Patent Publication Number: US-2010116629-A1

Title: Dual action push-type button

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to push-buttons and more particularly to such a button which permits different types of inputs. 
     2. Related Art 
     Traditional push-buttons are single action input devices. A user pushes a button inwardly to activate a switch. Once released by the user, the button is configured to return to its original position. While push-buttons offer tactile feedback and ease of use, they have a number of drawbacks. Among the drawbacks are that repetitive pressing of a button can become uncomfortable and tiresome, and that such an input action is sometimes not suited to the particular desired input. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A dual action button assembly is disclosed. The dual action button assembly permits at least two different types of user inputs. In one embodiment, the dual action button assembly permits a user to provide a push-type input or a rotational or “spin” input in order to activate the button. This allows users to choose how to activate the button and allows gaming or other devices to accept multiple types of activation. 
     In one embodiment, the dual action button assembly comprises a push button comprising a housing, a plunger and a first electrical switch. The plunger is moveable relative to a housing to actuate a first electrical switch. 
     Preferably, the push button is rotatably mounted to a push button support. The push button support may comprise a mounting plate. The push button may be mounted to a rotatable mount, such as a bearing race having an inner ring rotatable relative to an out ring. The rotatable mount may be mounted to the push button mount. 
     A second electrical switch is preferably mounted to the push button mount. An actuator is associated with the push button housing. Rotation of the push button causes the actuator to actuate the second electrical switch. 
     In one embodiment, at least the plunger of the push button is located above a top of the push button mount, thereby providing convenient access to a user. The electrical switches may be mounted below the push button mount. For example, in a gaming machine environment, a top portion of the push button, including the plunger, may be located above a housing or panel of the gaming machine. The electrical switches and push button mount may be located under the panel or housing, such as within an interior of the gaming machine. 
     The dual action button assembly may include other features. For example, a grip may be mounted around the push button housing, such as below the plunger, to aid a user in gripping and rotating the push button. Various spacers may be utilized to orient the components of the button assembly. 
     In one embodiment, a biasing member such as a spring is utilized to bias the push button to a non-activated position. In this manner, when a user rotates the push button, the button returns automatically to its starting position. In a preferred embodiment, tactile feedback is provided to a user when the button is activated by its rotation. 
     The dual action button has particular utility to wagering type gaming machines. In this configuration, a user of the button may utilize the button to provide different inputs to the gaming machine. For example, a user might provide a “push” input to start the game, and provide a rotational input to make game play selections. 
     One aspect of the invention is a dual action attachment. The attachment includes a push button mount, switch and actuator. An existing single-action push-button may be retrofit to dual action by rotatably mounting it to the push button mount. The actuator is connected to the push button so that it actuates the switch. 
     Other apparatus, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 4A-4F  are top and bottom perspective views of exemplary embodiments of the invention in use. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention installed in a device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     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. 
     One aspect of the invention is a user input device configured to accept multiple types of input. In one embodiment, the input device is a dual-action button which may be activated by a pressing or pushing input, or by a spinning or rotational input, or both. In one embodiment, input to the button activates one or more switches associated with the button. As will be described further below, the switches may be electrical contact switches which may be activated by completing or breaking an electrical connection therein. 
     Various advantages are realized by the dual action button. The button may be activated by either spinning or by pushing, allowing a user to choose how they wish to activate the button. For instance, a user may prefer spinning the button rather than pushing the button, or vice versa, because it is more comfortable for the user. The button may also be used to provide different inputs or control different functions, depending on how it is activated. For instance, spinning the button may control one function while pushing the button controls another function. 
