Abstract: A toy target game includes a plurality of targets rotatably mounted on a shaft. Each of the targets is mounted inside a sleeve which is also rotatably mounted on the shaft. Each target includes a depiction of a first character on a first end and a depiction of a second character on an opposite second end. Each target is mounted on the shaft through a transverse opening in the target at a midpoint of the target. Each sleeve is rectangular in cross-section and includes slots on opposing sides of the sleeve, through which the shaft passes. When the targets are aligned in a normal, vertical position, each sleeve covers the end of the target which is below the shaft, while leaving the end of the target which is above the shaft exposed.

Abstract: A serpentine ramp is rotatable about a horizontal axis between its center and its upper end to lift a pinball from a lower play surface to an upper play surface. A ball is directed from the lower surface into a ball receiving portion in the lower end of the ramp. This closes an optical switch causing the ramp to rotate between a receiving position and a discharge position. A ball disposed in the receiving portion rolls on the ramp to its upper end and then onto the upper surface. A second optical switch is closed by the return of the ramp to the receiving position which terminates the operation of the device.

Abstract: A target and associated impact sensing mechanism is provided including a target head above the pinball playing surface which is movable from a first position above the playing surface to a second position above the playing surface upon receiving a sufficient impact force from the pinball. A switch actuator depends from the head and extends below the playing surface in the interior of the pinball machine. A switch has an open state and a closed state with the switch actuator changing the switch from its open state to its closed state as an incident of the movement of the target head from the first position to the second position. A housing mount is provided below the playing surface containing the switch to protect the switch from the environment and to support the target head above the playing surface with the actuator in position to change the switch from its open to its closed state.

Abstract: The lighted stand-up target of the invention comprises a housing attached to the playfield and a target switch pivotably mounted to the housing. An array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are positioned on a printed circuit board mounted within the housing. The target switch is actuated each time that it is struck by a pinball. In response thereto, the LEDs are lit indicating the number of times that the impact target has been struck.

Abstract: The play feature of the invention consists of an inclined ramp mounted for tilting motion along a single axis. A reversible electric motor, controlled by the flipper buttons, can pivot the ramp in either direction about the axis. The player, by manipulating the flipper buttons, controls the tilting of the ramp thereby to control the path of travel taken by the ball as it rolls down the ramp. The ramp is provided with a plurality of bumpers, roll over switches and out holes that allow the player to score points if the player traverses the ramp in the manner directed by the game program.

Abstract: The ball diverter of the invention consists of a pivoting cage located above an elevated track. The cage, when in its lowered position, will intercept a ball rolling on the track. The cage can then be pivoted to remove the ball from the track and deposit it on a surface disposed beneath the track. When the cage is in the raised position, the ball is allowed to traverse the track uninterrupted.

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 support shaft arranged in a spaced relationship relative to a bowling lane top surface is arranged to include slidably mounted signal members, wherein the signal members are arranged for rotary displacement upon communication of a bowling ball with a flange portion of each signal member. Indication of bowling ball path to provide for training and correction of such path is thereby enabled.

Abstract: A gate and target assembly is raised from a first position, wherein a target is positioned in a channel on a playfield to interfere with passage of a ball through the channel, to a second position, wherein the target is positioned above the channel so as not to interfere with passage of the ball through the channel. In a preferred construction, a plurality of targets are pivotally mounted between two opposed upright brackets that extend from the playfield and define opposite sides of the channel, and the targets are moved from the first position to the second position by energizing a solenoid that is linked to a swinging crank pin of the assembly. Moreover, the assembly is covered by the simulated head of an animal, such as a hippopotamus, and the simulated animal head pivots up and down with the targets. A timer circuit, for example, keeps the simulated animal head up and the channel open for a predetermined period of time beginning when any one of the targets is struck.

Abstract: A portable golf game includes a house-like housing with a hinged roof and internal supports for holding golf balls. The housing also holds all pieces of the game for convenient storage and transportation. In play, golf balls are putted through the housing via a ball entrance opening, a guide inside the housing, and a ball exit opening. To signify the movement of a ball through the housing, a lever causes the ejection of another golf ball from the housing. A stationary ball deflector is mountable near the ball entrance opening, on either side thereof as selected by the player, for deflecting a ball struck thereagainst into the ball entrance opening. Thin flat tee markers have markings which correspond to distinguishing markings on each of the player's golf balls. A crease apron neear the ball entrance opening has a tongue extending through the ball entrance opening.

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 section of the play field is changed during play by replacing components mounted thereon with different components. In other words, the section of the play field is replaced with a new section. Preferably this is done by rotating the section of the play field to expose different components that were previously stored below the play field surface. In a preferred embodiment the section of the play field is coupled by a slip clutch to a continuously running motor, and a solenoid operated catch mechanism stops rotation of the section of the play field when it is approximately parallel to the rest of the play field surface. To change the components included in the play field, the solenoid is energized to release the catch and thereby permit rotation of the section of the play field by approximately 180 degrees.

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: Gaming apparatus for a table hockey-type game in which a puck is projected across a playing field by a squeeze apparatus which may be operated by the fingers of one hand. A plurality of goals may serve either as goals or barriers according to the requirements of different variations of the game. The playing field comprises a flat surface bounded by walls at the corners of which the goals are located. The squeeze apparatus comprises a pair of arms each connected to the other by a curved spring which biases the arms towards an acute angle to each other. The squeeze apparatus is also used for goal tending.

Abstract: The spinning target assembly comprises a post rotatably mounted to the playfield board of a pinball game. A bridge extends over and is substantially parallel to the playfield board. Three spinning target units hang downwardly from the bridge. The bridge and the units carried thereby are rotatable about the axis of the post to any selected position. Each unit includes a pair of supports and a target therebetween and rotatably carried thereby. A switch is associated with each unit and is located in the bridge to sense the number of revolutions of the target.

Abstract: A ball game apparatus having a playing surface in the shape of an inverted cone surrounded by an upstanding cylindrical wall. An air blower circulates game balls continuously along the circular periphery of the playing surface at the inside of this wall. A ball striker is selectively adjustable along this wall and it has a pivoted striker arm which can be actuated from a retracted position on the outside of the wall to a ball-deflecting position on the inside in the path of game balls along the periphery of the playing surface. Pivoted targets are located in front of the air blower on the opposite of the apex of the playing surface from the striker.

Abstract: The spinning target assembly comprises a pair of posts and a bridge therebetween. Three spinning target units hang downwardly from the bridge. The units move back and forth between the posts. Each unit includes a pair of supports and a target therebetween rotatably carried thereby. Two Hall-effect devices are mounted in each support and a magnet is mounted in the spinning target, whereby the Hall-effect devices can sense the direction and number of revolutions of the target.

Abstract: A pool-type marble game having a round rotatable game board, a pivotable and rotatable support structure including a central hub having five legs extending radially therefrom for supporting said game board from either a table top or another type support surface, a central scoring marble containing area, a shooting line larger than said marble area and surrounding same, a vertical rim around the periphery of the game board spaced therefrom to provide a marble collection recess or slot therearound, and appropriate scoring indicia or numbers adjacent the collection recess or slot. Another embodiment of the invention incorporates a hydraulic lift for the rotatable support mechanism, as well as a sloping ball return alleyway to lead the expended scoring marbles back to a common collection point. In addition, a coin operated collection box may be incorporated so that the game device can be used in game arcades and the like.

Abstract: The drop target apparatus includes a frame for attachment to the underside of the playfield board of a pinball game. A frame carries a target member which is vertically movable between a raised position above the playfield board and a retracted position. Bias means urges the target member to its retracted position. Latch means hold the target member in its raised position despite the action of the bias means. A recess in the target member receives the pinball. An abutment at the back of the recess when struck by the pinball causes the target member to become unlatched and moved, along with the pinball carried thereby, to its retracted position.

Abstract: Apparatus for playing an adversary ball game by two players or teams of players has a roof, such as a lightweight mesh, which is supported above the ground to define a playing area below it. At each of two opposite ends of the playing area there is provided a goal which can be contacted by a ball directed towards it by a player. The ball is lighter-than-air and is free to run along the underside of the roof, as directed or struck by the player's hand or a stick, bat, or a striker mounted on a vehicle or on a horse carrying the player.

Abstract: A game of the type having a playing surface enclosed in a housing and including a launching mechanism for propelling an object across the playing surface is improved by locating a target on the playing surface distal from the object launcher and interspacing between the target and the object launcher an interference member. The game includes an actuation device which continually moves the interference member reciprocally back and forth in the path of the object. The interference member is capable of assuming at least one position wherein it can interfere with the movement of the object and at least one position wherein it does not interfere with movement of the object rendering it possible for the object to travel from the object launcher to the target.The interference member includes a first sliding member having a plurality of projections which move through channels in the playing surface as the first sliding member slides in the housing.

