Abstract: An apparatus used to teach and practice soccer related skills. The soccer training apparatus includes an inclined target board that has at least one aperture that is large enough to receive a soccer ball. An inclined plane is positioned in front of the inclined target board. The inclined plane can either be in the same plane as the target board or can terminate above the bottom of the target board to form a ramp. The target board is supported in place by a frame structure. Different netted targets are formed within the frame structure. The various netted targets enable players to practice different types of kicking skills. The frame structure also supports a tethered ball and practice goals that are also used in various soccer practice drills.

Abstract: A baseball game apparatus is provided including a playing board including a bottom face, a top face, a periphery, and a side wall extending upwardly from the periphery. The top face has a diamond-shaped playing field with an infield portion and an outfield portion. Each portion has a plurality of hole recesses formed therein with indicia situated adjacent thereto. The top face is downwardly sloped from the outfield portion to the infield portion and further has a dish-shaped recesses surrounding each of the cylindrical hole recesses. Also included is a ball for rolling on the top face of the playing board.

Abstract: A new multi-game table top system for providing a table top which converts into a multi-game recreational area allowing multiple people to utilize said table top for recreational purposes such as golf, soccer, or hockey, and thereafter reverting to the table top's original purpose. The inventive device includes a reticulated table top, a golf transparent board, a soccer transparent board, and a hockey transparent board where said boards are removably securable to the upper surface of the reticulated table top by a plurality of securing magnets around the edges. The reticulated table top is constructed from steel coated with a permanently bonded plastisol coating approximately one-quarter of an inch.

Abstract: A ball game, comprising: a base plate, having a depression, surrounded by a periphery with an inner side, into which a groove is cut; a cardboard plate, inserted into the depression of the base plate and having a plurality of target spots with at least two colors; a transparent plate, put on the cardboard plate and having a plurality of holes, which are arranged to fit on the target spots of the cardboard plate; a plurality of balls; and a cover, put on the upper side of the base plate; wherein, by the plurality of target spots in conjunction with the plurality of holes, targets of various colors for the balls are provided for playing with more fun.

Abstract: Portable target game apparatus positionable on a pool table or other support includes an inclined board having target holes for receiving balls rolled onto the board. Straight side walls and a straight back wall are attached to the board and extend upwardly from the board. Connector walls are diagonally disposed relative to the back and side walls and interconnect the back and side walls. Resilient material is connected with the back wall, the side walls and the connector walls to redirect movement of balls on the ball support surface.

Abstract: A skill-based game including multiple score indicators is disclosed. The skill-based game preferably involves rolling a playing piece down a playing surface towards targets, and allowing the user to use the targets to manipulate multiple score indicators, so as to use one's skill to obtain a winning combination. In a preferred embodiment, the playing piece is a ball and the multiple score indicators are mechanically rotated dice. Progressive scoring can also be provided. The invention attracts players and retains their interest so that they tend to repeatedly use the game.

Abstract: A marble maze incorporated into a game board. The present invention playing surface is in the form of a maze of bumpers and railings, and a raised central area with indentations, all providing obstacle paths and capture points for playing marbles. Small, elongated sticks for flicking and moving the marbles are also provided.

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.

Abstract: A tiltable dual maze game board with rolling ball playing pieces. Each board is identical and can be tilted independently of the other to cause the playing pieces to move up ramps, around obstacles and around or into holes. Each board's control tilt mechanism includes two separate controller assemblies located perpendicular to each other under the board each of which has external handles. Each control assembly has two hinged vertical rods extending to join the board underneath by a ball joint connection. Ball bombs may be thrown from above in an attempt to knock out playing pieces before they reach the final winning hole.

Abstract: An arcade game including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.