     The dual action button is particularly suited for use with gaming or wagering devices. As will be described further below, the button may be installed as an assembly in a gaming machine. An existing single-action button may also be retrofit with an attachment or assembly to convert it to a dual action button. In either event, players may then have the option of either pushing or spinning the button to provide game input. This is advantageous in that players have the option of spinning buttons, which may be more convenient, ergonomic, or comfortable than pushing, or vice versa. The button is also advantageous in that spinning may correspond to one function of or input to a gaming machine, while pushing may correspond to another function. For example, a player may spin the button to effectuate spinning of the gaming machine&#39;s reels, while pushing the button may effectuate another function. This makes the gaming machine more intuitive for players as well. It is noted that the button is versatile in that a dual action button, such as one which spins and pushes, may also be used to perform the same function, such as for example spinning the machine&#39;s reels. 
     In one or more embodiments, the dual action button may be installed or used with various electronic devices including, but not limited to, gaming machines, kiosks, computers, hand held devices, or portable devices. In fact, the button may be used with any device which utilizes one or more buttons. In addition, as will be described below, a dual action button attachment may be provided to allow traditional push buttons to be retrofitted so they may be spin activated. 
     Various embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the figures.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary dual action button assembly  104 . As detailed below, in the embodiment illustrated, the “dual” action of the button permits a user to effect input by two different inputs or motions, preferably a pushing or pressing input or a rotational or “spin” input. 
     In one embodiment, the push button assembly  104  comprises a push button  124  configured to actuate a switch, the push button rotatably mounted to a push button support  120 , whereby rotation of the push button is configured to actuate a switch. As shown, the push button  124  has a housing  128  which generally provides a structure to support various components of a push button, including a plunger  108 . As detailed below, the plunger  108  is movable relative to the housing  128 . Preferably, the plunger  108  is “depressable”, in that it is movable in response to a pressing or pushing input by a user. When so actuated or activated, the plunger  108  activates a switch or other signal generating element, as also detailed below. 
     As described further below, the push button  124  is also configured for rotational actuation or activation. In one embodiment, the button  124  is mounted for rotation, wherein rotation of the button  124  activates a switch or other signal generating element. In one embodiment, the button  124  is mounted to a push button support  120 . 
     Though the exterior of the push button  124 , including the housing  128 , is illustrated as round, it is contemplated that buttons of varying types, shapes, and sizes may be used with the invention. For example, square, rectangular, or other shaped buttons may be used. In addition, other types of controls may be used. For example, a switch or knob may be rotatably mounted to the push button support  120  according to the invention herein. 
     In one or more embodiments, the push button support  120  serves as a structure to which other components of the dual action button assembly  104  may be mounted or attached. For example, the push button support  120  may be a planar rigid structure having an opening to accept a component of the assembly  104 . In addition, the push button support  120  may used to attach the assembly  104  to a gaming machine or other device. For example, the push button support  120  may include one or more holes  132  for accepting mechanical fasteners for attachment to a gaming machine or other device. 
     In one embodiment, the dual action button assembly  104  includes a grip in the form of a grip  112 , the grip configured to be engaged by a user for spinning the push button  124 . The grip  112  may be configured to surround the perimeter of at least a portion of the push button  140 , and may thus be annular or “ring” shaped, as best illustrated in  FIG. 3 . For example, the grip  112  may surround at least a portion of the push button&#39;s  124  housing  128 . The grip  112  may have an exterior shape which is round, oval, rectangular, square, or other shapes. Preferably, the grip  112  is similar in exterior shape to the adjacent push button  124 , but defining one or more portions extending outwardly of the push button for engagement by a user. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the push button  124  and the grip  112  may be associated or locked together in mating relationship. As illustrated, the grip  112  has a notch  308  which accepts a tab  304  extending from the housing  128  portion of the push button  124 . In this manner, the push button  124  and the grip  112  may spin together. Of course, the grip  112  might be mounted to the push button  124  in other manners, including by adhesive, fasteners or other connectors. In addition, the push button  124  or a portion thereof may be shaped to allow other components to be associated or locked thereto. For example, a portion of the push button&#39;s  124  housing  128  (or other portion of the push button) may be a square, hexagonal, or other shape. Other components of the dual action button assembly  104  may then having correspondingly shaped openings. The angles of these shapes lock the components to the push button  124  so they may spin or rotate with the push button. 
