Abstract: The invention is directed to a hand-held game apparatus and method providing an elimination game wherein audible and/or visual signals instruct players to manipulate particular input devices, such as a push button, a pull knob or a twist knob, to actuate a corresponding switch. If the particular input device is not manipulated within a predetermined period of time, such as one second, the game may output an audible and/or visual error signal, stopping play and indicating that the player who failed to manipulate the input device is eliminated from that round of play. The audible signals instructing a player to manipulate an input device can be selected to be voice messages, musical sounds, or other prompts corresponding to each input device. Similarly, the visual signals may correspond to each input device, and may comprise the illumination of lights disposed at each of the input devices.

Abstract: Described is a hand-held musical game apparatus that is adapted to resemble a guitar, and that operates in a manner that facilitates a game played with it. Generally, the apparatus has a housing shaped to resemble a guitar with a body portion and a neck portion. The neck portion is rotatably connected to the body portion and the body portion has a strum bar. A slide element is slidably connected to the neck portion. Electronics are disposed within the housing to provide, as part of the game, audio and/or visual instructions to rotate the neck, slide the slide element, or strum the strum bar. The game entails a player rotating the neck, sliding the slide element, or strumming the strum bar in accordance with the instructions.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is configured for itinerant maneuvers and is programmed by manually drawing a path on an exposed surface of a mechanical touch screen assembly on the vehicle. A microprocessor, coupled with the touch screen assembly, reads the manually drawn path and controls movement of the vehicle to follow the manually drawn path. In one embodiment, the drawn path is erased to enter a new path by pivoting the first sheet of the assembly away from the second sheet and, in another embodiment, by separating the first and second sheets by sliding a horizontal plate between the sheets. A sensor on the vehicle detects the presence of a stylus in a holder. The microprocessor responds to the presence to initiate the itinerant movement and/or activate a visual indicator or an audio generator or both in the toy vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic game apparatus includes a display for depicting multiple launch positions and multiple launch power levels for a to-be-launched game object. The display further includes a plurality of game object icons which may be selectively activated to depict the travel of the game object. A launch control includes a control button movable within a multiply fluted guide against the force of a pair of symmetrically positioned springs. A switch contact is carried by the control button and cooperates with a plurality of conductive switch pads. The movable contact of the launch control button and the conductive pads cooperate to provide switch inputs of selection and duration for the game unit as the launch control button is manipulated.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a housing supporting a three by three grid of tic-tac-toe game play squares. The housing further supports a pivotable multi-function launch control which provides three game function inputs to the game microprocessor. The display further includes a trio of paths for each of the three columns in the tic-tac-toe square array. The game simulates launch of a game object down one of the paths selected by pivotal movement of the launch control to attempt marking a particular square in the tic-tac-toe array. The launch control includes a depressible launch button which performs a second function of setting game object launch power and a third function of triggering game object simulated launch.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is configured for itinerant maneuvers and is programmed by manually drawing a path on an exposed surface of a mechanical touch screen assembly on the vehicle. A microprocessor, coupled with the touch screen assembly, reads the manually drawn path and controls movement of the vehicle to follow the manually drawn path. In one embodiment, the drawn path is erased to enter a new path by pivoting the first sheet of the assembly away from the second sheet and, in another embodiment, by separating the first and second sheets by sliding a horizontal plate between the sheets. A sensor on the vehicle detects the presence of a stylus in a holder. The microprocessor responds to the presence to initiate the itinerant movement and/or activate a visual indicator or an audio generator or both in the toy vehicle.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a housing supporting a three by three grid of tic-tac-toe game play squares. The housing further supports a pivotable multi-function launch control which provides three game function inputs to the game microprocessor. The display further includes a trio of paths for each of the three columns in the tic-tac-toe square array. The game simulates launch of a game object down one of the paths selected by pivotal movement of the launch control to attempt marking a particular square in the tic-tac-toe array. The launch control includes a depressible launch button which performs a second function of setting game object launch power and a third function of triggering game object simulated launch.

Abstract: An electronic game apparatus includes a display for depicting multiple launch positions and multiple launch power levels for a to-be-launched game object. The display further includes a plurality of game object icons which may be selectively activated to depict the travel of the game object. A launch control includes a control button movable within a multiply fluted guide against the force of a pair of symmetrically positioned springs. A switch contact is carried by the control button and cooperates with a plurality of conductive switch pads. The movable contact of the launch control button and the conductive pads cooperate to provide switch inputs of selection and duration for the game unit as the launch control button is manipulated.

Abstract: A game apparatus for one or more users includes at least two input devices each of which requires a mechanical action for actuation, and a controller coupled to the input devices. The controller is operable to select at least one of the input devices and to send a command signal to the selected input device to de-actuate the selected input device. The controller also is operable to define an actuation time period and to detect whether a selected input device is actuated within the actuation time period after the input device is de-actuated. If the selected input device is actuated within the actuation time period, the controller is operable to select at least one other input device and to send a command signal to the other input device to de-actuate the other input device.

Abstract: A hand-held game that includes a plurality of input devices, an audible output device, and a controller coupled to each of the input devices and to the audible output device. Preferably, each of the input devices require a different mechanical action for action, such as a pressure switch, a pull switch or a rotational switch. The controller outputs a first command signal to the audible output device that relates to a first selected input device. The controller then outputs a second command signal to the audible output device relating to a second selected input device when the first selected input device is actuated within a predetermined period of time. When the first selected input device is not actuated within the predetermined period of time, or when an input device other than the selected input device is actuated in response to the first command signal, the controller outputs an error command signal to the audible output device.

Abstract: A hand-held game that includes a plurality of input devices, an audible output device, and a controller coupled to each of the input devices and to the audible output device. Preferably, each of the input devices require a different mechanical action for action, such as a pressure switch, a pull switch or a rotational switch. The controller outputs a first command signal to the audible output device that relates to a first selected input device. The controller then outputs a second command signal to the audible output device relating to a second selected input device when the first selected input device is actuated within a predetermined period of time. When the first selected input device is not actuated within the predetermined period of time, or when an input device other than the selected input device is actuated in response to the first command signal, the controller outputs an error command signal to the audible output device.

Abstract: A modular toy (1) allowing easy assembly for children has a frame (3), a bridge (23), and a hub assembly (27) as primary features. The frame and bridge have slots (5, 6), which in turn have fasteners (7). The hub assembly snaps or otherwise removably mounts in the slots. This allows toy pieces, such as gears (57, 59), to be placed on the hub assemblies. The gears can be rotated on the hubs and effect movement of other gears attached to other hubs. The slots are generally equally spaced so that children have an easy method of effecting the movement.