Patent Publication Number: US-2009218207-A1

Title: Switch with recessed push-button and gaming machine with recessed push-button switches

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to push-button switches, and more particularly to a push-button type actuatable switch having the push-button thereof recessed. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Push-button type switches are utilized in thousands of applications. One common application for push-button switches is as an input device for a gaming machine. For example, a gaming machine may include a plurality of push-buttons permitting a user to indicate a input, such as to “hold” a card, place a “bet” of a monetary amount, “deal” cards or the like. In addition, gaming machines commonly include a “service” button to indicate to a gaming establishment that a particular machine requires service or repair. 
     In the gaming machine environment, the push-buttons are generally mounted to a portion of the gaming machine housing, such as a metal panel, so that they may be easily accessible. One problem with this is that the sensitivity of the buttons and their convenient placement often leads to certain buttons being inadvertently or accidentally pressed. For example, in Blackjack, a user may accidentally press “deal” when he or she intends to “hold”. In addition, the user may accidentally press or activate the “service” button requiring a technician to be dispatched even though no service is required. Therefore, it is desirable to have button which is easily accessible to users while helping to prevent accidental activations or presses. 
     During the lifetime of the gaming machine, the buttons of the machine may be used tens of thousands of times. It is therefore important to provide a push-button switch which will accept a high duty cycle and has a long-life. Among other things, components of a button may need to be replaced in order to maintain the button, or else the entire button must be replaced. It is therefore also important to provide a button which is reliable and with low maintenance requirements while being able to prevent accidental activation or presses. Thus, it is also desirable that the aspect of the button which prevents accidental or inadvertent activation is at least as durable, reliable, and low maintenance as the button itself. 
     There are thousands and thousands of push-buttons already associated with existing gaming machines. It is desirable to find a solution to the above-stated problems which does not require modification of the gaming machine and which does not require complete replacement of the push-button, due to the prohibitive cost of those solutions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Disclosed herein is a push-button actuatable switch with a recessed push-button, a gaming machine with one or more recessed push-button actuatable switches, and a method of retrofitting a switch of a gaming machine to reduce accidental user actuation. The push-button actuatable switch is actuatable in that a user may actuate the switch or a portion thereof. 
     In one embodiment, the push-button actuatable switch includes a button body having a first end and a second end, a push-button supported by the body and extending from the first end of the body, a switch actuatable by the push-button, and a protector mounted to the body and extending upwardly around at least a portion of the push-button. 
     The push-button may have a user-actuatable portion and may be movable from a first non-actuated position to a second actuated position in which the push-button actuates the switch. In some embodiments, the push-button maybe biased outwardly to the first non-actuated position while being depressed inwardly towards the button body when in the second actuated position. In addition, portions of the push-button actuatable switch may be configured in various shapes. For example, the user-actuatable portion of the push-button, the protector, or both may be generally square in peripheral shape. 
     The protector may have an open top end extending even with or beyond the user-actuatable portion of the push-button when the push-button is in a non-actuated position. Further, the protector may also comprise a bottom end, comprising a lip to accept the body of the push-button, opposite the top end. The protector is preferably a separate element of the push-button actuatable switch. In some embodiments, the protector may extend around the entire perimeter of the push-button while in others the protector may only extend around a portion of the perimeter of the push-button. 
     In one embodiment, the gaming machine having a push-button actuatable switch in accordance with the invention herein includes a housing defining a generally closed interior area and an exterior area, a push-button actuatable switch mounted to the housing. The push-button actuatable switch may be configured in various ways (including the configurations disclosed herein). In one embodiment, the push-button actuatable switch comprises a button body having a first end and a second end, the body extending through the housing of the gaming machine from the interior to the exterior area thereof, a push-button supported by the body and having a user-actuatable portion extending from the first end of the body so as to be accessible at the exterior of the gaming machine, a switch actuatable by the push-button, and a protector mounted to the button body and extending upwardly around at least a portion of the push-button. 
     As with above, the push-button may be movable from a first non-actuated position to a second actuated position in which the push-button actuates the switch. Further, the gaming machine of one or more embodiments may have a plurality of push-button actuatable switches (as disclosed in various configurations herein) mounted to its housing. 
     In addition, the protector may have an open top end extending even with or beyond the user-actuatable portion of the push-button when the push-button is in its non-actuated position. Also, the protector may extend upwardly around the entire perimeter of the push-button if it is so desired. The protector, in one embodiment, may be mounted between a flange defined by the body and the housing of the gaming machine. In one embodiment, the protector may have a peripheral shape corresponding to the peripheral shape of the push-button. 
     In one embodiment, a method of retrofitting an existing push-button actuatable switch of a gaming machine to reduce accidental user actuation thereof comprises disconnecting a push-button actuatable switch from the housing of the gaming machine, mounting a protector to the button body whereby the protector extends upwardly around at least a portion of the push-button, and reconnecting the push-button actuatable switch to the gaming machine. The push-button actutable switch and protector may be configured in various ways including the configurations described above. Notably, the step of mounting a protector to the body may be performed prior to the first mounting of the push-button actuatable switch to the gaming machine. 
