U.S. patent application number 11/372623 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-05 for casino style dealer button with built-in timer.
Invention is credited to Sumith Jack Mongkolkasetarin.
Application Number | 20070075491 11/372623 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37901151 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070075491 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mongkolkasetarin; Sumith
Jack |
April 5, 2007 |
Casino style dealer button with built-in timer
Abstract
A casino style dealer button with a built-in timer that includes
a circular cylindrical body with an upper and lower surface and a
continuous sidewall. Also, this device has a diameter and a
thickness that are very similar to the diameter and thickness of a
standard sized casino style dealer button. Built into the body of
the dealer button is a timer, a startstop/on/off button, a
minute-setting button to set the duration of each round, and a
speaker to emit an audible beeping sound to signify when time has
elapsed. The casino style dealer button with a built-in timer will
accurately monitor the duration of each round during play while
also keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper
order of play.
Inventors: |
Mongkolkasetarin; Sumith Jack;
(Aliso Viejo, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUMITH JACK MONGKOLKASETARIN
34 COPPERCREST
ALISO VIEJO
CA
92656
US
|
Family ID: |
37901151 |
Appl. No.: |
11/372623 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60723306 |
Oct 4, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/148R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 1/16 20130101; A63F
3/00157 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/148.00R |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/00 20060101
A63F009/00 |
Claims
1. A casino style dealer button with built-in timer for keeping
time, the dealer button comprising: an upper surface; a lower
surface; a side wall between the upper surface and lower surface; a
timer in the upper surface; a battery cover in the lower surface a
left button in the side wall between the upper surface and lower
surface; a right button in the side wall between the upper surface
and lower surface; a speaker hole in the opposite side wall between
the upper surface and lower surface; the dealer button timer
provides a means for accurately monitoring the duration of each
round during play while also keeping track of the players position
to determine the proper order of play. The player can enter the
duration of time by pressing the left button. Then by pressing the
right button, the timer will begin counting down to the preset time
the player entered. The dealer button timer will automatically
reset to the previsously set time the player entered at the end of
every count down. To pause the dealer button timer during the
duration of play, the player must press the right button. To reset
the dealer button timer to zero again, the player must press both
the left button and the right button simultaneously. The player can
also manually shut off the timer by holding the right button down
for five seconds.
2. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance
with claim 1, wherein said means for accurately monitoring the
duration of each round during play while also keeping track of the
dealer position to determine the proper order of play comprises a
circular, cylindrical casino style dealer button with built-in
timer.
3. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance
with claim 1, wherein said means for providing shape and structure
of a standard casino dealer button comprises a circular,
cylindrical body.
4. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance
with claim 1, wherein said means for providing shape and structure
of a standard casino dealer button comprises a smooth, circular
upper surface.
5. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance
with claim 1, wherein said means for providing shape and structure
of a standard casino dealer button comprises a smooth, circular
lower surface.
6. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance
with claim 1, wherein said means for providing shape and structure
of a standard casino dealer button comprises a smooth, cylindrical
continuous side wall.
7. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance
with claim 1, wherein said means for setting the duration of time,
comprises a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular
minute-setting button. If pressed simultaneously with the
start/stop/on/off button, the preset time will be erased and the
timer can be reset.
8. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance
with claim 1, wherein said means for starting and stopping the
timing function and for turning the device on and off, comprises a
flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular start/stop/on/off
button. If pressed simultaneously with the minute-setting button,
the preset time will be erased and the timer can be reset.
9. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in accordance
with claim 1, wherein said means for displaying the time comprises
a liquid crystal diode (lcd) display, slightly recessed from upper
surface, rectangular timer.
10. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in
accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing an
opening through which a sound, such as a beep, can be transmitted,
comprises a small opening that may be located on the side wall or
may be located on the upper surface.
11. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in
accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for identifying the
device as a casino style dealer button comprises a debossed
lettering dealer label.
12. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in
accordance with claim 1, wherein said diameter is approximately
forty-five to fifty-five millimeters (45-55 mm).
13. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in
accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing power to
the device comprises a circular, cylindrical battery.
14. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in
accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for securing the
battery within the device comprises a battery cover that is smooth
and flush with the lower surface.
15. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in
accordance with claim 1, wherein said height is approximately four
to eight millimeters (4-8 mm).
16. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in
accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for accurately
monitoring the duration of each round during play while also
keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper order
of play, comprises a circular, cylindrical first alternative
embodiment.
17. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in
accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for setting the
duration of time comprises a flush with side wall, smooth,
semi-circular first alternative minute-setting button.
18. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in
accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for erasing the preset
time and resetting time comprises a flush with side wall, smooth,
semi-circular reset button.
19. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in
accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for starting and
stopping the timing function and for turning the device on and off
comprises a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular first
alternative start/stop/on/off button.
20. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in
accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for accurately
monitoring the duration of each round during play while also
keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper order
of play, comprises a circular, cylindrical second alternative
embodiment.
21. The casino style dealer button with built-in timer in
accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for provides a visual
signal such as a light comprises a light emitting diode (LED)
light.
22. A casino style dealer button with built-in timer for keeping
time during play while also combining two poker accessories, the
dealer button and a timer into one device, comprising: a circular,
cylindrical casino style dealer button with built-in timer, for
accurately monitoring the duration of each round during play while
also keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper
order of play; a circular, cylindrical circular cylindrical body,
for providing shape and structure of a standard casino dealer
button; a smooth, circular upper surface, for providing shape and
structure of a standard casino dealer button; a smooth, circular
lower surface, for providing shape and structure of a standard
casino dealer button; a smooth, cylindrical continuous sidewall,
for providing shape and structure of a standard casino dealer
button; a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular
minute-setting button, for setting the duration of time. if pressed
simultaneously with the start/stop/on/off button, the preset time
will be erased and the timer can be reset; a flush with side wall,
smooth, semi-circular start/stop/on/off button, for starting and
stopping the timing function and for turning the device on and off.
if pressed simultaneously with the minute-setting button, the
preset time will be erased and the timer can be reset; a liquid
crystal diode (lcd) display, slightly recessed from upper surface,
rectangular timer, for displaying the time; a small opening, may be
located on the side wall, may be located on the upper surface
speaker hole, for providing an opening through which a sound, such
as a beep, can be transmitted; a debossed lettering dealer label,
for identifying the device as a casino style dealer button; a 45 mm
to 55 mm diameter; a circular, cylindrical battery, for providing
power to the device; a flush with lower surface, smooth battery
cover, for securing the battery within the device; a 4 mm to 8 mm
height, for <purpose>; a circular, cylindrical first
alternative embodiment, for accurately monitoring the duration of
each round during play while also keeping track of the dealer
position to determine the proper order of play; a flush with side
wall, smooth, semi-circular first alternative minute-setting
button, for setting the duration of time; a flush with side wall,
smooth, semi-circular reset button, for erasing the preset time and
resetting time; a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular first
alternative start/stop/on/off button, for starting and stopping the
timing function and for turning the device on and off; a circular,
cylindrical second alternative embodiment, for accurately
monitoring the duration of each round during play while also
keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper order
of play; and a light emitting diode (LED) light, for provides a
visual signal such as a light.
