Abstract:
The specification discloses a multi-wheel game-of-chance having at least two groups of spinning wheels, wherein each group includes at least two concentric spinning wheels having a viewable surface face thereon. A plurality of indicia are positioned on the peripheral of the viewable surface face of each wheel such that all indicia on each wheel is viewable to the user. Bet areas are positioned at various locations around at least a portion of each group of wheels; along a line joining the center of any two groups of wheels; and/or a junction between various radially positioned lines extending from the center of two or more groups of wheels. Each bet area represents a possible payline with various pay ratios depending on the probability of various predetermined combinations. For instance, a one-group combination payline has the lowest pay ratio; a two-group payline requires the combination from two groups of wheels and thus, has a higher pay ratio than a one-group payline; and as additional group combination paylines are added, the higher the pay ratio can become.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority of and incorporates by reference U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/174,988, filed on Jan. 7, 2000. This application is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/638,866, filed Aug. 15, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,893, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/212,108, flied Dec. 15, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,962. This application is further a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/527,705, filed Mar. 17. 2000, which claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisional application No. 60/126,052, filed Mar. 23, 1999. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to devices and methods for playing games. More specifically, this invention relates to a device and method for playing a game of chance wherein indicia on a plurality of spinning wheels or representations of wheels are combined along one or more pay lines to produce a game outcome. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The gaming industry has long been trying to develop gaming devices that are more exciting and enjoyable to play. When gaming devices are more exciting and enjoyable, they tend to be played more by players and they tend to generate more revenue for the gaming device operator or provider. 
     For example, spinning reel gaming devices are well known in the prior art and have long been a staple of the gaming industry. These games utilize one or more actual or apparent cylindrical reels that spin around an axis in response to the player&#39;s activation of the game. Game symbols are displayed on the outer circumference of the reels. Typically, the game is won and a prize is awarded when the game symbols on the reels provide a particular predetermined outcome shown when the reels stop spinning. As a result, a three-wheel game might provide a large award to the player if the outcome is three bars in a row displayed by the three co-axial and adjacent reels, as viewed by the player. 
     For wagering game tables, however, there have been much fewer tables that utilize spinning reels. One such example that has become well known in the industry is roulette. Roulette uses a wagering mat and a single separated spinning reel having a plurality of numbered receiving channels positioned peripherally around the center of the reel. Players place wagers on the wagering mat at one or more positions, wherein each position has a predetermined pay ratio depending on the probability of winning. The dealer then places a ball on an upper inwardly-angled edge of the reel and the reel is spun. As the reel slows and the centrifugal force on the ball becomes less than the gravitational force, the ball rolls toward the center of the reel and is captured in one of the numbered receiving channels, thereby indicating the winning wagers, if any. 
     These spinning reel games can be made more exciting to the player, and thus more likely to be played, by addition of features such as flashing lights, sounds, double bonus time-periods, and progressive linking of multiple such games to a common jackpot in addition to the local jackpot for each machine on its own. These methods of making spinning reel games more exciting and more utilized are well known in the art. However, they still present the game player with only a limited number of winning combinations. 
     With regard to roulette or spinning wheel games in the prior art, they typically also have the wheels mounted at their axial center on axial drive shafts. Mounting and rotating the wheel on an axial drive places significant stress on the drive shaft and associated drive and support structure. Also, an axial mount and drive mechanism is typically noisy and easily damaged or moved off-center during use or installation or movement of the game apparatus. Axial mounting also occupies significant space for the axial drive behind the wheel, and it requires significant additional and complicated structure in order to drive multiple concentric wheels independently. 
     One of the disadvantages of spinning reel gaming devices is that they only allow a player to see a small number of game symbols on the reels. Because of the physical curvature of a reel, it is generally only possible for a view of the symbols of on a reel to be within a players view. This is not the case with wheels. Wheels may have annular surfaces around the entire circumference of a wheel. Therefore, wheels cay display a greater number of symbols than reels. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises a wagering device that includes at least two groups of spinning wheels, wherein each group includes at least two concentric spinning wheels having a viewable surface face thereon. A plurality of indicia are positioned on the periphery of the viewable surface face of each wheel such that all indicia on each wheel is viewable to the user. Bet areas are positioned at various locations around at least a portion of each group of wheels; along a line joining the center of any two groups of wheels; and/or a junction between various radially positioned lines extending from the center of two or more groups of wheels. Each bet area represents a possible pay line with various pay ratios. For instance, a bet area directly outside a single group of wheels has the lowest pay ratio since only the indicia in line with the wheels of that group and the bet area must match a predetermined winning combination. A bet area along a pay line joining the center of two groups of wheels requires a predetermined winning combination indicia on all wheels in both groups and thus, has a higher pay ratio than a single wheel group pay line. A bet area that is a junction between three center lines, for example, of three groups of wheels would have an even higher pay ratio due to the lower probability associated with the predetermined winning combination needed from all three wheels in all three groups. 
     There are many other aspects of the invention that are apparent from this. For example, any combination of two or more groups of wheels may be utilized. In addition, any number of two or more wheels may be utilized in each group. As another example, in the preferred embodiment, three groups of wheels, each group having three concentric wheels, are evenly positioned in a generally clover formation such that the two-group pay lines joining the center of each group form a generally isosceles triangle, and wherein the highest three-group combination bet area is generally formed at the center of the isosceles triangle with pay lines extending to the center of each group. 
     ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a game-of-chance apparatus and method that is more exciting for the player and thus more likely to be played. 
     It is another advantage of the present invention is that it allows players to place wagers on many different outcomes of a single game. 
     It is another advantage of the present invention to provide a table-wagering game that is utilized more than prior art games and thus generates more revenue and profits for the game owner and gaming establishment. 
     It is another advantage of the present invention to provide a “spinning reel” look and feel for a game that is utilized more than prior art games and thus generates more revenue and profits for the game owner and gaming establishment. 
     Yet another advantage is to provide a table-wagering game that can be played with a multitude of players and with or without a live operator. 
     Yet another advantage is to provide a “slot machine” type of game, thus allowing the game to be played at any time by one player and without any help from any other player or operator. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a wagering game-of-chance apparatus having a plurality of spinning wheels grouped in a plurality of groups thereby providing a multitude of wagering opportunities and pay lines and, thus a multitude of possible winning combinations. 
     A still further advantage is that the invention provides such a game in which the multiple wheels are concentric and preferably rotate or stop rotation in sequence. 
     A further advantage is that the invention provides a multi-wheeled game that is quieter and more durable and long lasting than prior multi-wheeled games. A related advantage is providing such a game with a more precise yet relatively simple drive mechanism for driving independent rotation of the wheels. A still further related advantage is providing such multi-wheeled game with resilient and reliable radial drive gears. Another advantage is providing a multi-wheeled game in which the wheel drive need not occupy as much space as conventional axial drive wheel games. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a multi-wheeled game apparatus and method in which the multiple wheels can all be viewed by the player without moving from place to place and, preferably, are all mounted together in a manner that occupies approximately the same floor space as a traditional, single game slot machine or table game. 
     There are other advantages of the present invention. They will become apparent as the specification proceeds. 
     In this regard, it is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is to be determined by reference to the accompanying claims, and not necessarily by whether any given embodiment achieves all of the objects or advantages stated herein. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in the following section by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is substantially a perspective view of the applicant&#39;s multi-wheel game apparatus shown in the preferred embodiment as a game table; 
     FIG. 2 is substantially a plan view of the multi-wheel game shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is substantially a plan view of the betting areas and paylines in the multi-wheel game of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is substantially an elevation section view of the drive system for one group of the multi-wheel game of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is substantially a broken out top view of the drive system for one group of the multi-wheel game of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 is substantially a section view taken along line  6 — 6  of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is substantially a section view taken along line  7 — 7  of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 8 is substantially a section view taken along line  8 — 8  of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 9 is substantially a broken out side view of a second embodiment of the drive system for one group of the multi-wheel game of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 10 is substantially a vertical section view of the portion of the mechanism of FIG. 9 that is enclosed by dashed line A thereof; 
     FIG. 11 a  is substantially a flow chart of the preferred method of playing the preferred multi-wheel game with the assistance of a dealer. 
     FIG. 11 b  is substantially a flow chart of the method of playing the preferred multi-wheel game without the use of a dealer. 
     FIG. 12 is substantially a diagram of a network setup of the multi-wheel game of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 13 is substantially a diagram of possible pay lines for a two-wheel configuration of the present invention. 
     FIG. 14 is substantially a diagram of two different pay lines that may be used with the present invention. 
     FIG. 15 is substantially a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention that utilizes three single wheels. 
     FIG. 16 is substantially an example of a pay table that may be used with the embodiment illustrated in FIG.  15 . 
     FIG. 17 is substantially a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention that utilizes three single wheels and V-shaped pay lines. 
     FIG. 18 is substantially a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention that utilizes rectangular shaped pay lines. 
