EP1153635A2 - Gaming table - Google Patents

Abstract

The table consists of frame (4) with detachable top (12), and a fabric-covered playing surface with upright edge (3). The edge is fastened to the table top, and the playing surface is formed as an insert (13) placed within an engaging on the upright edge. The table top has grip openings (14), so that the insert plate can be lifted. Insert or table top has an opening for a card dealing module (10) with e.g. electronic micro controller, gaming chip holder with magnetic card reader (26). The table legs (5) are hollow for cables etc.

Description

The invention relates to a game table for card games according to the introductory part of claim 1.

Such gaming tables are used, for example, for playing Card games such as blackjack, lucky 9, poker and the like are used, with a tabletop shaped according to the game and a correspondingly printed fabric covering is provided. There is usually an area on one side of the game table provided where a card dealer used by the game operator sits, who assigns the cards to the individual players and monitors the chips or chips used by the players. The well-known gaming tables, such as those found in casinos and the like. Find use have a construction in which the Table top is firmly attached to the base and the cloth covering carries over the edge of the table top Limitation of the playing area provided gang is attached. This construction has the disadvantage that a change of Cloth covering, e.g. in case of damage from cigarette embers, Spilling drinks etc. is extremely time-consuming, the limit band for this change of the fabric covering must be removed and this change depending on the version the table in detail also through the area of the card dealer, where usually a recess for a token tray (so-called "chip tray") is provided and further slots for insertion of chips in brackets below the table top held chips are included, is difficult. On Another disadvantage of the known construction is that the tables are not changeable, i.e. an existing table cannot depending on the card game you want, but it is set up once and for all for a particular deck of cards.

A portable game table is known from US Pat. No. 5,078,404 A, that can be easily transported and assembled should be able to. For this purpose, the gaming table consists of a Plate with two hinged, collapsible Panel parts, on the inside of which a felt with the for Casino games usual markings is attached. The sideband consists essentially of two parts, which also are collapsible and using pens on the game board can be fixed. This results in a for transportation suitable game table, but only for a certain one Card game is suitable.

In US 5 651 548 A are game chips with an electric Marking described the position of the chips in the area to be able to locate the game table. To determine the Position of the tokens on the game table, several antennas are provided, which are connected to a central processing unit. The The central processing unit is also equipped with several card readers connected. This can be done by inserting an identification card the person who is in the central processing unit located in a certain area of the game table become.

A game table control system is known from WO 97/05935, in which of several control units, each of which Several gaming tables are assigned data to a central one Computing unit are transferred, which in turn to different Control or evaluation units data further be transferred.

It is an object of the invention to provide a gaming table at the outset to create the type mentioned, which if necessary a quick Changing the fabric covering allows, and in particular if necessary, a quick conversion for a change to one other card game.

To achieve this object, the invention provides a gaming table as defined in claim 1. Advantageous configurations and further developments are specified in the subclaims.

With the construction according to the invention the above Objectives met in an advantageous manner. To change the Cloth covering can simply be the insert plate from the base plate removed and against another insert plate with cloth covering to be replaced; the insert plate can simply be made a comparatively thin board, such as a chipboard, exist over which the cloth, such as a felt, placed and turned over over the edges to the underside of the plate. On Only the insert plate can be changed within a few minutes be carried out so that in the event of damage to the fabric covering only a short break in during a game Purchase must be made; It is also advantageous that the Limit band for such a change can not be removed must, but simply insert the insert plate inside the limit band is sufficient; if the insert plate is changed, this can also be done simply for the purpose a cloth covering with a different print, for one another deck of cards to be provided, so that on the gaming table too can quickly be switched to another deck of cards, this provided that the same insert plate size is suitable for this.

If a change of card game is desired, also with To change the size of the playing area, this may be preferred can also be accomplished quickly if the base plate is detachable is attached to the base. This can be done within a short time Time to change both the base plate and the insert plate be carried out.

To remove the insert plate when changing facilitate, the base plate with through openings for Lift up the insert plate just placed.

In order to convert the boundary band comfortably when converting a gaming table to be able to decrease, and to keep a stock for the boundary band the limiting band can be made easier in several separately attached segments on the base plate be divided. The band segments can be in handy sizes so that they can be easily assembled or can be dismantled, for example with the help of screws or Insert pin, and so that their manufacture and storage is simplified compared to the previous ones Gaming tables usual one-piece bounding bands that with regard on warehousing as well as assembly and disassembly represent a very fragile structure.