     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 a recessed push-button actuatable switch of the invention with a protector extending around its perimeter; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a recessed push-button actuatable switch of the invention mounted to a support structure in the form of a gaming machine housing; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the recessed push-button actuatable switch illustrated in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view of the recessed push-button actuatable switch illustrated in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of a body of the recessed push-button actuatable switch illustrated in  FIG. 4A  looking in a direction from a bottom end towards a top end thereof; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a lamp/switch mount of the recessed push-button actuatable switch of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the recessed push-button actuatable switch protector of the invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of four push-button actuatable switches mounted to a support structure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is a recessed push-button actuatable switch and a method for providing the same. 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 protector for a push-button type actuatable switch, whereby the push-button of the switch is protected from being accidentally pressed or activated. In one or more embodiments, the protector extends upwardly even with or beyond the user-actuatable portion of the push-button. This configuration ensures that unintended contact with the switch does not engage or activate the switch. The protector may be associated with or integrated into new push-button type switches, or be retrofit to existing buttons or switches. The push-button actuatable switch is actuatable in that a user may actuate the switch or a portion thereof. 
     One embodiment of the invention is a protector which may be utilized with a push-button actuatable switch in order to recess the push-button thereof against accidental actuation. Referring to  FIG. 1 , a push-button type actuatable switch  20  has a push-button  24  or other user-actuatable member. The push-button  24  has a user-actuatable portion  16  which, as illustrated, comprises a generally planar top thereof. As detailed below, a user may contact the user-actuatable portion  16  of the push-button  24 , depressing the push-button  24  so as to activate the switch  20 . In one embodiment, as detailed below, actuation of the push-button  24  actuates an electrical switch. 
     As illustrated, a protector  10  is associated with the push-button actuatable switch  20 . In one embodiment, the protector  10  comprises a body having an upwardly extending wall or other member. The wall of the protector  10  is configured to extend upwardly around a perimeter of the push-button  24 . The protector  10  is open at a top thereof, thus defining an open interior space within which the push-button  24  is located. As detailed below, the push-button  24  may be moved from a first undepressed position to a second depressed position. In a preferred embodiment, a top portion of the protector  10  extends outwardly approximately as far as the user engageable portion  16  of the push-button  24 . In this manner, the push-button  24  is protected from being accidentally engaged because the push-button  24  is recessed within the protector  10  so as to be engageable only in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top of the push-button. At the same time, the open top  12  of the protector  10  allows the push-button  24  to be easily and conveniently engaged when a user or other person seeks to do so. 
     The recessed switch  20  illustrated in  FIG. 1  comprises a protector  10  that extends beyond the top of the user-actuatable portion  16  of the push-button  24 . It is contemplated however, that in one or more embodiments the protector  10  may extend such that it is even with or flush with the top of the user-actuatable portion  16  of the push-button  24 .  FIG. 1  also illustrates a protector  10  around the perimeter of the push-button  24 . It is contemplated however, that in one or more embodiments the protector  10  may extend around a portion of the push-button  24  rather than around its entire perimeter. 
     The protector  10  may extend various amounts beyond the top of the user-actuatable portion  16  of the push-button  24 . The push-button  24  of various embodiments extends a predetermined distance from the body  26  (described below) in its undepressed condition. Thus, in one embodiment, the protector  10  may extend beyond the top of the user-actuatable portion  16  from 5% to 25% of this predetermined distance. In another embodiment, the protector  10  may extend a fixed amount beyond the top of the user-actuatable portion  16  such as from 1/16th of an inch to ½ of an inch. In other embodiments, the amount the protector  10  extends may be determined based on the size of the push-button  24 , the user-actuatable portion  16 , or both. In addition, the amount the protector  10  extends may also be determined by taking into account the portion of horizontal space of the open top  12  or gap between the protector  10  and the push-button  24 . For example, the protector  10  may extend a greater amount where this gap is large because the push-button  24  is more easily accessed and thus accidental engagement of the push-button is more likely. Alternatively, the protector  10  may extend a lesser amount where this gap is small because the push-button is less easily accessed and accidental engagement of the push-button is less likely. It is contemplated that the amount the protector  10  extends may be determined by the amount of protection required for a particular button. However, the amount of extension may vary for other reasons such as but not limited to addressing aesthetic, reliability, maintenance, or other concerns. 
     As stated, there is a portion of horizontal space or a gap between the protector  10  and the push-button  24 . This gap may vary in size in one or more embodiments to provide greater or lesser protection for the push-button, or to address aesthetic, reliability, maintenance or other concerns. The size of the gap and consequently the configuration of the protector&#39;s  10  open top may be determined by a percentage, fixed amount, or other factor similar to the way the amount of extension is determined as described above. In one embodiment, the gap may be between 25% and 50% of the horizontal length of the push-button  24  or the user-actuatable portion  16 . In another embodiment, the gap may be between 1/16th and ½ of an inch. In addition, the size of the gap may vary along the perimeter of the push-button  24  such as for example where the push-button is circular and the protector  10  is rectangular or vice versa. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the protector  10  is located adjacent the perimeter of the push-button  24 , so as to not create a large opening or depression between it and the push-button. In this regard, as detailed below, the purpose of the protector  10  is to define a body or member which shields the push-button. 
     The protector  10  may be made from a variety of materials and may be of one or more colors. The choice of materials and colors may be for aesthetic purposes such as to match a gaming machine or may be for other reasons such as enhanced reliability for a particular environment, in the case of material choice, or to indicate a particular button function, in the case of color. Some exemplary materials from which the protector  10  may be made include plastic, metal, wood, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and other man made and natural materials. Additionally, the materials themselves may have one or more colors or may be coated with one or more colors. Finally, the protector  10  may be made of transparent or semi-transparent materials that may be clear or colored. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the push-button actuatable switch  20  maybe mounted to a support structure. As illustrated, the recessed switch  20  is mounted to a panel or housing  22  of a gaming machine. In general, the push-button  24  extending from a top portion or end of a body or housing  26  of the switch  20 . The protector  10  and lock nut  30  are associated with an exterior portion of the body  26 . A lamp/switch mount  32  is connected to the body  26  and extends from a bottom portion or end thereof generally opposite the push-button  24 . An electrical switch  34  is connected to the lamp/switch mount  32 . 
