Game Patents (Class 283/49)
  • Patent number: 11756148
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to advanced image signal processing technology including encoded signals and digital watermarking. We disclose methods, systems and apparatus for selecting which ink(s) should be selected to carry an encoded signal for a given machine-vision wavelength for a retail package or other printed design. We also disclose retail product packages and other printed objects, and methods to generate such, including a sparse mark in a first ink and an overprinted ink flood in a second ink. The first ink and the second ink are related through tack and spectral reflectance difference. Of course, other methods, packages, objects, systems and apparatus are described in this disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Kristyn R. Falkenstern, Alastair M. Reed
  • Patent number: 11167579
    Abstract: A method for providing scratch-off lottery tickets for sale remote from a POS location in a retail establishment includes configuring the tickets with a game play area having play characters covered by a scratch-off coating. A print characteristic is provided in the game play area that is optically scannable but not reproducible when photocopying the game play area. In a database, identification of the printed characteristic is linked to a computer file associated with the lottery ticket at a central lottery computer. An optically scannable random identifier is also provided in the game play area and is linked to the computer file. Upon presentation of the lottery ticket for purchase, the ticket or a scanned image of the ticket is analyzed to verify that the print characteristic is present in the game play area. The scanned image of the ticket is analyzed to verify that the random identifier assigned to the lottery ticket is present in the game play area of the scanned image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Martineck, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8434791
    Abstract: Described are a number of mechanisms that can reduce transaction costs and increase the economic viability of a number of products. Included is a combination instant lottery ticket and debit card that makes it possible to issue prepaid debit cards having a relatively low monetary value. Also included is a combination on-line ticket/receipt and debit card that can automate the prize paying process, simplifying the retailer's responsibilities while reducing the potential for fraud. Various cash flow and authentication techniques such as age and location verification, nano payment methods and spam filters based on these mechanisms are also described. In addition, instant lottery tickets, and in particular, losing tickets can be provided with a small residual value by placing account information on the ticket. In another version, a lottery ticket can be combined with a payment card that operates as a closed payment system whereby the payment card can only be used with a specified vendor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Irwin, Jr., Mather Lindsay, Gary R. Streeter, Patricia M. Irwin
  • Patent number: 8393949
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game is a slot machine game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Paul LaRocca, Bijan Sabet, Jason Yanowitz
  • Publication number: 20110198836
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a baseball scorebook. The apparatus includes a lineup card with an identifier area, and a scoresheet having at least one identifier area. One of the lineup card or scoresheet includes a carbonless copying feature that copies the identifiers to a sheet in contact with the lineup card. The apparatus also includes a binding aligning the lineup card and the scoresheet such that the identifier areas overlays each other. The system includes the apparatus, and additional scoresheets for a team and an opposing team. A binding binds the scoresheets and additional scoresheets into a scorebook. The method includes providing a lineup card having an identifier area, providing a scoresheet having an identifier area, transferring the identifiers to a sheet in contact with the lineup card, and providing a binding that aligns the lineup card and the scoresheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: A. Jeffrey Smith
  • Patent number: 7766739
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a scrambled word game similar to the well-known game of JUMBLE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: GameLogic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Paul LaRocca, Bijan Sabet, Jason Yanowitz
  • Publication number: 20100105483
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a computer-implemented method of providing an event related game. The method includes receiving event data associated with a media broadcast at a computer, generating a printable game set, and providing the printable game set in an electronic format configured for printing by a user. The printable game set includes at least one game card and a set of trade tickets. The at least one game card includes a list of game events associated with the media broadcast. Each trade ticket of the set of trade tickets identifies a game event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Dale Roush
  • Patent number: 7666082
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game is a slot machine game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: GameLogic Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Paul LaRocca, Bijan Sabet, Jason Yanowitz
  • Patent number: 7497778
