Luminous score indicator for game table
By designing a luminescent scorer, using magnetic coupling and electrical connection technology, the problem of error-prone traditional sliding scorer in the game process is solved, stable and accurate scoring display is achieved, and the gaming experience is improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411518713.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-10-30
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-02
AI Technical Summary
During the game, traditional sliding scoring machines are prone to slide out of the position due to collision, tilt and other actions, which display unclear or incorrect scores, and the score display is limited, which affects the game duration and user experience.
A luminescent scorer is designed, including a frame, guide rail, base and block, each block is equipped with a lamp and a magnet, and a reliable electrical connection and luminous display of the block is achieved through magnetic coupling and electrical connection, and the user can indicate the score by sliding the block.
The stability and reliability of the scorer during the game is achieved, ensuring that the score display is clear and accurate, and through the luminous mode of multiple colors and patterns, higher scores can be displayed, improving the user experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN119909362A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present application relates to a scoring system for a game, and more particularly to a luminous scoring device for a game table. Background Art
[0002] Game tables are used to play a variety of games, such as soccer (i.e., table football), air hockey, billiards, table tennis, bumper balls, shuffleboard, and / or other games. Some game tables utilize a scoring system to display the user's score while the user is playing the game. For example, the game table may include a sliding score counter. Traditional sliding score counters typically include beads or other components that slide along a guide rail, and the user can slide the components together on one side to indicate the score. The scores displayed by some sliding score counters may not be clear, may have low visibility, and / or may be displayed in other ineffective ways. For example, when playing a game, it may be difficult or inconvenient for the user to manually count the number of components indicating the score, to identify which components indicate the score, and / or to quickly read the score in other ways. Using such a sliding score counter, the user is likely to be unclear about the score.
[0003] Game tables often involve moving parts, and / or the user is required to hit, push, and / or otherwise move objects during the game. During the game, the user may accidentally bump, tilt, and / or shake the score counter or the game table. These actions may cause the parts on the manual score counter to slide out of position. For example, during the game, the parts of the score counter may be knocked out of position so that the wrong score is displayed or no score is clearly displayed, or the user may forget which parts of the sliding score counter are indicating the score. In addition, the number of parts on the sliding score counter limits the score that can be displayed, which may limit the length of the game and / or the overall use of the game table.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for improvement in this area. Summary of the invention
[0005] Some embodiments include an illuminated score counter for a gaming table. The score counter includes a frame. The frame generally includes a guide rail and a base. The base is located at a first end of the guide rail, and the frame is adapted to be mounted to the gaming table.
[0006] The scorer typically includes a plurality of blocks adapted to slide along a guide rail. Each block includes a lamp adapted to selectively emit light. Each block is adapted to be electrically connected to another block when the block contacts the other block. Each block may selectively include a magnet. A magnet on one block is adapted to be mechanically coupled to a magnet on the other block when the block contacts the other block. A first block of the plurality of blocks is adapted to be electrically connected to a base when contacting the base. The base may selectively include a magnet, and the magnet on the first block may be mechanically coupled to a magnet on the base when the first block contacts the base.
[0007] The base is adapted to supply power to the first block when the first block contacts and is electrically connected to the base. Each subsequent block is adapted to be electrically connected to the base through one or more blocks including the first block when each subsequent block is electrically connected to the base. The base is adapted to supply power to each subsequent block when the block is electrically connected to the base. The lamp in each block is adapted to emit light when the base supplies power to the block.
[0008] In some embodiments, each block may include a first magnet on a first side and a second magnet on a second side. The first magnet on one block is adapted to couple to the second magnet on the other block when the first side of the block contacts the second side of the other block. In one example, the base may include a magnet adapted to couple to the first magnet on the first block when the first block contacts the base. In addition, the frame may include a stopper located at the other end of the guide rail, on a second end opposite the first end. The stopper is adapted to limit the movement of the last block of the plurality of blocks. In one example, the stopper includes a magnet adapted to couple to the second magnet on the last block when the last block contacts the stopper.
