Language selection

Search

Patent 2577642 Summary

Third-party information liability

Some of the information on this Web page has been provided by external sources. The Government of Canada is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability or currency of the information supplied by external sources. Users wishing to rely upon this information should consult directly with the source of the information. Content provided by external sources is not subject to official languages, privacy and accessibility requirements.

Claims and Abstract availability

Any discrepancies in the text and image of the Claims and Abstract are due to differing posting times. Text of the Claims and Abstract are posted:

  • At the time the application is open to public inspection;
  • At the time of issue of the patent (grant).
(12) Patent: (11) CA 2577642
(54) English Title: CABINET WITH MOVABLE VIDEO SCREEN
(54) French Title: ARMOIRE AVEC ECRAN VIDEO MOBILE
Status: Granted
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • G07F 17/32 (2006.01)
  • A63F 13/25 (2014.01)
  • A63F 13/98 (2014.01)
  • H04N 5/64 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • GORDON, TIMOTHY (Canada)
  • SMITH, TODD (Canada)
  • MCKEOWN, STEVEN (Canada)
  • ROY, JEAN-FREDERIC (Canada)
  • GRELL, JULIEN (Canada)
(73) Owners :
  • IGT CANADA SOLUTIONS ULC (Canada)
(71) Applicants :
  • SPIELO MANUFACTURING INCORPORATED (Canada)
(74) Agent: SMART & BIGGAR LP
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued: 2014-08-26
(22) Filed Date: 2007-02-06
(41) Open to Public Inspection: 2007-08-06
Examination requested: 2011-12-20
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): No

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
60/771,132 United States of America 2006-02-06

Abstracts

English Abstract

A video terminal may be provided. The video terminal may include internal hardware. The video terminal may include a cabinet, the cabinet enclosing the internal hardware. The video terminal may include a door movably attached to the cabinet, the door having a door opened and a door closed position. The video terminal may include a display screen moveably attached to the cabinet separately from the door and having a screen opened and a screen closed position.


French Abstract

Un terminal vidéo peut être fourni. Le terminal vidéo peut comprendre le matériel interne. Le terminal vidéo peut comprendre une armoire, l'armoire contenant le matériel interne, le terminal vidéo peut comprendre une porte fixée de manière amovible à l'armoire, la porte ayant une position de porte ouverte et une position de porte fermée. Le terminal vidéo peut comprendre un écran fixé de manière amovible à l'armoire séparément de la porte et avoir une position d'écran ouvert et une position d'écran fermé.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


CLAIMS
1. A video terminal, comprising:
internal hardware;
a cabinet, the cabinet enclosing the internal hardware;
a door movably attached to the cabinet, the door having a door opened and a
door
closed position; and
a display screen moveably attached to the cabinet and having a screen opened
and a
screen closed position,
wherein the display screen is operably connected to the door so that rotating
the door
about a first axis, from the door closed position to the door opened position,
actuates a
movement of the display screen relative to the door from the screen closed
position to the
screen opened position, wherein the display screen is visibly positioned for a
technician and
the internal hardware is easily accessible when the display screen is in the
screen opened
position and the door is in the door opened position.
2. A terminal of claim 1, wherein the door is attached to the cabinet by a
hinge.
3. A terminal of claim 1, further comprising:
a guide fixedly attached to the cabinet; and
a roller movably attached to the guide, wherein the display screen is fixedly
attached
to the roller said roller and guide being configured so that moving the door
from the door
closed position to the door opened position pulls the display screen from a
screen closed
position to the screen opened position.
4. A terminal of claim 1, further comprising:
a movement restriction arrangement attached to the cabinet and the door,
wherein the
movement restriction arrangement is configured to allow the door to move from
the door
opened to the door closed position at a controlled speed.
18




5. A terminal of claim 1, wherein the internal hardware and the display
screen are
substantially enclosed by the cabinet and the door when the door is in the
door closed
position.
6. A terminal of claim 5, wherein the internal hardware is operably
connected to the
display screen.
7. A terminal of claim 1, wherein the display screen is mechanically
coupled to the
door.
8. A terminal of claim 1, wherein the display screen moves concurrently
with
the door.
9. A terminal of claim 1, wherein the terminal is a video lottery terminal
configured to dispense a lottery game ticket.
10. A terminal of claim 1, wherein the terminal is a virtual slot game
terminal
configured to provide a virtual slot game on the display screen.
11. A video wagering machine, comprising:
a cabinet;
a payment acceptor, the payment acceptor configured to accept a payment;
a dispenser, the dispenser configured to dispense a prize;
a prize structure, the prize structure including a prize structure entry
associated
with a prize;
internal hardware, the internal hardware substantially enclosed by the
cabinet;
a door hingedly attached to the cabinet, the door having a door opened and a
door
closed position;
19




a set of guides fixedly attached to the cabinet;
a set of rollers movably attached to the set of guides; and
a display screen fixedly attached to the set of rollers and having a screen
opened
and a screen closed position, wherein the display screen is mechanically
coupled to the
door so that moving the door from the door closed position to the door opened
position
actuates a separate movement of the display screen relative to the door from
the screen
closed to the screen opened position, wherein the display screen is visibly
positioned for
a technician and the internal hardware is easily accessible when the display
screen is in
the screen opened position and the door is in the door opened position.
12. The video wagering machine of claim 11, further comprising: a link
which is
attached to both the door and the display screen, said link being configured
to move the
display screen.
13. The video wagering machine of claim 12, wherein the link is attached to
the
display screen through a mounting bracket.
14. The video wagering machine of claim 13, wherein said link includes a
slot and said
link and slot are configured to move the mounting bracket when the door is
opened and allow
the mounting bracket to be moved by gravity when the door is closed.
15. The video terminal of claim 1, further comprising: a link which is
attached
to both the door and the display screen, said link being configured to move
the
display screen.
16. The video terminal of claim 15, wherein the link is attached to the
display screen
through a mounting bracket.
17. The video terminal of claim 16, wherein said link includes a slot and
said link and
slot are configured to move the mounting bracket when the door is opened and
to allow the
mounting bracket to be moved by gravity when the door is closed.




18. The video terminal of claim 1, wherein the display screen is connected
to the door so
that rotating the door about the first axis from the door closed position to
the door opened
position actuates a rotational movement of the display screen about a second
axis.
19. The video terminal of claim 1, wherein the translational movement of
the display
screen moves the display screen up relative to the video terminal.
20. The video terminal of claim 1, wherein the display screen is connected
to the door so
that movement of the door actuates a linear movement of the display screen.
21. The video terminal of claim 20, wherein the display screen is connected
to the door
so that rotating the door about the first axis from the door closed position
to the door
opened position actuates a rotational movement of the display screen about a
second axis.
21

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


CA 02577642 2007-02-06
CABINET WITH MOVABLE VIDEO SCREEN
BACKGROUND
[1) Lottery games may be provided at a video terminal where players can buy
tickets,
view a list of available prizes, and handle basic customer service
transactions. Other lottery
games may be played directly on a display screen of a video terminal. One type
of video
terminal used in wagering games is a video lottery machine. Video lottery
machines may
include a cabinet enclosing internal hardware and a display screen visible to
a user. Internal
hardware may include hardware and software controls for playing a wagering
game, such as a
lottery game. Information may be displayed on the display screen. For example,
the
provided controls can cause a display of the lottery tickets available,
attractive animation
sequences to promote sales, and accept a selection of lottery tickets to
purchase.
[2] Many other wagering games may also use a video terminal. For example, a
video
terminal may be configured to provide a game of video poker. The provided
controls may
cause cards to be displayed on the screen, along with other game play
information such as bet
information and a prize structure for particular poker hands. Other wagering
games that may
use a terminal including video slot machines and video blackjack machines.
[3] Cabinets enclosing a display screen and internal hardware are typically
large in order
to allow access to the internal hardware for maintenance and upgrades. Some
types of repairs
may require removal of the display screen in order to gain access to internal
hardware located
behind the display screen. Alternatively, cabinets may mount the display
screen on a hinged
door. The door may open outwards, allowing access to the internal hardware.
Opening the
door swings it outwards and moves the display screen out of easy access by a
technician.
Reducing service time and simplifying service access is important,
particularly given the
large number of video terminals that may be installed by a gaming provider.

CA 02577642 2007-02-06
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
= [4] Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of an example video game
terminal in a closed
position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[5] Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of an example video game terminal
in an opened
position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[6] Figure 3 depicts a side view of an example video game terminal in a
half-opened
positio.n, in accordance with a first example embodiment of the present
invention.
[7] Figure 4 depicts a side view of an example video game terminal in an
opened
position, in accordance with a first example embodiment of the present
invention.
[8] Figure 5 depicts a side view of an example display screen assembly, in
accordance
with an example embodiment of the present invention.
[9] Figure 6 depicts a front view of an example display screen assembly, in
accordance
with an example embodiment of the present invention.
[10] Figure 7 depicts a perspective view of an example display screen in a
closed position
within an example video game terminal without a door, in accordance with an
embodiment of
the present invention.
[11] Figure 8 depicts an exploded perspective view of an example display
screen
assembly, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.
[12] Figure 9 depicts a side view of a second example video terminal in a half-
opened
position, in accordance with a second example embodiment of the present
invention.
[13] Figure 10 depicts a side view of a second example video game terminal in
an opened
position, in accordance with a second example embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[14] Example embodiments described here are generally intended for use in
video gaming
terminals, video lottery terminals, video slot machines and similar
applications, although it
2

