Abstract: A launching device for grasping and launching an action figure is provided, the launching device having: a base member; an arm member pivotally secured to the base member for movement between a first position and a second position; a pair of grasping members rotatably secured to the arm member, wherein the pair of arm members are configured to releasably grasp a portion of the action figure; a drivetrain coupled to the pair of grasping members wherein the drivetrain is configured to rotate the pair of grasping members about an axis of the arm member as the arm member moves between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A training device for installation in a practice area is provided, the training device providing an indication to a user as to where on a first surface of the training device a football should be aimed. The first surface is configured to allow the ball to pass through the first surface, where it is collected and returned to the user. The training device is also configured to indicate to the user approximately where in the practice area the football will be returned to, so as to allow the user to position themselves accordingly.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a base panel having a narrow first end and a wide-profile opposing end surrounded by a continuous, vertical retaining wall that encompasses a plurality of semispherical cavities. Adjacent each cavity is a numeral corresponding to a score value that is added to a current cumulative score whenever a player's marble lands within a cavity. Using a catapult mechanism, each player sequentially propels a marble toward the cavities. The player having the highest cumulative score after a requisite number of launches wins the game.

Abstract: A shooting game machine includes a shell, a gun, and at least one goal-and-carrier assembly. The goal-and-carrier assembly includes a base located in and attached to the shell, a carrier movably supported on the base, and at least one goal unit. The goal unit includes a frame supported on the carrier, a goal pivotally connected to the frame between a raised position and a shut-down position, a crank rotationally connected to the frame, a lever connecting the goal to the crank, a turntable rotationally connected to the frame, magnets attached to the turntable. The magnets attract the crank so that the goal is retained in the raised position until it is effectively hit by a bullet. A motor is operatively connected to the turntable. The motor rotates the turntable when the goal reaches the shut-down position and stops when the goal reaches the raised position.

Abstract: This invention was created to add a unique reactive visual display to the sport of casual target shooting. It is designed to create an explosive effect, using common and inexpensive media, and without introducing a fire danger. It can also be used to launch balls and other small objects. Physically, this invention is comprised of a metal frame, a hub and axle, and pivoting arms. Conceptually, this invention captures and diverts a portion of the substantial kinetic energy imparted to a bullet when fired, and, using simple leverage, redirects the energy to produce a spectacular visual effect, all without relying on any form of external electrical or battery power source.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for playing games of skill and/or chance are provided.

Abstract: Foreign object removal-enabling features in a coin-operated item vending and game apparatus housing include a shallow V-shaped guard wall extending between a pair of opposing sidewalls of a lower end portion of the housing, a pair of openings each in one of the opposing sidewalls adjacent opposite ends of the guard wall, and another opening in a front wall of the housing below and in front of the guard wall. The guard wall is positioned to block debris, such as pieces of paper, from traveling on a path to a coin slot of a coin deposit while providing a slot in the guard wall for permitting a coin to pass through the guard wall to the coin slot. The wall openings will permit insertion a tweezers or other tool therethrough enable the debris removal.

Abstract: A manner for presenting payouts in gaming activities. The invention may be used in connection with primary gaming activity and/or in connection with secondary/bonus activity. The invention provides a controllable selection and/or item capture mechanism used to identify full or partial payout values, and/or other play parameters such as multipliers, continue/discontinue identifiers, etc. The system and/or the user can control the selection/capture mechanism. In one embodiment, a platform typically concealed from the participant is moved to a location proximate the item capture mechanism, and a particular selectable item determined by the RNG is retrieved by the item capture mechanism among the otherwise perceivable selectable items.

Abstract: The game apparatus has: a rotating bin containing at least one game piece; a moveable claw for grabbing the at least one game piece; a catapult for launching the at least one game piece; and a target area for receiving the at least one game piece; wherein the moveable claw places the at least one game piece on the catapult, and wherein the catapult launches the at least one game piece at the target area. The method of playing the game having a plurality of game pieces and having a target area, has the steps of: selecting at least one of the game pieces at a first location; moving the selected game piece to a second location; and catapulting the at least one of the game pieces from the second location toward a target area. The step of selecting may have the steps of rotating a plurality of game pieces, selectively stopping rotation of the plurality of game pieces, and picking up at least one of the game pieces.

Abstract: A mechanical projector for use with an existing table bowling game allows players a choice of speeds at which a projectile is launched along a lane towards a target. This launcher may comprise a relatively soft speed-up roller rotatable about an axis transverse to the lane. Preferred versions of the projector have a ball-clearing mechanism that moves a returning ball, rolling from the target zone toward the player, off to one side of the alley so that the returning ball can bypass the projector and be returned to the player. In addition, a preferred version of the projector may be moved out of its normal operating position to allow for conventional unassisted play.

Abstract: A tossing game apparatus and method is provided utilizing a compactable shield launching device, including a base, a shield support pivotally mounted to the base, with a shield positioned on the shield support. A launching device may be supported independently or off of the shield support to create a solid or compactable launching device which is selectively positionable in both an extended position and a flat compacted travel position. A filling station is also described which is either solid or movable between an extended filling position and a reduced volume travel position. Further embodiments describe an apparatus and method for constructing a balloon tying station off of a water hose faucet utilizing at least two spaced support surfaces defining a central tying opening, tube, half pipe, or tying device.

Abstract: A shooting game machine for discharging a disk-shaped or substantially disk-shaped member made of a metal to hit a target, the shooting game machine comprising: a target provided in a casing, a simulated gun having a muzzle arranged inside the casing and adapted to discharge the flying member in such a manner that the thickness direction of the flying member substantially extends along a horizontal direction, and a detecting unit for detecting that the flying member discharged from the simulated gun has hit the target.

Abstract: A mathematical game of amusement including a game board having generally planar upper and lower surfaces. The game board has a square center aperture therethrough. The upper surface of the game board is divided into a series of spaces. Each of the spaces has a predetermined point value associated therewith. A selected number of the spaces are designated as bonus spaces. A launching mechanism is positionable within the square center aperture of the game board. A plurality of disc-shaped game pieces are dimensioned for being positioned atop the launching mechanism. The game pieces are divided into at least two sets of game pieces distinguishable from one another by color. The game pieces are launchable by the launching mechanism onto the series of spaces of the game board to achieve a score.

Abstract: An amusement device, comprising two cooperating units. Each unit is equipped with a net for catching an incoming airborne ball, and a launcher for launching the ball, once caught. The two devices, if properly programmed, can juggle two, or more, balls.

Abstract: A shooting game machine for discharging a disk-shaped or substantially disk-shaped flying member made of a metal to hit a target, the shooting game machine comprising: a target provided in a casing, a simulated gun having a muzzle arranged inside the casing and adapted to discharge the flying member in such a manner that the thickness direction of the flying member substantially extends along a horizontal direction, and a detecting unit for detecting that the flying member discharged from the simulated gun has hit the target.

Abstract: A computerized portable pneumatic target apparatus includes at least one target; a computer located at the firing point of a shooting range and connected by a first wireless radio frequency link to the at least one target for controlling operation of the at least one target; a shot detector located at the firing point and connected by either a second wireless radio frequency link or a wire to the computer; an air operated mechanism for raising and lowering the at least one target; a source of air pressure located near the at least one target and connected to the air operated mechanism; and a source of direct current located near the at least one target and connected to the air operated mechanism and the first wireless radio frequency link.

Abstract: An interactive target game system for one or more players includes at least one designator, in the form of a pistol, holdable by a player for aiming at a target and operating to simulate shooting at the target. The designator includes a photodetector for detecting an electromagnetic beam when the designator is accurately aimed at a beam source. Also included is at least one target viewable by the player for periodically producing an electromagnetic beam which is directed outwardly of the target. During those times that the target is producing the beam, a visible light signal is produced to alert the player that the target is "active". When the designator is accurately aimed at the target and operated to detect an electromagnetic beam, a visual and/or audible signal is produced by the designator to indicate that a "hit" has occurred.

Abstract: A game apparatus is provided comprising a cabinet defining a playing area including a plurality of shelves mounted therein where each of the shelves has disposed thereon a plurality of game pieces. A receiving mechanism is attached to the cabinet for accepting a playing piece. A player aimable, launching mechanism is linked to the receiving mechanism for launching the playing piece towards the aimed at location for the purpose of dislodging some of the game pieces. A redemption mechanism may be provided for accepting any dislodged game pieces to provide a reward in exchange therefor.

Abstract: A game unit having a skill game combined with a prize dispenser. A coin toss gun shoots or tosses coins at targets in the skill game. A wheel unit has a flat top surface. A wiper wipes coins landing on the top surface in geometric paths which may lead to target holes spaced about the circumference of the wheel unit. The coin toss gun has a pull back lever arm for presetting the height of the coin toss.

Abstract: A game apparatus has a target housing and a target chamber in the target housing. The chamber may be filled with water. A reference target, in the target chamber, has a reference base attached to the floor of the target housing. The reference base has a height "Hr". A first circuitous, closed-end, loop-shaped landing site (Lily Pad) is attached an end of the reference base distal another end of the reference base attached to the floor. A plurality of first and second associated targets in the target chamber. The first associated targets have a first associated base attached to the floor. The first associated bases have a height "Ha" that is less than "Hr". The second associated bases have second associated base attached to the floor. These second associated bases have a height "Ha" greater than "Hr".

Abstract: An amusement apparatus wherein a catapult mechanism projects objects toward various targets, and in particular to an amusement game in which a catapult is lever activated and receives coins via a chute arrangement. The user controls the lever to catapult objects to various targets within the game playing area. The arrangement of the coin entry mechanism, the chute, the self aligning projectile receptacle, and the flipping mechanism provide a constant locating mechanism which ensures accurate locating of the objects to the flipping mechanism.

Abstract: An action game comprising a reservoir capable of holding a quantity of a material such as a liquid therein. A member for propelling a projectile, such as a catapult, is fixedly secured or swivably connected adjacent the reservoir, preferably one catapult or member being located at each end of the reservoir. One or more players directs a plurality of the projectiles using the catapult to a floatable object (e.g., boat-shaped) which floats on the material within the reservoir to try to sink the object in a competitive fashion. The floatable object includes a compartment to hold projectiles, so that the object can be submerged (i.e., sunk) in the material when a sufficient number of the projectiles is contained in the compartment. Each player can try to sink his or her opponent's floating object before his or her own floating object is sunk, or each player can compete by themselves against the clock.

Abstract: A game unit having a skill game coined with a prize dispenser. A coin toss gun shoots or tosses coins at targets in the skill game. A wheel unit has a flat top surface. A wiper wipes coins landing on the top surface in geometric paths which may lead to target holes spaced about the circumference of the wheel unit. The coin toss gun has a pull back lever arm for presetting the height of the coin toss.

Abstract: A game apparatus which consists of a substantially rectangular base having a flat surface. A vertical plate is suspended over an end of the base by a support and has a hoop horizontally attached to the plate. A catapult is pivotally mounted to the opposite end of the base and has a receptacle for holding a ball which can be projected toward the hoop. An air nozzle, which is connected to a pressurized air supply, can be used by an opponent for deflecting the path of the ball after it has been projected from the catapult.

Abstract: The invention relates to a game using remotely-controlled miniature vehicles. One player drives an invading vehicle which shoots a ping-pong ball at a target which is defended by a second player. The defender fires balls at the vehicle and, if he strikes the vehicle, the vehicle incurs a penalty of temporary disablement. In addition, the vehicle can be required to periodically tag bases which the defender strews on the playing field; failing to do inflicts a penalty. Further, the invader can fire two types of missiles, and the defender must protect two goals. Firing the first missile can act as a feint by which the defender is distracted from defending one of the goals.

Abstract: A hand held game that utilizes a small motor mechanism to uniquely animate various targets, targets, goals or projectile path to increase the challenge of putting an object through the goal or contacting the object with a target at a particular time. Possible game arrangements include: a soccer game with a moving goalie; a basketball game with a rotating hoop; a football game with a rotating goal post; a baseball game with a rotating disc scoreboard; a golf game with a rotating green; and a skee-ball game with an oscillating ramp. A small wind-up motor animates all of the targets, goals or paths.

Abstract: A coin- or token-released gaming machine having a number of pay-out slots arranged in a coin panel, into which panel the user shoots a coin to hit one of the pay-out slots, the hitting of one such pay-out slot with a coin triggering a release mechanism to release a certain number of coins stored in the machine for the pay-out of a prize, whereas the missing of any such pay-out slot brings the used coin into a coin store or to internal or external recirculation for further use. In order to make the coin-released gaming machine more attractive and exciting as regards the chances of winning larger prizes than normal, the gaming machine comprises not only means for monitoring the total value of coins received, means for monitoring the total value of prizes paid out, means for setting a long term profit, means for setting a short term pay-out prize, as well as means for setting a special pay-out prize being larger than the short term pay-out prize, but also means for setting further special pay-out prizes.

Abstract: Educational marble board game for facilitating the teaching of arithmetic or other mathematical or related mainly numerical games. Marble launchers fitting upright near corners of a game board, outside a bounded generally horizontal playing surface, store marbles for use by the players. The players move player pieces along a pathway and receive instructions printed on the pathway segments. Released marbles are launched individually or together onto the playing surface, where they come to rest in respective indentations. Underneath each rest position is an answer to a question posed to the player, as by being keyed to the row and column in which the rest position indentation is located or alternatively printed directly on the playing surface alongside the marble rest position. Players are rewarded for correct answers, penalized for incorrect ones, or both, and optionally also by chance, with simulated money.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a game of skill has a bottom member with a plurality of pockets and a top member. The top member has a base with a plurality of openings therein, a sidewall attached to the base and a cover having a central opening attached to the sidewall. A spindle connects the top and bottom members, and the top member is rotatable about the spindle whereby each of the openings is vertically aligned with each of the pockets during each revolution of the top member. A flipper is attached to the base for hurling a projectile into a cup on the top member. Projectiles missing the cup pass through the openings into the plurality of pockets as the top member rotates.

Abstract: A game participant enclosure for a water balloon game includes a plurality of side walls and an overhead protector and water balloon engager supported by the side walls. The protector and engager includes a water balloon opening sufficiently large for a water balloon to pass therethrough from the interior of the enclosure and a plurality of water openings sufficiently small to prevent water balloons from entering the enclosure. A water balloon launcher is disposed within the enclosure such that water balloons are launchable through the water balloon opening. In one aspect of the invention, two such enclosures are positioned a selected distance from each other and water balloons are launched from one enclosure to the other to splash the participants in the opposing enclosure.

Abstract: A coin-released gaming machine having a number of pay-out slots arranged in a coin panel, into which panel the user shoots a coin to hit one of the pay-out slots, the hitting of one such pay-out slot with a coin triggering a release mechanism to portion out of a certain number of coins stored in the machine for the pay-out of a prize, whereas the missing of any such pay-out slot brings the used coin into a coin store, a control system provides for monitoring the total value of coins paid in, for monitoring the total value of prizes paid out, for setting a long term profit, for setting a long term pay-out prize, and for setting a special pay-out prize larger than the long term pay-out prize.

Abstract: An action toy game apparatus includes a receiver assembly which is preferably embodied as an amusing character figure, a timer assembly which is actuatable for a set period of time, a plurality of game elements and a propelling mechanism which is operable for individually propelling the game elements at the receiver assembly. The receiver assembly is responsive to the timer assembly for oscillating between a fully open position and a partially open position when the timer assemly is in an actuated condition and for moving to a fully closed position when the timer assembly is deactuated. The game elements are receivable in the receiver assembly when they are propelled at the receiver assembly while the receiver assembly is in either the open position thereof or the partially open position thereof but not while the receiver assembly is in the closed position thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a coin operated amusement machine, comprising a continuously movable band (1) which defines a play field (8), means (7, 9) for projecting coins (6) onto the play field, sensor means for detecting whether coins occupy defined areas on the play field, and dispensing means for dispensing a cash or non-cash prize in response to a signal from the sensor means.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for enabling two or four people to play a competitive game involving skillful manipulative control of a ball on a horizontal game surface. The apparatus comprises a flat playing surface of substantially square perimeter supported by four legs adapted to maintain the playing surface at table height. A retaining wall is associated with each side of said perimeter, and at least one ball-receiving goal is associated with each retaining wall. An elongated sliding guide is positioned parallel to each retaining wall, and a paddle slidably engages each guide. The paddle, having a flat striking portion disposed below the sliding guide, and an elongated handle portion extending above the guide, can be rotated about the handle portion and pivoted about the guide. The striking portion of the paddle is utilized to hit a playing ball having the general characteristics of a table tennis ball.

Abstract: A playing piece propelling game device includes a generally dish-shaped open-topped playing surface divided into a plurality of compartments which are defined on the surface by a plurality of radially arranged upstanding walls on the surface. The surface further includes a generally horizontal peripheral flange. An upstanding receptacle is defined centrally on the playing surface for receiving one or more playing pieces in the form of discs. A manually actuable propelling apparatus is aligned with the receptacle and attached to the playing surface for propelling the playing pieces from the receptacle onto the playing surface. The propelling apparatus includes a U-shaped leaf spring with a pair of spaced apart downwardly directed arms upon which the playing surface is supported. The propelling means is arranged to propel the playing pieces upwardly in response to a downward actuation applied to the flange in a direction of flight determined by the manner and angle of application of the force to the flange.

Abstract: A game apparatus using air jets from a pair of air blowers to move one or more objects. The pair of air blowers are mounted in opposed relationship on guide means and the object is placed between the two air blowers. With the air blowers connected to a source of pressurized air, the goal of the game is to use air jets from the air blowers to move the object to a desired location. The object can be a vaned rotor mounted on a threaded rod. In the latter embodiment, each player uses the air jet from his air blower to attempt to move the vaned rotor in a given direction along the threaded rod to a predetermined end of the rod in order to win the game.

Abstract: A washer game includes a playing board of a generally rectangular configuration having side and end surfaces extending upwardly above the plane of the playing board surface. Pocket means adjacent, but spaced from each end of the game board playing surface is provided which pocket means include openings of a predetermined size and configuration adjacent but spaced from each end of the game board playing surface. Washer shooter means are provided for mounting adjacent each end of the game board surface with spring tensioned washer support means whereby a washer may be placed on the support means and the support means pulled against the spring and thereafter released so that the tension in the spring throws a washer on the surface of the game board surface in any of various predetermined angles in relation to the game board surface to try to place the washer in one of the pocket means on the game board surface.

Abstract: A competitive action game includes a playing field which is inclined downwardly from its center to first and second player stations at opposite ends. Shooting assemblies are positioned at the player stations to shoot projectiles at one of two targets mounted for transverse movement across the center of the playing field. Each target includes a rotary disc member, a release mechanism and a biasing device to bias the target toward one side of the field. Each target release mechanism also includes a latch engageable with a rotary member and having a portion extending adjacent the playing field for contact by the projectiles that will actuate the latch allowing the target to move toward the scoring end of the field under the face of the biasing means. A score indicating flag is mounted at the end of the track to indicate the completion of the game.