REEL TAPE FIXING DEVICE AND REEL

Abstract: The reel tape fixing device according to this invention comprises reel tape fixing means for securing the reel tape wound on the reel frame, slide means having a flat surface which slides on a side surface of the circular reel frame, radially positioning means for retaining a position in the radial direction, projected from the slide means, and engaged in a groove formed in the reel frame in the circumferential direction thereof, guide means for guiding the radially positioning means into the groove, projected in parallel with the slide means from a position opposed to the radial positioning means, and circumferentially positioning means for retaining a position in the circumferential direction in mesh with a plurality of paws formed partially on the periphery of the reel frame on the opposite side of the groove.

Description: This invention relates to a reel tape fixing device for securing a reel tape to a circular reel frame. A known reel for a slot machine, as shown in EP-A-0142370, comprises a cylindrical body comprised of two interconnected cylindrical frames, each frame being provided with teeth spaced around the periphery thereof. A sheet or tape bearing symbols is supported on the teeth of the cylindrical frames. As shown in Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings, it is conventional to fix a reel tape to a circular reel frame 1 of a slot machine with a double-sided adhesive tape 2 adhered to the entire circumference of the reel frame. In Fig. 1, an index 3, a reel sensor 4 and a motor (not shown) are fixed relative to the frame support and thus great care has to be taken to ensure that the symbols on the reel tape are positioned accurately circumferentially about the frame so that when the frame is stopped rotating in use by the index, a symbol on the tape visible through the window of the slot machine is aligned with a reference line on the window. Without alignment of the symbols with the reference line on the slot machine window, the symbols of respective reels will also not align with one another. It is also known to mount the index 3 so that it is displaceable relative to the frame support whereby it can be moved circumferentially relative to the reel frame when the latter is stationary. This enables adjustment of the stopping position of the reel frame to be made in order to align a symbol on the reel tape with the reference line on the slot machine window after the tape has been fixed to the reel frame. However, in this case when the reel is abruptly stopped, the index 3 deviates, with a result that the alignment between a symbol on the reel tape and the reference line on the window is lost. Another problem with the above-mentioned conventional fixing method is that when a reel tape which has been used requires changing, the double-side adhesive tape 2 tends to stick to the reel frame 1, and it takes much time to change the reel tape for another. An object of this invention is to provide a reel tape fixing device for securing a reel tape to a circular frame which makes it possible to adjust the circumferential location of the tape relative to the frame. The invention provides a device for securing a reel tape to a circular reel frame of a slot machine, comprising a support means adapted to secure end portions of the tape in overlapping relationship, and mounting means for mounting the support means to the frame, the mounting means being adapted to locate the support means radially and circumferentially with respect to the frame and to be slidable on a surface of the frame to allow adjustment of the circumferential location. Preferably the mounting means comprises: slide means having a flat surface adapted to be slideable, in use, on said surface of said reel frame; radial positioning means projecting from the slide means and engageable in a circumferential groove formed in said reel frame for retaining the position of the device relative to the frame in the radial direction of the frame; guide means projecting parallel to said flat surface of said slide means for guiding said radial positioning means into said groove; and circumferential positioning means adapted to releasably engage with a plurality of ribs formed on the periphery of said reel frame on the opposite side thereof to said groove for retaining a position of the device relative to the frame in said circumferential direction of the frame. The support means may have a reinforcing portion projecting in the axial direction of said reel frame when said device is retained relative to said frame by said radial and circumferential positioning means. The support means may have a plurality of screw holes arranged in the axial direction of the said reel frame when said device is retained relative to said frame by said radial and circumferential positioning means. The support means may include a support surface which extends from said mounting means at an angle which is perpendicular to said flat surface of said slide means. The support means may include a support surface which extends radially outward with respect to the frame when said device is retained relative to said frame by said radial and circumferential positioning means. The support means may include a support surface which extends from said mounting means at an inclined angle relative to said flat surface of said slide means. The slide means may have a portion adapted to be positioned adjacent the radially outer edge of the reel frame when the device is retained relative to said frame by said radial and circumferential positioning means, said portion being provided with corrugated projections. These corrugated projections may have substantially the same curvature as said radially outer edge of said reel frame. As one alternative, the above-mentioned portion of the slide means may be provided with triangular projections. The radial positioning means may comprise a rectangular parallelepiped projecting member. In a preferred embodiment, the radial positioning means comprises two projections for engaging said groove of said reel frame provided circumferentially spaced apart locations. The guide means may comprise a projection substantially in the form of a cone or prism tapered upwardly toward the free end thereof. The circumferential positioning means may have an inverted T section. The circumferential positioning means may comprise a pawl member adapted to engage with said plurality of ribs formed on the periphery of said reel frame, and a clamp member for widening a gap between said pawl member and said slide means. The circumferential positioning means may comprise a pawl member having a tooth pitch smaller than the pitch of said plurality of ribs formed on the periphery of said reel frame. The invention also includes a reel for a slot machine comprising: a circular reel frame having a circumferential groove formed therein and a plurality of ribs formed on said reel frame on the opposite side thereof to said groove; and a device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 for securing a reel tape to said reel, said slide means being engaged with a surface of said frame for sliding cooperation therewith and said device being retained relative to said frame by said radial positioning means being engaged in said groove and said circumferential positioning means being engaged with said plurality of ribs. In order that the invention may be well understood, an embodiment thereof and some modifications thereto, which are given by way of example only, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing prior art means for fixing of a reel tape to a reel frame; Figs. 2A and 2B are perspective views of an embodiment of a reel tape fixing device according to this invention, together with a reel frame; Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C are sectional views showing the process of mounting the reel tape fixing device to the reel frame; Fig. 4 is a broken perspective view indicating assemble of the reel; and Figs. 5A-E are views of respective modifications of the reel tape fixing device. Referring now to Figs 2A to 3C there is shown a reel frame 1 and a reel tape fixing device 5 being engaged in a reel frame 1. A projection 1a is formed circumferentially on an the inner side surface of the reel frame 1. A plurality of circumfrentially spaced apart ribs 1b are formed on the projection 1a. A circumfrential groove 1c is formed in the outer side surface of a member the reel frame 1. The reel tape fixing device 5 basically comprises a reel tape fixing, or support, means 5a and mounting means comprising a slide means 5b, radial positioning means 5c, guide means 5d, and circumferential positioning means 5e. The reel tape fixing means 5a secures a reel tape (not shown) wound on the reel frame 1 and has a plurality of screw holes 5f formed in a flat surface thereof parallel with the reel tape for supporting the same. The screw holes 5f are formed equidistantly from one another to accommodate various types of reel tapes having different widths. The reel tape fixing means 5a of the reel tape fixing device 5 is partially formed as a bracket section for reinforcement (see Figs. 3a to 3c). The slide means 5b is in the form of a member having a flat surface arranged such that when the device 5 is mounted to the reel frame this surface parallel with a side surface member 1e of the reel frame 1 for sliding cooperation therewith. The slide means 5b has a portion adjacent the radially outer edge portion of the reel frame 1, which portion is provided with a plurality of corrugations 5g engageable by a thumb or the like to facilitate moving the reel tape fixing device circumferentially. The slide means 5b has radial positioning means 5c which are in the form of a plurality rectangular parallelepipied projections engageable in the circumfrential groove 1c of the reel frame. In this embodiment, a rectangular parallelepiped shape is used for the radial positioning means 5c but, needless to say, the shape of the radial positioning means is not limited to being rectangular. The radial positioning means 5c may be cylindrical or conical projections as long as they can fix the radial position. The shape and the pitch of the rectangular projections are determined suitably empirically or experimentally in view of a size of the groove 1c formed in the reel frame 1. The guide means 5d are in the form of substantially conical projections extending parallel to the flat slide means 5b at positions opposed to the radial positioning means 5c. The side surface member 1e of the reel frame 1 is inserted between the guide means 5d and the slide portion 5b, and the radial positioning means 5c are engaged in the groove 1c formed in the member 1e of the reel frame 1 (see Fig. 3C). The form of the guide means 5d is not limited to conical projections, but may be, for example, tapered rectangular parallelepipeds or tapered elliptical cylinders. Guide means having such configurations provide an increased contact area with the projection 1a on the inner side surface of the reel frame 1 thereby preventing circumferential deviation of the reel tape fixing device 5. The circumferential positioning means 5e has a section of inverted T shape (see Fig. 3) and comprises a clamp member 5h and pawl member 5i. The clamp member 5h and the pawl 5i are formed in one piece. The gap between the pawl 5i and the slide means 5b is widened by pressing the clamp member 5h in a direction generally towards the paws 5i (see Fig. 3B). The number, pitch and shape of the teeth of the pawl 5i is suitably determined experimentally or empirically in view of the pitch and shape of the ribs 1b of the reel frame 1. What should be noted is that the pawl 5i and the ribs 1b engage each other to circumferentially fix the device 5 relative to the frame 1. Next the function of the reel tape fixing device 5 will be explained with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. Assembly of the reel will be explained with reference to Fig. 4 . Fig. 4 is a broken perspective view of the reel tape fixing device prior to mounting to the reel frame 1. A reel tape 6 is of a rectangular shape and has sides longer than the circumference of the reel frame 1. Symbols, such as patterns, figures, etc. are present on the front, or outer, side of the reel tape 6. Two screw holes 6a are formed in one end of the reel tape 6 at the positions corresponding to the screw holes formed in the reel tape fixing means. Double sided adhesive tape is adhered between the two screw holes 6a. Two slots 6b elongated in the longitudinal direction of the reel tape 6 are formed in the other end of the reel tape 6. The screw holes 6a, and the slots 6b are formed at the same pitch so that the screw holes 6a overlap the corresponding slots 6b when the reel tape 6 is wound on the reel frame 1. Firstly, the reel tape fixing device 5 is mounted on the reel frame 1. Mounting of the reel tape fixing device 5 on the reel frame 1 will be explained in detail later with reference to Fig. 3. Then, one end of the reel tape 6 is secured via the screw holes 5f to the reel tape fixing means 5a with screws. Further the reel tape 6 is wound around the frame and the other end thereof is adhered to the double sided adhesive tape applied to the end mentioned above and fastened with the screws passing through the screw holes 5. The This secures the reel tape 6 to the reel frame 1. Mounting of the reel tape fixing device 5 will be explained how with reference to Fig. 3. Firstly, the reel tape fixing device 5 is brought towards the reel frame 1 from the inside thereof such that the outer side surface of member 1e of the reel frame 1 is engaged by the flat surface of slide means 5b of the reel tape fixing device 5 (Fig. 3A). Then the clamp member 5h of the circumferential positioning means 5e is pressed in the direction of arrow (B) to widen the gap between the pawl 5i and the slide means 5b (Fig. 3B). The clamp member 5h is returned to its original position when the radial positioning means 5c come into engagement with the groove 1c of the reel frame 1 thereby to cause the pawl member 5i to engage the ribs 1b of the reel frame 1 (Fig. 3 C). In other words, engagement of the radial positioning means 5c in the groove 1c of the reel frame 1 and that of the pawl 5i with the ribs 1b of the reel frame 1 secures the reel tape fixing device 5 to the reel frame 1. Fig. 2B shows a broken away top plan view of Fig. 3C . Fig 4 illustrates the mounting of the reel tape 6 as described above. Fig.5 shows modifications of the reel tape fixing device. Fig. 5A is a side view showing a first modification of the reel tape fixing device. The difference from the embodiment described above (see Fig.2) is that the reel tape fixing means has the central portion elevated outward. In this case, a frame member 1d provided at the circumference of the reel frame as shown in Fig 2 also has its central portion elevated. Fig.5B is a plan view showing a second modification of the reel tape fixing device. The difference from the embodiment described above (see Fig.2) is that the supporting surface of the reel tape fixing means extends from the slide means at an inclined angle relative to the flat surface of the slide means rather than perpendicularly thereto. Thus the area on which the reel tape is fixed , is enlarged and the fixing force is increased accordingly. Fig. 5C is a view taken in the direction of the side of the reel showing a third modification of the reel tape fixing device. The difference from the embodiment described above (see Fig.2) is that the portion of the slide means engageable by a thumb or the like has triangular projections. Fig.5D is a view similar to that shown in Fig 5C and shows a fourth modification of the reel tape fixing device. The difference from the embodiment described above (see Fig.2) is that the portion of the slide means engageable by a thumb or the like has corrugated projections formed on an edge of the slide means having substantially the same curvature as the radially outer edge surface of the reel frame. Fig.5E is a perspective view showing a fifth modification of the reel tape fixing device. The difference from the embodiment described above (see Fig.2) is that each of the guide means is in the form of a prism tapered toward the top. Arranging one side of the polygonal base so as to be parallel to the slide means, results in an increase in the fixing force in the circumferential direction due to line contact between the guide means and the circular reel frame. From the above it will be appreciated that the illustrated device enables a reel tape to be changed readily and a symbol on the reel tape to be easily aligned with a reference line on the window of a slot machine in which the reel is fitted.

Claims: A device (5) for securing a reel tape (6) to a circular reel frame (1) of a slot machine, comprising a support means (5a) adapted to secure end portions of the tape in overlapping relationship, and mounting means (5b, 5c, 5d, 5e) for mounting the support means to the frame, the mounting means being adapted to locate the support means radially and circumferentially with respect to the frame and to be slidable on a surface (1e) of the frame to allow adjustment of the circumferential location. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mounting means (5b, 5c, 5d, 5e) comprises: slide means (5b) having a flat surface adapted to be slideable, in use, on said surface (1e) of said reel frame (1); radial positioning means (5c) projecting from the slide means (5b) and engageable in a circumferential groove (1c) formed in said reel frame for retaining the position of the device (5) relative to the frame in the radial direction of the frame; guide means (5d) projecting parallel to said flat surface of said slide means for guiding said radial positioning means into said groove; and circumferential positioning means (5e) adapted to releasably engage with a plurality of ribs (1b) formed on the periphery of said reel frame on the opposite side thereof to said groove for retaining a position of the device relative to the frame in said circumferential direction of the frame. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said support means (5a) has a reinforcing portion projecting in the axial direction of said reel frame when said device is retained relative to said frame by said radial and circumferential positioning means. A device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein said support means (5a) has a plurality of screw holes (5f) arranged in the axial direction of the said reel frame when said device is retained relative to said frame by said radial and circumferential positioning means. A device as claimed in claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein said support means (5a) includes a support surface which extends from said mounting means (5b, 5c, 5d,5e) at an angle which is perpendicular to said flat surface of said slide means (5b). A reel tape fixing device as claimed in claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein said support means (5a) includes a support surface which extends radially outward with respect to the frame when said device is retained relative to said frame by said radial and circumferential positioning means. A device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein said support means (5a) includes a support surface which extends from said mounting means at an inclined angle relative to said flat surface of said slide means. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein said slide means (5b) has a portion adapted to be positioned adjacent the radially outer edge of the reel frame when the device is retained relative to said frame by said radial and circumferential positioning means, said portion being provided with corrugated projections (5g). A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said corrugated projections (5g) have substantially the same curvature as said radially outer edge of said reel frame. A reel tape fixing device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein said slide means (5b) has a portion adapted to be positioned adjacent the radially outer edge of the reel frame when the device is retained relative to said frame by said radial and circumferential positioning means, said portion being provided with triangular projections. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein said radial positioning means (5c) comprises a rectangular parallelepiped projecting member. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein said radial positioning means (5c) comprises two projections for engaging said groove of said reel frame provided circumferentially spaced apart locations. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 12 wherein said guide means (5d) comprises a projection substantially in the form of a cone tapered upwardly toward the free end thereof. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein said guide means (5d) comprises a projection in the form of a prism tapered upwardly toward the free end thereof. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein said circumferential positioning means (5e) has an inverted T shaped section. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 15, wherein said circumferential positioning means (5e) comprises a pawl member (5i) adapted to engage with said plurality of ribs (1b) formed on the periphery of said reel frame, and a clamp member (5h) for widening a gap between said pawl member and said slide means (5b). A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 16, wherein said circumferential positioning means (5e) has a pawl member (5i) having a tooth pitch smaller than the pitch of said plurality of ribs (1b) formed on the periphery of said reel frame. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 17, wherein said guide means (5d) and said circumferential positioning means (5c) are positioned radially inwardly of said support means (5a) when said device is retained relative to said frame by said radial and circumferential positioning means. A reel for a slot machine comprising: a circular reel frame (1) having a circumferential groove (1c) formed therein and a plurality of ribs (1b) formed on said reel frame on the opposite side thereof to said groove; and a device (5) as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 for securing a reel tape (6) to said reel, said slide means (5b) being engaged with a surface (1e) of said frame for sliding cooperation therewith and said device being retained relative to said frame by said radial positioning means (5c) being engaged in said groove and said circumferential positioning means (5e) being engaged with said plurality of ribs (1b).

Inventors: NAKAMURA,KIKUO
Applicants: SIGMA, INCORPORATED
Application year: 1988
Main classification: G07F17
IPC codes: A63F9, G07F17, A63F5