[01] GAMING DEVICE BASE AND METHOD OF USE [02] Cross Reference to Related Application
[03] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application number 60/503,307 filed on September 15, 2003; the latter is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[04] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[05] Field of Invention
[06] 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.
[07] Background [08] 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.
[09] 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.
[10] An example of a gaming device base is disclosed in Jarrett (U.S. Patent 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.
[11] 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.
[12] Another gaming device base is disclosed in Ward (U.S. Patent 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. Patent 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.
[13] 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.
[14] 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.
[15] Another gaming device base is disclosed in Rowe et al. (U.S. Patent 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.
[16] 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.
[17] A gaming device base that stores coins is disclosed in Salour et al. (U.S. Patent 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. [18] 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.
[19] 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
rarming 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.
[20] 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, hi this respect, bins for and storage of
currency, that is, cash and/or coins, are no longer essential features of the gaming device base.
[21] 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, hi this way, players are able to experience uninterrupted
play by using the dispensed non-currency gaming item with another non-currency gaming device.
[22] 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.
[23] SUMMARY OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[24] Advantages of One or More Embodiments of the Present Invention [25] The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily,
achieve one or more of the following advantages:
[26] the ability to eliminate the need for currency storage, including coin bins;
[27] eliminate the lifting and constant bending by employees associated with use of heavy
coins;
[28] provide easy access to non-currency gaming items;
[29] allow an employee to avoid transporting non-currency as well as currency;
[30] provide for secure storage of non-currency (cashless) gaming devices; and
[31] provide for the re-supply of non-currency gaming devices.
[32] These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of
the specification, claims and abstract. [33] Brief Description of One Embodiment of the Present Invention
[34] 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 supporfmember 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.
[35] Additionally, applicants have provided a gaming device base having a front surface
that allows players to stretch their legs, hi 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.
[36] 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. [37] 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.
[38] 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, h 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.
[39] 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. [40] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[41] Figure 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.
[42] Figure 2 is substantially a perspective view of the gaming device base of figure 1
showing the door in an open position and the coins bins slid forward.
[43] Figure 3 is substantially a closer view of a portion of figure 2 showing the components
of the slidable coin bins and their respective attachments.
[44] Figure 4 is substantially a view of the underside of the horizontal support member of
the gaming device base of figure 1.
[45] Figure 5 is substantially a perspective view of the support structure of the gaming
device base of figure 1.
[46] Figure 6 is substantially a cross-sectional view of the gaming device base of figure 1
taken along line 6 indicated on figure 1.
[47] Figure 7 is substantially a closer view of a portion of figure 1 showing the components
of the footrest and its respective attachments.
[48] Figure 8 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the gaming device base of the
present invention.
[49] Figure 9 is a top plan view of the gaming device base of figure 8 with the horizontal support member removed.
[50] Figure 10 is a sectional view of the gaming device base of figure 8 taken along line A-
A. [51] DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[52] 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.
[53] The present invention comprises a gaming device base, generally indicated by
reference number 20. 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.
[54] 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.
[55] Referring now to figure 1, an embodiment of a gaming device base 20 is shown.
Gaming device base 20 may have a horizontal support member 22, a door 24, a support structure 26, and footrests 28 and 30. Horizontal support member 22 typically has a flat
surface to support gaming devices 32, 34, 36 and 38. Horizontal support member 22 typically
has a front edge 70, a back edge 72 and side edges 74 and 76. A player may sit in front of
front edge 70 to play gaming device 32. Another player may sit in front of back edge 72 to play gaming device 36. Back edge 72 may also be positioned adjacent to a wall (not shown). Side edge 74 may be positioned adjacent to another gaming device base (not shown). Horizontal support member 22 may have a rectangular shape, but other shapes, such as
square, triangle or circle, maybe employed. Gaming devices 32, 34, 36 and 38 maybe
positioned on top of horizontal support member 22.
[56] Horizontal support member 22 is typically configured to accommodate a plurality of
gaming devices 32, 34, 36 and 38. Of course, horizontal support member 22 may be
configured to accommodate one or various numbers of gaming devices. Gaming devices 32
and 34 may be positioned back-to-back, and so may gaming devices 36 and 38. Gaming
devices 32 and 38 may be positioned side-by-side, and so may gaming devices 36 and 34. Of
course, horizontal support member 22 may be configured to accommodate gaming devices in
varying positions, such as back-to-back, side-by-side and in series.
[57] Each gaming device 32, 34, 36 and 38 may have a coin acceptor (not shown), a coin
tray (not shown), bonus display 40 and 42, a handle 44, 46, and 48, 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).
[58] Horizontal support member 22 may define wire passages 52, 54, 56 and 58. Wire
passages 52, 54, 56 and 58 allow electrical wires, such as power supply wires, to be hidden
within gaming device base 20. At least one wire passage 52, 54, 56 or 58 may be disposed on
horizontal support member 22 for every space allocated on horizontal support member for
gaming device 32, 34, 36 and 38. Wire passages 52 and 54 and wire passages 56 and 58 are
typically offset relative to each other on horizontal support member 22 to isolate wires of each gaming device 32, 34, 36 and 38. Electrical wires of gaming devices 32, 54, 34 and 38
may ran to the floor through wire passages 54, 52, 58 and 56, respectively.
[59] Horizontal support member 22 may further define coin passages 62, 64, 66 and 68. When a hopper (not shown) positioned inside a gaming device 32, 34, 36 or 38 is filled with coins, coins fall from gaming device 32, 34, 36 or 38 to the confines of gaming device base
20 through coin passages 62, 64, 66 and 68. Typically, at least one coin passage is provided
for each gaming device supported on the horizontal support member. Coin passages 62 and 64 and coin passages 66 and 68 are typically offset relative to each other on horizontal
support member 22 to isolate coin paths of coins inside each gaming device 32, 34, 36 and 38 and to prevent coins from coming out of gaming devices 32, 34, 36 and 38 and mixing with
each other. This is desirable in most gaming establishments to accurately account for coins
produced by each gaming device.
[60] hi another embodiment, gaming device base 20 has a door 24 located beneath
horizontal member 22. Door 24 maybe moveable from a closed position shown in figure 1 to
an open position (not shown in figure 1). In the closed position, door 24 is typically
positioned behind front edge 70 of horizontal support member 22. Door 24 may have a
straight portion 78, which is parallel to a vertical plane 82, and an angled portion 80, which
may form an acute angle (indicated in figure 1) measured from a vertical plane 82. When
door 24 is in the closed position, door 24 allows players sitting in front of a horizontal support
member edge 70 or back edge 72, to stretch their legs behind the horizontal support member
edge. Intersection 84 between straight portion 78 and angled portion 80 may be a smoothly
rounded surface for aesthetic appeal and to minimize any unpleasant contact by players. Door
24 may further have different shapes, such as shapes that would allow players to stretch their
legs underneath horizontal support member 22 or behind the horizontal support member edge.
[61] Door 24 may have at least one lock 86 attached on straight portion 78 of door 24. hi one embodiment, lock 86 is a manual cylinder lock, hi other embodiments, lock 86 may
comprise an electronic lock, bolt or other locks known in the art. Door 24 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.
[62] Door 24 is typically a swing door that is attached to a support structure 26 by a
continuous hinge (not shown), such as a piano hinge, at door 24 's hinged portion 88. Door 24
may also be rotatably attached to support structure 26 using a non-continuous hinge or other
fasteners known in the art. Referring now to figure 2, door 24 is shown in its open position.
When door 24 moves from a closed to an open position, door 24 typically moves in a
swinging motion wherein straight portion 78 drops from a top position adjacent to horizontal
support member 22 to a bottom position away from horizontal support member 22 and
adjacent to footrests 28 and 30. Hinged portion 88 typically remains attached to support
structure 26 (see also arrow indicating door motion in figure 2). When door 24 is in an open
position, a horizontal compartment 144, defined by horizontal support member 22 and
horizontal partition 140, maybe accessed. Horizontal compartment 144 maybe configured to
store coin bins 90A-D, which are used to receive coins coming from gaming devices through
coin passages (not shown in figure 2) and store coins in gaming device base 20. hi another
embodiment, a single door 24 provides access to a plurality of coin bins 90A-D. In yet
another embodiment (not shown), individual doors may be provided to access each coin bin.
[63] h another embodiment, one coin bin 90A, 90B, 90C or 90D for every gaming device
32, 34, 36 and 38 is provided. Coin bins 90A-D maybe positioned side-by-side, hi another
embodiment (not shown), vertical coin bin partition may be provided between coin bins to
further prevent coins from mixing. Typically, coin bins 90A-D may only be accessed from
one side and usually from the front side of gaming device base 20 or from the side of gaming
device base 20 adjacent to front edge 70.
[64] Rear door (not shown in figure 3) may be similar to door 24 described above. The
rear door may also be permanently closed. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), no door similar to door 24 is provided at the rear of gaming device base. The rear surface of
gaming device base 20 is a substantially flat surface. The flat surface is especially practical when the rear of gaming device base 20 is configured to face a wall.
[65] Referring now to figure 3, each coin bin 90A-D typically has a plurality of walls that
define a box. The top of each coin bin 90A-D may include an opening to receive coins being
dropped from corresponding gaming devices 32, 34, 36 and 38 (not shown in figure 3). Each
coin bin 90A-D may further have a handle 94A-D disposed within the confines of each coin bin 90A-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. Handle 94A-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.
[66] Each coin bin 94A-D typically has a pair of glides 96, one glide being attached on top
of each of the coin bin's sidewalls to allow each coin bin 94A-D to be removeably attached to
horizontal support member 22 and to be slid within the confines of horizontal support
member 22. Each coin bin 94A-D may further be made stackable by providing a pair of
recesses 98 on the bottom of each coin bin, so that when a coin bin is positioned on top of
another, the pair of glides 96 of the bottom coin bin may be accommodated by pair of
recesses 98 of the top coin bin. Each coin bin 94A-D is typically made of molded
polypropylene. It is understood that coin bins 94A-D may be made using other materials
known in the art, such as, for example, metal, wood, composites and other polymers.
[67] Referring now to figure 4, a plurality of sets of tracks 92A-D may be attached to and
directly beneath horizontal support member 22. Each set of tracks 92A-D is typically configured to receive corresponding pair of glides 96 (shown in figures 2 and 3) so that glides 96 and coin bins 90A-D may be quickly attached to, detached from, and moved beneath
horizontal support member 22. This removable and movable feature of coins bins 90A-B
may be helpful in weighing and counting coins on a regular basis. [68] Each track 92A-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 to horizontal support member 22, and
the other end is typically attached to the horizontal component. The horizontal component of each track is typically parallel to the plane of horizontal support member 22 and is configured
to facilitate the sliding movement of the coin bins (not shown in figure 3). One set of tracks
92A, 92B, 92C or 92D maybe provided for every coin bin (not shown in figure 3) that
gaming device base 20 is designed to accommodate, hi 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 that gaming device base 20 is designed to accommodate.
[69] In another embodiment, where coin bins may only be accessed from one side
(typically from the front side) of gaming device base 20 (hereinafter referred to as the
accessible side), the length of each set of tracks and each coin bin may be substantially half
the width of horizontal support member 22. A first vertical partition 147 (not shown in figure
4 and further discussed below) may provide a stop for coin bins 90A-D and may further
prevent coin bins 90A-D from further sliding toward the inside of gaming device base 20 and
becoming detached from tracks 92. Usually there are no coin bins directly underneath
gaming devices positioned on the other half of horizontal support member 22, typically the
rear or back side of gaming device base 20, 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 chutes 100A-B so that coins being dropped from the gaming devices are directed to their corresponding coin bins. Chutes
100A-B typically have a flat surface attached to horizontal support member 22 in a diagonal position relative to horizontal support member 22. Chutes 100A-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. Chutes
100A-B may be made of galvanized metal, but other materials known in the art may be used, such as, for example, plastic and wood.
[70] An elongated wire chase 102 may be attached to horizontal support member 22 directly underneath wire passages 52, 54, 56 and 58 (shown in figure 1) and substantially
between each set of tracks 92A-D and chutes 100A-B. Wire chase 102 may have a concave cross sectional shape to accommodate wires. A portion of chute 100A-B may overlap an
exterior bottom portion of wire chase 102. Wire chase 102 may be configured to receive
electrical wires from gaming devices 32, 34, 36 and 38 and wire passages 52, 54, 56 and 58
(shown in figure 1). Wire chase 58 is further configured to isolate electrical wires from coins
being dropped to coin bins 90A-D (shown in figures 2 and 3). Wire chase 58 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.
[71] Referring now to figures 5 and 6, an embodiment of support stracture 26 configured to
support horizontal support member 22 from a floor is shown. Support structure 26 typically
may have three vertical members 104, 106 and 108 perpendicularly attached to horizontal
support member 22 (not shown in figure 5). Vertical members 104, 106 and 108 are typically
attached to side edge 76, a middle portion and side edge 78 of horizontal support member 22
(seen in figure 1). It is understood that the number of vertical members and their positions
relative to horizontal support member 22 may vary.
[72] Each vertical member 104, 106 and 108 is typically made of a flat piece of material having a surface 118 and top 110, bottom 112, front 114, and back 116 edges surrounding
surface 118. Top edge 110 typically defines a recess 120, 124 and 128 to accommodate wire
chase 102 (not shown in figure 5) or electrical wires. Bottom edge 112 may also define a recess 122 to allow wires stored within the confines of gaming device base 20 to exit and
typically to ran to another gaming device base 20 (not shown). Surface 118 may define at
least one passage 130 and 132 to allow wires stored within the confines of gaming device base 20 to exit and typically to run to another gaming device base 20 (not shown).
[73] Each front 114 and back 116 edge typically has a top portion, which further has a
recess 134 that substantially follows the shape of door 24 in a closed position described above
and seen in figure 1. Each front 114 and back 116 edge may have a middle portion 136 that is substantially parallel to a vertical plane. Each front 114 and back 116 edge may further have
a bottom portion forming a leg 138 extending forward and toward the front of a gaming
device. It is understood that the shapes and sizes of vertical members 104, 106 and 108 may
vary.
[74] Support structure 26 may further include at least one horizontal partition 140.
Horizontal partition 140 is typically a flat rectangular piece of material having a surface 142.
Horizontal partition 140 may be disposed horizontally in between vertical members 104 and
108 and across vertical member 106. Horizontal support member 22 and horizontal partition
140 may define a first compartment 144, typically reserved for coin bins. Vertical member
104 typically divides compartment 144 into a left side sub-compartment and a right side sub-
compartment. A first vertical partition 147 may be positioned transverse from horizontal
partition 140 and perpendicular to vertical member 104. First vertical partition 147 further divides compartment 144 into a front sub-compartment and a rear sub-compartment. First
vertical partition 147 further provides a stop for coin bins 90A-D (not shown in figure 5) and
prevents coin bins 90A-D from further sliding toward the inside of gaming device base 20
and becoming detached from tracks 92 (not shown in figure 5). First vertical partition 147
may further include recesses for allowing chute 100 (not shown in figure 5) to extend from
horizontal support member 22 to a coin bin 90A, 90B, 90C or 90D. [75] Support structure 26 may further have a second vertical partition 180. In one
embodiment, second vertical partition 180 is positioned in front of and below horizontal partition 140, in between vertical members 104 and 108, across vertical member 106, and at a
height substantially equal to the height of middle portion 136 of front edges 114 of vertical
members 104, 106 and 108. Support stracture 26 may further include at least one board 174
attached to the legs 138 of vertical members 104, 106, and 108. Board 174 is typically a flat piece of rectangular galvanized steel positioned in between vertical members 104 and 108 and
across vertical member 106. Board 174 may also be made of triple-enforced wood with PVC
(polyvinylchloride) face, non-galvanized steel, aluminum and other materials known in the
art. Second vertical partition 180, a second horizontal partition adjacent to the floor (not
shown), and board 174 may define a compartment 182. Compartment 182 is typically
reserved for storage of coins and usually for awarding a jackpot winner. Compartment 182
may further be reserved for storing electrical wires. Compartment 182 may be divided into a
left side sub-compartment and a right side sub-compartment by leg 138 of vertical member
106. Third vertical partitions 176A and 176B may further be positioned perpendicular to
board 174 and in between board 174 and second vertical partition 180. Third vertical
partitions 176 A and 176B may further divide compartment 182 into four compartments
arranged side-by-side.
[76] Referring now to figures 6 and 7, door 24 may be attached on horizontal partition 140
by a hinge, typically by a continuous piano hinge. A footrest plate 178 may be attached to
second vertical partition 180. Footrest plate 178 is typically attached to second vertical
partition 180 by a continuous hinge to allow footrest plate to swing up and down. Footrest plate 178 typically moves from an open position to a closed position to provide access to
compartment 182 (shown in figure 5) or sub-compartments of compartment 182. In the
closed position, footrest plate 178 is typically in a substantially horizontal position or diagonal position and resting upon board 174. hi the open position, a stand 192 maybe
provided to support plate 178 in the open position. Stand 192 may be attached to partitions
defining compartment 182. Typically, stand 192 is moveable from a substantially horizontal
position when plate 178 is in a closed position to a substantially transverse position when plate 178 is in an open position. Plate 178 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. Plate 178 may further be covered with carpet, or other materials that would protect
plate 178 from scratches or provide plate 178 with additional appeal.
[77] A plate, extension 186 may be attached substantially perpendicular to footrest plate
178 to firmly engage footrest plate 178 to board 174 when in the closed position. A lock 188
maybe attached to plate extension 186 so that footrest plate 178 maybe lockable when in the
closed position. Lock 188 may be a plunger-type lock or a deadbolt lock, but may comprise
other locks known in the art. A security sensor 190 may further be provided to monitor the
opening and closing of footrest plate 178 or to control the access to compartment 182. Sensor
190 may be optical sensors, or other sensors known in the art. hi one embodiment, a plate
edge cover 190A is positioned on the front edge of footrest plate 178. Plate edge cover 190A
protects footrests 28 and 30 from wear and scratches. Plate edge cover 190A is typically
made of metal, but maybe made of plastic, fiberglass, acrylic, powder coating and other
materials known in the art.
[78] Support stracture 26 may also comprise additional components that further strengthen
support stracture 26 in supporting the weight of gaming devices, such as, for example,
brackets, and braces. Support stracture 26 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.
[79] Referring back to figure 5, gaming device base 20 may further have at least one, typically two, vertical wire partitions 160 and 162. Each vertical wire partition is typically a
flat piece of material having a surface surrounded by top, bottom, front and back edges. Top
edge 170 may define a recess 168 to accommodate wire chase 102 (shown in figure 4). The
outer surfaces of vertical wire partition 160 and vertical member 104 define a gap 164 in
between them. Electrical wires run through wire chase 102 (shown in figure 4) then tlirough gap 164. The outer surfaces of vertical wire partition 162 and vertical member 108 define a
gap 166 in between them. Electrical wires run through wire chase 102 (shown in figure 4)
then through gap 166. A bottom wire chase 172 (shown in figure 6) extending tlirough almost the entire length of board 174 may be provided to receive the wires coming from gaps
164 and 166. It is understood that the number of bottom wire chases may vary. Bottom wire
chase 172 maybe made similar to wire chase 102, but may of different dimensions than wire
chase 102.
[80] With continued reference to figure 5, vertical wire partitions 160 and 162 and vertical
memberl06 may define a notch (not shown in figure 5) at their respective front and back
edges. Each notch may be configured to receive and support abeam 148. Beam 148 maybe
provided in front of gaming device base 20 beneath front edge 70 of horizontal support member 22 and at the back of gaming device base 20 beneath back edge 72 of horizontal
support member 22. Beam 148 is configured to add strength to horizontal support member 22 in supporting the weight of gaming devices 32, 34, 36 and 38 (shown in figure 1). Beam 148
is typically made of heavy gauged steel tube, but other materials known in the art may be
used. Beam 148 may further be in the form of a shaft, a C-channel, a rod and other structures
and shapes known in the art. Beam 148 may be configured to receive locking portion (not
shown) of door lock 86 (shown in figure 1). It is noted that beam 148 may provide door 24
with a sturdy locking mechanism that may be difficult to tamper with, as the locking portion engages to a metal. [81] i another embodiment (not shown), a second horizontal partition may be provided
beneath first horizontal partition 140. First horizontal partition 140 and second horizontal partition may define a second compartment. First horizontal partition 140 and second I 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.
[82] hi another embodiment (not shown), gaming device base 20 has only one horizontal
partition similar to horizontal partition 140. Underneath the horizontal partition, a panel is
attached to support structure 26 at an acute angle measured from the horizontal partition. The
panel may have a reflective surface to reflect light and to add appeal to gaming device base
20. 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 to gaming device base 20.
[83] Figures 8-10 illustrate various embodiments of the present invention wherein a
gaming device base 200 is configured to store at least one non-currency gaming item 202,
including cashless devices, such as, for example, tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards,
player cards and credit cards.
[84] As shown in Figure 8, a horizontal support member 204 has a flat surface 206
configured to support a gaming device (not shown). It is understood that the horizontal
support member 204 may be configured to accommodate a plurality of gaming devices (not shown). Horizontal support member 204 typically has a front edge 208, a back edge 210 and
side edges 212. A player (not shown) may sit in front of front edge 208 to play the gaming device. Horizontal support member 204 is supported by vertical support members 215 and
217 (see figure 9) and typically has a rectangular shape, but other shapes, such as a square, triangle or circle, may be employed.
[85] Each gaming device (not shown) supported by the gaming device base 200 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 I outlet located on a floor (not shown).
[86] As further shown in figure 8, the horizontal support member 204 may define wire
passages 216 and 218. The wire passages 216 and 218 allow electrical wires, such as power supply wires (not shown), to be hidden within the gaming device base 200. At least one wire
passage 216, 218 maybe disposed on horizontal support member 204 for every space
allocated on horizontal support member 204 for a gaming device(s) (not shown). Electrical
wires of a gaming device(s) may run to the floor through wire passages 216, 218,
respectively. Accordingly, the wire passages 216, 218 may include any number of shapes and
sizes.
[87] Figure 9 shows a wire compartment 220 situated below the wire passages 216, 218
configured to receive and hide wires from a gaming device. Additional wire passages 222
and 224 may be presented in vertical support members 215 and 217 to allow the passage of
wires therethrough to, for example, electrical outlets.
[88] As shown in figure 10, the gaming device base 200 has a door 230 beneath the
horizontal member 204. The door 230 may have a straight portion 232, which is parallel to a
vertical plane 234, and an angled portion 236, which may form an acute angle measured from
the vertical plane 234. The door 230 further includes exterior and interior surfaces 238 and 240, respectively. The interior surface 240 has a storage area 242 configured to store one or
more non-currency gaming item 202, including for example, tickets, vouchers, smart cards,
vip cards, player cards and credit cards. Typically, the storage area 242 rests above the angled portion 236 of the door 230. The storage area 242 includes at least two walls 244 and 246
(see figure 9), typically four walls 244, 246, 248 and 250 (figure 9), to retain non-currency gaming items 202 within the storage area 242.
[89] It is understood that storage area 242 may comprise one or more partitions (not shown), for example, vertical or horizontal partitions, to further subdivide storage 242 into a
plurality of sub-compartments (not shown), similar to the sub-compartments previously
presented in the discussion of figure 5. In this embodiment (involving storage area 242), the
sub-compartments maybe used to store a variety of different non-currency items without the
different non-currency items becoming mixed with one another.
[90] The door 230 may be moveable from a closed position to an open position, and vice
versa, as represented by numeral 223. In the closed position, the door 230 is typically
positioned behind front edge 208 of horizontal support member 204. When door 230 is in the
closed position, the door 230 allows a player (not shown) sitting adjacent the front edge 208,
to stretch his or her legs behind the front edge 208. In the open position, access is provided to
the storage area 242 for replenishing of and/or for removing the non-currency gaming items
202. In this way, individuals, such as casino employees, may replenish the non-currency
supply of a gaming device (not shown) without having to transport the non-currency gaming
items 202 on their person. Notably, one of the walls 244, 246, 248, 250, typically wall 250,
may be provided longer in length, in relation to the door 230, to better retain the non-currency
gaming items 202 within the storage area 242 when the door 230 is in the open position.
[91] As shown in figures 9 and 10, door 230 typically is a swing door that is attached to the
gaming device base 200 at one end 254 of the angled portion 236, by a continuous hinge 256, such as, for example, a piano hinge. The door 230 may also be rotatably attached using a
non-continuous hinge or other fasteners known in the art. When the door 230 moves from the
closed to the open position, as represented by numeral 223 in figure 10, the door 230 typically
moves in a swinging motion wherein straight portion 232 drops from a top position adjacent
to horizontal support member 204 to a bottom position away from horizontal support member
204 and adjacent to footrest 258. A retention device 252, such as, for example, a stop chain 153, a latch, a door stop or a hinge, cooperates with the door 230 to retain the door 230 in the
open position. The footrest 258 also may be configured to provide a footrest door (not
shown) wherein the footrest door includes a storage area (not shown) to store non-currency
gaming items 202 such that when the footrest door moves from a closed position to an open
position access is provided thereto.
[92] As further shown in figure 10, intersection 260 between straight portion 232 and
angled portion 236 maybe a smoothly rounded surface for aesthetic appeal and to minimize
any unpleasant contact by players. The door 230 may further have different shapes, typically
shapes that would allow players to stretch their legs underneath horizontal support member
204 or behind the front edge 208.
[93] In figures 9 and 10, the door 230 also may have at least one lock 262, such as, for
example, a manual cylinder lock, electronic lock or bolt lock, attached on the straight portion
232 of the door 230. The door 230 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.
[94] hi order for an individual(s) to store at least one non-currency gaming item 202
including, for example, tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards and credit cards,
in the gaming device base 200 disclosed in figures 8-10, the at least one non-currency gaming item 202 and the gaming device base 200 first are provided. If the door 230 to the gaming device base 200 is in the closed position, the door 230 is moved to the open position to
provide access to the storage area 242. The one or more non-currency gaming items 202 then are placed in the storage area 242 and the door 230 is moved to the closed position. [95] CONCLUSION
[96] 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, h 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.
[97] 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.
[98] 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.
[99] 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.