Abstract:
A device for holding and viewing playing cards is herein provided and discloses an apparatus that allows the viewing of playing cards that are placed down on the device for players who have limited use of their hands or would benefit from such a device. The device takes the form of an angled stand, preferably comprising approximate dimensions of four (4) inches by six (6) inches where a portion of this area is used to hold the cards face down, as placed there by a dealer or a player&#39;s assistant. The device is shielded so that adjacent players are denied the ability to view the cards. A dual mirror assembly is visible through a viewing window that is used by the player. In such a manner, players with limited or no use of their hands or arms can see their cards in an easy manner without the aid of another person. Alternate embodiments for the present device comprise different sizes to facilitate any number of playing cards required by desired card games.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/414,944, filed May 1, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,478,816, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   An apparatus is provided that allows a person to view playing cards that are placed face-down on the device, without anyone else being able to see them, comprises a stand wherein the playing cards are placed on a top portion, thereby projecting an image onto an interior mirror assembly such that the player can view the playing cards through a viewing window at the end of the device. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Card games are among the most popular of today&#39;s recreational and social activities. Millions of people enjoy the numerous existing card game variations. These games are popular among people of all ages, as they provide a means to gather with friends and socialize. A common factor in just about every type of card game is that a player must hold their cards, most typically in close proximity to one&#39;s body, to prevent other players from seeing them. While this is usually a simple and obvious task, it is almost impossible for those with limited use of their hands and/or arms. In cases where a disabled player wishes to play cards, someone else must hold the disabled person&#39;s cards and go to great lengths to avoid looking at them, especially if they are also playing. Whatever the reason for not being able to hold one&#39;s own cards, it affects their ability to play the card games, making it less enjoyable for all involved. The development of the present invention addresses this issue. While the present invention is most particularly suited for the popular Texas Hold-Em version of poker, it can easily be used for other playing card games. 
   Several attempts have been made in the past to provide a means to assist disabled persons in holding and viewing playing cards in a secure and sturdy apparatus. U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,940 in the name of Nimry discloses a collapsible game card holding means consisting of a plurality of flexible fingers that are separated and retracted in a fan-like configuration. The Nimry device does not disclose a novel box-like mirror apparatus to provide security from other players&#39; viewing angles. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,880 issued in the name of Flam provides a card holder in the form of a shell or shield with slots or pockets into which a plurality of cards are placed. In the Flam device, the card holder is configured in a vertical device, which provides less stability when placed on a horizontal surface. Hence, the Flam device must be held and is therefore not in the scope of the present invention. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,198 issued in the name of Alvarez describes a playing card holder with a hand shape with rubber finger tips that is attached to a plate with a spring-biased clip to retain the cards and finger rings on the plate that the player uses to hold the device. The Alvarez device suffers from the same problems as the aforementioned Flam device in that it is designed to be held by the player and, therefore, also does not fall under the scope of the present invention. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,378 issued in the name of Cook discloses a playing card holder having an extendable handle attached to a head extension, which is in turn attached to a support plate with a plurality of pockets for retaining playing cards therein. The Cook device is also equipped with a base for supporting the device on a horizontal surface. The Cook device lacks features to eliminate surreptitious viewing from neighboring players and also must be manipulated by hand, which is not necessary with the present invention. 
   Other, various ornamental designs of playing card holders are prevalent in the prior art, such as U.S. Pat. No. D 493,199, issued in the name of Cowgill; U.S. Pat. No. D 431,052, issued in the name of Wilcox; U.S. Pat. No. D 347,451, issued in the name of Kazakowitz; U.S. Pat. No. D 286,897, issued in the name of Herbert; and U.S. Pat. No. D 367,082 issued in the name of Harley. 
   None of the prior art particularly describes an apparatus and method for displaying and viewing playing cards in a novel, box-like mirrored assembly that can be placed on a horizontal surface and provides a secure means for viewing said playing cards. Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus suitable for use by disabled, elderly, novice, or expert players to confidently view playing cards in a secure manner that is also sturdy, resilient, and easy to use. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is a need for a device that secures and displays playing cards. 
   It has further been observed that there is a need for a device to display playing cards in a secure manner as to eliminate the surreptitious viewing of one&#39;s playing cards by a neighboring player. 
   The object of the invention is to provide such a device to enable a user to secure and display their playing cards only to him or herself. 
   It is a further object of the invention to secure and display a user&#39;s playing cards such that neighboring players cannot see said playing cards, no matter what the viewing angle may be. 
   It is still a further object of the invention to provide users with a novel mirror system in a box-like structure for the viewing of said playing cards. 
