U.S. patent application number 12/627899 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-25 for ergonomic gaming machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to STEELMAN GAMING TECHNOLOGY. Invention is credited to Paul C. Steelman.
Application Number | 20100075755 12/627899 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24724554 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100075755 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Steelman; Paul C. |
March 25, 2010 |
ERGONOMIC GAMING MACHINE
Abstract
A gaming machine comprising a seat, a main body portion that
includes the seat, an arm pivotally connected to the main body
portion, and a user interface attached to the arm and pivotal with
respect to the seat, wherein the user interface is operable for
gaming. In a preferred embodiment the seat and main body portion
comprise an upholstered lounge chair and the user interface pivots
in a generally vertical arc between first and second positions.
Inventors: |
Steelman; Paul C.; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JEFFER, MANGELS, BUTLER & MARMARO, LLP
1900 AVENUE OF THE STARS, 7TH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90067
US
|
Assignee: |
STEELMAN GAMING TECHNOLOGY
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
24724554 |
Appl. No.: |
12/627899 |
Filed: |
November 30, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11127840 |
May 11, 2005 |
7625288 |
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12627899 |
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09967899 |
Sep 28, 2001 |
6910734 |
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11127840 |
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09678853 |
Oct 4, 2000 |
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09967899 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/37 ;
297/217.3; 463/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3216 20130101;
A47C 7/72 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/37 ;
297/217.3; 463/46 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/08 20060101
A63F013/08; A47C 31/00 20060101 A47C031/00; G06F 3/00 20060101
G06F003/00 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine comprising: (a) a human support surface, (b) a
main body portion that includes the human support surface, (b) an
arm pivotally connected to the main body portion, and (c) a user
interface attached to the arm and pivotal with respect to said
human support surface, wherein the user interface is used for
gaming.
2. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein the main body portion
comprises a chair having a pair of chair arms, wherein the arm is
connected to one of the chair arms.
3. The gaming machine of claim 2 wherein the user interface is
pivotal between a first position and a second position.
4. The gaming machine of claim 3 wherein the user interface is
pivotal in a generally vertical arc, whereby the first position is
located above the second position.
5. The gaming machine of claim 4 wherein the user interface is
pivotal in a generally forward and backward direction with respect
to a human supported on the human support surface.
6. The gaming machine of claim 1 further comprising a counterweight
assembly in mechanical communication with the pivotal arm.
7. The gaming machine of claim 5 wherein the chair is a lounge
chair.
8. The gaming machine of claim 5 wherein the user interface
includes a touch screen display.
9. A method of gambling, the method comprising the steps of: (a)
sitting in a chair having a seat and at least two chair arms, (b)
pivoting a user interface having a touch screen display from a
first position to a second position, and (c) gambling using the
user interface.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the user interface is attached to
an arm and wherein the arm is pivotally connected at an opposite
end to one of the chair arms.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein step (b) further includes the
step of pivoting the arm and the user interface in a generally
vertical arc.
12. A gaming device comprising: (a) a module for holding a gaming
device, the module having a user interactive surface, (b) a human
support surface connected to the module, and (c) a transport and
positioning device for positioning the user interactive surface in
operational contact with the user.
13. The gaming device of claim 12 wherein the transport and
positioning device comprises a pivotal arm.
14. The gaming device of claim 13 further comprising a
counterweight assembly in mechanical communication with the pivotal
arm.
15. The gaming device of claim 13 wherein the user interface
includes a touch screen display.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/127,840, filed May 11, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,625,288, which
is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/967,899,
filed on Sep. 28, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,734, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/678,853, filed Oct. 4, 2000, now abandoned, the entireties of
which are incorporated herein by reference. This application is
also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/967,861, which
was filed on Sep. 28, 2001, the entirety of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of gaming
machines and more specifically to ergonomic gaming machines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The gaming industry is always looking for new ways to entice
users to play its games. Slot machines are a very popular form of
gaming. Current slot machines typically only include one game and
except only a single monetary unit, such as nickels or quarters.
