US20060181021A1 - Gaming device base and method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

A gaming device base having a storage area configured to store at least one non-currency gaming item is disclosed. The gaming device base further includes a horizontal support member having a substantially flat surface to support at least one gaming device. The gaming device base further has at least one door positioned beneath the horizontal support member and also may have at least one edge. The door includes the storage area configured to store the non-currency gaming item and further may be moved from an open to a closed position; the door may also include an angled portion. In the open position, the storage area may be accessed and, in the closed position, the door is positioned behind the edge of the horizontal support member. Players sitting in front of the edge of the horizontal support member may stretch or extend their legs behind the edge of the horizontal support member.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/944,341 filed Sep. 15, 2004; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/245,628, filed Sep. 16, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,825. This application also claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/503,307 filed on Sep. 15, 2003; the latter is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of Invention
• The present invention relates to gaming device bases used to support gaming devices in casinos and other operating locations, and a method of use. More particularly, the present invention relates to a gaming device base including a storage area configured to store non-currency gaming items and a method for storing therein.
• 2. Background
• Gaming device bases or stands are well known in the art and they are widely used to support gaming devices in casinos and other gaming establishments. Gaming device bases generally support one or more gaming devices above a floor where the gaming device may be more easily seen, played, and serviced.
• Gaming device bases may be configured to accommodate varying numbers of gaming devices. For example, gaming device bases may be configured to support one, two, four or more of gaming devices. Gaming device bases may further be positioned in a variety of configurations. For example, gaming device bases may be configured to accommodate gaming devices positioned back-to-back or side-by-side.
• An example of a gaming device base is disclosed in Jarrett (U.S. Pat. No. Des. 354,637). One of the problems associated with gaming device bases, such as the one disclosed in Jarrett, is that they commonly have flat front surfaces that prevent players from extending their legs. It has been found that many players are more comfortable if they can extend their legs in front of them, even a small amount, rather than keeping their legs tightly bent. When players are more comfortable, they tend to have a more enjoyable experience and tend to play longer.
• Another problem with gaming device bases, such as the one disclosed in Jarrett, is that the top surface does not have sufficient strength to support the weight of a gaming device over time. Thus, the top surface is susceptible to bending, cracking and warping.
• Another gaming device base is disclosed in Ward (U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,115). The gaming device base is designed to support modified slot machines that have reduced coin hopper size, reduced power supply size and a circuit board positioned at an angle. (See also U.S. Des. Pat. Nos. 399,889 and 409,857, issued to the same inventor). Ward discloses that the combination of the slot cabinet and the modified slot machine is designed to reduce the amount of floor space occupied by gaming devices, which is especially valuable in casino environments.
• One problem with Ward's slot cabinet is that it requires complicated modifications to the gaming device before the slot cabinet can effectively support the gaming device. For example, the gaming device has to be modified by reducing the coin hopper size, reducing the power supply size, and positioning the circuit board at an angle. Next, while Ward's slot cabinet allows players to sit closer to the gaming device, the front wall blocks the players' legs and does not allow players to extend or stretch their legs. There is a long felt and unmet need for a gaming device base that has a front surface that does not block the players' legs and that allows players to stretch their legs.
• Ward's slot cabinet further does not include any footrests. While the space between the bottom of the front wall and the floor allows players to insert their toes to be closer to the gaming machine, there are no structures that elevate players' feet and allow players to rest their feet.
• Another gaming device base is disclosed in Rowe et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,597). The gaming device base has a foot rail positioned in front of the gaming device base. The foot rail disclosed may be fixed or foldable. One problem with the Rowe et al. foot rail is that the rail is made of a tube or a rod and is not supported by the floor. A footrest supported by the floor is desired because it is more stable and durable than a rail merely mounted on the front wall of the gaming device base. Another problem with the foot rail disclosed in Rowe et al. is that the rail does not support the entire surface area of the players' feet. As a result, players' feet may slide away from the foot rail. Players are likely to exert extra effort to keep their feet on the rail. A footrest having the ability to support a substantial portion of a player's foot is therefore desired.
• Gaming device bases are known to store coins. For example, slot machines typically have hoppers that store and dispense coins. Hoppers are typically limited in size and regularly become full. When the hoppers are filled with coins, coins are diverted to an overflow bucket disposed inside the gaming device bases. Coin passages are located on the bottom of slot machines. Coins from slot machines pass through the coin passages and are received by coin buckets disposed in the slot bases.
• A gaming device base that stores coins is disclosed in Salour et al. (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,876,285 and 6,146,274). The gaming device base has a hopper for storing coins positioned inside the cabinet and a mechanism for emptying the hoppers. Coins from the gaming device drop through a coin passage to the hopper. The hopper has a chute and chute door, which may be opened and closed. During coin collection and counting, a casino employee would open the slot cabinet door, close the chute door, and move the chute toward him. The employee may then position a bucket underneath the chute and open the chute door to discharge the coins to the bucket thereby emptying the hopper.
• One problem with the gaming device base in Salour et al. is that it requires employees, who may regularly remove the coin buckets for weighing and counting of coins, to lift coin buckets off the floor. Employees have to bend and lift the coin buckets, thus increasing the risk of back injuries. There is a long felt and unmet need for a gaming device base with coin buckets or receptacles positioned on top of the gaming device base or off the floor.
• Gaming device bases are further known to store electrical wires. Examples of electrical wires include communication wires, power supply wires, wires for hoppers, wires for electronic locks and wires for the sensors of coin buckets. Gaming operators desire to hide the wires as discreetly as possible for aesthetic reasons as well as to prevent their patrons from tripping over the wires. Gaming operators conventionally hide the electrical wires by running the wires across the slot base and storing the wires inside the slot base. One problem with this technique is that electrical wires, which are not isolated from the vicinity of the coin path as the coins move from the gaming machine to the base, deflect coins coming from gaming device thereby causing coins to be lost. A gaming device base that isolates the electrical wires from the vicinity of the coin path is therefore desired.
