Floating card game

Abstract

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for playing cards that float and are water resistant for use in water environments. The playing cards comprise a foam layer and plastic layer laminated together, the foam layer for flotation purposes, and the plastic layer for ease of handling. The cards temporarily adhere to one another and to surfaces surrounding the water. The surface of the water itself may be used as a playing surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 183,551 entitled “Floating Card Game and Methods” and filed on Jun. 3, 2009 for David Williams, which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This disclosure relates to games, and more particularly to games playable in and around water and wet environments.BACKGROUND[0003]Many people enjoy playing a variety of different games using card decks such as standard face cards, Pinochle, UNO, Old Maid, Rook, matching card decks, and the like. There is one place, however, that a deck of playing cards generally does not play well: water. In addition to problems of immersion and commensurate damage to the cards, the cards sink, making it difficult to continue playing when the cards are inevitably dropped. Damage may include warpage, smudging of printed matter, moisture absorption, surface distortion, etc.[0004]Given the high popularity of casual ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a need for water-resistant playing cards that can be used in a game without needing a board or other surface, without being damaged or lost, and without inconvenience through sinking or displacement. The invention provides a solution in the form of a floating card game apparatus that includes a deck of water-resistant playing cards made of a plastic layer and foam layer, which can be used on the surface of water without losing their shape or causing them to scatter. The cards can have images and be contained within a container. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a more convenient and efficient way to play card games in water without the need for a board or other surface."

Problems solved by technology

There is one place, however, that a deck of playing cards generally does not play well: water.

In addition to problems of immersion and commensurate damage to the cards, the cards sink, making it difficult to continue playing when the cards are inevitably dropped.

Damage may include warpage, smudging of printed matter, moisture absorption, surface distortion, etc.

Some board games have been developed involving a floating board or table on which the game is played in water, with the obvious disadvantage of the bulky and unwieldy nature of the board, which must be hauled around to be accessible where and when it is wanted.

A problem is that sedentary entertainments almost always require a playing surface, which must be purchased, transported, and be on hand with prior art games.

Images