   It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device that can be easily placed on a horizontal surface. 
   Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide means to vertically adjust the viewing angle of the mirror system depending on the position of the user. 
   The device for holding and viewing playing cards possesses a small window to reduce the odds of viewing by a competing player. 
   The device for holding and viewing playing cards, in an alternate embodiment, possesses an alternate mirror embodiment comprising a pair of second side walls, a second bottom wall, a second rear wall, a second top wall, a second upper interior wall, a second playing card surface, a first rear wall, a second interior mirror, a second bottom mirror and a second viewing window. 
   The device for holding and viewing playing cards, in an alternate embodiment, is manufactured of similar materials as the preferred embodiment. 
   The device for holding and viewing playing cards, in an alternate embodiment accommodates two (2) playing cards. 
   The device for holding and viewing playing cards possesses two second side walls, trapezoidal in shape and defined by a dimension of approximately four (4) inches that provides an interior space within. 
   The device for holding and viewing playing cards possesses a second rear wall of rectangular shape that extends upwards from the bottom rear corners of the second side walls and having a length approximately a third of that of the second side walls. 
   The device for holding and viewing playing cards possesses a second rear wall rectangular in shape that extends from the bottom rear corners of the second side walls, along a vertical front edge to the top rear corners of the second side walls. 
   The device for holding and viewing playing cards possesses a second top wall which extends rearward from the upper corners of the second side walls and terminates approximately three-quarters (¾) of an inch from the second rear wall. 
   The device for holding and viewing playing cards possesses a second top wall that has numeric indicia comprised thereon to represent the loading positions for two (2) playing cards. 
   The device for holding and viewing playing cards possesses a second playing card surface that is transparent and is attached along the top edge of the second rear wall and projects perpendicular to the second rear wall. 
   The device for holding and viewing playing cards possesses a second upper interior wall transparent and rectangular in nature, attached to the front edge of the second playing card surface and extending vertically to a connection point along the bottom surface of the second top wall. 
   The device for holding and viewing playing cards possesses a first rear wall with a second viewing window approximately one (1) inch high by two (2) inches wide located at the top left corner of first rear wall. 
   The device for holding and viewing playing cards possesses a second viewing window that permits the unhindered viewing of the reflected image of the playing cards from the reflection of the image onto a second bottom mirror and second interior mirror. 
   The device for holding and viewing playing cards possesses a second interior mirror that is shaped to fit the width of the interior space as defined by the two (2) second side walls. 
   The device for holding and viewing playing cards possesses a second interior mirror that is oriented at approximately sixty degrees (60°) from the horizontal plane. 
   The device for holding and viewing playing cards possesses a second rectangular bottom mirror affixed to the bottom edge of the second interior mirror and projecting in a perpendicular fashion toward the front of the device. 
   The device for holding and viewing playing cards possesses two mirrors that may positioned in any manner within the device to afford an easy and discreet viewing by the player of the cards contained within the holder. 
   To achieve the above and other objectives, the present invention provides a method for displaying and viewing playing cards comprising steps of, providing a novel mirror system in a box-like structure for holding and displaying playing cards; placing said structure onto a horizontal surface in front of the player; placing playing cards face down on a top tray of the structure, such that a top portion of each placed playing card extends over the top tray; reflecting the image of the extended top portion of each placed playing card from an angled bottom mirror onto an interior mirror and through the viewing window to the player; and, adjusting the viewing angle of the reflected image of the placed playing cards by vertically adjusting opposing legs, wherein said leg adjustment manipulates the structure with respect to the horizontal surface. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a device for holding and viewing playing cards  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the device for holding and viewing playing cards  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the device for holding and viewing playing cards  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a rear view of the device for holding and viewing playing cards  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of the device for holding and viewing playing cards  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the device for holding and viewing playing cards  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7   a  is a side perspective view of the device for holding and viewing playing cards  10  depicting an alternate mirror system  40 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7   b  is a rear perspective view of the device for holding and viewing playing cards  10  depicting an alternate mirror system  40 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7   c  is a bottom view of the device for holding and viewing playing cards  10  depicting an alternate mirror system  40 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7   d  is a rear view of the device for holding and viewing playing cards  10  depicting an alternate mirror system  40 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and, 
       FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of a four card embodiment  60  of the device  10 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   
     
       
             
           
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
             
               DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
             
           
        
         
             
                 
               10 
               device for holding and viewing playing cards 
             
             
                 
               11 
               first side wall 
             
             
                 
               12 
               first top wall 
             
             
                 
               13 
               wing nut 
             
             
                 
               14 
               first bottom mirror 
             
             
                 
               15 
               first interior mirror 
             
             
                 
               16 
               first upper interior wall 
             
             
                 
               17 
               leg 
             
             
                 
               18 
               slot 
             
             
                 
               19 
               screw 
             
             
                 
               20 
               first playing card surface 
             
             
                 
               21 
               playing card 
             
             
                 
               22 
               angled wall 
             
             
                 
               23 
               first bottom wall 
             
             
                 
               24 
               first rear wall 
             
             
                 
               25 
               lower interior wall 
             
             
                 
               30 
               first viewing window 
             
             
                 
               40 
               mirror system embodiment 
             
             
                 
               41 
               dimension “W1” 
             
             
                 
               42 
               first indicia 
             
             
                 
               43 
               first rear wall 
             
             
                 
               44 
               second viewing window 
             
             
                 
               45 
               second side wall 
             
             
                 
               46 
               second playing card surface 
             
             
                 
               47 
               second rear wall 
             
             
                 
               48 
               second top wall 
             
             
                 
               49 
               second upper interior wall 
             
             
                 
               50 
               second interior mirror 
             
             
                 
               51 
               second bottom mirror 
             
             
                 
               52 
               second bottom wall 
             
             
                 
               60 
               four card embodiment 
             
             
                 
               61 
               dimension “W2” 
             
             
                 
               62 
               second indicia 
             
             
                 
               63 
               second rear wall 
             
             
                 
               66 
               third playing card surface 
             
             
                 
               67 
               third rear wall 
             
             
                 
               68 
               third top wall 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6  and in alternate embodiments as depicted in  FIGS. 7   a  through  8 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
   The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 6 , various perspective and elevation views of the present invention, a device for holding and viewing playing cards  10  (hereafter referred to as the “device”) generally comprising a shielded structure utilizing integral mirror assemblies and adjustable supports, are herein disclosed. The shielded structure comprises a wooden or plastic construction utilizing common adhesive or fastening means such as glue, bonding, or basic mechanical hardware. The preferred embodiment of the device  10  accommodates two (2) playing cards  21 , and may be expanded in an alternate embodiment for additional playing cards  21  most commonly associated with popular games. 
   Two (2) first side walls  11  of a semi-trapezoidal shape are oriented opposite from each other and define an interior space within. Attached to an intermediary vertical location on both the first side walls  11 , and extending from the leading edge of said first side walls  11  in a downwardly slanting direction to the bottom edge of the first side walls  11  at a location short of the corners, is a rectangular plate defining an angled wall  22 . A second rectangular plate defines a first bottom wall  23  extending rearward from the connection point of the angled wall  22  to each first side wall  11  to the bottom rear corners of each first side wall  11 . A first rear wall  24 , shaped as another rectangular plate, extends upward from the bottom rear corners of the first side walls  11  perpendicular to the first bottom wall  23  to the lower vertical points of the first side walls&#39;  11  trapezoidal shape. A fourth rectangular plate, defining a first playing card surface  20 , spans the width defined by the first side walls  11  and a length approximately half of a conventional playing card  21  projecting towards the front of the device  10 . Extending upward from the lower connection point of the first bottom wall  23  and first side walls  11  to the first playing card surface  20  is a lower interior wall  25 , opposing and equal in dimension to the first rear wall  24 , and also constructed as a rectangular plate. Yet another rectangular plate defines a first top wall  12 , which extends from the front upper corners of the first side walls  11  to the upper vertical point of the first side walls&#39;  11  trapezoidal shape. A seventh rectangular plate finally defines a first upper interior wall  16 , which extends downward from the connection point of the first side walls  11  and first top wall  12  to an intermediary point along the interior surfaces of the first side walls  11 , roughly equal to the height of the first playing card surface  20 . The area defined therein by the first top wall  12 , both opposing first side walls  11 , and the angled wall  22  is known as the first viewing window  30 , permitting the unhindered viewing of the reflected image of the playing cards  21  onto the first interior mirror  15 . 
   Two mirrors are placed within the device  10  for projecting a playing card  21  to the user viewing through the front of the device  10 . A rectangular first interior mirror,  15  shaped to match the width of the interior space defined by the first side walls  11 , is affixed to the lower interior wall  25 , via adhesive or other similar adhering means, with a height not exceeding that of the lower interior wall  25 . A second rectangular first bottom mirror  14  is affixed on the angled wall  22  via an adhesive or other adhering means. The location of the angled wall  22  and hence, the first bottom mirror  14 , is dependent on the ability to easily view the projected image of the playing cards  21  placed on and extending past the playing card surface  21 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , which depicts the device  10  in a side perspective view, one (1) of an identical pair of adjustable legs  17  is easily shown. Each leg  17  is a rectangular-shaped plate with or without rounded edges and a long edge typically not exceeding that of the height of the first side walls  11  at their highest point, and is affixed to each first side wall  11  at the leading front edge. Each leg  17  has an oval-shaped slot  18  formed in its interior with a diameter matching that of a conventional screw  19  or similar piece of hardware. The screw  19  is fed through a pre-drilled hole through the first side wall  11  and the slot  18  of the leg  17 . A wing nut  13  or other similar device secures the leg  17  by threaded attachment to the screw  19 . 
   The preferred embodiment of the present invention is designed to be used by a person with no special skills or training being necessary, but most typically is intended for the handicapped or those unfortunate enough to have limited or no use of their hands. After procurement of the device  10 , an apparatus for holding and viewing playing cards  10 , the user sets the first bottom wall  23  of the device  10  in front of them on a table or other horizontal surface such that the device  10  is positioned to be easily viewed by the player, with the front of the device defined as the portion where the mirrors  14 ,  15  are most easily seen and the legs  17  are in the front. If necessary, the legs  17  of the device  10  may be adjusted to allow the user to see the interior by loosening the wing nut  13 , adjusting the legs  17  upward or downward with the screw  19  in the adjustment slot  18 , and, re-tightening the wing nut  13  on the screw  19 . This enables the viewing angle through the first viewing window  30  to change depending on the desires of the player. 
