GB2476666A

GB2476666A - Playing card viewing device

Info

Publication number: GB2476666A
Application number: GB0922733A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Denis Finbarr Moloney
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-12-31
Filing date: 2009-12-31
Publication date: 2011-07-06
Also published as: GB2476666A9; GB0922733D0

Abstract

A device allowing playing cards to be viewed when placed face-down comprises a ramp up which the cards are slid, an optical viewing arrangement including a glass window on the ramp and an internal arrangement of mirrors or similar optical devices, a light for illuminating the interior of the device, and a viewing slot or widow at the rear through which the reflected image of the playing cards is observed by a player. In a preferred embodiment the internal arrangement of mirrors comprises a pair of mirrors. A cover is preferably provided for the viewing slot, moveable between an open position in which the cards can be observed and a closed position in which the cards cannot be observed. The light is preferably operated by a switch, and in a preferred embodiment the switch serves to simultaneously operate the light and move the cover to the open position. The device may be powered using a battery, and a separate switch may be provided to isolate the battery. Use of the device may assist in preventing damage to the playing cards through repeated handling. The device is particularly intended for use whilst playing poker, e.g. Texas Hold 'em.

Description

Poker Card Viewer -The Poker Peeker Invention Outline This device enables poker playing cards to be discretely viewed without the cards being repeatedly handled during the game. Two playing cards placed face down on a glass panel can then be read using a combination of mirrors, via a viewing slot. A push-to-make' switch is used to both open the protective shutter-guard (that obscures the viewing slot), and illuminate the cards.

Invention Field

I believe this to be a new innovation and is not an extension of an existing poker or playing card accessory

Background of the Invention (benefits)

* Stops cards being repeatedly handled and fumbled * Prevents cards being damaged through card-corner bending * Makes the repeated viewing of cards easy and discrete * Ensures that the reverse of all active playing cards are constantly in view * Offers maximum viewing protection from other players

Detailed Description

The devise has the following features and can be referenced against the attached drawing, Fig #1, Fig #2, Fig #3; * A shallow ramp, up which two playing cards can be pulled * A glass panel through which the cards reflection can be captured * Two angled mirrors used to make the cards image viewable * A viewing slot through which the cards image can be seen * A protective shutter-guard to obscure the viewing slot between card viewings * A bulb activated by a push-to-make' switch to illuminate the cards * The shutter-guard opens as the bulb illuminates * A DC battery to power the bulb The devise is primarily targeted at the Texas Hold-'Em poker version of the game where two private cards are dealt to each player, face down. Only that specific player can view those particular cards. All other cards dealt are common and viewable by all. The purpose of this devise is to make the two private cards easy to view and re-view throughout the game; * Once dealt, the two private cards are slid up the ramp by the player * When the top of the two playing cards is over the glass panel at the top of the ramp, their reflection will be picked up by the first of two angled mirrors, Mirror #1, and then reflected onwards to Mirror #2 Poker Card Viewer -The Poker Peeker * The resulting image is then reflected back from Mirror #2 back to Mirror #1, thereby correcting' the playing card's image i.e. the viewed image is the same as though the card is being viewed directly * The corrected image can then be viewed by the player via a viewing slot * The pressing of the button at the top of the devise results in two actions; 1) opens the protective shutter-guard that obscures the viewing slot between card viewings 2) illuminates the battery powered bulb that provides the light necessary to view the private playing cards * A separate switch exists to isolate the battery if sufficient external light exists to view the private playing cards thereby saving battery power Drawings Three drawings are attached on a single sheet.

Please note that the drawings are not to scale but the general dimensions are given for guidance only.

Fig #1 -Side elevation Fig #2-Plan view Fig #3 -Rear elevation The precise materials used to manufacture the product and its final dimensions will be decided as part of the detailed design stage.