Moving Surface Patents (Class 273/109)
  • Patent number: 11670192
    Abstract: A mobius zipper learning model is described. The learning model can include a device comprising two 3D printed, hard plastic, semi-circular halves connected by a plastic zipper, which could also be 3D printed, with top ends connected to the frame halves. The zipper can be twisted and then reconnected at the bottom of the frames using embedded fasteners (e.g., hook and eyelet, snaps, or hook and loop). The Mobius zipper permits topologists and others to explore and demonstrate Mobius properties without having to seek and size workable material (usually paper) and/or successfully slice the selected material. Further, use of the Mobius Zipper results in no waste of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Inventor: Douglas O. Sanders, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11331528
    Abstract: An advanced calisthenic ring comprising a substantially annular shape and various contiguous and smoothly interfaced regions within multiple planes to avoid abrading a user's arms when a user is performing a muscle up exercise. In some embodiments the device can also comprise a support element integral with the advanced calisthenic ring to aid a user in adopting a false grip position and/or facilitate performance of a muscle up exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventors: Kevin A Amoroso, Charles Leslie Floyd, Jr., Christopher A. Cuevas
  • Patent number: 10857452
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular ball track system, comprising the following: a plurality of module elements (12; 12?), the exterior shape of all of which is the same regular polygon in plan view and each of which has—an upper face (14), a lower face (16) opposite the upper face, and—a number of lateral surfaces (18), said number corresponding to the number of corners of said module element, wherein each module element (12; 12?) forms at least one section (20, 22) of a ball track on the upper face (14) of the module element, said section passing through a lateral surface (18) of the module element, and a plug socket (24) protrudes from each module element (12; 12?) on the lower face (16) of the module element, and—a base (32) with a plurality of uniformly arranged recesses (34) for receiving a respective plug socket (24), wherein the plurality of recesses (34) are arranged on the base (32) in a grid, the size (s) of the grid corresponds to the incircle diameter of the regular polygon which forms the exterio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Ravensburger Verlag GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Hodek, Ralph Muenzer, Clemens Tuerck
  • Patent number: 10238957
    Abstract: The invention provides a game apparatus having matched inner and outer vessels and a set of cards that can be used to play a game. Each vessel of the game apparatus is configured to hold a liquid such as water or beer, which can be dispensed into the vessel body through the open top. The outer vessel is larger than the inner vessel and configured to hold the inner vessel in a substantially upright position and rotatable in its hollow interior. The matched inner and outer vessels can be used to play a game in which two or more players take turn adding at least a drop of water to an inner vessel placed in a fluid-filled outer vessel until a player loses by causing the inner vessel to sink by adding more fluid than the inner vessel can hold. The invention also provides a plurality of karma cards that are content matched to a two-vessel game apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: Robert Rodems
  • Patent number: 9443374
    Abstract: A method and system for randomly selecting numbers for playing a game using a random arrangement of numbered balls placed on an ice layer, or in an ice layer in a capacity. Conditions are created for thawing the ice and allowing the numbered balls to sink and fall exiting the bottom of the capacity. A device below the capacity comprises a detector for sensing a numbered ball that is exiting. A remotely accessed game server enables game players to place stakes on the numbered balls exiting. The detector sensing a numbered ball exiting, communicates with the game server to stop accepting stakes for the numbered balls to be exited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Timofey Viktorovich Shuliar
  • Patent number: 9393456
    Abstract: This invention relates to a lateral foot sliding mechanism in the field of sport activities, training devices, and more particularly exercise machines, especially adapted to lower extremities. The lateral foot sliding mechanism includes a low platform (1) with a profiled groove (5) in the mid along the platform (1), in which two foot sliding mechanisms move (2), which have two foot supports (6,7) and are equipped with elements (11), which enable lateral movement of the slide mechanisms (2) along the platform (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventor: Miroslav Popov
  • Patent number: 9392768
    Abstract: A throw and fetch system includes a universal handle, at least two projectiles, and at least two interchangeable projectile holder elements. A first projectile has a first size and/or shape, and a second projectile has a second size and/or shape. A first interchangeable projectile holder element has an interior that is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the first projectile, and a second interchangeable projectile holder element has an interior that is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the second projectile. In a first state the first projectile holder element is attached to a distal end of the universal handle such that the first projectile may be held then thrown therefrom by a user, and in a second state the second projectile holder element is attached such that the second projectile may be held then thrown therefrom by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Make Ideas, LLC