     It is noted that the grip  112  may not be required in all embodiments because the push button  124  may be directly engaged and spun by a user. In addition, it is contemplated that the push button  124  may include one or more ridges, such as on its housing  128 , to aid a user in gripping or gasping the push button and spinning it. 
     A spacer  116  may be included in some embodiments to raise the grip  112  and push button  124  above the push button support  120  so that the push button and grip may be more easily spun or pushed. A spacer  116  is optional, however. The spacer  116  may be round, oval, rectangular, square, or other shapes, but preferably is similar in exterior shape to the adjacent push button  124 . For example, in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the spacer  116  has a circular shape similar to the perimeter shape of the push button  124 . In one or more embodiments, the spacer  116  may be configured such that it does not extend past the grip  112  or the ridges on the grip. This allows the grip  112  to be more easily gripped because the spacer  116  does not interfere with or prevent the grip or its ridges from being engaged by a user. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the spacer  116  in some embodiments may include a notch  312  configured to accept a tab  304  on the push button  124 . In this manner, the spacer  116  may rotate along with the push button  124 . Alternatively, if desired, a tab may be provided on the push button support  120  to secure the spacer  116  in a stationary position relative to the spinning components of the dual action button assembly  104 , such as the push button  124  and grip  112 . 
     In one embodiment, the plunger  108  and grip  112  comprise the user-engageable portions of the dual action button assembly  104 . In particular, as detailed below and illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the button assembly  104  may be mounted so that these elements are located above a housing or deck of a gaming machine or the like. However, the dual action button assembly  104  preferably includes other elements. These elements may be located below such a mounting and may not be user accessible. 
       FIG. 2A  is a top perspective view of an exemplary dual action button assembly  104  with the push button, grip, and spacer removed to better show other elements of the invention.  FIG. 2A  illustrates the push button support  120 , as well as a rotatable mount  216  and a mount spacer  212  associated therewith. 
     In one embodiment, the push button support  120  defines an opening  244 . Typically, the opening  244  will be a similar shape and size as the outside perimeter of the rotatable mount  216  to allow the rotatable mount to be inserted and mounted in the opening. The rotatable mount  216  is preferably annular, itself defining an opening for receiving the push button  124 . In this manner, as will be described further below, the rotatable mount  216  allows the push button  124  to rotate or spin. As shown, the rotatable mount  216  may comprise a bearing race or ring having an exterior portion attached to the push button support  120  and an interior portion which is allowed to rotate or spin. This may also be seen in  FIG. 3 , which illustrates a rotatable mount  216  having independently rotatable inner and outer rings  340 , 344 . In one embodiment, the outer ring  344  is attached to the push button support  120  within the opening  244  while the inner ring  340  remains freely rotatable. 
     The mount spacer  212  may be located on or attached to the inner ring  340  while the outer ring  344  is attached to the push button support  120 . In this manner, the inner ring  340  and attached mount spacer  212  may freely rotate relative to the push button support  120 . The spacer  116 , grip  112 , push button  124 , or a combination thereof may be attached or locked to the mount spacer  212  and rotate along with the mount spacer  212 . It is noted that, as described above, the spacer  116  and grip  112  are optional and may not be included in all embodiments. 
