EP0512788A1 - Playing surface - Google Patents

Playing surface Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0512788A1
EP0512788A1 EP92304026A EP92304026A EP0512788A1 EP 0512788 A1 EP0512788 A1 EP 0512788A1 EP 92304026 A EP92304026 A EP 92304026A EP 92304026 A EP92304026 A EP 92304026A EP 0512788 A1 EP0512788 A1 EP 0512788A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
representation
dice
playing surface
playing
trough
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Withdrawn
Application number
EP92304026A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Richard John Edward Bartle
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0512788A1 publication Critical patent/EP0512788A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/00003Types of board games
    • A63F3/00157Casino or betting games
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F11/00Game accessories of general use, e.g. score counters, boxes
    • A63F11/0002Dispensing or collecting devices for tokens or chips
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/00003Types of board games
    • A63F3/00157Casino or betting games
    • A63F2003/00164Casino tables
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/00895Accessories for board games
    • A63F2003/00974Accessories for board games mounted, drawn on or designed as a table
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/06Patience; Other games for self-amusement
    • A63F9/0613Puzzles or games based on the use of optical filters or elements, e.g. coloured filters, polaroid filters, transparent sheets with opaque parts
    • A63F2009/0615Puzzles or games based on the use of optical filters or elements, e.g. coloured filters, polaroid filters, transparent sheets with opaque parts transparent
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/06Patience; Other games for self-amusement
    • A63F9/0613Puzzles or games based on the use of optical filters or elements, e.g. coloured filters, polaroid filters, transparent sheets with opaque parts
    • A63F2009/0623Puzzles or games based on the use of optical filters or elements, e.g. coloured filters, polaroid filters, transparent sheets with opaque parts with mirrors
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/24Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
    • A63F2009/2401Detail of input, input devices
    • A63F2009/2402Input by manual operation
    • A63F2009/2404Keyboard
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/24Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
    • A63F2009/2448Output devices
    • A63F2009/245Output devices visual
    • A63F2009/2451Output devices visual using illumination, e.g. with lamps
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/04Dice; Dice-boxes; Mechanical dice-throwing devices
    • A63F9/0402Rolling boards

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a playing surface and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a playing table.
  • Dice are generally rolled across the playing surface of a playing table or to one side of the playing surface. If the dice are rolled across the playing surface interference with the playing tokens can result.
  • a playing surface includes: a representation surface; and a dice trough adjacent to the representation surface.
  • a rim is provided adjacent to the dice trough with the dice trough being interposed between the rim and the representation surface.
  • the rim may be a lean rest and it may include demarcated player zones.
  • a barrier may be interposed between the dice trough and the representation surface.
  • the barrier may be transparent and it may be made of perspex.
  • a mirror surface may be interposed between the dice trough and the lean rest.
  • the surface of the dice trough may be made of a hard material to ensure that the dice will bounce randomly or roll satisfactorily on it.
  • the surface may be made of a ceramic material, glass or stone such as granite or marble.
  • the representation surface preferably has a representation of a game on it.
  • Illuminating means may be provided below the representation surface for illuminating specific zones on the representation surface.
  • at least part of the representation surface may be transparent.
  • the playing surface may include at least one container for storing tokens, money or other articles associated with playing the particular game indicated on the representation surface.
  • at least one container for storing tokens, money or other articles associated with playing the particular game indicated on the representation surface In the preferred form of the invention two containers are provided in the form of safes.
  • Racks for tokens may be provided on the playing surface.
  • An electronic key pad for entering results obtained by the throw of the dice may be located on the playing surface or may be associated with the playing surface.
  • the keypad may be connected to a electronic processor or computer which can process the results of the game.
  • Display means such as a screen may be connected to the computer for displaying various results.
  • the computer may be connected to the illuminating means under the playing surface so that the illumination of specific zones on the representation surface can be controlled by the computer.
  • the playing surface may be supported on a stand.
  • the playing surface is releasably attached to the stand.
  • the stand may include a storage zone.
  • freeze is used herein in a wide sense to indicate any article which can be thrown or rolled on a surface to provide a random result.
  • a playing table 10 includes a playing surface 12 supported on a stand 14.
  • the playing surface 12 includes a representation surface 16, a dice trough 18 and a rim 20.
  • the rim 20 comprises a detachable, upholstered lean rest which has demarcated player zones 22. Each player zone 22 is a different colour to its adjacent player zones.
  • a transparent, perspex barrier 24 separates the dice trough 18 from the representation surface 16.
  • a mirror surface 26 separates the rim 20 from the dice trough 18.
  • Racks 28 for chips line the inner circumference of the lean rest 20 so that each player zone 22 is provided with his own chip rack.
  • the representation surface 16 has the representation shown in figure 5 provided on it.
  • the representation surface is at least partly transparent and lights (not shown) are located below the surface for illuminating specific zones on the representation surface.
  • the specific zones may be of different colours or different colour combinations.
  • a safe 30 with a top slot and a rear door is located at one of the ends of the surface and a cupboard 32 is located at the other end.
  • a key pad 34 is connected to a computer (not shown) which is in turn connected to a display screen (also not shown) and to a relay switch means for controlling the operation of the lights under the representation surface.
  • the surface of the dice trough 18 is lined with marble tiles 36.
  • Upright chip holders 38 are provided adjacent to the safe 30.
  • the stand 14 has foot rests 40 and legs 42 which are adjustable to ensure that the playing surface is level.
  • Shelves 44 are provided within the stand 14 and doors (not shown) are used to control access to the shelves.
  • the computer and its associated equipment are supported on the shelves 44.
  • the game is controlled by a croupier who stands behind the table.
  • the croupier enters the results obtained by a throw of the dice into the computer via the key pad 34.
  • the computer with its own specific software programme then indicates the pay-outs to be made on the display screen.
  • the computer controls the lights under the representation surface 16 so that the pay-out zones on the representation surface are illuminated.
  • the croupier also enters via the key pad the amount of money (chips) which he collects in and pays out to the players into the computer.
  • the computer can then provide a printed report and a statistical analysis of the results obtained and of the amount of money collected and paid out during play.
  • the computer therefore provides a running total of the bank balance and a history report of the game at any one time.
  • the game need not be computerised and a less elaborate portable version 10.1 of the playing table can be used.
  • a less elaborate portable version 10.1 of the playing table is shown in figure 6 in which rim 20.1 is not upholstered and is an integral part of the playing surface and provides chip racks for each layer zone.
  • the legs and foot rests 14.1 are detachable for easy storage and transportation.
  • the playing table 10.1 has a representation surface 16.1, a dice trough 18.1, transparent perspex barrier 24.1 and a mirror surface 26.1. This version 10.1 may be coin-operated.

Abstract

A playing surface includes a representation surface (16) and a dice trough (18) adjacent to the representation surface. A rim (20) is located adjacent to the dice trough, with the dice trough being interposed between the rim and the representation surface. The rim may be in the form of a lean rest. A transparent barrier (24) is interposed between the dice trough and the representation surface.

Description

    TECHNICAL FIELD
  • This invention relates to a playing surface and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a playing table.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Dice are generally rolled across the playing surface of a playing table or to one side of the playing surface. If the dice are rolled across the playing surface interference with the playing tokens can result.
  • OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
  • It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a playing surface in which interference with the playing tokens can be eliminated.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • According to the invention a playing surface includes:
       a representation surface; and
       a dice trough adjacent to the representation surface.
  • In the preferred form of the invention a rim is provided adjacent to the dice trough with the dice trough being interposed between the rim and the representation surface. The rim may be a lean rest and it may include demarcated player zones.
  • A barrier may be interposed between the dice trough and the representation surface. In one form of the invention the barrier may be transparent and it may be made of perspex.
  • A mirror surface may be interposed between the dice trough and the lean rest.
  • The surface of the dice trough may be made of a hard material to ensure that the dice will bounce randomly or roll satisfactorily on it. Thus the surface may be made of a ceramic material, glass or stone such as granite or marble.
  • The representation surface preferably has a representation of a game on it. Illuminating means may be provided below the representation surface for illuminating specific zones on the representation surface. Thus at least part of the representation surface may be transparent.
  • The playing surface may include at least one container for storing tokens, money or other articles associated with playing the particular game indicated on the representation surface. In the preferred form of the invention two containers are provided in the form of safes.
  • Racks for tokens may be provided on the playing surface.
  • An electronic key pad for entering results obtained by the throw of the dice may be located on the playing surface or may be associated with the playing surface. The keypad may be connected to a electronic processor or computer which can process the results of the game.
  • Display means such as a screen may be connected to the computer for displaying various results. In addition, the computer may be connected to the illuminating means under the playing surface so that the illumination of specific zones on the representation surface can be controlled by the computer.
  • The playing surface may be supported on a stand. Preferably the playing surface is releasably attached to the stand. The stand may include a storage zone.
  • The term "dice" is used herein in a wide sense to indicate any article which can be thrown or rolled on a surface to provide a random result.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    • figure 1 is a perspective view of the playing table;
    • figure 2 is a front view of the table;
    • figure 3 is a rear view of the table;
    • figure 4 is a plan view of the table;
    • figure 5 is a plan view of a representation of a game; and
    • figure 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a playing table.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • Referring to the drawings, a playing table 10 includes a playing surface 12 supported on a stand 14. The playing surface 12 includes a representation surface 16, a dice trough 18 and a rim 20. The rim 20 comprises a detachable, upholstered lean rest which has demarcated player zones 22. Each player zone 22 is a different colour to its adjacent player zones. A transparent, perspex barrier 24 separates the dice trough 18 from the representation surface 16. A mirror surface 26 separates the rim 20 from the dice trough 18. Racks 28 for chips line the inner circumference of the lean rest 20 so that each player zone 22 is provided with his own chip rack.
  • The representation surface 16 has the representation shown in figure 5 provided on it. The representation surface is at least partly transparent and lights (not shown) are located below the surface for illuminating specific zones on the representation surface. The specific zones may be of different colours or different colour combinations. A safe 30 with a top slot and a rear door is located at one of the ends of the surface and a cupboard 32 is located at the other end.
  • A key pad 34 is connected to a computer (not shown) which is in turn connected to a display screen (also not shown) and to a relay switch means for controlling the operation of the lights under the representation surface. The surface of the dice trough 18 is lined with marble tiles 36. Upright chip holders 38 are provided adjacent to the safe 30. The stand 14 has foot rests 40 and legs 42 which are adjustable to ensure that the playing surface is level. Shelves 44 are provided within the stand 14 and doors (not shown) are used to control access to the shelves. The computer and its associated equipment are supported on the shelves 44.
  • In use, the game is controlled by a croupier who stands behind the table. The croupier enters the results obtained by a throw of the dice into the computer via the key pad 34. The computer with its own specific software programme then indicates the pay-outs to be made on the display screen. In addition, the computer controls the lights under the representation surface 16 so that the pay-out zones on the representation surface are illuminated. The croupier also enters via the key pad the amount of money (chips) which he collects in and pays out to the players into the computer. The computer can then provide a printed report and a statistical analysis of the results obtained and of the amount of money collected and paid out during play. The computer therefore provides a running total of the bank balance and a history report of the game at any one time.
  • It will be appreciated that many modifications or variations of the invention are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, the game need not be computerised and a less elaborate portable version 10.1 of the playing table can be used. One such version is shown in figure 6 in which rim 20.1 is not upholstered and is an integral part of the playing surface and provides chip racks for each layer zone. The legs and foot rests 14.1 are detachable for easy storage and transportation. The playing table 10.1 has a representation surface 16.1, a dice trough 18.1, transparent perspex barrier 24.1 and a mirror surface 26.1. This version 10.1 may be coin-operated.

Claims (14)

  1. A playing surface including a representation surface and a dice trough adjacent to the representation surface.
  2. The playing surface of claim 1 including a rim adjacent to the dice trough, with the dice trough being interposed between the rim and the representation surface.
  3. The playing surface of claim 2 wherein the rim is a lean rest.
  4. The playing surface of claim 2 or claim 3 wherein demarcated player zones are provided on the rim.
  5. The playing surface of any of the above claims including a barrier interposed between the dice trough and the representation surface.
  6. The playing surface of claim 5 wherein the barrier is transparent.
  7. The playing surface of any of claims 2 to 6 including a mirror surface interposed between the rim and the dice trough.
  8. The playing surface of any of the above claims wherein the surface of the dice trough is ceramic, stone or glass.
  9. The playing surface of any of the above claims wherein the representation surface has a representation of a game on it.
  10. The playing surface of any of the above claims wherein at least part of the representation surface is transparent so that it can be illuminated by illuminating means located below the representation surface.
  11. The playing surface of any of the above claims including racks for tokens.
  12. The playing surface of any of the above claims including at least one storage container.
  13. The playing surface of any of the above claims including an electronic keypad which can be connected to a computer.
  14. The playing surface of any of the above claims including a stand or legs for supporting the playing surface.
EP92304026A 1991-05-06 1992-05-05 Playing surface Withdrawn EP0512788A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA913396 1991-05-06
ZA913396 1991-05-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0512788A1 true EP0512788A1 (en) 1992-11-11

Family

ID=25580662

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92304026A Withdrawn EP0512788A1 (en) 1991-05-06 1992-05-05 Playing surface

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0512788A1 (en)
AU (1) AU1601692A (en)
CA (1) CA2068057A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA925840B (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0858822A3 (en) * 1997-01-20 1998-12-02 John Huxley Limited Gaming table and barrier therefor
EP1539311A2 (en) * 2002-09-18 2005-06-15 WPT Enterprises, Inc. Game table with integral lighting system

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR63791E (en) * 1953-02-10 1955-10-03 Manufactures Reunies De Gaufra Improvements to tracks for poker of aces or the like
US3802708A (en) * 1972-12-13 1974-04-09 J Libert Illuminated playing board
FR2377817A1 (en) * 1977-01-21 1978-08-18 Desmons Didier Plastics dice cup for use with board game - has transparent rectangular upper section tapered to opaque bottom section forming box
US4247114A (en) * 1979-05-02 1981-01-27 Carroll James F Board game
US4428580A (en) * 1982-09-13 1984-01-31 Anthony Pasquine Variable dice game device
GB2173406A (en) * 1984-04-23 1986-10-15 Kenneth Christopher Armstrong Electronic cribbage board
US4659087A (en) * 1985-12-09 1987-04-21 Margaret Shen Casino game
US4807883A (en) * 1988-01-19 1989-02-28 Silverman Hyman P Game apparatus and dice construction therefor
US4813675A (en) * 1988-03-07 1989-03-21 Bally Manufacturing Corporation Reconfigurable casino table game and gaming machine table
DE3816338A1 (en) * 1988-05-13 1989-11-23 Johann Forstner Dice game

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR63791E (en) * 1953-02-10 1955-10-03 Manufactures Reunies De Gaufra Improvements to tracks for poker of aces or the like
US3802708A (en) * 1972-12-13 1974-04-09 J Libert Illuminated playing board
FR2377817A1 (en) * 1977-01-21 1978-08-18 Desmons Didier Plastics dice cup for use with board game - has transparent rectangular upper section tapered to opaque bottom section forming box
US4247114A (en) * 1979-05-02 1981-01-27 Carroll James F Board game
US4428580A (en) * 1982-09-13 1984-01-31 Anthony Pasquine Variable dice game device
GB2173406A (en) * 1984-04-23 1986-10-15 Kenneth Christopher Armstrong Electronic cribbage board
US4659087A (en) * 1985-12-09 1987-04-21 Margaret Shen Casino game
US4807883A (en) * 1988-01-19 1989-02-28 Silverman Hyman P Game apparatus and dice construction therefor
US4813675A (en) * 1988-03-07 1989-03-21 Bally Manufacturing Corporation Reconfigurable casino table game and gaming machine table
DE3816338A1 (en) * 1988-05-13 1989-11-23 Johann Forstner Dice game

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0858822A3 (en) * 1997-01-20 1998-12-02 John Huxley Limited Gaming table and barrier therefor
GB2321203B (en) * 1997-01-20 2001-05-23 John Huxley Ltd Gaming-table and barrier therefor
EP1539311A2 (en) * 2002-09-18 2005-06-15 WPT Enterprises, Inc. Game table with integral lighting system
EP1539311A4 (en) * 2002-09-18 2008-03-26 Wpt Entpr Inc Game table with integral lighting system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU1601692A (en) 1992-11-12
CA2068057A1 (en) 1992-11-07
ZA925840B (en) 1993-04-26

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