Game board structure for construction toy set

Abstract

A game board structure for a construction toy set. A basic game board is formed of three generally rectangular panel assemblies of hollow construction. The panels have interengaging projections and recesses for mechanically locking the panels together to form a flat playing surface for various rolling ball games, such as pinball and speedball. Joining of the panels automatically connects the panels together electrically for scoring and control functions throughout the board. The assembled game board accommodates mounting of a score-indicating panel in different locations, for different playing modes, such as pinball, typically played by one person, and head-to-head games, such as speedball, played by two persons. The assembled game board panels interface with rod and connector elements of the K'NEX construction toy system, enabling a variety of structural features to be incorporated into the game board assembly, including support structure, peripheral fencing, player-controlled flippers, ball handling and projection mechanisms, etc. A complete game kit, consisting of the individual panel assemblies and a wide variety of K'NEX components is provided as a complete kit, to enable a variety of games and playing modes to be derived and assembled by the user. A suitable graphics panel can be applied to the game board surface, which also provides a more uniform playing surface for a rolling ball.