U.S. patent application number 17/206339 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-22 for dice tipping game and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Awesome Innovations Unlimited, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Awesome Innovations Unlimited, LLC. Invention is credited to Mark Fischer, Joshua Wolfe.
Application Number | 20220296992 17/206339 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005479098 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220296992 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wolfe; Joshua ; et
al. |
September 22, 2022 |
Dice Tipping Game and Method
Abstract
A dice tipping game and method utilizes a set of dice comprising
a group of pictorial icons. The server rolls the dice and the dice
faces are tallied. This tally represents the percentage gratuity to
be paid to the server based on the value of the meal or service.
One of the pictorial images has a value of zero, another one of the
images has a value equating to an additional percentage added to
the tally, and a third image represents an opportunity to roll the
dice again for a more favorable tally. One or more optional die
with faces representing cash values may be added to the set of dice
to provide an additional tip amount to the server above and beyond
the total percentage rolled.
Inventors: |
Wolfe; Joshua; (Lebanon,
PA) ; Fischer; Mark; (Jonestown, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Awesome Innovations Unlimited, LLC |
Lebanon |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Awesome Innovations Unlimited,
LLC
Lebanon
PA
|
Family ID: |
1000005479098 |
Appl. No.: |
17/206339 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2009/0484 20130101;
A63F 2009/0437 20130101; A63F 2009/0486 20130101; A63F 9/0413
20130101; A63F 9/0468 20130101; A63F 2009/0482 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/04 20060101
A63F009/04 |
Claims
1. A tipping game comprising: A set of dice comprising at least one
die, each die of said set having multiple faces bearing numerical
indicia correlating to a percentage and at least three of the faces
of the die in each set bearing a unique pictorial symbol relating
to an assigned value, wherein a tally of the numerical indicia on
any roll of the dice set ranges between a desired minimum and
maximum tip percentage.
2. The tipping game of claim 1, wherein said set of dice is
comprised of six cubical dice.
3. The tipping game of claim 1, wherein said set of dice is
comprised of three polyhedral dice.
4. The tipping game of claim 1, wherein said desired minimum and
maximum tipping amount ranges from four to thirty-nine percent
respectively.
5. The tipping game of claim 1, wherein one of the pictorial symbol
represents a value of zero, a second pictorial symbol represents a
value of ten percent, and a third pictorial symbol represents an
option to re-roll the dice.
6. The tipping game of claim 1, wherein at least one additional die
having multiple faces bearing numerical indicia corresponding to a
currency amount is included in said dice set.
7. A method of tipping comprising the steps of: (a) Offering to tip
a server based on a roll of a set of multi-faceted dice comprising
at least one die, wherein at least three facets of the die within
said set bear a unique pictorial symbol relating to an assigned
value and wherein each of the remaining die facets have numerical
indicia correlating to a percentage such that a tally of the
numerical indicia on any roll of the dice set ranges between a
desired minimum and maximum tip percentage; (b) Asking the server
to roll the set of dice; (c) Tallying the numerical value of the
dice roll; (d) Tipping the server based on the numerical value of
the percentage tally.
8. The tipping method of claim 7, wherein each of said set of dice
is comprised of six cubical dice.
9. The tipping method of claim 7, wherein each of said set of dice
is comprised of three polyhedral dice.
10. The tipping method of claim 7, wherein said desired minimum and
maximum tip percentage ranges from four to thirty-nine percent
respectively.
11. The tipping method of claim 7, wherein one of the pictorial
symbols represents a value of zero, a second pictorial symbol
represents a value of ten percent, and a third pictorial symbol
represents an option to re-roll the dice.
12. The tipping method of claim 7, wherein the set of dice
comprises at least one additional multi-faceted die having faces
that each correspond to a currency amount and comprising the
additional step of adding the currency amount rolled to the tally
of numerical indicia.
13. A computer application comprising: A set of virtual dice
comprising at least one die, each die of said set having multiple
faces bearing numerical indicia correlating to a minimum and
maximum percentage assigned by the user, and at least three of the
faces of the die in each set bearing a unique pictorial symbol
relating to a value that may be assigned by the user, wherein said
user virtually rolls said set of dice and said application tallies
the numerical indicia the virtual roll.
14. The computer application of claim 13, wherein at least one
additional die having multiple faces bearing numerical indicia
corresponding to a currency amount is included in said virtual set
of dice.
15. The computer application of claim 13, wherein said first
pictorial symbol represents a value of zero, said second pictorial
symbol represents a value of ten percent, and said third pictorial
symbol represents an option to re-roll the dice.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, TABLE OR COMPUTER PROGRAM
[0004] Not Applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates generally to a dice game, and
more particularly to an entertaining tipping game and method as
well as additional games that may be played with the disclosed dice
for amusement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Service industries have existed for generations and tipping
of those offering various services has become a custom in many
cultures. Service work can be a challenging job, often requiring
hours on one's feet and polite and professional interactions with
challenging and unappreciative patrons. From the customer's
perspective, it is often difficult to decide what percentage
gratuity should be paid. Patrons generally appreciate that tips
comprise a large portion of the worker's wages but may struggle in
arriving at a fair gratuity. A need exists for a tipping game and
method that engages patrons with service workers in determining a
gratuity in a fun, speedy, and interactive way. The disclosed
tipping game and method replaces the subjective tipping whims of
the patron with a more objective game of chance.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention features a method and game for tipping
service industry personnel using multiple multi-faceted dice. The
server is invited to accept a certain percentage tip offered by the
patron or alternatively may roll the dice, playing the disclosed
game for a larger tip. If the server accepts the offer, that
individual rolls a set of dice having values on the die faces that
are within a pre-determined minimum and maximum total value when
all die in the set have been tallied. At least one of the die
includes a pictorial image representing the value 0. At least one
other die includes a pictorial image representing an additional tip
percentage and at least one more of the die includes a symbol or
illustration to denote that the player is entitled to another roll
of the dice.
[0008] To play the game, the dice are rolled and the values are
totaled to determine the gratuity. The total potential gratuity
lies between a pre-determined minimum and maximum total value
offered by the dice set. If the pictorial image representing the
additional tip percentage is rolled, the server will be awarded
that percentage above and beyond the tally of the remaining die. If
the icon representing the additional roll of the dice appears, the
server may reroll the dice or may stay with the total tally of the
first roll.
[0009] This set of dice may be used to play additional games, the
rules of which are disclosed more particularly below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a set of six cubical
dice
[0011] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a set of four polyhedral
dice
[0012] FIG. 2 is a projection of a cubical die illustrating the
Spilled Drink icon
[0013] FIG. 3 is a projection of a cubical die illustrating the
Money Dish icon
[0014] FIG. 4 is a projection of a cubical die illustrating the
Meal Ticket icon
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a Cash Cube
[0016] FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a sample score card
used in the game "Five Course Meal"
[0017] FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating a sample score card
used in the game "It's a Cook-Off"
[0018] FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating a sample score card
used in the game "Grub Challenge"
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Dinner Dice
[0019] For the purpose of this application, the terms die and dice
shall be used to identify the respective singular and plural forms
of a throwable item of any size having a numerical value or
pictorial image on each of its faces. The die may take the form of
a cube or polyhedron.
[0020] In the United States, a service provider typically receives
a tip ranging from between fifteen to twenty percent of the total
value of the service (or the cost of the food in the case of a
restaurant). Gratuities are generally left to the discretion of the
patron and may increase or decrease with the generosity of the
customer or level of service of the worker.
[0021] In the proposed game of chance, the server is offered a
payment of a tip within the customary range or that server may play
their hand at "Dinner Dice." In this game, the server foregoes the
standard tip and agrees to roll a set of dice as shown in FIGS. 1A
and 1B. Any number of die may be used with any numerical values on
the die faces provided that the potential minimum and maximum total
of all dice rolled in the set provides the desired minimum and
maximum potential gratuity.
[0022] At least one of the die includes a pictorial image
representing zero percent (0%). For the purpose of this application
we will refer to this image as the "Spilled Drink" icon; a sample
design of this icon is shown in FIG. 2.
[0023] At least one of the die includes a pictorial image
representing an additional percentage that will be added to tip
above and beyond the total dice tally. For the purposes of this
application this image shall be referred to as the "Money Dish"
icon; a sample design of this icon is shown in FIG. 3. If the
server rolls a twenty (20) from the various die faces along with a
Money Dish icon, and that Money Dish icon has been assigned a ten
percent (10%) value, the server will receive a thirty percent (30%)
tip. It should be understood that the ten percent (10%) assigned to
the Money Dish in this example is for explanatory purposes and that
any desired percentage may be attributed to this icon prior to the
roll of the dice.
[0024] At least one of the die includes a pictorial image
representing a free roll of all of the dice in the set. For the
purpose of this application this image shall be referred to as the
"Meal Ticket" icon; a sample design of this icon shown in FIG. 4.
One should recognize that any image or text may be used to
represent zero, the added percentage and the additional roll
described above. The Spilled Drink, Money Dish, and Meal Ticket
images have simply been included for demonstration purposes.
[0025] To begin the game, the server rolls the dice either together
or individually. The values of each of the die are tallied once all
of the dice have been rolled. The total tally equates to the
percentage gratuity that the patron agrees to pay. For instance, a
roll tallying eleven (11) among the dice will result in an eleven
percent (11%) tip. Each of the faces may be marked with an integer
or a percentage.
[0026] In one embodiment, a set of six cubical die, each ranging in
value from one to six is rolled, creating a potential tip ranging
from four (4%) to thirty-nine percent (39%). This set of dice in
this embodiment includes two Spilled Drink icons, both taking the
place of the 1. A Money Dish icon takes the place of a six in one
of the remaining four die and a Meal Ticket icon takes the place of
a six in one of the remaining three die. In the event that a
Spilled Drink icon appears among the six dice rolled, the value of
that particular die will equal zero. If a Money Dish icon has been
rolled, the assigned additional percentage will be added to the
total dice value. For instance if the dice tally equals thirty (30)
and a Money Dish having an assigned value of five percent (5%)
appears, the total tip would equal thirty-five percent (35%). If a
Meal Ticket icon has been rolled, the server is entitled to roll
all of the dice again for a more favorable total. This re-roll is
completely optional and at the discretion of the server.
[0027] While the above embodiment employs six cubical dice ranging
in value from one to six, it should be appreciated that any number
of multi-faceted dice may be used of any size, provided that the
potential tally of the face values rolled lies between a desired
minimum and maximum tip range.
[0028] If the patron is feeling generous, one or more "Cash Cubes"
may be added to the dice set as shown in FIG. 5. The values on the
faces of these dice represent actual cash values. For instance,
rolling a five (5) on the Cash Cube corresponds to an additional
five dollar ($5) tip above and beyond the tally of the other die in
the set. Inventor contemplates offering Cash Cubes in bronze,
silver, and gold where a bronze Cash Cube has a maximum cash value
of ten dollars ($10), the silver Cash Cube has a maximum cash value
of twenty-five dollars ($25), and the gold Cash Cube has a maximum
cash value of fifty dollars ($50). It should be recognized that
these maximum values may be adjusted for inflation or to suit the
needs of the user and may be in any currency. A computer
application may also be used in place of physical dice. In such an
application virtual dice will be rolled, tallied, and reported to
the player of the game via a visual display.
[0029] While the present invention provides an entertaining way to
calculate tips, it also offers a series of engaging multi-player
diversions as described more fully below.
Five Course Meal
[0030] A game called "The Five Course Meal" uses a minimum of six
dice ranging in value from one to six and having at least one
Spilled Drink icon, at least one Money Dish icon, and at least one
Meal Ticket icon. A score card is used to record five rounds (or
courses of food): soup, appetizer, salad, main course, and dessert.
Each player takes turns rolling the set of dice and places their
tally for the round in the respective course column in a score
card.
[0031] A sample score card is shown in FIG. 6; however, it should
be understood that a computer application on a mobile device may be
used to track scoring. Each Spilled Drink in this game has a value
of zero and each Money Dish is assigned a value of ten. If a Meal
Ticket is rolled, the player is entitled to a free roll of the dice
set. If a player rolls more than six Spilled Drinks he is
disqualified from the game; this rule applies even when a Meal
Ticket has been rolled in the same round. The player having the
lowest tallied score must roll first for the Spilled Drink
deduction. At the end of the game, each player rolls the die with
the Money Dish icon. The value of this roll is multiplied by the
number of Spilled Drinks that player rolled during the game. If a
Money Dish is rolled in this round, the number of Spilled Drinks
rolled during the game is multiplied by ten. This calculated value
is deducted from the player's total score. The player with the
highest total score at the end of the five rounds wins the game and
is crowned the "dinner winner".
Secret Recipe
[0032] In this game, the same set of dice disclosed in Five Course
Meal are used. Players line up five dice and reserve the sixth die
with a Spilled Drink icon for rolling. The five dice are placed in
a vertical line in descending order from five to one. The objective
of the game is to place the five dice in ascending order from one
to four with the Money Dish face-up in the fifth position. This is
accomplished by flipping each of the dice according to the total
value of the dice faces rolled. Players take turns rolling the
reserved die, flipping the number of dice according to the number
rolled. If a three is rolled, the player may flip three of the dice
in the set. Players may only flip each die once per turn unless the
number six has been rolled. In such case, one die must be turned
twice. Each player must use all of the flips that have been
assigned by their respective rolls. For instance, a roll of four
requires the player to flip four of the die. If a Spilled Drink is
rolled, the player loses his turn. Each of the players must get at
least one turn before the game may be completed. The first person
to place the dice in the proper order wins the game.
It's a Cook-Off
[0033] In this game, players use six dice as disclosed in the Five
Course Meal game along with a score card as shown in FIG. 7 to
gather a set of six "ingredients". Each ingredient is acquired by
rolling a pair of the desired number. A pair of ones equates to the
first ingredient, a pair of twos corresponds to the second
ingredient and so on. Ingredients must be acquired in sequential
order. Once an ingredient is procured, the acquisition of that
ingredient is noted on the scorecard as shown in FIG. 7. It should
be understood that a computer application on a mobile device may
replace a paper scorecard.
[0034] In the event that a player rolls only one of a needed
number, that participant may reserve the die and pass the remaining
dice to the next player. If the next participant seeks the same
number as the prior player and subsequently rolls one of that
required number, the prior player must return their reserved die to
the dice set, allowing the rolling player to keep their rolled die.
If a person has reserved a die and rolls another of the same number
to complete the pair, the ingredient may then be filled in on that
player's scorecard as illustrated on FIG. 7. Once a pair of numbers
has been acquired and an ingredient has been obtained, the player
must return that pair of dice to the dice rolling set.
[0035] Each player may roll the dice once per turn unless a Meal
Ticket is revealed during a roll. In such a case the player may
re-roll any die or dice of his choice. In the event that a Spilled
Drink icon is rolled, that player may force any player to return
their reserved die back to the set of dice. If no players have
reserved a die, the Spilled Drink icon has no value. The Money Dish
in this game is a wild card and may take on any needed value. The
first player to acquire all six ingredients wins the game.
Grub Challenge
[0036] In this game, players use the six dice disclosed in the Five
Course Meal game along with a score card as shown in FIG. 8 to
finish all six plates of grub. Each player rolls the dice, tallying
the total points rolled. The set of dice is passed to the next
player who also rolls and tallies their score. The process is
repeated until all players have rolled in the round. The player
with the highest number of points in the round has finished their
plate of food first and fills in the corresponding plate on the
score card; this individual is also the first person to roll the
dice in the next round. If two or more players tie in rounds one
through five, each of these players may fill in a plate on their
respective scorecards. A roll of a Money Dish is equivalent to a
value of ten (10) and allows that player to automatically fill in a
plate on their scorecard. If two players tie they may both fill in
their dish unless one of the players is on their 6.sup.th and final
plate. In the event that a Money Dish is rolled on the 6.sup.th
plate, the player will automatically win the game. It should be
understood that a computer application on a mobile device may
replace a paper scorecard.
[0037] The above games may also be transformed into drinking games.
If any player rolls a Money Dish, that player may direct one or
more players of his choosing to take a drink. This drink may be
alcoholic or non-alcoholic in nature. If Meal Ticket is rolled,
that player may direct one other player to take a drink. If a
Spilled Drink is rolled, the rolling player must take a drink.
[0038] While the above description contains many specifics, these
should be considered exemplifications of one or more embodiments
rather than limitations on the scope of the invention. As
previously discussed, many variations are possible and the scope of
the invention should not be restricted by the examples illustrated
herein.
* * * * *