Patent Publication Number: US-2023134141-A1

Title: Overhead display mounting system, overhead display for gaming machines, and gaming machine bank with overhead display

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     Applicant claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/274,969 filed Nov. 3, 2021, and entitled “Overhead Display Mounting System, Overhead Display for Gaming Machines, and Gaming Machine Bank with Overhead Display.” The entire content of this provisional application is incorporated herein by this reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to overhead displays used with a bank of gaming machines. More particularly, the invention provides a simplified display mounting arrangement for producing an overhead display. The invention encompasses overhead display mounting systems, overhead displays for a bank of gaming machines, and gaming machine banks fitted with an overhead display. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Modern gaming systems may include individual gaming machines arranged in banks of various shapes. A bank of gaming machines may include multiple gaming machines arranged in a straight line or in some geometrical or circular arrangement. Overhead displays may be included with a bank of gaming machines to display information or graphics associated with play of the various games offered at the bank of gaming machines and/or graphics intended to draw attention to the bank of gaming machines and encourage play at the gaming machines included in the bank. Prior overhead display systems for gaming machine banks included bulky and/or heavy components and commonly required special lift equipment and a team of personnel for installation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the invention to provide display mounting systems that overcome the above-noted problems and others associated with providing an overhead display for a set of gaming machines. Other objects of the invention are to provide display systems for a set of gaming machines and to provide gaming machine bank and overhead display systems. 
     According to a first aspect of the invention, a display mounting system is configured to position a number of display modules above a set of gaming machines. A display mounting system according to this first aspect of the invention includes first and second base supports, a lateral support system, and display module hanger brackets. The first and second base supports and are adapted to be placed in a laterally spaced apart supporting configuration. The lateral support system includes a first lateral support element and second lateral support element, and is adapted to be placed in a display module receiving configuration in which the lateral support system is connected to the first and second base supports in the supporting configuration. When in the lateral support system is in the display module receiving configuration the first and second lateral support elements together provide a number of display receiving locations along a length of the lateral support system. Each display module hanger bracket has a respective hanger structure and a respective stabilizing structure spaced apart from the hanger structure. With this arrangement, when one of the display module hanger brackets is placed in an installed position on the lateral support system the hanger structure of that respective display module hanger bracket is supported along a height axis (a vertical axis) by the first lateral support element while the stabilizing structure of the display module hanger bracket cooperates with the second lateral support element to position the stabilizing structure relative to the second lateral support element. 
     In some implementations according to the first aspect of the invention, the first and second base supports may each be free-standing structures that are separate from any of the gaming machines. In these arrangements the base supports may be placed separately from any of the gaming machines and may require no support from, or connection to, any of the gaming machines. In other implementations the first and second base supports each include a respective candle base connector structure configured to connect to a candle base of a respective gaming machine to place the respective base support in the desired supporting configuration. The example candle base connector structure comprises simply an end of the base support that is sized and shaped to slide over the candle base with close tolerance and then fastened in place over the candle base with suitable fasteners. Regardless of the structure used for the candle base connector structure, in these implementations, the base supports are ultimately held in the laterally spaced apart supporting configuration by the structure of the connected gaming machine. 
     Regardless of whether the base supports connect to the candle base of a gaming machine or are free standing, each base support may include a base support bracket configured to receive the lateral support elements. The first base support may include a first base support bracket having first and second base bracket parts. The first base bracket part extends transverse to a longitudinal axis of the first base support to form a ledge configured to receive a segment of the first lateral support element. The second base bracket part also extends transverse to a longitudinal axis of the first base support to form a second ledge configured to receive a segment of the second lateral support element. The second base support similarly includes a second base support bracket having first and second bracket parts similar to those associated with the first base support for receiving the first and second lateral support elements. Thus the base support brackets are configured to support the lateral support elements at vertically spaced apart locations to hold the lateral support elements at the desired height along the height axis. A suitable fastener may to used to secure first lateral support element to the base support bracket. A similar fastener arrangement may be used to connect the second lateral support element to the base support bracket. 
