Abstract: A bounce back hockey net for use with a hockey puck is disclosed. The hockey net includes a three dimensional frame defining a target area and an elastomeric sheet secured to the frame. The elastomeric sheet is perforated with a plurality of perforations positioned over at least 50% of the surface area of the sheet. The elastomeric sheet flexes upon being struck by the hockey puck and bounces the hockey puck back from the hockey net. A sports apparatus for bouncing back a sports object after the sports object strikes the sports apparatus is also disclosed. The sports apparatus includes a frame defining an opening therethrough and an elastomeric sheet stretched about the frame and covering the opening. The elastomeric sheet is perforated with a plurality of perforations through the sheet and is secured to the frame. The elastomeric sheet flexes upon being struck by the sports object and bounces the sports object back from the sports apparatus.

Abstract: A ramp with an integral ball deflector is positioned upon the playfield of a pinball game with its entrance approximately level with the playfield. A ball deflector having the shape of a triangle is mounted upon the bottom of the ramp with its widest portion near to the ramp entrance. The hypotenuse of the ball deflector defines a ball deflection surface. When a game ball rolls down the ramp, such as during roll back it is directed away from one of the side walls of the ramp by the ball deflection surface so that it later avoids an undesirable location on the playfield. A bifurcated entrance plate is connected between the ramp entrance and the playfield so that the ball deflector has a minimal effect upon a game ball entering the ramp.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes an animated character figure which is adapted to be received on a supporting surface so that a game ball is receivable in an open mouth thereof. The apparatus further includes a drive mechanism in the character figure which is operative in response to passage of the game ball into the open mouth for closing the mouth, ejecting the game ball, rotating the character figure on the supporting surface and then returning the mouth to an open position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable sports goal and pitch back assembly of tubular construction including a U-shaped main, generally upright frame with a horizontal top bar and two side posts, and a foot member that extends rearwardly at a right angle from the lower end of each side post. There is also a ground-engaging U-shaped base frame that includes a rear cross member and a pair of laterally spaced side members with front ends that connect to the rear ends of the foot members by way of adjustable, releasably lockable hinge joints that are used to lock the main frame at a desired inclination. In one configuration of the assembly, the main frame is vertical, and a net is mounted about the peripheries of the frames, and the assembly serves as a sports goal. The assembly is adjustable to another configuration for use as a pitch back device, by substantially inclining the main frame, and mounting a tensioned rebound net across the face of the inclined frame.

Abstract: The play feature for a game of the present invention comprises a multiple kicker ramp including a plurality of spaced-apart longitudinal dividers which define parallel ball lanes and a plurality of perpendicular paths between the ball lanes. Balls enter the ramp from the playfield. A ball sensor is provided in each of the perpendicular paths, each sensor associated with a different point value. A multiple kicker element, which is activated by a player controlled switch, is provided in one of the ball lanes to direct a ball to the other ball lane over one of the perpendicular paths to activate its ball sensor. This causes the point value of the activated sensor to be added to the player's score.

Abstract: A housing is provided having multiple openings in its front wall each opened and closed by a closure positioned by a pneumatic cylinder. Each closure, when retracted from its opening, provides a target for the pitcher. A programmable controller in the housing permits the preselection and dwell time of the cylinders to be actuated and for the presentation of an array of targets in and out of a strike zone. A thrown ball impacting a retracted closure momentarily closes a switch to provide a signal to a counter. A ball return mechanism provides a partial vacuum in a ball receptacle at the pitcher's mound to retrieve balls from the interior of the housing. A remote control is provided to permit operation of the apparatus remote from the apparatus housing.

Abstract: A practice device for the game of Hockey consisting of a body having at least two support members. The body is secured to an ice surface, such that the two support members are immediately adjacent the ice surface. A resilient rebound member extends between the two support members, such that the rebound member springs back with a resilient force when struck by a hockey puck thereby increasing the resulting rebound of the hockey puck.

