Abstract:
A gaming machine having a cabinet comprising at least one convenience platform pivotally and detachably coupled to the cabinet, wherein the convenience platform is movable between a first position and a second position.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     Gaming areas in casinos can be crowded as casinos attempt to maximize the number of gaming machines in their gaming areas. Given the high density of gaming machines, there is a limited amount of space around the gaming machine to accommodate a player&#39;s personal items or belongings. As a result, players have to hold their personal items or place their items in areas that are less visible and more susceptible to theft.  
         [0002]     Accordingly, various types of holders have been developed to accommodate a player&#39;s personal items or beverages. While these holders have been useful, these holders use the valuable space on the gaming machine playing surface or expose the player&#39;s personal items to passersby and potential theft. Thus, there remains a need for a personal item holder that improves player comfort and efficiently utilizes the available space on a gaming machine.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0003]     Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments of a gaming machine having a convenience platform are disclosed herein. The convenience platform is pivotally and detachably coupled to cabinet of the gaming machine, and the convenience platform is movable between a closed position and an open position. The convenience platform can be configured to hold a player&#39;s personal items such as, but not limited to, beverages, cellular phones, keys, wallets, cigarettes, lighters, coins, playing chips, or the like. The platform may also provide a fan to cool players during game play, a filtration system to absorb cigarette smoke, or a power outlet to allow the player to charge their electrical device, e.g., cell phones and personal digit assistants (PDA) and the like. The gaming machine may be designed including the convenience platform or the gaming machine may be retrofitted with the convenience platform.  
         [0004]     The convenience platform may be detached from the gaming machine and replaced with a variety of different platforms. For instance, one platform may be configured as an ashtray or hold items such as, but not limited to, a cellular phone, pack of cigarettes, gaming chips, or other personal items. In another embodiment, the platform may be configured to include a fan or filtration system to absorb smoke. In yet another embodiment, the platform may be configured to include one or more power outlets, headphone ports, USB ports, Ethernet ports, or other types of Internet connection ports. Furthermore, the convenience platform may include one or more dedicated hooks for hanging a player&#39;s personal items.  
         [0005]     In use, the convenience platform can be lowered to position where the platform is generally perpendicular to the front of the cabinet. A player may place a beverage or other personal items within the one or more recesses provided on the platform. When in the open position, a player can hang personal items such as, but not limited to, bags and purses onto the platform. When the convenience platform is not in use, the platform may be folded into a position against the front of the cabinet. Additionally, the convenience platform may be detachable and replaced with a different platform via a quick release or other means of rapidly switching between platforms.  
         [0006]     In an alternate embodiment, the convenience platform may include a sensor or switch that detects the movement of the platform. When the platform is moved from a closed position to an open position, a signal may be transmitted to casino personnel. Accordingly, casino personnel can frequent the gaming machine to determine whether the player wants to order a drink, needs cigarettes, or other services that may provide the player with a more enjoyable gaming experience. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a gaming machine having a convenience platform;  
         [0008]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of the convenience platform of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0009]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of a convenience platform having a removable grommet;  
         [0010]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the convenience platform in a closed position;  
         [0011]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a convenience platform; and  
         [0012]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a convenience platform.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0013]     Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to gaming machines having an interchangeable convenience platform. Generally, the convenience platform can be configured to hold a player&#39;s personal items. In various embodiments, the convenience platform may be provided with fans, lights, power outlets, input ports, or other convenience items. The convenience platform efficiently utilizes the available space on a gaming machine and is intended to improve player comfort and enjoyment while playing the gaming machine.  
         [0014]     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings and, more particularly to  FIGS. 1-6 , there is shown one embodiment of a gaming machine  10  having a convenience platform  20 . Specifically,  FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a gaming machine  10  having a convenience platform  20 . The convenience platform  20  is generally U-shaped platform, but as those skilled in the art will appreciate, the convenience platform  20  may be any shape or size. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the gaming machine  10  includes a cabinet  12  that houses a display screen  11 , game selection buttons  13 , speakers  17 , a slot for a player tracking card  19 , a voucher dispenser  23 , a coin-in slot  25 , bill/voucher input slot  21 , and a convenience platform  20 . Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that not all gaming machines  10  will have all these components, and may, indeed, have other components in addition to or in view of those components mentioned here.  
         [0015]     In one embodiment, the convenience platform  20  is positioned at the location where a coin tray would be typically located in a traditional gaming machine. In this case, since the gaming machine  10  does not have a coin tray, the gaming machine is generally a cashless gaming machine that does not dispense cash or coin but rather will dispense vouchers or the like that may be redeemed for cash or prizes. Alternatively, the convenience platform  20  may be utilized on a traditional gaming machine  10  having a coin tray, but the platform will need to be modified to fit the cabinet accordingly.  
         [0016]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the convenience platform  20  is pivotally coupled to the base of a cabinet door  15 . In an alternate embodiment, the convenience platform  20  may be coupled directly to the cabinet  12  of the gaming machine  10 . The convenience platform  20  is centrally positioned near the base of the cabinet  12  so that the platform is ergonomically suited for either left or right-handed users. In other embodiments, the convenience platform  20  may be positioned at any location on the cabinet  12 . In one embodiment, the convenience platform  20  may be moved and fixed in position by an individual. For instance, in one embodiment, the convenience platform  20  includes a through-bore that spans the width of the convenience platform  20 , and the platform is slidably mounted on a rod (not shown) that spans across the width of the gaming machine  10 . In another embodiment, the convenience platform  20  may include C-shaped clamps that allow the platform to be coupled to the rod (not shown). In various embodiments, the convenience platform  20  may include a locking means to fix the convenience platform along the rod. In another embodiment, the convenience platform  20  may be magnetically mounted to the cabinet  12  of the gaming machine so that the player can position the platform  20  in a desired location.  
         [0017]     In another embodiment, the convenience platform  20  may be coupled to the gaming machine cabinet  12  by a back panel  30 . The back panel  30  may be coupled to the cabinet  12  with screws or other types of fasteners known or developed in the art. Alternatively, the back panel  30  may be coupled to the cabinet  12  by welding or using adhesives. In another embodiment, the back panel  30  may be integrally formed with the cabinet  12  through molding, casting, or other material formation techniques known or developed in the art.  
         [0018]     Generally, the convenience platform  20  can be placed in an open position (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) or in a closed position ( FIG. 4 ). In the open position, the convenience platform  20  is substantially perpendicular to cabinet  12 . In the closed position, the convenience platform  20  is generally folded against the cabinet  12 . In alternative embodiments, the convenience platform  20  can be held in any intermediate position between the open position and the closed position.  
         [0019]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a convenience platform  20  having an upper surface  22  and a lower surface  24 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the upper surface  22  and the lower surface  24  are one-piece units, respectively. In alternate embodiments, the upper surface  22  and lower surface  24  can be formed from a plurality of units. In one embodiment, the upper surface  22  is constructed of chrome-plated injection molded plastic or nickel-plated steel. The lower surface  24  may be a less expensive material, such as cast urethane or similar material. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the convenience platform  20  can be constructed of any suitable material known or developed in the art.  
         [0020]     In another embodiment, the upper surface  22  may include a finger grip depression  80  to facilitate moving the convenience platform  20  from a folded-up second position to a first in-use position. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, other similar tabs or handles may be applied to facilitate moving the convenience platform  20  from a folded-up second position to a first in-use position.  
         [0021]     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the lower surface  24  includes or defines a beverage container holder  90  having an approximately cylindrical cavity of sufficient size and depth to accommodate a variety of beverage containers. In one embodiment, the beverage container holder  90  has a predetermined diameter and extends vertically between the upper surface  22  and the lower surface  24  of the convenience platform  20 . In another embodiment, the beverage container holder  90  has generally tapered walls. The upper portion of the beverage container holder  90  has a greater diameter than the lower portion of the beverage container holder  90 . The tapered holding portion provides support for varying sizes of beverage containers  70 . In one embodiment, the beverage container holder  90  may include one or more drainage openings  50  located at or near the base of the holder  90 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  illustrates a grommet  60  placed at the top of the beverage container holder  90 . With the grommet  60  in place, beverage containers of varying sizes may be snugly retained within the beverage container holder  90 . The grommet  60  has a generally circular ring structure having one or more fingers projecting into the opening of the ring. In one embodiment, the grommet  60  may be integral with the beverage container holder  90 . In another embodiment, the grommet  60  is removable from the opening of the beverage container holder  90 . As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the grommet  60  may be constructed of rubber, ABS plastic, cast urethane, or any other materials known or developed in the art.  
         [0023]      FIG. 4  illustrates the convenience platform  20  folded in a closed position against the back plate  30 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the base of the convenience platform  20  includes a logo that may advertise the game theme, game name, casino, or manufacturer of the machine. In another embodiment, the logo may be illuminated with one or more lights. In one embodiment, the convenience platform  20  may be held in the closed position by hinge axle friction, a spring, or other holding means. In use, a player grasps the platform  20  or the finger grip depressions  80  and moves the platform  20  into an open position. In another embodiment, the platform  20  can be automatically folded down into an open position (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). A spring provided in the hinge  40  is configured such that the spring is compressed in a closed position and the spring expands to an open position when the platform  20  is lightly pulled. Conversely, in one embodiment, the convenience platform  20  may move into a closed position when the platform  20  is pushed upward. Movement of the platform  20  may also be controlled by activating a player button which in turn controls a motor or other device which can move the platform from one position to another.  
         [0024]     In yet another embodiment, the hinge  40  may include a means for preventing unintentional movement of the convenience platform  20 . This may be accomplished by providing an internal spring surrounding a grease axle in the hinge  40 . Alternatively, a spring-loaded ball bearing in the hinge  40  can hold the convenience platform  20  in position. In yet another embodiment, a hinge  40  composed of a greased axle, not having a spring, may also prevent the unintentional movement of the convenience platform  20 .  
         [0025]     Referring back again to  FIG. 1 , there is shown the convenience platform  20  in an open position and holding a beverage container  70 . In one embodiment, a fan or other cooling means (not shown) may be placed in the base of the beverage holder  70  to keep a beverage cool. In another embodiment, a heating plate or other warming means (not shown) may be placed in the base of the beverage holder  70  in order to keep a beverage warm. In alternate embodiments, the convenience platform  20  may be configured to hold one or more beverage containers. It is also contemplated that the convenience platform  20  may include one or more recesses to hold a player&#39;s other personal objects such as, but not limited to, cellular phones, keys, wallets, cigarettes, lighters, coins, playing chips, or the like. In yet another embodiment, the convenience platform  20  may also include a light to illuminate the convenience platform  20  and/or the area around the platform.  
         [0026]     Additionally, the body of the convenience platform  20  may also be used to hang a player&#39;s personal items. That is, a player could place a handbag or any other bag having strapped handles over the convenience platform  20 . In this way, the player&#39;s bag is positioned in front of the player rather than placed on the floor, next to the gaming machine, or in the individual&#39;s lap. Accordingly, a player is provided with a more enjoyable gaming experience because the player is more comfortable and can easily monitor his or her possessions when playing on a gaming machine having a convenience platform  20 . This reduces the likelihood of theft of the player&#39;s possessions.  
         [0027]     In yet another embodiment, the convenience platform  20  may include one or more hooks positioned on the upper or lower surface of the platform  20 . The hooks may be used to hold purses, coats, hats, scarves, or the like. In various embodiments, the hooks may be positioned on the convenience platform  20  so that the platform  20  can hold a player&#39;s personal items whether the platform  20  is in the open position or in the closed position. In another embodiment, one or more hooks may be provided on the base plate  30  or any portion of the gaming machine cabinet  12 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment where the beverage holder recess  90  for the convenience platform  20  is replaced with an ashtray  100 . In another embodiment, the convenience platform  20  may include an opening in the shape of an ashtray  100 . In yet another embodiment, a removable ashtray (not shown) may be placed within the opening of the container holding recess  90 . In these embodiments, the ashtray  100  may be a smokeless ashtray in order to minimize second-hand smoke. In another embodiment, an air purifier (with or without scent capabilities) may be placed in the base of the container holding portion  90 . In yet another embodiment, a fan or fume control device (not shown) may be provided in the base of the container holding portion  90 . In various embodiments, the fan or fume control device may be activated by a player or when the convenience platform  20  is moved into the open position. Such fan may also be used to cool the players or to warm (if it includes a heating element) the player during game play.  
         [0029]      FIG. 6  illustrates another embodiment of the convenience platform  20  and back plate. In this embodiment, one or more ports and/or one or more power outlets are provided on the back plate. In one embodiment, the convenience platform  20  may cover the ports and/or a power outlet when the platform  20  is in a closed position. In another embodiment, the ports or electrical outlets maybe positioned at any location on the back plate. In the various embodiments, the ports may be adapted to accept a headphone port  101 , a USB connector  102 , an Ethernet port, or other types of internet connection ports. Power outlets are provided to the player to allow the player to charge his personal electronic devices, e.g., cell phones, MP3 players PDA&#39;s, or other similar devices.  
         [0030]     In another embodiment, the convenience platform  20  may be an interchangeable platform. That is, the convenience platform  20  may include a quick release or other means for rapidly detaching and exchanging or switching between convenience platforms  20 . Accordingly, in use, the convenience platforms  20  may be removed for cleaning or replaced if the platform  20  is damaged. Alternatively, the convenience platform  20  may be switched for a different type of platform  20 , if required by player or casino demand.  
         [0031]     In yet another embodiment, the convenience platform  20  includes a sensing means (not shown) such as, but not limited to, a switch or a sensor. The switch detects the movement of the convenience platform  20  from a closed position to an open position. Once the platform  20  is in the open position, a signal is sent to casino personnel via a signaling means. In one embodiment, the signaling means is a light positioned on top of the gaming machine. In other embodiments, the signaling means may be a radiofrequency signal, an infrared signal, a text message, an e-mail, an instant message, or other signaling means known or developed in the art. In another embodiment, the switch may have a sensor to detect the type of convenience platform  20  (e.g., beverage holder or ashtray) that is being used by a gaming patron. In yet another embodiment, the signaling means may periodically transmit a signal to casino personnel.  
         [0032]     In use, casino personnel will be notified that a player is at a particular machine when moving the convenience platform  20  from a closed position to an open position. Optionally, the sensor may be able to detect the type of convenience platform  20  and convey this information to casino personnel. For instance, if the convenience platform  20  is a beverage tray, casino personnel will be notified that a gaming patron is drinking, interested in drinking, or may need another drink. Alternatively, if the convenience platform  20  includes an ashtray, casino personnel may frequent the gaming machine to periodically empty the ashtray or provide smoking products to the gaming patron at the gaming machine. Accordingly, the gaming patron can be provided with beverages or the like thereby inducing a patron to continue to play the gaming machine.  
         [0033]     The various embodiments 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 that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.