Abstract:
The invention disclosed herein is directed to a system, method and apparatus for a base used in connection with a device. In one embodiment of the invention, the base is used in connection with entertainment and gaming devices such as slot machines, video poker and blackjack, video games, and other entertainment and gaming devices. The base may support the entertainment or gaming device, and may comprise a top surface on which said device may be positioned, a first side panel positioned substantially perpendicularly to the top surface, a second side panel positioned substantially perpendicularly to the top surface and opposed to the first side panel, and a front panel positioned substantially perpendicularly to the top surface and the first and second side panels. In one embodiment of the invention, the base is modular and may be easily and repeatedly assembled and disassembled for servicing, maintenance, reconfiguration, shipping and/or relocation. The modular aspect of the bases of the instant invention also permit multiple bases to be arranged in numerous configurations.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/132,511, filed Jun. 18, 2008, which is entitled “Apparatus, System and Method for an Entertainment and Gaming Machine Base,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is directed to an apparatus, system and method for a base. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an apparatus, system and method for an entertainment and gaming machine base for use with slot machines, video machines and devices, and other entertainment and gaming machines. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Gaming and other entertainment machines and devices such as slot machines, video poker and blackjack, video games and other entertainment devices are highly profitable sources of revenue for casinos, slot parlors, video game arcades, and other gaming, gambling and entertainment operators. Such devices often require a base upon which the device may be seated. Such bases typically provide a support structure which places the device at a height and orientation which is suitable for a user to operate the device. Bases of this type may also provide a housing for utilities necessary to support the device such as electrical wiring, computer cables, and the like. 
         [0004]    Bases which are currently available are generally custom built, fixed in size, and not easily scalable to accommodate the various sizes of devices which such bases support. Such bases are fabricated prior to shipping and are therefore bulky, expensive, and difficult to transport. Prefabricated bases are also difficult to install and do not permit modification to accommodate particular size and floor space issues which are often not realized until after the base has been delivered to the installation site. In addition, current bases do not promote ease in the maintenance of the device and the device&#39;s supporting utilities, such as electrical and computer lines. For example, one such base provides a service access panel on the side of the base facing the user of the machine. This access panel is at floor level, making it difficult to fish electrical and computer data leads from the device to a desired source and/or between devices. 
         [0005]    In addition, for safety, structural and operational issues, it is important that each base be properly leveled to the surface which it is installed. In order to level such bases, it is necessary to employ crude and time consuming methods of leveling each base to ensure that the device is secure and does not shift on or fall off the base, and that the base itself is not subjected to stresses in the base due to lack of proper support therein causing the device to become unstable from a failure in a member of the base. Such crude and time consuming leveling methods include locating the point on the base where the base is not properly supported, and preparing and installing properly sized metal or wooden shim at the point of deficient support. Failure to install properly sized shim may lead to instability of the base and malfunctioning of the device, and/or injury to the user due to such instability. Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved method and apparatus for leveling entertainment and gaming machine bases. 
         [0006]    Moreover, dramatic increases in the number of establishments such as casinos, slot parlors, video game arcades, and other gaming, gambling and entertainment establishments, as well as the always present desire to maximize the number of revenue producing devices per square foot of establishment floor space, has created an increased need for an improved apparatus, system and method for configuring and supporting such devices. Also, there exists a need for an improved system for the assembly and configuration of such bases, as well as a base which facilitates the servicing and maintenance of the devices which such bases support, therein reducing the time a revenue producing device is out of service. Additionally, with skyrocketing fuel costs and the premium being placed on efficient transportation logistics, there exists a need for an improved entertainment and gaming device base, system and method which is easily, efficiently and inexpensively scaled, transported, assembled, and configured to the establishment floor. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The invention disclosed herein is directed to a system, method and apparatus for a base used in connection with a device. In one embodiment of the invention, the base is used in connection with entertainment and gaming devices such as slot machines, video poker and blackjack, video games, and other entertainment and gaming devices. 
         [0008]    The base may support the entertainment or gaming device, and may comprise a top surface on which said device may be positioned, a first side panel positioned substantially perpendicularly to the top surface, a second side panel positioned substantially perpendicularly to the top surface and opposed to the first side panel, and a front panel positioned substantially perpendicularly to the top surface and the first and second side panels. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment of the invention, the base is modular and may be easily and repeatedly assembled and disassembled for servicing, maintenance, reconfiguration, shipping and/or relocation. Such modularity allows the base to be transported in a disassembled or partially disassembled state, thereby dramatically reducing the amount of space required to transport each base. It is estimated that current embodiments of this invention in an unassembled state may reduce the amount of space required to transport the base by approximately 90% over a fully assembled base. Thus, significant savings in the cost of transporting such unassembled bases is likely to be realized. 
         [0010]    The base may also comprise a utility area which may house electrical and computer wiring as well as other utilities and devices associated with the device and/or base. In this regard, the utility area may be at least partially defined by the first and second side panels, the front panel and the top surface. 
         [0011]    In addition, the base may be constructed so that the top surface may be easily and temporarily removed allowing access to the utility area. 