Abstract: A rotatable member is provided for a rolling ball amusement device. The rotatable member defines a ball receiving aperture which is positioned to receive a rolling ball and to cause transfer of kinetic energy from the ball to the rotatable member, to cause the member to rotate to one of a plurality of discrete, temporarily locked rotating positions, with the selection of the particular rotating position depending on the amount of kinetic energy so transferred. Preferably, switches are provided for identifying to the electronic controls of the amusement device the discrete rotating position occupied by the rotatable member. Upon command, the temporary lock of the rotating positions may be released. A spring or the like then rotates the member back to an original, ball-receiving position upon such release, which propels the ball back onto the playfield with a velocity that depends on the particular discrete rotating position achieved.

Abstract: A street hockey goal has a tubular frame with a net for catching a hockey ball, the silhouette of a goal tender mounted at the goal frame opening, and a slanting floor panel for returning a ball caught by the net, toward the player.

Abstract: A golf putting device includes a shell which presents a ball receiving chamber open at the front to receive incoming putted golf balls. A row of LED's across the front of the compartment may be selectively energized to vary the target area from cycle to cycle. An infrared transmitter on one side of the chamber emits energy which is received by two receivers located on the opposite side of the chamber. By sensing the time one beam is intercepted by the ball and using the known ball size, the ball speed can be calculated. By sensing the interval between the times the two beams are intercepted and using the ball speed, the position of the ball transversely can be calculated to determine whether it is on target or off target. An automatic ball return mechanism includes a paddle which sweeps the ball forward in the chamber and pivots to eject the ball back to the starting position.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer-controlled interactive playfield feature for pinball games. The system microprocessor monitors activity on the playfield and controls the interactive playfield feature, directing the player's attention to specific targets and activities on the playfield. The playfield feature operates in conjunction with a speech synthesizer, which may be programmed to taunt and challenge game player, increasing player appeal. In a preferred embodiment, the interactive playfield feature is in the shape of a jocular human head. The mouth, eyelids and eyes are movable under microprocessor control. The mouth serves as a ball target. When the player successfully shoots the ball in the mouth, a solenoid ball ejector returns the ball to the playfield. The eyes may be programmed to follow the travel of the pinball on the playfield.

Abstract: A dual-path ramp for pinball games is formed of a single plastic member and has a plurality of entrances from the game playfield and exits back onto the playfield. The geometry of sides of the ramp is such that the ball, as it travels adjacent to one of the sides, is directed into a plurality of patterned grooves in the bottom surface of the ramp, which, in turn, direct the path of the ball back to the sides in a criss-cross pattern. In a second embodiment, ball guides, rather than grooves, are used to cause the ball to follow one side or the other of the ramp instead of criss-crossing back and forth.

Abstract: An air cushion table game comprises a playfield which has an air cushion apparatus so that puck may slide on the playfield in the manner of the known air cushion table games. A goal is provided for receiving the puck at one end of the playfield, while a movable barrier is provided for retaining the puck at the far end of the table to prohibit unauthorized use when the blower motor is shut off upon completion of the game. An obstacle may be carried on the playfield to increase the difficulty of propelling a puck into the goal from the opposite end.

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 pinball machine having a first ramp on a play field. The first ramp is positioned so that pinballs may be propelled up the ramp to fly through space before landing again on the play field. Preferably, a second ramp is positioned on the play field to receive at least some of the flying balls launched up the first ramp.

Abstract: In a pinball machine a structure holding a ramp and targets is provided on the playfield to create a gate-like covering for an opening and passage to other targets and areas of the playfield. When a ball travelling on the ramp strikes the targets carried by the ramp, the ramp is pivoted to its open position revealing an opening and passage to other targets and areas of the game.

Abstract: A golf putting practice range apparatus includes a shooting area, a putting surface and a golf ball target hole at the down-range end of the putting surface. The golfer stands on the shooting area and hits a ball over the putting surface in an attempt to sink the golf ball into the target hole. The target hole is adapted to be selectively moved to present different target locations. Further, the putting surface is adapted to provide for selectively changing its contour. The practice range also includes a ball return system which returns golf balls back to the shooting area for reuse. In one embodiment the golf ball target hole is selectively movable linearly transversely of the longitudinal axis of the putting surface. In another embodiment, the putting surface includes a plurality of planar panels hinged together at their edge-to-edge interface.

Abstract: A game apparatus consisting of a housing with a game playing surface. A ball is rolled on the playing surface by a conventional shooting device. The playing surface has openings and the ball, propelled from the front towards the rear end, falls into one of the openings, enters into the interior of the housing and rolls back towards the front end. One opening towards the rear end is designated as a "functional" opening and the interior of the housing has electrical wiring and a switching device for starting and stopping a motor which rotates a multi-disc assembly whenever the ball falls into the "functional" opening.

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 game apparatus consisting of a housing with a game playing surface. A ball is rolled on the playing surface by a conventional shooting device. The playing surface has openings and the ball, propelled from the front towards the rear end, falls into one of the openings, enters into the interior of the housing and rolls back towards the front end. One opening towards the rear end is designated as a "functional" opening and the interior of the housing has electrical wiring and a switching device for starting and stopping a motor which rotates a multi-disc assembly whenever the ball falls into the "functional" opening.

Abstract: A post construction comprises a post body having an externally threaded stud embedded therein and projecting axially from one end thereof for threaded engagement with the playfield board of a pinball game. A hex surface on the post body facilitates driving the stud into the playfield board. In one embodiment an annular guard flange protects the playfield board during the mounting operation and in another the hex surface is offset a slight distance from the post body end to prevent engagement with the playfield board. In one embodiment an annular recess is provided in the post body around the stud to accommodate whiskers of playfield board material ejected during the threaded mounting to accommodate flush seating on the playfield board. Two circumferential grooves in the outer surface of the post body respectively receive rubber bands for interconnecting a plurality of the post constructions, the grooves being so positioned that the two bands are spaced apart a distance less than the diameters thereof.

Abstract: A pinball machine having a playfield on which at least one drop target is supported for selective actuation relative to the playfield. The drop target includes a post having a conical shaped flange at its upper end, the post being moveable between a position wherein the flange and a portion of the post are disposed above the playfield for impingement by a game ball, and being responsive to impact by the game ball for movement to a position wherein a planar surface on the upper flange is substantially flush with the playfield so as to enable the game ball to pass freely thereover. Movement of the drop target from its raised position to its lowered position upon impact by a game ball serves to propel the ball away from the target.

Abstract: A training net device for all types of ball games includes an inextensible net which is spread between a plurality of parallel rigid posts. The rigid posts are detachably attached by elastic binders to rigid elongated stiffeners on each side of the net. The stiffeners are pivotally connected in consecutive sequence. A locking mechanism for fixing the position of one of the stiffeners relative to an adjacent one is also disclosed. The locking mechanism includes a plurality of notches cooperatively engaging the pivotal connection. The device is then mounted to one of several disclosed support members.

Abstract: A board game is constructed having a playing surface and an object release mechanism coordinating with the playing surface such that an object released from the release mechanism is deposited onto the playing surface. A target mechanism having an object holder located thereon moves along the playing surface. The target mechanism is driven to move in a timed sequence on the playing surface and if the object is released from the object release mechanism in coordination with movement of the target, the object will be retained on the object holder. If, however, the release of the object from the object release mechanism is not coordinated with the movement of the target, the object will miss the target and be deposited in a receptacle in the playing surface. The game is played with a plurality of objects and skill is measured by correctly depositing as many of these objects as possible in the object holder as opposed to the receptacle.

Abstract: A flipper mechanism for use in a pinball game in conjunction with a playing surface to propel an object across that playing surface comprises a flipper member shaped to have a hub section and a finger section. The finger section includes a striking surface for making contact with and accelerating the object across the playing surface. The playing surface includes at least one upstanding boss projecting from the surface. The interior of the boss is hollow. The hub portion of the flipper member has a generally cylindrical-like surface which includes a spirally inclined cam integrally formed on the cylindrical-like surface. The hub portion of the flipper member fits over the upstanding boss projecting from the playing surface.

