POKER TABLE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[Para 1 ] The invention relates to a method to improve the efficiency of

poker. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving the game by using a sophisticated dispenser in poker tables.

CROSS- REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[Para 2] The present application claims priority to IL application no 243685 filed on Jan. 1 9, 201 6 and IL application no 2501 27 filed on Jan. 1 5 ,

201 7. The content of both applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

[Para 3] A poker table is a table specifically designed for playing card games, usually poker. The players sit arou nd the table. A professional poker table in a casino or a game room is divided into up to ten zones.

Each zone is designated to one player. It is common that a dealer distributes the cards to the players.

[Para 4] Du ring each game, a sum of money is invested by the players, and the poker club earns a fraction, therefore the club is interested in increasing the number of games per period, and the period of distributing the cards to players is a non-utilized period. [Para 5] The intention of the invention is, to provide a solution for non- utilized periods, by introducing a more sophisticated table and method of operating thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[Para 1 ] The invention describes a novel poker table divided into table zones, usually, about ten, depending on the size of the table. Each zone is designated for a player.

[Para 2] According to one embodiment of the invention a poker table is described where a cards distribution assembly is disposed at the center of the poker table and upon pressing a button by the dealer a vertically movable cover of the cards distribution assembly lifts.

[Para 3] The cards distribution assembly distributes the cards to each of the players from below the vertically movable cover.

[Para 4] When cards are dealt, the vertically movable cover descends back to the height of the rest of the table, i.e., to the height of table zones.

[Para 5] In another embodiment of the invention narrow grooves are located around the inner contour of the encircling wooden banister (Rail) of the table, one for each zone. Each groove is located in front of each player and the game cards pop out through the grooves and laid face down in front of the player. [Para 6] The tracks through which the cards are conveyed are located underneath the table. One track for each zone. The conveyed cards may be stored in storage compartments located underneath the table near the grooves. The cards in the storage compartments are simultaneously dealt to the players by pressing a button by the dealer.

[Para 7] The cards are shuffled below the table in a shuffling machine connected to the main track. The cards are ejected from the shuffling machine through the main track to a cartridge. The cartridge is an interject station from which the cards are transferred to dispenser by any known transporting/conveying mechanism. The cartridge is designed to store up to four packs of game cards in its four small compartments. The main track exits the cartridge to a distributing device (dispenser) that distributes the cards to the conveying tracks, which lead the cards to the storage compartments.

[Para 8] An embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions.

The various appearances of "one embodiment," "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any su itable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment. [Para 9] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "some embodiments" or "other embodiments" means that a particu lar feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiment, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions. It is understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[Para 1 0] The Embodiments and features of the inventions are best described and explained in conjunction with the drawings.

[Para 1 1 ] Embodiments of the present disclosure are herein after described in conju nction with the following figures, wherein like numeral denote like elements. The figures are provided for illustration and depict exemplary embodiments of present disclosu re. The figures are provided to facilitate understanding of present disclosure without limiting the breadth, scope, scale or applicability of present disclosure. The nu meral denotes in parentheses are old numbers that were used in the priority application and had to be renumbered to avoid confusion caused by the incorporation of both applications.

[Para 1 2] Fig. 1 depicts a poker table, including a distributing assembly, at the first to third steps, according to one embodiment of the invention. [Para 1 3] Fig. 2 depicts the poker table of Fig. 1 , upon lifting the table of the cards distribution assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention..

[Para 1 4] Fig. 3 focuses on the cards distribution assembly of Fig. 1 , for detailing how the cards distribution assembly performs the fifth step, described in Fig. 2 , according to one embodiment of the invention.

[Para 1 5] Fig. 4 focuses on the center of the cards distribution assembly of Fig. 1 , according to one embodiment of the invention.

[Para 1 6] Fig. 5 depicts the bottom of the cards distribution assembly of Fig.

1 , according to one embodiment of the invention.

[Para 1 7] Fig. 6 magnifies the mechanism for lifting the vertically movable cover of the cards distribution assembly of Fig. 1 , according to one embodiment of the invention.

[Para 1 8] Fig .7 shows the poker table from above, according to another embodiment of the invention.

[Para 1 9] . Fig.8 shows the poker table from underneath, at the first stage of retrieving cards into the cards dispenser, according to another embodiment of the invention.

[Para 20] Fig.9 shows the poker table from underneath, at the stage of distributing the cards to storage compartments, according to another embodiment of the invention. [Para 21 ] Fig. 1 0 shows the poker table from u nderneath, at the stage of retu rning the remainder of the deck of cards into a compartment in the shuffler, according to another embodiment of the invention.

