Gaming display with moveable indicator and methods of use

Abstract

A gaming apparatus includes a display device that has a display surface. The display surface can be moved and has indicia mounted on the display surface. A guide track holds the display surface. The guide track guides the shape of the display surface. A display device actuator is in communication with the display surface and moves the display surface. A controller is in communication with the display device actuator. The controller is configured to position the display surface such that at least one of the indicia appearing on the display surface conveys a game outcome. Several game embodiments using a guide track are disclosed.

1 . A gaming apparatus comprising: 
 (A) a display device having a moveable display surface, the moveable display surface comprising a plurality of indicia;    (B) at least one guide track retaining at least a portion of the moveable display surface, the guide track being adapted to alter a position of the moveable display surface;    (C) an actuator coupled with the moveable display surface such that the actuator can move the moveable display surface; and    (D) a controller in communication with the actuator, the controller being configured to position the display surface such that at least one of the indicia conveys a game outcome.    
     
     
         2 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the guide track has a slot that extends along the guide track.  
     
     
         3 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the moveable display surface has an edge, the edge having a bead.  
     
     
         4 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the bead is retained by the slot.  
     
     
         5 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the bead has a round shape.  
     
     
         6 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the guide track forms a concave area in the display surface.  
     
     
         7 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the guide track forms a convex area in the guide track.  
     
     
         8 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the moveable display surface slides through the guide track when the moveable display surface is moved.  
     
     
         9 . A method of gaming not necessarily in the order shown, comprising: 
 (A) determining a game outcome;    (B) moving a display surface, the display surface having a plurality of indicia;    (C) guiding the display surface using a guide track to form the display surface into a shape;    (D) stopping the display surface; and    (E) indicating at least one of the indicia as the game outcome.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the game outcome is indicated by backlighting at least one of the indicia on the display surface.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the display surface has an outer edge, the edge being retained by the guide track.  
     
     
         12 . A gaming apparatus comprising: 
 (A) display device means for displaying a plurality of indicia, the indicia being adapted to communicate a game outcome;    (B) actuator means for moving the display device means, the actuator means being coupled with the display device means;    (C) guide means for positioning the display device means into at least one shape; and    (D) controller means for controlling movement of the display device means, the controller means being in communication with the actuator means, the controller means being configured to move the display device means and to stop the display device means.    
     
     
         13 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the display device means further comprises a flexible belt having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a pair of edges.  
     
     
         14 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the guide means further comprises a guide track that has a slot, the edge being retained in the slot.  
     
     
         15 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the edge further comprises a rounded bead.  
     
     
         16 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising illumination means for illuminating at least one of the indicia.  
     
     
         17 . A gaming apparatus comprising: 
 (A) a moveable display surface;    (B) a plurality of indicia disposed on the display surface;    (C) at least one guide track retaining at least a portion of the moveable display surface, the guide track being adapted to alter a position of the moveable display surface;    (D) an actuator coupled to the moveable display surface; and    (E) a controller in communication with the actuator, the controller being configured to: 
 (a) determine a game outcome;  
 (b) move the moveable display surface; and  
 (c) stop the moveable display surface such that at least one of the indicia conveys the game outcome.  
   
     
     
         18 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the guide track has a slot that extends along the guide track.  
     
     
         19 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the moveable display surface has an edge, the edge having a bead.  
     
     
         20 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the bead is retained by the slot.  
     
     
         21 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the guide track is curved.