U.S. patent application number 11/401787 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-17 for gaming device base and method of use.
This patent application is currently assigned to Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael Kobryn, Jack McNamara, Jerald C. Seelig, Mac Seelig.
Application Number | 20060181021 11/401787 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36814882 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060181021 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Seelig; Jerald C. ; et
al. |
August 17, 2006 |
Gaming device base and method of use
Abstract
A gaming device base having a storage area configured to store
at least one non-currency gaming item is disclosed. The gaming
device base further includes a horizontal support member having a
substantially flat surface to support at least one gaming device.
The gaming device base further has at least one door positioned
beneath the horizontal support member and also may have at least
one edge. The door includes the storage area configured to store
the non-currency gaming item and further may be moved from an open
to a closed position; the door may also include an angled portion.
In the open position, the storage area may be accessed and, in the
closed position, the door is positioned behind the edge of the
horizontal support member. Players sitting in front of the edge of
the horizontal support member may stretch or extend their legs
behind the edge of the horizontal support member.
Inventors: |
Seelig; Jerald C.; (Absecon,
NJ) ; Seelig; Mac; (Absecon, NJ) ; McNamara;
Jack; (Mount Laurel, NJ) ; Kobryn; Michael;
(Philadelphia, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IAN F. BURNS & ASSOCIATES
P.O. BOX 71115
RENO
NV
89570
US
|
Assignee: |
Atlantic City Coin & Slot
Service Company, Inc.
Pleasantville
NJ
TC Millwork, Inc.
Bensalem
PA
|
Family ID: |
36814882 |
Appl. No.: |
11/401787 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10944341 |
Sep 15, 2004 |
7040626 |
|
|
11401787 |
Apr 10, 2006 |
|
|
|
10245628 |
Sep 16, 2002 |
6880825 |
|
|
10944341 |
Sep 15, 2004 |
|
|
|
60503307 |
Sep 15, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/143R |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3216 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/143.00R |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A gaming device base comprising: A) a horizontal support member
comprising a substantially flat surface configured to support at
least one gaming device; and B) at least one door being positioned
underneath the horizontal support member, the door comprising an
exterior and interior surface, the interior surface comprising a
storage area, the storage area being configured to store at least
one non-currency gaming item, the door further being moveable from
a closed position to an open position to provide access to the
storage area.
2. The gaming device base of claim 1 wherein the storage area is
bounded by four walls.
3. The gaming device base of claim 2 wherein one of the four walls
is longer in length, in relation to the door.
4. The gaming device base of claim 1 wherein the horizontal support
member has at least one edge, and the at least one door being
positioned behind the edge of the horizontal support member.
5. The gaming device base of claim 4 wherein the door further
comprises an angled portion, and in the closed position, the angled
portion being an acute angle measured from a vertical plane,
wherein players sitting in front of the edge of the horizontal
support member may stretch their legs behind the edge.
6. The gaming device base of claim 1 wherein the door further
comprises an angled portion, the angled portion comprising the
storage area.
7. The gaming device base of claim 1 further comprising a retention
device cooperating with the door to retain the door in the open
position.
8. The gaming device base of claim 7 wherein the retention device
is selected from the group consisting of a stop chain, a latch, a
door stop and a hinge.
9. The gaming device base of claim 1 wherein the non-currency
gaming item is selected from the group consisting of tickets,
vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards and credit
cards.
10. The gaming device base of claim 1 wherein the storage area
comprises at least one partition configured to subdivide the
storage area into a plurality of sub-compartments within the
storage area.
11. A gaming device base comprising: A) a horizontal support member
comprising (i) a substantially flat surface configured to support
at least one gaming device and (ii) at least one edge; and B) at
least one door being positioned behind the edge of the horizontal
support member and underneath the horizontal support member, the
door comprising an angled portion and a storage area, the storage
area being configured to store at least one non-currency gaming
item, the door further being moveable from a closed position to an
open position to provide access to the storage area, and in the
closed position, the angled portion being an acute angle measured
from a vertical plane, wherein players sitting in front of the edge
of the horizontal support member may stretch their legs behind the
edge.