     At least one of the first lateral support element and second lateral support element may be spaced apart from an upright portion of the respective base support and base support bracket when the lateral support system is in the display module receiving configuration. With regard to the base support bracket, a cut-out or notch may be provided particularly adjacent to the second lateral support element. This arrangement may allow the display module hanger brackets to freely slide along the lateral support elements as will be described below in reference to the figures to facilitate positioning of the display modules. 
     At least one of the first lateral support element and the second lateral support element comprises an elongated rail. This elongated rail may be linear or follow a desired curve such as a radius of a circle. Multiple rails may be connected together end-to-end to extend the lateral support system to any desired length. Rather than follow a curve, lengths of linear lateral support elements may be connected together to form a polygon with each side of the polygon providing a mounting location for one or more display modules. 
     The display module hanger bracket may be formed in two separate pieces and may include a display module connector structure such as suitable fastener holes adapted to connect the display module hanger bracket to a respective display module. Suitable fasteners may extend through such fastener holes into suitably threaded holes formed on the display module. Alternatively, the display module hanger bracket may be integrally formed with a display module. 
     In some implementations according to the first aspect of the invention, the hanger structure of a given display module hanger bracket includes one or more retention elements that each abuts a rearwardly facing surface of the first lateral support element when the first display module hanger bracket is placed in the installed position on the lateral support system. The hanger structure of a display module hanger bracket may also include one or more spacer elements that each abuts a forwardly facing surface of the first lateral support element when the display module hanger bracket is placed in the installed position on the lateral support system. 
     The respective stabilizing structure of a given display module hanger bracket may include one or more retention elements that each abuts a rearwardly facing surface of the second lateral support element when the first display module hanger bracket is placed in the installed position on the lateral support system. The respective stabilizing structure of the given display module hanger bracket may also include a spacer element that abuts a forwardly facing surface of the second lateral support element when the first display module hanger bracket is placed in the installed position on the lateral support system. 
     A second aspect of the present invention comprises a display system for a set of gaming machines. A display system according to this aspect of the invention includes a display hanger system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention together with a respective display module connected to each respective display module hanger bracket and located opposite to the rear side of the respective display module hanger bracket. The display module may comprise a single module segment in some implementations. Alternatively, the display module may be made up of two or more display module segments connected to the respective display module hanger bracket. Also, regardless of whether the display module includes a single display component or is made up of multiple display module segments, the resulting display module may present a flat (planar) display surface, a concave surface, or a convex surface. Where multiple display module segments are used the individual segment will have a planar display surface to produce an overall planar display module, will have a concave surface to produce an overall concave display module, and will have a convex surface to produce an overall convex display module. 
     A gaming machine bank and display system according to a third aspect of the invention includes a number of two or more gaming machines located side-by-side in a respective operating position with respect to each other. In the operating position each respective gaming machine has a gaming machine installed width Y-EGM centered on centerline C. Beyond the bank of gaming machines, this third aspect of the invention includes first and second base supports, a lateral support system, and display module hanger brackets similar to the corresponding elements of the display mounting system described above in connection with the first aspect of the invention. A gaming machine bank and display system according to this third aspect of the invention further includes a respective display module connected to each respective display module hanger bracket and located opposite to the rear of the respective display module hanger bracket. Each respective display module has a display module installed width Y-DM substantially equal to the gaming machine installed width Y-EGM of the respective gaming machine and is aligned vertically with the respective gaming machine. In this arrangement the gaming machine bank may include any number of gaming machines without modifying the display system aside from providing sufficient lateral support length. As noted above, the lateral support elements may be connected together end-to-end by suitable means to provide any desired length. Additional base supports may be added as necessary to accommodate the desired lateral support system length and number of display modules. 
     In some implementations according to the third aspect of the invention, the gaming machine installed width Y-EGM may be slightly wider than the actual width of the gaming machine. In some cases, this gaming machine installed width Y-EGM represents the width of the gaming machine in a practical application considering manufacturing tolerances and installation location variables. Considering such manufacturing tolerances and installation variables, the gaming machine installed width Y-EGM and display module installed width Y-DM are such that when the gaming machines are positioned side-by-side with a suitable clearance, the adjacent display modules substantially abut each other to form a substantially continuous display area including the area of each respective display module in the installation. In some cases the gaming machine installed width Y-EGM may be substantially the actual width of the gaming machine such that the adjacent gaming machines substantially abut each other while the adjacent display modules also abut each other. 