    Abstract: A word-based lottery game wherein a player buys a ticket with a word or set of words and may win a prize if the outcome of a draw confers a win status to one or more words in the ticket. The draw is a random process for which an outcome is a concatenation of characters and may confer word a winner based upon a rule such as being able to compose the word with the drawn characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Kyle Bozeman
  • Patent number: 7407437
    Abstract: A lottery terminal apparatus and method of playing a word based lottery includes a value input device, a display unit and a lottery input unit for receiving alphabetical game play information wherein the display unit is adapted to visually display the received alphabetical game play information. The lottery terminal unit further includes a controller having a memory and a processor, wherein the controller is operatively coupled to the display unit and is programmed to receive wager data in response to a wager made by a person. The controller and method may assign a prize value to the alphabetical game play information received from the lottery input unit and randomly select an alphabetic sample based on a distribution of choices. The controller may further determine a correlation between the alphabetic sample and the alphanumeric game play information to determine a payout value based on a comparison of the alphabetic sample and the alphanumeric game play information to determine the prize value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Kyle Bozeman
  • Patent number: 7404764
    Abstract: A lottery terminal apparatus and method of playing a word based lottery includes a value input device, a display unit and a lottery input unit for receiving alphabetical game play information wherein the display unit is adapted to visually display the received alphabetical game play information. The lottery terminal unit further includes a controller having a memory and a processor, wherein the controller is operatively coupled to the display unit and is programmed to receive wager data in response to a wager made by a person. The controller and method may assign a prize value to the alphabetical game play information received from the lottery input unit and randomly select an alphabetic sample based on a distribution of choices. The controller may further determine a correlation between the alphabetic sample and the alphanumeric game play information to determine a payout value based on a comparison of the alphabetic sample and the alphanumeric game play information to determine the prize value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Kyle Bozeman
  • Patent number: 7004506
    Abstract: A lottery ticket having a first game area having at least one row with each row containing a plurality of play indicia and a second game area adjacent each row of the first game area and containing a target indicia which if present may result in a prize being won.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Oberthor Gaming Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Paul Downes, Geneva McCaffrey, Carla Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6926308
    Abstract: Toilet paper, paper towel and facial tissue products (10) are presented. Information may be placed, through printing or embossing, on the toilet paper, paper towels and facial tissues. The information (62) may comprise advertisements, coupons, prizes (such as stickers and crossword puzzles), games or other promotional materials. In addition, information (62) may be placed on a sheet separate from the toilet paper and/or paper towels and/or facial tissues. The information sheet may be then be placed in conjunction with the toilet paper, paper towel or facial tissue by rolling or by interleaving (16) the information sheet with the toilet paper, paper towel or facial tissue. In another aspect, different information may be place on two or more sheets to convey a story (39) or other information. The information (72) may, for example, be used to help potty train children, or to teach children numbers or the alphabet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventors: Daniel Joel Penn, Michael Charles Penn, Amir Nathaniel Penn
  • Publication number: 20030193136
    Abstract: A ticket for an instant lottery game and method for playing the same is disclosed. As described in one aspect of the disclosure, a ticket for an instant lottery game simulates computerized video poker. The ticket comprises an initial hand of cards imprinted on the ticket, wherein the initial hand is normally hidden under a corresponding alterable area so that when the alterable area corresponding to the initial hand is altered, the initial hand is revealed. The ticket also includes a plurality of strategies for the game each imprinted on the ticket, wherein each strategy is related to the initial hand, wherein the strategies are those that are most likely to result in a player achieving a favorable outcome for the game, and wherein each strategy is normally hidden under a corresponding alterable area so that when an alterable area corresponding to one of the plurality of strategies is altered, the strategy corresponding thereto is revealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley
  • Publication number: 20030184012
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for playing an instant win gaming ticket. An instant win gaming ticket has multiple instant win games which can be played by the player. The amount won per game is dependent on the results of at least one previous game on the same ticket. The player plays the games on a single ticket and the amount the player wins for each game depends on whether previously played games on the same ticket were won or lost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Philip Warren Green