As can be seen from the above, is a construction in particular for the present gaming table aimed at, where the individual table parts in as possible components that are easy to handle are available, so that a Modular construction results, which may also include the conversion of the Game table easier with regard to a change of the card game. For this modular construction, it is also advantageous if at least the insert plate, preferably also the base plate, with a recess for receiving a card dealer module are provided. With this type of construction, on the one hand Changing the insert plate, possibly also the base plate, without affecting the card dealer module or by this Module possible. It is simply provided that the card dealer module is firmly attached to the base plate. If that Card dealer module, however, is a completely separate unit (which may be connected to the base), can also this module can be replaced on its own if necessary. In front it is then beneficial that the base plate also has no module can be changed, or is it in the sense of the addressed Modular construction advantageous that the card dealer module for everyone Game table types can be the same, and that only the base plate or insert plate vary depending on the card game. The base too can be the same for all table types, so that Base frame and the card dealer module in the same way the basic components of each game table, which then depending on Game supplemented by a corresponding base plate and insert plate become. It is therefore of particular advantage if the card dealer module detachable in the recess of the base plate is inserted. Here it is in constructive terms too cheap if the card dealer module as a unit in running tracks attached to the edge of the recess in the base plate Carriers is held.

The fact that the card dealer module for the different Gaming tables can be uniform, will also be more advantageous Way created this module with additional, equip electronic devices to special Functions with regard to game control as well as increased comfort for the players to achieve. It is therefore advantageous if the card dealer module with an electronic control unit, is particularly equipped with a microcontroller. there it is furthermore favorable if the card dealer module, preferably in the area of a tablet holder, with an identity registration unit, preferably a magnetic card reader is. This way, the identity of a person can easily be identified respective card dealers are automatically recorded by the last with a corresponding identity card, especially a magnetic card, makes an identification, i.e. themselves at the gaming table "logs in" (or "logs out").

The card dealer module can be used to control the game at the gaming table at least one in the area of a silicon tablet holder the presence of a silicon tablet sensor attached his. If such a sensor the presence of a token tray notes, for example, via the electronic Control unit to which a control lamp may be connected is to be released at this gaming table. In the other case, a differently colored warning light, e.g. a red light, be activated.

In order to be able to enter data directly at the gaming table, such as ordering drinks for the players to record and forward to , it is also advantageous if the card dealer module an input keyboard and a display unit are arranged.

Especially if the card dealer module separately with the Leg frame is connected, it is also beneficial if the legs of the base frame for receiving data and power supply cables are hollow for the control unit.

Depending on the game, the type of chip or a change the card dealer has to be able to pick up chips separately furthermore with the present game table in modular construction and with separate card dealer module also proved to be cheap if A double slot for chips is placed in the card dealer module from which two chip channels to a cassette insertion area or a cassette arranged therein with a divided opening and corresponding to two chip receiving compartments to lead. Each Jeton channel can have a light barrier module assigned for detecting thrown chips.

Finally, with regard to a change of style at the gaming table, for example poker or Lucky 9 on black Jack, where usually higher gaming tables are used, that Base frame with legs that are adjustable in height.

Fig.1 eine Ansicht eines Spieltisches;

Fig.2 eine Draufsicht auf einen solchen Spieltisch, der beispielsweise für ein Lucky 9-Kartenspiel ausgelegt ist;

Fig.3 einen Querschnitt durch diesen Spieltisch von Fig.2, gemäß der Linie III-III in Fig.2;

Fig.4 ein Detail der bei diesem Spieltisch vorgesehenen Einlageplatte, gemäß Kreis IV in Fig.3 in demgegenüber größeren Maßstab;

Fig.5 einen weiteren Querschnitt durch den Spieltisch von Fig.3, gemäß der Linie V-V in Fig.3;

Fig.6 schematisch eine Draufsicht auf einen bei diesem Spieltisch vorgesehenen Doppel-Einwurfschlitz für Jetons, wobei ein Teil einer darunter befindlichen Jeton-Aufnahmekassette schematisch veranschaulicht ist;

Fig.7 einen Querschnitt im Bereich dieses Doppel-Einwurfschlitzes;

Fig.8 eine Draufsicht auf einen anderen, beispielsweise für ein Pokerspiel ausgelegten Kartenspiel-Spieltisch;

Fig.9 eine Draufsicht ähnlich Fig.8 auf einen Poker-Spieltisch, wobei hier jedoch ein modifiziertes Kartendealer-Modul vorliegt;

Fig.10 einen Schnitt durch einen Teil dieses Poker-Spieltisches gemäß Fig.9, entsprechend der Linie X-X in Fig.9; und

Fig.11 ein Detail dieses Querschnitts gemäß Fig.10, entsprechend dem Kreis XI in Fig.10, im gegenüber Fig.10 vergrößerten Maßstab.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of particularly preferred exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing, to which, however, it should not be limited. Show it:

1 shows a view of a gaming table;

2 shows a plan view of such a gaming table, which is designed, for example, for a Lucky 9 card game;

3 shows a cross section through this gaming table of Figure 2, along the line III-III in Figure 2;

4 shows a detail of the insert plate provided in this gaming table, according to circle IV in FIG.

5 shows a further cross section through the gaming table of FIG. 3, along the line VV in FIG. 3;

6 schematically shows a plan view of a double insertion slot for tokens provided in this gaming table, part of a chip holder cassette located underneath being schematically illustrated;

7 shows a cross section in the region of this double insertion slot;

8 is a plan view of another card game table designed for a poker game, for example;

9 shows a plan view similar to FIG. 8 of a poker game table, but here there is a modified card dealer module;

10 shows a section through part of this poker game table according to FIG. 9, along the line XX in FIG. 9; and

11 shows a detail of this cross section according to FIG. 10, corresponding to the circle XI in FIG. 10, on an enlarged scale compared to FIG.

In the present case, which can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2 (or FIG. 8) Game table 1 is one indicated in Figure 1 with a total of 2 Table top provided with a border band 3 on the edge is mounted on a base 4, which for example has four (see FIG. 2) legs 5 on its upper side are connected to one another via frame-like frames 6. The limiting band 3 is in the embodiment according to FIG divided three band segments 7,8,9, namely two symmetrically mutually arranged arc parts 7 which have a straight line Have legs 8, and a shorter, narrower arc-shaped Part 9, the work area of a so-called card dealer assigned. Located in this work area of the card dealer there is also a card dealer module, designated 10 in total, the various to be explained in more detail below Components included.

In Fig.2 there are also seats 11 for card players indicated schematically.

According to the sectional illustration in FIG. 3, the table top 2 divided into two simply superimposed plates, namely into a lower base plate 12, which carries the boundary band 3, and in an interchangeable insert plate 13 thereon Insert plate 13 simply lies within the boundary band 3 on the underlying base plate 12 and it can can be easily and easily lifted from the base plate 12, reaching through through openings 14 from the underside and the insert plate 13 is sufficiently high, i.e. is raised above the bounding band 3, cf. also the Dashed arrow 15 in Figure 3, after which it is on Gripped plate edge and removed to the side of table 1 can be. This is necessary, for example, if one on this insert plate 13 attached cloth covering 16, see. apart from Fig. 3 also Fig. 4, was damaged and should therefore be replaced is.

In detail, the fabric covering 16 according to FIG Edge of the insert plate 13 knocked around and on the underside this insert plate 13 attached, being between the insert plate 13 and provided as the actual cloth covering 16 A foam felt can be attached to a corresponding one ensure soft table play area. This layer of foam is indicated in Figure 4 at 17, and preferably extends also on the narrow side, i.e. the edge, the insert plate 13, to give a certain amount of flexibility when touching the boundary band 3 ensure that the insert plate is inserted 13 or to lift off the base plate 12.

According to Figure 3, right part, the bounding band 3 is in Cross-section is approximately L-shaped, and it lies on the Top of the base plate 12, whereby it (i.e. its segments) from the underside of the base plate 12 through it is screwed detachably. With an outer, protruding downward Part 18 surrounds the boundary band 3 the edge of the base plate 12. At the top is the boundary band 3 with a soft, elastic pad 19 in a conventional manner Mistake.

As can also be seen from FIG. 2, the insert plate is 13 in the work area of the card dealer to accommodate the module 10 approximately rectangular except as indicated at 20 in Fig.2 and the module 10 recorded there, which for example an upper plate 10 'with a wood veneer on the top has a receiving opening for a so-called chip tray, i.e. a token tray 21. The token tray holder is for example formed in a shaft-like manner in the area of the base plate 12, as can be seen from FIG. 3 at 22, and this receptacle 22 is provided with a bottom 23 in the example shown. The floor 23 of the silicon tablet receptacle 22 carries a sensor 24, which in Fig. 2 and 3 is shown only schematically, and the presence or the absence of a token tray 21. Furthermore is a microcontroller 25 as an electronic control or Control unit provided on the floor 23; the sensor 24 as well a magnetic card reader 26 also present in the receiving compartment 22 (see Fig. 3 also Fig. 5) as a card dealer identity acquisition unit are conventional per se, not illustrated in detail Way connected to the microcontroller 25 by cable. Also with the microcontroller 25 is at the top of the Module 10 provided input keyboard 27 connected, and for information display is a display unit 28, in particular a LCD display, connected.

On the underside of the module 10 there are also two chip Recording cassettes in a conventional manner in not closer shown compartments or on suspensions, not shown appropriate. The one shown on the right in Fig. 2 and 3 Recording cassette 30 is assigned a conventional slide 31, a slot in the normal position shown covered.

For the other, in Fig. 2 and 3 left receiving cassette 29 provide module 10 with a double slot 32, i.e. it two channels 33, 34 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) lead to one, for example in a conventional manner, circular opening opening 35 of the recording cassette 29 that other than conventional cassettes through a partition 36 that is accurate extends centrally below the insertion opening 35, in two receiving compartments 37, 38 divided. This can, for example different tokens in the different reception compartments 37 or 38 of the receiving cassette 29 are inserted. In each Channel 33, 34 is an electrical light barrier module 33 'or 34 'installed, which the tokens thrown into the channels 33 and 34 respectively detected and corresponding signals to the microcontroller 25 emits so that the number of tokens thrown is determined which enables billing control. The Light barrier modules 33 ', 34' are inherently more conventional Type and mounted in the channels 33, 34 so deep that the Light barriers can only be interrupted by falling chips can.

The legs 5 can be illustrated schematically in FIG Thrust pipes 39 can be designed, the inner pipes 40th be pushed, with a height adjustment of the legs 5 - each according to the length of the slide-over pipes 39 - is made possible. The legs 5 are hollow and are used to hold cables, namely from Power cables as well as data cables used. These cables can further from the legs 5 on the top via there, also hollow frames 6 to module 10 be led out, the last piece towards module 10 can also be freely available on the underside of the base plate 12; the cables then lead into the module 10, which in the Drawing is not shown, however, and they close the electronic control unit 25 to a supply voltage or to a central computer device. That way you can for example, 27 messages are forwarded via the input keyboard such as, in particular, drinks or food orders if the player wishes or to summon one Security person or a floorman.

The legs 5 of the base 4 are preferably on the floor - For example, a cavity double floor - for the cable entries screwed tight.

Every card dealer can be conventional Pulling through a magnetic card intended for identification register by the magnetic card reader 26 on the gaming table 1 or but unsubscribe, with his time registered centrally on gaming table 1 becomes. Approval of the table can also depend on this be made that the sensor 24 the presence of a Detects tokens 21. On the display unit 28 can Card dealer information is displayed, such as in the case of Ordering drinks or meals etc.

From the above description and in particular also from the representation in the drawing, in particular in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, it follows that the present gaming table 1 in one Modular construction exists, depending on the card game Table tops with edge limitation, i.e. a base plate 12, Insert plate 13 and band limiting parts such as 7, 8 and 9 in Fig.2, are to be provided; on the other hand, the base 4 can be uniform be trained for all gaming tables. In the embodiment 2 to 7, however, is the card dealer module 10 still firmly connected to the base plate 12, so that a change the base plate 12 can only be done together with the module 10. 9 to 11 to be explained in more detail below however, a construction can be seen in which the module 10 is separate is connected to the base 4; the base plate 12 is then with an approximately the same as the recess 20 of the insert plate 13 Provided recess and can just like the insert plate 13th be replaced when the table 1 on another card game to be converted.

A game table remodeling is from a comparison of the Game table according to Fig.2, for example for the card game "Lucky 9" is trained, cf. also those illustrated in Fig.2 Imprints 41 on the fabric covering 16, with the for Conventional poker game provided table shown in Fig.8. 8 is comparatively wider, i.e. the base plate 12 and the one placed thereon Insert plate 13 are larger and approximately in comparison to Figure 2 oval shape. The band limitation is also corresponding 3 slightly different in detail for the gaming table according to FIG. 8, namely from two arcuate band segments 42, one straight Segment 43 and a narrower segment 9 in the area of the card dealer composed. Here, too, the band limit is 3 but again divided into individual band segments, each for itself on the base plate 12 on the basis of Figure 3 above explained in an appropriate manner, i.e. be screwed on. The Segment 9 is preferably the same as for gaming table 1 according to FIG. 2 - i.e. the same for all gaming tables - trained, which also the production and warehousing looks simplified, whereby It should be taken into account that just the band segment 9 in the work area of the card dealer is most worn out. The Base 4 of the gaming table of Fig. 8 is identical to that the game table 1 according to Figure 2, as well as the module 10, so that there is no need to repeat the description can.

9 to 11 is one compared to those described so far Embodiments in this respect modified card game table, in particular for poker game, shown here as the card dealer module 10 is designed as a completely separate unit, which in a recess 20 of the insert plate 13 and in a corresponding one Recess 20 'in the base plate 12 (see Fig. 10) is releasably used.

Basically, the gaming table according to Fig. 9 to 11 is analog built up to that according to the drawing figures described above, in turn he has a base 4 with legs 5 and frames 6 and a base plate 12 and an insert plate lying thereon 13 has. The boundary band 3 is similar to the game table 8 in a total of four band segments 9, 42 and 43 divided. The card dealer module 10 is equipped with token receptacles 29, 30, a token tray 21 and with the electronic Provide components as explained above. Another one Repetition of the description of this training can therefore unnecessary, and only the differences should be mentioned below to the exemplary embodiments described above are explained.

As already mentioned, the card table according to FIGS. 9 to 10 a card dealer module 10 in the form of a manageable Unit 10 provided within the aforementioned recess 20 in the insert plate 13 and the recess 20 '(see Fig. 10) is arranged in the base plate 12. In detail, as can be seen from FIGS. 10 and 11, the edge of the recess 20 'through a rectangular hollow profile with a fastening flange 44 trained carrier 45 can be defined, which with its mounting flange 44 on the underside of the base plate 12 releasably attached, e.g. is screwed on. This carrier is 45 on its side facing the recess 20 'with a running rail 46 firmly connected, and in this track 46 is a Rolling or sliding element 47 added, which is on the side of a Module base plate 48 is attached. At the top of this module base plate 48 is again a wood veneer upper plate 10 'attached to the work surface in Area of the card dealer. Inside the module base plate 48 is in a manner similar to that of FIG 3 explains a shaft-like receptacle 22 for the silicon tray 21 as well as for the different, not shown in Fig. 10, 2 to 5 electronic components explained, this shaft-like receptacle 22 in turn the bottom is provided with a bottom 23.

It can be seen from the top view of FIG. 9 that the Carrier 45 on both sides of that provided by the base plate 12 Recess 20 'away from the card dealer into the table extend as the recess 20 in the insert plate 13, the module base plate 48 also extends further into the table than the recess 20 in the insert plate 13. Thereby can take the chip holder cassettes 29, 30 over their entire length on the underside of the base plate 48 on conventional in itself Manner, e.g. held in rails.

Claims (18)

Game table for card games, with a base plate (12) attached to a base frame (4), and a game plate resting thereon with a cloth covering (16), and with a border band (3) standing up relative to the game plate, characterized in that the base plate (12) carries the boundary band (3) on the edge, and that the one-piece game board carrying the cloth covering (16) is designed as an insert plate (13) arranged within the boundary band (3), lying against this. Game table according to claim 1, characterized in that the base plate (12) is detachably attached to the base frame (4). Game table according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base plate (12) is formed with through openings (14) for lifting up the insert plate (13) which is merely placed thereon. Game table according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the boundary band (3) is subdivided into a plurality of band segments (7, 8, 9, 42, 43) detachably attached to the base plate (12). Game table according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the insert plate (13) is provided with a recess (20) for receiving a card dealer module (10). Game table according to claim 5, characterized in that the base plate (12) is also provided with a recess (20 ') for receiving a card dealer module (10). Game table according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the card dealer module (10) is fixedly attached to the base plate (12). Game table according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the card dealer module (10) is detachably inserted in the recess (20 ') of the base plate (12). Game table according to claim 8, characterized in that the card dealer module (10) is held as a structural unit in running rails (46) on supports (45) fastened to the edge of the recess (20 ') in the base plate (12). Game table according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the card dealer module (10) is equipped with an electronic control unit, for example a microcontroller (25). Game table according to claim 10, characterized in that the card dealer module (10), for example in the area of a chip holder (22), is equipped with an identity detection unit. Game table according to claim 11, characterized in that a magnetic card reader (26) is provided as the identity detection unit. Game table according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that at least one sensor (24) detecting the presence of a casino tablet (21) is attached to the card dealer module (10) in the region of a casino tablet holder (22). Game table according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that an input keyboard (27) and a display unit (28) are arranged on the card dealer module (10). Game table according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the legs (5) of the base frame (4) for receiving data and power supply cables for the control unit (25) are hollow. Game table according to one of claims 5 to 15, characterized in that a double insertion slot (32) for tokens is arranged in the card dealer module (10), from which two token channels (33, 34) to a cassette insertion area or a chip holder (29) arranged in it with a divided opening (35) and correspondingly two chip holder compartments (37, 38). Game table according to claim 16, characterized in that a light barrier module (33 ', 34') is assigned to each chip channel (33, 34) for detecting inserted chips. Game table according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the base frame (4) is provided with legs (5) which are adjustable in height.

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