U.S. patent application number 11/772442 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-08 for gaming machine and cabinets therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to OCTAVIAN INTERNATIONAL LIMITED. Invention is credited to Hans Zeidler.
Application Number | 20090009041 11/772442 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40220873 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090009041 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zeidler; Hans |
January 8, 2009 |
GAMING MACHINE AND CABINETS THEREFOR
Abstract
A gaming machine cabinet including one or more assembly
components which are fabricated for shipment in knock down
condition and for on-site assembly.
Inventors: |
Zeidler; Hans; (Kensington
Gardens, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
POLSINELLI SHALTON FLANIGAN SUELTHAUS PC
700 W. 47TH STREET, SUITE 1000
KANSAS CITY
MO
64112-1802
US
|
Assignee: |
OCTAVIAN INTERNATIONAL
LIMITED
Essex
GB
|
Family ID: |
40220873 |
Appl. No.: |
11/772442 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/263 ;
312/257.1; 463/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/08 20130101;
A63F 13/98 20140902; G07F 17/3216 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/263 ;
312/257.1; 463/46 |
International
Class: |
A47B 47/00 20060101
A47B047/00; A47B 43/00 20060101 A47B043/00 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine cabinet comprising a plurality of assembly
components which are fabricated for shipment in knock down
condition and for on-site assembly.
2. The gaming machine cabinet of claim 1 wherein the assembly
components comprise a base and first and second side panels.
3. The gaming machine cabinet of claim 2 wherein the first side
panel, the second side panel, or both the first and second side
panels include a back panel integrally formed therewith.
4. The gaming machine cabinet of claim 3 wherein the first and
second side panels have top, bottom, front and back edges and the
first and second side panels include respective first and second
back semi-panels which extend perpendicularly from the back edge of
the first and second panels such that when the bottom edges of the
first and second side panels are fastened to the base, the first
and second back semi-panels extend from the first and second side
panels toward each other allowing them to be fastened together.
5. The gaming machine cabinet of claim 1 wherein the assembly
components comprise support means.
6. The gaming machine cabinet of claim 5 wherein the support means
comprises at least one shelf.
7. The gaming machine cabinet of claim 1 wherein the assembly
components comprise a top panel.
8. The gaming machine cabinet of claim 1 wherein the assembly
components further comprise one or more components selected from
the group consisting of hopper-printer interfaces, vent plates,
door stops, security doors, button panels, coin trays, hinges and
locks.
9. A gaming machine comprising a plurality of assembly components
which are fabricated for shipment in knock down condition and for
on-site assembly and gaming machine operating means.
10. The gaming machine of claim 9 wherein the assembly components
comprise a base and first and second side panels.
11. The gaming machine of claim 10 wherein the first side panel,
the second side panel, or both the first and second side panels
include a back panel integrally formed therewith.
12. The gaming machine of claim 11 wherein the first and second
side panels have top, bottom, front and back edges and the first
and second side panels include respective first and second back
semi-panels which extend perpendicularly from the back edge of the
first and second panels such that when the bottom edges of the
first and second side panels are fastened to the base, the first
and second back semi-panels extend from the first and second side
panels toward each other allowing them to be fastened together.
13. The gaming machine of claim 9 wherein the assembly components
comprise support means.
14. The gaming machine of claim 13 wherein the support means
comprises at least one shelf.
15. The gaming machine of claim 9 wherein the assembly components
comprise a top panel.
16. The gaming machine of claim 9 wherein the assembly components
further comprise one or more components selected from the group
consisting of hopper-printer interfaces, vent plates, door stops,
security doors, button panels, coin trays, hinges and locks.
17. A kit for assembling a gaming machine cabinet comprising a
plurality of assembly components which are fabricated for shipment
in knock down condition and for on-site assembly and instructions
for assembly.
18. The kit of claim 17 wherein the assembly components comprise a
base and first and second side panels.
19. The kit of claim 18 wherein the first side panel, the second
side panel, or both the first and second side panels include a back
panel integrally formed therewith.
20. The kit of claim 19 wherein the first and second side panels
have top, bottom, front and back edges and the first and second
side panels include respective first and second back semi-panels
which extend perpendicularly from the back edge of the first and
second panels such that when the bottom edges of the first and
second side panels are fastened to the base, the first and second
back semi-panels extend from the first and second side panels
toward each other allowing them to be fastened together.
21. The kit of claim 17 wherein the assembly components comprise
support means.
22. The kit of claim 21 wherein the support means comprises at
least one shelf.
23. The kit of claim 17 wherein the assembly components comprise a
top panel.
24. The kit of claim 17 wherein the assembly components further
comprise one or more components selected from the group consisting
of hopper-printer interfaces, vent plates, door stops, security
doors, button panels, coin trays, hinges and locks.
25. A kit for assembling a gaming machine comprising a plurality of
assembly components which are fabricated for shipment in knock down
condition and for on-site assembly, gaming machine operating means
and instructions for assembly.
26. The kit of claim 25 wherein the assembly components comprise a
base and first and second side panels.
27. The kit of claim 26 wherein the first side panel, the second
side panel, or both the first and second side panels include a back
panel integrally formed therewith.
28. The kit of claim 27 wherein the first and second side panels
have top, bottom, front and back edges and the first and second
side panels include respective first and second back semi-panels
which extend perpendicularly from the back edge of the first and
second panels such that when the bottom edges of the first and
second side panels are fastened to the base, the first and second
back semi-panels extend from the first and second side panels
toward each other allowing them to be fastened together.
29. The kit of claim 25 wherein the assembly components comprise
support means.
30. The kit of claim 29 wherein the support means comprises at
least one shelf.
31. The kit of claim 25 wherein the assembly components comprise a
top panel.
32. The kit of claim 25 wherein the assembly components further
comprise one or more components selected from the group consisting
of hopper-printer interfaces, vent plates, door stops, security
doors, button panels, coin trays, hinges and locks.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a gaming machine or a
gaming machine cabinet which is provided for on-site assembly.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] For many years, gaming machines have been installed in
public places such as hotels, casinos and arcades. There are many
types of gaming machines which function in different ways. However,
in general, these machines are large, comprise a display screen and
means to enable the user to interact with the game and coin or
token handling mechanisms. All of these are housed in a large
cabinet.
[0005] Gaming machines must be robust in order to support the
operating mechanisms and the weight of the significant numbers of
coins or tokens inserted by users. They must also be sufficiently
robust in order to prevent damage not only during routine usage but
also from unscrupulous persons attempting to steal collected coins
or tokens. To ensure that gaming machines are sufficiently robust,
the panels generally used for assembly are thick and have
considerable weight. While the significant weight of the gaming
machine makes it difficult for the machine to be removed by
potential thieves, it does make their transportation, delivery and
installation difficult. Movement of the machines may need special
equipment and will certainly require at least two delivery people.
This will increase the costs of transportation. This is a
particular problem where machines have to be transported in bulk
and/or overseas.
[0006] To date, all gaming machines have been assembled by the
supplier and provided to customers in assembled form. While this
ensures that the machine is correctly assembled, transport of the
assembled machines is space intensive and means that the cost of
transporting them in bulk is high.
[0007] Gaming machines are frequently themed according to
contemporary fashions and tastes, such as popular films or
television shows. When the public popularity of the theme of a
gaming machine wanes, it is necessary to replace the machine with a
more up to date machine. This frequent replacement of gaming
machines means that the high cost of transporting them will be
repeatedly incurred.
[0008] Although the problems associated with transporting gaining
machines either singly or in bulk have been known for many years,
no meaningful solution has been suggested.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide new
and improved gaming machines and cabinets for gaming machines.
[0010] It is another object of this invention to provide new and
improved gaming machines and cabinets for gaining machines which
can be efficiently transported and stored, and in particular can be
efficiently transported and stored in bulk.
[0011] It is a further object of this invention to provide gaming
machines and gaming machine cabinets which can be stacked in a
space efficient manner during storage or transport.
[0012] Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a gaming machine cabinet comprising a plurality
of assembly components which are fabricated for shipment in knock
down condition and for on-site assembly.
[0013] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a kit for assembling a gaming machine cabinet
comprising a plurality of assembly components which are fabricated
for shipment in knock down condition and for on-site assembly and
instructions for assembly.
[0014] By transporting gaming machine cabinets in knock down form
rather than in assembled form, the cabinets are less space
intensive and can be easily handled. They are able to be stacked
efficiently thereby making the best use of the space available.
[0015] The gaming machine cabinets in knock down form are less
fragile than assembled gaming machines. The less fragile cabinets
are less likely to be damaged in transit than assembled gaming
machines and can be transported using conventional means,
especially containers. Additionally, due to their low fragility,
the knock down cabinets of the present invention can be rapidly
loaded and unloaded.
[0016] The term "knock down" means that the assembly components are
in a disassembled state for ease of storing, shipping and the like.
The term "flat pack" has been used to refer to furniture which is
in knock down form. However, the term knock down additionally
covers arrangements where the assembly components are not
necessarily flat, but may also include projections as despite
possibly including these projections, the gaming machines and
gaming machine cabinets of the present invention will still be more
easily and efficiently stored and shipped than fully assembled
gaming machines of the prior art.
[0017] According to a still further aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a gaming machine comprising a
plurality of assembly components which are fabricated for shipment
in knock down condition and for on-site assembly and gaming machine
operating means.
[0018] According to an additional aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a kit for assembling a gaming machine comprising
a plurality of assembly components which are fabricated for
shipment in knock down condition and for on-site assembly, gaming
machine operating means and instructions for assembly.
[0019] The provision of a gaming machine in knock down form allows
the machine to be transported and stored more efficiently than
assembled gaming machines. The components of the gaming machine in
knock down form can be stacked efficiently which reduces the amount
of space required when those machines are transported or
stored.
[0020] By the term "gaming machine operating means" is intended any
mechanical, electronic or computerised component which is used in a
gaming machine. Gaming machine operating means include, for
example, the mechanism for receiving, validating, collecting,
rejecting and paying out coins or bills. It also includes display
units, buttons, switches, central processing units, reels, lights,
speakers and the like.
[0021] The assembly components will, in general, comprise a set of
panels. For a typical cabinet arrangement, the assembly components
will comprise two side panels, a back panel and top and base panels
which are joined together at or in the vicinity of their edges.
However, arrangements in which one or more of these panels are not
included in the assembly components, or which are joined together
in other ways still form part of the present invention.
[0022] In embodiments where the assembly components comprise one or
more panels, it is preferred that at least some of those panels or
other assembly components will be adapted in some way so that they
can be securely and reliably fastened together. For example, where
two panels are to be connected, the first may include holes
extending through the panel to allow screws, nails or other
fixation means to pass through the holes and into the second panel,
possibly into its edge. Alternatively or additionally, the first
panel may be provided with a flange having a holes therethrough to
allow fixation means to pass through the holes and into the second
panel. The flange may extend along all of the edges of the panel,
or just parts thereof.
[0023] Where fixation means are used, panels may include
drill-holes to receive the fixation means to improve the ease of
fastening the panels together. A further advantage of providing the
drill-holes is that, as they will be carefully positioned to
receive fixation means extending from other panels, the correct
placement and assembly of the panels is ensured.
[0024] Instead of using drill-holes, an alternative option is to
provide panels with threaded studs which are positioned to
correspond to holes in other panels or their flanges. Again, as the
studs and holes are positioned to correspond to each other's
location, this ensures that the panels are correctly arranged. Once
the panels have been placed such that the studs of a first panel
pass through holes in a second panel, a nut can be screwed onto the
threaded stud to securely fasten the panels together.
[0025] The panels may be provided with interconnecting features so
that they can be interlocked without the need for additional
fixation means, although these may be used to provide additional
fastening strength. For example, where a first panel is to be
attached to a second panel, the first panel may be provided with a
series of outwardly extending clips and the second panel may be
provided with corresponding tabs which are arranged to pass through
the clips to securely fasten the first and second panels together.
Tongue and groove arrangements could additionally or alternatively
be employed.
[0026] Instead of panels being connected directly to each other,
the assembly components may comprise brackets or the like which are
connected to both of the panels to fasten them together.
[0027] In addition to, or instead of, the fixation means discussed
above, assembly components of the present invention may be fastened
together using adhesive.
[0028] It will be appreciated that the assembly components may be
adapted for on-site assembly in any way and that the specific
fastening arrangements detailed above are exemplary of the many
different fastening arrangements known in the art.
[0029] It will also be appreciated that although the fastening
arrangements discussed above all involve panels being fastened to
other panels, this again is exemplary. Any of the assembly
components of the present invention, and not only panels, may be
adapted for fastening to other assembly components.
[0030] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the
assembly components comprise first and second side panels. The side
panels preferably have top, bottom, front and back edges. The side
panels may be adapted to be fastened to other assembly components
and in this connection, a flange having holes therethrough is
particularly preferred.
[0031] The assembly components preferably comprise a back panel.
Alternatively, the assembly components may comprise a pair of back
semi-panels which are adapted to be fastened together to form a
back panel.
[0032] In embodiments where the assembly components comprise a side
panels and a back panel or back semi-panels, the back
panels/semi-panels may be formed integrally with one or both of the
side panels. For example, the back panel may be formed integrally
with the first or second side panel. Alternatively, the first side
panel may be formed integrally with a first back semi-panel and the
second panel may be formed integrally with a second back
semi-panel.
