US20090286607A1

US20090286607A1 - Portable, waterproof, floatable game device

Info

Publication number: US20090286607A1
Application number: US12/152,817
Authority: US
Inventors: James T. Rosica
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-05-16
Filing date: 2008-05-16
Publication date: 2009-11-19

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable, waterproof, floatable game device which includes: a) a watertight main housing for encompassing a computerized game unit for water proximity play of at least one game selection; b) a computerized game unit for water proximity play of at least one game selection, the computerized game unit having sufficient software and hardware to provide the at least one game selection selected from the group consisting of racing games, sports games, maze games, hunting games and competitions, the computerized game unit contained within the watertight main housing and having controls, including at least one control selected from a group consisting of on-off, volume, game selection, food and drink service and guest services; c) a remotely located, central processing host unit connected to the computerized game unit, the host unit including sufficient software and hardware to provide the following computerized game unit management capabilities with respect to the computerized game unit, including user tracking and user data collection and storage.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

a. Field of Invention
The invention relates generally to portable, waterproof, floatable game devices. More specifically, it relates to those systems having a computerized game unit contained within a main housing for use in recreation areas and public gathering places. The computerized game unit communicates with a central processing unit, which has software and hardware to provide computerized game unit management capabilities. Game selections include racing games, sports games, and maze games, hunting games and competitions. Also included are player tracking, play tracking, point counting and security capabilities.
b. Description of Prior Art
The prior art for game devices includes electronic device card readers for purchasing points for game play. A credit card, a debit card, a preloaded money card, and the like are scanned through the card reader to purchase game points, or a given number of games. The game is played and points are calculated until the player has no more points, has no more games left, or until the player wants to terminate play. These systems are typically utilized at recreational parks and game establishments, which are primarily in places protected from the elements of rain and wind.
The present invention relates to a portable, waterproof, floatable, rugged games system, which may be used outdoors, poolside, other remote places, or indoors. There is no system which has the capability of withstanding the outdoor elements, including water elements related to poolside play. The system provides a further unique feature of games made available while in a body of water, such as a pool, lake, ocean or river.
Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable, waterproof, floatable game device which includes: a) a watertight main housing for encompassing a computerized game unit for water proximity play of at least one game selection selected from the group consisting of racing games, sports games, maze games, hunting games and competitions; b) a computerized game unit for water proximity play of at least one game selection, the computerized game unit having sufficient software and hardware to provide the at least one game selection selected from the group consisting of racing games, sports games, maze games, hunting games and competitions, the computerized game unit contained within the watertight main housing and having controls, including at least one control selected from a group consisting of on-off, volume, game selection, food and drink service and guest services; c) a remotely located, central processing host unit connected to the computerized game unit, the host unit including sufficient software and hardware to provide the following computerized game unit management capabilities with respect to the computerized game unit, including user tracking and user data collection and storage.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device, the connection between the central processing host unit and the computerized game unit is selected from the group consisting of a wired connection, a wireless connection and a combination thereof.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device, the computerized game unit further includes a card reading sub-unit adapted to read at least one card selected from the group consisting of credit and debit cards, room keys, game cards, preloaded money cards and membership cards.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device, the main housing includes at least one handle.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device, the main housing includes at least one resting means for placing the main housing on a horizontal surface.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device, the main housing with the computerized game unit is floatable.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device, the main housing includes at least one floatation member.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device, the controls include at least one button and the main housing includes a button contact selected from a group consisting of a rigid touch-screen, a flexible touch-screen, a flexible plastic shield and a gel-pad plastic shield.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device, at least one of the computerized game unit and the remotely located, central processing host unit includes a lock out feature that permits a lock out of use of the computerized game unit.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device, the computerized game unit includes sufficient hardware and software to download additional game selections, the sufficient hardware and software including download means selected from the group consisting of wireless download, internet download, local area network download and intranet download.