Abstract: An arcade game including an inclined playing surface and a coin directing mechanism. A coin hopper forces multiple coins through the coin directing mechanism and onto the playing surface for each activation of a button by the player. The player can direct the multiple coins in a desired direction down the playing surface using the directing mechanism. The coins roll toward one or more targets on the playing surface, and a game score is adjusted based on the targets that receive the coins. Indicators for the targets can highlight specific targets and goals during game play. A progressive bonus score can also be added to the game score when a progressive goal is achieved by the player. After the game is over, a tilting mechanism tilts the playing surface to clear the playing surface of coins that have not rolled into apertures and are resting on the playing surface.

Abstract: A ball game apparatus has a plurality of balls, a spiral rail for automatically delivering the balls, a field portion on which the balls delivered by the spiral rail can roll with a given degree of freedom, winning pocket portions and invalid pockets formed over the field portion for receiving a plurality of the balls in each of them, a CCD camera for counting the number of balls received in the winning pocket portions and a calculator for calculating a score from the number of balls counted by the CCD camera.

Abstract: This invention comprises a games apparatus on which a game involving strength, skill and agility is playable by two or more opposing players who, in playing the game, must struggle against one another as they attempt to score points by directing a playing piece on a playing field into a designated scoring zone or zones.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus in which a ball is traveled onto a revolving surface has a plurality of rings of differing diameters which jointly form the revolving surface. The rings are centered on a vertical axis of rotation and may rotate in opposite directions or in the same direction at different speeds. The rings have winning apertures and losing apertures through which a rolling ball may drop through the ring. The rings, other than the final ring along the path of travel of the ball, also have pass zones at which a ball may roll on to the next ring without dropping into an aperture. Progressively higher score values may be assigned to the winning apertures of the successive rings along the path of ball travel. In the preferred form, the apparatus includes a ball launcher and detectors for counting balls which drop through winning apertures.

Abstract: A multi-level rotatable concentric ring marble game that includes a circular base, a circular upper peripheral cylinder, a lower peripheral cylinder, a cylindrical collector, and a plurality of concentric rotatable circular rings. The circular base contains a base central opening and has a base perimeter, a base flat bottom, and a base sloping top that slopes from the base perimeter towards the base central opening. The circular upper peripheral cylinder contains a plurality of upper peripheral cylinder openings and is disposed on the base sloping top at the base perimeter. The circular lower peripheral cylinder is disposed on the base flat bottom at the base perimeter. The cylindrical collector is rotatably mounted in the base central opening.

Abstract: A cat game (10) includes a rigid enclosed frame (16) having bottom and top edges (18, 20) and interior and exterior sides (22, 24), with the interior side defining an interior space (46). Rigid parallel flat bottom and top walls (38, 40) are attached at the interior side respectively adjacent the bottom and top edges of the frame for permanently enclosing the interior space. The flat top wall has nine holes (48a-i) therein and a spherical ball (14) is placed in the interior space through one of the holes. A distance between the flat top and bottom walls is substantially uniform and not greater than twice a diameter of the spherical ball and substantially all of the top holes have minimum dimensions that are greater than the diameter of the ball but less than 1.5 times the diameter of the ball. Most of the top holes are spaced a substantial distance from the frame.

Abstract: A game device has a flat, circular bottom wall with a plurality of ball-receiving wells formed in it and a transparent dome-shaped cover that captures a plurality of balls within the device. Some of the wells have a number shape, and each of those wells are color coded. The game is played by inverting the device and restoring it to its upright position or by shaking it until all of the balls have entered into the wells. The number of balls within a well are counted and multiplied by the number of the well into which they have fallen to arrive at a total for that well. Depending upon the color of the well, the total is either added to or subtracted from an earlier total and the process is repeated to arrive at an arithmetic sum. A pair of wells are also formed in the shape of a multiply sign and a divide sign and the arithmetic sum is multiplied by the number of balls in the multiply sign-shaped well and that number is divided by the number of balls in the divide sign-shaped well.

Abstract: A golf chipping game including, a ball receiving target area with an entrance ramp leading to 5 or more ball receiving targets positioned around a curvature configuration wall. A player chips 5 balls from a position 10' to 20' forward of the target area attempting to get a ball in each of the target positions for a perfect score.

Abstract: An exercise system for one or more persons including a frame, at least one game element, at least one striking member operable by a person to engage the game element, and a resistance system connected to the striking member for resisting the movement of the striking member as it is operated by the person, whereby the person performs exercise while operating the striking member to engage the game element.

Abstract: The play feature for a pinball game of the present invention comprises a roulette scoring device mounted above the playfield which includes a horizontally rotating wheel having a plurality of apertures arrayed around its periphery. A different point value indicated to the player is associated with each of the apertures. Pinballs can enter the roulette scoring device not only from the shooter lane, but also from a ramp disposed on the playfield. An optical switch or microswitch included in the ramp adjacent a holding device and a microswitch in the shooter lane generate signals sent to the game microprocessor to cause the wheel to rotate. An optical switch mounted on the playfield senses the return of the ball to the playfield and signals the game microprocessor to stop the rotation of the wheel and to add the appropriate point value to the player's score.

Abstract: The ball delivery system of the invention consists of a ramp located beneath the playfield where the ramp leads from an inlet accessible by the ball in play to at least one play feature to be loaded. At least one ball is stored in the ramp at each play feature such that the stored ball can be loaded into the play feature. A sensor located adjacent the inlet detects the entrance of the ball in play into the ramp and sends a signal to the game microprocessor indicating that a ball has entered the ramp. The microprocessor, upon receiving this signal, immediately loads the desired play feature with the stored ball such that the play feature can be immediately activated. The ball that entered the ramp inlet is then directed to the just activated play feature and becomes the stored ball for that play feature. Thus, the dead time associated with existing ball delivery system is eliminated.

Abstract: A game in which an object, such as a ball, is maneuvered upon a meandering path upwardly slanting to a goal. The ball is directed along the path by a manipulating device, such as a rod. The ball is free to move laterally along an edge of the rod under the force of gravity as the rod is tilted from the horizontal, and the ball may be moved linearly (advanced or retracted) by sliding the rod forward or backward along the path.

Abstract: A game board supplied with removable indicia for altering the configuration of the game board to facilitate the playing of multiple games. A sloped surface for rolling a ball is disposed between an outer annulus having a top face and a circular disk concentric therewith having a top face and a scalloped vertical wall for receiving the ball, wherein the top faces of the annulus and the disk receive the removable indicia.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to entertain and exercise cats and also serve as a bed for cats. The apparatus is constructed from a box with open top having fabric stretched across the top and having holes cut in the corners and with a flap in the middle. These openings are large enough for a cat's paws and shoulders. The cat reaches inside to grab for a ball placed inside the box. Besides being a sleeping apparatus, it doubles as a game that provides entertainment and exercise for the cat since it appeals to the animal's strategic nature.

Abstract: A rotary pool table with sliding disc-type cue and player discs, constructed with a base having radial, widely spaced rollers for supporting the table bed for rotation and a tensioning rod assembly for controlling resistance to table rotation and table bed stability. The player discs have convex or concave surfaces that control disc speed, and the table pockets have removable trays mounted in slides. The top of the table bed has a visible line near the side rails that give the player relief from a tight cue disc lie along the rails.

Abstract: An outdoor game for family and friends gathered in a yard having a one-story garage roof or porch roof. The slanting, shingled roof is used to locate a plurality of traps to interrupt the descent of a ball thrown to the top area of the roof. The traps may be interspersed with diversion shields also distributed on the roof and located by flat plates inserted under shingle flaps. Baffle plates at the top of the roof are provided to prevent overthrow of the ball. A retriever shaft and arm can be used to remove the balls from the traps after a cycle of play. The traps can be provided with score indicia to allow scoring of a game by one or more players.

Abstract: A carnival or amusement park game in which a player is challenged to keep a rolling ball to its objective descending, planar, zig-zag path by manipulating the rotation of the plane of the path. The game may be further enhanced by providing rotational steering alternatives, providing for coin operation, or by providing a device to record or signal the event of a successful play.

Abstract: Apparatus including a multi-sectioned trough like organization directing impacted croquet balls from a starting position defined by a series of aligned recesses. Guide plates direct a struck croquet ball through a medial section of the apparatus and directs such croquet ball into one of a matrix of apertures overlying a return chute. Replaceable impediments are provided in the organization to include resilient bumpers defined as semi-cylindrical arcuate members mounted upon the surface of the organization to be selectively replaced by deflector rods and or deflector plates.

Abstract: A game board comprising a bottom, and a false bottom supported on the bottom by spacers, barriers on the false bottom providing spaces defining entrances to pockets. Pairs of swingable arms swingably supported on the false bottom to project marbles toward another entrance and to guard marbles from entering the spaces between the barriers, whereby marbles passing said arms into said pockets are lost to certain players.

Abstract: A rectangularly shaped, multimode game board in accordance with this invention comprises at least one generally flat playing surface upon which game pieces can be rolled or slid by one player. My novel game board is supported by a plurality of legs, with the legs preferably being removable in pairs, such that the game board can be folded into a comparatively flat configuration for transit and/or storage. I may use a hinged joint at approximately at the midpoint of the game board, such that it can be folded into a comparatively small volume for storage transport. The multimode game board preferably has a generally flat playing surface on both of its major sides, with the pairs of removable legs being able to be installed in either of two orientations 180.degree. apart, whereby the player or players can utilize the game board for at least two different games involving the use of game pieces that are caused to move along a generally flat playing surface.

Abstract: A flipper game apparatus comprises an inclined playing surface on which are disposed switches adapted to be operated by balls rolling over the playing surface and encountering the switches. A ball is introduced on to the playing surface by a respective player and rolls down the playing surface towards the outlets, passing the striker switches as they do so. The outlets are flanked by flippers which can be actuated by a respective player. So that two players can play at the same time and in mutual interreaction, the game uses balls of first and second different types, while operatively associated with at least some switches is a sensor which is responsive only to one type of ball. A circuit distinguishes the types of balls from each other upon actuation of a switch, by means of the respective sensors.

Abstract: A slot ball game wherein balls are rolled up a slightly inclined surface having at least one elongated slot formed therein defining a target having an opening of sufficient width and length to receive and "trap" a plurality of balls. The opening of the slot target automatically decreases in size as the balls are trapped therein which makes the game more difficult as the game progresses. Numbers may be provided adjacent the length of the slot target for scoring purposes, and a ball ejector may be incorporated with the game for selectively releasing the trapped balls.

Abstract: A game assembly includes a plurality of toy blocks or cubes containing passsageways which are strategically stacked so as to determine the path of a ball dropped through interconnecting passageways within the arrays of stacked blocks or cubes. The blocks or cubes may be strategically reoriented during play so as to change the path of a ball dropped through the blocks or cubes. The game involves inspecting and/or memorizing moves made by the players taking part in the game, as well as geometric orientation of the blocks or cubes, so as to define a desired path for a ball which is dropped through the stack. A collection plate below is marked with certain designated areas, preferably in color and each player tries to get as many balls as possible through the stack and into his designated area or to predict the exact location for each ball.

Abstract: A combined ring toss game and ball roll game. In a first embodiment, representing the ring toss game, a pair of target standards are used as targets for the rings. Each target standard is cylindrically shaped and is segmented so that an integral staking rod may be alternatively stored internal to the target standard or exposed at the lower end thereof for purposes of insertion into soil. When the staking rod is not used for holding the target standard in an upright attitude outdoors, the target standard is connected with a flat base. The flat base being suitable for use outdoors or indoors. Two differently colored sets of three rings each are preferred, and the object of the game is to score points based upon the accuracy of the toss of each ring in a set. In a second embodiment, representing the ball roll game, the two sets of three rings of the first embodiment are used as targets.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus and methods for playing a game between two opposing sides. One version of the game is played on a board by two or more players. The board has a top surface with markings dividing the top surface into two areas of play and a neutral area. The areas of play are separated from one another by the neutral area. Markings delineate circular nonoverlapping zones within each area of play. Scoring pockets are located within each area of play. The playing ball includes two bowl shaped portions joined together at their open ends. A small shperical ball is inside the playing ball and openings in the bowl shaped portions communicate between the exterior and the interior space of the playing ball. Sticks having foot shaped protuberances are used by the players to strike the ball and to defend the scoring pockets. Men in the form of vertical playing pieces are adapted to be located in the zones and are used for defensive purposes.

Abstract: A game table is disclosed which comprises a playing surface surrounded by a cushion. The shape of the table is such that certain cushions cannot be joined to other cushions by a line which crosses the playing surface and which is straight. The configuration is such that there are areas of the playing surface which can only be joined by a line extending across the playing surface if the line is curved. Thus a ball cannot roll between these areas without rebounding-off a cushion unless it is struck skew to impart spin to it.

Abstract: A game is played on a table having a polygonal playing surface from which an elongated rolling area extends, and spaced apart pockets are located in the perimeter of the playing surface, the pockets extending beneath the playing surface communicating with channels for returning balls to one end of the table. Balls are projected by hand onto the table in a game in which the winning ball, which may be marked with a numerical value, is the ball which remains closest to a zero ball situated at a predetermined point on the table at the start of the game. The equipment may be coin-operated.

Abstract: A pool game set for use on a dining room table, kitchen table or another similar tabletop or the like. The pool game set comprises an essentially rectangular, bottomless frame, a plurality of lightweight, rigid balls, and a cue stick. The frame has a plurality of inwardly opening pockets and a plurality of elastic band holders which hold a plurality of elastic bands between adjacent pockets to function as bumpers. Each of the balls has a fibrous surface texture which simulates the surface texture of the felt top of a conventional pool table. The cue stick has a resilient vinyl or rubber tip with such a surface texture.

Abstract: A bumper for use as part of an outdoor bumper pool table includes a center support hub which is adapted to be attached to the top playing surface of the pool table. The support hub includes an upper cushion of silicone rubber which is compatibly sized and contoured so as to snap over the upper lip portion of the support hub. In order to cushion the rebounding action of pool balls as they strike the bumper, the support hub retains in a snap-fit configuration a lower cushion of silicone rubber which acts as a cushioning pad between the support hub and the top of the playing surface. A threaded rod, which is securely anchored as part of the center support hub, in combination with a flat washer and wing nut provide the fastening method of the support hub to the playing surface. A hub adjustment member of silicone rubber is disposed between the lower cushion and the wing nut.

Abstract: A table-top type or handheld game to be played by several players in which marbles are aimed and delivered into cups representing various values or handicaps. The apparatus is skillet shaped and its handle serves as the launching pad for the first marble to be delivered. The handle has a plurality of obstructions. A pan portion has score devices and further handicapping portions. The handle obstructions are in the form of barriers and pockets. The pan portion contains a series of scoring pockets of ascending score values. After a marble lands in one of the score pockets, a marble is then aimed and delivered from the edge of the pan towards a group of balls in the center of the pan. The balls of this group when struck are scattered toward or into various score pockets in the pan. One of the pockets is elevated and has an entrance ramp leading into it. If a ball lands in this elevated pocket, the player is awarded a special marble and with it the player receives a special score.

Abstract: A game table for playing Chinese billiards includes a first or basic playing surface provided by a member of square configuration having a Masonite veneer surface thereon. This relatively hard playing surface is bounded on all sides by an upwardly projecting rail, and is provided with suitable holes and with lines and other indicia scribed thereon so that the game can be played using wooden pucks. When the game is being played, the table is supported on a tripod stand. A second playing surface is provided in the form of a removable insert made up of a flat, square sheet of stiff material covered with a felt cloth on which the same indicia is marked. The felt surface makes it possible to play the same game using plastic or hard rubber balls. The insert fits snugly inside the rails of the basic board and is provided with holes that correspond in location to the holes in the basic board.