[0009] In some embodiments, each block is adapted to emit light in multiple colors. For example, the block can be configured to indicate a score greater than the number of blocks by changing the color of the light. In another example, the block can be configured to change the color of the light multiple times to indicate a score range that is at least three times the number of blocks. In another example, the block can be configured to emit light in a pattern. The block can include a housing surrounding the lamp. A portion of the housing can be translucent to allow light to pass through the housing. In one instance, the housing can have a texture to diffuse the light from the lamp. The housing on each block can optionally include a marking. In one example, the lamp in each block is configured to illuminate the marking when the block is powered.
[0010] In some embodiments, each block may include a pin on a first side and a socket on a second side. When the first side of one block abuts the second side of another block, the pin on the block is adapted to be electrically connected to the socket on the other block. Optionally, the base may include a socket adapted to be electrically connected to the pin on the first block. When the first block abuts the base, the pin on the first block is adapted to be inserted into the socket. The base may also include a port adapted to electrically connect the base to an external power source. In addition, each block may have a notch on the first side, and a first magnet may be disposed in the notch. When the first side of one block abuts the second side of another block, the notch on the block may be configured to receive a second magnet on the other block.
[0011] Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages and embodiments of the present application will become apparent from the detailed description and drawings provided herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a scoring machine;
[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A component of the scorer in FIG. 1 , namely a front perspective view of the block;
[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Rear perspective view of the block in;
[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A component of the scorer in FIG. 1 , namely a front perspective view of the frame;
[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Rear perspective view of the frame in;
[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 The block in Figure 4 A part of the frame in the figure, namely the rear elevation on the rail;
[0018] Figure 7 Yes Figure 6 The line 7-7 in Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the scorer in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] In order to promote the understanding of the principles of the present application, reference will now be made to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and these embodiments will be described using specific language. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. It will be generally expected that various changes and further modifications will be made to these embodiments by those skilled in the art to which the present application relates, as well as any further application of the principles of the present application as described herein. An embodiment of the present application will be shown in detail, but it will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art that, for the sake of clarity, some features not related to the present application may not be shown.
[0020] In this specification, with reference to the specific embodiments shown, directional terms such as forward, rearward, top, bottom, etc. are used to facilitate understanding. It should be appreciated that these terms are not intended to be limiting.
[0021] See also Figure 1, the light-emitting score counter 50 can be used to record game scores. For example, the score counter 50 can be used with a game table, and the game table is used for air hockey, table hockey, football (such as table football), billiards, bumper balls, table tennis, shuffleboard and / or other games, or other game tables. The score counter 50 can be installed on the game table. For example, a user can install a score counter 50 at each end of the game table to record the scores of two players and / or teams. Alternatively, the score counter can be installed near the game table.
[0022] The score counter 50 includes a frame 54 and a block 80. The frame 54 is used to support the block 80. The block 80 is movably coupled to the frame 54 so as to slide between the first end 56 and the second end 58 of the frame 54. The user can slide one or more blocks 80 to the first end 56 to indicate the score. The block 80 indicating the score is suitable for emitting light. When one or more blocks 80 are located on the first end 56, these blocks 80 can be electrically connected to a power source, thereby turning on the lights in the blocks 80. For example, each block 80 can include an LED, and when the block 80 is electrically connected to a power source, the LED will turn on. The block 80 can also include markings, such as numbers, logos and / or other designs. In the example shown, the blocks 80 are marked in sequence with numbers.
[0023] The scorer 50 typically includes a plurality of magnets 52. In the illustrated embodiment, both the frame 54 and the blocks 80 include magnets 52. The magnets 52 are adapted to mechanically couple two adjacent blocks 80 when the two adjacent blocks 80 contact each other. Similarly, the magnets 52 are adapted to couple a block 80 to a portion of the frame 54 when the block 80 contacts the portion of the frame 54. The magnets 52 may include permanent magnets and / or electromagnets. Typically, the magnets 52 are arranged in pairs such that the north pole of one magnet 52 faces the south pole of another magnet 52. It should be understood that the magnets 52 may also be arranged such that one or more magnets 52 are adapted to couple to a ferromagnetic material that does not generate its own magnetic field.
[0024] As shown, the frame 54 generally includes a rail 60, a base 62, and a stopper 70. The rail 60 extends between the first end 56 and the second end 58 of the frame 54. The block 80 is configured to slide along the rail 60. The base 62 is located on the first end 56 and is configured to limit the movement of the block 80 toward the first end 56. The user can selectively electrically connect the base 62 and the block 80 by sliding the block 80 into contact with the base 62, or contacting the block 80 connected to the base 62. The base 62 can be electrically connected to the block 80 directly or indirectly. In a direct electrical connection, the base 62 can contact the block 80 to establish a conductive path between the base 62 and the block 80. In an indirect electrical connection, one or more blocks 80 can contact each other and the base 62 in turn to establish a conductive path from the base 62 to the block 80 through one or more other blocks 80. When one or more blocks 80 are electrically connected to the base 62, the base 62 is configured to supply power to the blocks 80. On the rail 60, the stopper 70 is located on the second end 58 and is configured to limit movement of the blocks 80 toward the second end 58.
[0025] A group of blocks 80 includes a first block 82 and a last block 84. The first block 82 is located closer to the first end 56 of the frame 54 than the remaining blocks 80. In the example shown, the first block 82 is marked with the symbol "1", and the subsequent blocks 80 are marked with corresponding consecutive numerical symbols. When the user slides the first block 82 toward the first end 56, the first block 82 is configured to contact and electrically connect to the base 62. The base 62 is configured to supply power to the first block 82 when the first block 82 is electrically connected to the base 62. The user can slide the blocks 80 toward the first block 82 in sequence. When the subsequent blocks 80 contact and electrically connect to the first block 82, the base 62 is electrically connected to the subsequent blocks 80 through the first block 82 and supplies power to them. When any subsequent block 80 is electrically connected to any block 80 that receives power (such as the first block 82 or another block 80), the subsequent block 80 receives power. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 5 , blocks 80 labeled “1” to “4” are electrically connected to the base 62, and the base 62 supplies power to the blocks 80, so that the blocks 80 emit light. In general, each block 80 is configured to emit light when the block 80 is powered. In a general sliding score counter, the user can slide the blocks to display the score. However, in the luminous score counter 50, the blocks 80 are configured to be electrically connected to the base 62 and emit light when the user slides the blocks 80 to display the score.
[0026] The last block 84 is located closest to the second end 58 of the frame 54 relative to the remaining blocks 80. The stopper 70 is configured to limit the movement of the last block 84 toward the second end 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the scorer 50 includes ten blocks 80, and the last block 84 is labeled with the symbol "10". Figure 1 As shown in the example, the blocks 80 marked with "6" to "10" abut against each other and against the stopper 70. In one example, when the user slides the corresponding number of blocks 80 toward the first end 56, the score counter 50 can indicate a score of up to 10 points. In another example, after the last block 84 is electrically connected to the base 62 and emits light, the score counter 50 can indicate a score exceeding 10 points by changing the color of the light. For example, the block 80 can light up red to indicate a score of up to 10 points, and after the user resets the position of the block 80, the block 80 can light up blue to indicate a score from 11 points to 20 points.
[0027] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 , block 80 is shown. Each block 80 in the scorer 50 may include any type of markings, such as a unique design that is different from other blocks 80, a design that is the same as other blocks 80, and / or sequential markings that are consistent with other blocks 80. For ease of illustration, Figure 2 and Figure 3 Block 80 in is blank and does not include Figure 1 Each block 80 generally includes a housing 90, a pin 96, a socket 102, and a magnet 52. As shown, the pin 96 and the first magnet 98 are located on the first side 86 of the block 80. The socket 102 and the second magnet 104 are located on the second side 88 of the block 80.
[0028] The housing 90 forms the structure of the block 80 and is generally made of a rigid material. For example, the housing 90 may be made of a hard plastic. A portion of the housing 90 is translucent. The translucent portion may be partially opaque or completely transparent so as to allow at least some light to pass through the housing 90 from the interior of the block 80. The housing 90 may be formed in a variety of ways, such as using mold casting and / or 3D printing. In addition, the housing 90 may be formed of a plurality of parts assembled together. For example, the housing 90 may include a plurality of parts that are suitable for being connected together and / or suitable for being connected together using fasteners.
