Patent Publication Number: US-10765935-B2

Title: Tile dispensers and methods of dispensing tiles

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 61/876,204, filed Sep. 10, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments described herein generally relate to dispensers for mixing and dispensing game tiles, and particularly to dispensers that are configured to dispense one or more tiles at a time. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Tile-based games, such as the SCRABBLE® crossword game, and other tile-based activities require a plurality of tiles for game play. Traditionally, game tiles in the SCRABBLE® crossword game and other similar tile-based games are hand-selected by each player. For such hand selection, the tiles may typically be stored in a box, bag, or other type of container. A player may then select individual tiles or grab a handful of tiles depending on the number of tiles needed or allowed for game play. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A tile dispenser in accordance with an embodiment includes a tile chamber in which tiles are shuffleable, and a gate element. The gate element is moveable between a closed position in which the gate element is loadable with one or more tiles coming from the tile chamber and an open position for dispensing any tiles that have been loaded into the gate element. In some embodiments, the tile dispenser further includes a push member positioned to interact with the gate element and moveable from a first position to a second position to cause the gate element to move from the closed position to the open position. 
     A method of using the tile dispenser in accordance with an embodiment includes placing a plurality of tiles into the tile chamber in which the plurality of tiles are shuffleable, and loading a predetermined number of the plurality of tiles into the gate element of the tile dispenser when the gate element is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the method further includes shaking the tile dispenser to shuffle the plurality of tiles in the tile chamber. Also, in some embodiments, the method further includes moving the push member to cause the gate element to move to the open position to dispense any tiles that have been loaded into the gate element. 
     A method of manufacturing the tile dispenser in accordance with an embodiment includes providing the tile chamber with a shape in which tiles are shuffleable and providing the gate element in a location such that the gate element is loadable with one or more tiles coming from the tile chamber when in the closed position. In various embodiments, the method further includes providing the push member in a location to interact with the gate element such that a movement of the push member from the first position to the second position causes the gate element to move from the closed position to the open position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a tile dispenser according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  is a side-top perspective view of the tile dispenser with a lid open and with a positioning system being in an idle state in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the tile dispenser with the lid open and the positioning system in the idle state in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  is a side-top view of the tile dispenser with the lid open and with the positioning system in an activated state in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  is bottom view of the tile dispenser with a bottom cover removed in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 6A  is a side-bottom view of a gate element of the tile dispenser when the gate element is in an open position in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 6B  is a side-bottom view of the gate element of the tile dispenser when the gate element is in an closed position in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  is cross-section view of the tile dispenser in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  is a process flowchart illustrating a tile dispensing method in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  is a process flowchart illustrating a tile dispensing method in accordance with some embodiments; and 
         FIG. 10  is a process flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a tile dispenser in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of tile dispensers as well as methods of manufacturing and using tile dispensers are disclosed herein. Embodiments of a tile dispenser may be configured to allow for placement of a plurality of tiles therein, for a randomized shuffling by a mixing of the tiles, and for dispensing one or more such tiles from the tile dispenser by a triggering event. The triggering event may be user initiated, such as by a push-action by a user, or the like, or may be automated. In some embodiments, tile dispensers disclosed herein may be configured to dispense a plurality of tiles at a time when a user activates or otherwise triggers a push-type mechanism. In various embodiments, the number of tiles being dispensed is predetermined and pre-set by a manufacturer of the tile dispenser. In some embodiments, the number of tiles to be dispensed is selectable by a user. 
     In some embodiments, a tile dispenser is configured to facilitate both placing the desired number of tiles to be dispensed in a loaded position within a section of the tile dispenser and dispensing the loaded tiles therefrom in response to a trigger, such as a push-action operation, and/or the like, by a user. In addition, in various embodiments the tile dispenser is configured to allow for mixing of tiles within one or more tile chambers or holding areas in the tile dispenser. In various embodiments, the tiles may be shuffled by movement of the tiles in the tile dispenser before any of them are dispensed. In further or other embodiments, the tiles may be shuffled by mixing when a user engages a push-action mechanism. In various embodiments, some tiles may be dispensed when a gate element of the tile dispenser is opened in response to a push-action on a push-action mechanism by a user, or when the user disengages the push-action mechanism. 
     Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same parts. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a tile dispenser  10  in accordance with various embodiments.  FIG. 7  is cross-section view of the tile dispenser  10  in accordance with some embodiments. With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 7 , the tile dispenser  10  includes a housing  12 , a lid  14  that is placeable on the housing  12 , a tile positioning system  18  movably disposed within the housing  12 , a base element  20  coupled to the housing  12 , and a gate element  70  that is movably disposed within the tile dispenser  10 . 
     The housing  12  may be of a suitable shape including, but not limited to, a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially box shape, a combination thereof, and/or the like. An outer profile of the housing  12  may be shaped other than as described and illustrated, and may also include one or more decorative elements if such is desired. 
