Abstract:
A gaming machine in which the number of parts for securing a decorative panel is small, so the decorative panel is easy to attach and detach. A frame supports a decorative panel from a front face of the decorative panel. The frame is detachably attached to a door. The door is provided with a support part for supporting the decorative panel from a rear face of the decorative panel. When the frame is secured to the door, the decorative panel is held between the frame and the support part.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Applications No. 2002-316728, filed on Oct. 30, 2002; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to a gaming machine. 
   2. Related Background Art 
   In general, slot machines, video slot machines, and the like placed in casinos and arcades are provided with decorations by which kinds of gaming machines are discernible at a glance even from a distance. However, decorating a cabinet itself is problematic in that the cabinet loses its versatility, so that it fails to be reused, increases the manufacturing cost, and so forth. Therefore, in this regard, many gaming machines are decorated such that a semitransparent decorative panel is fitted therein and electrically illuminated from behind so as to make designs formed on the panel visible. 
   Specifically, a console to be operated by gamers and a display unit for displaying details of games are disposed at a position relatively close to the eye level of gamers, whereas the above-mentioned decorative panel is incorporated above and/or below these units. 
   Conventionally, such a decorative panel had been fixed beforehand to a frame covering surroundings of the decorative panel, and then the frame has been attached to a gaming machine (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-631). Examples of methods for mounting the frame to the gaming machine include those fitting individual sides of the frame into the gaming machine, those attaching the frame to the gaming machine in a door-like fashion, etc. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   However, decorative panels are often illuminated with a light source from behind for their decoration. The illuminated parts do not employ aggregates and the like for increasing the strength of the panel and are relatively easy to break. Therefore, the decorative panel must be replaced alone when broken. 
   On the other hand, though the cabinet of such a gaming machine is often reused as it is as mentioned above, its decorative panel must be replaced if a different game is to be installed therein. 
   For securing the above-mentioned decorative panel to a frame beforehand, however, the decorative panel must be fastened with screws and the like at its peripheral parts in contact with the frame. 
   Therefore, it takes too much time and trouble to remove and attach the decorative panel, and requires a large number of parts for attachment. These parts and manpower in operations have been expensive. 
   In view of the foregoing problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine in which the number of parts for securing a decorative panel is small, whereas the decorative panel is easy to attach thereto and detach therefrom. 
   The gaming machine in accordance with the present invention comprises a cabinet; a light source disposed within the cabinet; a decorative panel, disposed in front of the light source, including one surface for receiving light from the light source; support means, provided with the cabinet, for supporting the decorative panel from the one surface; and a frame, detachably attached to the cabinet, including a back face for supporting the decorative panel from the other surface thereof opposite from the one surface in a state where the frame is secured to the cabinet. 
   When the frame is fixed to the cabinet in this configuration, the decorative panel is supported by the frame and the support means, whereby no parts for securing the decorative panel to the frame are necessary. This can reduce the cost of parts and the time and trouble to replace the decorative panel. 
   In conventional gaming machines, a decorative panel had been fixed beforehand with screws and the like to a frame for securing the decorative panel, and then the frame has been secured to the cabinet so that the decorative panel is mounted to the cabinet. However, such a configuration requires a large number of parts for securing the decorative panel and the frame to each other. Further, the decorative panel has been very hard to remove and attach when needed to be replaced. 
   Therefore, the present invention is configured such that the decorative panel is not fixed to the frame beforehand, but is secured as being held between the frame and the cabinet at the time when fixing the frame to the cabinet. This configuration necessitates few parts for securing the decorative panel to the frame. Also, it allows the decorative panel to be replaced quite easily. 
   Preferably, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the support means supports the decorative panel while in a state in contact with only a peripheral part of the one surface of the decorative panel. 
   This configuration makes it possible to support the decorative panel by the peripheral part thereof alone, whereby functions of the decorative panel can fully be exhibited without blocking the light illuminating the decorative panel from the light source. 
   Preferably, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the frame further comprises panel safety means, disposed at a position opposing a bottom end of the decorative panel, for preventing the decorative panel from dropping out. 
   Since the frame is provided with panel safety means for preventing the decorative panel from dropping out, the decorative panel does not drop out even when the frame is not secured to the cabinet. Therefore, the decorative panel can be prevented from breaking because of dropping and the like. As a consequence, operations for opening/closing the frame for replacing the decorative panel and the light source, etc., can be carried out safely. 
   Preferably, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the frame is formed with an insertion opening for receiving the decorative panel from a bottom end thereof. 
   When the decorative panel is inserted from the insertion opening in this configuration, the decorative panel can be accommodated in a space provided beforehand between the frame and the safety means, whereby it becomes easier to handle the decorative panel. 
   Though the decorative panel is inserted from the upper face of the frame in the configuration mentioned above, the inserting position may be located at a side face. 
   Preferably, in the gaming machine of the present invention, a shaft is attached to the cabinet, whereas one end of the frame is axially supported by the shaft. This configuration allows the frame to rotate about the shaft, which makes it easier to secure the frame to the cabinet or release the frame from the cabinet. 
   Preferably, the gaming machine of the present invention further comprises a cover, attached to the back face of the frame so as to expose a peripheral part of the one surface of the decorative panel, for covering the light source while having an opening directed to the frame; whereas a space for accommodating the decorative panel is formed between the cover and the frame; the support means supporting the decorative panel while in a state in contact with only the peripheral part in one surface of the decorative panel. In this configuration, the decorative panel can be accommodated in the space between the cover for covering the light source and the frame, whereby the decorative panel can be prevented from toppling down when securing the frame to the cabinet or releasing the frame from the cabinet. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of the slot machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a view showing a state where the frame in the embodiment is opened; 
       FIG. 3  is a view showing a state where the frame in the embodiment is opened; 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the frame in the embodiment; and 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the state where the frame in the embodiment is opened. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   In the following, an embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. Though this embodiment will be explained while employing the present invention in a slot machine, the present invention is not restricted thereto but is employable in various gaming machines such as video gaming machines, medal gaming machines, and card gaming machines. 
   The configuration of the slot machine in accordance with this embodiment will now be explained. 
     FIG. 1  is a front view of the slot machine  1 . In this specification, words indicating directions will be used with reference to the state shown in  FIG. 1 . Namely, the state in which the gaming machine  1  stands erect is taken as a reference, and the direction from a cabinet  2  to a top frame  4  is defined as upward. The direction from the gaming machine  1  to a position where a gamer plays a game is defined as forward or front side. 
   In the gaming machine  1 , a door  3  is attached to the cabinet  2  so as to be able to open and close. The top frame  4  is attached to the upper side of the cabinet  2 . A decorative panel  41  is provided in front of the top frame  4 . 
   An image display unit  21  for displaying game information is placed within the cabinet  2 . In order for the display of the image display unit  21  to be viewable, a window is formed in the upper part of the door  3 , whereas a transparent plate for making the display of the image display unit  21  viewable or protecting the image display unit  21  is attached to the window. Formed on both sides of the window are speaker grills for making it easy to hear sound effects or incidental music generated according to states of games. 
   Disposed at the center part on the front face of the door  3  is a control panel  5  in a projecting form. Namely, the control panel  5  projects forward from the door  3 . In the slope on the right side of the control panel  5 , various operating buttons are arranged together with a coin slot  51  for inserting coins. Provided on the left side of the control panel  5  is a bill guide  52  for guiding bills into a bill identifier (bill validator) accommodated in the cabinet  2 . 
   Provided below the control panel  5  is a frame  6  connected to the door  3  in a freely opening and closing fashion. The frame  6  incorporates a decorative panel  61  therein. The decorative panel  61  is provided with a decoration indicating the kind of the gaming machine and the like. The decorative panel  41  of the top frame  4  located above the screen of the image display unit  21  is also provided with the decoration in an easily viewable fashion. 
   Formed below the lower frame  6  at the bottom part of the door  3  is a coin tray  30  for receiving coins. 
     FIG. 2  is a view showing a state where the frame  6  is opened, the frame  6  being seen from its back face.  FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing a state where the frame  6  is opened, the frame  6  being seen from its back face. The top frame  4  is not shown in  FIG. 5 . A shaft  64  is disposed at the right side of the frame  6 , whereby the frame  6  is rotatably connected to the door  3 . A cover  62  is attached to the back face of the frame  6  so that the back face is substantially covered therewith. 
   The upper end of the cover  62  is set such that a support part  3 A in the door  3 , which will be explained later, can enter. Similarly, the lower end of the cover  62  is set such that a support part  3 A in the door  3  can enter. A chain  6 B has one end connected to the cover  62 , and the other end connected to the door  3 . The chain  6 B is used for preventing the frame  6  from opening from the door  3  by a predetermined angle or greater. 
     FIG. 3  is a view showing a state where the frame  6  is opened. This is a view showing a state where both the door  3  and the frame  6  are seen from behind. As shown in  FIG. 3 , a pair of support parts  3 A bent to project toward the frame  6  are formed in the door  3 . A pressing member  31  such as sponge is bonded to each support part  3 A, for example. When the frame  6  is closed, the upper face of the frame  6  is placed near the bottom face of the control panel  5 . 
     FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the frame  6 . The decorative panel  61  has a rectangular form, and is constituted by a light-transparent glass or synthetic resin material. 
   The frame includes a frame plate  63 . The frame plate  63  comprises a front part disposed so as to support the peripheral part of the surface of the decorative panel  61 , right and left sides extending in directions intersecting the front part, and an edge  632  extending from the bottom end of the front part into a direction intersecting the front part. The upper end of the frame plate  63  is formed with an insertion opening for inserting the decorative panel  61 . 
   The frame plate  63  is integrally formed from a lightweight metal material or a hard lightweight synthetic resin material. The decorative panel  61  is accommodated in a space between the sides of the frame plate  63 . A window  631  is formed in the front part of the frame plate  63  so that the decoration of the decorative panel  61  is visible when the decorative panel  61  is accommodated in the frame plate  63 . For preventing the decorative panel  61  from dropping out, the edge  632  extends from the frame plate  63  at the bottom part thereof. 
   A plate  6 A 1  for securing a cylinder lock  6 A to the frame plate  63  is disposed at the left side of the frame plate  63 . Connected to the terminating end of the rotary shaft of the cylinder lock  6 A is a stopper  6 A 2  for locking the frame  6  to the door  3 . A through hole  633  is formed in the right side of the frame plate  63 . A shaft  64  is inserted into the through hole  633 , whereby the frame plate  63  is rotatably connected to the door  3 . 
   The cover  62  is fixed to the frame plate  63 . A pair of sockets  65 A,  65 B are attached to the inner wall of the cover  62 , whereas a fluorescent lamp  65  is attached to the sockets  65 A,  65 B. In the state where the cover  62  is attached to the frame plate  63 , a gap in which the thickness of the decorative panel  61  can just be inserted is formed between the inner face of the cover  62  and the back wall of the frame plate  63 . 
   Specifically, the cover  62  covers the fluorescent lamp  65  while having an opening directed to the back face of the frame plate  63 . When the frame  6  is secured to the door  3 , the fluorescent lamp  65  is located within the door  3 . A gap for accommodating the decorative panel  61  is formed between the cover  62  and the frame plate  63 . The decorative panel  61  accommodated in the space has a rear face for receiving the light from the fluorescent lamp  65  and a front face for emitting thus received light. The cover  62  is attached to the back face of the frame  63  so as to expose the upper and lower end parts of the back face of the decorative panel  61 . 
   Effects will now be explained. 
   As explained in connection with  FIG. 4 , the edge  632  for preventing the decorative panel  61  from dropping out extends from the bottom part of the frame plate  63 . In the state where the cover  62  is attached to the frame plate  63 , a gap in which the thickness of the decorative panel  61  can just be inserted is formed between the inner face of the cover  62  and the back wall of the frame plate  63 . In the state where the frame  6  is closed, the bottom face of the control panel  5  prevents the decorative panel  61  from projecting. The foregoing configuration generates a state in which the decorative panel  61  is accommodated in the frame  6 . Namely, the frame plate  63  accommodates, together with the cover  62  attached thereto, the decorative panel  61 , thereby preventing the decorative panel plate  61  from dropping out and toppling down. 
   However, the decorative panel  61  is not completely secured by the foregoing alone, but is in an unstable state. In this embodiment, when the frame  6  is locked to the door  3 , the pair of pressing members  31  bonded to the support parts  3 A of the door  3  press the upper and lower peripheral parts in the rear face of the decorative panel  61 . When the rear face of the decorative panel  61  is pressed by the pressing members  31 , peripheral parts in the front face of the decorative panel  61  come into contact with the back face of the frame plate  63 . Then, the support parts  3 A of the door  3  and the frame plate  63 , with the pressing members  31  interposed therebetween, hold and support the decorative panel  61  therebetween. As such, the decorative panel  61  is placed in a stable state. Here, the support parts  3 A of the door  3  and the pressing members  31  constitute support means. 
   In a state where the frame  6  is opened (unlocked state), on the other hand, the decorative panel  61  attains a free state, which makes it easier for the decorative panel  61  to be pulled out from the upper side. Though the decorative panel  61  can be inserted/pulled from the upper side of the frame plate  63 , a side face of the frame plate  63  may be opened such that the decorative panel  61  can be inserted in/pulled out sideways. 
   When the frame  6  is locked to the door  3 , on the other hand, the pressing members  31  bonded to the support parts  3 A of the door  3  press the peripheral parts of the decorative panel  61  in the vicinity of the bottom face thereof as mentioned above. Namely, the configuration that “the support means supports the decorative panel while in a state in contact with only a peripheral part of the decorative panel” makes it possible to support the decorative panel  61  from behind at only the peripheral part thereof, whereby functions of the decorative panel can fully be exhibited without blocking the light illuminating the decorative panel from the fluorescent panel  65 . The light irradiating means is not limited to the fluorescent lamp. Any light illuminating means can be used as long as the decorative panel is illuminated from inside thereby. 
   In a state where the decorative panel  61  is removed from the frame plate  63 , it becomes easier to replace the fluorescent lamp, since the window  631  of the frame plate  63  is open widely. 
   In the configuration of  FIG. 4 , the cover  62  is constituted by a silver-colored material such as aluminum, so that the back scattering light of the fluorescent lamp  65  is reflected toward the decorative panel  61 , which is effective in that the decorative panel  61  becomes brighter than in the case with no reflection by the cover  62 . 
   Further, the decorative panel  41  of the top frame  4  is brightly illuminated with an internal light source, whereby the existence of the slot machine  1  is shown up by the light-emitting screen of the display unit  21  as well as effects of the decorative panels  41 ,  61  disposed thereabove and thereunder.