Modular gaming machine stand

Abstract

A gaming machine stand is constructed from a plurality of modules. In one embodiment the gaming machine stand comprises a pair of end modules and one or more intermediate modules. Variations in the number of intermediate modules permit the length of the gaming machine stand to be varied. The modules themselves may be modular in construction. The gaming machine stand may include other features, such as venting for routing cooling air to players of the supported gaming machines. The modular gaming machine stand permits construction of differing stands having various sizes, but having a common appearance and characteristics.

1 . A gaming machine stand configured to support at least one gaming machine comprising:
 a first end module having a first side, an opposing second side, a first end and a second end extending between said first and second sides, said first end being generally closed and said second end generally open, and a generally planar top supported by said first side, said second side and said first end;   a second end module having a first side, an opposing second side, a first end and a second end extending between said first and second sides, said first end being generally closed and said second end generally open, and a generally planar top supported by said first side, said second side and said first end; and   at least one intermediate module located between said first and second end modules, said intermediate module having a first side, an opposing second side, a pair of open ends and a generally planar top;   said at least one intermediate module located between said open second end of said first end module and said open end of said second end module, whereby said first end module, said second end module and said at least one intermediate module define a stand having a generally closed perimeter and a generally planar top for supporting one or more gaming machines thereon.   
     
     
         2 . The gaming machine stand in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said first and second end modules each comprise a first side member defining said first side of said end module, a second side member defining said second side of said end module and an end member defining said first end of said end module. 
     
     
         3 . The gaming machine stand in accordance  claim 2  wherein said first and second end modules further comprise a top connected to said first side member, said second side member and said end member and wherein said top comprises a portion of said planar top of said gaming machine stand. 
     
     
         4 . The gaming machine stand in accordance with  claim 1  wherein one or more vents are defined at the intersection of said at least one intermediate module and said first and second end modules. 
     
     
         5 . The gaming machine stand in accordance with  claim 4  including an air flow controller associated with said one or more vents. 
     
     
         6 . The gaming machine stand in accordance with  claim 5  wherein said air flow controller comprises at least one moveable panel, at least two positions of said panel relative to said vent defining different opening sizes of said vent. 
     
     
         7 . The gaming machine stand in accordance with  claim 1  wherein gaming machine stand has a generally closed interior and said first end module defines at least one opening at said first or second sides to permit access to said interior. 
     
     
         8 . The gaming machine in accordance with  claim 7  further comprising at least one door associated with said at least one opening for selectively opening and closing said opening. 
     
     
         9 . The gaming machine stand in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said first end module, second end module and at least one intermediate module define one or more cut-away areas which cooperate to form vents at the intersections of said modules when connected. 
     
     
         10 . The gaming machine stand in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said gaming machine stand has an open bottom generally opposite said planar top, said open bottom leading into an interior area of said gaming stand. 
     
     
         11 . The gaming machine stand in accordance with  claim 1  comprising at least two intermediate modules located between said first and second end modules. 
     
     
         12 . The gaming machine stand in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said first and second end modules and intermediate module are detachably connected to one another. 
     
     
         13 . A method of constructing a gaming machine stand configured to support at least one gaming machine comprising the steps of:
 providing a first end module having a first side, an opposing second side, a first end and a second end extending between said first and second sides, said first end being generally closed and said second end generally open, and a generally planar top supported by said first side, said second side and said first end;   providing a second end module having a first side, an opposing second side, a first end and a second end extending between said first and second sides, said first end being generally closed and said second end generally open, and a generally planar top supported by said first side, said second side and said first end;   providing at least one intermediate module, said intermediate module having a first side, an opposing second side, a pair of open ends and a generally planar top;   connecting said second end of said first end module to one of said ends of said intermediate module and connecting said second end of said second end module to the other of said ends of said intermediate module, whereby said intermediate module is located between said first end module and said second end module and whereby said first end module, said second end module and said at least one intermediate module define a stand having a generally closed perimeter and a generally planar top for supporting one or more gaming machines thereon.   
     
     
         14 . The method in accordance with  claim 13  wherein said first and second end modules are connected to said intermediate module with one or more fasteners. 
     
     
         15 . The method in accordance with  claim 13  further comprising the step of mounting one or more trim elements to said stand. 
     
     
         16 . The method in accordance with  claim 13  further comprising the step of locating said stand over an air supply whereby air is provided to an interior area of said stand. 
     
     
         17 . The method in accordance with  claim 13  wherein when said stand defines one or more vents and further comprising the step of controlling an opening position of said one or more vents.