Abstract:
A gaming machine coin carrying device and method, which permits a player to withdraw coins from the coin output area of a gaming machine in a hygienic and relatively secure manner. A bag-type structure is formed of a flexible material, preferably nylon. Handles are preferably positioned at each end of the bag-type structure. A lid formed of a flexible material is located at an upper portion of the bag-type structure, and is optionally closed or opened with a drawstring located at an upper portion thereof.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates generally to devices and methods for removing the coin output from a gaming machine and, more particularly, to a flexible, closable coin carrier adapted to be positioned within the payout area of a gaming machine and to therein receive coin output from the gaming machine.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Winning players of gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines, and the like, need to determine how they are going to remove their winnings. In particular, where the winnings are paid in the form of coins, the player will need to remove those coins from the gaming machine&#39;s coin output area.  
           [0003]    Currently, there are several ways that players accomplish this. One method is for the player to simply reach into the output area with his or her hand and scoop/scrape out the coin(s) located therein. This can be unsatisfactory for several reasons. First, if there are a lot of coins, it can be difficult to scoop/scrape them from the output area. In practice, it may require both hands and several passes to remove a particularly large jackpot. In addition, there are those who find the experience of passing their hands along the surface of the output area to be unhygienic.  
           [0004]    Some players use a plastic bucket to carry off their winnings. In this regard, the plastic bucket is placed outside and below the output area, so that coins may be swept out of the output area and into the bucket. However, the buckets used for this purpose lack handles, and can be dropped by the player. Moreover, because the buckets are open at the top, the contents can be expected to spill in the event of a drop. Finally, the need for the player to sweep the coins out output area and into the bucket raises the same hygiene issue discussed above.  
           [0005]    A need therefore existed for a device and method for removing coin winnings from a gaming machine. The device and method should allow a player to remove coin winnings without ever having to place his or her hands in contact with the surface of the output area. Further, the device should have handles, so that it may be conveniently carried. Finally, the device should be closable, to limit or eliminate the risk of accidental spillage. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other, related, advantages.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a device and method for removing coin winnings from a gaming machine without requiring a player to place his or her hands in contact with the surface of the output area.  
           [0007]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for removing coins from a gaming machine, wherein the device has handles.  
           [0008]    It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a device for removing coins from a gaming machine that is closable.  
         BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
         [0009]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a gaming machine coin carrying device is disclosed. The device comprises, in combination: a bag-type structure defining a coin storage area; wherein the bag-type structure comprises a flexible material; and a lid fixedly attached to the bag-type structure at an upper portion thereof and adapted to be placed within each of an open and a closed position while remaining attached to the upper-portion of the bag-type structure.  
           [0010]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a gaming machine coin carrying device is disclosed. The device comprises, in combination: a bag-type structure defining a coin storage area; wherein the bag-type structure comprises a flexible material; wherein the bag-type structure comprises a washable material; wherein the bag-type structure comprises nylon; a lid fixedly attached to the bag-type structure at an upper portion thereof and adapted to be placed within each of an open and a closed position while remaining attached to the upper-portion of the bag-type structure; a drawstring coupled to an upper portion of the lid and wherein a pulling action on the drawstring causes a closing of the lid; a locking device coupled to the drawstring; and two handles coupled to the bag-type structure.  
           [0011]    In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for removing coins from a gaming machine is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a bag-type structure defining a coin storage area; wherein the bag-type structure comprises a flexible material; providing a lid fixedly attached to the bag-type structure at an upper portion thereof and adapted to be placed within each of an open and a closed position while remaining attached to the upper-portion of the bag-type structure; positioning the bag-type structure in a coin output area of a gaming machine while the lid is in an open position; receiving coins in the coin storage area; removing the bag-type structure from the coin storage area; and closing the lid.  
           [0012]    The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a gaming machine coin carrying device consistent with the present invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 in position in the output area of a gaming machine.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 shown in a closed configuration.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 is a side, cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1, taken along line  4 - 4 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0017]    Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 3, an embodiment of a coin carrying device  10  consistent with the present invention is shown. The coin carrying device  10  consists generally of a coin storage area  12 , which is defined by an upwardly open bag-type structure  14 . The bag-type structure  14  is preferably formed from a flexible, washable material. A lightweight nylon material is preferred.  
