BIFACE, PULL BOX, KIT

Abstract

DIE (1) comprising only two main faces (F1, F2), the first face (F1) comprising at least one portion of convex curved surface and the second face (F2) being flat. Figure for the abstract: Fig.9

Description

Title of the invention: BIFACE, DRAWING BOX, KIT Field of invention

[0001] The field of the invention relates to the field of devices for generating a random event. The field of the invention relates to “dice” type devices which make it possible to obtain a sufficient number of states while providing controlled rolling of said devices in order to contain a throw within a limited perimeter. State of the art

[0002] Currently, there are classic six-sided dice, each of which allows for six states and therefore a predefined distribution of possibilities. Classic dice are of interest due to their cubic shape, which allows for good rolling while offering a combination of varied possibilities.

[0003] However, the conventional die has a limitation in obtaining a variety of random numbers that can be produced. For example, combinatorics gives 6 combinations with one die, 36 combinations with two dice and 216 combinations with 3 dice. However, base 6 is not optimal for obtaining certain statistical representations.

[0004] A base of 2 allows a better statistical representation of certain phenomena for calculating random events. One problem is that a device generating a two-state random event is difficult to design. Indeed, different devices, such as dice, must be considered to obtain a minimum number of combinations and these must allow sufficient rolling.

[0005] There are coins that are often used to achieve one of two possible states. One problem is that tossing several coins causes them to scatter, some of which roll on their edges.

[0006] There is a solution for obtaining a double-sided die described in application GB1534544, the title of which is "Dice and dice games" published on December 6, 1978. A disadvantage of this die, noted in [Fig.l], is that it is bulky. Indeed, it is difficult to roll several dice while holding them in one hand. However, rolling a random number often requires synchronizing the roll in order to obtain the results of the set of dice simultaneously.

[0007] Another disadvantage is that this die is difficult to manufacture because it requires mastery of the manufacture of curved portions and straight portions at the transitions from one face to the other. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to one aspect, the invention relates to a die comprising only two main faces, the first face comprising at least one portion of curved surface convex and the second face being substantially flat. An advantage is that it allows for a two-state die to be obtained with a rolling allowing for randomness during a roll and limiting the travel of said die.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the shape of the general three-dimensional surface of each of the faces of at least one die is different from one another. An advantage is that it makes it possible to quickly visualize the state of the die when it is stabilized in a state of rest.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the first face and the second face of at least one die are joined by convex curved lateral portions. One advantage is to facilitate the rolling of the die during a throw.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the general shape of at least one die is a flattened ovoid shape. An advantage is to obtain a good compromise between rolling and a limited travel within a given perimeter during a throw.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the first face of at least one die comprises at least one surface irregularity, said surface irregularity having a local concave shape. One advantage is to make it possible to recognize a die among a series of dice. Another advantage is to promote the generation of a random number.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the first face of at least one die comprises at least one surface irregularity, said surface irregularity having a locally convex shape. An advantage is to generate varied hazards favored by different geometries of the surface of the die.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the surface irregularity of at least one die is characterized by descriptors, a first descriptor corresponding to the position of said surface irregularity on the first face, a second descriptor corresponding to a type of local shape of convexity or concavity of said surface irregularity, a third descriptor corresponding to a quantification of the variation of the local curvature of said surface irregularity. An advantage is to allow recognition of the dice with respect to each other. According to one example, the irregularities can be coated with a pigment or a coating making it possible to improve their singularity in order to identify them.

[0015] According to one embodiment, at least one die comprises at least one circumference irregularity comprising a local variation in the curvature of the perimeter greater than a given threshold. One advantage is that it makes it possible to increase the randomness when throwing dice.

[0016] According to one embodiment, at least one face of the die comprises a coating having a different color from the other face. One advantage is that it makes it possible to better recognize the faces of each die after a throw.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the die is formed by a half tamarind seed cut along the main median plane, said half tamarind seed being varnished. An advantage is the ease of production and the heterogeneity of surfaces and the variety of shapes that can be used.

[0018] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a kit comprising a plurality of dice of the invention. An advantage is to provide a kit comprising different dice which can be played together.

[0019] According to one embodiment, at least two dice of the invention each comprise at least one first topological irregularity, respectively one second topological irregularity, each of the topological irregularities comprising at least one descriptor different from the other topological irregularity(ies). An advantage is to obtain heterogeneous and varied dice.

[0020] According to one embodiment, at least five dice of the invention each comprise at least one topological irregularity of surface and / or circumference, each of the topological irregularities comprising at least one descriptor different from the other topological irregularity(ies). An advantage is to provide a set of dice making it possible to generate random numbers while each being different from the other dice in order to recognize, for example, a sequence during a draw.

[0021] According to one embodiment, at least five dice of the invention each comprise a first face each comprising at least one first locally concave surface irregularity, each of the surface irregularities comprising at least one descriptor different from the other descriptors of the other surface irregularities of the other first faces.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the kit comprises at least two sequences of a predefined number of dice, each die of the sequence each having at least one topological irregularity different from the other topological irregularities of the other dice of the sequence, the kit comprising a predefined number of identical copies of the sequence. An advantage is to provide the same dice to two individuals so as to provide identical drawing fairness and random statistics.

[0023] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a transparent box comprising at least two flat faces and comprising a movable face making it possible to form an opening intended to receive a set of dice of the invention, said box being used to stir a set of dice of the invention. An advantage is to limit the travel of a dice throw while having a limited draw within a perimeter defined by the outline of the box.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the box is an element of the kit. Brief description of the figures

[0025] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate: • [Fig-1]: a first example of a two-sided die of the invention comprising a first height and a first edge curvature; • [Fig.2]: a first example of a two-sided die of the invention comprising a first height and a first edge curvature; • [Fig.3]: a second example of a two-sided die of the invention comprising a second height; • [Fig.4]: a third example of a two-sided die of the invention comprising a second edge curvature; • [Fig.5]: a fourth example of a two-sided die with initial irregularities on one of the faces;

[0026] [Fig.6]: a fifth example of a two-sided die with second irregularities on one of the faces; • [Fig.7]: a sixth example of a two-sided die with third irregularities on one of the faces; ; • [Fig.8]: different profiles of dice perimeters of the invention; • [Fig.9]: two three-dimensional representations of a die of the invention, one representation of which includes a median plane of the die of the invention; • [Fig. 10]: a set of two-sided dice of the invention having been thrown to obtain a given combination; • [Fig. 11]: An example of an empty dice box for making throws that limit the dispersion of the dice. • [Fig. 12]: An example of a dice box containing dice of the invention for making throws limiting the dispersion of the dice. Detailed description Definitions

[0027] In the remainder of the description, a “topological irregularity” is called a local modification of the three-dimensional surface of the die.

[0028] This topological irregularity may be an asperity, that is to say a portion of surface forming a slight projection, for example formed by a portion comprising a convexity greater than the average convexity of the surface in the vicinity of the irregularity.

[0029] This topological irregularity may also be a cavity, that is to say a surface portion forming a slight hollow. The cavity may for example be formed by a concave portion or a portion having a convexity less significant than the convexity of portions in the vicinity of the irregularity.

[0030] This topological irregularity can also be formed by a slight deformation of the perimeter of the die, in particular by a local variation of the curvature of the perimeter with respect to the average curvature of the perimeter. This variation can cause a local deformation of the lateral surface joining the first face of the second face of the die. This local deformation can result in the formation of a slightly convex or slightly concave local area.

[0031] A topological irregularity is designated as a surface irregularity when the irregularity is present on one of the faces, preferably the first face of convex curved average shape. This irregularity can be a local asperity or a local cavity.

[0032] A topological irregularity is designated as a circumference irregularity when the irregularity is present on a lateral portion of the die joining one face to the other face.

[0033] In the present description, the die 1 has two main faces. The faces of a die each designate a main surface of the die. The face of a die 1 can be understood as one of the two main surfaces of the die 1. A face of a die 1 can therefore comprise different portions locally forming one or more convex or concave curved surfaces and / or one or more locally flat surfaces.

[0034] A face of die 1 is therefore understood as the general surface allowing a state of die 1 to be read when it is in a rest position. In general, the result of the state of die 1 is read on the face of die 1 opposite the support face of die 1. Methods of implementing the die

[0035] [Fig.2] represents a side view of a die 1 of the invention comprising a first face Fi comprising a convex portion and a second flat face F2. According to one embodiment, the die of the invention is of substantially flattened ovoid shape. A die 1 of the invention comprises a length Li representing its main dimension and a width h representing its dimension in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the length of the die and included in the general median plane. The die 1 according to the invention comprises a height Hi which is its smallest dimension.

[0036] According to one example, the length is between 0.5 cm and 2 cm, preferably within the reduced range 0.8 cm and 1.5 cm.

[0037] According to one example, the width is between 0.3 cm and 1.5 cm, preferably within the reduced range 0.5 cm and 1.2 cm.

[0038] According to one example, the height is between 0.2 cm and 1 cm, preferably within the reduced range 0.4 cm and 0.8 cm.

[0039] In the example of [Fig.2], the convex portions are arranged close to the edge of the die and allow a curved junction between the edge of the die and the first upper face Fb

[0040] In the example of [Fig.2], the convex portions 10 are arranged close to the edge of the die 1 and allow a curved junction between the edge of the die and the first upper face Fi. The first face Fi comprises in this example a flat portion.

[0041] [Fig. 3] represents a variation of a die 1 of the invention. In this example, the height Hi of the die 1 is reduced with respect to the height of the die 1 of the example of [Fig. 2],

[0042] The height of the die can be chosen so as to obtain adequate rolling according to the surface receiving the jet.

[0043] [Fig.4] represents another embodiment of the die 1 of the invention comprising a first face Fi whose shape is generally convex overall.

[0044] [Fig. 5] represents an exemplary embodiment of a die 1 of the invention comprising a surface irregularity 11 shown on a profile section of said die 1.

[0045] [Fig.6] represents another example of embodiment of a die 1 of the invention comprising two surface irregularities 11 represented on a profile section of said die 1.

[0046] [Fig.7] represents another example of embodiment of a die 1 of the invention comprising a circumference irregularity 12 and three surface irregularities 11 represented on a profile section of said die 1.

[0047] A first advantage of the topological irregularities 11, 12 is to allow the dice to be recognized from one another by an individual when one wishes to use a set of different dice. The differentiation can be carried out visually or by touch. The irregularities make it possible to differentiate the different dice from one another. According to one embodiment, each die 1 comprises a plurality of singular irregularities making it possible to differentiate one die from another die easily.

[0048] Another advantage is to facilitate rolling by a shape allowing to break the straight lines or the planes reducing the rolling effect.

[0049] Another advantage is to contribute to generating a completely unpredictable and unpredictable randomness. Indeed, by throwing a plurality of dice 1 of different shapes with different surface or circumference irregularities, it becomes impossible to predict some overall rolling effects, each die having its own rolling dynamics influenced by its geometric shape.

[0050] [Fig.8] shows different profiles in top view of a plurality of dice 1 of the invention. In these examples of profiles, a great disparity of circumferential profiles is observed. These different profiles contribute to creating singular dice 1 having their own structural characteristics, in particular surface or perimeter characteristics. The invention makes it possible to offer a range of dice having variabilities of surface or perimeter irregularities within a general ovoid volume.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the first face Fi of the die comprises a plurality of planar surfaces forming angles with each other so as to form a polyhedron. An example may be a shape such as that of a ruby or an emerald. According to one example, the die 1 may have a flattened polyhedron shape.

[0052] [Fig.9] represents a geometry of the 3D volume of a double-sided die of the invention. In this figure, it comprises a flat upper face F2 and a curved lower face Fb. The die is shown placed on its curved face. A re-presentation makes it possible to visualize the general median plane or so-called "average median plane" comprising the second face F2. When the die is obtained from a seed, such as a Tamarind seed, the plane corresponds to the cutting plane of said seed.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the die 1 of the invention is an asymmetrical double-sided die, i.e. each face of which has a different general shape on each of the faces. An advantage of such a dysmetry of shape of the two faces is to promote rolling while limiting the travel of the die which is thrown. The braking of the rolling is obtained by an alternation of contact between the two faces of the die in contact with the throw zone. Furthermore, the dysmetry promotes the generation of an unpredictable hazard. Dice set

[0054] The invention relates to a set of dice 1 comprising different singularities forming irregularities such as local cavities, local irregularities, variations in local curvature or even local variations in the perimeter.

[0055] The set of dice 1 may form a kit comprising a predefined number of dice 1. According to one example, a kit comprises 5 dice, in this example, the kit comprises 5 different dice each having its own surface or circumference irregularities which are different from the irregularities of another die. According to another example, the kit comprises a set of 10 dice composed of 5 pairs of two identical dice.

[0056] Generally speaking, a kit comprises at least one sequence of N dice, each having a singularity of shape with respect to the other dice of the same sequence. The kit possibly comprises P identical copies of the sequence of N dice.

[0057] One advantage is that it is possible to provide identical sets of dice to different individuals. They can then use the 1 dice with the same roll statistic. Homogeneity

[0058] According to one embodiment, a die 1 of the invention has a general half-ovoid shape.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the weight of each die is substantially identical to within 15%. According to one embodiment, each die has an identical weight to within 5%.

[0060] According to one embodiment, each die is obtained by the same manufacturing process.

[0061] According to one embodiment, each die comprises a surface coating such as a varnish or a paint. Advantageously, each die may comprise a layer of paint and a layer of varnish.

[0062] According to one embodiment, each die is two-colored with a first color assigned to the first face Fi and a second color assigned to the second face F2. According to another example, the faces have different patterns so as to allow easier recognition of the face defining the result of a throw.

[0063] A sequence of 5 dice can be thrown in order to offer a given combination, that is to say the result of a random number. Advantageously, the 1 dice can be used to form a given combination, arrangement or permutation. To this end, a combination can be read directly following a throw without interpreting the order of the dice, an arrangement can be read directly following a throw by interpreting the order of the sequence for example according to a line 20 defining the order of reading the result. [Fig. 10] represents for this purpose, the use of a reading line. The positions of the dice are projected on the line in order to read an ordered sequence.

[0064] In the first case, the result of [Fig.5] can be read as a result of 5 dice including 3 black dice and 2 white dice, in which the black dice represent the curved face and the white die represents the flat face. A first draw statistic can be interpreted.

[0065] According to a second way of reading the result with respect to line 20, the draw gives the following sequence: {Black, White, Black, Black, White] which makes it possible to obtain another statistic according to a reading order.

[0066] According to one embodiment, a distinctive sign is written on each die 1 such as a distinct number or symbol. Another statistic can then be interpreted according to a reading order according to line 20. Throwing box

[0067] The invention also relates to a box 5 comprising a plurality of faces including at least one flat face. At least one flat face makes it possible to support the dice in one state.

[0068] Different volumes defining the outline of the box 5 can be defined. According to one example, the box is a parallelepiped, cylindrical, hexagonal or tetrahedral volume. At least one face is movable and preferably the faces are transparent.

[0069] According to an example of the invention, the box 5 is cubic or parallelepipedal in shape and has transparent faces. Such a box 5 makes it possible to view the dice 1, to move the dice 1 and to make a new throw inside the box 5. The box is for example included in the kit so as to be part of a set of objects including the dice 1.

[0070] [Fig. 11] shows a box 5 comprising transparent faces 50, 51. One face 51 is made movable and / or removable along a pivot axis. The pivot axis may be provided by a hinge or any other connection making it possible to close or open the face 51. According to one embodiment, the face 51 is slightly larger than the opposite face 50 so as to form a support on the side faces when it is closed. According to another embodiment, a clip-type connection makes it possible to secure the face 51 to the opposite side face.

[0071] [Fig. 12] shows box 5 with 3 dice inside after a throw. A combination is then visible thanks to the transparent faces.

[0072] According to one example, the box has opaque faces. In this case, the result of a throw is visible when the movable and possibly removable face is opened. Manufacturing method

[0073] According to one embodiment, the dice are molded. In this case, different molds make it possible to create globally identical shapes, i.e. of the half-ovoid type, comprising specificities forming surface irregularities or variations in the circumference of the ovoid in the median plane.

[0074] The dice 1 can be made of any material that can be molded. Various examples include: plastic, and more generally any polymer, metal, such as aluminum or steel, or even glass. According to one embodiment, the dice are made from a resin. One advantage is that it allows distinctive visual elements to be integrated into the resin.

[0075] Molding offers the possibility of obtaining a large number of identical dice sequences. This makes it possible, for example, to provide homogeneity in the variability of the statistics obtained from a roll of a dice sequence compared to another dice sequence.

[0076] According to a second manufacturing method, additive manufacturing makes it possible to obtain sets of 1 dice. One advantage is to create numerous configurations of shapes with different irregularities. This possibility makes it possible to create 1 dice for which the actual draw statistics are not known, which contributes to generating a randomness with respect to the set of 1 used.

[0077] According to one manufacturing method, the dice are manufactured from a laser cutting step making it possible to generate flat faces and faces of general shape concave. Some irregularities on the generally concave face can be formed from guidance by a laser head.

[0078] A 3D printer can be used for this purpose. Different techniques can be used such as a technique based on manufacturing using a material jet, extrusion of materials, polymerization in a tank, fusion on a powder bed, direct energy deposition or even sheet lamination.

[0079] According to a third example, a manufacturing technique comprises the use of seeds. Tamarind seed has interesting structural properties for forming dice of suitable dimensions. One advantage of the Tamarind seed is to obtain dice of dimensions large enough to obtain a rolling effect, while having dimensions small enough for an individual to be able to hold a plurality of dice in the palm of his hand.

[0080] Many uses may require the use of 4 to 10 dice, offering many possibilities for combinations, arrangements or permutations. The dimensions of half a Tamarind seed allow the set of dice to be held in one hand and ensure a homogeneous and concomitant throw of all the dice. This dimensional characteristic offers a real possibility of generating an unbiased random number.

[0081] Another advantage of the Tamarind seed is that it has sufficient density to provide an individual with the feeling of a clean and clear throw during a throw. Advantageously, a dice throw of the invention whose kinematics of the gesture and its power are substantially close to a conventional dice throw allows the dice of the invention to roll sufficiently, that is to say that the die turns over several times during a throw while controlling the scattering of a throw of several dice.

[0082] Furthermore, the seed preserves well, it can be worked easily and a cutting operation in the median plane is easily carried out because the seed is an organic material. One advantage is that cutting along the median plane makes it possible to obtain a flat or substantially flat surface.

[0083] A varnishing operation makes it possible to obtain a die 1 which can be preserved for a long time. Furthermore, the varnish can contribute to improving rolling by limiting the adhesion of the material on a rolling surface.

[0084] Finally, a coating of paint may also be applied to the surface of the seed or varnish or an intermediate layer coating said seed.

[0085] According to an exemplary embodiment, the dice are made of wood. In this case, they can be machined and varnished.

[0086] In another example, the dice are made from a stone, such as a ruby or an emerald.

Claims

Claims

1. Die (1) comprising only two main faces (Fb F2), the first face (FJ) comprising at least one portion of convex curved surface and the second face (F2) being substantially planar.

2. Dice (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the shape of the general three-dimensional surface of each of the faces is different from one another.

3. Die (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the first face (FJ) and the second face (F2) are joined by convex curved lateral portions (10).

4. Dice (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2 characterized in that the general shape of the dice (1) is a flattened ovoid shape.

5. Dice (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the first face (Fi) comprises at least one surface irregularity (11), said surface irregularity (11) locally having a concave shape.

6. Dice (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the first face (FJ) comprises at least one surface irregularity (11), said surface irregularity (11) having a locally convex shape.

7. Die (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 6 characterized in that the surface irregularity (11) is characterized by descriptors, a first descriptor corresponding to the position of said surface irregularity on the first face (FJ, a second descriptor corresponding to a type of local form of convexity or concavity of said surface irregularity (11), a third descriptor corresponding to a quantification of the variation of the local curvature of said surface irregularity (11).

8. Dice (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the dice comprises at least one circumference irregularity (12) comprising a local variation in the curvature of the perimeter greater than a given threshold.

9. Dice (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that at least one face (Fb F2) comprises a coating having a different color from the other face.

10. Dice (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is formed by a half-tamarind seed cut along the main median plane, said half-tamarind seed being varnished.

11. A kit comprising a plurality of dice (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Kit according to claim 11 characterized in that at least two dice according to claim 7 each comprise at least one first surface irregularity (11, 12), respectively one second surface irregularity (11, 12), each of the surface irregularities (11, 12) comprising at least one descriptor different from the other topological irregularity(ies).

13. Kit according to claim 11 characterized in that at least five dice according to claim 7 each comprise at least one surface irregularity (11, 12) of surface and / or circumference, each of the surface irregularities (11, 12) comprising at least one descriptor different from the other surface irregularity(ies).

14. Kit according to claim 11 characterized in that at least five dice according to claim 7 each comprise a first face (FJ) each comprising at least one first locally concave surface irregularity (11), each of the surface irregularities (11) comprising at least one descriptor different from the other descriptors of the other surface irregularities of the other first faces (Fi).

15. Kit according to claim 11 characterized in that it comprises at least two sequences of a predefined number (N) of dice (1), each die (1) of the sequence each having at least one topological irregularity different from the other topological irregularities of the other dice (1) of the sequence, the kit comprising a predefined number (P) of identical copies of the sequence.

16. Transparent box (5) comprising at least two flat faces and comprising a movable face (11) making it possible to form an opening intended to receive a set of dice (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, said box (5) being used to stir a set of dice (1).

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