US20040251624A1

US20040251624A1 - Roulette number bracket indicator

Info

Publication number: US20040251624A1
Application number: US10/459,658
Authority: US
Inventors: James Hodapp; Herschel Greer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-06-11
Filing date: 2003-06-11
Publication date: 2004-12-16

Abstract

A roulette number bracket indicator is provided to indicate the numbers located to either side or any desired distance from the number sought. The roulette number bracket indicator is in the form of a slide rule composed of two or more interacting members. Rotation or movement of one member relative to the other members selectively provides the desired information. The upper members have a cutout or cutouts spaced uniformly along a portion of the member. Indicia are printed on the upper member adjacent the cutout. A lower member has the layout of a roulette wheel printed thereon. The position of the roulette wheel pattern is such that alignment shows a bracketed portion of the numbers as on roulette wheel.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a roulette number bracket indicator for use in connection with the game of roulette. The roulette number bracket indicator has particular utility in connection with ascertaining the numbers on a roulette wheel that are located within a span of numbers on the wheel, the chosen number being one the gambler desires to bracket.

In the game of roulette, the wheel head or spinner containing the pocketed numbers is rotated slowly counter clockwise while the ball is spun clockwise in the outer rim of the basin or stationary bowl containing the wheel head. The ball spins about the rotating wheel head a number of times and is slowed down by the frictional opposing force in the rim until the ball is pulled by gravity down into the wheel head to finally land in a particular pocket. Before this occurs, the ball will usually hit one of eight breakers imbedded in the sloping portion of the bowl, and such breakers produce random motion of the ball usually in a forward direction, but sometimes in a reverse direction. This random motion is one of the reasons that the balls final landing place is so hard to predict. Most casinos in the United States use a wheel having a green 0 and a green 00 on the wheel, whereas in Europe, and most other countries, the wheel has only one green 0. Some casinos in America have installed single zero wheels but reserve these wheels for larger stakes games.

Roulette is played at a table that has seats for one to six or seven players. There is the wheel and beside it is the betting area or layout. The croupier spins the wheel and releases the ball, and when the ball lands, collects the losing bets, and pays out the winning bets.

While strongly associated with gambling, roulette is played by less than 2% of casino visitors, according to a 1984 study by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. One possible reason for the lack of participation is that players feel intimidated by the difficulty of reading the numbers from the spinning wheel to determine which numbers are adjacent to their chosen number. Casinos provide aids such as drink coasters with the wheel layout and sheets of paper containing the table layout on one side and the wheel layout on the other. While helpful, these do not provide the ease of use that the present invention offers.

One object of the present invention is to provide a roulette bracket indicator, which may be carried in the player's pocket, which is simple to operate, and which will aid the player by allowing the simple and easy bracketing of a set of numbers.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Roulette bracket indicators are desirable to aid roulette players in determining the numbers to be chosen, help calculate the payoff or keep track of the numbers that have previously hit. Casinos prohibit certain of these devices, as they enable the player to cheat.

The use of roulette tallying devices is known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,866,601 to Naber discloses a tally device for roulette. However, the Naber '601 patent is directed towards allowing the player to record the area of the wheel where the ball lands, for use in predicting the possible outcome of the next deal. The Naber '601 has further drawbacks of not providing an easy and accurate means to determine the numbers bracketing a chosen number for the usual range chosen by roulette players.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,357,659 to Nathans discloses a roulette betting calculator that is used to measure the relative velocity between the spinning ball and the rotating wheel. This information is converted into favorable bet indicating data that the player uses to choose the number to bet. However, the Nathan '659 patent does not allow the rapid determination of the adjacent numbers for bracketing, and additionally does not provide the same structure as the present invention. The Nathan '659 patent is an example of a device that would be prohibited in most casinos.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. D 460,497 S to Johnstone et al. discloses a roulette payout calculator that calculates the winning bet payout, given the odds and the amount bet. However, the Johnstone '497 S patent does not display the adjacent numbers, and does not contain the same structure as the present invention.

Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,098 to Grabowski discloses a roulette calculator that records and visually displays the occurrence and number of winning numbers during play. However, the Grabowski '098 patent does not contain the layout of the roulette wheel, and has the additional deficiency of not allowing the display of the bracketed numbers of the roulette wheel.