  • Publication number: 20030137143
    Abstract: A bingo pack printed by a printer responsive to a computer consisting of a plurality of bingo pages imprinted with at least one bingo card and a reference corresponding to a bingo game, including but not limited to, a game name, a game number and/or a bingo pattern. A bingo pack is dispensed to a player from a self-service computer-controlled printing kiosk. The kiosk displays a menu of available bingo packs on a touchscreen display and accepts currency, credit cards and refund vouchers. Bingo packs dispensed from the kiosk may be printed on paper of various colors, indicating a prize level. Each bingo page comprising a printed bingo pack may be imprinted with a pack identification number, date, bingo hall name, advertisement, coupon, sweepstakes identification, player's name and/or player identification number. In addition to paper bingo cards, kiosks may transmit electronic bingo cards to electronic bingo player units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Yuri Itkis, Boris Itkis
  • Patent number: 6561513
    Abstract: Combat is resolved and war game play is expanded without the use of dice or the like. Players substantially simultaneously memorialize actions appointed to be taken, and present the actions in a recorded format wherein tactical decisions, not random number s generation, become the driving force. Apparatus used to implement tactical decisions aids in the recording of actions taken, facilitating their subsequent storage and retrieval. The internal logic of hobby war and role playing games is expanded by giving the players of those games the ability to add previously unspecified tactics and actions. The nature of a hobby war game is modified in that the most important element affecting game outcome is a set of decisions made by a player at every engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew DeGeorge
  • Publication number: 20030080548
    Abstract: A lottery ticket having multiple panels which can be folded upon or in proximity to each other to form a unique visual display in which multiple lottery game areas can be provided on one or more of the panels to play one or more separate lottery games or one or more interactive games.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph Carl Borowski, Carla Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6543808
    Abstract: An improved construction for pull-tab game pieces involves the use or two or more substrates, one of which is at least partially transparent. A thermosensitive imaging layer within which game results are direct thermally printed is located between the transparent substrate and an opaque cover layer through which the game results are printed. An opaque substrate precut to form one or more tabs covers the opposite side of the transparent substrate. The game results are revealed by retracting the tabs to view the game results through the transparent substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Translucent Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chauncey T. Mitchell, Jr., Daniel R. Fulwiler
  • Publication number: 20020093188
    Abstract: A lottery ticket having a first game area having at least one row with each row containing a plurality of play indicia and a second game area adjacent each row of the first game area and containing a target indicia which if present may result in a prize being won.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin Paul Downes, Geneva McCaffrey, Carla Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20020047259
    Abstract: A document, preferably in the form of a lottery ticket has a security system in which a substrate has thereon an encoded game data portion including a base layer printed with an ink having a first reflectance value as measured by the reflectance of a given wavelength of light and a second layer of ink having a second reflectance value together having an encoded pattern of symbols. The encoded game data portion is covered with a scratch-off layer in which improper removal of the scratch-off layer can be detected through either the change in the reflectance pattern of the encoded game data portion or by an alteration in the encoded pattern of symbols.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Claude Lambert, Francois Gougeon, Robert Boulay, Denis Mondou, John C. Abraitis, Cayetano Sanchez, Michael A. Ehrhart, Robert M. Hussey
  • Publication number: 20020033596
    Abstract: A telephonic-interface lottery system D interfaces with a multiplicity of individual terminals T1-Tn of a telephone network facility C to enable lottery players to call and play for at least one additional chance to possibly win by dialing a pay-to-dial telephone number indicated on a “scratch-off” or online game lottery ticket for use in the system. At the terminals, callers are prompted by voice-generated instructions to provide digital data, such as their telephone number, age, social security number, and/or drivers license number. In addition, the sequence number of the caller as well as the date and time of the call is recorded for positive association with a caller and is stored for processing. The caller's identification data is confirmed using various techniques and callers may be ranked and accounted for on the basis of entitlement and sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Applicant: Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P.
    Inventor: Ronald A. Katz
  • Patent number: 6329034
    Abstract: A self-adhesive label for displaying information includes a leaflet, a tab member, and an adhesive layer. The leaflet has a lower surface and an end edge. The tab member is separately formed from the leaflet. An exposed portion of the tab member is disposed alongside the leaflet adjacent the end edge. The tab member has a lower surface. The adhesive layer includes a first adhesive portion engaging the lower surface of the leaflet and a second adhesive portion engaging the lower surface of the tab member. At least a portion of the leaflet does not overlie the tab member. The label may include a laminate cover overlying the upper surface of the leaflet and including a laminate tab portion overlying the exposed portion of the tab member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventors: Roger L. Pendry, Carl W. Treleaven
  • Patent number: 6308989
    Abstract: A baseball score card and method for providing a reusable device for keeping records of the events occurring during a baseball game. The baseball score card and method includes a planar sheet member having a front face and a rear face. Each face includes sections having indicia arranged for facilitating keeping records of the events occurring during a baseball game. The faces are selectively markable to correspond to play results. In an embodiment, the planar sheet member is laminated to permit wiping away of markings in the sections on each face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas C. La Porta
  • Patent number: 6260845
    Abstract: A tool is disclosed for providing multiple assignments of each of a plurality of players or participants to each of a plurality of positions or tasks in a sporting event, game or activity. The positions include playing positions and reserve positions. The tool comprises a base and a plurality of rotatable elements. Each player or participant representation represents one of the plurality of players or participants. Each rotatable element is divided into a unique number of sections. Each section of a rotatable element includes a position or task representation. Each rotatable element is rotatably mountable on the base such that each section of the rotatable element aligns with one of the plurality of player or participant representations on the base and thereby assigns each player or participant to a particular playing position, reserve position or task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: John Malcolm MacGowan, III
  • Patent number: 6250685
    Abstract: A ticket for an instant lottery game and method for playing the same is disclosed. As described in one aspect of the disclosure, a ticket for an instant lottery game simulates computerized video poker. The ticket comprises an initial hand of cards imprinted on the ticket, wherein the initial hand is normally hidden under a corresponding alterable area so that when the alterable area corresponding to the initial hand is altered, the initial hand is revealed. The ticket also includes a plurality of strategies for the game each imprinted on the ticket, wherein each strategy is related to the initial hand, wherein the strategies are those that are most likely to result in a player achieving a favorable outcome for the game, and wherein each strategy is normally hidden under a corresponding alterable area so that when an alterable area corresponding to one of the plurality of strategies is altered, the strategy corresponding thereto is revealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley
  • Patent number: 6217077
    Abstract: The invention is of a kit or system useful for guiding and facilitating the taking, tabulation and processing of measurements as pertain to scoring game animal according to established scoring rules. The kit or system includes a flexible cable which is used to record absolute lengths or distances needed for a proper scoring. The cable lacks cumulative length indicia or unit indications, but rather includes equally spaced incremental indicia which are used (by multiplying the number of indicia as rest between measurement endpoints) as part of the ultimate determination of length according to standard measurement units. A reusable score card is also provided which includes spaces for recording measurements and indicia for indicating the proper measurements to be taken as well as the sequence thereof and prescribed calculations to be made therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Michael E. Priebe
  • Patent number: 6174235
    Abstract: An electronic gaming device defines a set of all possible elements of a game. For example, in a slot machine-type game, the set of possible elements includes the symbols for cherries, bell, bar, orange, plum and seven. The gaming device further generates a set of location assignments for each of the elements, and assigns a location to each element in accordance with the set of location assignments. The player is presented with the locations and prompted to select one or more locations, depending on the type of game. The displayed locations to select are typically arranged in one or more rows of possible selections. Typically, each of the possible selections is hidden or obscured until selected by the player. The player provides his selection(s), and at least one corresponding selection signal(s) are received by the gaming device. Each received selection signal indicates an element from the set of possible elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch
  • Patent number: 6170878
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel tennis scoring system (“The NOSAVA Tennis Scoring System”). The present invention provides a method by which a permanent record may be maintained of the points scored in a tennis match by each player, the means by which such score was made and the results of each game, set and match. This information provides a detailed permanent record of the match for the benefit of the tennis player, coach or parent. The scoring system consists of a matrix of boxes in rows on each page. Each box, bisected by a diagonal line, represents a point scored for either player or team. Each row of boxes represents a game. Each page represents a set. A scoring key appears at the top of the page with various codes indicating the manner by which the point was scored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Joel Franklin Cassman
  • Patent number: 6050604
    Abstract: A coloring book is formed of a plurality of sheets of card stock removably affixed along one edge to the book binding. An image is printed on the face of the sheet, and a die cut outline of the image circumscribes a portion of the image to a midpoint of the sheet. Parallel fold lines are provided adjacent the top and bottom edges of the sheet, and a third discontinuous fold line is provided midpoint of the sheet from the side edges of the sheet to the die cut image. The coloring book is designed so that the individual sheets may be removed, e.g. after coloring, and folded to form a stand with the colored picture standing upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Pt. Pabrik Kertas Tjiwi Kimia Tkk.
