Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Holding device for a roulette wheel
Holding devices according to the invention are preferably
used in the field of gambling, in particular in casinos.
One substantial problem in the case of previously known
roulette arrangements consists in that a manipulation of
arrangements of this type is very easily possible. A
known system is described in EP2065079B1. Said system is
extremely complicated and comprises a wheel holding table
which is held horizontally by means of a relatively
complicated construction. Moreover, said system is
susceptible to manipulation. For instance during the
cleaning of the casino, an object can readily be pushed
under the roulette wheel, in order to manipulate the
course of the game.
It is thus readily possible, for instance, to clamp coins
or casino tokens between the table and the roulette wheel
and therefore to influence the location of the running
face, in particular to make it oblique. In addition,
influencing of the running face can be detected only with
great difficulty.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
roulette arrangement which is simple and secure against
manipulation. Furthermore, it is an object of the
invention to retrofit existing roulette tables in a
manner which is secure against manipulation.
The invention relates to a roulette arrangement
comprising a roulette wheel and a holding device for
the roulette wheel, which holding device has a frame
with a number of at least three supports, the holding
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device having a number of holding elements which project from the
frame for the rigid and stationary connection of the roulette
wheel to the frame, it being possible for the length of the
holding elements which projects from the frame to be adjusted in
each case, the roulette wheel having receiving recesses for the
holding elements, which receiving recesses are adapted to the
shape, size and arrangement, the holding elements being
introduced into the respective receiving recesses and connecting
the holding device in a rigid and stationary manner to the
roulette wheel. It is provided according to the invention that
the receiving recesses of the roulette wheel are of piercing
configuration, the holding elements, in particular their threaded
rods, being introduced from the underside of the roulette wheel
through said roulette wheel into the receiving recesses, that a
closure element is inserted from the upper side of the roulette
wheel into the receiving recess, and
that the holding elements, in particular their threaded
parts, have a thickened point, and that the roulette wheel is
clamped between the thickened point, in particular of the
threaded part, and the closure element, in particular its head
part, and is therefore connected in a rigid and stationary manner
to the frame.
On account of the rigid connection which is then possible of the
holding device to the roulette wheel, subsequent adjustment of
the position of the roulette wheel, in particular of its running
face, is to this extent only possible at all with difficulty. As
a result of the holding elements which can be adjusted
independently of one another, there is the possibility that the
inclination of the roulette wheel can be set freely and, in
particular, a horizontal orientation of the roulette wheel is
possible. In this case, the rotational axis of the roulette wheel
runs exactly vertically or perpendicularly. In addition, a
roulette arrangement of this type has the advantage of increased
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stability and a lower susceptibility to manipulation in
comparison with known roulette arrangements.
One mechanically particularly simple refinement of a holding
device provides that the supports of the frame are connected to
one another via a linkage.
A further advantageous embodiment which simplifies the
construction of the frame provides that the supports are arranged
parallel to one another.
As an alternative or in addition, one particularly stable
refinement of the invention provides that the supports are
arranged at the same spacing from a central axis.
Here, in addition or as an alternative, it can be provided for
the further stabilization of the holding device that the supports
are at the same spacing from the respectively next supports.
One embodiment of the invention which is particularly stable,
easy to manufacture, and the frame of which manages with a low
number of different parts, provides that the linkage comprises
the following elements which are connected in a stationary and
rigid manner to one another:
- a
number of central linkage parts which are situated at
different positions of the central axis, and
a number of connecting elements which connect in each case
one of the central linkage parts and one of the supports to one
another.
Particularly high stability can be achieved here by in each case
one connecting element which connects the respective support to
the respective central linkage part being provided in order to
connect each individual support to each individual central
linkage part.
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One embodiment of the invention which is particularly stable and
at the same time light provides that the supports are formed by
tubular pieces which, in particular, run in a straight line and
are, in particular, oriented vertically.
In order to improve the steadfastness and stability, it can be
provided that, at their lower end and/or end which is remote from
the holding elements, the supports in each case have a fastening
element for fastening to the floor. In addition, a change in the
location of the running face is suppressed as far as possible by
way of fastening to the floor.
