Title:

Electronic gaming device

United States Patent Application 20040227285

Kind Code:

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a portable, hand-held electronic device in mug shape for playing games of chance or fortune telling. It is a drinking mug as well as a device capable of producing and displaying random numbers or graphics for use in games of chance or fortune telling. It generally comprises a mug-shaped container, a base and a display ring. By changing the display ring, different games of chance and fortune telling can be played between two or more players together in bars, taverns, restaurants or at home.

Inventors:

Lee, Kai Tai (Hong Kong, CN)

Application Number:

10/440877

Publication Date:

11/18/2004

Filing Date:

05/15/2003

Export Citation:

Click for automatic bibliography generation

Assignee:

LEE KAI TAI

Primary Class:

273/138.2

International Classes:

A63F9/00; A63F9/04; A63F9/18; A63F3/02; (IPC1-7): A63F11/00

View Patent Images:

Download PDF 20040227285

Related US Applications:

20060012122	Simultaneous play word-forming game	January, 2006	Botzen
20040026863	Dart board having dart tip guiding device	February, 2004	Cho
20080224402	Bad beat side bet on house-banked casino card games	September, 2008	Snow et al.
20100078891	Tile to game card replication game	April, 2010	Factor
20090026701	USA geographical puzzle game	January, 2009	Khatai
20040178584	Tossing game kit and system	September, 2004	Fairbanks
20080136102	Method of playing multiple round poker-type game	June, 2008	Hoover
20060154225	Test preparation device	July, 2006	Kim
20040173963	Danger trap; a boardgame to teach safety through role play	September, 2004	Lascano
20060255538	Illuminated puzzle globe	November, 2006	Chen
20090322021	Hockey Exhibit with Hockey Simulation and Promotional Methods Used in Connection Therewith	December, 2009	Salvador et al.

Primary Examiner:

RADA, ALEX P

Attorney, Agent or Firm:

Mr. Eric Chan (Phoenixville, PA, US)

Claims:

What is claimed is:

1. An electronic gaming device comprising: a mug-shaped container; a base which can be inserted into and be removed from the inside bottom of the mug-shaped container and which contains a power supply, a vibration sensor switch, a timer integrated circuit, an oscillator integrated circuit, a counter and six light emitting diodes; and one display ring which can encircle and be removed from the outside bottom of the mug-shaped container and which is transparent and has a set of six graphic symbols on its surface.

2. An electronic gaming device as in claim 1, wherein the display ring can display different sets of graphics including a set of six different graphics or a set of three different graphics repeatedly once or a set of two different graphics repeatedly twice.

3. An electronic gaming device as in claim 1, wherein the six light emitting diodes can display the random number generated through the different graphics on the display ring.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic games and more particularly pertains to a portable, hand-held electronic device in mug shape for playing games of chance or fortune telling.

[0002] Electronic devices for producing random numbers upon which games of chance or fortune telling are to be based are not new. A conventional electronic gaming device employs a random number generator, which is normally an integrated circuit configured as an astable multivibrator. When the generator is activated, it will produce a series of electric impulses which is displayed visually via, for example, light emitting diode display, fluorescent display, liquid crystal display or plasma display devices. When the series of electric impulses stops, an unpredictable or random number will then be displayed on which a game of chance or fortune telling can be played.

[0003] The conventional electronic gaming devices are usually large in size so as to allow many players to play together at one time. There are also portable, hand-held electronic gaming devices but they could only allow two to a few players to play together at one time. Further, owing to their small size, the devices are relatively easier to be misplaced and thus lost. In addition, players are likely to pass the devices from one to one for playing games and so the devices are susceptible to damage during the process. In any event, when the devices are not in use, even if they are small in size, it takes place to store the same.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In view of the aforesaid disadvantages now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a portable, hand-held electronic device in mug shape for playing games of chance or fortune telling. It is a drinking mug as well as a device capable of producing and displaying random numbers for use in games of chance or fortune telling.

[0005] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a mug-shaped container, a base and a display ring. The base can be inserted into the inside bottom of the mug-shaped container and the display ring can encircle the outside bottom of the mug-shaped container. The base and the display ring can be removed from the mug-shaped container.

[0006] The mug-shaped container is in one piece and made of any water-proofing material such as glass and plastics.

