Abstract: An amusement apparatus comprises a pair of spaced elongate members defining a track and a rolling member for rolling along the track under the control of an operator. The elongate members are spaced a fixed distance apart at their first ends, this end comprising the normal home position of the rolling member. The opposite, second ends of the elongate members are movable relative to one another to adjust their spacing and to control movement of the ball along the track. The second ends are preferably mounted on a transversely extending track and are moveable towards and away from one another along the track. A drive assembly drives the second ends and a control device, which is at least partially controllable by the operator, controls operation of the drive assembly. The operator must control separation of the elongate members so that the rolling member can roll from its home position to the opposite end of the track without falling through the opening between the elongate members.

Abstract: An apparatus in a combination of a game apparatus and educational device, comprising three major components, central housing, and left and right housings attached to it, and containing movable elements inside of the device, such as balls and dice, for which one attempts to get certain of the movable elements into positions within the left and right housings via various channels and apertures.

Abstract: A puzzle-type amusement device comprises a stack of rotatable discs formed with two openings adapted to be aligned with each other; and a ball receivable through one of the openings in the top disc so as to pass through the openings aligned therewith in the intermediate discs to rest against the bottom disc. One opening in each intermediate diswc is bounded at one side by a tapered surface curved about the axis of rotation of the disc so as to constitute an inclined tract permitting the ball, when received in such opening, to be rolled along the inclined track out of the respective opening in the direction towards the top disc. The other opening in each intermediate disc is bounded on all its sides by an untapered surface such that the opening constitutes a trap preventing the ball, when received in such opening, from being rolled out of the opening in the direction towards the top disc.

Abstract: This dribble practice device is designed to aid in increasing a soccer player's skill and coordination when not on the field. Primarily, it consists of a base frame mounting a vertical bar with a swivel mounted tray on top which receives a mini ball that is designed to roll smoothly around in the tray when the device is operated by a user. The device also is provided with a pair of foot operated control bars connected by cords or wires to the tray and the cords or wires are strung through eyes mounted to the device.

Abstract: A puzzle game or toy is disclosed comprising two spherical shells made of hard plastic or metal material and having over their surface a multiplicity of circular holes cut therein in a random pattern, the holes being of equal diameter with the exception of one hole having a slightly larger diameter. The second spherical shell has an inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the first spherical shell and mounted over the first shell such that the two shells are freely rotatable relative to each other. A spherical ball of metal or plastic is positioned inside the two spherical shells and is of a diameter such that it will pass through the two large holes but none of the other holes.

Abstract: A ball positioned between three circular cross-section bars acting as support. The bars are substantially parallel and oriented generally vertically. One end of each bar is partly restrained but permits full rotation of the bar about its longitudinal axis, but only limited motion laterally. The other bar end is partly restrained by a structure and is controlled by an operator's hand for providing limited bar movement. Two of the bars have handles and the third bar position can be set and remains fixed during a game. The bar cross-section diameters vary lengthwise between bar ends. The ball is urged by means of one specially shaped first bar to move upward against a recall force. A second bar with handle is controlled by another hand. The combination of the variations of the bar diameters and shapes lengthwise with the recall force acting on the ball creates difficulties for the ball to move axially, though urged to do so.

Abstract: An apparatus of the kind for playing programmable electronic data games, comprising structure for interchanging programmable data and, recording the same on visual displays, a device for printing out data information, and mechanism for a skillful operator to manipulate the apparatus to perform various given functions.

Abstract: A track having spaced, parallel edges, including a plurality of adjacent curves facing in different directions and connections between the curves, around which a frame carrying an object, such as simulating a racing car, a greyhound, a horse, a camel or the like, is moved by gravity when the track is tipped. An inner panel has an outer contour providing the inner edge of the track, while an outer panel has an inner contour providing the outer edge of the track. The frame on which the object is mounted carries a pair of wheels engaging both the bottom and the top of the track at each side. The frame also carries a pair of circular, rotatable ball bearings mounted for rotation in the plane of the track panels and engageable alternatively with the opposed edges of the track for guiding the object around the track. The spacing between the track edges is slightly greater than the diameter of the ball bearings, to provide clearance.

Abstract: A double-bar riding wheel positioned between two circular cross-section bars acting as support. One end of each bar is partly restrained but permits a limited amount of rotational movement of the bar. The other end of each bar is held by an operator's hand by means of a handle, thus providing the wheel actuating motion by lifting the handles. The bar cross-sections generally increase from one end to the other. The riding wheel is equipped with two shafts, one attached to each one of the two sides of the wheel. The combination of the variations of the bar shapes lengthwise and of the shaft shapes lengthwise makes it difficult for the wheel to remain astride of the two bars while being urged to ride forward by the operator. The shapes of both shafts and bars are such that the degree of difficulty increases from one end of the bars to the other. The object of the operation, is to make the wheel ride the full length of the bars, or at least to proceed as far as possible from the starting point.

Abstract: A flipper game having a plane-sloped playing plate arranged in a housing on which obstacles for the run of the ball are arranged. The ball enters at the head end of the playing plate and runs in the direction of the slope down to a target opening arranged at the foot end of the playing plate. The slope of the playing plate can be regulated thereby altering the running velocity of the ball for production of varying degrees of difficulty. The slope of the playing plate can be manually set or incremented automatically depending on the score.

Abstract: A bar-riding wheel positioned on a single circular cross-sectional bar. One end of the bar is partly restrained but allows for a limited amount of swinging and/or rotating motions. The other end of the bar is held by the operator's hand, by means of a handle, and provides its actuating motion to the wheel by lifting the handle. The bar cross-section generally increases from its free end to its partly restrained end. The riding wheel exhibits a deeply shaped groove such that as the wheel rolls in the direction of the increasing cross section of the bar, the center of gravity of the wheel eventually rises, up to and beyond a point where the wheel riding position becomes unstable. A mobile counterweight system causes the instantaneous center of gravity of the riding wheel to be located below its instantaneous axis of rotation at all times. The object of the operation is to successfully manipulate the bar such that the riding wheel rolls as far as possible, in the unstable region without toppling over.

Abstract: A tumbler toy containing typically four ramp surfaces placed radially at a fixed angle. When a player rotates the toy, all of the ramp surfaces rotate simultaneously and a ball can be made to roll along the ramp surface until it encounters an opening in the ramp surface. When the ball descends through this opening it is deflected by a guide placed along the ramp surface. With experience and practice a player can rotate the tumbler toy either clockwise or counterclockwise and keep the ball moving from ramp surface to ramp surface indefinitely.

Abstract: A ball and track game comprising a truncated spheroidal-shaped base member. A tubular cannister extends upwardly from the upper surface of the base member and is provided on its surface with a closed-end, generally circular track adapted to receive a ball or other spherical object. A sleeve concentric to the tubular cannister provides an annular space in which doughnut-shaped weights can be placed. The ball is caused to move along the track by rocking the truncated spheroidal-shaped base member about its axis by applying pressure at selected points on its lower convex surface. The object of the game is to keep the ball in constant motion along the track by appropriate manipulation of the base member.

Abstract: The Pyramid Puzzle is a toy puzzle incorporating a ball hidden inside a pyramid. By chance rotation of the various levels of the pyramid the ball drops through the levels of the pyramid. When the ball falls into a blind (partial) hole, the pyramid must be manipulated to reorient the ball so that it may fall freely down to the next level. The puzzle is solved by retrieving the ball in a sliding tray at the base of the pyramid.

Abstract: For use with a self-propelled object, a toy can be formed having a housing with a playing surface located thereon. The playing surface includes a circular depression having a member rotatably mounted in the circular depression and capable of rotating in the circular depression. An element and gear train are associated with the member to rotate the member in response to movement of the element. The member includes a surface which is in alignment with the playing surface such that the self-propelled object can be located on the playing surface and directed toward the member. When the object moves itself onto the member, the member is rotated, allowing the object to move off of the member in a different orientation with respect to the playing surface. A retaining rib is formed on the playing surface adjacent to the periphery of the rotatable member and partially surrounding it to inhibit movement of the object. Scoring depressions deep enough to retain the object are formed in the playing surface.

Abstract: A three-dimensional game having rotatable track members mounted on a support frame on which a self-propelled vehicle may be guided over a predetermined course through rotation of the track members. The track members are mounted on the support frame so that they can be rotated into a plurality of positions in some of which positions a set of track members forms a substantially continuous path upon which the vehicle may travel from one track member to another track member. Rotation of the track members is accomplished through manipulation of a set of attached knobs. Each track member may include a metal panel to which the magnetized wheels of the self-propelled vehicle are attracted, allowing for rotation of a vehicle-carrying track member in a full circle without the vehicle falling from the track member.

Abstract: An amusement device composed of a transparent hollow sphere and rotatable transparent discs dividing it into two hemispheres. Each hemisphere is further divided into four compartments by transluscent wall segments moveable upon the discs.A rotatable handle is further attached to the apex of the segments from outside the sphere which is able to rotate the compartments.Each disc has a round opening to permit passage of a marble and another opening to permit passage of dice and rotates freely being activated by the dice being trapped between its opening and the moveable compartment wall.The object of the invention is to tilt the sphere and align the openings in the discs by means of the dice so as to permit one to have single colored marble in a number of pre-identified compartments and dice in the pre-identified compartment after sorting the dice and marbles. Any number of marbles and dice can be in the groups as long as the groups are equal.

Abstract: A balancing game includes a table continuously tilted in a variety of planes by a motorized drive. The player is provided with a control mechanism which, if skillfully employed, will retain the table surface in a horizontal plane against the actions of the motorized drive. A sphere placed on the table will roll off if the player is unable to maintain the table in a level or near level orientation.

Abstract: An electronic game is provided having a playing field including an array of individually operable and selectively illuminated field array positions on which a game player attempts to maneuver a movable object over selected ones of the field array positions and actuate selected field array positions in accordance with the rules of the game. The player maneuvers the movable object by tilting or positioning of the playing field and game device with respect to a horizontal plane. The electronic game utilizes a microprocessor to control the progress of the game, to selectively illuminate playing field positions, to monitor the actuated field positions and to control the output of indications to the game player as to the progress of the game and the game player's score.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game apparatus (10) for simulating field games, such as football, with greater realism. The apparatus (10) includes a game board (18) attached to a frame (16) which is supported for pivotal movement about two mutually perpendicular axes. A plurality of fences (38) and apertures (40) on the game board (18) define an obstacle course for a roller ball (42). Handles (22, 24) are provided for selectively tilting the game board (18), which is normally spring-biased to a horizontal position, to maneuver the ball (42) through the obstacle course thereon. A passer/kicker (56) is provided for launching the game ball (42), as are a predetermined number of down pegs (68) for insertion into the apertures (40) to mark the progress of each team. Spinners (26-38) representing various play options and penalties are used when the ball (42) falls into certain predetermined apertures (40) on the game board (18).

Abstract: A game of skill has a support housing on which there are located a plurality of independent object transfer mechanisms preferably no two which are identical. The transfer mechanisms are aligned in a sequence such that a pathway includes a plurality of discontinuities along its length which divides it into a plurality of segments. Each of the transfer mechanisms includes one segment of the pathway and some of the transfer mechanisms can also include more than one segment. This creates a discontinuity in the pathway between each of the transfer mechanisms as well as between each segment when more than one segment is found on one transfer mechanism. Each of the transfer mechanisms includes a movable portion which is moved by the operator of the game via a control mechanism attached thereto. By manipulating the control mechanisms a spherical object can be caused to travel across the pathway.

Abstract: A game in which a player attempts to move an object through a maze has a housing which has an upstanding fulcrum located within the housing. A platform member having a maze located on its upper surface which is viewable outside of the housing is located in the housing above the fulcrum such that the platform member rests on the fulcrum and is tiltable a full 360 degrees about the fulcrum. A portion of the platform serves as a cam follower. A cam member is rotatably mounted on the housing adjacent to the fulcrum and positioned so as to be capable of interacting with that portion of the platform serving as a cam follower. In response to rotation of the cam the platform, including the maze located thereon, is tilted. An object located within the maze is capable of moving within the maze in response to tilting of platform.

Abstract: A time reaction game apparatus having a tiltable playing surface which is at least slightly convexed and has a goal located at or near the high point thereof. The goal may be in the form of a recess adapted to receive a playing ball. A timer is set and a ball is released onto the playing surface. The player of the game operates a manually actuable mechanism such as a remote joystick to tilt the playing surface to cause the playing ball to enter the goal. When the player is successful, the ball enters the goal, which automatically releases the next ball onto the playing surface. The timer goes off after a predetermined time period, and the goal may be automatically blocked as for example, by blocking the recess.

Abstract: A pinball type game utilizing an inclined, rotatable playing surface containing projections, guide rails, targets, traps, and at least one ball is described. The speed and direction of rotation of the playing surface is controlled by the player. The location and movement of the playing surface projections may be used to impart direction and speed to the playing ball. Barriers may be placed between some of the projections, thus aiding or hindering the ball striking a target or a trap. One or more ball propellers may be located on the playing surface to give the ball more action. Where holes are used as targets and traps, a means is provided to guide the ball dropping through a target or trap hole to channels which indicate the score obtained.

Abstract: A skill game is provided having multi-levels of plates 360.degree. pivotedly mounted on a support axis and contained in an enclosure assembly wherein each plate is provided with an opening large enough for a ball to pass through, two manipulating rods are attached to each plate and each rod having an arm member extending outside the enclosure assembly, and the enclosure assembly having an opening for the ball to enter and be placed in the top plate.

Abstract: A box supports two playing fields which slope downwardly from opposite sides thereof toward a switch bar along the exposed inner side of each field for energizing a "spill" display light at the end of each field when a player fails to score with a ball rolling between two gently sloping cues from dwell notches thereon, upon skillfully opening the handles of the cues that rest on a support, and are connected at their outer ends, which are bent down to rest on the playing field, by one of three dropping the ball into triangularly arranged sockets that are assigned different score values ranging from a minimum to a maximum as the distance from the back of the field increases, with three balls per turn per player, two, for example.

Abstract: A manual manipulation toy includes a circular platform having a plurality of upstanding spaced apart pins thereon adapted to engage and interrupt the progress of a rolling ball which is released at an upper level on the surface of the platform to roll towards a lower level while the platform is manually rotated in either direction to move the pins into engagement with the rolling ball thereby to retain the ball on the surface as long as possible. The platform is supported for rotation about an inclined, upstanding central axis and means is provided for selectively adjusting the angle of inclination and for counting the number of revolutions of the platform between the time when the ball is first released and subsequently rolls off an edge of the surface into a peripheral trough.

Abstract: A game including a tiltable table, a control stick and table deflection linkage coupled between the control stick and the table for permitting a player to guide the movement of a ball over the surface of the table. The table is supported about its center of gravity by a pivot mount. The table deflection linkage is connected to the periphery of the table to permit the player to controllably tilt the table to guide the ball to a plurality of targets while avoiding a plurality of hazards. The targets may simulate "planets" and the hazards may be holes, or "black holes". A centrally located target is the "sun", and it is surrounded by other targets. All the targets may be illuminated, and circuitry is provided so that the illumination of the central "sun" target is altered only after the ball contacts the targets surrounding the "sun" target. An electronic circuit is provided to indicate the score to the player and to control various game functions.

Abstract: A coordination-practice device comprising a table mounted for tilting movement about a horizontal axis and for rotation about an axis perpendicular to its surface, the movements being simultaneously and independently effected by movement of respective controls operable by an operator to control the motion of an object along a path defined on the table surface. The rotation is controllable by a manually operable wheel and the tilting either by a manual control or by two independent, foot-operable pedals, the use of which simulates the simultaneous use of the clutch and accelerator pedals of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: Game assemblages in which a rotatable and translatable platform is manipulated with respect to an underlying base to provide an operator-controllable course for the movement of playing objects, such as spheroids, through a series of obstacles which are located in part on the platform and in part on the base.

Abstract: An amusement toy, or "Gyro Disc" comprises a hand-held platform in which a moving conveyor-belt is provided to effect the constant rotaton, as long as possible, of a free-wheeling disc, or wheel. The platform may, alternately, be table-mounted with an adjusting means for tilting the platform to accommodate various movements of the rotating disc. The object of the amusement device is to test one's skill in keeping the disc rotating and balanced by gyroscopic action as long as possible, while holding, or manipulating the platform in which the moving conveyor belt is mounted.

Abstract: A table height rolling ball game apparatus of the type employing a freely tippable table whose upper surface has a maze defining a track on which a ball may freely roll is disclosed. The track runs circuously from an outer start position to a central end position and a number of hazard holes are provided in the track. The hazard hole and track are sized such as to allow the ball to roll past the hazard hole when rolling along one sidewall of the track, but to fall into and through the hole when proceeding along the other side of the track. At least some of the holes are placed along the side walls where the ball would naturally travel so as to require a coordinated action on the part of the player or players to avoid them. A novel hole closing system is employed to selectively close the hazard holes so that the game may be made easier or harder.

Abstract: The invention provides a game played on an upper tray and scored on a lower tray. The upper tray is supported on gimbals and is manipulated by the player through a single handle to induce a ball to move by gravity along a prescribed path. Numerous holes, large enough to pass the ball, are provided along and adjacent to the path to drop the ball onto the scoring tray if the player fails to keep the ball on the path. The lower tray is inclined to urge the ball to roll to a score determining position. Because the tray is a planar surface free of obstructions, the spin of the ball as it contacts the tray may bias it to one side or the other, affecting the score and introducing a certain element of chance into the game.

Abstract: A game table is constructed with a table top comprised of a plurality of side-by-side transverse (lever) members, each of which pivots at its center across a longitudinal table support (fulcrum) member. Players are positioned along opposite sides of the table and guide a scoring object along the table top by pivoting the transverse members assigned to them.

Abstract: A tiltable game surface device comprising a game surface mounted in a housing by a plurality of springs connecting the game surface to the housing and urging the game surface toward the base of said housing, and into parallel relation with the base, at least four levers mounted in the housing for raising various portions of the game surface such that actuating one lever will cause one quadrant of the game surface associated with said lever to rise out of parallel with base, thereby causing a game ball on the surface to move by gravity.

Abstract: Entertainment apparatus providing a game and including a spring positioned normally vertically on a base, a plurality of travelling objects positioned slidably along the length of the spring between the top and bottom thereof and upon a player displacing the spring from its normally vertical position and releasing the spring, the spring vibrating and returning to its normal position and the vibrating spring causing the travelling objects to slide downwardly along the length of the spring from the top to the bottom thereof and the player first causing all of the travelling objects to reach the bottom of the spring being the winner of the game. The apparatus may further include a plurality of markers disposed on the base around the spring which markers define positions or directions toward which the players can displace the spring. Further, the entertainment apparatus may include mechanism for randomly selecting one of the plurality of markers toward which a player is to displace the spring.

Abstract: A game device which has the features of an inclined maze through which a ball or other object is left to roll or travel and which is diverted from a straight course by obstructions in the maze so that by chance or skill it leaves the maze into any one of several different scoring pockets, and the maze being rotatable so as to additionally confound the travel course.

Abstract: A game apparatus having a pair of tiltable platforms mounted upon a base with a stationary goal section positioned between the two platforms. A tortuous path or maze is provided in the surface of each of the platforms along which a ball may roll. Players stand upon the platform and manipulate the same by shifting their weight to cause the ball to traverse the maze and at the conclusion of the maze to enter the goal section, If desired, four platforms may be provided disposed at 90.degree. displaced positions around the goal sections thereby allowing up to four players to simultaneously play the game.

Abstract: A magnetic maze game having a playing surface is provided with a plurality of magnets fixedly disposed about said surface so as to define a playing course or field. A player tries to move a single magnetic playing piece through the entire course or field without the playing piece being attracted to one of the fixed magnets. This can be done by the skillful manipulation of the surface by a player, such that tilting and/or turning of the surface enables the playing piece to move or slide about the course or field in the precise path or circuit desired in order to avoid attraction to any fixed magnet.

Abstract: A game of skill of the type in which a ball traverses a generally flat surface and is propelled by tilting the surface whereby the player scores "points" by propelling the ball over the surface to targets thereon. The playing surface is formed as the upper surface of a playing board which is mounted on a central fulcrum to permit controlled tilting. The board also has legs spaced from the fulcrum for limiting the amount of tilting permissible during play of the game. The upper playing surface has a ball receiver which has a manually operable gate for opening the receiver and releasing the ball onto the playing surface. The targets are in the form of upstanding resiliently mounted plate members which can be knocked down by the ball by impact from a predetermined direction. The receiver gate is closed automatically after a given period of time by a timer which is started by the opening of the gate.

Abstract: A game of skill device housed within a cabinet and pivotally supported by a vertical pedestal. A field of play is supported by the cabinet, and a coupling member enables the field of play to be tilted in any direction respective to the pedestal, so that the cabinet can be moved in any direction, thereby tilting the field of play and causing the ball to be gravitated in the direction of tilt. The field of play includes bumpers, lights, and electronic circuitry which enhances the game by the provision of background sounds and illuminated devices suitable to the action of the game.

Abstract: A tiltable game surface device comprising a cylindrical container mounted in a housing by a centrally attached spring connecting the container to a base and urging the container toward the base, and into parallel relating with the base, four levers mounted in the housing and associated with the bottom of the container about 90.degree. apart, such that actuating one lever will cause one quadrant of the container associated with said lever to rise out of parallel with base, thereby causing a game ball on the surface to move by gravity.

Abstract: A railroad teeter switch game having parallel channels interconnected in a game board. The channels representing a railroad main track and railroad return tracks. Roller balls are used to represent a railroad engine, a railroad caboose, and other railroad cars and are rolled back and forth in the tracks by tilting the board. By skillfully opening and closing switches at the end of the main track and using the return tracks, the players of the game can reverse the order of the roller balls in the main track, thereby achieving the object of the game.

Abstract: A spinning toy including a semi-spherical bowl shaped member with a portion extending upwardly over the midpoint of the spherical portion thereof thus providing a smoothly radiused interior wall portion, a spinnable member located on a vertical axis which axis is offset to the vertical axis of the bowl member when the bowl is in an upright position and the spinnable member having blades of equal lengths thereon of less dimension than the radial dimension of the bowl and a ball normally provided in the bowl below the spinnable member. The ball, spinnable member blade lengths and the axial offset of the spinnable member allow the ball to move from the bottom of the bowl past the blades of the spinnable member at locations where the axial offset of the spinnable member to the wall is the greatest and allow the ball to be supported above the spinnable member by the coaction of the blades and the wall closest to the blade tips due to the axial offset of the spinnable member.

Abstract: A game board unit comprising a flat, upwardly facing game board of non-magnetic material mounted for substantially universal tilting motion under manual control of a player, a multiplicity of board-mounted elements defining and bordering a circuitous path on the face of the board between a starting point and a finish point thereon, certain of such elements being magnets, and a magnetically-responsive ball adapted to run along such path between said points in response to variable tilting of the board by the player and in a manner attempting to maintain the running ball free of the attraction of and adhesion to said magnets.

Abstract: A ball game has a housing with a transparent cover, and a labyrinthine platform disposed in the housing. A plurality of balls are positioned between the platform and the transparent cover. The labyrinthine platform is resiliently loaded in the direction towards the transparent cover, and thus tends to trap the balls between the platform and the cover. One or more actuating handles are provided to project externally of the housing for shifting the labyrinthine platform against the action of its loading, thereby to free the balls, thus giving the user a possibility of controlling the running of the balls on the labyrinthine platform.

Abstract: A manipulative skill game apparatus in the form of a generally upright game board on which are tiltably mounted (in a series extending from the top toward the bottom of the board) a plurality of tiltable, generally horizontally extending platforms. Structure is also provided for controlling the tilting of the platforms. The game includes a plurality of balls, and the platforms are in staggered positions from side to side so that a ball rolling off one end of a platform will land on an end of a platform below it. The object of the game is to tilt the platforms so as to guide a ball from a higher platform successively to lower platforms. A feeder mechanism automatically delivers the balls one at a time in timed sequence to the uppermost platform. After a predetermined timed interval the next ball is delivered to that same uppermost platform.

Abstract: A tiltable surface game toy includes an open top housing assembly and mounted therein a universally tiltable open top insert assembly. Upright guides within the housing assembly guide vertically adjustable lifters with handles which project laterally outward through slots in the end walls of the housing assembly. Said lifters supportably engage the undersurface of the insert assembly. Selective vertical manual movements of one or more lifters are adapted to variably adjust the insert assembly to any resultant angle relative to a horizontal plane throughout 360.degree. selectively. Game board indicia is provided upon the insert assembly bottom wall to receive a series of variably spaced targets or obstacles. A ball initially disposed on the indicia is movable thereover relative to the insert assembly walls in various directions depending upon the resultant tilt of the insert assembly so as to strike or not strike said targets or obstacles.