12. The gaming device base of claim 11 wherein the storage area is
bounded by four walls.
13. The gaming device base of claim 12 wherein one of the four
walls is longer in length, in relation to the door.
14. The gaming device base of claim 11 wherein the angled portion
comprises the storage area.
15. The gaming device base of claim 11 further comprising a
retention device cooperating with the door to retain the door in
the open position.
16. The gaming device base of claim 15 wherein the retention device
is selected from the group consisting of a stop chain, a latch, a
door stop and a hinge.
17. The gaming device base of claim 11 wherein the non-currency
gaming item is selected from the group consisting of tickets,
vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards and credit
cards.
18. The gaming device base of claim 11 wherein the storage area
comprises at least one partition configured to subdivide the
storage area into a plurality of sub-compartments within the
storage area.
19. A method for storing at least one non-currency gaming item in a
gaming device base comprising the following steps, not necessarily
in order shown: A) providing at least one non-currency gaming item;
B) providing a gaming device base comprising (i) a horizontal
support member, (ii) at least one door and (iii) a storage area
configured to store the at least one non-currency gaming item; C)
if the door is in a closed position, moving the door from the
closed position to an open position to provide access to the
storage area; and D) placing the at least one non-currency gaming
item in the storage area.
20. The method of claim 19 comprising providing a gaming device
base wherein the storage area is bounded by four walls.
21. The method of claim 19 comprising providing a gaming device
base wherein the horizontal support member has at least one edge,
and the at least one door being positioned behind the edge of the
horizontal support member.
22. The method of claim 21 comprising providing a gaming device
base wherein the door further comprises an angled portion, and in
the closed position of the door, the angled portion being an acute
angle measured from a vertical plane, wherein players sitting in
front of the edge of the horizontal support member may stretch
their legs behind the edge.
23. The method of claim 19 comprising providing a gaming device
base wherein the door further comprises an angled portion, the
angled portion comprising the storage area.
24. The method of claim 19 comprising providing a gaming device
base wherein the gaming device base further comprises a retention
device cooperating with the door to retain the door in the open
position.
25. The method of claim 24 comprising providing a gaming device
base wherein the retention device is selected from the group
consisting of a stop chain, a latch, a door stop and a hinge.
26. The method of claim 19 further comprising step (E) moving the
door to the closed position.
27. The method of claim 19 comprising providing a gaming device
base wherein the horizontal support member comprises a
substantially flat surface configured to support at least one
gaming device, wherein the at least one door is positioned
underneath the horizontal support member, the door comprising an
exterior and interior surface, the interior surface comprising the
storage area, and the door further being moveable from the closed
position to the open position to provide access to the storage
area.
28. A gaming device base comprising: A) a horizontal support member
comprising (i) a substantially flat surface configured to support
at least one gaming device and (ii) at least one edge; B) at least
one support structure attached to the horizontal support member,
the support structure configured to rest on a floor and support the
horizontal support member from the floor; C) a footrest attached to
the support structure, at least a portion of the footrest extending
under the horizontal support member and at least a portion of the
footrest having an angled surface relative to the floor, wherein
the footrest is configured to allow a player sitting in front of
the edge of the horizontal support member to rest a foot on a
portion of the footrest under the horizontal support member; and D)
a door attached to the support structure, the door being positioned
beneath the horizontal support member, behind the edge of the
horizontal support member, and above the plate, the door being
moveable from an open position to a closed position and configured
to provide access to a storage compartment when in an open
position.
29. The gaming device base of claim 28 wherein the support
structure comprises at least one vertical member, the vertical
member having an edge defining a recess.
30. The gaming device base of claim 29 wherein a cavity is formed
below the horizontal support member and above the footrest, the
cavity having a shape to allow a player to place at least one foot
on the footrest, wherein the recess of the edge has a shape that is
substantially the same as the cavity.
31. The gaming device base of claim 29 wherein the edge comprises a
middle portion that is substantially parallel to a vertical
plane.
32. The gaming device base of claim 29 wherein the edge comprises a
lower portion that extends forward and follows the shape of the
footrest.
33. The gaming device base of claim 28 further comprising a
compartment beneath the footrest.
34. The gaming device base of claim 28 wherein the support
structure comprises at least one passage, the passage being
configured to allow an object to pass through the support
structure.
35. The gaming device base of claim 28 wherein the support
structure comprises at least one recess, the recess being
configured to allow an object to pass through the support
structure.
36. The gaming device base of claim 28 wherein the storage
compartment comprises at least one partition configured to
subdivide the storage compartment into a plurality of
sub-compartments within the storage compartment.
37. The gaming device base of claim 28 wherein the compartment is
configured to store at least one non-currency gaming item wherein
the non-currency gaming item is selected from the group consisting
of tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards and
credit cards.
38. A gaming device base, comprising: A) a horizontal support means
for supporting a gaming device; B) a support structure means for
supporting the horizontal support means; C) a footrest means for
allowing a player to rest a foot under the horizontal support
member; D) a storage compartment means for storing objects; and E)
a door means for providing access to the storage compartment
means.
39. The gaming device base of claim 38 further comprising footrest
storage means underneath the footrest.
40. The gaming device base of claim 38 further comprising a recess
means for allowing an object to pass out of the support structure
means.
41. The gaming device base of claim 38 wherein the support
structure means comprises a recess means for allowing a player to
place a foot on the footrest means by passing the foot through the
recess in a sideways movement.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/944,341 filed Sep. 15, 2004; which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/245,628, filed Sep. 16, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,825. This
application also claims priority to U.S. provisional patent
application No. 60/503,307 filed on Sep. 15, 2003; the latter is
hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] 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.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] An example of a gaming device base is disclosed in Jarrett
(U.S. Pat. No. Des. 354,637). One of the problems associated with
gaming device bases, such as the one disclosed in Jarrett, is that
they commonly have flat front surfaces that prevent players from
extending their legs. It has been found that many players are more
comfortable if they can extend their legs in front of them, even a
small amount, rather than keeping their legs tightly bent. When
players are more comfortable, they tend to have a more enjoyable
experience and tend to play longer.
[0008] 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.
[0009] Another gaming device base is disclosed in Ward (U.S. Pat.
No. 6,042,115). The gaming device base is designed to support
modified slot machines that have reduced coin hopper size, reduced
power supply size and a circuit board positioned at an angle. (See
also U.S. Des. Pat. Nos. 399,889 and 409,857, issued to the same
inventor). Ward discloses that the combination of the slot cabinet
and the modified slot machine is designed to reduce the amount of
floor space occupied by gaming devices, which is especially
valuable in casino environments.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] Another gaming device base is disclosed in Rowe et al. (U.S.
Pat. No. 6,116,597). The gaming device base has a foot rail
positioned in front of the gaming device base. The foot rail
disclosed may be fixed or foldable. One problem with the Rowe et
al. foot rail is that the rail is made of a tube or a rod and is
not supported by the floor. A footrest supported by the floor is
desired because it is more stable and durable than a rail merely
mounted on the front wall of the gaming device base. Another
problem with the foot rail disclosed in Rowe et al. is that the
rail does not support the entire surface area of the players' feet.
As a result, players' feet may slide away from the foot rail.
Players are likely to exert extra effort to keep their feet on the
rail. A footrest having the ability to support a substantial
portion of a player's foot is therefore desired.
[0013] 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.
