JP2023547067A - Game cards/cartridges - Google Patents

Abstract

A gaming card cartridge according to the invention includes a container configured to couple to a card dispensing shoe, the container defining a spatial area. The container includes a set of gaming cards within the volume, and the volume of the container is sealed by one or more seals. The container includes a top wall, a front wall, and a side wall, the top wall being slidably connected to the side wall and configured to slide toward the front wall, the top wall being configured to include at least a first seal; Prevented from sliding. [Selection diagram] Figure 1B

Description

[01] The present invention generally relates to a playing card cartridge configured for insertion into a card dealing device, and a card containing such a playing card cartridge. Concerning how to deal cards from a dispensing device.

[02] Card gaming games are very popular in casinos and similar establishments. Due to the large payouts possible for bets made, such card games are highly susceptible to potential fraud and fraud.

[03] The first source of potential fraud and cheating is the arrangement that takes place between the dealer and the player, such as a signal given regarding the next card that is about to be dealt. For this reason, the dealer is never allowed to see the next card when dealing. Elaborate shoes and card dispensing devices have been created to prevent information about the next card(s) from being communicated to the dealer and player.

[04] Another source of possible fraud and fraud is that a false card may be placed in a set of cards and used. These are placed either during the game itself or during the production of a set of cards and their transport to the table where they are dealt.

[05] The next source of possible fraud and fraud is the card's rank and suit information coupled with minor defects that can be seen on the card itself. Such minor defects include minor color deviations, minor deviations in the pattern printed on the card, minor deviations in the rectangular shape due to incomplete cutting of the card, and the like. High levels of quality control are employed to reduce or eliminate card defects of all types.

[06] Finally, a source of fraud or cheating is leaked information about the arrangement of cards present in a set of cards used during a game. This information is obtained during the production process of the set of cards, as well as from the card and set manufacturer through a locked area of the casino to the table where the set of cards is dealt. while transporting cards. To reduce the risk of information leakage, transport and production chains are kept as short as possible, both in time and distance.

[07] Among other things, it is an object of the present invention to eliminate the risk of information leakage during the transport of a deck of cards from the card deck manufacturer to the table where the deck is dealt, possibly through a locked area of a casino. The goal is to further reduce it.

[08] According to a first general aspect of the invention, a gaming card cartridge is provided. The cartridge includes a container configured to couple to a card dispensing shoe. The container defines a volume, and the container further includes a set of gaming cards within the volume. The volume of the container, and thus the cartridge, is sealed by one or more seals.

[09] The container includes a top wall, a front wall, and a side wall, the top wall is slidably connected to the side wall and configured to slide toward the front wall, and the top wall has at least a first Sliding is prevented by the seal, ie by a first seal of at least one of said one or more seals. Accordingly, the container includes a top wall, a front wall, and a side wall, the top wall being slidably connected to the side wall and configured to slide toward the front wall after unsealing the cartridge. , the top wall is prevented from sliding by at least a first of the one or more seals.

[10] A seal is a closure that must be broken in order to be opened, thus exposing tampering. Therefore, a sealed container means that the container cannot be opened without breaking at least one of the seals. When a container is opened, this may be due to the presence of at least one broken seal, by traces of an opened seal, or by the fact that the container itself has been damaged or even destroyed. You can always remind yourself.

[11] The cartridge is configured to couple to the card delivery shoe. Thus, a cartridge can typically be coupled to a card dealing shoe from a card dealing device without the need for any separate device connecting the cartridge and card dealing shoe.

[12] The cartridge is typically configured to couple to a card dispensing shoe from a card dispensing device so that the dealer can receive the cartridge at the gaming table and when initiating a game by dealing cards from the cartridge. In the period between, there is no need to manipulate or touch the set of cards in the container. Furthermore, the cartridge can be sealed at the manufacturing facility where the set of cards is made and inserted into the cartridge. Thus, during transportation of a deck of cards between the manufacturer and the gaming table, no one touches the cards in the deck, and the cartridge remains sealed during this time. After the cartridge is sealed, the cards never leave the cartridge except when they are actually withdrawn one by one by a card dispenser. Because the cartridge is sealed, no one can gain insight into, touch, or even manipulate the card during this period of transportation. Therefore, no one has any information about the arrangement and identity of the cards in the deck during transportation from the manufacturer of the deck until the game is started by dealing the first card from the deck at the gaming table. cannot be collected. Typically, the cartridge can be opened from the card dispensing device by removing at least one of the seals just prior to inserting the cartridge into the card dispensing shoe. Instead, the cartridge is opened by inserting the cartridge into the card delivery shoe and then removing at least one of the seals.

[13] The seal used can be any type of seal, such as security seal tape, or lead and/or wax, or any of such seals. The cartridge can be sealed by a combination of

[14] Containers can be made of thermoplastic polymers such as polypropylene (PP), or thermoset polymers such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) such as PC/ABS blends, and Can be provided with polymeric materials, such as mixtures. Preferably, the cartridge is constructed from one or more injection molded pieces. The various walls or elements may be part of one injection molded part. The spatial area of the container can be provided by a combination of various walls, such as a bottom wall, two side walls, a back wall, a front wall, and a top wall. One of these walls, preferably the front wall, is provided with exit means that make it possible to withdraw the card located in the volumetric space from this spatial area once the cartridge has been opened. In one example, the container includes a top wall, a bottom wall, two side walls, a back wall, and a front wall, where the bottom wall, the two side walls, and the back wall form one integral part, such as an injection molded part. You may. The container may be partially transparent. That is, a portion of the wall may be transparent, translucent, opaque or opaque, and a portion of the wall or the entire wall may be so.

[15] According to a first particular facet of the first general aspect of the invention, a gaming card cartridge is provided. The container includes a top wall, a front wall, and a side wall, the top wall being slidably connected to the side wall and configured to slide toward the front wall, the top wall being connected by at least a first seal. , prevented from sliding. Thus, when this first seal is broken, the top wall can slide in view of the side wall. According to an embodiment, the lower edge of the upper wall may be directed toward the front wall, the upper edge of the front wall may be directed toward the upper wall, and the lower edge of the upper wall may extend beyond the upper edge of the front wall. .

[16] The seal prevents any sliding movement of the top wall toward the front wall with respect to the side wall to which the top wall is slidably engaged or connected. Providing the lower edge of the top wall extending beyond the upper edge of the front wall prevents cards from slipping into the slits that may possibly be present along the contact points of both edges. If the top wall is configured to also slide toward the back wall, this seal will not interfere with any sliding movement of the top wall toward the back wall with respect to the side wall to which the top wall is slidably engaged or connected. It can also prevent movement. Alternatively, if the top wall is configured to also slide toward the front wall, the first seal may prevent any sliding of the top wall toward the front wall, and the second seal may prevent any sliding of the top wall toward the front wall. The tool can prevent any sliding of the top wall towards the back wall. Sliding towards the back wall can be used during manufacture of the cartridge to free up space at the front end of the container to load the container with a set of cards to be played. During transportation and game play, it is necessary to prevent this top wall from sliding backwards. This is because this could allow unauthorized handing over of the cards within the cartridge after the cartridge has been opened.

[17] Thus, when a cartridge is sealed it is meant that the top wall covers the opening defined by the side walls and the front and back walls of the sealed container. After opening the cartridge, the top wall can slide under certain conditions. The top wall may be damaged if, after the cartridge has been opened, the card may be removed from the cartridge, but one or more applicable seals preventing sliding of the top wall are not removed or broken. It is possible to prevent the top wall from sliding towards the front wall and/or the back wall. Or, alternatively, the card delivery shoe may hinder and prevent sliding of the top wall toward the front wall when the cartridge is coupled to the card delivery shoe. In this case, optionally the second seal can also prevent sliding of the top wall towards the back wall.

[18] According to an embodiment, the upper edge of the top wall is directed away from the front wall, and pressing means are provided in the spatial area of the container for pressing the gaming cards towards the front end of the container, and the cartridge is configured to Stop means are provided to prevent the upper edge of the top wall from sliding past the pressing means.

[19] According to an embodiment, if the upper edge of the top wall is directed away from the front wall and pressing means are provided in the spatial area of the container for pressing the gaming cards towards the front end of the container, the pressing The means may include stop means for preventing the upper edge of the top wall from sliding past the pressing means.

[20] The pressing means may have on its side a projection directed towards the top wall, which projection slides in a groove present in the top wall. This groove in the top wall is provided along the length of the top wall, but terminates before the top edge of the top wall. Thus, although the top wall can slide up to the front end of the cartridge, there is no groove near the top edge of the top wall, which prevents the top wall from sliding beyond that point. This protrusion abuts the end of the groove and prevents further sliding of the top wall. Alternatively, the groove in the top wall is provided along at least part of the length of the top wall. Preferably, the groove in the top wall is provided along the entire length of the top wall.

[21] Thus, according to an embodiment, the stop means may comprise a protrusion on the pressing means, on the side of the pressing means directed towards the top wall. The stop means further includes a groove in the top wall, the groove in the top wall being provided along the length of the top wall and terminating before the top edge of the top wall. The projection on the pressing means slides within said groove present in the top wall.

[22] According to an embodiment, the upper edge of the top wall is oriented away from the front wall, and pressing means for pressing the gaming cards towards the front edge of the container are provided in the spatial area of the container, and the upper edge of the top wall However, stop means may be provided to prevent the upper edge of the top wall from sliding past the pressing means. The top wall may include a projection projecting into the inside of the cartridge, such that it reaches further than the upper side of the pressing means directed towards the top wall. The top wall can thus slide up to the front end of the cartridge, but the protrusion prevents the top wall from sliding past the pressing means. The protrusion hits the rear side of the pressing means and prevents further sliding of the top wall.

[23] Thus, according to an embodiment, the stop means may comprise a projection, for example on the inner surface of the top wall, for example on the upper edge, said projection extending beyond the upper edge of the pressing means. protrudes inside the cartridge. This top side is directed towards the top wall.

[24] During use of the cartridge, the cards are withdrawn from the cartridge and the remainder of the set of cards is pressed forward by the pressing means. The pressing means also advances forward within the cartridge. During game play, a new spatial area is created between the back side of the pressing means and the back wall. Once the game is finished and the cartridge is removed from the dispensing device again, the top wall slides towards the front wall, opening up the newly created spatial area behind the pressing means. The dealt cards can be collected and placed within this newly created spatial area behind the pressing means. The stop means may, for example, be an inwardly directed protrusion on the top wall or a top-directed protrusion on the pressing means, which slides in a groove in the top wall and prevents the top wall from sliding past the stop means. To prevent. The inwardly directed projections on the top wall may reach deeper within the spatial area than the upper edge of the pressing means. This protrusion may be adjacent to the upper edge of the top wall, ie the edge closest to the back wall. A projection toward the upper side on the pressing means may slide within a groove in the upper wall. The groove may run the entire length of the upper wall in a direction from the upper edge to the lower edge of the upper wall, but terminates before the upper edge of the upper wall. Therefore, the undealt cards that are still in front of the pressing means remain untouched and can remain untouched. Undealt cards and their arrangement remain secret, so there is no risk that their identity and arrangement will be known and the cards can be recuperated.

[25] Accordingly, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for collecting gaming cards in a cartridge. This method is
- collecting gaming cards, preferably cards drawn and dealt according to the invention from the opened cartridge;
- opening a spatial area behind the pressing means in the cartridge;
- inserting the collected gaming cards into a spatial area behind the pressing means in the cartridge;
- closing a spatial region behind the pressing means in the cartridge;
including.

