Patent Publication Number: US-2009227380-A1

Title: Gaming device base and method of use

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/401,787 filed on Apr. 4, 2006. This application also claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/055,820 filed on May 23, 2008, which is hereby expressly incorporated in its entirety by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/401,787 mentioned above also claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/503,307 filed on Sep. 15, 2003; the latter is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates to gaming device bases used to support gaming devices in casinos and other operating locations, and a method of use. More particularly, the present invention relates to a gaming device base including a storage area configured to store non-currency gaming items and a method for storing therein. 
     2. Background 
     Gaming device bases or stands are well known in the art and they are widely used to support gaming devices in casinos and other gaming establishments. Gaming device bases generally support one or more gaming devices above a floor where the gaming device may be more easily seen, played, and serviced. 
     Gaming device bases may be configured to accommodate varying numbers of gaming devices. For example, gaming device bases may be configured to support one, two, four or more of gaming devices. Gaming device bases may further be positioned in a variety of configurations. For example, gaming device bases may be configured to accommodate gaming devices positioned back-to-back or side-by-side. 
     An example of a gaming device base is disclosed in Jarrett (U.S. Pat. No. Des. 354,637). One of the problems associated with gaming device bases, such as the one disclosed in Jarrett, is that they commonly have flat front surfaces that prevent players from extending their legs. It has been found that many players are more comfortable if they can extend their legs in front of them, even a small amount, rather than keeping their legs tightly bent. When players are more comfortable, they tend to have a more enjoyable experience and tend to play longer. 
     Another problem with gaming device bases, such as the one disclosed in Jarrett, is that the top surface does not have sufficient strength to support the weight of a gaming device over time. Thus, the top surface is susceptible to bending, cracking and warping. 
     Another gaming device base is disclosed in Ward (U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,115). The gaming device base is designed to support modified slot machines that have reduced coin hopper size, reduced power supply size and a circuit board positioned at an angle. (See also U.S. Des. Pat. Nos. 399,889 and 409,857, issued to the same inventor). Ward discloses that the combination of the slot cabinet and the modified slot machine is designed to reduce the amount of floor space occupied by gaming devices, which is especially valuable in casino environments. 
     One problem with Ward&#39;s slot cabinet is that it requires complicated modifications to the gaming device before the slot cabinet can effectively support the gaming device. For example, the gaming device has to be modified by reducing the coin hopper size, reducing the power supply size, and positioning the circuit board at an angle. Next, while Ward&#39;s slot cabinet allows players to sit closer to the gaming device, the front wall blocks the players&#39; legs and does not allow players to extend or stretch their legs. There is a long felt and unmet need for a gaming device base that has a front surface that does not block the players&#39; legs and that allows players to stretch their legs. 
     Ward&#39;s slot cabinet further does not include any footrests. While the space between the bottom of the front wall and the floor allows players to insert their toes to be closer to the gaming machine, there are no structures that elevate players&#39; feet and allow players to rest their feet. 
     Another gaming device base is disclosed in Rowe et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,597). The gaming device base has a foot rail positioned in front of the gaming device base. The foot rail disclosed may be fixed or foldable. One problem with the Rowe et al. foot rail is that the rail is made of a tube or a rod and is not supported by the floor. A footrest supported by the floor is desired because it is more stable and durable than a rail merely mounted on the front wall of the gaming device base. Another problem with the foot rail disclosed in Rowe et al. is that the rail does not support the entire surface area of the players&#39; feet. As a result, players&#39; feet may slide away from the foot rail. Players are likely to exert extra effort to keep their feet on the rail. A footrest having the ability to support a substantial portion of a player&#39;s foot is therefore desired. 
     Gaming device bases are known to store coins. For example, slot machines typically have hoppers that store and dispense coins. Hoppers are typically limited in size and regularly become full. When the hoppers are filled with coins, coins are diverted to an overflow bucket disposed inside the gaming device bases. Coin passages are located on the bottom of slot machines. Coins from slot machines pass through the coin passages and are received by coin buckets disposed in the slot bases. 
     A gaming device base that stores coins is disclosed in Salour et al. (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,876,285 and 6,146,274). The gaming device base has a hopper for storing coins positioned inside the cabinet and a mechanism for emptying the hoppers. Coins from the gaming device drop through a coin passage to the hopper. The hopper has a chute and chute door, which may be opened and closed. During coin collection and counting, a casino employee would open the slot cabinet door, close the chute door, and move the chute toward him. The employee may then position a bucket underneath the chute and open the chute door to discharge the coins to the bucket thereby emptying the hopper. 
     One problem with the gaming device base in Salour et al. is that it requires employees, who may regularly remove the coin buckets for weighing and counting of coins, to lift coin buckets off the floor. Employees have to bend and lift the coin buckets, thus increasing the risk of back injuries. There is a long felt and unmet need for a gaming device base with coin buckets or receptacles positioned on top of the gaming device base or off the floor. 
     Gaming device bases are further known to store electrical wires. Examples of electrical wires include communication wires, power supply wires, wires for hoppers, wires for electronic locks and wires for the sensors of coin buckets. Gaming operators desire to hide the wires as discreetly as possible for aesthetic reasons as well as to prevent their patrons from tripping over the wires. Gaming operators conventionally hide the electrical wires by running the wires across the slot base and storing the wires inside the slot base. One problem with this technique is that electrical wires, which are not isolated from the vicinity of the coin path as the coins move from the gaming machine to the base, deflect coins coming from gaming device thereby causing coins to be lost. A gaming device base that isolates the electrical wires from the vicinity of the coin path is therefore desired. 
     Additionally, with the introduction of cashless and coinless, or non-currency, gaming devices, there has evolved an unmet need in the gaming industry for a gaming device base configured for storing non-currency gaming items such as, for example, tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards and credit cards. In this respect, bins for and storage of currency, that is, cash and/or coins, are no longer essential features of the gaming device base. 
     Accordingly, various non-currency gaming devices are configured to accept, as well as to dispense, non-currency gaming items. With respect to dispensing, the gaming device will dispense to the player a non-currency gaming item when a player stops playing the game and “cashes-out” his or her winnings. In this way, players are able to experience uninterrupted play by using the dispensed non-currency gaming item with another non-currency gaming device. 
     Naturally, there are times when non-currency gaming devices must be re-supplied in order to continue dispensing non-currency. As such, it would be advantageous to have a gaming device base configured to store one or more non-currency gaming items that can be accessed for the re-supplying of a non-currency gaming device. This type of gaming device base would provide a certain level of convenience for individuals, such as casino employees, insofar as they would be able to avoid transporting on their person large quantities of non-currency gaming items. Also, the use of non-currency gaming items permits employees to avoid transporting large amounts of currency. The non-currency gaming items further are much lighter than the coins traditionally used with gaming devices such that the lifting of heavy coins is eliminated, as well as the constant bending and lifting associated therewith which increases the risk of back injuries. 
     SUMMARY OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION 
     Advantages of One or More Embodiments of the Present Invention 
     The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages: 
     the ability to eliminate the need for currency storage, including coin bins; 
     eliminate the lifting and constant bending by employees associated with use of heavy coins; 
     provide easy access to non-currency gaming items; 
     allow an employee to avoid transporting non-currency items as well as currency; 
     provide for secure storage of non-currency (cashless) gaming devices; 
     provide for the re-supply of non-currency gaming devices; and 
     provide a gaming device base with simple manufacture and assembly. 
     These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims and abstract. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     Applicants have provided a gaming device base configured to store at least one non-currency gaming item including cashless devices, such as, for example, tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards and credit cards. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a horizontal support member having a substantially flat surface configured to support one or more gaming devices. At least one door of the gaming device base is positioned underneath the horizontal support member. The door has a single piece adapted to be removed from the base to provide access to at least one storage area within the base. 
     Additionally, applicants have provided a gaming device base having a horizontal support member providing a substantially flat surface configured to support at least one gaming device. A support structure rests on a floor and supports the horizontal support member from the floor. A door with an integral footrest is retained in the support structure. 
     The applicants further have provided a method for storing at least one non-currency gaming item including cashless devices, such as, for example, tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards and credit cards, in a gaming device base. In one method, at least one non-currency gaming item is provided along with a gaming device base having a horizontal support member. The horizontal support member has a substantially flat surface configured to support one or more gaming devices. The gaming device base further includes at least one door positioned underneath the horizontal support member. The door is removed and the at least one non-currency gaming item then is placed in the storage area. 
     The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of some embodiments of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is substantially a perspective view of an embodiment of the gaming device base wherein the gaming device base accommodates four gaming devices, two gaming devices being positioned on each side of the gaming device base. 
         FIG. 2  is substantially a perspective view of the gaming device base of  FIG. 1  showing the door in an open position and the coins bins slid forward. 
         FIG. 3  is substantially a closer view of a portion of  FIG. 2  showing the components of the slidable coin bins and their respective attachments. 
         FIG. 4  is substantially a view of the underside of the horizontal support member of the gaming device base of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is substantially a perspective view of the support structure of the gaming device base of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is substantially a cross-sectional view of the gaming device base of  FIG. 1  taken along line  6  indicated on  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is substantially a closer view of a portion of  FIG. 1  showing the components of the footrest and its respective attachments. 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of one embodiment of the gaming device base of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the gaming device base of  FIG. 8  with the horizontal support member removed. 
         FIG. 10  is a sectional view of the gaming device base of  FIG. 8  taken along line A-A. 
         FIG. 11  is substantially an exploded view of one embodiment of a gaming device base of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a side cross section of the gaming device base of  FIG. 11 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     In the following detailed description of various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     The present invention comprises a gaming device base, generally indicated by reference number  20 . The terms “base,” “support device,” “slot base,” and “gaming device base” are used interchangeably to refer to a device used for supporting a gaming device. “Gaming devices” is a term used to refer to gambling machines and arcade machines. Gambling machines include, for example, slot machines with reel or video displays, gaming tables and machines typically found in casinos. Arcade machines include, for example, video games and machines typically found in arcade establishments. 
     The terms “coin bin,” “receptacle,” and “coin bucket” are used interchangeably to refer to a receptacle configured to receive coins, currencies or other items used as a wager or a prize. The term “coin” is used interchangeably with currencies or other items used as a wager or a prize. As used herein, the term “door” refers to any barrier by which an entry is closed and opened. Alternatively, the term “door” refers to an immovable wall used to enclose the confines of the gaming device base. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a gaming device base  20  is shown. Gaming device base  20  may have a horizontal support member  22 , a door  24 , a support structure  26 , and footrests  28  and  30 . Horizontal support member  22  typically has a flat surface to support gaming devices  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38 . Horizontal support member  22  typically has a front edge  70 , a back edge  72  and side edges  74  and  76 . A player may sit in front of front edge  70  to play gaming device  32 . Another player may sit in front of back edge  72  to play gaming device  36 . Back edge  72  may also be positioned adjacent to a wall (not shown). Side edge  74  may be positioned adjacent to another gaming device base (not shown). Horizontal support member  22  may have a rectangular shape, but other shapes, such as square, triangle or circle, may be employed. Gaming devices  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38  may be positioned on top of horizontal support member  22 . 
     Horizontal support member  22  is typically configured to accommodate a plurality of gaming devices  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38 . Of course, horizontal support member  22  may be configured to accommodate one or various numbers of gaming devices. Gaming devices  32  and  34  may be positioned back-to-back, and so may gaming devices  36  and  38 . Gaming devices  32  and  38  may be positioned side-by-side, and so may gaming devices  36  and  34 . Of course, horizontal support member  22  may be configured to accommodate gaming devices in varying positions, such as back-to-back, side-by-side and in series. 
     Each gaming device  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38  may have a coin acceptor (not shown), a coin tray (not shown), bonus display  40  and  42 , a handle  44 ,  46 , and  48 , a button (not shown), a hopper (not shown), and a power supply (not shown). The power supply may have wires (not shown) that are connected to a power outlet located on a floor (not shown). 
     Horizontal support member  22  may define wire passages  52 ,  54 ,  56  and  58 . Wire passages  52 ,  54 ,  56  and  58  allow electrical wires, such as power supply wires, to be hidden within gaming device base  20 . At least one wire passage  52 ,  54 ,  56  or  58  may be disposed on horizontal support member  22  for every space allocated on horizontal support member for gaming device  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38 . Wire passages  52  and  54  and wire passages  56  and  58  are typically offset relative to each other on horizontal support member  22  to isolate wires of each gaming device  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38 . Electrical wires of gaming devices  32 ,  54 ,  34  and  38  may run to the floor through wire passages  54 ,  52 ,  58  and  56 , respectively. 
     Horizontal support member  22  may further define coin passages  62 ,  64 ,  66  and  68 . When a hopper (not shown) positioned inside a gaming device  32 ,  34 ,  36  or  38  is filled with coins, coins fall from gaming device  32 ,  34 ,  36  or  38  to the confines of gaming device base  20  through coin passages  62 ,  64 ,  66  and  68 . Typically, at least one coin passage is provided for each gaming device supported on the horizontal support member. Coin passages  62  and  64  and coin passages  66  and  68  are typically offset relative to each other on horizontal support member  22  to isolate coin paths of coins inside each gaming device  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38  and to prevent coins from coming out of gaming devices  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38  and mixing with each other. This is desirable in most gaming establishments to accurately account for coins produced by each gaming device. 
     In another embodiment, gaming device base  20  has a door  24  located beneath horizontal member  22 . Door  24  may be moveable from a closed position shown in  FIG. 1  to an open position (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). In the closed position, door  24  is typically positioned behind front edge  70  of horizontal support member  22 . Door  24  may have a straight portion  78 , which is parallel to a vertical plane  82 , and an angled portion  80 , which may form an acute angle (indicated in  FIG. 1 ) measured from a vertical plane  82 . When door  24  is in the closed position, door  24  allows players sitting in front of a horizontal support member edge  70  or back edge  72 , to stretch their legs behind the horizontal support member edge. Intersection  84  between straight portion  78  and angled portion  80  may be a smoothly rounded surface for aesthetic appeal and to minimize any unpleasant contact by players. Door  24  may further have different shapes, such as shapes that would allow players to stretch their legs underneath horizontal support member  22  or behind the horizontal support member edge. 
     Door  24  may have at least one lock  86  attached on straight portion  78  of door  24 . In one embodiment, lock  86  is a manual cylinder lock. In other embodiments, lock  86  may comprise an electronic lock, bolt or other locks known in the art. Door  24  is typically made of galvanized steel, but may be made of other materials, such as, for example, aluminum, non-galvanized steel or wood, combination of polyvinyl chloride film on MDF (medium density fiberboard) core, plastic, acrylic, fiberglass or other related materials known in the art. 
     Door  24  is typically a swing door that is attached to a support structure  26  by a continuous hinge (not shown), such as a piano hinge, at door  24 ′s hinged portion  88 . Door  24  may also be rotatably attached to support structure  26  using a non-continuous hinge or other fasteners known in the art. Referring now to  FIG. 2 , door  24  is shown in its open position. When door  24  moves from a closed to an open position, door  24  typically moves in a swinging motion wherein straight portion  78  drops from a top position adjacent to horizontal support member  22  to a bottom position away from horizontal support member  22  and adjacent to footrests  28  and  30 . Hinged portion  88  typically remains attached to support structure  26  (see also arrow indicating door motion in  FIG. 2 ). When door  24  is in an open position, a horizontal compartment  144 , defined by horizontal support member  22  and horizontal partition  140 , may be accessed. Horizontal compartment  144  may be configured to store coin bins  90 A-D, which are used to receive coins coming from gaming devices through coin passages (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) and store coins in gaming device base  20 . In another embodiment, a single door  24  provides access to a plurality of coin bins  90 A-D. In yet another embodiment (not shown), individual doors may be provided to access each coin bin. 
     In another embodiment, one coin bin  90 A,  90 B,  90 C or  90 D for every gaming device  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38  is provided. Coin bins  90 A-D may be positioned side-by-side. In another embodiment (not shown), vertical coin bin partition may be provided between coin bins to further prevent coins from mixing. Typically, coin bins  90 A-D may only be accessed from one side and usually from the front side of gaming device base  20  or from the side of gaming device base  20  adjacent to front edge  70 . 
     Rear door (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) may be similar to door  24  described above. The rear door may also be permanently closed. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), no door similar to door  24  is provided at the rear of gaming device base. The rear surface of gaming device base  20  is a substantially flat surface. The flat surface is especially practical when the rear of gaming device base  20  is configured to face a wall. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , each coin bin  90 A-D typically has a plurality of walls that define a box. The top of each coin bin  90 A-D may include an opening to receive coins being dropped from corresponding gaming devices  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38  (not shown in  FIG. 3 ). Each coin bin  90 A-D may further have a handle  94 A-D disposed within the confines of each coin bin  90 A-D and typically in the middle of each coin bin or any position that would allow a user to carry the coin bin in a balanced manner. Handle  94 A-D may be a rod having one end attached to a side of a coin bin and another end attached to another side of the coin bin. 
     Each coin bin  94 A-D typically has a pair of glides  96 , one glide being attached on top of each of the coin bin&#39;s sidewalls to allow each coin bin  94 A-D to be removeably attached to horizontal support member  22  and to be slid within the confines of horizontal support member  22 . Each coin bin  94 A-D may further be made stackable by providing a pair of recesses  98  on the bottom of each coin bin, so that when a coin bin is positioned on top of another, the pair of glides  96  of the bottom coin bin may be accommodated by pair of recesses  98  of the top coin bin. Each coin bin  94 A-D is typically made of molded polypropylene. It is understood that coin bins  94 A-D may be made using other materials known in the art, such as, for example, metal, wood, composites and other polymers. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a plurality of sets of tracks  92 A-D may be attached to and directly beneath horizontal support member  22 . Each set of tracks  92 A-D is typically configured to receive corresponding pair of glides  96  (shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) so that glides  96  and coin bins  90 A-D may be quickly attached to, detached from, and moved beneath horizontal support member  22 . This removable and movable feature of coins bins  90 A-B may be helpful in weighing and counting coins on a regular basis. 
     Each track  92 A-D is typically L-shaped having a vertical component and a horizontal component. Of course, each track may have other shapes known in the art. One end of the vertical component of each track is typically attached to horizontal support member  22 , and the other end is typically attached to the horizontal component. The horizontal component of each track is typically parallel to the plane of horizontal support member  22  and is configured to facilitate the sliding movement of the coin bins (not shown in  FIG. 3 ). One set of tracks  92 A,  92 B,  92 C or  92 D may be provided for every coin bin (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) that gaming device base  20  is designed to accommodate. In one embodiment, one coin bin is provided for every gaming device so that coins from different gaming devices are not mixed. Thus, the number of sets of tracks may vary depending on the number of coin bins or the number of gaming devices that gaming device base  20  is designed to accommodate. 
     In another embodiment, where coin bins may only be accessed from one side (typically from the front side) of gaming device base  20  (hereinafter referred to as the accessible side), the length of each set of tracks and each coin bin may be substantially half the width of horizontal support member  22 . A first vertical partition  147  (not shown in  FIG. 4  and further discussed below) may provide a stop for coin bins  90 A-D and may further prevent coin bins  90 A-D from further sliding toward the inside of gaming device base  20  and becoming detached from tracks  92 . Usually there are no coin bins directly underneath gaming devices positioned on the other half of horizontal support member  22 , typically the rear or back side of gaming device base  20 , which is hereinafter referred to as the inaccessible side. Coin bins for gaming devices that are positioned on the inaccessible side may be positioned on the accessible side and may be provided with chutes  100 A-B so that coins being dropped from the gaming devices are directed to their corresponding coin bins. Chutes  100 A-B typically have a flat surface attached to horizontal support member  22  in a diagonal position relative to horizontal support member  22 . Chutes  100 A-B may further have sidewalls perpendicular to the flat surface and to the horizontal support member to provide a barrier for the coins being dropped from a gaming device to a corresponding coin bin. Chutes  100 A-B may be made of galvanized metal, but other materials known in the art may be used, such as, for example, plastic and wood. 
     An elongated wire chase  102  may be attached to horizontal support member  22  directly underneath wire passages  52 ,  54 ,  56  and  58  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and substantially between each set of tracks  92 A-D and chutes  100 A-B. Wire chase  102  may have a concave cross sectional shape to accommodate wires. A portion of chute  100 A-B may overlap an exterior bottom portion of wire chase  102 . Wire chase  102  may be configured to receive electrical wires from gaming devices  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38  and wire passages  52 ,  54 ,  56  and  58  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Wire chase  58  is further configured to isolate electrical wires from coins being dropped to coin bins  90 A-D (shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). Wire chase  58  may be made of galvanized steel, but other materials known in the art may be used, such as, for example, plastic, rubber and polyvinyl chloride. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , an embodiment of support structure  26  configured to support horizontal support member  22  from a floor is shown. Support structure  26  typically may have three vertical members  104 ,  106  and  108  perpendicularly attached to horizontal support member  22  (not shown in  FIG. 5 ). Vertical members  104 ,  106  and  108  are typically attached to side edge  76 , a middle portion and side edge  78  of horizontal support member  22  (seen in  FIG. 1 ). It is understood that the number of vertical members and their positions relative to horizontal support member  22  may vary. 
     Each vertical member  104 ,  106  and  108  is typically made of a flat piece of material having a surface  118  and top  110 , bottom  112 , front  114 , and back  116  edges surrounding surface  118 . Top edge  110  typically defines a recess  120 ,  124  and  128  to accommodate wire chase  102  (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) or electrical wires. Bottom edge  112  may also define a recess  122  to allow wires stored within the confines of gaming device base  20  to exit and typically to run to another gaming device base  20  (not shown). Surface  118  may define at least one passage  130  and  132  to allow wires stored within the confines of gaming device base  20  to exit and typically to run to another gaming device base  20  (not shown). 
     Each front  114  and back  116  edge typically has a top portion, which further has a recess  134  that substantially follows the shape of door  24  in a closed position described above and seen in  FIG. 1 . Each front  114  and back  116  edge may have a middle portion  136  that is substantially parallel to a vertical plane. Each front  114  and back  116  edge may further have a bottom portion forming a leg  138  extending forward and toward the front of a gaming device. It is understood that the shapes and sizes of vertical members  104 ,  106  and  108  may vary. 
     Support structure  26  may further include at least one horizontal partition  140 . Horizontal partition  140  is typically a flat rectangular piece of material having a surface  142 . Horizontal partition  140  may be disposed horizontally in between vertical members  104  and  108  and across vertical member  106 . Horizontal support member  22  and horizontal partition  140  may define a first compartment  144 , typically reserved for coin bins. Vertical member  104  typically divides compartment  144  into a left side sub-compartment and a right side sub-compartment. A first vertical partition  147  may be positioned transverse from horizontal partition  140  and perpendicular to vertical member  104 . First vertical partition  147  further divides compartment  144  into a front sub-compartment and a rear sub-compartment. First vertical partition  147  further provides a stop for coin bins  90 A-D (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) and prevents coin bins  90 A-D from further sliding toward the inside of gaming device base  20  and becoming detached from tracks  92  (not shown in  FIG. 5 ). First vertical partition  147  may further include recesses for allowing chute  100  (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) to extend from horizontal support member  22  to a coin bin  90 A,  90 B,  90 C or  90 D. 
     Support structure  26  may further have a second vertical partition  180 . In one embodiment, second vertical partition  180  is positioned in front of and below horizontal partition  140 , in between vertical members  104  and  108 , across vertical member  106 , and at a height substantially equal to the height of middle portion  136  of front edges  114  of vertical members  104 ,  106  and  108 . Support structure  26  may further include at least one board  174  attached to the legs  138  of vertical members  104 ,  106 , and  108 . Board  174  is typically a flat piece of rectangular galvanized steel positioned in between vertical members  104  and  108  and across vertical member  106 . Board  174  may also be made of triple-enforced wood with PVC (polyvinylchloride) face, non-galvanized steel, aluminum and other materials known in the art. Second vertical partition  180 , a second horizontal partition adjacent to the floor (not shown), and board  174  may define a compartment  182 . Compartment  182  is typically reserved for storage of coins and usually for awarding a jackpot winner. Compartment  182  may further be reserved for storing electrical wires. Compartment  182  may be divided into a left side sub-compartment and a right side sub-compartment by leg  138  of vertical member  106 . Third vertical partitions  176 A and  176 B may further be positioned perpendicular to board  174  and in between board  174  and second vertical partition  180 . Third vertical partitions  176 A and  176 B may further divide compartment  182  into four compartments arranged side-by-side. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , door  24  may be attached on horizontal partition  140  by a hinge, typically by a continuous piano hinge. A footrest plate  178  may be attached to second vertical partition  180 . Footrest plate  178  is typically attached to second vertical partition  180  by a continuous hinge to allow footrest plate to swing up and down. Footrest plate  178  typically moves from an open position to a closed position to provide access to compartment  182  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) or sub-compartments of compartment  182 . In the closed position, footrest plate  178  is typically in a substantially horizontal position or diagonal position and resting upon board  174 . In the open position, a stand  192  may be provided to support plate  178  in the open position. Stand  192  may be attached to partitions defining compartment  182 . Typically, stand  192  is moveable from a substantially horizontal position when plate  178  is in a closed position to a substantially transverse position when plate  178  is in an open position. Plate  178  may be made of a range of materials, such as, for example, metal, galvanized steel, non-galvanized steel, wood and related materials known in the art. Plate  178  may further be covered with carpet, or other materials that would protect plate  178  from scratches or provide plate  178  with additional appeal. 
     A plate extension  186  may be attached substantially perpendicular to footrest plate  178  to firmly engage footrest plate  178  to board  174  when in the closed position. A lock  188  may be attached to plate extension  186  so that footrest plate  178  may be lockable when in the closed position. Lock  188  may be a plunger-type lock or a deadbolt lock, but may comprise other locks known in the art. A security sensor  190  may further be provided to monitor the opening and closing of footrest plate  178  or to control the access to compartment  182 . Sensor  190  may be optical sensors, or other sensors known in the art. In one embodiment, a plate edge cover  190 A is positioned on the front edge of footrest plate  178 . Plate edge cover  190 A protects footrests  28  and  30  from wear and scratches. Plate edge cover  190 A is typically made of metal, but may be made of plastic, fiberglass, acrylic, powder coating and other materials known in the art. 
     Support structure  26  may also comprise additional components that further strengthen support structure  26  in supporting the weight of gaming devices, such as, for example, brackets, and braces. Support structure  26  is typically made of wood, but may be made of other materials, such as, for example, steel and aluminum. The number and shapes of partitions may vary. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 5 , gaming device base  20  may further have at least one, typically two, vertical wire partitions  160  and  162 . Each vertical wire partition is typically a flat piece of material having a surface surrounded by top, bottom, front and back edges. Top edge  170  may define a recess  168  to accommodate wire chase  102  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). The outer surfaces of vertical wire partition  160  and vertical member  104  define a gap  164  in between them. Electrical wires run through wire chase  102  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) then through gap  164 . The outer surfaces of vertical wire partition  162  and vertical member  108  define a gap  166  in between them. Electrical wires run through wire chase  102  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) then through gap  166 . A bottom wire chase  172  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) extending through almost the entire length of board  174  may be provided to receive the wires coming from gaps  164  and  166 . It is understood that the number of bottom wire chases may vary. Bottom wire chase  172  may be made similar to wire chase  102 , but may of different dimensions than wire chase  102 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 5 , vertical wire partitions  160  and  162  and vertical member  106  may define a notch (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) at their respective front and back edges. Each notch may be configured to receive and support a beam  148 . Beam  148  may be provided in front of gaming device base  20  beneath front edge  70  of horizontal support member  22  and at the back of gaming device base  20  beneath back edge  72  of horizontal support member  22 . Beam  148  is configured to add strength to horizontal support member  22  in supporting the weight of gaming devices  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Beam  148  is typically made of heavy gauged steel tube, but other materials known in the art may be used. Beam  148  may further be in the form of a shaft, a C-channel, a rod and other structures and shapes known in the art. Beam  148  may be configured to receive locking portion (not shown) of door lock  86  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). It is noted that beam  148  may provide door  24  with a sturdy locking mechanism that may be difficult to tamper with, as the locking portion engages to a metal. 
     In another embodiment (not shown), a second horizontal partition may be provided beneath first horizontal partition  140 . First horizontal partition  140  and second horizontal partition may define a second compartment. First horizontal partition  140  and second horizontal partition may further define wire holes for securing and isolating electrical wires. The second compartment may be reserved for storing pre-counted currency to be awarded to a player, a jackpot winner, or for some other purpose. The second compartment may further comprise second compartment doors. Boxes or drawers may also be disposed within the second compartment. Additional horizontal partitions may be added to define additional compartments (not shown). Additional horizontal shelves or vertical compartment partitions may also be provided. 
     In another embodiment (not shown), gaming device base  20  has only one horizontal partition similar to horizontal partition  140 . Underneath the horizontal partition, a panel is attached to support structure  26  at an acute angle measured from the horizontal partition. The panel may have a reflective surface to reflect light and to add appeal to gaming device base  20 . The panel may be made of materials such as, for example, wood with laminate, durable carpet and rubber flooring sheet surface. The panel may also be a metallic sheet, such as stainless steel or aluminum. Low-voltage rope lighting or other alternative lighting may be added below the horizontal partition to add attraction to gaming device base  20 . 
       FIGS. 8-10  illustrate various embodiments of the present invention wherein a gaming device base  200  is configured to store at least one non-currency gaming item  202 , including cashless devices, such as, for example, tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards and credit cards. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , a horizontal support member  204  has a flat surface  206  configured to support a gaming device (not shown). It is understood that the horizontal support member  204  may be configured to accommodate a plurality of gaming devices (not shown). Horizontal support member  204  typically has a front edge  208 , a back edge  210  and side edges  212 . A player (not shown) may sit in front of front edge  208  to play the gaming device. Horizontal support member  204  is supported by vertical support members  215  and  217  (see  FIG. 9 ) and typically has a rectangular shape, but other shapes, such as a square, triangle or circle, may be employed. 
     Each gaming device (not shown) supported by the gaming device base  200  may have a non-currency acceptor (not shown), a non-currency dispenser (not shown) and a power supply (not shown). The power supply may have wires (not shown) that are connected to a power outlet located on a floor (not shown). 
     As further shown in  FIG. 8 , the horizontal support member  204  may define wire passages  216  and  218 . The wire passages  216  and  218  allow electrical wires, such as power supply wires (not shown), to be hidden within the gaming device base  200 . At least one wire passage  216 ,  218  may be disposed on horizontal support member  204  for every space allocated on horizontal support member  204  for a gaming device(s) (not shown). Electrical wires of a gaming device(s) may run to the floor through wire passages  216 ,  218 , respectively. Accordingly, the wire passages  216 ,  218  may include any number of shapes and sizes. 
       FIG. 9  shows a wire compartment  220  situated below the wire passages  216 ,  218  configured to receive and hide wires from a gaming device. Additional wire passages  222  and  224  may be presented in vertical support members  215  and  217  to allow the passage of wires therethrough to, for example, electrical outlets. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the gaming device base  200  has a door  230  beneath the horizontal member  204 . The door  230  may have a straight portion  232 , which is parallel to a vertical plane  234 , and an angled portion  236 , which may form an acute angle measured from the vertical plane  234 . The door  230  further includes exterior and interior surfaces  238  and  240 , respectively. The interior surface  240  has a storage area  242  configured to store one or more non-currency gaming item  202 , including for example, tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards and credit cards. Typically, the storage area  242  rests above the angled portion  236  of the door  230 . The storage area  242  includes at least two walls  244  and  246  (see  FIG. 9 ), typically four walls  244 ,  246 ,  248  and  250  ( FIG. 9 ), to retain non-currency gaming items  202  within the storage area  242 . 
     It is understood that storage area  242  may comprise one or more partitions (not shown), for example, vertical or horizontal partitions, to further subdivide storage  242  into a plurality of sub-compartments (not shown), similar to the sub-compartments previously presented in the discussion of  FIG. 5 . In this embodiment (involving storage area  242 ), the sub-compartments may be used to store a variety of different non-currency items without the different non-currency items becoming mixed with one another. 
     The door  230  may be moveable from a closed position to an open position, and vice versa, as represented by numeral  223 . In the closed position, the door  230  is typically positioned behind front edge  208  of horizontal support member  204 . When door  230  is in the closed position, the door  230  allows a player (not shown) sitting adjacent the front edge  208 , to stretch his or her legs behind the front edge  208 . In the open position, access is provided to the storage area  242  for replenishing of and/or for removing the non-currency gaming items  202 . In this way, individuals, such as casino employees, may replenish the non-currency supply of a gaming device (not shown) without having to transport the non-currency gaming items  202  on their person. Notably, one of the walls  244 ,  246 ,  248 ,  250 , typically wall  250 , may be provided longer in length, in relation to the door  230 , to better retain the non-currency gaming items  202  within the storage area  242  when the door  230  is in the open position. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , door  230  typically is a swing door that is attached to the gaming device base  200  at one end  254  of the angled portion  236 , by a continuous hinge  256 , such as, for example, a piano hinge. The door  230  may also be rotatably attached using a non-continuous hinge or other fasteners known in the art. When the door  230  moves from the closed to the open position, as represented by numeral  223  in  FIG. 10 , the door  230  typically moves in a swinging motion wherein straight portion  232  drops from a top position adjacent to horizontal support member  204  to a bottom position away from horizontal support member  204  and adjacent to footrest  258 . A retention device  252 , such as, for example, a stop chain  153 , a latch, a door stop or a hinge, cooperates with the door  230  to retain the door  230  in the open position. The footrest  258  also may be configured to provide a footrest door (not shown) wherein the footrest door includes a storage area (not shown) to store non-currency gaming items  202  such that when the footrest door moves from a closed position to an open position access is provided thereto. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 10 , intersection  260  between straight portion  232  and angled portion  236  may be a smoothly rounded surface for aesthetic appeal and to minimize any unpleasant contact by players. The door  230  may further have different shapes, typically shapes that would allow players to stretch their legs underneath horizontal support member  204  or behind the front edge  208 . 
     In  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the door  230  also may have at least one lock  262 , such as, for example, a manual cylinder lock, electronic lock or bolt lock, attached on the straight portion  232  of the door  230 . The door  230  typically is made of galvanized steel, but may be made of other materials, such as, for example, aluminum, non-galvanized steel, wood, combination of polyvinylchloride film on MDF (medium density fiberboard) core, plastic, acrylic, fiberglass and other related materials known in the art. 
     In order for an individual(s) to store at least one non-currency gaming item  202  including, for example, tickets, vouchers, smart cards, vip cards, player cards and credit cards, in the gaming device base  200  disclosed in  FIGS. 8-10 , the at least one non-currency gaming item  202  and the gaming device base  200  first are provided. If the door  230  to the gaming device base  200  is in the closed position, the door  230  is moved to the open position to provide access to the storage area  242 . The one or more non-currency gaming items  202  then are placed in the storage area  242  and the door  230  is moved to the closed position. 
     A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 .  FIG. 11  shows an exploded view of a gaming device base  320  having a horizontal support surface  322 , rear wall  323  and side walls  325 ,  327 . In this embodiment, the base  320  is provided with a door  324  having a single piece construction that includes an integral footrest. The single piece door  324  has advantage by providing a simpler manufacture and assembly. 
     With reference also to  FIG. 12 , the gaming device base  320  includes an upper blocking  331  extending downward from the horizontal support surface  322  and a kick blocking  333  provided against a lower edge  335  of the side walls  325 ,  327 . A middle blocking  337  is provided between the side walls  325 ,  327 . A rounding  339  may be provided on the upper blocking  331  to provided aesthetic appeal. The rounding  339  leaves a portion of the upper blocking  331  exposed beneath the rounding. 
     The door  324  includes an upper vertical portion  341  and a middle vertical portion  343  joined to the upper vertical portion by an upper angled portion  342 , which may provide an acute angle relative to the vertical. A lower angled portion  344  extends from the middle vertical portion  343  forward to a lower forward edge  345  of the door  324 . The lower forward edge  345  is a rounded edge leading to a lower tab  346 . 
     The door  324  may be provided on the base  320  by locating the upper vertical portion  341  against the exposed portion of the upper blocking  331 , and the middle vertical portion  343  against the middle blocking  337 . The rounded edge  345  is located around a lower forward edge  334  of the side wall  325 ,  327  such that the lower tab  346  locates in a groove  349  provided in the side wall  325 ,  327  between the lower forward edge  334  and the kick blocking  333 . 
     To secure the door  324  in place on the gaming device base  320 , an aperture  354  may be provided in the upper angled portion  342  of the door  324 . The aperture  354  may receive a locking mechanism  351  that is suspended from a back surface of the upper blocking  331  by a fastener  353 . The locking mechanism  351  may be a manual cylinder lock, such as described previously, though other variations of the locking mechanism will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. 
     To operate the door from the closed position illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the locking mechanism  351  is first operated such that the locking mechanism  351  may move freely through the aperture  354 . The door  324  may then be removed in a single piece from the gaming device base  320  thus exposing the internal storage area  356  of the gaming device base  320  and allowing storage of non-currency gaming items within. Though not shown, the door  324  may be provided with one or more internal storage compartments on an internal surface of the door  324  as described above in previous embodiments. Furthermore, though not shown, the storage area  356  may be provided with one or more partitions that divide the storage area  356  into a plurality of compartments. 
     When the door  324  is properly located and fixed on the base  320 , the door  324  defines an exterior cavity  355  beneath the forward edge  336  of the horizontal support surface  322 . In this configuration, the lower angled portion  344  of the door  324  provides a footrest for the player&#39;s feet. 
     In use, an operator, such as a gaming attendant may remove the door  324  as a single piece in order to obtain access to the internal storage of the gaming device base. The middle blocking  337  may be considered to divide the internal storage  356  of the gaming device base  320  into an upper storage area above the middle blocking  337  and a lower storage area below the middle blocking  337 . The upper storage area is closed by the upper angled portion  342  of the door  324  and the lower storage area is closed by the lower angled portion  344  of the door  324 . The upper storage area and the lower storage area are simultaneously accessed by removal of the door  324 . Though not shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  for clarity, the upper storage area may be provided with a number of rails, guides and bins for storage of items as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . These bins may store currency items received through the horizontal support member  322  of the gaming device base  320  or non-currency items provided after removal of the door  324 . Similarly, the lower storage area may be provided with dividers etc. as shown in  FIG. 7  for storage of gaming related items beneath the lower angled portion or footrest  344 . 
     In one embodiment, a pivot joint (not shown) may be provided such as along the upper angled portion  341  or vertically at an edge of the upper angled portion  341 . The pivot joint may allow the door  324  to swing open but remain attached to the gaming device base  320  when the door  324  is in an open position. 
     While the door  324  is shown with substantially straight sections for the upper angled portion  342  and lower angled portion  344 , it will be understood that the appearance of these sections are greatly influenced by aesthetics. Accordingly, these sections may incorporate design elements such as a combination of curved and straight sections or continuously curving surfaces. 
     CONCLUSION 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide a gaming device base including a door having a single piece construction. The door may provide an integral footrest. The may also be removed in a single piece to provide access to a storage area within the gaming device base that is configured to store non-currency gaming items. In this way, an individual, such as a casino employee, can replenish the non-currency supply of a gaming device without having to transport the non-currency gaming items on their person. 
     It can further be seen that with certain embodiments of the present invention, a player who is sitting in front of a gaming device positioned on top of a gaming device base may stretch his or her legs behind an edge of the gaming device base. The player may further rest a foot on a footrest. Therefore, player can sit comfortably in front of the gaming device supported by the gaming device base. The player is therefore more likely to spend more time sitting in front of the gaming device and playing the gaming device. As a result, game operators are likely to gain more revenue with using the gaming device base of the present invention. 
     Certain embodiments of the present invention further provide a gaming device base having a horizontal support member capable of supporting the weight of a gaming device positioned thereon with minimal tendency of bending or warping. Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of various embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the issued claims and their legal equivalents rather than solely by the examples given.