Abstract: A golf putting game which includes a housing having a horizontally elongated opening into which a standard golf ball can be putted. Horizontally spaced sensors positioned lengthwise of the opening within the housing sense the lateral position of a ball entering the opening. The sensors controlling a numerical display indicate a score based on the position of the ball laterally of the opening. A back plate stops the ball within the housing, and a sensor determines the force with which the ball strikes the back plate. The indicated score is modified if the force on the back plate exceeds an acceptable level. Successive groups of balls can be putted into the opening and the score for each ball within the corresponding ball in the successive groups can be accumulated and individually displayed to permit a number of players to play the game at the same time.

Abstract: A spinning target assembly for a pinball game includes a molded one-piece frame having a base adapted to be secured to the underside of the playfield board and two spaced-apart upright posts which project through complementary openings in the playfield board and extend a predetermined distance thereabove. A spinner is rotatably mounted between the posts and includes a shaft having an offset central portion which is encapsulated in a molded plastic target. One end of the shaft has secured thereto a cam received in a recess in the top of one post for camming engagement with a connecting rod which extends downwardly through a longitudinal bore in the one post for actuation of the contacts of a switch mounted on the base, and the other end of the shaft is rotatably received in a radial bore in the other post. A cap is removably latched to the top of the one post to retain in place the cam and the associated end of the shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to a game board whereby a mimic tennis game can be played. Two animated racket-supporting bodies disposed opposedly to each other across a play board are moved alternately so as to catch a ball which comes rolling on the board surface toward either side of the board where said racket-supporting body is disposed, and when the racket carried by the racket-supporting body on one side catches the ball and the racket is accordingly displaced, the racket driving mechanism provided in the racket-supporting body is operated to drive the racket so that it will automatically hit the ball. After hitting of the ball by the racket, the racket driving mechanism is inactivated. As the animated bodies are moved across the play board, a pinion gear meshes with a rack gear and ultimately a spring is wound up to accumulate power for driving the simulated tennis ball. Each time a ball is hit, a bell rings.

Abstract: An amusement game device played by one or two persons and including an up-standing housing separated into left-hand and right-hand compartments by a vertical middle wall therebetween which is provided with a window for communication between the compartments. A pendulum is pivotally mounted in each compartment and each pendulum has an upwardly extending arm which extends above the pendulum pivot and a projectile target at the top of each arm. A launcher and a plurality of projectiles are provided for each compartment, and the pendulums are positioned within their respective compartments such that when a projectile is launched and thereby projects into the projectile target, the pendulum will pivot from the weight of the projectile resting in the target to dump the projectile into the compartment of the opponent through the aforesaid window in the center dividing wall.

Abstract: A pinball-type game utilizing a spinning top actuated by a high speed spinning mechanism, release of the top onto a playing surface having a number of obstacles propelling the top against a scoring mechanism having a rocker arm which, upon impact, through a pawl device rotates a scoring indicator. The scoring indicator is provided with a spring clutch to enable the indicator to return to zero. "Flippers" are provided to redirect the spinning top along the playing surface.

Abstract: A toy pinball game mounted within an appropriate housing has a playing surface and at least one movable object located within the housing movable upon the playing surface. The game includes an object launching member for initially propelling an object across the playing surface. The game is improved by incorporating on the playing surface a target member which is slidably mounted on the playing surface to move from an initial position through a plurality of intermediate positions to a signaling position. Operatively connected to the target member is a target retention apparatus which will retain the target in the initial position or any of the intermediate positions until the target is struck by the object at which time the retention apparatus releases the target member from the initial position allowing it to slide into the first of the intermediate positions.

