Abstract:
An enhanced reel strip includes a base reel strip and an overlay strip, wherein the base reel strip has symbols applied thereto and the overlay strip has designated portions thereof removed to create cut-outs. The base reel strip and overlay strip are affixed in such a manner that the symbols of the base reel strip are visible through the cut-outs of the overlay strip. The joined strips produce an enhanced reel strip. Furthermore, these enhanced reel strip production methods dramatically improve the quality and appearance of reel strips while utilizing a relatively simple manufacturing process that maintains cost effectiveness.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/444,156 filed on May 23, 2003, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 

   COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
   A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates generally to gaming systems, and more particularly, to a method for producing an enhanced reel strip and gaming machine with an enhanced reel strip. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   A variety of gaming machines are known in the art. This diversity provides players with many different options for gaming, interactivity and entertainment. In the past, gaming machines were mechanical or electro-mechanical in nature. However, more recently, there has been an emphasis in the gaming industry on computer or video gaming machines. One reason for the popularity of computer or video gaming machines is that each machine may be designed to provide a number of different games or gaming options to players. Additionally, computer or video gaming machines may have enhanced displays, such as sounds, flashing lights, scrolling text, and the like, which entice players to play and add to the overall excitement and entertainment of the games. 
   A persistent issue with computer or video gaming machines is that they are typically more complicated than mechanical gaming machines. This complexity requires specialized maintenance and electronics personnel to service the computer and video gaming machines. Moreover, a significant portion of the public has a fear or distrust of computers and computer generated games, such as video gaming machines, and prefer the electro-mechanical or mechanical gaming machines. 
   In this regard, much effort has been directed towards making the mechanical or electro-mechanical gaming machines more enticing and exciting to players. Many attempts have been made to increase the excitement and interactivity of mechanical gaming devices by adding secondary game features, such as additional buttons, bells, lights, whistles, top boxes, visual graphics, and the like. However, for some of the most popular mechanical gaming machines, i.e. reel spinners and slot machines, many manufacturers have directed their design efforts to the appearance of the reels themselves. By varying the overall appearance of the reels or the reel strips which are applied to the reels, it is possible to achieve gaming machine reel designs that look more elegant, are more entertaining and which add to the excitement and appeal of the game. 
   Those skilled in the art have designed reels capable of displaying multiple symbols or being implemented in different mediums. For instance, the symbols may be screen printed or stamped upon the reels themselves, inherently providing contrast between the symbol and the reel. However, this method limits the symbols on the reels to only one pattern and the reels must be swapped out from the machine to achieve different looks. Alternatively, symbols are screen printed, stamped or otherwise applied to the reel strips and the reel strips are then applied to the reels. In this regard, the reel strips may be swapped out to easily and quickly vary the reel symbols and appearances. Designers have also implemented different mediums for the reels, including fluorescent, prismatic, translucent, and transparent materials. These same materials are also used in the design of the reel strips so as to provide different effects as the reels are spun in the gaming machines. 
   Another popular effect is to use lighting to emphasize the reels of the gaming machines. For example, the gaming machine may be designed with front lights that shine on the exterior of the reels to highlight or reflect the reel surfaces. The effects of front lighting are relatively limited and do not provide much latitude for adding excitement in the design. Alternatively, gaming machines may be equipped with back lighting that highlights the underside of the reels and gives the effect that the reels are lit from within. While back lighting is easy to implement, depending on the materials utilized in the reels and the reel symbols, it may not give a dramatic and exciting effect to the reels. 
   It is also popular to light the reels themselves with electroluminescent lighting. In this regard, conductive materials are incorporated into the reel or reel strips, and when a voltage is applied across the reels, light elements are illuminated. Although electroluminescent lighting may provide dramatic and exciting enhancement of the reels, there are frequently problems with crimping and failure of the conductive materials in the reels such that the luminescent features are easily lost and costly to repair. Moreover, the difficulty and costs associated with manufacturing electroluminescent reel strips are prohibitive. Finally, for any of the above lighting options for reels or reel strips, if the light source on the gaming machine is malfunctioning, most if not all of the lighting effects are lost. 
   One significant problem with enhanced reel strips, in general, is that they are difficult and costly to manufacture. For example, the quality of the images applied on to the reel strips by processes such as screen-printing, digital imaging or photographic imaging may be compromised. Often the images do not have sufficient depth of color or are blurred. Likewise, the images may lack vibrancy and look dull, particularly where harsh lights or backlighting are used. Also, there is concern for the quality of the strip where a designer seeks to add borders, outlines around the images, or an appliqué effect to the strip. Without precise placement of the borders, outlines, or appliqués, the overall quality and appearance of the reel strips is significantly diminished. 
