Abstract: An electronic game, method and apparatus, is disclosed which includes individually operable electric switches to control the device, and electric light emitting means to provide multi-color displays. The object of the game is for the player to manipulate the switches until all multi-color displays indicate the same color. The device functions by matching electrical operating codes, transmitted from its left and bottom edges, with electrical operating codes stored at its top and right edges, to generate electrical color codes. The electric switches control the routing of the operating codes within the device, and the distribution of the color codes to the multi-color displays. In the preferred embodiment, the device utilizes a microprocessor to control the progress of the game, monitor the position of electric switches, and control the display of multi-color indications.

Abstract: Word construction system (10) is provided to allow a user to form crossword puzzles or other indicia related games. System (10) includes strips of tape (16) which are divided into zoned elements (18, 18' and 18") having individual regions (20) on each where indicia (14) may be placed. The user then manipulates and relocates zoned elements (18, 18' and 18") using common indicia (14) to allow one zoned element to be an overlay for another zoned element. In this manner, there is provided a mechanism and method where a user may form a word game which is individualistic in nature and may have differing patterns for the same words or indicia (14) used.

Abstract: A game of skill having a housing, which is formed from a transparent, essentially cube-shaped body, which exhibits openings concentric in two mutually perpendicular directions to the sides of the body, the thereby remaining frame, consisting of bars, being hollow and exhibiting bars which form pockets for receiving balls, are located on the common edges of, in each case, one of the three pairs of adjoining sides of the body and are separated by an interspace, and by about a bar length, from two interconnected bars belonging to the adjoining sides.

Abstract: A manually operated maze puzzle including a hollow body having a recess lined with a maze pattern on a cylindrical inner surface. An operator which matches the shape of the recess includes a maze follower such as a pin. The maze is totally concealed. It includes a starting groove at an innermost position with maximum nesting of the operator within the body. A plurality of incorrect channel paths are included extending toward the mouth of the recess. One correct path is included. All incorrect exit paths include one way traps that require a return to the original start path. Matching indicia indicate a correct solution.

Abstract: An improvement in a electronic crossword puzzle solving machine to provide alternate words for a word that is input on the keyboard. A first actuation of a function key labeled "Second-Guess" initiates a search in which all words in memory having the same number of letters as the input word but differing with respect to only one of those letters is displayed. A second actuation of the "Second-Guess" key results in a search and display of all words differing from the input word with respect to two of the letters. Each successive actuation of the "Second-Guess" key increases the number of letters by which the alternate words found differ from the input word.

Abstract: A combination game apparatus is provided having a housing with a plurality of settable dials each having indicia thereon. Setting the correct combination on the game dials provides an output for indicating when a correct input combination has been set on the settable dials. The combination setting members are used for changing the combination necessary to indicate the correct input combination for unlocking the combination. The combination setting system includes a plurality of input members each having a combination setting, such as a coded opening in a flat card. Each combination setting member is placed in a covering sleeve so that it may be inserted into the game apparatus from the covered sleeves so that the combination being set cannot be seen by the players. The game may include a ball which is raised in a lift and dropped into a ball track where it passes through an opening in the track as determined by the first dial which determines which of a plurality of ball chutes the ball will move in.

Abstract: An electronic amusement device having preprogrammed game playability uses logical balls or tokens and multi-colored lights to achieve a final state. Game play is based upon the selection of one of three sizes of tokens to be played along one of three different token paths. As game play progresses, the lights change color state while certain tokens are trapped by being made unavailable for further play, while other previously played tokens are released for future play. Control of the state of colors and state of token traps is controlled by a number of erasable programmable read only memories. Game play ends upon achieving a final state designating a specific color array of lights and tokens trapped.

Abstract: A game for play between two or more players/teams with a deck of clue cards each having a set of scrambled words imprinted thereon and an unsolved main word thereabove which is represented only by blank spaces and its first and possibly second letters to serve as a clue. The players/teams take turns drawing clue cards and attempting to unscramble the scrambled words and solve the main word with a set time period. The main word is a synonym or the name of a category of which the scrambled words are like synonyms or elements of the category, respectively. A second deck of cards having only one scrambled word thereon are provided to play bonus and challenge rounds. Points are awarded according to how many words are solved by each player/team and the first player/team to reach 100 pints wins the game.