[0033] In arrangements in which back panels or semi-panels are
formed integrally with side panels, the back panels/semi-panels
preferably extend generally perpendicularly from a location towards
the back edge of the side panel/s, most preferably from the back
edge itself.
[0034] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the
assembly components comprise a base which may be adapted to be
fastened to the bottom edges of the side panels and/or back
panel/s. It is also preferred that the assembly components comprise
a top panel which may be adapted to be fastened to the top edges of
the side panels and/or back panel/s.
[0035] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the
assembly components comprise support means. The purpose of the
support means is to securely support the gaming machine operating
means when those means are inserted into the cabinet. The support
means may take any form provided that in use, the gaming machine
operating means is securely supported. In preferred embodiments,
the support means comprise at least one shelf. The at least one
shelf may be adapted to be fastened directly to the side and/or
back panels. Alternatively or additionally, the support means may
include brackets for mounting the at least one shelf to the side
and/or back panels. The side or back panels may also be arranged to
receive the support means.
[0036] The assembly components may additionally comprise other
components conventionally used in gaming machines, for example,
hopper-printer interfaces, vent plates, door stops, security doors,
button panels, coin trays, hinges, locks, and the like.
[0037] The assembly components preferably comprise all of the
fixation means required to assemble the gaming machine cabinet and
also to install the gaming machine operating means. These may
include screws, nails, nuts, bolts, nutserts, adhesive, and the
like. The kits of the present invention may additionally comprise
tools suitable for use with the fasteners mentioned above. However,
as it is an essential aspect of the present invention that those
kits are suitable for on-site assembly, it is preferred that the
gaming machine and gaming machine cabinet can be assembled using
standard conventional tools.
[0038] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention in
its details of construction and arrangement of parts will be seen
from the above, from the following description of the preferred
embodiments when considered with the drawings and from the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0039] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a base;
[0040] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a side panel fastened
to a base;
[0041] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a base having two side
panels fastened thereto;
[0042] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a hopper-printer
interface;
[0043] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a partially assembled
gaming machine cabinet having a hopper-printer interface fastened
thereto;
[0044] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a loyalty shelf;
[0045] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a partially assembled
gaining machine cabinet having a loyalty shelf fastened
thereto;
[0046] FIG. 5a is a front perspective view of a CPU shelf;
[0047] FIG. 8b is a partial front perspective view of a hanger
clip;
[0048] FIG. 8c is a partial rear perspective view of the CPU shelf
tab;
[0049] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a partially assembled
gaming machine cabinet having a CPU shelf fastened thereto;
[0050] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a top panel;
[0051] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a loyalty interface
blank;
[0052] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a partially assembled
gaming machine cabinet having a top panel and loyalty interface
blank fastened thereto;
[0053] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a vent plate;
[0054] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a partially assembled
gaming machine cabinet having a vent plate fastened thereto;
[0055] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a door frame
stop;
[0056] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a partially assembled
gaming machine cabinet having a door frame stop fastened
thereto;
[0057] FIG. 17a is a front perspective view of a fascia monitor
door;
[0058] FIG. 17b is a rear perspective view of a fascia monitor
door;
[0059] FIG. 18a is a front perspective view of a LCD frame and
components;
[0060] FIG. 18b is a rear perspective view of a LCD frame and
components;
[0061] FIG. 19a is a front perspective view of a bottom door
assembly;
[0062] FIG. 19b is a rear perspective view of a bottom door
assembly;
[0063] FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of a complete machine
assembly; and
[0064] FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the assembly of FIG.
20 with the doors opened.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0065] The figures demonstrate how an exemplary gaming machine
apparatus can be assembled using assembly components. Although the
assembly of only one type of gaming machine is depicted, it will be
understood that all types of gaming machines and gaming machine
cabinets are encompassed by the present invention.
[0066] With reference to FIG. 1, a rectangular base 10 is shown. As
can be seen, base 10 is provided with studs extending upwardly.
These studs are threaded to receive other assembly components (not
shown in this figure) bolted thereon. The front edge of the base 10
includes a flange 12 arranged to abut other assembly components
(not shown in this figure) which are screwed thereto.
[0067] FIG. 2 shows a side panel 14 fastened to the base 10. Side
panel 14 has a flange running around its front, top and bottom
edges. This flange is provided with holes to receive studs
extending from other assembly components such as the base 10. The
side panel 14 is screwed into a nutsert formed in flange 12. A back
semi-panel 16 is formed integrally with side panel 14 and extends
perpendicularly from the back edge of the side panel 14 and also
has a holed flange running around its edge. Thus, the side panel 4
is L-shaped in cross section.