While the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a roulette number bracket indicator that allows a rapid determination of the adjacent numbers on a roulette wheel as well as the bracketed numbers. The Naber '601 patent makes no provision for narrowing the range of numbers chosen. The Nathan '659 patent, the Johnstone '497 S patent and the Grabowski '098 patent do not provide a layout of the wheel to aid the player, and require the player to either memorize the layout or try and read the spinning wheel to determine the numbers.

Therefore, a need exists for a new invention, such as the roulette number bracket indicator of the present invention that can be used for legally aiding a roulette player. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. In this respect, the roulette number bracket indicator according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of aiding the roulette player and allowing the player to more fully concentrate on placing bets and enjoying themselves by allowing them to concentrate less on trying to read the numbers from a spinning wheel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of roulette devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an new roulette number bracket indicator, and overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new roulette number bracket indicator which has all the advantages of the prior art mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a roulette number bracket indicator which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof.

To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a first or lower plate having the layout of a roulette wheel on it. The numbers and colors are shown as on the wheel. An upper plate lies atop the lower plate and has openings or windows along the upper edge to selectively show portions of the wheel. These portions could be in the range of three, five, and nine, or a quarter of the wheel. Alternatively, the portions could be four, six, eight, or twelve. The roulette number bracket indicator may be manufactured so that any desired range can be chosen by the end-user to meet their needs. An indication mark or marks, such as dots or arrows, or any other conceivable indicia, would be used to center or indicate the chosen number or numbers, and thus bracket the numbers located beside, or bracketing, the chosen numbers. A title under the opening would indicate the range. For example, under the opening displaying the range of three would be a title such as “3 numbers” and so on for all openings. The plates could be connected by a grommet, rivet, molded integral attachment, or any similar type of connecting means commonly in use.

The present invention can also have the plate with the numbers as on a roulette wheel and have two plates that rotate to bracket the numbers. Each upper plate has approximately half of the periphery or edge removed to show the numbers on the underlying wheel. The plates could be connected by a grommet, rivet, molded integral attachment, or any similar type of connecting means commonly in use.

The roulette number bracket indicator my also be manufactured as a linear slide device, with the lower plate containing the layout of a roulette wheel and the upper plate containing windows through which the numbers are bracketed to display the adjacent numbers desired.

The plate can be in any shape desired, such as an oval, square, triangle, circle or any other variation or combination.

The roulette bracket invention could be made of paper, cardboard, plastic, ceramic, wood, or metal, or any mixture of the above materials. It is anticipated that a lightweight metal such as aluminum or an alloy would be chosen for strength, durability, and lower costs of production. The materials would be chosen for their durability and ability to accept pigmentation, indications, lettering, and other markings. It is anticipated that end users would prefer differing materials, and the present invention could be made in any combination of materials.

There can be an open area in the center of the uppermost region or plate for the display of a logo or advertisement, such as that of a casino or gaming enterprise. The different shapes provided by the use of certain shaped plates would allow for a wide range of areas for use in placement of logos or other advertising.

The invention may also include a table of the odds on the back of the plate. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.

Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this respect, before explaining the current embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new roulette number bracket indicator that has all of the advantages of the prior art roulette devices and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a roulette number bracket indicator that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new roulette number bracket indicator that has a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such roulette number bracket indicator economically available to the buying public.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an attractive, durable gambling aid for a casino to provide to a roulette player to enable the player to focus more on the excitement of the game and less on trying to discern the location of adjacent numbers on a spinning wheel.

Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a roulette number bracket indicator that could easily fit in a shirt pocket, a wallet, or a coin purse. This allows the player to conveniently store the present invention when not in use at the table and not lose the item. The present invention is not limited to this size, and it is foreseen that the roulette number bracket indicator could be manufactured in an unlimited array of sizes.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a roulette number bracket indicator for use by a casino for advertising. This makes it possible for the casino to provide a player a product to aid their gaming experience and thereby potentially attract more players to the game of roulette.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide a roulette number bracket indicator with an area for the placement of an identification means, such as the methods currently in use at casinos for the identification of frequent gamers, so that the casino can provide a novel identification tool that is also of independent value to the gamer.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings, and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: [0034]
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the first embodiment of the roulette number bracket indicator constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, showing the American wheel. [0035]
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the first embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator, taken essentially along the lines [0036] 2-2 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the second embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator, showing the American wheel. [0037]
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the second embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator, taken essentially along the lines [0038] 4-4 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the first plate of the roulette bracket indicator, showing the American wheel. [0039]
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the second plate of the first embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator, using the American wheel. [0040]
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the second plate of the second embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator. [0041]
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the third plate of the second embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator. [0042]
FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the first embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator, showing the European wheel. [0043]
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the second embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator, showing the European wheel. [0044]
FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the first plate of the roulette bracket indicator, showing the European wheel. [0045]
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the second plate of the first embodiment of the roulette number bracket indicator of the present invention, using the European wheel. [0046]
FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the second plate of the second embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator, using the European wheel. [0047]
FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the third plate of the second embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator, using the European wheel. [0048]
FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the first plate of the roulette bracket indicator. [0049]
FIG. 16 is a top plan view of an alternate plate shape for the first embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator, showing the American wheel. [0050]
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator, taken essentially along the lines [0051] 17-17 of FIG. 16.
FIG. 18 is a top plan view of an alternate plate shape for the second embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator, showing the American wheel. [0052]
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator, taken essentially along the lines [0053] 19-19 of FIG. 18.
The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures. [0054]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1-18, the preferred embodiment of the roulette number bracket indicator of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the [0055] reference numeral 10.
In FIG. 1, the roulette [0056] number bracket indicator 10 of the present invention for number bracketing is illustrated and will be described. More particularly, the roulette number bracket indicator 10 has a first plate 12, with numeric indicia 20 along a predetermined portion of the first periphery 18. The numeric indicia 20 are arranged in a sequence of numbers as on a roulette wheel. The numeric indicia 20 shown in FIG. 1 are the American version 38. The second plate 22 has a plurality of cutouts 30 in the second periphery 28. The cutouts 30 are spaced a predetermined distance from the first periphery 18 to fully display the numeric indicia 20. The cutouts 30 display a predetermined amount or range of the numeric indicia 20, which be varied at the time of manufacturing to allow for user preference. The second plate 22 has a plurality of indication marks 32 and alphanumeric indicia 34 located near the plurality of cutouts 30. The alphanumeric indicia 34 denote the amount or range of the numeric indicia 20 bracketed by the cutout 30. The alphanumeric indicia 34 as shown are illustrative only, and any grouping of numerals can be used to meets the needs of the user. The first plate 12 and second plate 22 are joined by a connection means 36 so that the second plate 22 may rotate with respect to the first plate 12. The first plate 12 and second plate 22 rotate relative to each other to selectively display the desired range of numeric indicia 20, as determined by the user. The roulette number bracket indicator 10 may be provided with a scalloped or scroll design or any other decorative arrangement and indicia relating to the name of the roulette number bracket indicator 10, advertising or promotional material and the like may be provided on the first plate 12 or second plate 22 to facilitate the commercial use of the roulette number bracket indicator 10.
In FIG. 2, the roulette [0057] number bracket indicator 10 is shown in cross-section, essentially along the lines 2-2 of FIG. 1. The first periphery 18 is shown, as is the second periphery 28. The first plate 12 second side 16 is shown, as are the second plate 22 second side 26. The connection means 36 is shown. The cutout 30 on the second periphery 28 of the second plate 22 is shown as aligned with the first periphery 18 of the first plate 12.
In FIG. 3, the second embodiment of the roulette [0058] number bracket indicator 10 is shown. The roulette number bracket indicator 10 has a first plate 12 having numeric indicia 20 along a predetermined portion of the first periphery 18. The numeric indicia 20, is arranged in a sequence of numbers as on a roulette wheel. The numeric indicia 20 as shown in FIG. 3 are the American version 38. The second plate 22 has a second side 26 and a second periphery 28. The second plate 22 has a cutout 30 in the second periphery 28. The third plate 50 has a second side 54, and a third periphery 56. The third plate 50 has a cutout 30 in the third periphery 56. The first periphery 18 is shown as exposed by the cutout 30 in the second periphery 28, thereby allowing for the display of the numeric indicia 20. The third plate 50, second side 54, and third periphery 56 are shown, with the cutout 30 in the third periphery 56 displaying the alphanumeric indicia 34. The alphanumeric indicia 34 as shown are illustrative only, and any grouping of numerals can be used to meets the needs of the user. The connection means 36 is shown. The first plate 12, second plate 22, and third plate 50 rotate relative to each other to selectively display the desired range of numeric indicia 20, as determined by the user. The roulette number bracket indicator 10 may be provided with a scalloped or scroll design or any other decorative arrangement and indicia relating to the name of the roulette number bracket indicator 10, advertising or promotional material and the like may be provided on the plates to facilitate the commercial use of the roulette number bracket indicator 10.
In FIG. 4, the roulette [0059] number bracket indicator 10 is shown in cross-section, essentially along the lines 4-4 of FIG. 3. The first plate 12, second side 16, and first periphery 18 are shown. The second plate 22, first side 24, second side 26, and second periphery 28 are shown. The first periphery 18 is shown as exposed by the cutout 30 in the second periphery 28. The third plate 50, second side 54, and third periphery 56 are shown, with the cutout 30 in the third periphery 56 displaying the second periphery 28. The connection means 36 is shown. The cutout 30 is shown as aligned with the first periphery 18, and the second periphery 28.
In FIG. 5 the [0060] second side 16 of the first plate 12 is shown. The first periphery 18 is shown. The numeric indicia 20 as shown are the American version 38.
In FIG. 6 the [0061] second side 24 of the second plate 22 of the first embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator 10 is shown. The cutouts 30, the indication marks 32, and the alphanumeric indicia 34 are also shown. The alphanumeric indicia 34 as shown are illustrative only, and any grouping of numerals can be used to meets the needs of the user. The cutouts 30 are for the American wheel 38. The open area 42 is shown without any logo, advertising or similar indicia, although this open area 42 can be used for advertising or promotional material and the like.
In FIG. 7 the [0062] second side 24 of the second plate 22 of the second embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator is shown. The second periphery 28 of the second plate 22 is shown. The cutout 30 and the alphanumeric indicia 34 are shown. The alphanumeric indicia 34 as shown are illustrative only, and any grouping of numerals can be used to meets the needs of the user.
In FIG. 8, the [0063] second side 52 of the third plate 50 of the second embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator 10 is shown. The third periphery 56 of the third plate 50 is shown. The open area 58 for the display of a logo or other display is shown without any indicia or markings, although this open area 58 may be provided with a design or any other decorative arrangement and indicia relating to the name of the roulette number bracket indicator 10, advertising or promotional material and the like. The cutout 30 is shown.
In FIG. 9, the first embodiment of the roulette [0064] number bracket indicator 10 is shown. The first plate 12, and first periphery 18 are shown. The first plate 12 has numeric indicia 20 along a predetermined portion of the first periphery 18. The numeric indicia 20, is arranged in a sequence of numbers as on a roulette wheel. The numeric indicia 20 shown in FIG. 9 are the European wheel 40. The second plate 22, second side 26, and second periphery 28 are shown. The second plate 22 has a plurality of cutouts 30 in the second periphery 28. The cutouts 30 are spaced a predetermined distance from the first periphery 18. The plurality of cutouts 30 varies in length by a predetermined distance to display a predetermined amount of the numeric indicia 20. The second plate 22 has a plurality of indication marks 32 and alphanumeric indicia 34 located near the plurality of cutouts 30. The alphanumeric indicia 34 denote the amount or range of the numeric indicia 20 bracketed by the cutout 30. The alphanumeric indicia 34 as shown are illustrative only, and any grouping of numerals can be used to meets the needs of the user. The first plate 12 and second plate 22 are joined by a connection means 36 so that the second plate 22 may rotate with respect to the first plate 12. The first plate 12 and second plate 22 rotate relative to each other to selectively display the desired range of numeric indicia 20, as determined by the user. The open area 42 may be provided with a design or any other decorative arrangement and indicia relating to the name of the roulette number bracket indicator 10, advertising or promotional material and the like.
In FIG. 10, the second embodiment of the roulette [0065] number bracket indicator 10 is shown. The first plate 12, second side 16, and first periphery 18 are shown. The first plate 12 has numeric indicia 20 along a predetermined portion of the first periphery 18. The numeric indicia 20 as shown in FIG. 10 are the European version 40. The second plate 22, the second side 26, and the second periphery 28 are shown. The second plate 22 has a cutout 30 in the second periphery 28. The cutout 30 selectively displays the numeric indicia 20 of the first plate 12. The third plate 50, second side 54, and third periphery 56 are shown. The third plate 50 has a cutout 30 in the third periphery to display the alphanumeric indicia 34 of the second plate 22. The alphanumeric indicia 34 as shown are illustrative only, and any grouping of numerals can be used to meets the needs of the user. The connection means 36 is shown. The first plate 12, second plate 22, and third plate 50 rotate relative to each other to selectively display the desired range of numeric indicia 20, as determined by the user. The open area 58 may be provided with a design or any other decorative arrangement and indicia relating to the name of the roulette number bracket indicator 10, advertising or promotional material and the like.
In FIG. 11, the [0066] second side 16 of the first plate 12 is shown. The numeric indicia 20 display the European wheel 40.
In FIG. 12, the [0067] second side 26 of the second plate 22 of the first embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator 10 is shown. The periphery 28 of the second plate 22 of the first embodiment is also shown. The cutouts 30, the indication marks 32, and the alphanumeric indicia 34 are also shown. The alphanumeric indicia 34 as shown are illustrative only, and any grouping of numerals can be used to meets the needs of the user. The cutouts 30 are for the European wheel 40. The open area 42 may be provided with a design or any other decorative arrangement and indicia relating to the name of the roulette number bracket indicator 10, advertising or promotional material and the like.
