Abstract:
A method of assembling a gaming device including providing a cabinet including a first side wall and an opposing second side wall and removably connecting a first side panel including a decorative layer to the first side wall of the cabinet. The method includes removably connecting a second side panel including a decorative layer to the second side wall of the cabinet. The method includes securing the first side panel to the first side wall from inside of the cabinet and securing the second side panel to the second side wall from inside of said cabinet, where the first and second panels can only be unsecured from the first and second side walls, respectively, from inside of the cabinet. The method includes movably connecting a lockable door to the cabinet, where the lockable door is movable to allow access to the inside of said cabinet.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM  
       [0001]     This application is a divisional of, claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/690,705 filed on Oct. 17, 2000, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein.  
       CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0002]     This application is related to the following commonly-owned co-pending patent applications: “TRANSLUCENT MONITOR MASKS, SUBSTRATE AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVABLE ATTACHMENT TO GAMING DEVICE CABINET,” Ser. No. 09/686,243, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-450, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,541; “DISPLAY AND MASK FOR A GAMING DEVICE,” Ser. No. 29/130,997, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-453, now U.S. Pat. No. D456,855; “DISPLAY AND MASK FOR A GAMING DEVICE,” Ser. No. 29/131,001, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-454, now U.S. Pat. No. D456,046; “DISPLAY AND MASK FOR A GAMING DEVICE,” Ser. No. 29/131,076, Attorney Docket No. 0112300-461, now U.S. Pat. No. D456,457. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION  
       [0003]     The present invention relates in general to a gaming device, and more particularly to a gaming device having a modular construction with replaceable laminate panels and a method for manufacturing, modifying, changing and repairing such gaming devices.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     Manufacturing gaming devices is an expensive and time intensive process. Currently, gaming devices are effectively custom designed to accommodate a particular gaming theme or scheme. While many similar parts are used for gaming devices such as player input devices or buttons and coin, token and bill acceptors, the overall design or appearance of contemporary gaming device are somewhat dependant on the gaming theme or scheme. Obviously, such gaming devices cannot be built until the manufacturer determines the game theme and scheme. This includes determining the decorations such as the color of and other indicia on the outside of the gaming device viewable by the players.  
         [0005]     One conventional process for assembling a gaming device includes attaching wood panels to a steel cabinet or laminating directly to the steel cabinet structure. The exterior surfaces of the wood panels are laminated or otherwise decorated. The wood panels are cut or otherwise made to fit the cabinet, which is a time intensive and expensive process. These wood panels are difficult to work with, heavy, unwieldy and require a great deal of maneuvering to properly position the panels on the cabinet during the manufacturing process. Moreover, removing and replacing these panels is difficult. The wood panels cannot easily be removed in a gaming area to change the gaming theme or scheme of a gaming device or exchange new panels for damaged or discolored panels. The attachment of laminate directly to the steel cabinet structure requires the lamination process to take place prior to any assembly. This process increases lead times because no work can be done until the laminate has been applied.  
         [0006]     Removing such gaming devices from the gaming area to change the panels is prohibitively expensive for the gaming owners and disruptive to their patrons. Gaming device owners prefer to conduct such changes or make the repairs on the gaming floor, limiting the gaming device down time while at the same time not disrupting the patrons of adjacent devices.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention provides a gaming device having a modular cabinet construction and replaceable laminate panels which significantly enhances the manufacturing, modification and repair processes for gaming devices. In the preferred embodiment, the modular cabinet includes upper and lower cabinets or housings removably connected together and two replaceable laminate panels removably connected to the opposite sides of the modular cabinets. The present invention also contemplates a third laminate panel connected to the back of the gaming device if desired by the manufacturer.  
         [0008]     The first or display housing or cabinet is adapted to receive a gaming device display and a removable monitor mask apparatus is connected thereto. A plurality of differently sized display housings and mask apparatuses are contemplated for use with a plurality of differently sized displays. It is also contemplated that the display housing could be sized to receive differently sized monitors. The second or component housing is adapted to receive all of the other gaming device electronic components and player interface and input devices. The component housing can be of any suitable size or shape.  
