EP0469028A1 - Dice - Google Patents
DiceInfo
- Publication number
- EP0469028A1 EP0469028A1 EP19900906324 EP90906324A EP0469028A1 EP 0469028 A1 EP0469028 A1 EP 0469028A1 EP 19900906324 EP19900906324 EP 19900906324 EP 90906324 A EP90906324 A EP 90906324A EP 0469028 A1 EP0469028 A1 EP 0469028A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- faces
- die
- axis
- bearing
- axes
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/04—Dice; Dice-boxes; Mechanical dice-throwing devices
- A63F9/0415—Details of dice, e.g. non-cuboid dice
Definitions
- the invention relates to dice.
- die relates to any object having a number of faces some or all of which carry indicia and which may be cast or thrown to select at random between ones of those indicia.
- Dice have been known for many years to comprise a regular cuboid shape are made from a material of constant density and each of the six faces of which carries one of a number (between one and six) spots.
- the regular shape of such dice means that they are unbiased and one or other of the six faces will be uppermost when the die comes to rest after having been thrown or cast by a user, the particular face being selected at random by the fall of the die.
- Dice having four faces have been proposed (each face being an equilateral triangle) and made and these have proved to be, when made properly, effective at selecting a number at random - they are unbiased.
- Objects of the invention include the provision of dice having more than six faces and which are substantially unbiased.
- the invention provides a die having more than six faces arranged in opposed pairs on opposite sides of the die, the faces of each pair of opposed faces being substantially identical and with their centres substantially lying on an axis passing substantially through the centre of .the die and wherein the faces are formed as flats on a generally spherical body.
- a second aspect of the invention provides a die having more than six faces arranged in opposed pairs on opposite sides of the die, the faces of each pair of opposed faces being substantially identical and with their centres substantially lying on an axis passing substantially through the centre of the die and wherein the said axes are substantially symmetrically spaced one from the other in passing substantially through the centre of the die.
- a third aspect of the invention provides a die having more than six faces arranged in opposed pairs on opposite sides of the die, the faces of each pair of opposed faces being substantially identical and with their centres substantially lying on an axis passing substantially through the centre of the die and wherein the angular spacing of the various axes one from the other in passing substantially through the centre of the die in both bearing and elevation is maximised.
- the faces of a die in accordance with any of the above noted aspects and features may all be substantially similar and non-contiguous, preferably, all the faces are substantially identical and are circular in plan.
- One die according to this embodiment has fourteen substantially identical circular faces arranged in seven substantially diametrically opposed pairs, the centres of the opposed pairs of faces substantially lying on substantially equilength axes which are substantially symmetrically spaced one from the other in passing substantially through the centre of the die and which have bearing and elevation relative to a reference axis in substance as follows:- AXIS B BEEAARRIINNGG ((°°)) ELEVATION (°) 1 * * 90.00 2 0 0.. ,0000 0.00
- Another die in accordance with this embodiment has twentysix substantially identical circular faces arranged in thirteen substantially diametrically opposed pairs, the centres of the opposed pairs of faces substantially lying on substantially equilength axes which are substantially symmetrically spaced one from the other in passing substantially through the centre of the die and which have bearing and elevation relative to a reference axis in substance as follows:-
- a third die in accordance with this embodiment of the invention has twentysix substantially identical circular faces arranged in thirteen diametrically opposed pairs, the centres of the opposed pairs of faces substantially lying on substantially -equilength axes the angular spacing of which one from the other in passing substantially through the centre of the die in both bearing and elevation is maximised and which have .bearing and elevation relative to one another in substance as follows:-
- Another die embodying the invention has faces which are contiguous and the shape of each face of the die in plan is selected from one of a number of differing substantially regular shapes and the die is so configured that no two adjacent faces have the same substantially regular shape.
- a fourth aspect of the invention provides a die having more than six faces arranged in opposed pairs on opposite sides of the die, the faces of each pair of oppose faces being substantially identical and with their centre substantially lying on an axis passing substantially throug the centre of the die and wherein the faces are contiguou and the shape of each face of the die in plan is selecte from one of a number of differing substantially regula shapes and the die is so configured that no two adjacen faces have the same substantially regular shape.
- a die embodying this aspect of the invention ha six substantially identical square faces eight substantiall identical equisided triangular faces arranged in pairs o four axes, and twelve substantially identical rectangula faces arranged in pairs on six axes, arranged such that n faces of the same substantially regular shape are adjacen one to another.
- the axes of this die may have bearing and elevatio of each axis and the shape of the faces associated therewit is substantially as follows:-
- Dice embodying the invention may be formed b moulding a plastics material, or by machining the faces fro a sphere of moulded plastics or other material.
- the faces of dice embodying the invention ar preferably provided with indicia in the form of letter symbols, or numerals whilst being moulded or by cutting etching, or engraving after the faces have been forme thereon.
- Figure 1 diagra atically illustrates the thre cartesian coordinates, X, Y and Z and the angular bearing an elevation conventions used in this specification,
- Figure 2 shows at A a fourteen faced die embodyin the "invention, and at B diagramatically illustrates th arrangement of the axes joining opposed pairs of faces o this die (viewed looking along the Z axis referred to i Figure 1) ,
- Figure 3 shows in a manner similar to Figure 2 at a first twentysix faced die embodying the invention, and at the arrangement of the axes joining opposed pairs of faces o this die
- Figure 4 shows in a manner similar to Figure 2 at a second twentysix faced die embodying the invention, and a B the arrangement of the axes joining opposed pairs of face of this die
- Figure 5 shows in a manner similar to Figure 2 at a second twentysix faced die embodying the invention, and a
- Figure 1 illustrates the three axes mutuall orthogonal X, Y, and Z extending in positive and negativ directions from an origin 10 and from which the position o 5 any point may be defined by using the cartesian coordinate of the point - the distances of the point from the origi along the X, Y and Z axes.
- the Figure also shows the convention used fo defining the bearing (B) and elevation (E) angles used i
- the position of any point may be defined by usin the elevation (E) and bearing (B) and of the point fro reference axes and the distance of that point from th origin.
- Figure 2 shows at A plan view of a fourteen face
- Each face is substantially identical in size, the all lie at substantially the same distance G from the centr of the die and each is disposed in a plane substantiall normal to the axis on which it lies.
- the dice may be made by moulding any suitable plastics material (e.g. perspex) in a mould of the desired shape or in a mould producing a sphere and thereafter cutting or grinding the sphere to produce the faces.
- suitable plastics material e.g. perspex
- Figure 3 shows at A plan view of a first twentysix faced die embodying the invention, and at B a diagrammatic view (looking along the Z axis in Figure 1 toward the X-Y plane) illustrating the relative positions of the thirteen axes Al, A2, A3, A13 joining the thirteen opposed pairs of faces making up the twentysix faces of the die.
- the axes are substantially symetrically arranged in space in passing through the origin.
- the faces are substantially identical in size, they all lie at substantially the same distance H from the centre of the die and each is disposed in a plane substantially normal to the axis on which it lies.
- the centre points of opposed pairs of faces substantially lie on the axis joining them.
- the surface of this die between the faces is rounded - that is to say the faces are formed as flats on a sphere.
- this die may be made by moulding a plastics material in either a pre-for ed mould of the desired shape or in a mould producing a sphere and thereafter cutting or grinding the sphere to produce the faces.
- Figure 4 shows at A plan view of a second twentysix faced die embodying the invention, and at B a diagrammatic view (looking along the Z axis in Figure 1 toward the X-Y plane) illustrating the relative positions of the thirteen axes Al, A2, A3, A13 joining the thirteen opposed pairs of faces making up the twentysix faces of the die.
- the axes are arranged in space in passing through the origin to provide substantially for their maximum separation.
- the faces are substantially, identical in size, they all lie at substantially the same distance I from the centre of the die and each is disposed in a plane substantially normal to the axis on which it lies.
- the centre points of opposed pairs of faces substantially lie on the axis joining them.
- this die As with the dice of Figures 2 and 3, the surface of this die between the faces is rounded - that is to say the faces are formed as flats on a sphere.
- this die may be made by moulding a plastics material in either a pre ⁇ formed mould of the desired shape or in a mould producing a sphere and thereafter cutting or grinding the sphere to produce the faces.
- Figure 5A is a plan view of a die having twenty ⁇ six faces, the shape of each face of the die being either substantially a square (such as shown at 20), substantially an equilateral triangle (such as shown at 22), or substantially a rectangle (such as shown at 24).
- Figure 5B is a diagrammatic view (looking along the Z axis in Figure 1 toward the X-Y plane) illustrating the relative positions of the thirteen axes Al, A2, A3, A13 joining the thirteen opposed pairs of faces making up the twentysix faces of the die.
- each of the twentysix faces are indicated at Fl, F2, F3, F4, F25, F26.
- the centre point of each square and triangular face lies at substantially the same distance J from the centre of the die, whilst the centre points of the rectangular faces lie substantially at a distance 0.986J from that centre point.
- Each face is disposed substantially in a plane normal to the axis on which it lies.
- the faces of the die formed as flats in a generally spherical body and as a result the corners where three faces meet are rounded or bevelled.
- the nominal dimensions of the sides Of the faces in this embodiment may have in substance the following relationship:- squares 152x152, triangles 192x192x192 rectangles 164x130. Clearly these nominal dimensions may b varied (and will probably vary in manufacture ) relative t one another without in substance adversely affecting th unbiased characteristics of the die.
- This die may be made b moulding a plastics material in either a pre-formed mould o the desired shape or in a mould producing a regular cuboi and thereafter cutting or grinding the corners of the cuboi to produce the faces.
- each square face is bounded by four rectangular faces
- each triangular face is bounded by three rectangular face and each rectangular face is bounded by two square faces (o its shorter sides) and two triangular faces (on its longe sides) .
- the faces of dice made in accordance with th above described arrangements may be marked with any desire indicia whilst being moulded or by cutting, etching engraving or in any other suitable way after it has bee formed.
- the fourteen faced die may be marked t display a complete suit of cards (including a joker) if th die is to be used (perhaps with others marked with othe cards) in a "card” type game.
- two twentysix face dice may be marked with different values and suits of card to provide a complete "deck" of cards (excluding the jokers)
- the twentysix faced dice may simply be marke with . the numbers 1 to 26 or with the letters of the alphabet to etiable a user to select at random one of the twentysix letters or numbers thereon.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
- Mechanical Treatment Of Semiconductor (AREA)
- Polarising Elements (AREA)
- Liquid Crystal (AREA)
Abstract
L'invention concerne des dés qui ont plus de six faces disposées en paires opposées. Les faces de chaque paire opposée étant effectivement identiques et ayant leurs centres sur un axe passant effectivement par le centre du dé, les faces étant composées de zones plates sur un corps généralement sphérique. En passant effectivement par le centre du dé, les axes peuvent être effectivement espacés symétriquement l'une à l'autre ou être disposés afin que leur espacement angulaire en relèvement et en élévation soit maximisé. Il pourrait être prévu que toutes les faces soient semblables et non-contiguës, préférablement que toutes les faces soient effectivement identiques et de forme circulaire. Sont proposés des dés ayant quatorze et vingt-six faces circulaires disposées en sept et treize paires opposées, dont les axes reliant les faces opposées seraient effectivement espacées symétriquement l'une à l'autre. Est proposé un dé ayant vingt-six faces circulaires disposées en treize paires opposées afin que l'espacement angulaire en relèvement et en élévation des axes soit maximisé. Sont proposés des dés dont les faces sont contiguës et ou la forme de chacune est sélectionnée parmi une quantité de formes effectivement régulières et différentes et configurées de façon qu'il n'y ait pas deux faces adjacentes ayant la même forme effectivement régulière. Une configuration dudit dé comporte six faces carrées effectivement identiques, huit faces triangulaires équilatérales effectivement identiques, et douze faces rectangulaires effectivement identiques. Des dés mettant en application l'invention peuvent être formés en moulant une matière plastique, ou en façonnant les faces à partir d'une sphère de matière plastique ou autre; et les faces peuvent être marquées de signes à souhait - de symboles, de lettres, de chiffres ou autres en les entaillant ou en les gravant.The invention relates to dice which have more than six faces arranged in opposite pairs. The faces of each opposite pair being effectively identical and having their centers on an axis effectively passing through the center of the die, the faces being composed of flat areas on a generally spherical body. By actually passing through the center of the die, the axes can be effectively symmetrically spaced from one another or be arranged so that their angular spacing in raising and raising is maximized. It could be provided that all the faces are similar and non-contiguous, preferably that all the faces are actually identical and of circular shape. Dice are proposed having fourteen and twenty-six circular faces arranged in seven and thirteen opposite pairs, the axes of which connecting the opposite faces are effectively spaced symmetrically to one another. A die is proposed having twenty-six circular faces arranged in thirteen opposite pairs so that the angular spacing in raising and raising of the axes is maximized. Dices are proposed, the faces of which are contiguous and where the shape of each is selected from a quantity of effectively regular and different shapes and configured so that there are no two adjacent faces having the same effectively regular shape. A configuration of said die comprises six effectively identical square faces, eight effectively identical equilateral triangular faces, and twelve effectively identical rectangular faces. Dice implementing the invention can be formed by molding a plastic material, or by shaping the faces from a plastic or other sphere; and the faces can be marked with signs at will - symbols, letters, numbers or the like by cutting or engraving them.
Description
DICE
DESCRIPTION
The invention relates to dice.
In this specification the term die relates to any object having a number of faces some or all of which carry indicia and which may be cast or thrown to select at random between ones of those indicia. BACKGROUND ART
Dice have been known for many years to comprise a regular cuboid shape are made from a material of constant density and each of the six faces of which carries one of a number (between one and six) spots. The regular shape of such dice means that they are unbiased and one or other of the six faces will be uppermost when the die comes to rest after having been thrown or cast by a user, the particular face being selected at random by the fall of the die.
Dice having four faces have been proposed (each face being an equilateral triangle) and made and these have proved to be, when made properly, effective at selecting a number at random - they are unbiased.
Although attempts have been made to produce dice with more than six faces which are unbiased, these attempts to our knowledge have not until now been successful.
Objects of the invention include the provision of
dice having more than six faces and which are substantially unbiased.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect the invention provides a die having more than six faces arranged in opposed pairs on opposite sides of the die, the faces of each pair of opposed faces being substantially identical and with their centres substantially lying on an axis passing substantially through the centre of .the die and wherein the faces are formed as flats on a generally spherical body.
In passing substantially through the centre of the die the axes may be substantially symmetrically spaced one from the other or alternatively their angular spacing in both bearing and elevation may maximised. A second aspect of the invention provides a die having more than six faces arranged in opposed pairs on opposite sides of the die, the faces of each pair of opposed faces being substantially identical and with their centres substantially lying on an axis passing substantially through the centre of the die and wherein the said axes are substantially symmetrically spaced one from the other in passing substantially through the centre of the die.
A third aspect of the invention provides a die having more than six faces arranged in opposed pairs on opposite sides of the die, the faces of each pair of opposed faces being substantially identical and with their centres substantially lying on an axis passing substantially through the centre of the die and wherein the angular spacing of the various axes one from the other in passing substantially through the centre of the die in both bearing and elevation is maximised.
The faces of a die in accordance with any of the above noted aspects and features may all be substantially similar and non-contiguous, preferably, all the faces are substantially identical and are circular in plan.
One die according to this embodiment has fourteen
substantially identical circular faces arranged in seven substantially diametrically opposed pairs, the centres of the opposed pairs of faces substantially lying on substantially equilength axes which are substantially symmetrically spaced one from the other in passing substantially through the centre of the die and which have bearing and elevation relative to a reference axis in substance as follows:- AXIS B BEEAARRIINNGG ((°°)) ELEVATION (°) 1 * * 90.00 2 0 0.. ,0000 0.00
3 9 900.. ,0000 0.00
4 4455.. . 0000 Sin-1(l/35)
5 113355.. , 0000 Sin"1(l/3I)
6 222255.. . 0000 Sin"1(l/3 ) 7 331155.. . 0000 Sin"1(l/3 )
(* the bearing of this axis may be assigned any value between 0° and 360°).
Another die in accordance with this embodiment has twentysix substantially identical circular faces arranged in thirteen substantially diametrically opposed pairs, the centres of the opposed pairs of faces substantially lying on substantially equilength axes which are substantially symmetrically spaced one from the other in passing substantially through the centre of the die and which have bearing and elevation relative to a reference axis in substance as follows:-
AXIS BEARING (°) ELEVATION (°)
1 * 90.00
2 0.00 0.00 3 90.00 0.00
4 45.00 Sin-1(l/3*)
5 35.00 Sin~1(l/3^)
6 25.00 Sin-1(l/3 )
7 15.00 Sin_1(l/3*) 8 0.00 45.00
9 90.00 45.00
10 180.00 45.00
11 170.00 45.00
12 145.00 0.00
13 135.00 0.00 A third die in accordance with this embodiment of the invention has twentysix substantially identical circular faces arranged in thirteen diametrically opposed pairs, the centres of the opposed pairs of faces substantially lying on substantially -equilength axes the angular spacing of which one from the other in passing substantially through the centre of the die in both bearing and elevation is maximised and which have .bearing and elevation relative to one another in substance as follows:-
AXIS BEARING ( °) ELEVATION (°)
1 * 90.00
2 0.00 51.04
3 90.00 51.04
4 180.00 51.04
5 270.00 51.04
6 45.00 30.49
7 135.00 30.49
8 225.00 30.49
9 315.00 30.48
10 19.48 0.00
11 70.52 0.00
12 109.48 0.00
13 160.52 0.00
(* the bearing of this axis may be assigned any
0° and 360°). Another die embodying the invention has faces which are contiguous and the shape of each face of the die in plan is selected from one of a number of differing substantially regular shapes and the die is so configured that no two adjacent faces have the same substantially regular shape. A fourth aspect of the invention provides a die having more than six faces arranged in opposed pairs on
opposite sides of the die, the faces of each pair of oppose faces being substantially identical and with their centre substantially lying on an axis passing substantially throug the centre of the die and wherein the faces are contiguou and the shape of each face of the die in plan is selecte from one of a number of differing substantially regula shapes and the die is so configured that no two adjacen faces have the same substantially regular shape.
A die embodying this aspect of the invention ha six substantially identical square faces eight substantiall identical equisided triangular faces arranged in pairs o four axes, and twelve substantially identical rectangula faces arranged in pairs on six axes, arranged such that n faces of the same substantially regular shape are adjacen one to another.
The axes of this die may have bearing and elevatio of each axis and the shape of the faces associated therewit is substantially as follows:-
AXIS BEARING (°: ) ELEVATION (°) FACES
Al * 90.00 1, 2 SQUARE
A2 0.00 0.00 3, 4 SQUARE
A3 90.00 0.00 5, 6 SQUARE
A4 45.00 0.00 7, 8 RECTANGLE
A5 135.00 0.00 9, 10 RECTANGLE
A6 0.00 45.00 I1' 12 RECTANGLE
A7 90.00 45.00 13, 14 RECTANGLE
A8 180.00 45.00 15, 16 TRIANGLE
A9 270.00 45.00 17, 18 TRIANGLE
A10 45.00 45.00 19, 20 TRIANGLE
All 135.00 45.00 21, 22 TRIANGLE
A12 225.00 45.00 23, 24 TRIANGLE
A13 315.00 45.00 25, 26 TRIANGLE
(* the bearing of this axis may be assigned any value betwee 0° and 360°). In one preferred arrangement of this die th nominal dimensions of the sides of the faces have i
substance the following relationship:- squares 152x152 triangles 192x192x192, rectangles 164x130; - the corner where three faces meet being rounded or bevelled.
Dice embodying the invention may be formed b moulding a plastics material, or by machining the faces fro a sphere of moulded plastics or other material.
The faces of dice embodying the invention ar preferably provided with indicia in the form of letter symbols, or numerals whilst being moulded or by cutting etching, or engraving after the faces have been forme thereon.
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
The above and other aspects, features an advantages of the invention will become apparent from th following description of various embodiments of the inventio now made with reference to the accompanying drawings, i whic :-
Figure 1 diagra atically illustrates the thre cartesian coordinates, X, Y and Z and the angular bearing an elevation conventions used in this specification,
Figure 2 shows at A a fourteen faced die embodyin the "invention, and at B diagramatically illustrates th arrangement of the axes joining opposed pairs of faces o this die (viewed looking along the Z axis referred to i Figure 1) ,
Figure 3 shows in a manner similar to Figure 2 at a first twentysix faced die embodying the invention, and at the arrangement of the axes joining opposed pairs of faces o this die, Figure 4 shows in a manner similar to Figure 2 at a second twentysix faced die embodying the invention, and a B the arrangement of the axes joining opposed pairs of face of this die,
Figure 5 shows in a manner similar to Figure 2 at a second twentysix faced die embodying the invention, and a
B the arrangement of the axes joining opposed pairs of face
-7-
of this die ,
Figure 1 illustrates the three axes mutuall orthogonal X, Y, and Z extending in positive and negativ directions from an origin 10 and from which the position o 5 any point may be defined by using the cartesian coordinate of the point - the distances of the point from the origi along the X, Y and Z axes.
The Figure also shows the convention used fo defining the the bearing (B) and elevation (E) angles used i
10 this specification. As can be seen the bearing angle (B) i measured from the X (positive) axis and increases in movin counterclockwise around the Z axis in the X-Y plane, and th elevation angle (E) is measured from the X (positive) axi and increases in moving clockwise around the Y axis in the X
15 Z plane. The position of any point may be defined by usin the elevation (E) and bearing (B) and of the point fro reference axes and the distance of that point from th origin.
Figure 2 shows at A plan view of a fourteen face
20 die embodying the invention, and at B is a diagrammatic vie (looking along the Z axis in Figure 1 toward the X-Y plane illustrating the relative positions of the seven axes Al, A2 A3, A4, A5, A6 and A7 joining the seven opposed pairs o faces making up the fourteen faces of the die. The axes ar
25 substantially symetrically arranged in space in passin through the origin.
In Figure 2B only one face in indicated (in dotte outline at 12), however, the centre points of each of th fourteen faces are indicated at Fl, F2, F3, F4, F13
30 F14.
Each face is substantially identical in size, the all lie at substantially the same distance G from the centr of the die and each is disposed in a plane substantiall normal to the axis on which it lies.
35 The centre points of opposed pairs of faces li substantially on the axis joining them.
The bearing and elevation of each axis is given in substance in Table 1A - which also indicates which Faces of the die lie on each axis.
TABLE 1A
AXIS BEARING (°) ELEVATION (°) FACES
Al * 90.00 1, 2
A2 0.00 0.00 3, 4
A3 90.00 0.00 5, 6
A4 45.00 Sin-1(l/32) 7, 8
A5 135.00 Sin"1(1/3 ) 9, 10
A6 225.00 Sin"1(l/3 ) 11, 12
A7 315.00 Sin"1(1/3 ) 13, 14
(* the bearing of this axis may be assigned any value between 0° and 360°).
The cartesian coordinates of the centre points of the faces of this die are substantially as shown in Table IB.
TABLE IB
FACE COORDINATES (X,Y,Z)
0 0 1
2 0 0 -1 3 1 0 0
4 -1 0 0
5 0 1 0
6 0 -1 0
1 1 1
7 1/32 1/32
1 1/32
1 1
8 -1/3 -1/32
1 -1/32
1 1
9 -1/32 1/32
1 1/32
1 1
10 1/32 -1/32
1 -1/32
1 1
11 -1/32 -1/32 1/32
1 1 1
12 1/32 1/32 -1/32
1 1 1
13 1/32 -1/32 1/32
1 1 1
14 -1/32 1/32 -1/32
The surface of the die between the faces is rounded - that is to say the faces are formed as flats on a sphere.
The dice may be made by moulding any suitable plastics material (e.g. perspex) in a mould of the desired shape or in a mould producing a sphere and thereafter cutting or grinding the sphere to produce the faces.
Figure 3 shows at A plan view of a first twentysix faced die embodying the invention, and at B a diagrammatic view (looking along the Z axis in Figure 1 toward the X-Y plane) illustrating the relative positions of the thirteen axes Al, A2, A3, A13 joining the thirteen opposed pairs of faces making up the twentysix faces of the die. The axes are substantially symetrically arranged in space in passing through the origin.
In Figure 3B only one face in indicated (in dotted outline at 16), however, the centre points of each of the twentysix faces are indicated at Fl, F2, F3, F4,
F25, F26. The faces are substantially identical in size, they all lie at substantially the same distance H from the centre of the die and each is disposed in a plane substantially normal to the axis on which it lies.
The centre points of opposed pairs of faces substantially lie on the axis joining them. As with the die of Figure 2, the surface of this die between the faces is rounded - that is to say the faces are formed as flats on a sphere. Again, this die may be made by moulding a plastics material in either a pre-for ed mould of the desired shape or in a mould producing a sphere and thereafter cutting or grinding the sphere to produce the faces.
The bearing and elevation of each axis is given in substance in Table 2A - which also indicates which Faces of the die lie on each axis.
TABLE 2A
AXIS BEARING {") ELEVATION (u) FACES
Al * 90.00 1, 2
A2 0.00 0.00 3, 4
A3 90.00 0.00 5, 6
A4 45.00 Sin"1 (1/3*) 7, 8
A5 135.00 Sin"1 (1/3*) 9, 10
A6 225.00 Sin_1ι (1/3*) 11, 12
A7 315.00 Sin"1' (1/3*) 13, 14
A8 0.00 45.00 15, 16
A9 90.00 45.00 17, 18
A10 180.00 45.00 19, 20
All 270.00 45.00 21, 22
A12 45.00 0.00 23, 24
A13 135.00 0.00 25, 26
(* the bearing of this axis may be assigned any value between 0° and 360°). The cartesian coordinates of the centre points of the faces of this die are substantially as shown in Table 2B. TABLE 2B
FACE COORDINATES (X,Y,Z)
1 0 0 1
2 0 0 -1
3 1 0 0
4 -1 0 0
5 0 1 0
6 0 -1 0
7 1/3* 1/3* 1/3
8 -1/3* -1/3* -1/3
9 -1/3* 1/3* 1 3'
10 1/3* -1/3* -1/3^
11 -1/3* -1/3* 1/3 -
12 1/3 1/32 -1/3-
TABLE 2B (cont'd)
Figure 4 shows at A plan view of a second twentysix faced die embodying the invention, and at B a diagrammatic view (looking along the Z axis in Figure 1 toward the X-Y plane) illustrating the relative positions of the thirteen axes Al, A2, A3, A13 joining the thirteen opposed pairs of faces making up the twentysix faces of the die. The axes are arranged in space in passing through the origin to provide substantially for their maximum separation.
In Figure 4B only one face in indicated (in dotted outline at 18), however, the centre points of each of the twentysix faces are indicated at Fl, F2, F25, F26.
The faces are substantially, identical in size, they all lie at substantially the same distance I from the centre of the die and each is disposed in a plane substantially normal to the axis on which it lies. The centre points of opposed pairs of faces substantially lie on the axis joining them.
As with the dice of Figures 2 and 3, the surface of this die between the faces is rounded - that is to say the faces are formed as flats on a sphere. Again, this die may
be made by moulding a plastics material in either a pre¬ formed mould of the desired shape or in a mould producing a sphere and thereafter cutting or grinding the sphere to produce the faces.
The bearing and elevation of each axis is given in in Table 3 - which also indicates which Faces of the die lie on each axis. TABLE 3
AXIS BEARING (°) ELEVATION (°) FACES
Al * 90.00 1, 2
A2 0.00 51.04 3, 4
A3 90.00 51.04 5, 6
A4 180.00 51.04 7, 8
A5 270.00 51.04 9, 10
A6 45.00 30.49 11, 12
A7 135.00 30.49 13, 14
A8 225.00 30.49 15, 16
A9 315.00 30.48 17, 18
A10 19.48 0.00 19, 20
All 70.52 0.00 21, 22
A12 109.48 0.00 23, 24
A13 160.52 0.00 25, 26
(* the bearing of this axis may be assigned any value between 0° and 360°).
Figure 5A is a plan view of a die having twenty¬ six faces, the shape of each face of the die being either substantially a square (such as shown at 20), substantially an equilateral triangle (such as shown at 22), or substantially a rectangle (such as shown at 24).
Figure 5B is a diagrammatic view (looking along the Z axis in Figure 1 toward the X-Y plane) illustrating the relative positions of the thirteen axes Al, A2, A3, A13 joining the thirteen opposed pairs of faces making up the twentysix faces of the die.
The centre points of each of the twentysix faces
are indicated at Fl, F2, F3, F4, F25, F26. The centre point of each square and triangular face lies at substantially the same distance J from the centre of the die, whilst the centre points of the rectangular faces lie substantially at a distance 0.986J from that centre point. Each face is disposed substantially in a plane normal to the axis on which it lies.
The bearing and elevation of each axis is given in substance in Table 4A - which also indicates which Faces of the die lie on each axis.
TABLE 4A
AXIS BEARING (° ) ELEVATION (°) FACES
Al * 90.00 1, 2 SQUARE
A2 0.00 0.00 3, 4 SQUARE
A3 90.00 0.00 5, 6 SQUARE
A4 45.00 0.00 7, 8 RECTANGLE
A5 135.00 0.00 9, 10 RECTANGLE
A6 0.00 45.00 11, 12 RECTANGLE
A7 90.00 45.00 13, 14 RECTANGLE
A8 180.00 45.00 15, 16 TRIANGLE
A9 270.00 45.00 17, 18 TRIANGLE
A10 45.00 45.00 19, 20 TRIANGLE
All 135.00 45.00 21, 22 TRIANGLE
A12 225.00 45.00 23, 24 TRIANGLE
A13 315.00 45.00 25, 26 TRIANGLE
(* the bearing of this axis may be assigned any value between 0° and 360°). The cartesian coordinates of the centre points of the faces of this die are substantially as shown in Table 4B.
TABLE 4B
FACE COORDINATES (X,Y,Z)
0 0 1
2 0 0 -1
3 1 0 0
4 -1 0 0
5 0 1 0
The faces of the die formed as flats in a generally spherical body and as a result the corners where three faces meet are rounded or bevelled. The nominal dimensions of the sides Of the faces in this embodiment (that is to say the dimensions the sides would have if they were not truncated by the rounding) may have in substance the following
relationship:- squares 152x152, triangles 192x192x192 rectangles 164x130. Clearly these nominal dimensions may b varied (and will probably vary in manufacture ) relative t one another without in substance adversely affecting th unbiased characteristics of the die.
The centre points of opposed pairs of faces li substantially on the axis joining them.
As with the dice already described the angle between the faces are rounded. This die may be made b moulding a plastics material in either a pre-formed mould o the desired shape or in a mould producing a regular cuboi and thereafter cutting or grinding the corners of the cuboi to produce the faces.
It will be seen that the faces are arranged suc that no faces of the same regular shape are adjacent one t another and that faces of the same regular shape are oppose to one another - substantially lie on the same axis passin through the die. With this disposition of the faces of thi die each square face is bounded by four rectangular faces each triangular face is bounded by three rectangular face and each rectangular face is bounded by two square faces (o its shorter sides) and two triangular faces (on its longe sides) .
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The faces of dice made in accordance with th above described arrangements may be marked with any desire indicia whilst being moulded or by cutting, etching engraving or in any other suitable way after it has bee formed. For example the fourteen faced die may be marked t display a complete suit of cards (including a joker) if th die is to be used (perhaps with others marked with othe cards) in a "card" type game. Similarly two twentysix face dice may be marked with different values and suits of card to provide a complete "deck" of cards (excluding the jokers) Alternatively the twentysix faced dice may simply be marke
with .the numbers 1 to 26 or with the letters of the alphabet to etiable a user to select at random one of the twentysix letters or numbers thereon.
Claims
1. A die having more than six faces arranged opposed pairs on opposite sides of the die, the faces of e pair of opposed faces being substantially identical and w their centres substantially lying on an axis pass substantially through the centre of the die and wherein faces are formed as flats on a generally spherical body.
2. A die as claimed in claim 1, wherein the s axes are substantially symmetrically spaced one from other in passing substantially through the centre of the d
3. A die as claimed in claim 1, wherein angular spacing of the various axes one from the other passing substantially through the centre of the die in b bearing and elevation is maximised.
4. A die having more than six faces arranged opposed pairs on opposite sides of the die, the faces of e pair of opposed faces being substantially identical and w their centres substantially lying on an axis pass substantially through the centre of the die and wherein said axes are substantially symmetrically spaced one from other in passing substantially through the centre of the d
5. A die having more than six faces arranged opposed pairs on opposite sides of the die, the faces of e pair of opposed faces being substantially identical and w their centres substantially lying on an axis pass substantially through the centre of the die and wherein angular spacing of the various axes one from the other passing substantially through the centre of the die in b bearing and elevation is maximised.
6. A die as claimed in any one of claims 1 to wherein all the faces are substantially similar and are n contiguous.
7. A die as claimed in claim 6, wherein all faces are substantially identical and are circular in plan
8. A die as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 4, having fourteen substantially identical circular fa arranged in seven substantially diametrically opposed pair the centres of the opposed pairs of faces substantially lyi on substantially equilength axes which have bearing a elevation relative to a reference axis in substance follows:-
AXIS BEARING (°) ELEVATION (°)
1 * 90.00
2 0.00 0.00
3 90.00 0.00
4 45.00 Sin-1(l/3*)
5 135.00 Sin-1(l/32)
6 225.00 Sin~1(l/3*)
7 315.00 Sin~1(l/3*)
(* the bearing of this axis may be assigned any value betwe 0° and 360°).
9. A die as claimed in any one of claims 1, and 4, having twentysix substantially identical circul faces arranged in thirteen substantially diametrical opposed pairs, the centres of the opposed pairs of fac substantially lying on substantially equilength axes whi have bearing and elevation relative to a reference axis substance as follows:-
AXIS BEARING (°) ELEVATION (°)
1 * 90.00
2 0.00 0.00
3 90.00 0.00
4 45.00 Sin"1(1/3*)
5 35.00 Sin"1(1/3*)
6 25.00 Sin~1(l/3*)
7 15.00 Sin"1(1/32)
8 0.00 45.00
9 90.00 45.00
10 180.00 45.00
11 170.00 45.00
12 145.00 0.00
13 135.00 0.00 -19-
10. A die as claimed in any one of claims 1, 3, and 5, having twentysix substantially identical circular faces arranged in thirteen diametrically opposed pairs, the centres of the opposed pairs of faces substantially lying on substantially equilength axes which have bearing and elevation relative to one another in substance as follows:-
AXIS BEARING (° ) ELEVATION <°>
1 * 90.00
2 0.00 51.04
3 90.00 51.04
4 180.00 51.04
5 270.00 51.04
6 45.00 30.49
7 135.00 30.49
8 225.00 30.49
9 315.00 30.48 10 19.48 0.00 11 70.52 0.00 12 109.48. 0.00 13 160.52 0.00
(* the bearing of this axis may be assigned any value between 0° and 360°).
11. A die as claimed in claim 2, wherein the faces are contiguous and the shape of each face of the die in plan is selected from one of a number of differing substantially regular shapes and the die. is so configured that no two adjacent faces have the same substantially regular shape.
12. A die having more than six faces arranged in opposed pairs on opposite sides of the die, the faces of each pair of opposed faces being substantially identical and with their centres substantially lying on an axis passing substantially through the centre of the die and wherein the faces are contiguous and the shape of each face of the die in plan is selected from one of a number of differing substantially regular shapes and the die is so configured -20-
that no two adjacent faces have the same substantially regular shape.
13. A die as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, having six substantially identical square faces eight substantially identical equisided triangular faces arranged in pairs on four axes, and twelve substantially identical rectangular faces arranged in pairs on six axes, arranged such that no faces of the same substantially regular shape are adjacent one to another.
14. A die as claimed in claim 13, wherein the bearing and elevation of each axis and the shape of the faces associated therewith is substantially as follows:-
AXIS BEARING ( °) ELEVATION (°) FACES
Al * 90.00 1, 2 SQUARE
A2 0.00 0.00 3, 4 SQUARE
A3 90.00 0.00 5, 6 SQUARE
A4 45.00 0.00 7, 8 RECTANGLE
A5 135.00 0.00 9, 10 RECTANGLE
A6 0.00 45.00 11, 12 RECTANGLE
A7 90.00 45.00 13, 14 RECTANGLE
A8 180.00 45.00 15, 16 TRIANGLE
A9 270.00 45.00 17, 18 TRIANGLE
A10 45.00 45.00 19, 20 TRIANGLE
All 135.00 45.00 21, 22 TRIANGLE
A12 225.00 45.00 23, 24 TRIANGLE
A13 315.00 45.00 25, 26 TRIANGLE
(* the bearing, of this axis may be asεsigned any value between
0 and 360( D).
15. A die as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the nominal dimensions of the sides of the faces have in substance the following relationship:- squares 152x152, triangles 192x192x192, rectangles 164x130; - the corners where three faces meet being rounded or bevelled.
16. A die as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims when formed by moulding a plastics material.
17. A die as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, when formed by machining the faces from a sphere of moulded plastics or other material.
18. A die as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims, wherein the faces of the die are provided with indicia in the form of letters, symbols, or numerals whilst being moulded or by cutting, etching or engraving after the faces have been formed thereon.
19. A die as claimed in claim 1 or claim 4 and substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 2, or 4 of the accompanying drawings.
20. A die as claimed in claim 1 or claim 5 and substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.
21. A die as claimed in claim 1 or claim 12 and substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8909082 | 1989-04-21 | ||
| GB898909082A GB8909082D0 (en) | 1989-04-21 | 1989-04-21 | Dice |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP0469028A1 true EP0469028A1 (en) | 1992-02-05 |
Family
ID=10655460
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP19900906324 Withdrawn EP0469028A1 (en) | 1989-04-21 | 1990-04-19 | Dice |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0469028A1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU5443590A (en) |
| GB (2) | GB8909082D0 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1990012626A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19649297C1 (en) * | 1996-11-28 | 1997-10-23 | Hoelzle Dieter Tech Projekte | Gaming apparatus similar to disc |
| FR2773721A1 (en) | 1998-01-16 | 1999-07-23 | Jacques Lucet | Game die |
| GB2342868A (en) * | 1998-10-23 | 2000-04-26 | Gordon Willims Dr Harold Malco | Random number selectors |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1587580A (en) * | 1921-07-30 | 1926-06-08 | New Departure Mfg Co | Game piece |
| FR686287A (en) * | 1929-12-07 | 1930-07-24 | Ball, with multiple numbers or figures, for games of chance | |
| DE860162C (en) * | 1951-06-03 | 1952-12-18 | Robert Guenther | Dice |
| FR2338064A1 (en) * | 1976-01-16 | 1977-08-12 | Teyssandier Christian | Playing dice with fourteen faces - has corners cut from cube to give six square faces and eight equilateral triangular faces |
| US4106774A (en) * | 1977-02-16 | 1978-08-15 | Gerard Newsy Seguin | Golf game board assembly |
| US4546978A (en) * | 1984-06-28 | 1985-10-15 | David Constant V | Dice and games |
| DE8701749U1 (en) * | 1987-02-05 | 1987-07-09 | Heinz, Horst, 5220 Waldbröl | Game device in the form of a dice |
| US4989875A (en) * | 1988-02-02 | 1991-02-05 | Gilbert Capy | Dice having eight faces and process of producing same |
-
1989
- 1989-04-21 GB GB898909082A patent/GB8909082D0/en active Pending
-
1990
- 1990-04-19 AU AU54435/90A patent/AU5443590A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1990-04-19 GB GB9008854A patent/GB2230464B/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-04-19 EP EP19900906324 patent/EP0469028A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1990-04-19 WO PCT/GB1990/000601 patent/WO1990012626A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| See references of WO9012626A1 * |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2230464A (en) | 1990-10-24 |
| WO1990012626A1 (en) | 1990-11-01 |
| GB8909082D0 (en) | 1989-06-07 |
| AU5443590A (en) | 1990-11-16 |
| GB2230464B (en) | 1994-01-05 |
| GB9008854D0 (en) | 1990-06-13 |
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