Abstract: A spherical puzzle has an internal spherical cavity having a plurality of maze sections interconnected, with an exit opening of an upper maze section spaced at an opposed end of a circuitous path of an underlying maze section. The polar ends of the maze section with the maze sections coaxially aligned relative to the North and South polar portions of the maze have transparent caps for viewing an entrance and exit of a game sphere directed through the sections.

Abstract: A composite structure finding principal utility in the formation of walls, floors, patios and the like, for example. The structure is made up of a coplanar assembly of slab-like flat-faced elements provided with knobs and sockets that are congruent with each other as well as being congruent throughout the total structure so as to provide positive interlocks among the elements and thus eliminating the need for adhesive and like binders. The elements may be of molded concrete and relatively light weight so as to facilitate handling on the job by the ordinary artisan in the building of a patio, for example, in the elements are coplanar on a bed of sand, etc. The elements are furnished in several groups in which each group contains several identical elements. In addition to the knob-socket feature, the elements have perimetrical outlines or configurations such that side-by-side elements abuttingly match each other as to contour.

Abstract: The invention provides a three-dimensional puzzle which consists of a box-like casing and a number of flat plate-like game pieces that are freely movable relative to each other within a closed system defined by the casing. The game pieces are, distinguishable from each other by markings such as symbols or color.The casing is a substantially closed, shape-rententive hollow body of the shape of a geometric solid bound by lateral faces. At least four such lateral faces are identical to each other in size and shape. The interior of the casing serves as a game space for the enclosed game pieces. The game pieces are of a shape that is substantially identical to that of the at least four lateral faces of the casing and are laid out in size so that they are permitted free movement within the game space.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle, which, when completed, produces a three-dimensional figure or form encased in a three-dimensional framing volume, such as a cube or other solid figure. The puzzle is cut into a number of horizontal slices, each of which is further broken into irregular jigsaw-like pieces.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a puzzle post card comprising providing a first backing, adhering a picture to one surface of said backing, adhering said first backing to a second backing containing an address means whereby only the perimeter of said first backing is adhered to said second backing, cutting said first backing in the non-adhered to portion to form a puzzle, adhering a plastic cover over said puzzle to hold said puzzle in place during mailing.

Abstract: A die or cube having different magic squares on each face. The magic squares are related so that the sums of numbers on each face pair of the three face pairs are equal to the same value.

Abstract: A jigsaw puzzle having self-adhesive pieces is provided. Each piece has a first sheet with a pictorial image on one surface, and an adhesive sheet bonded to the opposing surface. The adhesive sheet has a pressure sensitive adhesive surface opposite the first sheet. A release sheet substantially covers the pressure sensitive adhesive surface and is readily removable by means of a pull flap to expose the pressure sensitive adhesive surface. In practice, the individual puzzle pieces can be simultaneously assembled on and bonded to a mounting board. The mounting board can then be framed and hung for viewing.

Abstract: A puzzle is disclosed which includes an elongated left-hand threaded bolt carrying a split lock washer and having a nut at one end. The other end of the bolt is partially threaded into a second nut which has a short length of another bolt threaded at its end. The object of the puzzle is to figure out how to remove the lock washer from the bolt.

Abstract: A spatial logical puzzle construction (10) including an upper (13) and lower (14) housing member operatively and rotatably connected together and provided with a plurality of cooperating recesses (16) that form apertures that contain groups of individual puzzle segments (20) that may be rotated within and transferred between the apertures.

Abstract: The base of a game board is formed by a mount member having a groove having a form containing straight line parts, curved line parts, intersecting parts, and angled parts. The groove forms the traveling path of a traveling toy. Solid bodies containing iron-including materials or magnetic materials are inserted into the groove of the mount member so that the upper surface of the solid bodies are leveled with the upper surface of the mount member. The mount member is affixed to a substrate and covers the entire surface of the substrate. A covering paper is affixed to the mount member and covers the entire surface of the mount member to hide the traveling path. When a traveling toy which is provided with a magnet is driven on the covering paper, the traveling toy runs along and over the solid bodies which are in the groove in the mount member which is covered by the covering paper. The covering paper comprises a jigsaw puzzle and can also be used as a book cover.

Abstract: The invention provides a puzzle embodied in a 3-sided regularly shaped pyramid comprising eleven smaller 3-sided pyramids and four small octaeder shaped bodies, which smaller pieces are connected to a string forming an endless chain. The complexity of the puzzle is achieved by coloring the side planes of the smaller parts in various colors and connecting the smaller pieces in a certain sequence to a string. The solution of the puzzle is obtained by placing the smaller parts of puzzle in such a way that the large pyramid is formed and the side planes of the large pyramid are uniformly colored by the smaller pieces. A preferred embodiment is given in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprising the 15 smaller pieces of FIGS. 3 and 4 placed in a continuous string as shown in FIG. 5.

Abstract: A mechanical game device for use with rolling balls. The device includes a base block with a plurality of ball receiver pockets that are visible to the player. Located in the base block are a plurality of code blocks adapted for selective insertion in the base block in interchangeable side-by-side relation. Each block has a column of vertical holes that align with the vertical holes of adjacent code blocks to form rows of holes, one hole of each row being a code hole. The base block and code blocks define a number of concealed passages or race means adapted to guide balls through the device to one of a plurality of receiver pockets.

Abstract: A cube shaped toy has a button and a rotary switch on each of the cube's six sides. For each of the cube's six faces, there is an associated set of four tones. Pushing the button on a selected face causes the toy to play the tones associated with that face. In particular, if each face is divided into four quadrants, there is one "quadrant-tone" associated with each quadrant. The toy has just six distinct tones, and when the toy is first turned on, or restarted, all four tones for each face are identical. Whenever one of the rotary switches is turned, the quadrant-tones of the associated face are rotated, and the quadrant-tones for the neighboring faces are also "rotated", generating a new set of tone patterns for each of the five affected faces. By listening to the tones for each face and rotating the rotary switches, the user can move the quadrant-tones until all four tones for each face are identical.

Abstract: A game housing includes a series of angulated ramps arranged vertically underlying one another, with a predetermined column of contrastingly colored or enumerated spheres positioned adjacent the bottommost ramp. The housing includes a slide defining an upper end of the housing, wherein the slide, upon retraction from a first retracted position to a second extended position, permits descent simultaneously of a series of spheres to the uppermost ramp. "L" shaped lever plates are selectively withdrawn from the ramp to permit descent of a predetermined number of spheres from the ramp to ultimately position and arranged the spheres directed along the ramps to align with the aforenoted column of spheres.

Abstract: A single- or multi-level transparent insertable stacking maze pet toy designed for use in an auxiliary containment structure, preferably a commonly available animal cage such as a 10-gallon tank, and comprising alternately stacking maze elements and horizontal planar surfaces, which form compartments through which a small animal can travel, with efficient means for changing the maze routes. Also called a three-dimensional maze in its multi-level form. The maze elements further comprise vertical wall units. In the preferred embodiment flat rectangular wall units also called grid elements span the containment structure longitudinally and transversely and interlock at right angles by means of slots placed along their lengths at intervals. A pluraliy of apertures are placed indeterminately along the wall units between the slots. Maze routes can be changed by interchanging wall units and repositioning planar surfaces.

Abstract: Electronics and a playing method stimulate abstract spatil-relations ability, particularly memory of abstract space, in youngsters--without requiring them to know or spell game commands, or to find keys on a typewriter-like keyboard. The game exploits the competitive instinct by rewarding ability to recall complex geometric abstractions, while yet encouraging play by those who lack that ability. Dedicated manual inputs are used by each player to enter moves--in the pure form of directions in which the player wishes to go. An audio speaker signals which player's move it is, and whether each attempted move is valid. A digital microprocessor is used to define a maze and each player's position in it, and to receive moves from the directional inputs, and to operate the speaker in reply to attempted moves. The processor has no functional connection with any device for displaying a direct pictorial representation of any part of the maze, and indeed no such direct picture is electronically developed or shown.

Abstract: A puzzle toy includes a plurality of projections which normally project outwardly from a spherical body. As the projections are pushed inwardly, individually one at a time, a latching mechanism disposed within the body holds the projections in a pushed-inwardly state, assuming proper alignment of the latching mechanism. However, as each projection is pushed inwardly, the latching mechanism is rotated to vary the alignment and thus increase the difficulty of latching all of the projections.

Abstract: An educational, decorative, illuminated block set is provided having a low voltage matrix form mounting apparatus for the blocks, so that the blocks can be selectively illuminated if placed in a pre-arranged order of alphabet symbol or number assigned to each of the blocks.

Abstract: A game of entertainment, designed and intended for the player to try to arrange a specific number of elements or counters used in the game in a determined order, which elements or counters are completely concealed within the structure of the game and are capable of becoming visible through a window once the player has guided these elements or counters to the window. Therefore, if the codes seen through this window correspond with those provided on certain elements or counters, a prize will be won.

Abstract: A labyrinth or maze has an elongated cylindrical member with a central bore, a shaft disposed in the bore including a transversely radial arm, the shaft being movable in the bore and can be manually grasped for combined rotational and axially slidable movement through a continuous but winding passageway defining an internal maze in communication with the bore along its length. Preferably, the cylindrical member is defined by a plurality of annular disks in which individual circumferential slots are formed in each disk and are aligned to be in communication with one another throughout the length of the member to form the internal maze for puzzles, games, video games, and other amusement devices; also, it can be readily used as a locking device by placement of a locking element in the path of the arm so that engagement by the arm will cause the locking member to be advanced to an unlocked position with respect to another fixed member, such as, the wall of a safe.

Abstract: A skill game for home or promotional use in stores or in fast food restaurants that provides a player with a degree of self-determination and provides an inducement to perspective customers. The score is dependent on the player's skill and his confidence in his answer. This game provides a variable scoring system where each additional clue which is revealed reduces the score of a correct answer.

Abstract: An educational puzzle includes a base panel and a set of puzzle pieces. The base panel has a number of holes through it, while the puzzle pieces have mating pegs extending through them, to both sides. The arrangement is such that the puzzle pieces can be arranged in on the front face of the base panel and with the pegs registering with the holes in the base panel, and arranged in another array on the bottom of the base panel, with the puzzle pieces inverted. The base panel and the puzzle pieces are marked with corresponding or related indicia on their front faces. They may carry similar markings on their back faces, where the puzzle pieces may be arranged with sequential markings designating the sequence in which the puzzle pieces are to be assembled. The puzzle may be used from either side of the base panel as two puzzle features to teach very different yet related concepts: number sequencing or number counting; alphabetical sequencing or word recognition; and other skills.

Abstract: An electronic puzzle game device for players/students. The device includes a memory for storing code corresponding to a plurality of sets of alpha-numeric symbols, each set comprising a puzzle. A display is provided for visibly indicating a selected puzzle. In the preferred embodiment, a player can vary the degree of difficulty of the displayed puzzle which generally includes a topic together with a selected number of letter cues. A player or student will preferably list words which start with the randomly selected letter cues and correspond to the displayed topic. A timer serves to determine the length of the time period a player has to solve the puzzle. In one embodiment, audible signals, including the counting down of the timer and the ending of the timer cycle are provided.

Abstract: A maze in a housing having a reflector which reflects light waves through ninety degrees to render the illusion of a ball element floating in opposition to gravity. The maze may be in a module enabling an array of maze modules to be used in conjunction with a single housing. Maze walls may be of flexible material for manual distortion for ball guidance during maze use. A mechanical actuator on the maze propels a movable member.

Abstract: An electronic game that includes a main body that consists of four panels assembled to form a four-sided pyramid having four vertexes. Each vertex serves as a node for supporting a light which may illuminate a plurality of different colors. Digital circuitry defines a color state vector at each node by illuminating one or none of the colors. Control circuitry connected to the digital circuitry is used for altering the color state of at least one of the lights as the tetrahedron is rotated. In one game, the color of the node brought to the top position changes in the color change pattern established by the color state vector. A player rotates the tetrahedron in an effort to figure out the pattern of color changes. Once the pattern is deciphered, the player makes additional rotations to achieve an object of the game such as having each vertex of the tetrahedron lighted the same color.

Abstract: A three-dimensional changeable maze for small animals in box, knockdown, and modular form, which utilizes (a) interlocking and interchangeable grid elements, (b) interchangeable or rotatable planar surfaces, and (c) rotatable modules in modular form to vary the maze routes and adjust the level of complexity.

Abstract: A self-contained cylindrical puzzle has a plurality of slide elements having faces displaying indicia. The elements form a mosaic geometric surface characterized by the absence of one of the elements leaving a slot. A slide element adjacent the slot may be slid into the slot, leaving behind a slot in the position from which the slide element was slid. Rotation of a row adjacent the row containing the slot will bring a new slide element adjacent the slot to be slid thereinto. Accordingly, the plurality of slide elements may be manipulated about so as to juxtapose indicia to bring about an overall composition that is a solution to the puzzle. One embodiment has a solution that represents the trade dress of a popular beverage can.

Abstract: A word puzzle card game employs template mask devices and puzzle cards. Individual puzzle cards, having puzzle-words or phrases imprinted thereon, are movably inserted into individual template mask devices, and are displaced therein to successively reveal, through a plurality of mask windows, individual location indicia and associated characters of puzzle-words or phrases to permit solving of the puzzle. Particular scoring values are indicated by the displacement position of puzzle cards. Tracking of characters in their locations according to associated location indicia is facilitated by puzzle tracking sheets. Tracking and display of players' successes in puzzle solving can be provided by movement of game pieces upon fields of a game board in accordance with game rules which can further introduce elements of luck and skill into the game.

Abstract: A toy game educational and/or therapeutic possibilities comprising a translucent or transparent elongated cylindrical member having a hollow extending longitudinally through the member and a partition disposed in the hollow which extends radially between the interior walls of the member and along the elongated length of the member which divides the hollow into a pair of elongated, parallel but separated spaces. An end cap is included on each end of the cylindrical member which encloses the hollow and a plurality of distinct balls clearly disposed in a random order in at least one of the spaces of the hollow for rolling movement along the elongated length of the cylindrical member between the partition and the curved wall of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A puzzle in which alphabet letters or other graphics are displayed in movable squares forming a grid on a front side of the puzzle. On the back side of the puzzle is another grid of movable squares containing alphabet letters or other graphics. Each square is a part of each of two mutually transverse, continuous bands. One band comprises aligned front side and back side rows while the other transverse band comprises aligned front side and back side columns. The relationship of each square in the puzzle may be changed with respect to every other square. As squares are moved out of the front side grid, they wrap around, out of sight, and change the grid of squares on the back side while bringing an out of sight square into the front side grid. In one electronic version of the puzzle, movement of a square is effected by touching the front side square to be moved and then touching the position on the front side row or column to which the square is to be moved.

Abstract: In a multi-level crossing maze toy, nine kinds of single cubes of the same size in the number as desired are combined longitudinally, laterally and thicknesswise to form a combined cube, the combined cube being formed in two surface thereof with an entrance and an exit open thereto, opening of the cube are singly associated when the combined cube is formed, and a dead end passage, a linear passage, a curved passage, a T-passage, a right-angle three-forked passage, a cross passage, a five-forked passage and a six-forked passage formed interiorly of a single cube are freely placed in communication with one another to form a multi-level crossing maze. Therefore, a ball is introduced into the multi-level crossing maze from the entrance of the combined cube to which is connected the single cube, and the combined cube is operated to move the ball and remove it from the exit.

Abstract: A mouse maze game includes a rectangular bottom maze board having a recessed central rectangular maze area with pairs of transversely extending longitudinally spaced electrical contact strips. An array of spaced holes are provided in the maze area, between the pairs of electrical contact strips. Pegs are inserted in the holes, and various maze patterns are formed by stretching elastic bands between the pegs to form maze walls. A rectangular top maze board with a recessed bottom surface is removably secured in overlying relation over the bottom maze board, forming a hidden maze area. Pairs of transversely spaced electrical contact strips extend longitudinally from end to end within the recessed maze area on the bottom of the top maze board. Light bulbs are spaced around the periphery of the top maze board. A cylindrical disk shaped mouse having metallic contacts at each end is inserted into the recessed maze area formed between the top and bottom maze boards.

Abstract: A variable maze device for enriching the environment of a contained primate, or for use as a crib toy, the device including a variable and programmable maze as well as a mechanism whereby a contained primate or a human infant may be instructed as to the location of the correct pathway through the maze.

Abstract: An apparatus for constructing crossword puzzles includes a two-piece housing including a base portion and a cover portion, the base portion including a work area surface of metal or the like for receiving one of a plurality of grid members which defines a rectangular grid of squares extending in rows and columns thereon, the grid member being secured to the work area surface by a plurality of magnetic corner pieces, and a crossword puzzle being developed on the grid member using magnetic letters and blank spacer pieces which are normally stored in compartments defined by the base portion of the housing.

Abstract: A three-dimensional labyrinth comprising a transparent or translucent case within which a plurality of holed, cubic compartments are constructed, and a ball which is placed inside the case in advance. Each cubic compartment has a hole formed through each surface thereof and the ball which is to be moved out of the case can be moved in either way. A plurality of blockades are provided to block some of the holes and changing the route pattern of the labyrinth.

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 has a cube housing and is solved by rotating the faces into a horizontal plane. Each face has multicolor lamps which are one color when the puzzle is solved. Each lamp may be red, green or yellow by producing red and green together. A microprocessor programmed to read switches in the cube to define the cube orientation and particularly the horizontal face. The processor has a table of algorithms which are assigned to edges between adjacent faces. Upon rotation of the cube about an edge in the horizontal plane, the microprocessor executes the assigned algorithm upon the previously existing display of that face. The microprocessor by referencing to the previous plane and the new plane automatically determines the rotational edge and the direction of rotation to enter and execute the appropriate algorithm. In doing so, the particular lamps are changed from an existing color to that defined by the algorithm.

Abstract: A toy or plaything in the form of a puzzle comprises a first member, and a second member constituting a housing within which the first member is rotatably mounted. The second member is such that access is provided to the first member to enable manual rotation thereof. A peg is mounted on one of said members and a maze is defined in a surface of the other of the first and second members, the peg engaging the maze such that upon selectively rotating the first member within the second member the peg is caused to move through the maze. There is further provided means to indicate when the peg is at a predetermined destination in the maze.

Abstract: A word completion game utilizes a game board with spaces for filling in missing letters. Through the use of word clues, the missing letters are utilized to complete messages in two directions.

Abstract: A game comprises a playing surface having two fields of play. In a first field, a plurality of multiple choice questions are set forth, each choice being identified by a particular symbol. On a second field of play, these symbols are assembled to form a solution which answers a further question. In a preferred embodiment, answers can be selected to the multiple choice questions which will provide an acceptable, but incorrect, answer on the second field of play. In a particular embodiment, the symbols dictated by the choice of the answer to the questions in the first field of play are letters, and the solution formed in the second field of play is a word.

Abstract: A game wheel comprising a support base, a plurality of identical rollers radially arranged and rotatably resting on the support base, and an observation wheel with observation slots. The surface of each roller is divided into several regions marked with different digits, letters or colors, respectively. The observation wheel is provided with several one-way turning protrusions on the bottom face so as to turn the rollers contacting the protrusions when the observation wheel is turned in a clockwise (CW) direction. Conversely, counterclockwise (CCW) rotation of the observation wheel will not turn the rollers. Indicating marks set on the upper face of the observation wheel indicate the positions of the turning protrusions. By CW and CCW rotation of the observation wheel, a user may arrange the randomly arrayed digits, letters or colors of the rollers into a uniform or predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A toy puzzle in the form of two shaped semi-rigid wire members, the first member serving as a handle and a support from which the second member may be hung in a variety of positions, depending on the skill of the holder of the first member. The first member is in the form of a Z-shaped member with a relatively short straight leg section joined to a relatively long leg section by a mid-section oriented at an acute angle to both leg sections, all sections lying in a common plane, and the free end of the long leg section having a grip and serving as a handle. The second member is formed of two opposed hook sections joined by straight sections bent at various angles, with all sections lying in a common plane and with the free ends of each hook section being bent in opposed directions from the common plane.