     The various components of a display mounting system according to the first aspect of the present invention may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. The first and second lateral support elements may advantageously comprise extruded aluminum rails in a suitable profile and sized appropriately for the intended load from the display modules. 
     A bank of gaming machines and overhead display system according to the third aspect of the invention may be installed by first positioning the gaming machines in the desired position. The base support elements may then be installed such as by connection to the candle base or otherwise. Base support brackets may then be installed on the base support elements unless previously installed or integrally formed with the base support elements. The lateral support elements may then be installed on the base support elements via base support brackets. It may be desirable to provide a small amount of vertical adjustability for either the base support elements, or the base support brackets or portions thereof to ensure that the lateral support elements may be installed in the desired orientation which will typically be horizontally. Once the lateral support elements are installed, individual display modules, each connected to or having a display hanger bracket may be placed on the two lateral supports and then slid laterally as necessary to the desired position. Each display module may be similarly added to the lateral supports and connected to suitable power and data connectors until the desired overhead display arrangement is produced. The invention is not limited to any particular type of display module. LED or any other display technology may be employed, and the modules may be configured to generate the desired graphic displays with any suitable display-driving data input. 
     A fourth aspect of the invention comprises an arrangement in which a gaming machine has an installed width Y-EGM as described above. However, rather than the display mounting system as described above according to the first aspect of the invention, a display module having the module installed width Y-DM equal to Y-EGM may be supported directly by the gaming machine cabinet, particularly with an extension support that is adapted to connect to the candle base of the gaming machine. The display module is supported in this arrangement above the gaming machine but without the lateral support system described above. The arrangement of gaming machine and individually supported display module allows the gaming machines to be placed together in a straight-line bank with the display modules of the different gaming machines combining to produce an essentially continuous display area along the entire bank. 
     The display module employed in the fourth aspect of the invention may comprise a single module or may be made up of two or more display module segments connected together to provide the overall display area. The display module employed in this fourth aspect of the invention may include any of the variations described above, and thus may provide a flat, concave, or convex display surface. 
     Other aspects, advantages, and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of representative embodiments, considered along with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a front view showing two gaming machines and portions of a display mounting system according to one aspect of the invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view showing a portion of the gaming machines and portions of the display mounting system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of one of the base supports and base support brackets shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a display module hanger bracket according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  5    is a rear view of the display module hanger bracket shown in  FIG.  4    as secured to a display module. 
         FIG.  6    is a side view of the display module hanger bracket and display module shown in  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view showing the display module and display module hanger bracket shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6    mounted on the lateral support elements. 
         FIG.  8    is another perspective view showing the display module and display module hanger bracket shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6    mounted on the lateral support elements. 
         FIG.  9    is a front view similar to  FIG.  1    but showing the display module and display module hanger bracket shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6    mounted on the lateral support elements. 
         FIG.  10    is a front view similar to  FIG.  7    but showing the example lateral support system supporting a maximum number of display modules for an installation of three gaming machines. 
         FIG.  11    is schematic drawing showing a gaming machine bank and overhead display system according to an aspect of the present invention. 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic drawing showing a curved lateral support system in contrast to the linear lateral support system shown for example in  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of an alternate base support for routing power and data to a display module. 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of the alternate base support shown in  FIG.  13   , but without the power and data routing arrangement. 
         FIG.  15    is a view in perspective of a bank of four gaming machines with portions of a display mounting system according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG.  16    is a rear perspective view of a video display module housing with display module hanger brackets connected thereto. 
         FIG.  17    is a side view of the video display module housing and display module hanger brackets shown in  FIG.  16   . 
         FIG.  18    is a side view similar to  FIG.  17    but with the video display module housing in an operating position on the mounting system and with the near display module hanger bracket removed. 
         FIG.  19    is a front view of the video display module housing in the operating position above a gaming machine. 
         FIG.  20    is a front view of the bank of gaming machines shown in  FIG.  15   , but with the overhead video display as fully installed on a mounting system according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG.  21    is a side view of a gaming machine and upper display panel in accordance with an additional aspect of the present invention. 
         FIG.  22    is a front view of the gaming machine and upper display panel shown in  FIG.  21   . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    show a portion of an overhead display mounting system  100  mounted on two gaming machines  102 . The two gaming machines  102  here are spaced apart sufficiently to accept a third gaming machine with only minimal clearance to produce a straight bank of three gaming machines. The portion of system  100  shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2    includes two base supports  104 , one each mounted on one of the gaming machines  102 . The illustrated portion of system  100  also includes a lateral support system shown generally at  106  in this case made up of a first lateral support element  108  and a second lateral support element  109 . These first and second lateral support elements  108  and  109 , respectively, may each comprise an extruded aluminum structural element with a suitable profile and are supported on the two base supports  104  via a base support bracket  116  which is also shown best in  FIGS.  2  and  3   . 
     The example base support  104  shown in  FIGS.  1  through  3    is mounted on a candle base  112  of the gaming machine shown particularly in  FIG.  3   . Candle base  112  is included on the gaming machines  102  to provide a mounting location for a gaming machine candle as is known in the art. However, candle base  112  provides a convenient location on some gaming machines such as gaming machines  102  for connecting a base support of an overhead display mounting system according to aspects of the present invention. Specifically, the illustrated base supports  104  include a candle connection end  114  that is sized in this example to slide over the candle base  112  and may be fastened in place by suitable fasteners or set screws not shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated that although the candle base-mounted base supports  104  shown in the example embodiment of  FIGS.  1  through  3    provides a convenient and efficient base support for the overhead display system  100 , other embodiments may include base supports that mount differently on the gaming machines or may be freestanding without relying on vertical support from the gaming machines. 
     The enlarged view of  FIG.  3    shows that the example base support bracket  116  includes two separate components  116   a  and  116   b  mounted on either side of a respective one of the support base supports  104 . The illustrated base support bracket components  116   a  and  116   b  each include a first support part  118  and a second support part  120 , each defining a ledge that protrudes from base support  104  to receive a portion of one of the lateral support elements  108  and  109 . In particular, each first support part  118  is configured to support first lateral support element  108  while each second support part  120  is configured to support second lateral support element  109 . Base support bracket  116  also includes features, in this case comprising openings  122 , that facilitate clamping or otherwise securing the lateral support elements  108  and  109  in the position shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . The two base support bracket components  116   a  and  116   b  also each include a notch  124  adjacent to lower support part  120 . These notches  124  allow lateral position adjustment of the video display modules supported by system  100  as will be described further below. 
     It will be appreciated that numerous variations are possible for base support bracket  116  within the scope of the present invention. For example, the base support bracket  116  may be formed in a single part rather than the two components  116   a  and  116   b  shown in the example. A one-piece base support bracket  116  may be connected along just one side of base support  104  or may be connect along both sides of base support  104 . A base support bracket within the scope of the present invention may include a structure similar to the two bracket components  116   a  and  116   b  but with the two components connected by a portion that extends across base support  104 . Still other base support brackets may dispense with one or both support parts ( 118  and  120 ) and instead rely on openings such as the openings  122  and fastening or clamping elements through those openings to hold the lateral support elements  108  and  109  in the desired position along a vertical axis. More generally, any arrangement integrated with base support  104  or connected to base support  104  that can hold the lateral support elements  108  and  109  in the desired position along a vertical axis may be used in embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIGS.  4  through  6    may be used to describe an example display module hanger bracket  130  forming part of overhead display a mounting system  100 . Example display module hanger bracket  130  is adapted to be connected to a video display module to allow the video display module to be supported on the lateral support system  106  of the overhead display mounting system  100  in accordance with aspects of the invention. The example display module hanger bracket  130  is made up of two separate components hanger bracket component  130   a  and hanger bracket component  130   b , each including fastener holes  132  to allow the respective hanger bracket component to be fastened to a video display module. Each hanger bracket component  130   a  and  130   b  also includes a hanger part or structure  134  and a hanger retention element  135 . In the example, the hanger part  134  and hanger retention element  135  form and L shape with the hanger part  134  forming one leg of the L and hanger retention element  135  forming the other leg of the L shape. Each example hanger bracket component  130   a  and  130   b  also includes a stabilizing part or structure  136  and a stabilizing part retention element  137  that together form legs of an L shape similarly to the hanger part  134  and hanger retention element  135 . Example display module hanger bracket components  130   a  and  130   b  also each include spacers associated with each hanger part  134  and each stabilizing part  136 . In particular, bracket components  130   a  and  130   b  each include an upper spacer  140  and a lower spacer  142 . 