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device, the watertight main housing includes a flexible holding mechanism selected from the group consisting of a strap, a handle, a tether and an anchor.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device, the system further includes a cradle adapted to receive and nest the main housing with the computerized game unit.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device, the cradle includes a power charger.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device, the cradle includes a card reading sub-unit adapted to read at least one card selected from the group consisting of credit and debit cards, room keys, game cards, preloaded money cards and membership cards.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a waterproof game device includes: a) a plurality of watertight main housings for encompassing a computerized game unit for water proximity play of at least one game selection selected from the group consisting of racing games, sports games, maze games, hunting games and competitions; b) a plurality of computerized game units for water proximity play of at least one game selection, the computerized game unit having sufficient software and hardware to provide the at least one game selection selected from the group consisting of racing games, sports games, maze games, hunting games and competitions, the computerized game unit contained within the watertight main housing and having controls, including at least one control selected from a group consisting of on-off, volume, game selection, food and drink service and guest services; c) a remotely located, central processing host unit connected to the plurality of computerized game units, the host unit including sufficient software and hardware to provide the following computerized game unit management capabilities with respect to the computerized game unit, including user tracking and user data collection and storage.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device as described in paragraph [00019], the connection between the central processing host unit and the computerized game unit is selected from the group consisting of a wired connection, a wireless connection and a combination thereof.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device as described in paragraph [00019], the computerized game unit further includes a card reading sub-unit adapted to read at least one card selected from the group consisting of credit and debit cards, room keys, game cards, preloaded money cards and membership cards.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device as described in paragraph [00019], the main housing includes at least one handle.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device as described in paragraph [00019], the main housing includes at least one resting means for placing the main housing on a horizontal surface.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device as described in paragraph [00019], the main housing with the computerized game unit is floatable.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device as described in paragraph [00019], the main housing includes at least one floatation member.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device as described in paragraph [00019], the controls include at least one button and the main housing includes a button contact selected from a group consisting of a rigid touch-screen, a flexible touch-screen, a flexible plastic shield and a gel-pad plastic shield.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device as described in paragraph [00019], the at least one of the computerized game unit and the remotely located, central processing host unit includes a lock out feature that permits a lock out of use of the computerized game unit.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device as described in paragraph [00019], the computerized game unit includes sufficient hardware and software to download additional game selections, the sufficient hardware and software including download means selected from the group consisting of wireless download, internet download, local area network download and intranet download.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device as described in paragraph [00019], the watertight main housing includes a flexible holding mechanism selected from the group consisting of a strap, a handle, a tether and an anchor.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device as described in paragraph [00019], the system further includes a cradle adapted to receive and nest the main housing with the computerized game unit.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device as described in paragraph [00019], the cradle includes a power charger.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device as described in paragraph [00019], the cradle includes a card reading sub-unit adapted to read at least one card selected from the group consisting of credit and debit cards, room keys, game cards, preloaded money cards and membership cards.
Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detail description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are a schematic diagram of a present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a present invention portable, waterproof game device illustrating a watertight game device located within a cradle;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a present invention portable, waterproof game device illustrating a plurality of watertight game devices and a plurality of display screens;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the function of charging a game device battery in the cradle, described in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the function of playing a game when the game device is in the cradle, described in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a present invention portable, waterproof game device, illustrating main housing and computerized game unit while FIG. 7 is the same view thereof having a cut-out of a single or dual rubber gasket;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a mounting cradle for the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a pool-side area for the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device; and

FIG. 10 is another schematic view of a present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates generally to portable, waterproof, floatable game devices. More specifically, it relates to those systems having a computerized game unit contained within a main housing for use in recreation areas and public gathering places. The computerized game unit communicates with a central processing host unit, which has software and hardware to provide computerized game unit management capabilities. Game selections include racing games, sports games, maze games, hunting games, and competitions. Competitions include chess, checkers, bingo and card games. Also included are player tracking, player services, provider point allocation, and security capabilities.
The waterproof game device may be employed at water resorts, hotel/motel swimming pools, airports, theme parks, game establishments, hospitals, other public gathering places, and the like. Since the main housing is waterproof, portable, rugged and floatable, the waterproof game device particularly facilitates use in or near a swimming pool. In essence, games are brought to other places where people may congregate for recreation, for leisure, for travel, for business or for personal matters.
The game device may relate to an individual game device or a plurality of game devices. Each individual game device includes sufficient computer software and hardware to communicate with a central processing host unit. When there is a plurality of game devices, each game device communicates individually with the central processing host unit. Each game device has one or more touch screens or plastic shields for playing games and for the other game device functions, as well as for hotel services, such as requesting food and beverage service, or TV, movie or music service. Each game device includes speakers for relaying audible sounds and may be electrically powered, battery, fuel cell or other portable power source operated, or it may be solar powered. It could be powered by two or more of the foregoing and hence be a hybrid. There is also an optional card reader for scanning credit cards, room keys, preloaded money cards, room key and membership cards. Furthermore, a biometric fingerprint reader may optionally be included.
A waterproof cradle is used for mounting the game device which provides for charging the game device battery, as well as for optional game play within the cradle. Each game device may also play games and request functions independent of the cradle. The cradle includes hardware and software for a bill validator, ticket printer, battery charger, security hook, card reader and player tracking system as well as connections to the waterproof main housing via waterproof ports.
Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are a schematic diagram of a present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device 1.
Referring to FIG. 1A, the present invention includes main housing 3, computerized game unit 5 and central processing host unit 7. The computerized game unit 5 is contained within the watertight main housing 3. The computerized game unit 5 and the central processing host unit 7 communicate with each other through wireless connection wired connection and a combination thereof.
Referring to box 9, the main housing 3 is waterproof, watertight, rugged, portable and floatable. Because the main housing is floatable, the main housing 3 includes at least one flotation member. The main housing 3 encompasses the computerized game unit 5 for water proximity play of at least one game selection, selected from the group consisting of racing games, sports games, maze games, hunting games and competitions. As shown by box 11, the main housing 3 includes a flexible holding mechanism, selected from the group consisting of strap, handle, tether and anchor. Furthermore, the main housing includes a resting means, as shown by box 13, for placing the main housing 3 on a horizontal surface. The resting means may be located on the bottom of the main housing 3. Speakers, as shown by box 13, are located on the main housing, being controlled by the computerized game unit 5. An LED or other light source means to indicate an event has occurred, as well as a vibrate feature are also located in the main housing, as shown by box 13. The vibrate feature may be used to warn of low battery, player is running low on credits, dinner table is available, car valet, pool closing, check out time, or the like. As shown by box 15, the main housing 3 includes a button contact selected from the group consisting of a rigid touch-screen, a flexible touch-screen, a flexible plastic shield and a gel-pad plastic shield.
As shown in box 17, the computerized game unit 5 has sufficient software and hardware to provide the at least one game selection. The computerized game unit 5, as shown in box 19, allows for water proximity play of at least one game selection selected from the group consisting of racing games, sports games, maze games, hunting games and competitions.
Referring now to FIG. 1B, the features described by the boxes are optional. As shown in box 21, the computerized gaming unit 5 has controls, including at least one control selected from a group consisting of on-off, volume, game selection, food and drink service and guest services. Furthermore, as shown in box 23, there is sufficient hardware and software to download additional game selections, for example. The hardware and software includes a download means selected from the group consisting of wireless download, internet download, local area network download and intranet download. As shown in box 25, there is a lock out feature that permits a lock out of use of the computerized game unit 5. At least one of the computerized game unit 5 and the central processing host unit 7 may include the optional lock out feature. As shown in box 27, there is a card reading sub-unit which is adapted to read at least one card selected from the group consisting of credit and debit cards, room keys, game cards, preloaded money cards and membership cards. As shown in box 29, there is a biometric reader for reading fingerprints. As shown in box 31, there is a player information sub-unit that provides information of interest to the player such as points remaining, time elapsed, weather report, customized music, customized shows, and the like.
As shown by the communication connection arrows in FIG. 1A, the remotely located, central processing host unit 7 is connected to the computerized game unit 5 through a wired connection, a wireless connection or a combination thereof. As shown in box 30, there is an optional lock out feature that permits a lock out of use of the computerized game unit 5. At least one of the computerized game unit 5 and the central processing host unit 7 may include the lock out feature. As shown in box 33, the host unit 7 includes sufficient software and hardware to provide the computerized game unit management capabilities with respect to the computerized game unit, including user tracking and user data collection and storage.
Referring now to FIG. 1C, as shown by box 35, there is a player tracking function for use by the host tabulating points used by player, time playing by the player, number of games played, statistics and the like. Furthermore, as shown by box 37, host functions of bonusing, new games, security and player identification are supported by the system. In addition, as shown by box 39, there is play tracking showing the number of players for a time period and money house received. As shown by box 41, banking functions are supported including electronic fund transfer for paying for points and, credit/debit cards for payment, and the like.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device 51 illustrating a watertight game device 55 located within a cradle 53. As shown, the cradle 53 is adapted to receive and nest a waterproof game device 55 with nesting a main housing and a computerized game unit. The game device 55 may be mounted within the cradle, which is shown in box 53. As shown in box 59, the central processing host unit is in communication with the watertight game device and the cradle, and vice versa. The communication may be established through wireless connections, wired connections or combination thereof. As shown in box 61, the cradle is waterproof and watertight. As shown in box 63, the cradle has ports that connect to the waterproof main housing device 55. There are several ports which include a battery charger port for connection to the internal battery of the device; a downloadable game port for connection to load games to the device; a player tracking port for connection to a Game Monitoring Unit for transfer of monies and player tracking; and a USB and Ethernet port for connections for music download, television, movies, hotel services and the like. As shown in box 65, there is sufficient hardware and software to support a bill validator, ticket printer, battery charger, security hook, card reader and player tracking system.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device 601 illustrating a plurality of watertight game devices and a plurality of display screens 607, 609 and 611. A first watertight game device includes a main housing 603. A computerized game unit 605 is contained within the main housing 603. The computerized game unit 605 includes a plurality of screens, screen1 607, screen2 609 and screen3 611. The plurality of screens 607, 609, 611 are used to play multiple games, request services while playing a game, to request music and the other functions of the computerized game unit 605, described in FIG. 1. In addition to the features described by FIG. 1, there is sufficient software for the management and processing of the plurality of screens 613.
A second watertight game device includes a main housing 617. A computerized game unit 619 is contained within the main housing 617. The computerized game unit 619 includes a screen 621.
The plurality of computerized game units 605 and 619 each communicate with a central processing host unit 615. The communication is made through wireless connection, wired connection and combinations thereof. Wifi, Bluetooth, and the like may be employed for wireless connection.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the function of charging a game device battery in the cradle, described in FIG. 2. Flow 69 is the start of the charging function. Flow 71 determines whether the device is in the cradle. If it is not, flow 87 shows that the device battery is not being charged. If the device is in the cradle, flow 73 shows that the device is charging followed by flow 75 where the device is removed from the cradle. Next flow 77 determines whether the device is fully charged. If the answer is yes, the charging ends at flow 79. If the answer is no, flow 81 determines the charging level by the LED indicator. Next flow 83 determines whether the device battery is very low. If the answer is no, flow 81 is repeated. If the answer is yes, flow 85 makes an audible sound from the device indicating low battery level and then repeats flow 71 determining whether the watertight game device is in the cradle.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the function of playing a game when the game device is in the cradle, described in FIG. 2. The start of the game begins at flow 601. First flow 603 determines whether the watertight game device is in the cradle. If no, flow 605 player places the watertight game device in the cradle. If yes, it is the cradle, a player card is then read into the watertight game device, as shown in flow 607. Flow 609 shows the player entering an account via a PIN #. Next a determination is made as to whether the host system grants a withdrawal. If the answer is no, flow 603 is repeated and the player is given another chance to enter account via PIN #. If the answer is yes, the watertight game device may be removed from the cradle, if desired, as shown in flow 613.
Whether or not the game device is removed, a player, as shown in flow 615, plays the watertight game device. As the games are played, flow 617 determines whether there is an end of points. If there is, flow 619 shows the device being returned to the cradle by the player, if it has been removed in flow 613, and repeating flow 603. If there is not an end of points, i.e. points remaining, flow 615 is repeated and the watertight game device is played again.
FIG. 6 is a front view of a present invention portable, waterproof game device 100, illustrating main housing 103 and computerized game unit 105 while FIG. 7 is the same view thereof having a partial cut view of a dual rubber gasket. The computerized game unit 105 is contained within the main housing 103. In this case, the waterproof game device 100 is a one game device having one computerized game unit 105. However, there could be a plurality of computerized game units within the main housing 103.
The main housing includes at least one flexible holding mechanism in this case, handles 104 on the outer sides of the game device 100. In the alternative, a handle may be located on the top of the main housing 103. In addition, the flexible holding mechanism may be a strap, a handle, a tether, an anchor, or the like. The handles 104 includes a ruggedized rubber material 106 which cover the edges and sides to guard the waterproof game device 100 from shock which may be caused by dropping the water game device 100. The rubber material 106 is a member which facilitates floatation. The ruggedized rubber material may be permanently attached or may be removable.
The computerized game unit 105 may be solar powered or battery operated. Furthermore, the computerized game unit 105 includes a playing screen 102 which is a semi-transparent liquid crystal display. The playing screen 102 may be rigid touch-screen, flexible touch-screen, flexible plastic shield, or gel-pad plastic shield. Preferable the screen material should be sufficiently strong and scratch resistant to allow thousands of play to occur without adversely effecting visibility. Furthermore, there will be no adverse effect when the waterproof game device 100 goes underwater.
Referring now to FIG. 7, the main housing 103 includes a single or dual gasket 200 on the edge of the waterproof game device 100 to insure a proper watertight seal. The gasket 200 provides a tight seal to keep out dirt, oil, and sand, thereby allowing the waterproof game device 100 to be used in harsh environment or underwater. The waterproof game device 100 conforms to “Nema 6P” compliance.
FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a mounting cradle 300 for the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device. A waterproof game device 301 is mounted in the appropriate place on the cradle 300. The cradle 300 is waterproof and watertight.
The cradle 300 includes software and hardware for a bill validator, ticket printer, battery charger, security hook, card reader and player tracking, as well as connections to the waterproof main housing via waterproof ports. The cradle further includes a connection for a battery charging system port 302 to charge the internal battery of the waterproof game device 301. Furthermore, there is a connection for a host connectivity port 304, as well as a connection for input and output data ports for downloadable games to load games to the waterproof game device. There is a player tracking port 306 to connect to a game monitoring unit for transfer of monies and player tracking from the host to the waterproof game device 301. In addition, there are connections for USB and Ethernet ports 308. There is also a ticket printer port, not shown.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a poolside area 400 for the present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device. There are a plurality of cradles 300 positioned around the pool patio area. One of the cradles 300 does not contain a waterproof game device while the remaining cradles 300 include waterproof game device 100. The waterproof game device 100 mounted in the cradle 300 will access the host unit through the cradle, as well as through the computerized game unit of the waterproof game device 100. The functions of each are shown in FIGS. 3 and 8. There is one stand alone waterproof game device 100 being used in the pool, which was either started up on a cradle, or has an optional card-reading sub-unit.
FIG. 10 is another schematic view of a present invention portable, waterproof, floatable game device 1. A cradle 300 is connected to a host system 500 via RS485 or Ethernet 502. The host's game monitoring unit 504 is installed in the cradle 300. The waterproof game device 100 is connected to the game monitoring unit 504 on a cradle 300 through a wired connection or a wireless connection 506 to allow for player tracking, electronic funds transfer, ticketing in and out and security. The transfer from the host system 500 are allowed by way of the cradle 300 or a method remotely through Wifi, Bluetooth directly to the waterproof game device.
To summarize, the present invention thus provides a game device in places where the public is congregated. It provides communication which allows a player of games on a portable game device. All functions from establishing credits to requesting a deposit of monies are provided. There also is player tracking by a central processing host unit.
Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A portable, waterproof, floatable game device which comprises:

a) a watertight main housing for encompassing a computerized game unit for water proximity play of at least one game selection selected from the group consisting of racing games, sports games, maze games, hunting games and competitions;

b) a computerized game unit for water proximity play of at least one game selection, said computerized game unit having sufficient software and hardware to provide said at least one game selection selected from the group consisting of racing games, sports games, maze games, hunting games and competitions, said computerized game unit contained within said watertight main housing and having controls, including at least one control selected from a group consisting of on-off, volume, game selection, food and drink service and guest services;

c) a remotely located, central processing host unit connected to said computerized game unit, said host unit including sufficient software and hardware to provide the following computerized game unit management capabilities with respect to said computerized game unit, including user tracking and user data collection and storage.

2. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 1, wherein connection between said central processing host unit and said computerized game unit is selected from the group consisting of a wired connection, a wireless connection and a combination thereof.

3. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 1, wherein said computerized game unit further includes a card reading sub-unit adapted to read at least one card selected from the group consisting of credit and debit cards, room keys, game cards, preloaded money cards and membership cards.

4. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 1, wherein said main housing includes at least one handle, a light source to indicate an event, and a vibrate feature.

5. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 1, wherein said main housing includes at least one resting means for placing said main housing on a horizontal surface.

6. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 1, wherein said main housing with said computerized game unit is floatable.

7. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 6, wherein said main housing includes at least one floatation member.

8. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 1, wherein said controls include at least one button and said main housing includes a button contact selected from a group consisting of a rigid touch-screen, a flexible touch-screen, a flexible plastic shield and a gel-pad plastic shield.

9. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said computerized game unit and said remotely located, central processing host unit includes a lock out feature that permits a lock out of use of said computerized game unit.

10. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 1, wherein said computerized game unit includes sufficient hardware and software to download additional game selections, said sufficient hardware and software including download means selected from the group consisting of wireless download, internet download, local area network download and intranet download.

11. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 1, wherein said watertight main housing includes a flexible holding mechanism selected from the group consisting of a strap, a handle, a tether and an anchor.

12. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 1, which further includes a cradle adapted to receive and nest said main housing with said computerized game unit.

13. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 12, wherein said cradle includes a power charger.

14. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 12, wherein said cradle includes a card reading sub-unit adapted to read at least one card selected from the group consisting of credit and debit cards, room keys, game cards, preloaded money cards and membership cards.

15. A waterproof game device which comprises:

a) a plurality of watertight main housings for encompassing a computerized game unit for water proximity play of at least one game selection selected from the group consisting of racing games, sports games, maze games, hunting games and competitions;

b) a plurality of computerized game units for water proximity play of at least one game selection, said computerized game unit having sufficient software and hardware to provide said at least one game selection selected from the group consisting of racing games, sports games, maze games, hunting games and competitions, said computerized game unit contained within said watertight main housing and having controls, including at least one control selected from a group consisting of on-off, volume, game selection, food and drink service and guest services;

c) a remotely located, central processing host unit connected to said plurality of computerized game units, said host unit including sufficient software and hardware to provide the following computerized game unit management capabilities with respect to said computerized game unit, including user tracking and user data collection and storage.

16. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 15, wherein connection between said central processing host unit and said computerized game unit is selected from the group consisting of a wired connection, a wireless connection and a combination thereof.

17. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 15, wherein said computerized game unit further includes a card reading sub-unit adapted to read at least one card selected from the group consisting of credit and debit cards, room keys, game cards, preloaded money cards and membership cards.

18. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 15 wherein said main housing includes at least one handle, a light source to indicate an event, and a vibrate feature.

19. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 15, wherein said main housing includes at least one resting means for placing said main housing on a horizontal surface.

20. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 15, wherein said main housing with said computerized game unit is floatable.

21. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 20, wherein said main housing includes at least one floatation member.

22. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 15, wherein said controls include at least one button and said main housing includes a button contact selected from a group consisting of a rigid touch-screen, a flexible touch-screen, a flexible plastic shield and a gel-pad plastic shield.

23. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 15, wherein at least one of said computerized game unit and said remotely located, central processing host unit includes a lock out feature that permits a lock out of use of said computerized game unit.

24. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 15, wherein said computerized game unit includes sufficient hardware and software to download additional game selections, said sufficient hardware and software including download means selected from the group consisting of wireless download, internet download, local area network download and intranet download.

25. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 15, wherein said watertight main housing includes a flexible holding mechanism selected from the group consisting of a strap, a handle, a tether and an anchor.

26. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 15, which further includes a cradle adapted to receive and nest said main housing with said computerized game unit.

27. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 26, wherein said cradle includes a power charger.

28. The portable, waterproof, floatable game device of claim 26, wherein said cradle includes a card reading sub-unit adapted to read at least one card selected from the group consisting of credit and debit cards, room keys, game cards, preloaded money cards and membership cards.