Custom configurable gaming machine

Abstract

A configurable gaming machine includes a door defining a component area. The component area is configured to accept multiple components, such as displays and player tracking elements, in multiple arrangements, permitting the gaming machine to be constructed in multiple configurations. Other aspects of the invention include an internal component mounting configuration, a door biasing mechanism, a venting configuration, a backlight enclosure, a speaker mount, and a gaming machine stand with integrated footrest.

1 . A gaming machine permitting multiple configurations comprising: 
 a housing, said housing defining an interior area in which gaming machine components may be located, said housing having a front, at least a portion of said front open to provide access to said interior area;    a door, said door connected to said housing and moveable between a first position and a second position, said door in said first position generally closing said open portion of said front of said housing and said door in said second position permitting access through said open front portion to said interior area of said housing, said door defining:    a component area, said component area including at least one portion of said door which defines an opening, said component area configured to accept one or more components of said gaming machine;    a console area, said console area supporting one or more player input devices; and    a lower panel area.    
   
   
       2 . The gaming machine in accordance with  claim 1  wherein at least one display is positioned in said opening of said component area.  
   
   
       3 . The gaming machine in accordance with  claim 1  wherein at least two components of said gaming machine are located at said component area of said door, said at least two components separated by a divider.  
   
   
       4 . The gaming machine in accordance with  claim 3  wherein said divider comprises a component panel.  
   
   
       5 . The gaming machine in accordance with  claim 1  wherein at least three components of said gaming machine are generally vertically arranged in said component area of said door.  
   
   
       6 . The gaming machine in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said console area comprises a button panel which extends outwardly of a remainder of said door.  
   
   
       7 . The gaming machine in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said lower panel area is defined by a lower panel mounted to said door, said lower panel movable between a closed position over an opening in said door and an open position.  
   
   
       8 . The gaming machine in accordance with  claim 1  including means for biasing said lower panel into its open and closed positions.  
   
   
       9 . The gaming machine in accordance with  claim 8  wherein said means for biasing comprises a piston configured to bias said lower panel towards its open position and at least one spring configured to bias said lower panel towards its closed position.  
   
   
       10 . The gaming machine in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said door includes a periphery including a top, opposing sides and a bottom and said component area is located between said opposing sides and below said top.  
   
   
       11 . The gaming machine in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said housing has a back, and including at least one internal mounting panel connected to an interior surface of said back of said housing.  
   
   
       12 . The gaming machine in accordance with  claim 11  wherein said mounting panel is vertically extending and defines a plurality of mounting apertures.  
   
   
       13 . A gaming machine permitting multiple configurations comprising: 
 a housing;    a door, said door connected to said housing and moveable between a first position and a second position, said door in said first position generally closing an opening in said housing and said door in said second position permitting access to said interior area of said housing, said door defining:    a component area, said component area including at least one portion of said door which defines an opening, said component area configured to accept a plurality of components of said machine, said components including at least one display located at said opening;    a console area positioned below said component area, said console area supporting one or more player input devices; and    a panel area located below said console area.    
   
   
       14 . The gaming machine in accordance with  claim 13  wherein said components of said machines are arranged vertically within said component area of said door.  
   
   
       15 . The gaming machine in accordance with  claim 14  wherein said components are selected from the group consisting of: a display, a component panel, and a divider.  
   
   
       16 . The gaming machine in accordance with  claim 13  including a bezel located over edge portions of said components.  
   
   
       17 . The gaming machine in accordance with  claim 13  wherein said housing has a top and a bottom and said door extends from said top to said bottom of said housing.