CA 02577642 2007-02-06
= will be appreciated that they may find application in other terminal or
kiosk applications.
These example terminals include a cabinet with a locking door, internal
electronic hardware
and a display screen. When the door is opened, the display screen moves out of
the way to
allow access to the internal electronic hardware. This may be accomplished by
mounting the
screen on a set of rollers, the set of rollers configured to run within a set
of guides. The
display screen may be operably attached to the door so that when the door is
opened, it pulls
the screen along the roller and guide assembly to an opened position. The
example
embodiments allow both access to the internal peripherals and the display
screen at the same
time.
[15] An example embodiment of the present invention may be a video terminal
that is
physically small with a large display screen. The terminal may include a
cabinet secure
against unauthorized access that substantially encloses a video lottery
terminal and the
display screen. The cabinet may include a display screen operably connect to
the video
lottery terminal, the display screen used to display output information. The
cabinet may
include a door that opens outwards. When the door is opened, the display
screen may be
moved to provide access to internal peripherals of the video lottery terminal
for upgrade and
maintenance. The cabinet may be configured to keep the display screen
accessible to a user
when the door is opened.
[16] Another example embodiment of the present invention may be a video
terminal,
including internal hardware, a cabinet, a door movably attached to the
cabinet, and a display
screen moveably attached to the cabinet separately from the door and having a
screen opened
and a screen closed position. The cabinet may enclose the internal hardware.
The door may
have a door opened and a door closed position. The door may be attached to the
cabinet by a
hinge. The video terminal may also include a guide fixedly attached to the
cabinet, and a
roller movably attached to the guide, wherein the display screen is fixedly
attached to the
3

CA 02577642 2007-02-06
roller. The video terminal may also include a movement restriction arrangement
attached to
the cabinet and the door, wherein the movement restriction arrangement is
configured to
allow the door to move from the door opened to the door closed position at a
controlled
speed. The display screen may be accessibly positioned to a technician and the
internal
hardware is easily accessible when the display screen is in the screen opened
position and the
door is in the door opened position. The internal hardware and the display
screen may be
substantially enclosed by the cabinet and the door when the door is in the
door closed
position. The internal hardware may be operably connected to the display
screen. The
display screen may be operably connected to the door so that moving the door
from the door
closed position to the door opened position actuates a movement of the display
screen from
the screen closed to the screen opened position. The display screen may be
mechanically
coupled to the door and move concurrently with the door. The video terminal
may be a video
lottery terminal configured to dispense a lottery game ticket or a virtual
slot game terminal
configured to provide a virtual slot game on the display screen.
[17] Another example embodiment of the present invention may be a video
wagering
machine, including a cabinet, a payment acceptor, a dispenser, a prize
structure, internal
hardware, a door hingedly attached to the cabinet, a set of guides fixedly
attached to the
cabinet, a set of rollers movably attached to the set of guides, and a display
screen fixedly
attached to the set of rollers and having a screen opened and a screen closed
position, wherein
the display screen is mechanically coupled to the door so that moving the door
from the door
closed position to the door opened position actuates a movement of the display
screen from
the screen closed to the screen opened position. The payment acceptor may be
configured to
accept a payment. The dispenser may be configured to dispense a prize. The
prize structure
may include a prize structure entry associated with a prize. The internal
hardware may be
4

CA 02577642 2007-02-06
substantially enclosed by the cabinet. The door may have a door opened and a
door closed
position.
[18] Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of an example video game terminal in
a closed
position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A video
game terminal
500 may be configured to provide a wagering game to a player. Alternatively,
the video
game terminal 500 may be configured to provide a game of chance, a lottery
game, or another
game to the player. For example, the game provided may be played on a display
screen. The
video game terminal 500 may include an upper screen 102 and a display screen
100. The
upper screen 102 and display screen 100 may be configured to display
information to the
player. For example, the upper screen 102 and the display screen 100 may be
liquid crystal
display (LCD) screens. The upper screen 102 and the display screen 100 may
also be a
touch-sensitive screens, allowing a player to input choices by touching areas
on the screens.
Alternatively, the upper screen 102 and the display screen 100 may be a
cathode ray tube
(CRT) screen or any other type of display screen.
[19] The video game terminal 500 may include a ticket dispenser 302. The
ticket
dispenser 302 may be configured dispense a ticket. For example, the ticket may
be a lottery
game ticket. Alternatively, the ticket may be a prize ticket redeemable for a
prize or any
other type of ticket. For example, the ticket may be printed on heavyweight
paper.
[20] The video game terminal 500 may include play buttons 306. The play
buttons 306
may be configured to accept player input. For example, the play buttons 306
may be used by
the player to interact with the wagering game by receiving selections from the
player and
providing the selections to the wagering game. For example, the player may
select a game to
be played, a wager amount to be made, and responses to choices provided by the
wagering
game.

CA 02577642 2007-02-06
[21] The video game terminal 500 may include a button fingerboard 220. The
button
fingerboard 220 may serve as a hand rest for the player while playing the
wagering game.
The video game terminal 500 may include a bottom graphics area 304. The button

fingerboard 220 and the bottom graphics area 304 may include printed graphics
that attract
player attention to the game or other visual designs. The button fingerboard
220 and the
bottom graphics area 304 may also include printed information, such as game
information or
prize information.
[22] The video game terminal 500 may include a foot rest 308. The foot rest
308 may be
configured to accept the player's feet in a resting position while playing at
the video game
terminal.
[23] The video game terminal 500 may include a coin dispenser 310. The coin
dispenser
310 may be configured to dispense coins. For example, the coin dispenser 310
may dispense
coins as change for a player's wager or a player's winnings. Alternatively,
the coin dispenser
310 may be replaced with a ticket dispenser. A player's winnings may be
dispensed as a
ticket which may later be redeemed at a cashier.
[24] The video game terminal 500 may include a side handle 312. The side
handle 312
may be configured to allow a technician move the video game terminal 500
during
installation and removal.
[25] The video game terminal 500 may include a coin acceptor 314. The coin
acceptor
314 may be configured to accept a coin. For example, the coin may be legal
tender in the
form of a coin or legal tender equivalents, such as tokens provided by a
gaming
establishment.
[26] The video game terminal 500 may include a bill acceptor 316. The bill
acceptor 316
may be configured to accept a legal tender in the form of a bill.
Alternatively, the bill
acceptor 316 may be configured to accept legal tender equivalents, such as
bills provided by a
6

CA 02577642 2007-02-06
gaming establishment. Alternatively, the bill acceptor 316 may be configured
to accept a
magnetic card. For example, the magnetic card may include a currency-
equivalent balance.
Alternatively, the bill acceptor may be configured to accept other currency-
equivalents.
[27] Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of an example video game terminal in
an opened
position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A video
game terminal
500 as depicted in Figure 1 may be in an opened position. The display screen
100 may be
exposed and in a screen open position. The screen open position may provide
access to
internal peripheral such as the bill acceptor 316 and the ticket dispenser
302, as described in
Figure 1.
[28] The bottom graphics area 304, the foot rest 308, the coin dispenser 310
and the side
handle 312 may be as described in Figure 1. The video game terminal 500 may
include a
button fingerboard 220 as described in Figure 1.
[29] Figure 3 depicts a side view of an example video game terminal in a half-
opened
position, in accordance with a first example embodiment of the present
invention. The
display screen 100 is substantially enclosed by a video game terminal 500 and
a door 210
when the door 210 is closed. The side of the video game terminal 500 has been
cut away to
= show the display screen 100. The display screen 100 can move up and down
relative to the
video game terminal 500 between a screen opened position and a screen closed
position.
[30] The video game terminal 500 may be large enough to enclose the display
screen 100
and peripherals within an internal space 224. The video game terminal 500 may
be
physically resistant to unauthorized access. For example, the video game
terminal 500 may
be constructed of a strong material, such as a high density plastic or a metal
alloy. The video
game terminal 500 may also be configured to detect unauthorized access. For
example, the
video game terminal 500 may include sensors to detect an access, a controller
to determine
whether the access is authorized and a memory to log accesses. The controller
may be
7

CA 02577642 2007-02-06
connected to an input device a user may use to input a password or accept a
key for
authorized access. The key may be mechanical or electronic.
[31] The door 210 may include a latch 212 at one end. The latch 212 may secure
the door
210 closed when the door 210 is in a door closed position. The latch 212 may
be controlled
with a lock. For example, the lock may be mechanical or electronic.
[32] The door 210 may include a gas strut pivot pin 214. The door 210 may
include two
gas strut pivot pins 214 located on a right and left side of the door 210. The
gas strut pivot
pin 214 may anchor a top end of a gas strut. The gas strut may rotate over the
pin as the door
210 opens and closes. The gas strut may be retained onto the gas strut pivot
pin 214 by a
fastener/washer arrangement. Alternatively, a pivot-ball arrangement such as
the gas strut
lower mounting bracket 154 may be used. However, the gas strut pivot pin 214
arrangement
with a fastener/washer requires less space.
[33] The door 210 may also include a gas strut upper mounting bracket 216. The
upper
mounting bracket 216 may attach to the gas strut pivot pin 214. It may also be
part of the
door 210 and provide rigidity to the door 210. The gas strut upper mounting
bracket 216 may
be configured to position the gas strut to hold the door 210 in place when
fully opened. The
gas strut upper mounting bracket 216 may also be configured to position the
gas strut so that
it.automatically pulls the door 210 closed when the door 210 has been moved to
a
substantially closed position. For example, a substantially closed position
may be when the
door 210 is within two inches of the door closed position.
[34] The door 210 may also include a monitor bezel 218. The monitor bezel 218
may be a
plastic filler part attached to the door 210 and may fill a space between the
display screen 100
and the door 210. The monitor bezel 218 may border the display screen 100 when
the door
210 is closed. If the display screen 100 is ever replaced with a new display
screen of
8

CA 02577642 2007-02-06
= different dimensions, the monitor bezel 218 may be replaced with one that
accommodates the
new display screen.
[35] A link 116a is rotatably attached to the door 210 at one end and movably
attached to
the display screen 100 at the other. The link 116a may attach to the display
screen 100
through a mounting bracket 114a, as depicted in figure 5.
[36] The video game terminal 500 may include a button fingerboard 220, as
described in
figure 1. The video game terminal 500 may include guides 112c and 112d, as
described in
figure 7.
[37] Figure 4 depicts a side view of an example video game terminal in an
opened
position, in accordance with a first example embodiment of the present
invention. A display
screen 100 may remain accessible to a user, such as a technician, when it is
in a screen
opened position. When the display screen 100 is in the screen opened position,
the user may =
be able to easily access internal peripherals located in the video game
terminal 500.
[38] The side of the video game terminal 500 has been cut away to show the
display screen
100. The display screen 100 is in the screen opened position. Guides 112c and
112d may
accept a roller as described in figure 7, allowing the display screen 100 to
move between the
screen opened position and the screen closed position.
[39] The door 210 may include a latch 212 at one end. The latch 212 may secure
the door
210 closed when the door 210 is in a door closed position. The latch 212 may
be controlled
with a lock. For example, the lock may be mechanical or electronic. The door
210 may also
include a button fingerboard 220, as described in figure 1.
[40] The door 210 may include a gas strut pivot pin 214. The door 210 may
include two
gas strut pivot pins 214 located on a right and left side of the door 210. The
gas strut pivot
pin 214 may anchor a top end of a gas strut. The gas strut may rotate over the
pin as the door
210 opens and closes. The gas strut may be retained onto the gas strut pivot
pin 214 by a
9

CA 02577642 2007-02-06
fastener/washer arrangement. Alternatively, a pivot-ball arrangement such as
the gas strut
lower mounting bracket 154 may be used. However, the gas strut pivot pin 214
arrangement
with a fastener/washer requires less space.
[41] The door 210 may also include a gas strut upper mounting bracket 216. The
upper
mounting bracket 216 may attach to the gas strut pivot pin 214. It may also be
part of the
door 210 and provide rigidity to the door 210. The gas strut upper mounting
bracket 216 may
be configured to position the gas strut to hold the door 210 in place when
fully opened. The
gas strut upper mounting bracket 216 may also be configured to position the
gas strut so that
it automatically pulls the door 210 closed when the door 210 has been moved to
a
substantially closed position. For example, a substantially closed position
may be when the
door 210 is within two inches of the door closed position.
[42] The door 210 may also include, a monitor bezel 218. The monitor bezel 218
may be a
plastic filler part attached to the door 210 and may fill a space between the
display screen 100
and the door 210. The monitor bezel 218 may border the display screen 100 when
the door
210 is closed. If the display screen 100 is ever replaced with a new display
screen of
different dimensions, the monitor bezel 218 may be replaced with one that
accommodates the
new display screen.
[43] The link 116a may be rotatably attached to the door 210 at one end and
movably
attached to the display screen 100 at the other. The link 116a may attach to
the display
screen 100 through a mounting bracket, as depicted in figure 5. In figure 4,
the link 116a has
been pulled up by opening door 210. In turn, the link 116a has pulled up the
display screen
100 in to the screen opened position.
[44] Figure 5 depicts a side view of an example display screen assembly, in
accordance
with an example embodiment of the present invention. The display screen
assembly may
include the display screen 100. The display screen assembly may also include
rollers 110a

CA 02577642 2007-02-06
and 110b. The rollers 110a and 110b may be constructed from plastic, ceramic
or metal and
configured to rotate freely relative to the display screen 100.
[45] The display screen assembly may also include the mounting bracket 114a.
The
display screen 100, the rollers 110a and 110b and link 116a may be movably
attached to the
mounting bracket 114a.
[46] The link 116a may be movably attached to the mounting bracket 114a. The
link 116a
my be configured to actuate the mounting bracket 114a by pulling up on it when
a door 210
is opened. The mounting bracket 114a may be pulled down by gravity when the
door 210 is
closed. The link 116a may be configured to hold the mounting bracket 114a in
an open
position. For example, the link 116a may include a notch that catches the
mounting bracket
114a in the open position.
[47] The link 116a may include a connector 118a. The connector 118a may be a
hole
drilled in the link 116a. The connector 118a may be configured to rotatably
attach to a door.
[48] The link 116a may include a mounting slot 122a. The mounting slot 122a
may be a
lateral slot in the link 116a as depicted in figure 5. The mounting slot 112a
may be
configured to movably attach to the bracket assembly 114a.
[49] The display screen 100 may be operably connected to a control box 126.
For
example, the control box 126 may be configured to provide controls for the
display screen
100. The control box 126 may include a plurality of connectors 128. The
connectors 128
may be configured to interface to other components in the video game terminal.
For
example, the connectors 128 may receive plugs attached to wires or cables such
as power
cables or data cables.
[50] The display screen 100 may be retained in a display screen housing 134.
The display
screen housing 134 may include plungers 124 (only one is depicted). The
plungers 124 may
be configured to retain the display screen 100 in the display screen housing
134.
11

CA 02577642 2007-02-06
[51]. Figure 6 depicts a front view of an example display screen assembly, in
accordance
with an example embodiment of the present invention. The display screen
assembly may be
as depicted in figure 5 and include the display screen 100. The display screen
assembly may
also include rollers 110a, 110b, 110c and 110d. The rollers 110a, 110b, 110c
and 110d may
be constructed .from plastic, ceramic or metal and configured to rotate freely
relative to the
display screen 100.
[52] The display screen 100 may be retained in a display screen housing 134.
The display
screen housing 134 may include plungers 124. The plungers 124 may be
configured to retain
the display screen 100 in the display screen housing 134.
[53] The display screen assembly may also include mounting brackets 114a and
114b. The
display screen 100, the rollers 110a, 110b, 110c and 110d and links 116a and
116b may all be
movably attached to the mounting brackets 114a and 114b.
[54] The links 116a and 116b may be movably attached to the mounting brackets
114a and
114b. The links 116a and 116b may be configured to actuate the mounting
brackets 114a and
114b by pulling up on it when a door 210 is opened. The mounting bracket 114a
may be
pulled down by gravity when the door 210 is closed. The link 116a may be
configured to
hold the mounting bracket 114a in an open position. For example, the links
116a and 116b
may each include a notch that catches the mounting bracket 114a in the open
position.
[55] The mounting brackets may include stamping cut outs 130a and 130b. The
stamping
cut outs 130a and 130b may be openings that allow components of the display
screen 100
(such as cables and control boards to protrude. This prevents interferences
when the display
screen 100 is placed in the mounting brackets 114a'and 114b. The stamping cut
outs 130a
and 130b may be a hole or a cut-out.
[56] Figure 7 depicts a perspective view of an example display screen in a
closed position
within an example video game terminal without a door, in accordance with an
embodiment of
12

CA 02577642 2007-02-06
the present invention. A video game terminal 500 may enclose a display screen
100. The
display screen 100 may be configured to display graphics and text. For
example, the display
screen 100 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen or a plasma screen.
Alternatively,
the display 100 may be a touch-sensitive screen accepting inputs from a user
through
touching the screen. The display screen 100 may be enclosed by a display
screen housing
134. Speaker holes 136 may be placed above the display screen 100 to allow
sounds to
emanate from speakers located behind the speaker holes 136.
[57] The display screen 100 may be mechanically coupled to the video game
terminal 500.
The display screen 100 may be fixedly mounted on a mounting bracket 114b. The
mounting
bracket 114b may include rollers 110c and 110d configured to rotate relative
to the mounting
bracket 114b and the display screen 100. The rollers 110c and 110d may be
constructed from
plastic, ceramic or metal. The rollers 110c and 110d may fit within guides
112c and 112d.
This allows the display screen 100 to move along the guides 112c and 112d with
minimum
friction. The guides 112c and 112d may be mounted to the video game terminal
500 by
mounting stud 150. The rollers 110c and 110d may be attached to the mounting
bracket 114b
by roller mounting fasteners 146c and 146d.
[58] The display screen 100 may be configured for two positions, a screen
closed position,
as depicted in figure 1 or a screen opened position, as depicted in figure 2.
In the screen
closed position, the display screen 100 is in its normal operating position.
In the screen
opened position, the display 100 is up and allows access to a space for
internal hardware 140.
The space for internal hardware 140 may contain internal hardware operably
connected to the
display screen 100. For example, a technician may access the space for
internal hardware to
maintain or upgrade the video terminal.
13

CA 02577642 2007-02-06
[59] Alternatively, any mechanical coupling that allows the display screen 100
to move up
and down relative to the body 500 from the screen closed position to the
screen opened
position may be used.
[60] The display screen 100 may be moved from the closed position to the
opened position
by the technician accessing the terminal. The technician may push the display
screen 100
into the screen opened position to access the space for internal hardware 140
and push the
display screen 100 into the screen closed position when he is finished.
[61] The video game terminal 500 may include a harness retention lance 142.
The harness
retention lance 142 may be one of many throughout the terminal. The harness
retention lance
142 may be configured to provide structural support for the video game
terminal 500 and to
.attach various components to the video game terminal 500.
[62] The video game terminal 500 may include mounting stud 144. The mounting
stud
144 may be one of many throughout the terminal. The mounting stud 144may be
configured
to provide structural support for the video game terminal 500 and to attach
various
components to the video game terminal 500.
[63] The video game terminal 500 may include a gas strut lower mounting
bracket 154.
The gas strut lower mounting bracket 154 may be a triangular shaped plate with
an attached
pivot-ball. The gas strut lower mounting bracket 154 may attach to the side of
the cabinet
500 and serve as an anchor point for the gas strut upper mounting bracket 216.
Gas struts
may be retained by snapping a bottom end of the struts over the ball of the
gas strut lower
mounting bracket 154. The gas strut lower mounting bracket 154 may function
like a
coupling; it allows the strut to rotate over the ball as the door opens and
closes.
[64] The video game terminal 500 may include a movement restriction
arrangement
attached to the cabinet and the door. The movement restriction arrangement may
be
configured to allow the door to move from the door opened to the door closed
position at a
14

CA 02577642 2007-02-06
controlled speed. For example, the movement restriction arrangement may be a
hydraulic
system.
[65] Figure 8 depicts an exploded perspective view of an example display
screen
assembly, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.
The display
screen assembly may include the display screen 100. The display screen
assembly may also
include rollers 110a, 110b, 110c and 110d. The rollers 110a, 110b, 110c and
110d may be
constructed from plastic, ceramic or metal and configured to rotate freely
relative to the
display screen 100.
[66] The display screen assembly may also include mounting brackets 114a and
114b. The
display screen 100, the rollers 110a, 110b, 110c and 110d and links 116a and
116b may all be
attached to the mounting brackets 114a and 114b.
[67] The links 116a and 116b may be movably attached to the mounting brackets
114a and
114b. The links 116a and 116b may be configured to actuate the mounting
brackets 114a and
114b by pulling up and pushing down on it. This action may move the display
screen 100 up
into a screen opened position or down into a screen closed position.
[68] The link 116a may include a door mounting hole 118a. The door mounting
hole 118a
may be configured to movably attach to a door. The link 116a may include a
screen
mounting slot 122a. The screen mounting slot 122a may be configured to movably
attach to
the mounting bracket 114a. Similarly, the link 116b may include a door
mounting hole 118b
and a screen mounting slot 122b.
[69] The roller 110a may be attached to a spacer collar 158a, which is in turn
attached to a
roller mounting shaft 176a. The roller 110a may be configured to rotate
relative to the
mounting bracket 114a.
[70] Likewise, the roller 110b may be similarly attached to the mounting
bracket 114a by a
spacer collar 158b and a roller mounting shaft 1766. The 110c may be similarly
attached to

CA 02577642 2013-08-01
the mounting bracket 114b by a spacer collar 158c and a roller mounting shaft
176c. The
110d may be similarly attached to the mounting bracket 114b by a spacer collar
158d and a
roller mounting shaft 176d.
[0071] The display screen 100 may be enclosed in a screen housing 134. If the
display
screen 100 is a touch-sensitive screen, the display screen 100 may include a
touch screen
tape 168. A touch-sensitive screen may include a touch screen tape 168 and a
LCD screen.
The touch screen tape 168 may fasten the touch-sensitive screen to a LCD
screen.
[0072] Figure 9 depicts a side view of a second example video terminal in a
half-opened
position, in accordance with a second example embodiment of the present
invention. The
second example embodiment depicted in figure 9 may be similar to the first
example
embodiment depicted in figure 3, except the second example embodiment omits
the link
116a. In the second example embodiment, a movement of the display screen 100
may not
be coupled to a movement of the door 210. A user, such as a technician, may
first open the
door 210 into an opened position, then push the display screen 100 up into an
opened
position.
[0073] Figure 10 depicts a side view of a second example video game terminal
in an
opened position, in accordance with a second example embodiment of the present

invention. The second example embodiment depicted in figure 10 may be similar
to the
first example embodiment depicted in figure 4, except the second example
embodiment
omits the link 116a. In the second example embodiment, a movement of the
display screen
100 may not be coupled to a movement of the door 210. A user, such as a
technician, may
first open the door 210 into an opened position, then push the display screen
100 up into an
opened position.
16

CA 02577642 2013-08-01
MODIFICATIONS
[0074] In the preceding specification, the present invention has been
described with
reference to specific example embodiments thereof. The specification and
drawings are
accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.
=
17

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date 2014-08-26
(22) Filed 2007-02-06
(41) Open to Public Inspection 2007-08-06
Examination Requested 2011-12-20
(45) Issued 2014-08-26

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

Maintenance Fee

Last Payment of $624.00 was received on 2024-01-23


 Upcoming maintenance fee amounts

Description Date Amount
Next Payment if standard fee 2025-02-06 $624.00
Next Payment if small entity fee 2025-02-06 $253.00

Note : If the full payment has not been received on or before the date indicated, a further fee may be required which may be one of the following

  • the reinstatement fee;
  • the late payment fee; or
  • additional fee to reverse deemed expiry.

Patent fees are adjusted on the 1st of January every year. The amounts above are the current amounts if received by December 31 of the current year.
Please refer to the CIPO Patent Fees web page to see all current fee amounts.

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2007-02-06
Application Fee $400.00 2007-02-06
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2009-02-06 $100.00 2009-02-02
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2010-02-08 $100.00 2010-01-19
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 2011-02-07 $100.00 2011-01-19
Request for Examination $800.00 2011-12-20
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2012-02-06 $200.00 2012-02-03
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2012-03-27
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 6 2013-02-06 $200.00 2013-01-22
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 7 2014-02-06 $200.00 2014-02-03
Final Fee $300.00 2014-06-13
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 8 2015-02-06 $200.00 2015-02-02
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 9 2016-02-08 $200.00 2016-02-02
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2016-07-26
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2016-07-26
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 10 2017-02-06 $250.00 2017-01-24
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 11 2018-02-06 $250.00 2018-01-22
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 12 2019-02-06 $250.00 2019-01-25
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 13 2020-02-06 $250.00 2020-01-22
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 14 2021-02-08 $255.00 2021-06-02
Late Fee for failure to pay new-style Patent Maintenance Fee 2021-06-02 $150.00 2021-06-02
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 15 2022-02-07 $458.08 2022-05-25
Late Fee for failure to pay new-style Patent Maintenance Fee 2022-05-25 $150.00 2022-05-25
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 16 2023-02-06 $473.65 2023-01-23
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 17 2024-02-06 $624.00 2024-01-23
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
IGT CANADA SOLUTIONS ULC
Past Owners on Record
GORDON, TIMOTHY
GRELL, JULIEN
GTECH CANADA ULC
MCKEOWN, STEVEN
ROY, JEAN-FREDERIC
SMITH, TODD
SPIELO INTERNATIONAL CANADA ULC
SPIELO MANUFACTURING INCORPORATED
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

To view selected files, please enter reCAPTCHA code :



To view images, click a link in the Document Description column. To download the documents, select one or more checkboxes in the first column and then click the "Download Selected in PDF format (Zip Archive)" or the "Download Selected as Single PDF" button.

List of published and non-published patent-specific documents on the CPD .

If you have any difficulty accessing content, you can call the Client Service Centre at 1-866-997-1936 or send them an e-mail at CIPO Client Service Centre.


Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Abstract 2007-02-06 1 13
Description 2007-02-06 17 737
Claims 2007-02-06 3 71
Drawings 2007-02-06 10 2,658
Representative Drawing 2007-08-01 1 99
Cover Page 2007-08-01 2 130
Claims 2013-08-01 4 117
Description 2013-08-01 17 730
Representative Drawing 2014-07-31 1 46
Cover Page 2014-07-31 1 81
Correspondence 2007-03-12 1 26
Assignment 2007-02-06 3 106
Assignment 2008-05-06 8 244
Correspondence 2008-05-06 1 30
Correspondence 2010-05-13 1 26
Prosecution-Amendment 2011-12-20 1 66
Assignment 2012-03-27 6 216
Correspondence 2012-03-27 4 117
Correspondence 2012-04-11 1 14
Correspondence 2012-04-11 1 16
Prosecution-Amendment 2012-04-12 1 26
Prosecution-Amendment 2013-02-05 3 108
Prosecution-Amendment 2013-08-01 20 653
Correspondence 2014-06-13 1 35
Assignment 2016-07-26 5 278
Correspondence 2016-07-26 7 459
Office Letter 2016-08-29 1 23
Office Letter 2016-08-30 1 38