Abstract: A field of play may include linearly arranged locations in which a game piece, e.g., representative of a letter, may be played, in an attempt to form words. An example field of play includes a 5×5 grid formed of squares. Each playable location in the field of play is randomly assigned a unique integer number from 1-n, where n is the total number of playable locations. Each of two or more players use identically shaped fields of play, but having different randomly assigned numbers. Players take turns placing letters in their field of play to form words and, as they do so, the same letter is automatically placed into all opponent's fields of play at the same numbered location, thereby obstructing the opponent's progress in forming his own words in his own field of play. Scoring may be based on the number and length of words formed by each player.

Abstract: A card dispenser and display apparatus for securely loading, maintaining, removing and displaying game cards during the playing of a game. The apparatus includes a housing and a generally planar base. The inner space of the housing is configured to contain a plurality of cards having a uniform height and width. The inner space of the housing has a width that is substantially equal to the uniform width of the plurality of cards, at least a portion of which housing has a height that is lower than the uniform height of the plurality of cards, thereby enabling a user to manually lift a card from the front of the housing to move the card to the back of the housing, as well as enabling the removal of a deck of playing cards from the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method of playing word games wherein any letter of the alphabet can be switched to another by simple 180-degrees rotation. This unique feature fundamentally changes the usual manner by which word games are played. The resultant increase in available choices enhances user experience by providing more chances for beginners and more challenges for advanced players. In the embodiment described herein, elements of word games and solitaire are combined to provide a product that has both entertainment and educational values.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for a card game using physical playing cards (7), the apparatus comprising first and second card storage arrangements each comprising a respective generally cylindrical drum (1a), (1b) for storing a plurality of (cards 7), each arrangement having a plurality of card receiving spaces 6a, (6b), each card receiving space (6a), (6b) being arranged to store a respective single card (7). A card feeding arrangement is included which comprises a channel 4 extending between the drums (1a), (1b), for consecutively transferring cards (7) by gravity from a selected card receiving space (6a), (6b) in one of the first and second arrangements to a selected card receiving space (6a), (6b) in the other of the first and second arrangements via a card playing area wherein.

Abstract: A grooved supporting member for assisting in the construction of a card structure is provided. Specifically, the grooved supporting member provides support for the beginning foundational planar stackable members. The grooved supporting member includes a planar base member, top surface, bottom surface, at least one edge, and at least one groove. Preferably, the groove is cut completely through the planar base member and provides lateral support for a planar stackable member. In the preferred embodiment, the grooved supporting member has four edges and four grooves, thus providing support for four planar stackable members to create the cell of a card structure. The user may employ one or more of the grooved supporting members of the present invention in a card structure. Further disclosed is a kit including a grooved supporting member of the present invention and a plurality of stackable planar members.

Abstract: A playing card holder includes a first and second opposing panel defining a playing card retaining space therein, and a foldable kickstand for selectively supporting the playing card holder in an upright orientation. The playing card holder includes a plurality of protrusions or other card retention structures extending into the retaining space to engage the playing cards therein.

Abstract: An apparatus that holds playing cards is herein disclosed, employing a mirror system therein a housing to allow only the holder of the cards to view them, while reducing the holding and movement of the cards. To use, a user would slide the cards face-down from below onto a level surface of the apparatus. Once in place, a set of mirrors would be used to allow only the player to see the value on face of the cards. This feature restricts other players to view the cards and also reduces the possibility of “body language” providing clues as to the value of the cards. Additionally, the apparatus allows players without the use of their hands or arms to play a game of cards as well. Also, cards would not be subject to damage from frequent bending and lifting.

Abstract: A card holding system with a handle having a first, second and base panel, the base panel connected by a bottom edge of the first and second panels, a shaft connected by a top edge of the first and second panels, a plurality of fan pieces sandwiched between the first and second panels, the fan pieces having a first and second end, where the first end is smaller than the second end, the first end is attached to the shaft so the fan pieces can rotate about the shaft and move between at least an open and closed position, in the open position the fan pieces are fanned outwardly from the shaft and handle, in the closed position the fan pieces are positioned in between the panels of the handle, each fan piece having a card slot with a depth on a front surface adapted to hold a playing card.