[0068] As can be seen from FIG. 3, the purpose of the flange
running along the longest edge of back semi-panel 16 is to allow
the back semi-panel 16 to be fastened to the back semi-panel 18 of
a second side panel 20. The second side panel 20 is a mirror image
of the first side panel 14 except that the flange extending from
the front edge of the first side panel 14 is arranged to receive
the hinge members 46, 62 illustrated in FIGS. 17b and 19b.
[0069] The next assembly component to be installed is the
hopper-printer interface 22 and this is shown in FIG. 4. The
lopper-printer interface 22 is provided with holes in the flanges
which run along several of its edges and as shown in FIG. 5, these
allow the hopper printer interface 22 to be bolted onto base
10.
[0070] In order to support the gaming machine operating means which
are to be added once the cabinet is assembled, it is preferable to
provide the gaming machine cabinet with support means. An example
of such support means is the loyalty shelf shown in FIG. 6. The
loyalty shelf includes a downwardly extending reinforcement 26
which is provided with a studded flange. As can be seen in FIG. 7,
that studded flange allows reinforcement 26 to be bolted onto the
flanges of back semi-panels 16, 18.
[0071] CPU shelf 28, which is shown in FIG. 8a is also installed to
support to the gaming machine operating means. Rather than only
being screwed or bolted into the partially assembled cabinet, the
flange 30 at the top of CPU shelf 28 is provided with a tab 34
which is shown in FIG. 8c. When the CPU shelf 28 is installed, the
tab passes through the clip 32 which extends from back semi-panel
16, and the clip is shown in more detail in FIG. 5b. The partially
assembled cabinet with the CPU shelf 28 mounted is illustrated in
FIG. 9.
[0072] Top panel 36 and loyalty interface blank 38, which are shown
in FIGS. 10 and 11, are the next assembly components to be
installed. The cabinet including the top panel 36 and the loyalty
interface blank 38 is shown in FIG. 12.
[0073] Vent plate 40 which is illustrated in FIG. 13 is then
screwed to the top panel 36 and the cabinet with the vent plate 40
fastened thereto is illustrated in FIG. 14.
[0074] The final assembly component required to complete the
on-site assembly of the gaming machine cabinet is door frame stop
42 and this is shown in FIG. 15. The completed cabinet is
illustrated in FIG. 16.
[0075] The next stage of assembling the gaming machine apparatus is
the installation of the gaming machine operating means. The gaming
machine operating means may or may not be provided with the
assembly components necessary for assembling the gaming machine
cabinet.
[0076] The fascia 44 shown in FIGS. 17a and 17b is used to protect
the LCD frame 48 shown in FIGS. 18a and 18b. In the illustrated
embodiment, fascia 44 functions as a door and has hinge members 46
which are received in the flange extending from the front edge of
side panel 14. The inner profile of fascia 44 shown in FIG. 17b
matches the outer profile of the LCD frame 48 shown in FIG. 18a. As
a result of this close fit, the fascia 44 protects the LCD screen
without distorting the projected image. LCD frame 48 includes two
screens 50a, 50b and both of these are visible through fascia 44.
In the illustrated embodiment, fascia 44 will be sized to extend
from the outer edge of loyalty shelf 24 to the outer edge of top
panel 36 and can be considered as an upper door.
[0077] The lower door 52 is illustrated in FIGS. 19a and 19b. As
can be seen, the front of the lower door is provided with button
panel 54, coin entry 56, bill acceptor entry 58 and coin tray 60.
The rear of the lower door 52 includes hinges 62, coin validator
64, coin path to cash box 66 and coin path reject 68. The lower
door is sized to extend from the outer edge of loyalty shelf 24 to
the outer edge of base 10.
[0078] The completed gaming machine is illustrated in FIG. 20 in a
closed arrangement and in FIG. 21 in an opened arrangement. From
FIG. 21, the spatial relationship between the LCD frame 48 and the
fascia 44 can be clearly seen. Additionally, it is also clear how
the structural features of the cabinet, especially the CPU shelf
28, are used to house the gaming machine operating means.
[0079] From the foregoing description and accompanying figures, it
can be seen that every assembly component used in assembling the
gaming machine cabinet of the illustrated embodiment is adapted to
be readily and easily fastened to the other components, i.e. it is
provided with a holed flange, a nutsert, a threaded stud, etc. This
enables the assembly components to be easily and readily assembled
on-site.
[0080] It is understood that although the preferred embodiment has
been described in detail with reference to the figures, this detail
is provided for the purposes of illustration only and that various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and the
scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *