A plaything

Abstract

The invention relates to a spinnable apparatus 2 for providing randomised instructions, symbols, numbers or letters. The apparatus comprises a rotatable body 4 with a marker 12 on its outer surface, a

Description

The present invention relates to playthings, amusements, and games, and particularly, although not exclusively, to spinnable or rotatable playthings for providing entertainment and amusement to individuals of various age groups. The invention 5 extends to a spinnable apparatus for providing randomised instructions, symbols, numbers or letters, and to associated methods for providing randomised instructions, symbols, numbers or letters. Traditional spinning playthings have long been cherished for their ability to 10 demonstrate the principles of physics while providing entertainment. Furthermore, spinning apparatuses have been used as games, for example, in drinking games, or in casino gaming equipment due to their random nature based on the spinning speed. One common pastime for people can be playing games, which involve the use of a randomised action generator, for example a dice, or a routlette wheel. Spirit boards or 15 Ouija boards are also a popular form of entertainment. However, to date, there is no single apparatus, plaything or toy which combines all of these various games. There is, therefore, a need to provide an improved apparatus and associated method, which can provide random instructions, symbols, numbers or 20 letters, for example for enabling a combination of different games, as discussed above. Thus, in a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for randomly selecting information, the apparatus comprising a rotatable body comprising a marker on an outer surface thereof, and a substrate comprising at least one inscription thereon, 25 wherein, in use, the body is configured to be supported by the substrate and arranged to rotate thereon, such that when the body stops rotating, the marker is disposed adjacent to at least one inscription. The apparatus maybe a plaything or toy. 30 Advantageously, the apparatus can be used to randomly select information inscribed or depicted on the substrate. In use, the body is used as a spinning device on the substrate to create a means for randomising the information inscribed thereon, or choices for the user, such as randomly selecting numbers, symbols, letters, words or phrases, and so 35 on. Therefore, preferably the rotatable body is configured to be spun by a user, preferably manually. The body maybe spun either clockwise or anti-clockwise. Preferably, the body is substantially cylindrical. Preferably, the body comprises a top, 5 which is open. Prefeably, the body comprises a base, which is a solid or closed. The outer surface of the body may comprises one or more ridges extending parallel with its longitudinal axis, preferably a plurality of spaced apart ridges around the outer surface. Advantageously, the one or more ridges improves a user’s grip to facilitate spinning the body. 10 Preferably, the body is a drinking receptable. For example, the body may be a drinking cup, glass, mug, or the like. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the apparatus may be used for a drinking game, if the body is filled with a liquid, such as an alcoholic or nonalcoholic drink. The body may be made of glass, plastic, porcelain or wood. 15 Preferably, the marker is disposed on the outer circumference of the body, more preferably at or towards the base of the body. The marker may be a dot, an arrow, a line, a star, any distinctive shape, or any other form of suitable marker or pointer, for pointing to the at least one inscription on the substrate when it has stopped rotating or 20 spinning. The marker may be black or white, or brightly coloured, for example red, so that it is easy to see. Preferably, the base of the body comprises a region which is shaped so that it mutually engages with an upper face of the substrate, while allowing the body to rotate on the 25 substrate once it has been spun by a user. Preferably, the region which is shaped so that it mutually engages with the substrate is aligned with the central axis of the body. Preferably, the centre of the base of the body is shaped so that it mutually engages with the substrate. For example, the base of the body may comprise a male portion which engages with a correspondingly shaped female portion in the substrate, or wee versa. 30 For example, the base of the body may comprise a region which is convex shaped. Preferably, at least the centre of the base of the body is substantially convex shaped. Preferably, the centre of the base of the body is circular and substantially convex 35 shaped. The substrate may comprise a coaster. The substrate may be made of plastic, or preferably wood. The substrate is preferably circular. However, in some embodiments, the substrate may have another shape, for example, triangular, squared, or hexagon shaped. 5 Preferably, the substrate has a diameter which is at least as large as the diameter of the body. More preferably, however, the substrate has a diameter which is larger that the diameter of the body. For example, the diameter of the substrate maybe at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% or 25% larger that the diameter of the body. Thus, preferably the outer 10 circumference of the substrate is visible when viewed from above the body when in position on the substrate. Preferably, the upper surface of the substrate comprises a raised ridge, rib or flange, which defines an inner circular region, which is configured to accommodate at least a 15 region of the base of the body. Preferably, the inner circular region is configured to receive the region of the base which is shaped to mutually engage with the substrate. The inner circular region has a diameter, which is less than the diameter of the substrate. Preferably, the diameter of the inner circular region is larger than the diameter of the region of the base of the body, which is shaped so that it mutually 20 engages with an upper face of the substrate. Preferably, the diameter of the inner circular region is larger than the diameter of the convex section in the base of the body. Preferably, the inner circular region is configured to accommodate the substantially convex section of the base of the body. 25 Advantageously, this enables a user to place the body on the substrate, and then spin the body (either clockwise or anti-clockwise) such that is radomly rotates with its convex section in the base retained within the inner circular region defined by the ridge of the substrate. 30 Preferably, when the body stops spinning, it comes to a stop with the marker falling at a point on the outer circumference of the substrate, and pointing to the at least one inscription. Preferably, therefore, the at least one inscription is disposed on an outer region of the substrate, more preferably on the circumference of the substrate. 35 Depending on which embodiment of the substrate is being used with the spinnable body, different games may be played. Preferably, the substrate comprises a plurality of of inscriptions. The or each inscription may be selected from a group consisting of: letters, symbols, numbers, words, and phrases. The letters and words may be in any language. 5 In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the at least one inscription may comprise letters and words, preferably disposed around the outer circumference of the substrate. For example, the letters may be “A” to “Z”. The words may be “YES” and / or “NO”. This embodiment can be described as an Ouija or spirit board, as different letters 10 and words can be spelled out depending on where the marker stops. In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the at least one inscription may comprise words and phrases, preferably disposed around the outer circumference of the substrate. For example, the words or phrases may be selected from “YES”, “NO”, 15 “Ask mom / dad”, “truth”, “phone a friend”, “go home”, “dare”, and “drink”, and so on. This embodiment could be a simple “truth or dare” game, or could involve the user having to following the various instructions given by the commands or phrases. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 13 and 14, the at least one inscription may 20 comprise the numbers 1 to 6, preferably disposed around the outer circumference of the substrate. This embodiment may be referred to as a “dice” due to its six numbers, and can therefore be used in the same way that a die is used. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 15 and 16, the at least one inscription may 25 comprise numbers, preferably disposed around the outer circumference of the substrate. For example, the numbers 0 to 20 maybe randomly inscribed around the circumference of the substrate. This embodiment can be described as being a roulette wheel, albeit with only 20 numbers instead of 36. Of course, in other embodiments (not shown), the numbers 1-36 (and a “o”) could be provided around the circumference of 30 the substrate. In another embodiment, the at least one inscription may comprise any of: symbols, pictures, Tarot, casino games, or playing cards, i.e. the 13 cards for each of hearts, clubs, diamonds, and spades, and so on. A casino embodiment may comprise dice, 35 cards, roulette and / or bingo. A family embodiment may comprise kids rewards, dice, bedtime game, and / or 8 ball. A sexual mystery embodiment may comprise dice, sexual positions, Ouija, and / or 8 ball. A normal embodiment may comprise Ouija, dice, casino, and / or 8 ball. In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of randomly selecting 5 information, the method comprising supporting a rotatable body comprising a marker on an outer surface thereof on a substrate comprising at least one inscription thereon, and rotating the body, wherein, when the body stops rotating, the marker is disposed adjacent to at least one inscription. Preferably, the method of the second aspect comprises use of the apparatus of the first io aspect. Accordingly, in use, a user selects one of the different embodiments of support substrate with different inscriptions thereon, and then places the spinnable body thereon, preferably such that its base fits in an inner region of the substrate. Most 15 preferably, the convex region of the base of the body is disposed in the inner region of the substrate. Preferably, the method comprises spinning the body either clockwise of anti-clockwise, such that the marker spins around, eventually coming to a standstill and thereby pointing to, or marking, the at least one inscription, preferably disposed around the circumference of the substrate. 20 All of the features described herein (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. 25 For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same maybe carried into effect, reference will now be made, byway of example, to the accompanying Figures, in which:- 30 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus of the invention showing a spinnable body (e.g. a cup or glass) in position on its corresponding support substrate (e.g. a coaster). The support substrate has the letters of the alphabet and the words “YES” and “NO” around its circumference. 35 Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the apparatus of the invention showing the spinnable body (e.g. a cup or glass) and the support substrate (e.g. a coaster). As can be seen, the body is identical to the body in the first embodiment, although the support substrate is different. The support substrate has various words or phrases written around its circumference. 5 Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the apparatus of the invention showing a spinnable body (e.g. a cup or glass) and a support substrate (e.g.a coaster). As can be seen, the body is identical to the body in the first and second embodiment, although the support substrate is different. The support substrate has the numbers 1 to 6 written around its circumference. 10 Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the apparatus of the invention showing a spinnable body (e.g. a cup or glass) and a support substrate (e.g.a coaster). As can be seen, the body is identical to the body in the first, second and third embodiment, though the support substrate is different. The support substrate has the 15 numbers 0 to 20 written around its circumference. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the spinnable body. Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of the spinnable body. 20 Figure 7 shows a schematic side view of the spinnable body in position on the support substrate. Figure 8 shows a plan view of the support substrate from below. 25 Figure 9 shows a plan view of the first embodiment of the support substrate from above. Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the support substrate. 30 Figure 11 shows a plan view of the second embodiment of the support substrate from above. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the support 35 substrate. Figure 13 shows a plan view of the third embodiment of the support substrate from above. Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the third embodiment of the support substrate. 5 Figure 15 shows a plan view of the fourth embodiment of the support substrate from above. Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the support substrate. 10 Example Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a first embodiment of a plaything / apparatus 2 of the invention consisting of a spinnable body 4 and a corresponding support substrate 6. Referring to Figures 2,3 and 4, there are shown second, third and fourth embodiments 15 of the plaything 2, again comprising the spinnable body 4 and a corresponding substrate 6. When used together, the body 4 can be used as a spinning device on the substrate 6 to create a means for randomising information or choices for the user, such as randomly selecting numbers, letters, words or phrases, and so on. The plaything 2 can be used as a drinking game if the body 4 is filled with a liquid, such as an alcoholic 20 nor non-alcoholic drink. In each embodiment, the body 4 is the same, but the embodiments differ from each other by the markings on their respective support substrate 6, as discussed below. As shown in Figure 1, the body 4 is cylindrical having a top 8 which is open, and a solid, 25 closed base 10. For example, the body 4 can be a drinking cup, glass or mug, or the like. As can be seen, one or more ridges are spaced apart around the sircumference of the body 4 to improve a user’s grip to facilitate spinning the body 4. As can be seen in Figure 1, there is disposed a marker or line 12 position on the outer circumference of the lower portion of the body 4. The marker 12 can be a dot, arrow, line, star, distinctive 30 shape, or any other form of suitable marker 12. The marker 12 can be black or white, or brightly coloured, for example red, so that it is easy to see. Referring to Figure 5, the cylindrical body 4 is shown with its open top 8, and the line or marker 12 can be clearly seen. Referring now to Figure 6, the base 10 of the body 4 can be seen as having a circular, convex section 14. This convex section 14 is mutually shaped to engage with, 35 and fit into, the support substrate 6, as shown in Figure 7. In embodiments in which the body 4 is a cup or glass, therefore, the substrate 6 may be referred to as a coaster. Each support substrate 6 is made or wood, planar and circular, and has a diameter, which is slightly larger that the diameter of its corresponding body 4. Figure 8 shows the wooden textured underside surface of each embodiment of the substrate 6. 5 However, the upper surface of the substrate 6 differs between each embodiment, as described below. Referring next to Figures 9 and 10, there is shown the upper surface of the first embodiment support substrate 6 of the plaything 2. The centre of the substrate 6 has a 10 raised circular ridge or rib 16 having a diameter, which is less than the diameter of the substrate 6 itself defining an inner, concave circular region 18. However, the diameter of the ridge 16 is slightly larger the the diameter of the convex section 14 in the base 10 of the spinnable body 4. Thus, it will be appreciated that the circular concave region 18 is sized to receive the circular convex section 14 of the body 4. This enables a user to 15 place the body 4 on the substrate 6, and then spin the body 4 (either clockwise or anti clockwise) such that the body 4 radomly rotates with its convex section 14 in the base 10 retained within the circular region 18 defined by the ridge 16 of the substrate 6. Ultimately, the body 4 ceases spinning, and will come to a stop with the marker 12 falling at a point on the outer circumference of the substrate 6. Depending on which 20 embodiment of the substrate 6 is being used with the spinnable body 4, there are different games that may be played. For example, referring to Figure 9 and 10, imprinted around the outer circumference of the first embodiment of the substrate 6, there are provided each of the letters 20 of the 25 alphabet “A” to “M”, the word “YES”, then the letters “N” to “Z”, and then the word “NO”. Accordingly, as the body 4 stops spinning on the substrate 6, the marker 12, be it a line, arrow or dot etc. will stop at a point on the outer circumference of this substrate 6 adjacent to one of the letters 20 of the alphabet, or the word “YES” or “NO”. This embodiment could be described as an Ouija or spirit board, as different letters and 30 words can be spelled out depending on where the marker 12 stops. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 11 and 12 (the second embodiment), the support substrate 6 has various words or phrases 22 written around its outer circumference, such as “YES”, “NO”, “Ask mom / dad”, “truth”, “phone a friend”, “go home”, “dare”, and 35 “drink”. Thus, as the body 4 stops spinning on this substrate 6, the marker 12 will stop at a point on the outer circumference of the substrate 6 adjacent to one of these words or phrases 22. This embodiment could be a simple “truth or dare” game, or could involve the user having to following the various instructions given by the commands or phrases. 5 As shown in Figure 13 and 14 (the third embodiment), the support substrate 6 has the numbers 1 to 6 written randomly around its circumference 24. Thus, as the body 4 stops spinning on this substrate 6, the marker 12 will stop at a point on the outer circumference of the substrate 6 adjacent to one of six numbers 24. This embodiment is referred to as the “dice” due to its six numbers, and can therefore be used in the same 10 way that a die is used. Finally, as shown in Figure 15 and 16 (the fourth embodiment), the support substrate 6 has the numbers 0 to 20 written randomly around its circumference 26. Therefore, as the body 4 stops spinning on this substrate 6, the marker 12 will stop at a point on the 15 outer circumference of the substrate 6 adjacent to one of twenty numbers 26. This embodiment can be described as being a roulette wheel, albeit with only 20 numbers instead of 36. Of course, in other embodiments (not shown), the numbers 1-36 (and a “o”) could be provided around the circumference of the substrate 6. 20 Accordingly, in use, an operator selects one of the different embodiments of support substrate 6, and then places the spinnable body 4 thereon, such that its protruded, convex section 14 fits in the inner (concave) region 18 of the substrate 6. The body 4 is then spun in either direction such that the marker 12 spins around, eventually coming to a standstill and thereby pointing to, or marking, one of the letters 20, words / phrases 25 22. or numbers 24, 26 on the circumference of the support 6. Advantages in the plaything 2 reside in the wide variety of support substrates 6 offering a range of different games. The user can spin the body 4 at different rotational speeds to randomise what is selected, as pointed to where the marker 12 stops. Also, the 30 circular ridge 16 defining the inner region on the upper side of the substrate 6 (e.g. a coaster) means that the body 4 (e.g. a cup or glass) can be spun relatively quickly allowing significant randomisation while simultaneously staying in place, i.e. it does not jump out. In some embodiments, the body 4 can be filled with a liquid, such as a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) adding to the jeopardy of the game.

Claims

1. An apparatus for randomly selecting information, the apparatus comprising a rotatable body comprising a marker on an outer surface thereof, and a substrate5 comprising at least one inscription thereon, wherein, in use, the body is configured to be supported by the substrate and arranged to rotate thereon, such that when the body stops rotating, the marker is disposed adjacent to at least one inscription.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotatable body is configured to io be spun by a user, preferably manually.

3. The apparatus according to either claim i or 2, wherein the body is substantially cylindrical.15 4. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises atop, which is open, and a base, which is a solid or closed.

5. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the body is a drinking receptable, optionally wherein the body is a drinking cup, glass, mug, or the like.

206. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the marker is disposed on the outer circumference of the body.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein the marker is 25 disposed at or towards the base of the body.

8. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the marker is a dot, an arrow, a line, a star, any distinctive shape, or any other form of suitable marker or pointer, for pointing to the at least one inscription on the substrate when it has stopped 30 rotating or spinning.

9. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein a base of the body comprises a region which is shaped so that it mutually engages with an upper face of the substrate, while allowing the body to rotate on the substrate once it has been spun 35 by a user.io. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the region which is shaped so that it mutually engages with the substrate is aligned with the central axis of the body, optionally wherein the centre of the base of the body is shaped so that it mutually engages with the substrate.

511. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the base of the body comprises a region which is convex shaped.

12. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the centre of the base 10 of the body is circular and substantially convex shaped.

13. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the substrate comprises a coaster, optionally wherein the substrate is circular.15 14. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the substrate has adiameter which is at least as large as the diameter of the body, or wherein the substrate has a diameter which is larger that the diameter of the body.

15. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper surface of 20 the substrate comprises a raised ridge, rib or flange, which defines an inner circular region, which is configured to accommodate at least a region of the base of the body.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the inner circular region is configured to receive a region of the base which is shaped to mutually engage with the 25 substrate.

17. The apparatus according to either claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the inner circular region has a diameter, which is less than the diameter of the substrate.30 18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15-17, wherein the diameter of theinner circular region is larger than the diameter of the region of the base of the body, which is shaped so that it mutually engages with an upper face of the substrate.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15-18, wherein the diameter of the 35 inner circular region is larger than the diameter of the convex section in the base of the body.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15-19, wherein the inner circular region is configured to accommodate the substantially convex section of the base of the body.

521. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least oneinscription is disposed on an outer region of the substrate, preferably on the circumference of the substrate.10 22. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the substratecomprises a plurality of of inscriptions, which are selected from a group consisting of: letters, symbols, numbers, words, and phrases.

23. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one15 inscription comprises:(i) letters and words, preferably disposed around the outer circumference of the substrate;(ii) words and phrases, preferably disposed around the outer circumference of the substrate;20 (iii) the numbers 1 to 6, preferably disposed around the outer circumference of the substrate;(iv) numbers, preferably disposed around the outer circumference of the substrate;(v) any of: symbols, pictures, Tarot, casino games, or playing cards, i.e. the 13 cards for each of hearts, clubs, diamonds, and spades, and so on.2524. A method of randomly selecting information, the method comprisingsupporting a rotatable body comprising a marker on an outer surface thereof on a substrate comprising at least one inscription thereon, and rotating the body, wherein, when the body stops rotating, the marker is disposed adjacent to at least one30 inscription.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the method comprises use of the apparatus according to any one of claims 1-23.

Images