[Para 22] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[Para 23] The invention will be understood from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, which are meant to be descriptive and not limiting. For the sake of brevity, some well-known features, methods, systems, procedures, components, and so on, are not described in detail. [Para 24] According to one embodiment of the invention, as shown in Fig. /, a poker table 1 0 includes a cards distribution assembly 74 disposed at the center of poker table 10.

[Para 25] At the first step, the dealer inserts a non-shuffled packet into an insertion box 56 of a shuffling machine and presses button 70. [Para 26] Then, at the second step, the shuffling machine shuffles the packet of box 56. The shuffled packet is transferred to box 57 manually or automatically.

[Para 27] Then at the third step, a cards transferring mechanism 80 (1 8), shown in Fig. 2, transfers some of the cards of the packet of box 56, from box 57, or from another box, into cards distribution assembly 74. [Para 28] Fig. 2 depicts the poker table of Fig. /, upon lifting the table of the cards distribution assembly.

[Para 29] At the fou rth step, which is u pon pressing a button 76, the dealer takes the rest of the shuffled packet out of box 57, and a vertically movable cover 81 (20) of cards distribution assembly 74 lifts.

[Para 30] At the fifth step, cards distribution assembly 74 distributes cards, from below vertically movable cover 81 (20), to each of the players.

[Para 31 ] At the sixth step, vertically movable cover 81 (20) descends back to the height of the rest of the main table, i.e., to the height of table zones 1 4A and 1 4B, as depicted in Fig. 1.

[Para 32] Fig. 3 focuses on the cards distribution assembly of Fig. /, showing the vertically movable cover 81 (20) broken, for detailing how the cards distribution assembly performs the fifth step, described in Fig. 2.

[Para 33] At the third step, described in Fig. /, of which some of the cards of the packet of box 56 have been transferred from box 57 into cards distribution assembly 74, the cards have been transferred into a rotatable cartridge 82(26) of cards distribution assembly 74.

[Para 34] At the fifth step, in which cards distribution assembly 74 distributes the cards, from rotatable cartridge 82(26) , to each of the players, an outlet 36 of cartridge 82(26) faces a first table zone 1 4A (enu merated in Fig. 2), and removes several cards, say four cards from cartridge 82(26) to a first platform 83(2 5A). [Para 35] Then, cartridge 82(26) rotates, as depicted by arrow 52, for making outlet 36 to face a second table zone 1 4B (enumerated in Fig. 2), and removes several cards, say fou r cards from cartridge 82(26), to a second platform 84(25 B), and so on. [Para 36] After removing the cards from outlet 36 of cartridge 82(26) to platforms 83(25A), to 84(25 B), etc., the removed cards are thrown altogether simu ltaneously, each through the platform thereof to its table zone, i.e., from platform 83(25A) to table zone 1 4A, from platform 84(25 B) to table zone 1 4B, etc. [Para 37] Platforms 83(25A), 84(25 B), etc. are shaped as a track, for directing the cards thereof to the table zone associated thereto. For instance, platform 83(25A) is shaped as a track, for directing the cards thereof to table zone 14A only. Thus, platform/track 83(25A) provides that a non-significant air pressure or push or kicking on the card is sufficient for reliably moving the card from platform 83(25A) and there through, to land on table zone 14A.

[Para 38] Fig. 4 focuses on the center of the cards distribution assembly of Fig. 7. A step motor 50 carries cartridge 82(26), for providing the rotation 52 of cartridge 82(26), described in Fig. 3.

[Para 39] A card removing mechanism 34, such as motorized cylinders 42, provide the removal of the cards 46 from cartridge 82(26), described in Fig. 3. [Para 40] A card throwing mechanism 48 provides the throwing of cards 46, described in Fig. 3.

[Para 41 ] According to one embodiment, card throwing mechanism 48 includes an air pu mp 38 for supplying pressurized air to an air pipe 40A, for blowing air on cards 46.

[Para 42] According to another embodiment, card throwing mechanism 48 includes an electro-mechanical hammer 30A, for kicking one card 46 at a time, or several cards simultaneously.

[Para 43] Card throwing mechanism 48 is adapted to perform the throwing of all of the removed cards 46 simu ltaneously, such as by including hammer 30A for kicking cards 46 towards table zone 14A, and another hammer 30B for simu ltaneously kicking cards 46 towards table zone 14B; or by including pipe 40A for blowing cards 46 towards table zone 14A, and another pipe 40B for blowing cards 46 towards table zone 1 4B. [Para 44] Cartridge 82(26), step motor 50 and card throwing mechanism 48 are packaged by a package 44.

