Abstract: A track section for model vehicles adapted to be interconnected with like adjacent track sections includes a longitudinally extending body having a top wall, first and second end faces and first and second sides. First and second teeth extend transversely from the body proximate the sides and the end faces in transversely opposite directions away from the centers of the end faces. First and second receiving members are fixed relative to the body proximate the sides and the end faces, each receiving member defining a recess adapted to receive a corresponding tooth of a like adjacent track section. First and second transverse flexion stabilizing members project longitudinally outward relative to the respective first and second receiving members. First and second lugs are mounted to the sides of the body proximate the teeth, each lug defining a cavity adapted to receive a corresponding transverse flexion stabilizing member of a like adjacent track section.

Abstract: A game is provided in which tokens are moved according to the throw of a die through a number of obstacles on a path from the point of a shipwreck to shore. Adjacent the path of travel is a three dimensional fish whose jaws may be manually moved toward a closed position by rotating its dorsal fin. Playing with the game, a balloon is placed in the fish's jaws and players are required to rotate the fin when their tokens land on particular game board spaces. When the balloon bursts, the player who burst it is penalized.

Abstract: An arrangement for increasing the normal force exerted by an electrically powered miniature vehicle on a track in order to improve the traction of the vehicle's wheels. Flux collectors used in association with permanent magnets mounted along the sides of the vehicle and forming part of the vehicle's electric motor exert an attractive magnetic force on power rails embedded in the track, which force substantially exceeds the force provided by the magnets alone. Each of the flux collectors is made of a sheet of material which is attracted by a magnet and is mounted adjacent to the magnet surface which faces away from the motor armature. Also, each of the flux collectors extends downward to a point in close proximity to one of the power rails and includes a flange extending along at least part of the lower surface of the permanent magnet against which it is mounted.

Abstract: A human-like figure actuable by an operator to simulate the movements of a human being. The figure is mounted near the front of a platform by means of one of its legs and is operated by means of a set of controls near the rear of the platform to move a pair of articulated arms and the second leg. The control arrangement near the rear of the platform includes a handle which extends laterally on each side of the platform and can be held by the operator to maneuver the platform. The controls are arranged on either side of the handle so that the operator can work any one of them with his fingers without releasing the others. By working a single control the operator can make the figure kick its second leg and bend at the waist to simulate a karate kick. Two additional controls each operate one of the figure's arms, one of which can be made to simulate a punch and the other to simulate a karate chop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for simultaneously starting a plurality of model vehicles on a race track section constructed and arranged to be interconnected with adjacent track sections. The model vehicles are normally powered over the race track running surface by their driving wheels and are directed along the running surface by guide pins which are attached to the vehicles and which are inserted within recessed guide grooves within the race track. The vehicles are restrained from movement along the running surface by stop members which block the movement of the guide pins through the guide grooves. The model vehicles are simultaneously permitted to commence movement along the running surface of the track section by the stop members being simultaneously removed from blocking the pins of the vehicles thereby accurately simulating a racing start.

Abstract: A miniature electrically powered vehicle including an electric motor having a pair of permanent magnets mounted in the car to serve as the stator of the motor and also being mounted to extend in close magnetic proximity to the electric rails positioned in the track upon which the vehicle is operated. The magnets are mounted one behind the other in the vehicle such that a magnetic flux path exists running between one of the permanent magnets to at least one of the electric rails and then to the other of said permanent magnets. The resulting magnetic force between the car and the track provides an increased normal force of the car against the track to increase the traction of the driving wheels and to decrease slippage and prevent the vehicle from spinning as it negotiates curves in the track.

Abstract: A game of skill including a frame for supporting a game board having a plurality of ball-receiving pockets located about the periphery thereof and formed in the supporting frame of the game board. A ball-propelling mechanism including a base and a swingably mounted impact member is movable about the game board to propel a cue ball to impact with object balls. The base includes symmetrically-disposed recesses for receiving the cue ball so that it may be automatically aligned with the impact member. The ball-propelling mechanism is also provided with a sighting edge so that the impact member and cue ball may be properly aligned with an object ball. The supporting frame of the game board also includes rebound bumpers and a bumper mounting system which provides an enhanced rebound action to the playing balls.