Abstract: A battery-sparing retail/home circuit for a sensor includes first and second switch systems in parallel. The first switch system includes a first user-operable switch for energizing a first circuit. The first user-operable switch is biased to an open orientation for opening the first circuit and movable to a closed orientation for closing the first circuit. The first user-operable switch is always operable to close the first circuit. The second switch system includes a second user-operable switch in a series circuit with a sensor-operated switch. The second user-operable switch is accessible by a user only after purchase of the retail/home circuit and is movable between an off orientation opening the series circuit and an on orientation rendering the series circuit dependent on the sensor-operated switch only.

Abstract: A bumper for a table game includes a rigid form defining a generally horizontal upper surface and a vertically extending inner surface depending from the form upper surface. A first plastic cover of a first rigidity is disposed on an outer marginal portion of the form upper surface and a second plastic cover of a second rigidity has a first portion disposed on an inner marginal portion of the form upper surface and a second portion disposed on the form inner surface. A plastic cushion of a third rigidity is disposed on the second portion of the second plastic cover. The second rigidity is greater than the third rigidity, and the second plastic cover and the cushion (and optionally the first plastic cover) are of integral, one-piece, unitary construction formed in a single co-extrusion operation.

Abstract: In a pinball machine, a ball spinner comprising a cup adapted for rotation relative to a playing field, the cup having a curved inner surface which terminates in a peripheral flange, and a centrally disposed hub extending downwardly along the axis of rotation, the hub having a compression spring disposed thereof for maintaining the cup in a non-rotating, unweighted position, the cup being operably associated with a drive motor for rotation thereof, and being adapted to engage a switch upon sensing the weight of the pinball therein, the switch enabling the drive motor and remaining in a closed position until the pinball is ejected from the cup during rotation.

Abstract: A garden-type water sprayer includes a figure configured as an animal and defining a stationary body part and at least one movable body part. A drive is mounted on the figure and adapted for fluid communication with a water supply under pressure, the drive directing a water spray against the at least one movable body part to move the same.

Abstract: In an air cushion table game, such as air hockey, the air bed, which has an upper surface defining a playing surface, comprises a top layer of material having a multiplicity of air jets exhausting upwardly therethrough and arrayed in a substantially uniform pattern over the playing surface of the top layer to form an air cushion and a bottom layer of material disposed below and connected to the top layer. The top and bottom layers define a single plenum extending therebetween and communicating with each of the air jets, the plenum being of unitary one-piece integral blow molded construction. Preferably, the air bed includes a bumper strip defining a boundary of the playing surface upon the air bed, and the air bed, including the bumper strip, is of unitary one-piece integral blow molded construction.

Abstract: A basket for a basketball-like game wherein the player attempts to shoot a projectile (e.g., a basketball) downwardly through the opening of a basket, either directly or upon rebound from a backboard, comprising a basket defining a generally vertical opening therethrough (typically mounted on a backboard and projecting forwardly thereof). A member has the appearance of at least one hand, the member being pivotally mounted on the basket for movement between a slam dunk orientation, wherein the member at least partially covers the basket opening, and an at rest orientation, wherein the member is spaced from the basket opening to enable passage of the projectile through the basket. A lever is disposed at least partially in the basket opening and responsive to the passage of the projectile downwardly through the basket for moving the member from the at rest orientation to the slam dunk orientation.

Abstract: An overhead spinner assembly, adapted to be mounted on a game in which a projectile is caused to move about a playing surface, includes a spinner for deflecting the movement of the projectile contacting the same, drive means for rotating the spinner in a plane parallel to and slightly above the game playing surface, and a support for mounting the spinner and the drive on the game with the drive above the game playing surface.

Abstract: A kit comprises in combination a table game component and at least one other component removably positionable thereon. The table game component includes a playing surface defining an aperture therethrough, a rotatable drive disposed below the playing surface and accessible through the aperture, a game piece capable of moving over the playing surface, and a bat for engaging the game piece so as to cause it to move over the playing surface. The at least one other component is adapted to be removably positioned in the aperture and comprises a rotatable deflector having, when removably positioned in the aperture, a deflecting element of a given composition, size and configuration positioned above the playing surface for deflecting the movement of the game piece when the deflecting element contacts the game piece, and a driving element disposed below the playing surface for operatively engaging the rotatable drive for rotation therewith.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a transmission that automatically shifts from high speed to low speed when a load is placed on the rear wheels, due to rough terrain or otherwise, in either the forward or reverse direction. An alternate embodiment of the invention includes a second clutch mechanism that simultaneously engages and drives a second set of wheels when the transmission shifts from high to low speed.