US20070045960A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20070045960A1
Application number: US11/216,788
Authority: US
Inventors: William Knoll
Original assignee: GREAT AMERICAN BASE Co
Current assignee: GREAT AMERICAN BASE Co
Priority date: 2005-08-31
Filing date: 2005-08-31
Publication date: 2007-03-01

Abstract

A gaming device stand including a back plate partially supported by a ground engaging surface and a cabinet having lower, upper, left and right panels. The upper panel has a surface for supporting the underside of a gaming device. The lower panel is cantilevered from the back plate and forms a clearance with the a ground engaging surface. The clearance is configured to accommodate the lower portions, e.g. feet and lower legs, of an individual playing the gaming device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

One aspect of the present invention relates to a gaming device stand, and more specifically, a gaming device stand for a slot machine.

2. Background Art

Gaming devices, for example, slot machines or other video type gaming devices, are typically placed on and supported by stands. Each stand usually includes side panels, a back panel, a compartment, a door, and a support surface. The side and back panels provide support and stability to the stand. The compartment can be used to store coins dispensed from the gaming device and/or gaming device wiring. The door can be used to manage access to the contents of the compartment. The support surface can support the underside of the gaming device.

Gaming device stands are generally designed and constructed to support the weight of the gaming device and to facilitate access to a compartment that stores coins and electronic equipment. Unfortunately, current proposals fall short of addressing the design objective of easy and comfortable access to the gaming devices for all players. For example, players seated in a wheelchair, for example handicapped or limited mobility individuals may have difficulty situating themselves comfortably in front of the gaming device, because of the design of the stand. Often, the compartment and door obstructs placement of the wheelchair foot rest. The wheelchair occupant must back the wheelchair away from the gaming device, causing the occupant to reach an uncomfortable distance to manipulate the controls on the gaming device. In certain situations, the occupant may not be able to reach the controls at all.

In light of the foregoing, what is needed is a gaming device stand that provides comfortable access to players, including wheelchair occupants. What is also needed is a gaming device stand that securely supports the weight of the gaming device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, one aspect of the present invention provides a gaming device stand that provides comfortable access to players, including wheelchair occupants. Another aspect of the invention is a gaming device that securely supports the weight of the gaming device.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a gaming device stand is disclosed which includes a back plate partially supported by a ground engaging surface, and a cabinet having a lower, upper, left and right panels. The upper panel has a surface for supporting the underside of a gaming device. The lower panel is cantilevered from the back plate and forms a clearance with the ground engaging surface. The clearance can be configured to accommodate the lower portions, e.g. feet and lower legs, of an individual playing the gaming device.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a door for a cabinet mounted on a gaming device stand is disclosed. The door includes a lower portion having a radiused surface and an intermediate surface. The door is removably and hingelessly connected to the cabinet at the lower portion.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be better understood in view of the attached drawings and following detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further object and advantages thereof, may best be understood with reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which:

FIG. 1 is an exposed, perspective view of the core structure of a gaming device stand in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gaming device stand ofFIG. 1 in an assembled state in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cut-away, cross-sectional, side view of a cabinet of the gaming device stand ofFIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmented, perspective view of the cabinet of the gaming device stand ofFIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional, isolated side view of the cabinet door of the gaming device stand ofFIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 is a cut-away, side view of the gaming device stand ofFIGS. 1 and 2 depicting a slot machine placed on and supported by a gaming device stand and being utilized by a wheelchair occupant;

FIGS. 7aand7bare schematics showing dimensions for accessible designs for those utilizing wheelchairs;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a gaming device stand having two positions in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a gaming device stand having three positions in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a gaming device stand having four positions in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a gaming device stand having five positions in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of an invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for the claims and/or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a stand for one or more gaming devices, for example, one or more slot machines or other types of gaming devices. For instance, the gaming device can vary based on method of payout, e.g. class I, II, and III, and/or video lottery terminals.

FIG. 1 depicts an exposed, perspective view ofstand10 for one or more gaming devices, according to one embodiment of the present invention.Stand10 includes six back plates, each referenced asback plate12, arranged circumferentially and spaced apart fromcenterline14, which includescenter point16. In certain embodiments,back plate12 can be constructed of an aluminum alloy or other metal alloy, and has a generally rectangular shape.Back plate12 includescircular opening38 for receiving gaming device wiring. This six back plate carousel configuration provides six positions aroundstand10, each position is suitable to be occupied by an individual using a gaming device supported bystand10.

Back plate

12 has horizontal top and

bottom edges

18 and20 of eachback plate12, which are generally parallel to each other. Eachback plate12 also includes spaced apart, opposing

surfaces

22 and24.Bottom edge20 is adapted to lie flush to and engage groundengaging surface26, e.g. a casino floor, so as provide stability to stand10. In certain embodiments, opposing

surfaces

22 and24 are spaced apart about 0.5 inches to provide a 0.5 inch thickness toback plate12. In certain embodiments, the thickness is in the range of about 0.25 inches to about 2.0 inches, although, it should be understood that any thickness may be utilized which provides a stable gaming device stand. In certain embodiments,back plate12 has a height of about 21.25 inches. It should be understood that the height may vary depending on the implementation of the present invention. In certain embodiments,back plate12 has a width of about 30 inches. It should be understood that the width may vary depending on the implementation of the present invention.

Eachback plate12 also has opposing, vertical, tapered side edges27 and28. Side edges27 and28 taper inward fromsurface22 to surface24 ofback plate12 at a taper angle suitable for connecting backplates12 to achieve the circumferential configuration ofstand10. In the case of the six back plate configuration depicted inFIG. 1, the taper angle is about 30 degrees.

It should be understood that the number of positions at a stand can be varied by adjusting the taper angle. For a three position stand, the taper angle can be about 60 degrees. For a four position stand, the taper angle can be about 45 degrees. For a five position stand, the taper angle can be about 36 degrees. For a ten position stand, the taper angle can be 18 degrees. For a twelve position stand, the taper angle can be 15 degrees. It also should be understood that the present invention contemplates a one or two position gaming stand. For example, a one position gaming stand may be mounted to a wall and a two position stand may have a back to back configuration. In the cases of a one or two position stand, the taper angle may not be necessary, and the opposing, vertical sides may be flat, i.e. about 0 degrees.

Backplates12 are fastened together at or near side edges27 and28 by angled joint30 andfasteners32. Angled joint30 includes first and

second surfaces

34 and36, each having a number of apertures for receivingfasteners32.

Surfaces

34 and36 include four apertures arranged in a vertical, linear orientation, although a different number of fasteners can be used in accordance with the present invention. Backplate12 has a number of apertures proximate to side edges27 and28 for receivingfasteners32. According toFIG. 1, four apertures are located proximate to each of side edges27 and28 and are arranged in a vertical, linear orientation.Fasteners32 are mounted at least partially in the apertures on angled joint30 andback plates12, and provide a tight fitting and strong connection between angled joint30 andback plates12.

Stand

10 also includes six first andsecond support members40 and42, extending away fromcenterline14 ofstand10. Each support member includesattachment end44 andextension end46.Attachment end44 includes three apertures spaced apart in a triangular configuration for receivingfasteners48. backplate12 also includes three apertures spaced in a triangular configuration for receivingfasteners48. Back plate apertures are proximate totop edge18.Fasteners48 are mounted at least partially in the apertures on first andsecond support members40 and42 and backplate12, and provide a tight fitting and strong connection between first andsecond support members40 and42 andback plates12.

Stand

10 also includes

horizontal reinforcement members

50 and52 for reinforcingstand10. The opposing ends of each reinforcement member are fastened to opposing backplates12 at a location proximate to thetop edge18 ofback plate12.

Referring toFIG. 2, a perspective view ofstand10 in an assembled state is shown.Stand10 includespolygonal cover54 supported by

reinforcement members

50 and52. Each position onstand10 includes backplate12,cabinet56 andshelf58. Referring toFIGS. 2 and 4,cabinet56 includes opposing

64 and66, anddoor68. Upper and

lower panels

64 and66 extend between opposing

side panels

61 and63.Lower panel66 includes a slot proximate to its front edge for receiving the lower edge ofdoor68. The upper edge ofdoor68 is lockably and unlockably connected to an area proximate the front edge ofupper panel64 by lock set65. Althoughdoor68 is a hingeless door, it should be understood that other door and cabinet configurations can be utilized in accordance with the present invention, including, but not limited to, hinged doors. Another example is a one-piece door and lower panel where the lower panel is hinged to open in a downward direction. Opposing

end panels

60 and62 are attached to the outer surfaces of opposing

side panels

61 and63, respectively, and left and right edges ofupper panel64, respectively.

End panels

60 and62 are generally rectangular in shape and can includelip70, as depicted inFIG. 4. Non-limiting examples of materials that can be used to construct

end panels

60 and62 include hardboard (e.g. medium density fiberboard (MDF)) and thermoplastic materials. The thickness of each

end panel

60 and62 is about 1.0 inches. The vertical length of each

end panel

60 and62 is about 9.625 inches. The top and bottom edges of each

end panel

60 and62 have lengths of about 18.5 inches and 18 inches, respectively.Lip70 can include upper and lower radiused

portion

71 and73 with about a 0.375 inch radius andmiddle portion75 with a length of about 1.125 inches. The outer edges of

end panels

60 and62 can be radiused, for example, an about 0.3125 inch radius can be applied to all outer edges, as depicted inFIG. 4. It should be understood that these dimensions may vary depending on the implementation of the present invention.

Each

side panel

61 and63 are generally rectangular in shape. Non-limiting examples of materials that can be used to construct

side panels

61 and63 include hardboard (e.g. medium density fiberboard (MDF)) and thermoplastic materials. The thickness of each

side panel

61 and63 is about 0.75 inches. The vertical length of each

side panel

61 and63 is about 8.5 inches. The horizontal length of each

side panel

61 and63 is about 18 inches. The inner side and inner lower edges of each

side panel

61 and63 can be radiused, for example, an about 0.375 inch radius can be applied to these edges, as depicted inFIG. 4. It should be understood that these dimensions may vary depending on the implementation of the present invention.

Upper panel

64 is generally rectangular in shape. Non-limiting examples of materials that can be used to constructtop panel64 include hardboard (e.g. medium density fiberboard (MDF)) and thermoplastic materials. Moreover, laminates can be applied to the surface oftop panel64.Top panel64 has a depth of about 18.5 inches, a width of about 28.0625 inches, and a thickness of about 1.125 inches. The front edges oftop panel64 can be radiused. It should be understood that these dimensions may vary depending on the implementation of the present invention.Top panel64 can also include opening for receiving coins from a coin hopper of a gaming device. A chute (not shown) can be fitted to the perimeter of opening72 to aid in coin collection.Opening72 can also function to facilitate the passing of wires to and from the gaming device. In other embodiments, the opening is sized differently, typically smaller, for the passing of wires. In these embodiments, the opening is not used to receive coins since the gaming device may not have a coin hopper.

Lower panel

66 is generally rectangular in shape. Non-limiting examples of materials that can be used to constructlower panel66 include hardboard (e.g. medium density fiberboard (MDF)) and thermoplastic materials. Moreover, laminates can be applied to the surface oflower panel66.Bottom panel66 has a depth of about 17.625 inches, a width of about 26.50 inches, and a thickness of about 1.125 inches. It should be understood that these dimensions may vary depending on the implementation of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional, isolated, side view ofcabinet door68. Non-limiting examples of materials that can be used to constructcabinet door68 include hardboard (e.g. medium density fiberboard (MDF)) and thermoplastic materials. According toFIG. 5,cabinet door68 includeslower portion77 havingintermediate surface79 and radiusedsurface74.Lower portion77 is seated within a slot provided proximate to the front edge oflower panel66.Upper portion76 ofcabinet door68 is lockably and unlockably connected to the front edge ofupper panel64 via lock set65. The height ofcabinet68 fromupper edge78 tolower edge80 is about 7.188 inches. The height fromupper edge78 tointermediate surface79 is about 6.813 inches. The thickness ofdoor68 is about 0.75 inches. The thickness of radiusedsurface74 is about 0.375 inches. The radius of radiusedsurface74 is about 0.125 inches. The height of radiusedsurface74 is about 0.375 inches.Cabinet door68 is about 26.3125 wide.

Shelf

58 includesshelf surface57 andshelf apron59.Shelf surface57 is generally triangular in shape and can have a radiused outer edge.Shelf surface57 is suitable for supporting chip cups, beverage containers, etc. of individuals using the gaming devices supported onstand10.

Cabinet

56 at least partially defines a compartment that can be utilized for retention and storage of items. In certain embodiments, the compartment can contain a tray or drawer for retaining coins released from a coin hopper of the gaming device. The tray can be fixed to the cabinet or be supported bylower panel64 in a non-fixed manner. The compartment can also be utilized to house wiring for one or more gaming devices. To aid the transfer of coins from the hopper to the tray, a chute can be fitted to the perimeter ofopening72.

FIG. 6 is a cut-away, fragment, side view ofstand10 depictinggaming device82 being supported bystand10.Gaming device82 is placed onlower panel64 ofcabinet56.Stand10 provides cantilevered support ofgaming device82 such that aclearance89 is provided withground engaging surface26.Stand10 is particularly suitable for supportinggaming device82, for example, slot machine, for use bywheelchair occupant86 who occupieswheelchair84.Clearance89 betweenground engaging surface26 andlower panel66 can be such as to accommodatelower portions88 of the wheelchair occupant, including portions of the wheelchair leg and foot rest and the occupant's lower body, more specifically, portions of the leg and feet. It should be understood thatclearance89 is also suitable for accommodating the feet and lower legs of non-wheelchair occupants. In certain embodiments, this clearance is a volume having width, depth, and height dimensions. The width dimension can equal the width oflower panel66. The depth dimension can equal the depth oflower panel66. The height dimension (H1) can be the distance between theground engaging surface26 andlower panel66. In certain embodiments, H1 can be in the range of 6 to 19 inches, and in other embodiments, H1 can be in the range of 12 to 18 inches. A second height dimension (H2) can be the distance between theground engaging surface26 andupper panel64. In certain embodiments, H2 can be in the range of 14 to 22 inches.

FIGS. 7aand7bare schematics showing dimensions for accessible designs for those utilizing wheelchairs. Dimension X is the wheelchair occupants maximum reach over an obstruction. X is less than or equal to about 25 inches (about 635 millimeters). Dimension Z is the length ofobstruction92. Z is greater than or equal to Y. Dimension Y is the height of the wheelchair occupant's maximum reach over an obstruction. When X is less than about 20 inches (about 510 millimeters), then Y is less than or equal to about 48 inches (about 1220 millimeters). When X is in the range of about 20 inches to about 25 inches (about 510 millimeters to about 635 millimeters), then Y is equal to or less than about 44 inches (about 1120 millimeters). According toFIGS. 7aand7b, the distance from the back of the wheelchair wheels and the end of the lower portions of the wheelchair occupant is about 48 inches. The width of the wheelchair from wheel to wheel, including additional width to allow the user to manipulate the wheels with the occupant's arms and hands is about 30 inches.

FIG. 6 schematically depicts stand10 being used in accordance with the accessible design ofFIGS. 7aand7b.FIG. 6 shows dimensions X, Y, and Z, which are in the ranges identified above for accessible design. Dimension D is the distance between the front ofgaming device82 and the chest of the wheelchair occupant. In certain embodiments, dimension D is in the range of about 18 inches to about 22 inches.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of gaming device stand having two positions.Stand90 includes

positions

92 and94 such that

gaming devices

93 and95 are facing the opposite direction. Each side ofstand90 includes an end support panel (not shown) for providing support to stand90. Each end support panel is connected to the end panels of each

cabinet

96 and98, and extends in a vertical direction fromground engaging surface26 to

upper panels

100 and102 and extends in a horizontal direction to the

cabinet doors

104 and106. Although the height of

upper panels

100 and102 are depicted as being equal, it should be understood that the heights can be different depending on the implementation of the present invention. In certain embodiments,

cabinets

96 and98 can be modified to provide a wire chase for gaming device wires to conceal the wires from player view. In certain embodiments, two or more ofstand90 can be placed side-by-side in close proximity to provide an island of four or more gaming devices.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a gaming device stand having three positions. Stand107 includes three

positions

108,110 and112. Stand106 also includestriangular cover114.FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a gaming device stand having four positions. Stand116 includes four

positions

118,120,122, and124, andrectangular cover126.FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a gaming device stand having five positions. Stand128 includes five

positions

130,132,134,136, and138 andpentagonal cover140.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A gaming device stand comprising:

a back plate partially supported by a ground engaging surface; and

a cabinet having lower, upper, left and right panels, the upper panel having a surface for supporting the underside of a gaming device, the lower panel cantilevered from the back plate and forming a clearance with the ground engaging surface, the clearance configured to accommodate the lower portions of an individual playing the gaming device.

2. The gaming device stand ofclaim 1 wherein the clearance includes a vertical dimension (H1) in the range of about 6 to about 19 inches.

3. The gaming device stand ofclaim 2 wherein the vertical dimension is about 14 inches.

4. The gaming device stand ofclaim 2 wherein the ratio of H1 to a vertical dimension (H2) from the ground engaging surface to the upper panel is in the range of about 0.40 to about 0.85.

5. The gaming device stand ofclaim 4 wherein the ratio is about 0.64.

6. The gaming device stand ofclaim 1 wherein the cabinet further includes a hingeless cabinet door.

7. The gaming device stand ofclaim 6 wherein the door includes a bottom edge having an intermediate surface and a radiused surface.

8. The gaming device ofclaim 6 wherein the door is lockably and unlockably connected proximate to the outer edge of the upper panel.

9. The gaming device stand ofclaim 1 wherein the gaming device is a slot machine.

10. The gaming device stand ofclaim 1 further comprising a pair of support members, each having a proximal end connected to the back plate and a distal end opposite the proximal end, wherein the cabinet is mounted on the pair of support members to provide cantilevered support to the cabinet.

11. The gaming device stand ofclaim 1 wherein the cabinet at least partially defines a compartment.

12. The gaming device stand ofclaim 11 wherein the compartment includes a tray.

13. The gaming device stand ofclaim 11 wherein the compartment houses gaming device wiring.

14. A gaming device stand comprising three or more of the gaming device stands ofclaim 1 arranged in a carousal configuration.

15. The gaming device stand ofclaim 14 comprising six gaming device stands ofclaim 1.

16. A gaming device stand comprising:

a back plate partially supported by a ground engaging surface;

a pair of support members, each support member having a proximal end connected to the back plate and a distal end opposite the proximal end; and

a panel sized to support the underside of a gaming device, the panel being connected to each support member and providing a clearance for accommodating lower portions of an individual playing the gaming device.

17. The gaming device stand ofclaim 16 wherein the clearance includes a vertical dimension in the range of about 6 to about 19 inches.

18. The gaming device stand ofclaim 17 wherein the vertical dimension is about 14 inches.

19. A door for a cabinet mounted on a gaming device stand, the door comprising a lower portion having a radiused surface and an intermediate surface, the door being removably and hingelessly connected to the cabinet at the lower portion.

20. The door ofclaim 19 wherein the door is removably and hingelessly connected to a slot provided on the surface of the lower panel of the cabinet.