Ergonomic gaming cabinet

Abstract

A new ergonomic game cabinet with a unique layout is disclosed. The gaming machine cabinet includes a display mounted nearly vertically, combined with a player deck extending towards a player having more space at a more useful angle than previously available. The player deck will have open space usable by a player for small items (wallets, purses, chips, etc.), a player device area (typically buttons), and then a further area where a player can rest their arms, wrists, or elbows and comfortably reach the player device area. This further area may also be used for small player items, such as chips, tickets, etc. In addition, the new cabinet provides side panels on each side of the gaming machine cabinet that creates a feeling of being “surrounded” by the game experience due to reduced noise and visual distractions from nearby gaming machines, other patrons, waitrons, and the like.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from provisional application 60 / 685,157, filed on May 27, 2005, the provisional application explicitly incorporated in full into this application.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention pertains generally to gaming machine cabinets found in establishments such as Nevada-style and Amerindian casinos, Amerindian bingo halls, and the like. More particularly, the present invention discloses a novel ergonomically designed gaming machine. [0004] 2. The Prior Art [0005] Gaming machine cabinets have had certain traditional or standard configurations, typically categorized as one of uprights, slat tops, or bar tops. These machines are found in casinos, Amerindian bingo halls, bars, and the like. Examples of upright gaming cabinets with top boxes are seen in U.S. Design Pats. D458,971 and D496,407. U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,875 shows an upright style gaming cabinet which has been divided into a s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] In addition to the player deck having enough depth to properly distance the player's eyes from the monitor and to allow comfortable resting of body parts on the player deck, side panels are provided that block peripheral vision and some noise. The side panels may also be used to channel sound from the gaming machine, further engulfing a player in the gaming experience.

[0013] The side panels and player deck also provide security for personal items not previously found in gaming machines; it will no longer be possible for a passerby to casual take personal items from a player. To take a personal item on the player deck and between the side panels, a potential thief is going to have to directly confront the player. This will effectively discourage subtle or passive thieving. Additional security is provided by making it difficult for casual observers to discern players entering PIN codes and the like.

Problems solved by technology

The side panels and player deck also provide security for personal items not previously found in gaming machines; it will no longer be possible for a passerby to casual take personal items from a player.

Additional security is provided by making it difficult for casual observers to discern players entering PIN codes and the like.

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