• Additionally, with the introduction of cashless and coinless, or non-currency, gaming devices, there has evolved an unmet need in the gaming industry for a gaming device base configured for storing non-currency gaming items such as, for example, tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards and credit cards. In this respect, bins for and storage of currency, that is, cash and/or coins, are no longer essential features of the gaming device base.
• Accordingly, various non-currency gaming devices are configured to accept, as well as to dispense, non-currency gaming items. With respect to dispensing, the gaming device will dispense to the player a non-currency gaming item when a player stops playing the game and “cashes-out” his or her winnings. In this way, players are able to experience uninterrupted play by using the dispensed non-currency gaming item with another non-currency gaming device.
• Naturally, there are times when non-currency gaming devices must be re-supplied in order to continue dispensing non-currency. As such, it would be advantageous to have a gaming device base configured to store one or more non-currency gaming items that can be accessed for the re-supplying of a non-currency gaming device. This type of gaming device base would provide a certain level of convenience for individuals, such as casino employees, insofar as they would be able to avoid transporting on their person large quantities of non-currency gaming items. Also, the use of non-currency gaming items permits employees to avoid transporting large amounts of currency. The non-currency gaming items further are much lighter than the coins traditionally used with gaming devices such that the lifting of heavy coins is eliminated, as well as the constant bending and lifting associated therewith which increases the risk of back injuries.
SUMMARY OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
• Advantages of One or More Embodiments of the Present Invention
• The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:
• the ability to eliminate the need for currency storage, including coin bins;
• eliminate the lifting and constant bending by employees associated with use of heavy coins;
• provide easy access to non-currency gaming items;
• allow an employee to avoid transporting non-currency as well as currency;
• provide for secure storage of non-currency (cashless) gaming devices; and
• provide for the re-supply of non-currency gaming devices.
• These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims and abstract.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
• Applicants have provided a gaming device base configured to store at least one non-currency gaming item including cashless devices, such as, for example, tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards and credit cards. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a horizontal support member having a substantially flat surface configured to support one or more gaming devices. At least one door, having an exterior and interior surface, of the gaming device base is positioned underneath the horizontal support member and the interior surface includes a storage area. The storage area is configured to store at least one non-currency gaming item. The door further is moveable from a closed position to an open position to provide access to the storage area.
• Additionally, applicants have provided a gaming device base having a front surface that allows players to stretch their legs. In one embodiment, the gaming device base has a horizontal support member having at least one edge and a substantially flat surface to support at least one gaming device. The gaming device base has at least one door positioned behind the edge of the horizontal support member and beneath the horizontal support member. The door has at least one angled portion, which forms an acute angle measured from a vertical plane, and a storage area configured to store one or more non-currency gaming items. The door may be moved to an open (to provide access to the storage area) or closed position. In the closed position, the door is positioned behind the edge of the horizontal support member. Players sitting in front of the edge of the horizontal support member may stretch their legs behind the edge of the horizontal support member.
• The applicants have also provided a gaming device base having a footrest supported by a floor and that is capable of supporting a substantial portion of players' feet. In another embodiment, the footrest has a footrest plate resting on footrest plate support members, which typically rests on the floor.
• In yet another embodiment, the applicants have provided a gaming device base having a horizontal support member able to withstand the weight of a gaming machine positioned thereon over time. The horizontal support member is typically made resilient by a beam positioned underneath the horizontal support member.
• The applicants further have provided a method for storing at least one non-currency gaming item including cashless devices, such as, for example, tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards and credit cards, in a gaming device base. In one method, at least one non-currency gaming item is provided along with a gaming device base having a horizontal support member. The horizontal support member has a substantially flat surface configured to support one or more gaming devices. The gaming device base further includes at least one door, having an exterior and interior surface, positioned underneath the horizontal support member. The interior surface of the door includes a storage area configured to store the at least one non-currency gaming items. The door further is moveable from a closed position to an open position to provide access to the storage area. If the door is in the closed position, the door is moved from the closed position to the open position to provide access to the storage area. The at least one non-currency gaming item then is placed in the storage area.
• The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of some embodiments of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is substantially a perspective view of an embodiment of the gaming device base wherein the gaming device base accommodates four gaming devices, two gaming devices being positioned on each side of the gaming device base.
• FIG. 2 is substantially a perspective view of the gaming device base ofFIG. 1 showing the door in an open position and the coins bins slid forward.
• FIG. 3 is substantially a closer view of a portion ofFIG. 2 showing the components of the slidable coin bins and their respective attachments.
• FIG. 4 is substantially a view of the underside of the horizontal support member of the gaming device base ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 5 is substantially a perspective view of the support structure of the gaming device base ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 6 is substantially a cross-sectional view of the gaming device base ofFIG. 1 taken alongline6 indicated onFIG. 1.
• FIG. 7 is substantially a closer view of a portion ofFIG. 1 showing the components of the footrest and its respective attachments.
• FIG. 8 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the gaming device base of the present invention.
• FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the gaming device base ofFIG. 8 with the horizontal support member removed.
• FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the gaming device base ofFIG. 8 taken along line A-A.
DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
• In the following detailed description of various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