For the advantageous stable fastening of the roulette wheel to
the holding device, it can be provided that each holding element
projects from in each case one of the supports, and/or that in
each case one holding element projects from each of the supports.
A particularly simple embodiment of the invention results if the
respective holding element is formed or arranged at the upper end
of the respective support and/or at that end of the respective
support which is remote from the fastening element.
A particularly advantageous and stable connection results if the
holding elements are of straight configuration and/or are
oriented in the same direction as the respective support, from
which they project.
Furthermore, a particularly advantageous and stable connection
results if, as an alternative or in addition, each of the holding
elements is formed by a bolt which projects from the respective
support.
In order to determine manipulations subsequently in a simple
manner, it can be provided that the central linkage parts, the
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connecting elements and the supports are connected to one
another, in particular by sealing screws, and at least one of the
connections which are produced in this way is sealed by means of
in each case one seal element, with the result that, after
setting up, a change in the position, location, length and/or
orientation of the linkage parts and/or connecting elements
and/or supports brings about the fracture or cracking of a seal
element, and can therefore be determined subsequently.
In order to achieve a particularly simple and easily adjustable
construction, it can be provided that the holding element has a
threaded rod which is screwed into a securing nut which is
fastened to the respective support or into a bolt which is
screwed into the securing nut.
In order to increase the stability, it can be provided that the
fastening elements of the holding device are connected in a rigid
and stationary manner to the floor.
In order to determine manipulations subsequently in a simple
manner, it can be provided that the holding elements and the
roulette wheel are connected to one another, in particular, by
sealing screws and the connection which is produced in this way
is sealed by means of a seal element, a change in the position,
location, length and/or orientation of the linkage parts and/or
connecting elements and/or supports after setting up bringing
about the fracture or cracking of a seal element, and it
therefore being possible to determine it subsequently.
A further preferred aspect of the invention relates to a roulette
table comprising a seating table for players participating in the
game having a table top, and a roulette arrangement of the type
which is mentioned in the preceding text. It is provided here
that the table top has recesses which are penetrated by the
supports and/or the holding elements, and that the roulette wheel
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is arranged on the holding elements at a level above the surface
of the table top.
In order to avoid the transmission of mechanical influences to
the table, it can be provided that the roulette wheel is arranged
in a contactless manner spaced apart from the table top, in
particular at a spacing from 0.5 mm to 3 mm.
As an alternative or in addition, it can be provided for the same
purpose that the roulette wheel and the roulette table are not
connected to one another or are arranged without contact, and/or
that there is a spacing between the roulette wheel and the
roulette table.
Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in
detail using the following drawings, without restricting the
general concept of the invention.
Fig. 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of a holding device
according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows the embodiment which is
shown in fig. 1, in section along a horizontally running
sectional B-B. Fig. 3 shows the embodiment of the invention which
is shown in figs. 1 and 2, in section along the vertically
running sectional plane A-A. Fig. 4 shows one preferred
embodiment of the invention, namely a roulette table, in an
oblique view. Fig. 5 shows a section through the roulette table
(shown in fig. 4) along a vertical sectional plane. Fig. 6 shows
one detail of figs. 1 and 5, the connection between the holding
device and the roulette wheel being shown in detail. Fig. 6 shows
an individual support in detail. Fig. 7 shows a section along the
sectional line A-A which is shown in fig. 6. Fig. 8 shows a
detail from fig. 7. Fig. 9 shows a further detail from fig. 7.
Fig. 10 shows a closure element which makes a rigid connection
possible between the roulette wheel and the holding device.
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Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a holding device 10 for a
roulette wheel 4. The holding device 10 comprises a frame 1 with
three supports 2. Each of the supports 2 is oriented vertically,
that is to say the three supports 2 are parallel to one another.
The supports 2 have in each case one holding element 3 at the
upper end. The holding elements 3 project in each case from one
of the supports 2. Each holding element 3 projects from in each
case another support 2, and in each case another holding element
3 projects from each support 2. The holding elements 3 are of
elongate and straight configuration and have the same direction
as the respective supports 2. In particular, the supports 2 are
configured as rectilinear tubes and the holding elements 3 and
the supports 2 are arranged coaxially, that is to say one behind
another on the same axis.
It is also readily possible that the holding device 10 has more
than three supports 2.
In the present exemplary embodiment of the invention (shown in
figs. 6 to 8), the holding elements 3 comprise a bolt 32 and a
securing nut 31. The holding element 3 is connected via the bolt
32 and by means of the securing nut 31 to the support 2. The
securing nut 31 is adhesively bonded with its circumferential-
side outer faces on the inner casing side of the tubular support
2. As an alternative, the securing nut 31 and the respective
support 2 can also be welded to one another.
The bolt 32 is of elongate and approximately cylindrical
configuration and, at its one end, has an external thread which
is introduced into the securing nut 31. At its other end, the
bolt 32 has an axial cylindrical recess, in particular a hole,
which has an internal thread on its inner side. Furthermore, the
holding element 3 comprises a threaded rod 33. The threaded rod
33 is of cylindrical configuration and has a continuous external
thread on its outer casing region. As an alternative, it can be
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provided that the threaded rod 33 has an external thread only on
an end region of the outer casing. The threaded rod 33 is screwed
with one end into the internal thread of the bolt 32. At that end
of the threaded rod 33 which lies opposite the bolt 32, the
threaded rod 33 has a cylindrical recess, in particular a hole,
into which a closure element 34 can be introduced. The threaded
rod is thickened toward the end at said end of the threaded rod
33, that is to say the outer circumference is widened with
respect to the other regions of the threaded rod 33 and has a
thickened point 37.
The closure element 34 is shown in detail in fig. 10 and
comprises a head part which is of cylindrical configuration and
comprises two end-side recesses 35. Furthermore, the closure
element 34 comprises a cylindrical shank 36, the diameter of
which the diameter of the cylindrical recess of the By means of
said recesses 35, the closure element can be manipulated and, in
particular, can be pressed into the cylindrical recess of the
threaded rod 33.
In the exemplary embodiment which is shown in fig. 1, the bolts
32 of the holding elements 3 have covering disks 38 which are
formed integrally in the manner of circular disks on the outer
circumference of the bolt 32. The covering disks 38 have a
diameter which is adapted to the receiving recesses 12 which are
shown in fig. 5. The covering disks 38 cover said receiving
recesses 12.
In the case of one of the supports 2, the covering disk 38 is not
shown for illustrative purposes, with the result that the
securing nut 31 of the holding element 3 is completely visible.
The relative position of the holding element 3 with respect to
the support 2 can be varied by rotation of the bolt 32 with
respect to the securing nut 31 or of the threaded rod 33 with
respect to the bolt 32. That length of the holding elements 3
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which projects from the frame 1 and from the supports 2 is
therefore adjustable.
In one alternative of the invention, the bolt 32 can also be
dispensed with, the threaded rod 33 being screwed directly into
the securing nut.
The supports 2 are arranged parallel to one another and are at
the same spacing from a central axis X. The supports 2 are
therefore arranged on the outer casing of a cylinder and are in
each case at the same spacing in the circumferential direction
from the respectively next support 2.
The supports 2 of the frame 1 are connected to one another via a
linkage 7, 8. The frame has a number of central linkage parts 7
along the central axis X. The spacings between in each case two
next central linkage parts 7 are advantageously equally great. In
the present exemplary embodiment, merely two central linkage
parts 7 are used. Each of the central linkage parts 7 is
connected by way of in each case three connecting elements 8 to
in each case one of the supports 2. In the present exemplary
embodiment, the central linkage parts 7 comprise two circularly
cylindrical parts 71, 72 (fig. 3) which have a radially running
semicircular-cylindrical recess 73 on the outer circumference. If
the two circularly cylindrical parts 71, 72 are assembled, the
radially running semicircular-cylindrical recesses 73 thus form a
circularly cylindrical recess, into which in each case one of the
connecting elements 8 can be inserted. The circularly cylindrical
parts 71, 72 of the central linkage parts 7 are connected to one
another in each case by means of connections, in the present case
by means of sealing screws 14 which hold the two circularly
cylindrical parts of the respective central linkage parts 7
together. The connecting elements 8 are clamped in the recesses,
and a radial relative movement of the connecting elements 8 is
ruled out by the clamping effect which is achieved in this way.
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The connection which is achieved by the sealing screws 14 between
the connecting elements 8 and the respective central linkage part
7 is sealed by means of a seal element.
The seal achieves a situation where, after setting up and
sealing, a change in the position, location, length and/or
orientation of the linkage parts 7 with respect to the connecting
elements 8 brings about the fracture or cracking of a seal
element, and can therefore be determined subsequently.
As an alternative, adhesive can also be used as seal element,
which adhesive is applied to that surface of the connecting screw
and/or sealing screw 14, into which the screwdriver or the
respective actuating element engages during the adjustment of the
screw position. After the application of the adhesive,
manipulation by means of a screwdriver or similar actuating
element is no longer possible, without damaging or destroying the
adhesive layer. manipulation of the linkage can therefore be
determined subsequently without great outlay. Manipulations can
be detected quickly by way of regular examination of the seal
elements.
Furthermore, the individual connecting elements 8 are connected
in each case to one of the supports 2. In this preferred
exemplary embodiment of the invention, the connecting elements 8
are welded in each case to the supports 2.
In an alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
connection takes place in turn by means of a screw which
penetrates the respective support 2 and the connecting element 8.
Once again, that region of the screw which makes the engagement
of a screwdriver possible is covered with a seal element, in the
present case with an adhesive layer, with the result that the
manipulation of the screw leads to the destruction of the
adhesive layer.
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Overall, after setting up, a change in the position, location,
length and/or orientation of the linkage parts and/or connecting
elements and/or supports leads to the fracture or cracking of a
seal element, and can therefore be determined subsequently.
In this special embodiment of the invention, furthermore, in each
case one fastening element 5 is provided on each of the supports
2, which fastening element 5 makes it possible to fasten the
respective support 2 to the floor. The fastening element 5 has a
base face in the shape of a circular disk with a number of
recesses 52 which are arranged on the circumferential side.
Connecting screws are passed through said recesses 52, which
connecting screws penetrate into the floor below the holding
element 10, the fastening element 5 and the respective support 2
and make a rigid connection of the holding element 10, the
fastening element 5 and the respective support 2 possible.
The connection which is achieved by the connecting screws between
the fastening element 5 and the floor can be sealed by means of a
seal element.
As shown in fig. 9, a fastening element 5 can have a cylindrical
projection 51 which points into the support 2 of tubular
configuration, the cylinder axis of the projection 51 lying
perpendicularly with respect to the disk face of the fastening
element 5 in the present exemplary embodiment and passing through
the center of the circle of the disk of the fastening element 5.
The cylindrical projection 51 has an external thread on its outer
surface. The support 2 has an internal thread which matches said
external thread on its inner side, with the result that the
fastening element 5 can be moved up and down by rotation with
respect to the respective support 2. As a result, the length of
the supports 2 is in each case of adjustable configuration, and
relatively great unevennesses of the floor can be compensated for
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by the different length of the supports 2. Supports 2 with an
adjustable length are advantageous, in particular, in the case of
holding devices 10 with a relatively large number of supports 2,
since floor unevennesses can be compensated for in an improved
manner.
A further preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in figs.
4 and 5. Figs. 4 and 5 show a roulette table 30 with a roulette
arrangement 20 and a seating table 6. The seating table 6 has a
table top 9. A further table top 9a is provided in the region of
the roulette wheel 4, which further table top 9a is fastened
rigidly from below to the table top 9. The table top 9 has a
recess in the region of the roulette wheel 4, with the result
that merely the further table top 9a which is arranged below the
roulette wheel 4 can be seen from above in this region.
As described in figs. 1 to 3, a holding device 10 is arranged
below the seating table 6. A roulette wheel 4 is situated above
the seating table. Said roulette wheel 4 has receiving recesses
11 for the holding elements 3, which receiving recesses 11 are
adapted to the shape, size and arrangement. The holding elements
3 engage into the respective receiving recesses 11 and make a
rigid and stationary connection of the roulette wheel 4 possible
to the holding elements 3 and to the holding device 10.
The roulette wheel 4 has an upper side and an underside which is
stipulated by normal gaming operation. Accordingly, the upper
side is that side of the roulette wheel 4 which is typically
visible to the gamblers during gaming and is where the roulette
ball rolls. As a consequence, the underside of the roulette wheel
4 is that side which faces away from the gambler during gaming.
As shown in fig. 5, the holding elements 3 have cylindrical
threaded rods 33 which are provided with an external thread. The
receiving recesses 11 of the roulette wheel 4 are of piercing
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configuration, the threaded rods 33 of the holding elements 3
being introduced from the underside of the roulette wheel 4
through said roulette wheel 4 into the receiving recesses 11. The
closure element 34 is inserted from the upper side of the
roulette wheel 4 into the receiving recess 11. The closure
element 34 penetrates with its cylindrical shank 36 into the
cylindrical recess of the respective threaded rod 33. The closure
element 34 is connected to the holding element 3 by being screwed
or pressed into the threaded rod 33 of said holding element 3,
there being an interference fit between the closure element 34
and the threaded rod 33. Subsequently, the recesses 35 of the
closure element 34 are sealed with adhesive or sealing wax, and
the closure element 34 can no longer be removed from the
receiving recess 11 and/or from the threaded rod 33 without
engagement into the recesses 35 and the associated destruction of
the adhesive layer or the sealing wax.
The roulette wheel 4 is clamped between the thickened point 37 of
the threaded part and the head of the closure element 34 and is
therefore connected in a rigid and stationary manner to the frame
1.
The connections which are produced in this way between the
holding elements 3 and the roulette wheel 4 are sealed in each
case by means of a seal element. A change in the position,
location, length and/or orientation of the holding elements 3 and
the respective position of the roulette wheel 4 after setting
upbrings about the fracture or cracking of a seal element, and
can therefore be determined subsequently. A manipulation can
therefore be ruled out effectively.
Moreover, a seal by means of sealing wax or adhesive can also be
produced at the connection between the bolt 32 and the securing
nut 31 and at the connection between the bolt and the threaded
rod.
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Comparatively simple examination of the seal is advantageously
made possible by way of the arrangement of the closure element on
the upper side of the roulette wheel 4.
The further table top 9a of the seating table 6 has a recess 12
for each of the supports 2. Each of the supports 2 penetrates in
each case one of the recesses 12 without contact. As an
alternative, instead of the supports 2, the holding elements 3
which are arranged in each case on the supports can also
penetrate the recesses 12. The roulette wheel 4 is held on the
holding elements 3 at a level above the surface of the table top
9. In particular, the covering disks 38 are situated above the
level of the surface of the further table top 9a and cover the
recesses in the further table top 9a.
The roulette wheel 4 is spaced apart from the further table top
9a at a spacing of, for example, 1.5 mm. Spacings between 0.5 mm
and 3 mm are advantageous. The roulette wheel 4 and the further
table top 9a are not in contact with one another here.
Furthermore, the roulette wheel 4 and the roulette table 30 are
also not connected mechanically to one another, with the result
that vibrations from the seating table 6 are not transmitted to
the roulette wheel 4.
In the embodiment of the invention which is shown in fig. 5, the
linkage 7, 8 and the legs 61 of the seating table 6 are nested
inside one another and/or reach inside one another, without
making contact with one another. It is therefore not possible to
remove the holding device 10 with the roulette wheel 4 even
though there is no direct mechanical connection between the
seating table 6 and the holding device 10.