In FIG. 13, the [0068] second side 26 of the second plate 22 of the second embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator is shown. The periphery 28 of the second plate 22 is also shown. The cutout 30, and the alphanumeric indicia 34 are shown. The alphanumeric indicia 34 as shown are illustrative only, and any grouping of numerals can be used to meets the needs of the user.
In FIG. 14, the [0069] second side 54 of the third plate 50 of the second embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator 10 is shown. The third periphery 56 of the third plate 50 is shown. The open area 58 for the display of a logo is shown without any indicia. The cutout 30 is shown in the third periphery 56. The open area 58 may be provided with a design or any other decorative arrangement and indicia relating to the name of the roulette number bracket indicator 10, advertising or promotional material and the like.
In FIG. 15, the [0070] first side 14 of the first plate 12 of the first and second embodiment of the roulette bracket indicator 10 is shown. The periphery 18 of the first plate 12 is shown. The area 44 for the display of a logo, table of odds, or other indicia is shown with the table of odds displayed. The open area 46 for the display of a logo or advertising is shown without indicia although the open area 46 may be provided with a scalloped or scroll design or any other decorative arrangement and indicia relating to the name of the roulette number bracket indicator 10, advertising or promotional material and the like. The connection means 36 is shown.
In FIG. 16 the first embodiment of the roulette [0071] number bracket indicator 10, first plate 12, second side 16, and first periphery 18 are shown. The first plate 12 has numeric indicia 20 along a predetermined portion of the first periphery 18. The numeric indicia 20, is arranged in a sequence of numbers as on a roulette wheel. The numeric indicia 20 show the American wheel 38. The second plate 22, second side 26, and second periphery 28 are shown. The second plate 22 has a plurality of cutouts 30 in the second periphery 28. The cutouts 30 are spaced a predetermined distance from the first periphery 18. The plurality of cutouts 30 varies in length by a predetermined distance to display a predetermined amount of the numeric indicia 20. The second plate 22 has a plurality of indication marks 32 located near the plurality of cutouts 30. The second plate 22 has a plurality of alphanumeric indicia 34 located near the plurality of cutouts 30 denoting the amount of the numeric indicia 20 bracketed by the cutout 30. The alphanumeric indicia 34 as shown are illustrative only, and any grouping of numerals can be used to meets the needs of the user. The first plate 12 and second plate 22 are joined by a connection means 36. The first plate 12 and second plate 22 rotate relative to each other to selectively display the desired range of numeric indicia 20, as determined by the user. The roulette number bracket indicator 10 may be provided with a scalloped or scroll design or any other decorative arrangement and indicia relating to the name of the roulette number bracket indicator 10, advertising or promotional material and the like may be provided on the first plate 12, second plate 22 and third plate 50 to facilitate the commercial use of the roulette number bracket indicator 10.
In FIG. 17, the first embodiment of the roulette [0072] number bracket indicator 10 is shown in cross-section, essentially along the lines 17-17 of FIG. 16. The first periphery 18 is shown as exposed by a cutout 30 in the second periphery 28. The connection means 36 is shown. The first plate 12, first side 14, second side 16 are shown, as are the second plate 22, first side 24, second side 26, and second periphery 28. The second side 16 of the first plate 12 is shown adjacent to the first side 24 of the second plate 22.
In FIG. 18, the second embodiment of the roulette [0073] number bracket indicator 10 is shown. The roulette number bracket indicator 10 has a first plate 12 having numeric indicia 20 along a predetermined portion of the first periphery 18. The numeric indicia 20, is arranged in a sequence of numbers as on a roulette wheel. The numeric indicia 20 as shown in FIG. 18 are the American version 38. The second plate 22 has a second side 26 and a second periphery 28. The second plate 22 has a cutout 30 in the second periphery 28. The third plate 50 has a second side 54, and a third periphery 56. The third plate 50 has a cutout 30 in the third periphery 56. The first periphery 18 is shown as exposed by the cutout 30 in the second periphery 28, thereby allowing for the display of the numeric indicia 20. The third plate 50, second side 54, and third periphery 56 are shown, with the cutout 30 in the third periphery 56 displaying the alphanumeric indicia 34. The alphanumeric indicia 34 as shown are illustrative only, and any grouping of numerals can be used to meets the needs of the user. The connection means 36 is shown. The first plate 12, second plate 22, and third plate 50 rotate relative to each other to selectively display the desired range of numeric indicia 20, as determined by the user. The roulette number bracket indicator 10 may be provided with a scalloped or scroll design or any other decorative arrangement and indicia relating to the name of the roulette number bracket indicator 10, advertising or promotional material and the like may be provided on the plates to facilitate the commercial use of the roulette number bracket indicator 10.
In FIG. 19, the second embodiment of the roulette [0074] number bracket indicator 10 is shown in cross-section. The first plate 12, first side 14, second side 16, and first periphery 18 are shown. The second plate 22, second side 26, and second periphery 28 are shown. The third plate 50 is shown, as is the second side 54 and the third periphery 56. The first periphery 18 is shown as exposed by the cutout 30 in the second periphery 28, thereby allowing for the display of the numeric indicia 20. The third plate 50, second side 54, and third periphery 56 are shown, with the cutout 30 in the third periphery 56 displaying the alphanumeric indicia 34. The connection means 36 is shown.
In use, it can now be understood that by turning the overlay top with its associated notches to display the underlying roulette wheel numbers that are shown within the notches, allows the player to enjoy the game by allowing them to concentrate less on trying to discern the numbers located on the wheel and more on the placement of their wagers and enjoyment of the casino's amenities. [0075]
While a preferred embodiment of the roulette number bracket indicator has been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit ad scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. [0076]
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. [0077]