     The mount spacer  212  may include one or more notches  316  as well. Each notch  316  may be configured to accept a tab  315  of the push button  124  to lock the mount spacer  212  to the push button  124 . In this manner the mount spacer  212  may rotate along with the push button  124  such as described above with regard to the grip and spacer. It is contemplated that a mount spacer  212  may not be required in all embodiments because components of the upper portion of the dual action button assembly  104  may be directly attached to the rotatable mount  216  or a portion thereof. The advantage of including the mount spacer  212 , in one or more embodiments, is that the mount spacer  212  may be configured to provide a surface elevated above the push button support  120 , rotatable mount  216 , or both to more easily attach the upper portion of the dual action button assembly  104 . 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate a switch  236  and actuator  220  of one embodiment of the dual action button assembly  104 . In one embodiment, the switch  236  and actuator  220  are located below the push button support  120 . In one or more embodiments, the actuator  220  is configured to actuate the switch  236  when the push button  124  is activated. As can be seen from  FIGS. 2B and 3 , the actuator  220  may be shaped to actuate the switch  236  such as by including one or more protrusions  324  which may contact the switch when the actuator is rotated. In one embodiment, the actuator  220  is mounted to the push button  124  so that activation of the push button causes the actuator  220  to rotate and actuate the switch  236 . While the actuator  220  may comprise a separate element which is mounted to the push button  124 , it might also comprise an extension or protrusion there from. Alternatively, the actuator  220  might comprise more than one element, such as a protrusion on the push button  124  which causes another element to move, that element actuating the switch  236 . Operation of the actuator  220  and switch  236  will be described further below. 
     As indicated, the push button  124  may be actuated, thus causing the push button spacer  124  to move from a first non-activated position (in which it does not activate the switch  236 ) to a second, activated position (in which it does activate the switch  236 ). In one embodiment, the dual action button assembly  104  includes a means for returning the actuator  220  from its second position back to its first position. In one embodiment, that means comprises at least one biasing member, such as a spring  224 . For example, the spring  224  may comprise a coil spring which is attached to the actuator  220  to provide resistance to the actuator&#39;s rotation and to return the actuator after it has been rotated. One end of the spring  224  may be attached to the actuator  220  and the other end thereof may be mounted to a spring mount  232  extending from the push button support  120 . Of course, the spring  224  may be attached to any fixed point relative to the actuator  220  if desired. For example, the spring  224  may be attached to another portion of the push button support  120  or to a portion of a gaming machine or other device. 
     The mount spacer  212  may be located on or be attached to the top of the inner ring  340  of the rotatable mount  216 , while the actuator  220  is located under or mounted to the bottom of the inner ring  340 . It can thus be seen that any spinning or rotation of the inner ring  340  causes both the mount spacer  212  (and any components attached thereto) as well as the actuator  220 , to rotate or spin. As described above, rotation of the inner ring  340  may be caused by a user during spin activation of the invention, or by the spring  224  returning the actuator  220  to its original position or resting position after it has been rotated. 
     The actuator  220  may include one or more notches  320  configured to accept a tab  304  of the push button  124  in some embodiments. In this manner, the actuator  220  may be locked to the push button  124 , and vice versa, and thus the actuator and push button (as well as other spinable components) may rotate together. 
       FIG. 3  provides a more complete view of the switch  236 . In one or more embodiments, the switch  236  is an electrical switch which includes a contact  332  which completes or breaks an electrical circuit within the switch when actuated. The completion or breaking of the electrical circuit may be detected by a gaming machine or other device, and indicate to the gaming machine or other device that the dual action button assembly  104  has been activated. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the switch  236  includes an actuation plate  336  in front of the contact  332  which provides a larger surface for the actuator  220  to contact. The actuation plate  336  is advantageous in that the actuator  220  does not have to precisely or directly engage the contact  332  to actuate the switch  236  because it may engage the actuation plate  336  instead. 
     In one embodiment, a user&#39;s activation of the plunger  108  is also configured to provide input. In one embodiment, this input is to another switch  340 . The switch  340  may be mounted to the housing  128  of the push button  124 . The switch  340  may include a contact  342  which is moved or contacted by the plunger  108  or an element moved by the plunger. The push button  124  may have various configurations for actuating such a switch, and the configuration of the switch and its mounting may vary. One example of a configuration of a push-button switch is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,590,176, which is incorporated herein by reference. In other configurations, it is possible for the plunger  108  to effect input to the same switch  236  which is actuated as a result of a user providing a spinning or rotating input. 
     In the case where there are two switches  236 , 340 , push activation and spin activation complete or break separate electrical circuits to allow a gaming machine or other device to detect two different inputs. It is also contemplated that push activation may emit a first signal while spin activation emits a second signal to a gaming machine or other device. Alternatively, push activation and spin activation may complete or break a single electrical circuit, or emit the same signal, in some embodiments. In this case, the type of activation may not be determinable and push and spin activation may perform the same function on a gaming machine or other device. 
       FIG. 3  provides additional detail of the embodiment dual action button assembly  104 . As shown, the assembly has a top end  340  and a bottom end  344 . The rotatable mount  216  may mounted within an opening  244  of the push button support  120 . The opening  244  will typically (but not always) conform to the shape of the perimeter of the rotatable mount  216 . This allows the rotatable mount  216  to be held within the opening of the push button support  120  by a friction fit. Of course, one or more welds, mechanical fasteners, adhesive, or a combination thereof may be used to hold the rotatable mount  216  in addition to or instead of the friction fit. 
     In one embodiment, the housing  128  of the push button  124  is configured to mount various elements. As illustrated, the housing  128  has a top or proximal portion and a bottom or distal portion. The plunger  108  is preferably located at the top portion for access by a user. The distal portion preferably defines a mounting area. As indicated, the grip  112  and spacer  116  are preferably mounted to that portion of the housing  128 , as are the spacer  212 , bearing ring  216  and actuator  220 . As indicated, these components may be mounted to the housing  128  via interlocking tabs and notches or other mounting configurations, preferably such that the push button  124 , grip  112 , spacer  116 , mount spacer  212 , and actuator  216  rotate together. 
     It is contemplated that, in the above embodiment, at least some of the components of the dual action button assembly may be assembled without fastening, adhering, or otherwise attaching them together. In one or more embodiments, the mount spacer  212 , spacer  116 , and grip  112  may be located on top of the rotatable mount  216 , such as shown in  FIG. 3 . The actuator  220  may be located beneath the rotatable mount  216 . A portion of the push button  124  such as its housing  128  may then inserted through grip  112 , spacer  116 , mount spacer  212 , rotatable mount  216 , and actuator  220 . One or more tabs  304  on the push button  124  may be used to lock the grip  112 , spacer  116 , rotatable mount  216 , and actuator  220  together. The actuator  220  may then be attached to a portion of the housing  128  to prevent the components above the actuator from sliding off the housing. The actuator  220  may be removably or permanently attached to the housing  128  in one or more embodiments. It is contemplated that the assembly may be assembled in the above described manner even where one or more optional components (as described herein) are omitted. 
     In other embodiments, the components may be attached rather than locked together. For example, the grip  112 , spacer  116 , mount spacer  212 , rotatable mount  216 , and actuator  220  may be attached together such as with adhesives, welds, one or more mechanical fasteners, or a combination thereof. In addition, one or more of the components may be integrally formed (i.e. formed in one piece). For example, the actuator  220  and mount spacer  212  may be integrally formed into the inner ring  340  of the rotatable mount  216 . In addition, the spacer  116  and grip  112  may be integrally formed. As stated above, embodiments where the components are attached together may not utilize notches or tabs to allow the components to rotate together. 
     As one aspect of the invention, a kit may be utilized to retro-fit an existing single-action push button into a dual action button.  FIG. 2A  illustrates a dual action button attachment  204 . In general, the components of the attachment  204  perform the same function as described above with regard to the assembly. Thus, the configurations and operations of components described with regard to the assembly may also apply to the attachment  204 . 
     In contrast to the assembly  104  however, the attachment  204  may be provided to retrofit existing push buttons so that they may be spin activated. For example, an existing push button from a gaming machine may be removed and reinstalled within the attachment  204  to allow the push button to be spin activated. It is noted that a spacer  116 , grip  112 , or both may be provided in some embodiments. As one example, the push-button of U.S. Pat. No. 6,590,176 might be mounted to the assembly  104 . For example, referring to the &#39;176 Patent, the lock nut ( 30 ) may be removed and the push-button thereof inserted into the rotatable mount  216 , thereby associating the push-button with the attachment  204 , and permitting the single-action push-button of the &#39;176 Patent to have the dual action feature of the present invention. 
     The attachment  204  may be configured to accept any manufacturer&#39;s push button. For example, commonly used push buttons on gaming machines may be installed within the attachment  204  to allow for spin activation of the buttons. As shown in  FIG. 2A , the attachment  204  includes a switch  236  actuated by an actuator  220  which rotates via the rotatable mount  216 . A mount spacer  212  may be location at a top of the rotatable mount  216  to allow a push button to be installed or mounted to the attachment  204 . 
     The mount spacer  212  of the dual action button attachment  204  may include one or more notches  240  to accept tabs of a push button. In this manner, a push button may be locked to the mount spacer  212  allowing the attached actuator  220  to rotate with the push button. It is contemplated that the notches  240  may be configured to conform to the tabs of various types, brands, or configurations of push buttons. 
     Though shown in a round configuration, it is contemplated that the attachment  204  may be configured to accept various shaped buttons including but not limited to square, rectangular, or other shaped buttons. In one or more embodiments, this may be accomplished by providing a spacer  212  capable of accepting the desired shaped button. 
     As indicated, the push buttons used with the attachment  204  or assembly  104  may include one or more of their own switches. In these embodiments, pushing the push button may actuate the push button&#39;s own switch. This is advantageous in that the attachment  204  may be configured to indicate whether the spin activation, push activation, or both are occurring and perform a different function in response to either or both. For example, spin activation may complete or break a different circuit, or emit a different signal to a gaming machine or other device than push activation. The attachment  204  may also be configured to only indicate that it is being activated regardless of whether the activation is occurring by spinning or pushing the push button. For example, spin or push activation may complete or break a single circuit or may emit the same signal. 
     Operation of the dual action button assembly will now be described with regard to  FIGS. 4A-4F . It will be understood that, in one or more embodiments, the dual action button attachment will operate in like manner. 
       FIG. 4A  is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the dual action button assembly  104  in a non-activated or resting position.  FIG. 4B  is a bottom perspective view of the same assembly. In the resting position shown, the actuator  220  is at an angle where there may be little or no tension on the spring  224 . The actuator  220  may or may not be in contact (i.e. touching) the switch  236 , actuation plate  336 , contact  332 , or a combination thereof. Generally, the switch  236  will not be actuated by the actuator  220  when the assembly  104  is in a resting position. However, it is noted that in some embodiments, the assembly  104  may be configured such that the switch  236  may be actuated when in a resting position, and unactuated when in a pressed position. 
       FIGS. 4C and 4D  respectively illustrate a top and bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the dual action button assembly  104  in a clockwise activated position.  FIG. 4C  illustrates a push button  124  being spun in a clockwise direction as shown by the arrow therein.  FIG. 4D  illustrates the corresponding rotation of the actuator  220  (and other components) when the push button  124  is spun in a clockwise direction. The direction of this rotation is also indicated by an arrow in  FIG. 4D . 
     As stated, the actuator  220  (as well as other components) may be associated or locked to the push button  124  such that they spin together. Thus, the clockwise spin of the push button  124  causes a corresponding rotation of the locked components including the actuator  220 . As shown in  FIG. 4D , the actuator  220  rotates such that it engages and actuates the switch&#39;s  236  contact  332  through the actuation plate  336 . It is contemplated that the actuation plate  336  may be comprised of rigid but resiliently flexible material in one or more embodiments. This allows the actuation plate  336  to be moved by the actuator  220  to actuate the contact  332  of the switch  236 . In the embodiment shown, the actuator  220  may include one or more protrusions  324  shaped to actuate the switch  236  when the spacer  220  is rotated. In one embodiment, the protrusions  324  are somewhat round. The protrusion  324  provides tactile feedback to the user when rotating the push button  124 . In particular, the user can “feel” the push button  124  reaching the activation mode because of the initial resistance of movement (as the steep face of the protrusion  324  moves along the actuation plate  336 ) and then decrease in resistance (as the flatter top of the protrusion moves along the actuation plate  336 ). 
     When the actuator  220  is rotated, the spring  224  provides resistance which is transferred through the push button  124  to giving the user tactile feedback. As can be seen from  FIG. 4D , the spring  224  is stretched as the push button  124  is spun. Once the push button  124  is released, the biasing force generated by the spring  224  returns the push button  124 , actuator  220 , and other components back to the resting position. 
     Feedback is also given to a user when spin activation has been accomplished. For example, the user may feel, through the push button  124 , when the contact  332  of the switch  236  has actuated. In addition, actuation of the switch  236  may produce a sound such as a click to provide feedback to a user. Also, the push or spin activated button assembly  104  may be configured such that the push button  124  may not be allowed to spin any further once the switch  236  has been actuated. In this manner the user knows that spin activation has occurred because the push button  124  can be spun no further. Providing feedback, such as described herein, is advantageous in that it allows a user to feel, hear, or otherwise know that they have activated the dual action button assembly  104  successfully. Without feedback, the user may be confused as to whether or not the spin activation has occurred. 
     It is contemplated that in some embodiments the dual action button assembly  104  may be configured to allow the push button  124  and associated components to spin without restriction. For example, the actuator  220  may be configured to actuate a switch  236  when the actuator is rotated to or through a certain point. The assembly  104  may be configured to allow clockwise spinning, counterclockwise spinning, or both. In these embodiments, a spring  224  will generally not be necessary. Feedback may be provided by feeling the actuation of the switch  236  through the push button  124 , by a sound such as a click, or both. 
       FIGS. 4E and 4F  respectively illustrate a top and bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the dual action button assembly  104  in a counterclockwise activated position.  FIG. 4E  illustrates a push button  124  being spun in a counterclockwise direction as shown by the arrow therein.  FIG. 4F  illustrates the corresponding rotation of the actuator  220  (and other components) when the push button  124  is spun in a clockwise direction. The direction of this rotation is also indicated by an arrow in  FIG. 4F . 
     As can be seen from  FIG. 4F , the counterclockwise spin of the push button  124  rotates the actuator  220  in a different direction than shown in  FIG. 4D . A different portion or protrusion  324  of the actuator  220  engages and actuates the switch&#39;s  236  contact  332  through an actuation plate  336  during counterclockwise spin activation. It is noted that the dual action button assembly  104  may be configured such that the same portion or protrusion  324  of the actuator  220  engages and actuates the switch&#39;s  236  contact  332 , in one or more embodiments. 
     In the embodiment illustrated, the spring  224  is connected to the actuator  220  at an arm or extension thereof whereby the spring  224  tends to bias the spacer  220  back to a nonactivated position no matter which direction it is rotated. In other embodiments, two or more springs might be used to bias the actuator  220  back to such a position. 
     Similar to above, the spring  224  is stretched by the rotation of the actuator  220  and provides resistance and feedback to the user through the push button  124 . Upon release of the push button  124 , the spring  224  may return the push button and other components to the resting position. Feedback may be provided to users as described above with regard to clockwise spin activation. In addition, the dual action button assembly  104  may be configured to allow the push button and associated components to spin freely, or to prevent spinning past a certain point. Typically, the assembly  104  will be configured to prevent spinning once the switch  236  as been actuated. 
     In one embodiment, the dual action button assembly  104  may be configured to detect the direction of spin. For example, the switch  236  may have multiple contacts  332 , or there may be multiple switches  236 , corresponding to each direction of spin. One or more contacts  332  or switches  236  may be actuated when the push button  124  is spun in one direction, while one or more other contacts or switches may be actuated when the push button is spun in another direction. In this manner the direction of spin may be determined based on which of the contacts  332  or switches  236  have been actuated. 
     The push button  124  may be push activated before, during, or after spin activation such as by a user pressing the push button&#39;s plunger. Thus, it is noted that a user may also be push activating the dual action button assembly  104  before, after, or while spinning the push button  124 . It is contemplated that the invention  104  may indicate to a gaming machine or other device that push and spin activation is occurring at the same time in one or more embodiments. This allows the assembly  104  to collect various types and combinations of user input (i.e. spinning, pushing, or both). 
