U.S. patent application number 12/131287 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-28 for playing card vault.
Invention is credited to James B. Crabbe, Kenneth R. Dickinson.
Application Number | 20090134575 12/131287 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40094161 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090134575 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dickinson; Kenneth R. ; et
al. |
May 28, 2009 |
PLAYING CARD VAULT
Abstract
A card vault for attachment to an automatic card shuffling
machine, card shoe, card verifying machine and card discard rack is
disclosed. The card vault facilitates a system of reducing human
handling of cards thereby reducing human error and cheating. Cards
may be transferred in a card vault directly from the card verifying
machine to an automatic card shuffling machine. After being dealt
during one or more table games, the cards are placed in a discard
rack and transferred to the card vault for transport to a card
verifying machine where the deck is verified. The card vault and
contained cards are tracked in substantially real-time using
wireless technology such as a RFID transmitter and receiver.
Inventors: |
Dickinson; Kenneth R.; (Las
Vegas, NV) ; Crabbe; James B.; (Portland,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG TRAURIG
3773 HOWARD HUGHES PARKWAY, SUITE 500 NORTH
LAS VEGAS
NV
89169
US
|
Family ID: |
40094161 |
Appl. No.: |
12/131287 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60941488 |
Jun 1, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/149R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2009/2489 20130101;
A63F 2250/601 20130101; A63F 1/062 20130101; A63F 2250/604
20130101; A63F 2250/60 20130101; A63F 2250/605 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/149.R |
International
Class: |
A63F 1/14 20060101
A63F001/14 |
Claims
1. A card vault comprising: four sides and a bottom defining a
space adapted to receive a plurality of playing cards; an
adjustable door configured to cover and expose an opening opposite
the bottom; and one or more locking mechanisms adjacent to said
defined space wherein said one or more locking mechanisms are
configured to removably attach said card vault to at least one of
the following: an automatic card shuffling machine; a card shoe; a
card verifying machine; and a card discard rack.
2. The card vault of claim 1 further comprising a tracking device
on said card vault operable to allow the location and movement of
the card vault to be tracked in substantially real-time.
3. The card vault of claim 1 wherein said tracking device is a RFID
transmitter.
4. The card vault of claim 1 wherein the adjustable door is
slidably joined to the card vault.
5. The card vault of claim 1 wherein said one or more locking
mechanisms are selected from the group consisting of clips, snaps,
ribs, clamps, latches, fasteners, hooks and grips.
6. The card vault of claim 1 further comprising a processor,
storage device, power supply, user interface and display.
7. The card vault of claim 1 further comprising a retention and
release mechanism.
8. A card vault comprising: a housing defining a space adapted to
retain playing cards; closure means for accessing and closing an
opening in said housing; and locking means operable to removably
attach said card vault to at least one of the following: an
automatic card shuffling machine; a card shoe; a card verifying
machine; and a card discard rack.
9. The card vault of claim 8 further comprising a tracking device
on said card vault operable to allow the location and movement of
the card vault to be tracked in substantially real-time.
10. The card vault of claim 9 wherein said tracking device is a
RFID transmitter.
11. The card vault of claim 8 wherein said closure means is an
adjustable door slidably joined to the card vault.
12. The card vault of claim 8 wherein said locking means includes
clips, snaps, ribs, clamps, latches, fasteners, hooks and
grips.
13. The card vault of claim 8 further comprising a processor,
storage device, power supply, user interface and display.
14. The card vault of claim 8 further comprising a retention and
release mechanism.
15. A card tracking system comprising: a card vault adapted to
attach to at least one of the following: an automatic card
shuffling machine; a card shoe; a card verifying machine; and a
card discard rack; and means for tracking a location of said card
vault.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein said means for tracking a
location of said card vault comprises a transmitter on said card
vault and a remote receiver.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein said transmitter is a RFID
transmitter.
18. The system of claim 15 further comprising means for
transmitting said data to a casino management system.
19. The card vault of claim 15 further comprising a retention and
release mechanism.
20. A card tracking system comprising: a card vault adapted to
attach to at least one of the following: an automatic card
shuffling machine; a card shoe; a card verifying machine; and a
card discard rack; and means for recording data associated with
said card vault.
21. The system of claim 20 wherein said means for recording data
associated with said card vault comprises a processor, storage
device, power supply, user interface and display.
22. The system of claim 20 further comprising means for
transmitting said data to a casino management system.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/941,488 filed Jun. 1, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The embodiments of the present invention relate to a playing
card vault for use in casino environments.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Card shuffling machines are well-known in the art and have
been used for decades to randomly and automatically arrange playing
cards. Card shoes and discard trays or racks are also well-known in
the art and have been used for decades to hold cards proximate a
dealer so that the cards may be dealt to players and used cards may
be stored out of the way, respectively. There are also card
verifying machines which are used to verify decks of cards
including the rank and suit of cards forming one or more decks.
[0004] Despite the numerous electronic devices now involved with
card shuffling and dealing, there are times when cards are being
needlessly handled by casino personnel. Such card handling opens up
opportunity for collusion between dealers and players and
inadvertent mishandling of the cards.
[0005] Therefore, it would be advantageous to utilize a card
holding device or vault for maintaining cards at all critical times
except during the dealing process. In addition, the card vault
should be universal in its ability to attach to various of the
currently available card handling devices.
SUMMARY
[0006] Accordingly, a first embodiment of the present invention is
a card vault comprising: four sides and a bottom defining a space
adapted to receive a plurality of playing cards; an adjustable door
configured to cover and expose an opening opposite the bottom; and
one or more locking mechanisms adjacent to said defined space
wherein said one or more locking mechanisms are configured to
removably attach said card vault to at least one of the following:
an automatic card shuffling machine; a card shoe; a card verifying
machine; and a card discard rack. In another embodiment, the card
vault includes an identification tag such as a RFID tag for
tracking the location and movements of the card vault and contained
cards at all times.
[0007] A card tracking system of the present invention comprises: a
card vault adapted to attach to at least one of the following: an
automatic card shuffling machine; a card shoe; a card verifying
machine; and a card discard rack; and means for tracking a location
of said card vault. Another card tracking system of the present
invention comprises: a card vault adapted to attach to at least one
of the following: an automatic card shuffling machine; a card shoe;
a card verifying machine; and a card discard rack; and means for
recording data associated with said card vault.
[0008] Other variations, embodiments and features of the present
invention will become evident from the following detailed
description, drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a
card vault of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the card
vault of the present invention attached to an automatic card
shuffling machine;
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the card
vault of the present invention attached to a card shoe;
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the
card vault of the present invention attached to a card
verifier;
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the card
vault of the present invention attached to a discard rack; and
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present
invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments
illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to
describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no
limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any
alterations and further modifications of the inventive feature
illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the
principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would
normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having
possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the
scope of the invention claimed.
[0015] Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are
referred to by like numerals throughout. FIG. 1 shows a perspective
view of a card vault generally referred to by reference numeral
100. The rectangular card vault 100 includes two long walls 110,
two short walls 120 and a bottom 130 (collectively a housing)
defining a card storage space 140. An adjustable door 150 conceals
the card storage space 140 and any cards therein. In one
embodiment, the door 150 is slidably joined to the card vault 100
via grooves 155 along inner surfaces of the long walls 110.
Universal locking mechanisms 160 are integrated on the card vault
100 adjacent to the card storage space 140. The locking mechanisms
160 may be integrated on any or all walls of the card vault 100 and
may number one or more. The locking mechanisms 160 may be magnets,
clips, snaps, ribs, clamps, latches, fasteners, hooks, grips or any
other suitable means for attaching the card vault 100 to one or
more card handling devices. As detailed below, the universal
locking mechanisms 160 are used to removably attach the card vault
100 to multiple card devices, including electronic card devices.
Optionally, a tracking device 170, like a RFID transmitter or tag,
may be connected to the card vault 100 to allow the location of the
card vault 100 to be tracked by a RFID receiver.
[0016] FIG. 2 shows the card vault 100 attached to a card shuffler
180. The locking mechanisms 160 of the card vault 100 engage a side
edge 190 of the automatic card shuffling machine 180.
Alternatively, locking mechanisms (not shown) adjacent to the side
edge 190 of the automatic card shuffling machine 200 mate with the
locking mechanisms 160 of the card vault 100. As cards are shuffled
they are ejected into the attached card vault 100. The card vault
is then sealed and transported to a card shoe 210 (shown in FIG.
3). The tracking device 170 can then be activated to allow the
location of the card vault 100, and importantly the cards
therewithin, to be tracked within a casino environment via one or
more terminals, hand-held devices or similar means incorporating
receivers or transceivers configured to receive signals from said
tracking device 170. The received signals are then interpreted to
determine a substantially real-time location of the card vault 100.
Alternatively, the tracking device 170 may be activated at all
times such that it intermittently sends a tracking signal to allow
the location and movements of the card vault 100 and contained
cards to be tracked via one or more terminals, hand-held devices or
similar means.
[0017] Now referring to FIG. 3, the card vault 100 is shown
attached to a card shoe 210. The universal locking mechanisms 160
of the card vault 100 engage an upper surface or edge 220 of the
card shoe 210. Alternatively, locking mechanisms (not shown)
adjacent to the upper surface of edge 220 of the card shoe 210 mate
with the locking mechanisms 160 of the card vault 100. Cards 230 in
the card vault 100 fall into the card shoe 210 as the door 150 to
the card vault 100 is slid open.
[0018] FIG. 4 shows the card vault 100 attached to a card discard
rack 240. The card discard rack 240 is positioned on a card table
and used to deposit cards which have been played in a hand by
players and a dealer. The universal locking mechanisms 160 of the
card vault 100 attach to the discard rack 240 so that as cards are
placed therein the cards fall directly into the card vault 100. In
one embodiment, the discard rack or tray 240 rests flush on the
gaming table and the card vault 100 hangs thereover. Supports (not
shown) on the subject gaming table provide a place for the card
vault 100 to rest. Optionally, the discards can be placed directly
into the card vault 100 that is positioned on the card table.