Claims

We claim:

1. A roulette number bracket indicator for finding adjacent numbers on a roulette wheel comprising:

a first plate having a first side and a second side and a first periphery, said first plate having numeric indicia along a predetermined portion of said first periphery, said numeric indicia being arranged in a sequence of numbers as on a roulette wheel;

a second plate having a first side and a second side and a second periphery, said second plate having a plurality of cutouts in said second periphery, said cutouts spaced a predetermined distance from said first periphery, said cutouts varying in length by a predetermined distance to display a predetermined amount of said numeric indicia in said plurality of cutouts, a plurality of indication marks located near said plurality of cutouts, a plurality of alphanumeric indicia located near said plurality of cutouts denoting the amount of said numeric indicia bracketed by said cutout;

connection means for connecting said second plate to said first plate.

2. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 1, wherein said plurality of cutouts is one.

3. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 1, wherein said plurality of cutouts is two.

4. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 1, wherein said plurality of cutouts is three.

5. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 1, wherein said plurality of cutouts is four.

6. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 1, wherein said plurality of cutouts is five.

7. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 1, wherein said plurality of indication marks are in a single arrangement.

8. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 1, wherein said plurality of indication marks are in a double arrangement.

9. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 1, wherein said numeric indicia denotes the American style or single zero and double zero wheel.

10. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 1, wherein said numeric indicia denotes the European style or single zero wheel.

11. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 1, wherein said second side of said second plate contains an open area and said first side of said first plate contains an open area.

12. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 1, wherein said first side of said first plate contains an open area for the display of an identification means.

13. A roulette number bracket indicator for finding adjacent numbers on a roulette wheel comprising:

a first plate having a first side and a second side and a first periphery, said first side of said first plate further contains an open area, said first plate having numeric indicia along a predetermined portion of said first periphery, said numeric indicia being arranged in a sequence of numbers as on a roulette wheel, said numeric indicia further denotes the American style or single zero and double zero wheel;

a second plate having a first side and a second side and a second periphery, said second side of said second plate further contains an open area, said second plate having a plurality of cutouts in said second periphery, said cutouts spaced a predetermined distance from said first periphery, said cutouts varying in length by a predetermined distance to display a predetermined amount of said numeric indicia, a plurality of indication marks located near said plurality of cutouts, a plurality of alphanumeric indicia located near said plurality of cutouts denoting the amount of said numeric indicia bracketed by said cutout;

connection means for connecting said second plate to said first plate.

14. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 13, wherein said plurality of cutouts is one.

15. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 13, wherein said plurality of cutouts is two.

16. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 13, wherein said plurality of cutouts is three.

17. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 13, wherein said plurality of cutouts is four.

18. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 13, wherein said plurality of cutouts is five.

19. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 13, wherein said plurality of indication marks are in a single arrangement.

20. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 13, wherein said plurality of indication marks are in a double arrangement.

21. A roulette number bracket indicator for finding adjacent numbers on a roulette wheel comprising:

a first plate having a first side and a second side and a first periphery, said first side of said first plate further contains an open area, said first plate having numeric indicia along a predetermined portion of said first periphery, said numeric indicia being arranged in a sequence of numbers as on a roulette wheel, said numeric indicia further denotes the European style or single zero wheel;

a second plate having a first side and a second side and a second periphery, said second side of said second plate further contains an open area, said second plate having a plurality of cutouts in said second periphery, said cutouts spaced a predetermined distance from said first periphery, said cutouts varying in length by a predetermined distance to display a predetermined amount of said numeric indicia in said plurality of cutouts, a plurality of indication marks located near said plurality of cutouts, a plurality of alphanumeric indicia located near said plurality of cutouts denoting the amount of said numeric indicia bracketed by said cutout;

connection means for connecting said second plate to said first plate.

22. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 21, wherein said plurality of cutouts is one.

23. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 21, wherein said plurality of cutouts is two.

24. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 21, wherein said plurality of cutouts is three

25. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 21, wherein said plurality of cutouts is four.

26. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 21, wherein said plurality of cutouts is five.

27. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 21, wherein said plurality of indication marks are in a single arrangement.

28. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 21, wherein said plurality of indication marks are in a double arrangement.

29. A roulette number bracket indicator for finding adjacent numbers on a roulette wheel comprising:

a first plate having a first side and a second side and a first periphery, said first side of said first plate further contains an open area, said first plate having numeric indicia along a predetermined portion of said first periphery, said numeric indicia being arranged in a sequence of numbers as on a roulette wheel;

a second plate having a first side and a second side and a second periphery, said second plate having a cutout in said second periphery, said cutout spaced a predetermined distance from said first periphery, said cutout occupying half of the circumference of said periphery, a plurality of alphanumeric indicia located near said of cutout denoting the amount of said numeric indicia bracketed by said cutout;

a third plate having a first side and a second side and a third periphery, said second side of said third plate further contains an open area, said third plate having a cutout in said third periphery, said cutout spaced a predetermined distance from said third periphery, said cutout occupying half of the circumference of said periphery;

connection means for connecting said third plate and said second plate to said first plate.

31. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 29, wherein said numeric indicia denotes the American style or single zero and double zero wheel.

32. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 29, wherein said numeric indicia denotes the European style or single zero wheel.

33. A roulette number bracket indicator for finding adjacent numbers on a roulette wheel comprising:

a front plate having a plurality of windows therein;

a slide supported behind said front plate in registry with said windows, said slide having numeric indicia thereon, said numeric indicia being arranged in a sequence of numbers as on a roulette wheel, said indicia being observable through said windows, said front plate including alphanumeric indicia above the windows indicating the range of numbers displayed.

34. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 33, wherein said numeric indicia denotes the American style or single zero and double zero wheel.

35. The roulette number bracket indicator of claim 33, wherein said numeric indicia denotes the European style or single zero wheel.