     In the arrangement illustrated, the housing  22  comprises a metal panel forming a portion of a body or housing of the gaming machine. The housing  22  has an aperture there through. Preferably, the body  26  extends through the aperture. The aperture is larger than the portion of the body  26  which extends there through, but smaller in dimension that the protector  10 . The protector  10  is positioned over the body  26  adjacent a top side of the housing  22 , obscuring the aperture through which the body extends. The lock nut  30  is affixed to the body  26  from the bottom side of the housing  22 . In this manner, the housing  22  is positioned between the protector  10  and the lock nut  30 , securing the recessed switch  20  to the housing  22 . 
     As detailed below, the push-button  24  extends outwardly from the body  26  for engagement by a user thereof, such as by a player of the gaming machine. When depressed or pushed by a user, the push-button  24  is arranged to activate/actuate the electrical switch  34 . Leads extend from the electrical switch  34 , and wires may be connected to the leads and extend to another device, whereby the signal from the electrical switch  34  is used as an input to that device. 
       FIG. 2  shows an embodiment of the protector which extends around a portion of a push-button  24 . In this embodiment, the protector  10  extends around two sides of the push-button  24  rather than around the push-button&#39;s entire perimeter. It is contemplated that in one or more embodiments, the protector  10  may extend around only a portion of the push-button  24 , such as one or more sides thereof. 
     Also, in one or more embodiments, the top of the protector  10  need not be flat or level, but may extend to varying heights such as to form a slope or curve along part or all of the perimeter of the push-button. In addition, the protector  10  in one or more embodiments may be rotated to any angle best suited to protect the push-button from accidentally being engaged. For example, the protector  10  illustrated in  FIG. 2  may be positioned such that the portion of the protector that extends around the push-button  24  faces the user. 
       FIG. 2  also shows an embodiment where the protector  10  extends beyond the user-actuatable portion  16  of the push-button  24 . As stated, this configuration protects the push-button  24  from being accidentally engaged. However, the same may be accomplished in one or more embodiments by a protector  10  which extends flush or even with the top or user-actuatable portion  16  of the push-button  24 . In addition, it is contemplated that the protector  10  may be configured to extend beyond the user engageble portion  16  of the push-button  24 . The greater the distances the protector  10  extends beyond the user engagable portion  16 , the lower the likelihood that the push-button  24  will be accidentally engaged. However, as the protector  10  extends outwardly beyond the push-button  24  by larger distances, the profile of the switch  20  increases. This may obscure adjacent elements or make the push-button  24  difficult to engage, even if intentionally. Therefore, in one or more embodiments the amount the protector  10  extends maybe varied to provide the best protection for a particular situation. 
     The protector of the invention may be used with or incorporated into push-button type switches having a various embodiments. One embodiment of such a switch will be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 3 . As illustrated, the body  26  serves a supporting/housing function and includes a wall having inner and outer surfaces. In one embodiment, the body  26  is generally tubular and has a top or proximal end  36  and a bottom or distal end  38 . A passage  40  extends through the body  26 . As illustrated, at its top end  36 , the body  26  is generally square, thus defining a generally square periphery of the passage  40 . The body  26  may have a variety of other shapes at this location, such as round or rectangular. Preferably, the bottom end  38  of the body  26  is generally cylindrical, thus defining a generally circular periphery of the passage  40  at that location. In one or more embodiments, an outer surface of the body  26  is threaded at its bottom end  38 . The threads extend upwardly towards the top end  36 . The threads are adapted to accept mating threads on the lock nut  30 . 
       FIG. 3  also illustrates an embodiment of the protector  10  with an open top  12  having a lip  14  to accept a body  26 . In this embodiment, the lip  14  is configured to receive the top end  36  of the body  26 . The threads at the bottom end  38  of the body  26  may then extend through the protector  10  so that the mating threads on the lock nut  30  may secure the protector and body to a supporting surface. As stated, the top end  36  of the body  26  may have a variety of shapes and thus the protector  10  may be configured to extend around a portion or the entire perimeter according to the shape of the body. In addition, the protector  10  in one or more embodiments may have a different shape than the perimeter of the body  26 , the push-button  24 , or both. 
     It is contemplated that one or more spacers shaped similarly to the lip  14  may be used to adjust the distance the push-button  24  is recessed or to make the user-actuatable portion  16  of the push-button even with the top of the protector  10 . The spacers may have varying heights and may be placed between the lip  14  and the body  26  where desired. 
     The configuration of the invention is illustrated in more detail in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . As illustrated, the protector  10  is associated with a body  26  of the push-button  24 . In various embodiments, the protector  10  may extend around a portion rather than the entire perimeter of the push-button  24 . The protector  10  may also be formed to have a different shape than the perimeter of the body  26  if so desired. The protector  10  maybe so associated with the push-button  24  various manners, however. For example, the protector  10  may have a threaded portion which engages a corresponding threaded portion on the remainder of the push-button switch  20  such as the body  26 . In this embodiment, the protector  10  may be attached to the push-button switch  20  by matching the corresponding threaded portions and threading the threaded portion of the protector  10  onto the corresponding threaded portion of the body  26 , or vice versa. The protector  10  may be permanently affixed using mechanical fasteners alone or in combination with various adhesives. Of course, the protector  10  does not have to be permanently affixed in all embodiments. 