    Inventor: Ossiatzky
  • Patent number: 5988687
    Abstract: A puzzle for printing on a printer having rollers in its paper feed path, such as a personal computer printer. The puzzle is a semirigid but flexible sheet having at least one blank side serving as means for printing on by the printer. The sheet is sufficiently flexible to negotiate through the rollers of the printer. The sheet has a plurality of die-cuts defining pieces. The die-cuts intersect at intersections. The intersections have nicks for separating each cut at its intersection, and for maintaining rigidity of the sheet during printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Robert F. Krisch
  • Patent number: 5779274
    Abstract: A bingo game booklet includes a top sheet having at least one bingo face with a first serial number located on each bingo face of the top sheet wherein the first serial number is identical on each bingo face of the top sheet. A second sheet is located below the top sheet with the second sheet including at least one bingo face. A second serial number is located on each bingo face of the second sheet. The second serial number is identical on each bingo face of the second sheet and is also identical to the first serial number. A first indicium is located on the top sheet wherein each of the bingo faces is designated by the first indicium. A second indicium is located on the second sheet wherein each bingo face of the second sheet is designated by the second indicium. The first and second indicia are different. A connecting element connects an edge of the top sheet to an edge of the second sheet to form the sheets into a bingo game booklet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Arrow International, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Gallagher, Jr., Michael A. Singh, Gregory T. Pollock
  • Patent number: 5738351
    Abstract: A game of chance is provided in association with a mass mailing publication. The game of chance includes particular indicia identified on a mailing label and prize indicia identified at a selected location within the publication in correspondence with certain identified prizes. In order to win such identified prizes, all the player needs to do is to verify that the assigned indicia on the mailing label matches the prize indicia. The player may then claim his or her prize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Atlanticville Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Booth
  • Patent number: 5676399
    Abstract: A sports team folder for organizing players of a team according to the positions being played. The inventive device includes a front cover and a rear cover pivotally coupled together. A plurality of storage pockets are coupled to a first one of the covers and removably hold a plurality of player cards. A plurality of position pockets and bench pockets are secured to another one of the covers and can each receive an individual one of the player cards. The position pockets are each labeled for a corresponding position on a sports team such that a player card for a particular player can be positioned into a corresponding position pocket before or during play of a game to assist a coach in tracking players of the team.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hollerbach
  • Patent number: 5636872
    Abstract: A golf score booklet is provided. The booklet has a plurality of pages bound at a center line and graphically depicting the holes of a golf course. The booklet further includes a score card bound to the pages at the center line. The score card has a first section extending from the center line and a second section extending from the first section and attached thereto along a fold line. The second section has a scoring grid thereon. The booklet when opened to the score card may be held flat in a fashion that provides for planar view of a first page and its respective golf hole depiction, a second page and its advertisement and the second section and a scoring grid thereon for the depicted golf hole of the first page. A process is also provided for making enhanced graphic depictions of the golf course holes for the booklet, and preferably use laser measurement for determining the distance from the center of the green to landmarks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Prestige Magazine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald F. Gamer, Terry A. Gamer, Diana M. Eagon
  • Patent number: 5624119
    Abstract: Game systems, superficially similar to bingo, which employ combinations of multiple variables from different sets (for example colors; symbols such as numbers of letters; and geometric shapes such as circles, diamonds and squares) to increase the number of pattern permutations on individual game faces, in combination with random selection apparatus. Compared to ordinary bingo, the number of players may be greatly increased without resulting in games that are unduly short, and various version controls allow control over the mathematical probabilities of winning. Each game face has a plurality of individual positions organized as columns and rows. Within each column, the individual positions are filled with a random sequence of elements from each of at least two of the sets, and each column has a unique column designation. Random selection apparatus is disclosed, which is particularly useful when employed in combination with the game faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Prisms, LLC
    Inventor: Deborah L. Leake
  • Patent number: 5611574
    Abstract: A golf scorecard for keeping score of the game of golf and automatically totalling a player's score without the need of a writing instrument. The scorecard has one or more series of consecutive numbers printed thereon along a predetermined pattern. Each of the numbers is concealed by formation made of a coating of opaque material adherable to the scorecard and capable of being removed by scraping a rubbing same to reveal the number thereunder. When in use, a user scrappes only those formations indicative a score made on each consecutive hole of a game of golf by adding consecutive formations from the last scraped formation until it totals his score on every hole. The numbers identified under the formations that are scraped reveal his cumulative total score at each consecutive hole of the game of golf. In particular, the scorecard is for use with a miniature golf putting course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Pierre Desjardins
  • Patent number: 5489122
    Abstract: A personal tennis score keeper comprising a strip of sheet material having an upper surface and a lower surface and with the upper surface thereof bearing squares arranged in a linear array and forming three columns, one of the columns bearing indicia indicating the number of games won by a player, another column bearing indicia indicating the number of games won by an opposing player, and the remaining column bearing indicia for indicating a score of each player during a game; and a plurality of scoring markers slidably secured to the strip in a juxtaposed slidable relation with respect to a column for marking a score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Dusan Pittner
  • Patent number: 5314208
    Abstract: A comprehension golf scorecard consisting of ROWS (19) for entering par-relative scores with or without pencil and ROW (10) for entering traditional gross scores or par-relative scores with pencil. SCRIBE-IN AREAS (2B), (6B), (13A), (15A), (16B) and PUNCH-OUT AREAS (2A), (6A), (6B), and (16B) provide a means for entry of scoring and identification data via the use of a golf tee or any scribe device. Scorecard is formatted to provide said comprehensive data and scores for up to four players on one card that will fit into a golfer's shirt or pants pocket. Punch-out scores and data are formatted so that scorecard is capable of being scored by electronic scanning and recording device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Ronald R. Strickland
  • Patent number: 5236200
    Abstract: A card-like structure facilitating the setup and playing of a treasure hunt-like game is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the structure takes the form of a pre-printed, multi-folded greeting card including a sheet portion having easily detachable elements. Each element is pre-printed on one side in large print with task-setting messages, or locational clues, for the intended gift recipient, and on the other side in smaller print with instructional messages, or placement instructions, for the gift giver. The clues and instructions are related in a predefined way so that elements properly placed by the gift giver in accordance with the instructions may be found by and will lead the recipient to a gift properly placed by the gift giver. Preferably, a first task-setting message, or clue, and an enticing greeting are printed on the portion of the greeting card that remains after the plural elements are dispensed from the game card system or structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventors: Dennis L. McGregor, Marcie L. McGregor
  • Patent number: 5158294
    Abstract: A lottery card marking apparatus provides a housing receiving a lottery card therewithin, with at least a top wall formed with a matrix of openings to coincide with free-positioned marking indicia on the lottery card. Optionally, the housing may include a rear wall with aligned apertures relative to the apertures to the forward wall to permit projection of a piercing instrument through the lottery card for marking purposes. Further, a modification includes a plurality of locking lug members slidably mounted to the right and left side edges of the housing to effect locking an alignment of the card within the housing during a marking procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: Carmine Piro
  • Patent number: 5094451
    Abstract: The guide includes first, second and third sheets, each having first and second principal sides, foldably joined at one edge to each other in series such that the first and second sides are aligned on opposite sides of the joined sheets. The first and third sheets are foldable over either side of the second sheet. The second side of the third sheet includes a first portion of a yardage map of the holes of a golf course printed thereon, while the first side of the third sheet includes the second or remaining portion of the yardage map printed thereon. The first side of the first sheet includes a first portion of a golf score recording form corresponding to the first portion of the yardage map printed thereon and the first side of the second sheet has the second or remaining portion of the golf score recording form corresponding to the second portion of the yardage map printed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Inventor: Mark G. Glamack
  • Patent number: 5090735
    Abstract: A game which combines skill and chance is disclosed for one or more players. According to the game, each player chooses, beforehand, the outcomes of actual athletic contests. The athletic contests are played in the course of a playing season by existing teams belonging to existing leagues. There are weekly contests, playoff contests, and a championship contest. Each player records his own choices and successes in a bound booklet preprinted with the opposing teams for each of the weekly contests, for the playoff games, and for the championship contest. A group record is kept on a board containing the names of each of the players, and provision for manually inserting the total number of successful choices of each player for each successive week, the cumulative successful choices of each player for all of the preceding weeks of the contest season continuing through the playoffs and concluding with the championship contest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Meaney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Stacey B. Meaney, Gregory J. Meaney, David W. Schropfer, Harold L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5071133
    Abstract: A game is disclosed using random movement of playing pieces by players to teach biblical principles. The game includes a board having a playing path divided into several spaces. A playing piece, one for each player, is placed on the "Start" space and oriented to represent religiously "unconverted" players. The playing pieces move counterclockwise along the path in accordance to the roll of the dice. Counterclockwise movement continues until a playing piece lands on a "Sunday" space, at which point the corresponding player throws the dice again. If the number on the dice is even, the player remains "unconverted" and continues to move counterclockwise. If the number on the dice is odd, the playing piece is reversed to indicate that the player is religiously "converted", and moves the playing piece in a clockwise direction for the rest of the game. Property spaces, property deeds and play money provide players the opportunity to invest while moving along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventor: Jerry I. Smith
  • Patent number: 5013070
    Abstract: A golf score card includes an arrangement for assisting a player in evaluating the characteristics of the greens of a golf course. The card includes a markable substrate, such as paper or the like, to facilitate keeping score on a hole-by-hole basis. The card further includes a graphic illustration of each of the holes of the course, with the illustration including a graphic depiction of the general shape of the putting green of each hole. In order to facilitate play, graphic indicia are provided for indicating the direction of the grain of the grass on the green.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Michael F. Maude, Sr.