         [0018]    The preferred dimensions of the bag-type structure  14  include a height of about 4.5 inches (excluding the closable top area, discussed below), a width of about 6 inches, and a length of about 6 inches.  
         [0019]    It is preferred to couple to the bag-type structure  14  at least one and preferably two handles  16 . The handles  16  are preferably constructed from the same flexible material used to construct the bag-type structure  14 . In particular, in the preferred embodiment, this material is a lightweight, waterproof, nylon material. Still further, the handles  16  preferably are formed from nylon strips that are approximately 16 inches in length, and that have a width of approximately {fraction (3/4)} of an inch. The handles  16  may be affixed to the bag-type structure  14  in any desired manner, and in the preferred embodiment are sewn into position.  
         [0020]    Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3 and  4 , the coin carrying device  10  further preferably includes an integral lid  18 . The lid  18  is also preferably formed of a lightweight nylon material that is waterproof, and that is of lighter weight than the material used in the bag-type structure  14  and handles  16 . The lid  18  is secured circumferentially at a lower portion thereof to an upper portion of the bag-type structure  14 , preferably by sewing. At an upper portion of the lid  18  is formed a looped area  20 , preferably by sewing the uppermost portion of the lid  18  to a lower portion of the lid  18 , as best seen in FIG. 4. Into the looped area  18  is placed a drawstring  22 .  
         [0021]    Referring to the drawstring  22  in greater detail, it is preferably a {fraction (1/4)} inch nylon drawstring. Further, it preferably has thereon a locking device  24  of a type known in the drawstring art, to permit the secure tightening of the drawstring  22  when it is desired to close the lid  18 .  
         [0022]    As shown in FIG. 3, the lid  18  should have sufficient dimension so that, upon tightening of the drawstring  22  with the locking device  24 , the lid  18  can assume a substantially closed configuration such it is difficult or impossible for coins to fall out of the bag-type structure  14  if it is dropped onto the ground. It is preferred, for this purpose, that the lid  18  have a height of approximately 2 inches.  
         [0023]    It should be noted that it is contemplated that the exterior surface of the bag-type structure  14  will be utilized for the placement thereon of printed material of some type, including a logo, company name, advertising material, casino name, or other desired material.  
         [0024]    Referring to FIG. 4, it can be seen that coin carrying device  10  further comprises a bottom section  26 , which preferably is sewn to a bottom portion of the bag-type structure  14 . The bottom section  26  should include sufficient material so that it will extend downward and thereby increase the interior carrying space of the carrying device  10  when a significant volume of coins  28  (see FIG. 2) are inserted therein. The bottom section  26  is preferably formed of the same type of material used in the construction of the lid  18 .  
         [0025]    Further, it may be desired to provide a pocket (not shown) on either the inside or outside of the bag-type structure  14 . One possible use for the pocket would be to carry a user&#39;s driver&#39;s license, credit card, debit card, gaming card, social security card, cash, or other items.  
       Statement of Operation  
       [0026]    A player playing a gaming machine  30  will position the carrying device  10  in the coin output area  32  prior to retrieving his or her winnings from the machine. Such retrieval is generally initiated by the player depressing a “cash out” button, or the like, located on the gaming machine  30 . (In this regard, it can be seen that the overall dimensions of the carrying device  10  should permit it to be positioned within the coin output area  32 .) Of course, for this stage of the operation, the carrying device  10  should be in an open configuration, with the lid  18  in an open position.  
         [0027]    After the coins  28  have been dispensed into the carrying device  10 , the player can remove it from the coin output area  32 . After removal, the player will generally wish to close the carrying device  10  by pulling on the drawstring  22  and moving the locking device  24  toward the looped area  20 . In this configuration, the risk of accidental spillage of coins  28  should be reduced or eliminated. Moreover, if there are a large number of coins  28  in the carrying device  10 , it will be more discrete and thus more secure to transport them in a closed rather than open container. Finally, the player will be able to carrying the carrying device  10  by grasping one or both handles  16 .  
         [0028]    When the player is finished using the carrying device  10 , the player may wish to fold it up for storage purposes.  
         [0029]    While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.