Patent Publication Number: US-2006012184-A1

Title: Gaming machine lid/door latch

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to gaming machines and, more particularly, to a latching mechanism for gaming machine lids and doors.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Gaming, including wager-type gaming, continues to grow in popularity. Casinos are now located in a large number of states and countries. In many instances, casinos may have many thousands of machines.  
      These machines generally include a cabinet defining an interior space. One or more access doors are provided to the interior space. The interior space houses the gaming machine display and control elements, such as video displays, reels, gaming controllers and the like.  
      The form of the gaming machine may vary. Many gaming machines are “upright” models. Generally, these models have a vertically extending door at the front of the cabinet. The door is hinged to swing open and closed. Another type of gaming machine is the “bar top” model. Often, this model is mounted so that its cabinet is located inside of a horizontal support, such as a bar top. A door, in the form of a lid, is mounted at the top of the cabinet. The lid may be lifted up and down. Yet another form of gaming machine is the “slant-top,” which may have a top opening lid and/or front opening door(s).  
      Generally, the door(s) or lid(s) of the gaming machines are configured so that they may be secured in a closed position to prevent undesired access to the interior thereof. As indicated, they are also configured to be moved between and open and closed position. As a result, gaming machines generally include a latch mechanism for holding the door or lid in a closed position, and a lock for locking the door or lid in its closed position.  
      Unfortunately, existing door or lid latches generally suffer from a number of drawbacks. As gaming machines have become larger and heavier, as do the associated doors or lids, the latch mechanisms may not have sufficient integrity to withstand repeated use. The latch mechanism are sometimes not effective in preventing undesired access to the interior of the gaming machine.  
      In addition, casino personnel must service the gaming machines. The service may include retrieving coins and cash from the machine, resetting the game machine, and performing routing maintenance and the like. Because of the large number of gaming machines which may be in a casino, these functions may need to be done quickly in order to keep the machines running. As the speed of service increases, technicians may quickly swing the doors or lids of the gaming machines open and closed. This motion may cause damage the gaming machine, especially when the door or lid is swung shut very quickly.  
      An improved lock or latch mechanism for a gaming machine door or lid is desired.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The invention is a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is particularly suited for use with a gaming machine having a housing and at least one door or lid moveable between a first position and a second position, the door or lid in the first position permitting access to at least a portion of an interior of the gaming machine, and the door or lid in the second position blocking access to the interior of the gaming machine. The latch mechanism is configured to retain the door or lid in its closed position.  
      In one embodiment, the latch mechanism comprises a supporting body or housing. A latch is rotatably supported by the body. The latch defines a striker accepting depression. A ratchet is also rotatably supported by the body.  
      The latch is movable between a first unlatched position in which a striker may be moved into or out of the striker accepting depression of the latch, a second partially latched position in which the striker is engaged by the latch and the ratchet engages the latch in a first position preventing the latch from moving from the partially latched to the unlatched position, and a third fully latched position in which the ratchet engages the latch in a second position preventing the latch from moving from the latched position and wherein the striker is engaged by the latch mechanism.  
      In one embodiment, the body of the latch mechanism is secured to the housing of the gaming machine. The striker is secured to the door or lid. In other embodiments, the latch mechanism may be secured to the door or lid, and the striker mounted to the housing. In one embodiment, the striker comprises a cylindrical rod which is mounted to a base, the base mounted or connected to the door or lid, or housing, depending upon the configuration.  
      Means are provided for biasing the latch towards its first position and for biasing the ratchet towards a position in which it engages the latch. In one embodiment, this means comprises a ratchet spring and a latch spring.  
      The latch mechanism includes means for releasing the latch from its latched position. A latch release comprises a member movably mounted to the body, the member having a portion configured to engage the ratchet when the body is moved from a first to a second position, the body when engaging the ratchet moving the ratchet towards a position in which it is disengaged from the latch. In one embodiment, the ratchet has an outwardly extending pin for selective engagement with the latch and a release extension extending away from the pin, the release extension for engagement by the release.  
      Another aspect of the invention is a method of latching and unlatching a door or lid of a gaming machine. In one embodiment, the method comprises moving the door or lid from an open position towards a closed position. A striker mounted to the door or lid is moved into a depression of the latch when the latch is in an unlatched position. The latch is rotated to a partially latched position in which the latch engages the striker. The ratchet is rotated into a first position in which it engages the latch and prevents the latch from moving from the partially latched to the unlatched position. The door is then further closed, rotating the latch from the partially latched position to a fully latched position. The ratchet is rotated into a second position in which the ratchet engages the latch and prevents the latch from moving from the latched position.  