[0029] The housing 90 has a groove 92 from the first side 86 to the second side 88. The groove 92 is adapted to accommodate the rail 60. The shape of the groove 92 is such that when the block 80 is coupled to the rail 60, the housing 90 extends around the sides of the rail 60. By extending around the rail 60, the housing 90 provides stability to the block 80 as the user slides the block 80 along the rail 60. The shape of the groove 92 is generally consistent from the first side 86 to the second side 88 to allow the block 80 to slide along the rail 60. The housing 90 optionally has an indentation 94 on the side of the block 80. The indentation 94 extends slightly inward on the housing 90 to facilitate the user's gripping of the block 80. For example, when the user slides the block 80, the indentation 94 can provide space for the user's fingers to grip the block 80.
[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the pins 96 extend outwardly from the block 80 on the first side 86. The pins 96 are suitable for electrically connecting the block 80 to an adjacent block 80. Specifically, the pins 96 are configured to electrically connect to the sockets 102 on the other block 80 when the user slides the two blocks 80 into abutment. On the first block 82, the pins 96 are configured to electrically connect the first block 82 to the base 62 on the frame 54. The pins 96 are made of a conductive material, such as copper or aluminum. In the illustrated embodiment, the pins 96 are generally cylindrical. In another embodiment, the pins 96 can be hook-shaped and / or latch-shaped so as to mechanically couple to the sockets 102 on the other block 80.
[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the socket 102 provides space to receive the pin 96 on the second side 88. The socket 102 is configured to electrically connect to the pin 96 on the other block 80 when the user slides the two blocks 80 to make contact. In one example, the socket 102 on the last block 84 is not configured to electrically connect to any pin 96. In another example, the last block 84 does not include a socket 102. The socket 102 is made of a conductive material, such as copper or aluminum. In one embodiment, the shape of the socket 102 matches the shape of the pin 96 on the other block 80. In another embodiment, the socket 102 is configured to be mechanically coupled to the pin 96 on the other block 80 using a clip and / or other mechanism. When two adjacent blocks 80 are in contact with each other and the pin 96 is connected to the socket 102, the pin 96 on one block 80 is located in the socket 102 on the other block 80, so that the first side 86 of one block 80 can contact and abut the second side 88 of the other block 80.
[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, each block 80 includes two pins 96 and two sockets 102. In one arrangement, one pair of pins 96 and sockets 102 is configured to carry a positive voltage relative to ground (e.g., 3 volts or 5 volts), while the other pair of pins 96 and sockets 102 is configured to carry a ground voltage. Using this arrangement, the blocks 80 can be electrically connected in parallel so that the lighting elements receive the same voltage in each block 80. In an alternative embodiment, each block 80 can include one pin 96 and one socket 102, and the conductive path on each block can be completed by a conductor on the rail 60. In yet another embodiment, each block 80 can include more than two pins 96 and two sockets 102. For example, each block 80 can include additional pins 96 and sockets 102 that are configured to carry one or more data signals between the blocks 80. It should be understood that in addition to or instead of pins and sockets, the blocks 80 can use conductors of various shapes, such as conductive pads.
[0033] The first magnet 98 on the first side 86 is configured to couple to the second magnet 104 on the other block 80. By coupling the blocks 80 together, the first magnet 98 and the second magnet 104 maintain contact between the socket 102 on one block 80 and the pin 96 on the other block 80, thereby maintaining an electrical connection between the blocks 80. On the first block 82, the first magnet 98 is configured to couple to the magnet 52 on the base 62. The housing 90 may optionally be provided with a notch 100 on the first side 86. The first magnet 98 may be disposed in the notch 100. The notch 100 is configured to receive a portion of the second magnet 104 when the first magnet 98 and the second magnet 104 on the two blocks 80 are coupled to each other. By receiving the second magnet 104 in the notch 100, the blocks 80 can be kept aligned when the first magnet 98 and the second magnet 104 are coupled, and the blocks 80 can abut against each other.
