GB2187107A - Random number indicator - Google Patents

Abstract

A random number indicator to replace a die for use in games involving chance based upon the throw of a die, is in the form of an enclosed annulus (10) with a ball (14) held captive therein. At the inner side of the annulus are ball receiving pockets (22). To use the device, the user orbits the device on a flat surface, which causes the ball to run rapidly on the outer side of the inner surface of the annulus, and when the orbiting stops,whilst the ball initially keeps running, eventually it will stop and the base of the inner side of the annulus is arranged so that the ball eventually falls back into one of the pockets, the pockets being marked to indicate respective "throws of the die". <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Random number indicator This invention relates two a random number indicator device, which in one specific embodiment is usable in place of a conventional die. Although the expression "random number" is used herein, it is not intended that specifically the invention should be limited to numerals, but the expression is intended to cover any form of symbols or indications, the expression number being used simply in the interest of simplicity, and because the device has specific applicationforthe replacement of a conventional six-sided die.

There is a demand for a device for indicating numbers to replace a conventional die, because although a die is a random device in that when it is thrown randomly any one of the faces will face upwards two give an indication ofthe numberthrown, the degree of randomness is not as great as it might be, and there is still a possibility that with appropriate control,thethrowerofa die can manipulate the throw so as to throw a particular number or numbers.

There have been various suggestions for alternative constructions, and in one known arrangement, the die is contained in a container which is capable of being shaken or spring loaded, so as to cause the die to be propelled into the air and to fall back to a position displaying one of its faces and hence one of its numbers, the encasing of the die ensuring that the actual die is not touched bythe fingers. These devices have experienced some success, but each uses a conventional die and therefore there is still the possibility of exercising some control on the die throw.

The present invention looks at a random number indicator arrangement, which in one embodiment can replace a die, from a different viewpoint, and provides that the number indicator is of a construction bearing some similarity to a Roulette wheel insofar as it comprises an accummulator casing member and a ball, the casing member having a track in which the ball can run and having pockets corresponding to the numbers to be indicated, so tat by moving the casing in an orbital movement by hand, the ball is caused to run rapidly in the track and will continue to run in thetrackwhen the orbital movement is stopped until eventually the ball drops into one of the pockets indicating one of the numbers.

The device preferably is of relatively small construction so as to be capable of being orbited by one hand and is capable of being embodied in for example a board game box.

The device may comprise a casing of clear plastics material defining an enclosed annulusforming the track and which holds the ball captive, and a central indicator disc having defined segments corresponding to pockets formed on the inner surface of the annulus.

The ball may comprise a conventional steel ball.

The device may comprise two similar moulded half casings formed by injection moulding or any other suitable means, the half casings being glued or otherwise secured together to form the casing.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, byway of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing,wherein: Figure 7 is a plan view of the device according to the invention; Figure2 is a sectional elevation taken on the line ll-ll in Figure 1; and Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating how the pockets in the device of Figure 1 are formed.

Referring to the drawings, the device shown in Figure 1 comprises casing comprising a closed annulus 10 of which centrallythere is a plate formation 12 so that the device has the basic configuration ofavehiclewheel.

The annulus 10 is hollow as shown in Figure 2 so as to receive and trap a steel ball 14which in use runs in the annulus 10 as the wheel is orbited by hand about its centre 16.

Figure 2 shows that the wheel is used in the horizontal position, and is adapted to be orbited by hand orspun on aflatsurface 18, sothatthe ball runs in the annulus 10.

To the inner side ofthe annulus 1 Othere are formed ball receiving pockets 22, and as shown in Figure 2, the sides 24 and 26 diverge in a direction from the outside of the annulus to the inside ofthe annulus, so thatwhen the device is used, when the ball slows down after tracking in the annul us as the device is being orbited, the ball will eventually roll inwardly of the annulus and into one of the pockets 22, in much the same fashion as does the ball in a roulette wheel.

The device is made from two similar mouldings of clear plastics material 28 and 30, the mouldings being of the circular configuration shown in Figure 1, and each defining half of the annulus 10 and having central disc portions 32 and 34 between which is sandwiched a circular indicator disc card 36, having indications 38 lying opposite the respective pockets 22 to indicate the number or symbol designated by such pocket.

Figure 3 shows howthe mouldings 28 and 30 are shaped in the region where the disc portion 32 meets the annulus portion so that each moulding defines half of each of pockets 22. The recesses or notches 44 are formed in this region in order to define said half pockets.

In orderto use the device, it is engaged by the hand and orbited so that the ball by centrifugal force rides out of the pocket 22 in which it is located and runs rapidlyintheannulus. When the orbiting is ceased, the ball continues to run in the annulartrack,the hand is moved clear of the device, and eventually there comes a point when the ball will fall by gravity back into one of the pockets and the indication corresponding to that pocketwiil bethe "throw of the die".

It can be seen that the device according to the embodiment can replace a conventional die, and has the advantage that the ball runs in and is held captive in an enclosed track ensuring that the result cannot be influenced by manipulation, and also ensuring that the ball cannot become accidentally lost. It is not necessary howeverthat the track be enclosed.

In a modified arrangement, the device as illustrated may be provided with a means four spinning the device abouts its axis, as opposed to its being orbited by hand as described.

Claims (5)

1. Arandom numberindicatorcomprising an annular casing member and a ball, the casing member having a track in which the bail can run and having pockets corresponding to the numbers to be indicated, so that by moving the casing in an orbital movement by hand, the ball is caused to run rapidly in the track and will continue to run in thetrackwhen the orbital movement is stopped until eventually the ball drops into one of the pockets indicating one of the numbers.

2. An indicator according to claim 1 wherein the device is of relatively small construction so as to be capable of being orbited by one hand and is capable of being embodied in for example a board game box.

3. An indicatoraccording to claim 1 orciaim 2, wherein the casing is of clear plastics material defining an enclosed annulusformingthetrackand which holds the ball captive, and a central indicator disc having defined segments corresponding to pockets formed on the inner surface ofthe annulus.

4. An indicator according to claim 3, wherein the device is in the shape of a narrow wheel.

5. A random number indicator substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.