[26] According to certain embodiments, the container may be provided with at least one storage place for storing one or more preliminary seals. A pre-sealer inside the sealed cartridge can be used to seal the cartridge once it has been used. The one or more storage spaces may each store one spare, unused seal, or a plurality of spare seals used to seal the cartridge after use. . A preseal is also called a return seal and can therefore be used to seal the cartridge after use. To avoid mistakes, a new cartridge can be sealed with a sealer having a given color, while a return sealer, in a different color, is provided and used to seal the new cartridge. can be provided in a color that is clearly distinguishable from other seals. Additionally or alternatively, the seal on the new cartridge and the return seal may be provided with different signs, such as a stamp or label on the seal. Most preferably, the one or more storage spaces are provided at or behind the back wall of the container. The one or more storage spaces may also be used to store broken seals of new cartridges when the resealed cartridges are returned to the casino's back office.

[27] Therefore, the method of collecting gaming cards in a cartridge further includes:
- removing the pre-sealing device from the cartridge before closing the spatial area behind the pressing means in the cartridge;
- sealing the cartridge using the preliminary sealing tool;
is provided.

[28] The seal, i.e., the seal on the new gaming card cartridge, and optionally the return seal, may be provided with an RFID label or RFID strip, so that when the seal is broken, this RFID Labels or strips also get torn and stop working.

[29] Thus, according to certain embodiments of the seal or gaming card cartridge according to the present invention, at least one seal may include an RFID label, the RFID label being ruptured when the seal is broken. .

[30] According to a second particular aspect of the first general aspect of the invention, a gaming card cartridge is provided. The container includes a top wall and a front wall, with a lower edge of the top wall directed toward the front wall. The front wall has card extraction means, which make it possible to remove the card from the space of the container when the cartridge is opened. At least a portion of the inner surface of the top wall adjacent the lower edge is contoured to prevent a card different from the card closest to the card extraction means from being removed from the cartridge through the card extraction means. (profile).

[31] A cut-out, such as a knurled surface, to avoid that a different card than the one in front of the withdrawal means is drawn through the withdrawal means in place of the one in front of this withdrawal means. It has been found that by forming a profiled surface adjacent the lower edge of the top wall, such incorrect cards are prevented from being withdrawn from the withdrawal means. It will be appreciated that the knurling or profile is provided by projections and indentations that are substantially parallel to the lower edge of the top wall, ie the edge closest to the front wall. The cutout surface, eg, a knurled surface, also prevents gaming cards from being forced into the cartridge through the withdrawal means.

[32] According to a third particular aspect of the first general aspect of the invention, a gaming card cartridge is provided. Pushing means for pushing the gaming cards towards the front end of the container are provided in the spatial area of the container, which pushing means (or pushers) can be pushed towards the front wall by means of a spring. The spring may be a constant torque spring. The constant torque spring may include a coil. Alternatively, the coil may be housed within the pressing means. Alternatively, a constant torque spring, such as a coil, can be placed in the cartridge at the front end near the front wall of the container.

[33] Through the use of a spring, a constant force is applied to the set of cards from the pressing means towards the front wall and its extraction means. The constant force ensures a constant resistance created for each card drawn from the cartridge. The dealer must always exert a certain amount of force to pull the card out of the cartridge, thus reducing the risk of errors and card misdistribution.

[34] According to an embodiment, pressing means are provided in the spatial area of the container, the pressing means displacing the pressing means in the volumetric space under gravity when the cartridge is inserted into the card dispensing shoe. includes at least one wheel to allow the vehicle to move. The pushing means is displaceable within the container by at least two wheels, one on each side of the pushing means, and is displaceable under gravity when the cartridge is inserted into the card dispensing shoe. The pressing means can be displaced within this spatial area. One or more wheels may be arranged under the pushing means and rotate on the bottom wall of the container.

[35] In other embodiments, the container may include two sidewalls, one wheel on each side that contacts and passes over a ridge on the inner surface of each of these sidewalls. Alternatively, the wheels may contact and pass through grooves on the inner surface of each sidewall.

[36] Optionally, the container includes two side walls and the pushing means may be displaceable within the container by at least two pairs of wheels, one pair of wheels on each side of the pushing means, each of said wheels contacts and passes over the ridge line on the inner surface of each sidewall. Alternatively, the pushing means is displaceable within the container by at least two pairs of wheels, one pair on each side of the pushing means, each wheel contacting a groove in the inner surface of each of the side walls. , pass through it.

[37] It will be appreciated that the ridge or groove may slope somewhat downwardly from the back wall to the front wall of the container. These ridges or grooves guide the moving pressing means towards the front wall of the container when the card is withdrawn from the cartridge.

[38] A combination of a spring, such as a constant torque spring, such as a coil, and such a wheel or pair of wheels may be used as well, to improve the movement of the pressing means in the container and therefore in the cartridge. , it becomes possible to guide smoothly.

[39] According to an embodiment, pressing means are provided in the spatial area of the container, the container comprising a bottom wall, and the pressing means comprising at least one protrusion on a side in contact with the bottom wall. This projection can slide within at least one groove in the bottom wall. The at least one groove may exist along the length of the bottom wall from the front end of the container to the rear end of the container. Alternatively, the pressing means is provided with more than one projection, such as two or more projections, and the bottom wall includes a recess for each projection. Each protrusion slides within a groove. Each groove may exist along the length of the bottom wall from the front end of the container to the rear end of the container. One or more protrusions sliding in the groove or grooves guide the pressing means downwardly in its path from the rear end of the container to the front end of the container.

[40] Thus, according to an embodiment, pressing means may be provided in the spatial area of the container, the container comprising a bottom wall, the pressing means having at least one protrusion on its side contacting the bottom wall. the bottom wall includes at least one groove along the length of the bottom wall from the front end of the container to the rear end of the container, the protrusion of the pressing means on the side contacting the bottom wall slides within said groove along the length of.

[41] According to a fourth particular aspect of the first general aspect of the invention, a gaming card cartridge is provided. The container includes a front wall having card extraction means. Card extraction means allow the card to be removed from the space of the container when the cartridge is opened. When the container is in a sealed state, the card closest to the card withdrawal means among the set of game cards is sealed in the container by at least one sealing tool. According to an embodiment, the cartridge may include a closing lid closing the card extraction means, which may be sealed to the container by at least one sealing device. Closing the card withdrawal means prevents withdrawal of gaming cards from the container. Preferably, the closure lid is made of a polymeric material, most preferably a transparent or translucent polymeric material. This transparent or translucent polymeric material allows the colors on the back of the gaming cards within the cartridge to be viewed even when the cartridge is not opened. Thus, a visual check for the correctness of the back of the gaming card can be made without opening the cartridge.