       FIG. 2  is a side-top perspective view of the tile dispenser  10  in accordance with various embodiments.  FIG. 4  is a side-top view of the tile dispenser  10  in accordance with various embodiments. With reference to  FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 7 , in various embodiments, the housing  12  includes a tile chamber  13  disposed therein that is configured to accommodate a plurality of tiles, such as game tiles  100 , and/or the like. The tile chamber  13  may have an open top  22  when the lid  14  is removed from the tile dispenser, where a perimeter of the open top  22  is defined by top surfaces of a front wall portion  24  and a rear wall portion  26  of the housing  12 . The rear wall portion  26  of the housing  12  may have a housing wall recess  27  with a slit  29  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ). A bottom of the housing  12  may be coupled to the base element  20 . In a non-limiting example embodiment, the front wall portion  24 , the rear wall portion  26 , and/or the base element  20  may be integrally joined or molded from a single piece to form the housing  12  and the tile chamber  13  disposed internally therein, and to define the open top  22 . 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of the tile dispenser  10  in accordance with various embodiments. As shown in  FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 7 , the tile chamber  13  may include at least two side-contoured elements (such as the first side-contoured element  34   a  and the second side-contoured element  34   b ) and a front-contoured element  31 . The front-contoured element  31 , the first side-contoured element  34   a , and the second side-contoured element  34   b  may be arranged together to direct and/or position game tiles  100  within the tile chamber  13  downwardly towards recessed areas, such as the first recessed area  35   a  and the second recessed area  35   b  of the tile chamber  13 . In some embodiments, the first recessed area  35   a  and the second recessed area  35   b  may be positioned along opposed sides of the front-contoured element  31 . The tile chamber  13  may further include base sections, such as a first base section  37   a  and a second base section  37   b  that may be positioned adjacent to respective side-contoured elements  34   a ,  34   b.    
     In various embodiments, the width of each of the first base section  37   a  and the second base section  37   b  may be about the thickness of a game tile  100 . Each of the first base section  37   a  and the second base section  37   b  may extend from an inside wall surface of the rear wall portion  26  of the housing  12  to respective recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b . The base sections  37   a ,  37   b  may have a downwardly directed angle of departure running from the rear wall portion  26  to the respective recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b  to thereby facilitate movement of the game tiles  100  within the tile chamber  13  toward the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b .  FIG. 5  is bottom view of the tile dispenser  10  in accordance with various embodiments. With reference to  FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 , the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b  may lead to dispenser exit channels, such as a first exit channel  72   a  and a second exit channel  72   b  of the gate element  70  as further described below. In various embodiments, the contoured elements, such as the first side-contoured element  34   a , the second side-contoured element  34   b , and the front-contoured element  31  have angled or slanted surfaces, which direct and position the game tiles  100  into respective recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b  associated with the tile chamber  13  (e.g., by gravity, a mechanical push/pull action, a combination thereof, and/or the like). 
     The lid  14  is connected to cover the open top  22  of the tile chamber  13  and is movable between an open position and a closed position.  FIGS. 1 and 7  show the lid  14  in a closed position, while  FIGS. 2, 3, and 4  show example when the lid  14  (refer to  FIG. 1 ) is in an open position. With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the lid  14  may rest on the open top  22  of the housing  12  to close the tile chamber  13 . The lid  14  may be defined by a lid front wall  36 , a lid rear wall  38 , and a lid top  44 . The lid rear wall  38  may have a lid recess  40  to accommodate a push member  64 . The lid  14  may include various connecting members that may serve to removably attach the lid  14  to the housing  12 . In particular embodiments, the lid rear wall  38  may include lid hinge connection elements (not shown) connected with respective hinge connection elements (not shown) on the housing rear wall  26  by hinge pins (not shown). Each of these respective hinge elements are useable to pivotally connect the lid  14  to the housing  12 . 
     In various embodiments, to prevent an opening of the lid  14  during use, at least one latch (not shown) may also be included on the tile dispenser  10 . The latch may be of any suitable type and in any suitable configuration. In some embodiments, the latch may include a male latch element positioned on the front wall portion  24  of the housing  12  and a female latch element positioned on the lid front wall  36 . In further embodiments, additional latch elements may be positioned on the front wall portion  24  of the housing  12 , the rear wall portion  26  of the housing  12 , the lid front wall  36 , and/or the lid rear wall  38  for providing improved securing closure for the tile dispenser  10 . 
     In various embodiments, to use the tile dispenser  10 , a player may move the lid  14  to an open position and insert a plurality of game tiles  100  into the tile chamber  13 . After the plurality of game tiles  100  are inserted into the tile chamber  13 , at least one sealing tab  52  that may be located on the front wall portion  24  and/or the rear wall portion  26  of the housing  12  may be detachably engaged with, such as being snapped into, twisted onto, and/or the like, at least one lid tab (not shown) located on the lid front wall  36  and/or the lid rear wall  38 . In further or alternative embodiments, the latch elements may mate for closure of the tile dispenser  10  for storage, transportation, and/or the like. 