         [0009]     The replaceable laminate panels include a substrate and a laminate on the outer or exterior side of the substrate. Preferably, the substrate is extruded from aluminum or an aluminum alloy, although other suitable materials or methods of manufacture are contemplated. The laminate layer, preferably displaying the decorations, colors, figures, characters and indicia representing the gaming theme and scheme of the gaming device is applied to the exterior side of the substrate. The laminate layer is preferably a colored, pressure sensitive laminate comprised of vinyl, vinyl and metal composite, polyvinyl chloride, or some other mixture, applied to the outer surface of the substrates. The laminate panels are relatively simple and inexpensive to fabricate, light in weight, thin, yet strong and resistant to abuse. Suitable fastening devices are used to removably attach the laminate panels to the cabinets.  
         [0010]     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a gaming device having a modular construction and replaceable laminate panels that are configured to look as if they were installed in a conventional manner.  
         [0011]     A further object of the present invention is to provide modular cabinets for use with a gaming device.  
         [0012]     A further object of the present invention to provide a gaming device with replaceable laminate panels.  
         [0013]     Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps and processes.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention having a modular construction and laminate side panels;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the gaming device of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the laminate panel on one side of the gaming device;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a gaming device of the present invention having a larger display cabinet and larger laminate side panels;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the gaming device of  FIG. 3  illustrating the larger laminate panels;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the display and component cabinets of one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a laminate panel of one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the laminate panel of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is an exploded front view of the display cabinet, component cabinet and laminate panels of one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  is an exploded front perspective view of a display cabinet, a substrate, an inner mask and an outer mask which are attached to the display cabinet of one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 10  is an exploded rear perspective view of the inner and outer masks of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged sectional view of one embodiment of a locking bar of a locking mechanism for connecting the substrate and masks to the display cabinet;  
         [0025]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism in a locked or engaged position taken substantially along line XII-XII of  FIG. 11 ; and  
         [0026]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism of  FIG. 11  in an unlocked or disengaged position.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0027]     The present invention is adapted to facilitate the manufacture, modification and repair of gaming devices of different sizes. Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  5 ,  6  and  7 , one embodiment of the gaming device  10   a  of the present invention includes a display or first cabinet or housing  12  which is adapted to receive a display  14  (shown in  FIG. 1  with a display and in  FIG. 5  without a display) and a component or second cabinet or housing  16  adapted to receive all of the other components of the gaming device. Such components include the gaming device electronic components or controls (such as the CPU, RAM, ROM, power supply and sound card), player interfaces  2  (such as a coin slot, a bill acceptor, a reader or validator for credit cards or debit cards, a player card reader), player input devices  4  (such as a keypad, a play button, a bet display, a bet one button a cashout button), a coin hopper or payout tray  6 , a ticket printer (thermal or impact), smart card read/write dispenser, vacuum fluorescent display and speakers. All of the components of the gaming device  10   a  except the display  14  are mounted in or connected to the component cabinet  16  to facilitate independent manufacture of the component cabinet  16  (without dependence on the game theme or scheme). This enhances the overall manufacturing process for gaming devices.  
         [0028]     The display is preferably adapted to display the primary or base game as well as any secondary or bonus games to the player. The display may be any monitor (with or without a touch screen), cathode ray  20  tube (“CRTs”), high resolution flat panel LCDs, projection type LCDS, plasma displays, field emission displays, digital micromirror displays, LCD touchscreens, flat TV displays or other suitable display device. The display is adapted to display images, symbols, video, and graphics associated with the game to the player as well as system menus and diagnostics to technicians and machine operators or attendants.  
