Abstract:
The randomizer of the present invention includes a frame and a removable cover which define an interior region. A plurality of indicia discs are disposed within the interior region, and are for indicating a member of a predetermined set of symbols. The frame includes receptacles for selecting one of the indicia, with the receptacles in communication with the interior region. Separators are provided for subdividing the interior region into a plurality of compartments. The separators are detachably positioned within the interior region so that a variety of selections are possible.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to games generally and particularly to games which require the random selection of a subset of elements from a larger set of elements. More specifically, the present invention is a randomizing apparatus for selecting tokens from a set, in which each represents an element of the set. 
     Many games played involve a random selection of values from a larger set of values. For example, dice select one of the numbers between one and six randomly, Bingo machines select numbers randomly between one and seventy-five, and lotteries select six numbers between one and sixty for a Lotto game. Other examples include selecting letters from the alphabet for word games, selecting algebraic symbols to make numeric expressions for a math game, or selecting colors in a child&#39;s game. Thus, both adults and children play many games which involve selecting tokens representing element sets. 
     The details involved in the token selection process should be transparent to the game players. Game players often lack the time or expertise to manipulate the game&#39;s random selecting devices. Therefore, a random selection device should be easy to set up and use. Also, a random selection device should require minimal effort to operate, making complicated structures undesirable. An additional problem with complex random selection devices is that their complexity adds to the cost of the devices. 
     One specific game, a lottery Lotto game, involves selecting several tokens (e.g., 6) having symbols representing numbers from a predetermined set of numbers (e.g., 1-39) without replacement. Several apparatuses are known which use balls and channels to select numbers. Each possible number is associated with a position of one of the channels, and the selected numbers are indicated by having a selecting ball adjacent. However, often players desire a variation in the selection, such as a different number of selections or selections from a different set of elements. However, extensive structural modifications are often necessary to adapt to a variation. 
     Alternately, a variation requires use of a different apparatus. Also, a frequently used selection is a 2 to 6 digit number for randomly determining game outcomes. For example, many lotteries include games which select a 3 or 4 digit number. To select such a number, one prior art device has chambers with thirty numbered recesses at the bottom which select three digits by having three balls come to rest within the recesses. The three digit number selected corresponds to numerals adjacent to the three recesses occupied by the balls when the device rests. However, modifying this prior art structure to select four digits randomly, without replacement, is difficult. Further, the selection inherently cannot provide an adequately random distribution of outcomes. 
     Thus, a problem with prior art randomizing devices is that each structure is dedicated to a particular type of game. To be able to play a variety of games, a variety of devices are required. The devices select the appropriate tokens representing the appropriate set of numbers, letters, colors, or other set. What is needed is a randomizing apparatus which is capable of selecting tokens for various games with minimal effort and player expertise. Also, a randomizing apparatus with the aforementioned characteristics is needed which also provides an adequately random distribution of outcomes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a randomizing apparatus, or randomizer, for use in various games. The structure of the present invention allows for changing between different types of selections quickly and easily. The removable cover allows for placing different sets of indicia within the randomizer, thus varying the possible selections. Also, removable separators positioned in the interior region of the randomizer can change the available mixing space and can determine the number of indicia selected Deflecting pins arranged inside the interior region provide obstacles for the indicia, yet the obstacles do not interfere with the positioning of the separators. Recesses positioned in the receptacle walls of the frame select the indicia. 
     One type of game having many variations, for which the present invention can readily adapt, is a lottery Lotto game. Some Lotto games are pick-6 games, which select six numbers, while others are pick-5, pick-4, or Pick-3 games. The set of numbers to be selected from also varies, with some games selecting from a range of 1-35, another 1-39, another 1-56, etc. The present invention allows for varying the number of receptacle wall recesses in a compartment. Separators block off one or more recesses which select the indicia. For pick-6, no separators are used, and for pick-5, pick-4, or Pick-3 a separator is used to block off one, two, or three of the slots. The present invention allows for varying the set of numbers by removing the cover and placing only the desired set of numbers in the interior region. 
     Another type of game easily played with the present invention involves selecting numbers with only 1 or up to 6 digits. The separators divide the mixing chamber into as many sections as needed, with each section having one slot. Then ten indicia labeled 0-9 are placed within each section and the indicia are mixed until one indicia is selected in each section. Thus, each section selects one digit of the selected number. 
     Learning games can easily be played with the present invention, such as a &#34;jumble&#34; word game or a &#34;math&#34; equation generating game. For the &#34;jumble&#34; game, 26 or more indicia labeled with letters from A to Z are placed within the mixing chamber and up to six of the letters can be selected The six selected letters can then be used to form words. For the math game, the mixing chamber is separated into at least 3 single compartments with the middle compartment having discs with the symbols &#34;+&#34;, &#34;-&#34;, &#34;×&#34;, and &#34;÷&#34;. The compartments at the ends have discs labeled 0-9 for selecting digits. Thus, the randomizer generates mathematical equations for the &#34;math&#34; learning game. 
