Abstract: A board game utilizes a rectangular game board having a peripheral path of movement formed by a series of squares. Intersecting horizontal and vertical movement paths positioned on the interior of the game board connect with the peripheral movement path. Various squares of the movement paths are printed with individual letters of the key phrase "LIFE'S LITTLE PLEASURES" and also with the letters of the word "ZONK". Various squares of the movement paths are designated with monetary rewards or penalties. Certain squares are random chance squares, with the consequence of landing on these squares determined by reference to a random consequence chart. Players move game markers around the game board according to the throw of dice, and attempt to spell the key phrase, before spelling "ZONK" or going bankrupt.

Abstract: A poker game used with a pool table. A plurality of balls, each ball marked with the face and suit of a card, corresponds to representations of the cards on a wall mounted scoreboard, the scoreboard carrying the same card markings for each player. A pushbutton under each card is manually operable to light up an individual indicated card when the corresponding ball is sunk on the pool table. A micro-processor is operable to determine the highest scoring "hand" of each player.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable, yet full size tennis scoring apparatus. This scoring device is constructed of a durable fabric and is designed so as to be foldable about itself into a small and portable configuration and yet be unfoldable to a full size with adequate room for indicating players' names, set, game and point scoring tallies and promotional, organizational or sponsorship information. This tennis scoring apparatus is also designed so as to be large enough so that when it is unfolded it would be clearly visible to the players and spectators. Further, the apparatus is designed so it is capable of being affixed during use to either fence netting or netting post. This device also enables a player to accurately measure the height of the net at the center. Paddle-shaped markers are removably held in pockets formed on the fabric and register with scoring indicia placed on scoring placards which are also detachably held on the fabric.

Abstract: A trivia game utilizes a game board provided with four spinners. The first spinner determines which player is to answer the question, the second spinner determined the challenging player, the third spinner determines the category of the question and the fourth spinner determines the point value and degree of difficulty of the question. The game board may also be provided with a timer for regulating the length of play and a plurality of counters for keeping score. The game utilizes eight different sets of cards, with each set of cards having questions and answers from a certain subject category imprinted thereon. Each of these eight stacks of cards is placed on a designated location on the game board. Four different types of special cards are shuffled into each of the eight stacks of subject category cards. These special cards include no risk challenge cards, gang up cards, free points cards and erase challenge cards.

Abstract: A novel jigsaw puzzle game and method of playing the game are described. Points are assigned when players complete particular portions of the puzzle or play uniquely shaped pieces of the puzzle in a particular manner. Score cards are assigned to players when points are earned, and are totaled at the end of the game.

Abstract: An automatic scoring apparatus for a dart game utilizing a plurality of light detecting elements situated on the periphery of a dart board. These light detecting elements are aligned to receive light emitted by a plurality of light sources so that a dart embedded in the dart board will block the path of light from the light sources to the light detecting elements. A microprocessor and associated electronic circuitry continually scan the light detecting elements to detect a decrease in the amount of light incident on any particular light detecting elements indicative of the presence of a dart in the dart board. The location of the dart is calculated mathematically from the shadow location information.

Abstract: A board game simulating golf. The game has an annular golf course playing surface which maps fairway surface and a contiguous array of hazards with a grid of radial distance lines and annular direction lines on it. Highly preferred embodiments provide infinite variation in golf hole characteristics by virtue of a rotational partial overlay having its own map portions combinable with varying exposed map portions of the base board. Preferred embodiments also include a top member providing a movable tee and a shot distance gauge. Two sets of random determiners simulate golf shots.

Abstract: A golfing scores recorder consists of a generally rectangular case having a plurality of openings formed in a predetermined pattern provided in its front panel and a plurality of depressions of the same pattern formed in the inner surface of its rear panel. A perforable score card is insertable into the case. The score card has a score recording pattern printed thereon which has a plurality of score recording areas in register with the pattern of openings in the front panel of the case. The dimension of the openings in the front panel is sized to permit a golf tee to be inserted therethrough to pierce a mark in the score card to provide a permanent recording of the number of strokes played in each hole of the golf game.

Abstract: A docket diary game is provided and consists of a board game that allows each player to choose one season out of the year and answer questions based on each day of the months during that season. The first player to correctly answer questions for seven days out of each of three months in his/her season from month cards and answer correctly one question from a pack of docket diary cards wins the game. The game board is provisioned with mechanism to indicate correct answers which can not be inadvertently changed by accidentally jarring the board.

Abstract: The invention comprises a score marker for tennis including a base pierced with three slots arranged in U form. Each slot is provided with a cursor associated with positioning means which in the case of the two parallel slots enables retention of the cursor in four predetermined positions so as to display the points 0, 15, 30 and 40 and in the case of the third slot enables retention of the cursor in three predetermined positions in which it indicates in the central position equality of the players and in the end positions to which player the advantage belongs.

Abstract: A question and answer game which requires a coded reference surface having a depiction thereon, preferrably in the form of a map is taught. The reference surface is subdividable by a coded cell-type network. The players correctly answer different questions provided on cards by identifying the appropriate coded area on the depiction with the answers to the questions appropriately associated therewith. The individual cells of the network are further dividable by a separate lens-type member having division lines thereon defining further coded areas. In this way, the answer accuracy may be increased and the depiction is not unduly cluttered.

Abstract: A blocking sled for use in training football players includes runners which the player straddles to train him to keep his feet apart. The coach rides on a platform behind the athlete watching the athlete move forward and push the dummy at the front while keeping his body low and below chute bars above him. Outriggers outside the runners give the sled stability.

Abstract: A use-monitoring closure for the open top of a tennis ball can including a cap for releasably attaching to and closing the open top, and an adjustable use recorder/displayer on the cap for recording and displaying the usage of tennis balls within the can.

Abstract: A game in which players gain points by correctly solving problems depicted on cards in a chart-like format. The cards are divided into three cards sets according to three different levels of difficulty. Six vertical columns each having a plurality of slots for receiving chips are used for keeping track of each player's score. Each player is assigned a vertical column. The six vertical columns are each divided into three areas corresponding to the three card sets. Players progress during the game by correctly solving problems and inserting chips. The card set from which a players must choose a card is determined by the column area the player has progressed to. The first player to earn a predetermined number of points wins the game. The solution to each problem and clues to aid in solving each problem are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projectile target game of the dart type which has individual player score keeping apparatus that includes a pair of nonrotatable shafts around which are loosely carried continuous belts which have an opaque background through which transparent numbers have been formed. Each digit of a number has a width substantially greater than the digits height. The continuous belt passes between a light source and a unidirectional magnifying lens which magnifies only the height dimension of the number's digits. The continuous belt is provided with score advance openings that are exposed via a slot in the face of the game that supports the target. The score advance openings are adjacent the transparent numbers such that a score may be made to appear in the magnifying lens. The target of the dart game is a dart board which has a unique bullseye target deflection detection mechanism.

Abstract: A dice box in the shape of a bowl is provided with sloping side walls terminating in a planar bottom surface. The side walls and bottom surface are covered with mohair, felt or other similar covering. A horizontal planar rim of substantial width has discrete portions connected to each side wall of the box. The number of sidewalls and rim portions are selected in accordance with the maximum number of players which can use the apparatus to participate in a game and are formed from a material which can be written upon and erased, such as slate. Up to ten dies are provided along with writing instruments susceptible to being used with the particular writing surface rim portions and an eraser. Two or more dies are thrown into the dice box by the players and scores recorded on the rim portion of the dice box assigned to each player in accordance with their dice thrown until the game is completed in accordance with predetermined rules.

Abstract: A golf practice putting device comprises an elongated mat upon which a golf ball is propelled from one end to an opposite elevated end. A cup simulating aperture is provided at such opposite end, and a ball entering the aperture is conveyed to a first receptacle disposed behind the aperture where the ball is retained. Balls propelled beyond the aperture and missing the aperture, reach a trough shaped portion where the balls fall into a second receptacle also disposed behind the aperture and are retained therein. By comparing the quantity of balls in the respective receptacles, a player's score can be determined. Also counting means are disposed to automatically count the balls entering the aperture and received in one of said receptacles.

Abstract: A game apparatus consisting of a housing with a game playing surface. A ball is rolled on the playing surface by a conventional shooting device. The playing surface has openings and the ball, propelled from the front towards the rear end, falls into one of the openings, enters into the interior of the housing and rolls back towards the front end. One opening towards the rear end is designated as a "functional" opening and the interior of the housing has electrical wiring and a switching device for starting and stopping a motor which rotates a multi-disc assembly whenever the ball falls into the "functional" opening.

Abstract: A scoring device for golf comprising a cylindrical rod or tube having a plurality of numeral sets printed circumfluently along its surface about which a plurality of partially open snap rings are rotatably affixed for the purpose of recording one's score while playing golf.

Abstract: A counting device to indicate a current score and intended to be worn by an individual participating in a sport. The device comprises annular indicator organs (1,2) provided with symbols (5) to indicate the score and an organ (7) with a read-off point (15). The indicator organs can be moved in relation to the read-off point so that different symbols can be advanced to that position. The main part of the device consists of soft, flexible material, preferably being some form of textile material. The device thus forms a soft, flexible, annular loop having a circumference such that it may be worn around the wrist, for example.

Abstract: A multi-purpose golf tool which provides, on a single, collapsible, compact carrier, most of the functions required by a golfer in the course of a round of golf, the carrier, itself, being constructed to perform certain of the functions in addition to acting as the carrier for the other elements of the tool.

Abstract: A game device including first and second areas with the first area having a number of visible questions, each having a visible identifying indicia associated therewith and at least two visible answers with invisibly marked designations indicating correctness of the answer of the question responded to and a second defined area having random chance selection means to indicate the question to be responded to by a player.

Abstract: A device for scoring the opposing sides of a tennis match which is adapted to be mounted on the side of a tennis racket handle. A variation of this device may be employed to keep count of the games won by each side. The device comprises an elongated, flexible, transparent structure which is segmented into two compartments by a seam across its mid section. Enclosed within each compartment is a bead-like chip or marker which is slideably movable therein when the marker is pressed gently. Each chip is held in place by a spring-like action wedging it against the wall of its compartment and preventing it from being moved inadvertently during the game. The structure itself is sandwiched between two strips of film which are adhesively attached together. The outer film layer includes an elongated transparent panel through which each marker may be viewed within its compartment and upon which are imprinted indicia, each of which corresponds to a score in a tennis game.

Abstract: A game apparatus consisting of a housing with a game playing surface. A ball is rolled on the playing surface by a conventional shooting device. The playing surface has openings and the ball, propelled from the front towards the rear end, falls into one of the openings, enters into the interior of the housing and rolls back towards the front end. One opening towards the rear end is designated as a "functional" opening and the interior of the housing has electrical wiring and a switching device for starting and stopping a motor which rotates a multi-disc assembly whenever the ball falls into the "functional" opening.

Abstract: A golf game is played by two players putting golf balls into nine pairs of ball receiving receptacles. Each pair of receptacles is marked with two different color codes. As a result of a putted golf ball entering a color coded ball receiving receptacle, an electric solenoid turns a valve either to the right or left, which directions correspond to the two different color codes. The valves control the flow of counters along intersecting channels which terminate in a receiving area for accumulating the counters to provide a score for each player.

Abstract: A gameboard comprises a dice rolling surface surrounded by a decorative rim. On the edges of the surface are integrally mounted one set of numerical indicia implicit in playing the game and a set of movable beads for keeping score. Only a pair of dice are removably held in a compartment along one edge. Thus, the entire board is fashioned for storing by hanging as a picture on the wall. The indicia used in playing the game comprises in a preferred embodiment a set of cubes mounted eccentrically on a rod to have two stable pivot positions displaying respectively the indicia and masking it. The gameboard is adapted for arithmetic education and entertainment by players of all ages. It includes features for stabilizing the aforesaid indicia and scoring means to prevent accidental misplacement but being changeable by manual force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tennis scoring aid comprising a board, first and second markers movable along, respectively, first and second paths, positions of said board adjacent said paths bearing markings, successively, with respect to said paths, representing the tennis scoring points "love", "15", "30", "40" and "game" whereby scores of two players or two teams of players may be indicated by moving one of said markers which is to be considered allocated to one player or team, and by moving the other of said markers, which is to be considered to be allocated to the other player or team, to the appropriate one of said positions; and further including a mechanism such that, when both of said markers are at positions corresponding to the score "40", to interpose a position representing the scoring point "advantage" between the "40" position, which "40" position will thereafter represent the scoring point "deuce", and "game".

Abstract: A pinball machine having a novel play feature is disclosed. The play feature comprises a tubular member having an entrance and an exit and being downwardly inclined from the entrance to the exit so that gravitational forces will cause a ball entering the tubular member by the entrance to roll to the exit. The play feature further comprises an entrance ramp extending from the playfield to the entrance of the tubular member to allow a ball from the playfield to roll up into the tubular member. If desired, a plurality of lights may be located along the bottom of the tubular member and, in order to actuate the lights, a switching member may be provided at the entrance of the tubular member.

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

Abstract: Game apparatus is disclosed having a top wall with openings for the insertion of pins by two players as called for by indicia on a rotatable signal disc below the top wall but which indicia is visible through openings in the top wall, the pins may fall through the top wall and signal disc as determined by programmed openings in the disc and preferably pass through a counter for delivery by a chute to a return opening for each player, the signal disc being propelled by a spring motor during a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A small sized device is disclosed for keeping score of a tennis match, and which can be conveniently carried either around a player's wrist, mounted on a racquet or the like; the score keeper including a frame on which is imprinted a row of point scores and a row of game scores along which arrows for each player are slidable.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a game apparatus utilizing a plurality of multi-colored signalling, indicating cubes. A combination random shaking device and game storage container is used to obtain a random array of the plurality of multi-colored signalling indicator cubes on a playing surface. A plurality of correspondingly colored playing chips is randomly displayed on the playing surface. As the multi-colored signalling indicators are randomly dispersed into an array on the playing surface if a predetermined plurality of color combination occurs, the players attempt to remove a correspondingly colored playing chip from the surface. The player not able to retrieve the chip moves his scoring device in a predetermined manner. The winning player is the one whose scoring device only partially or not at all obstructs a predetermined indicia pattern.

Abstract: A pinball game apparatus is disclosed that has a housing in which a sloping playing surface is suitably supported. On the playing surface targets are provided and at least one is movable and coupled to an electric switch. If the player is successful in hitting the movable target, the switch actuated thereby turns on a film projector, which projects an image onto a matte pane screen located in the playing surface. A stepper motor is provided to control the projector so that each time the movable target is struck, a new image is projected upon the matte pane screen.

Abstract: A baseball game apparatus having a body with a top surface and a bottom surface, interconnected by first and second side surfaces. A plurality of vertically stacked plates defining stage fields are positioned at one end of the body. Side portions of the top surface are spaced from the side surfaces to define foul ball openings so that balls can fall from the top surface to the bottom surface. A portion of the bottom surface forms a ball collecting portion and the bottom surface is shaped or sloped to direct balls to the ball collecting portion. An opening is formed in a central portion of the top surface at a position spaced from the stage fields, the opening having a first portion for the passage of a bat and a second portion for the passage of the bat and a ball, which ball strikes a sounder on the bottom surface.

Abstract: A golf practice apparatus wherein a pair of light-receiving sensors are aligned laterally of the club head path and are positioned for respectively developing signals proportional to the portions thereof which are overshadowed by a swinging golf club head at a given sensing time which is also triggered by the golf club head overshadowing a third trigger sensor. The two aligned sensors are light-receiving windows and the amount of light received from each of these windows is received by respective light sensors. The light from these sensor windows is preferably focused to respective light-diffusing surfaces from which respective light sensors read the amount of light received. The signals from these respective sensors are compared to thereby produce a resultant signal representative of the face angle of the club head which may be indicated on a meter.

Abstract: A board game apparatus is provided which is intended to facilitate communication between parents and children regarding facts and attitudes in the area of human sexuality and to provide learning experiences which will lead to improved communication between parents and their children and adults and young people. The apparatus includes a plurality of player tokens, a game board having a closed continuous path defined by a multiplicity of playing spaces, and three decks of cards, each of which contains questions concerning the field of human sexuality; the decks being distinguishable from one another according to degree of difficulty. There is also provided a fourth deck of cards which contains discussion questions for duscussing various attitudes concerning human sexuality and a score sheet for scoring one's correct answers according to category.

Abstract: A pinball game is provided having two pairs of flippers, each pair being coordinately actuated by the pulling of a spring-biased lever toward the user. A spring-loaded ball projecting mechanism is provided operatively coupled by a ratchet to a ball counting device. The ball projecting mechanism is released by displacement of a lever to project the ball and index the ball counting device.

Abstract: A game of the type having a housing and including in the housing a ball launching mechanism, a propulsion mechanism and at least one target is improved by incorporating in the game a plurality of balls and a reservoir means located to store these balls and feed them one at a time to the ball launching mechanism. The ball launching mechanism includes an inclined ramp positioned to receive the balls from the reservoir. The balls roll down the inclined ramp and are positioned in the proximity of the propulsion mechanism such that if movement of the propulsion mechanism is coordinated with movement of the balls down the inclined ramp the propulsion mechanism is capable of acting on the balls and propelling them toward the target. Associated with the target is a counter mechanism which indicates the number of balls which have been successfully propelled toward the target and captured by the target.

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

Abstract: An electric cribbage board wherein the score for each shown by the illumination of a respective one of a number of lightable indicator devices forming a respective "track" or "street". The board is arranged to illuminate two successive devices in each track, the leading device indicating the total game score, while the trailing device indicates the just preceding total score. Facilities are provided for displaying and therefore checking a hand count before it is added to the respective total score count for each player so as to light the appropriate indicator. The board avoids the need for mental computation as is required with completely manual cribbage boards, or known electro-mechanical cribbage boards, and thereby assists in eliminating incorrect hand and total score counts during playing of the card game of cribbage.

Abstract: A flipper mechanism for use in a pinball game in conjunction with a playing surface to propel an object across that playing surface comprises a flipper member shaped to have a hub section and a finger section. The finger section includes a striking surface for making contact with and accelerating the object across the playing surface. The playing surface includes at least one upstanding boss projecting from the surface. The interior of the boss is hollow. The hub portion of the flipper member has a generally cylindrical-like surface which includes a spirally inclined cam integrally formed on the cylindrical-like surface. The hub portion of the flipper member fits over the upstanding boss projecting from the playing surface.

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

Abstract: A round-about game apparatus for use by a plurality of players requires timely actuation of the playing pieces to circumvent score reduction. The game apparatus generally includes a housing having a platform, a rotatably mounted striking element and a drive mechanism for moving the striking element in a circular path. A plurality of playing pieces are arranged around the circular path of travel of the striking element such that the playing pieces will be struck by the rotating element unless timely actuated by the associated player of the game. The playing pieces are selectively actuated so as to move out of the path of travel of the striking element to avoid a score reduction. After a predetermined number of hits, a particular player is eliminated from the play of the game and the game continues until all but one of the players remains, that player being declared the winner.

Abstract: A novelty toy used to facilitate thumb twiddling comprises a pair of closely spaced, parallel, tubular holes each adapted to receive the first digit of a thumb, the walls of the holes being smooth and slippery, and of diameter slightly larger than the thumbs. The thumbs are inserted into the holes and are rotated orbitally about an imaginary axis between the two holes.

Abstract: A target-type shooting toy having a target area in the rear of a housing and a transparent front wall having a swivel socket in the lower portion to mount swivelly a projectile guide member including a barrel and a projectile return channel, a handle and trigger to move and aim the barrel and actuate a spring-pressed shooting plunger, and projectile return means to return spent projectiles automatically to said return channel for successive movement into the barrel for subsequent shooting. Score recording and audible hit indicating means are actuated by returning projectiles.

Abstract: An electronic device for refereeing an arm wrestling match is provided which includes a housing within which an electronic circuit is disposed including appropriate sensors, indicator devices, a power supply, and other electronic components with the upper surface of the housing forming a playing surface. Several light and sound emitting devices, a digital clock, and a digital scoreboard are provided for regulating play. Sensors are provided for detecting one player's hand being forced to the playing surface as well as the premature lifting of one player's elbow. The device automatically starts the match shortly after both player's elbows are set, detects infractions committed by a player as well as successful endeavors on the part of one player to force the other player's hand to the surface and attributes points accordingly. In addition, it maintains the score of each player as well as the elapsed time, and provides numerous audio and visual indications during and after the match.

Abstract: A manual manipulation toy includes a circular platform having a plurality of upstanding spaced apart pins thereon adapted to engage and interrupt the progress of a rolling ball which is released at an upper level on the surface of the platform to roll towards a lower level while the platform is manually rotated in either direction to move the pins into engagement with the rolling ball thereby to retain the ball on the surface as long as possible. The platform is supported for rotation about an inclined, upstanding central axis and means is provided for selectively adjusting the angle of inclination and for counting the number of revolutions of the platform between the time when the ball is first released and subsequently rolls off an edge of the surface into a peripheral trough.

Abstract: A presidential election game in which the fifty states and the District of Columbia are divided into color coordinated zones. The game board has a score tabulation on each state playing space which records the amount of popular votes each player has received in each state. The game board also has a score tabulation for each player to record the changing number of electoral college votes that each player has accumulated until a winner is elected and becomes the President of The United States of America.

Abstract: A counting device comprising a series of beads strung on a pair of flexible linear elements or cords. The beads can be moved up and down on the braided cords and will remain in adjusted position along the length of the cords.

Abstract: A toy game of skill between two players is described wherein a track having a first end and a second end includes at least one surface extending between the first and the second end. Located at each end of the track and integrally mated with the track is a projectile launcher. At least one projectile, a small heavy spherical object, is ejected forcibly by the projectile launcher along the surface of the track. Resting on the track is an object member. The object member includes a self-propelling internal locomotion device which moves the object member back and forth reversibly between the projectile launchers located on the ends of the track.