GB2374970A

GB2374970A - A barrier module for participation bingo

Info

Publication number: GB2374970A
Application number: GB0106549A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Malcolm Briggs; Andrew Ralph Wood
Original assignee: INTEGRATED Manufacturing SYSTEMS
Current assignee: INTEGRATED Manufacturing SYSTEMS
Priority date: 2001-03-16
Filing date: 2001-03-16
Publication date: 2002-10-30
Also published as: GB0106549D0

Abstract

A bingo hall includes a number of participation areas in which each participation area has a seat located adjacent to a table in order for a participant to play bingo. In participation bingo this requires the participant to pay money into a coin mechanism which is generally located in a barrier adjacent to the side of the table. The barrier module 20 comprises a frame to which removable and reattachable side panels 24 and upper panels 26 are secured thereto. The securement means for securing the panels to the frame are reusable. Accordingly, the panels can be quickly and easily be removed and reattached. The barrier module 20 is arranged to support a coin receiving mechanism which cooperates with a conveyor belt to transport the coins to a coin collection box located at one end of the barrier. Since the panels 24,26 are removable and reattachable, the appearance of the barrier modules 20 may be easily changed if required.

Description

BARRIER Field of the Invention The present invention relates to barrier modules, barriers incorporating barrier modules, a kit for assembly into a barrier module and a method of assembling a barrier module.

Background to the Invention In bingo clubs there are generally two different types of bingo games. The first is the traditional bingo or main stage bingo in which participants have a pre-printed paper ticket having numbers displayed thereon. The second type of bingo game may be referred to as mechanised cash bingo or participation bingo. In this game, the participant has a bingo card provided on the top of their table and use counters to hide the numbers as they are called. The operator takes a participation fee for every participant entering the game. Mechanised cash bingo is generally played in the interval period of main stage bingo. In order to enter the game, the participant enters the relevant fee into a coin mechanism. An electronic display indicates that the position is participating in the game and the game then commences as usual.

The coin mechanism for such games are generally located in barriers which are adjacent to the tables in a bingo hall. Prior art barriers are typically constructed from wooden carcasses and may have laminate applied to the sides in order to suit a particular colour scheme. When a bingo hall is constructed specialist traders, for example

carpenters, are required to install the barrier since each one needs to be individually constructed to be of a particular size. In addition, if the bingo hall is to be refurbished, prior art barriers are generally disposed of since they may not be the correct size for the new layout.

In addition, if the colour scheme is to be changed, again, prior art barriers are replaced since the laminated surface is difficult and requires a specialised operation which is time consuming and expensive.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a barrier module including a frame and at least one panel which is removable and reattachable to the frame, the barrier module including means for supporting payment receiving apparatus.

The or each panel may be attached to the frame by reusable securement means. The reusable securement means may comprise nuts and bolt or clips.

Preferably the barrier module includes support means for supporting money transportation means within the barrier.

Preferably the barrier module includes support means for supporting a passageway or chute. Preferably the passageway or chute is arranged, in use, to have money conveying means located therein. The money conveying means may comprise a conveyor belt.

The barrier module may include a removable and reattachable side panel and preferably includes two removable and reattachable side panels. Preferably the or each side panel extends for substantially the full length of the barrier module.

The barrier module may include a removable and reattachable upper panel and preferably includes two removable and reattachable upper panels.

Preferably the frame includes a plurality of frame members. The frame may include four frame members. The frame members are preferably spaced apart longitudinally along the barrier module. One frame member may be located adjacent to a first longitudinal end of the barrier module and a second frame member may be located adjacent to a second longitudinal end of the barrier module. The barrier module may have two inner frame members. Preferably the inner frame member may be completely concealed, in use.

The frame may include at least one and preferably two upper longitudinal members. The or each longitudinal member may have flanges in order to secure one or two removable and reattachable panels thereto.

The frame may include at least one and preferably two lower longitudinal members. The or each longitudinal member may have flanges in order to secure the or two removable and reattachable panels thereto.

In use, the or each longitudinal member may be visually concealed.

Preferably the barrier module includes support means for supporting the frame spaced from the ground, in use.

Preferably the support means includes two support members or legs. Preferably one support member is located adjacent to one longitudinal end of the barrier module and a second support member may be located adjacent to the second longitudinal end of the barrier module. Preferably the or each support member is fixed or secured to the ground.

The barrier module may include means for supporting at least one loudspeaker and preferably two loudspeakers.

The or each loudspeaker may be mounted on the side of the barrier module. Preferably one loudspeaker is mounted on one side of the barrier module and the second loudspeaker is mounted on the other side.

The barrier module may have a table located adjacent to one side thereof. Preferably the barrier module has two tables located adjacent to either side of the barrier module. The or each table may have one or more chairs associated therewith. The or each table may have a gaming card provided on its upper surface.

Preferably the barrier module is a bingo barrier and more preferably is a participation bingo barrier module.

Preferably the or each panel is a laminated panel.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a barrier module including a frame, at least one removable and reattachable panel and payment receiving apparatus.

Preferably the barrier module is a bingo barrier module and more preferably is a participation bingo barrier module.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a barrier. The barrier comprising a plurality of barrier modules in accordance with the first or second aspect of the present invention.

Preferably the barrier is a bingo barrier and more preferably is a participation bingo barrier.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for assembly into a barrier module, the kit including a frame and at least one panel wherein the kit includes means for removably securing the panel to the frame, the kit further including means for supporting pay receiving apparatus.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a barrier module including removably securing a panel to a frame and supporting payment receiving means on the barrier module.

Preferably the method comprises removably securing two side panels to the frame.

Preferably the method comprises removably securing two upper panels to the frame.

The method may comprise securing one barrier module longitudinally adjacent to a second barrier module.

Preferably the method is a method assembling a bingo barrier module and more preferably is a method of assembling a participation bingo barrier module.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the drawings that follow, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a typical barrier layout in a bingo hall.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention located between tables.

Figure 3 is a partially exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of a removable panel and securement means for securing the panel to a part of a frame.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment A gaming venue in the form of a bingo hall 10 incorporates a plurality of participation areas 12 for the participants to play bingo, as shown in Figure 1. Each participation area has a seat 11 located adjacent to a table 15 in order for the participant to play bingo, as shown in Figure 2.

As previously discussed, the bingo hall may provide participation bingo which requires the participant to pay money into payment receiving apparatus 57 in the form of a coin mechanism 56 in order for them to join in. It is preferred that these coin mechanisms 56 are located in barriers 14 adjacent to the participation area such that the participants can remain at their table whilst paying to join in with the game. A single barrier 14 may provide a coin mechanism on each side in order for table on either side of the barrier to use the single barrier. In addition the barrier is elongate to serve a number of tables. However, if the bingo hall is to be refurbished prior art barriers are removed and replaced with new barriers as previously explained.

As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 and Figure 5, a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a barrier module 20 having a chassis or frame 22 to which removable and rettachable side panels 24 and upper panels

26 are secured thereto. The securement means for securing the panels to the frame are reusable, for example nuts and bolts or clips. Accordingly, the panels can be quickly and easily moved and reattached. The frame 22 includes two lower longitudinal members 28 and two upper longitudinal members 30. The frame also comprises frame members 32 which are longitudinally spaced from each other. The frame is supported spaced from the ground by support member 34 or legs. The barrier module 20 includes inner panel members 36.

In use, the upper longitudinal members 30, lower longitudinal members 28 and the frame members 32 are secured to each other, for example by nuts and bolts. The support members 34 are secured to the lower face of the frame members 32. The barrier module 20 includes four frame members longitudinally spaced from each other along the barrier module 20. The barrier module 20 has two support members 34 which are secured to the frame members 32 adjacent to each longitudinal end of the barrier module 20. The support members 34 or legs support the frame spaced from the ground. The support members have panels 35 or feet which are secured to the floor, for example by bolts.

The frame members 32 each have an aperture 40 defined therein. The apertures enable a chute 42 or passageway to be supported by the frame members 32. The chute 42 incorporates an upper portion of an elongate conveyor belt (not shown). The conveyor belt passes through the chute and through the apertures 40 of the end frame members 32 in order to continue into further longitudinally adjacent barrier modules. The conveyor

belt returns through the slots 45 and passes above the elongate support member 41. The chute 42 has an aperture 44 defined on its upper surface located centrally along the elongate length of the chute 42. The aperture 44 has a co-operating cover 46 which has a further aperture 48 defined therein, having a collar. The aperture 48 is arranged to co-operate with a part of a coin mechanism (not shown). Accordingly, in use, coins are inserted into a coin receiving mechanism and pass through the aperture 48 and on to the conveyor belt located in the chute 42. The conveyor belt transports the coins to a coin collection box located at one end of the barrier.

The barrier module 20 includes two lateral inner panels 36. The inner panels 36 are secured to the upper longitudinal members 30 and also to the inner frame members 32 located spaced from the longitudinal ends of the barrier module.

The inner panels 36 each have an opening 50 defined therein. In addition, the side panels 24 have an opening 52 defined therein. In use, when the barrier module is assembled, the opening 50 on the inner panels 36 cooperate with the opening 52 in the side panels 24. The openings in the inner panels are arranged to support and retain a loudspeaker. Accordingly, the opening 52 in the side panels 24 are arranged so as to not inhibit the sound. The opening in the side panels 24 may have a grill or mesh to prevent access to the loudspeakers whilst not impairing the sound quality.

The barrier module 50 has two upper panels 26 which are secured to the upper longitudinal members 28. In

addition, the upper panels are secured between the upper surfaces of the frame members 32. There is no upper panel extending between the two inner frame members 32 located spaced from the longitudinal ends of the barrier module 20. Accordingly, the upper surface of the barrier module has an opening 54. This opening is arranged to receive the coin mechanism 56, as shown in Figure 2. The coin mechanism has conventional coin slots for receiving the coins of the participant. If the correct fee is paid, means are provided to authorise the use of the bingo card 58 provided in the relevant table. Accordingly, for each participation area, the barrier module 20 may provide two coin mechanisms for each table. The barrier module provides coin mechanisms for each bingo card in the adjacent table.

As shown in Figure 6, the side panel 24 is secured to the upper longitudinal member 30 by securement means which may comprise a plastic stud 60 or clip which is pushed through an aperture 64 in the upper longitudinal member 30. The shaft 62 of the stud 60 has ridges defined thereon and is inserted into and retained in an opening 66 defined in the side panel. The head 68 of the stud 60 is located internally on the barrier module and is therefore aesthetically pleasing. The side panel 24 is attached to the upper longitudinal member by four such studs spaced equally adjacent to its upper edge. The lower edge of the side panel 24 is initially located in a slot or channel provided by the lower longitudinal members 28 and then pivoted in to position prior to securement by the studs. The upper panels 26 are secured to the frame by nuts and bolts.

In order to remove the stud 60 the head 68 is cut from the shaft to enable the panel to be removed from the frame.

Accordingly, the panel may only be removed from the frame when the panel is to be changed and access to the internal mechanisms can be gained by the access apertures 43.

It can be seen that the frame can be initially erected without any specialised skills within the bingo hall. The panels can be selected and secured at a later date. This is also advantageous since the internal workings of the barrier can be easily accessed and any electronic connection between the barrier and the bingo table can be easily laid before securing the panels to the frame. Even after assembly each barrier module has access apertures 42 provided at both ends in order for the internal mechanisms to be easily accessed manually.

The side of the frame may be adjusted either vertically in dimension or horizontally in dimension to produce barrier modules to suit any industry standard size.

A kit for making a barrier module may be provided in flat pack form.

The barrier modules may be secured longitudinally to further barrier modules in order to provide an elongate barrier. The barrier may be easily extended or decreased in length. The barrier modules make it easy and quick to alter the layout or appearance of the bingo club by moving the barrier modules to produce a barrier of the required length and also the panel can be quickly changed to suit any colour scheme without requiring the use of any specialised equipment. The barrier comprising a number of

barrier modules" may include a single conveyor belt for collecting the coins and depositing the coins in a single coin collection box located at one longitudinal end of the barrier. Accordingly, this decreases the cashing up time required.

The longitudinal ends of the barrier modules located outermost may have panels, for example wooden panels, removably secured to them in order to conceal the ends of the barrier modules. Accordingly, in use substantially the hole of the frame may be visually concealed.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s). The invention extend to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. A barrier module including a frame and at least one panel which is removable and reattachable to the frame, the barrier module including means for supporting payment received apparatus.
2. A barrier module according to claim 1 in which the or each panel is attached to the frame by reusable securement means.
3. A barrier module according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the barrier module includes support means for supporting money transportation means within the barrier.
4. A barrier module according to claim 3 in which the barrier module includes support means for supporting a passageway.
5. A barrier module according to claim 4 in which the passageway is arranged, in use, to have money conveying means located therein.
6. A barrier module according to any preceding claim in which the barrier module includes a removable and reattachable side panel.
7. A barrier module according to claim 6 in which the barrier module includes two removable and reattachable side panels.

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8. A barrier module according to any preceding claim in which the barrier module includes a removable and reattachable upper panel.
9. A barrier module according to claim 8 in which the barrier module includes two removable and reattachable upper panels.
10. A barrier module according to any preceding claim in which the barrier module includes support means for supporting the frame spaced from the ground, in use.
11. A barrier module according to any preceding claim in which the barrier module includes means for supporting at least one loud speaker.
12. A barrier module according to claim 11 in which the barrier module includes means for supporting two loud speakers.
13. A barrier module according to claim 11 or claim 12 in which the or each loud speaker is mounted on the side of the barrier module.
14. A barrier module according to claim 12 in which one loud speaker is mounted on one side of the barrier module and the second loud speaker is mounted on the other side.
15. A barrier module according any preceding claim in which the barrier module has a table located adjacent to one side thereof.

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16. A barrier module according to claim 15 in which the barrier module has two tables located adjacent to either side of the barrier module.
17. A barrier module according to claim 15 or claim 16 in which the or each table has one or more chairs associated therewith.
18. A barrier module according to any one of claims 15 to 17 in which the or each table has a gaming card provided on its upper surface.
19. A barrier module according to any preceding claim in which the barrier module is a bingo barrier.
20. A barrier module according to claim 19 in which the barrier module is a participation bingo barrier module.
21. A barrier module according to any preceding claim in which the or each panel is a laminated panel.
22. A barrier module including a frame, at least one removable and reattachable panel and payment receiving apparatus.
23. A barrier, the barrier comprising a plurality of barrier modules in accordance with any one of claim 1 to 22.
24. A kit for assembly into a barrier module, the kit including a frame and at least one panel wherein the kit includes means for removably securing the panel to the

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frame, the kit further including means for supporting payment receiving apparatus.
25. A method of assembling a barrier module including removably securing a panel to a frame and supporting payment receiving means on the barrier module.
26. A method according to claim 25 in which the method comprises removably securing two side panels to the frame.
27. A method according to claim 25 or claim 26 in which the method comprises removably securing two upper panels to the frame.
28. A method according to any one of claims 25 to 27 in which the method is a method of assembling a bingo barrier module.
29. A barrier module substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in any of the acompanying drawings.
30. A barrier substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in any of the accompanying drawings.
31. A method of assembling a barrier module substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompany drawings.