Abstract: A track structure for a toy construction set. A box-like structure is formed by a plurality of closely spaced, generally X-shaped track braces, which support elongated tubular flexible track. elements by track supports at the upper extremities of the “X”. The track elements have longitudinally extending slots therein to tightly receive the track supports. The track braces are supported and positioned by means of longitudinally extending rods, arranged in parallel relation to the track elements and secured to the track braces by a snap-in engagement of the rods with open-ended gripping sockets formed by the lower extremities of the X-shaped track braces. A plurality of track braces may be mounted on a single pair of rods, and rods may be connected together end to end to make a track assembly of any length. The flexible track elements may be of more or less continuous length.

Abstract: A tilt contact switch for kinetic activity amusement games, for example pin ball games. A spherical tilt element is confined within a spherical socket and mounted below an opening in a game board surface panel. A contact bumper is mounted by the spherical tilt element and extends above the game board surface for engagement by a moving ball or the like. A wobble plate is fixed to the spherical tilt element and positioned closely adjacent to a switch element molded of soft, elastic silicone rubber material formed with spaced contact bumps. Tilting of the wobble plate, as a result of contact with the bumper, will deform and depress one or more of the contact bumps, serving to complete an electrical circuit through circuit contacts underlying a depressed contact bump. The resiliency of the contact bumps serves to bias the wobble plate to a normal or rest position when tilt forces are removed from the contact bumper.

Abstract: A game board structure for a construction toy set. A basic game board is formed of three generally rectangular panel assemblies of hollow construction. The panels have interengaging projections and recesses for mechanically locking the panels together to form a flat playing surface for various rolling ball games, such as pinball and speedball. Joining of the panels automatically connects the panels together electrically for scoring and control functions throughout the board. The assembled game board accommodates mounting of a score-indicating panel in different locations, for different playing modes, such as pinball, typically played by one person, and head-to-head games, such as speedball, played by two persons.

Abstract: A contact switch for a kinetic activity amusement game has a base, a universal joint connected to the base and a contact bumper connected to a ball of the universal joint. A electrically conductive coil spring has one end connected to the ball of the universal joint and a second end retained by the base. An electrode has contact portions disposed radially around the coil spring. A power source is connected between the coil spring and the electrode forming a potential electrical circuit. Displacement of the contact bumper by kinetic energy of a game ball causes displacement of the coil spring and contact of the coil spring with the contact surfaces of the electrode closing the circuit.

Abstract: A projectile and launcher combination, in which the launcher is formed with a tubular passage having a convergently tapered inner end. A projectile element is provided at its back end with a plurality of rearwardly extending, cantilever mounted resilient leaf spring elements arranged to be received in and displaced radially inward by the convergently tapered portion of the tubular passage. When the projectile is loaded into the launcher, the leaf spring elements tend to eject it forwardly. A retention arrangement is provided to hold the projectile until it is ready to be ejected. When the projectile is released from retention, the outward pressure of the leaf spring elements on the convergent walls forcibly ejects the projectile from the launcher passage.

Abstract: A projectile and launcher combination, in which the launcher is formed with a tubular passage having a convergently tapered inner end. A projectile element is provided at its back end with a plurality of rearwardly extending, cantilever mounted resilient leaf spring elements arranged to be received in and displaced radially inward by the convergently tapered portion of the tubular passage. When the projectile is loaded into the launcher, the leaf spring elements tend to eject it forwardly. A retention arrangement is provided to hold the projectile until it is ready to be ejected. When the projectile is released from retention, the outward pressure of the leaf spring elements on the convergent walls forcibly ejects the projectile from the launcher passage.