• The present invention comprises a gaming device base, generally indicated byreference number20. The terms “base,” “support device,” “slot base,” and “gaming device base” are used interchangeably to refer to a device used for supporting a gaming device. “Gaming devices” is a term used to refer to gambling machines and arcade machines. Gambling machines include, for example, slot machines with reel or video displays, gaming tables and machines typically found in casinos. Arcade machines include, for example, video games and machines typically found in arcade establishments.
• The terms “coin bin,” “receptacle,” and “coin bucket” are used interchangeably to refer to a receptacle configured to receive coins, currencies or other items used as a wager or a prize. The term “coin” is used interchangeably with currencies or other items used as a wager or a prize. As used herein, the term “door” refers to any barrier by which an entry is closed and opened. Alternatively, the term “door” refers to an immovable wall used to enclose the confines of the gaming device base.
• Referring now toFIG. 1, an embodiment of agaming device base20 is shown.Gaming device base20 may have ahorizontal support member22, adoor24, asupport structure26, andfootrests28 and30.Horizontal support member22 typically has a flat surface to supportgaming devices32,34,36 and38.Horizontal support member22 typically has afront edge70, aback edge72 and side edges74 and76. A player may sit in front offront edge70 to playgaming device32. Another player may sit in front ofback edge72 to playgaming device36. Back edge72 may also be positioned adjacent to a wall (not shown).Side edge74 may be positioned adjacent to another gaming device base (not shown).Horizontal support member22 may have a rectangular shape, but other shapes, such as square, triangle or circle, may be employed.Gaming devices32,34,36 and38 may be positioned on top ofhorizontal support member22.
• Horizontal support member22 is typically configured to accommodate a plurality ofgaming devices32,34,36 and38. Of course,horizontal support member22 may be configured to accommodate one or various numbers of gaming devices.Gaming devices32 and34 may be positioned back-to-back, and so maygaming devices36 and38.Gaming devices32 and38 may be positioned side-by-side, and so maygaming devices36 and34. Of course,horizontal support member22 may be configured to accommodate gaming devices in varying positions, such as back-to-back, side-by-side and in series.
• Eachgaming device32,34,36 and38 may have a coin acceptor (not shown), a coin tray (not shown),bonus display40 and42, ahandle44,46, and48, a button (not shown), a hopper (not shown), and a power supply (not shown). The power supply may have wires (not shown) that are connected to a power outlet located on a floor (not shown).
• Horizontal support member22 may definewire passages52,54,56 and58.Wire passages52,54,56 and58 allow electrical wires, such as power supply wires, to be hidden withingaming device base20. At least onewire passage52,54,56 or58 may be disposed onhorizontal support member22 for every space allocated on horizontal support member forgaming device32,34,36 and38.Wire passages52 and54 andwire passages56 and58 are typically offset relative to each other onhorizontal support member22 to isolate wires of eachgaming device32,34,36 and38. Electrical wires ofgaming devices32,54,34 and38 may run to the floor throughwire passages54,52,58 and56, respectively.
• Horizontal support member22 may further definecoin passages62,64,66 and68. When a hopper (not shown) positioned inside agaming device32,34,36 or38 is filled with coins, coins fall fromgaming device32,34,36 or38 to the confines ofgaming device base20 throughcoin passages62,64,66 and68. Typically, at least one coin passage is provided for each gaming device supported on the horizontal support member.Coin passages62 and64 andcoin passages66 and68 are typically offset relative to each other onhorizontal support member22 to isolate coin paths of coins inside eachgaming device32,34,36 and38 and to prevent coins from coming out ofgaming devices32,34,36 and38 and mixing with each other. This is desirable in most gaming establishments to accurately account for coins produced by each gaming device.
• In another embodiment,gaming device base20 has adoor24 located beneathhorizontal member22.Door24 may be moveable from a closed position shown inFIG. 1 to an open position (not shown inFIG. 1). In the closed position,door24 is typically positioned behindfront edge70 ofhorizontal support member22.Door24 may have astraight portion78, which is parallel to avertical plane82, and an angled portion80, which may form an acute angle (indicated inFIG. 1) measured from avertical plane82. Whendoor24 is in the closed position,door24 allows players sitting in front of a horizontalsupport member edge70 or backedge72, to stretch their legs behind the horizontal support member edge.Intersection84 betweenstraight portion78 and angled portion80 may be a smoothly rounded surface for aesthetic appeal and to minimize any unpleasant contact by players.Door24 may further have different shapes, such as shapes that would allow players to stretch their legs underneathhorizontal support member22 or behind the horizontal support member edge.
• Door24 may have at least onelock86 attached onstraight portion78 ofdoor24. In one embodiment, lock86 is a manual cylinder lock. In other embodiments, lock86 may comprise an electronic lock, bolt or other locks known in the art.Door24 is typically made of galvanized steel, but may be made of other materials, such as, for example, aluminum, non-galvanized steel, wood, combination of polyvinyl chloride film on MDF (medium density fiberboard) core, plastic, acrylic, fiberglass or other related materials known in the art.
• Door24 is typically a swing door that is attached to asupport structure26 by a continuous hinge (not shown), such as a piano hinge, atdoor24's hingedportion88.Door24 may also be rotatably attached to supportstructure26 using a non-continuous hinge or other fasteners known in the art. Referring now toFIG. 2,door24 is shown in its open position. Whendoor24 moves from a closed to an open position,door24 typically moves in a swinging motion whereinstraight portion78 drops from a top position adjacent tohorizontal support member22 to a bottom position away fromhorizontal support member22 and adjacent to footrests28 and30. Hingedportion88 typically remains attached to support structure26 (see also arrow indicating door motion inFIG. 2). Whendoor24 is in an open position, ahorizontal compartment144, defined byhorizontal support member22 andhorizontal partition140, may be accessed.Horizontal compartment144 may be configured to storecoin bins90A-D, which are used to receive coins coming from gaming devices through coin passages (not shown inFIG. 2) and store coins ingaming device base20. In another embodiment, asingle door24 provides access to a plurality ofcoin bins90A-D. In yet another embodiment (not shown), individual doors may be provided to access each coin bin.
• In another embodiment, onecoin bin90A,90B,90C or90D for everygaming device32,34,36 and38 is provided.Coin bins90A-D may be positioned side-by-side. In another embodiment (not shown), vertical coin bin partition may be provided between coin bins to further prevent coins from mixing. Typically,coin bins90A-D may only be accessed from one side and usually from the front side ofgaming device base20 or from the side ofgaming device base20 adjacent tofront edge70.
• Rear door (not shown inFIG. 3) may be similar todoor24 described above. The rear door may also be permanently closed. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), no door similar todoor24 is provided at the rear of gaming device base. The rear surface ofgaming device base20 is a substantially flat surface. The flat surface is especially practical when the rear ofgaming device base20 is configured to face a wall.
• Referring now toFIG. 3, eachcoin bin90A-D typically has a plurality of walls that define a box. The top of eachcoin bin90A-D may include an opening to receive coins being dropped from correspondinggaming devices32,34,36 and38 (not shown inFIG. 3). Eachcoin bin90A-D may further have ahandle94A-D disposed within the confines of eachcoin bin90A-D and typically in the middle of each coin bin or any position that would allow a user to carry the coin bin in a balanced manner. Handle94A-D may be a rod having one end attached to a side of a coin bin and another end attached to another side of the coin bin.
• Eachcoin bin94A-D typically has a pair ofglides96, one glide being attached on top of each of the coin bin's sidewalls to allow eachcoin bin94A-D to be removeably attached tohorizontal support member22 and to be slid within the confines ofhorizontal support member22. Eachcoin bin94A-D may further be made stackable by providing a pair ofrecesses98 on the bottom of each coin bin, so that when a coin bin is positioned on top of another, the pair ofglides96 of the bottom coin bin may be accommodated by pair ofrecesses98 of the top coin bin. Eachcoin bin94A-D is typically made of molded polypropylene. It is understood thatcoin bins94A-D may be made using other materials known in the art, such as, for example, metal, wood, composites and other polymers.
• Referring now toFIG. 4, a plurality of sets oftracks92A-D may be attached to and directly beneathhorizontal support member22. Each set oftracks92A-D is typically configured to receive corresponding pair of glides96 (shown inFIGS. 2 and 3) so that glides96 andcoin bins90A-D may be quickly attached to, detached from, and moved beneathhorizontal support member22. This removable and movable feature ofcoins bins90A-B may be helpful in weighing and counting coins on a regular basis.
• Eachtrack92A-D is typically L-shaped having a vertical component and a horizontal component. Of course, each track may have other shapes known in the art. One end of the vertical component of each track is typically attached tohorizontal support member22, and the other end is typically attached to the horizontal component. The horizontal component of each track is typically parallel to the plane ofhorizontal support member22 and is configured to facilitate the sliding movement of the coin bins (not shown inFIG. 3). One set oftracks92A,92B,92C or92D may be provided for every coin bin (not shown inFIG. 3) thatgaming device base20 is designed to accommodate. In one embodiment, one coin bin is provided for every gaming device so that coins from different gaming devices are not mixed. Thus, the number of sets of tracks may vary depending on the number of coin bins or the number of gaming devices thatgaming device base20 is designed to accommodate.
• In another embodiment, where coin bins may only be accessed from one side (typically from the front side) of gaming device base20 (hereinafter referred to as the accessible side), the length of each set of tracks and each coin bin may be substantially half the width ofhorizontal support member22. A first vertical partition147 (not shown inFIG. 4 and further discussed below) may provide a stop forcoin bins90A-D and may further preventcoin bins90A-D from further sliding toward the inside ofgaming device base20 and becoming detached from tracks92. Usually there are no coin bins directly underneath gaming devices positioned on the other half ofhorizontal support member22, typically the rear or back side ofgaming device base20, which is hereinafter referred to as the inaccessible side. Coin bins for gaming devices that are positioned on the inaccessible side may be positioned on the accessible side and may be provided with chutes100A-B so that coins being dropped from the gaming devices are directed to their corresponding coin bins. Chutes100A-B typically have a flat surface attached tohorizontal support member22 in a diagonal position relative tohorizontal support member22. Chutes100A-B may further have sidewalls perpendicular to the flat surface and to the horizontal support member to provide a barrier for the coins being dropped from a gaming device to a corresponding coin bin. Chutes100A-B may be made of galvanized metal, but other materials known in the art may be used, such as, for example, plastic and wood.
• Anelongated wire chase102 may be attached tohorizontal support member22 directly underneathwire passages52,54,56 and58 (shown inFIG. 1) and substantially between each set oftracks92A-D and chutes100A-B. Wire chase102 may have a concave cross sectional shape to accommodate wires. A portion of chute100A-B may overlap an exterior bottom portion ofwire chase102.Wire chase102 may be configured to receive electrical wires fromgaming devices32,34,36 and38 andwire passages52,54,56 and58 (shown inFIG. 1).Wire chase58 is further configured to isolate electrical wires from coins being dropped tocoin bins90A-D (shown inFIGS. 2 and 3).Wire chase58 may be made of galvanized steel, but other materials known in the art may be used, such as, for example, plastic, rubber and polyvinyl chloride.
• Referring now toFIGS. 5 and 6, an embodiment ofsupport structure26 configured to supporthorizontal support member22 from a floor is shown.Support structure26 typically may have threevertical members104,106 and108 perpendicularly attached to horizontal support member22 (not shown inFIG. 5).Vertical members104,106 and108 are typically attached toside edge76, a middle portion andside edge78 of horizontal support member22 (seen inFIG. 1). It is understood that the number of vertical members and their positions relative tohorizontal support member22 may vary.
• Eachvertical member104,106 and108 is typically made of a flat piece of material having asurface118 and top110, bottom112,front114, and back116edges surrounding surface118.Top edge110 typically defines arecess120,124 and128 to accommodate wire chase102 (not shown inFIG. 5) or electrical wires.Bottom edge112 may also define arecess122 to allow wires stored within the confines ofgaming device base20 to exit and typically to run to another gaming device base20 (not shown).Surface118 may define at least onepassage130 and132 to allow wires stored within the confines ofgaming device base20 to exit and typically to run to another gaming device base20 (not shown).
• Each front114 and back116 edge typically has a top portion, which further has arecess134 that substantially follows the shape ofdoor24 in a closed position described above and seen inFIG. 1. Each front114 and back116 edge may have amiddle portion136 that is substantially parallel to a vertical plane. Each front114 and back116 edge may further have a bottom portion forming aleg138 extending forward and toward the front of a gaming device. It is understood that the shapes and sizes ofvertical members104,106 and108 may vary.
• Support structure26 may further include at least onehorizontal partition140.Horizontal partition140 is typically a flat rectangular piece of material having asurface142.Horizontal partition140 may be disposed horizontally in betweenvertical members104 and108 and acrossvertical member106.Horizontal support member22 andhorizontal partition140 may define afirst compartment144, typically reserved for coin bins.Vertical member104 typically dividescompartment144 into a left side sub-compartment and a right side sub-compartment. A firstvertical partition147 may be positioned transverse fromhorizontal partition140 and perpendicular tovertical member104. Firstvertical partition147further divides compartment144 into a front sub-compartment and a rear sub-compartment. Firstvertical partition147 further provides a stop forcoin bins90A-D (not shown inFIG. 5) and preventscoin bins90A-D from further sliding toward the inside ofgaming device base20 and becoming detached from tracks92 (not shown inFIG. 5). Firstvertical partition147 may further include recesses for allowing chute100 (not shown inFIG. 5) to extend fromhorizontal support member22 to acoin bin90A,90B,90C or90D.
• Support structure26 may further have a secondvertical partition180. In one embodiment, secondvertical partition180 is positioned in front of and belowhorizontal partition140, in betweenvertical members104 and108, acrossvertical member106, and at a height substantially equal to the height ofmiddle portion136 offront edges114 ofvertical members104,106 and108.Support structure26 may further include at least oneboard174 attached to thelegs138 ofvertical members104,106, and108.Board174 is typically a flat piece of rectangular galvanized steel positioned in betweenvertical members104 and108 and acrossvertical member106.Board174 may also be made of triple-enforced wood with PVC (polyvinylchloride) face, non-galvanized steel, aluminum and other materials known in the art. Secondvertical partition180, a second horizontal partition adjacent to the floor (not shown), andboard174 may define acompartment182.Compartment182 is typically reserved for storage of coins and usually for awarding a jackpot winner.Compartment182 may further be reserved for storing electrical wires.Compartment182 may be divided into a left side sub-compartment and a right side sub-compartment byleg138 ofvertical member106. Thirdvertical partitions176A and176B may further be positioned perpendicular toboard174 and in betweenboard174 and secondvertical partition180. Thirdvertical partitions176A and176B may further dividecompartment182 into four compartments arranged side-by-side.
• Referring now toFIGS. 6 and 7,door24 may be attached onhorizontal partition140 by a hinge, typically by a continuous piano hinge. Afootrest plate178 may be attached to secondvertical partition180.Footrest plate178 is typically attached to secondvertical partition180 by a continuous hinge to allow footrest plate to swing up and down.Footrest plate178 typically moves from an open position to a closed position to provide access to compartment182 (shown inFIG. 5) or sub-compartments ofcompartment182. In the closed position,footrest plate178 is typically in a substantially horizontal position or diagonal position and resting uponboard174. In the open position, astand192 may be provided to supportplate178 in the open position. Stand192 may be attached topartitions defining compartment182. Typically, stand192 is moveable from a substantially horizontal position whenplate178 is in a closed position to a substantially transverse position whenplate178 is in an open position.Plate178 may be made of a range of materials, such as, for example, metal, galvanized steel, non-galvanized steel, wood and related materials known in the art.Plate178 may further be covered with carpet, or other materials that would protectplate178 from scratches or provideplate178 with additional appeal.
• Aplate extension186 may be attached substantially perpendicular tofootrest plate178 to firmly engagefootrest plate178 to board174 when in the closed position. Alock188 may be attached toplate extension186 so thatfootrest plate178 may be lockable when in the closed position.Lock188 may be a plunger-type lock or a deadbolt lock, but may comprise other locks known in the art. Asecurity sensor190 may further be provided to monitor the opening and closing offootrest plate178 or to control the access tocompartment182.Sensor190 may be optical sensors, or other sensors known in the art. In one embodiment, aplate edge cover190A is positioned on the front edge offootrest plate178.Plate edge cover190A protectsfootrests28 and30 from wear and scratches.Plate edge cover190A is typically made of metal, but may be made of plastic, fiberglass, acrylic, powder coating and other materials known in the art.
• Support structure26 may also comprise additional components that further strengthensupport structure26 in supporting the weight of gaming devices, such as, for example, brackets, and braces.Support structure26 is typically made of wood, but may be made of other materials, such as, for example, steel and aluminum. The number and shapes of partitions may vary.
• Referring back toFIG. 5,gaming device base20 may further have at least one, typically two,vertical wire partitions160 and162. Each vertical wire partition is typically a flat piece of material having a surface surrounded by top, bottom, front and back edges.Top edge170 may define arecess168 to accommodate wire chase102 (shown inFIG. 4). The outer surfaces ofvertical wire partition160 andvertical member104 define agap164 in between them. Electrical wires run through wire chase102 (shown inFIG. 4) then throughgap164. The outer surfaces ofvertical wire partition162 andvertical member108 define agap166 in between them. Electrical wires run through wire chase102 (shown inFIG. 4) then throughgap166. A bottom wire chase172 (shown inFIG. 6) extending through almost the entire length ofboard174 may be provided to receive the wires coming fromgaps164 and166. It is understood that the number of bottom wire chases may vary. Bottom wire chase172 may be made similar towire chase102, but may of different dimensions thanwire chase102.
• With continued reference toFIG. 5,vertical wire partitions160 and162 andvertical member106 may define a notch (not shown inFIG. 5) at their respective front and back edges. Each notch may be configured to receive and support abeam148.Beam148 may be provided in front ofgaming device base20 beneathfront edge70 ofhorizontal support member22 and at the back ofgaming device base20 beneathback edge72 ofhorizontal support member22.Beam148 is configured to add strength tohorizontal support member22 in supporting the weight ofgaming devices32,34,36 and38 (shown inFIG. 1).Beam148 is typically made of heavy gauged steel tube, but other materials known in the art may be used.Beam148 may further be in the form of a shaft, a C-channel, a rod and other structures and shapes known in the art.Beam148 may be configured to receive locking portion (not shown) of door lock86 (shown inFIG. 1). It is noted thatbeam148 may providedoor24 with a sturdy locking mechanism that may be difficult to tamper with, as the locking portion engages to a metal.
• In another embodiment (not shown), a second horizontal partition may be provided beneath firsthorizontal partition140. Firsthorizontal partition140 and second horizontal partition may define a second compartment. Firsthorizontal partition140 and second horizontal partition may further define wire holes for securing and isolating electrical wires. The second compartment may be reserved for storing pre-counted currency to be awarded to a player, a jackpot winner, or for some other purpose. The second compartment may further comprise second compartment doors. Boxes or drawers may also be disposed within the second compartment. Additional horizontal partitions may be added to define additional compartments (not shown). Additional horizontal shelves or vertical compartment partitions may also be provided.
• In another embodiment (not shown),gaming device base20 has only one horizontal partition similar tohorizontal partition140. Underneath the horizontal partition, a panel is attached to supportstructure26 at an acute angle measured from the horizontal partition. The panel may have a reflective surface to reflect light and to add appeal togaming device base20. The panel may be made of materials such as, for example, wood with laminate, durable carpet and rubber flooring sheet surface. The panel may also be a metallic sheet, such as stainless steel or aluminum. Low-voltage rope lighting or other alternative lighting may be added below the horizontal partition to add attraction togaming device base20.
• FIGS. 8-10 illustrate various embodiments of the present invention wherein agaming device base200 is configured to store at least onenon-currency gaming item202, including cashless devices, such as, for example, tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards and credit cards.
• As shown inFIG. 8, ahorizontal support member204 has aflat surface206 configured to support a gaming device (not shown). It is understood that thehorizontal support member204 may be configured to accommodate a plurality of gaming devices (not shown).Horizontal support member204 typically has afront edge208, aback edge210 and side edges212. A player (not shown) may sit in front offront edge208 to play the gaming device.Horizontal support member204 is supported byvertical support members215 and217 (seeFIG. 9) and typically has a rectangular shape, but other shapes, such as a square, triangle or circle, may be employed.
• Each gaming device (not shown) supported by thegaming device base200 may have a non-currency acceptor (not shown), a non-currency dispenser (not shown) and a power supply (not shown). The power supply may have wires (not shown) that are connected to a power outlet located on a floor (not shown).
• As further shown inFIG. 8, thehorizontal support member204 may definewire passages216 and218. Thewire passages216 and218 allow electrical wires, such as power supply wires (not shown), to be hidden within thegaming device base200. At least onewire passage216,218 may be disposed onhorizontal support member204 for every space allocated onhorizontal support member204 for a gaming device(s) (not shown). Electrical wires of a gaming device(s) may run to the floor throughwire passages216,218, respectively. Accordingly, thewire passages216,218 may include any number of shapes and sizes.
• FIG. 9 shows awire compartment220 situated below thewire passages216,218 configured to receive and hide wires from a gaming device.Additional wire passages222 and224 may be presented invertical support members215 and217 to allow the passage of wires therethrough to, for example, electrical outlets.
• As shown inFIG. 10, thegaming device base200 has adoor230 beneath thehorizontal member204. Thedoor230 may have astraight portion232, which is parallel to avertical plane234, and anangled portion236, which may form an acute angle measured from thevertical plane234. Thedoor230 further includes exterior andinterior surfaces238 and240, respectively. Theinterior surface240 has astorage area242 configured to store one or morenon-currency gaming item202, including for example, tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards and credit cards. Typically, thestorage area242 rests above theangled portion236 of thedoor230. Thestorage area242 includes at least twowalls244 and246 (seeFIG. 9), typically fourwalls244,246,248 and250 (FIG. 9), to retainnon-currency gaming items202 within thestorage area242.
• It is understood thatstorage area242 may comprise one or more partitions (not shown), for example, vertical or horizontal partitions, to further subdividestorage242 into a plurality of sub-compartments (not shown), similar to the sub-compartments previously presented in the discussion ofFIG. 5. In this embodiment (involving storage area242), the sub-compartments may be used to store a variety of different non-currency items without the different non-currency items becoming mixed with one another.
• Thedoor230 may be moveable from a closed position to an open position, and vice versa, as represented bynumeral223. In the closed position, thedoor230 is typically positioned behindfront edge208 ofhorizontal support member204. Whendoor230 is in the closed position, thedoor230 allows a player (not shown) sitting adjacent thefront edge208, to stretch his or her legs behind thefront edge208. In the open position, access is provided to thestorage area242 for replenishing of and/or for removing thenon-currency gaming items202. In this way, individuals, such as casino employees, may replenish the non-currency supply of a gaming device (not shown) without having to transport thenon-currency gaming items202 on their person. Notably, one of thewalls244,246,248,250, typically wall250, may be provided longer in length, in relation to thedoor230, to better retain thenon-currency gaming items202 within thestorage area242 when thedoor230 is in the open position.
• As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10,door230 typically is a swing door that is attached to thegaming device base200 at oneend254 of theangled portion236, by acontinuous hinge256, such as, for example, a piano hinge. Thedoor230 may also be rotatably attached using a non-continuous hinge or other fasteners known in the art. When thedoor230 moves from the closed to the open position, as represented by numeral223 inFIG. 10, thedoor230 typically moves in a swinging motion whereinstraight portion232 drops from a top position adjacent tohorizontal support member204 to a bottom position away fromhorizontal support member204 and adjacent tofootrest258. Aretention device252, such as, for example, astop chain153, a latch, a door stop or a hinge, cooperates with thedoor230 to retain thedoor230 in the open position. Thefootrest258 also may be configured to provide a footrest door (not shown) wherein the footrest door includes a storage area (not shown) to storenon-currency gaming items202 such that when the footrest door moves from a closed position to an open position access is provided thereto.
• As further shown inFIG. 10,intersection260 betweenstraight portion232 andangled portion236 may be a smoothly rounded surface for aesthetic appeal and to minimize any unpleasant contact by players. Thedoor230 may further have different shapes, typically shapes that would allow players to stretch their legs underneathhorizontal support member204 or behind thefront edge208.
• InFIGS. 9 and 10, thedoor230 also may have at least onelock262, such as, for example, a manual cylinder lock, electronic lock or bolt lock, attached on thestraight portion232 of thedoor230. Thedoor230 typically is made of galvanized steel, but may be made of other materials, such as, for example, aluminum, non-galvanized steel, wood, combination of polyvinylchloride film on MDF (medium density fiberboard) core, plastic, acrylic, fiberglass and other related materials known in the art.
• In order for an individual(s) to store at least onenon-currency gaming item202 including, for example, tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards and credit cards, in thegaming device base200 disclosed inFIGS. 8-10, the at least onenon-currency gaming item202 and thegaming device base200 first are provided. If thedoor230 to thegaming device base200 is in the closed position, thedoor230 is moved to the open position to provide access to thestorage area242. The one or morenon-currency gaming items202 then are placed in thestorage area242 and thedoor230 is moved to the closed position.
CONCLUSION
• Accordingly, the present invention provides a gaming device base including a door having a storage area configured to store non-currency gaming items and a method for storing therein. The door may be moveable from a closed position to an open position, and vice versa. In the open position, access can be provided to the storage area for replenishing and/or for removing the non-currency gaming items. In this way, an individual, such as a casino employee, can replenish the non-currency supply of a gaming device without having to transport the non-currency gaming items on their person.
• It can further be seen that with certain embodiments of the present invention, a player who is sitting in front of a gaming device positioned on top of a gaming device base may stretch his or her legs behind an edge of the gaming device base. The player may further rest a foot on a footrest. Therefore, player can sit comfortably in front of the gaming device supported by the gaming device base. The player is therefore more likely to spend more time sitting in front of the gaming device and playing the gaming device. As a result, game operators are likely to gain more revenue with using the gaming device base of the present invention.
• Certain embodiments of the present invention further provide a gaming device base having a horizontal support member capable of supporting the weight of a gaming device positioned thereon with minimal tendency of bending or warping.
• Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of various embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the issued claims and their legal equivalents rather than solely by the examples given.

Claims (41)

1. A gaming device base comprising:

A) a horizontal support member comprising a substantially flat surface configured to support at least one gaming device; and

B) at least one door being positioned underneath the horizontal support member, the door comprising an exterior and interior surface, the interior surface comprising a storage area, the storage area being configured to store at least one non-currency gaming item, the door further being moveable from a closed position to an open position to provide access to the storage area.

2. The gaming device base ofclaim 1 wherein the storage area is bounded by four walls.

3. The gaming device base ofclaim 2 wherein one of the four walls is longer in length, in relation to the door.

4. The gaming device base ofclaim 1 wherein the horizontal support member has at least one edge, and the at least one door being positioned behind the edge of the horizontal support member.

5. The gaming device base ofclaim 4 wherein the door further comprises an angled portion, and in the closed position, the angled portion being an acute angle measured from a vertical plane, wherein players sitting in front of the edge of the horizontal support member may stretch their legs behind the edge.

6. The gaming device base ofclaim 1 wherein the door further comprises an angled portion, the angled portion comprising the storage area.

7. The gaming device base ofclaim 1 further comprising a retention device cooperating with the door to retain the door in the open position.

8. The gaming device base ofclaim 7 wherein the retention device is selected from the group consisting of a stop chain, a latch, a door stop and a hinge.

9. The gaming device base ofclaim 1 wherein the non-currency gaming item is selected from the group consisting of tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards and credit cards.

10. The gaming device base ofclaim 1 wherein the storage area comprises at least one partition configured to subdivide the storage area into a plurality of sub-compartments within the storage area.

11. A gaming device base comprising:

A) a horizontal support member comprising (i) a substantially flat surface configured to support at least one gaming device and (ii) at least one edge; and

B) at least one door being positioned behind the edge of the horizontal support member and underneath the horizontal support member, the door comprising an angled portion and a storage area, the storage area being configured to store at least one non-currency gaming item, the door further being moveable from a closed position to an open position to provide access to the storage area, and in the closed position, the angled portion being an acute angle measured from a vertical plane, wherein players sitting in front of the edge of the horizontal support member may stretch their legs behind the edge.

12. The gaming device base ofclaim 11 wherein the storage area is bounded by four walls.

13. The gaming device base ofclaim 12 wherein one of the four walls is longer in length, in relation to the door.

14. The gaming device base ofclaim 11 wherein the angled portion comprises the storage area.

15. The gaming device base ofclaim 11 further comprising a retention device cooperating with the door to retain the door in the open position.

16. The gaming device base ofclaim 15 wherein the retention device is selected from the group consisting of a stop chain, a latch, a door stop and a hinge.

17. The gaming device base ofclaim 11 wherein the non-currency gaming item is selected from the group consisting of tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards and credit cards.

18. The gaming device base ofclaim 11 wherein the storage area comprises at least one partition configured to subdivide the storage area into a plurality of sub-compartments within the storage area.

19. A method for storing at least one non-currency gaming item in a gaming device base comprising the following steps, not necessarily in order shown:

A) providing at least one non-currency gaming item;

B) providing a gaming device base comprising (i) a horizontal support member, (ii) at least one door and (iii) a storage area configured to store the at least one non-currency gaming item;

C) if the door is in a closed position, moving the door from the closed position to an open position to provide access to the storage area; and

D) placing the at least one non-currency gaming item in the storage area.

20. The method ofclaim 19 comprising providing a gaming device base wherein the storage area is bounded by four walls.

21. The method ofclaim 19 comprising providing a gaming device base wherein the horizontal support member has at least one edge, and the at least one door being positioned behind the edge of the horizontal support member.

22. The method ofclaim 21 comprising providing a gaming device base wherein the door further comprises an angled portion, and in the closed position of the door, the angled portion being an acute angle measured from a vertical plane, wherein players sitting in front of the edge of the horizontal support member may stretch their legs behind the edge.

23. The method ofclaim 19 comprising providing a gaming device base wherein the door further comprises an angled portion, the angled portion comprising the storage area.

24. The method ofclaim 19 comprising providing a gaming device base wherein the gaming device base further comprises a retention device cooperating with the door to retain the door in the open position.

25. The method ofclaim 24 comprising providing a gaming device base wherein the retention device is selected from the group consisting of a stop chain, a latch, a door stop and a hinge.

26. The method ofclaim 19 further comprising step (E) moving the door to the closed position.

27. The method ofclaim 19 comprising providing a gaming device base wherein the horizontal support member comprises a substantially flat surface configured to support at least one gaming device, wherein the at least one door is positioned underneath the horizontal support member, the door comprising an exterior and interior surface, the interior surface comprising the storage area, and the door further being moveable from the closed position to the open position to provide access to the storage area.

28. A gaming device base comprising:

A) a horizontal support member comprising (i) a substantially flat surface configured to support at least one gaming device and (ii) at least one edge;

B) at least one support structure attached to the horizontal support member, the support structure configured to rest on a floor and support the horizontal support member from the floor;

C) a footrest attached to the support structure, at least a portion of the footrest extending under the horizontal support member and at least a portion of the footrest having an angled surface relative to the floor, wherein the footrest is configured to allow a player sitting in front of the edge of the horizontal support member to rest a foot on a portion of the footrest under the horizontal support member; and

D) a door attached to the support structure, the door being positioned beneath the horizontal support member, behind the edge of the horizontal support member, and above the plate, the door being moveable from an open position to a closed position and configured to provide access to a storage compartment when in an open position.

29. The gaming device base ofclaim 28 wherein the support structure comprises at least one vertical member, the vertical member having an edge defining a recess.

30. The gaming device base ofclaim 29 wherein a cavity is formed below the horizontal support member and above the footrest, the cavity having a shape to allow a player to place at least one foot on the footrest, wherein the recess of the edge has a shape that is substantially the same as the cavity.

31. The gaming device base ofclaim 29 wherein the edge comprises a middle portion that is substantially parallel to a vertical plane.

32. The gaming device base ofclaim 29 wherein the edge comprises a lower portion that extends forward and follows the shape of the footrest.

33. The gaming device base ofclaim 28 further comprising a compartment beneath the footrest.

34. The gaming device base ofclaim 28 wherein the support structure comprises at least one passage, the passage being configured to allow an object to pass through the support structure.

35. The gaming device base ofclaim 28 wherein the support structure comprises at least one recess, the recess being configured to allow an object to pass through the support structure.

36. The gaming device base ofclaim 28 wherein the storage compartment comprises at least one partition configured to subdivide the storage compartment into a plurality of sub-compartments within the storage compartment.

37. The gaming device base ofclaim 28 wherein the compartment is configured to store at least one non-currency gaming item wherein the non-currency gaming item is selected from the group consisting of tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards and credit cards.

38. A gaming device base, comprising:

A) a horizontal support means for supporting a gaming device;

B) a support structure means for supporting the horizontal support means;

C) a footrest means for allowing a player to rest a foot under the horizontal support member;

D) a storage compartment means for storing objects; and

E) a door means for providing access to the storage compartment means.

39. The gaming device base ofclaim 38 further comprising footrest storage means underneath the footrest.

40. The gaming device base ofclaim 38 further comprising a recess means for allowing an object to pass out of the support structure means.

41. The gaming device base ofclaim 38 wherein the support structure means comprises a recess means for allowing a player to place a foot on the footrest means by passing the foot through the recess in a sideways movement.

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