Chess clock

Abstract

The invention relates to a chess clock (1) having two timers for tracking the thinking time of two players, and having at least one operating element (2) for controlling the timers. The object of the invention is to provide a solution by means of which a player who makes an offer of a draw can ensure that their opponent actually notices it. In addition, the offer of a draw should be able to be made nonverbally in order not to disturb the flow of play and the opponent's deliberation. To that end, the invention proposes providing the chess clock with two display elements (4), each of which is assigned to one player and is intended to display an offer of a draw. The display elements (4) and the at least one operating element (2) are coupled to one another in such a way that, when the operating element (2) is actuated by a player, the display element (4) activated by the other player beforehand to display an offer of a draw is automatically reset. -

Description

[0001] KOCH0033

[0002] February 19, 2026

[0003] AY

[0004] Chess clock

[0005] The invention relates to a chess clock with two timers for recording the thinking time of two players and with at least one control element for controlling the timers, wherein the timers and the at least one control element are operatively connected to each other, in particular mechanically or electronically coupled, so that when the control element is activated by a player, the timer assigned to that player stops and the timer assigned to the other player is activated.

[0006] Chess clocks are essential components of tournament chess, allowing for the precise recording of both players' thinking time. Standard chess clocks consist of two timers that are alternately activated via a control element, such as a rocker switch or two push buttons, so that only one timer is running at a time.

[0007] German patent DE 818 629 B describes a mechanical chess clock with two timers for recording the thinking time of two players, whereby the switching of the timer is accomplished by means of control elements, in particular player buttons. In addition to the timer, display elements are provided for showing the current move rate and the remaining moves. Furthermore, indicators for time trouble and the time remaining are described.

[0008] DE 3427 433 A1 discloses an electronic chess clock with two timers for recording the thinking time of two players and with at least one control element for selecting predefined time programs and controlling additional functions such as move display, game extension, or game interruption. The timers and control elements are electronically linked; displays for the remaining thinking time, the number of moves counted, and the status of the device are provided.

[0009] Patent DE 102023 003 788 A1 also relates to a chess clock with two timers for recording the thinking time of two players, the timers being linked in such a way that only one timer is active at a time. The chess clock is designed as a table clock and has two playing time displays on both its front and back, so that the remaining time can be read from two sides. The displays show the remaining time of both players, with the recording and display being carried out in a manner known per se.

[0010] According to the official rules of chess, such as those of the World Chess Federation (FIDE), a player can offer their opponent a draw during a game. The draw offer is usually made verbally by the player who last made their move, often in conjunction with the activation of the chess clock. The opponent can accept or decline the offer, and a decline can also be effected by making a move.

[0011] This approach has several disadvantages. The player offering a draw cannot be certain that their opponent, who doesn't immediately respond, has actually noticed the offer. Since players generally don't speak during tournament chess, verbally offering a draw can disrupt the flow of the game. Furthermore, in case of a dispute, there is no objective way to prove the offer was made.

[0012] The invention is based on the objective of providing a solution to overcome these disadvantages. This objective is achieved in a chess clock of the type described above by two display elements, each assigned to a player and designed to indicate a draw offer.

[0013] By integrating two display elements, each assigned to a player and used to indicate a draw offer, the previously common verbal draw offer is replaced by a language-independent, visually perceptible display. This ensures that the offer is clearly visible to the opponent and cannot be missed or misunderstood. Since the display elements are directly connected to the chess clock, the information about the offer remains available throughout the opponent's entire thinking time and is not lost.

[0014] According to the invention, the display elements and the at least one control element of the chess clock are interconnected in such a way that a display element previously activated by the other player to indicate a draw offer is automatically reset as soon as the opponent activates their control element to stop their own time and start the opponent's. This interconnectedness through mechanical or electronic coupling ensures automated, error-free, and intuitive operation without requiring any additional actions from the players. The automatic reset prevents the player who has received a draw offer from having to perform a separate action to decline it. This prevents delays in the game and unnecessary distractions. Since the reset of the display element occurs automatically, it cannot be accidentally forgotten.This ensures a clear and objective handling of the draw offer and prevents situations in which a player could claim that the offer was not made or not rejected. This design ensures efficient, automatic, and tamper-proof handling of the draw offer.

[0015] In one possible design, the display elements are mechanical and movable between a first position, in which no draw offer is displayed, and a second position, which makes the offer visible. The movement between these positions can be achieved, for example, by tilting, rotating, or sliding. The mechanism can be designed so that the display elements are deliberately moved into the second position by a player and remain there until a defined action, namely the opponent's activation of the control element, automatically returns them to the first position.

[0016] The mechanical design eliminates the need for additional electronics, making the construction robust and independent of a power supply. The physical movement of the display ensures that the draw offer is clearly visible. The design allows for intuitive operation, with the display's position clearly indicating whether an offer is active or not. Furthermore, a mechanical linkage to the chess clock's control element enables automatic reset, thus preventing interruptions to the game and eliminating the need for additional actions.

[0017] A key advantage of this mechanical solution lies in its retrofit capability. Mechanical display elements can be integrated as modules into existing chess clocks or easily attached to the outside of the casing without altering its fundamental function. This makes the invention particularly versatile and allows for easy adaptation to different chess clock designs. Furthermore, the mechanical solution is durable and reliable, as it does not depend on electronic components or external power sources. The clear visual display of the draw offer ensures that it is not overlooked, thus preventing misunderstandings between players.

[0018] In an alternative design, the display elements are electronic and can be activated via separate switches or buttons, independent of the chess clock's controls. Activation is performed by the player wishing to offer a draw, by pressing their assigned switch or button. The electronic display can be a light signal, such as an LED, or a digital display. Deactivation can be done either manually by the opponent or automatically by a control system linked to the chess clock's timing mechanism.

[0019] A key advantage of this solution lies in the possibility of integrating additional functions, such as automatic reset after a defined time period or saving the draw indication in a digital game record. Electronic display elements can also be easily integrated into modern digital chess clocks.

[0020] In one embodiment, the control element is designed as a tilting rocker switch, which the players move back and forth to switch the timing between the two clocks. Tilting the rocker stops the player's own clock and activates the opponent's. Alternatively, two separate push buttons can be provided, each assigned to a player, which switch the timing when pressed. This corresponds to the design of the control element(s) on conventional chess clocks. Both solutions ensure reliable time control and can be easily combined with the display elements of the invention to indicate a draw offer.

[0021] In one possible embodiment of the invention, the display elements are not permanently attached to the chess clock itself, but are arranged on a separate mounting device that can be detachably connected to the clock. This mounting device is part of a device according to the invention for displaying a draw offer in a chess game. A mounting device is understood to be a structural element that supports the display elements and is designed so that it can be functionally connected to the chess clock without being permanently attached to it. This detachable connection makes it possible, in particular, to retrofit existing chess clocks with the draw display according to the invention without requiring any structural modifications to the clock.This allows for flexible application of the invention to different chess clock models and reduces manufacturing costs, as the holding device can be developed and produced independently of the chess clock.

[0022] According to a possible further development of the device, the display elements are again mechanically mounted on the holding device so that they can be tilted, moved, or rotated. This means that each display element is movable in at least one direction relative to the holding device, for example by rotation about an axis (tilting movement), linear displacement, such as along a guide, or rotation about a vertical or inclined axis. This mobility serves to visually indicate the draw offer by means of a clearly visible change in the position of the display element.

[0023] Furthermore, it is intended that the display elements, when used as intended, will be mechanically linked to at least one control element of the chess clock. This means that a mechanical connection exists whereby the operation of the control element (e.g., a rocker switch or push button on the chess clock) directly or indirectly causes a movement of the display element. In this way, the automatic reset of the draw offer at the start of the opponent's thinking time is achieved, without requiring any additional action from the player, as explained above. This ensures intuitive operation and minimizes operating errors.

[0024] To accommodate different designs and control element positions of the chess clock, the mounting device, in another possible embodiment, features position-adjustable pivot points for the display elements. A pivot point is the mechanical bearing or coupling point of the respective display element, i.e., the point where the display element is attached to the mounting device and from which its movement originates. The positional adjustability of the pivot points allows the display elements to be adapted to different designs, particularly to different heights, widths, or control element positions of the chess clock. This ensures the device's compatibility with various chess clocks. In an advantageous embodiment, the pivot points are adjustable in their height and / or lateral position and / or their mutual distance.This allows for three-dimensional adjustment of the display elements, enabling mechanical coupling to controls even when these are positioned differently from the central axis or at different heights relative to the chess clock's base. This flexibility ensures that a single mounting device and display elements can accommodate a wide variety of clock models.

[0025] The mounting device can include a base plate on which the chess clock is placed. In this case, the base plate serves as a support for both the chess clock and the display elements. This combined mounting creates a compact unit in which the spatial relationship between the chess clock and the display unit is reliably defined. This simplifies handling for the user and ensures that the mechanical connection between the display element and the control element functions correctly. The base plate can, for example, be designed as a flat surface located beneath the chess clock.

[0026] In a possible further development, a console is provided for arranging the display elements on the mounting plate. This console is attached to the mounting plate and houses the position-adjustable pivot points. The console thus forms the mounting and guide unit for the movable display elements. Advantageously, the console can be adjusted separately. This contributes to the modularity of the device and simplifies assembly.

[0027] It is particularly advantageous if the console is laterally adjustable on the mounting plate. This means that its position can be shifted along an axis (e.g., parallel to an edge of the mounting plate). This allows the entire unit, consisting of display elements and pivot points, to be adjusted to the actual position of the chess clock's control element(s). In this way, both narrow and wide, flat and deep clock models can be reliably combined with the device without impairing the function of the display.

[0028] In another possible embodiment, the holding device features stop elements against which the indicators strike during their movement. These stop elements can be implemented, for example, as elastic or damping barriers that prevent the indicator from striking a hard component without any damping when it is reset. This avoids rattling noises, which can be particularly bothersome during tournament games. The integration of such damping elements thus improves the device's acceptance in practical use and contributes to a pleasant playing environment.

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The figures show:

[0030] Fig. 1 schematic frontal view of a chess clock with display elements according to the invention;

[0031] Fig. 2 schematic side view of the display elements according to Fig. 1;

[0032] Fig. 3 schematic side view of a device with display elements, connected to a chess clock.

[0033] In the following figure description, the same reference symbols and terms are used for the same elements.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a schematic front view of a conventional digital chess clock 1 with a rocker switch 2 that can be tilted back and forth as a control element for timing. The chess clock includes two digital displays 3a, 3b, each showing the remaining thinking time of the players. The rocker switch 2 is mechanically designed so that it can be tilted by a player, thereby stopping their corresponding timer and activating the opponent's timer. Additionally, two mechanical indicators are provided, the right-hand indicator 4 of which is visible in Fig. 1. The indicators, each assigned to a player, are used to display a draw offer. In the example shown, the indicator shown in Fig.1 non-visible indicator element on the left side in its deactivated, flat position, while indicator element 4 on the right side is shown in its activated, upright position, thus indicating a draw offer from the associated player.

[0035] Fig. 2a shows a schematic side view of an indicator element 4 in the deactivated, horizontal position. The indicator element 4 is movable, specifically mounted to tilt about a pivot axis 6. In the position shown, the indicator element 4 lies flat, thus indicating that no draw offer is present.

[0036] Fig. 2b shows the same side view of the indicator element 4 in the activated, upright position. The indicator element 4 is mechanically coupled to the rocker 2. This coupling is achieved via a lever 5, which is connected to the indicator element 4 and rests on the rocker 2 in the position shown. By manually actuating the lever, the player moves the indicator element 4 into this position to indicate a draw offer. It remains in this position until the opponent activates the rocker 2 after making their move. Due to the mechanical coupling via the lever 5, when the rocker 2 is lifted by the actuating lever 5, the indicator element 4 is automatically returned around the axis of rotation 6 to its horizontal starting position as shown in Fig. 2a, thus rejecting the draw offer.

[0037] The control element 2 is shown in Fig. 2a with a dashed line in the position after activation by the opponent, whereby the indicator element 4 falls back into the depicted horizontal position after the lever 5 is lifted accordingly. The indicator element 4 rotates around the axis of rotation 6 until it reaches the horizontal position. The block arrows indicate the coupled movements of rocker 2 and indicator element 4 with lever 5. This arrangement allows for a non-verbal submission of the draw offer, ensures clear visibility of the offer, and enables automatic reset without additional action by the opponent, thus achieving intuitive and trouble-free use.

[0038] Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of a variant of the invention with a separate device for displaying a draw offer. The device comprises a holding device 7, which includes a mounting plate 8. A chess clock 1, as described above, is located on the mounting plate 8. The chess clock 1 is again provided on its upper side with an actuating element in the form of a rocker 2, the pressing of which switches the time measurement between the two players. A further component of the holding device 7 is a console 9 projecting upwards from the mounting plate 8. The console 9 is guided on a rail 10 that extends along the width of the chess clock 1. This allows the console 9 to be moved laterally – i.e., in Fig. 3, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of representation.This adjustment mechanism allows for flexible positioning of the console 9 relative to the chess clock 1, particularly with regard to the position of the actuating button 2. This ensures that the two display elements 4, each of which has its own console 9, can be brought into the desired operative engagement with the operating element 2, regardless of the width and other design of the chess clock 1. The console 9 also features a length adjustment mechanism 11, which allows the height of a pivot point 12 relative to the mounting plate 8 to be adjusted. The pivot point 12 forms the mechanical bearing point of the display element 4, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the plane of representation in Fig. 3.The indicator element 4 is mounted and designed such that a player can manually move it from a neutral, lying, or downward-hanging starting position to the illustrated upright, activated position, in which it signals a draw offer. The indicator element 4 has an upward-pointing signal section which, as can be seen in Fig. 3, protrudes visibly from the outline of the overall assembly in the activated position. Furthermore, a lever 5 is provided, projecting laterally from the indicator element 4, which rests on the top of the rocker 2 in the activated position. When the opponent activates the chess clock 1, the section of the rocker 2 located at the front in Fig. 3 moves upwards in the direction of the arrow (indicated by a dashed line). This movement engages the resting lever 5, causing the indicator element 4 to pivot back around the pivot point 12 towards the neutral position.In this way, the previously activated draw offer is mechanically reset and is considered rejected.

[0039] Instead of the lateral adjustability of two consoles 9, the holding device 7 can have only one console 9, which is equipped with an additional adjustment mechanism by means of which the distance between two display elements 4 can be adjusted (symmetrically). This additional adjustment option also allows for the correct positioning of both display elements relative to the chess clock 1, which is advantageous when using different housing shapes, widths, or control element positions. This further improves the universal applicability of the device with various types of chess clocks.

[0040] The illustrated arrangement enables a fully mechanical, non-verbal display of a draw offer, with automatic reset when the opponent activates the chess clock. The combination of lateral and vertical adjustability of the display device creates a flexible, robust, and retrofittable solution that allows its use with numerous different chess clock models without requiring any modifications.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Chess clock with two timers for recording the thinking time of two players and with at least one control element (2) for controlling the timers, wherein the timers and the at least one control element (2) are interconnected, such that when the control element (2) is activated by one player, the timer assigned to that player stops and the timer assigned to the other player is activated, characterized by two display elements (4), each assigned to a player and intended for displaying a draw offer, wherein the display elements (4) and the at least one control element (2) are interconnected by mechanical or electronic coupling, such that when the control element (2) is activated by one player, the display element (4) previously activated by the other player to display a draw offer is automatically reset.

2. Chess clock according to claim 1, wherein the display elements (4) are mechanically designed and are movable between a first position indicating a non-active draw offer and a second position indicating an active draw offer.

3. Chess clock according to claim 2, wherein the mechanical display elements (4) are designed as tiltable, sliding or rotatable elements.

4. Chess clock according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the movable display elements (4) are configured to remain in the second position after moving into that position and to automatically return to the first position upon actuation of the other player's control element (2).

5. Chess clock according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the display elements (4) are mechanically coupled to the at least one control element (2) in such a way that their movement is directly effected by actuation of the control element (2).

6. Chess clock according to claim 1, wherein the display elements are electronically designed and can be activated by separate switches or buttons independent of the at least one control element (2).

7. Chess clock according to claim 6, wherein the electronic display elements make the draw offer visible to the other player by means of an optical signal.

8. Chess clock according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one operating element (2) is designed as a rocker which can be tilted back and forth by the players.

9. Chess clock according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein two operating elements in the form of pushable buttons, each assigned to a player, are provided.

10. Device with a chess clock (1), wherein the chess clock (1) has two timers for recording the thinking time of two players and at least one control element (2) for controlling the timers, wherein the timers and the at least one control element (2) are interconnected, such that when the control element (2) is activated by a player, the timer assigned to that player stops and the timer assigned to the other player is activated. characterized by two display elements (4), each assigned to a player and intended to display a draw offer, wherein the display elements (4) and the at least one control element (2) are mechanically coupled to each other, so that when the control element (2) is activated by one player, the display element (4) previously activated by the other player to display a draw offer is automatically reset, wherein the display elements (4) are arranged on a holding device (7) which can be detachably coupled to the chess clock (1).

11. Device according to claim 10, wherein the display elements (4) are mechanically tiltable, displaceable or rotatable on the holding device (7) and, when the holding device (7) is coupled to the chess clock (1), enter into a mechanical operative connection with at least one operating element (2) of the chess clock (1).

12. Device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the holding device (7) has position-adjustable pivot points (12) for the display elements (4).

13. Device according to claim 12, wherein the pivot points (12) are adjustable in their height and / or in their lateral position and / or in their distance from each other in order to be able to adapt the device to chess clocks (1) of different designs.

14. Device according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the holding device (7) comprises a mounting plate (8) on which the chess clock (1) can be placed, wherein the holding device (7) comprises at least one console (9) arranged on the mounting plate (8) on which the position-adjustable pivot points (12) for the display elements (4) are arranged.

15. Device according to one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the holding device (7) has stop elements against which the indicator elements (4) strike when actuated in order to dampen noise when actuating the indicator elements (4).

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