Game system

Abstract

A game system, comprising a gaming device having a mechanical activator, a player position associated with the gaming device, and an intermediate linkage between the gaming device and the player position. The intermediate linkage has a first end disposed adjacent to the activator, and a second end with a remote input device, for allowing a player in the player position to remotely mechanically engage the activator by manipulating the remote input device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to gaming devices and their appurtenances. More particularly, the present invention relates to a game system configured to allow convenient repetitive activation of a gaming device by a player.

[0003] 2. Related Art

[0004] There are a wide variety of gaming devices which are popularly used in casinos and elsewhere where such devices are permitted. Traditionally referred to as "slot machines", gaming devices generally comprise a coin actuated mechanical or electromechanical device which initiates a procedure of chance, awarding a jackpot to the player when a particular winning condition develops. Over the past decades, gaming devices have evolved far beyond the traditional slot machine genre, to include a wide variety of mechanical, electromechanical, and computer/video devices which may be actuated by coins, tokens, or by electronic means. Such devices include traditional slot machines, video poker, and other well known gaming devices.

[0005] One challenge presented by many gaming devices is the method of actuating the device. Most gaming devices have one or more activators, such as a play button, a place bet button, or a max play button, which must be pushed each time the player desires to actuate the chance procedure or place a bet. For example, in video poker, the player must press a button to place a bet, and must press a button to initiate the simulated dealing of cards. Similarly, on modern electronic slot machines, each time the user desires to pull the handle or spin the wheels, the player must press a button.

[0006] Because players of gaming devices may spend long periods of time repetitively operating these machines, the repetitive motion of lifting the arm to press the activator, or of holding the hand on the machine console adjacent to the activator button for long periods of time, becomes tiring. This is uncomfortable for players, and tends to reduce the amount of time a player will persist in using a gaming device. Naturally, casinos and other locations where gaming devices are located have an interest in maximizing the comfort of gaming device users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a device which allows convenient repetitive actuation of a gaming device while reducing player fatigue.

[0008] The invention provides a game system, comprising a gaming device having an activator, a player position associated with the gaming device, and an intermediate linkage between the gaming device and the player position. The intermediate linkage has a first end disposed adjacent to the activator, and a second end with a remote input device, for allowing a player in the player position to engage the activator by manipulating the remote input device.

[0009] In accordance with a more detailed aspect of the present invention, the gaming device may include a plurality of activators, and the intermediate linkage may comprise a plurality of tethers, each tether associated with a different one of the plurality of activators, and each tether configured for selective engagement of the associated activator in response to manipulation of the remote input device by the player.

[0010] In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the present invention, the intermediate linkage comprises a tether having a mount attached at its first end, the mount being attached to the gaming device adjacent the activator. The tether includes a moveable member, such as a flexible metal rod, slidably disposed within a lumen therein. The remote input device includes a remote activator, such as a button, lever, trigger, or plunger, for manipulation by the player. When the player manipulates the remote activator, the moveable member extends from the first end of the tether, and engages the activator of the gaming device.

[0011] In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the present invention, the mount may comprise a bracket which is removably attachable to the gaming device, such as with suction cups, hook and loop fasteners (i.e. velcro), magnets, or clips. More particularly, the bracket may include a central arch portion which overlies the activator, and peripherally located flanges to which removable fasteners may be attached.

[0012] In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the present invention, the remote input device may comprise an electrical device having an electromechanical apparatus configured for engaging the activator in response to player manipulation of the remote activator

[0013] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a player using a gaming system in accordance with the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a gaming device actuator constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a an elevation view of an alternative mount for use with the gaming device actuator the gaming device actuator of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of another alternative mount for use with the gaming device actuator of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a pictorial view of yet another alternative mount for the gaming device actuator of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a pictorial view of an alternative gaming device actuator in accordance with the present invention wherein the remote activator is a foot pedal;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a pictorial view of an alternative embodiment of a gaming device actuator having a plurality of tethers and a plurality of mounts for activating a plurality of gaming device activators;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a pictorial view of another alternative embodiment of the gaming device actuator of the present invention wherein the remote activator is connected to the gaming device via a retractable tether;

[0022] FIG. 9A is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a gaming device actuator having a solenoid disposed on the mount;

[0023] FIG. 9B is a pictorial view of an alternative remote input device for the gaming device actuator of FIG. 9A, wherein the solenoid is connected to the remote input device;

