Automatic card shuffler and dealer

• US 7,472,906 B2
• Filed: 01/18/2005
• Issued: 01/06/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Moti Shai
• Original Assignee: Moti Shai
• Inventors: Shai, Moti
• Primary Examiner(s): Kim; Gene
• Assistant Examiner(s): HYLINSKI, ALYSSA MARIE
• Application Number:
  US11/036,858
• Publication Number:
  US 20060157930A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,449 Days
• Field of Search: 273/149.R, 273/149.P, 273/148.R, 463/22
• US Class Current: 273/149.00R
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 1/12 Card shufflers

Abstract

An automatic system for shuffling and distributing cards includes two embodiments. One embodiment includes fixed and rotating plates on which a deck of cards is supported. The device according to this embodiment, can be placed on the table. Shuffling is achieved by a plurality of card magazines and delivery trays located on the rotating plate. The fixed plate includes fixed card ejection devices which operate during and in response to rotation of the rotating plate, which eject cards at a plurality of locations about the system. The device is electrically powered and includes means to automatically stop its rotation after the last card in the deck has been distributed. In another embodiment, a hand-hold device is designed so the user can hold it in one hand and by pressing on switch the topmost card is automatically ejected to the location aimed by the user.

Claims

1. An improved device for providing a user an automatic card shuffler and dealer, powered by electrical motor, enabling play of recreational card games for a plurality of players sitting around said device while said device automatically ejects playing cards to a plurality of locations circumferentially spaced about said device, said device comprising:

a rotatable plate, including a top and a bottom;

a fixed plate, contacting said bottom of said rotatable plate, operated by an electrical motor, controlled by an arm switch;

a plurality of card magazines, to hold playing cards, including a built-in spring and a plurality of stoppers, wherein said plurality of card magazines pivotally rotate in a first direction, said built-in spring retracting said plurality of card magazines in a second direction, said plurality of stoppers limiting said first and second directions;

a plurality of delivery trays to guide ejected cards away from said device;

a plurality of flexible card ejectors; and

a playing plate.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said plurality of card magazines, hold playing cards organized to form a trapezoid shape.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said plurality of card magazines have a curved lip.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said plurality of card magazines have flexible side lips.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said plurality of delivery trays are located on said top of said rotating plate at a predefined angle to accurately guide a ejected card away from said device.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein said flexible card ejectors are vertically and horizontally adjustable, including a head ejector, wherein the head ejection is made out of soft and flexible material, comprising rubber.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein said playing plate has a window with a conventional hinge to provide access for reloading said plurality of card magazines.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein said playing plate includes a means for pivotal and manual rotation.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein said arm switch includes a locking mechanism.

16. The device of claim 1 wherein said playing plate includes a means for pivotal and manual rotation.

10. An improved method for providing a user an automatic card shuffler and dealer device, powered by electrical motor, enabling play of recreational card games for a plurality of players sitting around said device while said device automatically ejects playing cards to a plurality of locations, circumferentially spaced about said device, said method comprising:

inserting at least one playing card into at least one card magazine, wherein said at least one card magazine pivotally rotates in a first direction, a built-in spring retracting said at least one card magazine in a second direction, wherein a plurality of stoppers limits said first and second directions;

rotating a rotatable plate, including a top and a bottom, said rotatable plate contacting a fixed plate, said rotatable plate rotated by an electrical motor, controlled by an arm switch, said electrical motor contacting a playing plate through a pivot;

contacting said at least one card by at least one flexible card ejector; and

ejecting said at least one card to at least one delivery tray.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein said at least one card magazine is a plurality.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein said plurality of card magazines hold playing cards organized to form a trapezoid shape.

13. The device of claim 11 wherein said plurality of card magazines have a curved lip.

14. The device of claim 11 wherein said plurality of card magazines have flexible side lips.

15. The device of claim 11 wherein said playing plate has a window with a conventional hinge to provide access for reloading said at least one card magazine.

17. The device of claim 11 wherein said arm switch includes a locking mechanism.