[Para 45] Fig. 5 depicts the bottom of the cards distribution assembly of Fig. I.

[Para 46] Fig. 6 magnifies the mechanism for lifting the vertically movable cover of the cards distribution assembly of Fig. 7. [Para 47] The lifting and descending steps of vertically movable cover 81 (20) of cards distribution assembly 74 may be applied by motors 66 for rotating threads 28, for converting torque 85(1 2) thereof to vertical linear motion 32 of vertically movable cover 81 (20).

[Para 48] Thus, in one aspect, the invention is directed to a poker table 10, including an assembly 74, for distributing cards 46 to various table zones 14A, 14B of poker table 10.

[Para 49] The cards distribution assembly 74 may be adapted to perform the distribution of the cards 46 to various table zones 1 4A, 1 4B simultaneously.

[Para 50] The cards distribution assembly 74 may include:

- a cartridge 82(26), for housing the cards 46 to be distributed;

- a step motor 50, for rotating cartridge 82(26), for inducing an outlet 36 thereof to face at each rotational state of cartridge 82(26), one of the table zones 1 4A, 14B, associated with that rotational state;

- a card removing mechanism 34, for removing, on each of the rotational states, at least one card 46 from cartridge 36 onto a platform (25A, 25 B) associated with one of the table zones (1 4A, 1 4B); and

- a card throwing mechanism (48), for throwing the removed cards (46), from each of the platforms 83(25A), 84 (25 B) to table zones 14A, 14B associated therewith. [Para 51 ] Card throwing mechanism 48 may include at least one air blowing mechanism 54 for blowing the cards, or at least one hammer 30A, for kicking the cards.

[Para 52] At least one air blowing mechanism 54 and/or the at least one hammer 30A may include a separate mechanism for each of table zones 14A, 1 4B, thereby the card throwing mechanism 48 may be adapted to perform the throwing of all of the removed cards 46 simultaneously.

[Para 53] Card throwing mechanism 48 may be adapted to perform the throwing of all of removed cards 46 simu ltaneously.

[Para 54] Cards distribution assembly 74 may be disposed substantially at the center of poker table 10, between table zones 14A, 1 4B.

[Para 55] Cards distribution assembly 74 may include a vertically movable cover 81 (20), for being disposed at the height of table zones 14A, 1 4B, while not distributing cards 46, and for being disposed above the height of table zones 14A, 14B while distributing cards 46, for forming gap 58 between vertically movable cover 81 (20) and table zones 14A, 14B, for distributing the cards there through.

[Para 56] Poker table 10 may further include a cards transferring mechanism 80(1 8), for transferring cards from shuffling machine 56, 57 into cards distribution assembly 74.

[Para 57] Cards transferring mechanism 80(1 8), for transferring cards from shuffling machine 56, 57 into cards distribution assembly 74 may include: - a card removing mechanism (like 34) for removing cards 46 from shuffling machine 56, 57 onto a platform [like 83 (25A), 84 (25B)] ; and

- a card throwing mechanism (like 48), for throwing removed cards 46, from each of the platforms [like 83 (25A), 84 (25B)] into cards distribution assembly 74.

[Para 58] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method for operating a poker table 1 0, the method including the step of:

- distributing cards 46 by assembly 74, from a center of poker table 1 0 to various table zones (1 4A, 14B) thereof, each associated with an active player, and not distributing to table zones which are not currently used by active players.

[Para 59] The distribution of cards 46 to the various table zones (1 4A, 1 4B) may be simultaneous.

The distribution of cards 46 may include the steps of:

- rotating cartridge 82(26) housing cards 46, for inducing an outlet 36 of cartridge 82(26) to face at each rotational state of cartridge 82(26), one of the table zones (14A, 14B), associated with that rotational state;

- removing, on each of the rotational states, at least one card 46 from cartridge 36 onto a platform 83 (25A), 84 (25 B) associated with one of table zones 1 4A, 14B; and

- throwing the removed cards 46, from each of the platforms 83 (25A), 84 (25B) to table zones 14A, 14B associated therewith. [Para 60] In the figures and/or description herein, the following reference numerals (Reference Signs List) have been mentioned: nu meral 1 0 denotes the poker table according to one embodiment of the invention;

nu meral 85(1 2) denotes rotational movement;

nu merals 1 4A and 1 4B denote different table zones, each for one player; nu meral 80(1 8) denotes a cards transferring mechanism;

nu meral 81 (20) denotes a vertically movable cover of the cards distribution assembly;

nu meral 86(24) denotes a keyboard for inputting parameters to a controller operating the shuffling box and the cards distribution assembly;

nu merals 83(25A) and 84(25B) denote platforms, each associated with one table zone, the platforms for removing the cards from the cartridge thereto, and for then throwing the cards there through; preferably the platforms are shaped as tracks; for the embodiment throwing the cards by air blowing, the platforms may include air channels;

nu meral 87(27) denotes a tray, which may fixed to the cartridge and be rotated thereby, such that the tray provides continuity from the outlet of the cartridge to each of the platforms, one at a time;

nu meral 28 denotes a thread;

nu merals 30A and 30B denote hammers, each for kicking cards to a different table zone; nu meral 32 denotes vertical motion of the vertically movable cover;

nu meral 34 denotes the card removing mechanism;

nu meral 36 denotes the outlet of the cartridge;

nu meral 38 denotes an air pump;

nu merals 40A and 40B denote air pipes, each for blowing cards to a different table zone;

nu meral 42 denotes a motorized wheel;

nu meral 44 denotes a package;

nu merals 46 denote a card;

nu meral 48 denotes the card throwing mechanism;

nu meral 52 denotes an arrow indicating the rotation of the cartridge;

nu meral 54 denotes the air blowing mechanism;

nu meral 56 denotes an insertion box of a shuffling machine;

nu meral 57 denotes a box of the shuffling machine for removing the shuffled cards;

nu meral 58 denotes a gap between the vertically movable cover and the table zones, formed by lifting the vertically movable cover;

nu meral 64 denotes a chips tray;

nu meral 66 denotes a motor;

nu merals 70 and 72 denote operating buttons;

nu meral 74 denotes the cards distribution assembly;

nu meral 76 denotes another operating button; [Para 61 ] Any term that has been defined above and used in the claims, should be interpreted according to this definition.

[Para 62] Another embodiment of the invention {Fig. 7) describes a novel poker table 10 divided into table zones 1 4, usually, about ten, depending on the size of the table. Each zone is designated for one player. A narrow groove 1 5 is located around the inner contour 1 2 of the encircling wooden banister (rails) 16, one for each zone. Each groove 1 5 is located in front of each player and the game cards pop out through grooves 1 5 and laid face down in front of the player (Fig. 1 a). Dealer zone 1 1 is located in front of table mechanism 1 3.

[Para 63] On the table, in front of the dealer are 2 openings for boxes, which are located underneath the table. The boxes are attached to, or part of shuffling machine 21 (described in fig. 8). Box 1 7 for new shuffled cards to be distributed to players and box 1 8 for used or unused cards, which are directed to shuffling machine 21 . When dealer presses button 24 the cards are shot to the players. Button 24 is part of shuffling machine 21 and when pressing button 24 shuffling machine 21 starts to shuffle and at the same time cards are shot to the players.

[Para 64] Tracks 1 9 through which the cards are conveyed, are located u nderneath the table {Fig. 8). One track for each zone. The conveyed cards are stored in storage compartments 20 underneath the table near grooves 1 5. The cards in storage compartments 20 are simu ltaneously dealt to the players when dealer presses button 24. [Para 65] The cards are shuffled below the table in shuffling machine 21 . The cards are ejected from shuffling machine 21 to cartridge 23. Cartridge 23 is an interject station located between box 1 7 and main track 22. Cartridge 23 is designed to store up to four packs of shuffled game cards in its four small compartments. Main track 22 exits cartridge 23 into turning disk 25 where dispenser 26 is located. Dispenser 26 distributes the cards to conveying tracks 1 9 {Fig. 8), which lead the cards to storage compartments 20, from where the cards pop up through grooves 1 5.

[Para 66] Dispenser 26 is located on turning disk 25. Fig. 8 shows main track 22 facing cartridge 23 to be loaded with a deck of cards. The cards which are to be dealt to the players are separated from the deck by a roller devise installed in dispenser 26, dragging the cards from compartment 27.

[Para 67] When cards are in dispenser 26, turning disk 25 turns arou nd (as shown in fig. 9) and dispenses the separated cards through tracks 1 9 to storage compartments 20, in front of each participant player, while skipping the u noccupied seats.

[Para 68] The remaining cards, which were not dealt to players and remained in dispenser 26 are returned through main track 22 to box 1 8 in shuffling machine 21 .