Abstract: A frame for simultaneously tensioning a web in two orthagonal directions including two spaced-apart primary members and two spaced-apart secondary members. Each of the members is disposed at right angles to an adjacent member to form a rectangle. They are linked together in a manner such that upon drawing the two primary members apart, they will simultaneously space the secondary members apart and stretch the web that is disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A self-propelled wheeled toy includes a housing defining an external body portion and an internal chamber. A spring-type drive motor is mounted in the internal chamber and drivingly connected to the wheels. The motor is cocked by a manually actuatable lever pivotally mounted within the chamber and extends through a slot. A projectile capturing member is pivotally mounted on the housing to provide a target for a projectile directed toward the toy. Once an object is captured, the projectile capturing member pivots due to the weight of the object and engages a switch actuating the motor and causing the toy to move across a suitable supporting surface. As the motor operates, the lever is rotated and engages the capturing member causing the member to pivot and discharge the object.

Abstract: A pinball toy including an inclined playing surface having a plurality of holes through which a ball rolling on the playing surface can fall. Beneath each hole is a ball-ejecting member spring biased upwardly but held down by a latch. As a ball falls through a hole, the ball operates a latch release allowing the spring to pop the ball-ejector upwardly through the hole so as to push the ball upwardly through the hole and back on to the playing surface. Each latch release operates independently only in response to a ball falling through its respective hole, and a manually operated member is provided to simultaneously depress all the ball-ejectors to their latched down positions. A striker carried by each latch hits a bell each time the latch is released. Flippers in the lower region of the playing surface are pivotally movable in a plane parallel to the playing surface in response to moving a flipper actuator toward the playing surface.

Abstract: A target type scoring device which includes a target formed of a resilient material such as a net supported by elastic members and a frame, there being a trigger positioned behind the target and reciprocally movable toward and away therefrom. A cam and cam follower arrangement interconnect the trigger and an indicia or score indicating display causing the display to rotate upon actuation of the trigger by an object thrown against the target in a scoring area.

Abstract: A soccer practice net and goal structure is disclosed which is particularly useful in the training of players for the game of soccer. This soccer practice net can be used as a goal structure for games between teams on a large playing area or readily converted to a ball-returning practice net for use in a limited playing area such as a residential backyard by one or more players.

Abstract: A pool type game apparatus which has a base structure having a playing surface over which balls or the like may be propelled, with bumper rails surrounding the playing surface. A ball receiving pocket is disposed generally centrally of the playing surface, and a cue stick or other ball propelling device is provided. An arcuate blocking flange protrudes upwardly through the pocket and is selectively movable about a central axis for blocking only a part of the pocket to change the available angles of approach for successfully propelling a ball into the pocket. A polygonal mobile bumper device is positionable on and manually movable bodily over the playing surface to any desired position for directing a ball which is propelled thereagainst, away therefrom at an angle defined by the straight side bumper surfaces of the mobile bumper device.

Abstract: A pinball apparatus including a housing having an inclined playing surface over which a ball may be propelled and at least one ball to be propelled on the playing surface. A launcher is provided for propelling the ball onto the playing surface, and target members are mounted on the playing surface for striking by the ball. A flipper assembly is provided for keeping the ball in play on the playing surface. A scorer is associated with the target members for registering a score everytime a target member is struck by a ball. The apparatus includes a tunnel assembly having an inclined channel formed within the housing beneath the playing surface. An entrance is provided on the playing surface for capturing a ball and allowing the ball to be introduced into one end of the tunnel and an exit is provided in the playing surface at the other end of the tunnel for allowing the ball to be introduced back onto the playing surface. The scorer includes a normally incomplete electrical circuit.

Abstract: An amusement apparatus used in conjunction with projectiles thrown at the apparatus including a plurality of target orifices, projectile receiving containers and tubes connecting the orifices and the containers. Each container is slidably supported in the apparatus so it can be pulled out thereof and the projectiles therein can be counted. A catch pan is mounted below the containers and an ejection mechanism is provided for ejecting the projectiles from the containers and allowing them to fall by gravity into the catch pan for easy retrieval.