     The protector  10  may also comprise a plurality of separate elements. In one embodiment, the protector  10  may be made of two portions which may be connected when the protector is attached or installed. For example, the protector shown in  FIG. 3  may be configured in two mating halves divided along the two vertical dashed lines illustrated. Each half may then be placed around a portion of the body  26  such as by horizontally engaging one side of the body with one half of the protector  10  and then engaging the other side of the body with the other half of the protector such that the two halves form a complete protector such as shown in  FIG. 3 . One half of the protector may have one or more fasteners which correspond to one or more corresponding fasteners on the other half of the protector. In this way the protector may be assembled by connecting the fasteners of one half to the corresponding fasteners of the other half. In addition, adhesive may be used alone or in combination with these or other fasteners to connect the two halves of a protector. 
     Of course, the protector  10  may be divided into more than two portions and such divisions may be other than straight vertical divisions. Each portion of the protector  10  may include one or more mechanical fasteners integrated with that portion such that the protector may be assembled by engaging corresponding fasteners of the various portions. Adhesive may also be used to further secure an assembled protector  10  in one or more embodiments, or adhesive may be the only fastener used to assemble a protector  10 . It is also contemplated that additional fasteners such as but not limited to screws or pins may be used alone or in combination in assembly of a protector  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A , in one or more embodiments, the body  26  may define an upper cavity  42  for accepting at least a portion of the push-button  24 . The upper cavity  42  forms a portion of the passage  40  through the body  26 . As illustrated, when the push-button  24  is generally square in peripheral shape, so is the upper cavity  42 . As described above, the body  26  defines a periphery around the upper cavity  42  which is also generally square. As illustrated, the body  26  includes an outwardly extending flange  44  in this location. As noted above, the push-button  24  may be other than square, in which case the body  26  at this location is as well, for example round or rectangular. 
     A middle cavity  46  is positioned below the upper cavity  42  and also forms a portion of the passage  40 . The middle cavity  46  is preferably cylindrical in shape, and has a diameter which is less than the maximum dimension of the upper cavity  42 . As a result of the change in size and shape between the upper and middle cavities  42 , 46 , a ledge  48  is defined. As detailed below, the ledge  48  serves as a stop to limit the travel of the push-button  24  downwardly into the body  26 , and serves as a support for a spring. 
     A lower cavity  50  is positioned below the middle cavity  46  and also forms a portion of the passage  40 . The lower cavity  50  is also preferably generally cylindrical in shape. As illustrated, a stop extends inwardly dividing at least a portion of the middle and lower cavities  46 , 50 . Referring to  FIG. 4B , the stop comprises four wall or stop segments  51 . 
     As described above, a push-button  24  is associated with the body  26 , and preferably is located at the top end  36  thereof. At least a portion of the push-button  24  is adapted to extend from the top end  36  of the body  26  to form a user-actuatable portion  16 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , the push-button  24  comprises a generally square member having a user-actuatable portion  16  at its top and one or more sides or members extending downwardly therefrom. The push-button  24  may have a variety of other shapes, including rectangular and circular. 
     The push-button  24  may have an actuator  52 . In these embodiments, the actuator  52  has a first end shaped to accept the push-button  24  there over. When the push-button  24  is square, preferably so is the first end of the actuator  52 . Likewise, when the push-button  24  has other shapes such as rectangular or circular, the first end of the actuator  52  may be as well. Notably, the first end of the actuator  52  and the push-button  24  need not be the same shape, as long as the connecting function between the two is facilitated. As illustrated, one or more tabs  53  may be located on the outside of the first end of the actuator  52  for use in securing the push-button  24  to the actuator  52 . 
     The actuator  52  has a generally cylindrical main portion adapted to fit within the middle cavity  46  of the body  26 . Preferably, three legs  54   a,b,c,  extend downwardly from the periphery of the main portion of the actuator  52  in a direction opposite its first end. A pair of the legs  54   a , 54   c  are preferably located about 180 degrees apart. The third leg  54   b  is positioned there between. As illustrated, the third leg  54   b  is preferably located nearer one of the legs  54   c  than the other of the legs  54   a.    
     The opposing legs  54   a , 54   c  each have a catch  56  extending outwardly therefrom. Preferably, each catch  56  extends in a direction generally radially out in a direction perpendicular to an axis extending through the actuator. Referring to  FIG. 2 , when the actuator  52  is positioned in the body  26 , the legs  54   a,b,c,  extend through spaces between the stop segments  51  of the body  26 . When so positioned, the catches  56  engage a lower rim of the body  26 , preventing further upward movement of the actuator  52 . 
     A foot  58  is located on the end of the second leg  54   b.  As described in more detail below, the foot  58  is adapted to engage a button of the electrical switch  34  for actuating the switch. As illustrated, the foot  58  extends radially inward from the leg  54   b.    
     A spring  60  is positioned inside of the body  26  and engages both the body  26  and the actuator  52 . In a preferred embodiment, the spring  60  is a helical spring. A first end of the spring  60  rests against the top surface of the stop segments  51  of the body  26 . The second end of the spring  60  is positioned within the actuator  52  and rests against a stop  62  therein. So arranged, the spring  60  has the natural tendency to urge the actuator  52  upwardly to the point where further upward travel is limited by the catches  56 . The urging of the actuator  52  upwardly also urges the push-button  24  attached thereto upwardly. When pressed by a user, the push-button  24  moves the actuator  52  downwardly against the biasing force of the spring  60 , compressing the spring. 
