Rotary card shuffling machine

A rotary card shuffling and selection machine for use in playing a game of chance includes a wheel supported in a generally vertical plane for rotation about a horizontal rotary axis. The wheel is provided with a plurality of card positions arranged concentrically about the rotary axis. Each card position receives a card bearing indicia suitable to decide the game of chance. The cards are secured in card positions disposed around the wheel such they are oriented face up so that indica on the face of the card, which is relevant to the outcome of the game of chance, can be seen while the wheel is rotating.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to a card shuffling and selection machine for a game of chance, and more particularly to a rotary card shuffling and selection machine supported for rotation where the indicia of the cards are visible while the machine is rotating.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The games of Money Wheel and Big Six are well established casino games including a “prize-wheel” type of random point generating device in the form of a large vertical rotating wheel. The playing wheel is imprinted with a plurality of fixed symbols along its circumference. By use of the term “fixed” here to refer to the symbols, it is meant that the symbols are imprinted on the wheel at the factory and cannot be rearranged or their relative positions manipulated in any reasonable way. A nearby player betting surface presents a plurality of wagering areas corresponding to the fixed symbols on the playing wheel. Each round of the game starts with the players placing wagers on the wagering areas. Once all of the wagers are placed, a dealer manually spins the playing wheel, and a winning symbol is determined by a fixed pointer once the playing wheel comes to a stop. Wagers previously placed on the wagering area associated with the winning symbol are deemed “winners” and paid according to a predetermined pay-out.

Gaming laws vary greatly from one jurisdiction to the next throughout the United States. Consequently, many jurisdictions significantly restrict the playing of dice and wheel casino games. Wheel games are generally restricted in those jurisdictions if they have a moving random number or result generation wheel with indicia being fixed in a permanent manner to the wheel itself. Again, use of the term “fixed” here refers to the indicia being imprinted on the wheel at the factory and not realistically capable of being rearranged by a casino. It does not matter whether the wheel operates in a vertical fashion, like the above-described prize wheel, or in a horizontal position, like a roulette wheel. The key is that the indicia for that apparatus must always be in the same position of the wheel for the game to be considered restricted. For example, with some wheels, the 0 and 00 are always fixed to the same spot on a single or double roulette wheel, and the 40 to 1 indicia is always fixed to the same location on a “Money Wheel.”

In addition to being restricted in many jurisdictions, fixed indicia wheel games present two additional problems. The first problem is that wheels may be rigged, or “gaffed”, to generate a preferred outcome. The second problem is that any misbalance in the wheel will favor one outcome over another. New devices have been created that allow cheaters to determine whether a wheel is out of balance, and if so, what outcome has an increased expectation of appearing. Cheaters then use this information to their advantages when placing wagers.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,669,853, issued to Mark H. Jones (hereinafter referred to as “Jones '853 patent”), shows a horizontally mounted wheel for use in wheel games, e.g. roulette. Rather than having fixed indicia on the wheel, which is not only restricted in many jurisdictions, but also easy for cheaters to crack, the wheel of the Jones '853 patent uses a variable indicia system in the form of removable and re-orderable playing cards. The playing cards are disposed around the circumference of the playing wheel, and a flapper is used to determine the winning card. The playing cards are periodically removed from the shuffler machine and rearranged between rounds by the casino, thus varying the positions of the indicia. The wheel of the Jones '853 patent is designed to randomly generate a winning card, or cards, from a mix of cards, and as such may be used for several different games, including dice games like craps. The key to its overwhelming legal acceptance, even in jurisdictions where other types of wheel games are prohibited, has been that the cards are periodically removed, shuffled, and returned to the machine based on the casino's policies and procedures. In other words, the cards are not fixed forever in a specified slot, but rather periodically randomly relocated into different slots between games. The variable position of the indicium negates any advantage a cheater might gain from knowledge of a biased wheel. The wheel of the Jones '853 patent is not operable in a vertical position, however, because the cards would too easily fall out of the apparatus during the spinning (shuffling) process. Also, as the wheel rotates, the card indicia are not visible to players until the cards are removed from their respective slot.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,841,637 to Piazza et al. discloses a card wheel type device in which cards may be placed in a horizontally rotatable platter via respective card receptacles and support members fitted each with a clamp section. Like the Jones '853 wheel, the Piazza device is also particularly ill-suited for operation in the vertical “prize wheel” dimension because its cards would not be properly retained in the slots when the wheel is rotated. Any cards slipping loose from the open-end slots in Piazza would create a catastrophic event bringing game play to a halt and jeopardizing the trust and integrity players must possess toward the operators of a game of chance.

There is therefore a need in the art for an improved “prize wheel” type device which can accommodate the variable indicium features of the Jones '853 patent. Such a vertically oriented wheel must reliably hold cards on the wheel without risk of loss, yet permit convenient removal and replacement of such cards at the end of each spin in order to render a game decision.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a rotary card shuffling machine that utilizes actual cards.

It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a rotary card shuffling machine where the cards can be randomly dispersed in slots about the machine before each spin of the wheel.

It is still another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a rotary card shuffling machine where the indicia of each card is visible to players as the wheel spins.

It is a further aspect of the present disclosure to provide a rotary card shuffling machine that yields increased player enjoyment.

In accordance with the above and the other aspects of the present disclosure, a rotary card shuffling and selection machine is provided. The machine includes a support structure and an axle that extends generally perpendicularly from the support structure for establishing a rotary axis. A wheel is supported on the axle for rotation about the rotary axis. The wheel has a front face with a plurality of card positions the number of which is predetermined. Each of the card positions includes a card retention mechanism to retain the card to the front face of the wheel in a face up orientation. The card positions are disposed in equal circumferential increments about the rotary axis. A plurality of cards are provided, the total number of which is equal to the predetermined number of card positions. One card is placed in removable communication with each of the card retention mechanism such that all of the card positions are filled with cards. Each card bears indicia suitable to decide the outcome of a game of chance. The cards are retained to the wheel such that their indicia can be seen as the wheel is spinning.

The subject rotary card shuffling and selection machine provides a new and improved type of prize wheel device suitable for play of games such as Money Wheel and Big Six as well as many other and new games of chance. One aspect of the present machine is that the cards can be periodically rearranged and placed in the respective card positions in a new order thereby making it very difficult for players to predict an outcome using the skill of wheel tracking or knowledge of a mechanical bias. Furthermore, the subject machine substantially impedes the possibility for improper collusion between the dealer and players. The subject machine neatly retains cards in the respective card positions as the wheel is rotated without allowing the cards to become dislodged, but yet the cards remain easily removable for a game decision and then returned to the card position for continued play.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a simplified depiction of a live game of chance is generally shown at10inFIG. 1according to an aspect of the disclosure. The game of chance10is intended to represent any type of game that may be played according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Such games may include, but are by no means limited to, the games of Money Wheel and Big Six. In addition, the game of chance10may include future developed games suitable for play using the teachings of this disclosure. Although the illustration inFIG. 1shows a physical table12having a horizontal playing surface14around which players (not shown) congregate to place wagers, it will be understood that electronic implementations of the game of chance10are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. In particular, in electronic versions, the playing surface14may be displayed via a monitor or projector (not shown) on one or more terminals in the same or in geographically disperse locations. According to another aspect, both a physical table and an electronic version of a table may be employed in connection with a single game of chance.

A card shuffling and selection machine according to an aspect of the present disclosure is generally shown at16. The card shuffling machine16may be used in conjunction with a game of chance10to randomly generate a game winning decision during each round of play. The card shuffling machine16can include a support structure, generally indicated at18, which is stable and sturdy. The support structure18is best shown inFIGS. 1 and 2including a base20for engaging a floor surface. The base20may take many forms including separated feet, anchored posts, or a flat, plate-like member as shown for providing stable purchase against the floor. An upright shaft22can extend generally vertically upwardly from the base20. Naturally, the upright shaft22may take many forms and may even be configured in such a way as to not appear shaft-like in nature. For example, the upright shaft22may instead take the form of a cabinet, a framework, a wall, or any other suitable structure anchored sufficiently to the base20(or other floor structure) so as to provide sturdy support. The support structure18can further include an axle24. According to an aspect, the axle24can extend generally perpendicularly from the upright shaft22for establishing a generally horizontal rotary axis A. In alternative configurations, the axle24may be attached directly to a wall surface, cabinet, framework or other type of configuration comprising a support structure18, all within the contemplated embodiments of this disclosure. The support structure18in this exemplary embodiment includes an optional side arm26extending generally perpendicularly from the upright shaft22and generally perpendicularly intersecting the rotary axis A. The axle24and the side arm26may be, as depicted, in the illustrated embodiment, vertically aligned with one another. Naturally, in other design expressions of the support structure18, the side arm26may be configured substantially differently or even omitted altogether.

According to an aspect, the card shuffling machine16may further include a wheel, generally indicated at28. The exemplary wheel28is perhaps best shown inFIGS. 1-3in its entirety and supported on the axle24for free spinning rotation about the horizontal rotary axis A. According to an aspect, the wheel28can include a journal, socket or other bearing component to receive the axle24so that the wheel28can be rotated about the rotary axis A without the aid of a motor or power input (other than human muscle power). Naturally, other rotating connection configurations can be envisioned wherein the male portion of the axle24is mounted to the wheel28directly and a female socket is formed in the support structure18. Alternatively, respective rotary bearing members may be attached to the support structure18and the wheel28to affect a similar rotating relationship. In any event, the wheel28may be journaled with low friction bearing elements, grease or other good sliding arrangements so that, when spun manually by an operator, the wheel28will freely spin and progressively slow until coming to rest.

As shown best inFIG. 3, the wheel28can include a hub section30that engages the axle24. According to another aspect, the hub section30has a front face34and a back face36. In use, the front face34may be disposed toward the game table12such that it is visible to players of the game of chance10. According to an aspect, the back face36faces the support structure18. According to another aspect, an annular ring38may be secured to the front face34of the wheel28adjacent the outer rim32of the wheel28. The annular ring38may include a plurality of card positions40for receiving individual cards on the wheel28in a face up orientation. According to an aspect, the annular ring38may be an integral structure formed of a plastic material. Alternatively, the annular ring38may take on a variety of different configurations and may be formed from a variety of different materials. The annular ring38may also be located in various places on the wheel28. According to still a further aspect, a decorative cover42may be secured to the front face34of the hub section30. The decorative cover42may fit within the annular ring38or may overlie the annular ring38and thus overlie the card positions40. According to still another aspect, the decorative cover42may have a variety of different graphics thereon depending upon the game being played. The decorative cover42may also be formed of a variety of different materials and may take on various different shapes and sizes. According to an aspect, a plate100may help secure the decorative cover42and the annular ring38to the hub section30. Other attachment methods may also be employed.

It will be appreciated that the wheel28could have a variety of different configurations. According to another aspect, the wheel28could be configured for horizontal rotation about a vertical axis. According to a further aspect of the disclosure, the wheel28could be in communication with a computer and/or motor such that the wheel could spin under power of the motor and the spinning and stopping of the wheel could happen automatically under computer control.

According to a further aspect and as discussed above, the hub section30can include a plurality of card positions40disposed therearound. According to an aspect, the card positions40may consist of a designated area on the hub section30that is configured to receive and retain a card during play of the game of chance. The card positions40may have a variety of suitable configurations, including as discussed herein. The total number of the card positions40may comprise a predetermined number which may vary depending on the type of game played. For example, if the card shuffling machine16is used to play a game similar to or according to the traditional rules of roulette, the predetermined number of card positions40may be thirty-seven if playing European style with only one “0”. However, the predetermined number may be thirty-eight if playing American style roulette that includes both “0” and “00”. If playing a game similar to the game of craps, the predetermined number of card positions40may be thirty-six representing the thirty-six possible outcomes of two rolled dice. Naturally, other games may require a different number of predetermined card positions40. According to one aspect, at the time of manufacture, the wheel28is formed with the predetermined number of card positions40. Therefore, a different wheel28may be required to play different games of chance. Alternatively, the wheel28could be reconfigured at a casino or the like to allow different games to be played on the same wheel. The plurality of card positions40may be disposed in equal circumferential increments about the rotary axis A. Therefore, the arcuate spacing (in degrees) from one card position40to the next adjacent card position40(center-to-center) is generally equal to the number 360 divided by the predetermined number of card positions40. So, if the predetermined number is thirty-six, the equal circumferential increment between each card position40is 10 degrees. If the predetermined number of card positions40is fifty-four, the spacing between card position40(center-to-center) is approximately 6.7 degrees. Likewise for any predetermined number.

According to an aspect, the wheel28may also include a plurality of dividers46. The total number of dividers46can equal the predetermined number of card positions40. Therefore, if the predetermined number of card positions40is sixty-two, then there are sixty-two dividers46. In the illustrated embodiment, each divider46may extend axially from the front face34of the hub30. The dividers46may be disposed in equal circumferential increments about the rotary axis A, and may be arranged in generally equal radial spacing from the rotary axis A so as to appear in a ring or circular pattern centered about the rotary axis A. According to another aspect, the dividers46may comprise cylindrical pegs having generally equal axial lengths as perhaps best shown inFIG. 3. The dividers may take on a variety of different configurations or be omitted altogether.

According to a further aspect, the wheel28may include a first flapper48is supported by the upright shaft22adjacent the wheel outer rim32. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the first flapper48may be disposed in a twelve o'clock position by reference to a standard watch face. Relocation of the first flapper48to another position, however, is of course possible. The first flapper48may also be secured in a variety of other suitable ways. The first flapper48may comprise a resilient paddle made from rubber, leather, or other spring-like material extending into an interference position relative to the dividers46so that when the wheel28is spun about the rotary axis A, the dividers46will sequentially strike and displace the resilient paddle48thereby progressively slowing the spinning wheel28. It will be appreciated that a flapper or other stopping mechanism may be omitted entirely and the wheel38rotation could be stopped and stopped automatically under computer control.

Likewise, a second flapper50may be supported by the side arm26adjacent the outer rim32of the wheel28. In this condition, and according to the illustrated embodiment, the second flapper50is disposed in a three o'clock (or nine o'clock) position relative to the rotary axis A. The second flapper50may be formed substantially identical to the first flapper48in that a resilient paddle-like element extends into an interference position relative to the dividers46to progressively slow the spinning wheel by sequential strikes. Although the machine16can be played with only a single flapper, use of two flappers48,50will result in quicker deceleration of the spinning wheel28and therefore a quicker game decision. One of the first48and second50flappers comprises a pointer. This, for example, may be ideally suited to the second flapper50which may be located at a height that is more accessible to an average-size human being standing on the floor as shown inFIG. 1. Thus, the second flapper50can point to and designate one of the card positions40and in particular the most closely proximate card position40after the wheel28has come to rest following a manual spin.

The card shuffling machine16further includes a plurality of cards52. The cards52may be standard playing cards such as used for the games of blackjack and poker, or may be manufactured to custom specifications. The total number of cards52is equal to the predetermined number of card positions40so that one card52is disposed in each card position40. For example, if a game similar to craps is being played and the predetermined number of card positions40is thirty-six, then thirty-six cards52will be provided, each imprinted with indicia54representing the thirty-six possible outcomes of two rolled dice. Therefore, whatever game of chance10is being played with the machine16, the cards52bear indicia54suitable to decide the outcome of that game of chance10.

According to an aspect, each card position40may include a card retention mechanism to hold the card52centered and securely in the card position40when the wheel28is spun. According to another aspect, the card retention mechanism can retain the card in face up position such that indicia54of the card52can be seen as the wheel28is rotating. In operation, whenever a pointer (e.g., the second flapper50) or other card identifying device comes to indicate a particular card52in card positions40, the operator can easily remove the card52from the card retention mechanism. This allows the operator to announce the indicia54on the card52and thereby decide the game of chance10(or at least a portion of the game).

As shown inFIG. 4, the card positions40may consist of slots formed between the annular ring38and the decorative cover42. Each of the slots may include one or more hook and loop strips60that engage respective hook and loop strips62on the back side64of each card52(FIG. 6). The engagement of the hook and loop strips62on the cards52with the hook and loop strips60in the card slots serves to firmly secure the cards52to the wheel28while the wheel28is spinning. Each slot may be formed with a notch64that allows an operator or dealer to access the card and remove it from the slot or card position40. According to an aspect, the decorative cover42and/or the annular ring38are formed of a transparent material such that the indicia54of each card52can be seen while the wheel28is rotating.FIG. 4illustratively illustrates the insertion of a card into its respective card position40.FIG. 5illustrates a plurality of cards52in their respective card positions40.

According to another aspect shown inFIG. 7, each card position40may include a magnet70disposed therein that can communicate with a magnet72associated with each card52to securely retain the cards52in their respective card position40while the wheel28is spinning. If magnets are used as the card retention mechanism, a cover over the front face of the card52may not be needed. The magnet72can be associated with the card in52a variety of suitable ways, including embedded therein or glued to a face thereof.

According to still a further aspect shown inFIG. 8, each card position40may include a retaining clip80that is spring biased to assist in securing each card52firmly within each card position40while the wheel is spinning. It will be appreciated that the retaining clip80can take on a variety of different configurations. Moreover, according to yet other aspects, the card retention mechanism can take on a variety of different forms and configurations. It is of utmost importance that the cards52do not unintentionally fall out of the positions40during the spinning of the card shuffling machine16thus any mechanism that imparts friction to the cards52and keeps them in place, including the slots themselves may be employed.

The present invention provides for a casino card or other table game10and wherein the card shuffling machine16is a vertical shuffler rotationally disposed with card positions40that can display cards in a face up orientation. Each round of the game10includes the step of determining the winning card52by spinning the card shuffling machine16and allowing it16to come to a rest with the flapper50pointing at the winning card52. In the electronic version, the indicator of the selected card would be entered into a computer (whether manually or automatically with a reader) such that the computer could resolve any wagers with players at betting terminals in communication therewith.

The present invention provides for a unique machine16suitable for play of casino games. The present vertical card shuffling machine16may, in one exemplary embodiment, include a five foot (5′) diameter circular wheel28formed with a predetermined number of card positions40for holding the cards52disposed in a circular pattern near the wheel's rim32. The number of positions40depends on the game10utilizing the machine16. Thus, a wheel28including thirty-six card positions40is required for traditional craps-type games. A wheel28including thirty-eight positions40is needed for American style roulette games. And so on. The cards52disposed in the card positions40can be standard playing cards or they could be custom cards having customized indicia54or a customized layout.

The card shuffling machine16has a first flapper48positioned at the twelve o'clock position to slow the spinning wheel28and to provide an interesting clicking noise. Because the circular wheel28of the exemplary embodiment is so large, the dealer would have a difficult time reaching and removing the winning card52if it was the one at the top of the wheel28when it stopped spinning. To solve this problem, the card shuffling machine16can include a second flapper50at the three o'clock position, i.e. within comfortable reach of the dealer even if the dealer is confined to a wheel chair. The second flapper50functions to indicate the winning card52in addition to making noise and adding increased resistance for slowing the spinning wheel28. Having two flappers48,50slows the wheel28at a much faster rate than many other prize wheel games, thus providing for more rounds per hour of the game to be played. More rounds per hour suggest an increase in potential profit for the casino.

The card shuffling machine16is also better than the prize wheels of the prior art systems as it increases player excitement as the card indicia54can be seen while the wheel28is spinning. Also, one significant improvement of the present design relates to game protection. On a prior art prize wheel with fixed indicia, a skilled advantage player can become very proficient in what is referred to in the gaming industry as “wheel tracking”. It is a proven fact that the human body exhibits a phenomenon known as muscle memory. Basketball players, tennis player and golfers are just a few professions which rely on muscle memory to replicate a desired outcome. A dealer, when spinning a big wheel is subjected to the same muscle memory science. When a player can see the numbers surrounding the point generation or outcome location, they can determine, with regular accuracy, the section of the apparatus that will come to rest in any given location. Such a player has just shifted the game from having a house advantage to a game having a player advantage which could cost the house a potentially large amount of money if not addressed. With the use of cards52, the present invention eliminates the fixed indicia and enables the ability to reposition the cards52periodically to assure for random selection as it pertains to any given wager.

In summary, the vertical card shuffling machine16of the present disclosure overcomes the biasing and collusion problems of the prior art vertical prize wheels. In order to increase the attractiveness of the vertical card shuffling machine16, programmable lights may be also added to the circumference of the front face34.

The foregoing invention has been described in accordance with the relevant legal standards, thus the description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiment may become apparent to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly the scope of legal protection afforded this invention can only be determined by studying the following claims.