         [0029]     Side panels  52  and  54  are respectively adapted to be attached to each side of the display and component cabinets. Although not shown, a back panel may also be attached to the back of the display and component cabinets. As described below, each side panel is decorated in accordance with the theme of the gaming device. The side panels are preferably laminated and are manufactured and attached to the cabinets after the gaming device theme or scheme is finalized. This construction for a gaming device, wherein all of the components of the device are in the component cabinet  16 , the monitor  14  is in the display cabinet  12  and the laminate panels  52  and  54  are attached to both sides of the cabinet facilitate ease of manufacture of the gaming device and also facilitates modification and replacement and repair of the gaming device  10 . The present invention therefore increases efficiency and the rate of production of gaming devices and facilitates manufacturing line balancing.  
         [0030]     For instance, if it is desired to have a larger sized monitor in the gaming device, the monitor could be replaced and positioned in the display cabinet if there is sufficient room in the display cabinet for the monitor. Different support mechanisms may be used for different sized monitors in the display cabinet. On the other hand, if a larger sized monitor, such as a 27 inch monitor, is desired to be placed with the gaming device, a larger display cabinet may be used. The display cabinet will be suitably attached to the component cabinet and the suitably sized laminate panels will be attached to both sides of the system and display cabinets. As further illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a larger sized monitor  14 B may thus be used with the same component cabinet. Thus, even in a gaming area, such as a casino, the construction of the gaming device may easily be changed by removing the laminate panels, removing the display from the display cabinet, changing the display cabinet, inserting a new display into the display cabinet, and replacing the laminate panels with larger laminate panels adapted to engage the larger display cabinet. The only electrical connections are between the system component and the new monitor and any subsidiary equipment and connections going through the display area to the optional top box display or external signage. All of the other components remain unchanged in the component cabinet. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  3  and  4 , the indicia  15   a  on the panel  52  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) is different than the indicia  15   b  on panel  52  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ).  
         [0031]     As discussed below, it should also be appreciated that the laminate panels could be formed in two or more sections, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , whereby the lower laminate panel remains connected to the component cabinet and a new laminate panel is attached to the new display cabinet. It should therefore be appreciated that a more systematic construction of gaming devices can be accomplished using the present invention, whereby the component cabinets and the display cabinets are constructed individually and assembled as needed, based on the requirements of each gaming device. Additionally, the laminate panels can be decorated or formed with any suitable indicia to correspond to the theme of the gaming device. Therefore, the manufacturing, modification and repair of gaming devices is substantially improved utilizing the present invention.  
         [0032]     In the illustrated embodiment, the display housing  12  includes spaced-apart top and bottom walls  30  and  32 , respectively, connected to spaced-apart side walls  34  and  36 , respectively, all of which in turn are connected to back wall  38 . The top, bottom, side and back walls  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38  define chamber  39 . Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the component housing  16 , includes spaced apart top and bottom walls  40  and  42 , respectively, connected to spaced apart side walls  44  and  46 , respectively, all of which are, in turn, connected to back wall  48 . The top, bottom, side and back walls  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  and  48 , define chamber  49  in the component cabinet or housing  16 . Each of the cabinets or housings  12  and  16  is preferably made of rolled steel, although other suitable materials may be used to form the cabinets.  
         [0033]     It should be appreciated that the first and second housings  12  and  16  are removably connected together using any suitable fastening device, such as screws, bolts, pegs, hooks, or other suitable locking mechanisms. In one preferred embodiment, the housings  12  and  16  are removably connected together using a plurality of two piece mounting bolts (not shown) such as a sex bolt. The female portion of the bolt contains a hollow cylindrical shaft with threading on an interior surface adapted to receive the threading defined on the exterior of a solid cylindrical shaft of the male portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second housings  12  and  16  define one or more apertures  50  adapted to receive the male and female bolts (not shown).  
         [0034]     In the illustrated embodiment, the display housing  12  is adapted to receive a display  14  and has a generally square shape when viewed from the front or the side. It should be appreciated that housing  12  could have any suitable shape depending on the theme and scheme of the gaming device and the size and shape of the display. A plurality of different sized housings are contemplated for use with a plurality of different sized displays. For example, one embodiment of the display housing  12  for gaming device  10   a  could be used with a 18 inch monitor (best viewed in  FIG. 1 ), a second embodiment of the housing  12  for gaming device  10   b  could be used with a 27 inch monitor  14   b  (best viewed in  FIG. 3 ). Gaming devices  10   a  and  10   b  and displays  14   a  and  14   b  are generally collectively referred to herein as gaming device  10  and display  14 , respectively.  
         [0035]     An alternative embodiment of display housing  12  is contemplated for use with the gaming device  10  of the present invention. In this embodiment, only one display housing is connected to the component housing, wherein the display housing  12  is suitably sized to accommodate the largest display used with the gaming device  10  (in this discussion the 27 inch monitor although larger monitors are contemplated). In this embodiment, the first housing could include any suitable adjustable support or shelving unit (not shown) adapted to be used with different sized monitors. Here, the adjustable support or shelving, in conjunction with the mask discussed in detail below, would be adjusted to accommodate the different sized monitor.  
         [0036]     It is anticipated that the housings  12  and  16  define a plurality of openings therein, such as a vent aperture and at least one lock aperture. It should also be appreciated that the component housing  16  preferably includes a door pivotally connected thereto (not shown) to enable the operator to access the gaming device components.  
         [0037]     Turning now to  FIGS. 6, 7  and  8 , the gaming device includes two laminate panels  52  and  54  which are removably connected to opposite sides of the display cabinet and the component cabinet, using any suitable fastening mechanism, as discussed below. As mentioned above, the gaming device could also include a laminate panel (not shown) connected to the back of the gaming device. Each laminate panel includes a substrate  60  and a decorative layer such as a laminate material  62  on the outer surface of the substrate  60 . Preferably, the substrate  60  is formed from extruded aluminum or aluminum alloy, although other materials or methods are contemplated. In the illustrated embodiment, the front edge of the laminate has a slightly rounded appearance moving from the bottom edge to the top edge. It should be appreciated that other shapes and sizes are contemplated. It should also be appreciated that the laminate panels will look similar to traditional installation (laminate on wood or direct installation on cabinet substrate) and not have the appearance of a bolt on panel to the patron.  
         [0038]     More specifically, each substrate  60  is formed with two opposing surfaces, a first (inner) and second (outer) surface  60   a  and  60   b , respectively. The first surface  60   a  is generally flat and removably connects to the outside surface of the cabinets  12  and  16  of the gaming device  10  and specifically to the outside surfaces of the side walls  34 ,  44 ,  36  and  46 , respectively. The second surface  60   b  is preferably flat or planar and is adapted to receive a decorative layer which is preferably a laminate or laminate material  62  thereon.  
         [0039]     The decorative layer or laminate material  62  includes the colors, figures, characters and indicia representing the gaming theme and scheme. In the preferred embodiment, the laminate layer  62  is a colored, pressure sensitive laminate comprised of vinyl, vinyl and metal composite, polyvinyl chloride, or some other mixture. While it is preferred that the laminate is a pressure sensitive material, it is contemplated that a separate adhesive (not shown) may be applied to the second or outer surface  60   b  and the laminate layer  62  applied or connected thereto. It is further contemplated that the laminate may be applied to the substrate  60  in a powdered form. To change the look of the gaming device, the laminate panels may be easily removed and replaced.  
         [0040]     In one embodiment, cabinets  12  and  16  define a plurality of openings  70  adapted to receive bolts secured to the substrate. More specifically, in one embodiment, the head of a bolt portion is welded to the aluminum substrate  60  such that the cylindrical shaft  80  of the bolt extends transversely from the substrate towards the cabinets. Preferably, a plurality of bolts  80  are used to removably attach each laminate panel to the cabinets  12  and  16 . It should be appreciated that the laminate panels could be adapted to be attached to the cabinets in other suitable manners in accordance with the present invention. For instance, the laminate panels may be snapped into place or may include trim members which hold the laminate panels in place.  
         [0041]     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the laminate panels are each formed in two or more pieces. Preferably, a suitable trim piece (not shown) is used to form a smooth transition between the panels. The different portions of the laminate panel may be adapted to accommodate different laminate layers portraying the same or different colors, figures, characters or indicia.  
         [0042]     The use of the laminate panels enables the present to provide a modular gaming device that does not look modular. Turning now to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the present invention also preferably provides a monitor cover  90  including at least mask apparatus  150  attached to the display cabinet such that the modular gaming device  10  does not look modular. The mask apparatus  150  preferably includes inner and outer masks or mask members  154  and  152 , respectively, which are adapted to removably engage a bracket or substrate  156  which is connected to the display cabinet  12  by a locking mechanism  158  adapted to removably engage the substrate  156  as described below.  
         [0043]     This configuration provides for the complete removal of the monitor cover  90  (including the substrate  156  and masks  152  and  154 ) from the display cabinet  12 , facilitating the ease of manufacture, modification and repair of the gaming device  10 . This configuration also enables old masks to be replaced with a new mask representing new games or effects on the gaming device  10 .  
         [0044]     The first or outer mask  152  includes a top or first member  160  and  20  a spaced-apart bottom or second member  162 . In addition, the outer mask  152  includes spaced-apart side or third members  164  with are joined to and integral with the spaced apart top and bottom members  160  and  162 . The outer mask  152  is preferably a single integral unit of a molded translucent plastic material. It should be appreciated that the outer mask  152  can be extruded, cut or manufactured in any conventional manner using plastic or any other suitable material such as acrylic, paperboard, glass, etc. The outer mask  152  is preferably formed as a single piece of clear or translucent material although colored or dyed material is also contemplated. While a single molded piece is preferred, it should be appreciated that the outer mask  152  could be formed from two or more pieces that are combined or otherwise joined to form an integral unit.  
         [0045]     The outer mask  152  includes a curved upper edge  166  integral with and extending along the top or first member as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . A lip  168  connects to and extends transversely from the upper edge  166 . Lip  168  is adapted to removably engage or connect to the display cabinet  12  (or a substrate  156  removably connected to the display cabinet  12 ).  
         [0046]     Top and bottom members  160  and  162  of outer mask  152  include a locking mechanism for removably engaging or connecting to the inner mask  154 . In one preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a plurality of alternately spaced tabs  170  and notches  172 . In the illustrated embodiment, a lip  174  extends transversely from outer mask  152 , specifically from an inner surface  176  thereof, where tabs  170  and notches  172  are defined in an upper and lower portion thereof.  
         [0047]     The inner mask  154  comprises spaced-apart top, bottom and side members  178 ,  180  and  182 , respectively, similar to the outer mask  152  discussed previously. Like the outer mask  152 , the inner mask  154  is preferably a single integral unit of a molded translucent plastic material although other manufacturing methods and materials are contemplated. Inner mask  154  is preferably formed as a single piece of clear or translucent material although colored or dyed material, or two or more pieces are also contemplated.  
         [0048]     The inner mask  154  also includes a locking mechanism for removably connecting to the outer mask  152 . In one preferred embodiment, inner mask  154  includes tabs  184  and notches  186  that are spaced in accordance with and co-act with the tabs  170  and notches  172  of the outer mask  152 . Preferably, the tabs  184  and notches  186  of the inner mask  154  engage and connect to the corresponding notches  172  and tabs  170  of the outer mask  152  in a removable manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs  184  extend laterally from the outer edges of the top and bottom members. It should be appreciated that the co-acting of the various tabs and notches properly align or position the two masks  152  and  154  with respect to each other, the display  14  and housing  12 .  
         [0049]     In the preferred embodiment, inner mask  154  includes two wings or members  188  extending from the spaced apart side members  182 . A plurality of extending spacers  190  are joined to and integral with the wings or members  188 . The spacers  190  contact or engage the inner surface  192  of the outer mask  152  ensuring that the inner and outer masks  154  and  152  are properly spaced apart. In one embodiment, this spacing is used to accommodate one or more illumination devices or sources (not shown).  