   Once the desired height of the device  10  has been set, the first bottom mirror  14  must be placed on the angled wall  22  near its lowest point, so that it abuts the first interior mirror  15 , if previously installed. If the first interior mirror  15  is not previously installed, it must be placed in a position such that it is laid flat against the lower interior wall  25 . Then, when the user is ready to receive the playing cards  21 , the dealer or player&#39;s assistant places the playing cards  21  face down onto the first playing card surface  20 , ensuring that an ample portion of each playing card  21  extends over the first surface  20 . The portion of the playing card  21  that extends over the first surface  20  has its image then projected onto the first bottom mirror  14 . If one views this image, the common property of a reversed image from a mirror is readily observed. However, with the proper angle of the angled wall  22 , and henceforth the first bottom mirror  14 , the first bottom mirror  14  projects the reversed image of the playing cards  21  onto the first interior mirror  15 , which reverses it again, resulting in a “true” representation of the playing cards  21 . Therefore, the user merely has to view the first interior mirror  15  to see the image of the card(s)  21  placed on the first playing card surface  20 . The first upper interior wall  16 , lower interior wall  25 , first top wall  12 , and first side walls  11  act as a shield from adjacent players surreptitiously viewing an opponent&#39;s playing cards  21 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 7   a  through  7   d , various perspective and elevation views of a mirror system embodiment  40  of the device  10 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The alternate mirror embodiment  40  comprises a pair of second side walls  45 , a second bottom wall  52 , a second rear wall  47 , a second top wall  48 , a second upper interior wall  49 , a second playing card surface  46 , a first rear wall  43 , a second interior mirror  50 , a second bottom mirror  51 , and a second viewing window  44 . 
   The alternate mirror embodiment  40  is envisioned being made using similar materials and assembly methods as the preferred embodiment  10 . The alternate mirror embodiment  40  accommodates two (2) playing cards  21 . 
   The two (2) second side walls  45  are of a trapezoidal shape and are oriented opposite from each other as defined by dimension “W 1 ”  41  being approximately four (4) inches, thereby providing an interior space within. A rectangular plate defines a second bottom wall  52  extending forward in a planar manner therefrom connection points at front bottom corners of the second side walls  45  having a length of approximately one-third that of the second side walls  45 . The second rear wall  47  is shaped as another rectangular plate extending upward from the bottom rear corners of the second side walls  45 ; along a vertical front edge; to top rear corners of said second side walls  45 . Yet another rectangular plate defines a second top wall  48  which extends rearward therefrom the front upper corners of the second side walls  45  along a top edge of said second side walls  45  terminating approximately three-quarters (¾) inches from the second rear wall  47 . The second top wall  48  further comprises particular first numeric indicia  42  representing loading positions for two (2) playing cards  21 . The second playing card surface  46  comprises a rectangular transparent plate being attached along a top edge of said second rear wall  47  projecting perpendicular to the second rear wall  47  along a horizontal plane toward the front of the device  40  and spanning a width defined by the second side walls  45  being approximately half the size of a conventional playing card  21  in length. A second upper interior wall  49  comprising a transparent rectangular shape is attached along a front edge of said second playing card surface  46  and extends vertically upward to a connection point along a bottom surface of the second top wall  48  therebetween, and spanning the second side walls  45 . The end of the second side walls  45  and the top edge of the second rear wall  47  form a rectangular aperture in which playing cards  21  may be inserted thereupon the second playing card surface  46 . Extending upward from a lower front connection point of the second bottom wall  52  and second side walls  45  to a top rear corner of the second side walls  45  is a first rear wall  43  also constructed as a rectangular plate. The first rear wall  43  comprises a second viewing window  44  being approximately one (1) inch high and two (2) inches wide located at a top left corner of said first rear wall  43  permitting the unhindered viewing of the reflected image of the playing cards  21  onto a second bottom mirror  51  and a second interior mirror  50 . 