Thereafter, the card vault 100 is sealed for transport to the
casino's backroom where the process is repeated or the cards are
destroyed or prepared for sale. During the transport to the
casino's backroom, the tracking device 170 can be activated to
allow the location of the card vault 100 to be tracked.
Alternatively, the tracking device 170 may be activated at all
times such that it intermittently sends a tracking signal to allow
the location and movements of the card vault 100 and contained
cards to be tracked.
[0019] FIG. 5 shows the card vault 100 attached to a card verifying
device 250 like the Deckchecker manufactured and sold by the
present applicant. The Deckchecker verifies the integrity of card
decks. More particularly, the Deckchecker counts the number of
cards and determines the rank and suit of each card it receives. As
shown, the card vault 100 is attached to a side, output portion of
the card verifying device 250. So, as the cards are verified, the
cards are output into the card vault 100. The card vault 100 may be
attached to the card verifying device 250 after the shuffling
process or after the cards have been used in play or both.
[0020] Advantageously, use of the card vault 100 limits human
contact with the cards to game play thereby minimizing collusion or
inadvertent mishandling of the cards. Also, with the tracking
device 170 integrated on the card vault 100, the location of the
cards may be tracked in substantially real-time throughout a casino
environment at nearly all times. The universal locking mechanisms
160 allow a single card vault design to engage an automatic card
shuffling machine, card shoe, card discard rack and card verifying
machine.
[0021] In one practical example the card vault 100 is attached to
the output section of the automatic card shuffling machine 180 such
that cards are shuffled into the card vault 100. Shuffle data and a
card vault ID, location, date and time are reported to a tracking
system. Such reporting may be triggered automatically by the
attachment of the card vault 100 to the card handling device.
Alternatively, the reporting may be manually triggered by the
casino personnel causing the attachment such as, for example,
pressing a signal button on the card vault 100 or card shuffling
machine 180. In such an embodiment, the card vault 100 may include
a processor, storage device, power supply, user interface 101 and
display 102. Casino personnel may then utilize the user interface
to input or record data such as shuffle data and a card vault ID,
location, date and time. The data can then be sent by a transmitter
to a system receiver. The cards may be verified by a card verifier
(e.g., Deckchecker) or the automatic card shuffling machine 180 may
integrate such capabilities. The verifying data may also be
reported to the tracking system as described above. The card vault
100 is then sealed. A seal may also incorporate a RFID tag or
similar device. The shuffling and verifying of the cards takes
place in a casino backroom or other designated area. The sealed
card vault 100 is then transported to a designated gaming table.
The movement of the sealed card vault 100 is tracked from the
backroom to the gaming table. At the gaming table, the card vault
100 is unsealed and attached directly to the card shoe 210. At this
time, the card vault ID is reported to the tracking system as set
forth above. The same or a separate card vault is attached to the
card discard rack 240. In one embodiment, the card shoe 210
includes an electronic reader for identifying the cards as they are
removed from the card shoe 210. After the cards have been used to
play game, they are placed into the card discard rack 240 which may
also include an electronic reader for once again verifying the
played cards. Once the cards from the card shoe 210 are exhausted
or played to a cut card, the card vault attached to the card
discard rack 240, which contains all the played cards, is removed
and sealed. The card vault ID, location, date and time are reported
to the tracking system as set forth above. The sealed vault holding
the played cards is then returned to the backroom so the cards may
again go through the cycle. If the cards are sufficiently worn,
they may be destroyed or prepared for sale to casino patrons.
[0022] The tracking system may be a local area wireless network
which communicates with the casino management system or other
casino systems. In one embodiment, one or more user terminals
having displays allow casino personnel to locate all card vaults in
substantially real-time. Hand-held devices with displays may also
be used to locate the card vaults. A storage device integrated into
the tracking system also maintains a record of the location of each
card and a corresponding time stamp. The tracking procedure may
take many forms including the use of transmitters and receivers (or
transceivers), RFID technology or GPS technology.
[0023] In another embodiment, the card vault 100 includes a card
retention and release mechanism designed to hold the cards in the
card vault 100 until the card vault 100 is connected to a card
handling device (e.g., automatic card shuffling device). A card
retention and release mechanism may comprise a spring-biased arm
which contacts one end of the card stack contained in the card
vault 100 thereby retaining the cards 230 in the card vault 100 via
pressure. Upon connecting the card vault 100 to the card handling
device, the spring-biased arm is released mechanically and/or
electronically allowing the cards to release into the card handling
device. The release may be manually or automatically triggered.
Other retention and release mechanisms can be used.
[0024] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to several embodiments, additional variations and
modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as
described and defined in the following claims.
* * * * *