         [0050]     The inner mask  154  also includes a plurality of lugs  194  integral to and spaced about an inner surface thereof, preferably along the inner surface  196  of the side members  182 . The lugs  194  are adapted to secure the inner mask  154  to the substrate  156  as discussed below.  
         [0051]     The masks  152  and  154  are preferably different colors and may be back lit by one or more suitable illumination devices or sources (not shown) to provide a lighting effect around the display  14 . The masks can be independently illuminated, simultaneously illuminated and illuminated many desired combination or sequence. It should also be appreciated that the present invention contemplates the use of more than two monitor masks suitably connected to the substrate  156 .  
         [0052]     Gaming device  10  preferably includes a substrate or frame  156  that securely engages or connects to the housing  12  of the cabinet  60 . Like  20  the inner and outer masks  154  and  152  discussed previously, the frame or substrate  156  comprises spaced apart top, bottom and side members  198 ,  200  and  202  respectively as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Frame or substrate  156  is preferably formed from cold-rolled steel. It should be appreciated that the substrate  156  can be extruded, cut or otherwise manufactured in any conventional manner using other suitable metal materials, plastic or any other suitable material. The frame or substrate  156  preferably has a suitable decorative coating such as plating.  
         [0053]     In one preferred embodiment, the present invention further includes one or more locking mechanisms for removably securing the inner and outer masks  154  and  152  to the display cabinet  12 . The inner mask  154  includes a plurality of lugs  194  projecting from the inner surface  196  as described previously. The frame or substrate  156  defines a plurality of indentations or hollows  204  in the spaced apart side members  202  that are spaced in accordance with and co-act with the lugs  194  of the inner mask  154 . While the lugs  194  and indentations  204  are preferred, other means for removably connecting the inner mask  154  and frame or substrate  156  are contemplated, including screws, hooks, double-sided tape, etc.  
         [0054]     A locking mechanism  158  is used to removably secure the frame or substrate  156  to the display cabinet  12  as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 through 13 . While preferably the locking mechanism  158  is connected to display cabinet  12 , it should be appreciated that the locking mechanism could be connected to display cabinet  12  in an alternative manner. In one preferred embodiment, frame or substrate  156  includes at least one but generally two or more hooks  206  extending from inner edge  208  of the side members  202 . In the illustrated embodiment, four hooks  206  extend generally transversely from the inner edge  208  of the side members  202 . It should be appreciated that the hooks  206  are formed as part of and integral with the frame or substrate  156  during the molding process. However it is also contemplated that the hooks  206  are formed as a separate integral unit of the same or different material as the frame or substrate  156  and connected thereto.  
         [0055]     In the preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism  158  includes at least one elongated portion and locking member joined to the housing  12  as illustrated. The locking mechanism  158  is adapted to removably connect the frame or substrate  156  to the display cabinet  12 . In one preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism includes two elongated portions or slidable locking bars  210  located on either side of the display aperture or chamber  39  of the cabinet  12 , placed parallel to the sides of the gaming device (best viewed in  FIG. 7 ). Each slideable locking bar  210  defines at least one, but preferably two, engaging slots  212  spaced in accordance with and co-acting with the hooks  206 . Additionally, each slidable locking bar  210  defines at least one but preferably two slots  214  that slideably secure the locking bar  210  to pegs or screws  216  extending from the cabinet  60 , preferably from housing  62 .  
         [0056]     Each locking bar  210  includes a biasing device that biases the locking bars  210  in a locked position to prevent unwanted removal of the substrate  156 . In the illustrated embodiment, the locking bar  210  includes a spring  218  having a first end  220  connected to a peg  222  on the locking bar  210 . A second end  224  of the spring  218  is connected to a peg  226  on the display cabinet  12  and adapted to bias the locking bar  210  towards the closed position. While a spring  218  and pegs  222  and  226  are preferred, it should be appreciated that any biasing device (i.e., a spring bar) is contemplated.  
