Adjustable support stand for gaming device

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0001The present invention relates to wagering-type gaming devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an adjustable support stand for a gaming device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0002Gaming devices, such as slot machines, video poker machines, and many of the new computerized multi-game devices have become extremely popular in recent times and are commonly the primary attraction for many gaming and entertainment establishments. These gaming devices are typically arranged in banks or groupings to encourage and attract players. As a result, the player may engage in game play by sitting or lounging at the gaming device and the player is typically inclined to play such games for extended periods of time. In some cases, a player may stay at a gaming device for several hours while attempting to win a large jackpot or obtain other cumulative winnings.

0003Gaming establishments encourage and desire players to participate in the gaming activities for a substantial time period because gaming establishment profitability is directly proportional to the amount of time a player spends gambling in the establishment. In order to promote extended gaming device participation, the player must be provided a comfortable environment in which to play and this is a primary objective of the gaming establishment. During extended time periods of game play, a player generally needs to move or adjust themselves, as they continue to play, and if a comfortable position cannot be found, the player will likely end game play and move on to other activities.

0004Various measures have been made in attempt to make players more comfortable. For example, instead of forcing players to stand, casinos generally offer players chairs or stools so they may be seated during play. Gaming machines may also include features such as cup holders, ashtrays, footrests or the like, to enhance player comfort.

0005Still, various features of existing gaming machines render them less comfortable than they otherwise might be. For example, gaming machines are generally manufactured in pre-set configurations. These configurations generally do no address issues such as whether a player is right or left-handed, the height of the player, and similar characteristics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0006The present invention is a height-adjustable gaming device support or “slot” stand and a method of adjusting the height of a gaming device. In one embodiment, the support stand comprises a support surface for supporting a gaming device and a mechanism configured to change the height of the support surface, thereby changing the height of the gaming device.

0007In one embodiment, the adjustable support stand comprises abase member, a support platform movable relative to the base member, and a lifting mechanism. The base member is configured to support the stand on a support surface, such as a casino floor. The support platform is configured to support at least one gaming device. The lifting mechanism is configured to move the support platform relative to the base member.

0008The lifting mechanism may comprise at least one guide member and at least one biasing or force generating member or mechanism. In one embodiment, the lifting mechanism might comprise a guide member in the form of scissor arms and a force generating member in the form of at least one hydraulic actuator. The lifting mechanism is configured to move the support platform upward relative to the base member. In one embodiment, the lifting mechanism may also be configured to move the support platform downwardly, while in other embodiments, a return force may be generated by gravity.

0009In one embodiment, a controller is configured to receive input from a player regarding a desired position for the support stand and associated gaming device. In one embodiment, the controller may comprise a switch having one or more buttons. In other embodiments, the controller may be associated with the gaming device, such as comprising a touch screen of the device or one or more buttons of the gaming device.

0010In accordance with the invention, the height of a gaming device may be adjusted. In a preferred embodiment, a player may adjust the height of the machine to their own personal preference.

0011For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention over the prior art, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0012<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of a gaming device positioned on an adjustable support stand in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

0013<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates a perspective view of the adjustable gaming device support stand illustrated in use in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, with the support stand illustrated in a lowered position;

0014<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a section view of the support stand illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> taken along line <b>3</b>-<b>3</b> therein;

0015<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is the sectional view of the support stand illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrating the support stand in a raised position; and

0016<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is schematic for an electronic control circuit for actuation of the support stand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0017In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have been indicated but not described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

0018In general, the invention is a height-adjustable gaming device support or “slot” stand and a method of adjusting the height of a gaming device. In one embodiment, the support stand comprises a support surface for supporting a gaming device and a mechanism configured to change the height of the support surface, thereby changing the height of the gaming device.

0019Referring to the figures, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a gaming device <b>100</b> positioned atop an adjustable support or “slot” stand <b>102</b> for convenient access by a player <b>103</b>. In a preferred embodiment, the gaming device <b>100</b> is a wager-based gaming device configured to present one or more games to a player for the opportunity of winnings or awards. In one embodiment, the gaming device <b>100</b> comprises a housing or cabinet for supporting and/or enclosing various components required for operation of the gaming device. The gaming device <b>100</b> preferably includes at least one display device <b>104</b>. The display device <b>104</b> may comprise an electronic video display. The display device <b>104</b> could comprise one or more video displays of various types (LCD, CRT, LED, plasma, etc.) or be rotating reels, a wheel or other elements for displaying game information to a player. The gaming device <b>100</b> also preferably includes one or more player input devices <b>106</b> (such as a touch-screen display, joystick, touch-pad, spin handle, control buttons or the like) that may be utilized by the player to facilitate game play.

0020In reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the support stand <b>102</b> comprises a base member <b>200</b> and a support platform <b>202</b>. In one embodiment, the base member <b>200</b> has a front <b>200</b><i>a</i>, an opposing back <b>200</b><i>b</i>, a first side <b>200</b><i>c</i>, an opposing second side <b>200</b><i>d </i>and a bottom <b>200</b><i>e</i>. In one embodiment the front <b>200</b><i>a </i>of the primary base member <b>200</b> may be configured with an integrally formed foot rest area <b>204</b>. The foot rest area <b>204</b> provides a convenient and comfortable area for the player's feet. As illustrated, the footrest area <b>204</b> may be at least partially defined by a bottom portion of the base member <b>200</b> (and/or the supporting surface on which the base member <b>200</b> is placed) and a interior support <b>302</b> (see <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>). In one embodiment, the front <b>200</b><i>a</i>, back <b>200</b><i>b</i>, and sides <b>200</b><i>c,d </i>extend upwardly to a generally open top (see <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>).

0021In one embodiment, the support platform <b>202</b> has a front <b>202</b><i>a</i>, an opposing back <b>202</b><i>b</i>, a first side <b>202</b><i>c</i>, an opposing second side <b>202</b><i>d </i>and a top surface <b>202</b><i>e</i>. In one embodiment, the front <b>202</b><i>a</i>, back <b>202</b><i>b </i>and sides <b>202</b><i>c,d </i>extend downwardly from the top surface <b>202</b><i>e. </i>

0022In one embodiment, the base member <b>200</b> is disposed at least partially within the support platform <b>202</b> at one or more times. As illustrated, the support platform <b>202</b> may be sized so that the front <b>202</b><i>a</i>, back <b>202</b><i>b </i>and sides <b>202</b><i>c,d </i>extend over the corresponding front <b>200</b><i>a</i>, back <b>200</b><i>b </i>and sides <b>200</b><i>c,d </i>of the base member <b>200</b>. In this configuration, as best illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>, the base member <b>200</b> and support platform <b>202</b> generally define an interior space <b>310</b>.

0023In the configuration illustrated, the peripheral shape of the support stand <b>102</b> is generally rectangular. However, the support stand <b>102</b> may be of other shapes or geometric configurations. In such configurations, the base member <b>200</b> and support platform <b>202</b> may not have a front, back and opposing sides as described above. For example, the support stand <b>102</b> might be generally circular or oval in peripheral shape.

0024It will also be appreciated that the support stand <b>102</b> may have other configurations than as illustrated. Preferably, the support stand <b>102</b> has at least one portion for contacting a support surface, as such as the floor of a casino. The support stand <b>102</b> also has a second portion which can be moved relative to the support surface. This second portion preferably includes at least a support surface upon which a gaming device may be positioned. Thus, for example, the support platform <b>202</b> might be configured to fit at least partially within, rather than partially over, the base member <b>200</b>. Also, the base member <b>200</b> and support platform <b>202</b> might not be enclosures. For example, the base member <b>200</b> might comprise a legged stand.

0025Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, in a preferred embodiment the support stand <b>102</b> includes a means or mechanism for changing the position of the support platform <b>202</b> relative to the base member <b>200</b>. In a preferred embodiment, the height or vertical position of the support platform <b>202</b> may be changed relative to the base member <b>200</b>.

0026In one embodiment, a lifting mechanism comprises at least one biasing or force generating element and a guide element or mechanism. The biasing or force generating element is configured to generate a raising or lifting (and/or lowering) force. The guide element is configured to control the movement of the support platform <b>202</b>, such as to constrain its movement to a vertical direction.

0027In one embodiment, the lifting mechanism comprises a scissor lift <b>300</b>. The scissor lift <b>300</b> preferably includes at least one pair of arms <b>301</b><i>a,b </i>which serve as guides and force transmission members. The scissor lift <b>300</b> also includes a biasing or force generating element in the form of a hydraulic actuator <b>306</b>.

0028In one embodiment, at least a portion of the scissor lift <b>300</b> is positioned internally to the support stand <b>102</b>, such as at the interior space <b>310</b>. In this manner, the vertical lifting force may be applied between the internal surface/structural element <b>302</b> of the base member <b>200</b> and the top <b>202</b><i>e </i>of the support platform <b>202</b>. In particular, as illustrated, a first end of each arm <b>301</b><i>a,b </i>is connected to the base member <b>200</b>, and a second end of each arm <b>301</b><i>a,b </i>is connected to the support platform <b>202</b>.

0029In the embodiment illustrated, the hydraulic actuator <b>306</b> is configured to act directly upon the arms <b>301</b><i>a,b </i>of the scissor lift <b>300</b>. However, the hydraulic actuator <b>306</b> could be connected at one or both ends to the support stand <b>102</b>, such as to the structural element <b>302</b> of the base member <b>200</b> or the top <b>202</b><i>e </i>of the support platform <b>202</b>.

0030In this configuration, when the hydraulic actuator <b>306</b> is activated, it presses the first and second arms <b>301</b><i>a,b </i>of the scissor lift <b>300</b> apart from one another. This causes the support platform <b>202</b> to move upwardly relative to the base member <b>300</b>. Similarly, when the hydraulic actuator <b>306</b> is deactivated or reversed, the support platform moves downwardly relative to the base member <b>300</b>. In particular, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates the support stand <b>102</b> in a first or lowered position. In this position, the height of the top of the support platform <b>202</b> relative to the base member <b>200</b> is H<b>1</b>. As indicated, the scissor lift <b>300</b> may be utilized to raise the support platform <b>202</b> relative to the base member <b>200</b>. As illustrated, this causes the support stand <b>202</b> to move to a second or raised position, such as where the height thereof relative to the base member <b>200</b> is H<b>2</b>. In the raised position H<b>2</b>, the hydraulic actuator <b>306</b> is extended or actuated, thus causing the arms <b>301</b><i>a,b </i>of the scissor lift to move apart.

0031It will be appreciated that the biasing or force generating member and/or the guide member may differ from that illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, and that the scissor lift <b>300</b> is just one exemplary embodiment of a lifting mechanism. For example, the biasing or force generating element may be one of several known devices such as a pneumatically powered actuator, a motor driven gear assembly, a screw lift, or a wide variety of other mechanisms now known or later developed. It will be appreciated there may be more than one biasing or force generating member. For example, two or more hydraulic actuators may be utilized to provide the lifting force. In one embodiment, one force generating member may be utilized to move the support platform <b>202</b> in a first direction (such as up) and another might be utilized to move the support platform <b>202</b> in an opposing direction (such as down).

0032In one embodiment, the guide member might comprise or include the base member <b>200</b> and support platform <b>202</b>. In particular, portions of the base member <b>200</b> and support platform <b>202</b> may be utilized to guide the support platform <b>202</b>. As described above, the front, back and opposing sides of the support platform <b>202</b> may extend downwardly over corresponding portions of the base member <b>200</b>. In this configuration, referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, an external surface <b>402</b> of the base member <b>202</b> and the internal surface <b>404</b> of the support platform <b>202</b> at one or more portions of the overlapping parts of the support platform <b>202</b> and base member <b>200</b> may be configured to engage one another at one or more times. These inter-engaging surface may define a slide <b>400</b> that facilitates the smooth vertical movement of the support platform <b>202</b> relative to the base member <b>200</b>.

0033In one embodiment, interior and exterior surfaces may comprise a reduced friction material (i.e., Delrin® which is a lightweight, low-friction, and wear-resistant plastic) that is applied to the support platform <b>202</b> and base member <b>200</b> in these areas. For example, a thin polymer laminate (having a low coefficient of friction) may be applied to each surface.

0034The guide member might comprise interlocking rails, tongue and groove interlocking members, or other mechanisms configured to guide the movement of the support platform <b>202</b> relative to the base member <b>200</b>. For example, the guide member might be mounted to the external surface <b>402</b> of the base member <b>200</b> and the internal surface <b>404</b> of the support platform <b>202</b>. In one embodiment, a linear slide is provided, the slide comprising a first slide member fixed or mounted to the external surface <b>402</b> of the base member <b>200</b> and a second slide member fixed or mounted to the interior surface <b>404</b> of the support platform <b>202</b>. The first and second slide members are connected in a sliding relationship (they may be supported by one or more bearings or the like to facilitate smooth relative movement). The first and second slide members are aligned along their length-wise axes, and are thus configured to move relative to one another along those axes. In this fashion, the slide members permit and facilitate smooth linear movement there between.

0035The guide member might also comprise one or more wheels mounted to one member and configured to roll along another. For example, one or more wheels might be mounted or embedded within the interior surface <b>404</b> of the support platform <b>202</b>, by which the wheels can move along the exterior surface <b>402</b> of the base member <b>200</b>, or along a track or other element associated therewith.

0036In one embodiment, the force generating member and guide member may be part of the same mechanism. For example, the force generating member may comprise a screw lift. In this configuration, the guide member may be a head located at the end of the screw and a body of the screw lift. The head might be mounted to the support platform <b>202</b> and the body mounted to the base member <b>200</b>. In this manner, forces generated by the screw lift are guided and transmitted between the base member <b>200</b> and support platform <b>202</b> so as to cause the support platform <b>202</b> to be constrained to substantially vertical movement.

0037In one embodiment, the gaming device support stand may be configured with an indexing member (not shown) which prevents the unwanted movement of the support platform in the event of biasing element failure. The indexing member provides a means for positional locking of the support platform in a desired position. The indexing member may comprise an indexing surface and mechanism with a locking pawl which holds the indexing member in a desired positional relationship until the locking pawl is released. Once the locking pawl is released the indexing member permits free movement between the indexing surface and the mechanism of the locking pawl. In operation, the locking pawl is disengaged prior to the biasing element moving the support platform, once the platform is in the desired location the locking pawl is re-engaged and the support platform is mechanically locked in position. The locking pawl may be actuated by different means such as either mechanical, electrical or a combination of both.

0038In one embodiment, the support stand is configured to be generally closed. For example, relative to the support stand <b>102</b> illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the front, back and opposing sides of the support platform <b>202</b> overlap the corresponding portions of the base member <b>200</b>. In this manner, the interior space of the support stand <b>102</b>, including the scissor lift, are inaccessible to the user. This prevents, for example, body parts or the like from getting between moving portions of the stand and thus getting injured. As illustrated, in the lowered position, the support platform <b>202</b> does not extend into the footrest area <b>204</b> (see <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) of the support stand <b>102</b>. In this manner, lowering of the support platform <b>202</b> does not risk injury to a player's feet, even if positioned in the footrest area <b>204</b>.

0039In another embodiment, a bellows or similar screening or shielding element might be positioned at the interface of the support platform <b>202</b> and the base member <b>200</b>. The bellows or other member may thus cover the interface in a manner again preventing objects such as fingers or the like from be placed between the moving portions of the base member <b>200</b> and support platform <b>202</b>. For example, the support platform <b>202</b> might comprise a generally planar supporting element (with no sides). In this embodiment, the bellows might extend from the periphery of the support platform <b>202</b> downwardly to the base member <b>200</b>.

0040In one embodiment, the position of the support platform <b>202</b> may be changed to essentially an unlimited number of positions between its lowered and raised position. In this manner, the position of the support platform (and thus the gaming device) may be finely adjusted. In other embodiments, the support platform <b>202</b> might be configured to be moved to discrete positions, such as a lowered, an intermediate and a raised position.

0041In one embodiment, the gaming device support stand <b>102</b> includes a controller. Preferably, this controller allows a player to selectively control the position of the support stand <b>102</b>. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates one exemplary control circuit <b>500</b>. The primary components of this exemplary control circuit are a control switch <b>502</b>, a motor controller <b>504</b> and a motor <b>506</b>. The control switch <b>502</b> is configured to provide power and/or control signals to one or more components of the controller, such as the motor controller <b>504</b> and motor <b>506</b>. The control switch <b>502</b> may communicate via one or more electrical/signal conductors <b>508</b>. In one embodiment, the control switch <b>502</b> includes one or more input devices, such as buttons. The control switch <b>502</b> might comprise other types of input devices, however, such as a joystick, touch screen display, slide switch or other element configured to receive input a player regarding desired movement or position of the support stand <b>102</b>.

0042Relative to the embodiment illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the motor <b>506</b> may comprise the hydraulic actuator <b>306</b> (such as a fluid pump thereof). The motor controller <b>504</b> may comprise a control unit which is configured to turn the hydraulic actuator <b>306</b> (such as the pump) on and off. In this configuration, the control circuit <b>500</b> includes a power source <b>510</b> to operate the motor controller <b>504</b> and motor <b>506</b>.

0043In operation, the control circuit <b>500</b> provides the control signals and/or electrical power to operate the biasing or force generating element(s) which in turn move the support platform to a player designated position. Of course, the configuration of the controller may vary. For example, in one embodiment the controller might comprise a control switch <b>502</b> which simply provides power or does not provide power to a pump, motor or the like.

0044In one embodiment, the control switch <b>502</b> may be mounted in the foot rest <b>204</b> region of the support stand (see <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>). In this embodiment, the player actuates the switch by foot to raise or lower the gaming device <b>100</b>. In an alternate embodiment, the control switch <b>502</b> may be incorporated into the player input devices <b>106</b> of the gaming device <b>100</b> (see <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>), such as by comprising one or more buttons on the button panel. The control switch <b>502</b> might also interface with the circuitry of the gaming machine. For example, “raise” and “lower” buttons might be visually indicated on a touch screen display which, when selected, cause the gaming controller of the machine to send appropriate control signals to the lifting mechanism. The control switch <b>502</b> might also be located at other portions of the gaming device or even be a wireless controller.

0045The player may then adjust the positioning of the gaming device while interacting with the player input devices <b>106</b> by actuating the control switch <b>502</b> located on the gaming device <b>100</b>. As a result of the location of the control switch <b>502</b>, the player may easily and conveniently adjust the height of the gaming device in relation to the player's seated height which in turn provides increased comfort and environmental adaptability for the player.

0046In another embodiment the gaming device support stand <b>102</b> includes at least one position sensor (not shown) for measurement and/or indication of the positional relationship between the base member <b>200</b> and the support platform <b>202</b>. It is contemplated that the positional sensor may be one of several now known or later developed measuring devices such as a linear potentiometer, rotary potentiometer, an optical sensor or combinations thereof. The positional information acquired by the position sensor may be communicated to a processing device or computer for use in associating the height of a player adjusted gaming device support stand <b>102</b> with a particular player. In this embodiment the height information may be stored or coupled with player tracking information or a player tracking system for subsequent retrieval by a player such that when a player activates the player tracking system the gaming device support stand <b>102</b> height is adjusted to the player's preferences. For example, a player may adjust the height of the gaming device support stand, once the stand is in a comfortable position, the player may store the height information on a player tracking card or system. The player may then retrieve the height information at a later date or during a subsequent gaming session. In one variation, the gaming device support stand height may be automatically set, using previously stored height information, upon activation or interaction with the gaming device using the player tracking card.

0047In use, the support stand <b>102</b> is preferably located on a support surface, such as a casino floor. At least one gaming device <b>100</b> is located on the support surface, such as the top <b>202</b><i>e </i>of the support platform <b>202</b>, of the support stand <b>102</b>.

0048The position of the support surface, and thus the gaming device <b>200</b>, may be changed. Relative to the embodiment described above, the position of the support platform <b>202</b> may be changed relative to the base member <b>200</b>. Preferably, the support platform <b>202</b> can be raised and lowered (i.e. moved at least in a vertical direction). In this manner, the vertical position of the entire gaming device <b>100</b> may be changed.

0049The invention has a number of advantages. Most importantly, the configuration of the gaming device support stand provides increased ergonomic compatibility between the player and the gaming device. The increased ergonomic functionality is by way of the variable height adjustability of the gaming device support stand with respect to the player. Consequently, the player may either raise or lower the gaming device to suit the player's preferences during game play. For example, a tall player may wish to raise the gaming device relative to the floor so that the buttons and other portions of the gaming device are appropriately positioned. Likewise, a shorter player may wish to lower the gaming device. Similarly, a player might change the height or position of the gaming device if they move from a seated to a standing position, or vice versa.

0050A particular advantage of the invention over previous gaming devices and associated supports is that because a player may arrange the height configuration of the gaming device, player comfort contributes to continued game play for an extended period of time. In particular, because the height of the gaming machine can be adjusted to suit the player's needs, the player's experience will be more enjoyable since the player will be able to find additional comfort zones. Correspondingly, the gaming establishment will enjoy increased profits and revenue generation due to the player's extended game play.

0051In one embodiment, the control circuit might be coupled to a gaming device controller or other controller so as to receive control signals therefrom. For example, in one embodiment a player might “save” their preferred gaming machine position information with a player account or card. In this manner, when a player uses their card or account, the stored information may be utilized to cause the control circuit to automatically move the support stand <b>102</b> to the desired position, thus setting the gaming device <b>102</b> at the desired height. In one embodiment, the “height adjustment” feature might even be a premium feature which is only provided to players who sign up with a casino's (or other operator's) player program (i.e. no user controls are provided at the machine or those controls are only enabled if the player activates their card/account.

0052It is possible for the support stand of the invention to support more than one gaming device. In a preferred embodiment, however, the support stand is configured to support only a single gaming device. In this manner, the player of each gaming device may adjust the specific gaming device that they are playing to their own personal preference.

0053Although the above provides a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the invention, various modifications, alternate constructions and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art. It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the above should not be construed as limiting the invention as defined in the claims.