[0014] A gaming device base that stores coins is disclosed in
Salour et al. (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,876,285 and 6,146,274). The gaming
device base has a hopper for storing coins positioned inside the
cabinet and a mechanism for emptying the hoppers. Coins from the
gaming device drop through a coin passage to the hopper. The hopper
has a chute and chute door, which may be opened and closed. During
coin collection and counting, a casino employee would open the slot
cabinet door, close the chute door, and move the chute toward him.
The employee may then position a bucket underneath the chute and
open the chute door to discharge the coins to the bucket thereby
emptying the hopper.
[0015] 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.
[0016] Gaming device bases are further known to store electrical
wires. Examples of electrical wires include communication wires,
power supply wires, wires for hoppers, wires for electronic locks
and wires for the sensors of coin buckets. Gaming operators desire
to hide the wires as discreetly as possible for aesthetic reasons
as well as to prevent their patrons from tripping over the wires.
Gaming operators conventionally hide the electrical wires by
running the wires across the slot base and storing the wires inside
the slot base. One problem with this technique is that electrical
wires, which are not isolated from the vicinity of the coin path as
the coins move from the gaming machine to the base, deflect coins
coming from gaming device thereby causing coins to be lost. A
gaming device base that isolates the electrical wires from the
vicinity of the coin path is therefore desired.
[0017] Additionally, with the introduction of cashless and
coinless, or non-currency, gaming devices, there has evolved an
unmet need in the gaming industry for a gaming device base
configured for storing non-currency gaming items such as, for
example, tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards
and credit cards. In this respect, bins for and storage of
currency, that is, cash and/or coins, are no longer essential
features of the gaming device base.
[0018] Accordingly, various non-currency gaming devices are
configured to accept, as well as to dispense, non-currency gaming
items. With respect to dispensing, the gaming device will dispense
to the player a non-currency gaming item when a player stops
playing the game and "cashes-out" his or her winnings. In this way,
players are able to experience uninterrupted play by using the
dispensed non-currency gaming item with another non-currency gaming
device.
[0019] Naturally, there are times when non-currency gaming devices
must be re-supplied in order to continue dispensing non-currency.
As such, it would be advantageous to have a gaming device base
configured to store one or more non-currency gaming items that can
be accessed for the re-supplying of a non-currency gaming device.
This type of gaming device base would provide a certain level of
convenience for individuals, such as casino employees, insofar as
they would be able to avoid transporting on their person large
quantities of non-currency gaming items. Also, the use of
non-currency gaming items permits employees to avoid transporting
large amounts of currency. The non-currency gaming items further
are much lighter than the coins traditionally used with gaming
devices such that the lifting of heavy coins is eliminated, as well
as the constant bending and lifting associated therewith which
increases the risk of back injuries.
SUMMARY OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
Advantages of One or More Embodiments of the Present Invention
[0020] The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do
not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:
[0021] the ability to eliminate the need for currency storage,
including coin bins; [0022] eliminate the lifting and constant
bending by employees associated with use of heavy coins; [0023]
provide easy access to non-currency gaming items; [0024] allow an
employee to avoid transporting non-currency as well as currency;
[0025] provide for secure storage of non-currency (cashless) gaming
devices; and [0026] provide for the re-supply of non-currency
gaming devices.
[0027] These and other advantages may be realized by reference to
the remaining portions of the specification, claims and
abstract.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0028] Applicants have provided a gaming device base configured to
store at least one non-currency gaming item including cashless
devices, such as, for example, tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip
cards, player cards and credit cards. In one embodiment, the gaming
device includes a horizontal support member having a substantially
flat surface configured to support one or more gaming devices. At
least one door, having an exterior and interior surface, of the
gaming device base is positioned underneath the horizontal support
member and the interior surface includes a storage area. The
storage area is configured to store at least one non-currency
gaming item. The door further is moveable from a closed position to
an open position to provide access to the storage area.
[0029] Additionally, applicants have provided a gaming device base
having a front surface that allows players to stretch their legs.
In one embodiment, the gaming device base has a horizontal support
member having at least one edge and a substantially flat surface to
support at least one gaming device. The gaming device base has at
least one door positioned behind the edge of the horizontal support
member and beneath the horizontal support member. The door has at
least one angled portion, which forms an acute angle measured from
a vertical plane, and a storage area configured to store one or
more non-currency gaming items. The door may be moved to an open
(to provide access to the storage area) or closed position. In the
closed position, the door is positioned behind the edge of the
horizontal support member. Players sitting in front of the edge of
the horizontal support member may stretch their legs behind the
edge of the horizontal support member.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] The applicants further have provided a method for storing at
least one non-currency gaming item including cashless devices, such
as, for example, tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player
cards and credit cards, in a gaming device base. In one method, at
least one non-currency gaming item is provided along with a gaming
device base having a horizontal support member. The horizontal
support member has a substantially flat surface configured to
support one or more gaming devices. The gaming device base further
includes at least one door, having an exterior and interior
surface, positioned underneath the horizontal support member. The
interior surface of the door includes a storage area configured to
store the at least one non-currency gaming items. The door further
is moveable from a closed position to an open position to provide
access to the storage area. If the door is in the closed position,
the door is moved from the closed position to the open position to
provide access to the storage area. The at least one non-currency
gaming item then is placed in the storage area.
[0033] The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary
of some embodiments of the present invention so that the detailed
description that follows may be better understood and contributions
of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some
of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of
the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There
are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be
described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this
respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
in its application to the details of the construction and to the
arrangement of the components set forth in the following
description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] FIG. 1 is substantially a perspective view of an embodiment
of the gaming device base wherein the gaming device base
accommodates four gaming devices, two gaming devices being
positioned on each side of the gaming device base.
[0035] FIG. 2 is substantially a perspective view of the gaming
device base of FIG. 1 showing the door in an open position and the
coins bins slid forward.
[0036] FIG. 3 is substantially a closer view of a portion of FIG. 2
showing the components of the slidable coin bins and their
respective attachments.
[0037] FIG. 4 is substantially a view of the underside of the
horizontal support member of the gaming device base of FIG. 1.
[0038] FIG. 5 is substantially a perspective view of the support
structure of the gaming device base of FIG. 1.
[0039] FIG. 6 is substantially a cross-sectional view of the gaming
device base of FIG. 1 taken along line 6 indicated on FIG. 1.
[0040] FIG. 7 is substantially a closer view of a portion of FIG. 1
showing the components of the footrest and its respective
attachments.
[0041] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the gaming
device base of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the gaming device base of FIG.
8 with the horizontal support member removed.
[0043] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the gaming device base of
FIG. 8 taken along line A-A.
DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 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, may be employed. Gaming devices
32, 34, 36 and 38 may be positioned on top of horizontal support
member 22.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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).
[0050] 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 run to the floor
through wire passages 54, 52, 58 and 56, respectively.
[0051] 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.
[0052] In another embodiment, gaming device base 20 has a door 24
located beneath horizontal member 22. Door 24 may be moveable from
a closed position shown in FIG. 1 to an open position (not shown in
FIG. 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 FIG. 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.
[0053] Door 24 may have at least one lock 86 attached on straight
portion 78 of door 24. In one embodiment, lock 86 is a manual
cylinder lock. In 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.
[0054] 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 2).
When door 24 is in an open position, a horizontal compartment 144,
defined by horizontal support member 22 and horizontal partition
140, may be accessed. Horizontal compartment 144 may be configured
to store coin bins 90A-D, which are used to receive coins coming
from gaming devices through coin passages (not shown in FIG. 2) and
store coins in gaming device base 20. In 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.
[0055] In 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
may be positioned side-by-side. In another embodiment (not shown),
vertical coin bin partition may be provided between coin bins to
further prevent coins from mixing. Typically, coin 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.
