US20080070701A1

US20080070701A1 - Gaming machine with article holder

Info

Publication number: US20080070701A1
Application number: US11/524,555
Authority: US
Inventors: Oliver Mou; Milo Borissov
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Magtech USA Inc
Priority date: 2006-09-20
Filing date: 2006-09-20
Publication date: 2008-03-20
Also published as: WO2008036257A2; WO2008036257A3

Abstract

A gaming machine includes an article holder, such as a holder for a beverage container or ashtray. The article holder is movable about or along an axis between a first position and a second position. The article holder maybe located at a front or side of the gaming machine. The article holder may be mounted in an inset area on the housing and coupled to the exterior of the housing. In one embodiment, the article holder is configured to rotate from a retracted or stowed position within the housing to an extended position out of the housing. The article holder may instead be configured to slide linearly in and out of the housing. The article holder may comprise a primary support, such as a base defining a support surface or element, such as a beverage-container engaging ring, and may include one or more secondary supports, such as additional rings.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to gaming machines, and more particularly, to a gaming machine incorporating an article holder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gaming is an activity that people do to have an entertaining and pleasurable experience. Many people can entertain themselves at a gaming machine for hours at a time. During these extended periods, a player likely will desire refreshments, such as a beverage and/or snack, to satisfy a feeling of thirst and/or hunger. Furthermore, some players who smoke will typically have a desire to smoke their favorite tobacco product.
In offering entertainment for their patrons, casinos have numerous gaming machines placed throughout their gaming areas. Typically, a bank of gaming machines are located on one or more gaming machine stands in side-by-side relationship. The stand or stands generally define a planar supporting surface which extends outwardly of the sides of the gaming machines. Patrons may place articles such as ashtrays, beverage containers, coin cups and personal effects, such as purses, next to the gaming machines on these surfaces.
This has been an inadequate arrangement in addressing the placement certain articles, including ashtrays and beverage containers. Unsecured beverage containers and ashtrays are susceptible to being knocked over and having their contents spilled on the floor. This can cause extra and unnecessary work for casino personnel, as well as expense associated with any breakage. Consequently, there is a need to provide a more secure means of retaining/holding such items to limit the possibility of damage and/or spillage. In addition, these stand surfaces are often low to the ground and thus out of convenient reach to the player.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a gaming machine with at least one article holder. The gaming machine includes a housing which houses/supports the article holder. In one embodiment, the article holder is movable about or along an axis between a first position and a second position. The first position is preferably a retracted or stowed position and the second position is an extended or operable position. In the retracted or stowed position, the article holder is preferably located with or closely adjacent to the housing. In its extended or operable position, the article holder extends outwardly of the housing and is configured to support an article such as a beverage container or ashtray.
In one embodiment, the article holder includes a primary support, such as a base, which is configured to support one or more articles. The article holder may include one or more secondary supports, such as beverage container supporting rings, for further securing an article associated with the article holder.
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the article holder is mounted to an exterior surface of the housing, such as a front or side thereof. In one configuration, the article holder comprises a frame for mounting to the exterior of the gaming machine housing. A base or support is mounted to the frame and configured for supporting an article. The base is preferably movable about a first axis between a first position and a second position. The base may be mounted on a first mounting or coupling element on the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the first mounting or coupling element comprises a first hinge that defines the first axis. In its operable position, the base presents a generally flat surface upon which an article, such as a beverage container or ashtray, may rest. To facilitate the movement of the base between its positions, the first hinge may be spring-loaded.
In a modified design of this embodiment, the housing further includes a side panel adjacent to the front panel, with the article holder mounted to the side panel. In either contemplated location, the article holder can conveniently receive a container such as an ashtray or a beverage container and is within ready reach of the user of the gaming machine.
The article holder in another embodiment includes a secondary support, such as ring that is mounted to the frame and configured to secure an article. Preferably, the ring is movable about a second axis between a first position and a second position. Similar to the base, the ring may be mounted on a second mounting or coupling element on the frame. The second mounting or coupling element may comprise a second hinge that defines the second axis. The second hinge, in one embodiment, may be spring-loaded, similarly to the first hinge. The ring preferably assumes an operable position where it may receive and securely hold an article, such as, for example, a beverage container.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the article holder is configured to be housed wholly or partially within the housing of the gaming machine. For example, the housing may define a recessed or interior area for containing the article holder when the article holder is in its retracted position. In one embodiment, the article holder may be configured to rotate or move linearly out of the housing, such as by rotating about a pin or hinge.
The gaming machine which includes the article holder may have various configurations. In one embodiment, the gaming machine has a pair of opposing sides or side panels and a front, front panel or door. It is within the scope of the invention for the gaming machine to include multiple article holders. When incorporating a plurality of article holders, one of the article holders maybe mounted to a first of the two side panels and another of the article holders may be mounted to a second of the two side panels. Accordingly, a user may utilize an article holder on which ever side panel is most convenient, or, alternatively, may utilize multiple article holders for various purposes.
Still other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described a variety of embodiments of this invention, simply by way of illustration of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of this specification illustrates several aspects of the present invention and together with the description serves to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine with an article holder in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an article holder illustrated in FIG. 1 in its home or rest position in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the article holder illustrated in FIG. 1 in its operable position in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an article holder in accordance with the present invention, the article holder mounted in an inset area, with the article holder shown in its home or rest position in solid line presentation and its operable position in phantom line presentation;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the article holder of FIG. 4 in its operable position with a beverage container shown being held in phantom line presentation;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an article holder that is mounted within the housing of the gaming machine, with the article holder shown in its home or retracted position;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the article holder of FIG. 6 in an intermediate position between its home or retracted position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the article holder of FIGS. 6 and 7 in its operable position with a beverage container shown being held in phantom line presentation;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the article holder of FIGS. 6-8 in its operable position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of an article holder that is mounted within the housing of the gaming machine, with the article holder shown in its home or retracted position;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the article holder of FIG. 10 in an intermediate position between its home or retracted position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the article holder of FIGS. 10 and 11 in its operable position with a beverage container shown being held in phantom line presentation;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of an article holder that is mounted within the housing of the gaming machine, with the article holder shown in its home or retracted position; and

FIG. 14 is perspective view of the article holder of FIG. 13 in its operable position with a beverage container shown being held in phantom line presentation.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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 the specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
The invention will be first be described generally with reference to FIG. 1. In accordance with the invention, a gaming machine has at least one associated article holder. Preferably, the at least one article holder is connected to or otherwise supported by the gaming machine. The gaming machine may have a wide variety of configurations and be configured to present a wide variety of games.
FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a gaming machine 10 in perspective view. The gaming machine 10 comprises a housing 12 for enclosing/supporting various components of the machine. As illustrated, the gaming machine 10 includes a display screen 14 for presenting images or indicia to the player. The gaming machine 10 may also include speakers 16 for audio output to the player. As is known in the art, among the components enclosed within the housing 12 maybe electronic elements to facilitate the playing of the gaming machine 10. For example, a controller may be supported/enclosed within the housing 12.
The gaming machine 10 may include a single display or more than one display. As illustrated, the display screen 14 is a video display. The display or displays may be of other types, such as one or more mechanical reels. The particular type and number of displays may vary, such as depending upon the particular game or games which the gaming machine 10 is to present. For example, the gaming machine 10 may comprise the well-known slot machine or video poker machine, or other types of gaming devices such as video amusement machines.
The game controller may be configured to generate video and audio data for presentation by the display screen 14 and speakers 16 of the gaming machine 10. Furthermore, the controller may facilitate the operation of the gaming machine 10 within a network of related machines and may transmit and receive game information to and from remote locations.
In a preferred embodiment, the gaming machine is configured to present a “wagering” game. In such an embodiment, in order to accept a wager from a player wishing to initiate a game, the gaming machine 10 may include a bill validator/acceptor 18 for receiving paper currency. The gaming machine 10 may also incorporate a coin acceptor 20 for accepting coins. Other means of payment, such as credit cards and money vouchers may be utilized. An award of winnings may be paid to the player in various forms, such as a money voucher that may be printed by the gaming machine 10 and presented through voucher slot 22, or alternatively, in the form of coins dispensed via a coin tray 23. While the gaming machine is preferably configured to present wagering games, it is clearly within the scope of the invention for the controller to manage and control the game information and instructions, whether that information is in the form of a gambling game or an amusement game played on a machine in a video arcade.
Preferably, the gaming machine 10 includes interface elements for accepting player input. In one embodiment, the interface elements comprise one or more buttons 24. More particularly, the player may use the buttons 24 to provide various play instructions, such as, for instance, which among the various game offered he or she chooses to play. In addition, the buttons 24 may be provided for the player to select the amount to bet on a specific game. The display screen 14 might also be configured as a “touch screen” to accept user touch input. Other input devices such as joysticks or the like might be utilized.
In one arrangement, as illustrated, the housing 12 of the gaming machine 10 includes a front or front panel 26. In a preferred embodiment, the front of the gaming machine is at least partially defined by a movable door (providing access to an interior of the gaming machine 10). The gaming machine 10 also has two opposing sides or side panels 28 (one depicted in the perspective view of FIG. 1) and a back or back panel (not in view). As illustrated, the front panel or door 26 may support the interactive portions of a gaming machine 10, such as the buttons 24 and display screen 14. Of course, the actual configuration of the gaming machine 10 may vary. For example, the gaming machine 10 may be of the sit-down (or “bar-top”) type, slant-type or other upright variety. The side panels 28 and front panel or door 26, in addition to forming a part of the housing 12, provide locations for an advantageous aspect of the present invention as is more fully described below.
In accordance with the present invention, the gaming machine 10 includes at least one article holder 30. As indicated, the at least one article holder 30 is preferably supported by the gaming machine 10. In a preferred embodiment, the article holder 30 is mounted to or otherwise associated with the housing 12 of the gamine machine 10. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the article holder is mounted to a side panel 28 of the housing 12 of the gaming machine 10. While illustrated in this arrangement, it is, of course, contemplated that the article holder 30 may be mounted on any panel or portion of the gaming machine 10 that provides convenient access to the player. Accordingly, the article holder 30 may be mounted to and located at the front of the housing 12. In addition, it is within the scope of the invention to have multiple article holders 30 mounted to the gaming machine 10, with one or more article holders mounted on any one or more of the front panel 26 and/or side panels 28. It is within the scope of the present invention to have an article holder 30 mounted on back panel of the gaming machine 10 in certain arrangements.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment, the article holder 30 comprises a frame 32 that is coupled to the housing 12 of the gaming machine 10. The frame 32 may be coupled or connected to the gaming machine housing in various fashions, including with fasteners, adhesive or the like. FIG. 2 illustrates the frame 32 of this embodiment of the article holder 30 mounted to the housing 12 of the gaming machine 10 and in its home, retracted or stowed, position. As shown, the frame 32 is oriented vertically in its mounting configuration. Preferably, the frame 32 is compact and unobtrusive in its home position, having a thin profile and not protruding from the gaming machine 10.
In preparation for receiving an article in its functional capacity, the article holder 30 is movable to an open or extended position, as shown in FIG. 3, to accommodate the receipt and holding of an article. In one embodiment, the article holder 30 includes a support or base 34 and an engaging ring 36, both of which are supported by the frame 32. As can be appreciated from FIG. 3, the frame 32 of the article holder 30 is mounted in a vertical position on the side panel 28 of the gaming machine 10 and serves as a mounting element for the article holder 30. The base 34 rotates downwardly (note action arrow F in FIG. 2) and the ring 36 rotates upwardly from their respective vertical mounting positions in order for the article holder 30 to be in an operable position to receive an article. The article holder 30 is illustrated in FIG. 3 receiving and holding a beverage container C shown in phantom line presentation. When moved to its “use” position, in one embodiment, the article holder 30 defines a main support in the form of a generally horizontal or planar article supporting surface, and a secondary support in the form of the ring 36.
The article holder 30 may be configured to include only a main support or supporting surface (such as the base 34, and not the ring 36). For example, the article holder 30 might include only a base 34 when the article holder is primarily used to support an ashtray. The article holder 30 may be designed to receive a variety of conventional items of interest to a user of a gaming machine and thus may be made with pockets, clips, magnets, and other receiving/holding mechanisms. In such embodiments, the base or supporting surface may have other configurations, such as the form of a container (such as a base having a depression or recess) and/or may include one or more secondary securing elements (whether rings or other elements).
In the embodiment presented in FIG. 3, the base 34 forms a bottom support upon which an article, such as the beverage container C, may rest. The beverage container C is received through an opening 38 in the ring 36. Accordingly, when the beverage container C is in its seated position, the ring 36 surrounds the beverage container to provide a secure hold.
Advantageously in this embodiment, the base 34 is movably mounted to the frame 32 of the article holder 30, such as with a mounting or coupling element in the form of a base hinge 40 (shown in phantom line presentation in FIG. 3). The base hinge 40 defines an axis (in this embodiment, the axis lies in a horizontal plane) about which the base 34 rotates between its home or rest position and its operable position as presented in FIG. 3. The base hinge 40 may be spring-loaded to urge the downward movement of the base 34 to its horizontal position. A stop or detente (not shown) may be provided to prevent the base 34 from rotating beyond the horizontal position. A locking mechanism (not shown) may also be provided to secure the base 34 in its horizontal operable position. Alternatively, means may be provided for urging the base 34 to its vertical or closed position (where the weight of the container may maintain the base 34 in an open position).
The ring 36 is also preferably mounted to the frame 32 of the article holder 30 with a ring hinge 42. The ring 36 rotates about the ring hinge 42, which thus defines the rotation axis, to move between its home or rest position and its operable securing position. As with the base hinge 40, the ring hinge 42 may be spring-loaded to urge the upward rotation of the ring 36. Also similarly to the base 34 structure, a stop or detente and locking mechanism maybe provided to serve similar functions.
The article holder 30 may be made of any material capable of forming the structural configuration and the individual components. While it is contemplated that the article holder 30 is preferably formed of durable plastic, it is within the scope of the invention to have the article holder 30 made of metal or other castable or moldable material. To strengthen the frame 32 of the article holder 30, reinforcement strips 44, in either a horizontal orientation, a vertical orientation and a combination cross-strip arrangement, may be provided.
To summarize its operation, the article holder 30 is initially set in its folded, compact home position as shown in FIG. 2. When preparing to receive an article such as a beverage container C, the article holder base 34 is rotated downwardly on its base hinge 40 to set in a horizontal bottom position as shown in FIG. 3. The article holder ring 36 is rotated upwardly on its ring hinge 42 into a horizontal upper position (as also shown as FIG. 3). The beverage container C is then passed through the ring opening 38 in the ring 36 to rest on the base 34. The base 34 provides support for the beverage container C while the ring 36 securely surrounds the top portion of the container.
This particular embodiment article holder 30 has the advantage that it can be easily associated with an existing gaming machine without modifying the gaming machine housing.
Another embodiment of the present invention is presented in FIGS. 4 and 5. As stated above, the article holder may be mounted to or supported by various portions of the gaming machine. For illustration purposes only, this embodiment article holder 30 a is shown as being mounted on a side panel 28 of the gaming machine.
A portion of the side panel 28 showing the mounting arrangement of the embodiment of the article holder 30 a is shown in FIG. 4. In one aspect of this embodiment, an inset area 46 a is formed in or defined by the side panel 28. The inset area 46 a accommodates the article holder 30 a when it is in its home or rest position. It can be appreciated from the solid line presentation of the article holder 30 a in its home position that this mounting arrangement allows the article holder 30 a to be “flush-mount” with the housing 12 when the article holder 30 is in its retracted or stowed position.
The article holder 30 a of this embodiment is coupled to an inset hinge 48 a, shown in phantom line presentation in FIG. 5, to facilitate its rotation between its home or stowed position and its operable position (as illustrated by action arrow F). It is contemplated that the article holder 30 a of this embodiment comprise a supporting element which is movable relative to the housing of the gaming machine. In one embodiment, the supporting element comprises a base which defines an aperture 50 a through which a beverage container C may partially be passed. In this configuration, the base defines a ring or rim 54 a The base is thus configured to engage a container C in a press or slip-fit relationship. In one embodiment, the aperture 50 a may be of a constant diameter to accept a tapered beverage container. In another embodiment, the aperture 50 a may have a changing diameter (such as reducing from top to bottom) to accept beverage containers.
In a preferred embodiment, the inset area 46 a further comprises a recess indentation 52 a. The recess indentation 52 a is configured to allow a player to catch a portion of a rim 54 a of the article holder 30 a, such as with a finger, and move the article holder 30 a from its home position to its operable position by pulling in a downward motion to make the article holder 30 a rotate on inset hinge 48 a.
It will be appreciated that the article supporting portion of the article holder 30 a may have other configurations (such as a base with a depression or generally planar support). Further, the article hold 30 a may include other or secondary supports (such as the ring 36 of the article holder 30 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3).
A further embodiment of an article holder of the present invention is illustrated with companion FIGS. 6-8. In this embodiment, instead of the article holder rotating between a retracted or stowed position and an extended or “use” position, the article holder 30 b is configured to move linearly between those positions.
As with the embodiments described above, it is contemplated that the article holder 30 b may be mounted or associated with various of the portions of the gaming machine. For descriptive purposes, the article holder 30 b in this embodiment is described as being associated with the side panel 28.
As best shown in FIG. 6, the housing includes a recessed area for housing the article holder 30 b. In one embodiment, the article holder 30 b has a face plate 58 b that aligns with the surface of the side panel 28 of the gaming machine. Thus, it can be appreciated that when in its home or stowed position, the article holder 30 b of this embodiment is also configured to be substantially or fully housed within the housing of the gaming machine when not in use. In one embodiment, the face plate 58 b is a separate element from a base or other member of the article holder 30 b. In the embodiment illustrated, the face plate 58 b is simply an end surface or face of the article holder.
In this embodiment of the invention, the article holder 30 b may preferably be moved linearly out of the recessed area of the housing to an extended or “use” position. In one embodiment, the article holder 30 b is mounted to a slide or engages the housing in a tongue and groove or other “sliding” engagement to the housing.
In one embodiment, the article holder 30 b may be press-actuated to initiate that movement. Means for biasing or moving, such as one or more springs or an electric motor, may be utilized to facilitate the linear movement. The movement of the article holder 30 b is indicated by action arrow A in FIG. 7, with the holder seen in an intermediate position between its home position and its operable position. The operable position is illustrated in FIG. 8, with a beverage container C shown being held in the article holder 30 b.
Once again, the article holder 30 b preferably comprises or includes an article support. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the article holder 30 b comprises a generally planar plate or support which has an opening 60 b configured to receive a beverage container. It can be appreciated that the article holder 30 of this embodiment may have a plurality of openings 60 to receive multiple beverage containers or other articles.
The article holder 30 b may have other configurations. As detailed above, the support might comprise a generally planar base, especially for supporting other articles such as an ashtray. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a support 62 b is located in or below the opening 60 b, thus forming a support surface for a beverage container or other article. In one aspect of this embodiment, the article holder 30 further comprises a constraint plate 64 b that cooperates with the associated opening 60 b and ledge 62 b to engage an article to substantially eliminate shifting of an article is resting on the ledge 62 b. In one embodiment, the position of the plate 64 b and/or ledge 62 b may be changed. For example, the plate 64 b may slide in and out relative to the remainder of the article holder 30 b, thereby accommodating different sized beverage containers. The plate 64 b maybe biased towards an article engaging position, such as with a spring.
As illustrated, the constraint plate 64 b is formed with a curved surface or engaging face 66 b that generally conforms to the rounded exterior surface of most beverage containers C. Thus, when the constraint plate 64 b is in engagement with the beverage container C, the curved surface 66 b substantially prevents relative sliding between the constraint plate and the beverage container. This allows the beverage container C to remain stable while resting on the ledge 62 b in the article holder 30 b.
Another embodiment of an article holder of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 10-12. In this embodiment, the article holder 30 c, like the article holder 30 b just described, is mounted within the housing of the gaming machine in a compartment or recessed area 68.
Like the embodiment just described, the article holder 30 c of this embodiment comprises a face plate 70 c. The face plate 70 c is aligned with the surface of the side panel 28 (or other surface of the gaming machine).
In this embodiment, the article holder 30 c moves from its home or stowed position inside the housing to an operable position through an angular or rotating path as illustrated by action arrow B in FIG. 11. While the structural aspects of the article holder 30 are similar to the structural aspects of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, including the supporting element having a generally circular opening 72 c, it can be appreciated that the beverage container holding structure of the article holder have a variety of configurations.
In this configuration, the article holder 30 c may be mounted about a pin or similar element which permits its rotation relative to the housing of the gaming machine. In one embodiment, means for biasing may be provided, such as one or more springs, for biasing the article holder 30 c into a stowed or use position (as desired). It will also be appreciated that the article holder 30 c could include one or more secondary support elements, such as beverage container support rings. These secondary elements may move with the primary support or separately therefrom, preferably in a similar motion.
Another embodiment of an article holder of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14. Like the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, the article holder 30 d is mounted within the housing and moves along a substantially linear path between its retracted or stowed position and its extended or operable position.
In this embodiment, the article holder 30 d is mounted in a compartment or recessed area 74 d of the gaming machine housing. Preferably, the article holder 30 d includes a face plate 76 d or similar surface (such as a peripheral surface of the article support) which is flush with the surface of the side panel 28 or other gaming machine surface when the article holder 30 d is in its retracted position.
This design of the article holder 30 opens in clam-shell fashion as it moves to its operable position, as illustrated in FIG. 14. As illustrated, the article holder 30 includes a primary article support or bottom portion 78 d. This portion 78 d preferably comprises a crossbar 80 d extending between support arms 82 d. The crossbar 80 d presents a surface upon which a beverage container C or other article may rest. The article holder 30 also comprises a secondary support or top portion 84 d which includes an opening 86 d for receiving a beverage container C or other article. The top portion 84 b may also comprise a constraint plate 88 b to promote a secure hold for the beverage container C. This embodiment of the article holder 30 d presents another simple yet functional design that is advantageously mounted within the gaming machine when in a resting position.
In a preferred embodiment, when the article holder is configured to be mounted or housed within the gaming machine, the gaming machine housing preferably defines a closed and secure area for the article holder, which are is separate from the interior of the gaming machine. In this manner, a user of the gaming machine can not gain access to the interior of the gaming machine from the opening or recessed area which houses the article holder. For example, when the side of the gaming machine is defined by a generally flat metal panel, a slot may be cut in that panel. An enclosure maybe located at the interior of the panel about the slot, thereby defining an enclosed recessed area which separates that area from the interior of the housing.
It will be appreciated that various of the features of the particular embodiments of article holders may be interchanged. For example, the embodiment article holder 30 c illustrated in FIG. 12 might include a secondary support, such as a plate or member located under the plate 70 c, or a ring located above the plate 70 c, so as to provide secondary support/stabilization.
In summary, numerous advantages have been described which result from employing the concepts of the present invention. Preferably, the article holder of present invention is mounted to or is supported by a gaming machine in a manner that provides easy and efficient operation and further provides convenient access to a player while performing its function of securely holding an article, such as a beverage container or ashtray.
The foregoing description of several preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments disclosed herein were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as is suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. A gaming machine, comprising:

a housing;

a controller within said housing to facilitate a gaming operation; and

an article holder mounted to said housing, wherein said article holder is movable about an axis between a first position and a second position.

2. The gaming machine as in claim 1, further comprising a mounting element mounted to said housing, and said article holder is mounted to said mounting element.

3. The gaming machine as in claim 1, wherein said article holder is mounted to an exterior surface of said housing.

4. The gaming machine as in claim 1, wherein said housing comprises a front panel having interactive elements for engagement by a user and said article holder is mounted to said front panel.

5. The gaming machine as in claim 1, wherein said housing comprises a front panel having interactive elements for engagement by a user and a side panel adjacent said front panel and said article holder is mounted to said side panel.

6. The gaming machine as in claim 1, wherein said article holder comprises:

a frame for mounting to said housing; and

a base mounted to said frame for supporting an article.

7. The gaming machine as in claim 6, wherein said article holder further comprises a ring mounted to said frame for securing an article.

8. The gaming machine as in claim 6, said base is movable about a first axis between a first position and a second position.

9. The gaming machine as in claim 7, wherein said ring is movable about a second axis between a first position and a second position.

10. The gaming machine as in claim 6, wherein said base is mounted to a first mounting element on said frame.

11. The gaming machine as in claim 10, wherein said first mounting element comprises a first hinge defining said first axis.

12. The gaming machine as in claim 11, wherein said first hinge is spring-loaded.

13. The gaming machine as in claim 7, wherein said ring is mounted to a second mounting element on said frame.

14. The gaming machine as in claim 13, wherein said second mounting element comprises a second hinge defining said second axis.

15. The gaming machine as in claim 14, wherein said second hinge is spring-loaded.

16. The gaming machine as in claim 5, further comprising a plurality of article holders mounted to said housing, at least one of said plurality of article holders mounted to said front panel and at least one of said plurality of article holders mounted to said side panel.

17. The gaming machine as in claim 4, further comprising:

two side panels, a first of said two side panels adjacent a first end of said front panel and a second of said two side panels adjacent a second end of said front panel; and

a plurality of article holders mounted to said housing, at least one of said plurality of article holders mounted to said first of said side panels and at least one of said plurality of article holders mounted to said second of two side panels.

18. The gaming machine as in claim 2, wherein said mounting element comprises a hinge.

19. The gaming machine as in claim 3, wherein said exterior surface of said housing comprises an inset area wherein said article holder is mounted.

20. The gaming machine as claim in claim 4, wherein said front panel comprises an inset area wherein said article holder is mounted.

21. The gaming machine as in claim 5, wherein said side panel comprises an inset area wherein said article holder is mounted.

22. The gaming machine as in claim 16, wherein each of said front panel and said side panel comprises an inset area wherein said at least one of said plurality of article holders is mounted.

23. The gaming machine as claim in claim 17, wherein each of said side panels comprises an inset area wherein said at least one of said plurality of article holders is mounted.

24. A gaming machine, comprising:

a housing;

a controller within said housing to facilitate a gaming operation; and

an article holder mounted within said housing, wherein said article holder is movable between a first position and a second position.

25. The gaming machine as in claim 24, further comprising a mounting element mounted internally within said housing, said mounting element and said article holder forming an assembly configured to move said article holder between a first position within said housing and a second position external of said housing.

26. The gaming machine as in claim 25, wherein said assembly is configured to slide along a linear path to move said article holder between said first position and said second position.

27. The gaming machine as in claim 26, wherein said article holder comprises a ledge for supporting an article when said article holder is in said second position.

28. The gaming machine as in claim 27, wherein said article holder further comprises a constraint plate for securing said article when said article holder is in said second position.

29. The gaming machine as in claim 26, wherein said article holder opens in clam-shell fashion when moving between said first position and said second position.

30. The gaming machine as in claim 29, wherein said article holder comprises a bottom portion and a top portion when said article holder is in said second position.

31. The gaming machine as in claim 30, wherein said bottom portion comprises a crossbar for supporting an article when said article holder is in said second position.

32. The gaming machine as in claim 30, wherein said top portion comprises a constraint plate for securing said article when said article holder is in said second position.

33. The gaming machine as in claim 25, wherein said assembly is configured to slide along an angular path to move said article holder between said first position and said second position.