Weighted gaming chip and method of producing a chip of this type

Abstract

The invention relates in particular to a gaming chip comprising a weighting disc ( 3 ), the dimensions of which are smaller than those of the chip, the weighting disc ( 3 ) being embedded in the thickness of said chip. The chip is notable in that it comprises a continuous ring ( 5 ) which is formed from a transparent material, extends through the thickness of the chip and surrounds the weighting disc ( 3 ) as closely as possible.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . Method of producing a chip having a first dimension including a weighting disc having a second dimension, where the second dimension is smaller than the first dimension, the method comprising:
 arranging the weighting disc in a first mold, the weighting disc including a first and second substantially planar surface and an edge; and   a first injection-molding of a continuous ring made of a transparent material around the weighting disc such that the transparent material surrounds and covers the edge of the weighting disc so that the edge of the weighting disc remains visible through the ring, wherein the ring of transparent material covers the edge of the weighting disc and overlaps a portion of said weighting disc on said first and second surface forming a first and second inner rim.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising a second injection-molding of a decorative element around the ring. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the decorative element comprises two or more portions which are in relief, wherein the ring includes radial notches which result from the weighting disc being supported by the edge during injection-molding the ring, and wherein the second injection-molding includes:
 arranging an assembly comprising the weighting disc surrounded by the ring in a second mold in such a way that the notches are positioned angularly between two impressions which are produced in the second mold and form two of the portions in relief of the decorative element; and   injection-molding material in the second mold to form the decorative element.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising a third injection-molding of a material over an assembly comprising the weighting disc, the ring, and the decorative element, the third injection-molding including injection-molding material in a third mold, an impression of which has a depth which is substantially equal to a depth of the ring. 
     
     
         5 . A method for producing a gaming chip comprising:
 forming a first part of the gaming chip by arranging a weighting disc in a first mold, the weighting disc being held in place in the first mold by a plurality of removable supporting fingers, a first injection-molding of a transparent material around the weighting disc such that the transparent material surrounds and covers the edge of the weighting disc to form a continuous ring and so that the edge of the weighting disc remains visible through the ring and produces a plurality of radial fingers that project from the edge of the ring, wherein the ring covers the edge of the weighting disc and overlaps a portion of the weighting disc on a first and second surface forming a first and second inner rim;   withdrawing the supporting fingers from the weighting disc to form a plurality of notches in the ring;   forming a second part of the gaming chip by a second injection-molding of an opaque material in a second mold to provide a decorative element around the ring, wherein the decorative element is connected to the ring by the plurality of radial fingers, the decorative element having a plurality of relief elements disposed on a face and edge of the decorative element; and   forming the finished gaming chip by a third injection-molding of an opaque material over an assembly comprising the weighting disc, the ring and the decorative element, wherein the third injection-molding is carried out in a third mold, an impression of which has a depth which is substantially equal to the depth of the ring, wherein the opaque material injected in the third injection-molding fills the notches within the ring of transparent material to form a plurality of visible markings on the gaming chip.