      The method also includes the step of releasing the ratchet from engagement of the latch in the second position and rotating the latch from its latched to its unlatched position, allowing the striker to be released and the door or lid to be moved to its open position.  
      Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.  
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a latch mechanism in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a gaming machine having a housing and a lid, the housing supporting a latch mechanism of the invention and the lid supporting a striker, the latch mechanism permitting latching of the lid to the housing by engagement with the striker;  
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the latch mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the latch mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 1  shown in an unlatched position;  
       FIG. 5  is a simplified side view of the latch mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 4 , showing the latch mechanism prepared to engage a striker;  
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the latch mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 1  shown in a partially latched position;  
       FIG. 7  is a simplified side view of the latch mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 6 , showing the latch mechanism engaging a striker; and  
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the latch mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 1  shown in a fully latched position; and  
       FIG. 9  is a simplified side view of the latch mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 8 , showing the latch mechanism engaging a striker.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      The invention is a latch mechanism for a gaming machine door or lid. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.  
      In general, the invention is a latch mechanism for a door, lid or other moveable component of a gaming machine. The latch mechanism includes a striker which may be mounted to the door or lid. The latch mechanism also includes a latch and ratchet assembly configured to engage the striker. The latch is configured to be moved from a first, open or release position in which the striker may be inserted or removed from a striker recess therein, a second engaging position in which the striker is located in the striker recess, and third locked position in which the striker is fully locked and prevented from movement. The ratchet selectively engages the latch to maintain it in its second and third positions. A release mechanism allows the user to release the ratchet from the latch, permitting the latch to be moved from its locked or engaging position to the release or open position.  
      Referring to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of a latch mechanism  20  of the invention is illustrated. As described in more detail below, the latch mechanism  20  is configured to selectively engage a striker.  
      In general, the latch mechanism  20  comprises a supporting body or housing  22 , a latch  24  and a ratchet  26  (see  FIG. 3 ), each of which is described in more detail below. The latch  24  is configured to selectively engage a striker. In a preferred embodiment, the latch  24  is movable between and into three distinct positions: (1) an unlatch position in which the striker may be engaged with or disengaged from the latch  24 ; (2) a partially latched position in which the striker is engaged by the latch  24  but the latch is not fully locked; and a (3) fully latched or locked position in which the striker is fully engaged by the latch  24 . Each of these positions will be described in more detail below.  
      The overall construction of the latch mechanism  20  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The body  22  comprises a supporting structure for the latch  24  and ratchet  26 . In one embodiment, the body  22  comprises a first supporting member  28  and a second supporting member  30 . In one embodiment, the first supporting member  28  generally defines a first side  32  and opposing first and second ends  34 , 36  of the body  22 , while the second supporting member  30  generally defines a second side  38  of the body  22  positioned generally opposite the first side  32 .  
      Referring primarily to  FIG. 3 , in this configuration, the first supporting member  28  has a generally planar section  40  corresponding to the first side  32  of the device. This section  40  has a top edge  42  and a bottom edge  44 , and a first end and an opposing second end. A first end member  46  extends from the first end generally perpendicular to the planar section  40 , the first end member  46  generally defining the first end  34  of the body  22 . Similarly, a second end ember  48  extends from the second end of the planar section  40 , the second end member  48  has a first portion  50  which extends generally perpendicular to the planar section  40 , defining the second end  36  of the body  22 . The second end member  48  also has a second portion  52  which extends generally parallel to (but which is offset from) the planar section  40 . As described in more detail below, the second portion  52  serves as a point of attachment of the first supporting member  28  and the second supporting member  30 .  
      In one embodiment, the second supporting member  30  has the form of a generally planar plate. Referring to  FIG. 1 , when connected, the first and second supporting members  28 , 30  cooperate to define an interior space  54 . As illustrated, the interior space  54  is generally bounded by the first and second end members  46 , 48  and planar section  40  of the first supporting member  28 , and the second supporting member  30 .  
      The first and second supporting members  28 , 30  may be connected in a number of ways. In one embodiment, when they are constructed of metal, they may be welded together. They may be bonded together in other ways, such as with adhesive. They may also be connected or joined with connectors. In one embodiment, as illustrated, a pin  56  extends outwardly from the first supporting member  28  for engagement with an aperture  58  in the second supporting member  30 . The pin  56  aids in connecting and aligning the members  28 , 30 . As described below, additional means are provided for joining the members.  
      As indicated, the body  22  supports the latch  24  and ratchet  26 . In a preferred embodiment, the latch  24  and ratchet  26  are located substantially in the interior space  54  of the body  22 .  
      The latch  24  and ratchet  26  are configured for movement, as described in more detail below. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the latch  24  has an aperture  60  therethrough. The aperture  60  is configured to accept a mounting shaft  62 . As illustrated, the latch mounting shaft  62  has a first end supported by the second supporting member  30  (and in the embodiment illustrated, is fixedly attached to that member), and a second end which is supported by the first supporting member  28 . In particular, as illustrated, the second end of the latch mounting shaft  62  is configured to pass through an aperture  64  in the first supporting member  28 .  
      Means are provided for joining the second end of the latch mounting shaft  62  to the first supporting member  28 . As illustrated, this means comprises a threaded fastener  66  (a washer  68  is also illustrated).  
      Similarly, the ratchet  26  has an aperture  70  for accepting a ratchet mounting shaft  72 . Once again, the ratchet mounting shaft  72  has a first end supported by the second supporting member  30  (and in the embodiment illustrated, is fixedly attached to that member), and a second end which is supported by the first supporting member  28 . As illustrated, the second end of the ratchet mounting shaft  72  is configured to pass through an aperture  74  in the first supporting member  28 .  
      Likewise, means are provided for joining the second end of the ratchet mounting shaft  72  to the first supporting member  28 . As illustrated, this means comprises a threaded fastener  76  (a washer  78  is also illustrated).  
      To facilitate movement of the latch  24  and ratchet  26  without binding and the like, the latch  24  and ratchet  26  maybe mounted between a pair of bushings  80 , one bushing having the form of a washer, and the other the form of a sleeve on the respective shaft  62 , 72 , or area of increased diameter of the shaft.  
      Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the latch  24  defines a striker accepting depression  82 . As illustrated, the depression  82  is generally semi-circular in shape, and is positioned between a nose  84  and a foot  86  portion of the latch  24 . At a portion of the latch  24  generally opposite the depression  82 , the latch  24  includes a first step  88  and a second step  90 . The first step  88  is located nearer a top of the latch  24 , and is configured to accept a portion of the ratchet  26 , as described in more detail below. The second step  90  is located below the first step  88 , and is similarly configured.  
      The ratchet  26  includes an outwardly extending pin  92  and an outwardly extending release  94 . The pin  92  is generally rectangular in shape and is configured to selectively engage (but not at the same time) the first step  88  and second step  90  of the latch  24 . In the embodiment illustrated, the release  94  is a lever member extending generally downwardly from a main portion of the ratchet  26 .  
      Means are provided for biasing the latch  24  and ratchet  26  into base positions. In one embodiment, this means comprise a latch spring  96  and a ratchet spring  98 . As illustrated, the latch spring  96  comprises a coil spring having first end  100  and a second end  102 . The first end  100  is preferably configured to engage an aperture  104  in the second supporting member  30 . The second end  102  is configured to engage the latch  24 . As illustrated, a slot  106  is formed in the foot portion  86  of the latch  24  for accepting the second end  102  of the latch spring  96 . In this configuration, the latch spring  96  is preferably configured to bias the latch  24  upwardly into the position illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  
      Referring again to  FIG. 3 , similarly, the ratchet spring  98  comprises a coil spring having a first end  108  and a second end  110 . The first end  108  is preferably configure to engage an aperture (not visible) in the second supporting member  30 . The second end  100  of the ratchet spring  98  is configure to engage notch or slot  112  in the ratchet  26 . Preferably, in this configuration, the ratchet spring  98  is configured to bias the ratchet  26  towards the latch  24  for engagement therewith.  
      Of course, other means may be provided for biasing the latch  24  and ratchet  26 . The ends of the springs  96 , 98  may be fixed in a number of fashions, including with outwardly extending stops.  
      Means are provided for moving the ratchet  26  out of engagement with the latch  24 , so that the position of the latch  24  may be changed, as described in more detail below. In one embodiment, this means comprises a release plate  114 . As illustrated, the release plate  114  has a generally planar, plate-like main body  116 . An actuator  118  extends outwardly from the body  116 . As illustrated, the actuator  118  extends out from a bottom portion of the body  116  generally perpendicular to the body  116  and, when the actuator  118  is connected to the body  22 , towards the body. An activator  120 , in the form of a handle, is preferably located at an opposing portion of the body  116  of the release plate  114 .  
      Preferably, the release plate  116  is mounted for movement relative to the body  22 . As illustrated, a pair of mounts  122  extend outwardly from the first supporting member  28  for engagement with a pair of slots  124  in the release plate  116 . Means are provided for securing the plate  116  to the body  22 . As illustrated, a pair of fasteners  126  comprising, in this embodiment, threaded fasteners and washers, serve this purpose.  
      As described in more detail below, the release plate  116  can preferably be moved from a first position to a second position. When the plate is  116  is moved between these positions, the actuator  118  is configured to engage the release  94  of the ratchet  26 , releasing the ratchet  26  from the latch  24 .  
      Other means may be provided for selectively engaging and releasing the ratchet  26 . For example, the release  94  of the ratchet  26  could extend below the body  22  and be directly engaged by the user. A pivoting lever could also be mounted to the side of the body  22 , the lever when swung or pivoted in one direction engaging the release  94  and pressing the ratchet  26  away from the latch  24 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 1 , the body  22  of the latch mechanism  20  may be configured for mounting to another device, such as described below, a gaming machine housing. As such, in one embodiment, the body  22  may include one or more mounting plates. As illustrated, one mounting plate  128  may extend outwardly from the second supporting member  30  generally perpendicular thereto. This mounting plate  128  may include one or more apertures (not visible) for accepting one or more fasteners. As illustrated, another mounting plate  130  extends from the first end  32  of the body  22 . In one embodiment, this mounting plate  130  is also formed as an extension of the second mounting member  30  and may include one or more apertures therein.  
      As described above, the latch mechanism  20  is configured to selective engage a striker.  FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of a striker  200 . Greater details of the striker  200  are provided below. In general, the striker  200  comprises a member which is configured to be accepted in the striker depression  82  of the latch  24 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 3 , the body  22  is preferably configured so that the latch  24  can accept the striker. As illustrated, the first supporting member  28  has a cut-away area  134  in the top edge  42  of the central portion  40  thereof. Likewise, the second supporting member  30  includes a similar cut-away area or depression  136 .  
      Still referring to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, a latch stop  138  extends outwardly from the top edge  42  of the first supporting member  28 . The latch stop  138  extends outwardly over the interior area  54  at a point slightly behind the latch  24  and engages a top portion of the latch  24  when the latch is in its unlatched position.  
      The components of the latch mechanism  20  maybe constructed from various materials and in a variety of ways other than as described. Preferably, the components of the latch mechanism  20  are constructed of metal so as to be durable and strong. Various of the components may be constructed integral with one another or be constructed as individual elements and then connected to one another. For example, the body  22  might be constructed of a plurality of elements which are connected, either via welding or other manners (for example, the first and second end members  46 , 48  and central planar section  40  of the first supporting member  28  may be constructed as a single element or of multiple elements which are connected).  
      The latch mechanism  20  is preferably used in conjunction with a gaming machine housing.  FIG. 2  illustrates one such environment of use. As illustrated, this environment comprises a gaming machine  204 . In the embodiment illustrated, the gaming machine  204  is configured as a “bar top” type machine in which the machine has a housing portion  206  and a lid portion  208 . Various components of the gaming machine  204  are located in the housing portion  206  and are accessible by opening the lid portion  208 .  
      In the embodiment illustrated, the housing  206  has a front panel  208  which may be opened and closed to provide access to the latch mechanism  20 . As illustrated, the latch mechanism  20  is preferably connected to the housing portion  202  of the gaming machine  200 . For example, the front panel  208  may be a lockable panel (such as locked with a rotating cam, key-operable lock). When open, this panel  208  provides only limited access to the interior of the gaming machine  204  and, namely, the latch mechanism  20 .  
      Various components of the gaming machine  204  are preferably located in the housing  206  and/or mounted to the lid  208 . For example, the gaming machine  204  may include a controller or CPU, a coin acceptor, a bill validator and bill storage case, a ticket acceptor, a ticket reader, a ticket printer, a card reader, one or more player input devices, such as buttons  210 , speakers  212 , and a wide variety of devices. In this regard, gaming machines having a wide variety of components and configured to present a wide variety of games are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.  