     FIG. 19 is substantially a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention that utilizes single wheel V-shaped pay lines. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the preferred embodiment, generally indicated by reference number  10 , comprises a gaming device having generally an upper playing area  220  and a lower support base  280 . The upper playing area  220  is defined by a playing surface  228  having a first lobe  222 , a second lobe  224  and a third lobe  226 , which together generally form a clover shape. However, it is recognized that many other shapes may be used. A ridge  230  may be provided that extends upward from and on the peripheral of the playing surface  228 . 
     Positioned generally at the center of the playing surface  228  in an approximate clover positioning are preferably three groups  240 ,  260 , and  280  of concentric wheels. The first group  240  is preferably positioned at least partially within the first lobe  222 ; the second group  260  is preferably positioned at least partially within the second lobe  224 ; and the third group  280  is preferably positioned at least partially within the third lobe  226 . Each group  240 ,  260  and  280  are preferably equally spaced apart such that a line drawn connecting the centers of each group  240 ,  260 , and  280  forms an isosceles triangle. The present invention is intended to encompass a fewer number of groups and wheels. For example, only two groups of wheels may be used or only two non-concentric wheels may be used and still be within the present invention. Furthermore, the overall configuration of gaming device  10  may be different and still be within the present invention. For example, groups one or more of groups  240 ,  260 , and  280  may be in a vertical position instead of a horizontal position. The present invention is also intended to encompass non-mechanical wheels. Wheels can be represented by electronic display devices, such as a video screens or lights. 
     In the preferred embodiment, each group  240 ,  260 , and  280  comprises three concentric wheels, each having a visible annular surface positioned upward from the playing surface  228 . More specifically, the first group  240  preferably comprises a first wheel  242 , a second wheel  244  and a third wheel  246 , wherein the visible annular surface of the first wheel  242  has a larger diameter than the visible annular surface of the second wheel  244 , and wherein the visible annular surface of the second wheel  244  has a larger diameter than the visible annular surface of the third wheel  246  such that the visible annular surfaces on all three wheels  242 ,  244  and  246  can be seen by a player. 
     Similar to the first group  240 , the second group  260  preferably comprises a first wheel  262 , a second wheel  264  and a third wheel  266 , wherein the visible annular surface of the first wheel  262  has a larger diameter than visible annular surface of the second wheel  264 , and wherein the visible annular surface of the second wheel  264  has a larger diameter than the visible annular surface of the third wheel  266  such that the visible annular surfaces on all three wheels  262 ,  264  and  266  can be seen by a player. 
     Similar to the first group  240  and the second group  260 , the third group  280  preferably comprises a first wheel  282 , a second wheel  284  and a third wheel  286 , wherein the visible annular surface of the first wheel  282  has a larger diameter than the visible annular surface of the second wheel  284 , and wherein the visible annular surface of the second wheel  284  has a larger diameter than the visible annular surface of the third wheel  286  such that the visible annular surfaces on all three wheels  282 ,  284  and  286  can be seen by a player. 
     Now referring to FIG. 3, various symbols or indicia  19 , which together can form various winning combinations, are provided at spaced-apart radial positions on the visible annular surfaces of each wheel  242 ,  244 ,  246 ,  262 ,  264 ,  266 ,  282 ,  284 , and  286 . A plurality of wager locations  290 ,  292 ,  294 ,  300 ,  302 ,  304  and  320  corresponding to various pay lines are positioned on the playing surface  228  proximal to the wheel groups  240 ,  260 , and  280 , wherein wager locations  290 ,  292  and  294  are single group wagers; wager locations  300 ,  302  and  304  are double group wagers; and wager location  320  is a triple group wager. More specifically, wager locations  290  are positioned at least partially around the peripheral of first group  240 ; wager locations  292  are positioned at least partially around the peripheral of second group  260 ; and wager locations  294  are positioned at least partially around the peripheral of second group  240 . A single group wager on the first group  240  is won when predetermined symbols or indicia line up along the respective pay line on the first wheel  242 , the second wheel  244  and the third wheel  246  are combined to match a predetermined winning combination. A single group wager on the second group  260  is won when predetermined symbols or indicia line up along the respective pay line on the first wheel  262 , the second wheel  264  and the third wheel  266  are combined to match a predetermined winning combination. A single group wager on the third group  280  is won when predetermined symbols or indicia  19  line up along the respective pay line on the first wheel  282 , the second wheel  284  and the third wheel  286  are combined to match a predetermined winning combination. 
     Double group wager locations  300 ,  302 , and  304  require a winning combination from two of the three group. For instance, wager location  300  is positioned between first group  240  and second group  260  such that symbols or indicia  19  along pay line  300   a  of wheels  242 ,  244 , and  246  and pay line  300   b  of wheels  262 ,  264 , and  266  must match a predetermined winning combination in order for wager location  300  to be a winning location. Similarly, wager location  302  is positioned between second group  260  and third group  280  such that symbols or indicia  19  along pay line  302   a  of wheels  262 ,  264 , and  266  and pay line  302   b  of wheels  282 ,  284 , and  286  must match a predetermined winning combination in order for wager location  302  to be a winning location. Similarly, wager location  304  is positioned between third group  280  and first group  240  such that symbols or indicia  19  along pay line  304   a  of wheels  282 ,  284  and  286  and pay line  304   b  of wheels  242 ,  244 , and  246  must match a predetermined winning combination in order for wager location  304  to be a winning location. 
     Triple group wager location  320  is preferably positioned equally spaced between the first group  240 , the second group  260  and the third group  280 . Pay lines  320   a ,  320   b  and  320   c  extend from the wager location  320  to the center of first group  240 , second group  260  and third group  280 , respectively, and as such, a winning combination requires a matching combination from all nine wheels  242 ,  244 ,  246 ,  262 ,  264 ,  266 ,  282 ,  284 , and  288  along the respective pay lines  320   a ,  320   b , and  320   c . Because a triple group winning combination has the lowest probability, a triple group wager has the highest pay ratio, and, conversely, a single group wager has the lowest pay ratio. 
     As seen in FIG. 13, the present invention comprises an embodiment that utilizes only two wheels. In this embodiment, wheels  502  and  504  are adjacent to each other an at least one pay line is provided. Pay line  506  may be similar to pay lines  300 ,  302 , and  304  shown in FIG.  3 . However, in this embodiment, only two wheels are used. Wheels  502  and  504  do not contain concentric groups. Pay lines  508 ,  510 , and  512  are symmetrical combinations of radial pay lines. Non-symmetrical combinations of radial pay lines may also be provided, such as pay line  514 . 
     FIG. 14 illustrates linear and non-linear radial pay lines for a group of concentric wheels. In this embodiment, at least two wheels are provided,  520  and  522 . Pay line  524  radiates linearly outward while pay lines  526  and  528  radiate non-linearly outward. Linear and non-linear radial pay lines may be combined with other types of pay lines with other wheels. 
     FIG. 15 discloses an embodiment that utilizes three single wheels (no groups of concentric wheels). In this embodiment, the pay lines are similar to the those disclosed in FIG.  3 . Bet positions  530  correspond to single pay lines, bet positions  532  correspond to double pay lines, and bet positions  534  correspond to triple pay lines. 
     FIG. 16 represents an example of a pay table that may be used with the embodiment disclosed in FIG.  15 . For example, if a player placed a wager on a double pay line ( 532 ) and the positions on the pay line contained double bars (after the wheels had been spun), the player would be paid 4 credits. 
     FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment that utilizes V-shaped pay lines  340 . V-shaped pay lines  340  combine two or more symbols from different wheels. 
     FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment that utilizes rectangular pay lines  350 . Rectangular pay lines  350  also combine two or more symbols from different wheels. 
     FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment that utilizes single wheel V-shaped pay lines  360 . In this embodiment, pay lines  360  combine two or more symbols on the same wheel. 
     Now referring to FIG. 11 a,  in the preferred manual form, a dealer tends the bets and activates the wheels. The wheels are stopped in wheel stopping positions. The stopping positions may be determined in a number of ways that are well known in the art. For example, a computer may be provided that randomly generates numbers. When a number is generated, it it is compared with a wheel stopping position table that contains all of the possible stopping positions for all of the wheels. The wheels are then stopped in the positions that correspond to the random number selected by the computer. Alternatively, a random number may be generated for each wheel and the stopping position of each wheel may be independently determined. The dealer then evaluates the wins based on the combination of symbols or indicia  19  and rewards the player(s) accordingly. 
     Now referring to FIG. 11 a , in the preferred manual form, a dealer tends the bets and activates the wheels. The wheels are stopped in wheel stopping positions. The stopping positions may be determined in a number of ways that are well known in the art. For example, a computer may be provided that randomly generates numbers. When a number is generated, it is compared with a wheel stopping position table that contains all of the possible stopping positions for all of the wheels. The wheels are then stopped in the positions that correspond to the random number selected by the computer. Alternatively, a random number may be generated for each wheel and the stopping position of each wheel may be independently determined. The dealer then evaluates the wins based on the combination of symbols or indicia  19  and rewards the player(s) accordingly. 
     With continuing reference to FIG. 11 b,  a microprocessor controller may evaluate the combination of symbols or indicia  19  and award prizes to player(s) accordingly. Various pay ratios can be utilized; for exemplary purposes only, a 1:1 pay ratio can be utilized for a single group winning combination, a 3:1 pay ratio can be utilized for a two group winning combination, and a 10:1 pay ratio can be utilized for a three group winning combination. 
     Each group  240 ,  260  and  280  is preferably rotated by a separate drive mechanism that spins each wheel of each group and stops each wheel of each group in a position determined by a controller. As each driving mechanism is identical for each group  240 ,  260  and  280 , only the driving mechanism for the first group  240  is herein described in detail. Referring jointly to FIGS. 4 and 5, the periphery of each of the wheels  242 ,  244  and  246  is provided with gear teeth  31 . The wheels  242 ,  244 , and  246  are positioned, supported and driven by a compact and simple mechanism that includes three gear sets  32   a ,  32   b , and  32   c , which engage the gear teeth  31 . The gear sets  32   a ,  32   b , and  32   c  are situated adjacent to the peripheral region of the wheels  242 ,  244 , and  246  and are angularly spaced apart relative to the axis of rotation  16  of the wheels. The angular interval between the gear sets  32   a ,  32   b , and  32   c  around the axis of rotation  16  is less than 180 degrees for reasons that will hereinafter be discussed, and is preferably 120 degrees as in this particular example of the invention. 
     A pair of spaced apart circular support plates, including a forward support plate  33  and rear support plate  34 , extend vertically behind the wheels  242 ,  244 , and  246 . Bolts  35  secure the two support plates together. Referring jointly to FIGS. 4 and 6, each of the gear sets  32   a ,  32   b , and  32   c  has a rotatable drive shaft  36  which extends from a back end bearing  37  mounted in the rear support plate  34  through a bushing  38  mounted in the forward support plate  33  to a front end bearing  39  mounted in an annular front structural member  41 . The drive shaft  36  of each gear set  32   a ,  32   b , and  32   c  is driven by a separate one of three electric motors  42   a ,  42   b  and  42   c  which are situated behind the rear support plate  34  and secured to that support plate. Each such motor  42   a ,  42   b , and  42   c  turns a motor output gear  43  situated between the forward and rear support plates  33  and  34  and which engages a smaller driven gear  44  situated on the drive shaft  36  of the associated one of the gear sets  32   a ,  32   b , and  32   c  at a location between the support plates. The drive shafts  36  are constrained to rotate with the driven gears  44  in this example by keys  46  within the driven gears that seat in longitudinal keyway slots  47  that extend along each drive shaft. Alternately, the driven gears  44  may be locked to the drive shafts  36  by setscrews or other means known to the art. 
     Referring to FIGS. 6,  7  and  8  in conjunction, each of the gear sets  32   a ,  32   b  and  32   c  has three wheel support gears disposed along the drive shaft  36  including a front support gear  48 , an intermediate support gear  49  and a rear support gear  51 . The front support gear  48  engages the teeth  31  of the first wheel  242 , intermediate support gear  49  engages the teeth  31  of the second wheel  244 , and the rear support gear  51  engages the teeth  31  of the third wheel  246 . The support gears  48 ,  49 , and  51  are of equal outer diameter in this example of the invention and are proportioned to abut against each other. A tubular sleeve  52  is disposed on each drive shaft  36  in coaxial relationship therewith and extends between bushing  38  and the rear support gear  51  to hold the support gears at the locations along the shaft at which they engage the wheels  242 ,  244 , and  246 . 
     Provided that the angular interval between successive ones of the three gear sets  32   a ,  32   b , and  32   c  around the axis of rotation of the wheels  242 ,  244 , and  246  is less than 180 degrees as previously described, the support gears  48 ,  49 , and  51  act to hold each of the wheels in a centered relationship relative to the axis of rotation. The gear sets  32   a ,  32   b , and  32   c  also function to rotate each of the wheels  242 ,  244 , and  246 . In particular as shown in FIG. 6, at gear set  32   a  the front support gear  48  is constrained to rotate with drive shaft  36  by an internal key  53  which seats in the drive shaft keyway slot  47 . The other two support gears  49  and  51  at gear set  32   a  are idler gears that are free to rotate relative to the drive shaft  36 . Thus, the first gear set  32   a  both supports and drives the first wheel  242  while serving only as a support for the other wheels  244  and  246 . 
     At the second gear set  32   b , as shown in FIG. 5, it is the intermediate support gear  49  that is constrained to rotate with drive shaft  36  by an internal key  53  while the front and rear support gears  48  and  51  are idler gears that may turn relative to the shaft. Thus, the second gear set  32   b  drives the second wheel  244  while also serving as a support for the other two wheels  242  and  246 . 
     With reference to FIG. 8, at the third gear set  32   c  the rear support gear  51  is constrained to rotate with drive shaft  36  by an internal key  53  with the front and intermediate support gears  48  and  49  being free turning relative to the shaft. Accordingly, the third gear set drives the third wheel  246  while functioning as a support for the other two wheels  242  and  244 . 
     Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the wheels, wheel support, and drive mechanism are unitized by connectors  35  that extend from the annular front structural member  41  to the circular front support plate  33  and the assembly has a maximum diameter that enables insertion and withdrawal of the unitized mechanism through the opening  22 . This facilitates assembly and repairing of the slot machine. The unitized mechanism is positioned at its back end by a support bracket  50  that extends from rear support plate  34  into a socket  55  that is secured to the rear wall of cabinet  21 . 
     With continued reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the wheel drive motors  42   a ,  42   b , and  42   c  are preferably controlled by a microprocessor circuit, contained within a circuit housing  54 , which maybe of the known design that is commonly used in conventional modern gaming devices. The motors  42   a ,  42   b , and  42   c  are brake gear motors of the known stepping form which separately rotate each wheel  242 ,  244 , and  246  through a predetermined number of angular increments that is determined by the control circuitry and which varies during successive games. Referring again to FIG. 2, the angular increment through which each wheel  242 ,  244 , and  246  is traveled during each step of the rotary movement corresponds to the angular spacing of the centers of successive ones of the indicia  19  about the axis of rotation of the wheels. Thus, indicia  19  of each wheel  242 ,  244  and  246  are in alignment along radii of the axis of rotation when the motors stop turning the wheels. The presence of particular indicia  19  or combinations of indicia at a pay line at that time determines the player&#39;s winnings or score in the conventional manner. 
     Motor control circuits  54  which are microprocessor controlled require tracking of the rotary movement of the indicia carrying rotatable members by the microprocessor  56 . For this purpose, tracking means  57  are provided for generating repetitive electrical signal pulses including first, second and third series of pulses each of which is indicative of rotary motion of a separate one of the wheels  242 ,  244  and  246 . Successive pulses in each series are produced in response to successive increments of rotary motion of the wheel  242 ,  244 , and  246  that is being tracked by the particular series. In a manner known to the art, this enables the microprocessor  56  to cause stopping of rotation of the members at times when indicia are in alignment at the pay line and, by counting the pulses, to determine which indicia are at the pay line. 
     The tracking means  57  of this example of the invention operates by photoelectric sensing of wheel motion. Means  57  includes a bracket  58  that extends forward from the front circular support plate  33 , past the peripheries of each of the wheels  242 ,  244 , and  246 , and into the front structural member  41 . Bracket  58  has pairs of spaced apart tangs  59  and the tangs of each pair extend along opposite sides of the gear teeth  31  of a separate one of wheels  242 ,  244 , and  246 . One tang  59  of each pair supports a small light source  61  positioned to direct light towards a light detector  62  supported by the other tang of the pair and which is at the other side of the gear teeth  31  of the wheels  242 ,  244 , and  246  which extends between the pair of tangs. The light sources  61  may be of any of a variety of types such as light emitting diodes for example. The light detectors  62  may also be of any of a variety of different types, phototransistors and photodiodes being examples. 
     The gear teeth  31  of each wheel  242 ,  244 , and  246  repetitively pass through the light path between the associated light source  61  and light detector  62 . This causes the output signal of the detector  62  to switch repetitively between a high condition and a low condition thereby providing the desired series of rotary motion tracking signal pulses. For reasons to be hereinafter described, the wheels  242 ,  244  and  246  in their preferred form are made of translucent material. In instances where this results in an undesirably small variation of the light detector  62  outputs in response to the passage of gear teeth  31 , the sides of the gear teeth can be coated with paint or other opaque material. It is also possible to situate the light sources  61  and detectors  62  at locations that are closer to the axis of rotation than the peripheral gear teeth  31 . The wheels  242 ,  244  and  246  may then be provided with bands of light passages separated by relatively opaque areas that travel between the light sources  61  and light detectors  62  as the wheels turn. 
     Movement of the wheels  242 ,  244 , and  246  in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation  16  is prevented by pads  63  that are secured to the ends of the tangs  59  of bracket  58 . The pads  63  are preferably formed of a low friction resilient material such as felt. The pads  63  at each pair of tangs  59  extend towards and bear against the sides of the wheels  242 ,  244  and  246  that extends between that pair of tangs. A pair of similar brackets  58   a  and  58   b  having pads  63  extend from the front circular support plate  33  to restrain axial movement of the wheels  242 ,  244  and  246  at additional locations which are angularly spaced apart around the axis of rotation  16  of the wheels. The brackets  58 ,  58   a , and  58   b  of this particular example of the invention are at 120 degree angular intervals around the axis of rotation  16 . 
     The example of the invention described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to  8  embodies a highly advantageous mechanism for supporting and driving the indicia carrying rotatable wheels  242 ,  244  and  246 . Both functions, supporting and driving, are effected with simple gear sets situated at the periphery of the disks. This eliminates the complex and bulky telescoped shafting and other components at the axis of rotation of the wheels that has heretofore been present in gaming devices of this general type. The rim drive also makes it possible to include open centered rotating wheels which need not extend to the axis of rotation thereby enabling viewing of indicia bands of progressively smaller diameter that are spaced apart along the axis of rotation of the wheels. The wheel support and drive mechanism in the preferred form is easily removable from the slot machine cabinet as a unit to facilitate repairs. 
     While the rim driven construction discussed above constitutes the preferred form of the invention, certain novel features of the previously described embodiment can advantageously be embodied in multi-wheel machines that have center shafting for the purpose of supporting and driving the wheels. This includes, for example, axial spacing of the rotating bands of indicia to provide a three dimensional aspect to the indicia array as viewed by the player. Referring jointly to FIGS. 9 and 10, the wheels  242   a ,  244   a , and  246   a  of this embodiment are flat circular plates that are spaced apart along a common axis of rotation  16   a . The wheels  242   a ,  244   a , and  246   a  have progressively greater outside diameters thereby enabling viewing of an annular region  17   a  of the front surface of each of the disks by a player who situated in front of the slot machine that regions are at the radially outermost portions of the disks. Annular bands of indicia  19   a  of the previously described kind are imprinted on the regions  17   a  of the wheels. An interesting effect is created if the annular regions  17   a  of the wheels  242   a ,  244   a , and  246   a  are beveled surfaces so that the indicia  19   a  of the three wheels are in a coplanar or near coplanar relationship. 
     Wheels  242   a ,  244   a , and  246   a  are supported and separately rotated by a drive system  69  that includes three coaxial drive shafts  71 ,  72  and  73  of progressively shorter length. The back end of the inner drive shaft  71  extends out of intermediate drive shaft  72  and is supported by a first bearing  74  that is secured to one arm  76  of internal framing  77  within the slot machine cabinet  21   a.  The front end of inner drive shaft  71  also extends out of the intermediate drive shaft  72  and has a flange  79  seated in a conforming opening in a circular cap  81  that is in front of the first wheel  242   a . Screws  82  extend through the front disk  13   a  and cap  81  and engage in flange  79  thereby constraining the wheel to rotate with the inner drive shaft. 
     A second bearing  83 , supported by another framing arm  84 , supports the intermediate drive shaft  72  at a location that is forward from the back end of the drive shaft  72 . A flange  86  at the front end of intermediate drive shaft  72  seats in a conforming opening in the second wheel  244   a  and is secured to that disk by additional screws  87 . The outer drive shaft  73  is supported at an intermediate location along the drive shaft by a third bearing  88  that is secured to another arm  89  of the cabinet framing  77 . A flange  91  at the front end of the outer drive shaft  73  seats in a conforming opening in the third wheel  246   a  and screws  92  secure the wheel  246   a  to the flange. 
     First wheel  242   a , second wheel  244   a  and third wheel  246   a  are driven by separate electrical motors  93   a ,  93   b  and  93   c  respectively, motor  93   c  being behind motor  93   b  as seen in FIG.  9 . The motors  93   a ,  93   b , and  93   c  are secured to brackets  94  which extend from framing  77 . Referring again to FIGS. 9 and 10 in conjunction, motor  51  is coupled to the inner drive shaft  71  by a drive belt  96  which engages a pulley  97  that is keyed to the inner drive shaft at a location adjacent to bearing  74 . Another drive belt  98  couples motor  93   b  to the intermediate drive shaft  72  by engaging another pulley  99  that is keyed to the intermediate drive shaft at a location that is between bearings  74  and  83 . An annular collar  101  on intermediate drive shaft  72  extends between pulley  99  and bearing  83  to prevent movement of the pulley along the shaft. The third motor  93   c  is coupled to outer drive shaft  73  by a third drive belt  102  which engages another pulley  103  that is keyed to the outer drive shaft at a location immediately behind the third bearing  88 . Another annular collar  104  is adjacent to pulley  103  and is held in place by a setscrew  106  to prevent axial movement of the pulley along the shaft. Drive belts  96 ,  98  and  102  are preferably of the non-slip type which have teeth  107  that engage conforming grooves in the pulleys on which they are engaged. 
     Motors  93   a ,  93   b , and  93   c  are brake gear motors of the stepping type similar to those of the previously described embodiment of the invention and function in a similar manner to rotate each wheel  242   a ,  244   a , and  246   a  through a predetermined number of angular increments that is determined by the control circuit  54   a.    
     Three circular timer plates  108 ,  109 , and  111  enable microprocessor tracking of the rotary movement of the wheels  242   a ,  244   a , and  246   a  in the previously described manner. Timer plate  108  is disposed in coaxial relationship with inner drive shaft  71  at a location between pulleys  97  and  99  and is secured to an adjacent annular collar  112  that is constrained to rotate with the inner drive shaft by a setscrew  113 . Timer plate  109  is disposed on intermediate drive shaft  73  in coaxial relationship therewith at a location between timer plate  108  and pulley  99  and is secured to another annular collar  114  that is constrained to rotate with the intermediate drive shaft by another setscrew  116 . The third timer plate  111  is situated between pulley  103  and bearing  83 , in coaxial relationship with the outer drive shaft  73 , and is constrained to rotate therewith by another annular collar  117 . 
     The circular rim of each of the timer plates  108 ,  109 , and  111  is indented by a series of notches  118  which have an angular spacing relative to the axis of rotation that corresponds to the hereinbefore described angular increment of rotary motion of the wheels  242   a ,  244   a , and  246   a . A separate one of three photoelectric sensors  119  is disposed at the rim of each timer plate  108 ,  109  and  111  and may be of one of the known types which have a small light source  121  such as a light emitting diode for example and a light detector  122  such as a phototransistor for example that produces an electrical signal in response to light from the source. The light sources  121  and detectors  122  are at opposite sides of the rims of the timer plates  108 ,  109  and  111  at which notches  118  are located thereby causing light to be transmitted from the sources  121  to the detectors  122  each time that a notch passes between the two. Thus, each sensor transmits an electrical pulse to the control circuit housing  54   a  each time that the associated timer plate  108 ,  109  or  111  is stepped through the above described angular increment of motion by the associated drive motor  93   a ,  93   b , or  93   c . As previously described, this enables the microprocessor  56   a  to cause stopping of the rotation of the wheels  242   a ,  244   a , and  246   a  at times when indicia are in alignment at the pay line and, by counting the pulses, to determine which indicia are at the pay line. 
     Components of the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 9 and 10 that are not depicted therein may be similar to those of the previously described embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 12 illustrates a networked system  200  of the present invention in which a single separate display unit  202  containing a plurality of wheels may be linked to one or more game devices  204 . Game devices  204  may contain any of a large variety of games arid game displays. Each game device  404  is linked to display unit  202  by a communication device  206 . Communication device  406  may use many different communication protocols and systems, such as Ethernet communication protocols, network cards, and cables. 
     In this embodiment, adjustments may be made to the method of the present invention to allow a plurality of game devices  204  to use a single display unit  202 . When one of the game devices  204  produces a wheel spinning event, a signal is transmitted to display unit  202 . If display unit  202  is currently working to generate a display for another wheel spinning event, the signal or information in the signal may be placed in a queue or memory device. When display unit  204  is free to respond to a new wheel spinning event, the signal is received, processed, and display unit  204  spins the wheels. The method would then continue as previously discussed. 
     In order to avoid confusion among players, system  200  may comprise a means for indicating which game device  204  is currently interacting with display unit  202 . The indicating means may comprise a video display or lighted sign on display unit  202  that displays indicia, such as a number, that indicates the currently interacting game device  204 . A display, such as a video display or lighted sign, may also be placed on game device  204  for conveying similar information to the player. For example, when the player has qualified to spin the wheels of display unit  202  but the display unit is working on an event for another player, the display may communicate this to the player. When it is the player&#39;s turn, the display so informs the player. 
     System  200  may be adapted for use with progressive jackpots. Display unit  202  may include a progressive jackpot meter that displays the current value of the jackpot in a way that is well known in the art. Players may win the progressive jackpot as a result of obtaining a predefined outcome on display unit  202 , game device  204 , or a combination of both. 
     It should be noted that although a clover-shaped game is described for the preferred embodiment, any shape may be utilized with the multi-wheel concept. In addition, the present game is not limited to three groups of wheels with each group having three wheels. Any number of groups, one or greater, may be utilized with each group having any number of wheels, one or greater. 
     Conclusion 
     Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the description of the drive mechanism should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention to the structures and devices described therein. Many other drive mechanisms may be used that would still fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.