     Referring particularly to  FIG. 4 , the game tiles  100  in accordance with various embodiments that are used with the tile dispenser  10  are shown. The game tiles  100  may include opposed flat side surfaces (defining a thickness of the tile), and four edges (defining a tile length and a width). The opposed edge surfaces may be parallel to one another. In an example embodiment, the game tiles  100  may have edge surfaces defining a square, rectangle, or other suitable shape. Game tiles  100  suitable for use with the tile dispenser  10  may include, but are not limited to, game tiles associated with the SCRABBLE® crossword game. 
     Although during typical use the lid  14  (refer to  FIG. 1 ) may be in a closed position (e.g., the lid  14  may contact and be secured to the tile housing  12 ),  FIGS. 2-4  show the tile dispenser  10  with the lid  14  open to illustrate the operation of the tile positioning system  18 . In various embodiments, the tile positioning system  18  includes a central member  60  disposed within the tile chamber  13  between the first side-contoured element  34   a , the second side-contoured element  34   b , a vertically sliding member  62  adjacent the central member  60  and connected therewith, and a push member  64  disposed in the housing wall recess  27  and coupled to the sliding member  62  and the central member  60 . The central member  60  may be interposed between an inside surface of the wall recess  27  and the front-contoured element  31 . 
       FIG. 4  shows an operational state of the tile dispenser  10  when a downward force  68  has been applied to the push member  64  (refer to  FIG. 2 ) by a user  200  to trigger a push-action mechanism to dispense the game tiles  100 . With reference to  FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 , the sliding member  62  and the central member  60  may be integrally connected such that when the push member  64  is activated, such as by being pushed in a downward direction, the sliding member  62  and the central member  60  simultaneously move downwardly in response. These elements may also be coupled to a spring element (not shown), which operates to cause a return of the push member  64 , the central member  60 , and the sliding member  62  to an initial upwardly disposed position relative to the housing  12  when the user  200  no longer applies the downward force  68 . In an example embodiment, the push member  64  is connected with the central member  60  via a connection element extending through the slit  29  in the housing wall recess  27 . 
     When the tile positioning system  18  is moved downwardly, at least one game tile  100  may be moved, such as by gravity, into at least one of the first recessed area  35   a  and the second recessed area  35   b  of the tile chamber  13 . In some embodiments, the tile dispenser  10  may be configured to dispense four game tiles  100  during each dispensing operation (e.g., two game tiles  100  may be moved into each of the respective recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b  of the tile chamber  13 . A continued downward force  68  applied by the user  200  to the push member  64  may also act to activate the gate element  70  to dispense a predetermined number of the game tiles  100  from the housing  12  via the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) of the gate element  70 . In some embodiments, the tile dispenser  10  is configured to dispense more than one of the game tiles  100  during a dispensing operation, such as dispensing 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more of the game tiles  100  during a dispensing operation. 
       FIG. 6A  is a side-bottom view of the gate element  70  of the tile dispenser  10  (refer to  FIG. 1 ) in accordance with various embodiments when the gate element  70  is in the open position. In some embodiments, the gate element  70  includes a gate front wall  74 , a first gate side wall  76   a , a second gate side wall  76   b , a first gate interior wall  78   a , a second gate interior wall  78   b , a third gate interior wall  78   c , a first gate rear wall  80   a , and a second gate rear wall  80   b . Together, these walls form the gate element  70  with the first exit channel  72   a  and the second exit channel  72   b .  FIG. 6B  is a side-bottom view of the gate element  70  in accordance with various embodiments when the gate element  70  is in the closed position and shows the gate front wall  74 . With reference to  FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 6A and 6B , the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b  of the gate element  70  may communicate with the respective recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b  of the tile chamber  13 . In various elements, the gate element  70  is connected to a base member  84  that is in an opening in a side of the housing  12 . The gate element  70  may be positioned near a bottom of the housing  12 . The gate element  70  may be pivotally connected with the housing  12  such that in an initial gate position, such as a closed position, the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b  of the tile chamber  13  are aligned with the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b  of the gate element  70 . In this initial closed position, game tiles  100  in the tile chamber  13  that move into the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b  may enter the respective exit channels  72   a ,  72   b  such that the game tiles  100  are loaded into the gate element  70  for dispensing. 
     The downward force  68  applied to the tile positioning system  18  acts both to further cause any tiles in the tile chamber  13  that are not already in the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b , to move toward the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b . Tiles from the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b  are loaded into the respective exit channels  72   a ,  72   b  of the gate element  70 . The downward force  68  applied to the push member  64  causes the gate element  70  to move relative to the housing  12  to an open position to dispense the game tiles  100  from the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b . In various embodiments, as the tile positioning system  18  is depressed within the tile chamber  13 , being operatively connected with the gate element  70  causes the gate element  70  to pivot relative to the housing  12  such that a bottom portion of the gate element  70  extends outwardly away from the housing  12  while a pivot portion of the gate element  70  remains rotatably coupled to the housing  12 . In some embodiments, the positioning system  18  is connected with the gate element  70  via a connecting element that extends from the central member  60  to the front-contoured member  31  through a slit  39  (refer to  FIG. 7 ) in the front-contoured member  31 . As the bottom portion of the gate element  70  is moved outwardly with respect to the housing  12 , a sufficient portion of the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b  may be moved away from a surface of the housing  12  so as to become exposed and uncovered. Accordingly, the game tiles  100  loaded therein may then be dispensed from the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b  and away from the housing  12 . 
     In some embodiments, the tile positioning system  18  is configured to be depressed within the tile chamber  13  for a defined depth before activating the gate element  70  to release the game tiles  100  disposed in the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b . This operates to provide a desired degree of tile positioning to ensure tile loading before the gate element  70  is actuated. The positioning system  18  may be connected with the gate element  70  by a cammed connection (e.g., provided by contact made between two opposed registering elements) or by any other suitable types of connection mechanism. In a non-limiting example, the positioning system  18  may be depressed about half the depth of the housing  12  or more in a downward movement to activate the gate element  70 . The gate element  70  may include a spring element  340  (refer to  FIG. 5 ) or other suitable mechanism connected thereto for returning the gate element  70  to a closed position for further loading after dispensing the game tiles  100 . The base member  84  operates to limit a movement of the gate element  70  to a desired loading position within the dispenser housing  12 . The gate element  70  may be returned to a closed position after game tiles  100  have been dispensed from the gate element  70  away from the housing  12 . In various embodiments, the gate element  70  is partially contained within and supported by the housing  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the tile dispenser  10  in accordance with an embodiment includes the lid  14 , the housing  12 , the gate element  70 , and the push member  64 . The lid  14  may seal an upper opening of the housing  12  when the tile dispenser  10  is in an upright orientation. The lid  14  may be detachably coupled to the housing  12  (e.g., to the front wall portion  24  of the housing  12 ). The lid  14  may include a lid recess  40  configured to receive at least a portion of the push member  64 . The push member  64  may also include a portion located in the wall recess  27  of the housing  12  (e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ). The lid  14  may include the lid front wall  36  and the lid rear wall  38  operatively and detachably coupled to the housing  12 . 
     The gate element  70  may be in the open position, the closed position, or an intermediate state that is between the open position and the closed position. In some embodiments, the game tiles  100  may be dispensed when the gate element  70  is in the open position. Games tiles  100  may be loaded into gate element  70  when the gate element  70  is in the closed position. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7  when the lid  14  is removed, the game tiles  100  may be placed into the tile chamber  13  that is defined by portions of the inner walls of the housing  12  (e.g., the front wall portion  24  and the rear wall portion  26 ), the first side-contoured element  34   a , the second side-contoured element  34   b , the central member  60 , the front contoured element  31 , the first base section  37   a  and the second base section  37   b . By defining the tile chamber  13 , the components/elements described may influence the arrangement of the game tiles  100  within the tile chamber  13 , thus influencing the randomizing and dispensing of the game tiles  100 . 
     In various embodiments, the first side-contoured element  34   a  and the second side-contoured element  34   b  are mirrored components arranged within the housing  12  that define a portion of the tile chamber  13 . Each of the side-contoured elements  34   a ,  34   b  may include a frontal surface, a side surface, and a side element. For example, the first side-contoured element  34   a  includes a frontal surface  210   a , a side surface  220   a , and a side element  32   a . The second side-contoured element  34   b  includes a frontal surface  210   b , a side surface  220   b , and a side element  32   b . In some embodiments, the side-contoured elements  34   a ,  34   b  are each secured or otherwise coupled to an inner wall of the housing  12 . For example, the first side-contoured element  34   a  may be secured to a side of the housing  12  while the second side-contoured element  34   b  may be secured to an opposite side of the dispenser housing  12 . At least a portion of the front contoured element  31 , the central member  60 , the first recessed area  35   a , the second recessed area  35   b , the first base section  37   a , and the second base section  37   b  may be located between the first side-contoured element  34   a  and the second side-contoured element  34   a.    
     Each of the frontal surfaces  210   a ,  210   b  may contact a portion of the inner wall of the housing  12  and form an angle greater than 90-degrees with respect to the inner wall. Each of the frontal surfaces  210   a ,  210   b  may substantially face the lid  14  when the lid  14  is coupled to the housing  12 . In other words, the frontal surfaces  210   a ,  210   b  may be arranged to be slanted/sloped toward a center of the housing  12  where the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b  may be in the downward direction when the tile dispenser  10  is in an upright position. 
     In various embodiments, the side-contoured elements  34   a ,  34   b  are secured to the dispenser housing  12  such that they remain stationary when the push member  64  is depressed by a user. The frontal surfaces  210   a ,  210   b  may be configured to allow the game tiles  100  to slide in a downward direction toward the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b  when the game tiles  100  are contained within the tile chamber  13 . In addition, the slanted surfaces of the frontal surfaces  210   a ,  210   b  may also allow for supporting or holding any of the game tiles  100  that overflow from the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b . The frontal surfaces  210   a ,  210   b  may allow the overflowing game tiles  100  to reach the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b  once the game tiles  100  loaded into the gate element  70  are dispensed (e.g., following depression of the push member  64  and the opening of the gate element  70 ). 
     The side surfaces  220   a ,  220   b  may be surfaces bordering the respective frontal surfaces  210   a ,  210   b . The side surfaces  220   a ,  220   b  may face the central member  60  and the front contoured element  31 . The side surfaces  220   a ,  220   b  may define the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b . The side surfaces  220   a ,  220   b  may guide the game tiles  100  to respective recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b  and/or the gate element  70 . At least a portion of the side surfaces  220   a ,  220   b  may contact or be in close proximity with the gate element  70  to ensure that the game tiles  100  are received by the gate element  70 . 
     In various embodiments, the side elements  32   a ,  32   b  include surfaces protruding from and parallel to the respective side surfaces  220   a ,  220   b . The thickness of each of the side elements  32   a ,  32   b  may be less than a thickness of the game tiles  100 . The side elements  32   a ,  32   b  may face each other and define a space for receiving the central member  60 . The central member  60  may be located between the side elements  32   a ,  32   b . Each of the side elements  32   a ,  32   b  may be in sliding contact with or close to a respective side of the central member  60 . In various embodiments, the side elements  32   a ,  32   b  remain stationary when the push member  64  is depressed. 
     The central element  60  may comprise a cylindrical-like (or other suitable shape) component defining a ridge. The central element  60  may be located between the side-contoured elements  34   a ,  34   b . In various embodiments, a ridge of the central element  60  faces the lid  14  when the lid  14  is closed. The ridge may be of any suitable shape, including a sharp ridge, a rounded/cylindrical ridge (as shown), a rectangular ridge, and/or the like. 
     A first end of the central element  60  may be connected to or integrated with the sliding member  62 . The sliding member  62  may be an elliptical surface curving toward the center of the housing  12  conforming to the shape of the wall recess  27 . The sliding member  62  may be in sliding contact with the wall recess  27 . In some embodiments, the wall recess  27  may be between the push member  64  and the central member  60 . The push member  64  may be connected or otherwise operatively coupled to the sliding member  62  through the slit  29  (refer to  FIG. 4 ). The slit  29  may be a thin rectangular (or other suitable shaped) slit on the wall recess  27 . The slit  29  extends in a vertical direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing  12 . 
     A second end (an end opposite to the first end) of the central element  60  may be a flat surface  510  extending parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the housing  12 . The flat surface  510  may be in sliding contact with (or in close proximity to) a sliding side surface  520  of the front contoured element  31 . The flat surface  510  of the central element  60  may include at least one gate engaging mechanism (e.g., an engaging protrusion  530  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 ) for moving the gate element  70  from the closed position to the open position. For example, the front contoured element  31  may include at least one guiding recess  535  (and/or slit) that receives the engaging protrusion  530 . The engaging protrusion  530  may be moved in the downward direction parallel to the longitudinal axis toward the gate element  70  as a part of the central element  60  when the push member  64  is depressed. The engaging protrusion  530  may be guided by the guiding recess  535  downward to reach an engaging portion  537  of the gate element  70 . 
     In various embodiments the gate element  70  is hinged or otherwise rotatably coupled to the housing  12  (or another component connected to the housing  12 ), and is configured such that the engaging protrusion  530  contacting the engaging portion  537  of the gate element  70  and pushing the engaging portion  537  (as the engaging protrusion is moving further downward due to further depression of the push member  64 ) causes the gate element  70  to be moved to the open position. 
     In some embodiments, the base sections  37   a ,  37   b  extend from the central member  60  toward the side surfaces  220   a ,  220   b . Each of the base sections  37   a ,  37   b  may include side surfaces facing a respective one of the side surfaces  220   a ,  220   b  of the side-contoured elements  34   a ,  34   b . Each of the base sections  37   a ,  37   b  may include a upper surface (e.g., the first upper surface  290   a , the second upper surface  290   b , and/or the like). The thickness of each of the upper surfaces  290   a ,  290   b  may be approximately as thick as the game tiles  100 . In various embodiments, the base sections  37   a ,  37   b  are coupled to a portion of the sliding member  62 . The upper surfaces  290   a ,  290   b  may slope downward from the sliding member  62  toward the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b  for guiding the game tiles  100 . In some embodiments, when the push member  64  is not depressed (e.g., when the downward force  68  is not applied, the upper surfaces  290   a ,  290   b  may be configured to allow game tiles  100  to slide down the slope of the upper surfaces  290   a ,  290   b  toward the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b.    
     In some embodiments, the base sections  37   a ,  37   b  may each include at least one stabilizing protrusion (e.g., a first stabilizing protrusion  550   a  and the second stabilizing protrusion  550   b ). Each of the at least one stabilizing protrusion may extend from the base sections  37   a ,  37   b  toward the gate element  70  and/or the front contoured element  31 . The front contoured element  31  may include at least one stabilizing track and/or slit (e.g., a first stabilizing track  555   a  coupled to the first stabilizing protrusion  550   a , a second stabilizing track  555   b  coupled to the second stabilizing protrusion  550   b , and/or the like) for stabilizing the downward and upward movement of the central member  60  (and its associated/integrated components including the upper surfaces  290   a ,  290   b , base sections  37   a ,  37   b , the engaging protrusion  530 , the sliding member  62 , the push member  64 , and/or the like). In addition, the gate element  70  may include one or more secondary recesses (e.g., a first secondary recess  372   a , and a second secondary recess  372   b ) to further stabilize the motion of the central member  60  (and its associated/integrated components). For example, the first stabilizing protrusion  550   a  may be coupled to both of the first stabilizing track  55   a  and the first secondary recess  372   a.    
     When the push member  64  is depressed, the push member  64  may move in the downward direction toward the gate element  70 . Given the connection/linkage between the sliding member  62  and the push member  64  through the slit  29 , the sliding member  62  may be moved in the downward direction together with the push member  64  as a unit. The central member  60  (as well as its subcomponents) is coupled to or integral with the sliding member  62 . The push member  64 , the sliding member  62 , and the central member  60  may all move together along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dispenser housing  12 . 
     In some embodiments, the front contoured element  31  may include a ridge component  352 . The ridge component  352  may be configured to be a triangular prism with a sharp edge pointing toward the lid  14  when the lid  14  is engaged with the housing  12 . In some embodiments, the ridge component  352  of the front contoured element  31  may be of a different shape than the ridge portion of the central member  60 . The front contoured element  31  may extend toward and/or overlap the gate element  70 . As described, the front contoured element  31  may include at least one guiding recess  535  (and/or slit), at least one stabilizing track (e.g., the first stabilizing track  555   a , the second stabilizing track  555   b , and/or the like). In various embodiments, the front contour element  31  is secured to the housing  12  and remains stationary when the push member  64  is depressed. 
     In some embodiments, a retraction module such as a spring module  580  is provided to allow the push member  64 , the central member  60 , and/or associated/integrated components to be retracted back to an initial position before the push member  64  is depressed. The spring module  580  (spring not shown) may receive a spring of suitable spring strength. The spring module  580  may be located below a bottom surface of the central member  60 , such that the spring may be between the spring module  580  and the base element  20 . 
     In various embodiments, the gate element  70  includes a gate retraction mechanism  340  such as a spring system for returning the gate element  70  from the open position to the closed position. In a non-limiting example, one end of at least one spring may be attached or coupled to the gate element  70  while the other end of the at least one spring may be attached or coupled to the inner wall of the housing  12 , the front contoured element  31 , and/or the like. As the gate element  70  is pushed to the open position (e.g., by the engaging protrusion  530  when the push member  64  is depressed by the downward force  68 ), the at least one spring may be extended. In response to the push member  64  being released when the downward force  68  is no longer applied, the gate retraction mechanism  340  may be configured to retract the gate element  70  back to the closed position. In particular, the extended spring may retract back to its original unextended state, pulling the gate element  70  with it. 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating a tile dispensing method  800  in accordance with an embodiment using a tile dispenser such as, but not limited to, the tile dispenser  10  of  FIG. 1 . With reference to  FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6A, and 8 , at block  810  a tile dispenser such as, but not limited to, the tile dispenser  10  may be provided. Next at block  820 , the tile dispenser  10  may be configured to receive the game tiles  100 . In some embodiments, the lid  14  may be configured to be removed by the user  200  of the tile dispenser, exposing the open top  22 . The game tiles  100  may be loaded into the tile chamber  13 . 
     In some embodiments, the tile chamber  13  is defined by a portion of the housing  12 , the central member  60 , the side-contoured elements  34   a ,  34   b , the front contoured element  31 , and the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b . In some embodiments the tile chamber  13  is defined by a portion of the housing  12 , the sliding member  62 , the central member  60 , the frontal surfaces  210   a ,  210   b , the side surfaces  220   a ,  220   b , the side elements  32   a ,  32   b , the base sections  37   a ,  37   b , the upper surfaces  290   a ,  290   b , and the front contoured element  31 . The tile chamber  13  provides an interior volume for receiving the game tiles  100 . 
     Next at block  830 , the games tiles  100  may be shuffled or otherwise randomized by mixing in the tile chamber  13 . In some embodiments, the tile dispenser  10  may randomize the game tiles  100  as the game tiles  100  are being received through the open top  22 . In particular, given the arrangement of the surfaces (e.g., the frontal surfaces  210   a ,  210   b , the side surfaces  220   a ,  220   b , the side elements  32   a ,  32   b , the ridge portion of the central member  60 , the upper surfaces  290   a ,  290   b , the ridge component  352 , and/or the like) as described, the game tiles  100  that have been received into the tile chamber  13  prior to others may not always be the first ones dispensed. 
     In further embodiments, the tile dispenser  10  may be configured to shuffle/randomize the game tiles  100  in the tile chamber  13  due to user action. In some embodiments, when all game tiles  100  are received by the interior volume of the tile chamber  13 , the lid  14  may be placed on the open top  22  to seal the tile chamber  13 . The tile chamber  13  may provide the interior volume configured for mixing/randomizing of the game tiles  100  in response to physical motion or orientation of the tile dispenser  10 . For example, after the lid  14  has been engaged with the housing  12 , the user may shake the tile dispenser  10  as a whole. Given that the game tiles  100  do not occupy the entirety of the interior volume of the tile chamber  13 , extra space within the interior volume is provided for the game tiles  100  contained therein to mix due to the shaking or the disorienting of the tile dispenser  10 . The arrangement of the components of the tile chamber  13  may further provide additional randomness into the randomization process. In other words, in some embodiments the interior volume of the tile chamber  13  provides surfaces such that the game tiles  100  contained therein may be free to mix. Accordingly, shuffling of the game tiles  100  can be achieved. In various embodiments, the game tiles  100  within the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b  may be received by the gate element  70  into the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b  as pulled by gravity when the gate element is in the closed position. 
     Next at block  835 , up to the predetermined number of the game tiles  100  may be loaded into the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b . In some embodiments, the group of game tiles  100  to be dispensed is loaded (e.g., by gravity) from the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b  following the mixing/randomization as described with respect to block  830 . When the number of game tiles  100  is greater to or equal to the predetermined number, the predetermined number of game tiles  100  may be loaded into the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b . On the other hand, when the number of game tiles  100  is less than the predetermined number, all the remaining game tiles  100  may be loaded into the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b . Next at block  840 , the tile dispenser  10  receives a dispense trigger. In various embodiments, the dispense trigger is the downward force  68  being exerted on the push element  64  to drive the push element  64  and its associated/connected components (e.g., the central member  60 ) in the downward direction. 
     Next at block  850 , the tile dispenser  10  dispenses up to a predetermined number of game tiles  100 . In some embodiments, the predetermined number of game tiles  100  may be proportional to the length of the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b  and/or the length of recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b . In a non-limiting example, the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b  may be configured to receive two game tiles  100  each (with the predetermined number of game tiles  100  to be four). Each of the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b  may be associated with a length approximately twice the width of the game tiles  100 , where each game tile may be of the same width. 
     When the gate element  70  is opened, the gate element  70  may rotate around a hinge outward from the dispenser housing  12 . Thus, additional game tiles  100  not in the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b  (e.g., gamed tiles  100  in the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b ) may not be dispensed. This is because the communication between the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b  and the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b  is broken as the gate element  70  is opened. For example, the communication area may be too small to allow additional game tiles  100  to move from the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b  to the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b  when the gate element  70  is being opened. The communication is restored once the gate element  70  returns to the closed position. Accordingly, in various embodiments, only the game tiles  100  within the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b  at the time that the gate element  70  is opened may be dispensed. When the number of tiles remaining in the tile dispenser  10  is below the predetermined number of game tiles  100 , the dispenser exit channels  72   a ,  72   b  may not be filled up completely. In that case, the remaining number of game tiles  100  may be dispensed. 
     As described, when the push member  64  is depressed by the downward force  68 , the central member  60  may be moved in the downward direction by virtue of being coupled to the push member  64  through the slit  29 . The central member  60  may include the engaging protrusion  530  being moved in the downward direction as a part of the central element  60  when the push member  64  is depressed. The engaging protrusion  530  may contact the engaging portion  537  of the gate element  70  and push the engaging portion  537  as the engaging protrusion  530  moves further downward due to further depression of the push member  64 . In turn, the gate element  70  may be opened (rotated around the hinge) accordingly and the game tiles  100  may be dispensed. 
     Next at block  860 , it is determined whether there are game tiles  100  remaining in the interior volume of the tile chamber  13 . In some embodiments, when there are no game tiles  100  remaining ( 860 : NO), the process ends. In some embodiments, this means that when the user  200  exerts the downward force  68  again on the push element  64 , the gate element  70  may open in the manner described but no game tiles  100  may be dispensed. In other embodiments, an electrical and/or mechanical device may be provided to detect whether there are game tiles  100  remaining. 
     On the other hand, when there are one or more game tiles  100  remaining ( 860 : YES), the tile dispenser  10  may randomize the remaining game tiles  100  at block  870 . In some embodiments, the game tiles  100  contained within the interior volume of the tile chamber  13  may be shuffled when the tile dispenser  10  (as a whole) is physically shaken or disoriented. In some embodiments, the space between the upper surfaces  290   a ,  290   b , the ridged portion of the central member  60 , the surfaces of the side elements  32   a ,  32   b , and/or the side surfaces  220   a ,  220   b ) may decrease as the central member  60  and the upper surfaces  290   a ,  290   b  move in the upward direction as the push member  64  ceases to be depressed (due to the spring force as described). As the upper surfaces  290   a ,  290   b  move up, game tiles  100  may be pushed outward and mixed/shuffled. 
     Next at block  880 , up to the predetermined number of the game tiles  100  may be loaded into the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b . In some embodiments, the next group of game tiles  100  to be dispensed is loaded (e.g., by gravity) from the recessed areas  35   a ,  35   b  following the mixing/randomization as described with respect to block  870 . When the remaining number of game tiles  100  is greater to or equal to the predetermined number, the predetermined number of game tiles  100  may be loaded into the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b . On the other hand, when the remaining number of game tiles  100  is less than the predetermined number, all the remaining game tiles  100  may be loaded into the exit channels  72   a ,  72   b . Next, the process returns to block  840 , where the dispense trigger may be received as described. 
     As described above, in various embodiments the tile dispenser  10  includes the tile chamber  13  in which tiles are shuffleable and the gate element  70  that is moveable between a closed position in which the gate element  70  is loadable with one or more tiles coming from the tile chamber  13  and an open position for dispensing any tiles that have been loaded into the gate element  70 . In various embodiments, at least a portion of the gate element  70  is located under the tile chamber  13 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of a bottom of the tile chamber  13  is a surface that slopes downward (such as the frontal surface  210   a  and/or frontal surface  210   b ) from a wall of the tile chamber  13 . 
     In various embodiments, at least a portion of a wall of the tile chamber  13  is a portion of an inner wall of the housing  12  and at least a portion of the gate element  70  is located in an opening in a side of the housing  12 . In some embodiments, the spring element  340  is connected to the gate element  70  for biasing the gate element  70  toward the closed position. In some embodiments, the push member  64  is configured to interact with the gate element  70  and is moveable from a first position to a second position to cause the gate element  70  to move from the closed position to the open position. In some embodiments, the spring module  580  with a spring biases the push member  64  toward the first position. 
     In various embodiments, the central member  60  is connected to the push member  64  and is moveable when the push member  64  moves from the first position (as in  FIG. 2 ) to the second position (as in  FIG. 4 ). In some embodiments, at least a portion of a bottom of the tile chamber  13  is a surface of the central member  60  that slopes downward. In some embodiments, the front contoured element  31  is adjacent to the central member  60  and is positioned such that a top of the front contoured element  31  is below a top of the central member  60  when the push member  64  is in the first position and the top of the front contoured element  31  is above the top of the central member  60  when the push member  64  is in the second position. 
     In various embodiments, the gate element comprises the exit channel  72   a . In some embodiments, the gate element  70  is configured such that an exit end of the exit channel  72   a  is blocked when the gate element  70  is in the closed position, and the gate element  70  is configured such that the exit end of the exit channel  72   a  is open to outside of the tile dispenser  10  when the gate element  70  is in the open position. In various embodiments, the gate element  70  is configured such that there is a path from the tile chamber  13  to the exit channel  72   a  of the gate element  70  when the gate element  70  is in the closed position, and the gate element  70  is configured such that the path from the tile chamber  13  to the exit channel  72   a  of the gate element  70  is severed by the gate element  70  when the gate element  70  is in the open position. In some embodiments, the exit channel  72   a  has a size such that the exit channel  72   a  is loadable with more than one tile when the gate element  70  is in the closed position. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart of a method  900  of using the tile dispenser  10  (refer to  FIG. 1 ) in accordance with an embodiment. With reference to  FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6A, and 9 , at block  910  a plurality of tiles are placed by a user into the tile chamber  13  in which the plurality of tiles are shuffleable. The method then continues to block  920 . In block  920  a user shakes the tile dispenser  10  to shuffle the plurality of tiles in the tile chamber  13 . A predetermined number of the plurality of tiles are loaded (e.g., by gravity) into the gate element  70  of the tile dispenser  10  when the gate element  70  is in a closed position. The method then continues to block  930 . In block  930 , the push member  64  is moved to cause the gate element  70  to move to an open position to dispense any tiles that have been loaded into the gate element  70 . In various embodiments, the movement of the push member  64  further causes the central member  60  that is connected to the push member  64  to move to direct tiles from the tile chamber  13  toward the gate element  70 . Also, in various embodiments, the gate element  70  is biased toward the closed position, such as by the spring element  340 . 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart of a method  1000  of manufacturing the tile dispenser  10  (refer to  FIG. 1 ) in accordance with an embodiment. With reference to  FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6A, and 10 , at block  1010  the tile chamber  13  is provided with a shape in which tiles are shuffleable. The method then continues to block  1020 . In block  1020 , the gate element  70  is provided in a location such that the gate element  70  is loadable with one or more tiles coming from the tile chamber  13  when in a closed position. The method then continues to block  1030 . In block  1030 , the gate element  70  is biased toward the closed position, such as by attaching the spring element  340  to the gate element  70 . The method then continues to block  1040 . In block  1040 , the push member  64  is provided in a location to interact with the gate element  70  such that a movement of the push member  64  from the first position to the second position causes the gate element  70  to move from the closed position to an open position. In various embodiments, the gate element  70  is shaped such that any tiles that have been loaded into the gate element  70  are dispensable from the gate element  70  when the gate element  70  is in the open position. 
     Dispensing game tiles automatically or upon initiation by a player can provide several benefits. Depending on the dispensing method used, dispensing game tiles can increase the anticipation and excitement of receiving new tiles and thus of the game. A method and apparatus to mix tiles efficiently can create an increased level of randomization of the tiles, making the tile-based game more enjoyable. 
     The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative, and not restrictive of the invention. The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Various modifications and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be within the scope of the invention.