[0034] The second magnet 104 may protrude from the second side 88. When two adjacent blocks 80 are in contact with each other and the second magnet 104 is coupled to the first magnet 98, the second magnet 104 on one block 80 is positioned in the recess 100 on the other block 80 so that the first side 86 of one block 80 contacts the second side 88 of the other block 80. The first magnet 98 and the second magnet 104 are aligned in the same direction so that the magnetic fields are oriented in the same direction and the magnetic force is arranged in an attractive force between the magnets 98 and 104. For example, the north pole of the first magnet 98 may be positioned toward the south pole of the second magnet 104. Alternatively, one of the first magnet 98 and the second magnet 104 may be replaced by a ferromagnetic material (e.g., an iron sheet) that does not generate a significant magnetic field. It should be understood that the magnets 98 and 104 may be flush with the sides 86 and 88 of the blocks 80 to allow the blocks 80 to abut each other. Furthermore, blocks 80 may be mechanically coupled together using another mechanism in addition to or in lieu of magnets 52 .
[0035] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the base 62 of the frame 54 generally includes a port 64, a socket 66 and a base magnet 68. The port 64 is configured to receive an electrical conductor (e.g., a cable) to electrically connect the base 62 to a power source. By connecting the base 62 to a power source, the port 64 enables the base 62 to power the lighting element in the block 80. The port 64 enables the base 62 to be electrically connected to a power grid, to a battery pack, to a power source of a gaming table, and / or to another power source through the socket. Alternatively, the base 62 may optionally include a power source. For example, the base 62 may include rechargeable and / or disposable batteries. In one example, the port 64 may be used to charge the battery in the base 62. In another example, the base 62 may include a power source but does not include the port 64. The base 62 may optionally include a switch and / or button to turn the power of the base 62 on and off and / or to connect or disconnect the base 62 to an external power source.
[0036] The socket 66 faces the second end 58 of the frame 54 and is adapted to receive the pin 96 on the first block 82. The socket 66 is configured to be electrically connected to the pin 96 and transmit power to the block 80. The socket 66 is electrically connected to the port 64 and / or the power supply and is configured to connect the pin 96 to the port 64 and / or the power supply. In one example, the socket 66 can be directly electrically connected to the port 64 and / or the power supply. In another example, the base 62 may include one or more power converters, fuses, microcontrollers, and / or other components that electrically connect the socket 66 to the port 64 and / or the power supply. The shape of the socket 66 generally matches the shape of the pin 96 on the block 80. When the first block 82 contacts the base 62, the socket 66 allows the first block 82 to abut against the base 62. In one embodiment, the socket 66 on the base 62 may have the same shape and / or material as the socket 102 on the block 80. The number and arrangement of the socket 66 matches the number and arrangement of the pin 96 on the first block 82.
[0037] The base magnet 68 is located on the same side as the socket 66. The base magnet 68 is configured to mechanically couple to the first magnet 98 on the first block 82 when the user slides the first block 82 onto the base 62. When the first block 82 is coupled to the base 62, the base magnet 68 extends into the recess 100 on the first block 82 to facilitate alignment of the block 80 and the base 62 and to abut the first block 82 against the base 62. By coupling the first block 82 to the base 62, the base magnet 68 maintains contact between the socket 66 on the base 62 and the pins 96 on the first block 82, thereby maintaining an electrical connection between the base 62 and the first block 82. By maintaining the position of the block 80 on the first end 56, the score indicating block 80 can reliably receive power from the base 62 and emit light. For example, the base magnet 68 can secure the block 80 to the first end 56 so that if a user accidentally bumps the score counter 50 or tilts the game table, the block 80 remains electrically connected to the base 62. In this way, the base magnet 68 can help the score counter 50 reliably display the correct score.
[0038] On the second end 58, the stopper 70 may include a stopper magnet 72. The stopper magnet 72 is configured to mechanically couple to the second magnet 104 on the last block 84 when the last block 84 rests against the stopper 70. By coupling to the last block 84, the stopper magnet 72 is configured to maintain the position of the last block 84 and other blocks 80 mechanically coupled to the last block 84 biased toward the second end 58 when the last block 84 and other blocks 80 mechanically coupled to the last block 84 do not display a score. For example, if a user accidentally bumps the score counter 50 or tilts the game table, the stopper magnet 72 prevents the blocks 80 on the second end 58 from sliding toward the first end 56. The stopper magnet 72 helps the score counter 50 reliably display the correct score.
[0039] The stopper 70 optionally defines a notch 74. The stopper magnet 72 may be disposed in the notch 74. The notch 74 is configured to receive the second magnet 104 on the last block 84. When the last block 84 is coupled to the stopper 70, the second magnet 104 on the last block 84 extends into the notch 74 on the stopper 70 to facilitate alignment of the block 80 and the stopper 70 and to cause the last block 84 to abut against the stopper 70.
[0040] The base magnet 68 and the stopper magnet 72 are generally aligned in the same direction as the magnets 98 and 104 on the block 80 so that the magnetic fields are oriented in the same direction and the magnetic forces are attractive. For example, the north pole of the base magnet 68 can be positioned toward the south pole of the first magnet 98 on the first block 82. Alternatively, one of the base magnet 68 and the stopper magnet 72 can be replaced with a ferromagnetic material (e.g., a piece of iron) that does not produce a significant magnetic field. It should be understood that the base 62 and / or the stopper 70 can use another mechanism to mechanically couple to the block 80 in addition to or as an alternative to the magnet 52.
[0041] The rail 60 extends between the base 62 and the stopper 70. The rail 60 can be made of a rigid material to support the block 80. For example, the rail 60 can be made of hard plastic, metal and / or even wood. The rail 60 can be formed in a variety of ways, such as by using mold casting, 3D printing or machining. In one example, the rail 60 is integrally formed with the base 62 and the stopper 70 to form the frame 54. In another example, the rail 60 is coupled to the base 62 and the stopper 70 by fasteners and / or other mechanisms. The rail 60 is provided with fastener openings 76 along the length of the rail 60. The fastener openings 76 are suitable for receiving fasteners, such as screws, bolts and / or nails. The user can use the fasteners in the fastener openings 76 to mount the score counter 50 to a game table or other structure.
[0042] Figure 6An end view of the block 80 positioned on the rail 60 of the frame 54 is shown. The housing 90 of the block 80 optionally includes a protrusion 95 that extends into the groove 92. When the block 80 is positioned on the rail 60, the protrusion 95 extends around a portion of the rail 60. The protrusion 95 limits or prevents the block 80 from moving upward from the rail 60, thereby firmly connecting the block 80 to the rail 60. As shown, the rail 60 defines a t-shaped cross-section, and the protrusion 95 configures the groove 92 into a similar t-shape.
[0043] See also Figure 7 , a cross-sectional view of the scorer 50 is shown. Inside the block 80, each block 80 includes a circuit board 106. The circuit board 106 can be a printed circuit board (PCB) or other type of circuit. The circuit board 106 is electrically connected to the pins 96 and the sockets 102. In one embodiment, the circuit board 106 directly electrically connects one pin 96 to one socket 102. In another embodiment, the circuit board 106 includes a switch, a fuse, a microcontroller, and / or another component electrically connected between the pins 96 and the sockets 102.
[0044] The circuit board 106 includes a light 108. In one embodiment, the light 108 is a light emitting diode (LED). The light 108 is electrically connected to the pin 96 and the socket 102. In one embodiment, the light 108 is configured to light up when the block 80 receives power. For example, the terminal on the light 108 can be directly connected to the pin 96 of the block 80, so that the light 108 receives power and lights up when the pin 96 is electrically connected to the socket 102 on another block 80 that receives power. When the block 80 is electrically connected to the base 62, by lighting the light 108 in each block 80, the score counter 50 clearly indicates to the user which blocks 80 display scores. Compared with traditional sliding score counters, the light 108 can make it easier for the user to read the score on the score counter 50.
[0045] The light 108 may be configured to emit light in multiple colors. In the illustrated example, the light 108 includes a plurality of LEDs configured to emit light in multiple colors. The light 108 may include a plurality of individually packaged LEDs and / or LED combination packages, such as RGB LEDs. The circuit board 106 may include a microcontroller and / or another circuit that controls the color of the light 108. In one example, the light 108 is configured to emit light in different colors after the score exceeds the number of blocks 80. For example, in a score counter 50 having 10 blocks 80, the light 108 in each block 80 may emit light in one color until the user slides all ten blocks 80 to the first end 56 to indicate that the score is 10 points. The user can then reset the position of the blocks 80 to the second end 58, and when the user slides the first block 82 to make it contact with the base 62, the first block 82 may emit light in a new color to indicate that the score is 11 points. As the user sequentially slides the blocks 80 to electrically connect them to the base 62, the subsequent blocks 80 may illuminate in new colors to indicate corresponding scores of 12 to 20 points. Optionally, the user may repeat the process after all blocks 80 are connected to the base 62, and the lights 108 in the blocks 80 may illuminate in a third color to indicate scores above 20 points. By illuminating in different colors, the lights 108 enable the score counter 50 to indicate a higher score than a conventional sliding score counter having the same number of slides. It should be understood that the lights 108 may be configured to illuminate in any number of different colors to indicate a score up to the number of colors multiplied by the number of blocks 80. In addition, the lights 108 may include other types of lighting elements in addition to or as an alternative to LEDs, such as fluorescent lights and / or incandescent lights.
[0046] In addition, the circuit board 106 can control the lights 108 in a variety of other ways. The score counter 50 can be programmed to control the lights 108 in each block 80. For example, a microcontroller and / or other device on the circuit board 106 in the base 62 and / or in the block 80 can be programmed to operate the lights 108. An external computer and / or other device can communicate with the base 62 and / or the block 80 using a wired connection (e.g., through port 64) or using a wireless connection (e.g., via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi). The external device can directly control the score counter 50 and / or can program the score counter 50 to operate the lights 108 in a certain manner. In one example, the score counter 50 can be configured to light up multiple score counters 50 in different colors to indicate different teams playing a game. In another example, the scorer 50 can be configured to illuminate the lights 108 in a certain pattern, such as selectively flashing one or more lights 108, illuminating one or more lights 108 in a different color from other lights 108, alternating the colors of the lights 108 in sequence, and / or illuminating the lights 108 in other ways. The scorer 50 can be configured to change the pattern of the lights 108 when a player wins, when the score exceeds the number of blocks 80, and / or in other scenarios. Using the lights 108, the scorer 50 can enhance the user experience by making the score clearer, adding supplementary entertainment to the game, extending the game time, and / or otherwise. It should be understood that the scorer 50 can be configured to operate the lights 108 in a variety of ways.
[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the housing 90 is textured in a zigzag pattern. The texture allows the housing 90 to diffuse the light emitted by the lamp 108 and cause the block 80 to glow evenly. The textured portion of the housing 90 is typically made of a translucent material. The translucent material can be partially opaque or completely transparent so as to allow at least some light to pass through the housing 90. In one example, a portion of the housing 90 can be made of a translucent material, such as acrylic, plastic, and / or even glass. In one embodiment, the housing 90 can form indicia on the block 80 using the translucent material to illuminate the indicia, such as a logo, number, text, and / or other design, by the lamp 108. For example, Figure 1 As shown, the numbers on the block 80 can be formed of a translucent material so that the light 108 illuminates the numbers on the block 80 when powered. Alternatively, the housing 90 can be translucent, and the numbers and / or other markings on the block 80 can be opaque. In another example, the numbers and / or other markings on the housing 90 can be raised or recessed.
[0048] Although the present application has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, it should be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive, and it should be understood that only preferred embodiments have been shown and described, and it is intended to protect all changes, equivalents and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A luminous scoring device for a game table, characterized in that: include: a frame comprising a rail and a base, wherein the base is located at a first end of the rail and the frame is adapted to be mounted to a gaming table; a plurality of blocks adapted to slide along the guide rail, wherein each of the blocks comprises a lamp, wherein each of the blocks is adapted to be electrically connected to another block when contacting the other block, and wherein a first one of the blocks is adapted to be electrically connected to the base when contacting the base; wherein the base is adapted to supply power to the first block when the first block contacts and is electrically connected to the base; wherein, when each subsequent block is electrically connected to one of the blocks electrically connected to the base, each subsequent block is adapted to be electrically connected to the base through one or more of the blocks including the first block; and Wherein, when each of the subsequent blocks is electrically connected to the base, the base is suitable for supplying power to each of the subsequent blocks, and when the base supplies power to the blocks, the lamp in each of the blocks emits light.
2. The score counter of claim 1 , wherein each of the blocks comprises a first magnet on a first side and a second magnet on a second side, and when the first side of one of the blocks contacts the second side of another block, the first magnet on the block couples to the second magnet on the other block.
3. The score counter of claim 2, wherein the base includes a magnet that couples to the first magnet on the first block when the first block contacts the base.
4. The score counter of claim 2, wherein the frame includes a stopper located at a second end of the rail relative to the first end, and the stopper is adapted to limit movement of a last one of the blocks.
5. The score counter of claim 4, wherein the stopper includes a magnet that couples with the second magnet on the last block when the last block contacts the stopper.
6. The score counter of claim 1, wherein each of the blocks is adapted to emit light in a plurality of colors.
7. The scoring device according to claim 6, wherein the block is adapted to indicate a score greater than the number of the block by changing a glowing color.
8. The scoring device according to claim 7, wherein the blocks are adapted to change the luminescent color a plurality of times to indicate a score range that is at least three times the number of the blocks.
9. The score counter of claim 1, wherein the block includes a housing surrounding the light, and a portion of the housing is translucent to allow light to pass through the housing.
10. The score counter of claim 9, wherein the housing is textured to diffuse the light emitted by the lamp.
11. The score counter of claim 9, wherein said housing on each said block includes indicia, and said light in said block illuminates said indicia when each said block receives power.
12. The score counter of claim 1, wherein the base includes a port adapted to electrically connect the base to an external power source.
13. The score counter of claim 1, wherein each of the blocks comprises pins on a first side and a socket on a second side, wherein when the first side of one block abuts against the second side of another block, the pins on the block are electrically connected to the sockets on the other block.
14. The scoring device of claim 13, wherein the base includes a socket adapted to be electrically connected to the pin on the first block, and the pin is inserted into the socket when the first block abuts the base.
15. A luminous scoring device for a game table, characterized in that: include: a frame comprising a rail and a base, wherein the base is located at a first end of the rail, wherein the base includes a magnet, and the frame is adapted to be mounted to a gaming table; a plurality of blocks adapted to slide along the guide rails, wherein each of the blocks comprises a light and a magnet, wherein each of the blocks is adapted to be electrically connected to another block when in contact with the other block, wherein each of the blocks is adapted to be electrically connected to another block when in contact with the other block, and wherein the magnet on each of the blocks is adapted to be mechanically coupled to the magnet on the other block when in contact with the other block; wherein a first one of the blocks is adapted to be electrically connected to the base when in contact with the base, and the magnet on the first block is adapted to be mechanically coupled to the magnet on the base when the first block contacts the base; wherein the base is adapted to supply power to the first block when the first block contacts and is electrically connected to the base; wherein, when each of the subsequent blocks is electrically connected to one of the blocks electrically connected to the base, each of the subsequent blocks is adapted to be electrically connected to the base through one or more of the blocks including the first block; and Wherein, when each of the subsequent blocks is electrically connected to the base, the base is suitable for supplying power to each of the subsequent blocks, and when the base supplies power to the blocks, the lamp in each of the blocks emits light.
16. A score counter according to claim 15, wherein each of the blocks includes a first magnet on a first side and a second magnet on a second side, and wherein when the first side of one of the blocks contacts the second side of another block, the first magnet on the block couples to the second magnet on the other block.
17. A scoring device according to claim 16, wherein each of the blocks has a recess on the first side, wherein the first magnet is located in the recess, and the recess on one of the blocks is suitable for receiving the second magnet on the other block when the first side of the block abuts against the second side of the other block.
18. The score counter of claim 15, wherein each of said blocks is adapted to emit light in a plurality of colors.
19. A score counter according to claim 18, wherein the blocks are adapted to emit light in a pattern.
20. The score counter of claim 15, wherein the housing of each of said blocks includes indicia, and wherein said light in each of said blocks is adapted to illuminate said indicia when said blocks are powered.