U.S. patent application number 11/216788 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-01 for gaming device stand.
Invention is credited to William C. Knoll.
Application Number | 20070045960 11/216788 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37803011 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070045960 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Knoll; William C. |
March 1, 2007 |
Gaming device stand
Abstract
A gaming device stand including a back plate partially supported
by a ground engaging surface and a cabinet having lower, upper,
left and right panels. The upper panel has a surface for supporting
the underside of a gaming device. The lower panel is cantilevered
from the back plate and forms a clearance with the a ground
engaging surface. The clearance is configured to accommodate the
lower portions, e.g. feet and lower legs, of an individual playing
the gaming device.
Inventors: |
Knoll; William C.; (Livonia,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROOKS KUSHMAN P.C.
1000 TOWN CENTER
TWENTY-SECOND FLOOR
SOUTHFIELD
MI
48075
US
|
Family ID: |
37803011 |
Appl. No.: |
11/216788 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/322 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3216 20130101; A63F 9/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/292 |
International
Class: |
A63F 1/00 20060101
A63F001/00; A63F 9/20 20060101 A63F009/20 |
Claims
1. A gaming device stand comprising: a back plate partially
supported by a ground engaging surface; and a cabinet having lower,
upper, left and right panels, the upper panel having a surface for
supporting the underside of a gaming device, the lower panel
cantilevered from the back plate and forming a clearance with the
ground engaging surface, the clearance configured to accommodate
the lower portions of an individual playing the gaming device.
2. The gaming device stand of claim 1 wherein the clearance
includes a vertical dimension (H1) in the range of about 6 to about
19 inches.
3. The gaming device stand of claim 2 wherein the vertical
dimension is about 14 inches.
4. The gaming device stand of claim 2 wherein the ratio of H1 to a
vertical dimension (H2) from the ground engaging surface to the
upper panel is in the range of about 0.40 to about 0.85.
5. The gaming device stand of claim 4 wherein the ratio is about
0.64.
6. The gaming device stand of claim 1 wherein the cabinet further
includes a hingeless cabinet door.
7. The gaming device stand of claim 6 wherein the door includes a
bottom edge having an intermediate surface and a radiused
surface.
8. The gaming device of claim 6 wherein the door is lockably and
unlockably connected proximate to the outer edge of the upper
panel.
9. The gaming device stand of claim 1 wherein the gaming device is
a slot machine.
10. The gaming device stand of claim 1 further comprising a pair of
support members, each having a proximal end connected to the back
plate and a distal end opposite the proximal end, wherein the
cabinet is mounted on the pair of support members to provide
cantilevered support to the cabinet.
11. The gaming device stand of claim 1 wherein the cabinet at least
partially defines a compartment.
12. The gaming device stand of claim 11 wherein the compartment
includes a tray.
13. The gaming device stand of claim 11 wherein the compartment
houses gaming device wiring.
14. A gaming device stand comprising three or more of the gaming
device stands of claim 1 arranged in a carousal configuration.
15. The gaming device stand of claim 14 comprising six gaming
device stands of claim 1.
16. A gaming device stand comprising: a back plate partially
supported by a ground engaging surface; a pair of support members,
each support member having a proximal end connected to the back
plate and a distal end opposite the proximal end; and a panel sized
to support the underside of a gaming device, the panel being
connected to each support member and providing a clearance for
accommodating lower portions of an individual playing the gaming
device.
17. The gaming device stand of claim 16 wherein the clearance
includes a vertical dimension in the range of about 6 to about 19
inches.
18. The gaming device stand of claim 17 wherein the vertical
dimension is about 14 inches.
19. A door for a cabinet mounted on a gaming device stand, the door
comprising a lower portion having a radiused surface and an
intermediate surface, the door being removably and hingelessly
connected to the cabinet at the lower portion.
20. The door of claim 19 wherein the door is removably and
hingelessly connected to a slot provided on the surface of the
lower panel of the cabinet.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] One aspect of the present invention relates to a gaming
device stand, and more specifically, a gaming device stand for a
slot machine.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] Gaming devices, for example, slot machines or other video
type gaming devices, are typically placed on and supported by
stands. Each stand usually includes side panels, a back panel, a
compartment, a door, and a support surface. The side and back
panels provide support and stability to the stand. The compartment
can be used to store coins dispensed from the gaming device and/or
gaming device wiring. The door can be used to manage access to the
contents of the compartment. The support surface can support the
underside of the gaming device.
