US20050064941A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20050064941A1
Application number: US10/985,088
Authority: US
Inventors: Joseph Hedrick; Jean Legras; Kehl LeSourd; Kirk Tedsen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: International Game Technology
Priority date: 2000-10-17
Filing date: 2004-11-09
Publication date: 2005-03-24
Also published as: US6820875B1; US20050064942A1

Abstract

A method of assembling a gaming device including providing a cabinet including a first side wall and an opposing second side wall and removably connecting a first side panel including a decorative layer to the first side wall of the cabinet. The method includes removably connecting a second side panel including a decorative layer to the second side wall of the cabinet. The method includes securing the first side panel to the first side wall from inside of the cabinet and securing the second side panel to the second side wall from inside of said cabinet, where the first and second panels can only be unsecured from the first and second side walls, respectively, from inside of the cabinet. The method includes movably connecting a lockable door to the cabinet, where the lockable door is movable to allow access to the inside of said cabinet.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a divisional of, claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/690,705 filed on Oct. 17, 2000, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the following commonly-owned co-pending patent applications: “TRANSLUCENT MONITOR MASKS, SUBSTRATE AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVABLE ATTACHMENT TO GAMING DEVICE CABINET,” Ser. No. 09/686,243, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-450, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,541; “DISPLAY AND MASK FOR A GAMING DEVICE,” Ser. No. 29/130,997, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-453, now U.S. Pat. No. D456,855; “DISPLAY AND MASK FOR A GAMING DEVICE,” Ser. No. 29/131,001, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-454, now U.S. Pat. No. D456,046; “DISPLAY AND MASK FOR A GAMING DEVICE,” Ser. No. 29/131,076, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-461, now U.S. Pat. No. D456,457.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates in general to a gaming device, and more particularly to a gaming device having a modular construction with replaceable laminate panels and a method for manufacturing, modifying, changing and repairing such gaming devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Manufacturing gaming devices is an expensive and time intensive process. Currently, gaming devices are effectively custom designed to accommodate a particular gaming theme or scheme. While many similar parts are used for gaming devices such as player input devices or buttons and coin, token and bill acceptors, the overall design or appearance of contemporary gaming device are somewhat dependant on the gaming theme or scheme. Obviously, such gaming devices cannot be built until the manufacturer determines the game theme and scheme. This includes determining the decorations such as the color of and other indicia on the outside of the gaming device viewable by the players.

One conventional process for assembling a gaming device includes attaching wood panels to a steel cabinet or laminating directly to the steel cabinet structure. The exterior surfaces of the wood panels are laminated or otherwise decorated. The wood panels are cut or otherwise made to fit the cabinet, which is a time intensive and expensive process. These wood panels are difficult to work with, heavy, unwieldy and require a great deal of maneuvering to properly position the panels on the cabinet during the manufacturing process. Moreover, removing and replacing these panels is difficult. The wood panels cannot easily be removed in a gaming area to change the gaming theme or scheme of a gaming device or exchange new panels for damaged or discolored panels. The attachment of laminate directly to the steel cabinet structure requires the lamination process to take place prior to any assembly. This process increases lead times because no work can be done until the laminate has been applied.

Removing such gaming devices from the gaming area to change the panels is prohibitively expensive for the gaming owners and disruptive to their patrons. Gaming device owners prefer to conduct such changes or make the repairs on the gaming floor, limiting the gaming device down time while at the same time not disrupting the patrons of adjacent devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a gaming device having a modular cabinet construction and replaceable laminate panels which significantly enhances the manufacturing, modification and repair processes for gaming devices. In the preferred embodiment, the modular cabinet includes upper and lower cabinets or housings removably connected together and two replaceable laminate panels removably connected to the opposite sides of the modular cabinets. The present invention also contemplates a third laminate panel connected to the back of the gaming device if desired by the manufacturer.

The first or display housing or cabinet is adapted to receive a gaming device display and a removable monitor mask apparatus is connected thereto. A plurality of differently sized display housings and mask apparatuses are contemplated for use with a plurality of differently sized displays. It is also contemplated that the display housing could be sized to receive differently sized monitors. The second or component housing is adapted to receive all of the other gaming device electronic components and player interface and input devices. The component housing can be of any suitable size or shape.

The replaceable laminate panels include a substrate and a laminate on the outer or exterior side of the substrate. Preferably, the substrate is extruded from aluminum or an aluminum alloy, although other suitable materials or methods of manufacture are contemplated. The laminate layer, preferably displaying the decorations, colors, figures, characters and indicia representing the gaming theme and scheme of the gaming device is applied to the exterior side of the substrate. The laminate layer is preferably a colored, pressure sensitive laminate comprised of vinyl, vinyl and metal composite, polyvinyl chloride, or some other mixture, applied to the outer surface of the substrates. The laminate panels are relatively simple and inexpensive to fabricate, light in weight, thin, yet strong and resistant to abuse. Suitable fastening devices are used to removably attach the laminate panels to the cabinets.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a gaming device having a modular construction and replaceable laminate panels that are configured to look as if they were installed in a conventional manner.

A further object of the present invention is to provide modular cabinets for use with a gaming device.

A further object of the present invention to provide a gaming device with replaceable laminate panels.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps and processes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention having a modular construction and laminate side panels;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the gaming device ofFIG. 1, illustrating the laminate panel on one side of the gaming device;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a gaming device of the present invention having a larger display cabinet and larger laminate side panels;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the gaming device ofFIG. 3 illustrating the larger laminate panels;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the display and component cabinets of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a laminate panel of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the laminate panel ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an exploded front view of the display cabinet, component cabinet and laminate panels of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded front perspective view of a display cabinet, a substrate, an inner mask and an outer mask which are attached to the display cabinet of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an exploded rear perspective view of the inner and outer masks ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view of one embodiment of a locking bar of a locking mechanism for connecting the substrate and masks to the display cabinet;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism in a locked or engaged position taken substantially along line XII-XII ofFIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism ofFIG. 11 in an unlocked or disengaged position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is adapted to facilitate the manufacture, modification and repair of gaming devices of different sizes. Referring now to the drawings, and particularly toFIGS. 1, 2,5,6 and7, one embodiment of thegaming device10aof the present invention includes a display or first cabinet orhousing12 which is adapted to receive a display14 (shown inFIG. 1 with a display and inFIG. 5 without a display) and a component or second cabinet orhousing16 adapted to receive all of the other components of the gaming device. Such components include the gaming device electronic components or controls (such as the CPU, RAM, ROM, power supply and sound card), player interfaces2 (such as a coin slot, a bill acceptor, a reader or validator for credit cards or debit cards, a player card reader), player input devices4 (such as a keypad, a play button, a bet display, a bet one button a cashout button), a coin hopper or payout tray6, a ticket printer (thermal or impact), smart card read/write dispenser, vacuum fluorescent display and speakers. All of the components of thegaming device10aexcept the display14 are mounted in or connected to thecomponent cabinet16 to facilitate independent manufacture of the component cabinet16 (without dependence on the game theme or scheme). This enhances the overall manufacturing process for gaming devices.

The display is preferably adapted to display the primary or base game as well as any secondary or bonus games to the player. The display may be any monitor (with or without a touch screen), cathode ray20 tube (“CRTs”), high resolution flat panel LCDs, projection type LCDS, plasma displays, field emission displays, digital micromirror displays, LCD touchscreens, flat TV displays or other suitable display device. The display is adapted to display images, symbols, video, and graphics associated with the game to the player as well as system menus and diagnostics to technicians and machine operators or attendants.

Side panels

52 and54 are respectively adapted to be attached to each side of the display and component cabinets. Although not shown, a back panel may also be attached to the back of the display and component cabinets. As described below, each side panel is decorated in accordance with the theme of the gaming device. The side panels are preferably laminated and are manufactured and attached to the cabinets after the gaming device theme or scheme is finalized. This construction for a gaming device, wherein all of the components of the device are in thecomponent cabinet16, the monitor14 is in thedisplay cabinet12 and the

laminate panels

52 and54 are attached to both sides of the cabinet facilitate ease of manufacture of the gaming device and also facilitates modification and replacement and repair of the gaming device10. The present invention therefore increases efficiency and the rate of production of gaming devices and facilitates manufacturing line balancing.

