Patent Publication Number: US-2022219070-A1

Title: Apparatuses and methods for shuffler transport and installation

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/868,516, filed May 6, 2020, which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/845,049, filed May 8, 2019, both the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to transport and support of card handling devices and related assemblies, components, and methods. In particular, embodiments of the disclosure relate to transport and support devices for card handling devices, card handling devices with transport and support components, and methods for transporting card handling devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Wagering games are often based on the outcome of randomly generated arrangements of cards. Such games are widely played in gaming establishments and, often, a single deck or multiple decks of fifty-two (52) playing cards may be used to play the game. Gaming using multiple decks of playing cards may include, for example, six to ten decks used in games such as blackjack and baccarat and two decks of playing cards used in games such as double deck blackjack. Many other specialty games may use single or multiple decks of cards, with or without jokers and with or without selected cards removed. 
     Card shuffling devices are used to assist, enhance, and/or secure the play of card-based games. At least some gaming tables for play of these card-based games have slots or installation points that receive a card shuffling device, thereby bringing the shuffling device closer to the game participants and create the appearance of the integration between the shuffling device and the gaming table. The gaming industry continues to seek improvements to card shuffling devices that increase their benefit to players, dealers, and operators. However, the addition of such improvements to the card shuffling devices may result in increased weight and/or complexity of the shuffling devices. The increased weight may cause strain on a gaming table fully supporting the shuffling devices as well as operators that install, maintain, and remove the shuffling devices. For example, to install a shuffling device, an operator may be required to move the shuffling device to its destination gaming table, lift the shuffling device, align the shuffling device above the installation point of the gaming table, and lower the shuffling device into the installation point. As a result, improvements to systems and methods for transporting and supporting card shuffling devices are needed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a card shuffler system includes an automatic card shuffler for shuffling playing cards and a shuffler transport device coupled to the automatic card shuffler to move and support the automatic card shuffler. The shuffler transport device includes a base assembly for moving along a ground surface, a vertical support, and an adjustment assembly coupled to the vertical support. The vertical support extends from the base assembly and is coupled to the automatic card shuffler to cantilever the automatic card shuffler over the base assembly. The adjustment assembly adjusts the height of the automatic card shuffler between at least a first height and a second height along a vertical axis. 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a method for installing an automatic card shuffler at a gaming table using a shuffler transport device. The shuffler transport device includes a base assembly moveable along a ground surface, a vertical support extending from the base assembly and coupled to the automatic card shuffler, and an adjustment assembly. The method includes moving, by the shuffler transport device, the automatic card shuffler towards an installation point at the gaming table, the automatic card shuffler extending from the vertical support and cantilevered over the base assembly. The method further includes adjusting, by the adjustment assembly, a height of the automatic card shuffler to engage an installation surface of the installation point such that the installation surface supports the automatic card shuffler, and installing, by the shuffler transport device, the automatic card shuffler at the installation point for play of a card-based game at the gaming table. 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include an automatic card shuffler for shuffling playing cards, the automatic card shuffler including a housing and a shuffler transport device coupled to the housing to move and support the automatic card shuffler. The shuffler transport device includes a base assembly for moving the transport device along a ground surface, a vertical support extending from the base assembly, and an adjustment assembly coupled to the vertical support. The vertical support is coupled to the housing to cantilever the automatic card shuffler over the base assembly. The adjustment assembly adjusts the height of the automatic card shuffler between at least a first height and a second height along a vertical axis. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming embodiments of the present disclosure, the advantages of embodiments of the disclosure may be more readily ascertained from the following description of embodiments of the disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example card shuffling system according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an example automatic card shuffler according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an example automatic card shuffler installed at a gaming table according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross section of the automatic card shuffler and gaming table shown in  FIG. 3  according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an example shuffler transport device according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an example base assembly of a shuffler transport device according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an example locking mechanism for a shuffler transport device according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of an example installation method for installing a card shuffler at a gaming table using a shuffler transport device according to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The illustrations presented herein are not meant to be actual views of any particular card shuffling system or component thereof, but are merely idealized representations employed to describe illustrative embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. Elements common between figures may retain the same numerical designation. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As used herein, any relational term, such as “first,” “second,” “over,” “beneath,” “top,” “bottom,” “underlying,” “up,” “down,” etc., is used for clarity and convenience in understanding the disclosure and accompanying drawings, and does not connote or depend on any specific preference, orientation, or order, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, these terms may refer to an orientation of elements of the card handling device and/or the transport device relative to a surface of a table on which the card handling device and/or the transport device may be positioned, mounted, and/or operated (e.g., as illustrated in the figures). 
     As used herein, the terms “vertical” and “horizontal” may refer to a drawing figure as oriented on the drawing sheet, and are in no way limiting of orientation of an apparatus, or any portion thereof, unless it is apparent that a particular orientation of the apparatus is necessary or desirable for operation in view of gravitational forces. For example, when referring to elements illustrated in the figures, the terms “vertical” or “horizontal” may refer to an orientation of elements of the card handling device relative to a table surface of a table to which the card handling device may be mounted and operated. 
     As used herein, the term “and/or” means and includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” or “about” in reference to a given parameter means and includes to a degree that one skilled in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances, or wherein the variance is with respect to a general parameter, such as an orientation. For example, a parameter that is substantially met may be at least about 90% met, at least about 95% met, or even at least about 99% met. 
     As used herein, a “height” of an object refers to distance measurement between the object and a reference surface (e.g., a ground surface or other object) rather than a dimension of the object itself. The height may not be measured from an extremity of the object (e.g., a topmost or bottommost surface), but may be measured from a point having functional importance to the height described herein. For example, a gaming table may include a slot or installation point that engages a lip or edge of a card shuffler to support the shuffler such that a portion of the shuffler is above a playing surface of the table and another portion is below the playing surface. In such an example, the height of the card shuffler may be the distance from the lip to the ground surface, and the height of the installation point of the table may be the distance from the surface that engages the lip to the ground surface. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may not be limited to gaming devices. For example, the transportation and support systems described herein may be used for terminals, kiosks, signage, and the like. 
     Although the systems and methods described herein refer specifically to a card shuffler device, it is to be understood that other gaming-related devices may be substituted for the shuffler device. That is, other gaming devices that benefit from a transportation and/or support from a transport device as described herein may be coupled to the transport device. In some embodiments, the transport device may be configured to selectively couple to shuffler devices and/or other gaming devices such that the transport device may be used with a variety of gaming devices. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example card shuffler system  100 . The card shuffler system  100  includes an automatic card shuffler  102  and a shuffler transport device  104  coupled to the automatic card shuffler  102 . In other embodiments, the system  100  may include additional, fewer, or alternative components, including those described elsewhere herein. 
     The automatic card shuffler  102  is configured to facilitate play of one or more card-based games, including, for example, wagering games like poker, blackjack, baccarat, and the like. More particularly, the automatic card shuffler  102  is configured to receive one or more playing cards in a first sequence, reorganize the received playing cards into a second sequence (i.e., shuffle the cards), and selectively dispense the reorganized playing cards. These functions may be at least partially performed automatically. That is, a dealer may provide some input to the card shuffler  102  to initiate the intake, shuffling, and/or dispense of the playing cards. 
     In the example embodiment, the automatic card shuffler  102  includes a housing  106 , a card input area  108 , a card output area  110 , and a display  112 . The housing  106  defines the exterior of the card shuffler  102  and protects internal components of the automatic card shuffler  102 . The housing  106  may include one or more features for securing the card shuffler  102  to a gaming table, a supporting device (e.g., the transport device  104 ), and/or another suitable device. The features may include, but are not limited to, lips, grooves, hooks, brackets, fasteners, fastener openings, and/or legs. In the example embodiment, the housing  106  includes a lip  107  for mounting the automatic card shuffler  102  to a gaming table as described below in  FIG. 3 . 
     Playing cards are inserted into the card shuffler  102  at the card input area  108 , and shuffled playing cards are dispensed from the card output area  110 . At least one card path through the automatic card shuffler  102  may be defined between the card input area  108  and the card output area  110 . A “card path” is used herein to refer to the path followed by at least one card through the shuffler  102 . In certain embodiments, the card input area  108  and the card output area  110  may appear to be combined from an external viewpoint of the shuffler  102 . That is, in such embodiments, the card input area  108  and the card output area  110  may receive or dispense cards, respectively, from the same or a similar position on the housing  106 , yet these card areas  108 ,  110  are separate along the defined card paths internally. 
     The display  112  is configured to present information associated with the automatic card shuffler and/or one or more card-based games to the dealer and/or any players at a gaming table. The display  112  may include a touchscreen for receiving user input. In at least some embodiments, the shuffler may also include a back display  113  similar to the display  112 . The inclusion of two displays may facilitate segregation of presented data and/or control options between the display  112  and the back display  113 . For example, the display  112  may display information to players, while the back display  113 , which may not be readily visible to the players, may display status information to a dealer or a maintenance operator. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating example internal components of the automatic card shuffler  102 . In the example embodiment, the internal components include a card input system  202 , a shuffling system  204 , a card output system  206 , and a controller  208 . In other embodiments, the shuffler  102  may include additional, fewer, or alternative internal components, including those described elsewhere herein. 
     The card input system  202  is configured to receive playing cards from the card input area  108  and move the received cards along one or more card paths  201  defined through the shuffler. In the example embodiment, the card path is defined such that a received playing card travels, in order, from the card input system  202  to the shuffling system  204 , and finally to the card output system  206 . The card input system  202  may include any suitable components for moving, separating, and/or organizing the received playing cards. For example, the card input system  202  may include a series of rollers, arms, and the like to pull cards from the card input area  108  to the shuffling system  204 . 
     The shuffling system  204  is configured to collect the playing cards from the card input system  202  in a first sequence and reorganize the playing cards into a second sequence. The shuffling system  204  may include any suitable components in one or more configurations to change the sequence of the playing cards (i.e., shuffle the cards). For example, the shuffling system  204  may include a wheel with a plurality of compartments for receiving playing cards and selectively dispensing the cards to the card output system  206 . In another example, the shuffling system  204  may include one or more arms or rollers that selectively remove one or more cards from a group of cards for delivery to the card output system  206 . In further examples, the shuffling system  204  may include shuffling mechanisms such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,372 to Sines et al. that issued Oct. 14, 1997, U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,096 to Grauzer et al. that issued Jul. 3, 2001, U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,981 to Grauzer et al. that issued Nov. 25, 2003, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,460 to Blaha et al. that issued Dec. 9, 2003, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by this reference. 
     The card output system  206  may be similar to card input system  202  such that the card output system  206  is configured to move playing cards along the card path  201 . More particularly, the card output system  206  is configured to move playing cards from the shuffling system  204  to the card output area  110 . In certain embodiments, the card output system  206  may be configured to store the shuffled playing cards temporarily until the playing cards are to be dispensed. In other embodiments, the shuffling system  204  may be configured to store the playing cards until the playing cards are to be dispensed. 
     In the example embodiment, the controller  208  is configured to facilitate automated operation of the card shuffler  102  and provide other functionalities associated with the shuffler, such as, but not limited to, monitor gameplay for a game incorporating the shuffler  102 , collect and/or report accounting information (e.g., wager amounts, payouts, etc.). The controller  208  may be communicatively coupled (i.e., via wired and/or wireless data communication) to the card input system  202 , the shuffling system  204 , and/or the card output system  206  to control the operation of the shuffler  102 . That is, the internal components of the shuffler  102  may be operated in response to control signals from the controller  208 . Other components of the shuffler  102  and/or other devices may also be communicatively coupled to the controller  208  to receive and/or send data signals, such as, but not limited to, input/output (I/O) devices  203  and/or an external device  205 . 
     The I/O devices  203  are configured to receive user input for the controller  208  and present outputs from the controller  208  to a user. The I/O devices  203  may include, for example, buttons, touchscreens, dials, speakers, and/or the display  112 . The external device  205  may be any suitable device that communicates with the controller  208  to exchange data associated with the shuffler  102  and/or the current game using the shuffler  102 . In one example, the external device  205  is an interface operated by a dealer. In another example, the external device is a server-based accounting system that collects accounting information from the controller  208 . Although one external device is shown, the controller  208  may be configured to communicate with a plurality of external devices  205 . 
     In certain embodiments, to monitor the shuffler  102  and/or the game using the shuffler  102 , the controller  208  may be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors. Any suitable type of sensor may be used, such as, but not limited to, image sensors, weight sensors, motion sensors, strain sensors, and the like. In the example embodiment, the controller  208  is communicatively coupled to a plurality of internal sensors  207  and a plurality of external sensors  209 . The internal sensors  207  monitor the playing cards and the internal components. In one example, the internal sensors  207  include at least one image sensor (i.e., a camera) that monitors the playing cards through the card path  201  such that the controller  208  can track and/or change the sequence of the cards via the shuffling system  204 . The image sensors may include, for example, the imaging devices described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,933,448 to Downs, issued Apr. 26, 2011, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,764,836 to Downs et al., issued Jul. 27, 2010, or in U.S. Pat. No. 8,800,993 B2 to Blaha et al., issued Aug. 12, 2014, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. The external sensors  209  may be configured to monitor the environment of the shuffler  102 . For example, the external sensors  209  may include one or more cameras monitoring a playing area used in conjunction with the shuffler  102  and one or more sensors that monitor wagers from players. 
     With respect again to  FIG. 1 , the internal components of the shuffler  102  may impact the weight, fragility, and/or complexity of the shuffler  102 , which may cause the installation of the shuffler  102  to become cumbersome and difficult when done manually. Accordingly, the transport device  104  of the system  100  is configured to attach to the housing  106  of the card shuffler  102  and to support the shuffler  102  during (and, in some embodiments, after) transportation to an installation point, such as a gaming table. In addition to supporting the shuffler  102 , the transport device  104  includes features described herein that facilitate ease of installation at a mounting or installation point of a gaming table. More particularly, in the example embodiment as described in further detail below, the transport device  104  has three features for ease of installation: (i) a cantilevered support configuration, (ii) a compressible base to move the shuffler along a horizontal axis, and (iii) an adjustment assembly to move the shuffler  102  vertically into the installation point. 
     In at least some embodiments, after installing the shuffler  102  at a gaming table, the transport device  104  may remain attached to the shuffler  102  to provide additional support while the shuffler  102  is in use. Additionally, by remaining attached to the shuffler  102 , the removal process of the shuffler  102  from the gaming table (e.g., for maintenance, storage, reorganization, etc.) may be made easier for an operator. That is, rather than locate, retrieve, and attach a spare transport device  104  to the shuffler  102 , the operator may simply begin the removal process immediately at the gaming table. In other embodiments, the transport device  104  may be selectively removable from the shuffler  102  for use with a plurality of devices (including other shufflers  102 ). In such embodiments, one or more support devices may be attached to the shuffler  102  in place of the transport device  104 . 
     In the example embodiment, the transport device  104  includes a support member  114 , a base assembly  116 , and one or more cover members  118 . The support member  114  is configured to be coupled to the automatic card shuffler  102 . As described in detail further below, the support member  114  may be configured to selectively adjust the shuffler  102  along a vertical axis to facilitate installation of the shuffler  102 . The support member  114  extends vertically from one end of the base assembly  116  such that the shuffler  102  is cantilevered over the base assembly  116 . In other embodiments, the support member  114  may extend from the base assembly  116  in a different configuration. For example, the support member  114  may extend diagonally from the base assembly  116  or extend vertically from the center of the base assembly  116 . 
     The base assembly  116  is configured to bear at least a portion of the load from the support member  114  and to facilitate movement of the transport device. In the example embodiment, the base assembly  116  includes a plurality of wheels  120  that enable the transport device  104  to be moved without requiring an operator to lift the automatic shuffler  102  during transport. It is to be understood that, in other embodiments, the base assembly  116  may include additional, fewer, or alternative wheels and/or other elements to facilitate movement of the transport device. In one example, the base assembly  116  may include additional wheels  120 . In another example, ball wheel casters may be used instead of the wheels  120 . 
     In the example embodiment, substantial portions of the transport device  104  are covered by the cover members  118 . The cover members  118  protect the underlying components, and, in some embodiments, incorporate visual elements to, for example, blend into its environment or attract potential players to the gaming table. The transport device  104  may include any suitable number (including one) and/or configuration of cover members  118 . 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate the card shuffler system  100  at an installation point. More particularly, the system  100  is positioned at an example gaming table  300  for installation.  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the system  100  and the table  300 , and  FIG. 4  is a side cross-sectional view of the system  100  and the table  300 . In other embodiments, the installation point may be located at a different gaming table or another suitable system or device. 
     The gaming table  300  includes a playing surface  302  for play of a game and a mounting point  304  for receiving the automatic card shuffler  102  (i.e., the installation point). In some embodiments, the gaming table  300  may include additional features for supporting one or more devices that facilitate gameplay, such as a dealer interface or player interfaces. 
     In the example embodiment, the mounting point  304  is a cut-out in the gaming table  300 . When the automatic card shuffler  102  is mounted within the mounting point  304 , the upper surface of the card shuffler  102  (i.e., the card input area  108  and the card output area  110 ) appears to be substantially integrated with the playing surface. In addition, mounting the shuffler  102  within the table  300  also may reduce the overall footprint of the table  300  and system  100  combined, thereby freeing up additional floor space for other uses (e.g., walkways, additional tables, additional seating, etc.). In other embodiments, the installation point at the gaming table  300  may have a different configuration. For example, other suitable installation points may include brackets, extensions, and the like for supporting one or more surfaces of the shuffler  102 . 
     The mounting point  304  includes an installation surface  306  configured to engage the shuffler  102  when the shuffler  102  is engaged. The installation surface  306  may be part of the playing surface  302  or a different surface. For example, the installation surface  306  may be a padded surface lining a perimeter of the mounting point  304 . In the example embodiment, to install the shuffler  102  at the mounting point  304 , the lip  107  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the shuffler  102  engages the installation surface  306 . As used herein, when the lip  107  is engaged with the installation surface  306 , a height  308  of the shuffler  102  and a height  310  of the installation surface  306  are considered to be “matched” or matching heights (both shown in  FIG. 4 ). That is, the heights  308 ,  310  may be the same or substantially similar when the shuffler  102  is installed at the mounting point  304 . 
     In the example embodiment, as described in further detail herein, the shuffler  102  may be raised above the mounting point  304  and lowered to match the shuffler height  308  to the installation surface height  310 . Previous installation methods may require one or more operators to manually lift the shuffler  102  to a height above the mounting point  304  and lower the shuffler to match the installation surface height  310 . In other embodiments, the shuffler height  308  may be adjusted to match the installation surface height  310  prior to vertical alignment with the mounting point  304  such that the shuffler  102  is slid into the mounting point  304 . 
     To facilitate the height adjustment of the shuffler  102 , the transport device  104  is configured to enable an operator to adjust the shuffler height  308  via the transport device  104  while the transport device  104  bears the load of the shuffler  102 . In at least some embodiments, the transport device  104  includes one or more features that secure the shuffler  102  at the mounting point  304 . For example, the transport device  104  may include one or more brakes to secure the shuffler height  308  and prevent the transport device (and the shuffler  102 ) from moving away from the mounting point  304 . 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the shuffler transport device  104  with the cover members  118  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) removed for clarity purposes. In particular, in the example embodiment, removal of the cover members  118  exposes the base assembly  116 , the support member  114 , a mount plate  502 , and an adjustment assembly  504 . 
     The mount plate  502  is coupled between the support member  114  and the automatic card shuffler  102 . The mount plate  502  may include one or more features that facilitate securing the transport device  104  to the shuffler. For example, and without limitation, the mount plate  502  may include fasteners, fastener openings aligning with similar openings on the shuffler, brackets, rails, arms, and the like to secure the shuffler  102  and the transport device  104  together. In other embodiments, the transport device  104  may not include the mount plate  502 . In such embodiments, the support member  114  may couple directly to the shuffler  102 . 
     The adjustment assembly  504  may be coupled to the shuffler  102 , the base assembly  116 , the support member  114 , and/or the mount plate  502 . In the example embodiment, the adjustment assembly  504  is coupled to the mount plate  502 . As sometimes used herein, the adjustment assembly  504  may be referred to as “coupled to” the shuffler  102  to include both directly coupling to the shuffler  102  and indirect coupling to the shuffler (e.g., via the mount plate  502 ). The adjustment assembly  504  is configured to facilitate movement of the shuffler  102  along a substantially vertical axis (relative to a ground surface). In some embodiments, the adjustment assembly  504  may be configured to adjust a vertical length of the support member  114 , thereby adjusting the height of the shuffler  102  as a function of the vertical length of the support member  114 . In such embodiments, the support member  114  may have any suitable configuration that facilitates an adjustable length, such as, for example, a telescoping body or other configurations of slidably coupled segments. In other embodiments, the vertical length of the support member  114  may be fixed, and the mount plate  502  is configured to move within the length of the support member  114  in response to a change in the adjustment assembly  504 . 
     In the example embodiment, the vertical length of the support member  114  is fixed, and the support member  114  includes a body  506  and a cartridge  508  slidably coupled to the body. In particular, the body  506  defines a support rail guide  510  coupled a portion of the cartridge  508  while enabling the cartridge  508  to slide along the support rail guide  510 . The support rail guide  510  may be defined along at least a portion of the vertical length of the support member  114 . The length of the support rail guide  510  may restrict the movement of the cartridge  508  between a predetermined maximum height (i.e., the uppermost end of the support rail guide  510 ) and a predetermined minimum height (i.e., the lowermost end of the support rail guide  510 ). The cartridge  508  is coupled to the mount plate  502  (and, by extension, the shuffler  102 ) such that movement of the cartridge  508  on the support rail guide  510  causes the height of the shuffler  102  to be adjusted. As used herein, the predetermined maximum and minimum heights may not only refer to the height of the cartridge  508 , but also the height of the shuffler  102  when coupled to the cartridge  508 . The adjustment assembly  504  is configured to cause the cartridge  508  to move along the support rail guide  510  and adjust the height of the shuffler  102 . 
     In the example embodiment, the adjustment assembly  504  includes a gas spring mechanism  512  coupled to the mount plate  502 . The gas spring mechanism  512  is configured to apply a relative upward bias force on the mount plate  502 . The magnitude of the bias force is at least partially a function of the pneumatically stored potential energy of the gas spring mechanism  512 . More particularly, the gas spring mechanism  512  includes a cylinder  514  and a piston  516  that seals a gas within the cylinder. When the piston  516  moves relative to the cylinder  514  (or the cylinder  514  moves relative to the piston  516  as in the example embodiment), the internal gas is selectively compressed, and the potential energy of the gas spring mechanism  512  changes. If the gas is compressed further, more potential energy is stored by the gas spring mechanism  512 . Conversely, if the gas is decompressed by moving the piston  516  away from the cylinder  514 , at least a portion of the stored potential energy is consumed as the bias force. 
     In other embodiments, other suitable adjustment assemblies  504  may be used to perform the functionalities of the gas spring mechanism  512 . For example, spring mechanisms other than gas springs, counterweights, and/or electric motors may be used. In another example, a segmented adjustment assembly  504  with a telescoping body may be used to adjust the height of the shuffler  102 . In further embodiments, a plurality of adjustment assemblies  504  and/or a plurality of underlying components may be included in the transport device. For example, the adjustment assembly  504  may include another gas spring mechanism  512  in some embodiments. 
     In the example embodiment, movement of the mount plate  502 , the cartridge  508 , and the shuffler  102  is at least partially a function of the magnitude of the bias force. More specifically, the movement of the cartridge  508  within the support rail guide  510  is a function of any downward forces (e.g., gravity and friction between the cartridge  508  and the support rail guide  510 ) comparative to the bias force of the gas spring mechanism  512  and any other upward forces (e.g., friction and a manual force applied by an operator). If the magnitude of the bias force exceeds the magnitude of the downward forces, the cartridge  508  may move upward within the support rail guide  510 . Conversely, if the magnitude of the downward forces exceeds the magnitude of the bias force, the cartridge  508  may move downward within the support rail guide  510 . In certain embodiments, an operator may selectively apply a downward or upward force to adjust the height of the shuffler  102  via the cartridge  508  without requiring the operator to bear a substantial portion of the weight of the shuffler  102 . That is, the gas spring mechanism  512  may assist in bearing a substantial portion of weight of the shuffler  102 , particularly during an installation process of the shuffler  102  that includes vertical movement of the shuffler  102 . In at least some embodiments, if movement of the cartridge  508  within the support rail guide  510  is unrestricted (i.e., no brakes or outside forces have been applied), the gas spring mechanism  512  may be configured to reach an equilibrium state over time. In the equilibrium state, the upward and downward forces on the cartridge  508  are substantially equal, and therefore the cartridge  508  (and the shuffler  102 ) remain in substantially the same position until a change occurs in the forces applied to the cartridge  508 . 
     In at least some embodiments, the support member  114 , the mount plate  502 , and/or the adjustment assembly  504  may include one or more restraint devices  518  or brakes that secure the cartridge  508  and/or the shuffler  102  at a particular height. In the example embodiment, the restraint device  518  is integrated with the mount plate  502  and is coupled to the support rail guide  510 . The restraint device  518  selectively engages one or more surfaces within the support rail guide  510  to prevent the mount plate  502  (and by extension, the cartridge  508 ) from moving relative to the support member  114 . In at least some embodiments, the restraint device  518  includes a handle  520  or other component to enable an operator to selectively engage or disengage the restraint device  518 . In other embodiments, the restraint device  518  may have another suitable configuration and/or components that enable the restraint device  518  to selectively prevent movement of the cartridge  508  and the shuffler  102 . 
     The restraint device  518  may be used, for example, during an installation process of the shuffler  102  to adjust the shuffler  102  to height above the installation point and maintain the height until the shuffler  102  is vertically aligned with the installation point. As a result, the installation process may be broken into two primary steps: (i) vertical alignment of the shuffler  102  with the installation point, and (ii) matching the height of the shuffler  102  to the height of an installation surface (e.g., the installation surface  306 , shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The two-step installation process may be comparatively less cumbersome and straining than a manual installation in which vertical alignment and height adjustment may addressed simultaneously by the operator installing the shuffler  102 . In at least some embodiments, the base assembly  116  may include one or more features to assist with the vertical alignment of the shuffler  102 . 
       FIG. 6  is a close-up perspective view of the base assembly  116  of the shuffler transport device  104  shown in  FIG. 1 . In the example embodiment, the base assembly  116  includes wheels  120 , a first base member  602 , a second base member  604 , and an extension assembly  606 . In other embodiments, the base assembly  116  may include additional, fewer, or alternative components, including those described elsewhere herein. 
     The first base member  602  includes a first base plate  608  having a first end  610  of the base assembly  116  and a first internal edge  612 . The first base plate  608  is configured to secure other parts of the transport device  104  and the base assembly  116  together. In at least some embodiments, the first base plate  608  is configured to assist in weight distribution and/or load-bearing to prevent the transport device  104  and the coupled shuffler  102  from tipping during transport and/or installation. In the example embodiment, the support member  114  extends from the first end  610 . The first end  610  may be referred to herein as the “back end” of the transport device  104  due to the relative orientation of the transport device  104  when the shuffler  102  is installed at a gaming table, i.e., the first end  610  faces away from the gaming table and the direction of movement during the installation of the shuffler  102 . 
     The second base member  604  includes a second base plate  614  having a second end  616  and a second internal edge  618 . The second base plate  614  is configured similar to the first base plate  608 , but includes a leading edge  620  at the second end  616  rather than the support member  114 . The second end  616  is opposite of the first end  610 , and, for similar reasons as the first end  610 , may be referred to herein as the “front end.” The leading edge  620  may be used as described herein to guide the transport device  104  to vertically align the shuffler  102  with an installation point. More particularly, the leading edge  620  may be used to selectively engage the extension assembly  606  to move the shuffler  102  towards an installation point. 
     The extension assembly  606  is configured to facilitate horizontal movement (relative to the ground surface underneath the transport device  104 ) of the shuffler  102  for vertically aligning the shuffler  102  with an installation point (e.g., mounting point  304 , shown in  FIG. 3 ). More particularly, the extension assembly  606  is configured to selectively compress, which may cause the shuffler  102  to be moved horizontally. In the example embodiment, the extension assembly  606  includes a first rail member  622 , a second rail member  624 , a rail channel  626 , and one or more rail guides  628 . The first base member  602  includes the first rail member  622  and the rail channel  626 , while the second base member  604  includes the second rail member  624  and the rail guides  628 . In other embodiments, the extension assembly  606  may include additional, fewer, or alternative components, including those described elsewhere herein. In one example, the extension assembly  606  may include a gas spring mechanism rather than (or in combination with) a rail-based mechanism. 
     The first and second rail members  622 ,  624  are elongated members that extend parallel to each other from the respective base members (i.e., the first and second base members  602 ,  604 , respectively). The rail channel  626  and the rail guides  628  are coupled together between the rail members  622 ,  624 . More particularly, the rail channel  626  and the rail guides  628  are slidably coupled together to facilitate selectively extension or compression of the extension assembly  606 . As the extension assembly  606  compresses, the internal edges  612 ,  618  move towards each other, and the overall footprint of the transport device  104  is reduced. Reducing the footprint of the transport device  104  may enable the transport device  104  to install the shuffler  102  into areas with limited space, such as, but not limited to, installation points at gaming tables. 
     In the example embodiment, the extension assembly  606  may be configured to be in an extended position during transportation of the shuffler  102  to increase the stability of the transport device  104 . As used herein, the terms “compressed position” and “extended position” are used relative to each other, and are not limited to positions of maximum compression and extension of the extension assembly  606 , respectively. For example, some installation points may require the extension assembly  606  to be compressed only partially to the full extent of the compression capable by the extension assembly  606 . 
     In at least some embodiments, the extension assembly  606  includes a locking mechanism to selectively prevent the base assembly from compressing from an extended position. In certain embodiments, the compression may be unlocked in response to the locking mechanism being disengaged by an operator and/or by engaging an external mechanism, such as a mechanism attached to a gaming table at an installation point. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an example locking mechanism  700  that may be used in combination with the extension assembly  606  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). The locking mechanism  700  is configured to engage a receiver bracket  701  that is attached to the gaming table  300  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). The locking mechanism  700  includes an engagement lever  702 , a guard  704 , a compression spring  706 , and a sleeve bearing  708 . In other embodiments, the locking mechanism  700  and/or the receiver bracket  701  may include additional, fewer, or alternative components, including those described elsewhere herein. 
     The engagement lever  702  includes a first end  710 , a second end  712 , and a body  714  extending between the first and second ends  710 ,  712 . The first end is configured to mate with the receiver bracket  701  such that mating with the receiver bracket  701  causes the engagement lever  702  to move and unlock the extension assembly  606 . In the example embodiment, the first end  710  of the engagement lever  702  moves upward in response to coupling to the receiver bracket  701 . In other embodiments, the engagement lever  702  is configured to move in a different direction in response to coupling with the receiver bracket  701 . The guard  704  is positioned below the first end  710  to prevent the engagement lever  702  from moving during transportation. In embodiments in which the engagement lever  702  moves in a different direction, the guard  704  may be repositioned and/or reconfigured to prevent errant movement of the lever  702  in that direction. 
     The compression spring  706  is coupled to the body  714  of the lever  702  to bias the lever  702  into a locked position. In the example embodiment, the lever  702  is in a locked position when the lever  702  is substantially horizontal relative the extension assembly  606 . When the receiver bracket  701  is engaged by the lever  702 , an opposing upward force compresses the spring  706  until the lever  702  is disengaged from the first rail member  622 , allowing the base assembly  116  to compress. When the first end  710  of the lever  702  is secured to the receiver bracket  701 , the locking mechanism  700  and the receiver bracket  701  prevents the shuffler system  100  from being removed from the gaming table  300  while the base assembly  116  is in a compressed position or state. When the base assembly  116  is retracted from the table  300  to a fully extended position or state, the compression spring  706  forces the lever  702  to reengage the first rail member  622  and lock the base assembly  116  in a fully extended state; and the first end  710  of the lever  702  is released from the receiver bracket  701 . In some embodiments, the locking mechanism  700  does not include the spring  706 , but rather returns to the locked position via another suitable mechanism. 
     The sleeve bearing  708  is a cylindrical component coupled to the lever  702  such that the sleeve bearing  708  can rotate. When the lever  702  is in the locked position and the extension assembly  606  is in an extended position, the sleeve bearing  708  is positioned within the path of the first rail member  622  of the extension assembly  606  to prevent the extension assembly  606  from compressing. However, when the lever  702  is in an unlocked position (i.e., the lever is engaged by the receiver bracket  701 ), the second end  712  is lowered relative to its position when the lever  702  is in the locked position. Lowering the second end  712  also lowers the sleeve bearing  708  out of the path of the first rail member  622 , and the first rail member  622  may move forward towards the second rail member  624  with the assistance of the rolling sleeve bearing  708 . In other embodiments, other suitable components may be used in place of the sleeve bearing  708 . For example, an arm extending from the second end  712  may selectively block the first rail member  622  from moving to a compressed position. 
     With respect again to  FIG. 6 , in the example embodiment, the base assembly  116  further includes a brake  630  coupled to the first base plate  608  of the first base member  602 . The brake  630  is configured to selectively prevent movement of the transport device  104 , particularly when the transport device  104  is supporting the shuffler  102  at an installation point. As a result, the transport device  104  can transition between transportation and supporting functionality without compromising either functionality. In the example embodiment, the brake  630  is a rotatable member that, when engaging a ground surface, limits or otherwise prevents the wheels  120  from moving along the ground surface and/or the extension assembly  606  from moving to an extended position from the compressed position until the brake  630  is disengaged (i.e., by rotating the brake away from the ground surface). The wheels  120  may also include wheel brakes  632  to selectively prevent movement of the transport device  104 . In other embodiments, additional and/or alternative brakes may be used, including external brakes applied to the transport device  104  (e.g., a block or board positioned behind the wheels  120  to prevent movement away from the installation point). In one example, the extension assembly  606  may be coupled to a brake that is selectively engaged in response to the extension assembly  606  compressing to a predetermined position (e.g., a position that indicates the shuffler  102  is vertically aligned with the installation point) and selectively disengaged during removal of the shuffler  102  from the installation point. 
       FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of an example installation method  800  that may be used with the shuffler system  100  shown in  FIG. 1  to install the automatic card shuffler  102  at the gaming table  300  shown in  FIG. 3 . In other embodiments, the installation method  800  may include additional, fewer, or alternative steps, including those described elsewhere herein. The method  800  is described herein with respect to  FIGS. 1-8 . 
     To begin the method  800 , the automatic card shuffler  102  is coupled  802  to the transport device  104  via the mount plate  502  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, the shuffler  102  may remain coupled to the transport device  104  during use and/or storage such that the coupling step  802  may occur a limited number of times, such as after maintenance of the shuffler  102  or during manufacture of the system  100 . In other embodiments, the transport device  104  may be removed from the shuffler  102  after transportation of the shuffler  102  complete, and therefore the coupling step  802  may be performed prior to each time the shuffler  102  is transported. 
     The shuffler  102  is then moved  804  towards an installation point (i.e., the mounting point  304 ) via the transport device  104 . In at least some embodiments, the restraint device  518  of the adjustment assembly  504  may be engaged during movement  804  to limit or otherwise prevent vertical movement of the shuffler  102 , which may be cumbersome. The extension assembly  606  may also be in an extended position during movement of the shuffler  102  and the transport device  104  prior to installation. Moving  804  the shuffler  102  towards the installation point may include aligning the shuffler  102  with the installation along a substantially horizontal axis such that the transport device  104  moves along the horizontal axis to approach the installation point. 
     As the shuffler  102  approaches the mounting point  304  of the table, the adjustment assembly  504  is unlocked and the height of the shuffler  102  is adjusted  806  to a first height. The first height is greater than a height of the installation surface  306  onto which the shuffler  102  is to be installed. In other embodiments, the first height may actually be lower than the height of the installation surface  306  if the shuffler is to be affixed from below. In at least some embodiments, the restraint device  518  may be engaged again in response to adjusting the shuffler  102  to the first height until the shuffler  102  is ready to be installed at the mounting point  304 . 
     The shuffler  102  is then moved further towards the mounting point  304 . In the example embodiment, the extension assembly  606  is engaged to compress  808  from an extended position to a compressed position, thereby compressing the base assembly  116  and moving the shuffler  102  substantially horizontal towards the mounting point  304 . The shuffler  102  is then vertically aligned  810  with the installation point (via compressing the extension assembly  606  and/or moving the transport device  104  as a whole), and the height of the shuffler  102  is adjusted  812 , via the adjustment assembly  504 , from the first height to a second height matching the height of the installation surface  306 . In some embodiments, the shuffler  102  and/or the gaming table  300  may include one or more features to secure  814  the shuffler  102  to the mounting point  304 . In the example embodiment, the restraint device  518 , the brake  630 , and/or the wheel brakes  632  may be engaged to prevent the shuffler  102  and transport device  104  from moving. At this point, the shuffler  102  is installed at the gaming table, and play of a card-based game using the shuffler  102  may be initiated  816 . 
     In certain embodiments, to complete installation of the shuffler  102 , the transport device  104  may be removed from the shuffler  102  and replaced with another support system. In such embodiments, after the shuffler  102  is supported by the mounting point  304 , the mount plate  502  may be removed from the shuffler  102 , and the transport device is moved away from the shuffler  102  to couple the support system to the shuffler  102 . In at least one embodiment, no additional support system is needed for the shuffler  102 , and the shuffler  102  remains supported by the gaming table  300 . In other embodiments, the transport device  104  remains coupled to the shuffler  102  after the installation is complete, thereby facilitating a simplified removal process of the shuffler  102  from the table  300 . 
     To remove the shuffler  102  from the gaming table  300  (e.g., for maintenance of the shuffler  102 ), reversal of the steps in the installation method  800  may be performed. That is, the shuffler  102  is raised away from the installation surface  306 , any locks or brakes are disengaged, the extension assembly  606  is moved from the compressed position to an extended position, and/or the transport device is moved away from the table  300 . 
     The embodiments of the disclosure described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings do not limit the scope of the disclosure, which is encompassed by the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Any equivalent embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, various modifications of the disclosure, in addition to those shown and described herein, such as alternate useful combinations of the elements described, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. Such modifications and embodiments also fall within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents.