GB2128487A

GB2128487A - Gambling game device

Info

Publication number: GB2128487A
Application number: GB08326747A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hermine Brandstaetter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1982-10-08
Filing date: 1983-10-06
Publication date: 1984-05-02
Also published as: IT8323211A1; DE3333399A1; ES8406031A1; GB8326747D0; IT8323211A0; ES526277A0; FR2534144B1; IT1171097B; FR2534144A1

Abstract

The device comprises a housing 2 in which is provided a mixing chamber 6 and a display area for reception of counters 12-14 in the form of small plates. The display area has allocated to it a reception passage 7 situated within the housing. Its depth at right angles to a cover plate 5,22 of the housing substantially corresponds to the thickness of a counter. The reception passage 7 is connected to the mixing chamber 6 via an end outlet 15. A deflector 16 for the counters is provided opposite the outlet 15 in the mixing chamber 6 and further deflectors or baffles may also be provided. The device can be used for forecasting football pools by using counters provided on their front and rear faces with the symbols "1", "2" and/or "X". The counters may be round, elliptical, hexagonal, square etc. and the device may also be used in a lottery game. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Gambling game device The invention relates to a gambling game or game of chance device of the kind comprising a housing wherein is situated a mixing chamber and an indicator area for reception of playing counters in the form of small plates, Hereinafter the device will be referred to as a gambling game device.

A gambling game device for forecasting football pools is already known and described in Austrian Patent Specification No. 1 72 141 where it is referred to as "Sporttoto" and which has a housing in which twelve plate-shaped playing counters are situated between two cover plates.

Different numbers and symbols are applied on the upper sides of these counters. A slot-shaped window intended to provide a view of the playing counters resting against an edge is arranged at this straight edge of the cavity present between the two cover plates. The playing counters are made to assume a reciprocal position determined by chance in the internal volume of the housing, by shaking the device. If the device is held with the slot-shaped window downwards, the playing counters are placed in contact with the edge of the hollow space. The numbers and symbols depicted on their upper sides may be read off through the slot-shaped window in the form of a continuous row, so that the gambling outcome obtained thereby may be entered on a betting voucher or the like, for example.In the case of this gambling game device, it is possible that the reciprocal position of different playing counters remains unchanged due to inadequate intermixing during successive playing actions, thereby deleteriously affecting the probability result. Furthermore, this known device has to be held precisely at the end of the playing action, to be able to read off the result in undisturbed manner.

It is an object of the invention to provide a gambling game device of the kind referred to in the foregoing, which allows of satisfactory intermixing of the playing counters after each playing action and also facilitates the reading of the game result at the end of each playing action. The possibility of obtaining two different game results at the same time during one playing action, is to be established moreover.

Accordingly the invention consists in a gambling game device of the kind comprising a housing wherein are situated a mixing chamber and an indicator area for reception of counters in the form of small plates, wherein the indicator or display area has allocated to it a reception passage situated at the inside of the housing, whose depth at right angles to a cover plate of the housing corresponds substantially to the thickness of a counter and which is joined via an end outlet to the mixing chamber, a deflector for the counters being provided in the mixing chamber opposite the outlet.

The advantages of this unexpectedly uncomplicated solution consist in that at the end of the playing action, the playing counters are guided and positioned by the provision of the reception passage and that the playing counters are positively held in their position even if the device is laid down to record the result of the game. At the same time, it is assured by arranging the deflector in the area of the outflow from the reception passage, that during egress of the playing counters from the reception passage, slipping back of the playing counters out of the reception passage into the reception passage in unchanged reciprocal position during the mixing operation is precluded. The construction of this device consequently averts an influence on the result based on its structural parameters.Jamming of the playing counters is prevented by the selected depth of the reception passage, so that no playing counters can slide one over another in the indicator area and thereby interfere with the display.

Provision is made, if desired, for the deflector to be lined up obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the reception passage: it may extend approximately over its outlet width and preferably has an extension extending parallel to the lateral edge of the housing and/or of the mixing chamber wall and/or of the reception passage since, by virtue of the deflection of the playing counters, such playing counters as have passed the deflector cannot return to the reception passage during the mixing operation occurring during forward and return displacements of the device in the longitudinal direction of the reception passage until after they have travelled through another part of the mixing chamber.Additionally, this mixing action is improved further if the playing counters arriving from the reception passage are also guided along a greater longitudinal path after passing the deflector in the mixing chamber.

Advantageously the deflector and the mixing chamber wall extend parallel to each other and their mutual spacing is a little smaller than twice the maximum dimension of the playing counters parallel to the upper side of the housing. During the mixing operation, the playing counters issuing from the reception passage are thereby already placed in mutually offset positions, so that after leaving the passage between the deflector and the sidewall of the housing, they enter the mixing chamber in an already differing sequence. The intermixing action is thereby intensified even without incorporation of a complementary mechanical mixing device.

It is also possible for the cross-sectional surface of the reception passage extending parallel to a cover plate of the housing to be smaller than the cross-sectional surface parallel thereto of the mixing chamber and/or the sum of the crosssectional surfaces parallel thereto of the playing counters contained in the housing. A satisfactory intermixing action between the playing counters is secured during the mixing operation thanks to the different areal size of the mixing chamber and reception passage, and an additional influence on the probability is obtained by the fact that not all playing counters can find space within the reception passage. A definite ratio between the symbols and numbers occurring during piay and those reaching indication may thereby be obtained in simple manner.

It is also possible moreover for the crosssectional surface of the playing counters aligned parallel to a cover plate of the housing to be round and in particular circular, since this accomplishes a better intermixing action on the playing counters in the mixing chamber and prevents jamming actions during the penetration of the playing counters into the reception passage.

Furthermore, it is advantageous for several baffles and/or deflectors distributed over its area to be provided in the mixing chamber, since a satisfactory intermixing of the playing counters is thereby accomplished even during a mixing operation of brief duration.

In a modification, provision is made for a viewing window which is transparent and matches the longitudinal extension of the reception passage to be situated in at least one cover plate of the housing.

Provision is made in another embodiment for the housing to comprise two housing sections of plate shape and mirror-symmetry construction if appropriate, which are centered with respect to each other by means of locating pins and joined by adhesives, the baffles preferably being made in the form of cylinders and constructed as connecting points between the two housings in the area of the mixing chamber and preferably formed by two webs formed in unit with the housing sections.

This allows of an economic production of the device by virtue of a small number of parts and shapes as well as uncomplicated assembly.

Furthermore, the playing counters may be provided on the front and rear sides with in particular different numbers and symbols, respectively. In this connection, it is advantageous that two different probability solutions are offered with one mixing operation. Apart from this, it is possible by an appropriate selection of the numbers and symbols appearing on the counters to preset different probability conditions for the game result in question. Above all, the selection of the numbers and symbols to be applied on the counters in connection with the football pools game, may be obtained in uncomplicated manner as a function of the game results to be expected.

In this connection, it is particularly advantageous for sixteen counters to be arranged within the housing, and for the length of the reception passage to be organised for simultaneous reception of twelve counters positioned one after another in a single row, the front face of six counters preferably being provided with the number "1", of five counters being provided with the number "2" and of five counters being provided with the symbol "x", and the rear face facing towards the other cover plate of eight counters being provided with the figure "1", of four counters being provided with the number "2" and of four counters being provided with the symbol "x". This solution has the advantage that the probability result may be affected by the different number of the counters present in the mixing chamber and of those placed on display, in fundamental manner.Furthermore, the grouping of the counters on the front and rear sides is organised to correspond to a plurality of probability distributions derived from already played gambling games. It is also possible for twelve counters to be situated within the housing and for the length of the reception passage to be arranged for simultaneous reception of twelve counters arranged one after another in a single row, the front face of five counters being provided with the number "1", of two counters with the number "2", of two counters with the symbol "x", as well as one counter in each case with the numbers "1" and "2", respectively "1" and "x" as well as "2" and "x", and preferably that the rear faces facing towards the other cover plate of three counters in each case are provided with the number "1", respectively, "2" respectively, the symbol "x", and one counter in each case with the numbers "1 " and "2" respectively with the number "1" and the symbol "x", respectively, with the number "2" and the symbol "x". This special grouping of the counters, above all in combination with the different system gambling games, is advantageously applicable to the football pool game.

Furthermore, it is also possible for several different numbers and symbols respectively, to be applied on the front and/or rear side of several counters, thereby securing two different gaming results during one mixing operation, which derive from different probability principles.

Finally, it is also possible that an inscription area for application of different numbers or symbols be allocated in directly adjacent arrangement to the display opening in the cover plate, an iron element preferably being situated under the cover plate and the numbers or symbols being applied on permanent magnets, so that the player may individually predetermine that he will recognise only such game results in which the counters appearing in the reception passage bear the numbers and/or symbols he had previously selected and registered at these positions.

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings showing certain embodiments by way of example and in which: Figure 1 shows a gambling game device according to the invention in plan view, with the upper cover plate partly removed, Figure 2 shows the device according to Figure 1 in sideview and cross-sectioned along the lines I1--II of Figure 1 and Figure 3 shows the device according to the invention in plan view at the end of the playing action, with counters present in the reception passage, and grouped or inscribed according to a modified embodiment.

Referring now to the drawings, in Figure 1 is illustrated a gambling game device 1 the housing 2 of which comprises two housing sections 3 and 4. A cover plate 5 of the housing section 4 is partly removed to allow of clearer illustration of the inside of the housing. A mixing chamber 6 and a reception passage 7 are provided within the housing. The reception passage 7 comprises two webs 8 and 9 formed in unit with the housing sections 3 and 4 and extending parallel to each other. A clear space 10 between the two webs 8 and 9 is a little greater than a diameter 11 of counters 12, 1 3 and 14. A deflector 1 6 arranged in extension of a longitudinal axis 1 7 of the reception passage 7 is situated in the area of an outlet 1 5 of the reception passage 7.The deflector 1 6 extends obliquely to the longitudinal axis 1 7 of the reception passage 7 and is provided with an extension 1 8 which extends substantially parallel to a lateral edge 1 9 of the housing 2. With its inner side, this lateral edge 1 9 at the same time forms a part of the mixing chamber wall 20. A spacing 21 between the deflector 16, the extension 18 and the mixing chamber wall 20 is a little smaller than twice the dimension 11, e.g. the diameter of the counters 12 to 14. Display windows 23 and 24 are situated respectively in the cover plate 5 and a cover plate 22 of the housing section 3.These display windows consist of transparent pellucid material, so that reading the numbers 26 or symbols 27 applied on the front faces 25 of the counters 1 2 to 14 is possible in unobstructed manner. The display window 24 has adjacently allocated to it an inscription area 28 which is arranged to receive numbers or symbols 29. These numbers or symbols may be applied by means of scribing elements such as pencils, felt tip pens or the like, or by means of adhesive labels 30, on the inscription area 28.

Apart from the adhesive label 16, baffles 31 being studs 32 produced in cylindrical form, are situated in the mixing chamber 6.

Both housing sections, 3, 4 together with their cover plates 5, 22 are apparent in Figure 2. The connection is established in the upper and lower terminal portions of the two housing sections, 3, 4 via locating pins 33 and bores 34 matchingly formed in unit on the cover plates 5, 22. The two housing sections 3,4 are complementarilyjoined together in the marginal areas by means of adhesive at 35. An additional stability of the housing 2 is obtained by forming the studs 32 in unit with the housing sections 3, 4 and gluing them to each other by means of adhesive 35. The hatching has been omitted in the area of the display windows 23, 24 to indicate that the cover plates 5, 22 are pellucid and transparent in these areas.So that the mixing operation cannot be influenced involuntarily by a particular position of the counters 12 to 14 in the mixing chamber 6, the remaining area of the cover plates 5, 22 may be produced in dull or opaque form or be provided with appropriate adhesive foils, or undergo a printing operation, e.g. screen printing, to obtain a desirable pattern.

As apparent furthermore from the illustration in Figure 2, the two cover plates 5, 22 have a spacing 36 which is a little greater than a thickness 37 of the counters 12 to 14. In the embodiment illustrated, a depth 38 of the reception passage 7 corresponds to the spacing 36 between the two cover plates 5, 22 and is consequently also a little greater than the thickness 37 of the counters 1 2 to 1 4. This embodiment prevents pushing the counters one over another in the area of the reception passage 7 as well as of the mixing chamber 6. Jamming of the counters is consequently impossible during insertion into the reception passage 7 from the mixing chamber 6.

The function of the device 1 according to the invention and Figures 1 and 2, is such that by manuai reciprocating displacement of the housing 2 in the direction of the arrows 39,40, the counters 12 to 14 contained in the reception passage 7 are emptied into the mixing chamber 6 whilst simultaneously holding the housing 2 obliquely. Thanks to the oblique positioning of the deflector 1 6 which extends substantially across an outlet width 41 of the reception passage 7, the counters 12 to 14 coming from the reception passage 7 are deflected in the direction of the mixing chamber wall 20, whilst already assuming a mutually staggered position due to the greater distance 21 between the extension 1 8 of the deflector 1 6 and the mixing chamber wall 20.This is indicated by dotted lines in Figure 1 for a clearer grasp of the mixing operation. Advantageous intermixing of the counters is obtained upon penetration into the adjacentiy situated portion of the mixing chamber 6, at the extremity of the extension 1 8 of the deflector 1 6, because of this relative displacement between the counters. The counters 12 to 14 are prevented at the same time from slipping back in the same order after running out of the reception passage 7 during the forward and reverse displacement of the device 1 in the direction of the arrows 39, 40. As a matter of fact, the deflector 1 6 prevents reverse displacement in unchanged order of the counters by the deviation and displacement of the counters 1 2-14.

When all the counters 12 to 14 are placed in the mixing chamber 6, they continue to be mixed under cooperation of the baffles 31. At the end of the mixing operation, the housing is placed in a vertical position to indicate the result of the game, whilst the reception passage 7 is situated in the lower half of the housing 2. The counters 1 2 to 14 then run in random sequence into the reception passage 7 and are secured laterally in their position by the two webs 8, 9.

The result of the game remains undisturbed even during a displacement of the housing 2 around an axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 1 7 of the reception passage 7.

The game result obtained is also retained even during slight displacements in the longitudinal direction of the arrows 39, 40.

As apparent from the illustration of Figure 1, the front sides 25 of the separate counters are provided with different numbers 26 or symbols 27. Several different numbers and/or symbols may moreover be applied on a counter. The grouping of the counters 12 to 14, or the frequency of the numbers 26 and symbols 27 appearing on their front faces 25 may be determined by reference to fundamental probability expectations. In addition, the probability of the game result is influenced by the fact that there is no room in the reception passage 7 for all the counters 12 to 14 provided in the housing 2. As shown in Figure 1, no more than twelve counters 1 2 to 14 can be accommodated in the display windows 23, 24. The remaining four counters remain in the mixing chamber 6.

Because of the incorporation of display windows 23 and 24 in the two cover plates 5 and 22 respectively, the counters may be provided with different numbers 26 and symbols 27 on their front face 25 and on their rear face 42, to obtain two different game results during a playing action. In this connection, it is advantageous for the distribution of the numbers and symbols applied on the front and rear faces to differ, to obtain a game result based on different probability principles in this manner.

Sixteen counters 12 to 14 are preferably contained in the internal space of the housing 2.

Of these counters, twelve counters 1 2, 13 are provided with numbers 26 and four counters 14 with symbols 27 on their front face 25. Of the twelve counters 12, 1 3 bearing numbers 26, eight counters 12 are provided with the number "1" and four counters 13 with the number "2". Four counters display an "x" as a symbol 27. This composition of the counters 12 to 14 is appropriate in particular for the so-called football pool game, in which the results of twelve football games have to be guessed, using 1 for a win, 2 for a defeat and x for a draw. The number of counters was determined as 16, as well as their proportions bearing the numbers 1, 2 and the symbol x respectively, from a plurality of matches played.

In Figure 3 is shown a plan view of a cover plate 43 of a gambling game device 1. As apparent, twelve counters 45 to 51 are contained in a transparently and pellucidly formed display window 44. Of the twelve counters 45 to 51 visible in the display window 44, five counters 45 are visible with a number 52 meaning a "1", two counters 46 in each case with a "2" as a number 52, and two counters 47 which are provided with a symbol 53, namely an "x". In addition, one counter 48 is provided with two numbers 52, namely a "1" and a "2", and another counter 49 and 50 respectively, is provided in each case with a number 52 and a symbol 53, namely a "1" or a "2" and an "x". This composition of the counters is preferentially utilised by system players for the football pool game.The counters 48, 49, 50 which are equipped with more than one number and/or one symbol, indicate a variation of the outcome of the game.

Furthermore, a part of the upper cover plate of the housing is removed. In the area of this opening it is possible to see two other counters 51 which are provided with two numbers 52 and one symbol 53. It is possible to provide several counters and to make use of counters formed in this manner in the game, as well. In the case of the position of the counters shown in the display window 44, the game is preferably played without the counters 51, however.

In this embodiment of the invention too, it is possible for similar or else dissimilar numbers 53 or symbols 54 to be applied on the rear side of the counters 45 to 51.

As already described regarding Figures 1 and 2, a deflector 55 is also situated in the housing 44 of the device 1, to allow of a satisfactory mixing action of the counters 45 to 51 to obtain another result. Laterally beside the display window 44 is present an inscription area 56 on which it is possible for desirable symbols 53 and numbers 52 to be recorded or glued on by means of adhesive labels. Only the game results for which a "1" is equally allocated in the inscription area 51 as in the present embodiment, to the fifth counter from the top - the counter 47 bearing a "1 " as a number 52 - are then co-opted in each case to complete a betting voucher. It is also possible furthermore to enter two numbers, for example "1" and "2" or a symbol and a number, for example "1" and "x" on the inscription area 51.

An entry of this nature is referred to as an "each way" bet in a football pools game. In this case, the game results which are recognised are consequently those in which one of the two numbers or numbers and symbols is allocated to the same position of the reception passage 59 inthe inscription area. In this connection, it is advantageous if an iron element 57 is mounted below the inscription area 56. In this case, the numbers for the inscription area 56 may be applied on small permanent magnets 58 to allow of unrestricted positioning of these numbers and symbols along the inscription area 56. In this device 1 as well, the counters 45 to 50 are situated in a reception passage 59. As complementarily shown in Figure 3, another deflector 60 may also be provided in the mixing chamber beside the deflector 55.This deflector 60 serves the purpose of holding back the counters first received during a run-out of the counters along the mixing chamber wall which is at the bottom according to the drawing -- as shown dotted - so that the following counters slide past - as denoted by the arrow 61 - along the counters held back and thus penetrate directly into the mixing chamber for intermixing. This prevents intermixing and alteration of the result indicated whilst the housing 54 is held in the position illustrated and whilst the counters are allowed to run out along the lower gambling chamber wall followed immediately by reverse running into the reception passage. As for the rest, the structure of the device corresponds to that of Figures 1 and 2.

It is also possible to make use of any other materials and to make the housing in several parts moreover, instead of forming the housing as two housing sections 3, 4 which are produced as plastics material injection mouldings. Instead of using the adhesive 35, the two housing sections 3,4 may also be joined together by establishing a junction searn in the course of ultrasonic interwelding operation. The shape of the deflectors 28, 60 and of the baffles 31 may also be selected freely and these may for example also be formed by mechanical connecting means between the housing sections. The cross-sectional shape of the counters parallel to the cover plate of the housing may also be modified in manifold ways, and may for example be formed as a hexagon, a square, an ellipse or in the form of other polygons or the like.

Furthermore, the device 1 according to the invention may be constructed in a slightly modifed embodiment, for example with a longer reception passage 7 or 59, as well as with a larger mixing chamber. In this case, 45 or 90 counters provided with different grouping with consecutive numbers 1 to 45 or 90, may for example also be incorporated for a lottery game. In the case of application of the device 1 for the lottery game, it is preferentially possible in the case of a capacity of 45 counters to construct the length of the reception passage for simultaneous reception of six counters one after another in a one-line row. If use is made of ninety counters, the reception passage is advantageously formed for reception of three counters. The invention is not restricted in any event to the embodiments illustrated, nor to the arrangement of numbers and symbols on the counters illustrated.

Claims

1. A gambling game device of the kind comprising a housing wherein are situated a mixing chamber and an indicator area for reception of counters in the form of small plates, wherein the indicator or display area has allocated to it a reception passage situated at the inside of the housing, whose depth at right angles to a cover plate of the housing corresponds substantially to the thickness of a counter and which is joined via an end outlet to the mixing chamber, a deflector for the counters being provided in the mixing chamber opposite the outlet.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the deflector is aligned obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the reception passage, extends approximately across its outlet width and has an extension extending parallel to the lateral edge of the housing and/or the mixing chamber wall and/or the reception passage.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein that the deflector and the mixing chamber wall extend mutually parallel and their mutual spacing is a little smaller than twice the maximum dimension of the counters parallel to the cover plates.

4. A device as claimed in claim 1,2 or 3, wherein the cross-sectional surface of the reception passage extending parallel to a cover plate of the housing is smaller than the crosssectional surface parallel to it of the mixing chamber and/or than the sum of the crosssectional surfaces parallel thereto of the counters contained in the housing.

5. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cross-sectional surface of the counters aligned parallel to a cover plate of the housing is round.

6. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein several baffles and/or deflectors are distributed over the area of the mixing chamber.

7. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein a transparent display window adapted to the longitudinal extension of the reception passage is situated in at least one cover plate of the housing.

8. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the housing comprises two plate-shaped housing sections constructed in mirror symmetry which are centered with respect to each other via locating pins and joined together by means of adhesive, the baffles being constructed cylindrically and formed as junction points between the two housing sections in the area of the mixing chamber and the reception passage is formed by two webs formed in unit on the housing sections.

9. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the counters are provided with numbers or symbols, which are different on the front and rear faces thereof.

10. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, wherein sixteen counters are situated in the housing, and the length of the reception passage is arranged for simultaneous reception of twelve counters positioned one behind another in a oneline row, the front face of six counters being provided with the number "1", of five counters with the number "2" and of five counters with the symbol "x", and the rear face facing towards the other cover plate of eight counters is provided with the number "1" of four counters with the number "2" and of four counters with the symbol x.

11. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein twelve counters are situated in the housing and the length of the reception passage is arranged for simultaneous reception of twelve counters arranged one behind another in a oneline row, the front face of five counters being provided with the number "1", of two counters with the number "2", of two counters with the symbol "x", as well as one counter in each case with the numbers "1" and "2",or"1" and well as "2" and "x", respectively, and the rear face facing towards the other cover plate of three counters in each case is provided with the number "1" respectively, "2" respectively, the symbol "x", and one counter in each case is provided with the numbers "1" and "2" respectively with the number "1" and the symbol "x" respectively with the number "2" and the symbol x".

12. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11. wherein several different numbers or symbols are situated on the front face and/or the face of several counters.

13. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the display window in the cover plate has allocated to it directly adjacently an inscription area for applying thereon different numbers or symbols an iron element being mounted below the cover plate and the numbers or symbols being applied on permanent magnets.

14. A gambling game device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.

1 5. A gambling game device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.