       FIGS.  5  and  6    show the example display module hanger bracket components  130   a  and  130   b  as secured on a video display module  150 . As is apparent from  FIGS.  5  and  6   , hanger bracket components  130   a  and  130   b  connect to a rear side of video display module  150  using suitable fasteners  152  extending through faster openings  132  and into a suitable receiving opening (not shown) included on the video display module  150 . When connected in the operating position shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , each hanger part  134  and each stabilizing part  136  extends rear rearwardly from the video display module  150  with the respective retention element  135  and  137  extending downwardly. Thus each pair of hanger part  134  and hanger retention element  135  forms essentially hook adapted to hook over first lateral support element  108  shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . Each pair of stabilizing part  136  and stabilizing part retention element  137  also forms essentially hook adapted to hook over second lateral support element  109  shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . 
       FIGS.  7  and  8    show the hanger bracket components  130   a  and  130   b  and video display module  150  mounted on lateral support elements  108  and  109 . It will be noted particularly in  FIG.  8    that the retention elements  135  and  137  extend along the back of the respective lateral support element while the respective hanger part  134  and stabilizing part  136  rest on top of the respective lateral support element. As will be noted particularly from  FIG.  7   , the space between the distal end of each of the spacers  140  and retention element  135  is selected to allow lateral support element  108  to be captured therebetween with close tolerance. Similarly, the space between each spacer  142  and respective retention element  137  is selected to allow lateral support element  109  to be captured therebetween with close tolerance. This arrangement fixes the plane of the display surface of video display module  150  in the desired orientation relative to a vertical axis. In some installations hanger bracket components  130   a  and  130   b  are configured to fix the connected video display module  150  so that the display face of the device extends essentially vertically, while in other installations hanger bracket components  130   a  and  130   b  are configured to fix the connected video display module  150  so that the display face of the device is tilted forwardly at a suitable angle at the top of the video display module as desired so that the display face points downwardly toward a player residing in front of the gaming machine. 
       FIGS.  9  and  10    may now be used to describe how the individual video display modules may be mounted on the overhead display mounting system  100  to provide the desired overhead display. Referring to  FIG.  9   , a first video display module  150  with module hanger brackets  130   a  and  130   b  connected as shown in  FIGS.  6  through  8    may be either lowered onto the lateral support elements  108  and  109  or slid laterally onto the lateral support elements  108  and  109  to a desired position such as an end position shown in  FIG.  9   . The module hanger brackets  130   a  and  130   b  and thus video display module  150  is supported along the height axis (vertical axis) by lateral support elements  108  and  109 . The notches  124  shown particularly in  FIGS.  3 ,  7  and  8    on the base support brackets  116   a  and/o  116   b  allow the stabilizing part retention element  137  to slide along lateral support element  109  in front of base support. Additional video display modules  150  may be similarly added to fill the video display module mounting space provided by lateral support elements  108  and  109 . Once in the desired location along lateral support elements  108  and  109 , video display module  150  may be secured in position using a suitable arrangement associated with the hanger bracket components  130   a  and/or  130   b . For example although not shown in the figures, hanger bracket components  130   a  and/or  130   b  may include a set screw or similar arrangement that may be tightened on a respective one of the lateral support elements  108  and  109  to secure video display module  150  in the desired lateral position. 
     It will be noted in the example of  FIGS.  9  and  10    that the individual video display modules  150  have a width dimension that essentially matches the effective width dimension of the gaming machine  102 . With this correspondence between the individual video display modules  150  and gaming machines  102 , overhead video display mounting system  100  allows the system to be configured for any number of gaming machines. Although the example shows positions for three gaming machines, the correspondence between the video display module width and gaming machine width allows the system to be configured for more than three or less than three gaming machines given a sufficient number of base supports  104  and base support brackets  116  ( FIGS.  1  through  3   ) to support the number of video display modules  150  together with the lateral support elements  108  and  109 . The same advantage is possible where smaller video display modules are used provided a whole number of video display modules may be placed side-by-side to form a width essentially the equal to the width of the given gaming machine. For example, the video display modules may each be one half of the width of the gaming machine or one third of the width of the gaming machine. It is also possible to use video display modules having a width or a connected width that does not coincide with the width of each gaming machine in which case the overall width of the overhead display may vary from the overall width of the installed a bank of gaming machines. 
     The schematic representation of  FIG.  11    further illustrates the relationship between the width Y-DM of the video display modules  150  and the width Y-EGM of the gaming machines  102  in some implementations of a gaming machine insulation in accordance with aspects of the invention.  FIG.  11    shows the three gaming machines  102  aligned side-by-side each with a candle support  112  located on the centerline C of the respective gaming machine. An overhead display including an overhead display mounting system  100  is included in the example installation. The overhead display mounting system includes two base supports  104  supported by the two outer gaming machines  102  via the gaming machine candle base  112 . Each base support  104  includes a first support part  118  of a base support bracket and a second support part  120  of the base support bracket. The two first support parts  118  support lateral first lateral support element  108  while the two second support parts  120  support second lateral support element  109 . Support points for the video display modules  150  are shown by Xs in  FIG.  11    and the support points may be provided by a display module hanger bracket such as bracket  130  described above in connection with  FIGS.  5  through  8   . 
     As shown in  FIG.  11   , the installed width Y-EGM of each gaming machine  102  is slightly greater than the actual width dimension of the gaming machine to account for variations in the surface on which the gaming machines are mounted and manufacturing tolerances for the gaming machine cabinets themselves. Thus  FIG.  11    shows a small gap between sides of adjacent gaming machines  102 . The installed width Y-EGM of each gaming machine  102  in the illustrated example of  FIG.  11    is equal to the width Y-DM of each video display module  150 . Thus the edges of adjacent video display modules  150  essentially abut one another and leave no gap. In this way the combined video display modules  150  form an overall display area (Y-DM x  3  wide in this example) above gaming machines  102  for seamlessly displaying graphics associated with the games or otherwise across the entire display area. 
     Power and data cables for video display modules  150  may be routed in any suitable fashion for an overhead display mounting system in accordance with aspects of the invention. In some implementations, a power connector along with a data cable jack (such as an RJ-45 jack) may be mounted on the base support such as base support  104  facing forwardly in position to connect to power and data cables, respectively, for the video display module positioned in front of the base support. Depending upon how far forward the video display module is positioned relative to the base support, the power connector and data cable jack may located on an extension from the front side of the base support. Power and data paths may then pass from the video display module to the next adjacent video display module either behind the housing for the video display module or through openings in the lateral edge of the video display module. 
     Implementations according to the various aspects of the present invention may include numerous variations from the arrangement shown as examples in  FIGS.  1  through  11   . For example, although  FIGS.  1 ,  9 , and  10    all show installations for a group of three side-by-side gaming machines, other installations may include more than three gaming machines or two gaming machines. For longer installations including more than three gaming machines, it may be necessary to include one or more additional base supports ( 104  in  FIG.  1   ) to support the weight of the lateral support system and video display modules. The overhead display mounting system also may be applied to banks of gaming machines that are not in a straight line.  FIG.  12    for example shows a circular arrangement for a bank of gaming machines. The circular arrangement includes six base supports  104  that may each be associated with a respective gaming machine or may be freestanding. The six base supports  104  support a lateral support system  106  made up of curved lateral support elements, in this case curved to form a circular shape. Yet other arrangements may include polygonal shaped arrangements in which adjacent base supports  104  support linear lateral support elements that form the sides of the polygonal shape. 