    Inventor: Keith Alan Mullin
  • Patent number: 9044642
    Abstract: A weight-lifting bar includes a tubular member having a first end portion and a second end portion. The tubular member further includes an internal region. The weight-lifting bar further includes a plurality of balls disposed in the internal region of the tubular member that at least partially fills the internal region. The weight-lifting bar further includes a first endcap member configured to be coupled to the first end portion, and a second endcap member configured to be coupled to the second end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Innovative Xercise Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Derek Mikulski
  • Publication number: 20150014922
    Abstract: A game is provided which requires the player to analyze and solve physical problems confronted while playing the game. The game may be played by all persons, regardless of age. The game features the construction of a track assembly which will enable a sphere to roll on the track assembly from the first end of the assembly to the second end of the assembly without falling off of the assembly. The track assembly is comprised of a pair of circular cylinders in parallel alignment and at least two braces positioned in the assembly to maintain the alignment of the cylinders. The sphere is caused, by gravity, to roll on top of the aligned cylinders from one end of the assembly to the other end without falling off of the assembly. There is also provided a method of designing the operative elements of the game (cylinder diameter, sphere diameter and cylinder separation) to change the level of skill required to play the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Michael W. Hibbetts, SR.
  • Patent number: 8919776
    Abstract: An article of footwear is provided having one or more maze units each comprising a base mounted to the upper of the footwear, a transparent cover secured about the periphery of the base defining a hollow enclosure and an array of partitions located within the enclosure forming channels along which one or more objects are movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: BBC International LLC
    Inventors: Linda Bellone, Alison O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20140306404
    Abstract: Cylindrical labyrinth that comprises a plurality of cylindrical bodies (10), where each one of them presents an outer all (11) with a labyrinthine path (12) configured to be traversed by a bail (2) between an entry (13) into the labyrinthine path (12) and an exit (14) from the labyrinthine path (12); and a longitudinal shaft (20) configured to pierce and align the cylindrical bodies (10) and to allow the rotation thereof with respect to said shaft (20). Each cylindrical body (10) comprises a transparent cover (70) configured to cover the outer wall (11) of said body (10) and to prevent the ball (2) from falling out from the labyrinthine path (12) thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: YTRES ASSEMBLY, S.L.
    Inventor: Oscar ENCINA CUSI
  • Publication number: 20130320618
    Abstract: A coin or token game has a lower hopper 8 and upper hopper 10 and a lift system 18 for bringing tokens from the lower hopper to the upper hopper. The lift system 18 is pivoted around a point close to the lower hopper and fixed with respect to the upper hopper 10 in such a way that the upper end of the lift system follows the upper hopper 10 as the upper hopper 10 moves laterally across the playfield 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Game Concepts Ltd
    Inventor: Gordon Crompton
  • Patent number: 8550870
    Abstract: Described is a track set with a tiltable surface for use with a toy vehicle. The track set includes a handle that allows a user to tilt the surface while resting the track set on a base and tilting the surface at a pivot point. Further, the surface includes a first side and a second side. The track set is formed to allow a user to switch the position of the pivot point and base and thereby selectively use either the first side or second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominic Laurienzo, Michael Bernstein, Gabriel Carlson, Dion Fields
  • Patent number: 8231468
    Abstract: The present invention provides a game device with enhanced entertainment capabilities. In a game device, a slope controller controls the inclination of the ground on which a character is placed, based on an operation instruction input by a player via a controller. An independent mode controller controls the character so that the character performs an action determined by an artificial intelligence unit, when the inclination of the ground is smaller than a certain value. A dependent mode controller controls the character so that the character rolls on the ground, when the inclination of the ground is greater than a certain value. The player tilts the ground to roll the character in a desired direction so as to lead the character to the goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Kouno
  • Patent number: 8186678
    Abstract: A device for developing hand-eye coordination of the type having a drum (90) with a furrow (92) meandering around drum (90) with drum pin (94A and 94B) mated to slot (120A and 120B) of hoop (116). Marble (10) is negotiated over furrow (92) by turning drum pin (94A and 94B) with each hand while simultaneously using drum pin (94A and 94B) to roll hoop (116) to complete the length of furrow (92).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: David Paul Acquaviva
  • Publication number: 20120061911
    Abstract: A medal game device includes a table, a pusher mechanism, a plate-shaped position input device, a medal releasing mechanism, an instruction position recognizing section, and a moving state detecting section. The pusher is configured to drop a medal from an edge of the table by reciprocally moving a moving body. The plate-shaped position input device is configured for a user to input a command. The medal releasing mechanism is configured to release the medal towards the table based on the command. The instruction position recognizing section is configured to recognize a contact position. The moving state detecting section is configured to detect how the instruction means moves on the plate-shaped position input device. The mechanism controlling section is configured to control the medal releasing mechanism in releasing the medal based on the moving state of the instruction means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takayoshi HORII
  • Patent number: 7954819
    Abstract: A pinball adapted for play by either one or two players. The pinball game includes the playing surface having first and second ends. The playing surface is adapted for supporting a pinball between the ends. The pinball game also includes a tilting assembly associated with the playing surface for orientating the playing surface between a substantially horizontal position and an inclined position directed towards one of the first and second ends. When the pinball game is adapted to be played by one player, the playing surface is in the inclined position. But when the pinball game is adapted to be played by two players, the playing surface is in the horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Moose Mountain Toymakers Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald Lokos
  • Patent number: 7798493
    Abstract: A game for children or adults using a board and a ball provides entertainment and motor skill improvements. The board has a central depression for initially receiving the ball whereby the board is then manipulated to allow the ball to roll from the central depression to a distal groove. As the ball enters the distal groove, the board is manually “flipped” by the player to urge the ball from one end of the board to the other end where the ball is then directed by precise manual motions to reseat in the central depression. One or more individuals, each using a board and ball can play games and have contests for fun and enjoyment purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Adrian R. Moore
  • Patent number: 7722042
    Abstract: This invention relates a playing surface (1) for a game that may be played by opposing players or teams of players. The playing surface is formed from a resilient material and may be of polygonal or regular shape. The playing surface is provided with at least one scoring means, for example formed as an opening with a suspended pocket. The playing surface may be formed from a woven textile material into which is incorporated a resilient material such as lycra so that the playing surface as a whole can be stretched and physically deformed in two directions or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventors: Katrina Cross, Anthony Cross
  • Patent number: 7575498
    Abstract: A top toy including a track component for supporting a wheel-type top. Each track member has a peripheral rim to cooperatively form a two-rail track. Each of the rims is configured non-circular such that the magnetic spindles of the wheel-type top move toward and away from an axis of a shaft of the track component as the top travels on the rims about the axis of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Michael C. Perry
  • Patent number: 7572191
    Abstract: An interactive play structure is provided for facilitating team-oriented and/or group play to achieve a desired effect. The play structure includes play elements disposed at various locations and elevations throughout the play structure. Each play element can be activated or operated by one or more play participants to complete steps in a chain of triggering events. The overall completion of the chain of events results in a desired result or effect, such as a domino-like cascade of various mechanisms, balls, water the like. In one example, the effect includes the release of a cannonball from the top of a vertical structure. As the cannonball reaches the end of its descent, it causes water to be radially dispersed from a pool, such as onto nearby play participants. The cannonball is then advantageously returned to the top of the vertical structure through the use of one or more return conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLC
    Inventors: Denise C. Weston, Rick A. Briggs
  • Patent number: 7389987
    Abstract: A reconfigurable air table hockey game includes at least one air puck and is designed to be set upon a flat, horizontal surface. The game comprises a perforated, bounded playing surface overlying a plenum chamber that is supplied with air under pressure, at least during game play. A score keeping mechanism receives signals indicative of scoring events. The game includes goals suitable for air hockey game play attached to and positioned at opposite ends of the playing surface to accept an air puck and to signal to the score keeping mechanism the passage of an air puck through a goal. The game further includes a control that, when actuated, reconfigures the game to at least one new and different physical configuration such that the game is no longer suited for air hockey but is well suited for the playing of at least one other type of air table game that also utilizes one or more air pucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: William M. Paukert
  • Patent number: 7367565
    Abstract: A balance plate intelligent game apparatus, structured to include a lower tier balance plate having a circular arc-shaped bottom portion and a transparent upper tier ball disk combined with a transparent top cover. A ball is disposed interior of the game apparatus so that when a young child treads on the balance plate with both feet and swings his body left and right, the ball is caused to roll into a helical groove of the upper tier ball disk from a helical groove of the lower tier balance plate, the ball then falls into a hole located center of the helical groove of the ball disk and drops into the helical groove of the lower tier balance plate, thereby enabling the ball to continuously roll between the upper and lower tiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: I-Cheng Chiu
  • Patent number: 7338045
    Abstract: A three-dimensional maze game in the form of a hand-held toy. The hand held toy is in the form of a cube. The toy comprises a substantially cubic non-transparent body containing a plurality of intersecting pathways for an object and an entrance aperture and single/multiple exit apertures connecting the pathways wherein each intersection formed by the intersecting pathways is provided with means to bring the object to rest till the toy is tilted and the object follows a vertical pathway that is defined by the tilting of the toy. The object is inserted into an entry point in the toy and the player has to bring the object out through an exit point by following a fixed number of steps in turning the toy. The challenge is to find the correct sequence of turns and considerable amount of mental dexterity is required for the purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Dwipendra Nath Guha
  • Patent number: 7300329
    Abstract: A symmetrical poi to be used by jugglers to safely perform moves includes a flexible long strap and two weights disposed at each end of the flexible long strap having reversibly deformable soft structure and having dimensions that fit in a human hand for easy grasping, easy releasing and easy catching, wherein the length of said strap and the weights mass is suitable for performing a wide variety of new moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Shahar Cohen
  • Patent number: 7284755
    Abstract: A bulk vending machine having an integrated game of skill includes a base having a chute door and a coin mechanism operatively attached thereto. The bulk vending machine further includes a hopper in which the bulk product is contained, and the hopper is operatively connected to both the coin mechanism and the chute door. The game of skill is connected to the bulk vending machine such that the game of skill is movable relative to the frame of the bulk vending machine. The game of skill includes a playing field in which a game piece is maneuvered in order to satisfy objectives of the game of skill, whereby the consumer may win a prize by completing the objectives of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Richard K. Bolen
  • Patent number: 7275974
    Abstract: A wheel-shaped top with magnetic spindles projecting from the body. A circular disc with a beaded rim is mounted on each end of a shaft; the rims of the discs forming a two-rail track encircling the shaft. A handle has two legs attached to opposite ends of the shaft. The spindles are magnetically attached to the two-rail track. The top orbits around the track in response to hand-manipulation of the handle; it is launched from the track when the orbital speed is sufficient to centrifugally separate the spindles from the track to spin on a surface, and can be magnetically retrieved, while spinning, by engagement of the spindles with the shaft, or with one or both of the discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Clayton Perry
  • Patent number: 7270327
    Abstract: A game playing device for rolling balls includes a game surface, a plurality of bar-shape elements and at least one rolling ball that rolls on the game surface. The game surface is made of a fabric and has an area and a shape including a circular shape or a rectangular shape, and its edge has a holding portion provided for users to hold and lift, and both ends of the bar-shape element are fixing ends provided for users to freely attach and detach the bar-shape element on any position of the game surface, preferably by adhesive tapes. The bar-shape element is bent into an arc shape to simulate a goal or an obstacle when it is attached. The game surface can be placed on a floor or held by players for playing the game in different ways based on their creativity and imagination and adding more fin to the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Shine Sport Facility Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kun-Yu Hsu
  • Patent number: 7152862
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an intelligent toy ball, comprising a transparent sphere, a ball bearing bracket enclosed inside the sphere, a colored ball bearing, and two retaining rings that are enveloped on the ball bearing bracket to position the sphere, wherein the ball bearing bracket is provided with a continuous, curved figure-8 track, such that the ball bearing can roll inside the track, and when a user holds the sphere with two hands, he/she can continuously change his/her hand position to facilitate the dual use of hands and brain for educational and entertainment purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: I-Cheng Chiu
  • Patent number: 6959926
    Abstract: A game device includes a housing defining an interior chamber and the housing has a top surface. The game device also includes a gaming surface integral to the top surface. A leg is slidably connected to the housing and the leg is moveable between a first position interior to the housing and a second position, at least partially exterior to the housing. A base element is selectively disposed within the interior chamber of the housing. The base element has a portion extending exterior to the housing and engages with the variable surface to support the housing. The base element may further include a flexible container. The container defines a second interior chamber and the container may conform to the interior chamber of the housing. The second interior chamber may be filled with a stabilizing material which may determine the range of variable surfaces the game device can be placed on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Fred A. Melchiorri
  • Patent number: 6758474
    Abstract: A marble sequestering skill game having transparent hollow vertical tube members attached to a base and to a nontransparent hollow tubular top member, and being filled with marbles, each marble having an identifying feature. The marbles can be moved from one vertical tube member to another through the tubular top member so that marbles can be sequestered by the identifying features into a selected vertical tube member by tilting and rotating the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Donald Monroe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6742780
    Abstract: This invention discloses a skateboard maze game comprising a board having a surface, an underside, a front section, and a back section at least one maze grooved into the surface of the board, at east one ball per maze which fits into the grooves, and at least one ground support element. The board is positioned on top of wheels, half wheels or some other supporting structure, allowing an individual standing on the board to move the board around to work the maze.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Lewis Rudski
  • Patent number: 6685531
    Abstract: A system comprising a rotating device and a support structure for the rotating device, wherein the support structure provides the power to the rotational device than is required to maintain spin. The rotating device has a housing with a base upon which the housing spins. An electric motor is contained within the housing that causes the housing to spin when the motor is activated. The base of the rotating device can be selectively placed on a support structure. The support structure can promote spinning in the rotating device in one of two ways. In the first way, the support structure provides electricity to the rotating device that powers the motor in the rotating device. In the second way, the support structure can generate a magnetic field that reinforces the magnetic field created by the motor in the rotating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventors: Simeon Tiefel, Webb Nelson
  • Patent number: 6624802
    Abstract: Process and device for producing input data for a data processing system in which a user stands, sits, kneels, etc. with his entire body on a support plate of a bearing device, such that this support plate is mounted on a base plate which can tilt and/or turn and/or move in the vertical direction. The movements of the support plate according to these degrees of freedom of movement are controlled by the user through the latter shifting his body weight, exerting torques, jumping, etc. A sensor device detects the movements of the support plate and generates corresponding sensor signals, which are fed to the data processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventors: Maximilian Klein, Peter Lutz
  • Patent number: 6604978
    Abstract: A top toy comprises a hand-held paddle with a contact portion and a handle portion, designed to manipulate, catch and throw a spinning top. The toy has two or more sides configured with substantially flat contact surfaces meeting at a periphery juncture to define an acute angle, such that the spinning top may be scooped or lifted from another surface onto the contact portion. The contact portion includes a perimeter ridge having a gap adjacent the handle, to enable a user to direct the spinning top onto the handle portion, to thereby manipulate, catch, or throw the spinning top from either the contact portion or the handle. The top and/or paddle may be constructed from or covered with glowing or glow-in-the-dark materials or substances to cause the top and/or paddle to glow in the dark, or provide enhanced visibility in daylight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Abel
  • Patent number: 6595519
    Abstract: A puzzle using Moebius topology and three-dimensional construction to make solution more challenging by preventing the player from seeing all possible layouts at any one time. The preferred embodiment of the puzzle challenges players to solve a maze when part of the maze will always be concealed by the current viewing surface, as the internal and external surface are both contiguous and identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: David O. McGoveran
  • Publication number: 20030080504
    Abstract: A parachute-type amusement device including an outer section extending around at least a portion of the device to provide a hand graspable handle, and an inner section having a sheet of flexible material capable of billowing with air upon manipulation of the device. The handle permits easy folding of the device for compact storage, e.g., in a bag or pouch. In one embodiment, the outer section has multiple handle members, such as tubular foam inserts. In another embodiment, there is a single flexible handle member, such as a rope, cord, braid, and/or a tubular foam insert. The handle members may be spaced from one another within the outer section to facilitate grasping and/or folding of the device. The sheet may be circular, rectangular, etc., and may be visually divided into a multiple discrete segments, e.g. by coloration. A discrete number of foam inserts may be positioned within each of segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Douglas A. Liebau, Kevin D. Cook
  • Patent number: 6554277
    Abstract: An amusement device including a sheet of flexible material defining an opening, and a pocket defining a mouth joined to the sheet around the opening. The sheet is grasped by participants during a game in which the sheet is held substantially horizontally and selectively tilted to maneuver a ball along the sheet, through the opening, and into the pocket. In one embodiment, the amusement device includes first and second sheets of flexible material joined along their respective longitudinal edges. Each sheet defines an opening. A pocket may optionally be joined to the sheet around each opening. A game may be played by opposing teams, each of which guards the opening on its sheet, and attempts to guide the ball into the opening on the opposing team's sheet. A game including an amusement device and a ball is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Flaghouse, Inc.
    Inventors: Kathleen D. Descamps, Douglas A. Liebau
  • Patent number: 6485017
    Abstract: A toy top maze game. The maze game includes a maze board upon which at least one spinning top is placed. The maze board has a top surface. A grove is disposed in the top surface of the maze board. The groove defines a maze pathway capable of guiding the spinning top placed on the maze board. The maze pathway on the maze board follows a pattern that is capable of being selectively altered between a plurality of possible patterns. By changing the pattern of the maze pathway, different patterns can be created that vary in both length and complexity. Accordingly, the maze board can be reconfigured to match the skills of the person playing the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Ricky Ng
  • Patent number: 6273420
    Abstract: The maze game consists of a plurality of horizontal segments and a plurality of vertical segments that define a two-dimensional array of m×m squares or spaces where the size m is selectable by the user. In each potential segment location the present invention randomly locates: (1) a solid wall corresponding to a portion of the maze walls; (2) an opening creating a passage way through the maze; (3) special feature; or (4) the refuge, of which there is precisely one per maze. At the beginning of the game, the maze is invisible to all players. As the players move through the initially invisible maze, the maze walls adjacent each player's position become visible in a manner dictated by a particular vision setting selected at the beginning of the game. The goal of one player, who may be represented in the game as a cat, is to catch the other player, which may be represented in the game as a mouse, by occupying the mouse's location, i.e., by landing on the mouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Brooks
  • Patent number: 6254095
    Abstract: This invention is about a wood structural tabletop horse racing game. The running of the horses on a board is caused by the back-and-forth shaking movement of the board. The shaking of the board is powered by the turning of a steel nut against an angle plate which pushes the board forward. And the strength of a rubber band in the rear pulls the board back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Bon-Gee Liu
  • Patent number: 6164653
    Abstract: A fishing toy includes a rotary disk and a plurality of toy fishes. The rotary disk has a circular rack, engaging gears installed within the toy fishes. Blocks are installed on the gear. By rotating, the blocks will drive the toy fishes to simulate the action of real fishes. Moreover, the heads of the toy fishes may move upwards and downwards opening and closing the fish mouth. Thus, player may hook a toy fish with a fishing rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Chuan-Tien Chuang
  • Patent number: 6139015
    Abstract: A maze toy is formed of a base, a movable element, and a housing. The base is of a three-dimensional construction and is formed of a plurality of two-dimensional planes such that at least two adjoining planes of the periphery of the base form jointly a layout area which is provided with a plurality of separation portions forming a three-dimensional and intricate track in which the movable element travels. The housing is used to seal off the layout area. The base is formed of at least two pivoted subbases and a rotating mechanism for turning the two subbases so as to enable the maze toy to have a plurality of changeable tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Frank Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6022020
    Abstract: A game machine in which an endless belt is circularly moved such that an upper face thereof is moved from a background side to a foreground side relative to a player. A target moving in a crosswise direction of the endless belt is provided at an upstream side of the endless belt. A disk shooter provided at a downstream side of the endless belt is operated so as to aim a shooting chute of the disk shooter at the target. A disk is shot from the disk shooter upon pressing a shooting button for activating the disk shooter. The shot disk advances toward the target, rolling on the endless belt. In case the disk hits the target, a score is obtained. The score is added and indicated by a score indicator. The disk having reached the upstream side strikes a stopper plate and falls on the endless belt. The laid disk is conveyed to the downstream side in accordance with the circular movement of the endless belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Unikiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ikuo Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 5884911
    Abstract: A table game including a housing, a playing surface received within the housing, and a paddle member resiliently affixed to the playing surface and supported by the housing. The paddle member serves to move the playing surface upwardly and downwardly relative to a vertical force applied to the paddle member. The paddle member is rotatable about a vertical axis relative to an actuation of a handle member connected thereto. The paddle member is slidable across a width dimension of the playing surface. The playing surface includes a first surface which is pivotally connected to a second surface. The first surface is independently movable relative to the second surface. A second paddle member is affixed to the second surface at an end of the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Jose Javier Silva Guridi
  • Patent number: 5839723
    Abstract: A multi-layer maze assembly that includes a steel maze ball; a top cover member having a magnetic ball storage hole, a ball storage magnet positioned adjacent to the magnetic ball storage hole, a ball insertion opening, two securing apertures, and first, second and third maze level maps; a first maze level member including first interconnected maze channels, two securing apertures, and a first maze ball pass through aperture; a second maze level member including second interconnected maze channels, two securing apertures, and a second maze ball pass through aperture that is sized to allow passage therethrough of the steel maze ball; a third maze level member including third interconnected maze channels, two securing apertures, and a third maze ball pass through aperture; and two maze assembly securing screws of each of sufficient length to pass through aligned securing apertures of the top cover member, the first maze level member, the second maze level member, and the third maze level member; the ball insert
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Charles R. Grimes
  • Patent number: 5755438
    Abstract: A game device played with rules similar to a hockey game. Te device contains an inflated transparent sphere containing a plurality of handles, nets between the handles, and a ball on the inside of the sphere. The object is to roll or bounce the ball into the opponent's goal. The game may be played between individuals or teams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Kerry J. Deminski
  • Patent number: 5692944
    Abstract: A hand held device for exercise and amusement has a clear plastic circular tube with a central handle. One or more balls are inserted into the circular tube. One holds the central handle and causes the ball(s) to move around the tube. Balls of different weight can be inserted in the tube. The device can be illuminated. The illumination may take the form of lights which are turned ON or OFF by the motion of the ball(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Anthony J. Pellicone
  • Patent number: 5676622
    Abstract: A wrist therapy device comprises a handle, a maze mounted to one end of the handle, an object for following the maze, and a weight mounted to the handle between the handle and the maze. The user grasps the handle and moves the wrist to manipulate the maze so as to move the object along the maze. The maze may be a bent wire and the object a ring encircling the wire. Alternatively, the maze may be a bent tube filled with a viscous fluid and the object a ball within the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Pamela McFarlane
  • Patent number: RE37451
    Abstract: A table game including a housing, a playing surface received within the housing, and a paddle member resiliently affixed to the playing surface and supported by the housing. The paddle member serves to move the playing surface upwardly and downwardly relative to a vertical force applied to the paddle member. The paddle member is rotatable about a vertical axis relative to an actuation of a handle member connected thereto. The paddle member is slidable across a width dimension of the playing surface. The playing surface includes a first surface which is pivotally connected to a second surface. The first surface is independently movable relative to the second surface. A second paddle member is affixed to the second surface at an end of the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Unified Sciences Advancement, Inc. Totuma, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose Javier Silva Guridi