(12) United States Patent
`Lee
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,364,771 B1
`Apr. 2, 2002
`
`US006364771B1
`
`(54) HANDHELD ELECTRONIC GAME
`APPARATUS HAVING ATTACKING
`FEATURE
`
`Inventor: Sam Y. Lee, Torrance, CA (US)
`(75)
`.
`(73) Asslgneei Mattel’ Inc” El S‘°“g““d°
`( * ) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`Patent is extended Of adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/501,870
`(22)
`Filed:
`Feb‘ 10’ 2000
`(51)
`Int. Cl.7 ............................................... .. A63F 13/00
`
`(58) Field of Search ....................... .. 273/148 R, 148 B,
`273/454, 460; 463/30, 36, 37, 38, 46, 47,
`43, 44
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`.......... .. 463/44
`
`4,359,222 A * 11/1982 Smith, 111 etal.
`4,568,307 A
`2/1986 Gabler et 211.
`4,793,610 A * 12/1988 Moomaw et al.
`5,184,830 A *
`2/1993 Okada etal.
`
`5,213,327 A *
`5/1993 Kitaue .................. .. 273/148 B
`D336,665 S
`6/1993 Tugendhaft
`5,224,711 A
`7/1993 Dresser
`5,435,566 A
`7/1995 Scuderi
`5,464,214 A
`11/1995 Griffin
`
`......... .. 273/454
`
`D397,729 S
`13399268 S
`5,855,483 A
`5,893,798 A
`2 :
`6,083,104 A *
`6,125,032 A *
`6’193’609 B1 *
`6,200,219 B1 *
`5,213,371 B1 *
`6,248,017 B1 *
`
`9/1998 Schulz et al.
`10/1998 L111 .
`1/1999 Collins et 211.
`4/1999 Stambolic et al.
`gark1::fi:net.a.l..m...........
`
`. . . . . . .. 463/6
`7/2000 Ch '
`. . . . . . . . . . .
`................ 273/148 R
`9/2000 Gil(l)t13spie
`2/2001 Dimchard Van Enschut
`4637/
`3/2001 Rudell et al.
`............... .. 463/37
`4/2001
`
`6/2001 Roach ....................... .. 463/37
`
`* Cited by examiner
`Primary Exami/1er—Michael O’Neill
`(74) Attorney Agent, or Firm—R0y A. Ekstrand
`
`A game play apparatus housing supports a joystick post and
`a plurality of game play input buttons. Aminiature surfboard
`is supported on the upper end of the joystick post. A
`microprocessor game play circuit and sound circuit together
`with a controller is supported within the interior of the
`housing. A simulated shark head is pivotally supported upon
`the upper end of the housing and forms an upper jaw. Adrive
`mechanism utilizing a reversible motor responds to the
`controller circuit to either oscillate the head and upper jaw
`through a narrow range of motion or, alternatively, allow a
`rapid downward closure of the upper jaw upon the toy
`surfboard to provide a game play finale.
`
`9 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 2, 2002
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`Sheet 1 012
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`US 6,364,771 B1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 2, 2002
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`Sheet 2 of2
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`US 6,364,771 B1
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`““§v\§|w-~.“-~;‘E\\is.‘I\n‘
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`US 6,364,771 B1
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`1
`HANDHELD ELECTRONIC GAME
`APPARATUS HAVING ATTACKING
`FEATURE
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates generally to handheld game play
`apparatus and particularly to the game ending feature
`thereof.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`With the rapid development of relatively low cost, digital
`electronic devices including low cost microprocessors and
`memory devices, a substantial number of different toys and
`games were developed. One type of electronic game which
`enjoyed great popularity as low cost digital electronic appa-
`ratus continued to develop became generally known in the
`art as “handheld” games. Such games derive their name
`from the relatively small size of the housing used to package
`the game. These devices are, in essence, small enough to be
`held by the user either in the hand or upon a game play
`surface such as a table. While various shapes, configurations
`and sizes of handheld electronic games have been provided,
`the basic handheld electronic game utilizes a housing, usu-
`ally small enough to be held, within which a digital elec-
`tronic circuit
`including a microprocessor and associated
`memory is supported together with a plurality of batteries.
`The housing typically supports a plurality of input buttons or
`other devices used in game play. Also, within the housing,
`a sound circuit and sound producing transducer such as a
`small speaker or piezoelectric device is supported. The
`typical handheld electronic game also utilizes a small dis-
`play screen upon which images may be formed. The most
`frequently used technology for such screens is found in a
`plurality of liquid crystal display cells or “LCD’s”. Some
`handheld games, however, also utilize light emitting diode
`or “LED” display screens.