For instance, if it is desired to have a larger sized monitor in the gaming device, the monitor could be replaced and positioned in the display cabinet if there is sufficient room in the display cabinet for the monitor. Different support mechanisms may be used for different sized monitors in the display cabinet. On the other hand, if a larger sized monitor, such as a 27 inch monitor, is desired to be placed with the gaming device, a larger display cabinet may be used. The display cabinet will be suitably attached to the component cabinet and the suitably sized laminate panels will be attached to both sides of the system and display cabinets. As further illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, a larger sized monitor14B may thus be used with the same component cabinet. Thus, even in a gaming area, such as a casino, the construction of the gaming device may easily be changed by removing the laminate panels, removing the display from the display cabinet, changing the display cabinet, inserting a new display into the display cabinet, and replacing the laminate panels with larger laminate panels adapted to engage the larger display cabinet. The only electrical connections are between the system component and the new monitor and any subsidiary equipment and connections going through the display area to the optional top box display or external signage. All of the other components remain unchanged in the component cabinet. As illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2,3 and4, theindicia15aon the panel52 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is different than theindicia15bon panel52 (FIGS. 3 and 4).

As discussed below, it should also be appreciated that the laminate panels could be formed in two or more sections, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, whereby the lower laminate panel remains connected to the component cabinet and a new laminate panel is attached to the new display cabinet. It should therefore be appreciated that a more systematic construction of gaming devices can be accomplished using the present invention, whereby the component cabinets and the display cabinets are constructed individually and assembled as needed, based on the requirements of each gaming device. Additionally, the laminate panels can be decorated or formed with any suitable indicia to correspond to the theme of the gaming device. Therefore, the manufacturing, modification and repair of gaming devices is substantially improved utilizing the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, thedisplay housing12 includes spaced-apart top and

bottom walls

30 and32, respectively, connected to spaced-apart

side walls

34 and36, respectively, all of which in turn are connected to backwall38. The top, bottom, side and

back walls

30,32,34,36 and38 definechamber39. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, thecomponent housing16, includes spaced apart top and

bottom walls

40 and42, respectively, connected to spaced apart

side walls

44 and46, respectively, all of which are, in turn, connected to backwall48. The top, bottom, side and

back walls

40,42,44,46 and48, definechamber49 in the component cabinet orhousing16. Each of the cabinets or

housings

12 and16 is preferably made of rolled steel, although other suitable materials may be used to form the cabinets.

It should be appreciated that the first and

second housings

12 and16 are removably connected together using any suitable fastening device, such as screws, bolts, pegs, hooks, or other suitable locking mechanisms. In one preferred embodiment, the

housings

12 and16 are removably connected together using a plurality of two piece mounting bolts (not shown) such as a sex bolt. The female portion of the bolt contains a hollow cylindrical shaft with threading on an interior surface adapted to receive the threading defined on the exterior of a solid cylindrical shaft of the male portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and

second housings

12 and16 define one ormore apertures50 adapted to receive the male and female bolts (not shown).

In the illustrated embodiment, thedisplay housing12 is adapted to receive a display14 and has a generally square shape when viewed from the front or the side. It should be appreciated thathousing12 could have any suitable shape depending on the theme and scheme of the gaming device and the size and shape of the display. A plurality of different sized housings are contemplated for use with a plurality of different sized displays. For example, one embodiment of thedisplay housing12 forgaming device10acould be used with a 18 inch monitor (best viewed inFIG. 1), a second embodiment of thehousing12 forgaming device10bcould be used with a 27inch monitor14b(best viewed inFIG. 3).

Gaming devices

10aand10band displays14aand14bare generally collectively referred to herein as gaming device10 and display14, respectively.

An alternative embodiment ofdisplay housing12 is contemplated for use with the gaming device10 of the present invention. In this embodiment, only one display housing is connected to the component housing, wherein thedisplay housing12 is suitably sized to accommodate the largest display used with the gaming device10 (in this discussion the 27 inch monitor although larger monitors are contemplated). In this embodiment, the first housing could include any suitable adjustable support or shelving unit (not shown) adapted to be used with different sized monitors. Here, the adjustable support or shelving, in conjunction with the mask discussed in detail below, would be adjusted to accommodate the different sized monitor.

It is anticipated that the

housings

12 and16 define a plurality of openings therein, such as a vent aperture and at least one lock aperture. It should also be appreciated that thecomponent housing16 preferably includes a door pivotally connected thereto (not shown) to enable the operator to access the gaming device components.

Turning now toFIGS. 6, 7 and8, the gaming device includes two

laminate panels

52 and54 which are removably connected to opposite sides of the display cabinet and the component cabinet, using any suitable fastening mechanism, as discussed below. As mentioned above, the gaming device could also include a laminate panel (not shown) connected to the back of the gaming device. Each laminate panel includes asubstrate60 and a decorative layer such as alaminate material62 on the outer surface of thesubstrate60. Preferably, thesubstrate60 is formed from extruded aluminum or aluminum alloy, although other materials or methods are contemplated. In the illustrated embodiment, the front edge of the laminate has a slightly rounded appearance moving from the bottom edge to the top edge. It should be appreciated that other shapes and sizes are contemplated. It should also be appreciated that the laminate panels will look similar to traditional installation (laminate on wood or direct installation on cabinet substrate) and not have the appearance of a bolt on panel to the patron.

More specifically, eachsubstrate60 is formed with two opposing surfaces, a first (inner) and second (outer) surface60aand60b, respectively. Thefirst surface60ais generally flat and removably connects to the outside surface of the

cabinets

12 and16 of the gaming device10 and specifically to the outside surfaces of the

side walls

34,44,36 and46, respectively. Thesecond surface60bis preferably flat or planar and is adapted to receive a decorative layer which is preferably a laminate orlaminate material62 thereon.

The decorative layer orlaminate material62 includes the colors, figures, characters and indicia representing the gaming theme and scheme. In the preferred embodiment, thelaminate layer62 is a colored, pressure sensitive laminate comprised of vinyl, vinyl and metal composite, polyvinyl chloride, or some other mixture. While it is preferred that the laminate is a pressure sensitive material, it is contemplated that a separate adhesive (not shown) may be applied to the second orouter surface60band thelaminate layer62 applied or connected thereto. It is further contemplated that the laminate may be applied to thesubstrate60 in a powdered form. To change the look of the gaming device, the laminate panels may be easily removed and replaced.

In one embodiment,

cabinets

12 and16 define a plurality ofopenings70 adapted to receive bolts secured to the substrate. More specifically, in one embodiment, the head of a bolt portion is welded to thealuminum substrate60 such that thecylindrical shaft80 of the bolt extends transversely from the substrate towards the cabinets. Preferably, a plurality ofbolts80 are used to removably attach each laminate panel to the

cabinets

12 and16. It should be appreciated that the laminate panels could be adapted to be attached to the cabinets in other suitable manners in accordance with the present invention. For instance, the laminate panels may be snapped into place or may include trim members which hold the laminate panels in place.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the laminate panels are each formed in two or more pieces. Preferably, a suitable trim piece (not shown) is used to form a smooth transition between the panels. The different portions of the laminate panel may be adapted to accommodate different laminate layers portraying the same or different colors, figures, characters or indicia.

The use of the laminate panels enables the present to provide a modular gaming device that does not look modular. Turning now toFIGS. 9 and 10, the present invention also preferably provides amonitor cover90 including at least mask apparatus150 attached to the display cabinet such that the modular gaming device10 does not look modular. The mask apparatus150 preferably includes inner and outer masks or mask members154 and152, respectively, which are adapted to removably engage a bracket or substrate156 which is connected to thedisplay cabinet12 by a locking mechanism158 adapted to removably engage the substrate156 as described below.

This configuration provides for the complete removal of the monitor cover90 (including the substrate156 and masks152 and154) from thedisplay cabinet12, facilitating the ease of manufacture, modification and repair of the gaming device10. This configuration also enables old masks to be replaced with a new mask representing new games or effects on the gaming device10.

