Abstract: A play feature for a pinball machine is described comprising a plurality of drop targets that are preferably located in-line along a confined lane of a pinball playfield, each of the drop targets extending through an opening in the playfield and being movable between an up and a down position. The play feature further comprises means for releasably maintaining each of the drop targets in the up position until struck by a ball propelled up the lane, resetting means for simultaneously raising the drop targets from the down position to the up position, and driving means for driving the resetting means in response to an electric signal being applied thereto.

Abstract: A pinball game contains a plurality of drop target members each mounted for vertical movement between a raised position, above the playfield of the pinball game, and a lowered position below the playfield. Each target member is maintained in its raised position by a latch, and the target member may be knocked off its latch by impact from a pinball, causing the target member to drop to its lowered position. A latch may be withdrawn from a supportive position for its target member, causing the target member to drop without having undergone impact by a pinball. Structure is provided to elevate the target members to their raised positions, and there is a controller programmed to withdraw selected latches following the elevation of the target members.

Abstract: An alternate target configuration is disclosed for a pinball game apparatus or the like, where two adjacent targets are mounted within a frame on the underside of the apparatus playfield, each adapted to move through a playfield opening between an exposed position above the playfield and a hidden position below the playfield. A linkage including an elongated member medially pivoted to the frame in the fashion of a seesaw is connected at its opposite ends to the respective targets, preferably when one target is exposed and the other target is hidden. The linkage is effective to shift both targets simultaneously from one alternate target position to another alternate target position where the other target is exposed and the one target is hidden. A spring toggles the seesaw linkage resiliently to the extreme limit of travel in each alternate target position.

Abstract: The band is an endless band of one-piece construction which is adapted to be stretched around a set of posts extending upwardly from the playfield board of a pinball game. The band has an annular elastic body having inner and outer annular portions which respectively extend radially inwardly and outwardly of the body, the inner annular portion being adapted to be seated in complementary grooves of the associated posts. First and second annular flange portions extend from the body respectively in opposite directions generally parallel to the axis thereof coaxially therewith for inhibiting passage of the pinball above or beneath the band and to prevent twisting of the band on the associated posts.

Abstract: A target game can be constructed utilizing a support member and a transparent housing or cover mounted on the support member so as to enclose an elongated, enlarged area. A target is movably mounted on a guide rail within this area so as to be capable of being moved between the ends of a path. A spring is located on the support member for moving the target from adjacent to one end of the path to adjacent to the other end. An escapement structure consisting of parts mounted on the support and on the target controls such movement so that the target member only moves incrementally each time it is engaged by a projectile. A shooting structure is pivotally mounted on the support so as to be accessible from the exterior of the housing. This shooting structure includes a hollow tube within which there is carried a plunger capable of being manipulated so as to shoot projectiles.

Abstract: A game device including a target in the form of an open sided box-like structure having an inclined ramp at the open side thereof, concentric circles and numerical indicia on the bottom surface thereof to provide scoring capabilities in playing various games. A cube or cubes having rounded corners are rolled toward the target by the players with the cubes including arabic numerals on five sides thereof and an arithmetical symbol on the sixth side, thereby enabling various sporting events to be simulated, teaching basic math skills to children while providing entertainment and utilizing the element of skill as well as the element of chance.

Abstract: A pinball machine incorporates a ball playing field that may be varied, as by the user, for heightened interest in and attraction of the machine. The machine includes multiple deck elements removably carried by a support for the machine. These deck elements may be rearranged and replaced by substitutes. Different obstructions are typically carried by different deck elements so that a player or owner may rearrange the deck or play surface to change the playing field, and thereby alter the challenge of the game, at will.

Abstract: A target assembly for use in games for personal entertainment and particularly pinball games, in which an electrically conductive ball traverses the base layer of a game board said base layer being electrically insulated from a contact plate. A multiscore plate is electrically connected to the contact plate and has a plurality of fingers that extend into a channell formed between the multiscore plate and a guide member such that, when the ball traverses the channel, it contacts the fingers of the multiscore assembly to complete an electrical current path between the contact plate and the base layer to trigger a scoring mechanism.

Abstract: A ball bumper structure primarily intended for use in pinball type games can be constructed so as to utilize first and second members mounted so as to be capable of being pivoted relative to a platform. The first member includes a bumper surface exposed at the front of the platform and the second member includes another bumper surface located opposite the first bumper surface. When an object such as a ball contacts the first bumper surface the weight of the object and/or the force of such contact is employed to move the first movable member so as to discharge a latch structure. When the latch structure is disengaged an actuation structure including an impulse drive rapidly moves the second bumper surface toward the first. These surfaces are preferably tapered so that when a ball is caught between the two bumper surfaces as the second is being moved toward the first the ball will be forced outwardly away from the bumper structure.

Abstract: Portable target apparatus includes a variable size aperture for a baseball pitcher and includes a net which comprises a catcher or a stop for the balls which are pitched through the selectively variable target area. The size of the target aperture area can be varied by horizontally and vertically movable straps which are mounted on the target frame structure.

Abstract: A toy game of skill between two players is described wherein a track having a first end and a second end includes at least one surface extending between the first and the second end. Located at each end of the track and integrally mated with the track is a projectile launcher. At least one projectile, a small heavy spherical object, is ejected forcibly by the projectile launcher along the surface of the track. Resting on the track is an object member. The object member includes a self-propelling internal locomotion device which moves the object member back and forth reversibly between the projectile launchers located on the ends of the track.

Abstract: A multiple drop target assembly used in an amusement game having a playfield over which balls are moved. A frame mounted below the playfield carries a plurality of targets in side-by-side relationship, with the target heads projecting upwardly through apertures in the playfield. A torsionally rigid reset bar is operated to pivot control arms which in turn are coupled with the targets which are elevated to raised positions where they are releasably latched. When the heads are struck by balls, the targets are unlatched and moved downwardly to lowered positions by spring action. The operating arms of control switches project through apertures formed in the targets so that vertical movement of individual targets actuates the associated switch. The assembly is comprised of modular components for low cost manufacture and to facilitate installation, maintenance and repair.

Abstract: A ball rollover switch assembly for use in an amusement game having a playfield. A microswitch is mounted below the playfield and carries an operating blade which extends below a slot formed in the playfield. A translucent actuator body is mounted on the free end of the blade and is formed with a nose which projects upwardly through the slot. The blade of the switch in its raised position holds the actuator body so that an upper portion of the nose projects above the playfield. A ball moving across the playfield rolls over the nose to depress the body and move the blade to a lowered position for actuating the switch. Light from a source below the playfield is transmitted through the body to create an illumination effect.

Abstract: The post is of one-piece construction and has a body portion with a plurality of legs protruding in one direction and a lug protruding in the other. The legs are adapted to be forced toward one another so that they can be inserted into the opening of a playfield board of a pinball game. When released, the legs frictionally engage the board to hold the post in place. The lug passes through a hole in a cover plate and has fastening structure to accommodate a push-type fastener.

Abstract: The ball kicking device in a pinball game machine, having a frame detachably mounted on the lower face of a play surface, an electromagnetic coil secured to the frame, an armature disc held on the coil, a bumper head, a pair of upwardly extending poles integrally connecting the disc with the bumper head, and a switch to detect the tilting of the bumper head when a ball abuts thereagainst, thus to energize the coil.

Abstract: A game apparatus for use with marbles or the like comprising a unitary housing having substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces, the housing having a plurality of collecting chambers therein, the collecting chambers adapted to cooperate with a plurality of apertures disposed in the first lateral surface of the housing, the apertures permitting the passage of marbles or the like into the collecting chamber; an elongated roller element rotatably secured within an elongated chamber disposed within the housing; apparatus for rotating the elongated roller element; and a substantially rectangular flexible sheet element affixed on a free edge thereof to the roller element, the sheet element adapted to pass through an opening in the housing and extend outwardly toward the apertures and thereinfront thereby serving as a playing surface.

Abstract: A game having a vertical game board with an adherent surface supported from a horizontal game surface upon which a game piece transporter can be accelerated. The game piece transporter has weight and center of gravity located to prevent tipping and has a height adjustable, changable, adherent element capable of holding onto one side of a game piece, having mating adherent material, during acceleration and transit to or from the game board. The opposite side of the game piece has an adhering material compatible for mating with the adherent surface of the game board, depending upon the relative adherent strengths of the respective mating adherent surfaces, when the game piece transporter is accelerated to the game board. An elastic band is located across the base and in front of the vertical game board in the vicinity of the intersection of the game board and the horizontal game surface.

Abstract: A multiple-game game board having a plurality of locations, markers movable to each of the locations, progress in each game being indicated by advancing a marker through a plurality of locations, and selecting means for determining the next location to which a marker is to be moved, the selecting means including golf putting apparatus including a plurality of holes arranged so that a ball must fall into one of the holes, and programming means for selectively setting the value of each of the plurality of holes, the setting of the programming means being determined by the location of the markers on the game board.

Abstract: A pool type game apparatus which has a base structure having a playing surface over which balls or the like may be propelled, with bumper rails surrounding the playing surface. A ball receiving pocket is disposed generally centrally of the playing surface, and a cue stick or other ball propelling device is provided. An arcuate blocking flange protrudes upwardly through the pocket and is selectively movable about a central axis for blocking only a part of the pocket to change the available angles of approach for successfully propelling a ball into the pocket. A polygonal mobile bumper device is positionable on and manually movable bodily over the playing surface to any desired position for directing a ball which is propelled thereagainst, away therefrom at an angle defined by the straight side bumper surfaces of the mobile bumper device.

Abstract: A target device for a pinball game, including a plurality of independently pivotal score or target indicators mounted on the playing surface for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis. The indicators each are movable between a first generally horizontal position on one side of the axis to a second generally horizontal position on the other side of the axis. A U-shaped yoke is mounted for generally vertical reciprocal movement by a solenoid armature mounted below each of the indicators so that one arm of the U-shaped yoke will contact the indicator in its first position and the other arm of the U-shaped yoke will contact the indicator in its second position. In one form of the invention, energization of a solenoid will cause its U-shaped yoke to move upwardly to contact the respective indicator to move it from its first position to its second position or from its second position to its first position, depending on the position of the indicator.

Abstract: A game of skill of the type in which a ball traverses a generally flat surface and is propelled by tilting the surface whereby the player scores "points" by propelling the ball over the surface to targets thereon. The playing surface is formed as the upper surface of a playing board which is mounted on a central fulcrum to permit controlled tilting. The board also has legs spaced from the fulcrum for limiting the amount of tilting permissible during play of the game. The upper playing surface has a ball receiver which has a manually operable gate for opening the receiver and releasing the ball onto the playing surface. The targets are in the form of upstanding resiliently mounted plate members which can be knocked down by the ball by impact from a predetermined direction. The receiver gate is closed automatically after a given period of time by a timer which is started by the opening of the gate.

Abstract: A baseball pitcher's target includes a rebound wall surface which is divided into an upper half section and a lower half section. Each of the half sections is tapered rearwardly from the horizontal mid-point of the wall surface. The upper half section thus imparts an upwardly directed force component to a ball which strikes it whereas the lower half section imparts a downwardly directed force component to a ball which impinges upon such surface. Additional elements are secured to both the upper and lower half sections to impart laterally directed force components to a ball which strikes them and arcuately contoured elements are secured to both of the half sections, the arcuately contoured elements secured to the lower half section imparting a downwardly directed force component to a ball which strikes them whereas the arcuately contoured elements secured to the upper half section impart an upwardly directed force component to a ball which strikes them.

Abstract: At one end of a playing surface a portion of the playing surface which has a plurality of cylindrical openings therein is connected to pivot downwardly from its normal position in substantial alignment with the playing surface, and a lower plate having pins movably registered in the cylindrical openings and the free ends of which are flush with the playing surface and are adapted to hold game balls in position on the playing surface in the normal position is connected to first be moved by guide members and an operating mechanism away from the playing surface portion to partly retract the pins from the cylindrical openings, next the separated lower plate and playing surface portion are pivoted as a unit about the pivot connection of the latter in a downward direction so balls may rush on the surface portion and fill the openings, and finally the lower plate is returned to its normal position and then the surface portion is returned to its normal position in alignment with the playing surface whereby balls can

Abstract: A marksmanship target presenting a plurality of targets to view by competing marksmen. When a marksman's missile strikes a target on a side of a shield assigned to him, that target shifts to his opponent's side. Each target is provided with a cushion adapted to strike a plate, thereby damping movement and preventing rebound of the struck target. Each target is integrally formed with a narrow, forwardly extending lip and several annularly spaced, shock absorbing ribs secured to a marginal edge of the target and connecting the target to a support arm.

Abstract: A pinball apparatus including a housing having an inclined playing surface over which a ball may be propelled and at least one ball to be propelled on the playing surface. A launcher is provided for propelling the ball onto the playing surface, and target members are mounted on the playing surface for striking by the ball. A flipper assembly is provided for keeping the ball in play on the playing surface. A scorer is associated with the target members for registering a score everytime a target member is struck by a ball. The apparatus includes a tunnel assembly having an inclined channel formed within the housing beneath the playing surface. An entrance is provided on the playing surface for capturing a ball and allowing the ball to be introduced into one end of the tunnel and an exit is provided in the playing surface at the other end of the tunnel for allowing the ball to be introduced back onto the playing surface. The scorer includes a normally incomplete electrical circuit.

Abstract: A game for simulating launching and landing of spacecraft. An elongated channel attached to an upright stand defines a predetermined path for a moving game piece. A notched rotating disk mounted on the stand transversely above the channel prevents passage of the game piece except when the notch coincides with the channel. The effective circumferential extent of the notch can be selectively varied by a movable shutter for simulating approach corridors of varying widths. Alternatively, a target plaque pivotally mounted in the notch rotates from a first to a second position if struck by a simulated missile. Game pieces that fail to pass the rotating disk are prevented from bouncing back into the approach channel by a one-way barrier and are then removed from the channel by flanges protruding from the face of the disk. The disk may be rotated with constant angular velocity or with continuously varying velocity by means of off-center gears.