      The striker  200  is preferably mounted to the lid  206 . In particular, as illustrated, the base  202  is mounted to an inside portion of the lid  206 . The striker  200  is positioned so that when the lid  206  is moved to its closed position, the striker  200  engages the latch  24  of the latch mechanism  20 . Of course, the position of the striker  200  and latch mechanism  20  could be reversed, with the striker  200  connected to the housing and the latch mechanism connected to the lid  206  (or door or the like).  
      As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the striker  200  comprises a generally cylindrical body having a first end and a second end. In one embodiment, the ends of the striker  200  are supported by the base  202 . The base  202  is configured for attachment to a mounting surface, such as the inside of a door or lid of a gaming machine. In one embodiment, the base  202  is generally planar and defines a pair of outwardly extending supports to which the ends of the striker  200  are connected. Of course, the base  202  may have a variety of configurations, including a variety of shapes and sizes. In one embodiment, the base  202  may define one or more apertures through which mounting elements such as bolts or screws may pass for mounting the base to the mounting surface. The particular size, including the circumference and length, of the striker  200  preferably depends upon the configuration of the corresponding latch  26  of the latch mechanism  20 .  
      Preferably, the latch mechanism  20  is mounted so that the release  114  is, at one or more times, accessible, so that the latch  24  may be released, as described below. As indicated, in one embodiment, access to the release  114  may be controlled, such as via a lockable door, so that the latch  114  can not be released without authority.  
      It will be appreciated that  FIG. 2  illustrates generally but one embodiment of a gaming machine  204  with which the latch mechanism  20  has particular utility. The latch mechanism  20  may be utilized with gaming machines configured in a variety of other manners. For example, the latch mechanism  20  may be used with gaming machines having one or more doors, such as a front door which rotates about a vertical axis. In this regard, a gaming machine  204  may include more than one latch mechanism  20 , depending on the number of lids or doors the gaming machine includes. It will be understood that the terms “door” and “lid” may be used interchangeably herein, the term “lid” as used herein generally referring to a “door” which rotates in a generally vertical plane (i.e. about a horizontal axis).  
      Operation of the latch mechanism  20  will now be described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 4-9 . First, referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the latch  24  is configured to be positioned in a first or “unlatched” position. In this position, the ratchet (not illustrated) does not engage either step of the latch  24 . In this position, the latch spring  96  biases the latch  24  upwardly so that the striker depression  82  is accessible.  
      In this position, as best illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the striker  200  may be moved into or out of engagement with the striker depression  82  of the latch  24 . For example, lowering the lid  208  of the gaming machine  204  illustrated in  FIG. 3  would cause the striker  200  to travel in along an arcuate path until it engages the latch  24 . Likewise, from this position, the lid  208  could be raised, thus moving the striker  200  out of engagement with the latch  24 .  
      As illustrated, in this latch position, the release plate  116  is located in a rear-most position, corresponding to the position of the ratchet  26  not engaging the steps in the latch  24 .  
      The latch  24  may be moved to a second, partially latched position. This position is best illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . As illustrated, in this position, the latch  24  is rotated downwardly, and the ratchet  26  preferably engages the first step  88  of the latch  24 .  
      Preferably, this position is achieved as a result of downward pressure applied to the latch  24  via the striker  200 . In particular, after the striker  200  is located in the striker depression  82  of the latch  82  and the striker  200  is pressed downwardly (such as by a closing action of the lid  208  of the gaming machine  204  illustrated in  FIG. 3 ), the latch  24  is rotated so that the striker depression  82  moves downwardly.  
      As the latch  24  rotates, the ratchet  26  is caused to rotate under the biasing force of the ratchet spring  98 . In particular, the pin  92  of the ratchet  26  is moved into a position in which it engages the first step  88  of the latch  24 . In this position, the latch  24  is prevented from moving back to its unlatched position because of the engagement of the ratchet  26 . Further, because of the position of the striker  200  located in the latch  24  and in the body  22  of the latch mechanism  20 , the striker  200  can not be removed from the latch mechanism  20 .  
      Lastly, the latch  24  may be moved to its fully latched position, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . In this position, the latch  24  is rotated further downward and the pin  92  of the ratchet  26  engages the second step  90  of the latch. In this position, the striker  200  is secured by the latch  24  (and surrounding body  22 ) and is prevented from moving.  
      The striker  200  may be released from the latch  24 . In particular, when the latch  24  is in its latched or partially-latched position, forward movement of the release  114  released the ratchet  26  from the latch  24 , allowing the latch  24  to rotate upward to its unlatched position illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 .  
      In the embodiment latch mechanism  20  described, forward movement of the release  114  may be effected by pulling the handle  120 . As the release  114  moves forward, the actuator  118  moves forward, engaging the release  94  of the ratchet  26 . As this occurs, the top of the ratchet  26 , including the pin  92 , is rotated rearwardly against the ratchet spring  98  away from the latch  26 . When the ratchet  26  disengages the latch  24 , the latch  24  is free to rotate upwardly, including under the bias of the latch spring  96 .  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the latch mechanism  20  has particular applicability in the gaming environment. As described, a gaming machine, especially wagering-type gaming machines known as Class II and Class III gaming machines, typically have a cabinet. The cabinet comprises a housing with at least one door or lid. The door or lid is configured to move between an open and closed position, thereby permitting access to an interior of the gaming machine.  
      The gaming machine doors and lids are often relatively heavy. Moreover, the gaming machines generally contain sensitive equipment such as computer processing equipment, video displays, coin comparators and the like. These devices are susceptible to damage due to application of transmitted forces or shock. In many cases, the lids or doors themselves support sensitive equipment. For example, U.S. Published application Ser. No. 20030027627 discloses a gaming machine in which a thin-panel display is mounted to the door of the gaming machine.  
      In use, technicians and other gaming personnel, including those parties who empty the “cash boxes,” fill coins and replace receipts, open and close the door or lid of a gaming machine on a frequent basis. Quite frequently, these parties swing the door or lid of a gaming machine with rather high force in order to close it. This manner of closing the gaming machine door or lid may, as described above, damage the gaming machine equipment.  
      The latch mechanism  20  of the invention addresses these problems. First and foremost, the latch mechanism  20  is effective in securely latching a door or lid of a gaming machine. As described above, various configurations may be employed for locking the gaming machine so that the door or lid thereof can not be opened without access to the latch mechanism  20  and release of the latch mechanism  20  from its latched position.  
      In addition, the latch mechanism  20  is particular useful in latching swinging doors and lids of gaming machines. In particular, the latch mechanism  20  is configured to reduce the impact of a swinging door or lid. In the configuration illustrated, when a door or lid of the gaming machine is swung shut, the striker comes into contact with the latch. The force of the swinging door or lid is absorbed as the latch is rotated against the latch spring towards the partially-latched position. Most importantly, because the partially latched position is not the fully latched or stopped position, when the latch is moved to the partially latched position it does not abruptly stop, thereby causing a transmission of force to the gaming machine components.  
      If the swing force is very high, that force may cause the latch to be moved beyond the partially latched position and into the fully latched position. Again, this causes the swing force to be absorbed by the resisting force of the latch. Except in cases where the swing force is excessively high, the door or lid will stop at the partially latched position. Thereafter, the user applies pressure to move the door or lid so the striker and latch move to the fully latched position. Because this movement is relatively small in distance, the door or lid is not swung or slammed in order to move the latch. Instead, a smooth transitory force is applied, this force not being of the type which would cause damage to the gaming machine components.  
      Of course, the latch mechanism could have a number of applications or than that described herein. Further, it will be appreciated that the latch mechanism may have a variety of configurations other than that illustrated.  
      In one embodiment, the latch mechanism might include a key-operated release lock for the ratchet. For example, instead of the sliding plate release as described, the release could comprise the arm of a rotating lock member, the member rotatable only in response to the insertion of a key into the lock. In this manner, release of the latch might be effected by accessing a lock external to the gaming machine housing, such as through the use of a key.  
      As described, the latch mechanism preferably has three positions. The latch mechanism could be configured to have more than three positions, such as two intermediate partially latched positions.  
      Other means may be used to selectively lock the latch into the partially and fully latched positions other than the ratchet mechanism as illustrated.  
      As described, the body of the latch mechanism and the method and configuration for mounting the latch mechanism may vary depending upon the application. In addition, the size and construction of the latch mechanism may vary depending upon the application.  
      It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.