Abstract: A target game can be constructed utilizing a support member and a transparent housing or cover mounted on the support member so as to enclose an elongated, enlarged area. A target is movably mounted on a guide rail within this area so as to be capable of being moved between the ends of a path. A spring is located on the support member for moving the target from adjacent to one end of the path to adjacent to the other end. An escapement structure consisting of parts mounted on the support and on the target controls such movement so that the target member only moves incrementally each time it is engaged by a projectile. A shooting structure is pivotally mounted on the support so as to be accessible from the exterior of the housing. This shooting structure includes a hollow tube within which there is carried a plunger capable of being manipulated so as to shoot projectiles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spinning target which is accurately responsive to the force of impact of a pinball on the target. A generally flat target element is suspended above the playfield so that it is rotatable about an axis parallel to the playfield and sufficiently above the field so that the pinball can pass below when the target element is in a horizontal configuration. The target element has a principal axis of inertia generally coincident with the axis of rotation of the target element. The target element is biased so that it is maintained in a vertical configuration until impacted by the pinball. A pair of weights which have a mass density relatively greater than the mass density of the target element are embedded in the target element in its respective extremities. The weights are symmetrically disposed relative to and remote from the principal axis of the target element.

Abstract: Game apparatus physically adapted for use on a flat playing surface, such as a shuffleboard court includes a support frame having a bracket for engaging the parallel edges of the shuffleboard court and a horizontal support bar suspended above the court between the two edges thereof. A plurality of scoring pins is each pivotally mounted underneath the horizontal bars so as to be suspended between the bar and the surface of the shuffleboard court. Each scoring pin has a flexible brush mounted on its lower extremity and extending downwards so as to engage the playing surface. Plural score indicating plates are provided, each plate being rotatably coupled to the horizontal bar, and positioned adjacent to one of the scoring pins with a corresponding score thereon.

Abstract: A competitive toss game where each player has tossable play objects such as bean bags and there is a target apparatus with one or more receptacles each having a pivotally mounted flippable lid. Each lid is provided with an opening large enough for a bean bag to be tossed directly into the associated receptacle. The bean bags of each player bear an encoding or indicia, with the indicia being different for each player. Thus, the bean bags of one player may be one color and the bean bags of the other player may be a different color. The lids have different indicia on each side, the indicia on one side matching the indicia of one player's bean bags, the indicia on the other side matching the indicia of the other player's bean bags.

Abstract: A skill type game which includes two opposed playing areas, a centrally located target arrangement and a projector device provided in each of the playing areas. The projector devices are slidable from side to side and rotatable for selective alignment with a plurality of projectiles or balls which are arranged in a corresponding plurality of projectile receiver slots. The projector device includes a slidable, rotatable shaft manipulated by a handle portion. The projector device further includes a human figure-shaped kicker member carried by the shaft with a foot portion of the kicker member contacting the projectiles. The target arrangement includes a purality of projectile target areas or goals each of which is adapted to retain a properly launched projectile from either playing area. The projectile target areas also provide for dislodgement of a retained projectile upon a predetermined contact from another projectile from either playing area.

Abstract: A multiplicity of rectangular base blocks or toppling member carriers are drilled to form aligned bores for the reception of a flexible pull cord and are spaced apart from each other by ovoid bead-like spacers. Mounted on each base block or toppling member carrier transversely to the cord bore is the lower leaf of a hinge, the upper leaf of which carries a channel clip member having a recess adapted to grip and hold the lower end of a toppling member, such as a domino. In operation, when a leading toppling member is pushed backward it topples backward and consequently causes the trailing toppling members to topple backward in succession. The toppling members are reset into their upright positions by passing a finger forwardly along their side edges.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes an array of paddle-type display elements rotatably mounted in a housing, with the paddles of the display elements having suitable indicia thereon. The game may be played by actuation of selective display elements in tic-tac-toe fashion, with actuation of the paddle elements being preferably effected by tossing small bags against selective paddles. The array of display elements is arranged in a series of rows and columns in a body structure, with each display element being rotatably mounted about a shaft secured to the body structure. Each display element preferably comprises three radially extending planar portions radiating from a central hub, and an aperture is provided in the hub to which the associated shaft extends. Each aperture defines in cross-section an isosceles triangle.

Abstract: An indoor football (soccer) match set including at least one gate or goal, but preferably two goals, and a ball. A movable plate within the goal is responsive to a ball entering the goal. A movement of the plate is transmitted to a counter mechanism through a latch element having a cam which contacts the rear face of the plate. The counter mechanism comprises a bar having numbered marker panels arranged thereon, which bar is adapted to move downwards by one panel each with every movement of the plate. The downward movement of the bar is controlled by latches of the latch element which engage teeth in the bar.

Abstract: A marble shooting game having a playing apparatus which includes a playing surface which is divided into two longitudinal segments with one segment having a foul line and a marble holder and projector at the other end of the segment and with the other segment portion being identically arranged except for the marble holder and projector being adjacent the foul line of the first segment and the foul line of the second segment being adjacent the marble holder and projector of the first segment so that a player shooting at a target associated with the marble holder and projector at the opposite end of one segment will release a marble placed on said holder by an opposing player.

Abstract: A preschool toy amusement arcade which includes a base frame having a plurality of amusement arcade games thereon. Each of the amusement games are designed so that they are self-contained and include no loose parts. In each of the games, a moving part is tied to some part of the arcade by a flexible connector, or otherwise a moving part is contained within a completely enclosed housing. Thus, the amusement arcade may contain all game features where the moving part is located in an enclosed housing. Otherwise, the arcade may contain one or more game features where the moving part is connected to the arcade by a flexible connector. Game features which utilize a moving part connected to the game by a flexible connector may adopt the form of a simulated gun range where a simulated gun issues a projectile toward a target member located to be contacted by the projectile.

Abstract: An action skill game including a game board with a pair of simulated aircraft shiftably mounted on the game board at each of the opposite ends thereof and each of which are operated by opponent players. The simulated aircraft are carried by a shiftable carrier mechanism which is also provided with a projectile shooting mechanism and which carrier mechanism also enables "transverse movement" of the aircraft relative to the game board and "pivotal movement" relative to the game board and the shooting mechanism. Each of the shooting mechanisms are provided with control sticks so that the opponent players can manuever the simulated aircraft as well as shoot projectiles at the other simulated aircraft. Each of the particular simulated aircraft employ a pair of moveable target elements which will shift rearwardly with respect to the fuselage of the aircraft when hit by a projectile from the opposite simulated aircraft.

Abstract: A target game for simulating a bowling game including a ball and a plurality of simulated bowling pins mounted in a circular arrangement about an opening provided in the front face of a substantially vertical frame structure. Each bowling pin is individually pivotally mounted to the frame so that the longitudinal axis of all of the pins are directed radially into an open space in the center of the frame opening defined by the heads of the pins and of a lesser diameter than the ball. The pins are movable from a "set" vertical disposition wherein all of the pins lie generally in the vertical plane of the front face of the frame structure to a "knocked-down" horizontal disposition wherein all of the pins are substantially horizontal or perpendicular to the front face.

Abstract: A pinball type game in which a ball is propelled by a plunger over an inclined playing surface among pins, targets and the like. The game is designed on a "haunted house" scheme and flippers are provided for keeping a ball in play, the flippers being shaped in the form of bat wings. The flippers actuate a sound device each time a flipper is actuated. The flippers are positioned on each side of the playing surface and are manually operated by the participants. Actuation of a flipper by a participant causes a sound to be emitted by a sounding device. The sounding device includes a bellows portion.

Abstract: A game for simulating launching and landing of spacecraft. An elongated channel attached to an upright stand defines a predetermined path for a moving game piece. A notched rotating disk mounted on the stand transversely above the channel prevents passage of the game piece except when the notch coincides with the channel. The effective circumferential extent of the notch can be selectively varied by a movable shutter for simulating approach corridors of varying widths. Alternatively, a target plaque pivotally mounted in the notch rotates from a first to a second position if struck by a simulated missile. Game pieces that fail to pass the rotating disk are prevented from bouncing back into the approach channel by a one-way barrier and are then removed from the channel by flanges protruding from the face of the disk. The disk may be rotated with constant angular velocity or with continuously varying velocity by means of off-center gears.

Abstract: A children's bowling game comprising a frame having a bowling alley included therewith, and which is slightly inclined downwardly from a ball propelling end toward an end remote therefrom. The remote end carries a plurality of upstanding elements which have the silhouette of bowling pins, and which are located in the arrangement of normal bowling pins. These elements, however, are relatively flat members. A recess is located immediately behind each of the bowling pins which are hingedly mounted with respect to the bowling alley, so that the bowling pins will be shifted from a first upstanding position to a second flat position where they are located in the recesses when contacted by the bowling ball. In this way, the upper surface of the bowling pins are flush with the surface of the bowling alley when in a second position. An actuating means is also associated with the frame in order to shift the pins to the upright or first position by means of a manually operable lever.