         [0012]    The modular aspect of the bases of the instant invention also permit multiple bases to be arranged in many different configurations depending on various factors. Such factors may include, but not be limited to, the number of bases to be configured, the amount of floor space available in the establishment in which the bases are installed, and the configuration of the devices which are placed on the bases. Also, when configuring multiple bases, side panels of adjacent bases may be shared between bases thereby reducing the amount of material used for the construction of each base. 
         [0013]    For example, when constructing a single base, one embodiment of the invention utilizes two side panels on either side of the base. However, when configuring two or more such bases, the side panel which is directly adjacent to another base may be shared by adjacent bases. Thus, when configuring two bases side-by-side or in series, the adjoining bases may share the side panel which adjoins the two bases, thereby utilizing only three total side panels instead of four side panels which would be utilized by two bases configured separately. Likewise, three bases configured in series would utilize four instead of six side panels, four bases in series would utilize five side panels instead of eight, and so on. 
         [0014]    Similarly, the number of side panels utilized in multiple base configurations may be reduced if the bases are arranged in a circular or partially circular fashion. For example, six bases may be configured in a circle and utilize six side panels instead of the twelve which would be required if each base was independently constructed. Likewise, eight bases may be configured in a circle and utilize eight side panels instead of the sixteen which would be required if each base was independently constructed. 
         [0015]    In addition, bases may be arranged in a back-to-back configuration, and also in a side-to-side and back-to-back configuration. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    Understanding of the present invention will be facilitated by consideration of the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts, and wherein: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  depicts a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the base of the instant invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  depicts a front perspective view of the base of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  depicts a cross-sectional end view of the base of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  depicts a front view of the base of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  depicts a rear view of the base of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  depicts an exploded view of the base of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 6A  depicts a detailed view of the hinge area of the kick plate of the base of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 7A  depicts a side view of the base of  FIG. 1  with the foot rest in the open position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7B  depicts a side view of the base of  FIG. 1  with the foot rest in the closed position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  depicts a plan view of the base of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  depicts an end view of countertop of the base of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  depicts a top view of the countertop of the base of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  depicts a front view of the access door of the base of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  depicts an elevation view of a side panel of the base of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0031]      FIGS. 13A ,  13 B,  13 C, and  13 D depict rear perspective, front perspective, front and top views, respectively, of the foot rest of the base of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  depicts a side view of the foot rest of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0033]      FIGS. 15A ,  15 B,  15 C, and  15 D depict perspective rear, cross sectional, front and bottom views, respectively, of the top channel or rail of the base of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0034]      FIGS. 16A ,  16 B,  16 C, and  16 D depict perspective, cross sectional, front and top view, respectively, of the bottom channel or rail of the base of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0035]      FIGS. 17A ,  17 B,  17 C,  17 D, and  17 E depict perspective rear, perspective front, top, left end, and rear view, respectively, of the top angle frame of the base of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0036]      FIGS. 18A ,  18 B, and  18 C depict perspective, front and top views, respectively, of the kick plate and frame assembly of the base of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0037]      FIGS. 19A ,  19 B,  19 C,  19 D, and  19 E depict perspective, end, front, detail, and top views, respectively, of the kick plate of the base of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0038]      FIGS. 20A ,  20 B,  20 C,  20 D, and  20 E depict rear perspective, front perspective, top, rear and left end views, respectively, of the bottom angle frame of the base of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 21  depicts a front view of the rear support bracket of the base of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 22  depicts a plan view of a back-to-back and side-to-side configuration of multiple bases of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 23  depicts a plan view of a side-to-side configuration of multiple bases of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 24  depicts a plan view of a circular configuration of multiple bases of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 25  depicts a plan view of another circular configuration of multiple bases of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 26  depicts a rear perspective view of another embodiment of the base of the instant invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 27  depicts a front perspective view of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 28  depicts a cross-sectional end view of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0047]      FIGS. 29A and 29B  depict front and rear views, respectively, of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 30  depicts an exploded view of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 31A  depicts a side view of the base of  FIG. 26  with the foot rest in the closed position. 
           [0050]      FIG. 31B  depicts a side view of the base of  FIG. 26  with the foot rest in the open position. 
           [0051]      FIG. 32  depicts a plan view of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0052]      FIG. 33  depicts an elevation view of a side panel of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 34A  depicts a top view of the countertop of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 34B  depicts a side view of the countertop of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0055]      FIG. 35  depicts a front view of the access door of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 36  depicts an elevation view of a side panel of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0057]      FIGS. 37A and 37B  depict a top and end view, respectively, of the bottom channel of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0058]      FIGS. 38A ,  38 B, and  38 C depict the front, top, and end views, respectively, of the top channel of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0059]      FIGS. 39A ,  39 B,  39 C, and  39 D, depict perspective, plan, rear and side views, respectively, of the foot rest of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0060]      FIGS. 40A ,  40 B,  40 C, and  40 D depict perspective, plan, rear and side views, respectively, of the foot rest mounting bracket of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0061]      FIGS. 41A ,  41 B,  41 C, and  41 D depict inner side perspective, outer side perspective, elevation and bottom views, respectively, of the right hand arm of the foot rest of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0062]      FIGS. 42A ,  42 B,  42 C, and  42 D depict inner side perspective, outer side perspective, elevation and bottom views, respectively, of the left hand arm of the foot rest of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0063]      FIGS. 43A and 43B  depict bottom and side views, respectively, of the foot rest tube of the foot rest of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0064]      FIGS. 44A ,  44 B,  44 C, and  44 D depict perspective, plan, rear and cross-sectional A-A views of the kick plate channel of the base of  FIG. 26  having mounting inserts inserted therein. 
           [0065]      FIGS. 45A ,  45 B,  45 C,  45 D and  45 E depict perspective, plan, front, detail and cross-sectional  1 - 1  views, respectively, of the kick plate channel of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0066]      FIGS. 46A ,  46 B,  46 C, and  46 D depict perspective, plan, end and cross-sectional C-C views, respectively, of the kick plate mounting inserts of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0067]      FIGS. 47A ,  47 B,  47 C, and  47 D depict perspective, plan, end and cross-sectional D-D views, respectively, of the kick plate mounting inserts of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0068]      FIGS. 48A ,  48 B, and  48 C depict plan and cross-sectional views A-A and B-B, respectively, of the tube assembly of the base of  FIG. 26  having channel inserts inserted therein. 
           [0069]      FIGS. 49A ,  49 B,  49 C, and  49 D depict plan, front and detail views A and B, respectively, of the tube assembly of the base of  FIG. 26  before channel inserts are inserted therein. 
           [0070]      FIGS. 50A ,  50 B,  50 C, and  50 D depict perspective, plan, side and end views, respectively, of the channel insert of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0071]      FIGS. 51A ,  51 B,  51 C, and  51 D depict perspective, plan, side and end views, respectively, of the channel insert of the base of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0072]      FIG. 52  depicts a perspective view of the tube assembly of the base of  FIG. 26  having tube inserts mounted therein. 
           [0073]      FIG. 53  depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the base of the instant invention. 
           [0074]      FIG. 54  depicts a side view of the base of  FIG. 53 . 
           [0075]      FIGS. 55A and 55B  depict top and cross sectional views, respectively, of the base of  FIG. 53 . 
           [0076]      FIG. 56  depicts a front view of an end panel of the base of  FIG. 53 . 
           [0077]      FIG. 57  depicts a front perspective view of another embodiment of the base of the instant invention. 
           [0078]      FIG. 58  depicts a rear perspective view of the base of  FIG. 57 . 
           [0079]      FIG. 59  depicts a cross-sectional end view of the base of  FIG. 57 . 
           [0080]      FIG. 60  depicts a cross-sectional end view of two bases of  FIG. 57  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. 
           [0081]      FIG. 61  depicts a front elevation view of the base of  FIG. 57 . 
           [0082]      FIG. 62  depicts a rear elevation view of the base of  FIG. 57 . 
           [0083]      FIG. 63  depicts a plan view of the base of  FIG. 57 . 
           [0084]      FIG. 64  depicts an exploded view of the base of  FIG. 57 . 
           [0085]      FIG. 65  depicts a bottom view of the countertop of the base of  FIG. 57 . 
           [0086]      FIG. 66  depicts an end view of the countertop of the base of  FIG. 57 . 
           [0087]      FIG. 67  depicts a bottom view of the countertop of two bases of  FIG. 57  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. 
           [0088]      FIG. 68  depicts an end view of the countertop of two bases of  FIG. 57  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. 
           [0089]      FIG. 69  depicts a front elevation view of the access door of the base of  FIG. 57 . 
           [0090]      FIG. 70  depicts an elevation view of a side panel of the base of  FIG. 57 . 
           [0091]      FIGS. 71A ,  71 B,  71 C,  71 D,  71 E,  71 F, and  71 G depict front perspective, top, rear, Section  1 - 1 , bottom, and side views, respectively, of the top web frame of the base of  FIG. 57 . 
           [0092]      FIGS. 72A ,  72 B,  72 C,  72 D, and  72 E depict front perspective, top, side, rear, and Section  1 - 1  views, respectively, of the bottom web frame of the base of  FIG. 57 . 
           [0093]      FIGS. 73A ,  73 B, and  73 C depict front perspective, top and end views, respectively, of the foot rest of the base of  FIG. 57 . 
           [0094]      FIGS. 74A ,  74 B,  74 C, and  74 D depict front perspective, rear, top and end views, respectively, of the metal channel of the foot rest of the base of  FIG. 57 . 
           [0095]      FIG. 75  depicts a front view of the support brace of the base of  FIG. 57 . 
           [0096]      FIGS. 76A ,  76 B, and  76 C depict top, front, and side views, respectively, of the door bracket of the base of  FIG. 57 . 
           [0097]      FIG. 77  depicts a front perspective view of another embodiment of the base of the instant invention. 
           [0098]      FIG. 78  depicts a rear perspective view of the base of  FIG. 77 . 
           [0099]      FIG. 79  depicts a cross-sectional end view of the base of  FIG. 77 . 
           [0100]      FIG. 80  depicts a cross-sectional end view of two bases of  FIG. 77  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. 
           [0101]      FIG. 81  depicts a front elevation view of the base of  FIG. 77 . 
           [0102]      FIG. 82  depicts a rear elevation view of the base of  FIG. 77 . 
           [0103]      FIG. 83  depicts a plan view of the base of  FIG. 77 . 
           [0104]      FIG. 84  depicts an exploded view of the base of  FIG. 77 . 
           [0105]      FIG. 85  depicts a bottom view of the countertop of the base of  FIG. 77 . 
           [0106]      FIG. 86  depicts an end view of the countertop of the base of  FIG. 77 . 
           [0107]      FIG. 87  depicts a bottom view of the countertop of two bases of  FIG. 77  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. 
           [0108]      FIG. 88  depicts an end view of the countertop of two bases of  FIG. 77  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. 
           [0109]      FIG. 89  depicts a front elevation view of the access door of the base of  FIG. 77 . 
           [0110]      FIG. 90  depicts an elevation view of a side panel of the base of  FIG. 77 . 
           [0111]      FIGS. 91A ,  91 B,  91 C,  91 D,  91 E,  91 F, and  91 G depict front perspective, top, rear, Section  1 - 1 , bottom, and side views, respectively, of the top web frame of the base of  FIG. 77 . 
           [0112]      FIGS. 92A ,  92 B,  92 C,  92 D, and  92 E depict front perspective, top, side, rear, and Section  1 - 1  views, respectively, of the bottom web frame of the base of  FIG. 77 . 
           [0113]      FIGS. 93A ,  93 B,  93 C and  93 D depict front perspective, top, end, and front views, respectively, of the foot rest of the base of  FIG. 77 . 
           [0114]      FIGS. 94A ,  94 B, and  94 C depict front, end, and bottom views, respectively, of the foot rest cover of the base of  FIG. 77 . 
           [0115]      FIGS. 95A ,  95 B,  95 C, and  95 D depict rear perspective, front, bottom, and Section  1 - 1  views, respectively, of the sled mount of the base of  FIG. 77 . 
           [0116]      FIGS. 96A ,  96 B,  96 C, and  96 D depict front perspective, top, front, and end views, respectively, of the metal channel of the foot rest of the base of  FIG. 77 . 
           [0117]      FIG. 97  depicts a front view of the support brace of the base of  FIG. 77 . 
           [0118]      FIGS. 98A ,  98 B, and  98 C depict top, front, and side views, respectively, of the door bracket of the base of  FIG. 77 . 
           [0119]      FIG. 99  depicts a front perspective view of another embodiment of the base of the instant invention. 
           [0120]      FIG. 100  depicts a rear perspective view of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0121]      FIG. 101  depicts a cross-sectional end view of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0122]      FIG. 102  depicts a cross-sectional end view of two bases of  FIG. 99  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. 
           [0123]      FIG. 103  depicts a front elevation view of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0124]      FIG. 104  depicts a rear elevation view of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0125]      FIG. 105  depicts a plan view of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0126]      FIG. 106  depicts an exploded view of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0127]      FIG. 107  depicts a bottom view of the countertop of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0128]      FIG. 108  depicts an end view of the countertop of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0129]      FIG. 109  depicts a bottom view of the countertop of two bases of  FIG. 99  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. 
           [0130]      FIG. 110  depicts an end view of the countertop of two bases of  FIG. 99  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. 
           [0131]      FIG. 111  depicts a front elevation view of the access door of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0132]      FIG. 112  depicts an elevation view of a side panel of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0133]      FIGS. 113A ,  113 B,  113 C,  113 D,  113 E,  113 F, and  113 G depict front perspective, top, rear, Section  1 - 1 , bottom, and side views, respectively, of the top web frame of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0134]      FIGS. 114A ,  114 B,  114 C,  114 D, and  114 E depict front perspective, top, side, rear, and Section  1 - 1  views, respectively, of the bottom web frame of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0135]      FIGS. 115A ,  115 B, and  115 C depict front perspective, top, and end views, respectively, of the foot rest and sled mount of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0136]      FIGS. 116A ,  116 B,  116 C, and  116 D depict bottom, end, top, and bottom views, respectively, of the foot rest cover, without the sled mount, of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0137]      FIGS. 117A and 117B  depict top, and Section  1 - 1  views, respectively, of the foot rest carpet holder of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0138]      FIGS. 118A ,  118 B,  118 C, and  118 D depict rear perspective, front, bottom, and Section  1 - 1  views, respectively, of the sled mount of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0139]      FIGS. 119A and 119B  depict top, and end views, respectively, of the foot rest Z-Bracket of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0140]      FIGS. 120A ,  120 B,  120 C, and  120 D depict front perspective, rear, top, and end views, respectively, of the metal channel of the foot rest of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0141]      FIGS. 121A ,  121 B, and  121 C depict top, front, and side views, respectively, of the door bracket of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0142]      FIG. 122  depicts a front view of the support brace of the base of  FIG. 99 . 
           [0143]      FIG. 123  depicts a front perspective view of another embodiment of the base of the instant invention. 
           [0144]      FIG. 124  depicts a rear perspective view of the base of  FIG. 123 . 
           [0145]      FIG. 125  depicts a cross-sectional end view of the base of  FIG. 123 . 
           [0146]      FIG. 126  depicts a cross-sectional end view of two bases of  FIG. 123  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. 
           [0147]      FIG. 127  depicts a front elevation view of the base of  FIG. 123 . 
           [0148]      FIG. 128  depicts a rear elevation view of the base of  FIG. 123 . 
           [0149]      FIG. 129  depicts a plan view of the base of  FIG. 123 . 
           [0150]      FIG. 130  depicts an exploded view of the base of  FIG. 123 . 
           [0151]      FIG. 131  depicts a bottom view of the countertop of the base of  FIG. 123 . 
           [0152]      FIG. 132  depicts a side view of the countertop of the base of  FIG. 123 . 
           [0153]      FIG. 133  depicts a bottom view of the countertop of two bases of  FIG. 123  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. 
           [0154]      FIG. 134  depicts an end view of the countertop of two bases of  FIG. 123  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. 
           [0155]      FIG. 135  depicts a front elevation view of the access door of the base of  FIG. 123 . 
           [0156]      FIG. 136  depicts an elevation view of a side panel of the base of  FIG. 123 . 
           [0157]      FIGS. 137A ,  137 B,  137 C,  137 D,  137 E,  137 F, and  137 G depict front perspective, top, rear, Section  1 - 1 , bottom, and side views, respectively, of the top web frame of the base of  FIG. 123 . 
           [0158]      FIGS. 138A ,  138 B,  138 C, and  138 D depict front perspective, top, front, and end views, respectively, of the welded kick assembly of the base of  FIG. 123 . 
           [0159]      FIGS. 139A ,  139 B,  139 C,  139 D,  139 E, and  139 F depict front perspective, top, sides, rear, and Section  1 - 1  views, respectively, of the bottom frame welded kick assembly of the base of  FIG. 123 . 
           [0160]      FIGS. 140A ,  140 B,  140 C, and  140 D depict front perspective, rear, top, and end views, respectively, of the metal channel of the base of  FIG. 123 . 
           [0161]      FIG. 141  depicts a front view of the support brace of the base of  FIG. 123 . 
           [0162]      FIGS. 142A ,  142 B, and  142 C depict top, front, and side views, respectively, of the door bracket of the base of  FIG. 123 . 
           [0163]      FIG. 143  depicts a front perspective view of another embodiment of the base of the instant invention. 
           [0164]      FIG. 144  depicts a rear perspective view of the base of  FIG. 143 . 
           [0165]      FIG. 145  depicts a cross-sectional end view of the base of  FIG. 143 . 
           [0166]      FIG. 146  depicts a cross-sectional end view of two bases of  FIG. 143  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. 
           [0167]      FIG. 147  depicts a front elevation view of the base of  FIG. 143 . 
           [0168]      FIG. 148  depicts a rear elevation view of the base of  FIG. 143 . 
           [0169]      FIG. 149  depicts a plan view of the base of  FIG. 143 . 
           [0170]      FIG. 150  depicts an exploded view of the base of  FIG. 143 . 
           [0171]      FIG. 151  depicts a bottom view of the countertop of the base of  FIG. 143 . 
           [0172]      FIG. 152  depicts a side view of the countertop of the base of  FIG. 143 . 
           [0173]      FIG. 153  depicts a bottom view of the countertop of two bases of  FIG. 143  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. 
           [0174]      FIG. 154  depicts an end view of the countertop of two bases of  FIG. 143  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. 
           [0175]      FIG. 155  depicts a front elevation view of the access door of the base of  FIG. 143 . 
           [0176]      FIG. 156  depicts an elevation view of a side panel of the base of  FIG. 143 . 
           [0177]      FIGS. 157A ,  157 B,  157 C,  157 D,  157 E,  157 F, and  157 G depict front perspective, top, rear, Section  1 - 1 , bottom, and side views, respectively, of the top web frame of the base of  FIG. 143 . 
           [0178]      FIGS. 158A ,  158 B,  158 C, and  158 D depict front perspective, top, front, and end views, respectively, of the welded kick assembly of the base of  FIG. 143 . 
           [0179]      FIGS. 159A ,  159 B,  159 C,  159 D,  159 E, and  159 F depict front perspective, top, sides, rear, and Section  1 - 1  views, respectively, of the bottom frame welded kick assembly of the base of  FIG. 143 . 
           [0180]      FIGS. 160A ,  160 B,  160 C, and  160 D depict front perspective, rear, top, and end views, respectively, of the metal channel of the base of  FIG. 143 . 
           [0181]      FIG. 161  depicts a front view of the support brace of the base of  FIG. 143 . 
           [0182]      FIGS. 162A ,  162 B, and  162 C depict top, front, and side views, respectively, of the door bracket of the base of  FIG. 143 . 
           [0183]      FIG. 163  depicts a front perspective view of another embodiment of the base of the instant invention. 
           [0184]      FIG. 164  depicts a rear perspective view of the base of  FIG. 163 . 
           [0185]      FIG. 165  depicts a cross-sectional end view of the base of  FIG. 163 . 
           [0186]      FIG. 166  depicts a cross-sectional end view of two bases of  FIG. 163  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. 
           [0187]      FIG. 167  depicts a front elevation view of the base of  FIG. 163 . 
           [0188]      FIG. 168  depicts a rear elevation view of the base of  FIG. 163 . 
           [0189]      FIG. 169  depicts a plan view of the base of  FIG. 163 . 
           [0190]      FIG. 170  depicts an exploded view of the base of  FIG. 163 . 
           [0191]      FIG. 171  depicts a bottom view of the countertop of the base of  FIG. 163 . 
           [0192]      FIG. 172  depicts a side view of the countertop of the base of  FIG. 163 . 
           [0193]      FIG. 173  depicts a bottom view of the countertop of two bases of  FIG. 163  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. 
           [0194]      FIG. 174  depicts an end view of the countertop of two bases of  FIG. 163  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. 
           [0195]      FIG. 175  depicts a front elevation view of the access door of the base of  FIGS. 163 . 
           [0196]      FIG. 176  depicts an elevation view of a side panel of the base of  FIG. 163 . 
           [0197]      FIGS. 177A ,  177 B,  177 C,  177 D,  177 E,  177 F, and  177 G depict front perspective, top, rear, Section  1 - 1 , bottom, and side views, respectively, of the top web frame of the base of  FIG. 163 . 
           [0198]      FIGS. 178A ,  178 B,  178 C, and  178 D depict front perspective, top, front, and end views, respectively, of the welded kick assembly of the base of  FIG. 163 . 
           [0199]      FIGS. 179A ,  179 B,  179 C,  179 D,  179 E, and  179 F depict front perspective, top, sides, rear, and Section  1 - 1  views, respectively, of the bottom frame welded kick assembly of the base of  FIG. 163 . 
           [0200]      FIGS. 180A ,  180 B,  180 C, and  180 D depict front perspective, rear, top, and end views, respectively, of the metal channel of the base of  FIG. 163 . 
           [0201]      FIG. 181  depicts a front view of the support brace of the base of  FIG. 163 . 
           [0202]      FIGS. 182A ,  182 B, and  182 C depict top, front, and side views, respectively, of the door bracket of the base of  FIG. 163 . 
           [0203]    Additional materials, attached hereto constitute additional teachings included in the present invention, including sheets A- 1  through A- 43  of Appendix A hereto which comprises photographs and other materials which depict various embodiments of the instant invention, and which are incorporated by reference in there entireties herewith. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0204]    It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for the purposes of clarity, many other elements which may be found in the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art will recognize that other elements are desirable and/or required in order to implement the present invention. However, because such elements do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements is not provided herein. 
         [0205]    In one embodiment of the invention, a base for supporting gaming and other entertainment machines and devices such as slot machines, video poker and blackjack, video games and other entertainment devices is provided. 
         [0206]    Turning now to  FIG. 1 through 21 , there is shown an embodiment of base  100  on the instant invention. Base  100  comprises top surface  1000 , opposing side panels  1200 , and front panel  1100 . Top surface  1000  may be removed to allow access to the area formed by side panels  1200  and front panel  1100 . This area is where utilities such as electrical wiring, computer cable and other components and utilities which are associated with base  100 , and the device supported by base  100 , may be located. 
         [0207]    Base  100  may further comprise top angle frame  1700  and bottom angle frame  2000  to which side panels  1200  may be affixed. Top channel or rail  1500  may be affixed to top angle frame  1700 , and bottom channel or rail  1600  may be affixed to bottom angle frame  2000 . Top channel  1500  and bottom channel  1600  may then support front cover panel  1100 . Front cover panel  1100  may also be optionally removable to provide additional access to the utility area. 
         [0208]    Foot rest  1300  may also be provided. Foot rest  1300  may be rotatably attached to kick plate  1900 . Kick plate  1900  may, in turn, be mounted to bottom angle frame  2000 . This configuration permits foot rest  1300  to be rotated into an open position, as shown in  FIG. 7A , or into a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 7B . 
         [0209]    Optionally, and as shown in  FIG. 6 , sled bracket  1950  may be mounted to kick plate  1900 . Sled bracket  1950  may be used to mount a user chair and bracket (not shown) to base  100  so that the chair orients the user to the device positioned on base  100  in an optimal or desirable fashion. This optional or desirable orientation preferably positions the user to a desired height and distance from the device being operated. Such orientation preferably allows the user to easily reach the device and/or provide the user with ample room for the user&#39;s legs. Such orientation also tends to increase the overall comfort of the user, and reduce the fatigue a user may experience during use of the device. Reduction of fatigue and increasing the comfort of the user should generally result in an increase in the usage of the device. Accordingly, profits realized from the device being operated should increase as a result of the prolonged usage of the device. 
         [0210]    Base  100  may also be provided with leveling devices. Such leveling devices enable base  100 , and particularly top surface  1000 , to be leveled relative to the surface upon which base  100  is placed, such as, for example, the floor. Any suitable leveling device may be employed to level base  100 , such as, for example, a bolt and nut assembly which permits base  100  to be raised and lowered by turning the bolt and nut assembly. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 through 21 , the leveling device may be accessed through openings  1250  in side panels  1200 . See, for example,  FIGS. 3 and 6 . 
         [0211]    Base  100  may also permit improved access to the utilities which are provided to the device supported by base  100 . Such utilities may include, for example, electrical wiring, computer cabling, and other components. Top surface  1000  may be removed to allow access to the utility area which is bounded by side panels  1200  and cover panel  1100 . Optionally, cover panel  1100  may also be removed for additional access to the utility area. Cover panel  1100  may be held in place by top channel  1500 , bottom channel  1600  and clevis pin  1150 , shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0212]    Base  100  may also be constructed to be shipped or otherwise transported in an unassembled state and easily assembled on the location of base  100 &#39;s installation. Simplified assembly also permits base  100  to be partially or completely disassembled so that base  100  and the device positioned on base  100  may be easily maintained, moved or placed in different configurations with other bases  100  before and after initial installation. 
         [0213]    The modularity of base  100  permits multiple bases  100  to be configured in many different ways. See, for example, the various configurations of bases  100  shown in  FIGS. 22 ,  23 ,  24  and  25 .  FIG. 22  depicts four bases  100  configured in a manner which maximizes the utilization of establishment floor space. In the configuration shown, bases  100  are placed side-to-side and back-to-back. In addition, each pair of bases  100  may share a common side panel  1200 , thereby reducing the amount of material and cost for each base  100 . 
         [0214]      FIG. 23  shows a side-by-side configuration of four bases  100 . In the configuration shown, three side panels  1200  may be shared by four bases  100 . 
         [0215]      FIG. 24  shows a circular configuration of six bases  100 . In this configuration, six side panels  1200  may be shared by six bases  100 . 
         [0216]      FIG. 25  shows a circular configuration of eight bases  100 . In this configuration, eight side panels  1200  may be shared by eight bases  100 . 
         [0217]    In each of the configurations shown in  FIGS. 22 ,  23 ,  24  and  25 , top surface  1000  of each of bases  100  may be removed to access the utility area bounded by side panels  1200  and front cover panel  1100 . Front cover panel  1100  may also, optionally, be removed. Removal of top surface  1000  (and, optionally, cover panel  1100 ) permits simultaneous access to the utility areas of each of bases  100 , allowing for ease in installation and maintenance of bases  100  and the devices supported by bases  100 . Additional embodiments, arrangements and configurations of base  100  are shown at A- 1  through A- 43  of Appendix A. 
         [0218]      FIGS. 26 through 52  depict another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment utilizes an interlocking cam system for assembling the components of base  2600 . 
         [0219]    The interlocking cam system is shown in  FIGS. 30 ,  44 ,  46 ,  47 ,  48 ,  50 ,  51 , and  52 .  FIGS. 44 ,  46 , and  47  depict cam system  4450  utilized with kick plate  4400 .  FIGS. 48 ,  50 ,  51 , and  52  depict cam system  4850  utilized with tube assemblies  4800 . These cam systems allow for the quick assembly and disassembly of base  2600 . This cam system may also be adapted to any of the embodiments disclosed or contemplated based on the disclosure herein. 
         [0220]      FIGS. 53 through 56  depict yet another embodiment of this invention, designated as base  5300 . This embodiment is a partial unitary back-to-back configuration of two bases similar to base  100 . In this arrangement or configuration (also shown in Exhibit A at A- 1  through A- 13 , A- 16  through A- 19 , A- 23 , A- 24 , A- 28 , and A- 31  through A- 43  attached hereto) removable top surface  5500  is unitary across the two bases similar to base  100 . The two bases similar to base  100  are placed back-to-back and an end panel  5400  is placed over a side panel (not shown) similar to side panel  1200 . In another embodiment, end panel  5400  may replace end side panels similar to side panel  1200 . 
         [0221]      FIGS. 57 through 76  depict yet another embodiment of the invention. This embodiment comprises a hybrid ergonomic base designated as base  5700 . Base  5700  comprises top surface  6300 , opposing side panels  7000 , and front panel  6900 . Foot rest  7300  may also be provided. Foot rest  7300  may be pitched to any angle but is preferably pitched at an angle with provides for optional ergonomic positioning so that the user of the device placed atop base  5700  experiences the least fatigue and the greatest comfort. 
         [0222]      FIG. 60  depicts a cross-sectional end view of two bases  5700  arranged in a back-to-back configuration. This embodiment utilizes unitary top surface  6700 . Unitary top surface  6700  may be removed to allow access to the area formed by side panels  7000  and front panel  6900 . This area is where utilities such as electrical wiring, computer cable and other components and utilities which are associated with bases  5700 , and the device supported by base  5700 , may be located.  FIGS. 67 and 68  show additional features of top surface  6700 . 
         [0223]    Base  5700  may also be provided with leveling devices  6000  which may adjustably level base  5700 , and removable top surface  6300 . In addition, base  5700  may be easily and repeatedly assembled and disassembled for shipping, reconfiguration and/or relocation. 
         [0224]    Other possible configurations of multiple bases  5700  are depicted in  FIGS. 22 ,  23 ,  24  and  25 , as well as in Appendix A. 
         [0225]      FIGS. 77 through 98  set forth another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment comprises a hybrid ergonomic base designated as base  7700 . Base  7700  is similar in construction to base  5700  but also includes sled mounting feature  9500  in which may be used to mount a user chair (not shown) and bracket to base  7700  so that the chair orients the user to the device positioned on base  7700  in an optional or desired fashion similar to the orientation created by sled bracket  1950  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0226]    Base  7700  may comprise top surface  8300 , opposing side panels  9000 , and front panel  8900 . The area formed by top surface  8300 , opposing side panels  9000 , and front panel  8900  is where utilities, such as electrical wiring, computer cable, and other components and utilities which are associated with base  7700 , and the device supported by base  7700 , may be located. 
         [0227]    Base  7700  may also be provided with leveling devices  7900  which may adjustably level base  7700 , and removable top surface  8300 . In addition, base  7700  may be easily and repeatedly assembled and disassembled for shipping, reconfiguration and/or relocation. 
         [0228]    Also, multiple bases  7700  may be configured in many different ways.  FIG. 80  depicts one such configuration in cross-sectional view, in which two bases  7700  are configured back-to-back and share a common unitary top surface  8700 . FIGS.  87  and  88  show additional features of top surface  8700 . Top surface  8700  is also removable to allow access to the inside of bases  7700 . 
         [0229]    Other possible configurations of multiple bases  7700  are depicted in  FIGS. 22 ,  23 ,  24  and  25 , as well as in Appendix A. 
         [0230]    Turning now to  FIGS. 99 through 122  there is shown yet another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment comprises a hybrid ergonomic base designated as base  9900 . Base  9900  is similar in construction to bases  5700  and  7700 , but also includes, in addition to sled mounting feature  11800 , carpet holder  11700  in foot rest  11500 . This configuration permits the carpet which is mounted to foot rest  11500  to be easily cleaned, repaired and/or replaced as necessary. 
         [0231]    Base  9900  may comprise top surface  10500 , opposing side panels  11200 , and front panel  1100 . The area formed by top surface  10500 , opposing side panels  11200 , and front panel  1100 , is where utilities, such as electrical wiring, computer cable, and other components and utilities which are associated with base  9900 , and the device supported by base  9900 , may be located. 
         [0232]    Base  9900  may also be provided with leveling devices  10100  which may adjustably level base  9900 , and removable top surface  10500 . In addition, base  10100  may be easily and repeatedly assembled and disassembled for shipping, reconfiguration and/or relocation. 
         [0233]    Also, multiple bases  9900  may be configured in many different ways.  FIG. 102  depicts one such configuration in cross-sectional view, in which two bases  9900  are configured back-to-back and share a common unitary top surface  10900 . 
         [0234]      FIGS. 109 and 110  show additional features of top surface  10900 . Top surface  10900  is also removable to allow access to the inside of bases  9900 . 
         [0235]    Other possible configurations of multiple bases  9900  are depicted in  FIGS. 22 ,  23 ,  24  and  25 , as well as in Appendix A. 
         [0236]    Because of the manner in which the bases of the instant invention are designed and constructed, each of the embodiments of the invention depicted herein is scalable to any size to accommodate the variations in the dimensions of the devices which are to be supported by the base of this invention. 
         [0237]    For example, bases  12300 ,  14300 , and  16400  depicted in  FIGS. 123 through 142 ,  FIGS. 143 through 162 , and  FIGS. 163 through 182 , respectively, each comprise a table-type base. Each table-type base comprises top surfaces  12900 ,  14900  and  16900 , opposing side panels  13600 ,  15600 , and  17600 , and front panels  13500 ,  15500  and  17500 , respectively. However, none of the bases incorporate a foot rest. 
         [0238]    The height of each of the bases of each embodiment shown varies with base  12300  being the shortest in height, base  14300  being of medium height, and base  16400  being the tallest. This change in height is essentially accomplished by varying the height of side panels  13600 ,  15600 , and  17600 , respectively, and front panels  13500 ,  15500 , and  17500 , respectively. Most other components may remain the same dimensions and are otherwise interchangeable with each base regardless of height. 
         [0239]    The scalability of the base of the instant invention may be applied to almost any dimension or dimensions such that the base may accommodate the dimensions of any device with which the base is to be used, or to meet any other size or dimensional requirement desired. 
         [0240]    It should also be noted that each of the individual features present in each of the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein (e.g. foot rests, sled mountings, carpet holders, leveling devices, and the like) may be individually or collectively incorporated into any embodiment of the instant invention. 
         [0241]    The disclosure herein is directed to the variations and modifications of the elements and methods of the invention disclosed that will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the disclosure herein. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention, provided those modifications and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and the equivalents thereof.