Abstract: A dispenser and storage system for cards allows a user to store, dispense, hold, and play a game of cards even when the dealer must hold the deck in one hand or in a windy environment. The system includes a container adapted to store at least one card, a cutout, a slot adapted to dispense at least one card, and a flap. The container may include a clip for holding cards and carrying the container. A process for storing and dispensing cards is also described.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device, the device comprising a housing and a retractable handle, the device being arranged to allow the handle to be retracted into the housing along a sliding axis to provide a retracted handle position and extended out of the housing along the sliding axis to provide an extended handle position, and wherein the handle is arranged to be formable to be held by a user in the extended position such that the holding axis of the handle in the extended position is offset from the sliding axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling one or more coherent images from a plurality of segments of the coherent image reproduced on parts, pieces, blocks, cards, or the like is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the face of each segment includes a portion of the resulting single coherent image. When all segments are correctly arranged and stacked, or overlapped, with the correct orientation, the visible images on the faces of the segments mesh to form one or more larger coherent images. A variety of plates or stands are disclosed to aid the player in stacking the segments and arranging them with the proper orientation during the reassembly process. Additionally, information or images may be included on the portions of the faces of each segment that are obscured by other segments when the segments are properly assembled, thereby allowing such games to have multiple uses.

Abstract: A device for holding and viewing playing cards is herein provided and discloses an apparatus that allows the viewing of playing cards that are placed down on the device for players who have limited use of their hands or would benefit from such a device. The device takes the form of an angled stand, preferably comprising approximate dimensions of four (4) inches by six (6) inches where a portion of this area is used to hold the cards face down, as placed there by a dealer or a player's assistant. The device is shielded so that adjacent players are denied the ability to view the cards. A dual mirror assembly is visible through a viewing window that is used by the player. In such a manner, players with limited or no use of their hands or arms can see their cards in an easy manner without the aid of another person. Alternate embodiments for the present device comprise different sizes to facilitate any number of playing cards required by desired card games.

Abstract: A card viewing device has a housing having opposed first and second side walls, opposed front and rear walls, a card-accepting entranceway in a lower portion of the front wall, a viewing aperture in an upper portion of the rear wall, and an optical system within the housing for projecting an image of a portion of at least one card received within the device through the entranceway through the viewing window for observation by a user. The device is particularly adapted to allow private viewing of playing cards lying face-down on a playing surface, allowing the user of the device to view the card faces without lifting the cards off the playing surface or otherwise making them viewable by others.

Abstract: A gaming device and method with a ramp with an upper rear corner cut-out where cards are slid face down up the ramp so that the mirrors or a video camera allow the card indicia to be viewed, wherein gaming tables may be easily retrofitted for television viewing or casino monitoring.

Abstract: A tray for holding game pieces which have indicia on only one side thereof, such as domino tiles, Scrabble® tiles or playing cards. An elongate generally rectangular base having a reflective surface is mounted in association with an elongate transparent easel portion, at an acute angle along one edge thereof, so that the transparent easel portion overlies the reflective base. The indicia on a lower surface of each game piece which is mounted on the elongate transparent easel portion can then be viewed in reflection within the generally rectangular base from only one side so that the identity of each game piece may be readily determined without requiring a player to lift and manipulate the game piece.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward devices which all a person to view playing cards without having to actually pick up the cards themselves. There are two basic versions of the invention: a portable version which can be carried by the user, and an installed version which sits in a cavity cut out from a card playing table. Both versions have sides to prevent others from seeing the cards, a mirror to reflect the cards up onto the eyes of the user while the cards remain face down on the table, and a ramp, or means by which a user can pull cards from a table over the mirror. A number of accessory items can be added to the installed version, such as advertising gaskets between the rim of the device and the table, various LCD screens and control buttons displayed around the edges of the devices, and other such add-ons.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling one or more coherent images from a plurality of segments of the coherent image reproduced on parts, pieces, blocks, cards, or the like is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the face of each segment includes a portion of the resulting single coherent image. When all segments are correctly arranged and stacked, or overlapped, with the correct orientation, the visible images on the faces of the segments mesh to form one or more larger coherent images. A variety of plates or stands are disclosed to aid the player in stacking the segments and arranging them with the proper orientation during the reassembly process. Additionally, information or images may be included on the portions of the faces of each segment that are obscured by other segments when the segments are properly assembled, thereby allowing such games to have multiple uses.

Abstract: An object connector for building a structure. The object connector is made of a light weight material with slots to hold various objects such as blocks and playing cards around the circumference of the connector as well as on the top and bottom of the connector. The top and bottom of the connector has a swiveling feature so the objects can be connected at a precise location.

Abstract: A gaming device and method with a ramp with an upper rear corner cut-out where cards are slid face down up the ramp so that the mirrors or a video camera allow the card indicia to be viewed, wherein gaming tables may be easily retrofitted for television viewing or casino monitoring.

Abstract: A gaming table for supporting cards and gaming pieces such as dominos. The gaming table has game boards that include first and second major surfaces and first and second sets of slots. The first set of slots is sized and configured for supporting gaming pieces like dominos and is disposed within the first major surface of the game board. The second set of slots is sized and configured for supporting playing cards. The second set of slots is disposed on the first major surface of the game board but within the first set of slots to form a set of compound slots.

Abstract: A compact, easy-to-use and space-saving case for a main unit of a palm-size game that provides the combined functions of a retractable handle, a storage tray, and a protection case, and is essentially comprised of a lower lid and an upper lid with the main unit fixed between; the upper lid is removed and the case can turn 180 degrees in reverse direction while the lower lid serves as the rail and the groove on the upper lid serves as the track to create a drawer type storage tray for accommodating a game cartridge while both lids and the main unit define a retractable trapezoid handle.

Abstract: A game board for supporting cards and gaming pieces such as dominos. The game board includes a board that has first and second major surfaces and first and second sets of slots. The first set of slots is sized and configured for supporting gaming pieces like dominos and is disposed within the first major surface of the game board. The second set of slots is sized and configured for supporting playing cards. The second set of slots is disposed on the first major surface of the game board but within the first set of slots to form a set of compound slots. The game board could be used on a gaming table that has multiple recessed areas for receiving and supporting each game board flush with the top surface of the table.

Abstract: A wrist-mounted card game device includes a mount and a platform assembly releasably attached to the mount. The mount has a side wall in which primary and secondary card slots for receiving cards therein are defined. A point counter is movably mounted to a top side of the mount. Securing members are fixed to an underside of the mount for attaching the card game device to a player's wrist. The platform assembly includes a primary platform and a secondary platform movably received in the primary platform whereby the secondary platform is extendable out of the primary platform. Both the primary and secondary platform defines a number of recesses for each selectively receiving and temporarily retaining cards therein for playing a card game.

Abstract: A tray for holding game pieces which have indicia on only one side thereof, such as domino tiles, Scrabble® tiles or playing cards. An elongate generally rectangular base having a reflective surface is mounted in association with an elongate transparent easel portion, at an acute angle along one edge thereof, so that the transparent easel portion overlies the reflective base. The indicia on a lower surface of each game piece which is mounted on the elongate transparent easel portion can then be viewed in reflection within the generally rectangular base from only one side so that the identity of each game piece may be readily determined without requiring a player to lift and manipulate the game piece.

Abstract: A bridge bidding box is provided comprising two parts: a bottom and a top part. When the box is opened, the bottom part is removed and placed into a cut out area of the top part. The cut out area of the top part is angled so that when the bottom part is placed into this cut out area, the cards in the bottom part are automatically angled backwards, making it easier to see and remove the bid cards from the box. This configuration allows the entire box to lie flat on the table, providing stability and proper weight distribution. The bottom of the box is provided with non-skid gripping material, which prevents the box from moving or sliding on the table. When the base part is placed into the top part, the top part is at an angle and weight distribution that it is difficult to tip over the box.

Abstract: A two-dimensional puzzle using a backboard is made by leaving a first side of the backboard uncovered, placing an image on a second side of the backboard. A die is pressed to the first side of the backboard such that the die presses through the backboard and cuts the image to form two or more pieces that, when properly assembled, form the image.

Abstract: A collapsible, game card holding means is provided having a handle that allows the user to organize and hold a hand of playing cards and greatly reduces the amount of effort required to maintain the hand. Pivotally attached to the top of the handle portion are a plurality of flexible fingers. The flexible fingers can be laterally separated and retracted in a fan-like configuration, even while the playing cards are positioned and held in place at the end of the flexible fingers by a playing card securement means. A stand extends from the base of the present invention to permit the present invention to remain in the vertical position without being held. In an alternate embodiment, fan facie covers the front of the present invention, providing a visible barrier to viewing of the playing cards in the card securement means.

Abstract: A dominoes starting template for providing a location for each player of a multiple-player game of dominoes a location for laying their dominoes during play. The template includes a plate having first and second surfaces, and a number of sides. The plate has a spinner hole therethrough between the first and second surfaces of the plate sized to receive a domino therein. Each of the sides of the plate has a pair of cutouts therethrough between the first and second surfaces of the plate. Each cutout of the pair of cutouts of each of the sides of the plate is sized for receiving an end portion of a domino therein.

Abstract: A board game to be played by two or more players. The game board includes an outer ring of situation spaces and an inner ring of situation spaces with access from the outer ring to the inner ring being provided at one corner situation space. Player game pieces of contrasting colors are made in the shape of a house, and game dice are used to determine the order of play and the movement of the player game pieces. Two stacks of situation cards are provided: the roach cards indicate the type of roaches that infest the player house, and action cards indicate what actions that can or cannot be taken to dispose of the roaches. A roach coach is moved to the position of the players when it is their turn. The coach has a hinged roof that supports the two stacks of situation cards, and a hinged spring biased platform that ejects roaches from the coach onto the game board when a player draws a specified roach card.

Abstract: An outdoor card playing surface is provided including a table cover having at least one bore formed therein. A plurality of thin rectangular playing cards each have a top face with a common design thereon and a bottom face with playing indicia formed thereon. Each of the playing cards further has a hole formed therein. At least one peg is mounted within the bore of the cover for releasably receiving the hole of any one of the playing cards.

Abstract: A playing card holder which includes a generally upstanding slot device extending into wings, the slot device being formed from a front plate and a rear plate with an elongated depression therebetween, the slot device being supported by a pillar which is capable of being supported by grasping the pillar by the fingers or one hand or supporting the pillar directly on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: A card holder in the form of a shell or shield has juxtaposed layers forming a slot or pocket into which a number of playing cards are inserted. The pocket is made of relatively stiff plastic that resiliently resists flexure whereby a yielding friction grip is imposed upon the set of playing cards. The shell or shield has sides and an overhanging top together effectively shielding the cards from all but frontal view. In the preferred form of the present invention, a bar is placed behind the tops of the cards to flex them away from the back of the holder so that the tops of the cards are easily accessible for grasp.

Abstract: A novel card game set including a plurality of card game block-style tiles. Each tile bears traditional Western-style card indicia. Each tile is made of a plurality of individually laminated wood layers permanently prressed together to form a high gade plywood piece. Each tile is completely covered with a protective waterproof enamel coating. The waterproof enamel coating has a granular substance to give each tile a semi-rough exterior surface to facilitate gripping. The tiles are of sufficient thickness for convenient handling by young, unskilled and arthritic persons. Each tile is of sufficient weight to resist the force of wind and sudden drafts for facilitating the playing of games outdoors. The card game set also including a rack for supporting the tiles in strategic alignment.

Abstract: The playing card organizer comprises: a planar mat having a playing surface and a back surface, a plurality of strap members aligned parallel to one another and connected to the playing surface, and a plurality of card slots defined by the strap members and the playing surface adapted for holding playing cards in a fixed position. The playing card organizer allows a player to collect books of cards of the same rank together and facilitates the playing of card games in windy locations or on unstable surfaces.

Abstract: A holder for supporting a plurality of playing cards in a desired orientation. The inventive device includes a support for positioning on a horizontal surface. A plurality of engaging assemblies are secured to the support and are each operable for receiving and supporting an individual playing card thereon.

Abstract: A playing card holder is described in which a hand shape brace with rubber finger tips is attached by a pin to a backplate with a clip resting on one end of the spring action to the brace and the other end to the backplate. The hand shape brace will be pressed down to allow the insertion of the cards between the brace and the backplate. The clip action and the finger tips of the hand shape brace will supply the necessary pressure and securement to keep the cards in place and yet permitting the cards to be easily removed without dislodging adjacent cards.

Abstract: A playing card holder having a handle, the handle having a head extension and the head extension mounting a support plate, and the support plate including a pocket, and the pocket arranged to accommodate a first row of cards, and the pocket having a pocket front wall arranged to engage a second row of cards, with a first spring wire loop arranged to engage in a biased relationship the support plate front wall, and a second spring wire loop arranged to engage the pocket front wall, with the first spring wire loop and the second spring wire loop secured to the head.

Abstract: The device consists of a hollow tubular body which has, at one side at its upper portion, four parallel slots intended to each receive a pack of thirteen cards in one of the colours of a deck of cards. A vertical screen disposed at the rear of the slots prevents the packets of cards being seen by the other players. The other portion of the body houses a wound tape on which a list of the player's successive hands is printed. This list comes out through a slot towards the bottom of the body and then enters inside the latter through a slot and comes out through a slot. The player reads on the portion of the tape coming out through the slot 9 the disposition of the hand to be played and quickly forms this hand by means of the packs of cards housed inside the slots. The device enables a player at a table to quickly form a predetermined bridge hand.

Abstract: A compact, portable card holder for holding a hand of playing cards in a displayed position to one or more players is provided. The holder consists of a polyhedron formed of a series of hinged panels, with a fastening system provided that selectively secures the holder in both the polyhedral display configuration as well as when collapsed to a compact configuration. When in this latter configuration, the card holder may be compactly and comfortably carried and/or stored by the user thereof.

Abstract: A game utilizing a deck of playing cards. The playing cards each have letter designations in the upper left hand corner in each of two different invertible positions of the card with the letter designation differing from each other. In the lower right hand corner of each of the two invertible positions of the card, there is provided an "information center" giving the letter designation of the card should the card be inverted. Thus, as the cards are held in a hand, one adjacent to the other, both the letter designating the card in its upright position as well as the letter available to the card, should the card be inverted, are both visible to the player. Cards are selected and a word must be formed with the cards being able to be positioned in either of their two inverted positions. After the word is formed, the word is then used as an acronym in the formation of a sentence, with the sentence preferably being associated with the word itself.

Abstract: A playing card holder comprises a substantially pentagonal backing plate with a plurality of pinching members mounted thereon in a preselected arrangement. Each of the pinching members includes a pinch block fastened to the backing plate and a spacer disposed between the pinch block and the backing plate so that a card-gripping surface of the pinch block is spaced from the backing plate by a preselected clearance less than the thickness of a playing card. A playing card inserted in the space between the backing plate and the card-gripping surface of the pinch block is frictionally gripped therein. In an alternative embodiment, each pinching member includes a leaf spring having a card-gripping surface normally contacting the backing plate. The leaf spring elastically deforms when a playing card is inserted between the card-gripping surface and the backing plate.

Abstract: A playing card holder comprises a substantially pentagonal backing plate having fixed thereto a locator block and a transparent view plate. The locator block has first and second stepped edges converging upwardly from the bottom edge of the backing plate. Each of the stepped edges includes a plurality of steps each having a horizontal locator surface. The view plate is parallel to and spaced apart from the backing plate to define a card-holding slot therebetween. The view plate has inclined top and bottom edges parallel to the top edges of the pentagonal backing plate. A plurality of deformable filaments, preferably carpet pile, are afixed to the backing plate and extend across the card-holding slot onto abutment with the view plate. The filaments deflect when a playing card is inserted in the card-holding slot and hold the inserted card against the view plate. A base is provided supporting the card holder in an upright position.

Abstract: A board game includes a playing board with a playing surface formed as a rectangular grid of multiple rows and columns of recesses. A multiplicity of playing pieces are dimensioned to seat within the recesses and have a body portion about the periphery of which are repetitions of an indicium, such as a letter of the alphabet, and each repetition is in a distinct color. In game play a first player may place a multiplicity of playing pieces in aligned recesses to construct a cognizable linear array of indicia such as a word, and each playing piece displays its indicium in a preselected color associated with that player. The second player may place at least one playing piece in an empty recess adjacent one of the recesses utilized by the linear array of the first player and thus create a new cognizable linear array incorporating the added indicium which is rotated to display the repetition of the indicium in a color associated with the second player.

Abstract: A game utilizing a deck of playing cards. The playing cards each have letter designations in the upper left hand corner in each of two different invertible positions of the card with the letter designation differing from each other. In the lower right hand corner of each of the two invertible positions of the card, there is provided an "information center" giving the letter designation of the card should the card be inverted. Thus, as the cards are held in a hand, one adjacent to the other, both the letter designating the card in its upright position as well as the letter available to the card, should the card be inverted, are both visible to the player. Cards are selected and a word must be formed with the cards being able to be positioned in either of their two inverted positions. After the word is formed, the word is then used as an acronym in the formation of a sentence, with the sentence preferably being associated with the word itself.

Abstract: A display tray and board game support includes four display trays supported at a display angle to the horizontal by tray supports. The display trays each have a number of parallel, offset pockets sized to hold sheet-like playing elements such as play money and decision cards used in the play of the game. The tray supports are L-shaped members which engage the ends of adjacent display trays to both support and properly position the display trays. The display trays each have a horizontal game board support ledge positioned along the upper edge. The trays and tray supports are sized so that the game board is supported on the support ledges. An upwardly extending lip at the upper edge of the display tray acts as an outer barrier for the game support resting on the game support ledge.

Abstract: A card holder having a base with a depression into which a pack of paper sheets bound along one edge are affixed. The bound edge is affixed in the depression to allow the free ends of the paper sheets to receive and hold cards in an upright position. Staggered nails through opposing faces of the pack form the binding.

Abstract: A card game device embodying a first set of cards and a second set of cards with there being a plurality of spaced apart indicia on at least one face of each card of the first set of cards. The indicia are of a predetermined size and are arranged on each card of the first set of cards in a predetermined pattern. A character is disposed through each card of the second set of cards and is constructed and arranged to permit a predetermined number of indicia to be exposed therethrough upon the superimposition of each card of the second set of cards over a corresponding card from the first set of cards.

Abstract: A playing card holder is described in which two plates with diverging inner surfaces form a tapered slot which extends upward from a base section. The inner surface of each plate is lined with a layer of tufted flock material, which may be partially set into recesses in the opposed plate surfaces. The holder retains either a single card or a number of overlapping cards securely in place with a relatively high degree of static friction, and yet permits cards to be easily removed with a substantially lower dynamic friction without dislodging adjacent cards. The remote ends of the holder are provided with a compound curvature which protects the cards from casual visual observation by other players, while enhancing the ability of the player to easily and securely manipulate the cards.

Abstract: A playing card holder is described in which two plates with diverging inner surfaces extend upward from a base section. The two plates diverge from each other within an angular range of about 1.degree.-8.degree., and preferably about 3.degree.-5.degree., to form a tapered slot within which the playing cards are inserted. The inner surface of each plate is lined with a layer of a flocked material, the layers being partially set into recesses in the opposed surfaces of each plate. The holder retains either a single card or a number of overlapping cards securely in place once they have been inserted into the slot, and yet permits cards to be easily removed without dislodging adjacent cards.

Abstract: A playing card holder is described in which two plates with diverging inner surfaces extend upward from a base section. The two plates diverge from each other within an angular range of about 1.degree.-8.degree., and preferably about 3.degree.-5.degree., to form a tapered slot within which the playing cards are inserted. The inner surface of each plate is lined with a layer of a flocked material, the layers being partially set into recesses in the opposed surfaces of each plate. The holder retains either a single card or a number of overlapping cards securely in place once they have been inserted into the slot, and yet permits cards to be easily removed without dislodging adjacent cards. The remote ends of the holder are provided with a compound curvature in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the card holder which has been found to secure the cards from casual visual observation by other players, and yet preserves the ability of a flat card holder to easily and securely manipulate the cards.