         [0057]     The locking mechanism  158  further includes a locking member that locks the locking bar  210  in the closed or locked position. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a plunger  228  extending generally transversely from each of the locking bars  210 . The cabinet  12  defines at least one, but preferably two seats or sockets (referred to as first and second seats  230  and  232 , respectively) that co-act with an engaging end  234  of the plungers  228 . Preferably, each plunger  228  includes a spring (not shown) that biases the plunger  228  inwardly towards the seats  230  and  232  in a manner well known in the art.  
         [0058]     In the closed position, the hooks  206  of frame or substrate  156  sit in the engaging slots  212  and are engaged by the locking bar  210 , so that at least a portion of the hooks  206  (i.e., at least the tip  236  and slot  238 ) engages, catches or hooks the locking bar  210 . Moving the plunger  228  outwardly from the first seat  230  enables the locking bar  210  to slideably move towards the unlocked position, so that the sliding bar  210  no longer engages the hooks  206 . The hooks  206  now sit freely in the engaging slots  212  and can be easily removed by pulling outwards on the frame or substrate  156 .  
         [0059]     It should be appreciated that assembling the gaming device  10  using modular cabinet is a relatively straight forward and efficient process. The first and second housings  12  and  16  are connected together using a removable connecting device. The electric components are assembled and positioned in housing  16 , while the display  14  is positioned in housing  12 . The locking mechanism  158  is connected to the cabinet, preferably to housing  12 , prior to placing the display  14  therein and connecting it to the appropriate electrical component.  
         [0060]     Generally, to construct a gaming device in accordance with the present invention, the decorative or laminate layer  62  is prepared and applied or connected to the substrate  60  of the laminate panels  52  and  54 . The laminate panels  52  and  54  are connected to the housings  12  and using a removable connecting mechanism. Masks  152  and  154 , and frame  156  are assembled and removably connected to the display cabinet  12 , and preferably to locking mechanism  158  in display cabinet  12 . A door is pivotally connected to the component cabinet  16 .  
         [0061]     It should be further appreciated that changing the gaming theme and scheme is likewise a relatively straightforward and efficient process. For example, a technician opens the door reaches under the frame  156  and pulls up on the plungers  228 . Pulling up on the plungers  228  (i.e., away from the locking bar  210 ), disengages the plunger engaging ends  234  from the first socket  230 . As the locking bar  210  is moved to the open position in the illustrated embodiment, the locking bar  210  slideably moves along the pegs or screws  216  until the plunger engaging end  234  engages the second seat  232 . The locking bar  210  no longer engages the hooks  206 , which may now be removed from engaging slot  212 . The masks and frame may be removed from the cabinet  12 , and display  14  may now be removed from chamber  39 .  
         [0062]     The technician unlocks and opens the door pivotally connected to cabinet  16 . The technician may now unfasten nuts  81  from the bolts  80  connecting the panels  52  and  54  to the cabinets  12  and  16 , to remove the panels  52  and  54 . The technician may access the components to update the gaming scheme (i.e., replace a chip, insert new code, etc.). If necessary, a new, differently sized display housing may be placed on housing  16  and removably connected thereto using bolts. The newly sized display is placed in chamber  39  of the new display housing and connected to the electrical components contained in component housing  16 . It should be appreciated that if the same sized monitor is to be used, the display housing  12  need not be replaced. New laminate panels are positioned so that the shafts  80  are received in the apertures  70  of the cabinets. The new laminate panels are then securely connected to cabinets  12  and  16 .  
         [0063]     If necessary, new masks  152  and  154  and a frame  156  is replaced so that the hooks  206  engage the engaging slots  212 . The plungers  228  are again pulled up so that the plunger engaging ends  234  disengage the second seat  232 . The sliding bar  210  is moved back manually (or biased by the spring) to the locked position so that the locking bar  210  engages the hooks  206  and the plunger engaging ends  234  engage the first seats  230 . The door is the closed.  
         [0064]     While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims. It is thus to be understood that modifications and variations in the present invention may be made without departing from the novel aspects of this invention as defined in the claims, and that this application is to be limited only by the scope of the claims.