     Other variations involve the video display modules that may be used to produce the desired overhead display. Although the figures show a video display module  150  that houses a single display segment, other implementations may use video display modules having a housing on which multiple video display segments may be mounted. In these cases a video display module housing may be connected to suitable module hanger brackets (such as brackets  130   a  and  130   b  in  FIG.  5   ) first and then the video display module housing may be positioned on the lateral support elements as shown in  FIGS.  9  and  10    and connected for power and data. Video display segments may then be installed on the video display module housing in accordance with the video display module design. Also, regardless of the nature of the video display modules used, each video display module housing may have a connector and/or an alignment feature adapted to cooperate with a connector and/or alignment feature on an adjacent video display module to connect the two video display modules together to form the desired seamless display area. Further, although  FIGS.  9  and  10    show video display modules  150  having a planar display surface, an overhead display in accordance with aspects of the invention may include concave or convex display surfaces. 
       FIGS.  13  through  20    show various components of a second embodiment of an overhead video display mounting system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.  FIG.  13    shows a first base support  174  according to this second embodiment while  FIG.  14    shows a second base support  175 . Similarly to base supports  104  shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , first base support  174  and second base support  175  are adapted to connect to a candle base of a gaming machine. As shown in  FIG.  13   , first base support  174  includes a forwardly projecting data/power housing  182 . The forward-facing surface  181  of housing  182  includes a female data connector  183  and a female power connector  184 . Although the cabling is not shown in  FIG.  13   , it will be appreciated that power and data cabling extends from the connectors  184  and  183 , respectively, through housing  182  and through base support  174 . This cabling may extend downwardly through opening  185  and into a gaming machine cabinet on which the base support  174  may be mounted. 
     As compared to base support  104  described above, each of the base supports  174  and  175  includes a somewhat different support bracket arrangement for connecting the lateral support elements of the video display mounting system in this alternate embodiment. As shown in  FIGS.  13  and  14    the base support brackets in this embodiment include a first base support bracket  186  at the top of the respective base support  174  and  175 , and a second base support bracket  187  lower down on the respective base support  174  and  175 . Unlike the base support brackets  116   a  and  116   b  shown in  FIG.  3   , the base support bracket arrangement shown in  FIGS.  13  and  14    does not include a protruding part for supporting the respective lateral support element from below. Rather, each base bracket  186  and  187  includes a fastener or clamp opening  190  through which a suitable fastening element or clamping element may extend to a cooperating element or groove on the respective lateral support element. 
       FIG.  15    shows a bank of four gaming machines  172  on which a first base support  174  and a second base support  175  are mounted. The two base supports  174  and  175  are shown with the first lateral support element  178  and second lateral support element  179  connected so as to extend essentially horizontally. The embodiment shown in  FIG.  15    also includes an end plate  180  connected at each end of the two lateral support elements  178  and  179 . 
       FIGS.  16  and  17    show a video display module housing  192  connected to display module hanger brackets  194   a  and  194   b . The two hanger brackets  194   a  and  194   b  are connected via suitable fasteners (not shown) that extend through fastener openings  196  to suitable threaded openings (not shown) formed in the video module housing  192 .  FIG.  16    shows that video display module housing  192  includes a data access opening  208  and a power access opening  210  which will be described further below in connection with  FIGS.  19  and  20   . Each hanger bracket  194   a  and  194   b  includes a hanger part  198  associated with a retention element  200  to form and L-shaped component. Each hanger bracket  194   a  and  194   b  also includes a stabilizing part  202  and stabilizing part retention element  204  which also form an L-shaped component. As shown particularly in the side view of  FIG.  17   , hanger part  198  and retention element  200  define a receiving space  201  with the remainder of the bracket. This receiving space  201  is sized to receive the first lateral support element  178  with close tolerance. Similarly, the stabilizing part  202  and stabilizing part retention element  204  define a receiving space  205  that is sized to receive second lateral support element  179  with close tolerance. 
