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  Custom configurable gaming machineRelated Patent Categories: Amusement Devices: Games, Including Means For Processing Electronic Data (e.g., Computer/video Game, Etc.), HousingThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060073900. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATION DATA [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/615,774 filed Oct. 4, 2004. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to gaming machines and, more particularly, to a gaming machine which supports multiple configurations. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Gaming machines, especially those which are utilized to present wagering type games, have a wide variety of configurations. Currently, such machines are custom configured depending on the particular game or games which the machine is intended to present. For example, the machine may be configured to present a video-type wagering game, such as video poker. In that case, the machine will include a video display. The machine maybe configured to present a game of slots and an associated bonus game. In that instance, the gaming machine may include a set of rotatable wheels along with a video display for displaying bonus game information. [0004] In order to accommodate the various differing components for presenting these different games, the gaming machines for presenting those games are custom configured for mounting and containing the components. [0005] In addition, it is generally desirable for gaming machines presenting different games to have different appearances. The difference in appearance is useful in aiding player in identifying particular machines. For example, by providing a gaming machine with a particular appearance, one company may distinguish their machines from another company's machines, enabling players to locate those machines. [0006] Unfortunately, there is substantial cost associated with the development of a gaming machine. Significant resources must be expended to engineer the specific gaming machine configuration. Further, custom tooling and parts may need to be created to manufacture the machine. These and other factors increase the cost of producing gaming machines. [0007] As one attempt to reduce the costs of manufacture and make gaming machines more versatile, the inventor herein invented a gaming machine which may be configured as either a reel-type gaming machine or a video-type gaming machine, as evidenced by U.S. Pat. No. 6,475,087. The present invention further addresses the above-stated problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] One aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine which is configured to support a plurality of different configurations. Other aspects of the invention are various features of gaming machines or accessories therefor. [0009] In one embodiment of the invention, a gaming machine includes a housing defining an interior area in which gaming machine components may be located, and a door connected to the housing and moveable between a first position and a second position, the door in the first position generally closing an open portion of a front of the housing and the door in the second position permitting access through the open front portion to the interior area of the housing. The door defines or comprises a component area which defines an opening and which is configured to accept one or more components of the gaming machine, a console area supporting one or more player input devices, and a lower panel area. [0010] In one embodiment, the gaming machine components which are located in the component area of the door are selected from a group including at least one display, a component panel, and a divider. One or more dividers may be used to separate, at least visually, individual components associated with the component area. Various components may be supported by the component panel, such as a media reader, keypad or the like. Preferably, the positions of the components within the component area, as well as their number, may be varied by the manner in which they are mounted to or associated with the door. The door preferably defines an opening at which the components are located, such as by having the display(s) mounted at the opening so as to be viewable by a player of the gaming machine. [0011] In one embodiment, the console area is located below the component area and extends outwardly of a remainder of the door. The console area preferably supports a plurality of input devices such as buttons. [0012] In a preferred embodiment, the lower panel area is defined by a lower panel mounted to the door, the lower panel movable between a closed position over an opening in the door and an open position. One aspect of the invention is a means for biasing the lower panel into its open and closed positions. In a preferred embodiment, this means comprises a piston configured to bias the lower panel towards its open position and at least one spring configured to bias the lower panel towards its closed position. [0013] In one embodiment, the gaming machine housing has a top and a bottom and an opening from the top to the bottom at a front thereof. The door extends from the top to the bottom of the machine for enclosing that opening. The lower panel provides independent access to the interior of the machine through the door. [0014] Another aspect of the invention is an internal component mounting configuration for a gaming machine. In one embodiment, one or more component mounting panels are located inside a housing of a gaming machine for supporting one or more components. Each mounting panel is preferably mounted to an interior of a rear or back portion of the housing, in a vertical orientation. A face of the mounting panel defines a plurality of apertures, permitting a variety of components to be mounted to the panel in various positions or locations. [0015] Another embodiment of the invention is a venting configuration for a gaming machine. A gaming machine includes a light stand which defines one or more vents. The light stand is preferably located at a top portion of the gaming machine and is in communication with an interior of the machine. Heated air from within the machine is permitted to flow upwardly to the light stand, where it exits the machine. In one embodiment, a fan may be used to drive or force air through the machine. One or more inlets may be provided in the gaming machine housing or an associated structure, such as a stand, though which cool air is drawn for replacing the heated air which is expelled. [0016] Another embodiment of the invention is a backlight enclosure for a gaming machine. The backlight enclosure is preferably configured to contain at least one light, such as a flourescent bulb, and be located behind a panel for illuminating the panel. The enclosure is mounted to a support structure in its location behind the panel which is to be illuminated. The enclosure preferably includes at least one access opening, permitting the bulb to be changed without having to disconnect the enclosure from the support structure. [0017] Another embodiment of the invention is a speaker mount for a gaming machine. In one embodiment, one or more speakers are configured for location in the coin tray of a gaming machine. Each speaker includes a housing containing a sound-generating device. The housing is configured to fit within the coin tray. In one embodiment, speakers are located at opposing ends of a coin tray of the gaming machine. [0018] Yet another embodiment of the invention is a gaming machine stand with integrated footrest. The stand preferably has an open front leading to a foot-rest area. The foot-rest area preferably has an upwardly sloping bottom surface. In one embodiment, a gaming machine is configured to rest upon a top surface of the stand over the foot-rest area.. Apertures may be provided in the top surface of the stand through which wires may extend from the gaming machine. The stand may define a generally enclosed storage area in which one or more components may be located. [0019] Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Continue reading... Full patent description for Custom configurable gaming machine Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Custom configurable gaming machine patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Custom configurable gaming machine or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Game machine, game control method, program, its distributing device, and information storage medium Next Patent Application: Universal joint with adhesive bearing cup retention and method Industry Class: Amusement devices: games ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Custom configurable gaming machine patent info. 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