   Gaming machine manufacturers are always seeking new ways to increase the attractiveness and excitement of mechanical gaming devices. However, while having a gaming machine that attracts and excites players is important, the simplicity of the operation and maintenance of the machine and the cost effectiveness of enhancements to the gaming machine are also important. Similarly, for reel strips, the difficulty and costs of manufacturing enhanced reel strips are essential considerations. The present invention clearly addresses these needs and other concerns. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with the present invention, a method for manufacturing an enhanced reel strip and a gaming machine with an enhanced reel strip is provided that includes the steps of combining a base strip and overlay strip to achieve a variety of desired effects on the resultant enhanced reel strip and to increase attractiveness and excitement of gaming machines which include mechanical presentations, such as may be generated with mechanical reels. More particularly, the present invention discloses a method for producing the enhanced reel strips such that quality and appearance are dramatically improved while a relatively simple manufacturing process maintains cost effectiveness. 
   In accordance with one or more aspects, the base material comprising the base strip may be a flexible, translucent or transparent material upon which symbols are applied. The symbols can be of almost any design and may be applied to the base material by any method that results in suitable color depth, image clarity and fastness. The overlay strip is also typically a flexible material, however because it is intended to be decorative, it is usually colored, patterned or textured. Sections of the overlay strip are removed to form cut-outs. The underside of the overlay strip is adhered to the front side of the base strip in such a manner that the symbols on the base strip are visible through the cut-outs of the overlay strip. In this regard, it is preferred that the cut-outs will be sized slightly larger than the symbols so as to produce an open border area around each symbol. 
   The overlay strip may be comprised of a multitude of different materials. By way of example only and not by way of limitation, different overlay materials may include metalized foil, holographic, prismatic, glitter, phosphorescent, fluorescent, mirrored or textured materials. Likewise, it is envisioned that the overlay material may be provided in a variety of colors, be plain, and/or have a pattern. Preferably, the overlay material is visually stimulating. Further, the overlay material preferably corresponds to the machine environment in which it is used, particularly the lighting environment of back light or non-back light applications. Preferably, the overlay material is easily incised and manipulated to facilitate the removal of the cut-outs from the overlay strip. Additionally, the overlay material preferably is sufficiently flexible and capable of attachment to the base reel strip to ensure that the resultant enhanced reel strip may be wrapped and secured about the slot reel. 
   In accordance with the present invention, the cut-outs are sized slightly larger than the symbols, which create an open border area around the symbols. Consequently, when the resultant enhanced reel strip is used in a backlight application, the symbols and the open border areas around them are backlit. That is, light passing through the open border areas of the cut-outs appears clear and very bright, while the light passing through the symbols appears colored, thus highlighting the symbols on the reels. Moreover, even if the enhanced reel strips are used in a non-backlight application, such as front lighting or ambient lighting, the difference in the light passing through the open border areas and the light passing through the symbols is still perceptible. Thus, in any foreseeable lighting application, the open border areas and the decorative overlay serve to emphasize the symbols and add to the overall attractiveness of the enhanced reel strip. 
   In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the enhanced reel strips are produced via a series of manufacturing steps. First, a base reel strip is produced by applying symbols to a base material. The base material suitable for production of the base reel strip is preferably a flexible, translucent material that is capable of accepting the applied symbols. By way of example only, and not by way of limitation, suitable base materials are flexible, translucent or substantially transparent materials, such as plastics, mylars, polyesters, or similar composite materials. The application of the symbols to the base reel strip is preferably accomplished by a method, including but not limited to, screen-printing, appliqués, digital imaging or photographic imaging. However, any method of application, which produces a clear and firmly-fixed symbol to the base material, is acceptable. 
   Next, an overlay strip for the base reel strip is produced. This overlay strip is decorative and may be produced in a variety of shapes, colors, iridescence, and the like to provide different effects to the reel strip. In areas of the enhanced reel strip that are to be highlighted, the overlay material is removed by cutting the designated portions of the overlay material to produce a desired effect. By way of example only, and not by way of limitation, methods for removing designated portions of the overlay material includes die cutting, pin routing, laser cutting, or other such methods. Preferably, the back surface of the overlay material, which will not be visible when the enhanced reel strip is in use, is treated with a flexible adhesive or other similar fastening substance for affixing the overlay material to the base reel strip. 
   Once the overlay strip and base reel strip are prepared, they are joined or affixed together. A preferred method for applying or joining the overlay strip and the base reel strip, and thereby produce the enhanced reel strip, is a registration or pin system. Using the methodology, a base reel strip is placed into a registration system with the symbols of the base reel strip facing outward, i.e. the front surface of the base reel strip, facing outward. Additionally, this method includes preparing the underside adhesive surface of the overlay strip. The overlay strip is then aligned with and placed over the base reel strip in the registration system. Slight pressure methods, such as hand or light mechanical pressure, are used to initially contact the base reel strip and the overlay strip together. Preferably, the two strips are then firmly adhered together using a press or pinch roller system. Similar mechanisms may also be utilized. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the process for producing enhanced reel strips is preferably also used to produce other portions of the gaming machine to increase visual presentation, design, theme and excitement. For example, the process may be used for manufacturing inserts for top awards, denomination information pertaining to play of the game, associated toppers, door inserts, and the like. 
   Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of the various embodiments. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a slot reel mechanical gaming device. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a slot reel illustrating a surface upon which a reel strip may be attached. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a slot reel strip having solid and removed or transparent portions. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a slot reel wherein a reel strip is attached to the outside perimeter of the slot reel. 
       FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a reel strip illustrating notches and a tongue and groove for attachment of the reel strip about the perimeter of the slot reel. 
       FIG. 4B  is a schematic of the joining of first and second ends of a reel strip using a tongue and groove for attachment of the reel strip about the perimeter of the slot reel. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a base reel strip having symbols applied thereto and an overlay strip with designated areas of the overlay material having been removed, pursuant to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an enhanced reel strip wherein a base reel strip, with applied symbols, and an overlay strip have been joined, pursuant to an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of a process for manufacturing an enhanced reel strip, pursuant to an embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with the present invention, an improved system and method for producing an enhanced reel strip for use in a mechanical slot reel gaming device is described herein. The enhanced reel strip and method for producing it provides a visually enticing, attractive and exciting gaming system. The enhanced reel strip production method further provides reel strips of improved quality, while maintaining the cost efficiency of manufacturing the enhanced reel strips. The preferred embodiments of the improved reel strip and method are illustrated and described herein by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. 
   Referring now to the drawings  FIGS. 1-7 , wherein like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawing figures, and particularly to  FIGS. 5-7 , an enhanced reel strip system and method is provided for use in a mechanical slot reel gaming device  10 . As illustrated in the mechanical slot reel machine embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the slot reels  11 ,  12 ,  13  are visible to a player through the corresponding viewing windows  15 ,  16 ,  17 . Although  FIG. 1  shows a gaming machine having three slot reels  11 ,  12 ,  13  and three viewing windows  15 ,  16 ,  17 , it is known that gaming machines may be configured with fewer or more than three reels and/or viewing windows. Moreover, the reels may be placed in other areas of the gaming machine, such as, by way of example and not by way of limitation, a top box, to create additional features or awards for the play of game. A player initiates play of the gaming machine by inserting coins into the coin-in  20 , betting using the “bet” button  22 , and activating the lever  24  or “spin” button  21  to cause the reels  11 ,  12 ,  13  to spin. If a winning combination is displayed on the reels along the payout line  18 , a payout is dispensed to the player in the tray  25  or through other means. 
   As shown in the  FIG. 2 , a slot reel  30  is configured with a support structure  31  having a circumferential surface  32 . It is around this circumferential surface  32  that various reel strips may be applied or mounted (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4 ).  FIG. 3  is a reel strip  40  showing a top surface  48  that is displayed to a player of the game as the reels  30  are spun. The top surface  48  of the reel strip  40  includes solid portions  42  and removed or transparent portions  44 . The reel strip  40  may also include a bottom surface  46  that is placed against the circumferential surface  32  of the slot reel  30 . In this regard, the removed or transparent portions  42  and solid portions  44  of the reel strip  40  provide different effects and appearances for the reels. 
   As demonstrated in  FIG. 4 , a reel strip  40  may be applied or mounted to a slot reel  30  by winding the reel strip around the slot reel and securing the ends of the reel strip. Two screw holes  41  are provided at a first end of the reel strip  40  and two screw slots  43  are provided at a second end of the reel strip. The screw holes  41  correspond to screw holes  47  formed in a reel strip fixing means  45 . The screw holes  41 , screw slots  43 , and screw holes  47  on the reel strip fixing means  45  are fashioned such that they overlap when the reel strip  40  is wound around the circumference of the slot reel  30 , and the reel strip may be secured with screws through the reel strip fixing means  45 . In this manner, the reel strip  40  is secured about the slot reel  30 . 
   Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  4 A, and  4 B, first and second ends of the reel strip  40  are configured with notches  34 . These notches  34 , correspond to notches  36  on the slot reel  30  and aid to secure the reel strip  40  into position about the slot reel. The first end of the reel strip  40  is further configured with a tongue  37  and the second end of the reel strip is configured with a groove  38 . The tongue  37  and groove  38  are matched such that when the reel strip  40  is placed about the slot reel  30 , the tongue  37  joins with the groove (see  FIG. 4B ) to aid in securing the reel strip in place about the slot reel. Preferably, the enhanced reel strip  64  of the present invention is secured about a slot reel  30 , as described above or in a similar manner. 
   An embodiment of the present invention is disclosed in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In a preferred embodiment, the enhanced reel strip and production method facilitates a larger diversity of reel appearances through the manufacture and use of enhanced reel strips, which are easily and economically produced. In  FIG. 5 , two strips, the base strip  60  and the overlay strip  62 , are shown. As exhibited in  FIG. 6 , these two strips comprise the enhanced reel strip  64 . 
   The base reel strip  60  comprises a suitable base material  54  and symbols  56 . In a preferred embodiment, the base material  54  is a flexible, translucent material. Additional suitable base materials include, but are not limited to, flexible, translucent or substantially transparent plastics, mylars, polyesters or similar composite materials. As the symbols  56  are applied to the base material  54  to produce the base reel strip  60 , the base material should be capable of accepting the applied symbols  56  and producing clear, firmly-fixed symbols on the base material. In this regard, various methods may be used to apply the symbols  56  to the base material  54 , including by way of example only, and not by way of limitation, screen-printing, appliqués, digital imaging, or photographic imaging. 
   In order to achieve a variety of effects with enhanced reel strips  64 , the overlay strip  62  may be comprised of a multitude of types of materials, each offering a different appearance to the reels. In one embodiment, for example, that the overlay material  50  is selected from metalized foil, holographic, prismatic, glitter, phosphorescent, fluorescent, mirrored, and textured materials. Preferably, the overlay material  50  is provided in a variety of colors and may be plain or have a pattern. The overlay material  50  is selected to be visually stimulating and work well with the machine environment (i.e., lighting) in which it is used. Preferably, the overlay material  50  is easily manipulated to facilitate the removal of cut-outs  52  from the overlay strip  62 , and is sufficiently flexible to facilitate wrapping about the slot reel. Further, the overlay material must also be capable of firm attachment to the base reel strip  60 . 
   In a preferred embodiment, the cut-outs  52  are configured to correspond in shape to the symbols  56 , but are slightly larger than the symbols. In this regard, the cut-outs  52  create an open border area  58  around the symbols  56  when the overlay strip  62  is centered over and applied to the base reel strip  60 . By altering the size of the cut-outs  52  relative to the size of the symbols  56 , the effect of the open border areas  58  may be manipulated. In another embodiment, the open border areas  58  are not equally-spaced and/or centered relative to the symbols  56 . Moreover, in still other embodiments, the cut-outs  52  have a shape other than that of the corresponding symbols  56 . That is, shapes such as, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation, squares, circles and triangles might comprise cut-outs  52  corresponding to symbols  56  shaped as, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation, sevens, cherries and bars. 
   When the enhanced reel strip  64  is used in conjunction with a backlighting system, the symbols  56  and the open border areas  58  around them are backlit. In this regard, light passing through the open border areas  58  of the cut-outs  52  appears clear, while the light passing through the symbols  56  appears colored. This backlighting produces additional effect and draws a player&#39;s attention to the symbols  56  on the reels  30 . 
   In a further embodiment where front lighting is used, the light passes through the open border areas  58 , while the light passing through the symbols  56  highlights the colors of the symbols  56 . Additionally, in embodiments where no internal machine lighting is provided, ambient light from the surroundings provides an effect that is similar to, but less intense, than front lighting. In either instance, the open border areas  58  serve to emphasize the symbols  56  on the enhanced reel strip  64 . Contemporaneously, the selection of the overlay material  50  itself also provides emphasis to the symbols  56  and to the enhanced reel strip  64 . 
   In accordance with one aspect of the preferred embodiment, the enhanced reel strips  64  are produced in a series of manufacturing steps as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . First, a base reel strip  60  is produced  72  by selecting a suitable base material  54  and applying symbols  56  to the base material. In order to be suitable for the production of the enhanced reel strips  64 , the base material  54  of the base reel strip  60  is preferably a flexible, translucent material. By way of example only, and not by way of limitation, suitable base materials are flexible, translucent or substantially transparent materials such as plastics, mylars, polyesters or similar composite materials. Since the symbols  56  are applied to the base material  54 , the base material should be capable of accepting the applied symbols  56  and producing clear, firmly-fixed symbols  56  on the base material. In this regard, the application of the symbols  56  to the base material  54  may be accomplished by any number of methods, including but not limited to, screen-printing, appliqués, digital imaging or photographic imaging. The application of the symbols  56  to the base material  54  creates the base reel strip  60 . 
   Once the base reel strip  60  has been created  72 , the next step in the process of manufacturing the enhanced reel strip  64  is to select an overlay material  50  that is suitable to create the desired effect on the enhanced reel strip  64  and to facilitate removal of designated portions of the overlay material  50 , thereby forming cut-outs  52  ( 74 ). Preferably, the overlay material  50  is flexible, capable of being affixed to the base reel strip  60 , suitable for easy incision and removal of designated cut-outs  52 , and visibly appealing. The overlay strip  62  is decorative and may be produced in a variety of shapes, colors, iridescence, and the like to provide different desired effects to the enhanced reel strip  64 . 
   In order to highlight areas of the enhanced reel strip  64 , certain portions, i.e. the cut-outs  52 , of the overlay material  50  are removed. The removal of the cut-outs  52  of the overlay material  50  creates the overlay strip  62  ( 74 ). When the overlay strip  62  and the base reel strip  60  are aligned  76  and joined, the symbols  56  on the base reel strip  60  are visible through the cut-outs  52  in the overlay material  50 . Although almost any means for removing the cut-outs  52  from the overlay material  50  may be used, preferred methods for removing designated portions of the overlay material  50  include, but are not limited to, die cutting, pin routing, and laser cutting. 
   Once the base reel strip  60  and the overlay strip  62  are created, the strips are prepared to be affixed  78  and thereby form the enhanced reel strip  64 . In order to facilitate the application of the overlay strip  62  to the base reel strip  60 , the back surface of the overlay material  50 , which is not be visible when the enhanced reel strip  64  is in use, is treated with a flexible adhesive or other similar fastening substance  78 . Alternatively, an overlay material  50  having a pre-treated back surface is used, wherein the back surface includes a flexible adhesive and a protective backing  78 . In this manner, the protective backing on the overlay material  50  is simply removed to prepare the overlay strip  62  for adherence to the base reel strip  60  ( 78 ). Thus, the adhesive surface of the overlay strip  62  is readied by removing a backing material, wetting to activate the adhesive or otherwise preparing the overlay strip  62  for adherence to the base reel strip  60 . In one embodiment, a flexible adhesive is applied to the top surface of the base reel strip  60 , in addition to, or instead of the back surface of the overlay strip  62  to facilitate adherence of the two strips  78 . In this embodiment, the overlay strip  62  is affixed to the base reel strip  60  to jointly comprise the enhanced reel strip  64 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the final step  80  of the process for manufacturing an enhanced reel strip is to adhere the overlay strip  62  to the base reel strip  60 . The attachment of the overlay strip  62  and base reel strip  60  may be accomplished by any method that results in proper alignment. However, a preferred method for applying or joining the overlay strip  62  and the base reel strip  60  is a registration or pin system. In this regard, the base reel strip  60  is placed into the registration system with the symbols  56  facing outward. The overlay strip  62  is then aligned with, placed over, and adhered to, the base reel strip  60 . Together, the overlay strip  62  and the base reel strip  60  form the enhanced reel strip  64 . 
   The base reel strip  60  and the overlay strip  62  components are initially contacted and pressed together using modest pressure. For example, but not by way of limitation, hand pressure or gentle mechanical pressure methods may be used to adhere the two components. In one preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the base reel strip  60  and the overlay strip  62  are aligned and centered such that an equal amount of open border area  58  is apparent on all sides of the symbols  56 . Alternatively, in an embodiment that utilizes cut-outs  52  of a different shape than the corresponding symbols  56 , the symbols should be centered within the cut-outs. Once proper alignment of the overlay strip  62  and the base reel strip  60  is ensured, the two strips are firmly adhered together using a press, roller system, pinch roller system, or similar mechanism. 
   In accordance with another aspect of a preferred embodiment, the process for producing enhanced reel strips is used to produce other portions of the gaming machine, thereby increasing visual presentation, design, theme and excitement. For instance, the process may be used for manufacturing inserts for top awards, denomination information pertaining to play of the game, associated toppers, door inserts, or the like. 
   Furthermore, the various embodiments and methodologies described above are provided by way of illustration only, and should not be construed to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the present invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.