`The basic game play rules which are used by the micro-
`processor in playing the game, controlling the displayed
`images, and responding to user inputs during game play are
`typically stored in the microprocessor memory. Handheld
`electronic games are often configured for play by a single
`user in which the player is, in essence, playing against the
`microprocessor within the device. Alternatively, competitive
`handheld electronic games have been provided which allow
`two or more players to compete in game play.
`In most modern handheld electronic games, interest and
`amusement
`is increased by the provision of a dramatic
`climax at the end of game play indicating either a win or a
`loss. Such dramatic sequences usually involve the output of
`dramatic sounds and appropriate images on the display.
`With the customary high degree of competition existing
`between toy manufacturers and toy developers, a continuing
`effort has been expended to further improve the play value
`and amusement of handheld electronic games.
`Notsurprisingly,
`these efforts have included attempts to
`expand the play objects and utilities of handheld electronic
`games. For example, U.S. Pat. Des. No. 336,665 issued to
`Tugendhaft sets forth a COMBINED TOY PLANE AND
`VIDEO GAME having a housing generally configured to
`represent a fanciful airplane. The housing includes a support
`base upon which the airplane fuselage is pivotally sup-
`ported. The airplane fuselage is pivoted upwardly to expose
`a display device on the base of the housing and to facilitate
`game play. With the fuselage closed upon the housing, a toy
`airplane for conventional play is provided.
`U.S. Pat. Des. No. 397,729 issued to Schulz, et al. sets
`forth a HAND HELD ELECTRONIC FISHING GAME
`
`2
`having a housing shaped to generally replicate a fish. The
`housing supports a display element and a plurality of input
`devices. The housing further supports a rotatable winding
`handle of the type typical of conventional fishing reels.
`U.S. Pat. Des. No. 399,268 issued to Liu sets forth a
`VIDEO GAME having a housing resembling a fish upon
`which a display device is supported. A plurality of input
`buttons are supported on the housing about
`the image
`device.
`
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,798 issued to Stambolic, et al. sets
`forth HAND-HELD ELECTRONIC GAME DEVICES
`
`employing push-buttons and other controls to manipulate
`game play and action on an electronic display. The device is
`housed in a cylindrical housing having a facet which sup-
`ports a display device.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,214 issued to Griffin sets forth a
`DEVICE FOR ENHANCING THE APPEAL OF AVIDEO
`
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`15
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`20
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`TERMINAL having the head and feet of a fanciful animal
`character supported above the monitor and keyboard of a
`conventional video terminal.
`
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,483 issued to Collins, et al. sets forth
`INTERACTIVE PLAY WITH A COMPUTER having a
`remote station operable by a child user linked to a computer
`by a radio transmitter and receiver. The game play com-
`mands are transmitted to and from the remote unit by the
`radio frequency transmission link.
`Examples of board games utilizing a surfing or aquatic
`play pattern are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,566 issued
`to Scuderi and U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,711 issued to Dresser.
`U.S. Pat. No. 4,568,307 issued to Gabler, et al. sets forth
`a PUSH TOY VEHICLE WITH OPERABLE MOUTH
`
`having a small push toy generally resembling a toy vehicle
`which supports a pivotally secured mouth at the forward end
`of the toy vehicle. The mouth is provided with upper and
`lower jaws and is actuated between open and closed posi-
`tions by a mechanism within the toy.
`While the foregoing described prior art devices have to
`some extent improved the art and have in some instances
`enjoyed commercial success, there remains nonetheless a
`continuing need in the art for evermore improved, interest-
`ing and amusing handheld electronic game apparatus.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention
`to provide an improved handheld electronic game apparatus.
`It is a more particular object of the present invention to
`provide an improved handheld electronic game apparatus
`which includes a novel and dramatic attacking feature for
`game play climax.
`In accordance with the present invention, there is pro-
`vided game play apparatus comprising: a housing defining
`an interior cavity and an upper portion; a closure member
`pivotably supported by the upper portion, the closure mem-
`ber pivotable between an open position and a closed posi-
`tion; a joystick game play switch mechanism supported by
`the housing and having an upwardly extending joystick post
`supporting a finger-touch game play element; drive means
`within the interior cavity coupled to the closure member
`constructed to pivotally oscillate the closure member at the
`open position and to rapidly move the closure member from
`the open position to the closed position in close proximity to
`the finger-touch game play element; and a game play con-
`troller responsive to the joystick game play mechanism to
`cause the drive means to pivotally oscillate the closure
`member and thereafter move the closure member to the
`
`closed position.
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`3
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The features of the present invention, which are believed
`to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended
`claims. The invention,
`together with further objects and
`advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to
`the following description taken in conjunction with the
`accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like
`reference numerals identify like elements and in which:
`FIG. 1 sets forth a perspective view of a handheld
`electronic game apparatus constructed in accordance with
`the present invention;
`FIG. 2 sets forth a partially sectioned side elevation view
`of the present invention handheld electronic game apparatus;
`and
`
`FIG. 3 sets forth a partial section view of the operative
`mechanism of the present
`invention handheld electronic
`game apparatus taken along section lines 3—3 in FIG. 2.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`
`FIG. 1 sets forth a perspective view of a game apparatus
`constructed in accordance with the present invention and
`generally referenced by numeral 10. Game apparatus 10
`includes a housing 11 preferably formed of a molded plastic
`material or the like. Housing 11 includes a simulated lower
`jaw 12 and mouth interior 13 together with a plurality of
`simulated lower teeth 14. Housing 11 further supports a
`plurality of user input game controls including a button 43
`and a pair of side buttons 44 and 45. Game apparatus 10
`further includes a head 22 which is shaped to generally
`resemble a fierce version of a shark head or the like. Head
`
`22 is pivotally supported upon housing 11 by a pivot 23 in
`the manner shown in FIG. 2. Head 22 further defines an
`
`upper jaw 20 having a plurality of upper teeth 21 extending
`downwardly therefrom. A display 30, which may for
`example comprise a liquid crystal display combination, is
`supported within mouth interior 13 and is used to form game
`play images such as image 31.
`In further accordance with the present invention, housing
`11 supports a joystick post 40 having an upper end which
`supports a miniature toy surfboard 42. By means set forth
`below in greater detail, joystick post 40 and toy surfboard 22
`are movable in four directions as indicated by arrows 41.
`In operation,
`the user initiates game play by pressing
`button 43 and makes game play selections using buttons 44
`and 45. Thereafter, the user places a finger as shown in
`phantom depiction upon toy surfboard 42 and “surfs” by
`manipulating toy surfboard 42. In the preferred fabrication
`of the present invention, image 31 upon display 30 responds
`to the various control inputs provided by the operation of
`joystick post 40 and toy surfboard 42. The operation of the
`game play apparatus within housing 11 may be fabricated in
`accordance with conventional fabrication techniques to pro-
`vide a set of game play rules which incorporates the joystick
`input provided by joystick post 40 described below.
`In accordance with an important aspect of the present
`invention, the mechanism set forth below in FIGS. 2 and 3
`operates during the game play interval to move head 22
`about pivot 23 in a small angle oscillation up and down as
`indicated by arrows 46. This jaw movement of head 22
`provides an interesting and amusing ominous characteristic
`for the simulated shark provided by head 22, upper jaw 20
`and lower jaw 12. As the user continues game play,
`the
`manipulation of toy surfboard 42 continues. At some point,
`the game play apparatus within housing 11 (shown in FIG.
`
`4
`
`2) reaches a climax point in which the game play is to end.
`In accordance with the present
`invention,
`the operative
`mechanism within game apparatus 10 participates in a losing
`climax under the game rules by rapidly closing upper jaw 20
`and head 22 downwardly upon the user’s finger and toy
`surfboard 42 in a full downward movement as indicated by
`arrow 47.
`
`In the theme used in the embodiment of the present
`invention game apparatus shown in FIG. 1, it is anticipated
`and preferred that the game play image upon display 30 as
`well as the physical appearance of head 22 and upper jaw 20
`together with lower jaw 12 are coordinated to accommodate
`the surfing and shark attack theme of the game apparatus
`shown in FIG. 1. However,
`it will be apparent to those
`skilled in the art that the present invention game apparatus
`may be suitably themed using other types of game play
`themes without departing from the spirit and scope of the
`present invention. Thus, different game play themes may be
`utilized in which toy surfboard 42 is replaced by an alternate
`pedestal for finger placement and in which lower jaw 12,
`head 22 and upper jaw 20 are given a different appearance
`to be consistent with an alternate theme. For example, head
`22 and upper jaw 20 together with lower jaw 12 may be
`given an appearance which represents a large hand or claw
`reaching forwardly and closing upon an alternative object
`replacing surfboard 42 such as jewel, coin, or even a cookie.
`A variety of alternative themes may be envisioned which
`utilize the basic elements of the present invention game
`apparatus to greatly increase the excitement of game play.
`FIG. 2 sets forth a partially sectioned side elevation view
`of game apparatus 10. As described above, game apparatus
`10 includes a housing 11 supporting a plurality of user input
`buttons such as buttons 43 and 45 and further supporting a
`joystick post 40. As is also described above, game apparatus
`10 includes a head 22 supporting an upper jaw 20 having a
`plurality of upper teeth 21 in a pivotal attachment to housing
`11. A lower jaw 12 includes a plurality of lower teeth 14. A
`mouth interior 13 is formed upon the upper surface of
`housing 11 and supports a display device 30. Joystick post
`40 supports a toy surfboard 42 which the user manipulates
`using a finger as shown in FIG. 2.
`Housing 11 defines an interior cavity 14 within which a
`plurality of conventional batteries 15 together with conven-
`tional connecting terminals and apparatus are supported. A
`controller circuit 50 includes a conventional printed circuit
`board 56 supported within interior cavity 14. While not
`shown in FIG. 2, it will be understood that batteries 15 are
`coupled to controller circuit 50 utilizing conventional con-
`necting wires. Also supported within interior cavity 15 is a
`speaker 54 operatively coupled to a sound circuit 57 sup-
`ported upon printed circuit board 56 using a plurality of
`connecting wires 55. A plurality of wires 53 operatively
`couple buttons 43, 44 and 45 (button 45 seen in FIG. 1) to
`printed circuit board 56.
`A conventional joystick plate 48 is operatively coupled to
`the lower end of joystick post 40. Joystick plate 48 operates
`a plurality of switches 60, 61, 62 and 63 preferably posi-
`tioned upon circuit board 56 in a front-to-back and side-to-
`side pair arrangement.
`In accordance with conventional
`fabrication techniques,
`joystick plate 48 is coupled to
`switches 60 through 63 such that movement side-to-side
`actuates either of switches 61 and 62 while movement
`front-to-back actuates either of switches 60 and 63. Thus, the
`combination of joystick 40, joystick plate 48 and switches
`60 through 63 will be understood to be fabricated in accor-
`dance with conventional fabrication techniques.
`A drive housing 70 defining an interior cavity 71 is
`supported within interior cavity 14 of housing 11. A bidi-
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`US 6,364,771 B1
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`5
`rectional motor 72 is operatively coupled to controller
`circuit 50 by a plurality of wires 65. An eccentric cam 74 is
`rotatably supported by a shaft 73 within drive housing 70.
`Housing 70 defines a slot 75 at the upper end thereof. Apivot
`shaft 76 extends through the upper portion of housing 11 and
`provides the pivot mechanism shown as pivot 23 in FIG. 1.
`Pivot shaft 76 receives a spring 77 having an end 78 fixedly
`secured to the upper side of drive housing 70. Spring 77
`further includes an elongated end 79 which extends through
`slot 75 and rests upon the outer surface of cam 74. The
`elongation of spring end 79 allows end 79 to function as a
`cam follower.
`
`By means set forth below in conjunction with FIG. 3,
`motor 72 is operatively coupled to cam 74 to provide
`rotation thereof during game play activities. The rotation of
`cam 74 about shaft 73 causes end 79 of spring 77 to move
`correspondingly in an oscillatory movement. This oscilla-
`tory movement of end 79 causes the above-described oscil-
`latory movement of head 22 in the directions indicated by
`arrows 46.
`
`During game play, a microprocessor 52 supported in
`combination with other circuit elements such as circuit
`
`element 51 cooperates with an internal stored instruction set
`to allow microprocessor 52 to initiate and maintain game
`play activities. Correspondingly, microprocessor 52 controls
`the operation of sound circuit 57 which operates to provide
`audible sounds heard through speaker 54. As the user plays
`manipulating toy surfboard 42, joystick post 40 is moved
`which in turn moves joystick plate 48 actuating various
`combinations of switches 60 through 63.
`By means set forth below in greater detail and better seen
`in FIG. 3, motor 72 continues to drive cam 74 in its
`oscillation of head 22 as game play continues. By means
`also set forth below in greater detail, a losing event at some
`point may occur during the game play in accordance with the
`game play rules utilized by microprocessor 52. Under such
`condition, controller circuit 50 reverses the direction of
`operation of motor 72. By means set forth below in FIG. 3,
`the reversal of motor 72 causes the oscillatory movement of
`head 22 to cease and causes upper jaw 20 and head 22 to
`rapidly pivot downwardly in the direction indicated by
`arrow 47 to impact the user’s finger upon toy surfboard 42.
`In accordance with safety constraints and safe operation of
`the present invention game apparatus, the extent of down-
`ward travel permitted by the mechanism operative upon
`head 22 limits the downward fall to a point which avoids
`injuring the user’s finger.
`FIG. 3 sets forth a section view of drive housing 70 and
`the drive mechanism therein taken along section lines 3—3
`in FIG. 2. As described above, drive housing 70 includes an
`interior cavity 71 and a slot 75. A bidirectional motor 72 is
`supported within interior cavity 71 and is coupled to con-
`troller circuit 50 by a plurality of wires 65. A shaft 81 is
`rotatably supported within interior cavity 71 and supports a
`pulley 91 together with a plurality of gears 93, 95 and 97. A
`shaft 73 is also supported within interior cavity 71 and
`supports a plurality of gears 94, 96 and 98. Shaft 73 further
`supports a spring 100 and a cam 74. Cam 74 further includes
`a chamfered surface 80 and a cylindrical surface 82.
`Gear 98 supports a plurality of teeth such as tooth 110 and
`tooth 105. An additional plurality of teeth are formed on gear
`98 but omitted from FIG. 3 to avoid unduly cluttering the
`figure. The important aspect of the teeth supported upon gear
`98 is their shape. Tooth 110 is illustrative of this shape and
`includes a curved surface 111 and an angled straight edge
`surface 112. It will be understood that tooth 105 is similarly
`shaped as are the remaining teeth supported upon gear 98.
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`Correspondingly, cam 74 supports an identical set of
`extending teeth which are shaped in the same manner as
`tooth 110 supported upon gear 98. Thus, by way of
`illustration, cam 74 is shown supporting a tooth 101 and a
`tooth 102. Teeth 101 and 102 are illustrative of the plurality
`of teeth extending from cam 74. Once again, however, it will
`be understood that additional teeth are supported upon cam
`74 which are omitted from FIG. 3 to avoid unduly cluttering
`the drawing. The essential feature of the teeth extending
`from cam 74 is the shape thereof. By way of illustration,
`tooth 102 includes a curved surface 103 and an angled flat
`surface 104. Thus, the pluralities of teeth supported upon
`gear 98 and cam 74 extend sufficient distances to contact
`each other as gear 98 is rotated.
`Cam 74 is slidably movable upon shaft 73 and is biased
`toward the position shown in FIG. 3 by the force of spring
`100.
`
`the rotation of motor 72 in its forward
`In operation,
`direction rotates pulley 90 and pulley 91 accordingly
`through the action of belt 92. The engagement of gears 93
`through 98 convert the rotation of pulley 91 to a correspond-
`ing rotation of gear 98. With motor 72 operating in its
`forward direction of rotation, gear 98 rotates in the direction
`indicated by arrow 116. The rotation of gear 98 in the
`direction indicated by arrow 116 brings the curved surfaces
`of the teeth upon gear 98 into contact with the curved
`surfaces of the teeth supported by cam 74. The contact of
`each curved surface within a contacting tooth pair couples
`rotational force between gear 98 and cam 74 causing cam 74
`to rotate. In addition, the convex curves of the interacting
`teeth provide a slight outward force against cam 74 assisting
`spring 100 in maintaining the position of cam 74 as shown
`in FIG. 3. This position maintains the alignment of spring
`end 79 upon the outer edge of cam 74 and allows the
`above-described oscillatory motion to be imparted to pivot
`shaft 76 which is secured to spring 77.
`Conversely,
`the operation of motor 72 in its reverse
`direction produces a corresponding reverse direction of
`rotation of gear 98. This reverse direction of rotation is
`indicated by arrow 115. Of importance with respect to the
`present invention is the change in the sides of interacting
`teeth between gear 98 and cam 74 which results from this
`reversal of direction. More specifically, the reverse direction
`rotation of gear 98 brings the angled flat surfaces of each
`tooth into contact with the angled fiat surfaces of the teeth
`supported by cam 74. The relative angles of interacting
`edges of the teeth supported by gear 98 and cam 74 imparts
`rotation of cam 74 in the direction indicated by arrow 115.
`However and more importantly, the angled surfaces of the
`interacting teeth produce an additional force which draws
`cam 74 toward gear 98 overcoming the force of spring 100.
`This inward movement of cam 74 disturbs the alignment of
`end 79 upon the outer edge of cam 74 and causes it to slip
`to chamfered surface 80. The angle of chamfered surface 80
`allows end 79 of spring 77 to immediately slip to cylindrical
`surface 82. Because cylindrical surface 82 is substantially
`smaller in diameter than the outer edge of cam 74, this
`movement of end 79 results in the above-described rapid
`mouth closure for game play apparatus 10. In accordance
`with safety concerns, the diameter of cylindrical surface 82
`is selected to limit the extent of mouth closure to avoid any
`injury to the user’s finger in the game play shown in FIG. 2.
`Once the game play is complete and the mouth closure
`action has been completed, the user may restore the game to
`its open mouth configuration by terminating game play and
`once the operation of motor 72 ceases simply pivoting head
`22 (seen in FIG. 2) to its upward position. With the termi-
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`US 6,364,771 B1
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`7
`nation of operation of motor 72, spring 100 returns cam 74
`to its normal position and end 79 again rests upon the outer
`edge of cam 74. At this point, the present invention game
`play apparatus is ready for another sequence of game play.
`What has been shown is a novel game play apparatus
`which is suitable for playing a variety of electronic games of
`the type utilizing microprocessor control and conventional
`image display such as liquid crystal displays. The novel
`game apparatus utilizes a joystick providing game play
`inputs to the game controller and microprocessor together
`with a motor driven mouth moving apparatus supported
`upon the upper end of the housing. The apparatus provides
`for oscillatory motion of the upper jaw and the rapid closure
`thereof in a game play finale.
`While particular embodiments of the invention have been
`shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in
`the art that changes and modifications may be made without
`departing from the invention in its broader aspects.
`Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all
`such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit
`and scope of the invention.
`That which is claimed is:
`
`1. A game play apparatus comprising:
`a housing defining an interior cavity and an upper portion;
`a closure member pivotably supported by said upper
`portion, said closure member pivotable between an
`open position and a closed position;
`a joystick game play switch mechanism supported by said
`housing and having an upwardly extending joystick
`post supporting a finger-touch game play element;
`drive means within said interior cavity coupled to said
`closure member constructed to pivotally oscillate said
`closure member at said open position and to rapidly
`move said closure member from said open position to
`said closed position in close proximity to said finger-
`touch game play element; and
`a game play controller responsive to said joystick game
`play mechanism to cause said drive means to pivotally
`oscillate said closure member and thereafter move said
`
`closure member to said closed position.
`2. The game play apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein
`said housing includes a lower jaw having a plurality of lower
`teeth and wherein said closure member includes a head
`
`having an upper jaw having a plurality of upper teeth.
`3. The game play apparatus set forth in claim 2 wherein
`said lower jaw includes a mouth interior having an image
`display.
`
`8
`4. The game play apparatus set forth in claim 3 wherein
`said head, said upperjaw and said lower jaw are constructed
`to resemble a shark.
`
`5
`
`5. The game play apparatus set forth in claim 4 wherein
`said finger-touch game play element
`is a miniature toy
`surfboard.
`
`6. The game play apparatus set forth in claim 5 wherein
`said drive means include:
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`a reversible motor;
`a cam;
`
`drive means coupling said motor to said cam;
`a cam follower coupling said cam to said closure member;
`and
`
`means for displacing said cam follower from said cam to
`cause said closure member to move to said closed
`
`position, said means for displacing being operative in
`response to a reversal of said motor.
`7. The game play apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein
`said drive means include:
`
`a reversible motor;
`a cam;
`
`drive means coupling said motor to said cam;
`a cam follower coupling said cam to said closure member;
`and
`
`means for displacing said cam follower from said cam to
`cause said closure member to move to said closed
`
`position, said means for displacing being operative in
`response to a reversal of said motor.
`8. A game play apparatus for use in combination with a
`game play controller, said apparatus comprising:
`a housing having a lower jaw, a mouth portion and a
`plurality of lower teeth;
`a head pivotably secured to said housing and having an
`upper jaw and a plurality of upper teeth;
`a joystick, supported by said housing, having an upwardly
`extending joystick post supporting a finger-touch game
`play element thereon;
`drive means within said housing for oscillating said head
`at an open position and rapidly closing said upper jaw
`upon said finger-touch game play element in response
`to said game play controller.
`9. The game play apparatus set forth in claim 8 wherein
`said finger-touch game play element includes a miniature
`surfboard.
`
`PETITIONER VALVE CORPORATION, EX. 1006 p. 007
`
`PETITIONER VALVE CORPORATION, EX. 1006 p. 007