23. A casino style dealer button with built-in timer for keeping
time during play while also combining two poker accessories, the
dealer button and a timer into one device, comprising: a circular,
cylindrical casino style dealer button with built-in timer, for
accurately monitoring the duration of each round during play while
also keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper
order of play; a circular, cylindrical circular cylindrical body,
for providing shape and structure of a standard casino dealer
button; a smooth, circular upper surface, for providing shape and
structure of a standard casino dealer button; a smooth, circular
lower surface, for providing shape and structure of a standard
casino dealer button; a smooth, cylindrical continuous sidewall,
for providing shape and structure of a standard casino dealer
button; a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular
minute-setting button, for setting the duration of time. if pressed
simultaneously with the start/stop/on/off button, the preset time
will be erased and the timer can be reset; a flush with side wall,
smooth, semi-circular start/stop/on/off button, for starting and
stopping the timing function and for turning the device on and off.
if pressed simultaneously with the minute-setting button, the
preset time will be erased and the timer can be reset; a liquid
crystal diode (lcd) display, slightly recessed from upper surface,
rectangular timer, for displaying the time; a small opening, may be
located on the side wall, may be located on the upper surface
speaker hole, for providing an opening through which a sound, such
as a beep, can be transmitted; a debossed lettering dealer label,
for identifying the device as a casino style dealer button; a 45 mm
to 55 mm diameter; a circular, cylindrical battery, for providing
power to the device; a flush with lower surface, smooth battery
cover, for securing the battery within the device; a 4 mm to 8 mm
height, for <purpose>; a circular, cylindrical first
alternative embodiment, for accurately monitoring the duration of
each round during play while also keeping track of the dealer
position to determine the proper order of play; a flush with side
wall, smooth, semi-circular first alternative minute-setting
button, for setting the duration of time; a flush with side wall,
smooth, semi-circular reset button, for erasing the preset time and
resetting time; a flush with side wall, smooth, semi-circular first
alternative start/stop/on/off button, for starting and stopping the
timing function and for turning the device on and off; a circular,
cylindrical second alternative embodiment, for accurately
monitoring the duration of each round during play while also
keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper order
of play; and a light emitting diode (LED) light, for provides a
visual signal such as a light.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to the provisional U.S. patent
application entitled, "CASINO STYLE DEALER BUTTON WITH BUILT-IN
TIMER", Ser. No. 60/723,306, filing date, Oct. 4, 2005, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to gambling accessories and,
more particularly, to casino style dealer buttons. The present
invention is also particularly, though not exclusively, useful for
a dealer or players to keep track of time as well as the dealer
position during the course of play.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Recently, there has been a huge boom in the world of poker,
namely Texas Hold 'Em. This is particularly due to the great
exposure on television, and this has translated into millions of
poker players around the world. This industry is growing very
rapidly and continues to become more popular. Thus, the number of
poker games offered in casinos, available online, and in households
everywhere has also grown rapidly.
[0004] However, in all of these poker games, the dealer and the
players will typically have a dealer button that rotates around the
table in order to keep track of the dealer position for each hand.
After every hand is played, the dealer button is rotated one
position in a clockwise direction and continues in this manner.
Keeping track of the dealer position is a crucial function in the
game of poker and is very relevant to the course of play as it
indicates the order in which players will act. Without such a
device, the game will run the risk of having players act out of
turn, which will affect the proper flow of the game as well as its
integrity. Players acting out of turn can dramatically alter the
players' decisions and the outcome of the game. Thus, it is
important to always know the proper order for action by each
player, which is indicated by the position of the dealer
button.
[0005] In the game of poker, especially in tournament play, keeping
track of time is also a critical component. For example, poker
tournaments usually consist of many different rounds with each
round being of a certain duration, which can vary from tournament
to tournament and even from round to round. For instance, each
round may last anywhere between several minutes up to several
hours. Thus, there is a need for a timer device in order to
accurately monitor the duration of each round of the tournament and
to signify the end of each round.. Finally, there is a need for a
device that can be easily handled and that does not take up
excessive space on the playing surface so that it does not
interfere with the course of play.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a casino style dealer button with a built-in timer that will
accurately monitor the time as well as the dealer position during
the course of play. The present invention includes a circular
cylindrical body with an upper and lower surface and a continuous
sidewall. Also, this device has a diameter and a thickness that are
very similar to the diameter and thickness of a standard sized
casino style dealer button.
