GB2374452A

GB2374452A - Gaming Display Apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2374452A
Application number: GB0108552A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Malcolm Briggs; Andrew Ralph Wood
Original assignee: INTEGRATED Manufacturing SYSTEMS
Current assignee: INTEGRATED Manufacturing SYSTEMS
Priority date: 2001-04-05
Filing date: 2001-04-05
Publication date: 2002-10-16
Also published as: GB0108552D0

Abstract

The modular gaming display apparatus in the form of a playing card 100 incorporates an outer metal frame 110 which holds components of the playing card 100 in place. The modular gaming display apparatus 100 comprises a number of display members 130, 140, 150 which are removably retained in the apparatus. The display members include a foreground screen 130, an information screen 140 and a background screen 150. The display apparatus is an In Table Bingo card wherein the numbers for the bingo game are provided on the information screen 140 which can be removed and replaced in the apparatus. In addition, the other display members 130,150 may also be replaced. Accordingly, if the numbers of the bingo card are to be changed then this can be easily done. Similarly, if the style or other information displayed by the apparatus needs to be changed then this is also possible by simply removing and replacing the relevant display member.

Description

GAMING DISPLAY APPARATUS Field of the Invention The present invention relates to gaming display apparatus, a gaming table including gaming display apparatus, a method of assembling gaming display apparatus and a method of updating gaming display apparatus.

Background to the Invention In bingo clubs there are generally two different types of bingo games. The first is the traditional bingo, or Main Stage Bingo, in which participants have a pre-printed paper ticket having numbers displayed thereon. The second type of bingo game may be referred to as Mechanised Cash Bingo (MCB) or Party Bingo (Parti Bingo). MCB is generally played in the interval period of Main Stage Bingo with the operator taking a participation fee for every participant entering the game. In order to enter the game, the participant enters the relevant fee into a coin mechanism. An electronic display indicates that the participants position is participating in the game and the game then commences.

There exist two types of bingo card which may be used to play Mechanised Cash Bingo. The first comprises a loose plastics card having numbers and shutters which are moved over the numbers as they are called. The second comprises a numbered card set into a tabletop, in which the numbers are marked as they are called, either by placing counters over them or by electronic means. This later type of card may be referred to as an In Table Card.

Existing designs of In Table Cards generally comprise a single printed sheet, usually lexan, which is inserted under a laminate surface of a table such that it is effectively viewed through an aperture in the laminate. An alternative version comprises a lexan sheet stuck on to the top of a table and a further alternative comprises a printed sheet encapsulated in a glass fibre sheet which is then applied to a tabletop.

The known In Table Cards have several disadvantages with the principal one being that in all cases once the cards are applied to the table they become a fixed item and any upgrade or change requires the total replacement of the table. The need to change the card may arise for many reasons, for example if a new set of numbers is required, or different electronic displays are to be used and if a style change or company logo change is desired. Since changing existing In Table Cards also requires the operator to replace the table it is an expensive, time consuming and labour intensive process. As a result operators do not replace the In Table Cards as often as either they or the participants would like.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided gaming display apparatus comprising a frame and at least a first display member which is removably retained in the frame.

Preferably the apparatus is arranged, in use, to be removably secured to a fixed surface. The fixed surface may be provided by a table and preferably is a table top. The apparatus may be arranged, in use, to be removably secured in a cavity provided in a table top such that the upper surface of the apparatus is substantially flush with the table top.

Preferably the gaming display apparatus comprises a retaining member wherein the display member is retained between the frame and the retaining member.

Preferably the retaining member is a planar member.

Preferably the or each display member is a planar member.

The frame may comprise a peripheral frame having an aperture therethrough.

The apparatus may include a cover screen.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a second display member. Preferably the apparatus comprises a third display member.

Preferably, the gaming display apparatus comprises a support sheet arranged to be fitted between a display member and the retaining member.

Preferably, the or each display member carries information in relation to a bingo game, more preferably a Mechanised Cash Bingo game. Preferably the gaming display apparatus is an In Table Bingo card.

Preferably, the or each display member comprises a printed screen.

Preferably, the gaming display apparatus is arranged such that, in use, it is assembled and secured to the fixed surface such that it may subsequently be detached from said fixed surface.

Preferably the gaming display apparatus is arranged such that, in use, it may be dismantled and one or more components thereof replaced after which the apparatus may be re-assembled and re-mounted onto the fixed surface.

Preferably the fixed surface to which the gaming display apparatus is arranged, in use, to be mounted to, comprises a table or bench.

Alternatively the gaming display apparatus may be mounted to an alternative fixed surface.

Preferably the gaming display apparatus is arranged, such that, in use, the or each display member may be replaced.

Alternatively or in addition the gaming display apparatus

may be arranged such that the retaining member and any parts mounted thereto may be replaced.

Preferably there are three display members which comprise a foreground screen, an information screen and a background screen. Preferably the foreground screen is arranged to be fitted within the frame first, followed by the information screen and then the background screen.

Preferably, each display member comprises a transparent sheet, which may be a transparent plastics sheet, for example lexan, to which print is applied.

The foreground screen may be printed upon, for example with artwork, such that the printed areas of the transparent sheet are opaque. The printed areas of the foreground screen may thus mask parts of subsequent components of the gaming display apparatus from the view of a game participant. The areas of the foreground screen which are not printed upon may remain transparent and thus provide windows through which subsequent components of the gaming display apparatus may be viewed.

Preferably, the foreground screen is printed with artwork specific to the gaming display apparatus and a game operator, for example with a logo or logos and surround colours.

Preferably, the information screen is printed with information specific to the game and the gaming display apparatus.

Preferably, the information printed on the information screen comprises a set of numbers, more preferably it comprises a set of 16 numbers. Preferably, the numbers are arranged in four columns of four.

Preferably, the information printed on the information screen is arranged to cooperate with windows in the foreground screen such that it may be viewed by a game participant.

Preferably, the areas of the information screen which are not printed upon remain transparent and thus provide a window through which subsequent components of the gaming display apparatus may be viewed provided that they also cooperate with the windows of the foreground screen. The windows may include the areas of the information sheet immediately adjacent to each printed number and also the open areas within certain printed numbers, for example the open area within the number 6.

Preferably, the background screen is printed upon such that the printed areas of the transparent sheet are opaque. The printed areas may thus mask the parts of subsequent components of the playing card which lie behind the printed areas from the view of the game participant.

Preferably, the printed areas of the background screen are arranged to cooperate with the windows of the foreground screen and the windows of the information screen.

Preferably, the printed areas of the background screen are arranged to lie behind the information printed on the information screen. The printed areas may be arranged

such that where the information sheet comprises four columns of four numbers each column is provided with a different background colour, for example red, yellow, blue and white.

Preferably, the areas of the background screen which are not printed upon remain transparent and thus provide a window through which subsequent component or components of the playing card may be viewed provided that they also cooperate with a window of the information screen and a window of the foreground screen. Preferably the component or components which may be viewed through a window of the background screen comprise an electronic display or electronic displays.

Preferably, the frame comprises a wall section the inner faces of which define a substantially rectangular aperture arranged to receive the or each display member on and preferably receive the cover screen and each display member and preferably also a support sheet. The wall section may be rectangular in cross-section.

Preferably, the frame further comprises a flange which projects from the inner faces of the wall section such that the free edges of the flange define a substantially rectangular aperture. Preferably this aperture is smaller than that defined by the inner faces of the wall section.

The flange, together with the wall section, may form the front face of the frame.

The rear face of the flange may be arranged to abut against the periphery of the front face of the cover screen.

The inner faces of the wall section may be arranged to abut against the edges of the cover screen, display member or members and preferably of the support sheet.

Preferably, the frame further comprises lugs projecting from the rear face of the wall section. Preferably the frame comprises eight lugs and the lugs may be substantially cylindrical.

Preferably, each lug comprises a substantially cylindrical threaded cavity arranged, in use, to receive retaining means in order to secure the playing card to a fixed surface.

Preferably, the retaining means comprise screws which may be inserted from the rear face of a fixed surface such that they project therethrough and, in use, secure the gaming display apparatus in place.

Preferably, the cover screen comprises a transparent plastics material, more preferably it comprises a transparent acrylic sheet.