Because many slot machines only include one game, the machines and
chairs take up floor space on a game by game basis and are costly
for casinos as multiple machines must be purchased for multiple
games. Also, current slot machines are uncomfortable to sit at for
extended periods of time due to the use of stools that often do not
have backs.
[0004] When gaming, a patron often desires food or drinks.
Currently, the patron must get the attention of a cocktail waitress
to order food or drinks. This can be bothersome to the patron and
it can often take a long period of time to find the waitress. One
prior art attempt to solve this need involves a switch with a light
on top of the machine to attract the waitress. However, this still
takes time for the waitress to spot the light.
[0005] Also, people like to talk and socialize while gaming, but
current arrays of slots do not readily allow for this.
[0006] Accordingly, a long felt need exists for a gaming machine
that overcomes the disadvantages described above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention
there is provided a gaming device that includes a module for
holding a gaming device, a human support surface connected to the
module, and a transport and positioning device for positioning the
user interactive surface in operational contact with the user. The
module has a user interactive surface.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is provided a gaming machine that includes a human support
surface, a main body portion that includes the human support
surface, an arm pivotally connected to said main body portion, and
a user interface attached to the arm and pivotal with respect to
the human support surface. The user interface is used for gaming.
In a preferred embodiment, the arm is in mechanical communication
with a counterweight assembly and the user interface is pivotal
between a first position and a second position.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is provided a gaming machine that includes a chair having a
seat and a back, and a movable user interface associated with the
chair.
[0010] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention there is provided a method of gambling. The method
includes the steps of sitting on a seat, pivoting a user interface
from a first position to a second position, and gambling using the
user interface. Preferably, the user interface is attached to an
arm and the arm is pivotally connected at an opposite end to the
seat and the arm can be pivoted in a generally vertical arc.
[0011] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention there is provided a gaming machine layout that includes a
first gaming machine and a second gaming machine angled toward one
another so that users of each machine can socialize. Each gaming
machine includes a chair having a seat and a back, and a movable
gaming device associated with the chair.
[0012] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention there is provided a gaming machine comprising, a bottom
portion, an intermediate portion extending upwardly from the bottom
portion, two desks extending from the intermediate portion in
opposite directions, two display housings extending upwardly from
the intermediate portion, and a tower affixed to one of the sides
of the intermediate portion. The tower includes at least two bill
acceptors. The intermediate portion houses at least two central
processing units, and has opposite sides. The desk includes at
least one ticket printer in electrical communication with the one
or more processors. The display housings each house a touch screen
display in electrical communication with one of the central
processing units.
[0013] A need exists for a gaming machine that has the following
advantages, among others, multiple games and multiple monetary
units; a comfortable seat; a reduced need for floor space, allowing
for more units in the same space; reduced cost; and the ability to
order food or drinks using the gaming machine. The above referenced
aspects of the present invention address these needs.
[0014] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description. It is to be understood, however,
that the detailed description and specific examples, while
indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are
given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and
modifications within the scope of the present invention may be made
without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention
includes all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The invention may be more readily understood by referring to
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seated gaming machine in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the seated gaming
machine of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the seated gaming
machine of FIG. 1 with the swing arm removed and the cushions shown
in phantom.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the seated gaming machine of
FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the seated gaming
machine of FIG. 1 with a portion of the side cut away to show the
counterweight assembly.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the seated gaming machine of
FIG. 1 with the cushions removed.
[0022] FIG. 7 front elevational view of the seated gaming machine
of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a gaming machine in
accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the gaming machine of
FIG. 8.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a gaming machine in
accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a side elevational schematic view of the gaming
machine of FIG. 10 showing the interior components of the main body
portion.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a side elevational schematic view of the gaming
machine of FIG. 10 showing the interior components of the
tower.
[0028] Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several
views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] With reference to FIGS. 1-7, the present invention provides
for a seated gaming machine 10. The machine includes a seat 12, a
main body portion 14, swing arm 16 and a display panel/user
interface 18. It will be appreciated that terms such as "left,"
"right," "top," "bottom," "inwardly," "outwardly," "front,"
"inner," "up," and "down" and other positionally descriptive terms
used hereinbelow are used merely for ease of description and refer
to the orientation of the components as shown in the Figures. It
should be understood that any orientation of the elements described
herein is within the scope of the present invention.
[0030] As best shown in FIG. 1, the seat 12 and main body portion
14 preferably comprise a lounge-type chair. The type of lounge
chair is not a limitation on the present invention. For example,
the lounge chair may include cushions (such as seat cushion 20 and
back cushion 21), as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, or the entire
chair may be upholstered with cushioning material under the
upholstery 23 (such as leather), or a combination of both as shown
in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 7. However, it will be understood that the
seat 12 can be any seat or surface that supports a person (human
support surface) known in the art, e.g., a cushioned chair, a
non-cushioned chair, a stool, a bed, a dentist's-type chair, a
futon, an exercise bicycle, a treadmill etc. The type of seat is
not intended to be a limitation on the broadest aspects of the
present invention.
[0031] The main body portion 14 includes two side portions 22 (each
having an arm 22a) and a back 24. In a preferred embodiment, the
main body portion 14 includes supports, such as a set of legs or
pads intended to contact the floor. A seat support 26 and a back
support 27 extend between the two side portions 22 as shown in FIG.
6. Preferably, the bottom cushion 20 rests on the seat support 26
and the back cushion 21 rests against the back support 27 and on
the bottom cushion 20. The cushions are intended to provide comfort
to a user of the machine 10. It will be understood that different
portions of the chair can have cushions thereon. For example, the
arms 22a or side portions 22 can include cushions or cushioning
material. In a preferred embodiment, the entire chair is
upholstered.
[0032] The swing arm 16 is pivotally connected to the main body
portion 14 by a joint assembly 28 and can extend through an opening
in one of the sides 22, as shown in FIG. 5. However, swing arm 16
can also extend out of one of the arms 22a, as shown in FIG. 1. The
swing arm 16 is preferably pivotal in a vertical arc A (as shown in
FIG. 5), such that it can be raised out of the way to allow a user
to sit on the seat 12. The out of the way position will be referred
to herein as the first position. Once the user is seated, the swing
arm 16 is lowered and positioned just above the lap of the user.
The gaming position will be referred to herein as the second
position. The swing arm 16 is mechanically controlled by pivots and
stabilizers to move the swing arm 16 in a predetermined path of
travel, having the first and second positions at the ends of this
path.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the swing arm 16 includes a
counterweight assembly 29 that reduces the effort necessary by a
user for pivoting the swing arm 16 from the first position to the
second position, and vice versa. Preferably, the counterweight
assembly 29 includes cam operated gas shocks as found in automotive
applications such as hood struts or hatchback struts. The struts
push against a predetermined weight (determined by the gas pressure
within the struts) thereby countering the weight of the arm 16 and
causing the weight to be almost neutral. The apparent weight of the
arm is minimized, thereby requiring very little effort by the user
in raising or lowering the swing arm 16.
[0034] An example of the counterweight assembly 29 is shown in FIG.
5. Preferably, the back 24 has a support frame 30 connected
thereto, to which the counterweight assembly 29 is anchored. As
shown, the arm 16 is pivotally connected to a cam 32 by a bearing
or bearings 34 and ultimately to the support frame 30. The support
frame 30 can be a steel angle or the like. The cam 32 is pivotally
connected at its opposite end to a strut 36 (preferably a gas
strut), which is anchored to a cross brace 38 in the back of the
main body portion 14 of the chair. It will be understood that the
strut 36 can also be anchored to other components of the main body
portion 14. In FIG. 5, the cam 32 and strut 36 are shown in solid
lines in the first position (the raised position of the arm 16). In
this position, the strut 36 is in its fully extended position. In
FIG. 5, the cam 32 and strut 36 are shown in phantom lines in the
second position (the lowered or gaming position of the arm 16). In
this position, the strut 36 is in its fully compressed
position.
