Abstract: Game played using match-related medium for printing gaming instructions and indicia. At least one of interior surfaces of a matchbook or matchbox carrier is printed with gaming indicia used for comparison against gaming indicia printed at least one of match sticks or match splints. Game instructions are also printed on the interior surfaces of the matchbook or matchbox carrier. A serial number printed on at least one of the matchbook, matchbox, matchstick or match splint provides control over the game. Game indicia is related to at least one of: Five-card Poker, Seven-card Poker; Pai Gow Poker, Baccarat, lotteries and raffles.

Abstract: A game playing device for rolling balls includes a game surface, a plurality of bar-shape elements and at least one rolling ball that rolls on the game surface. The game surface is made of a fabric and has an area and a shape including a circular shape or a rectangular shape, and its edge has a holding portion provided for users to hold and lift, and both ends of the bar-shape element are fixing ends provided for users to freely attach and detach the bar-shape element on any position of the game surface, preferably by adhesive tapes. The bar-shape element is bent into an arc shape to simulate a goal or an obstacle when it is attached. The game surface can be placed on a floor or held by players for playing the game in different ways based on their creativity and imagination and adding more fin to the game.

Abstract: This is a musical rhythms game whereby players move to rhythms of music notation placed on a staff. There are two separate versions—a floor and table top version, which are designed to help players develop more rhythmic awareness and to create a better understanding of how music notation works on a staff.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a game tool for jumping building block-based stepping stones, comprising a plurality of stepping stone units that can be independently placed flat on the ground for children to step on and jump. As each stepping stone unit is triangularly tilted, a top surface of each stepping stone unit forms a different inclination by changing the combination at a different angle, thereby enhancing the difficulty level of the game. Therefore, it is possible to superimpose and pile up the stepping stone units at a different inclination. Moreover, an anti-slip piece having a different pattern is disposed on a top surface of each of the stepping stone units, thereby preventing slippage and achieving educational and recreational purposes.

Abstract: A method of conducting a racing series for competitors and team owners is disclosed. The racing series has a plurality of races divided into a first and second set of races with competitors racing in both sets of races. The competitors and team owners are awarded points after each race, with those points being adjusted between the two sets of races. The points of only a predetermined number of competitors and/or team owners are adjusted between the sets of races. Awards, including a championship, is awarded based on the points accumulated during the racing series.

Abstract: A balloon-bursting game for providing amusement to individuals at events by striking a pneumatic striker to inflate the balloon until it bursts. The inventive device includes a striker mechanism for pneumatically compressing air into an air tube when struck or depressed, a vertical shaft comprised of a base structure and housing, a balloon nozzle and piercing frame attached to the top of the vertical shaft, and an air tube connected by a nozzle from the striker mechanism through a monodirectional controlling valve and housing to the bottom end of the balloon nozzle. In use, with an uninflated balloon secured to the balloon nozzle, a hammer or similar object, or means of jumping up and down upon the striker mechanism, repeatedly depresses the striker mechanism, forcing air through the tube, valve and nozzle into the balloon, so that the balloon expands to a size sufficient to press against the piercing frame and burst.

Abstract: A device (20, 301–306, 501–503, 566, 700) for playing “spotting type” games. In one embodiment, the device includes an elongate member (24) having visible thereon two sets (36, 40) of indicia (44, 48), wherein the indicia in each set are spaced apart along the length of the member and the sets are spaced apart around the circumference of the member. A spotter 28 having an indicator 92 is movable along the member to allow the user to move the indicator to ones of the indicia as needed to play the game. A game may be played by reading one of the indicia, spotting an item corresponding to the indicia and then moving the spotter so that the indicator indicates that indicia.

Abstract: A plate or other utilitarian object for generating conversations is provided comprising a substantially flat central portion for holding on object and a raised side surface positioned coaxially with the substantially flat central portion. A circular perforation is formed coaxially with the substantially flat central portion and the raised side surface and is positioned at a border between the substantially flat central portion and the raised side surface. A plurality of axial perforations are formed in the raised side surface extending along an entire width thereof from the circular perforation to an outer edge of the raised side surface. Each adjacent pair of the plurality of axial perforations and a corresponding portion of the circular perforation defines a selectively removable tab, the selectively removable tab including text material thereon. The text material preferably comprises an open-ended opinion-evoking statement.

Abstract: A catching game is played by pendently supporting a plurality of playing cards from a device. The device is operated by one of the players to release at least one card. The released card falls under the influence of gravity and the air and falls in an unpredictable trajectory. A player must catch the card before it falls to an underlying surface.

Abstract: A combination snack food and game piece assemblage and method of use of same as an entertainment method.

Abstract: A game device that includes non-uniformly shaped playing pieces that may be stacked onto an arrangement of multiple, base structures, the base structures having one or more substantially planar playing surfaces thereon, the playing pieces suitable for stacking on the playing surfaces in an unrestricted manner in accordance with rules for playing the game. The game may include a game board to which the base structures are securable.

Abstract: An educational game to reinforce the rules of etiquette is described. A marker is passed between players when a player catches another player in a violation of the announced rules of etiquette. The player having the marker at the end of the game is subject to a sanction. Alternatively, the player having the marker at the end of the game is entitled to a reward.

Abstract: A game comprising a submersible retrieving submarine adapted to receive and interpret RF directional command signals, an RF transmitting remote controller adapted for sending such signals to cause the craft to submerge and then cause the submerged craft to move in selected underwater directions, and targets of assigned values adapted for standing on the underwater bottom. The craft is adapted with a hook for engaging the targets and carrying them to the water's surface so that the accumulated value of the collected targets can be tallied to provide a score. One or more players can compete to tally the highest score, using either one controller/submarine set consecutively, or two sets simultaneously.

Abstract: The CHAOS holistic game of this invention comprises an N sided dice with N distinct and different educational graphics one for each side and a plurality of portable bases equal to (P?1)×N where P is the number of players. In this holistic total immersion game the players constitute the game pieces. It can be played indoors as well outdoors and is educational and entertaining both for children and adults. It engages, challenges, involves and benefits body mind and spirit of each player. Almost any educational subject can be taught through this game as the medium of instruction in a fun loving way.

Abstract: A sinkable fun toy includes a floater body and a counter weight member. The floater body includes a receiving portion, which has a receiving opening and a stand portion, which has at least one leg for supporting the receiving portion. The counter weight member is received in the receiving opening of the receiving portion. The first and second engaging portions are formed between the receiving portion and the counter weight member and being engaged with each other. After assembled, the floater body and counter weight member being sinkable, sink in water, the receiving portion is kept a desired height from the ground of water by the stand portion. Wherein the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are disengaged through pressing the counter weight member, the floater body floats on the water but the counter weight member remains in water.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining audience interest in productions is disclosed. The invention includes provisions by which the interest of the audience is retained throughout the entire event. In one aspect, the invention includes a sporting event with anonymous contestants. In another aspect, the invention includes a limited performance-enhancing feature. The invention also includes provisions to expand audience participation and interaction. The invention also includes prizes that are awarded to the audience, based on several factors, including association with contestants.

Abstract: A parachute-type amusement device including an outer section extending around at least a portion of the device to provide a hand graspable handle, and an inner section having a sheet of flexible material capable of billowing with air upon manipulation of the device. The handle permits easy folding of the device for compact storage, e.g., in a bag or pouch. In one embodiment, the outer section has multiple handle members, such as foam inserts. In another embodiment, there is a single flexible handle member, such as a rope, cord, braid, and/or a tubular foam insert. The handle members may be spaced from one another within the outer section to facilitate grasping and/or folding of the device. The sheet may be circular, rectangular, etc., and may be visually divided into a multiple discrete segments, e.g. by coloration. A discrete number of foam inserts may be positioned within each of segment.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus for presenting a wager-type game comprises a cabinet and a door connected to the cabinet, the door moveable between a first position and a second position. In its first position, the door cooperates with the cabinet to define a generally closed interior space. In its second position, the door permits access to the interior space. The door has an opening therein. A relatively thin video display is mounted to an inside of the door in alignment with the opening therein. The use of the video display and its mounting permits the depth of the cabinet to be substantially reduced. In one embodiment, the width of the cabinet exceeds its depth.

Abstract: A western heritage ranch sports event includes elements which test horsemanship and other skills of the participants. The present event requires that one or more preselected herd animals (e.g., cows or calves) be cut or culled from a herd located at one end of an arena, and then driven or herded by the contestant(s) for the length of the arena, perhaps along a predetermined route, to a goal gate or enclosure. The object is to achieve this in the lowest total elapsed time. When more than a single competitor is participating, the competitors act as a team. More than one herd animal may be used as desired, with time credit given for successfully cutting and herding more than one animal. While roping the animals is not required, successful roping of the animals provides an additional time credit for the contestants, with unsuccessful roping attempts resulting in a time penalty.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining player's enhanced game play state in a gaming environment is disclosed. In particular, the player may restore enhanced game play states from previously played games either from the same game device or from another game device, the enhanced game play states typically being enhancements to casino games and including reel nudges, alternate pay table use, and the like.

Abstract: A game of chance involving a progression of events is conducted on one or more gaming machines. After receiving a wager from a player at a gaming machine, play of the game is initiated. If the game is paused, the status of the paused game is stored at a central database linked to and remote from the gaming machine. This game status is associated with a personal identifier of the player. To continue play of the game beginning from a point at which the game was paused, the personal identifier is provided to the central database via the same or another gaming machine and the game status associated with the personal identifier is retrieved from the central database.

Abstract: A new partnering game and method of playing same for enabling male and female players to anonymously select a player of their liking and determining whether or not the selected player likes them in such manner that only a mutually self-selected male-female couple knows of the selection. A method for revealing admirers of the players is also provided.

Abstract: A mystery role playing game system optimized for children suitable in terms of level of difficulty for all participants; that does not require any participant to play the role of a criminal and/or “bad guy”, that allows responsible supervision of the course of the game, that provides positive social rewards to a selected individual (for example a particular child whose birthday party is the occasion for the game), that provides a carefully structured format for progression of the game, and which includes one or more modest “physical” challenges such as hunts for treasure and/or clues. A central “detective” character may supervise other player's rounds, and non-player supervisors may also supervise revelation of each character's clues. Non-player characters may take the negative roles (such as suspects), and the central character may have sufficient information to solve the mystery at the end of the game.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic mail communication method via a stuffed toy. At a mail center, a mail address for an owner of a stuffed toy is acquired together with ID code assigned to the stuffed toy, and data related to the ID code is transmitted as an electronic mail to the owner. The electronic mail is based on a conversational text including characters, signs, graphics, voices, or sounds, and the owner can enjoy communications with the stuffed toy by overlapping the images provided through the communications with an image of the stuffed toy at the owner's hand.

Abstract: A method (400) and a controller (210) for providing a location-based game associated with a plurality of mobile stations (170) are described herein. The controller (210) may determine a plurality of game parameters based on user input from one of a plurality of players. The plurality of game parameters may include, but is not limited to, a game area (500) having a plurality of activation locations (505). The controller (210) may determine location associated with at least one of the plurality of mobile stations (164). In response to one of the plurality of mobile stations (164) being within a proximity threshold (535) associated with one of the plurality of activation locations (530), the controller (210) may activate a game feature within one of the plurality of mobile stations (164). Accordingly, the controller (210) may provide a point value to one of the plurality of players in response to a trigger event associated with the game feature.

Abstract: An electronic scorekeeping device is disclosed which allows a user to electronically document data relating to events of a sports game. This data is transferred in real-time in a system according to the invention via a communications means to a central database. The central database may be coupled to a server computer which presents a web site whereby public users may access statistical information relating to a given sports game while the game is still in progress, as well as at and following the conclusion of the game. The web site may present archives of previously played games, and access thereto may be restricted by the use of a username and/or password. The data transfer to the database may be a live feed, or automatic transfers may be scheduled at predetermined time intervals. The device itself is customizable such that the data being gathered can be tailored to suit the specific sport being played.

Abstract: The present invention involves a gaming device with a primary game scheme which includes one or more symbol generators and one or more secondary games. When the symbol generator generates one or more predetermined symbols, the gaming device operates one or more secondary games. If the player reaches a win condition in one or more secondary games, the gaming device provides the player with an award. This type of game scheme adds excitement to bonus rounds and increases player entertainment.

Abstract: An interactive treasure hunt game played in a public forum that includes interactive clue sources and personal game pieces and which allows for play by multiple, contemporaneous or consecutive players and encourages player interaction to prevent non-participants from entering the game.

Abstract: The present invention involves a gaming device with a primary game scheme which includes one or more symbol generators and one or more secondary games. When the symbol generator generates one or more predetermined symbols, the gaming device operates one or more secondary games. If the player reaches a win condition in one or more secondary games, the gaming device provides the player with an award. This type of game scheme adds excitement to bonus rounds and increases player entertainment.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for determining susceptibility to bone damage in a subject. In some embodiments, the methods comprise screening for polymorphisms in the MTHFR and collagen I&agr;1 genes that are associated with susceptibility to bone damage. In some embodiments, the methods comprise screening for elevated levels of homocysteine in a subject, wherein elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with an increased risk of bone damage. The methods of the invention may be used in predicting the response of a patient to treatment. Also provided are methods for prevention or reducing the risk of bone damage in a subject.

Abstract: A game suited for children from five years to adulthood. Game apparatus is spider or web shaped electronic device having a grounding stake. Included are 25 foot spider or web-like attachments, having a corresponding colored lights thereon disposed. A proximity sensor monitors a specified perimeter triggering a signal light and/or buzzer, and, alas, cause for elimination. In play, the game involves two ball tossers who attempt to hit the other participating players with web-like round balls, each tosser having five chances to do so. When a player is hit, that player is deemed “snarled,” and ousted. Players are “snarled” by crossing a perimeter defined by a pre-set proximity sensor. The tosser may replace the “snarled” player. The last remaining un-“snarled” player wins. Other rules are contemplated.

Abstract: An interactive treasure hunt game played in a public forum that includes interactive clue sources and personal game pieces and which allows for play by multiple, contemporaneous or consecutive players and encourages player interaction to prevent non-participants from entering the game.

Abstract: An enhanced system and method for carrying out online transactions and auctions using a “shopping games” mechanism module is disclosed. The shopping games system provides for a mechanism scheme allowing “game moves” as well as bidding and message exchanging moves. The participants of the system may engage in game play in conjunction with an auction process, wherein the game play affects the auction process to provide a entertaining and amusing environment for participants to carry out online transactions without limiting the participants to traditional auction “moves”.

Abstract: An amusement device including a sheet of flexible material defining an opening, and a pocket defining a mouth joined to the sheet around the opening. The sheet is grasped by participants during a game in which the sheet is held substantially horizontally and selectively tilted to maneuver a ball along the sheet, through the opening, and into the pocket. In one embodiment, the amusement device includes first and second sheets of flexible material joined along their respective longitudinal edges. Each sheet defines an opening. A pocket may optionally be joined to the sheet around each opening. A game may be played by opposing teams, each of which guards the opening on its sheet, and attempts to guide the ball into the opening on the opposing team's sheet. A game including an amusement device and a ball is also provided.

Abstract: A computer readable program product stores a program of a ball-playing type game which can smoothly express the continuous action of a player before and after a player obtains a ball when throwing the ball in any direction in accordance with operation of the user in the ball-playing game. An input operation of the user is accepted before the fielder receives the ball, a series of motions up to the fielder catching the ball and throwing it is judged in response to any input operation, and the motion is used to change the display up until the catching and throwing before the fielder catches the ball.

Abstract: The Invention presents a system and method of combining a medical device, a medical testing procedure, in a combination of hardware and software that provide motivation and digital rewards through a hand held video game controller or other hand held computing device.

Abstract: An arcade game accepts player selection of a specific prize before the game is started. Preferably, the difficulty level of the game is proportional to the value of the selected prize. In addition, the difficulty level of the game is preferably proportional to the number of monetary units inserted into the machine by the player, such that the game becomes less difficult as the player inserts additional monetary units into the machine. The machine preferably dispenses the selected prize to the player when the player inserts monetary units into the machine equivalent to the value of the prize.

Abstract: An image processing system enables the manipulation of individual anonymous laser pointers in interactive visual games. The system includes a display system that displays an image on a display screen. A camera acquires a sequence of images of the display screen. Participants in the game aim individual laser pointers at the screen; the laser pointers form dots on the display screen. A warp module corrects the acquired images for distortion. A registration module registers the corrected sequence of images with the displayed image, and modifies the displayed image in response to a distribution of the laser dots on the display screen.

Abstract: Tableware capable of facilitating conversation between guests and a method of using the same is provided that includes: a) providing a set of open-ended questions or commands each being separately printed on a surface of a dining-piece; b) distributing one or more of the dining-pieces to each dining partner; c) having each dining partner read aloud the open-ended question or comment printed on their dining-piece; d) having one of the dining partners answer the open-ended question; and e) engaging all of the dining partners in open discussion of alternate answers to the question.

Abstract: A game device with a water reservoir having a plurality of openings for exit of water from the reservoir and blocking members adapted to either block the flow of water from the openings or permit the flow of water from the openings.

Abstract: A management training game is played with vehicles that are moved around a playing area. The playing area is a large rectangle having a plurality of labeled blocks. Each team includes a leader, who rides on the vehicle, and rope controllers, who manipulate ropes connected to the vehicle, from outside of the playing area. Each team leader receives an assigned route, namely a list of blocks to which the vehicle must travel. Each team then attempts to move its vehicle along its assigned route, in a limited time, and without encountering paralysis due to interference with other vehicles or ropes. The game provides the players with an object lesson in the value of communication, creative thinking, leadership, teamwork, and cooperation, in solving difficult problems.

Abstract: A game for designating chores is provided comprising a board structure having a front face from which markings can be erased. Defined areas of the face are divided into at least a chore region and a name region. Numbered chores are listed in the chore region. Game participant's names are associated with a particular chore by the random selection of game pieces. Each of the game pieces have a different chore number. Playing the game involves spinning a pointer on a spinning number card imprinted with chore numbers or rolling dice having cube surfaces that display chore numbers or randomly selecting one piece from a set of balls, chips, coins or pieces of paper which have been imprinted with chore numbers. The chore number on the selected piece is then assigned to the participant who selected it and that person must complete the chore within the prescribed time period. The board base may include a choice region within which are listed rewards.

Abstract: A children's game is provided, including a figurine having a compartment for receiving flat objects, at least one card dimensioned to be insertable into the compartment, and a lock for sealing the compartment. The game is intended to enable a child to make a wish and, in a ritualistic manner, expect to enhance the realization of the wish while at the same time keeping the wish a secret.

Abstract: A treasure hunt type game that utilizes global positioning satellite (“GPS”) equipped wireless communications devices. Players are given clues or directions to proceed along one of many predetermined treasure hunt routes based on their location as determined by the GPS. Based on these clues or directions, players change their locations. Based on these changed locations, as determined by the GPS, additional clues or directions are given to the players until one of the players completes the treasure hunt route and arrives at the treasure to win the game. The game also incorporates other variables in determining the clues to provide to players, such as the location of other players as determined by their GPS devices, the previous locations of the player and other players and whether the player has correctly solved certain clues.

Abstract: A method of playing a game in which one constructor player assembles a group of variously shaped blocks into a construct and other players attempt to duplicate the construct only through verbal directions from the constructor player.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for increasing the usefulness, sensitivity and specificity of tests that measure memory and facets of memory, including learning, retention, recall and/or recognition. Specifically, the sensitivity and specificity of such tests are enhanced by selectively weighting the value of specific items recalled by the test subject, either by weighting such items within any specific testing trial or across numerous testing trials. Also disclosed are various methods of reducing ceiling effects in memory tests. The invention also provides improved tests which employ item-specific weighting for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease and other dementia characterized by memory impairment, as well as a method of screening for and evaluating the efficacy of potential therapeutics directed to the treatment of such dementia.

Abstract: A word-forming game and the method of playing the same for entertaining persons riding within a vehicle. The word-forming game and the method of playing the same includes a scorecard. The scorecard has a plurality of rows and columns thereon. Each of the rows has number indicia thereby, and each of the columns has a heading indicia thereon. Players select letters from license plates of vehicles. A combination of the selected letters is identified. Up to two letters may be added between the selected letters of the combination to form word combinations. The word combinations are placed in the columns. The player receives a plurality of points equal to the number of letters in each of the word combinations. The points are summed and the player having the greatest amount of points wins the game.

Abstract: Fun hunt is a game with instructional clues written on colored sheets of paper in a sequence from 1 to 6, followed by a final clue and a prize sheet. Each player is given a single color at the beginning of the game. The instructional clues on each color lead a player from one clue stop to the next. The clues will lead the player to objects currently in the house or yard which are separated over a distance. Clue sheets are taped to each of these objects, with each clue giving the player instructions to the next object. A final clue has a number on it which corresponds to a number on a prize. The prizes are awarded when the player follows all of the clues to the final clue and prize table. It is helpful to assist the host in creating each player's path to have a grid outlining the path which each player is to follow. It is also helpful to draw a map of the objects to assist the host in allowing distances between the objects to enable the greatest movement of the player from clue to clue.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for providing multiple assignments of each of a plurality of players or participants to each of a plurality of positions or tasks in a sporting event, game or activity. The positions include playing positions and reserve positions. The tool comprises a base and a plurality of rotatable elements. Each player or participant representation represents one of the plurality of players or participants. Each rotatable element is divided into a unique number of sections. Each section of a rotatable element includes a position or task representation. Each rotatable element is rotatably mountable on the base such that each section of the rotatable element aligns with one of the plurality of player or participant representations on the base and thereby assigns each player or participant to a particular playing position, reserve position or task.

Abstract: A floor game including tiles which are laid on a playing surface forming a playing area, and an optical instrument. Each tile is covered by a polarized film. A path across the playing area is revealable by utilizing the optical instrument available to a game facilitator. The players see a design on the playing area. A path across the playing area is invisible to players not wearing the optical instrument. Each player traverses the path with assistance of the game facilitator and by observing steps taken by the previous players. The object of the game is for players to discover and traverse the path across the playing area from end to end through a team effort. In an alternative embodiment, the game is played with one or more teams utilizing one or more playing areas with each team trying to complete a path on their respective playing area.