     The lamp/switch mount  32  is connected to the body  26  at its bottom end  38 . The lamp/switch mount  32  will now be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 5 . The lamp/switch mount  32  has a generally disc-shaped main portion  62 . The main portion  62  has three cut-out areas  64   a,b,c  permitting passage of the legs  54   a,b,c  of the actuator  52  there through. 
     A passage  66  extends generally centrally through (i.e. along a central axis extending generally perpendicular to a plane in which the main portion  62  extends) the main portion  62 . A lamp stand  68  extends upwardly from a top surface of the main portion  62  and downwardly from a lower surface of the main portion, defining a generally lower closed end. In general, the lamp stand  68  forms extended portions of the passage  66  for accepting therein a lamp  70  (see  FIG. 3 ). First and second contacts  72   a,b  are also located in the passage  66 . The first and second contacts  72   a,b  contact leads or contacts on the lamp  70 . The contacts  72   a,b  extend through the lower closed end of the lamp stand  68  for connection to appropriate power wires for powering the lamp. 
     A switch mount  74  extends below the main portion  62  of the lamp/switch mount  32 . The switch mount  74  is offset from the central axis. In one embodiment, the switch mount  74  extends from the lamp stand  68 . The switch mount  74  includes first and second spaced pins  76   a,b.  A lock  78  extends downwardly from the main portion  62 . The lock  78  is spaced apart from the pins  76   a,b,  defining a space in which the electrical switch  34  may be located. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the electrical switch  34  has a generally closed housing  80 . The electrical switch  34  may have a variety of shapes and configurations. As illustrated, the housing  80  is generally rectangular. First and second passages  82   a , 82   b  extend through the housing  80  from side to side. The passages  82   a,b  are adapted to accept the first and second pins  76   a , 76   b  of the lamp/switch mount  32 . 
     A button  84  extends upwardly from a top surface of the housing  80 . The button  84  preferably actuates an electrical switch within the electrical switch  34 . In one embodiment, the electrical switch  34  is a two-position switch. The workings of such electrical switches  34  are well known. As is common in such a two-position electrical switch  34 , the electrical switch  34  includes three leads or contacts  86   a,b,c.  The position of the electrical switch  34  determines which of the leads are “hot” (one being for ground). 
     When the electrical switch  34  is mounted to the lamp/switch mount  32 , the pins  76   a,b  extend into the passages  82   a,b.  The lock  78  presses against the opposite side of the housing  80  of the electrical switch  34 , maintaining the pins  76   a,b  in engagement with the passages  82   a,b,  securely mounting the electrical switch  34 . 
     When so mounted, the foot  58  of the second leg  54   b  of the actuator  52  is positioned adjacent the button  84  of the electrical switch  32 . When a user depresses the push-button  24 , the actuator  52  is moved downwardly, causing the foot  58  to engage the switch button  84 . This actuates the electrical switch  34 . 
     Most importantly, in accordance with the invention there is provided an advantageous mounting arrangement for removably connecting the lamp/switch mount  32  to the body  26 . Referring to  FIGS. 4(   a ) and  4 ( b ), first and second latches  88 , 90  extend from the bottom end  38  of the body  26 . The latches  88 , 90  extend from the stop segments  51  of the body  26 . Each latch  88 , 90  generally comprises a member extending outwardly from the stop segment, and includes a catch. As illustrated, the latches  88 , 90  are positioned generally 180 degrees apart, with the catches facing generally in the same direction. 
     The lamp/switch mount  32  includes a passage  92  through the main portion  62 . The passage  92  accepts the latch  90  there through. A cut-out or recess  94  is provided in the periphery of the main portion  62  of the lamp/switch mount  32 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A , the lamp/switch mount  32  is arranged to be mounted in abutting relationship to the stop segments  51  at the bottom end  38  of the body  26 . The top surface of the main portion  62  of the lamp/switch mount  32  is abutted against the lower surface of the stop segments  51  of the body  26 . In this position, the latch  90  extends through the passage  92  in the lamp/switch mount  32 , with the catch of the latch  90  engaging the lower portion of the main portion  62  of the lamp/switch mount  32 . At the same time, the latch  88  extends along the cut-out area  94  in the main portion  62  of the lamp/switch mount  32 , with the catch thereof also engaging the lower portion of the main portion  62  of the lamp/switch mount  32 . 
     Preferably, as illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the latches  88 , 90  are arranged to press the lamp/switch mount  32  both upwardly against the stop segments  51 , and radially outwardly against the inside wall of the body  26  at its bottom end  38 . Importantly, the latches  88 , 90  are slightly flexible, permitting a user to bend them out of engagement with the lamp/switch mount  32 , thereby permitting the lamp/switch mount  32  to be removed from engagement with the body  26 . 
     In one or more other embodiments, other means maybe provided for removably securing the lamp/switch mount  32  to the body  26 . Preferably, the securing means includes at least one member which is accessible by a user for manipulation in unlocking or removing the lamp/switch mount  32  from the body  26 . There may be only a single latch or more than one latch. The latch(es) may engage the lamp/switch mount  32  in a variety of manners. For example, the lamp/switch mount  32  need not include passages or cutout areas. The lamp/switch mount  32  may include a trough in the lower surface or in a side surface for engagement by a portion (such as a catch) of the latch(es). In one embodiment, a threaded rod may extend from the body  26  and through a passage/slot in the lamp/switch mount  32 . A nut may be threaded onto the rod to engage the lamp/switch mount  32  with the body  26 . 
     In one embodiment, the latches  88 , 90  may extend form the wall forming the body  26  instead of or in addition to the stop segments  51 . In another embodiment, rotating lock members may be associated with the body  26  and moved into a locking position when the lamp/switch mount  32  is pressed into engagement therewith, and rotated out of the locking position to permit removal/disconnection of the lamp/switch mount  32  from the body  26 . In general, it is desired that a release for the locking mechanism be accessible to the user. 
     The various components of the recessed switch  20  may be constructed from a wide range of materials. In one embodiment, the push-button  24 , actuator  52 , body  26 , protector  10 , lock nut  30 , and lamp/switch mount  32  comprise plastic or a similar material conveniently constructed in a molding or extrusion process. The contacts  72   a , 72   b  and spring  60  preferably comprise metal members. In one or more embodiments, the various components may have a variety of colors. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the body  26  around the push-button  24  is arranged to illuminate or be illuminated. In this manner, the location of the push-button  24  may be easily identified by a user. In a preferred embodiment, the body  26 , the protector  10 , or both are constructed from a transparent or generally transparent material, such as clear plastic, instead of traditional black polypropylene. Light emitted by the lamp  70  passes through the body  26 , thereby illuminating the body  26 , including the peripheral portion thereof at the top end  36  around the push-button  24 . 
     In one embodiment, to provide significant contrast between the push-button  24  and the body  26 , the push-button  24  is arranged to generally not transmit light emitted by the lamp  70 . In one embodiment, the push-button  24  may be constructed of an opaque material. In another embodiment, a shield, such as plastic plate, may be located within the push-button  24 . In this embodiment, the push-button  24  is generally not illuminated, but the surrounding body  26  is, whereby the illuminated body  26  generally serves to identify the extent/location of the push-button  24 . In addition, the protector  10  may be illuminated with the body  26  if so desired. In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a legend plate  96  is located inside of the push-button  24 . The legend plate  96  may have lettering printed thereon which is readable through the push-button  24 . For example, the legend plate  96  maybe printed with “deal/draw,” “bet one” or other words, numbers or symbols. In one embodiment, the legend plate  96  permits light illuminated by the lamp  70  to pass there through to render the lettering or other printing more visible. For example, the legend plate  96  may be a plastic plate of any of a variety of colors (even clear) having printing, such as black or other colored lettering. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the recessed switch  20  may be arranged to divert or ground electro-static discharge (ESD). In one or more embodiments of the invention, one or more of the components of the recessed switch  20  are adapted to conduct electrical energy to the housing  22  of the gaming machine or other support structure or remote location, and away from the circuitry of the lamp  70  and electrical switch  34 . 
     In one embodiment, a path of electrical conduction is defined from an external portion of the recessed switch  20  to the housing  22  or other grounding element. In one or more embodiments, this pathway is defined by an electrically conductive material located in the recessed switch  20 . In one embodiment, the body  26 , protector  10 , and/or lock nut  30  are constructed from plastic having a conductive carbon material interspersed therein. The interspersed conductive carbon (see  FIG. 4A ) defines a pathway through the component to the housing  22  or other ground. Preferably, sufficient conductive carbon is provided that the path of least resistence to the electrical energy is defined through the component to ground rather than through the component to the electrical switch  34  or lamp  70 , and thereon to the associated circuitry. 
     It will be appreciated that in order to provide an effective pathway to ground, the housing  22  or other supporting structure may need to be specially configured. In one embodiment, the housing  22  may comprise a metal panel which is painted (such as powder coated). In such an embodiment, it is preferred that an area of contact be provided between the body  26 , protector  10 , lock nut  30  or other component of the recessed switch  20  directly with the metal of the housing  22 . 
     In one embodiment, a metal strip or the like maybe connected to the recessed switch  20 , such as sandwiched between the protector  10  and housing  22  or lock nut  30  and housing  22 , with the metal strip extending to ground. 
     In another embodiment, the pathway through the recessed switch  20  to ground may comprise other than dispersed particles. In one embodiment, a wire may be embedded in the body  26  and extend from a top outer surface thereof to an contact with ground, such as the interface with the housing  22 . Other interspersed materials may be used. An advantage of the interspersed material is that the location or proximity of the user&#39;s touch or approach to the recessed switch  20  need not then coincide with a specific location of the path to ground (as in the case of an embedded wire), since multiple paths to ground are provided. 
     In other embodiments, a layer of conductive material may be located on the one or more components of the recessed switch  20 . For example, a thin layer of conductive metal may be deposited on the exterior of the body  26 . 
     Assembly and use of the recessed switch  20  of the invention will now be described. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the lamp  70  is installed into the lamp/switch mount  32  along with the contacts  72   a,b.  The electrical switch  34  is connected to the lamp/switch mount  32 . The push-button  24  is connected to the actuator  52 . The spring  60  is inserted into the top end  36  of the body  26  and the actuator  52  is guided over the top end of the spring. The actuator  52  is pressed downwardly, compressing the spring  60  until the catches  56  of the legs  54   a , 54   c  of the actuator  52  engage the bottom end  38  of the body  26 . 
     The lamp/switch mount  32  is then connected to the body  26 . As described above, the lamp/switch mount  32  is aligned with the legs  54   a,b,c  and latches  88 , 90  and pressed upwardly. The legs  54   a,b,c  extend through the recesses  64   a,b,c  in the lamp/switch mount  32 . The latch  90  extends through the passage  92 , and the latch  88  extends along the cut-out  94 . Upon further upward movement, the catches on the latches  88 , 90  extend over the bottom surface of the main portion  62  of the lamp/switch mount  32 , locking it to the body  26 . 
     The recessed switch  20  may be conveniently mounted to the housing  22 . First, the protector  10  is extended over the bottom end  38  of the body  26  and moved upwardly as far as possible. Next, the bottom end  38  of the body  26  is passed through an aperture in the housing  22  until the lip  14  of the protector  10  rests upon or abuts the housing  22 . The locking nut  30  is then engaged with the threads on the outer surface of the body  26  from the bottom end  38 . The locking nut  30  is threaded upwardly until it engages the housing  22 . 
     Appropriate wiring (not shown) is attached to the contacts  72   a , 72   b  for providing power to the lamp  70 . Appropriate wiring (not shown) is also attached to the leads  86   a,b,c  of the electrical switch  34 . 
     In use, a user depresses the push-button  24 . The push-button  24  moves the actuator  52  downwardly against the force of the spring  60 . Sufficient downward movement causes the foot  58  of the leg  54   b  to engage the switch button  84 , actuating the electrical switch  34 . Upon release of the user-applied pressure or force, the spring  60  moves the actuator  52  and push-button  24  upwardly. 
     Electro-static discharge (ESD) from the player may be routed away from the circuitry of the recessed switch  20 . In accordance with the invention, when a player touches (or comes sufficient close to the recessed switch  20  that a discharge may arc through the air space and bridge to the switch) the recessed switch  20 , the discharged electrical energy is routed to the housing  22  or a remote location, grounding the discharge. In the preferred embodiment, the discharged is routed through the conductive material in the body  26 , protector  10  and/or lock nut  30  to the housing  22 . This path routes the electrical energy away from the lamp circuit or the switch circuit. 
     In accordance with the invention, a recessed switch  20  is provided which is simple to assemble and disassemble. In particular, replacement of the lamp  70  is facilitated. In the event the lamp  70  burns out and needs replacing, the lamp/switch mount  32  is easily disengaged from the body  26 , providing access to the lamp  70  for replacement. In order to disengage the lamp/switch mount  32 , a user need only bias the catches of the latches  88 , 90  out of engagement with the lamp/switch mount  32 . Then, the user may move the lamp/switch mount  32  downwardly with respect to the body  26  for access to the lamp  70 . 
     As another aspect of the invention, the recessed switch  20  has an illuminated body  26 , and illuminated protector  10 , or both surrounding the user-actuatable push-button  24 . The illuminated body  26  aids in defining to a user the location of the push-button  24 . 
     A method of retrofitting a push-button actuatable switch in accordance with the invention will now be discussed with reference to  FIG. 6 . The push-button switch to be retrofitted is first disconnected from its support structure, such as the housing  22  of a gaming machine. The push-button switch may be disconnected by completely removing it from the gaming machine or by simply loosening it from the gaming machine. In one or more embodiments the push-button switch to be retrofitted comprises a body having two ends, the two ends located at either side of a support structure, whereby the body must be removed from that support structure. Thus, for example, the push-button switch may be completely removed for particular types of protectors, such as protectors which are mounted by inserting one end of the push-button switch into an opening of the protector. In the case of protectors comprised of two halves (or multiple separate portions), the push-button switch may simply be loosened to allow each half or portion to be slid in place. In this way a multi-part protector can be used to retrofit a push-button switch without having to completely remove the switch. 
     Once the push-button actuatable switch has been disconnected, a protector  60  such as illustrated in  FIG. 6  (from above) may be mounted to the body of the push-button switch. As illustrated, the protector  60  has an open top  62 , a base portion  64 , and a passage there through  66  to accept the body of a push-button switch. The protector  60  may extend upwardly around a portion or the entire perimeter of the push-button switch. In some embodiments, the protector  60  may have a arbitrary shape unrelated to the shape of the perimeter of the push-button switch. In addition, the protector  60  may extend even with or beyond the user-actuatable portion of the push-button switch when the push-button switch is in its non-actuated position. 
     It is contemplated that a protector  60  for retrofit purposes may have any or all of the elements of the protectors described above as desired. As discussed above, the protector  60  may have a threaded portion corresponding to a corresponding threaded portion on the body of the push-button switch. In this embodiment, the protector  60  may be mounted to the body by threading its threaded portion on to the corresponding threaded portion of the body. The protector  60  may then be permanently secured such as through fasteners, adhesive, or both. Also as discussed above, the protector  60  may be comprised of two halves with each half configured to accept a portion of the body and connect together to form the protector. In this embodiment, the protector  60  may also then be permanently secured such as through fasteners, adhesive, or both. Of course, the protector  60  of various embodiments may have more than two halves (i.e. more than two portions) as desired. In addition, the protector  60  may have a lip to accept the body of the push-button switch in one or more embodiments, including embodiments where the protector is comprised of two or more portions. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4B , a push-button actuatable switch may have a flange  68  as part of its body. Where this is the case, the protector  60  may be located beneath the flange  68  and above a supporting structure. For example, the protector  60  may be mounted between the flange and the housing  22  of a gaming machine such as shown in  FIG. 2 . It is noted that, the protector  60  may be mounted to the body in various ways such as but not limited to clips, screws, pins, other fasteners, or adhesives. 
     After the protector  60  has been mounted to the push-button actuatable switch, such as the body thereof, the push-button switch is reconnected to a supporting surface, such as the housing  22  of a gaming machine. It is contemplated that the push-button switch and protector  60  may be reconnected to a housing  22  different than the housing that the push-button switch was removed from. In addition, it is contemplated that the method herein may be used to retrofit a push-button switch before it has ever been connected to a housing  22 . 
       FIG. 7  shows the housing  22  of a gaming machine  70  having several recessed push-button actuatable switches  20  mounted thereto. This is a typical configuration of push-buttons on a gaming machine where the buttons are mounted in a row in close proximity. The close proximity of the buttons is a partial cause of accidental or inadvertent engagement of the buttons. For example, a user playing a game of Blackjack may accidentally press the “deal” button while intending to press the “hold” button located directly adjacent to the “deal” button. This is especially so in casino environments where patrons are excited by playing the game and where alcohol is readily obtained and consumed. 
     As indicated above, the protector of the invention may be utilized with push-button switches having a variety of configurations. For example, the switch may have a generally square push-button, as illustrated in the figures herein. However, the push-button may be round, rectangular or have other shapes. In such instances, the shape of the protector may vary. 
     In one embodiment, it is possible for the protector to be usable with multiple push-button switches. For example, the protector may be elongate and define a single opening within which multiple push-buttons may be located. Alternatively, the protector may have multiple openings and push-buttons may be located in each opening. In this configuration, only a single protector might need to be installed in order to retrofit multiple push-buttons. 
     Also, the configuration of the switch itself may vary. The switch (or the push-button thereof), need not be illuminated. In addition, the internal components and arrangement of the switch may vary substantially from the particular embodiment detailed above. 
     The invention has numerous advantages. The location of the protector around the push-button substantially reduces the probability of the push-button from being accidentally pressed, while allowing the same to be purposefully engaged or actuated. In particular, unless direct contact is made with the top of the push-button, the push-button is not depressed. For example, if a user&#39;s arm comes into contact with the switch, their arm is likely to contact the protector, which prevents downward movement of the user&#39;s arm in a manner which would actuate the push-button. 
     The problem of accidental button engagement affects the gaming establishment as well as its patrons. A common problem for gaming establishments is accidental activation of the service button  72  on a gaming machine. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the service button  72  is typically identical in appearance to the game buttons on a gaming machine except for its text label. When pressed, a service technician must respond to the service call such as by repairing the machine or verifying a jackpot or payout. 
     Activating the service button starts a chain of events in response to the needs of a patron for some kind of gaming machine service. The call for service is first detected and the machine with the pressed service button is then identified. Next, an available technician is located and once located is dispatched to the identified machine. The technician must then make his or her way to the machine, which can be a long distance away in today&#39;s larger gaming establishments. All of this activity is unnecessary and costly when the service button is accidentally pressed. In addition, in many establishments, this process is not automated and requires a measurable amount of human effort every time a service button is pressed. 
     Despite the amount of energy and time wasted by accidental activation or engagement of the service button, gaming establishments must keep these service buttons easily accessible to its patrons in case of a genuine need for service. Thus, placing the service button where it will not be accidentally pressed is not a viable option. Therefore, one advantage of the invention is that the service button does not have to be moved and may remain easily accessible to patrons who require service. At the same time, the invention protects the service button from being accidentally pressed even, as is typical in many gaming machines, when the service button is located near game buttons. 
     Another advantage of the invention is that it may be used to retrofit existing push-buttons (such as used with existing gaming machines). Thus, for example, one or more gaming machines could have their service or other buttons retrofitted with minimal effort and expense. Alternatively, these gaming machines could have all their buttons retrofitted so that both patrons and the gaming establishment are protected from accidental button presses as described above. It is noted that the protector of the invention could be formed integrally with the body or other portion of a push-button. However, the configuration of the protector of the invention as a separate element has particular advantages. In particular, this configuration permits the protector to be used to retro-fit existing gaming machine buttons. The cost of replacing an entire button may be an order of magnitude of as much as 10 times the cost of simply retro-fitting an existing push-button switch with a separate protector. Thus, the configuration of the invention makes it much more cost effective to retro-fit existing buttons. In addition, the separate protector is less time intensive to install than replacing the entire button, and the separate protector can be used with push-button switches having various embodiments, which is much more economical than having to create numerous molds to reconfigure numerous existing types of buttons with integral protectors. 
     Other advantages of the invention are that it is effective, durable, simple to maintain, and inexpensive. Traditional methods of preventing a button from being accidentally pressed include recessing the entire button into a housing, or use of covers or flaps which may be moved over the top of the button. The present invention has advantages over these other potential solutions. In gaming, recessing the button often creates a gap between the button and the protective housing of the gaming machine. This is a security issue as it may provide an access point into the gaming machine that would allow the machine to be tampered with. In addition, such a configuration would require the entire housing of the gaming machine to be modified to include recesses for the buttons. Such fabrication would be very expensive, and retrofitting would be nearly impossible. 
     A removable flap or cover is inconvenient in a gaming environment because such covers are prone to breaking in a high use environment where the cover may be repeatedly bumped or opened and closed. Replacement of the cover or flap itself would then be a source of additional service calls to technicians. In addition, relative to frequently used buttons, such covers or flaps would greatly increase the time necessary to play games or engage in other functions, owing to the time needed to access the buttons. 
     Therefore, yet another advantage of the invention is that it is a simple solution that will reduce the number of accidental and actual service calls that a gaming machine produces. The invention is easy to install, requires little or no maintenance, and has no moving parts, covers or flaps which may be broken. Furthermore, the invention does not obscure the service button or any other button while being highly effective at preventing accidental presses. 
     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.