[0056] Rear door (not shown in FIG. 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.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 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 FIG.
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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 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 FIGS. 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.
[0060] 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 FIG. 3). One set of tracks 92A, 92B, 92C or 92D may
be provided for every coin bin (not shown in FIG. 3) that gaming
device base 20 is designed to accommodate. In one embodiment, one
coin bin is provided for every gaming device so that coins from
different gaming devices are not mixed. Thus, the number of sets of
tracks may vary depending on the number of coin bins or the number
of gaming devices that gaming device base 20 is designed to
accommodate.
[0061] 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 FIG. 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.
[0062] An elongated wire chase 102 may be attached to horizontal
support member 22 directly underneath wire passages 52, 54, 56 and
58 (shown in FIG. 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 FIG. 1). Wire chase 58 is further configured to isolate
electrical wires from coins being dropped to coin bins 90A-D (shown
in FIGS. 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.
[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an embodiment of support
structure 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 1). It is understood that the number of vertical
members and their positions relative to horizontal support member
22 may vary.
[0064] 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 FIG. 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 run
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).
[0065] 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 FIG. 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.
[0066] 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 5). First vertical partition 147
may further include recesses for allowing chute 100 (not shown in
FIG. 5) to extend from horizontal support member 22 to a coin bin
90A, 90B, 90C or 90D.
[0067] 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 structure 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 176A and 176B may further divide
compartment 182 into four compartments arranged side-by-side.
[0068] Referring now to FIGS. 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 FIG. 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. In the open position, a stand
192 may be 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.
[0069] 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 may be
attached to plate extension 186 so that footrest plate 178 may be
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. In 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
may be made of plastic, fiberglass, acrylic, powder coating and
other materials known in the art.
[0070] Support structure 26 may also comprise additional components
that further strengthen support structure 26 in supporting the
weight of gaming devices, such as, for example, brackets, and
braces. Support structure 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.
[0071] Referring back to FIG. 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 4)
then through 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 FIG. 4) then
through gap 166. A bottom wire chase 172 (shown in FIG. 6)
extending through 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 may be made similar to wire chase 102, but may of
different dimensions than wire chase 102.
[0072] With continued reference to FIG. 5, vertical wire partitions
160 and 162 and vertical member 106 may define a notch (not shown
in FIG. 5) at their respective front and back edges. Each notch may
be configured to receive and support a beam 148. Beam 148 may be
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
FIG. 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 FIG. 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.
[0073] In 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 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.
[0074] In 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.
[0075] FIGS. 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.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 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 FIG. 9) and typically has a rectangular
shape, but other shapes, such as a square, triangle or circle, may
be employed.
[0077] 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 outlet located on a floor (not shown).
[0078] As further shown in FIG. 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 may be 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.
[0079] FIG. 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.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 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 FIG. 9), typically four walls 244, 246, 248 and
250 (FIG. 9), to retain non-currency gaming items 202 within the
storage area 242.
[0081] 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 FIG. 5. In this
embodiment (involving storage area 242), the sub-compartments may
be used to store a variety of different non-currency items without
the different non-currency items becoming mixed with one
another.
[0082] 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.
[0083] As shown in FIGS. 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 FIG. 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.
[0084] As further shown in FIG. 10, intersection 260 between
straight portion 232 and angled portion 236 may be 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.
[0085] In FIGS. 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.
[0086] In 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 FIGS. 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.
CONCLUSION
[0087] Accordingly, the present invention provides a gaming device
base including a door having a storage area configured to store
non-currency gaming items and a method for storing therein. The
door may be moveable from a closed position to an open position,
and vice versa. In the open position, access can be provided to the
storage area for replenishing and/or for removing the non-currency
gaming items. In this way, an individual, such as a casino
employee, can replenish the non-currency supply of a gaming device
without having to transport the non-currency gaming items on their
person.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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.
[0090] 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.
* * * * *