[0005] Gaming device stands are generally designed and constructed
to support the weight of the gaming device and to facilitate access
to a compartment that stores coins and electronic equipment.
Unfortunately, current proposals fall short of addressing the
design objective of easy and comfortable access to the gaming
devices for all players. For example, players seated in a
wheelchair, for example handicapped or limited mobility individuals
may have difficulty situating themselves comfortably in front of
the gaming device, because of the design of the stand. Often, the
compartment and door obstructs placement of the wheelchair foot
rest. The wheelchair occupant must back the wheelchair away from
the gaming device, causing the occupant to reach an uncomfortable
distance to manipulate the controls on the gaming device. In
certain situations, the occupant may not be able to reach the
controls at all.
[0006] In light of the foregoing, what is needed is a gaming device
stand that provides comfortable access to players, including
wheelchair occupants. What is also needed is a gaming device stand
that securely supports the weight of the gaming device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention provides a
gaming device stand that provides comfortable access to players,
including wheelchair occupants. Another aspect of the invention is
a gaming device that securely supports the weight of the gaming
device.
[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
gaming device stand is disclosed which includes a back plate
partially supported by a ground engaging surface, and a cabinet
having a lower, upper, left and right panels. The upper panel has a
surface for supporting the underside of a gaming device. The lower
panel is cantilevered from the back plate and forms a clearance
with the ground engaging surface. The clearance can be configured
to accommodate the lower portions, e.g. feet and lower legs, of an
individual playing the gaming device.
[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
door for a cabinet mounted on a gaming device stand is disclosed.
The door includes a lower portion having a radiused surface and an
intermediate surface. The door is removably and hingelessly
connected to the cabinet at the lower portion.
[0010] These and other aspects of the present invention will be
better understood in view of the attached drawings and following
detailed description of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The features of the present invention which are believed to
be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.
The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of
operation, together with further object and advantages thereof, may
best be understood with reference to the following description,
taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is an exposed, perspective view of the core structure
of a gaming device stand in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gaming device stand of
FIG. 1 in an assembled state in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cut-away, cross-sectional, side view of a
cabinet of the gaming device stand of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a fragmented, perspective view of the cabinet of
the gaming device stand of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional, isolated side view of the
cabinet door of the gaming device stand of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a cut-away, side view of the gaming device stand
of FIGS. 1 and 2 depicting a slot machine placed on and supported
by a gaming device stand and being utilized by a wheelchair
occupant;
[0018] FIGS. 7a and 7b are schematics showing dimensions for
accessible designs for those utilizing wheelchairs;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a gaming device stand
having two positions in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a gaming device stand having
three positions in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a gaming device stand
having four positions in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a gaming device stand
having five positions in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of an invention that may
be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific
functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as
limiting, but merely as a representative basis for the claims
and/or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the
art to variously employ the present invention.
[0024] In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a
stand for one or more gaming devices, for example, one or more slot
machines or other types of gaming devices. For instance, the gaming
device can vary based on method of payout, e.g. class I, II, and
III, and/or video lottery terminals.
[0025] FIG. 1 depicts an exposed, perspective view of stand 10 for
one or more gaming devices, according to one embodiment of the
present invention. Stand 10 includes six back plates, each
referenced as back plate 12, arranged circumferentially and spaced
apart from centerline 14, which includes center point 16. In
certain embodiments, back plate 12 can be constructed of an
aluminum alloy or other metal alloy, and has a generally
rectangular shape. Back plate 12 includes circular opening 38 for
receiving gaming device wiring. This six back plate carousel
configuration provides six positions around stand 10, each position
is suitable to be occupied by an individual using a gaming device
supported by stand 10.
[0026] Back plate 12 has horizontal top and bottom edges 18 and 20
of each back plate 12, which are generally parallel to each other.
Each back plate 12 also includes spaced apart, opposing surfaces 22
and 24. Bottom edge 20 is adapted to lie flush to and engage ground
engaging surface 26, e.g. a casino floor, so as provide stability
to stand 10. In certain embodiments, opposing surfaces 22 and 24
are spaced apart about 0.5 inches to provide a 0.5 inch thickness
to back plate 12. In certain embodiments, the thickness is in the
range of about 0.25 inches to about 2.0 inches, although, it should
be understood that any thickness may be utilized which provides a
stable gaming device stand. In certain embodiments, back plate 12
has a height of about 21.25 inches. It should be understood that
the height may vary depending on the implementation of the present
invention. In certain embodiments, back plate 12 has a width of
about 30 inches. It should be understood that the width may vary
depending on the implementation of the present invention.