     It is specifically contemplated that the dual action button assembly or the dual action button attachment may be used with a gaming machine. Such a machine may include a housing or cabinet which supports and/or houses various components. These components may include one or more display devices such as electronic displays, spinning reels or the like configured to present game information. The gaming device may be configured to present games to a player for wager, and offer the opportunity for winnings. Such devices are well known and come in a variety of configurations and are configured to offer a variety of games. Existing machines may include one or more standard push-buttons for accepting game play input from a player. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the dual action button assembly  104  installed in a button panel  504  of a gaming machine having a coin slot  512  configured to accept wagers. As stated above, the dual action button attachment  204  may be similarly installed to retrofit an existing button of a gaming machine such that it may be spin activated. 
     The assembly or attachment may be secured or otherwise attached to a gaming machine by one or more fasteners or adhesives. For example, referring to  FIG. 1 , fasteners may be inserted into the holes  132  of the push button support  120  to attach the assembly or attachment to a gaming machine. In one or more embodiments, the holes  132  may be configured or positioned to correspond to existing screw holes on a gaming machine to allow for easy installation. 
     The dual action button assembly  104  may be installed next to traditional buttons  508  or may replace the traditional buttons (or retrofit them). In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the assembly  104  is provided where a button labeled “spin” would typically be positioned. In this embodiment, the push button  124  of the assembly  104  may be spin activated to spin the reels of a gaming machine. In addition, the push button  124  may also be push activated to spin the reels of a gaming machine. Alternatively, push activation may be used to “bet one” while spin activation is used to spin the reels. 
     As stated, spin activation may correspond to one or more functions of a gaming machine, while push activation may correspond to one or more other functions of a gaming machine. In other embodiments, both push and spin activation correspond to the same one or more functions of a gaming machine. In this case, the assembly or attachment provides the advantage of allowing users to select how they wish to interact with the gaming machine, based on personal preferences, comfort, or other factors. In such a configuration, actuation of either switch  236 , 340  might provide the same input to the gaming machine or other device. In other embodiments, push activation and spin activation might actuate the same switch. For example, it is possible for the dual action button assembly to include only a single switch, wherein both actuation of the plunger and rotational input actuate the same switch. In one embodiment, actuation of the plunger might even be configured to effect rotation of the switch in similar manner to direct rotation. 
     In other embodiments, however, the different activations or actuations preferably provide separate and different inputs to a gaming machine or other device. For example, in a slot machine embodiment, spin activation may also be associated with the selection of paylines such as by scrolling through each selectable payline or paylines by spinning the push button (via actuation of the first switch  236 ). Push activation may then be used to indicate that the user&#39;s desired payline or paylines have been selected (via actuation of the second switch  340 ). Spin activation may then also be used to spin the reels of a slot machine. It can thus be appreciated that spin activation may be associated with functions analogous to spinning such as spinning reels, scrolling, increasing or decreasing bets, or selecting paylines, items, options, and the like by advancing or moving through them one-by-one. This allows gaming machines to be more intuitive and easier to use, and the invention provides these benefits while being capable of push activation. 
     The push or spin activated button assembly and attachment as well as their benefits may be used with other devices as well. For example, the invention may be used with ATMS, kiosks, computers, and other electronic devices. In addition, the invention may be used with portable devices. As with above, spin activation may be associated with functions analogous to spinning, or may be used as an alternative to push activation (i.e. spin activation may perform the same function as push activation). 
     Specifically with regard to the push or spin activated button attachment, gaming machines and other devices may be easily retrofitted so that their existing push buttons may be spin activated as well as push activated. This provides users with the ability to select between spin or push activation, and allows gaming establishments, manufacturers, end-users or others to retrofit gaming machines or other devices to accept both spin and push activation. 
     While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, and embodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in any combination or arrangement.