Card handling devices may include a card shuffling apparatus and a card output portion having a card buffer area positioned at an interface of the card shuffling apparatus and the card output portion. The card output portion may be configured to move relative to the card shuffling apparatus and alter the orientation of the card buffer area. Card handling devices having a substantially flat card output area may include an interface portion having an at least substantially flat draw surface. The substantially flat card output area may permit playing cards to be drawn from an outlet of the substantially flat card output area in a plurality of at least substantially horizontal directions. Methods of shuffling playing cards may include altering an orientation of a card buffer area and inserting cards into the card buffer area at both a top and a bottom of a group of cards within the card buffer area.

A chess-like board game with a commercial name of Starship Chess provides a one-on-one tactical space combat game, like the game of chess between two versatile playing pieces. The game is played by two players and each player has a fully maneuverable starship, complete with manageable resources, engines, weapons, and shields. Each player must navigate his starship in order to gain an advantage over the player's opponent with respect to direction and position. A starship can engage, withdraw, replenish, and reposition to plan out attacks. Players must learn to think ahead, predict opposing player's tactics, and outwit the opponent to win.

A toy apparatus includes a base piece having a distal end, a movable elongated member having a first end and a second end, and a tether coupled to the first end of the movable elongated member. Tension applied to the tether moves the movable elongated member from an open first position to a closed second position. The toy apparatus is configured to freely slide on a surface due to momentum generated when an initial pushing force is applied to the toy apparatus. The tension applied to the tether causes the tether to become taut, without other human contact to the toy apparatus. In the closed second position, the second end of the movable elongated member is closer to the distal end of the base elongated member, and the base elongated member and the movable elongated member are capable of retaining a target piece.

A wheel game apparatus comprising an inner ring mounted for rotational motion about a central shaft having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots, a central cone mounted for rotational motion about the shaft in an axial adjacent position to the upper side of the inner ring and including a plurality of markers thereon, and aligning and engagement features whereby the cone can be rotated relative to the inner ring such that each of the markers will align with a slot and the cone will remain engaged while the inner ring is rotated.

A novelty apparel includes multiple attached conformable, selectable and viewable occupational role playing indicia. A baseball cap includes a dome shaped crown of compound curves and a forward facing sun visor brim portion, a display region in a central front face portion of the dome shaped crown, where the display region displays a first permanent occupational status identifier and a mounting region for a secondary occupational status identifier selectable from a number of different indicia carried on a display surface conformable to said dome shaped crown. The selected indicium is displayed centered above the brim. The display surface conforms to the curved exterior of the dome shaped crown, wherein the baseball cap does not deviate substantially from the look of a typical baseball cap with a single permanent indicium.

The Archery Target Having a Replaceable Cube Core includes a replaceable cube core, a target frame, and a support base. The target frame houses the replaceable cube core at the center of the target frame. The support base is attached to the target frame and the replaceable cube core abuts the support base. The replaceable cube core provides a visual target display for archers to aim and shoot. The support base ensures that the cube core is firmly held within the confines of the target frame and the support base to prevent the replaceable cube core from shifting or moving under impact from the arrows. The replaceable cube core is formed as a cube having six (6) useable target surfaces. Each target surface provides a consistent penetration depth on each surface for predictable results, regardless of the face that is used for the target surface.

Disclosed is a dart game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in order to implement the aforementioned object. The dart game apparatus includes: a dart target having a plurality of score areas; a sensing module configured to sense an electrical signal changed as a dart pin hits the dart target; a controller configured to control an overall operation of the dart game apparatus; and a camera module configured to include a plurality of camera units, wherein the camera module includes a first camera unit configured to photograph a throw line which is a location where a player throws a dart and a whole body of the player, a second camera unit configured to photograph at least a part of a body for identifying the player, a third camera unit configured to photograph the entirety of the dart target, and a fourth camera unit configured to photograph at least a partial area in an area formed between the throw line and the dart game apparatus in order to photograph a blind zone which is not photographed by the first camera unit, the second camera unit, and the third camera unit.

A game assembly includes a cube that may be manipulated thereby facilitating the cube to be selectively launched at a goal during game play. The cube has a plurality of intersecting sides. The cube may travel in an unpredictable direction when the cube is struck during game play thereby enhancing difficulty of the game play. The cube comprises an inner core and an outer surface. The inner core is comprised of a resiliently compressible material such that the cube may bounce. The outer surface is comprised of a deformable material.

Cornhole games have been a mainstay during tailgating events at football games across the United States. However, the traditional cornhole game offers little challenge as the board has but one target opening and scoring is limited. Further, the traditional cornhole game has no real connection to the game of football; it does not present a representation of the field of play and does not apply the rules of football. The purpose of this invention is to create a method of play for a bean bag tossing game that is based on the game of football and incorporates the rules and strategies of the game of football. In an effort to create such a football-based bean bag tossing game, the game should incorporate the concepts of kickoffs, including onside kickoffs, punts, including fake punts, driving down the field by gaining yardage, the ability to kick a field goal or score a touchdown when in scoring position, the loss of yardage through application of penalties, the loss of possession through the application of turnovers, the possibility of scoring a touchdown after an opponent's turnover, the ability to attempt a last-chance Hail Mary touchdown, and the option to try for a 2-point conversion after a touchdown is scored. The game should also provide the player with an opportunity to use strategy when deciding what plays to make. With this football-based bean bag toss game, all of the main elements of the game of football listed above are incorporated and the game plays out similarly to a real game of football.

Tailgating, or having party prior to a sporting event, most often a football game, is an American pastime. In recent years, tailgating has expanded to other sports, including baseball. For many years, cornhole games have been a mainstay during tailgating events at football games across the United States. However, the traditional cornhole game offers little challenge as the board has but one target opening and scoring is limited. Further, the traditional cornhole game has no real connection to the game of baseball; it does not present a representation of the field of play and does not apply the rules of baseball. The purpose of this invention is to create a method of play for a bean bag tossing game that is based on the game of baseball and incorporates the rules and strategies of the game of baseball. In an effort to create a baseball-based bean bag tossing game, the game must incorporate the imagery of a baseball field, the rules of the game, and the concepts of pitching, including balls, strikes and hits, one-, two- and three-base hits, homeruns, sacrifice bunts and sacrifice flies, outs at first, second and third base, fly outs, infield fly-outs and outfield fly-outs, double plays, steals and extra base hits. Players attempt to get hits to get runners on base, then try to bring the runners home to score.The game should also provide the player with an opportunity to use strategy when deciding what plays to make. With this baseball-based bean bag toss game, all of the main elements of the game of baseball listed above are incorporated and the game plays out similarly to a real game of baseball.

A tip insert for a cue shaft having a cavity at the tip has a tip disc to support a tip for striking a ball and an inwardly extending section for bonding to the inside surface of the cavity. The inwardly extending section includes one or more centering flanges and a bonding surface, the centering flanges interfacing with the inner surface of the cavity and enabling a substantially consistence bond distance between the bonding surface and the inner surface of the cavity. The tip insert can be machine from a single piece of material comprising glass fiber-reinforced epoxy laminate sheets, where the individual sheets of the material are oriented perpendicular to the longitude axis of the tip insert to increase the durability and performance of the tip insert when transferring the force from the tip striking a ball.

A method of using a dealer shoe that is configured to provide access to and removal of playing cards from within the dealer shoe includes: a base, a front plate forming a lower gap with the plate through which individual playing cards can pass, a top, and opposed sides joining the base, top, two sides and the front plate to form a card-carrying cavity. The front plate further is associated with a light producing element configured to shine light (e.g., in patterns, in colors, and the like) over a back of a first playing card extending out of the lower gap; and the wavelength and intensity and qualities of the shone light being sufficient to reduce optical contrast of different colors and/or shades on the back of the first playing card or otherwise disrupt optical viewing of printed images on the backs of playing cards.

A method of using a dealer shoe that is configured to provide access to and removal of playing cards from within the dealer shoe includes: a base, a front plate forming a lower gap with the plate through which individual playing cards can pass, a top, and opposed sides joining the base, top, two sides and the front plate to form a card-carrying cavity. The front plate further is associated with a light producing element configured to shine light (e.g., in patterns, in colors, and the like) over a back of a first playing card extending out of the lower gap; and the wavelength and intensity and qualities of the shone light being sufficient to reduce optical contrast of different colors and/or shades on the back of the first playing card or otherwise disrupt optical viewing of printed images on the backs of playing cards.

A method of automatically generating a calibration file for a card handling device comprises automatically generating a calibration file stored in memory of a main control system for a card handling device. Automatically generating the calibration file comprises identifying at least one parameter associated with a rank area around a rank of at least a portion of the card, identifying at least one parameter associated with a suit area around a suit of the at least a portion of the card, and storing the at least one parameter associated with the rank area and the at least one parameter associated with the suit area in the calibration file. Additionally, a method of automatically generating deck libraries for one or more decks of cards comprises automatically generating a plurality of master images for the cards of the first deck type using the parameters from the calibration file.

An exemplary gaming system, in one implementation, provides active interaction between one or more players and the gaming system. Such an exemplary gaming system includes a receptacle with one or more holes to receive first gaming objects thrown at it. Chambers attached to a rigid member on the receptacle receive and store second gaming objects that are later released into one or more different spatial directions. An intermediate surface operably connected to a mechanical or an electrical triggering mechanism is included in the receptacle. When the first gaming object falls into the receptacle and hits the intermediate surface, the intermediate surface causes activation of the triggering mechanism to directly or indirectly propel the second gaming objects, through the chambers, into one or more different spatial directions. A hand or foot lever allows players to reset the triggering mechanism for the next game.

An automated playing card, shuffling and dealing device in turn shuffles and in turn deals playing cards of two playing card sets, includes two card slot assemblies each disposed with a shuffled card box and a dealt card box. A control unit controls a dealing element to align with the playing card set in the shuffled card box of the card slot assembly at a card drawing position, sequentially draw the cards in the playing card set, and move the uncovered cards to the corresponding dealt card box. Meanwhile, the control unit controls a shuffling machine to align with the playing card set in the dealt card box of the card slot assembly at a card shuffling position. After the dealing process is complete, the control unit exchanges the positions of two card slot assemblies. Accordingly, shuffling and dealing in turn are completed in an uninterrupted and automated manner.

A geography game for learning geography and geographic information is disclosed that includes maps, scoresheets, lists of facts, and rules and instructions used to guide players on how to effectively use edible food items, such as chips, to learn geography through a fun and entertaining platform. The game provides marketing value to chip manufacturers and variations of the game add even more value by creating excitement and longevity. In one implementation, the edible chip is a triangular corn tortilla chip.

A target may allow target practice and/or simulate the shape of one or more animals. In various implementations, a target may include a target body and/or stand. The target body may be capable of receiving shots from arrows and/or ammunition. A target body may include a first aiming zone and a second aiming zone on an opposing surface. In some implementations, the first aiming zone and/or the second aiming zone may be off center. The orientation of the target body may be altered to select an aiming zone of the target body based upon user preference, in some implementations. The overlay may have shape similar to a predetermined animal. The overlay may be replaceable. The stand may support the target body. In various implementations, an overlay may be coupled to the target body and/or stand.

A method and system for suspending a target above a surface that provides for supporting a support member above the surface. A hanger is used to suspend a target from the support member. When the target is hanging from the support member, it is induced into an angle so that its top portion is closer to a shooter. When the target is struck by an incoming projectile, it is allowed to pivot downward from its initial position and the target is also restrained from rotating about the axis of suspension.

HE'S BEEN an integral part of Saints' rise from League 1 to European football - and to mark his birthday, we've got a special José Fonte photo gallery.

It's 40 years today since Southampton FC began their memorable journey to glory in the 1976 FA Cup - and we've got some never before seen photos.

Matthew Hoggard thinks his former team-mate Kevin Pietersen has no chance of playing for England again and believes incoming chairman Colin Graves was ''careless'' to suggest otherwise.

FORMER Hampshire star Glenn Maxwell blasted 88 off only 39 balls as Australia romped to the highest team total in cricket World Cup history.

Kevin Pietersen's hopes of a second England chance have been dealt another blow after coach Peter Moores appeared to rule out the possibility while he is in charge of the national team.

Former Hampshire star Glenn Maxwell hit the second-fastest century in Cricket World Cup history as Australia beat Sri Lanka by 64 runs to book a quarter-final place.

Former Hampshire all-rounder Glenn Maxwell's World Cup heroics were not enough to earn him a place in Australia's Test squad for the Ashes series against England or a preceding tour of the West Indies.

Kevin Pietersen marked his long-awaited return to domestic cricket with 170 for Surrey against Oxford MCCU.

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh has urged England to move on from Kevin Pietersen, believing the controversial batsman no longer merits a place in the side and brings too much baggage as well.

TELEVISION presenter Piers Morgan has aimed a dig at a BBC Radio Solent journalist today over former Hampshire Cricket star Kevin Pietersen's exclusion from the England squad.

HE’S the former England cricket captain best known for his ability as an all-rounder.

James Vince blunted the much-hyped Australia attack but fell foul of England's new number one enemy Nathan Lyon just when he was all set to tame the Gabba on day one of the Ashes.

Ben Strevens was left to rue yet more injury problems as Eastleigh were beaten 3-1 at Fylde.

Eastleigh came from behind to defeat struggling Chesterfield and move themselves safely into midtable in the National League.

EASTLEIGH manager Ben Strevens admitted wishing his side’s match against second-from-bottom Chorley was postponed after all.

EASTLEIGH are through to the FA Cup first round after two penalties for Scott Rendell.

Scott Rendell struck against former club Woking to earn Eastleigh a point as they extended their unbeaten run to eight matches.

Ben Strevens is hoping that Eastleigh will sign him some reinforcements as his injury crisis worsens.

Scott Rendall admitted his confidence is sky high after his fine goalscoring continued with a match winning hat-trick.

Eastleigh are facing an unwanted FA Cup replay after being held to a 2-2 draw at Stourbridge.

EASTLEIGH warmed up for Saturday’s FA Cup tie at home to League Two Crewe Alexandra with a fourth successive victory at the Silverlake - thanks to three goals in ten first-half minutes.

MARCUS Barnes scored a stunning consolation goal as Eastleigh’s FA Cup run ended with a 3-1 defeat at League Two Crewe Alexandra.

All the photos from Saints' 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace, as Sadio Mane's late goal decides the match.

Saints bag themselves a well deserved point at Stamford Bridge after Dusan Tadic equalises with a penalty.

Pictures from Saints' victory over Burnley at St Mary's Stadium.

Check out our picture gallery from Saints v Hull.

Despite Morgan Schneiderlin drawing first blood at Britannia Stadium, two second-half goals from Stoke sends Saints away without a point.

Two goals from Graziano Pelle ensured that Saints took the lead twice at St Mary's Stadium, but equalisers from Erik Lamela and Nacer Chadli meant both teams came away with a point.

Despite an equaliser from Sadio Mane, Saints suffer a 2-1 defeat to Sunderland The Stadium of Light.

Saints had a battle on their hands after Leicester scored two goals in the first 19 minutes of play. No further goals were scored.

Photos from Saints' 6-1 win against Aston Villa, in which Sadio Mane scored a hat-trick in 2mins 56secs - the fastest in Premier League history.