[0007] The base includes a power supply, a vibration sensor switch, a timer integrated circuit, an oscillator integrated circuit, a counter and six light emitting diodes. The power supply may apply batteries of 4.5V. The vibration sensor switch, the timer integrated circuit, the oscillator integrated circuit and the counter are present art. The vibration sensor switch may use MEMS technology which allows for a smaller size. The timer integrated circuit and the oscillator integrated circuit each may use 555 integrated circuit or 4011 integrated circuit. The counter may use 4017 integrated circuit. Alternatively, a light emitting diode flash driver may be used to replace the timer integrated circuit, the oscillator integrated circuit and the counter. The light emitting diode flash driver is also present art and may use M1710 integrated circuit from Mosdesign Semiconductor Limited. The six light emitting diodes are arranged along the base, and light emitted from the light emitting diodes is visible outside.

[0008] The display ring is made of any transparent material with graphics on it showing six different symbols such as numbers 1 to 6 in different languages or graphics, dots 1 to 6 of a dice, finger 0 to fingers 5, or, three different symbols repeatedly once such as “paper, scissors, stone”, numbers 1 to 3 in different languages or graphics, or, two different symbols repeatedly twice such as “♡ ME, ♡ ME NOT”.

[0009] The present invention is played between two or more players together in bars, taverns, restaurants or at home by each holding a mug-shaped container with beer or any other beverage for drinking and the players can then hit their mugs with the others as for cheers or hit their mugs on the table to play games of chances or fortune telling. When the mug-shaped container is hit, the vibration sensor switch will be turned on and it will produce digital signals and trigger off the timer integrated circuit and the oscillator integrated circuit, which will generate electric waves in a predetermined period of time, for example, 5 seconds. The counter will be driven and each of the six light emitting diodes will light sequentially from the first to the sixth and then back to the first repeating the sequence and eventually stops at one of the six light emitting diodes when the predetermined period of time expires. The light will then turn off automatically after a predetermined period of time, for example, 5 seconds, and the invention will then be re-set.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable, hand-held electronic device in mug shape for playing games of chance or fortune telling.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide an electronic device in mug shape which can be used, washed or stored as a drinking mug.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electronic gaming device which can be played by two or an unlimited number of players together.

[0013] An even further object of the present invention is to provide an electronic gaming device which is small in size without limiting the number of players playing together and which can also be used and stored as a drinking mug, thus overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is the perspective view of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is the dismantling view of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the base of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 4 is the block diagram showing the circuitry of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 5a to FIG. 5e show the perspective views of the display ring with graphics of dots 1 to 6 of a dice.

[0019] FIG. 6a to FIG. 6e show the perspective views of the display ring with graphics of Arabic number 1 to 6.

[0020] FIG. 7a to FIG. 7e show the perspective views of the display ring with graphics of “10, J, Q, K, A, JOKER” of playing cards.

[0021] FIG. 8a to FIG. 8e show the perspective views of the display ring with graphics of “paper, scissors, stone” repeated once.

[0022] FIG. 9a to FIG. 9e show the perspective views of the display ring with graphics of “OUTLOOK GOOD, YES, ASK AGAIN LATER, CANNOT PREDICT NOW, MY REPLY IS NO, MOST LIKELY”.

[0023] FIG. 10a to FIG. 10e show the perspective views of the display ring with graphics of “♡ ME, ♡ ME NOT” repeated twice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the present invention generally comprises a mug-shaped container 1, a base 2 and one or more display ring 3. The base 2 can be inserted into the inside bottom of the mug-shaped container 1 and the display ring 3 can encircle the outside bottom of the mug-shaped container 1. The base 2 and the display ring 3 can be removed from the mug-shaped container 1. The mug-shaped container 1 is in one piece and made of glass. The display ring 3 is made of any transparent material with graphics on it showing six different symbols or three different symbols repeatedly once or two different symbols repeatedly twice.

[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the base 2 includes a power supply 21, a vibration sensor switch 22, a timer integrated circuit 23, an oscillator integrated circuit 24, a counter 25 and six light emitting diodes 261-266. The power supply 21 is from batteries of 4.5V. The vibration sensor switch 22 uses MEMS technology which allows for a smaller size. The timer integrated circuit 23 and the oscillator integrated circuit 24 each uses 555 integrated circuit. The counter 25 uses 4017 integrated circuit. The six light emitting diodes 261-266 are arranged along the base, and light emitted from the light emitting diodes 26 is visible outside.

[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 5a to FIG. 5e, the display ring 3 is of design with graphics of dots 1 to 6 of a dice.

[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 6a to FIG. 6e, the display ring 3 is of another design with graphics of Arabic numbers 1 to 6.

[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 7a to FIG. 7e, the display ring 3 is of another design with graphics of “10, J, Q, K, A, JOKER” of playing cards.

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 8a to FIG. 8e, the display ring 3 is of another design with graphics of “paper, scissors, stone” repeated once.

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 9a to FIG. 9e, the display ring 3 is of another design with graphics of “OUTLOOK GOOD, YES, ASK AGAIN LATER, CANNOT PREDICT NOW, MY REPLY IS NO, MOST LIKELY”.

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 10a to FIG. 10e, the display ring 3 is of a further design with graphics of “♡ ME, ♡ ME NOT” repeated twice.

[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 5a to FIG. 5e, when the mug-shaped container 1 is hit with another mug or on the table, the vibration sensor switch 22 will be turned on and it will produce digital signals and trigger off the timer integrated circuit 23 and the oscillator integrated circuit 24, which will generate electric waves for 5 seconds. The counter 25 will be driven and each of the six light emitting diodes 261-266 will light sequentially from Dot 1 261, Dot 2 262, Dot 3 263, Dot 4 264, Dot 5 265 to Dot 6 266 and then back to Dot 1 261 repeating the sequence and eventually stops at one of the six light emitting diodes 261-266 after 5 seconds. The light will then turn off automatically after 5 seconds, and the invention will then be re-set. Players can play again. Various dice games can be played such as Craps, Poker, Hi-Lo and Liar's Dice.

[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 6a to FIG. 6e, the display ring 3 can be replaced with another display ring of different graphics. When the display ring 3 with graphics of Arabic numbers 1 to 6 is used and the counter 25 is driven, each of the six light emitting diodes 261-266 will light sequentially from Arabic number 1 261, Arabic number 2 262, Arabic number 3 263, Arabic number 4 264, Arabic number 5 265 to Arabic number 6 266 and then back to Arabic number 1 261 repeating the sequence and eventually stops at one of the six light emitting diodes 261-266 after 5 seconds. The light will then turn off automatically after 5 seconds, and the invention will then be re-set. Players can play again. Various number-guessing games can be played.

[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 7a to FIG. 7e, the display ring 3 can be replaced with another display ring of different graphics. When the display ring 3 with graphics of “10, J, Q, K, A, JOKER” of playing cards is used and the counter 25 is driven, each of the six light emitting diodes 261-266 will light sequentially from 10 261, J 262, Q 263, K 264, JOKER 265 to A 266 and then back to 10 261 repeating the sequence and eventually stops at one of the six light emitting diodes 261-266 after 5 seconds. The light will then turn off automatically after 5 seconds, and the invention will then be re-set. Players can play again. Various card-guessing games can be played.

[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 8a to FIG. 8e, the display ring 3 can be replaced with another display ring of different graphics. When the display ring 3 with graphics of “paper, scissors, stone” repeated once is used and the counter 25 is driven, each of the six light emitting diodes 261-266 will light sequentially from paper 261, scissors 262, stone 263, paper 264, scissors 265, stone 266 and then back to paper 261 repeating the sequence and eventually stops at one of the six light emitting diodes 261-266 after 5 seconds. The light will then turn off automatically after 5 seconds, and the invention will then be re-set. Players can play again. Various finger-guessing games can be played.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 9a to FIG. 9e, the display ring 3 can be replaced with another display ring of different graphics. When the display ring 3 with graphics of “MOST LIKELY, YES, ASK AGAIN LATER, CANNOT PREDICT NOW, MY REPLY IS NO, OUTLOOK GOOD” is used and the counter 25 is driven, each of the six light emitting diodes 261-266 will light sequentially from OUTLOOK GOOD 261, YES 262, ASK AGAIN LATER 263, CANNOT PREDICT NOW 264, MY REPLY IS NO 265, MOST LIKELY 266 and then back to MOST LIKELY 261 repeating the sequence and eventually stops at one of the six light emitting diodes 261-266 after 5 seconds. The light will then turn off automatically after 5 seconds, and the invention will then be re-set. Players can play again. Various questions can be asked by the players and fortune telling games can be played.

[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 10a to FIG. 10e, the display ring 3 can be replaced with another display ring of different graphics. When the display ring 3 with graphics of “♡ ME, ♡ ME NOT” repeated twice is used and the counter 25 is driven, each of the six light emitting diodes 261-266 will light sequentially from ♡ ME 261, ♡ ME NOT 262, ♡ ME 263, ♡ ME NOT 264, ♡ ME 265, ♡ ME NOT 266 and then back to ♡ ME 261 repeating the sequence and eventually stops at one of the six light emitting diodes 261-266 after 5 seconds. The light will then turn off automatically after 5 seconds, and the invention will then be re-set. Players can play again. Various questions can be asked by the players and fortune telling games can be played.

[0038] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation is provided.

[0039] With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the parts of the invention in regard to size, shape, form, materials, function and manner of operation, assembly and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to those skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0040] The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0041] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to falling within the scope of the invention.

Previous Patent: Disk tossing game and disks therefor

Next Patent: Gaming machine