[42] Even if the first card, that is, the card in a set of game cards that is closest to the card withdrawal means when the cartridge is in the sealed state, is a fake or dummy card, this first card is sealed. By providing a tool it is possible to provide a sealed cartridge in the withdrawal means. However, it is further preferred to provide a lid for closing the withdrawal means. This is because this increases the assurance that the set of cards has not been touched illegitimately.

[43] According to a fifth particular aspect of the first general aspect of the invention, a gaming card cartridge is provided. Each of the cards may have a card identification code, and the cartridge includes data storage means for storing information about the card identification codes of cards in the set of gaming cards held by the cartridge. The data storage means may also store information about the arrangement of cards in a set of gaming cards held by the cartridge.

[44] In order to avoid fraud and increase detectability associated with a deck of cards residing within the spatial area of the cartridge, each gaming card located within the cartridge may have a card identification code. It can also be a unique identification code. The card identification code includes information about the number and picture of the card, and may be combined with an arrangement of characters, optionally a random arrangement of characters. This may be a binary code consisting of 0's and 1's, or it may be a string of characters. Characters shall be understood as characters selected from the alphabet, numbers from 0 to 9, punctuation marks and special characters such as &, @, #, §, $, ￡, ?, any other ASCII characters, etc. It won't happen. The card identification code may be a unique card identification code. Unique card identification does not refer to strict uniqueness, but must be understood in the context of the present invention, ie, in the context of gaming cards used in card games, such as in casinos. An identification is unique if it is not feasible to find a second gaming card with the same card identification. A card identification can be said to be unique if the probability of discovering a second gaming card with the same card identification is 1/100,000 or less. Hereinafter, for example, it is 1/10,000,000 or less. The card identification code may be printed one or more times on the front of each card. This may be printed as a string of characters or as a binary code, or this string of characters or binary code may be first converted into a barcode, QR code, etc. According to certain embodiments, micro-dot encryption may be used to print the card identification string or code. The use of microdots for identifying card numbers and pictures on the surface of cards is known from US9254435.

[45] The card identification string or code may not be visible to the naked eye. The card identification string or code may be visible and thus detectable by UV illumination alone or by radiation using non-visible light of a given wavelength or range of wavelengths. A UV illumination source, such as LED UV illumination, may be used to enable the card identification string or code to be read using a suitable camera system.

[46] The data storage means may be, for example, a SIM card or a micro SIM card, or may be integrated within the cartridge. The card dispensing device may have data reading means. The data reading means can be coupled to the data storage means when the cartridge is inserted into the card dispensing device. The data reading means of the card dispensing device can read the stored data. When the card dispensing device has card reading means for reading the card identification code on the card, the read code can be compared with the card identification code stored in the data storage means. If the read code does not match one of the card identification codes stored in the data storage means, there is a possibility that fraudulent activity has been committed with respect to the set of cards stored in the cartridge. An alert may be raised if and when this occurs. If and when the data storage means contains information about an array of cards in the cartridge, the card identification code read is different from the next one stored in the array in the data storage means. ), can issue an alarm.

[47] The data storage means may also be part of one of the seals used to seal the cartridge. The broken seal may be configured to be inserted into a reading device, and the reading device reads the stored data.

[48] The cartridge may be provided with a cartridge identification code. The cartridge identification code may be a set of cards in the spatial area of the cartridge, in which a group of characters is determined from characters taken from each card in a present array of cards, and the characters are connected. Therefore, comparing the arrangement of parts of the cartridge identification code with the arrangement of the parts of the card identification code in the arrangement from which they were drawn from the cartridge can reveal an incorrect card order, i.e. It is possible to reveal that a card has been drawn. Again, this may be an indication of fraudulent activity being committed with respect to the set of cards stored in the cartridge.

[49] According to a sixth particular aspect of the first general aspect of the invention, a gaming card cartridge is provided. The cartridge may include track and trace means. This tracking means can provide information about where the cartridge is at any given time. A cartridge identification code may be used to identify the cartridge in such tracking means.

[50] According to a second general aspect of the invention, a method of providing a card dispensing device is provided. Similarly, a method is provided for supplying gaming cards to a gaming table, and a method for transporting gaming cards to and optionally removing gaming cards from the gaming table. This method is
- providing a card dispensing device comprising a card dispensing shoe, the card dispensing device being configured to receive a gaming card cartridge according to the first overall aspect of the invention;
- providing a gaming card cartridge according to the first general aspect of the invention;
- coupling a gaming card cartridge to a card dispensing shoe;
- opening the cartridge by removing at least one of the one or more seals.

[51] Alternatively, all seals are removed before using the cartridge in a card game, ie, before the first card is pulled from the cartridge through the card dispensing shoe. Alternatively, the seal is removed before coupling the gaming card cartridge to the card dispensing shoe. Instead, some seals are left in place, removed only after the cartridge has been used, and optionally reused. Once the game is finished, remove the cartridge from the card dispensing shoe again. Used cartridges are typically returned to restricted areas of the casino, and the cartridge may still contain multiple unused cards, i.e., cards that were not withdrawn, so there is no risk of fraud against these unused cards. To prevent access, the used cartridge can be resealed with a new seal.

[52] According to an embodiment of the invention, the gaming card cartridge is a gaming card cartridge according to the first particular aspect of the first general aspect of the invention, and the aforementioned method further comprises:
- collecting cards dealt during the game played;
- opening a part of the container beyond the pressing means by sliding the top wall towards the front wall at the end of the played game;
- inserting the dealt cards into the open part of the container after the pressing means;
including.