Preferably the frame comprises a plastics and preferably comprises a coloured plastics.

Preferably the apparatus includes a support sheet. The support sheet may comprise a resilient deformable material, preferably it comprises a foam material.

Preferably, the support sheet comprises an aperture arranged to cooperate with a window or windows of the foreground screen and the windows of the information and background screens. This aperture may be arranged to allow an electronic display or electronic displays which is or are mounted on the fixing sheet to be viewed by a game participant.

Preferably, the retaining member comprises a fixing sheet which may be a metal sheet.

The retaining member may be arranged to secure the support sheet in place.

Preferably, the retaining member causes the support sheet to be compressed such that it holds the display member tight against each other and the cover sheet.

Preferably the fixing sheet comprises an aperture arranged, in use, to receive and mount an electronic component or electronic components. Preferably the electronic component or components comprise an electronic display or displays.

The fixing sheet may be secured to the frame by removable retaining means. The retaining means may comprise screws.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a gaming table comprising gaming display apparatus wherein the gaming display apparatus is removably retained to the table.

Preferably the gaming display apparatus is removably secured to the table.

Preferably the gaming display apparatus is a playing card and preferably is a bingo card, and more preferably is a Mechanised Cash Bingo card or In Table Bingo card.

The gaming display apparatus may be arranged, in use, to be removably retained in a cavity provided in the table.

Preferably the gaming display apparatus is in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, the gaming display apparatus is secured to the table by retaining means. Preferably said retaining means extend from a first side of said table, through said table and into a part of said gaming display apparatus.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling gaming display apparatus comprising removably retaining a display member in a frame of the gaming display apparatus.

The method may include retaining a cover sheet in the frame. The method may include securing a retaining member to the frame.

The method may include retaining or securing the gaming display apparatus to a fixed surface, for example a table.

Preferably the method further comprises the step of fitting a support sheet into said frame.

Preferably the method comprises fitting three display members into said frame. Preferably the display members comprise a foreground sheet, an information sheet and a background sheet.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of updating gaming display apparatus comprising removing a display member from a frame of the gaming display apparatus and removably retaining a further display member in the frame.

The method may include detaching a retaining member from the frame. The method may include removing one or each display member from the frame. The method may include changing one or each display member in the frame.

The method may include removing the gaming display apparatus from a fixed surface and may include re-securing the gaming display apparatus to the fixed surface.

Preferably the method further comprises the steps of removing a support sheet from the frame and then reinserting said support sheet into said frame after one or more display members has been changed.

Preferably three display members are held within said frame. Preferably the display members comprise a foreground sheet, an information sheet and a background sheet.

Preferably the gaming display apparatus may be updated by changing any one of said display members.

The gaming display apparatus may also be updated by changing electronic components mounted to a fixing sheet.

This may be achieved by changing the fixing sheet.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the drawings that follow, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a playing card in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the component parts of the playing card of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the rear of the frame of the playing card of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the top of a table comprising the playing card of Figure 1.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment The modular gaming display apparatus in the form of a playing card 100 incorporates an outer metal frame 110 which, as shown in Figure 1 holds components of the playing card 100 in place.

As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the modular gaming display apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of display members 130,140, 150 which are removably retained in the apparatus. The display member may be a foreground screen 130, an information screen 140 and a background screen 150. The apparatus comprises a cover screen in order to protect the display members. The display members 130, 140,150 and the cover screen are retained in the apparatus between a frame 110 and a retaining member or fixing sheet 170. The apparatus is provided with a support sheet 160 comprising a resilient material in order to urge the display members 130,140, 150 and covers screen 120 into contact to provide a clear display, when assembled. The apparatus is arranged, in use, to be removably retained to a table top in order for a participant to play a game using the apparatus.

As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3, the frame 110 comprises a wall section 111 the inner faces 112 of which define a substantially rectangular aperture arranged to receive components of the playing card 100. The frame 110 further comprises a flange 113 projecting from the inner faces 112 of the wall section which, together with the wall section forms the front face 114 of the frame 110. The rear face of the flange is arranged to retain and abut the periphery

of the front face of a transparent acrylic cover 120 screen which is fitted into the frame 110. The inner faces 112 of the wall section 111 are arranged to abut the edges of the cover screen 120. The transparent acrylic cover screen provides a lens through which subsequent components of the playing card may be viewed by a game participant. The cover screen may be fixed into the frame but could also be retained together with the other elements of the playing card 100 by a fixing sheet 170.

The frame has an outer Figure 119 which is arranged to be flush with the top of the table when the apparatus is secured to the table. The apparatus may be flush with the table top or, alternatively, the apparatus may be upstanding from the table top.

As shown in Figure 4, the frame 110 further comprises substantially cylindrical lugs 116 projecting from the rear face 115 of the wall section 111. Each lug 116 comprises a substantially cylindrical threaded cavity 117 which is arranged, in use, to receive a screw 199. The screws 199 may be inserted into the underside of a table such that they extend therethrough and into the cavities 117. The table may be provided with a cavity into which the apparatus locates in order to be flush with the table top. Alternatively, a part of the apparatus may be upstanding from the table top.

The playing card further comprises a lexan foreground screen 130 printed with artwork 131 (shown by hatching).

This artwork 131 may be specific to the card and the client, for example it may comprise a specific logo and surround colours and designs. The surround designs may be

themed, for example special foreground screens could be produced for Christmas and other special occasions.

The foreground screen 130 comprises a transparent sheet onto which the artwork 131 is printed such that areas of the sheet are covered and thus become opaque (shown as hatching) while the unprinted areas 135 remain transparent. The unprinted areas 135 of the foreground screen thus provide windows 135 through which subsequent layers of the playing card 100 may be viewed.

The foreground screen 130 is fitted into the frame 110 such that its front face abuts the rear face of the cover screen 120 and its edges abut the inner faces 112 of the frame wall section 111.

An information screen 140 is inserted into the frame 110 such that its front face abuts the rear face of the foreground screen 130 and its edges abut the inner face 112 of the frame wall section 111.

The information screen 140 comprises a transparent sheet onto which 16 numbers 141, which are unique to the playing card, are printed together with other details 142 specific to the playing card. The printed areas of the information screen 140 are arranged to cooperate with the windows 135 of the foreground screen 130 such that they may be viewed by the game participant. The areas of the information screen 140 on which information is not printed remain transparent and thus provide a lens 145 which allows subsequent layers of the playing card 100 to be seen by a game participant provided that they cooperate with the windows 135 of the foreground screen 130.

A background screen 150 is inserted into the frame 100 such that its front face abuts the rear face of the information screen 140 and its edges abut the inner faces 112 of the frame wall section 111.

The background screen 150 comprises a transparent sheet printed with the background colours of the playing card 100. The printed areas 151 (shown in hatching) of the background sheet are opaque and are arranged to lie behind the numbers 141, and other details 142 printed on the number screen 140. The printed areas thus also cooperate with the windows 135 of the foreground screen such that they may be viewed by the game participant. The printed areas also mask subsequent components of the playing card 100 from the view of a game participant.

The printed areas 151 may comprise different background colours for each of the four columns of numbers 141 printed on the number screen 140. The background sheet 150 may for example comprise red, yellow, blue and white columns.

The areas of the background screen 150 which are not printed upon remain transparent and thus provide a lens 155 which allows subsequent components or the playing card 100 to be seen provided that they also cooperate with the lens 145 of the information screen 140 and windows 135 of the foreground screen 130.

A background foam support sheet 160 is inserted into the frame 100 such that its front face abuts the rear face of

the background sheet 150 and its edges abut the inner faces 12 of the frame wall section 111.

The support sheet comprises an aperture 161 arranged, in use, to receive electronic displays (not shown). This aperture is arranged to cooperate with the lenses 155,145 of the background and information screens 150,140 respectively as well as windows 135 of the foreground screen 130 such that the electronic displays may be viewed by the game participant.

The playing card 100 further comprises a metal fixing sheet 170 which is fixed to the frame 110 such that its front face abuts against the rear face of the support sheet.

The fixing sheet 170 is secured to the frame 110 such that it causes compression of the foam support sheet 160. The foam support sheet 160 thus adds pressure to the artwork screen when the playing card is assembled. The fixing sheet 170 therefore results in all the internal elements of the playing card 100 being held tight against the acrylic cover screen 110.

The fixing sheet 170 comprises an aperture 171 arranged, in use, to receive and mount the electronic displays (not shown) of the playing card 100.

Figure 4 shows the playing card 100 according to the present invention removably mounted into a fixed surface 200.

The playing card according to the present invention thus has many advantages when compared to those of the prior art. For example tables can be produced as a separate production entity without the playing card details being known or available. If the playing card is inadvertently fitted in the wrong table during manufacture it can be readily removed and replaced. In addition the whole playing card may be removed from an old table and placed in a replacement table. Furthermore, the cover sheet may be sealed into the frame and therefore provides protection to all components mounted beneath it.

The playing card may be conveniently removed from the table, dismantled, and reassembled and re-secured to the table once components have been exchanged. By exchanging the foreground screen the artwork including the logo may be changed. By exchanging the information screen the 16 number combination may be changed. By exchanging the background screen the background colours may be changed.

By exchanging the fixing sheet the fixing sheet and electronics mounted thereon may be changed. The playing card may thus be updated without the need to replace the entire card or the table to which it is mounted. The playing card thus provides a level of flexibility in manufacturing and a level of"future proofing".

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s). The invention extend to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Gaming display apparatus comprising a frame and at least a first display member which is removably retained in the frame.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the apparatus is arranged, in use, to be removably secured to a fixed surface.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which the fixed surface is a table top.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3 in which the apparatus is arranged, in use, to be removably secured in a cavity provided in a table top such that the upper surface of the apparatus is substantially flush with the table top.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the or each display member carries information in relation to a bingo game.
6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the gaming display apparatus is an In Table Bingo card.
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the gaming display apparatus is arranged such that in use, it is dismantalable to enable one or more components thereof to be replaced after which the apparatus is reassembled and remounted on to the fixed surface.
8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which there are three display members which comprise a

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foreground screen, an information screen and a background screen.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8 in which each display member comprises a transparent sheet to which print is applied.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9 in which the foreground screen is printed upon such that the printed areas of the transparent sheet are opaque.
11. Apparatus according to any one of claim 9 or claim 10 in which the information screen is printed with information specific to the game and the gaming display apparatus.
12. Apparatus according any one of claims 9 to 11 in which the information printed on the information screen comprises a set of numbers.
13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12 in which the information printed on the information screen is arranged to cooperate with windows in the foreground screen such that it may be viewed by a game participant.
14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13 in which the background screen is printed upon such that the printed areas of the transparent sheet are opaque.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14 in which the printed areas of the background screen are arranged to cooperate with windows of the foreground screen and windows of the information screen.

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16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which apparatus includes a cover screen.
17.'Apparatus according to claim 16 in which the cover screen comprises a transparent plastics material.
18. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the apparatus includes a support sheet.
19. Apparatus according to claim 18 in which the support sheet comprises a resilient deformable material.
20. Apparatus according to claim 18 or claim 19 in which a retaining member causes the support sheet to be compressed such that it holds the display member tight against each other and the cover sheet.
21. A gaming table comprising gaming display apparatus wherein the gaming display apparatus is removably retained to the table.
22. A gaming table according to claim 21 in which the gaming display apparatus is removably secured to the table.
23. A gaming table according to claim 21 and claim 22 in which the gaming display apparatus is a bingo card.
24. A gaming table according to any one of claims 21 to 23 in which the gaming display apparatus is arranged, in use, to be removably retained in a cavity provided in the table.

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25. A method of assembling gaming display apparatus comprising removably retaining a display member in a frame of the gaming display apparatus.
26. A method according to claim 25 or claim 26 in which the method includes retaining the gaming display apparatus to a fixed surface.
27. A method according to claim 25 or claim 26 in which the method comprises fitting three display members into said frame.
28. A method according to claim 27 in which the display members comprise a foreground sheet, an information sheet and a background sheet.
29. Gaming display apparatus substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.
30. A gaming table substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.
31. A method of assembling a gaming display apparatus substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.