Abstract: The present inventions comprise four different games. Three are board games and one is a game of chance. All four games use a Game Machine™ device which carries a plurality of chips. The International Game of Life™ involves moving pieces on a board in a manner based on the results of rotating the chips. The All or Nothing™ game involves competing for a pot of chips based on the results of rotating the chips. The Jungle Game™ involves collecting chips having the images of animals thereon based on the results of rotating the chips. The Game Machine™ may also be used to play a game of chance involving placing chips on a numbered strip based on the results of rotating the chips.

Abstract: The convertible skate includes wheels that are interchangeable between an in-line configuration and a conventional roller skate configuration. The skate can be readily changed between the different configurations by depressing a first button to release a latch and unlock the front pair of wheels from a first configuration. The front wheels can then be rotated into and locked by the latch at their second configuration. The same type of conversion method and apparatus can be used to convert the rear pair of wheels between different configurations. The skate may also include a reverse spinning brake that prevents the skate from rolling backwards. The reverse spinning brake works in either the in-line configuration or the conventional roller skate configuration without requiring any changeover process between configurations.

Abstract: A multi-function roller skate system functions as a conventional skate configuration, with the wheels wide apart, and also as an in-line skate configuration, with a single row of wheels. The skate has multiple pairs of wheels which may be moved closer together or farther apart according to the skater's needs, either in connection with training or to accommodate changing skating conditions. When the wheels are at their closest, each pair operates as a single wheel directly under the skater's foot like an in-line skate. The skate may include at least one intermediate position for intermediate skill skaters. In addition, the skate may be extended to fit different or growing skaters.

Abstract: A multi-function roller skate system functions as a conventional skate configuration, with the wheels wide apart, and also as an in-line skate configuration, with a single row of wheels. The skate has multiple pairs of wheels which may be moved closer together or farther apart according to the skater's needs, either in connection with training or to accommodate changing skating conditions. When the wheels are at their closest, each pair operates as a single wheel directly under the skater's foot like an in-line skate. The skate may include at least one intermediate position for intermediate skill skaters. In addition, the skate may be extended to fit different or growing skaters.

Abstract: An object sensor (or event detector) apparatus detects distinctive characteristics (such as color) of otherwise physically similar objects. Respective indices or counters are incremented in response to the various detections. The event detector (object sensor) may take various forms such as a conveyor belt production monitor, but is especially useful as an electronic scorekeeper for a competitive game which simultaneously keeps score for two or more different players by distinguishing between the different colors (or other characteristics) of balls or other objects each player uses to play a given game. A solitary mode also keeps score for a single player within a given time period. In this selectable alternative mode, the event detector apparatus records accumulated points and displays the time remaining in a given time period which defines a game time period.

Abstract: A rotator game device for the generation of randomly selected data has a circular housing with a recess, and a base wheel rotatable within the housing recess upon a bearing arrangement. The base member has an upstanding handle member fitting over the bearing arrangement, and a circular retainer member having an inclined surface and a lip is mounted to the circular housing. A collar member is fitted to the upstanding handle member and has a plurality of detents as well as an indicia indicator for each detent area. A plurality of wheel or disc members carrying indicia such that each wheel member has one edge resting on the circular retainer and one edge resting on the base wheel.

Abstract: A roller skate is provided having a body portion adapted to be attached to the foot of a wearer, and front and rear axles attached to the body portion, the axles having wheels mounted to the ends thereof. At least the front wheels are characterized by an outer cylindrical rolling portion having a plurality of teeth integrally formed on an inwardly facing circumferential surface thereof. A pawl member having first and second ratchet-engaging portions has a cam follower portion and is mounted by a camming member to the body of the skate. The camming member is movable between first, second and third positions. In the first position, the camming member acts through its cam follower portion to elevate the pawl member to a position where it does not engage any of the teeth on the inwardly facing surfaces of the front wheels.

Abstract: A safety wheel has on the surface thereof a tread design comprised of a relatively hard material which defines interstitial spaces, which spaces are filled with a relatively soft material. The overall surface of the resulting safety wheel is substantially smooth, while the softer material filling the interstitial spaces absorbs unevenness in a surface traversed by the wheel. In embodiments where the interstitial spaces are generally circular in nature, a suction force is created by interaction between the surface traversed, the soft material filling the interstitial spaces, and the hard material immediately defining the interstitial spaces. This suction force provides greater traction for the wheel on the traversed surface, thereby enhancing the safety of the wheel. Other non-circular interstitial space shapes are disclosed. The broader features of this invention (i.e.

Abstract: An easily propellable toy constructed substantially of a soft, compressible, resilient material such as polyurethane foam or other foam rubber-like material, wherein the resiliency of the material is captured and converted to rotational motion which moves the toy. A compression plate on the top portion of the toy is depressed by the child playing with the toy, causing compression of the foam rubber body of the toy. When the compression plate is released, the natural resiliency of the foam material pushes the compression plate up, simultaneously causing linear movement of an elongate member which is attached to the underside of the compression plate. This linear movement of the elongate member is converted, by means of a gear train, to rotational movement which is then communicated to the wheels of the toy.

Abstract: A roller skate having front and rear wheels mounted on a base plate member, a ratchet and pawl assembly mounted in association with at least one wheel such that said wheel is rotatable in one direction only when the pawl engages the ratchet. A back stop member is mounted on the rear of the base plate such that it will engage the ground or other supporting surface when the front of the skate is raised to a predetermined height. The base plate of the roller skate is adjustable along its longitudinal axis. The upper portion of the skate has quick release straps for securing the shoe or bare foot of the skater to the skate.