[53] During or after the game, it is a good idea to collect the cards that were dealt and keep them together. By opening the space area of the cartridge behind the pressing means, a used card can be placed behind the pressing means. Therefore, the used card can be returned as is to the restricted area of the casino. The cartridge can also be closed again and sealed with a new seal once the used card has been placed behind the pressing means. Thus, cards used in restricted areas can be counted and cards that have been dealt and lost can be identified. Removal or concealment of dealt cards may also be a source of fraudulent activity.

[54] This is particularly the case when all cards have a card identification code. Cards used can be counted in restricted areas, and cards dealt and lost can be identified by their card identification codes. Lost cards can optionally be flagged by card identification code. If the flagged card is identified during other games using other cartridges, the occurrence of the flagged card and the cartridge from which this flagged card was removed You can create a link between. Thus, flagged cards can be immediately identified during game play. Once a flagged card is noticed, the game can be interrupted and the fraudulent activity that affects it can be avoided.

[55] According to an embodiment of the invention, the gaming card cartridge is a gaming card cartridge according to the fifth particular aspect of the first general aspect of the invention, in which case the aforementioned method comprises: Furthermore,
- Obtaining data stored in the data storage means;
・A step of reading the card identification code from the dealt game cards;
- comparing the read card identification code with the aforementioned obtained data stored in the data storage means;
including.

[56] Thus, improper or defective card arrangements can be immediately identified during game play. Once an incomplete card or arrangement is noticed, the game can be interrupted to avoid losses to the casino due to fraud.

[57] According to a third general aspect of the invention, a kit of parts is provided. The parts kit comprises a cartridge according to the first aspect of the invention and a card dispensing device including a card dispensing shoe configured to receive the cartridge. The card dispensing device includes a card dispensing shoe having retention means for receiving and retaining the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into or placed over the card dispensing shoe. You may. The card dispensing device may also include a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece can be mounted, such as anchored, onto the card dispensing shoe once the cartridge is inserted into or placed over the card dispensing shoe. can. The mouthpiece may cover the front wall of the cartridge and may include an opening that allows the card to be withdrawn from the cartridge, through the front wall, and through the mouthpiece.

[58] The card dispensing device, in particular the card dispensing shoe, may also be provided with one or more of the following means:
- one or more sensors for detecting the presence of a cartridge or for detecting a withdrawn card;
・Card reader that reads the number and pattern of the drawn card;
・Camera to detect and read card identification code,
- data reading means for reading the data storage means of the cartridge;
・Reading means for reading the cartridge identification code,
- a processor configured to compare the card identification code to the cartridge identification code;
Signal supply means for supplying a signal if a mismatch is found between the read card identification code and the card identification code read according to the cartridge identification code. The signal provided may be a visual or auditory signal, such as a bell, siren, flashing light, etc.

[59] The card dispensing shoe may have a top surface provided with a groove for receiving the bottom wall of the cartridge. The perimeter of this groove may surround and match the bottom wall of the cartridge. The cartridge can therefore fall in into the groove and remain submerged along the depth of the groove during use. Therefore, the cartridge cannot slide out of the card dispensing shoe during use. Alternatively or additionally, the card dispensing shoe may include retaining means for retaining the cartridge in or on the card dispensing shoe during use.

[60] According to a fourth general aspect of the invention, a seal is provided. The seal is configured for use in combination with a cartridge in accordance with a first general aspect of the invention. The sealing device according to the fourth aspect of the invention can be used to seal a cartridge according to the first overall aspect of the invention.

[61] The seal has a body or stem and a head, the head being wider than the body. The body is provided with at least one barb having an opening directed toward the head of the seal. The radial cross-section (perpendicular to the axis of the body) of the seal may be polygonal, such as triangular, rectangular, or square, or oval or circular. The width of the head of the seal extends beyond the outermost point of the at least one barb. Alternatively, the seal includes at least two barbs positioned opposite each other relative to the axis of the T-shaped body.

[62] The head of the seal may be tilted with respect to the axis of the body forming an angle different from 90°. The external point of the head may be further away from the axis of the body when plying the barb against the body of the seal compared to the external point of the barb.

[63] The cross-section of the seal along a plane parallel to the axis of the body may have a T-shaped cross-section, and the barb is coplanar with said plane.

[64] By way of example, the seal may have a T-shaped cross section in the axial direction, i.e. along a plane parallel to the axis of the body, and the barb is coplanar with said plane; It may have a T-shaped cross section. This barb has its opening directed toward a T-shaped head. The T-shape may be formed by a cylindrical body, which is provided with one or more barbs. The radial cross section of the seal, ie perpendicular to the axis of the T-shaped body and substantially parallel to the T-shaped head, is circular or oval. Alternatively, the axial cross-section of the seal is polygonal, such as triangular, rectangular, or square. The width of the head of the seal extends beyond the outermost point of the at least one barb, at least when the barb is closest to the axis of the body. Preferably, the seal includes at least two barbs positioned opposite each other relative to the axis of the T-shaped body.

[65] Thus, according to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one seal has an axial T-shaped cross-section, and the at least one barb has a T-shaped cross-section along the body of the seal. is provided, the opening of which is directed toward the T-shaped cross-section head.

[66] The seal is a polymeric material, preferably a thermoplastic material, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PP (polypropylene), PC (polycarbonate), or ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymer). May be made.

[67] According to a fifth general aspect of the invention, the cartridge according to the first general aspect is provided with one or more slots for receiving a closure according to the fourth general aspect of the invention. . The one or more slots have an entrance opening, the perimeter of which is less than the circumference of the T-head of the seal in the radial direction; Larger than the circumference of the glyph body. If the seal has only one barb, the maximum width of the entry opening shall be less than the length obtained by adding the minimum width of the T-shaped body to the distance between the outermost point of the barb and the T-shaped body. It is. If the seal has two or more barbs, the maximum width of the entry opening is less than the maximum distance between the two outermost points of the two barbs. The depth of the one or more slots is greater than the maximum axial distance between the bottom of the T-shaped body and the outermost point of the barb.

[68] Thus, when the seal is introduced into the slot, the barb or barbs will be compressed towards the T-shaped body while passing through the slot, but once fully inserted, the barb or barbs will be compressed towards the T-shaped body while passing through the slot. secures under the slot and is prevented from being pulled back. Pulling the seal back from the slot breaks the barb and thus breaks the seal.

[69] As an example, the front wall of the cartridge may be provided with a spatial area surrounded by the material of the front wall, except for one slot extending upwardly from the front wall. The spatial area below the slot is wider than this slot. The top wall is provided with an opening having the same perimeter as the entry opening of the slot. The entry opening and the opening in the top wall coincide when the top wall fully closes the cartridge. A seal according to the fifth aspect of the invention is inserted into a slot in the front wall through an opening in the top wall. The bar opens and blocks the seal within the space below the slot. In this way, the cartridge can be sealed. Breaking a seal will result in a broken seal remaining in the area of space below the slot. If the front wall is made of a permeable material, for example a permeable polymeric material, the integrity of the inserted seal can be inspected at any time.

[70] Alternatively, the cartridge may include a closure lid, and the closure lid of the cartridge may be provided with a spatial area surrounded by the material of the closure lid, except for a slot extending upwardly from the closure lid. The spatial area below the slot is wider than the slot. The top wall is provided with an opening having the same perimeter as the entry opening of the slot. The entry opening and the opening in the top wall coincide when the top wall fully closes the cartridge. A seal according to the fifth aspect of the invention is inserted into a slot in the closure lid through an opening in the top wall. The bar opens and traps the seal within the space below the slot. Breaking the seal leaves a loose barb within the void area below the slot. In this way, the cartridge can be sealed. If the closure is made of a permeable material, for example a permeable polymeric material, the integrity of the inserted seal can be inspected at any time.

[71] According to a sixth general aspect of the invention, the cartridge according to the first and/or fifth general aspect is provided with track and trace and/or real time tracking means. establish. The tracking/real-time tracking means may be an RFID chip, which is provided on the cartridge, for example inside a volume area of a sealed cartridge container. While scanners can be used to track sealed cartridges at all times, there is no need to break the seal to identify the cartridge. The RFID can be linked to the cartridge identification code, or the RFID can carry the cartridge identification code.

[72] In an alternative embodiment, Bluetooth low energy tags (BLE tags) may also be used to track the location of the cartridge and provide real-time tracking.

[73] Generally, the tracking and/or real-time tracking means may use integrated circuits that are added to or embedded in the cartridge. The integrated circuit (IC) may be a data storage means for storing information about card identification codes of cards in a set of gaming cards held by the cartridge, or optionally stores a cartridge identification code. A similar but separate integrated circuit may also be used. This integrated circuit may be a SIM card, a nano SIM card, a micro SIM card, a micro SIM card, etc. An integrated circuit storing a cartridge identification code may be integrated within the cartridge, for example, on the exterior or bottom surface of one of the walls of the cartridge.

[74] The IC can also function as a data storage means for storing card identification codes and/or cartridge identification codes.

[75] The gaming card dispensing device may also include data reading means. The data reading means is configured to read the card identification code from the data storage means and can also read the cartridge identification code. The data reading means, optionally the further the data reading means, may be coupled to the integrated circuit when the cartridge is inserted into the card dispensing device. The read cartridge identification code can be used to verify to what extent this cartridge is allowed to be used during the game being played.

[76] The independent and dependent claims specify distinctive and preferred features of the invention. Features from the dependent claims may be combined as appropriate with features of the independent claim or other dependent claims and/or with features specified in the above description and/or the following description.

[77] These and other characteristics, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given by way of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a gaming card cartridge according to the present invention. 1B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along plane AA as shown in FIG. 1A; FIG. FIG. 3 schematically shows a front view of the cartridge in an open state. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a seal used in a gaming card cartridge according to the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of a card dispensing device equipped with a gaming card cartridge; FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a sealing device that can be used in combination with a cartridge according to the invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a gaming card cartridge according to the present invention. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the gaming card cartridge of FIG. 6. FIG.

[84] The same reference numbers indicate the same, similar, or similar elements in different figures.

[85] The invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments. It is to be noted that when the term "comprising" is used in a claim, it should not be interpreted as being limited to the means listed thereafter and does not exclude other elements or steps. It should be done. It should therefore be interpreted as specifying the presence of the mentioned feature, step or component as cited, but not the existence of one or more other features, steps or components, or groups thereof. Neither existence nor addition is excluded. That is, the scope of the expression "device comprising means A and B" must not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. What this means is that, with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[86] Throughout this specification, references may be made to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment." Such references indicate that a particular feature described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but are There is a possibility.

[87] Furthermore, the particular features or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. This will be clear to those skilled in the art.

[88] FIG. 1A shows a front view of a gaming card cartridge 100 according to the present invention. FIG. 1B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of gaming card cartridge 100 along plane AA, as shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 shows a front view of cartridge 100 in an open state.

[89] The playing cartridge includes a container 101 configured to couple to a card dispensing shoe. Container 101 defines a spatial area 102 in which a set of gaming cards 103 is provided. A space area 102 of the container 101 is sealed with a sealing tool 104.

[90] Container 101 includes a top wall 110, a front wall 111, and side walls 112 and 113. Top wall 110 is slidably connected to the side walls. The container further includes a back wall 114 and a bottom wall 115. A pressing means 120 is provided behind one set of game cards. The cartridge 100 includes a stop means 130 that prevents the upper edge 121 of the top wall 110 from sliding past the pressing means 120. A groove 122 is provided in the top wall 110, which terminates near the top edge 121. The pressing means 120 is provided with a protrusion 123 that slides within the groove 122. In the open state, when the top wall 110 slides towards the front wall 111, the top edge 121 hits the protrusion and is prevented from sliding further towards the front wall 111. The top wall 110 cannot slide beyond the pressing means 120.

[91] The pressing means 120 is pressed towards the front wall 111 by a constant torque spring 140, the coil of which is arranged within the pressing means itself. The tip of the coil is fixed near the front wall 111 on the front side of the cartridge. The unwound portion of the coil is located within a groove in the bottom wall 115. The coil of the spring 140 causes the pressing means 120 to press the set of gaming cards 103 in a direction toward the front wall 111 with constant pressure against the rear side.

[92] To seal the cartridge 100, one or two sealing tools 104 are prepared. These seals are rectangular plates with both long sides having barbs 144 near the outer ends of these long sides. The front wall 111 of the cartridge 100 is covered by a closure lid 150, the edges of which have projections that clip into grooves in the side walls 112 and 113. The closure lid is made of a permeable polymeric material. On the bottom of the lid 150, two fingers 171 and 172 close an opening 170 in the front wall 111. This aperture 170 is present to enable the card to be pulled out of the spatial area 101. These fingers prevent the card from being able to be pulled out of the space. The closure lid also extends beyond the lower edge 122 of the top wall 110 and hooks into a small opening in the lower edge of the top wall. Therefore, the top wall cannot slide either towards the front wall 111 or towards the back wall 114.

[93] FIG. 3 shows the sealing tool 104. This sealing tool has a main body 141 and a head (not shown). Two barbs 144 are provided symmetrically with respect to the axis 142 of the main body 141 of the sealing device. The lid 150 has two slits 151 and 152. As shown in FIG. 3, the closure lid 150 provided on the front wall 111 can be inserted into the cartridge by introducing one or two seals 104 into one or both of the slits 151 and 152 in the closure lid 150. It is sealed to the front wall 111 of 100. The barbs also pass through two slits 161 and 162 at the upper edge of the front wall 111, and these bars clip behind the front wall 111. The seal is made of a rigid polymeric material, and the barb 144 breaks when the seal is withdrawn from the opening. In this sealed state, the complete internal space area 102 cannot be reached. The spatial area 101 is sealed, and nothing can enter or take out the spatial area without breaking the seal. To open the spatial area 101 of the cartridge 100, one or two seals 104 are pulled out of the slits 151 and 161 and/or 152 and 162. The barb 144 breaks during withdrawal, so that when the seal is reintroduced into the slit after being withdrawn, it no longer functions and remains loosely inserted within the slit. Therefore, the fact that the seal has been removed becomes detectable.

[94] An alternative seal 104 is shown in FIG. Further, here, the sealing tool has a main body 141 or a stem and a head 145. Head 145 is wider than body 141. The main body 141 is provided with one barb 144, the opening of which is directed toward the head 145 of the sealing device 104. The radial cross section of the seal (perpendicular to the axis of the body) is polygonal. The width of the seal head 145 extends beyond the outermost point of the at least one barb.

[95] The head 145 of the seal 104 may be inclined with respect to the axis 142 of the body 141 and form an angle different from 90°. The outer point 146 of the head 145 may be further away from the axis 142 of the body 141 compared to the outer point 147 of the barb 144 when plying the barb against the body of the seal. The cross-section of the seal along a plane parallel to the axis of the body has a T-shaped cross-section, with the barb being coplanar with this plane.

[96] Once the cartridge 100 is inserted into the card dispensing shoe and used, a new empty space area is created behind the pressing means 120. This is because the pressing means 120 gradually slides toward the front wall 111. The small spatial area 180 present behind the pressing means 120 when the cartridge is in the sealed state increases in volume. When the game is over, the cartridge 100 can be removed from the card dispensing shoe and the top wall 110 can be slid toward the front wall 111. Therefore, the spatial area 180 is opened up. Due to the presence of the stop means 130, the top wall 110 does not slide past the pressing means 120. The dealt cards can be inserted into the spatial area 180 and the top wall 110 can be slid rearwardly toward the back wall 114. Optionally, the closure lid 150 can be placed on the front wall 111 again and new seals can be inserted into the slits 151 and 161 and/or 152 and 162. Thus, used and resealed cartridges can be supplied.

[97] On the back side of the cartridge is a memory card in space 180 (not shown in FIG. 1B). This memory card can be read by the card dispensing device once the cartridge is inserted into the card dispensing device.

[98] To be able to distinguish between cartridges that have been freshly sealed and cartridges that have been used and resealed, the used sealant may have a different color for differentiation.

[99] FIG. 4 provides a card dispensing device 1000. The card dispensing device 1000 includes a card dispensing shoe 1001, which may have retaining means 1010 for receiving and retaining the cartridge 100 when the cartridge 100 is inserted into the card dispensing shoe 1001. Card dispensing device 1000 further includes a mouthpiece 1002 that can be mounted on card dispensing shoe 1001 once cartridge 100 is inserted into card dispensing shoe 1001. Mouthpiece 1002 covers the front wall 111 of the cartridge and includes an opening 1011 that allows cards to be withdrawn from the cartridge 100, through the front wall 111, and through the mouthpiece 1002. The mouthpiece prevents the top wall from sliding up to the front wall. The retaining means prevents the top wall from sliding towards the back wall.

[100] Card dispensing shoe 1001 has a top surface 1020. The top surface 1020 is provided with a groove 1021 for receiving the bottom wall 115 of the cartridge 100. In this embodiment, the groove 1022 has two different zones of varying depth, with the deepest zone receiving the portion of the bottom wall 115 where the uncoiled end of the spring coil is located. It's for a purpose. The circumference of the groove 1021 coincides with the bottom wall 115 of the cartridge 100. Thus, the cartridge 100 can fit snugly into the groove 1021 and remain recessed along the depth of the groove during use. During use, cartridge 100 cannot slide out of card dispensing shoe 1001.

[101] The card dispensing shoe 1001 is provided with sensors, cameras, etc., which are located on two ridges adjacent the front end of the cartridge when the cartridge is placed within the card reading shoe 1001 and covered by the mouthpiece 1002 during use. It is located on line 1030.

[102] A second embodiment of cartridge 2000 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Like reference numbers indicate like structure when applicable to cartridge 100 in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The cartridge 2000 has a pressing means 120 and has two protrusions 2001 that slide in two grooves 2002 in the bottom wall 115. The top wall 110 has a projection that projects into the spatial area of the container 101. This protrusion prevents the upper edge 121 of the upper wall 115 from passing past the pressing means 120.