     With the use of a wide separator which partitions the mixing chamber to create one large compartment having only one slot for selecting indicia, Bingo can be played. The wide separators create a compartment having sufficient space to hold and mix the 75 indicia labeled B1-B15, I16-I30, N31-N45, G46-G60, and 061-075. This wide separator provides a large space for mixing the indicia while the number of indicia selected is limited to a relative few, in this case one selection. 
     The present invention provides for playing other games as well. Dice can be played by having indicia labeled 1-6 in each compartment, or the indicia may be colored with each indicia having a specific color. The randomizer includes six receptacles on each of the receptacle walls so that most Lotto games can be played. Pick-3, Pick-4, Pick-5, and Pick-6 can alternately be played by varying the numbering of indicia or by dividing the chamber so that one compartment has the requisite number of receptacles. Thus a variety of games are possible with the randomizer of the present invention. 
     The indicia of the present invention comprises a circular disc having a symbol inscribed upon their face. The circular shape allows for random mixing, while the cylindrical shape keeps the symbols readable from the front of the randomizer. The width of the mixing chamber is slightly greater than the axial width of the discs, allowing for the discs to slide through the mixing chamber easily. In addition, the disc&#39;s symbol remains plainly visible. 
     The present invention, in one form, is a randomizer comprising a frame, a cover, indicia, receptacles, and separators. The frame includes a base and walls. The cover is positioned on the frame, and an interior region between the frame and cover is defined by the cover, base, and walls. Indicia are disposed within the interior region, with the indicia for indicating a member of a predetermined set of elements. The receptacles are for selecting one indicia and are in communication with the interior region. At least one separator is used for subdividing the interior region into a plurality of compartments and are detachably positioned within the interior region. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the randomizing apparatus of the present invention arranged for a pick-5 game. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cover of the randomizing apparatus of FIG. 1. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the separators of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a frame of the present invention having V-shaped separators for a bingo game. 
     FIG. 5A is a perspective view of one of the V-shaped embodiments of separators. 
     FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the other V-shaped embodiment of separators. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a disc of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the frame of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the frame of the present invention arranged into three selecting compartments for selecting a math equation. 
     FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the frame of the present invention arranged into three selecting compartments for selecting a three digit number. 
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention is a randomizer indicated by numeral 10 of FIG. 1. Randomizer 10 includes frame 12 and cover 14 which secure indicia discs 16 within interior region 18. Indicia discs 16 cannot escape from randomizer 10 when closed (FIG. 1) because discs 16 are trapped between base 20 of frame 10 and top surface 22 of cover 14. Preferably, at least one of base 20 and top surface 22 is transparent so indicia discs 16 are visible from the exterior of randomizer 10. 
     Interior region 18 defines a generally rectangular volume, with base 20 and facing surface 22 providing two planar sides of the rectangular volume. Side walls 24 provide two more of the planar sides, and receptacle walls 26 provide the final two planar sides. Receptacle walls 26 include recesses 28 which have a shape for receiving exactly one indicia disc 16. In the preferred embodiment, six recesses 28 are located on each receptacle wall 26. Secured on base 20 are a plurality of deflection pins 30 for obstructing the travel of discs 16 within interior region 18. Pins 30 have a generally cylindrical shape for deflecting any colliding disc 16. The arrangement of pins 30 serves to block any direct travel by any disc 16 along a line perpendicular to receptacle walls 26. 
     In accordance with the present invention, separators 32 divide interior region 18 into compartments. FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of a separator of the present invention, which is in the shape of an elongated thin rectangular solid. Receptacle walls 26 include support slots 34 which are adapted to engage the ends of separators 32. Each slot 34 is arranged directly across from a corresponding slot 34 (for example, slots 34a in FIG. 7) so that a separator 32 engaged in the corresponding slots 34 is perpendicular to receptacle walls 26. In addition, each slot 34 is located intermediate two adjacent recesses 28. Randomizer 10 can be divided into six rectangular compartments (not shown) by using five separators 32 engaged with a corresponding pair of slots 34. If so divided, all six compartments have exactly one recess 28 on each portion of receptacle wall 26 included in the periphery of the compartment. 
     Pins 30 are arranged on base 20 so that they do not interfere with the placement of any separator 32. However, to promote randomization, some pins 30 are adjacent to the location of an imaginary separator 32 engaged with corresponding slots 26. With this arrangement, some pins (marked 30a in FIG. 7) are positioned relatively centrally within each compartment relative to separators 32, while other pins (marked 30b in FIG. 7) are positioned near separators 32 in the six compartments. When an actual separator 32 is not present, the pins 30b which would have been adjacent to the separator 32 still block linear travel along lines perpendicular to receptacle walls 26. 
     Separators 32 are held inside frame 12 by cover 14. In the preferred embodiment, cover 14 slidably engages frame 12 to provide quick and easy access to interior region 18. However, the cover can be secured to the frame by a metal or plastic screw or other fastener in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 shows cover 14 including side flanges 36 and end stop 38. Side flanges 36 extend downwardly from top surface 22 on opposite sides and have a shape which fits around receptacle walls 26 and hooks over base 20 with lips 40 at the end of flanges 36. End stop 38 extends downwardly from top surface 22 so that stop 38 abutting side wall 24 limits the sliding movement of cover 14. By sliding cover 14 off frame 12, separators 32 and indicia discs 16 can be easily accessed. 
     An alternative embodiment of separators is shown in FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B. Separators 42 (FIG. 5A) and 44 (FIG. 5B) are generally V-shaped and provide an enlarged compartment 46 (FIG. 4) including half of interior region 18. Also, enlarged compartment 46 includes only one recess 28 on each exposed portion of receptacle walls 26. Utilizing separators 42 and 44, a large number of indicia discs 16, or example 75, can be mixed and one selected in randomizer 10 to play BINGO. 
     An indicia disc 16 is show in FIG. 6 and preferably has a cylindrical shape. However, discs of other shapes and spherical objects such as marbles can be used with the present invention. Disc 16 includes a cylindrical wall 48 and at least one face 50. Cylindrical wall 48 is for deflecting off pins 30, walls 24 and 26, and other discs 16 when traveling within interior region 18. Inscribed, painted, or otherwise marked on face 50 is a symbol indicative of the set element which each indicia disc 16 represents. The symbol on face 50 is readily apparent by placing disc 16 within interior region 18 and disposing face 50 towards the transparent one of base 20 and top surface 22. If both base 20 and top surface 22 are transparent, disc 16 preferably has two faces 50 with symbols apparent. Discs 16 can be manufactured by sawing off sections from a standard plastic rod having a diameter in the range of 15/32&#34; to 17/31&#34;, preferably 1/2&#34;. The width of the sections is in the range of 3/8&#34; to 7/16&#34;, preferably 13/32&#34;. Also, for selecting colors, colored balls having a diameter of approximately 12 mm are used. 
     The randomizer of the present invention is capable of selecting a variety of indicia in a variety of combinations for many different games. As described above, FIG. 1 shows a pick-5 Lotto selection of numbers among 1 and 36 without replacement, and FIG. 4 shows a Bingo selection arrangement. FIG. 7, an arrangement without any separators, can be used with a set of indicia discs labeled &#34;A&#34;-&#34;Z&#34; to select six letters for spelling or word games. 
     A math game can be played by using randomizer 10 to generate equations, as shown in FIG. 8. Argument compartments 52 contain ten indicia discs 16 labeled 0-9 for selecting a one digit number as an argument. For purposes of illustration, each argument has only one digit. However, the arguments could have more digits by adding more indicia disks and including more recesses within argument compartments 52. Operand compartment 54 contains indicia discs 16 labeled &#34;+&#34;, &#34;-&#34;, &#34;×&#34;, and &#34;÷&#34; which represent the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, respectively. After mixing discs 16, frame 12 is tilted so discs 16 travel downwardly towards a receptacle wall 26 and one of discs 16 rests in recess 28. Thus, the randomizer selects the numeric operands and the mathematical operation. 
     The random generation of a three digit number is accomplished by the arrangement of FIG. 9. Three separators 32 are arranged to define three digit selecting compartments 56. In each compartment 56, ten indicia discs labeled 0-9 are mixed so that one disc 16 can rest in one of the recesses 28 which is located at each end of compartment 56. A random number having as little as one digit, or as many as n digits (where n is the maximum number of recesses 28 located on any receptacle wall 26), can be generated by forming the appropriate number of digit selecting compartments, mixing, then selecting the digits by tilting randomizer 10 in the appropriate direction. 
     Other games can also be played with randomizer 10. For example, dice can be played by forming digit selecting compartments but only using indicia balls labeled 1-6. Also, a single color can be selected from a set of colored discs by using the compartment arrangement of FIG. 4, or many colors can be selected by using the compartment arrangement of FIG. 1 or 7 with the colored discs. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, frame 12 has a length of approximately 11&#34; and a width of approximately 8&#34;. The height of the side and receptacle walls 24 and 26 is approximately 3/4&#34;. 
     While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.