Abstract: A game table is provided for a billiard-style game having a planform shape similar to an arrowhead with convering forward side rails and tapered rear rails shaped to cooperate with a pair of interior symmetrically disposed islands and a pair of pocket holes to provide a table of increased interest for playing a number of different billiard type games.

Abstract: A game comprises a closed container having a transparent top wall and a bottom wall formed with a number of holes therethrough, there being a plurality of differently-colored balls disposed within the container and manipulatable by the player's finger tips to seat in different holes in the container bottom wall and thereby to form different patterns of balls viewable through the transparent top wall of the container.

Abstract: A new ball rolling game for the enjoyment of one or more players. The game having an inclined ramp mounted on top of a plurality of semi-circular dividers. By accurately rolling a ball as high as possible up the inclined ramp, the ball will fall beside one of the dividers having a higher score than a divider at the lower end of the ramp.

Abstract: A game of chance including one or two balls of predetermined diameter and a gameboard wherein the gameboard defines a generally dish-shaped symmetrical central zone bounded by an outer peripheral zone defining a race path; the gameboard has a raised outer circular rim and the central zone has 52 recesses sized to receive the ball; and the recesses are arranged in 4 concentric circles containing 6, 10, 16 and 20 recesses, respectively, so that, the surface being smooth, a ball is adapted to be rolled on the raceway and, under the influence of gravity, it will enter the central zone to be received by random choice in one of a plurality of the recesses. Gate members may be provided to direct the ball from the raceway onto the central zone in a generally radial path. The recesses are provided with indicia representing conventional playing cards for purposes of scoring.

Abstract: A game having a pitching track suspended above a game board is disclosed. The pitching track may be tilted thereby allowing a ball to roll downward toward a device for striking the ball. After being struck, the ball is propelled onto the game board where the ball's resting point designates a certain score. In a preferred embodiment, a struck ball is captured by a curvilinear ramp which returns the ball to the pitching track, thereby enabling a single player to practice striking the ball continuously, without interruption.

Abstract: A game intended to be played by two players, one at each end of a game board. The game board comprises a flat rectangular playing surface having retaining walls extending upwardly from the sides thereof and a scoring groove in the playing surface parallel to and adjacent each end of the board. The playing piece is a cylindrical member that is rolled on the playing surface by blowing at it. The players score points by blowing the playing piece into the scoring groove at the opponent's end of the board. A score indicating piece is placed in appropriate score indicating notches formed in the board.

Abstract: A marble game is played on a pocketed table in a manner similar to the game of pool. An elliptical boundary area is marked on the playing surface of the table, and the players shoot a taw from a taw zone at either end of the boundary area towards numbered marbles in an attempt to pocket the marbles. A player continues to shoot as long as he pockets a numbered marble and his taw stops within the boundary area.

Abstract: A game comprises a group of adjacent blocks, each having generally a semi-spherical recession in its upper surface and an eccentrically weighted ball having a diameter substantially the same as that of the recessions. Through holes defined in the bottom of the blocks are sized to permit a player's fingers to extend therethrough to try to manipulate the ball so that it is moved from block to block in a prescribed order.

Abstract: A game apparatus for use with play pieces and playable by one or more players, generally two, and including a playing area movable in a cyclical path during play by a suitable driving mechanism. The playing area has structure defining spaced play piece receiving and retention positions, which may be arranged in distinct sub-areas each having a plurality of the positions to receive and removably retain play pieces directed thereto for possible retention from one or more play piece launching stations adjacent the playing area. Selectively operable controls at the launching stations are operable by the players for directing their play pieces onto the area in an effort to score as by placing most pieces into the retention positions or in all the positions in one or more sub-areas. A stop is provided to stop movement of the playing area to permit removal of the play pieces for the starting of another game.