Modular gaming machine stand

Abstract

A gaming machine stand is constructed from a plurality of modules. In one embodiment the gaming machine stand comprises a pair of end modules and one or more intermediate modules. Variations in the number of intermediate modules permit the length of the gaming machine stand to be varied. The modules themselves may be modular in construction. The gaming machine stand may include other features, such as venting for routing cooling air to players of the supported gaming machines. The modular gaming machine stand permits construction of differing stands having various sizes, but having a common appearance and characteristics.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to stands for gaming machines such as slot and video poker machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gaming machines such as slot and video poker machines are typically supported on a stand. The stand elevates the gaming machine to the desired playing height. In addition, the stand generally serves as an enclosure for electrical wiring, communication cables and the like which may be connected to the gaming machine. In some cases, as detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,093, the slot stand may be utilized as a coin storage area, wherein coins may be directed from the gaming machine on the stand to a coin drop located within the stand.

Typically, the gaming machine or “slot” stands are generally custom configured for each machine or use. Thus, each slot stand is custom created based upon the particular application, including the particular size and/or shape of the gaming machine which it is intended to support. Further, in some cases, gaming machines are located in “banks” or groups of gaming machines. In that situation, a slot stand may be custom created to support a certain plurality of gaming machines (such as 3 or 6 gaming machines in a row, or even groups of gaming machines in back-to-back relationship).

There are several drawbacks to custom creating slot stands. First, it is expensive to create each slot stand from scratch, in that the design of each slot stand may be different, as may be the necessary materials and procedure for assembling the slot stand. Second, when slot stands are individually created, they may have different appearances. This may be undesirable on a casino floor where uniformity of appearance is more aesthetically pleasing. Lastly, individually created slot stands may not embody the same features. For example, slot stands provided by one manufacturer may include certain features, while those provided by another manufacturer may not. This may result in difficulties when the various slot stands are installed at a casino floor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention is a modular gaming machine stand and a method of creating or forming a gaming machine by assembling or connecting a plurality of modules.

In one embodiment, the gaming machine stand comprises a first end module, a second end module and one or more intermediate modules. The modules are connected to one another to create a gaming machine stand with a generally closed perimeter or periphery, and having a generally planar top for supporting one or more gaming machines.

In one embodiment, the first and second end modules have a first side, an opposing second side, a first end and a second end extending between the first and second sides, the first end being generally closed and the second end generally open, and a generally planar top supported by the sides and end. The intermediate module(s) have a first side, an opposing second side, a pair of open ends and a generally planar top. The modules may themselves be modular in construction, such as formed by an assembly of side or wall members, an end member (for the end modules) and top members.

So configured, the size of the gaming machine stand may be manipulated by changing the number of modules and/or their configuration. For example, a depth of the gaming machine stand may be determined by a depth of the modules. The length of the gaming machine stand may be determined by the number of intermediate modules which are located between the end modules, the number of intermediate modules ranging from none to a plurality thereof.

The gaming machine stand may include other features. For example, the gaming machine stand may be configured to route or deliver cooling or conditioned air. In particular, air may be delivered to an interior of the gaming machine stand. The gaming machine stand may define one or more vents through which the air may flow from the interior to the exterior thereof. In one embodiment, flow controllers are associated with the vents, permitting the areas and flow rates of air to be controlled.

In accordance with the invention, gaming machine stands of various sizes may be conveniently formed from various numbers of assembled base elements or modules. Advantageously, this allows gaming machine stands to be of different sizes and yet have a similar appearance. In addition, manufacturing and development costs for the stands are reduced by using a just a few base elements common to the various stands, rather than having to custom design, configure and manufacture each stand and the elements thereof.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine stand in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the gaming machine stand illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the gaming machine stand illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 a is a perspective view of an end module of gaming machine stand in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 b is an exploded view of the end module illustrated in FIG. 4a.

FIG. 5 a is a perspective view of an intermediate module of a gaming machine stand in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 5 b is an exploded view of the end module illustrated in FIG. 5a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

One embodiment of the invention is a gaming machine stand. In one embodiment, the gaming machine stand is modular, being constructable from a plurality of components into a variety of configurations. Other aspects of the invention comprise vented gaming machine stands and gaming machine stands having other features.

FIG. 1 illustrates a modular gaming machine stand 20 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the modular gaming machine stand 20 is constructed from a plurality of base modules or elements. In one embodiment, the number of these modules may be varied in order to vary the configuration of the gaming machine stand.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the modular gaming machine stand 20 which is illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the modular gaming machine stand 20 comprises first and second end modules 22a,22b and, preferably, at least one intermediate or middle module 24.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, when assembled, the gaming machine stand 20 generally comprises a housing having one or more sides 26 and an elevated top 28. The housing has a generally closed perimeter or periphery defined by the sides and ends thereof. So configured, the gaming machine stand 20 has a generally enclosed interior (not visible in FIG. 1). This interior area may comprise a single contiguous area or it may be divided or compartmentalized. One or more gaming machines may be located on the top 28.

The shape of the gaming machine stand 20 may vary. In one embodiment, it may be generally rectangular, thus having four sides (two elongate sides and two short sides or ends). Such a configuration is particular suited in supporting two or more gaming machine in side-to-side relationship in a row. Of course, the gaming machine stand 20 might be generally square (such as for supporting two pairs of gaming machines in back-to-back relationship). In addition, while the one or more sides of the gaming machine stand 20 may be straight, they may also be curved or the like. In general, however, it is desirable that the gaming machine stand 20 not extend abruptly outwardly such that it might pose points of contact with users of the associated gaming machines.

In one embodiment, a bottom or base of the gaming machine stand 20 may be closed. In other embodiments, as illustrated, the bottom or base may be open to reduce the weight and materials cost associated with the stand 20. This configuration is particularly suited to applications in which the stand 20 is located on a planar support surface where that surface closes the bottom of the stand 20.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment each of the modules 22a,b and 24 forms a portion of the gaming machine stand 20. Each module 22a,b and 24 preferably defines a portion of one or more of the sides 26 of the stand 20 and a portion of the top 28 of the stand.

In one embodiment, each end module 22a,b has an end wall 30 and a front and a rear side wall 32,34. The front and rear side walls 32,34 extend generally parallel to one another. The end wall 30 extends generally perpendicular to the side walls 32,34 and forms a closed end of the end module. An opposing end 40 of the module 22a,b opposite the end wall is generally open.

The configuration of the end wall 30 and the side walls 32,34 may vary. In one embodiment, the end wall 30 is louvered or otherwise includes one or more apertures, thus permitting air to flow between the interior and the exterior of the stand 20. As illustrated, the side walls 32,34 may include one or more panels or doors 36. The panels 36 may be movable from an open to a closed position, such as via a hinged mounting. The panels 36 may be retained in a closed position by a lock, such as a key-actuated rotating latch.

The end wall 30 and the side walls 32,34 may be constructed from a variety of materials. In one embodiment, they are constructed from metal. Preferably, the end wall 30 and the side walls 32,34 are generally closed so as to form a portion of a closed periphery of the gaming machine stand.

The end modules 22a,b have a top 38 which form a portion of the top 28 of the gaming machine stand 20. In one embodiment, the top 38 is supported by the end wall 30 and side walls 32,34 in an elevated position. The height of the top 38 may vary depending upon the height of the end wall 30 and the side walls 32,34.

As indicated, while the end wall 30 closes one end of the end module 22a,b, the opposing end 40 is generally open. In one embodiment, the open end 40 of each end module 22a,b may be joined to another module. It is possible that the open ends 40 of the two end modules 22a,b may be directly connected, thus forming a slot stand from the two connected end modules 22a,b. In a preferred embodiment, however, one or more intermediate modules 24 are located between the end modules 22a,b.

Still referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment the intermediate module 24 has a pair of side walls 42,44 and a pair of opposing open ends 46,48. As with the end modules 22a,b, the side walls 42,44 of the intermediate module 24 may include one or more panels or doors 50. Again, these panels may be configured to open and close, and may be lockable.

Also, the intermediate module 24 has a top 52. The top 52 is supported by the side walls 42,44. Preferably, the top 52 is supported at the same height as the tops 38 of the end modules 22a,b, so that when the modules are connected they define a contiguous generally planar top 28 of the slot stand 20, as best illustrated in FIG. 1.

As with the end modules 22a,b, the intermediate module(s) 24 may be constructed from a variety of materials. Preferably, the intermediate module 24 is constructed substantially of metal.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the various modules are configured to be connected to one another. In one embodiment, a single intermediate module 24 may be located between the end modules 22a,b (the intermediate module 24 being located between the open ends 40 of the two end modules 22a,b). In other embodiments, two or more intermediate modules 24 may be connected to one another and those intermediate modules may be located between the end modules 22a,b. In this manner, the length of the gaming machine stand 20 may be varied.

Referring to FIG. 1, vents 54 may be defined at the intersection of the various modules. As illustrated, cut-away areas 56 (see FIG. 2) may be defined in the sides or side walls 32 of the end modules 22a,b and in the side walls 42,44 of the intermediate module(s) 24. These cut-away areas 56 are preferably located at the open ends of the modules and are configured so that when the modules are connected, the cut-way areas 56 align to form a vent 54. The vent 54 comprises an opening into the interior of the stand 20. The vent 54 has a periphery defined by two of the modules, such as one end module 22a and an intermediate module 24.

Referring to FIG. 2, a vent cover 58 may be located over the vent 54. The vent cover 58 may comprise, for example, a cover having a plurality of openings therein. As illustrated, the vent cover 58 may define a plurality of louvered openings or slots located between slats. The slats may be angled downwardly to deflect liquid or other material from the slots, to prevent such material from entering the interior of the gaming machine stand. FIG. 3 illustrates the gaming machine stand 20 where a vent cover 58 has been located over one of the vents 54 and illustrates another vent cover removed to show the vent 54.

In one embodiment, similar vents 54 may be defined in the end 30 of each end module 22a,b. For example, as indicated above, one or more openings may be defined in the end 30 of the end module 22a,b. The one or more openings may again be covered by one or more vent covers 60.

The gaming machine stand 20 may include other features as well. In one embodiment, air may be supplied to the interior of the gaming machine stand. This air may flow out of the gaming machine stand 20, such as through the vents 54. For example, a supply of conditioned (heated, cooled, filtered, etc.) air might be supplied to the interior of the gaming machine stand 20 via a conduit or the like. Such a conduit might lead from a heating and cooling system for a casino through the floor to a point under the gaming machine stand 20.

In one embodiment, the supplied air may flow from the interior of the gaming machine stand 20 through the one or more vents 54 to areas exterior thereto. Referring to FIG. 4b the gaming machine stand 20 may include one or more flow controllers 62 for use in controlling rate and/or areas of air flow from the gaming machine stand 20. In one embodiment, such flow controllers may comprise panels or similar members which may be used to selectively open or close the vents 54. The flow controllers may comprise a pair of perforated panels located at each vent 54. The panels may be moveable relative to one another. When the perforations in the panels are aligned, maximum air flow is permitted. When the perforations are offset, air flow may be partially or completely blocked. The panels may be mounted to the gaming machine stand 20 so that one panel is stationary and the other panel can be raised and/or lowered relative to the first panel. In one embodiment, access to the flow controllers 62 may be provided by removing the vent covers 58,60. Other flow controllers might be utilized, however, such as valves, covers or the like, which permit a user to selectively open and/or close one the one or more vents.

The gaming machine stand 20 may include other features which are ornamental and/or functional. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the gaming machine stand 20 may include a trim element that functions as a footrest 64. This trim element may extend outwardly from the various modules of the gaming machine stand 20. The trim element may both protect the gaming machine stand 20 from damage, such as impact by chairs or other elements, but also serve as a footrest 64 at the sides thereof.

As indicated, the modules of the gaming machine stand 20 may be constructed from a variety of materials. In one embodiment, the modules themselves may be modular in construction. FIG. 4a illustrates the end module 22b of FIG. 2 in assembled form, while FIG. 4b illustrates it in an exploded view. As illustrated, the end module 22b may comprise an end cap 100, a first side or wall member 102, a second side or wall member 104 and a top member 106. Corner elements 108,110 may be located at the intersection of the end cap or member 100 and the first side 102 and at the intersection of the end cap 100 and the second side 106. As indicated above, the first and second sides 102,104 may have openings 112 defined therein. A cover or door 114 may be located in the opening 112 for selectively opening and closing the opening 112. The exposed ends of the first and second sides 102,104 of the end module 22a preferably define a cut-out or cut-away 118 for forming a vent, as detailed below. As also indicated above, one or more trim elements 120 may be associated with the module 22b, such as for protecting the gaming machine stand 20 and for serving as a footrest. It will be appreciated that the other end module 22a may be similarly constructed.

In addition, the intermediate modules 24 may also be similarly modularly constructed. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the intermediate module 24 may be constructed from a pair of side or wall members 200,202 and a top member 204. The side or wall members 200,202 may define openings 206 having an associated door 208. The doors 208 may be of the same size and configuration as the doors 114 of the end modules (as illustrated in FIG. 4b) to simplify construction thereof. Likewise, the first and second side wall members 200,202 preferably define cut-outs 216.

The cut-outs 118, 216 of the end modules 22a,b and intermediate modules are configured to cooperate to form vents when those modules are connected. For example, vents may be formed at opposing sides of a stand at the intersection of two connected end modules 22a,22b. Likewise, vents may be formed by the location of an intermediate module 24 between two end modules 22a,22b between two connected intermediate modules. As indicated above and illustrated in FIG. 4b, flow controllers 62 are preferably associated with those openings or vents for selectively controlling the flow of air there through.

These various elements of the modules may be constructed from a variety of materials. In one embodiment, the various panels and other elements may be constructed from metal. In one embodiment, the top or at least a covering portion of the gaming machine stand may be constructed from wood. The various surfaces of the gaming machine stand may be painted, stained or the like in order to create unique finished appearances. Various trim elements may be added, such as to protect the top of the gaming machine stand when the stand is constructed of wood.

While the gaming machine stand may be configured to route or deliver air to areas around the exterior of the stand, the stand might also be configured to route or deliver air to the gaming machines. This is particularly suitable when cooling air is delivered to the gaming machine stand, in that such air can be used to cool the gaming machine(s) supported by the stand. In particular, vents or other openings might be provided in the top 28 of the stand 20. These vents or openings could be aligned with openings in the bottoms of the gaming machines so as to route air directly into the interior areas thereof. Alternatively, the openings could be configured to route air adjacent the gaming machines to be drawn into the air intakes thereof.

The various elements of the gaming machine stand 20 may be connected in various fashions. For example, the modules of the gaming machine stand 20 might be selectively connected to one another (i.e. in a manner permitting them to be disconnected). For example, the modules might be connected with fasteners such as nuts and bolts. The modules might also be permanently connected, such as by welding. Other of the elements, such as the vent covers, trim pieces and the like might be connected by fasteners, adhesive or the like.

One aspect of the invention comprises a method of assembling or constructing a gaming machine stand. In one embodiment, the method may comprise forming or constructing the end and intermediate modules, such as from the various elements described herein. Another method of the invention comprises a method of forming a gaming machine stand by interconnecting the end and intermediate modules and/or other elements.

While in the preferred embodiment of the invention the top of the gaming machine stand is generally planar, it is possible for the top to have various elevations. For example, the elevation of the top of the gaming machine stand at the end modules 22a,b may be higher or lower than the elevation of the top of the intermediate module(s) 24.

Various features of the gaming machine stand 20 will now be appreciated. Most importantly, the gaming machine stand 20 of the invention is constructed from a plurality of modules or units. These modules may be connected in a plurality of configurations to create gaming machine stands 20 of different sizes and configurations. Yet, those different gaming machine stands 20 will all have a common appearance and common features.

For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a gaming machine stand comprising two end modules 22a,b and a single intermediate module 24. This gaming machine stand 20 might be suited for supporting two or three gaming machines in a row in a side-to-side relationship. The length of the gaming machine stand 20 may be increased, such as to accommodate a larger number of gaming machines, by adding one or more intermediate modules 24. For example, the gaming machine stand 20 might comprise two, three or more intermediate modules 24 located between the end modules 22a,b.

In one embodiment, the depth of the various modules may be varied. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the modules may have a depth D for supporting a single row of gaming machines. However, the modules may have a depth D which is increased from that illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the depth D might be doubled, such as to support two rows of gaming machines in back-to-back relationship. In one embodiment, the modules might be constructed in two or more sizes: one size for constructing gaming machine stands for supporting gaming machines in a single row and another size for constructing gaming machine stands for supporting gaming machine in back-to-back relationship.

A significant advantage of the invention is that a few modules may be created, from which multiple gaming machine stands of different configurations may be generated. This is saves greatly in time and expense in the design and manufacture of the gaming machine stand. This is contrasted with the current method of assembling slot stands where each stand is custom designed, the components thereof are custom created and the time and cost associated with assembling the stand is high because each stand may be unique.

As indicated, the gaming machine stand 20 may serve as an air delivery device. Air may be delivered to the interior of the gaming machine stand 20 and then be delivered or routed from the stand. The areas of air flow and the rate of air flow may be varied, such as by using the flow controllers. An advantage of this feature of the gaming machine stand is that fresh conditioned air may be delivered close to the players of the gaming machines. This is contrasted with current air systems where air is delivered through ceiling ducts which are located remote from the players.

It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A gaming machine stand configured to support at least one gaming machine comprising: a first end module having a first side, an opposing second side, a first end and a second end extending between said first and second sides, said first end being generally closed and said second end generally open, and a generally planar top supported by said first side, said second side and said first end;a second end module having a first side, an opposing second side, a first end and a second end extending between said first and second sides, said first end being generally closed and said second end generally open, and a generally planar top supported by said first side, said second side and said first end; andat least one intermediate module located between said first and second end modules, said intermediate module having a first side, an opposing second side, a pair of open ends and a generally planar top;said at least one intermediate module located between said open second end of said first end module and said open end of said second end module, whereby said first end module, said second end module and said at least one intermediate module define a stand having a generally closed perimeter and a generally planar top for supporting one or more gaming machines thereon.

2. The gaming machine stand in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first and second end modules each comprise a first side member defining said first side of said end module, a second side member defining said second side of said end module and an end member defining said first end of said end module.

3. The gaming machine stand in accordance claim 2 wherein said first and second end modules further comprise a top connected to said first side member, said second side member and said end member and wherein said top comprises a portion of said planar top of said gaming machine stand.

4. The gaming machine stand in accordance with claim 1 wherein one or more vents are defined at the intersection of said at least one intermediate module and said first and second end modules.

5. The gaming machine stand in accordance with claim 4 including an air flow controller associated with said one or more vents.

6. The gaming machine stand in accordance with claim 5 wherein said air flow controller comprises at least one moveable panel, at least two positions of said panel relative to said vent defining different opening sizes of said vent.

7. The gaming machine stand in accordance with claim 1 wherein gaming machine stand has a generally closed interior and said first end module defines at least one opening at said first or second sides to permit access to said interior.

8. The gaming machine in accordance with claim 7 further comprising at least one door associated with said at least one opening for selectively opening and closing said opening.

9. The gaming machine stand in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first end module, second end module and at least one intermediate module define one or more cut-away areas which cooperate to form vents at the intersections of said modules when connected.

10. The gaming machine stand in accordance with claim 1 wherein said gaming machine stand has an open bottom generally opposite said planar top, said open bottom leading into an interior area of said gaming stand.

11. The gaming machine stand in accordance with claim 1 comprising at least two intermediate modules located between said first and second end modules.

12. The gaming machine stand in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first and second end modules and intermediate module are detachably connected to one another.

13. A method of constructing a gaming machine stand configured to support at least one gaming machine comprising the steps of: providing a first end module having a first side, an opposing second side, a first end and a second end extending between said first and second sides, said first end being generally closed and said second end generally open, and a generally planar top supported by said first side, said second side and said first end;providing a second end module having a first side, an opposing second side, a first end and a second end extending between said first and second sides, said first end being generally closed and said second end generally open, and a generally planar top supported by said first side, said second side and said first end;providing at least one intermediate module, said intermediate module having a first side, an opposing second side, a pair of open ends and a generally planar top;connecting said second end of said first end module to one of said ends of said intermediate module and connecting said second end of said second end module to the other of said ends of said intermediate module, whereby said intermediate module is located between said first end module and said second end module and whereby said first end module, said second end module and said at least one intermediate module define a stand having a generally closed perimeter and a generally planar top for supporting one or more gaming machines thereon.

14. The method in accordance with claim 13 wherein said first and second end modules are connected to said intermediate module with one or more fasteners.

15. The method in accordance with claim 13 further comprising the step of mounting one or more trim elements to said stand.

16. The method in accordance with claim 13 further comprising the step of locating said stand over an air supply whereby air is provided to an interior area of said stand.

17. The method in accordance with claim 13 wherein when said stand defines one or more vents and further comprising the step of controlling an opening position of said one or more vents.