[0027] Each back plate 12 also has opposing, vertical, tapered side
edges 27 and 28. Side edges 27 and 28 taper inward from surface 22
to surface 24 of back plate 12 at a taper angle suitable for
connecting back plates 12 to achieve the circumferential
configuration of stand 10. In the case of the six back plate
configuration depicted in FIG. 1, the taper angle is about 30
degrees.
[0028] It should be understood that the number of positions at a
stand can be varied by adjusting the taper angle. For a three
position stand, the taper angle can be about 60 degrees. For a four
position stand, the taper angle can be about 45 degrees. For a five
position stand, the taper angle can be about 36 degrees. For a ten
position stand, the taper angle can be 18 degrees. For a twelve
position stand, the taper angle can be 15 degrees. It also should
be understood that the present invention contemplates a one or two
position gaming stand. For example, a one position gaming stand may
be mounted to a wall and a two position stand may have a back to
back configuration. In the cases of a one or two position stand,
the taper angle may not be necessary, and the opposing, vertical
sides may be flat, i.e. about 0 degrees.
[0029] Back plates 12 are fastened together at or near side edges
27 and 28 by angled joint 30 and fasteners 32. Angled joint 30
includes first and second surfaces 34 and 36, each having a number
of apertures for receiving fasteners 32. Surfaces 34 and 36 include
four apertures arranged in a vertical, linear orientation, although
a different number of fasteners can be used in accordance with the
present invention. Back plate 12 has a number of apertures
proximate to side edges 27 and 28 for receiving fasteners 32.
According to FIG. 1, four apertures are located proximate to each
of side edges 27 and 28 and are arranged in a vertical, linear
orientation. Fasteners 32 are mounted at least partially in the
apertures on angled joint 30 and back plates 12, and provide a
tight fitting and strong connection between angled joint 30 and
back plates 12.
[0030] Stand 10 also includes six first and second support members
40 and 42, extending away from centerline 14 of stand 10. Each
support member includes attachment end 44 and extension end 46.
Attachment end 44 includes three apertures spaced apart in a
triangular configuration for receiving fasteners 48. back plate 12
also includes three apertures spaced in a triangular configuration
for receiving fasteners 48. Back plate apertures are proximate to
top edge 18. Fasteners 48 are mounted at least partially in the
apertures on first and second support members 40 and 42 and back
plate 12, and provide a tight fitting and strong connection between
first and second support members 40 and 42 and back plates 12.
[0031] Stand 10 also includes horizontal reinforcement members 50
and 52 for reinforcing stand 10. The opposing ends of each
reinforcement member are fastened to opposing back plates 12 at a
location proximate to the top edge 18 of back plate 12.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of stand 10 in an
assembled state is shown. Stand 10 includes polygonal cover 54
supported by reinforcement members 50 and 52. Each position on
stand 10 includes back plate 12, cabinet 56 and shelf 58. Referring
to FIGS. 2 and 4, cabinet 56 includes opposing end panels 60 and
62, opposing side panels 61 and 63, upper and lower panels 64 and
66, and door 68. Upper and lower panels 64 and 66 extend between
opposing side panels 61 and 63. Lower panel 66 includes a slot
proximate to its front edge for receiving the lower edge of door
68. The upper edge of door 68 is lockably and unlockably connected
to an area proximate the front edge of upper panel 64 by lock set
65. Although door 68 is a hingeless door, it should be understood
that other door and cabinet configurations can be utilized in
accordance with the present invention, including, but not limited
to, hinged doors. Another example is a one-piece door and lower
panel where the lower panel is hinged to open in a downward
direction. Opposing end panels 60 and 62 are attached to the outer
surfaces of opposing side panels 61 and 63, respectively, and left
and right edges of upper panel 64, respectively.