   The second interior mirror  50  and the second bottom mirror  51  are placed within the device  40  for projecting an image of a playing card  21  to the user viewing through the second viewing window  44 . The second interior mirror  50  is shaped to match the width of the interior space defined by the second side walls  45  being affixed to said second side walls  45  orientated at an angle approximately sixty degrees (60°) from a horizontal plane and affixed at an intermediate location along a bottom surface of the second playing card surface  46 . The second rectangular bottom mirror  51  is affixed thereto a bottom edge of the second interior mirror  50  projecting in a perpendicular direction therefrom said second interior mirror  50  toward a front portion of the device  40 . The locations of the second bottom mirror  51  and second interior mirror  50  are dependent on the ability to easily view the projected image of the playing cards  21  placed on the second playing card surface  46 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a rear perspective view of a four card embodiment  60  of the device  10 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The alternate four card embodiment  60  comprises similar materials and assembly methods as the preferred embodiment  10 . 
   The alternate four card embodiment  60  comprises a second indicia  62 , a second rear wall  63 , a third playing card surface  66 , a third rear wall  67 , and a third top wall  68 . 
   The alternate four card embodiment  60  shown here is envisioned to provide similar functionality as, and employ similar construction methods as the alternate mirror system embodiment  40  previously described. However, the distance between the second side walls  45  comprises an increased width to facilitate four (4) playing cards  21  as defined by dimension “W 2 ”  62  and being approximately six (6) inches in width. The second rear wall  63 , third playing card surface  66 , third rear wall  67 , and the third top wall  68  also comprise increased widths accordingly. The third top wall  68  further comprises particular numeric indicia  61  indicating anticipated positions for four (4) playing cards  21  in a similar manner as the aforementioned alternate mirror system embodiment  40 . Additional internal components (not shown) also spanning the second side walls  45  are envisioned to comprise increased widths as well, in an expected manner. 
   It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
   The embodiments depicted herein are designed to be used by a person with no special skills or training, but are most typically intended for the handicapped or those unfortunate having limited use or no use of their hands. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1  and alternately as depicted in  FIGS. 7   a  and  8 . 
   The method of utilizing the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: After procurement of the device  10 , the user sets the device  10  in front of them on a table or other horizontal surface such that the device  10  is positioned to be easily viewed by the player, with the front of the device defined as the portion where the mirrors  14 ,  15  are most easily seen and the legs  17  are in the front. If necessary, the legs  17  of the device  10  may be adjusted to allow the user to see the interior by loosening the wing nut  13 , adjusting the legs  17  upward or downward with the screw  19  in the adjustment slot  18 , and re-tightening of the wing nut  13  on the screw  19 . 
   Once the desired height of the device  10  has been set, the first bottom mirror  14  must be placed on the angled wall  22  so that it abuts the first interior mirror  15 . Then, when the user is ready to receive the playing cards  21 , the dealer or player&#39;s assistant places the playing cards  21  face down onto the first playing card surface  20 , ensuring that an ample portion of each playing card  21  extends over the first surface  20 . The portion of the playing card  21  that extends over the first surface  20  has its image then projected onto the first bottom mirror  14 . If one views this image, the common property of a reversed image from a mirror is readily observed. However, with the proper angle of the angled wall  22 , and henceforth the first bottom mirror  14 , the first bottom mirror  14  projects the reversed image of the playing cards  21  onto the first interior mirror  15 , which reverses it again, resulting in a “true” representation of the playing cards  21 . Therefore, the user merely has to view the first interior mirror  15  to see the image of the card(s)  21  placed on the first playing card surface  20 . The first upper interior wall  16 , lower interior wall  25 , first top wall  12 , and first side walls  11  act as a shield from adjacent players surreptitiously viewing a user&#39;s playing cards  21 . 
   The method of utilizing the alternate mirror system embodiment  40  and the alternate four card embodiment  60  of the invention  10  may be achieved by performing the steps described above with the addition of the following: loading and positioning two (2) or four (4) playing cards  21  into the mirror system embodiment  40  and the four card embodiment  60 , respectively; aligning said cards  21  with the indicia  42 ,  62  located upon the top walls  48 ,  68 , respectively; and, benefiting from shielding elements of the alternate embodiments of the invention  40 ,  60  while viewing one&#39;s playing cards  21 . 
   The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.