       FIG.  18    shows the video display module housing  192  with just mounting hanger bracket  194   a  in an operating position on the lateral support elements  178  and  179 . In this operating position the projecting part of data and power housing  182  positions data connector  183  and power connector  184  to align with access openings  208  and  210  respectively at the back of video display module housing  192 . With this alignment, data and power cables may be connected to the connectors  184  and  183 , respectively, to provide power and control data to housing  192 , and more particularly to the control circuitry and video display panels mounted on housing  192 . 
     Starting from the arrangement shown in  FIG.  15   , a first video display module housing  192  with brackets  194   a  and  194   b  connected as shown in  FIG.  16    may be mounted on the lateral support elements  178  and  179  as indicated in  FIGS.  18  and  19   . The remaining video display module housings  192  for the system may be similarly positioned on lateral supports  178  and  179  to fill out the overhead display area. As is known in the art, video display module housings  192  may include alignment features on their lateral edges to ensure alignment between adjacent housings. Locking elements may also be included at the lateral edges of the housings  192  to lock adjacent housings together in the aligned position. With the video module housings  192  thus supported on lateral elements  178  and  179 , power and data connection may be provided through access openings  208  and  210  in the module housing  192  aligned with base support  174 . Power and data can be extended to the other video module housings for the installation through openings in the lateral edges of the housings  192  as is known in the art. Once the data in power connections are in place, the video display panels adapted for use with the module housings  192  may be installed on each module housing  192  accordance in accordance with the module design. Each example module housing  192  is adapted to receive two rows of four elongated LED display panel segments  214  shown in  FIG.  20    to complete the installation. In this example installation in accordance with the invention the installed width Y-DM of each of the four video display modules is essentially equal to the installed width Y-EGM of each of the four gaming machines  172 . 
       FIGS.  21  and  22    show an alternative arrangement for providing an overhead display for a bank of side-by-side gaming machines. In this alternate arrangement, each gaming machine  102  supports a respective video display module  160  mounted on a base support  162  aligned with the gaming machine centerline C. A module hanger bracket  164  shown in the side view of  FIG.  21    connects the respective video display module  160  to the respective base support  162 . This is in contrast to the arrangement shown in  FIGS.  9  and  10    for example where the video display modules of the overhead display are mounted on lateral support elements  108  and  109 . As shown in  FIG.  22   , the width Y-DM of video display module  160  is essentially equal to the installed width Y-EGM of gaming machine  102 . This allows to gaming machines  102  each supporting a separate video display module  160  to be placed side-by-side with the edges of adjacent video display modules  160  abutting each other to form a substantially continuous overhead display area over the installed set of gaming machines. 
     As used herein, whether in the above description or the following claims, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, that is, to mean including but not limited to. Also, it should be understood that the terms “about,” “substantially,” and like terms used herein when referring to a dimension or characteristic of a component indicate that the described dimension/characteristic is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude variations therefrom that are functionally similar. At a minimum, such references that include a numerical parameter would include variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit. 
     Any use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the following claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another, or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. Rather, unless specifically stated otherwise, such ordinal terms are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term). 
     In the above descriptions and the following claims, terms such as top, bottom, upper, lower, and the like with reference to a given feature are intended only to identify a given feature and distinguish that feature from other features. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such terms are not intended to convey any spatial or temporal relationship for the feature relative to any other feature. 
     The term “each” may be used in the following claims for convenience in describing characteristics or features of multiple elements, and any such use of the term “each” is in the inclusive sense unless specifically stated otherwise. For example, if a claim defines two or more elements as “each” having a characteristic or feature, the use of the term “each” is not intended to exclude from the claim scope a situation having a third one of the elements which does not have the defined characteristic or feature. 
     The above-described representative embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of the invention, but not to limit the scope of the invention. Various other embodiments and modifications to these preferred embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in some instances, one or more features disclosed in connection with one embodiment can be used alone or in combination with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. More generally, the various features described herein may be used in any working combination.