Abstract:
A locking support assembly for a casino chair uses a support plate with a chair mount having a fixed pin protruding upwards from the support plate opposite to the mount. The pin may serve as a sole or primary guide member in the support plate to guide the support plate into horizontal alignment with a latch mounted inside a beam. The beam holds the support plate in close but unlocked engagement by a lower groove, to resist loads imposed by an attached chair. A releasable latch inside the beam receives the pin to provide locked engagement between the support plate and the beam. The beam may be fastened to a vertical surface of a gaming machine or other object. The support plate and attached chair can be released from the beam by inserting a tool through a keyhole in the beam to release the latch, while pulling the support plate outwards.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/021,283, filed Jan. 15, 2008, which application is specifically incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to locking support assemblies for supporting casino chairs and locking such chairs to gaming machines or other fixed locations. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Casino operators often desire chairs for gaming machines, such as, for example, slot machines, to be attached to the machine or to a location adjacent to the machine. This promotes a more orderly and safer casino by preventing inappropriate use or movement of casino chairs. Many jurisdictions require casino operators to use fixed or attached chairs. At the same time, casino chairs are expected to be both comfortable and exceptionally durable, maintaining an attractive appearance despite heavy, continuous use. Such fixed casino chairs are indeed constructed with heavy-duty materials and are quite durable, but must nonetheless be removed from their fixed locations from time-to-time, to facilitate relocating or servicing the gaming machines and maintenance or repair of the chair or adjacent facilities. 
         [0006]    Various chair support assemblies therefore have been developed to attach a casino chair to a gaming machine in a removable fashion. One such assembly  100  is shown in  FIG. 1 . A casino chair  102  may thereby be readily fixed relative to the gaming machine, and easily relocated with it. Such support assemblies may use a floorplate  104  (sometimes referred to as a “sled”) running between a column support  106  for the chair and a stabilizing bracket  108  that is attached to the base of the gaming machine. The stabilizing bracket may be fixed to the sled and attached to the gaming machine using conventional fasteners, for example, machine screws or bolts. Besides attaching the chair  102  to a game machine, the bracket  108  resists pitching forces, as indicated by arrow  101 , and yawing forces as indicated by arrow  103 . Twisting forces around the column  106  axis are generally minimal for swiveling chairs as commonly used in the industry. 
         [0007]    To facilitate removal and reassembly of the sled from the gaming machine without requiring removal or installation of screw-type fasteners, various assemblies in which the sled and bracket are joined using various screwless locks have been developed. These sled/bracket assemblies are available in two general types: non-locking assemblies and locking assemblies. 
         [0008]    Non-locking assemblies often use an upturned lip or flange along the leading edge of the sled distal from the chair column to engage with a complementary downturned flange along the stabilizing bracket. The bracket may be attached to the gaming machine using screws, bolts, or other fasteners. To engage the floorplate and chair, the chair is lifted to cause the floorplate to pivot upwards around its leading edge, thereby tilting the upturned flange downwards until it can be inserted under the downturned flange of the bracket. The chair can then be lowered to engage the opposing flanges and thereby secure the floorplate into position. 
         [0009]    Locking assemblies provide the additional security of a specially shaped key to disengage the floorplate from the stabilizing bracket, preventing unauthorized removal. Prior art locking assemblies include those that use a vertically sliding latch, or a rotating pawl, housed in the stabilizing bracket to engage with a receiving surface of the floor plate. Actuation of the latch or pawl using a special tool or key is required to disengage the floorplate from the bracket. The floorplate may then be removed from the bracket by pulling outward while the latch is retracted, thereby pulling the floorplate out of engagement with latch or pawl. Depending on the design, lifting of the chair to tilt the floorplate may also be required. Locking occurs when the floorplate is slid into position into the bracket until the operation of a spring forces the vertical sliding latch or the protruding arm of the rotating pawl against the receiving surface of the floorplate. 
         [0010]    Notwithstanding the advantages of prior art locking and non-locking support assemblies, they are subject to certain disadvantages. Locking assemblies generally require precise alignment between the latch mechanisms in the bracket and the receiving surfaces in the floorplate, but are not structured to facilitate quick and easy alignment of the locking surfaces while handling the casino chair and support plate. In addition, some prior art designs require pulling and/or tilting the floorplate while simultaneously operating a key, making removal of the floorplate more cumbersome than desired. It is desirable, therefore, to overcome these and other limitations of the prior art by providing an improved locking support assembly for a casino chair. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0011]    A locking support assembly for a chair uses generally planar support plate having a receiver for a chair, such as a pattern of mounting holes or brackets, disposed at an upper surface of the support plate. The support plate further includes a fixed pin disposed adjacent to a leading edge of the support plate distal from the receiver for a chair column, and protrudes vertically upwards from the upper surface of the plate at or near the midpoint of the leading edge. In turn, the midpoint of the leading edge lies on a central axis of the support plate, which runs through a load centroid of the chair receiver. The pin, which may be a cylindrical metal pin, functions as a latch hold for a corresponding latch mechanism that is disposed in a latch block. The latch block may perform functions performed by the stabilizing bracket in prior art designs, and may also be referred to herein as a beam. 
         [0012]    The latch block or beam comprises a sturdy metal piece that is configured for attaching to the base of a game machine or to an independent base or stand attached to the game machine, using the fasteners of the like, and for locking the support plate in place via operation of the latch mechanism. The beam includes a lower channel running horizontally the length of the beam, which is generally about the length of the leading edge of the support plate. The lower channel encloses the leading edge of the support plate, thereby holding the support plate between opposing walls of the lower channel. When the support plate is held in place by the latch, torsion on the support plate by the chair is primarily borne by the beam at its lower channel, and not by the centrally-located vertical pin of the support plate or the latch mechanism disposed in the beam. The latch and pin serve to retain the support plate in the lower channel of the beam, but are not loaded by normal use of the chair. 
         [0013]    The beam also includes an upper chamber or channel disposed above the lower channel, housing the latch mechanism. A slot is cut into an outer wall of the upper channel towards the support plate, to admit the vertical pin into the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is positioned horizontally to receive the vertical pin, and is configured such that when the pin is impelled against a receiving surface of the latch mechanism by inward movement of the support plate into the lower channel of the beam, the latch mechanism works against a spring to admit the pin inward until the pin clears the latch mechanism, which once cleared by the pin, is impelled horizontally back by the spring to a position preventing the pin from being withdrawn from the latch mechanism, thus providing locked engagement between the support plate and the beam. 
         [0014]    Advantageously, the horizontal action of the latch block against the vertical cylindrical pin of the support plate reduces the risk of sticking in the latch. Also, tapered guide surfaces in the beam guide the pin to the latch mechanism while the support plate is inserted in the latch block, facilitating rapid latching and eliminating seek time for the latch point. Use of a single, centrally-disposed vertical, or substantially vertical, pin and complementary latch for the locking function, also helps reduce seek time. In addition, the centrally-disposed location of the latch mechanism and pin relative to the center of load imposed by the chair should minimize or eliminate cyclical loads on the latch and pin caused by use of the chair, causing torsion loads to be borne as compressive loading on the walls of the lower channel. The present combination of channel and latch should thus enhance the ease of use, reliability and durability of the support assembly as compared to prior lockable support assemblies. 
         [0015]    To unlock the support plate from the beam, a key may be inserted through a key hole in the beam chamber wall to depress a release lever of the latch mechanism. Once the latch is released, the support plate may be withdrawn from the lower channel to remove the support plate and chair from the latch block. 
         [0016]    A more complete understanding of the locking support assembly for a casino chair will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages and objects thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings which will first be described briefly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a view of a prior-art support assembly and casino chair using screw-type fasteners to attach the stabilizing bracket to the gaming machine. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of an exemplary support plate for use in the present chair support assembly. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of an exemplary latch block for use in the present chair support assembly, and attachment to a gaming machine base. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is an end view of the latch block shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a rear view of the latch block shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the latch block shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 7A  is an isometric exploded view of the latch block shown in  FIG. 3 , showing assembly of a latch mechanism inside the beam. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7B  is an isometric view of the latch mechanism, from a different angle. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is an exploded assembly view showing the components of the support assembly and attachment to a machine base. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the locking support assembly for a casino chair, showing the support plate held by the latch block and latched in place. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0027]    In the detailed description that follows, like element numerals are used to indicate like elements appearing in the figures. 
         [0028]    A locking support assembly for a casino chair comprises a support plate  110  as shown in  FIG. 2 , coupled to a beam  112 , also called a latch block, as shown in  FIGS. 3-6 . The support plate  110  may comprise a generally planar rectangular piece of aluminum, steel or other durable material, having a receiver  114  for a chair disposed at an upper surface  116  of thereof. The plate may be machined out of extruded or other stock material. The receiver may comprise a pattern of mounting holes, as shown, or any other suitable structure for mounting a chair column to the support plate. The support plate may be eight to thirty-six inches in width and 0.2 to 1.0 inches thick, depending on the choice of materials, number of chairs supported, plate configuration, length and desired appearance. In an exemplary embodiment, the support plate comprised a solid aluminum member approximately 11 inches wide, 0.38 inches thick and three feet long. 
         [0029]    Support plate  110  may further comprise a pin  118  fixed to the support plate and protruding upwards therefrom, the pin disposed adjacent to a leading edge  120  of the support plate distal from the receiver  114  for a chair column. The pin may comprise a generally cylindrical member, such as, for example, a cylindrical steel pin, and may be beveled or rounded around its upper perimeter. The pin may protrude at a right angle to the upper surface  116  of the support plate, such that the pin is vertical, or substantially vertical, when the support plate is resting on a horizontal floor. Advantageously, the pin  118  and the receiver  114  may be disposed along a central longitudinal axis  120  of the support plate, while the support plate is laterally symmetric around the axis  120 . In addition, the leading edge  120  and adjacent region of the support plate may be smooth and substantially free of any protrusion except for the single pin  118 , such that the pin  118  is the sole latching member for the support plate. The support plate may also be free of any member disposed for guiding the support plate into horizontal alignment with the latch, except for the pin. The pin may thereby be configured to function both as the sole guide member, and sole latch member, for joining the support plate to the latch block. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIGS. 3-6 , the latch block  112  may comprise a beam formed of aluminum, steel or other durable material. For example, the latch block may comprise an extruded aluminum beam into which the other features as described herein are machined. A bottom wall or web  122  of the beam forms a lower wall of a lower channel  124 . The lower wall may be designed to rest on a floor surface. The lower channel is configured to enclose the support plate at and near its leading edge, so that support plate is held between the lower wall  122  and an opposing middle wall  126 . In the depicted embodiment, the lower channel  124  and its walls are arranged symmetrically around a central axis  121  of the beam, and extend for at least substantially the length of the leading edge of the support plate. The lower channel may be configured to mate with the support plate in a clearance fit, with the middle wall  126  above the upper surface  116  of the support plate, and the opposing lower surface of the support plate resting on the lower wall  122 . 
         [0031]    The middle wall  126  may also function as a lower wall of an upper channel  128  in the beam  122 . The upper channel functions to enclose a latch mechanism for the vertical pin of the support plate, protecting the latch from foot traffic, dirt, and unauthorized releasing of the latch. The upper channel also hides and protects fasteners  130  used to fasten the latch block  112  to a gaming machine base  132 . While the depicted embodiment shows the upper channel extending the entire length of the beam, in alternative embodiments the upper channel or chamber may extend less than the entire length of the beam, and may be disposed around or adjacent to the central axis  121  to enclose the latch mechanism. In addition, in alternative embodiments the upper channel may be omitted entirely and a separate housing (not shown) be used to enclose and protect the latch mechanism. 
         [0032]    Conversely, the lower channel should, in alternative embodiments, extend for at least a substantial portion of the beam length, for example, at least 30% of total length. If any portion of the lower channel is omitted, whatever portions of the lower channel that are included should be positioned distally from the central axis  121  to better resist torque loads imposed by the support plate. 
         [0033]    The latch block  112  may further comprise an opening  134  disposed centrally around axis  121  in front side wall  136  to admit the vertical pin into the upper channel. The side wall  136  may be rounded or beveled around the opening  134  to better guide the pin into the upper channel, where it can engage with the latch assembly. A circular keyhole  140  may be formed in the front side wall  136  to admit a key into the upper channel, enabling release of the latch mechanism. A rear opening  143  may be formed in the rear wall  138  of the latch block to facilitate assembly of the latch mechanism in the upper channel. The real wall  138  may be configured to abut a game machine base, to which the latch block may be affixed using any suitable fasteners  130 , such as, for example, machine screws. Front wall  136  and rear wall  138  may include various through holes as shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , to accommodate such fasteners. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , a latch mechanism  140  may be positioned in an interior of the upper channel  128 , and fastened to the middle wall  126  using any suitable fastener  146 . Latch mechanism  140  may comprise a mini rotary two-stage latch as commonly used for cabinet door latches or the like, for example a rotary two-stage latch with a maximum holding force of 750 pounds. The latch mechanism may be configured such that when the pin  118  of the support plate is impelled against a receiving surface  145  of the latch mechanism by inward movement of the support plate into the lower channel, the latch mechanism works a spring to admit the pin inward. The latch may admit the pin inward until the leading edge of the support plate closely approaches a back wall of the lower channel, at which point the pin progresses past a trigger point of the latch mechanism. Progression of the pin past the trigger point causes the latch mechanism locking arm  147  to be driven horizontally around a vertical axis bringing the latch to a spring-loaded locked position. The vertical pin is thereby held by the horizontal latch, providing locked engagement between the support plate and the beam. The axis of engagement runs through the vertical pin and central axis of the support plate, minimizing stresses imposed on the latch by use an attached casino chair. 
         [0035]    A release lever  148  may be coupled to the latch mechanism, such that actuation of the release lever by a key inserted via the keyhole  140  into the upper channel releases the latch mechanism, enabling withdrawal of the pin from the latch mechanism. The latch may be configured such that horizontal inward movement of the release lever releases the latch mechanism horizontally outward, enabling withdrawal of the pin from the latch mechanism. 
         [0036]    A guide  142  may be positioned in the interior of the upper channel, the guide comprising opposing surfaces converging towards the receiving surface of the latch mechanism to guide the pin into a locked position. In the depicted embodiment, the guide  142  is formed as part of a housing  144  for the latch mechanism. In the alternative, or in addition, the guide may comprise part of the beam  122  or may be a separate component mounted in the interior of the upper channel  128  or lower channel  124 . In the depicted embodiment, the rounded surface of the slot  134  are aligned with the guide surfaces of guide  142  positioned around the receiving surface of the latch mechanism, so as to form an integrated guide for guiding the pin into the latch. Therefore, the support plate may easily be inserted into the latch block by aligning the pin with the slot  134 , whereupon pushing the support plate inwards causes the pin to be captured by the guide and thereby guided to a latched position. 
         [0037]      FIG. 8  shows an exemplary locking support assembly  200  for a casino chair, in an exploded assembly view. The support plate  110  and guide/lock pin  118  are aligned for insertion in the latch block  112 , as previously described. The latch block  112  may be attached to the base of a wooden or composite cabinet of a gaming machine  150  using T-nuts. In the alternative, the latch block may be attached to an integrated metal bracket  152  attached to a gaming machine base or stand.  FIG. 9  shows the support plate  110  inserted and fully engaged in the lower channel  124  of the latch block. The depth of engagement in the lower channel may be about 1 to 10 times the thickness of the support plate. In the depicted embodiment, the lower channel is about 1.6 inches deep and fully engages the support plate which is about 0.38 inches thick. When fully engaged, the leading edge of the support plate contacts the back wall of the lower channel. When inserting the support plate into the channel, the pin should trigger the locking action of the latch just before becoming fully engaged. To remove the support plate, the latch may be released using a key, after which the support plate may be pulled out of the latch block. 
         [0038]    Having thus described a preferred embodiment of locking support assembly for a casino chair, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain advantages of the within system have been achieved. It should also be appreciated that various modifications, adaptations, and alternative embodiments thereof may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present technology. The following claims define the scope of what is claimed.