Sound actuated competitive game apparatus

Abstract

A skill type game having a playing area and two goal areas at opposite ends of the playing area includes a sound actuated flipper at each goal area for selectively blocking and propelling a playing object. The game players control the operation of each of the flippers by shouting or emitting other sounds in an attempt to project the playing object into the other players goal area and prevent the playing object from entering his own goal area. The sound actuated flipper arrangement includes control circuitry to provide an automatic lock-out feature to prevent sustained sounds from continually and/or continuously activating the flippers. The control circuitry of the sound actuated flipper arrangement provides a first predetermined time interval during which the flipper is operated and a second predetermined time interval within which operation of the flippers is inhibited. The playing area is defined by two relatively open areas each inclined upwardly from one of the goal areas to a center line. Each of the goal areas defines a first central opening for entrance of the playing object; the associated flipper defending the first goal opening when activated to prevent the entrance of the playing object into the associated goal area. Each of the goal areas also includes a second opening adjacent the first goal opening and a narrowed approach lane defined on the playing area. Accurate operation of the flippers propels a playing object directly into the second goal opening of the opposing goal area independent of the operation of the associated flipper.