

Abstract: A water targeting game (10), known as WATER TAG.TM.. The game (10) consists of three major elements: a targeting vest (12), a water gun (140) and an obstruction maze (142) wherein the game is played. The targeting vest (12) includes a front vest (14) and a back vest (16) that are joined together at their upper peripheral edge (26) by a pair of adjustable shoulder straps (70) and that are adjusted at a person's waist by a pair of waist straps (74,76). Between the two vests is a cavity (56) and on the front section (42) of the vest, is located a plurality of water collecting openings (58) that serve as targets. When playing the game, the water gun emits a stream of water that is aimed at the openings (58) from where the water falls into the cavity (56). The water collected in the cavities (56) is viewed through a sealed vertical window (62) that is also located on the vest's front section (42).

Abstract: A new game and apparatus for playing the game are disclosed. The game involves throwing darts onto specially designed dart board. The board is subdivided into different targets each having a number of point areas. Each target is associated with a specific player although only the player knows the identity of his or her target. During the game, players take turns throwing darts at the targets. When a dart lands on a target's point area, the points are scored against that target. When a target's score reaches or exceeds a set elimination value, the player associated with that target is eliminated from the game. Further, during the game, a player may identify his or her target after their score exceeds a set 'FESSUP.TM. value. After identifying one's own target, the player can deduct points from his or her score by landing darts in his or her own target point areas.

Abstract: A target for use with darts, for example, has a base on which a target frame is secured, the frame having a plurality of spaces within each of which is a segment that is movable toward the base when it is struck by a thrown dart. Corresponding ones of the segments have cavities therein for the accommodation of inserts which are movable independently of the segment toward the target base when such inserts are struck by a thrown dart. The inserts are so arranged that, together, they form an annulus or ring of individually displaceable components. Interposed between the target base and the target segments and inserts are switches and a resilient biasing pad which bias the segments to an initial, at rest position.

Abstract: A water game is provided including a stand having at least one leg with a rotation bar coupled thereto. Further provided is a water assembly including a water basin coupled along the rotation bar of the stand. The water assembly also includes a circular target coupled to the rotation bar of the stand opposite the water basin. As such, the water basin has an upright orientation situated on top of the interconnection bar of the stand and an inverted orientation situated below the interconnection bar of the stand.

Abstract: A moving platform/target system (10) for traveling along a predetermined path. The moving platform/target system (10) includes a track (14) defining a predetermined path and a platform (12) engaging the track (14) for movement along the track (14). The platform (12) includes a housing from which wheels (22) extends from opposite sides thereof and facing parallel to the track (14). A guiding device (26, 28) extends from the housing and engages the track (14), retaining the platform (12) in alignment with the track (14). A power circuit (62, 64, 66, 68, 70) is positioned within the housing and is connected to turn the wheels (22) and impart motion to the platform (12). A sensor (32) senses a position of the platform (12) and pauses the forward motion upon sensing a predetermined position along the track (14).

Abstract: A flying disk game is provided including at least one disk with a top planar circular face and a cylindrical periphery coupled to a peripheral edge of the top planar circular face and depending downwardly therefrom. In use, the disk is placed on a palm of a first hand of a user. Thereafter, the periphery of the disk is flicked with fingers of a second hand of the user thereby imparting flight to the disk.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toy building element (1,8) for use in a toy building element system comprising a number of toy building elements with coupling studs for coupling with other toy building elements with complementary coupling sockets, the coupling studs being arranged in a regular pattern with a specific modular distance relative to each other. The toy building element is characterized in that in its free state at least some of the coupling studs of the toy building element are shifted relative to the modular distance, the mutual position of the coupling studs of the toy building element being elastically changeable at least to a mutual position corresponding to the modular distance.The invention also relates to a toy building set having such a toy building element.

Abstract: A basketball backboard assembly comprising a body including a plurality of selectively releasable interfitting pieces and a rim extending from the body is disclosed whereby upon generating a sufficient force on the rim, the plurality of interfitting pieces release from each other to simulate a shattered backboard.

Abstract: A portable sporting goal is provided comprising a net that is removably attached by hook and loop connectors to strategic locations on a framework. The framework has a plurality of substantially hollow tubular frame members, each comprising a pair of ends comprising an inner surface. Each inner surface comprises a substantially cylindrical inner surface portion and a substantially non-cylindrical inner surface portion. The frame members are joined by a plurality of mating connectors, each comprising a pair of ends comprising an outer surface. Each outer surface comprises a substantially cylindrical outer surface portion and a substantially non-cylindrical outer surface portion. The outer surface is configured to slidingly engage within the inner surface when in substantial alignment with each other.

Abstract: A multi-use net includes a frame formed from a single wire. The frame is arranged to have an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion. The lower frame portion forms a base that supports the upper frame portion in a generally upright orientation on a generally horizontal surface with the base extending in a forward direction relative to the upper frame portion. A fabric section is connected to the frame and arranged for a projectile to be incident thereon. A pair of rear support members is connected to the frame and arranged to extend therefrom in a direction opposite to that of the lower frame portion. A pair of straps extend between the upper and lower frame sections to retain the upper and lower frame sections at a selected orientation with respect to one another.

Abstract: A soccer goal assembly and apparatus includes a goal frame (20), a pivotable net frame (28), a pair of support bars (31), and a net (50). The goal frame (20) is located at the front of the goal and includes a pair of vertical posts (22) and a horizontal cross bar (23) connecting the upper ends of the vertical posts (22). A ground-level housing (26) is connected rearwardly and orthogonally to the lower ends of the vertical posts (22). The housing (26) includes a lockable compartment for storing the net (50). The net (50) is attached to the housing (26) and net frame (28). The support bars (31) are attached to the housing (26) and goal frame (20) in a manner to support the net (50) while in use during game play. When the net frame (28) pivots from a horizontal position to a vertical position abutting the goal frame (20), it pulls the net (50) over the support bars (31) to form a soccer goal enclosure. The arms (76) of the net frame are extensible to allow for the difference in the height and depth of the goal.