[0024] FIG. 10A is a partial cross-sectional view of a pneumatically operated gaming device actuator;

[0025] FIG. 10B is a pictorial view of an alternative remote input device for the pneumatically operated gaming device actuator of FIG. 10A;

[0026] FIG. 11 is cross-sectional view of a permanently connected gaming device actuator configured to engage an internal mechanical switch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

[0028] With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a gaming system in accordance with the present invention is shown, indicated generally at 10. The gaming system 10 includes a gaming device 12 having a mechanical activator 14. The gaming device 12 may be any mechanical, electromechanical, electronic, or computer/video type device which initiates a procedure of chance, awarding a jackpot to the player when a particular winning condition develops by chance or is achieved by the player.

[0029] The term "mechanical activator" is intended to refer to any device which can be manipulated by a player to activate or provide input to the gaming device. The activator is typically a mechanical switch or comparable device, such as a push-button, a switch, a lever, a dial, or any other of a wide variety of input devices. It will be apparent that there may be more than one activator, or a variety of types of activators associated with the gaming device, depending on the type of gaming device. For example, the activator may be a "max play" button which may be pressed at each repetition of play to bet the maximum amount allowed. Alternatively, the activator may be a "deal" or "hit" button associated with a video poker machine. The player must mechanically engage the activator (i.e. push the button, move the lever, etc.) each time he or she desires to activate the procedure of chance, place a bet, or take other action involving the gaming device. Because the player must mechanically engage the activator with each repetition of the game, long term play can be very uncomfortable.

[0030] A player position 16 is associated with the gaming device, and a player 18 occupies this position in order to use the system. An intermediate linkage 20 is disposed between the gaming device and the player position. The intermediate linkage has a first end 22 disposed adjacent to the mechanical activator on the gaming device, and a second end 24 with a remote input device 26, which the player holds in his hand 19. Given their function, as more fully described herein, the intermediate linkage and remote input device may be collectively referred to as a "gaming device actuator," because their purpose is to provide an alternative means of engaging the activator, or in other words, actuating the gaming device.

[0031] As shown more particularly in FIG. 2, in one embodiment the intermediate linkage 20 is a flexible tether 28 with a lumen 30. Slidably disposed within the lumen, and extending from the first end to the second end of the tether, is a moveable member 32. The moveable member may be a flexible metal rod, a rod of strong but flexible polymer material, or any other suitable material which can transmit compressive forces through its length. The moveable member is connected at the second end of the tether to the remote input device 26, and is configured to selectively extend from or retract into an aperture 34 at the first end 22 of the tether. When extended, the moveable member mechanically engages the activator by physically contacting and pressing it. While the moveable member as shown in FIG. 3 extends through the entire length of the tether, in other embodiments described below, the moveable member exists only at the first end of the tether, adjacent to the mechanical activator.

[0032] The remote input device 26 is disposed at the second end of the tether 28, and may be any device which is manipulable by the player to cause the moveable member to mechanically engage the activator. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the remote input device may comprise a handgrip 36 configured for holding in the hand 19 of the player, and includes one or more remote activators 38. The remote activator may be any suitable mechanical device, such as a switch, button, lever, trigger, plunger, etc., which is manipulable by the player by hand, foot, or otherwise. By manipulating the remote activator, the player remotely mechanically engages the mechanical activator on the gaming device. In the case of the remote input device shown in FIG. 2, the single remote activator 38 comprises a plunger 40 conveniently placed upon the handgrip 36 for operation by the player's thumb.

[0033] The plunger is directly mechanically connected to the second end of the moveable member 32. The plunger and moveable member are spring biased in the retracted position, such as by a coil spring 42 disposed within the handgrip, such that when the plunger is depressed toward the handgrip, the moveable member is caused to extend from the first end of the tether to mechanically engage the activator, and when released, the biasing force of the spring retracts the moveable member back into the first end of the tether.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the linkage 20 includes a mount 44 connected to the first end of the tether. The mount comprises a bracket 46 having a central arch section 48, and peripheral flanges 50 at opposing ends of the central arch section. The mount is configured to be disposed with the central arch section overlying the mechanical activator 14, with the flanges disposed on opposing sides of it. The flanges hold the bracket to the gaming device 12 so as to place the moveable member 32 in the proper position to physically engage the activator. The first end of the tether may be pivotally connected to the bracket, so as to help reduce the nuisance associated with the tether becoming twisted.

[0035] The flanges 50 of the bracket 46 may be attached to the gaming device 12 in a wide variety of ways. For example, screws, bolts, rivets, or other relatively rigid fasteners (not shown) may be used to fixedly and perhaps permanently attach the linkage to the gaming device. Alternatively, and more preferably, the flanges may have releasable fasteners 52 for allowing the bracket to be easily attached to or removed from a gaming device. The releasable fasteners may take many forms. For example, viewing FIG. 3, the releasable fasteners may comprise suction cups 54, which allow the bracket to stick to the typically metal case 40 of the gaming device.

[0036] Alternatively, Referring to FIG. 4, the releasable fasteners 52 may comprise magnets 56, which are affixed to the bracket flanges 50 and cause the bracket to stick to the metal case of the gaming device 12. Those familiar with the gaming industry will be aware that operators of establishments operating gaming devices may be opposed to any use of magnetic devices near gaming devices because of the possibility of interference with the proper functioning of the device. Nevertheless, magnets could be used.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 5, as yet another alternative the bracket flanges may have clips 58 attached thereto, which correspond to clip mounts 60 disposed on the gaming device. Such an installation could be desirable where, for example, the owner of a particular casino approved only one type or configuration of gaming device actuator, and modified all gaming devices to permit only that one. It will be apparent that the clips and clip mounts could be oppositely arranged, with the clips on the gaming device, and the clip mounts on the bracket.

[0038] Other alternative methods of releasably attaching the bracket 46 to the gaming device 12 may also be used. For example, an gin adhesive could be disposed between the flanges 50 and the case of the gaming device. A suitable releasable adhesive will hold the bracket in place on the surface of the gaming device, but allows the bracket to be easily removed without leaving an adhesive residue on the gaming device.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 6, as an alternative to the remote input device shown in FIGS. 1-3, the remote input device 26 may comprise a foot pedal device 62, which can be placed on the floor adjacent to the gaming device 12. In this embodiment, the remote activator comprises a foot pedal lever 64. This configuration advantageously allows the player to keep both hands free while using the gaming device.

[0040] As noted above, the gaming device 12 may have more than one mechanical activator 14, including a variety of types of mechanical activators. Referring to FIG. 7, to accommodate a plurality of activators 66, the invention may comprise a plurality of tethers 28, which attach to a plurality of mounts 44, each mount being attached to the gaming device adjacent to a different one of the plurality of activators. For convenience, and to reduce tangling, etc., the plurality of tethers may be bundled together with bundle ties 68, or collectively disposed through a single piece of flexible conduit (not shown). Each tether is associated with a different one of the plurality of activators, and the remote input device is provided with a plurality of remote activators 70, one corresponding to each tether. Accordingly, by selective engagement of any of the remote activators, the player may selectively remotely engage any of the plurality of mechanical activators.

[0041] The remote input device may alternatively be an electrical device. As shown in FIG. 9A, the handgrip 72 may comprise a case 74 for containing common electrical batteries 76, such as one or more "AA" size batteries, for powering a motion transducer 78. The motion transducer 78 may be disposed at the first end of the tether, immediately adjacent to the mount 44. The motion transducer, such as a solenoid 88, includes a rod which extends from the solenoid when it is activated, and retracts thereinto when electrical power to the solenoid is cut off. In this embodiment, the tether 92 merely contains electrical wires which transmit electrical power from the batteries 76 to the solenoid when the remote activator 82, which may be a push-button type electrical switch, is pressed by the player. When the remote activator button is released, a biasing spring 90 associated with the solenoid causes the moveable member to retract back into the tether.

[0042] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9B, the motion transducer 78 may be disposed immediately adjacent to or as part of the handgrip 72. In this embodiment, the solenoid 80 mechanically linearly extends and/or retracts a rod, which extends or retracts the moveable member 32 within the tether 28. For this embodiment, the mount and associated components may be the same as shown in FIG. 2. The solenoid thus causes the first end of the moveable member 32 to extend from the tether and engage the activator 14 when the button is pushed. When the remote activator button is released, a biasing spring 84, disposed within a sleeve 86 adjacent to the solenoid, causes the moveable member to retract back into the tether.

[0043] While the embodiments of FIGS. 9A and 9B are depicted and described as using a solenoid, it will be apparent that other types of linear motion transducers may be used. For example, an electrical motor (not shown) with a bell crank linkage (not shown) could also be employed. Similarly, it will be apparent that the principles of the electrically activated embodiments of FIGS. 9A and 9B may be combined with other embodiments shown herein. For example, the remote input device may be electrically powered and provided with multiple remote activators for multiple tethers, as in FIG. 7.

[0044] In yet another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the actuator may operate pneumatically. In this embodiment of the gaming device actuator, the remote input device comprises a manually actuable air compressing device, such as a handle 100 with a plunger 98 that linearly moves a master piston 102 within a master cylinder 104 inside the handle. The pneumatic tether 108 comprises a tube with a hollow lumen 110, which transmits air pressure to a slave cylinder 114 disposed adjacent to the mount 44. Within the slave cylinder is a slave piston 112, to which is connected the moveable member 132. When the player pushes the plunger 98, the air pressure increases in the master cylinder 104, in the tether lumen 110, and in the slave cylinder 114, causing the slave piston 112 and thus the moveable member 132 to extend to contact the activator 14. Because it uses air, the embodiment of FIG. 10A has the advantage that it is lightweight.

[0045] The slave piston 112 and moveable member 132 or the master piston 102 may be biased in a retracted position with springs in a manner similar to that disclosed above, so that the activator will only be contacted when the plunger is pushed. The master cylinder may also include a one-way valve which allows air to be drawn into the master cylinder and tether to fully charge the system with air. This allows one to account for air leakage, yet produce the desired pressure when needed.

[0046] FIG. 10B depicts an alternative embodiment of the pneumatic activator of FIG. 10A, wherein the manually actuable air compressing device comprises a flexible bulb 136 connected to the pneumatic tether 108. This bulb is similar to those used with conventional blood pressure cuffs, and includes an intake valve 138. The air intake valve is a type of check-valve which allows air to freely enter or leave the bulb 136, except when it is being relatively rapidly compressed, in which case the valve closes, allowing the user to exert the needed pressure. The player simply squeezes the bulb 136, which compresses the air in the tether lumen 110, and causes the moveable member to extend from the first end of the tether.

[0047] In another alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the first end of the tether may be fixedly attached to the case 40 of the gaming device via a specially formed tether end 128. The moveable member 30 extends inside the gaming device to the moveable button 142 of an internal switch 140. The switch 140 is shown electrically connected to other components of the gaming device by an electrical line 144. The configuration of FIG. 11 may be desirable for manufacturing the gaming devices with the actuator permanently installed.

[0048] Another permanent installation configuration is shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the tether 194 and remote input device 126 are permanently connected to the gaming device 12. The tether 194 extends through a hole 194 in the case 40 of the gaming device, to a retractable reel 196 inside the device. In FIG. 8 the remote input device 126 is shown stowed in a holder 190 attached to the case 40 of the gaming device.

[0049] When a player desires to use the gaming device of FIG. 8, he simply removes the remote input device 126 from its holder 190, and pulls the desired length of tether from the hole 194. The reel 196 may incorporate a spring-biasing mechanism (not shown) with a centrifugal ratchet, similar to retractable window shade mechanisms. Thus, the player may pull the tether to the desired length, where it will lock into place. Then when the player is finished with the gaming device, he may give a quick jerk to the tether to cause it to retract into the case, and return the remote input device to the holder.

[0050] In the various embodiments disclosed, the invention helps reduce player fatigue from repeated engagement of the activator, and allows the player to repeatedly engage the activator from a comfortable position, without significant tiring repetitive motion. It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A game system, comprising: a) a gaming device having a mechanical activator; b) a player position associated with the gaming device; c) an intermediate linkage between the gaming device and the player position, the intermediate linkage having a first end disposed adjacent to the activator, and a second end with a remote input device; d) said first end including a moveable member configured for mechanically engaging the activator, and said remote input device allowing a player in the player position to remotely engage the activator by manipulating the remote input device.

2. A game system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the intermediate linkage further comprises: a) a mount, removably attached to the gaming device adjacent the activator; and b) a tether having a first end and a second end, and being attached to the mount at the first end.

3. A game system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the moveable member comprises a flexible rod slidably disposed within the tether, the flexible rod being configured for selective extension from or retraction within the first end of the tether in response to manipulation of the remote input device by the player.

4. A game system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the flexible metal rod is biased within the tether in a retracted position.

5. A game system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the gaming device includes a plurality of mechanical activators, and further comprising: a) a plurality of tethers, each tether associated with a different one of the plurality of activators, each tether having a moveable member configured for selective engagement of an associated activator in response to manipulation of the remote input device by the player.

6. A game system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the mount comprises a bracket having: a) a central arch section, the first end of the tether being attached to the central arch section; b) flanges disposed on opposing sides of the central arch section; and c) fasteners attached to the flanges, whereby the mount may be attached to the gaming device such that the fasteners are disposed on opposing sides of the activator, and the central arch section extends over the activator.

7. A game system in accordance with claim 6, wherein the fasteners comprise releasable fasteners selected from the group consisting of: suction cups; hook and loop fasteners; magnets; adhesive; and mechanical clips.

8. A game system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the remote input device includes a remote activator selected from the group consisting of a lever, a push button, and a plunger rod.

9. A game system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the remote input device is configured for holding in the hand of the player.

10. A game system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the remote input device is configured for placing on a floor surface, and is operable by the foot of the player.

11. A game system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the remote input device comprises an electrically actuated device.

12. A game system in accordance with claim 11, further comprising: a) an electrical solenoid connected to the moveable member, and configured for extending the moveable member when activated; and b) a switch for sending electrical power to the solenoid to activate the solenoid.

13. A game system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: a) a pneumatic piston disposed at the first end of the intermediate linkage, the slave piston being connected to the moveable member, and being responsive to pneumatic pressure transmitted through the intermediate linkage; and b) wherein the remote input device comprises a manually actuable air compressing device for providing pneumatic pressure to the slave piston to cause movement of the moveable member.

14. A game system in accordance with claim 13, wherein the air compressing device is selected from the group consisting of a flexible bulb, and a master cylinder with a moveable piston.

15. A game system requiring input, comprising: a) a gaming device having a mechanical activator; b) a mount, removably attached to the gaming device adjacent the activator; c) a tether having a first end and a second end, and being attached to the mount at the first end; d) a moveable member disposed in the first end of the tether, and configured for mechanical engagement of the activator; and e) a remote input device attached to the second end of the tether, the remote input device configured to cause movement of the moveable member to allow a player to remotely engage the activator by manipulating the remote input device.

16. A game system requiring input, comprising: a) a gaming device having a mechanical activator; b) a tether having a first end and a second end, the tether being attached to the gaming device at the first end; c) a moveable member disposed in the first end of the tether, and configured for mechanical engagement of the mechanical activator; and d) a remote input device attached to the second end of the tether, the remote input device configured to cause movement of the moveable member to allow a player to remotely engage the activator by manipulating the remote input device.

17. A game system in accordance with claim 16, wherein the tether is retractably attached to the gaming device.

18. An actuator for a gaming device, comprising: a) a gaming device having a mechanical activator; b) a bracket removably attached to the gaming device and overlying the activator; c) a flexible tether having a first end, a second end, and a lumen, the tether being attached to the bracket at the first end, and having a moveable member slidably disposed within the lumen and extending from the first end to the second end, the moveable member having a retracted position wherein it does not contact the activator, and an extended position wherein it contacts the activator; d) a remote input device attached to the second end of the tether, and configured for manual operation by a player, such that a player may selectively move the moveable member from the retracted position to the extended position to mechanically engage the activator of the gaming device.

19. A method for facilitating play of a game of chance by a player, comprising the steps of: a) providing a gaming device having a mechanical activator; b) providing a gaming device actuator for the gaming device, said gaming device actuator being attached to the gaming device adjacent the mechanical activator, the gaming device actuator including a remote input device, and a moveable member configured for mechanically engaging the activator; and c) causing the player to manipulate the remote input device in order to cause the moveable member to mechanically engage the activator.

20. A method in accordance with claim 19, wherein the step of providing a gaming device actuator for the gaming device further comprises providing a mount which is releasably attachable to the gaming device, the mount being disposed at a first end of a tether of the gaming device actuator.

21. A method in accordance with claim 19, wherein the step of causing the player to manipulate the remote input device further comprises a step selected from the group comprising: manipulating the remote input device by hand; and manipulating the remote input device by foot.

22. A method in accordance with claim 21, wherein the step of causing the player to manipulate the remote input device comprises causing the player to perform an action selected from the group comprising: moving a lever; pushing a push button; depressing a key on a keypad; and depressing a plunger rod.