[0035] In another embodiment the swing arm 16 can be pivotal in a
horizontal arc. It will be understood that the purpose of the swing
arm 16 being pivotal is to move the display panel/user interface 18
out of the way so that a user can sit down. Accordingly, it is
within the scope of the present invention to provide any type of
user interface (monitor, touch screen display or the like) movable
between a first position and a second position.
[0036] In another embodiment, the display panel/user interface 18
may be mounted on an electronically activated track or may swing
out of the arm of the chair similar to an eating tray on an
airplane seat. Any transport and positioning device for bringing
the display panel/user interface 18 into operational contact with
the user is within the scope of the present invention.
[0037] The display panel/user interface 18 houses at least one
touch screen display 18a for the user to reach and select from a
menu of services. The services include, but are not limited to
playing games, ordering food or drinks, and checking out of the
casino, as well as other functions as described in attorney docket
no. 62853-5005, titled Method and System For Operating a Gaming
Device Offering Non-Gaming Services. The display 18a is preferably
connected to a computer network. In an alternative embodiment the
computer can be housed within the main body portion 14, thereby
forming a stand alone unit. For example, the computer can be housed
in space 40, as shown in FIG. 5. The display panel/user interface
18 is preferably disposed at the end of swing arm 16.
[0038] In an alternative embodiment of the invention the arm 16 and
display panel/user interface 18 may be fixed and mounted in a
position such that a user can slide by the display panel/user
interface 18 to sit in the seat 12. Also, the arm 16 or display
panel/user interface 18 can include inputs 40 for peripherals (such
as a printer or the like), a keyboard 42, a mouse or other pointing
device 44 and a ticket printer 111, as described below.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment the chair is used for gaming
purposes. However, the description herein is only intended to be
exemplary and not a limitation on the broadest aspects of the
present invention. In other embodiments, the chair can be used for
educational purposes (such as in schools), home computing,
race/sports books, Internet cafes or other places where Internet
access is desirable.
[0040] As described above, the broad invention is a physical user
interface for gaming in which a person is supported on a seat or
other surface for supporting a person while gaming via a user
interface. The seat 12 does not necessarily have to be attached to
the display housing/user interface 18. For example, the display
panel/user interface 18 can be mounted on a wall (either fixedly or
pivotally), and the seat 12 can be a separate chair or the like
that is adjacent the display panel/user interface 18.
[0041] FIGS. 8-9 show a second embodiment of an ergonomic gaming
machine 100. The machine 100 includes a display housing 102, a desk
104, an intermediate portion 106, a bottom portion 108 and a tower
110. The display housing 102 preferably includes a touch screen
display 18a similar to the one described above with respect to the
first embodiment 10, a monitor or monitors 18b, 18c and associated
speakers 103. The intermediate portion 106 extends upwardly from
the bottom portion 108 and has the display housing 102 extending
upwardly therefrom and the desk 104 extending outwardly from near
the top thereof, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0042] FIGS. 10-12 show a third embodiment of the present invention
200. In this embodiment, the gaming machine 200 includes two units
100a and 100b similar to machine 100 back to back that share a
common tower 110. The two units 100a and 100b may be a single
component (i.e., share a common housing), or the two may be
separate components that are back to back, but are in electrical
communication with the same tower 110. The components of the
machines 100, 200 will be described below with reference to the
figures showing the third embodiment 200.
[0043] The desk 104 preferably includes a ticket printer 111 for
printing tickets when a user wins. Ticket printers 111 are known in
the art. For example, the ticket printer 111 can be a ticket
printer manufactured by Seiko Instruments. The ticket printer 111
is in electrical communication with a central processing unit (CPU)
114 (described below), which controls the number of tickets that
are to be printed out as a result of a certain action. The bottom
portion 108 preferably includes a footrest 112 extending outwardly
therefrom in the same direction as the desk 104. In a preferred
embodiment, the tower 110 is attached to one side 106a of the
intermediate portion 106, the bottom portion 108 and the display
housing 102.
[0044] In a preferred embodiment the components of the housing of
the machine 100 (e.g., the display housing 102, desk 104,
intermediate portion 106, bottom portion 108 and tower 110) are
made of a rigid metal such as stainless steel or aluminum. However,
this is not a limitation on the present invention.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 11, the intermediate portion 106 preferably
houses the CPU 114. Access to the CPU 114 is granted by and an
access door 115. The CPU 114 is in electrical communication with
the touch screen display 18a and monitors 18b, 18c. The machine 100
(and the CPU 114) can be a stand alone unit, or it may be networked
with other machines 100. The CPU 114 can also be operated as
multiple processors that perform different functions. For example,
in a preferred embodiment, the intermediate portion 106 contains
two CPU's 114a, 114b, one for performing functions related to
gaming, and one for performing functions relating to the non-gaming
functions, such as ordering food and drinks. Accordingly, as
described above, the display housing 102 can also house two
separate monitors 18b, 18c for displaying information related to
the individual CPU's 114a, 114b. The display housing 102 can also
include a light bulb 117 or bulbs, such as flashing bulbs for
indicating when a user has won. The bulb is electrically
communicated with the CPU 114.
[0046] Preferably the tower 110 is thin and tall. For example, the
tower height preferably ranges between about 30 inches and about 66
inches; more preferably between about 36 inches and about 60
inches; and most preferably ranges between about 42 inches and
about 54 inches. The tower width preferably ranges between about 4
inches and about 12 inches; more preferably between about 6 inches
and about 10 inches; and most preferably is about 8 inches. This,
as described below, saves space. As shown in FIG. 12, the tower
includes most of the electronic components of the machine 100, such
as a bill acceptor 116 (and the associated drop box 118), a club
card acceptor 120 (many casinos have club cards), a message
delivery keypad 122, a display screen 124 for keypad entries and
club card information. All of these components are in electrical
communication with the CPU 114.
[0047] The tower 110 also preferably includes a shelf 126 on the
front thereof and a main door 127 for access to the internal
components. The door 127 preferably includes a lock and is hinged
to the tower 110. It will be understood that the doors 115, 127 can
be any component that blocks access to the interior components when
shut. The bill acceptor 116 and club card acceptor 120 can be any
type of acceptor known in the art. For example, the bill acceptor
116 can be a bill acceptor manufactured by JCM-American, and the
club card acceptor/reader 120 can be a club card reader
manufactured by American Magnetics. The display screen 124 is
preferably a digital display screen. In alternative embodiments all
of these components can be housed in the display housing 102, an
intermediate portion 106 or a bottom portion 108. In another
embodiment the ticket printer can be located on the tower 110.
[0048] Gaming machines 100 and 200 require less floor space than
prior gaming machines presently in use. Because the machines are
coinless and do not require large drop boxes, and because the
machines operate electronically and do not require moving
mechanical parts, the depth D, D2 (shown in FIG. 8) of the machines
100 and 200 is less than gaming machines presently in use.
Preferably D ranges between about 8 inches and about 18 inches;
more preferably D ranges between about 10 inches and about 16
inches; and most preferably D ranges between about 12 inches and
about 14 inches. These ranges are doubled for the depth D2 of
machine 200.
[0049] The embodiments of the present invention recited herein are
intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art will
be able to make numerous modifications to them without departing
from the spirit of the present invention. All such modifications
are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as
defined by the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *