Abstract: A game for grabbing a playing marker before an opponent does to score a point. The game includes a playing mat with a pair of end edges and a pair of side edges. The playing mat also has a center point and a pair of base lines extending between the side edges of the playing mat. The center point is interposed between the base lines. Each of the base lines defines a base region extending from the respective base line and an adjacent associated end edge of the playing mat resting the playing mat. A marker piece is positioned on the center point of the playing mat. A first player places a hand on the playing mat in a first of the base regions and a second player places a hand on the playing mat in a second of the base regions. After a start command is issued the first and second players grab for the marker piece with the player grabbing the marker piece scoring a point.

Abstract: A Self-contained, portable therapy and game case assembly having sliding and opening sections and compartments and portions of the therapy assembly which can be utilized together or separately is disclosed. The therapy assembly is provided for use with various symbolized or illustrated inlay and sliding sheets, for testing and prompting selected skills and associative thinking. The invention is provided as a coupled and portably transportable first and second subassemblies.

Abstract: The invention contemplates to provide: a prize acquisition game machine capable of either recovering the prize, as having failed to acquire and fallen to the floor of the game machine automatically into the game machine body, or delivering the prize as in the acquisition success; a gripper capable of lightening the load on drive means such as a drive motor to prevent the individual parts such as hand members or gears and the prizes from being broken and changing the shape of the hand members; a prize suspender capable of adjusting the degree of difficulty in the prize acquisition automatically; and a game machine capable of changing the indication of play fare and number in association with a setting changing device disposed therein.

Abstract: A pick-up game includes a plurality of elongated strands each having an identical bead attached to one end. Attached to the other end of each strand is an animal shaped figure of a distinct color. Each strand and its attachments constitute a game piece. The object of the game, which is played by more than one player, is to choose a bead and withdraw the strand to which that bead is attached (from a pile formed from a plurality of game pieces) in the hope of pulling out a game piece that matches the game piece originally selected by each player at the beginning of the game. When a newly selected game piece is dissimilar to the game piece originally selected by the player, the newly selected game piece is returned to the pile taking care not to disturb the random order of the game pieces. The players continue to alternately withdraw game pieces from the pile until one player becomes the winner by being the first to successfully withdraw all the game pieces matching the originally selected game piece.

Abstract: A pincer grasp therapy device comprises a flat or wedge-shaped board having a groove with compartmentalizing walls and a plurality of grasping pieces in the groove. The groove is deep enough to require careful alignment of fingers used to grasp the grasping pieces in the groove. Variations of the invention are provided for both beginning and advanced pincer grasp therapy. The device is immobilized by use of suction cups on a bottom surface of the device.

Abstract: An interactive game is contemplated having an outer container and a tray engaged within the outer container. The tray including a plurality of compartments adapted to receive and retain articles within. Openings are formed in the outer container aligned with at least a portion of each compartment. A cover is provided for selectively covering the openings and concealing the interior of the compartments. Channels are formed in the tray which extend between the sidewalls of the tray and the interior of the compartments. A book may be provided for the purposes of providing instruction or to further support the overall theme of the game.

Abstract: An improved vacuum crane game and method. Multiple prizes are provided on a rotating turntable. A player may control horizontal movement of a vacuum pick-up device positioned above the prize area. The pick up device includes a vacuum head that may be raised and lowered relative to the turntable in a z-direction. The vacuum head is used to pick up one of the prizes using a suction force that is provided by a vacuum pump coupled to the vacuum head by a hose and located away from the vacuum head. In one embodiment, a vacuum sensor in the vacuum head may sense whether a prize is picked up. The pick-up device is moved to a dispenser area and the suction force is removed to allow the prize to fall to a conveyor device, which moves the prize to a dispenser where it is delivered to the player.

Abstract: A two-way ratchet mechanism operated by a plunger that moves a pawl housing in one of two directions. The ratchet mechanisms are preferably used in a children's game to simultaneously gather game pieces in receptacles.

Abstract: A swimming pool search and retrieval game comprising a toy treasure chest and toy treasure pieces is provided. The chest is made from ornately styled waterproof plastic in the form of a sunken treasure chest. The chest has a lid, a lock, a key, and a compartment which contains sand to keep the chest weighted down while it is submerged. The chest contains an assortment of nonbuoyant toy treasure pieces that are also made from ornately styled waterproof plastic. The treasure pieces include jewelry, coins and trinkets. The treasure pieces are placed inside the treasure chest and the treasure chest is sunk to the bottom of a swimming pool. A player swims to the sunken chest and retrieves a treasure piece. The player returns to the surface of the pool with the retrieved item and repeats the sequence until all of the treasure pieces and the treasure chest are retrieved.

Abstract: The present device is to be utilized in fundraising projects. It has a hollow frame which supports a plastic enclosure. The enclosure has an entrance which can be opened and closed. Once a participant enters the enclosure and closes the entrance, an air blower is activated. With activation of the blower, prize money is circulated within the enclosure, which the participant tries to catch.

Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to game devices and methods, and provides an apparatus for use in a hand game played by at least two players, hereinafter respectively referred to as the first and second players. The apparatus includes a harness secured to at least one hand of the first player and a capture object selectively positioned proximate to the harness and which is removable from the harness by the second player during play of the game. The present invention also contemplates a game which includes an offensive player and a defensive player, each player having a left and right hand, and each hand having an outer and inner surface. A left and right harness are respectively secured on the left and right hands of the offensive player. A left and right capture object are respectively positioned proximate to the left and right harnesses.

Abstract: A game board can be easily operated by infants and a game can be enjoyably played therewith for a long time, comprising; an arbitrary number of sunk rooms 9 extending downward from arbitrary positions in the disk surface of a rotary disk 4 supported by a table board 1; cutout holes 11 12 bored in the side wall of each of the sunk rooms 9; engagement parts 13 14 formed in lower parts of hole edges each defining the cutout holes 11 12; receptacles 15 for receiving flight bodies 16, each fitted in the sunk rooms 9 with a spring 22 interposed so as to be able to rise/fall freely; interlock projections 19, 20 which each fit in the cutout holes 11, 12 of the sunk rooms 9 and engage with the engagement parts 13, 14; and a group of projections, being equipped on a bottom plate of the table board 1, each releasing the interlock projections 19, 20 from the engagement by each hitting against the interlock projections 19, 20 shifting together with the rotation of the rotary disk 4, caracterized in that a side wall part 7

Abstract: A prize catching game machine having a table; a prize catcher for catching a prize carried on the table and transferring the prize which has been caught to a predetermined position and releasing the prize at the position; and a prize receiver movable between a first position and a second position for changing a receiving area to receive the released prize. The relative predetermined position at which the prize is released is set such that the position from the top view is in the receiving area of the prize receiver at least at one point between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A game board comprises; a table board; body parts; extrusive bodies; hollow catching bodies each of which is made in the shape of an animal's head or the like pivotally mounted to the front end of each of the extrusive bodies and has an open bottom part contacting a wall surface of the table board; driving plates each of which is put in a loose-fit so as to be reciprocatingly shiftable between the front endside and the rear end side of each of the extrusive bodies; projections each of which works so as to push up each of the catching bodies from the table board; levers each of which works so that an end thereof engaging with each of the driving plates may push, via each of the driving plates, each of the extrusive bodies out of each of the body parts when a projecting end of each of the levers is pulled; and springs each of which energises each of the levers so that the lever's end engaging with each of the driving plates may draw, via each of the driving plates, each of the extrusive bodies up to its origina

Abstract: A medal game machine has a fixed table for placing medals thereon, a medal acquisition opening defined alongside of the fixed table and communicating with a medal outlet slot accessible by the player, a pusher table for pushing a medal on the fixed table toward the medal acquisition opening, and a supply mechanism for supplying medals onto the fixed table. The supply mechanism includes a turntable for placing medals thereon, a drive mechanism for rotating the turntable, a medal supply mechanism for supplying medals onto the turntable, and a transfer mechanism for transferring medals from the turntable onto the fixed table.

Abstract: A board game in which the object involves fishing for a prize, in which fish spring into the air when contacted and becomes attached to the "lure" on the fishing string and rod, and teaches a beginning fisherman how to cast and retrieve using an actual fishing rod and reel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching and improving manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination, includes a generally rectangular solid object which is adapted to be flipped or tossed into the air and caught using solely the back of one hand, or the backs of the immediately adjacent finger segments. The object is relatively small and light, with at least slightly rounded corners, to preclude injury to the bony and unpadded back(s) of a person's hand and/or fingers. The object may include markings, instructions, and/or luminescence thereon, if desired. The method generally comprises moving the back of the hand and/or fingers to manipulate the object thereon. The object may be tossed into the air, using either the fingertips or from the back of one hand or the other, and caught by the tossing person or by another in a group.

Abstract: A toy gripping machine including a machine base covered with a transparent covering to hold candies, a suspension arm assembly movably mounted on the machine base inside the transparent covering and having a grab controlled to grip the candies, a control arm assembly controlled to adjust the elevation of the suspension arm assembly, a driving arm assembly controlled to turn the suspension arm assembly horizontally and to open/close the grab in gripping the candies, and a stop bar assembly controlled to open the passage between a sloping slide way and an outlet for permitting the caught candies to be delivered out of the machine base.

Abstract: A collection game apparatus includes a random selection assembly which includes a base portion, a distributor pipe assembly supported by the base portion, and a funnel-shaped perimeter wall supported by a top portion of the distributor pipe assembly. A plurality of objects are provided to be collected, and the objects are grouped into color coded sets. The objects to be collected are randomly distributed by the distributor pipe assembly of the random selection assembly. A plurality of containers are provided for storing and carrying objects that are collected. Preferably, the random selection assembly and the objects to be collected, which are balls, float in water. The base portion of the random selection assembly is inflatable. The distributor pipe assembly includes a pipe-support body supported by the base portion. The pipe-support body includes a riser portion supported by the base portion and a baffle plate supported by a top part of the riser portion.

Abstract: A game is played by building a tower of bricks in multiple levels, and players alternately removing a brick from one level and adding it to the top of the tower to build new levels, until collapse of the tower occurs. Bricks of a variety of different types are provided with each type having different physical characteristics, such as shape, size, surface configuration and/or coefficient of friction. At least two adjacent layers of the initial tower are formed from bricks of different types.

Abstract: A training device for developing hand-eye coordination in a child. The device includes a housing with front and rear walls, two side walls, an open top end and a bottom end. The housing also has a plurality of openings formed in the front wall of the housing adjacent the bottom end thereof. A plurality of tubes with upper and lower ends are secured in the housing. The lower end of each of the tubes is connected to one of the openings formed in the front wall of the housing. Secured to the top end of the housing is a hollow four walled removable insert. The insert serves to direct an object toward the open top end of the housing so that the object can randomly enter and pass through one of the tubes and out an associated opening in the front wall of the housing.

Abstract: A tethered ball game device is disclosed utilizing flat disk devices that are retrieved by the tethered ball or "snagger". The ball includes a magnet or hook and loop type fastener means and is therefore capable of attracting or attaching the flat disks or "caps". The tether is elastic in nature, thus allowing the snagger to be projected toward a group of caps, lying on the ground, attracting to one or more caps and then retrieving the caps, by virtue of the tether, in one continuous movement. A variety of games can be played utilizing the disclosed device in a manner that is far more challenging and creatively motivating than existing POG games or tethered ball games. The concept is simple enough that a child can master the level of coordination necessary to perform the tasks necessary to play the game yet the variations can be made complex enough that adults can find the games physically challenging.

Abstract: A game for measuring and ranking the sport fishing skills of players, played on a course including a body of water having several designated and marked fishing locations, includes the steps of fishing at a given fishing location until a fish is caught, proceeding to the next fishing location until all fishing locations are fished, recording the number of casts required to catch a fish at each fishing location, and computing scores for each player based at least in part on the total number of casts made by each player. The game preferably additionally includes the steps of weighing fish caught by each player and computing scores at least in part on the weight of the caught fish. Where the course additionally includes a hazard for increasing the level of difficulty in fishing at a fishing location, the steps preferably additionally include negotiating the hazard while fishing at the location.

Abstract: An inclined, flat, surfaced ramp to simplify and accelerate learning to juggle. One or more balls are rolled up and down the ramp rather than tossed freely in the air. Rolling makes the balls move more slowly and gives the user more control over their trajectory. The angle of the ramp is increased as the user's skill level improves, causing the balls to roll faster, until free-fall speed is achieved and the training aid is no longer needed. Inscribed or printed patterns on the Base Board [1] or Rolling Surface [2] show a recommended pattern for the ball's trajectory. Ramp may have Retaining Ledges [4] at top and/or bottom to keep balls from rolling off the ends of the board. Base Board may be fabricated in sections and optionally hinged in the middle to allow it to fold for easier carrying and storage.

Abstract: A game for teaching manual dexterity provides a common tray or arena in which a plurality of individual playing pieces are placed face down. Separate sets of individual playing pieces (which may be differentiated by color), separate playing piece storage trays, and separate pairs of tongs for handling the individual playing pieces, are provided for each player. A timer is also provided to determine the duration of each player's turn. The common tray or arena, the individual playing pieces, the individual storage trays for each player, the tongs for each player, and the timer, are each formed with crenelated edges to resemble the configuration of a bottle cap with its crimped edges. The individual playing pieces are placed inverted, i. e., face down with the crenelated edges facing upward, in the common playing arena.

Abstract: An amusement machine having a robotic arm and a grabber mechanism controlled with a pair of joy sticks by a player to select a prize. The robotic arm and the grabber mechanism are accurately controlled by movement of the joy sticks, thereby requiring skill and/or coordination by the player to successfully obtain a prize.

Abstract: An acquisition game is played on a concave playing field defining a nadir with a plurality of movable game pieces removably disposed on the field for movement thereabout. Each player has an acquisition tool for removing at least one of the game pieces at a time from the field, the acquisition tool also being for moving the game pieces and an interposing member about the field. An interposing member (preferably in the form of an animal such as a crab) is removably disposed on the field for movement thereabout when the interposing member vibrates. The interposing member is substantially greater in size than any of the game pieces and defines passages therethrough configured and dimensioned to enable movement of the game pieces through the passages so that the interposing member impedes access of the acquisition tool to at least those of the game pieces in the passages. A motor is provided for vibrating the interposing member.

Abstract: A fish rodeo game (10) enables a game participant to catch fish (52) floating within a water body (12) utilizing a lasso apparatus (50). The water body (12) is confined within an enclosure (14). A plurality of containers or baskets (48) are disposed around the periphery of the enclosure (14). Fish (52) are captured utilizing the lasso apparatus (50) and are released within the baskets (48) during a prescribed time period. The lasso apparatus (50) has a fishing line (54) with a closable noose (58). The noose (58) has a noose cord (63) which is of sufficient resiliency so that the noose (58) is maintained in an open position when substantially no pulling tension is exerted on the noose cord (63). Further, a weight (74) may be disposed to urge the noose (58) to a closed position when pulling tension is exerted on the fishing line (54) and thus the noose cord (63).

Abstract: A game and method of playing it to simulate a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The game comprises, a base member over which a transparent domed cover having a pair of openings is located. The cover defines a work space thereunder. The base member includes a graphic likeness of a being, e.g., a woman at the bottom of the work space. A plurality of anatomic parts shaped to simulate internal organs of the being are located in respective cavities at anatomically appropriate places on the graphic likeness. A lifting instrument simulating a conventional laparoscopic instrument is provided to be extended through one opening in the cover to grasp and lift the anatomic part out of its cavity without touching the cavity with the instrument, else a lamp on the base member is automatically illuminated and a buzzer sounds.

Abstract: A toy game apparatus includes a character figure assembly having a mouth portion which is movable to an open position, a plurality of teeth removably received in the mouth portion, and a pliers-like instrument for removing the teeth from the mouth portion. The toy game apparatus further includes a mechanism for automatically moving the mouth portion to a closed position, propelling the game apparatus forwardly, and producing a screeching sound when a randomly preselected tooth is removed from the mouth portion.

Abstract: Memory-oriented or pattern matching games use game pieces having indicia which become excited responsive to a brief exposure to strong light or another activating event for emitting colored light during a short period of time. The games use the excitable indicating medium to present certain information to the players for a short time period. Thereafter, the players are required to use their memory of the temporarily-presented information in order to accomplish some task. In some embodiments, the games present a random arrangement of color-coding which soon becomes invisible after the excitement subsides. Then, the players must use their memory of the game piece locations to select only those pieces which are assigned to them. In another embodiment of the invention, a maze is printed in excitable ink which is visible only during the short time period of excitement. The players must try to complete the maze before the pattern, or their memory of it, dissipates.

Abstract: A pick-up game includes a base portion, a shell rotatably mounted on the base portion, a plurality of pintles mounted for reciprocating and rotating movement of the shell, and a motor for rotating the shell and thus orbiting the pintles around a rotation axis of the shell. Rack and cam segments coupled to the base portion reciprocate and rotate the pintles and pick-up figures carried by the plurality of pintles.

Abstract: Apparatus for a game including a game piece, a pair of long cylindrical implements having first and second ends, and a receptacle. The implements are held, one in each hand, by grasping the implements generally adjacent their first ends. The game piece has a first member with first and second opposite faces, a second member projecting outwardly from the first face of said first member, and a third member projecting outwardly from the second face of said first member. The members have thin outwardly facing peripheral edges. The general object of the game is to pick up the game piece by cooperatively engaging the implements adjacent their second ends with the thin peripheral edges of the game piece members and to deposit the game piece in the receptacle.

Abstract: A game set for ceiling play composed of a shaped lighter-then-air master balloon tethered to a line to be held by the player, and a group of shaped lighter-then-air, free-floating slave balloons which when released rise to the ceiling of a play room. The respective balloon shapes and their number are appropriate to the game. Thus in a fishing game, the shapes of the slave balloons are those of different species of fish, and that of the master balloon is of a standard float at the end of a fishing line. Attached to the surface of the master balloon is a patch forming one element of a velcro fastener, and attached to the surface of each slave balloon is a patch forming the complementary element. In ceiling play, the player seeks by manipulating the tethered master balloon to position it so that the patch thereon engages the complementary patch on a selected slave balloon on the ceiling, at which point the caught slave balloon can be brought down from the ceiling.

Abstract: A game apparatus has a housing and a removable lid for covering the housing. A brief flash of high-intensity illumination is provided when the lid is removed. A number of playing pieces randomly positioned within the housing receive the illumination of the flash. The playing pieces briefly radiate color-coded visible light after receiving the flash, forming a random pattern of colored light. At least two players may view the game pieces to form impressions of the locations of the playing pieces while they are radiating the light. Each player must rely upon his memory as to where his color of playing pieces are located. The players use an implement to remove the game pieces in turn according to his memory of where colors assigned to him are located.