The first or outer mask152 includes a top or first member160 and20 a spaced-apart bottom or second member162. In addition, the outer mask152 includes spaced-apart side or third members164 with are joined to and integral with the spaced apart top and bottom members160 and162. The outer mask152 is preferably a single integral unit of a molded translucent plastic material. It should be appreciated that the outer mask152 can be extruded, cut or manufactured in any conventional manner using plastic or any other suitable material such as acrylic, paperboard, glass, etc. The outer mask152 is preferably formed as a single piece of clear or translucent material although colored or dyed material is also contemplated. While a single molded piece is preferred, it should be appreciated that the outer mask152 could be formed from two or more pieces that are combined or otherwise joined to form an integral unit.

The outer mask152 includes a curved upper edge166 integral with and extending along the top or first member as illustrated inFIG. 8. A lip168 connects to and extends transversely from the upper edge166. Lip168 is adapted to removably engage or connect to the display cabinet12 (or a substrate156 removably connected to the display cabinet12).

Top and bottom members160 and162 of outer mask152 include a locking mechanism for removably engaging or connecting to the inner mask154. In one preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a plurality of alternately spaced tabs170 and notches172. In the illustrated embodiment, a lip174 extends transversely from outer mask152, specifically from an inner surface176 thereof, where tabs170 and notches172 are defined in an upper and lower portion thereof.

The inner mask154 comprises spaced-apart top, bottom and side members178,180 and182, respectively, similar to the outer mask152 discussed previously. Like the outer mask152, the inner mask154 is preferably a single integral unit of a molded translucent plastic material although other manufacturing methods and materials are contemplated. Inner mask154 is preferably formed as a single piece of clear or translucent material although colored or dyed material, or two or more pieces are also contemplated.

The inner mask154 also includes a locking mechanism for removably connecting to the outer mask152. In one preferred embodiment, inner mask154 includes tabs184 and notches186 that are spaced in accordance with and co-act with the tabs170 and notches172 of the outer mask152. Preferably, the tabs184 and notches186 of the inner mask154 engage and connect to the corresponding notches172 and tabs170 of the outer mask152 in a removable manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs184 extend laterally from the outer edges of the top and bottom members. It should be appreciated that the co-acting of the various tabs and notches properly align or position the two masks152 and154 with respect to each other, the display14 andhousing12.

In the preferred embodiment, inner mask154 includes two wings or members188 extending from the spaced apart side members182. A plurality of extending spacers190 are joined to and integral with the wings or members188. The spacers190 contact or engage the inner surface192 of the outer mask152 ensuring that the inner and outer masks154 and152 are properly spaced apart. In one embodiment, this spacing is used to accommodate one or more illumination devices or sources (not shown).

The inner mask154 also includes a plurality of lugs194 integral to and spaced about an inner surface thereof, preferably along the inner surface196 of the side members182. The lugs194 are adapted to secure the inner mask154 to the substrate156 as discussed below.

The masks152 and154 are preferably different colors and may be back lit by one or more suitable illumination devices or sources (not shown) to provide a lighting effect around the display14. The masks can be independently illuminated, simultaneously illuminated and illuminated many desired combination or sequence. It should also be appreciated that the present invention contemplates the use of more than two monitor masks suitably connected to the substrate156.

Gaming device10 preferably includes a substrate or frame156 that securely engages or connects to thehousing12 of thecabinet60. Like20 the inner and outer masks154 and152 discussed previously, the frame or substrate156 comprises spaced apart top, bottom and side members198,200 and202 respectively as illustrated inFIG. 7. Frame or substrate156 is preferably formed from cold-rolled steel. It should be appreciated that the substrate156 can be extruded, cut or otherwise manufactured in any conventional manner using other suitable metal materials, plastic or any other suitable material. The frame or substrate156 preferably has a suitable decorative coating such as plating.

In one preferred embodiment, the present invention further includes one or more locking mechanisms for removably securing the inner and outer masks154 and152 to thedisplay cabinet12. The inner mask154 includes a plurality of lugs194 projecting from the inner surface196 as described previously. The frame or substrate156 defines a plurality of indentations or hollows204 in the spaced apart side members202 that are spaced in accordance with and co-act with the lugs194 of the inner mask154. While the lugs194 and indentations204 are preferred, other means for removably connecting the inner mask154 and frame or substrate156 are contemplated, including screws, hooks, double-sided tape, etc.

A locking mechanism158 is used to removably secure the frame or substrate156 to thedisplay cabinet12 as illustrated inFIGS. 9 through 13. While preferably the locking mechanism158 is connected todisplay cabinet12, it should be appreciated that the locking mechanism could be connected todisplay cabinet12 in an alternative manner. In one preferred embodiment, frame or substrate156 includes at least one but generally two or more hooks206 extending from inner edge208 of the side members202. In the illustrated embodiment, four hooks206 extend generally transversely from the inner edge208 of the side members202. It should be appreciated that the hooks206 are formed as part of and integral with the frame or substrate156 during the molding process. However it is also contemplated that the hooks206 are formed as a separate integral unit of the same or different material as the frame or substrate156 and connected thereto.

In the preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism158 includes at least one elongated portion and locking member joined to thehousing12 as illustrated. The locking mechanism158 is adapted to removably connect the frame or substrate156 to thedisplay cabinet12. In one preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism includes two elongated portions or slidable locking bars210 located on either side of the display aperture orchamber39 of thecabinet12, placed parallel to the sides of the gaming device (best viewed inFIG. 7). Each slideable locking bar210 defines at least one, but preferably two, engaging slots212 spaced in accordance with and co-acting with the hooks206. Additionally, each slidable locking bar210 defines at least one but preferably two slots214 that slideably secure the locking bar210 to pegs or screws216 extending from thecabinet60, preferably fromhousing62.

Each locking bar210 includes a biasing device that biases the locking bars210 in a locked position to prevent unwanted removal of the substrate156. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking bar210 includes a spring218 having a first end220 connected to a peg222 on the locking bar210. A second end224 of the spring218 is connected to a peg226 on thedisplay cabinet12 and adapted to bias the locking bar210 towards the closed position. While a spring218 and pegs222 and226 are preferred, it should be appreciated that any biasing device (i.e., a spring bar) is contemplated.

The locking mechanism158 further includes a locking member that locks the locking bar210 in the closed or locked position. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a plunger228 extending generally transversely from each of the locking bars210. Thecabinet12 defines at least one, but preferably two seats or sockets (referred to as first and second seats230 and232, respectively) that co-act with an engaging end234 of the plungers228. Preferably, each plunger228 includes a spring (not shown) that biases the plunger228 inwardly towards the seats230 and232 in a manner well known in the art.

In the closed position, the hooks206 of frame or substrate156 sit in the engaging slots212 and are engaged by the locking bar210, so that at least a portion of the hooks206 (i.e., at least the tip236 and slot238) engages, catches or hooks the locking bar210. Moving the plunger228 outwardly from the first seat230 enables the locking bar210 to slideably move towards the unlocked position, so that the sliding bar210 no longer engages the hooks206. The hooks206 now sit freely in the engaging slots212 and can be easily removed by pulling outwards on the frame or substrate156.

It should be appreciated that assembling the gaming device10 using modular cabinet is a relatively straight forward and efficient process. The first and

second housings

12 and16 are connected together using a removable connecting device. The electric components are assembled and positioned inhousing16, while the display14 is positioned inhousing12. The locking mechanism158 is connected to the cabinet, preferably tohousing12, prior to placing the display14 therein and connecting it to the appropriate electrical component.

Generally, to construct a gaming device in accordance with the present invention, the decorative orlaminate layer62 is prepared and applied or connected to thesubstrate60 of the

laminate panels

52 and54. The

laminate panels

52 and54 are connected to thehousings12 and using a removable connecting mechanism. Masks152 and154, and frame156 are assembled and removably connected to thedisplay cabinet12, and preferably to locking mechanism158 indisplay cabinet12. A door is pivotally connected to thecomponent cabinet16.

It should be further appreciated that changing the gaming theme and scheme is likewise a relatively straightforward and efficient process. For example, a technician opens the door reaches under the frame156 and pulls up on the plungers228. Pulling up on the plungers228 (i.e., away from the locking bar210), disengages the plunger engaging ends234 from the first socket230. As the locking bar210 is moved to the open position in the illustrated embodiment, the locking bar210 slideably moves along the pegs or screws216 until the plunger engaging end234 engages the second seat232. The locking bar210 no longer engages the hooks206, which may now be removed from engaging slot212. The masks and frame may be removed from thecabinet12, and display14 may now be removed fromchamber39.

The technician unlocks and opens the door pivotally connected tocabinet16. The technician may now unfasten nuts81 from thebolts80 connecting the

panels

52 and54 to the

cabinets

12 and16, to remove the

panels

52 and54. The technician may access the components to update the gaming scheme (i.e., replace a chip, insert new code, etc.). If necessary, a new, differently sized display housing may be placed onhousing16 and removably connected thereto using bolts. The newly sized display is placed inchamber39 of the new display housing and connected to the electrical components contained incomponent housing16. It should be appreciated that if the same sized monitor is to be used, thedisplay housing12 need not be replaced. New laminate panels are positioned so that theshafts80 are received in theapertures70 of the cabinets. The new laminate panels are then securely connected to

cabinets

12 and16.

If necessary, new masks152 and154 and a frame156 is replaced so that the hooks206 engage the engaging slots212. The plungers228 are again pulled up so that the plunger engaging ends234 disengage the second seat232. The sliding bar210 is moved back manually (or biased by the spring) to the locked position so that the locking bar210 engages the hooks206 and the plunger engaging ends234 engage the first seats230. The door is the closed.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims. It is thus to be understood that modifications and variations in the present invention may be made without departing from the novel aspects of this invention as defined in the claims, and that this application is to be limited only by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method of assembling a gaming device having a game controlled by a processor and operable upon a wager by a player, a display device operable to display the game, and an input device operable to enable the player to make the wager on the game, said method comprising:

providing a cabinet including a first side wall and an opposing second side wall;

removably connecting a first side panel to said first side wall of said cabinet, said first side panel including a substrate and a decorative layer connected to the substrate;

removably connecting a second side panel to said second side wall of said cabinet, said second side panel including a substrate and a decorative layer connected to the substrate;

securing said first side panel to said first side wall from inside of said cabinet;

securing said second side panel to said second side wall from inside of said cabinet, wherein the first and second panels can only be unsecured from said first and second side walls, respectively, from inside of said cabinet; and

movably connecting a lockable door to said cabinet, wherein said lockable door is movable to allow access to the inside of said cabinet.

2. The method ofclaim 1, which includes connecting the input device for the game to said component cabinet.

3. The method ofclaim 1, which includes applying laminates to outside surfaces of the substrates to form the decorative layer.

4. The method ofclaim 3, which includes spraying the laminates onto the outside surfaces of the substrates.

5. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the laminates are in a sheet form.

6. The method ofclaim 5, which includes applying the laminates as continuous sheets.

7. The method ofclaim 5, which includes applying the laminates as a plurality of sheets to each substrate.

8. The method ofclaim 1, which includes connecting the decorative layers to the substrates using adhesive.

9. A method of assembling a gaming device, said method comprising:

providing a component cabinet including a first side wall and an opposing second side wall;

connecting a display cabinet to said component cabinet, said display cabinet including a third side wall and an opposing fourth side wall;

mounting a display device in said display cabinet, wherein said display device is operable with a processor and at least one player input device to enable a player to play a game upon an input of a wager by the player;

removably connecting a first side panel to said first side wall of the component cabinet and said third side wall of the display cabinet, said first side panel including a substrate and a decorative layer connected to the substrate;

removably connecting a second side panel to said second side wall of the component cabinet and said fourth side wall of the display cabinet, wherein said second side panel includes a substrate and a decorative layer connected to the substrate;

securing said first side panel to said first side wall and said third side wall from inside of said component cabinet and said display cabinet respectively;

securing said second side panel to said second side wall and said fourth side wall from inside of said component cabinet and said display cabinet respectively, wherein the first and second panels can only be unsecured from said side walls from inside of said component cabinet and said display cabinet; and

movably connecting a lockable door to one of the component cabinet and the display cabinet, said lockable door movable to access the inside of said component cabinet and said display cabinet.

10. The method ofclaim 9, which includes applying laminates to outside surfaces of the substrates to form the decorative layer.

11. The method ofclaim 10, which includes spraying the laminates onto the outside surfaces of the substrates.

12. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the laminates are in a sheet form.

13. The method ofclaim 10, which includes applying the laminates as continuous sheets.

14. The method ofclaim 10, which includes applying the laminates as a plurality of sheets to each substrate.

15. The method ofclaim 9, which includes connecting the decorative layers to the substrates using adhesive.

16. A method of assembling a gaming device, said method comprising:

providing a component cabinet including a first side wall and a second side wall;

selecting a display cabinet from a plurality of differently sized display cabinets, each of said display cabinets sized to hold one of a plurality of differently sized display devices;

connecting the selected display cabinet to said component cabinet, said selected display cabinet including a third side wall and an opposing fourth side wall;

selecting a display device sized to be mounted in the selected display cabinet;

mounting said selected display device in said selected display cabinet, wherein said display device is operable with a processor and at least one player input device to enable a player to play a game upon an input of a wager by the player;

removably connecting a first side panel to said first side wall of the component cabinet and said third side wall of the selected display cabinet, said first side panel including a substrate and a decorative layer connected to the substrate;

removably connecting a second side panel to said second side wall of the component cabinet and said fourth side wall of the selected display cabinet, wherein said second side panel includes a substrate and a decorative layer connected to the substrate;

securing said first side panel to said first side wall and said third side wall from inside of said component cabinet and said selected display cabinet respectively;

securing said second side panel to said second side wall and said fourth side wall from inside of said component cabinet and said selected display cabinet respectively, wherein the first and second panels can only be unsecured from said side walls from inside of said component cabinet and said selected display cabinet; and

movably connecting a lockable door to said component cabinet, said lockable door movable to access the inside of said component cabinet and said display cabinet.

17. The method ofclaim 16, which includes manufacturing the component display and the display cabinets from rolled steel.

18. The method ofclaim 16, which includes mounting a bill acceptor in the component cabinet.

19. The method ofclaim 16, which includes mounting a locking mechanism to the selected display cabinet, wherein the locking mechanism removably connects the selected display cabinet to the component cabinet.

20. A method of assembling a gaming device, said method comprising:

removably connecting a display cabinet to a component cabinet, said display cabinet sized to receive a display device, wherein said display device is operable with a processor and at least one player input device to enable a player to play a game upon an input of a wager by the player;

removably connecting a plurality of side panels to opposite sides of the display cabinet and the component cabinet, wherein at least one side panel includes a substrate and a decorative layer connected to the substrate;

securing the side panels to said component cabinet and said display cabinet from inside of said component cabinet and said display cabinet, wherein the side panels can only be unsecured from inside of said component cabinet and said display cabinet; and

21. The method ofclaim 20, which includes applying a laminate to outside surface of the substrate to form the decorative layer.

22. The method ofclaim 21, which includes spraying the laminate onto the outside surface of the substrate.

23. The method ofclaim 21, wherein the laminate is in a sheet form.

24. The method ofclaim 21, which includes applying the laminate as a continuous sheet.

25. The method ofclaim 21, which includes applying the laminate as a plurality of sheets to the substrate.

26. The method ofclaim 20, which includes connecting the decorative layer to the substrate using adhesive.

27. A method of changing a gaming scheme associated with a gaming device, said method comprising:

removing first and second side panels connected to said display cabinet and a component cabinet by unsecuring said first side panels from inside of said display cabinet and said component cabinet;

connecting third and fourth side panels to said display cabinet and said component cabinet; and

securing said third and fourth different side panels to said display cabinet and said component cabinet from inside of said display cabinet and said component cabinet.

28. The method ofclaim 27, which includes removing a display device from said display cabinet and inserting another display device in the display cabinet.

29. The method ofclaim 27, which includes connecting a decorative layer to each of said side panels.

30. The method ofclaim 27, which includes opening a lockable door connected to said component cabinet, said lockable door which is movable to access the inside of said component cabinet and said display cabinet.