Luminous score indicator for game table

Abstract

A luminous score indicator for a game table includes a frame and a plurality of blocks adapted to slide between a first end and a second end of the frame. The frame comprises a guide rail which is used for supporting the block body to slide between the first end and the second end of the frame. The frame includes, at the first end, a base adapted to be electrically connected to the block. And each block body is suitable for being in contact with and electrically connected with the adjacent block body and / or the base. The block includes a lamp arranged to emit light when the block is powered. When each block is electrically connected with the base, the base supplies power to the block, and the lamp lightens the block. The blocks optionally include magnets arranged to mechanically couple the blocks when a user slides the blocks to a contact state.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This application relates to scoring systems for games, and more particularly to a lighted scorekeeper for a game table. BACKGROUND

[0002] Game tables are used to play various games, such as football (i.e., table football), air hockey, billiards, table tennis, bumper pool, shuffleboard, and / or other games. Some game tables utilize a scoring system to display a user's score while the user is playing the game. For example, a game table can include a sliding scorekeeper. Conventional sliding scorekeepers typically include beads or other components that slide along a track, and a user can slide the components together on one side to indicate a score. The score displayed by some sliding scorekeepers can not be clear, can be low in visibility, and / or can be displayed in other ways that are not effective. For example, while playing the game, a user can have difficulty or be inconvenienced to manually count the number of components that indicate a score, to identify which components indicate a score, and / or to otherwise quickly read the score. Using such a sliding scorekeeper, a user can not have a clear understanding of the score.

[0003] Game tables often involve moving components, and / or a user is required to hit, push, and / or otherwise move objects in the game. During the game, a user can accidentally bump, tilt, and / or jostle the scorekeeper or game table. These actions can cause the components on a manual scorekeeper to slide out of position. For example, during the game, the components of the scorekeeper can be bumped out of position such that an incorrect score is displayed or no score is clearly displayed, or a user can forget which components of the sliding scorekeeper are indicating a score. Furthermore, the number of components on a sliding scorekeeper limits the score that can be displayed, which can limit the length of the game and / or overall use of the game table.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for improvement in this field. SUMMARY

[0005] Some embodiments include a lighted scorekeeper for a game table. The scorekeeper includes a frame. The frame generally includes a track and a base. The base is at a first end of the track, and the frame is adapted to be mounted to a game table.

[0006] The scorekeeper generally includes a plurality of blocks that are adapted to slide along the track. Each block includes a light that is adapted to selectively emit light. Each block is adapted to electrically connect to another block when the block contacts the other block. Each block can selectively include a magnet. A magnet on one block is adapted to mechanically couple to a magnet on another block when the one block contacts the other block. A first block of the plurality of blocks is adapted to electrically connect to the base when the first block contacts the base. The base can selectively include a magnet, and a magnet on the first block can mechanically couple to the 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 electrically connects to the base. Each subsequent block is adapted to electrically connect to the base through one or more blocks including the first block when each subsequent block electrically connects to one of the blocks already electrically connected to the base. The base is adapted to supply power to each subsequent block when each subsequent block electrically connects to the base. The light in each block is adapted to emit light when the base supplies power to the block.

[0008] In some embodiments, each block can 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 another block when the first side of the one block contacts the second side of the another block. In one example, the base can include a magnet adapted to couple to the first magnet on the first block when the first block contacts the base. Additionally, the frame can include a stop on a second end of the track, opposite the first end. The stop is adapted to limit movement of a last block in the plurality of blocks. In one example, the stop includes a magnet adapted to couple to the second magnet on the last block when the last block contacts the stop.

[0009] In some embodiments, each block is adapted to emit light in a plurality of colors. For example, the blocks can be configured to indicate a score greater than the number of blocks by changing the color of the emitted light. In another example, the blocks can be configured to change the color of the emitted light a plurality of times to indicate a range of scores at least three times the number of blocks. In another example, the blocks can be configured to emit light in a pattern. The blocks can include a housing that encloses the light. 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 emitted light from the light. The housing on each block can optionally include indicia. In one example, the light in each block is configured to illuminate the indicia when the block receives power.

[0010] In some embodiments, each block can include a pin on a first side and a socket on a second side. The pin on one block is adapted to electrically connect to the socket on another block when the first side of the one block abuts the second side of the another block. Optionally, the base can include a socket adapted to electrically connect to the pin on the first block. The pin on the first block is adapted to be inserted into the socket when the first block abuts the base. The base can also include a port adapted to electrically connect the base to an external power source. Additionally, each block can have a recess on the first side and the first magnet can be disposed within the recess. The recess on one block can be configured to receive the second magnet on another block when the first side of the one block abuts the second side of the another block.

[0011] Further forms, objects, features, aspects, advantages, and embodiments of the application will become apparent from the detailed description and drawings provided herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a score counter;

[0013] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a block of the score counter in

[0014] Figure 3 is Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the block in

[0015] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a frame of the score counter in Figure 1

[0016] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the frame in Figure 4

[0017] Figure 6 is a rear elevation view of the block in Figure 2 Figure 4

[0018] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the score counter in Figure 6 Figure 1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the application, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe these embodiments. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the application is intended by this specification. Alterations and further modifications of such embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the application as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one generally skilled in the art to which the application relates. One embodiment of the application will be described in detail, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present application can not be shown for the sake of clarity.

[0020] In this specification, directional terms, such as forward, rearward, top, bottom, and the like, are used for ease of understanding with reference to the particular embodiments illustrated. It will be appreciated that these terms are not intended to limit the application.

[0021] Reference is made to Figure 1 ​​​​​​The lighted scorekeeper 50 can be used to record game scores. For example, the scorekeeper 50 can be used with a game table for air hockey, table hockey, football (e.g., table football), billiards, bumper pool, table tennis, shuffleboard, and / or other games, or other game tables. The scorekeeper 50 can be mounted to the game table. For example, a user can mount one scorekeeper 50 at each end of the game table to record scores for two players and / or teams. Alternatively, the scorekeeper can be mounted near the game table.

[0022] The scorekeeper 50 includes a frame 54 and blocks 80. The frame 54 is used to support the blocks 80. The blocks 80 are movably coupled to the frame 54 so as to slide between a first end 56 and a second end 58 of the frame 54. A user can slide one or more blocks 80 to the first end 56 to indicate a score. The blocks 80 indicating the score are adapted to light up. When one or more blocks 80 are positioned on the first end 56, the 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 that turns on when the block 80 is electrically connected to the power source. The blocks 80 can also include indicia, such as numbers, logos, and / or other designs. In the illustrated example, the blocks 80 are sequentially labeled with numbers.

[0023] The scorekeeper 50 generally 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 to each other when the two adjacent blocks 80 are in contact with each other. Similarly, the magnets 52 are adapted to couple a block 80 to a portion of the frame 54 when the block 80 is in contact with the portion of the frame 54. The magnets 52 can include permanent magnets and / or electromagnets. Generally, the magnets 52 are arranged in pairs such that a north pole of one magnet 52 faces a south pole of another magnet 52. It should be appreciated that the magnets 52 can also be arranged such that one or more magnets 52 are adapted to couple to ferromagnetic material that does not generate its own magnetic field.

[0024] As shown, the frame 54 generally includes rails 60, a base 62, and a stop 70. The rails 60 extend between the first end 56 and the second end 58 of the frame 54. The blocks 80 are configured to slide along the rails 60. The base 62 is located on the first end 56 and is configured to limit movement of the blocks 80 toward the first end 56. A user can selectively electrically connect the base 62 and the blocks 80 by sliding a block 80 into contact with the base 62, or a block 80 in contact with the base 62. The base 62 can be electrically connected to the blocks 80 directly or indirectly. In a direct electrical connection, the base 62 can contact a block 80 to establish an electrically conductive path between the base 62 and the block 80. In an indirect electrical connection, one or more blocks 80 can contact each other in sequence and the base 62 to establish an electrically conductive path from the base 62 to the block 80 through one or more other blocks 80. The base 62 is configured to supply power to the blocks 80 when one or more blocks 80 are electrically connected to the base 62. On the rails 60, the stop 70 is located on the second end 58 and is configured to limit movement of the blocks 80 toward the second end 58.

[0025] The set 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 labeled with the numeral "1," while the remaining blocks 80 are labeled with corresponding consecutive numerals. When a 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. A user can slide the blocks 80 in sequence toward the first block 82. When a subsequent block 80 contacts and electrically connects to the first block 82, the base 62 is electrically connected to and supplies power to the subsequent block 80 through the first block 82. When any subsequent block 80 is electrically connected to any block 80 that is receiving power (e.g., the first block 82 or another block 80), the subsequent block 80 receives power. Figure 1 In the example shown, the blocks 80 labeled "1" through "4" are electrically connected to the base 62 and the base 62 supplies power to these blocks 80 such that these blocks 80 emit light. In general, each block 80 is configured to emit light when the block 80 is powered. In a general slide counter, a user can slide the blocks to display a score. However, in the light-emitting counter 50, the blocks 80 are configured to electrically connect to the base 62 and emit light when a user slides the blocks 80 to display a score.

[0026] The last block 84 is positioned closest to the second end 58 of the frame 54 relative to the remaining blocks 80. The stop 70 is configured to limit movement of the last block 84 toward the second end 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the scorekeeper 50 includes ten blocks 80, and the last block 84 is labeled with the numeral "10." As Figure 1 In the illustrated example, the blocks 80 labeled "6" through "10" abut one another and rest against the stop 70. In one example, the scorekeeper 50 can indicate a score of up to 10 points when the user slides the corresponding number of blocks 80 toward the first end 56. In another example, the scorekeeper 50 can indicate a score of more than 10 points by changing the color of the light after the last block 84 is electrically connected to the base 62 and emits light. For example, the blocks 80 can glow red to indicate a score of up to 10 points, and the blocks 80 can glow blue to indicate a score of from 11 to 20 points after the user resets the position of the blocks 80.

[0027] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the blocks 80 are illustrated. Each block 80 in the scorekeeper 50 can include any type of indicia, such as a unique design that distinguishes the block 80 from other blocks 80, a design that is the same as other blocks 80, and / or sequential indicia that is consistent with other blocks 80. For ease of illustration, Figure 2 and Figure 3 the blocks 80 are blank and do not include the indicia illustrated in Figure 1 Each block 80 generally includes a housing 90, a pin 96, a socket 102, and a magnet 52. As illustrated, the pin 96 and the first magnet 98 are positioned on the first side 86 of the block 80. The socket 102 and the second magnet 104 are positioned 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 can be made of a hard plastic. A portion of the housing 90 is translucent. The translucent portion can be partially opaque or fully transparent so as to allow at least some light to pass from the interior of the block 80 through the housing 90. The housing 90 can be formed in a variety of ways, such as using a mold to cast and / or 3D printing. In addition, the housing 90 can be formed from multiple components that are assembled together. For example, the housing 90 can include multiple components that are adapted to be connected together and / or adapted to be connected together using fasteners.

[0029] The housing 90 has a recess 92 extending from the first side 86 to the second side 88. The recess 92 is adapted to accommodate the guide rail 60. The shape of the recess 92 allows the housing 90 to extend around the sides of the guide rail 60 when the block 80 is coupled to the guide rail 60. By extending around the guide rail 60, the housing 90 provides stability to the block 80 as the user slides the block 80 along the guide rail 60. The shape of the recess 92 is generally consistent from the first side 86 to the second side 88 to allow the block 80 to slide along the guide 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 a user's grip on the block 80. For example, the indentation 94 can provide space for the user's fingers to grip the block 80 as the user slides 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 to mechanically couple to the sockets 102 on the other block 80.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the sockets 102 provide space to receive the pins 96 on the second side 88. The sockets 102 are configured to electrically connect to the pins 96 on the other block 80 when a user slides the two blocks 80 into contact. In one example, the sockets 102 on the last block 84 are not configured to electrically connect to any pins 96. In another example, the last block 84 does not include a socket 102. The sockets 102 are made of a conductive material, such as copper or aluminum. In one embodiment, the shape of the sockets 102 matches the shape of the pins 96 on the other block 80. In another embodiment, the sockets 102 are configured to mechanically couple to the pins 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 pins 96 are connected to the sockets 102, the pins 96 on one block 80 are positioned in the sockets 102 on the other block 80, allowing the first side 86 of one block 80 to 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 are configured to carry a positive voltage (e.g., 3 volts or 5 volts) relative to ground, while the other pair of pins 96 and sockets 102 are configured to carry a ground voltage. Using this arrangement, the blocks 80 can be electrically connected in parallel, such that the lighting elements receive the same voltage in each block 80. In alternative embodiments, 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 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 appreciated that, in addition to or instead of pins and sockets, the blocks 80 can use various shapes of conductors, such as conductive pads.

[0033] The first magnet 98 on the first side 86 is configured to couple to a second magnet 104 on another 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 another block 80, thereby maintaining the 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 can optionally be provided with a recess 100 on the first side 86. The first magnet 98 can be disposed in the recess 100. The recess 100 is configured to receive a portion of the second magnet 104 when the first magnet 98 and the second magnet 104 on two blocks 80 are coupled to each other. By receiving the second magnet 104 in the recess 100, the blocks 80 can be maintained in alignment when the first magnet 98 and the second magnet 104 are coupled, and the blocks 80 can abut each other.

[0034] The second magnets 104 can protrude from the second side 88. When two adjacent tiles 80 are in contact with each other and the second magnets 104 are coupled to the first magnets 98, the second magnets 104 on one tile 80 are positioned in the notches 100 on the other tile 80 such that the first side 86 of one tile 80 contacts the second side 88 of the other tile 80. The first magnets 98 and the second magnets 104 are aligned in the same direction such that the magnetic fields are oriented in the same direction and the magnetic force is disposed as an attractive force between the magnets 98 and 104. For example, the north pole of the first magnet 98 can be positioned toward the south pole of the second magnet 104. Alternatively, one of the first magnet 98 and the second magnet 104 can be replaced by a ferromagnetic material (e.g., a piece of iron) that does not produce a significant magnetic field. It should be understood that the magnets 98 and 104 can be flush with the sides 86 and 88 of the tiles 80 in order to allow the tiles 80 to abut each other. Furthermore, the tiles 80 can use another mechanism to mechanically couple together in addition to or as an alternative to the magnets 52.

[0035] Referring to 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., an electrical 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 elements in the tiles 80. The port 64 enables the base 62 to be electrically connected to a power grid, to a battery pack, to a power supply of a game table, and / or to another power source through the socket. Alternatively, the base 62 can optionally include a power source. For example, the base 62 can include rechargeable and / or disposable batteries. In one example, the port 64 can be used to charge the batteries in the base 62. In another example, the base 62 can include a power source but not the port 64. The base 62 can optionally include a switch and / or a button to turn the power source of the base 62 on and off and / or to turn the connection of the base 62 to an external power source on or off.

[0036] The sockets 66 face the second end 58 of the frame 54 and are adapted to receive the pins 96 on the first block 82. The sockets 66 are configured to electrically connect to the pins 96 and transmit power to the blocks 80. The sockets 66 are electrically connected to the ports 64 and / or power source and are configured to connect the pins 96 to the ports 64 and / or power source. In one example, the sockets 66 can be directly electrically connected to the ports 64 and / or power source. In another example, the base 62 can include one or more power converters, fuses, microcontrollers, and / or other components that electrically connect the sockets 66 to the ports 64 and / or power source. The sockets 66 are generally shaped to match the shape of the pins 96 on the blocks 80. The sockets 66 allow the first block 82 to abut to the base 62 when the first block 82 contacts the base 62. In one embodiment, the sockets 66 on the base 62 can have the same shape and / or material as the sockets 102 on the blocks 80. The number and arrangement of the sockets 66 on the base 62 match the number and arrangement of the pins 96 on the first block 82.

[0037] The base magnets 68 are located on the same side as the sockets 66. The base magnets 68 are configured to mechanically couple to the first magnets 98 on the first block 82 when a user slides the first block 82 to the base 62. When the first block 82 is coupled to the base 62, the base magnets 68 extend into the notches 100 on the first block 82 to facilitate aligning the blocks 80 and the base 62 and to cause the first block 82 to abut to the base 62. By coupling the first block 82 to the base 62, the base magnets 68 maintain contact between the sockets 66 on the base 62 and the pins 96 on the first block 82, thereby maintaining the electrical connection between the base 62 and the first block 82. By maintaining the position of the blocks 80 on the first end 56, the blocks 80 indicating a score can reliably receive power from the base 62 and emit light. For example, the base magnets 68 can secure the blocks 80 on the first end 56 so that if a user accidentally bumps the scorekeeper 50 or tilts a game table, the blocks 80 remain electrically connected to the base 62. In this way, the base magnets 68 can help the scorekeeper 50 reliably display the correct score.

[0038] On the second end 58, the stopper 70 can 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 is resting on 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 show a score. For example, if a user accidentally bumps into the scorer 50 or tilts the game table, the stopper magnet 72 will prevent the blocks 80 on the second end 58 from sliding toward the first end 56. The stopper magnet 72 helps the scorer 50 reliably show the correct score.

[0039] The stopper 70 optionally defines a notch 74. The stopper magnet 72 can 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 aligning the blocks 80 and the stopper 70 and cause the last block 84 to rest against the stopper 70.

[0040] The base magnet 68 and the stopper magnet 72 are generally aligned with the magnets 98 and 104 on the blocks 80 in the same direction such that the magnetic fields are oriented in the same direction and the magnetic forces are in an attractive state. 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 generate a significant magnetic field. It should be appreciated that the base 62 and / or the stopper 70 can use another mechanism to mechanically couple to the blocks 80 in addition to or as an alternative to the magnets 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 blocks 80. For example, the rail 60 can be made of a hard plastic, metal, and / or even wood. The rail 60 can be formed in a variety of ways, such as by casting using a mold, 3D printing, or machining. In one example, the rail 60 is integrally formed with the base 62 and the stopper 70 to make up 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 adapted to receive fasteners, such as screws, bolts, and / or nails. The user can use the fasteners in the fastener openings 76 to mount the scorer 50 to a game table or other structure.

[0042] Figure 6An end view of the block 80 is shown positioned on the rail 60 of the frame 54. The housing 90 of the block 80 optionally includes a protrusion 95 that extends into a recess 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 restricts or prevents the block 80 from being lifted upward from the rail 60, thereby securely connecting the block 80 to the rail 60. As shown, the rail 60 defines a t-shaped cross-section, and the recess 92 is constructed as a similar t-shape.

[0043] Referring to Figure 7 , a cross-sectional view of the scorekeeper 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 pins 96 and the sockets 102. In one embodiment, the light 108 is configured to illuminate when the block 80 is receiving power. For example, the terminals on the light 108 can be directly connected to the pins 96 of the block 80, such that the light 108 receives power and illuminates when the pins 96 are electrically connected to the sockets 102 on another block 80 that is receiving power. When the block 80 is electrically connected to the base 62, the scorekeeper 50 clearly indicates to the user which blocks 80 show the score by illuminating the light 108 in each block 80. The light 108 can make it easier for the user to read the score on the scorekeeper 50 compared to a traditional sliding scorekeeper.

[0045] The lights 108 can be configured to emit light in a variety of colors. In the illustrated example, the lights 108 include a plurality of LEDs configured to emit light in a variety of colors. The lights 108 can include a plurality of individually packaged LEDs and / or LED combination packages, such as RGB LEDs. The circuit board 106 can include a microcontroller and / or another circuit that controls the color of the lights 108. In one example, the lights 108 are configured to emit light in a different color after the number of blocks 80 is scored. For example, in a score counter 50 having 10 blocks 80, the lights 108 in each block 80 can emit light in one color until the user slides all ten blocks 80 to the first end 56 to indicate a score of 10. 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 into contact with the base 62, the first block 82 can emit light in a new color to indicate a score of 11. As the user slides the blocks 80 into electrical contact with the base 62 in sequence, the subsequent blocks 80 can emit light in the new color to indicate a corresponding score of 12 through 20. Optionally, the user can repeat the process after connecting all of the blocks 80 to the base 62, and the lights 108 in the blocks 80 can emit light in a third color to indicate a score higher than 20. By emitting light in different colors, the lights 108 enable the score counter 50 to indicate a higher score than a conventional slide counter having the same number of sliders. It will be appreciated that the lights 108 can be configured to emit light in any number of different colors to indicate a score up to the number of colors multiplied by the number of blocks 80. Additionally, the lights 108 can include other types of lighting elements in addition to or in place of LEDs, such as fluorescent and / or incandescent lights.

[0046] In addition, the circuit board 106 can control the lights 108 in various other ways. The scorekeeper 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 blocks 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 blocks 80 using a wired connection (e.g., through the port 64) or using a wireless connection (e.g., through Bluetooth or Wi-fi). The external device can directly control the scorekeeper 50 and / or can program the scorekeeper 50 to operate the lights 108 in some manner. In one example, the scorekeeper 50 can be configured to light up in different colors to indicate different teams playing the game. In another example, the scorekeeper 50 can be configured to light up the lights 108 in some pattern, such as selectively flashing one or more lights 108, lighting one or more lights 108 in a different color than other lights 108, alternating the color of the lights 108 in a sequence, and / or lighting the lights 108 in other ways. The scorekeeper 50 can be configured to change the pattern of the lights 108 when one player wins, when the score exceeds the number of blocks 80, and / or in other scenarios. Using the lights 108, the scorekeeper 50 can make the score more clear, add supplemental entertainment to the game, extend the length of the game, and / or otherwise enhance the user experience. It should be understood that the scorekeeper 50 can be configured to operate the lights 108 in various ways.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the housing 90 has a textured pattern of saw teeth. The texture allows the housing 90 to diffuse light emitted by the lights 108 and causes the blocks 80 to glow uniformly. 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 use the translucent material to form indicia on the blocks 80 to illuminate the indicia, such as a logo, a number, text, and / or other design, by the lights 108. For example, as shown, the numbers on the blocks 80 can be formed from the translucent material so that the lights 108 illuminate the numbers on the blocks 80 when energized. Alternatively, the housing 90 can be translucent and the numbers and / or other indicia on the blocks 80 can be opaque. In another example, the numbers and / or other indicia on the housing 90 can be raised or recessed. Figure 1

[0048] ​While the application has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the application defined by the following claims are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. A luminous score counter for a game table, characterized in that: include: a frame comprising rails and a base, wherein the base is located at a first end of the rails 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 includes 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 provide 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 scorer 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 block 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 scorer of claim 2, wherein the frame includes a stopper located at a second end of the guide 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 comprises 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 score counter according to claim 6, wherein the blocks are adapted to indicate a score greater than the number of the blocks by changing a light emitting color.

8. The score counter according to claim 7, wherein the blocks are adapted to change luminescent color a plurality of times to indicate a score range that is at least three times the number of the blocks.

9. The scorer 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 the housing on each of the blocks includes indicia, and the light in the block illuminates the indicia when each of the blocks 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 scorer 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 the second side of another block, the pins on the block are electrically connected to the socket on the other block.

14. The score counter 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 score counter 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 includes 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, 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 wherein 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 provide 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 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. The scorer of claim 15 , wherein each of the blocks comprises 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 scorer 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 adapted to receive the second magnet on the other block when the first side of the block abuts the second side of the other block.

18. The score counter of claim 15, wherein each of the blocks is adapted to emit light in a plurality of colors.

19. The score counter of 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 the blocks includes indicia, and wherein the light in each of the blocks is adapted to illuminate the indicia when the blocks are powered.

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