[103] A SIM card 2100 is provided within the cartridge and includes a card identification code and data about the arrangement of the cards in the cartridge 2000. The SIM card also includes a cartridge identification code. A pocket-like storage area is provided inside the container for carrying spare sealing tools. When the cartridge is used and returned to the casino's back office, the cards, once dealt, are inserted into the spatial area between the pressing means 120 and the back wall 114 of the cartridge, while the top wall is moved away from the back wall 114. A spare sealer can be used to seal the cartridge once it has been slid in. A snap-click system 153 is provided on the closure lid 150 to click the closure lid 150 onto the front wall 111.

[104] Although preferred embodiments and/or materials have been discussed to illustrate embodiments in accordance with the invention, it should be noted that various modifications or changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. should be understood.

Claims (23)

A gaming card cartridge comprising a container configured to couple to a card dispensing shoe, the gaming card cartridge comprising:
the container defines a spatial area;
the container includes a set of gaming cards within the spatial area;
the spatial area of the container is sealed by one or more seals;
the container includes a top wall, a front wall, and a side wall;
the top wall is slidably connected to the side wall and configured to slide toward the front wall;
A gaming card cartridge, wherein the top wall is prevented from sliding by at least a first seal. 2. The gaming card cartridge of claim 1, wherein a lower edge of said upper wall is oriented toward said front wall, an upper edge of said front wall is oriented toward said upper wall, and a lower edge of said upper wall is oriented toward said front wall. A gaming card cartridge that extends beyond the top edge. A game card cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower edge of the top wall is oriented away from the front wall, and pressing means for pressing the game card towards the front end of the container. a gaming card cartridge, wherein the cartridge is provided with a stop means disposed within a spatial area of the container, the cartridge comprising a stop means for preventing the upper edge of the upper wall from sliding past the pressing means. 4. A gaming card cartridge according to claim 3, wherein said stop means includes a protrusion on said push means on the side of said push means directed toward said top wall, said stop means further comprising a projection within said top wall. a groove in the top wall, the groove in the top wall being provided along the length of the top wall and terminating before the top edge of the top wall; A game card cartridge that slides within a certain recess. 4. The gaming card cartridge of claim 3, wherein the stop means includes a protrusion on the inside of the top wall, and the protrusion projects on the inside of the cartridge such that the protrusion extends beyond the upper side of the pressing means. A game card cartridge. A gaming card cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container includes a top wall and a front wall, a lower edge of the top wall is directed toward the front wall, and the front wall When the cartridge is opened, the cartridge has card extraction means that allow the card to be removed from the spatial area of the container, and at least a portion of the inner surface of the upper wall following the lower edge is cut out and attached to the card extraction means. A gaming card cartridge that prevents cards different from the nearest card from being removed from the cartridge through the card extraction means. In the game card cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, pressing means for pressing the game card toward the front end of the container is provided in a spatial area of the container, and the pressing means is driven by a spring. A game card cartridge that is pushed toward the front wall. The gaming card cartridge of claim 7, wherein the spring is a constant torque spring. 9. The gaming card cartridge of claim 8, wherein said constant torque spring includes a coil, said coil being housed within said pushing means. A gaming card cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a pressing means is provided in a spatial area of the container, the container includes a bottom wall, and the pressing means is arranged such that the pressing means contacts the bottom wall. the bottom wall includes at least one protrusion on a side surface, and the bottom wall includes at least one groove along the length of the bottom wall from the front end of the container to the back end of the container, contacting the bottom wall; A gaming card cartridge, wherein the protrusion of the pressing means on the side thereof slides within the groove along the length of the bottom wall. A gaming card cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container includes a front wall, the front wall being adapted to remove cards from a spatial area of the container when the cartridge is opened. A game card cartridge, comprising a card drawer means for enabling the card drawer, and a card of the set of game cards that is closest to the card drawer means is fixed to the container by at least one sealing device. A gaming card cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container includes a front wall, said front wall having card extraction means for allowing cards to be removed from a spatial area of said container. and wherein said cartridge includes a closure lid that closes said card withdrawal means, said closure lid being secured to said container by at least one seal. 13. The gaming card cartridge of claim 12, wherein the closure lid is made of a transparent or translucent polymeric material. A gaming card cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the cards has a card identification code, and wherein the cartridge has a card identification code for each of the cards in a set of gaming cards held by the cartridge. A gaming card cartridge including data storage means for storing information about a card identification code. 15. The gaming card cartridge of claim 14, wherein said data storage means stores information about the arrangement of said cards in a set of gaming cards held by said cartridge. A gaming card cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cartridge includes tracking means. The gaming card cartridge of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container includes at least one storage location for storing one or more reserve seals. The gaming card cartridge of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one seal includes an RFID label, and the RFID label ruptures when the seal is broken. A gaming card cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one seal has a T-shaped cross section in the axial direction, and along the body of the T-shaped cross section of the seal. , a gaming card cartridge provided with at least one barb, the opening of which is directed toward the T-shaped cross-section head. A gaming card cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is made of a polymeric material. A method of providing a card dispensing device, the method comprising:
- providing a card dispensing device comprising a card dispensing shoe, said card dispensing device being configured to receive a gaming card cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 20; ,
- preparing a game card cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 20;
- coupling the gaming card cartridge to the shoe;
- opening the cartridge by removing at least one of the one or more seals;
including methods. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the gaming card cartridge is the gaming card cartridge of claim 14 or 15, and the method further comprises:
- obtaining data stored in the data storage means;
- reading the card identification code from the dealt game cards;
- comparing the read card identification code with the obtained data stored in the data storage means;
including methods. 23. The method of claim 21 or 22, wherein the gaming card cartridge is the gaming card cartridge of any one of claims 3 to 5, and the method further comprises:
- collecting cards dealt while the game is being played;
- at the end of the game being played, opening a part of the container behind the pressing means by sliding the top wall towards the front wall;
- placing the dealt cards into an open part of the container behind the pressing means;
including methods.

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