[0033] End panels 60 and 62 are generally rectangular in shape and
can include lip 70, as depicted in FIG. 4. Non-limiting examples of
materials that can be used to construct end panels 60 and 62
include hardboard (e.g. medium density fiberboard (MDF)) and
thermoplastic materials. The thickness of each end panel 60 and 62
is about 1.0 inches. The vertical length of each end panel 60 and
62 is about 9.625 inches. The top and bottom edges of each end
panel 60 and 62 have lengths of about 18.5 inches and 18 inches,
respectively. Lip 70 can include upper and lower radiused portion
71 and 73 with about a 0.375 inch radius and middle portion 75 with
a length of about 1.125 inches. The outer edges of end panels 60
and 62 can be radiused, for example, an about 0.3125 inch radius
can be applied to all outer edges, as depicted in FIG. 4. It should
be understood that these dimensions may vary depending on the
implementation of the present invention.
[0034] Each side panel 61 and 63 are generally rectangular in
shape. Non-limiting examples of materials that can be used to
construct side panels 61 and 63 include hardboard (e.g. medium
density fiberboard (MDF)) and thermoplastic materials. The
thickness of each side panel 61 and 63 is about 0.75 inches. The
vertical length of each side panel 61 and 63 is about 8.5 inches.
The horizontal length of each side panel 61 and 63 is about 18
inches. The inner side and inner lower edges of each side panel 61
and 63 can be radiused, for example, an about 0.375 inch radius can
be applied to these edges, as depicted in FIG. 4. It should be
understood that these dimensions may vary depending on the
implementation of the present invention.
[0035] Upper panel 64 is generally rectangular in shape.
Non-limiting examples of materials that can be used to construct
top panel 64 include hardboard (e.g. medium density fiberboard
(MDF)) and thermoplastic materials. Moreover, laminates can be
applied to the surface of top panel 64. Top panel 64 has a depth of
about 18.5 inches, a width of about 28.0625 inches, and a thickness
of about 1.125 inches. The front edges of top panel 64 can be
radiused. It should be understood that these dimensions may vary
depending on the implementation of the present invention. Top panel
64 can also include opening for receiving coins from a coin hopper
of a gaming device. A chute (not shown) can be fitted to the
perimeter of opening 72 to aid in coin collection. Opening 72 can
also function to facilitate the passing of wires to and from the
gaming device. In other embodiments, the opening is sized
differently, typically smaller, for the passing of wires. In these
embodiments, the opening is not used to receive coins since the
gaming device may not have a coin hopper.
[0036] Lower panel 66 is generally rectangular in shape.
Non-limiting examples of materials that can be used to construct
lower panel 66 include hardboard (e.g. medium density fiberboard
(MDF)) and thermoplastic materials. Moreover, laminates can be
applied to the surface of lower panel 66. Bottom panel 66 has a
depth of about 17.625 inches, a width of about 26.50 inches, and a
thickness of about 1.125 inches. It should be understood that these
dimensions may vary depending on the implementation of the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional, isolated, side view of cabinet
door 68. Non-limiting examples of materials that can be used to
construct cabinet door 68 include hardboard (e.g. medium density
fiberboard (MDF)) and thermoplastic materials. According to FIG. 5,
cabinet door 68 includes lower portion 77 having intermediate
surface 79 and radiused surface 74. Lower portion 77 is seated
within a slot provided proximate to the front edge of lower panel
66. Upper portion 76 of cabinet door 68 is lockably and unlockably
connected to the front edge of upper panel 64 via lock set 65. The
height of cabinet 68 from upper edge 78 to lower edge 80 is about
7.188 inches. The height from upper edge 78 to intermediate surface
79 is about 6.813 inches. The thickness of door 68 is about 0.75
inches. The thickness of radiused surface 74 is about 0.375 inches.
The radius of radiused surface 74 is about 0.125 inches. The height
of radiused surface 74 is about 0.375 inches. Cabinet door 68 is
about 26.3125 wide.
[0038] Shelf 58 includes shelf surface 57 and shelf apron 59. Shelf
surface 57 is generally triangular in shape and can have a radiused
outer edge. Shelf surface 57 is suitable for supporting chip cups,
beverage containers, etc. of individuals using the gaming devices
supported on stand 10.
[0039] Cabinet 56 at least partially defines a compartment that can
be utilized for retention and storage of items. In certain
embodiments, the compartment can contain a tray or drawer for
retaining coins released from a coin hopper of the gaming device.