    Inventor: Michael F. Maude, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5013069
    Abstract: A golf scorecard is provided that not only allows the maintaining of individual and team stroke scores but also a simple and standardized format for maintaining game point totals. More particularly, the golf scorecard is formed of sheet material adapted for receiving indicia. The card includes a series of four player identification blocks for the entry of player names. A row of score boxes is aligned with each of the player identification blocks. An individual player stroke total may be recorded in each of the score boxes with one score box being provided for each hole of the golf course being played. The golf card also provides a plurality of rows of game point blocks formed on the sheet for recording individual player game points. Preferably, at least one game point block is provided in each score box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Inventor: James D. Hardin
  • Patent number: 4981301
    Abstract: A game board and marker sheet are provided to allow multiple plays of Bingo games and the like. The game board comprises a panel having defined rectangular areas located on an upper surface. Each defined area has an associated window and an associated reference character. The marker sheet is located below the panel and has groups of colored markings arranged in two perpendicular directions on both sides of the sheet. Each group corresponds to a defined area and a marking of each group is visible via the associated windows to allow the marking to be cancelled if the associated reference character is announced. Upon completion of a game, the panel is moved relative to the marker sheet by positioning the panel on pegs which pass through openings in the sheet and panel. The panel openings are arranged in two perpendicular directions in the same fashion as each group of markings. Accordingly, the colored marking of each group is visible via the windows for another announced game of a particular color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Inventor: John J. Frain
  • Patent number: 4941668
    Abstract: A word puzzle card game employs template mask devices and puzzle cards. Individual puzzle cards, having puzzle-words or phrases imprinted thereon, are movably inserted into individual template mask devices, and are displaced therein to successively reveal, through a plurality of mask windows, individual location indicia and associated characters of puzzle-words or phrases to permit solving of the puzzle. Particular scoring values are indicated by the displacement position of puzzle cards. Tracking of characters in their locations according to associated location indicia is facilitated by puzzle tracking sheets. Tracking and display of players' successes in puzzle solving can be provided by movement of game pieces upon fields of a game board in accordance with game rules which can further introduce elements of luck and skill into the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Inventor: Matthew M. Mobrem
  • Patent number: 4815766
    Abstract: A re-usable examination booklet for the administration of written tests includes overlaid question sheets bound together with the unbound edge of each sheet overlapping the underlying sheet. An answer sheet may be inserted in the booklet beneath the question sheets. Answer areas on the answer sheet are arranged in columns extending along the unbound edges of the question sheets to locate the answer areas in close proximity to the corresponding questions on the question sheets. A modified booklet includes question sheets having openings arranged in columns extending along their unbound edges so that the selected answers can be marked through the openings onto the answer areas of the answer sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Tescor, Inc.
    Inventor: William W. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 4745875
    Abstract: A golfing scores recorder consists of a generally rectangular case having a plurality of openings formed in a predetermined pattern provided in its front panel and a plurality of depressions of the same pattern formed in the inner surface of its rear panel. A perforable score card is insertable into the case. The score card has a score recording pattern printed thereon which has a plurality of score recording areas in register with the pattern of openings in the front panel of the case. The dimension of the openings in the front panel is sized to permit a golf tee to be inserted therethrough to pierce a mark in the score card to provide a permanent recording of the number of strokes played in each hole of the golf game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Inventor: Robert C. Timleck