[0007] Built into the body of the dealer button is a timer, a
start/stop/on/off button, a minute-setting button to set the
duration, and a speaker to emit an audible beeping sound to signify
when time has elapsed. Besides having individual and independent
functions, the two buttons also serve multiple functions such that
if they are pressed simultaneously, the preset time will be erased
and the timer can be reset. The two buttons are also oriented so
that they face outward and are flush with the continuous sidewall.
The timer will have an LED or LCD display that will face upward.
The timer may be activated by pressing the start button, which also
serves as a stop button as well in order to deactivate the timer.
This same button also acts as the on and off switch for the device.
However, the amount of time to be kept during play can be set by
the other button, which is the minute-setting button to set the
duration. Lastly, if the first button and the second button, which
are the start/stop/on/off button and the minute-setting button, are
pressed simultaneously, the preset time will be erased and the
timer can be reset.
[0008] The casino style dealer button with a built-in timer may
also include a speaker which acts as an alarm that emits an audible
beeping sound through a small hole formed in the continuous
sidewall of the circular cylindrical body. Besides providing a
visual and audio method to monitor the time, the casino style
dealer button can also be used to keep track of the dealer position
in order to maintain the proper order of play.
[0009] The casino style dealer button with a built-in timer of the
present invention will accurately monitor the duration of each
round during play while also keeping track of the dealer position
to determine the proper order of play. The present invention also
serves as a casino style dealer button that can be easily handled
and that does not consume too much space on the playing surface so
as not to interfere with the course of play, especially since it is
a continuous and vital component of the game. Also, the present
invention combines two poker accessories, a dealer button and a
timer, into one device in order to be less obtrusive yet easily
visible to all players and the dealer. The present invention also
provides both a visual and an audio method of keeping track of time
during the course of play. Finally, the present invention provides
a casino style dealer button with a built-in timer that is fairly
simple to manufacture, fairly simple to use, and is also relatively
affordable.
[0010] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
casino style dealer button with a built-in timer that will
accurately monitor the duration of each round during play while
also keeping track of the dealer position to determine the proper
order of play.
[0011] It is another object of the invention to provide a casino
style dealer button that can be easily handled and that does not
consume too much space on the playing surface so as not to
interfere with the course of play, especially since it is a
continuous and vital component of the game.
[0012] It is another object of the invention to combine two poker
accessories, a dealer button and a timer, into one device in order
to be less obtrusive yet easily visible to all players and the
dealer.
[0013] It is another object of the invention to provide both a
visual and an audio method of keeping track of time during the
course of play.
[0014] It is another object of the invention to provide a casino
style dealer button with a built-in timer that is fairly simple to
manufacture, fairly simple to use, and is also relatively
affordable.
[0015] The foregoing, together with other features and advantages
of the present invention, will become more apparent when referring
to the specification, claims and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] A complete understanding of the present invention may be
obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered
in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in
which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a casino style dealer button
with a built-in timer of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a casino style dealer button
with a built-in timer of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of a casino style dealer button
with a built-in timer of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a rear side plan view of a casino style dealer
button with a built-in timer of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a front side plan view of a casino style dealer
button with a built-in timer of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first alternative
embodiment of the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer
of the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second alternative
embodiment of the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer
of the present invention.
[0024] For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and
components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout
the Figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] Initially referring to FIG. 1, the casino style dealer
button with a built-in timer is depicted and generally designated
10. FIGS. 1 through 5 show that the casino style dealer button with
a built-in timer 10 includes a circular cylindrical body 12 with an
upper surface 14, a lower surface 16, and a continuous side wall
18. The casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10 has a
45 mm to 55 mm diameter and 4 mm to 8 mm height.
[0026] Incorporated into the circular cylindrical body 12 of the
casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10 is a timer 24.
In a preferred embodiment, the timer 24 may be flush with the upper
surface 14 of the circular cylindrical body 12, and it may be a
standard count-up timer with a light emitting diode (LED) or a
liquid crystal diode (LCD) display. It can be appreciated that the
timer 24 may be a count-down timer starting at fifteen minutes (15
min.), twenty minutes (20 min), thirty minutes (30 min), sixty
minutes (60 min), or any other start time chosen by the user. It
can also be appreciated that the timer 24 may count up to variable
wait times, such as fifteen, twenty, thirty, and sixty minutes.
[0027] Also incorporated into the circular cylindrical body 12 is a
minute-setting button 20 and a start/stop/on/off button 22. These
buttons 20 and 22 may each be flush with the continuous side wall
18 of the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10. In a
preferred embodiment, the minute-setting button 20 may set the
duration of time in minutes, the start/stop/on/off button 22 may
activate the timer 24 and may also deactivate the timer 24. This
start/stop/on/off button 22 may also act as the on and off switch
for the timer 24. Lastly, if the two buttons, which are the
minute-setting button 20 and the start/stop/on/off button 22, are
pressed simultaneously, the preset time will be erased and the
timer 24 can be reset to zero. It can be appreciated that if the
timer 24 is a count down timer, pressing start/stop/on/off button
22 after the time has expired will return the timer 24 to the
chosen upper time, e.g. fifteen minutes (15 min.), twenty minutes
(20 min), thirty minutes (30 min), sixty minutes (60 min), etc.
[0028] The continuous side wall 18 the casino style dealer button
with a built-in timer 10 may also be formed with a speaker hole 26
through which an audible beeping sound may be transmitted by a
speaker (not shown) incorporated into the circular cylindrical body
12. The speaker (not shown) may beep when the target time has
elapsed. It can also be appreciated that besides providing a visual
and audio method to monitor the time, the casino style dealer
button with a built-in timer 10 can also be used to keep track of
the dealer position in order to maintain the proper order of
play.
[0029] The preferred embodiment, the casino style dealer button
with a built-in timer 10 may be manufactured from the same material
as standard casino style dealer buttons, e.g., plastic, but it can
be appreciated that any material well known in the art with similar
characteristics may be used. Moreover, in a preferred embodiment,
the diameter 30 and/or height 36 of the casino style dealer button
with a built-in timer 10 may be the same as the dimensions of a
standard sized casino style dealer button.
[0030] On the upper surface 14, the dealer label 28 (DEALER) may
identify the device as a casino style dealer button. Also, the
dealer label 28 is debossed.
[0031] A standard sized casino style dealer button is typically
forty-five to fifty-five millimeters (45-55 mm) in diameter 30 and
four to eight millimeters (4-8 mm) in height 36.
[0032] The upper surface 14 and/or the lower surface 16 of the
circular cylindrical body 12 may be emblazoned with the logo of any
entity.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, incorporated into the lower surface 16
of the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10 is a
battery cover 34 which may be flush with the lower surface 16 and
secures the battery 32 within the casino style dealer button with a
built-in timer 10. The battery 32 provides power to the casino
style dealer button with a built-in timer 10.
Description of the First Alternative Embodiment
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 6, a first alternative embodiment of
the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10 is depicted
and designated 110. FIG. 6 shows that this embodiment of the casino
style dealer button with a built-in timer 10 includes three buttons
112, 114, 116 which collectively account for the start, stop, on,
off, reset, and minute-setting functions and which are incorporated
into the circular cylindrical body 12. These three buttons 112,
114, 116 may each be flush with the continuous side wall 18 of the
casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10.
Description of the Second Alternative Embodiment
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 7, a second alternative embodiment of
the casino style dealer button with a built-in timer 10 is depicted
and designated 120. FIG. 7 shows that this embodiment of the casino
style dealer button with a built-in timer 10 includes a light 122
that may be flush with the upper surface 14. The light 122 turns on
as a visual signal that the target time has elapsed.
[0036] Since other modifications and changes varied to fit
particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent
to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered
limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and
covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute
departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.
[0037] Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be
protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently
appended claims.
* * * * *