The tray can be fixed to the cabinet or be supported by lower panel
64 in a non-fixed manner. The compartment can also be utilized to
house wiring for one or more gaming devices. To aid the transfer of
coins from the hopper to the tray, a chute can be fitted to the
perimeter of opening 72.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a cut-away, fragment, side view of stand 10
depicting gaming device 82 being supported by stand 10. Gaming
device 82 is placed on lower panel 64 of cabinet 56. Stand 10
provides cantilevered support of gaming device 82 such that a
clearance 89 is provided with ground engaging surface 26. Stand 10
is particularly suitable for supporting gaming device 82, for
example, slot machine, for use by wheelchair occupant 86 who
occupies wheelchair 84. Clearance 89 between ground engaging
surface 26 and lower panel 66 can be such as to accommodate lower
portions 88 of the wheelchair occupant, including portions of the
wheelchair leg and foot rest and the occupant's lower body, more
specifically, portions of the leg and feet. It should be understood
that clearance 89 is also suitable for accommodating the feet and
lower legs of non-wheelchair occupants. In certain embodiments,
this clearance is a volume having width, depth, and height
dimensions. The width dimension can equal the width of lower panel
66. The depth dimension can equal the depth of lower panel 66. The
height dimension (H1) can be the distance between the ground
engaging surface 26 and lower panel 66. In certain embodiments, H1
can be in the range of 6 to 19 inches, and in other embodiments, H1
can be in the range of 12 to 18 inches. A second height dimension
(H2) can be the distance between the ground engaging surface 26 and
upper panel 64. In certain embodiments, H2 can be in the range of
14 to 22 inches.
[0041] FIGS. 7a and 7b are schematics showing dimensions for
accessible designs for those utilizing wheelchairs. Dimension X is
the wheelchair occupants maximum reach over an obstruction. X is
less than or equal to about 25 inches (about 635 millimeters).
Dimension Z is the length of obstruction 92. Z is greater than or
equal to Y. Dimension Y is the height of the wheelchair occupant's
maximum reach over an obstruction. When X is less than about 20
inches (about 510 millimeters), then Y is less than or equal to
about 48 inches (about 1220 millimeters). When X is in the range of
about 20 inches to about 25 inches (about 510 millimeters to about
635 millimeters), then Y is equal to or less than about 44 inches
(about 1120 millimeters). According to FIGS. 7a and 7b, the
distance from the back of the wheelchair wheels and the end of the
lower portions of the wheelchair occupant is about 48 inches. The
width of the wheelchair from wheel to wheel, including additional
width to allow the user to manipulate the wheels with the
occupant's arms and hands is about 30 inches.
[0042] FIG. 6 schematically depicts stand 10 being used in
accordance with the accessible design of FIGS. 7a and 7b. FIG. 6
shows dimensions X, Y, and Z, which are in the ranges identified
above for accessible design. Dimension D is the distance between
the front of gaming device 82 and the chest of the wheelchair
occupant. In certain embodiments, dimension D is in the range of
about 18 inches to about 22 inches.
[0043] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of gaming device stand
having two positions. Stand 90 includes positions 92 and 94 such
that gaming devices 93 and 95 are facing the opposite direction.
Each side of stand 90 includes an end support panel (not shown) for
providing support to stand 90. Each end support panel is connected
to the end panels of each cabinet 96 and 98, and extends in a
vertical direction from ground engaging surface 26 to upper panels
100 and 102 and extends in a horizontal direction to the cabinet
doors 104 and 106. Although the height of upper panels 100 and 102
are depicted as being equal, it should be understood that the
heights can be different depending on the implementation of the
present invention. In certain embodiments, cabinets 96 and 98 can
be modified to provide a wire chase for gaming device wires to
conceal the wires from player view. In certain embodiments, two or
more of stand 90 can be placed side-by-side in close proximity to
provide an island of four or more gaming devices.
[0044] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a gaming device stand having
three positions. Stand 107 includes three positions 108, 110 and
112. Stand 106 also includes triangular cover 114. FIG. 10 is a
perspective view of a gaming device stand having four positions.
Stand 116 includes four positions 118, 120, 122, and 124, and
rectangular cover 126. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a gaming
device stand having five positions. Stand 128 includes five
positions 130, 132, 134, 136, and 138 and pentagonal cover 140.
[0045] While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and
described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and
describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words
used in the specification are words of description rather than
limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *