GB2594332A

GB2594332A - Gaming chip cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2594332A
Application number: GB2006068.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jackson Gavin
Original assignee: TCS John Huxley Europe Ltd
Current assignee: TCS John Huxley Europe Ltd
Priority date: 2020-04-24
Filing date: 2020-04-24
Publication date: 2021-10-27
Also published as: GB202006068D0

Abstract

A gaming chip sanitising apparatus is provided for cleaning casino gaming chips. The apparatus comprises: a platform 100 arranged to support one or more gaming chips 122 thereon; and a first ultraviolet C (UV-C) light source arranged to emit ultraviolet light 230 toward the platform 100; wherein the platform 100 is permeable to the UV-C light. There may be a lid 132 which is also permeable to UV-C light. In one embodiment there is a casino gaming table comprising the gaming chip sanitising apparatus 100. The platform material may be selected from acrylic, glass, polymer, polycarbonate, or poly(methyl methacrylate). There is also a gaming chip sanitising cabinet (200, fig. 3) comprising: a plurality of walls forming a chamber; a drawer extending within the chamber; and the removable platform 100 which is arranged to support the gaming chips. Also provided are methods of manufacturing the gaming chip sanitising apparatus 100 and a method of sanitising gaming chips 122.

Description

GAMING CHIP CLEANING APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus, and particularly to a casino gaming chip sanitising apparatus.

Background to the Invention

Casino environments invariably comprise many surfaces and gaming equipment which are handled on a daily basis, and sometimes 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Such environments are public and receive a great deal of footfall from players, visitors and staff from a variety of different backgrounds and geographical origins. Individual countries typically have a unique local microbiome defining a fingerprint of biofauna such as bacteria and viruses. Individuals local to a specific region may be regularly exposed to the corresponding fingerprint of biofauna and, oftentimes, individuals from other geographical origins can be naive and therefore more susceptible to such biofauna.

Casino environments can therefore present a vector for the opportunistic exposure and spread of bacteria and viruses to individuals whose immune systems may otherwise be naïve to such microentities. In the case of foreign visitors to a casino, such bacteria or viruses may then be transported by plane, boat or coach to another geographic area, thus increasing the spread of the bacteria or virus.

In the particular case of local or global events such as an epidemic or pandemic, such avid and diverse footfall of casino environments, coupled with a focus on manipulation and handling of equipment and surfaces, may lead to a rapid spread of a particular pathogen throughout the casino and, as a result, back to the originating countries of the visitors, players and staff.

Some of the most diversely handled surfaces in a casino environment are the currency of the casino -typically gaming chips or tokens. As potential vectors for spread of infection, it is therefore desirable to provide a suitable mode of cleaning physical gaming currency.

Summary of the Invention

The present application is directed to the sanitising of casino equipment regularly touched by players, dealers or croupiers, such as gaming chips and dice, using ultraviolet light. In particular embodiments, the invention is directed to the bactericidal and virucidal sanitising of casino gaming chips using a period of ultraviolet light treatment. In accordance with a first aspect, a casino gaming chip sanitising apparatus is provided which comprises: a platform arranged to support one or more gaming chips thereon; and a first ultraviolet light source arranged to emit ultraviolet light toward the platform; wherein the platform is permeable to the ultraviolet light. In most preferable embodiments the ultraviolet light comprises ultraviolet C light, wherein the platform is permeable to the ultraviolet C light.

In the context of the present invention, the term "gaming chips" will be understood by the skilled addressee to mean any physical gaming currency such as tokens or chips placed as a wager on an outcome of a game being played at a casino gaming table. The present invention will be understood to be equally applicable as a sanitising apparatus suitable for sanitising any manually handled gaming equipment including dice and roulette balls, and the present disclosure is therefore not intended to be limited to gaming chips or tokens.

The apparatus of the present invention aims to minimise germ transmission within a casino environment, particularly by treating gaming chips with ultraviolet light, thereby providing improved confidence from players and an overall enhanced player experience. The apparatus of the present invention aims to provide a compact mode of sanitising which can cope with repeated, around-the-clock operation while having capacity to clean a scalable number of gaming currency to satisfy fluctuating demand, provide a non-contact mode of sanitising to minimise spread of infection, which uses minimal consumables to reduce expense and with minimal requirement for skilled input to reduce labour-intensiveness.

Gaming currency can be incredibly numerous within a casino, and required to be readily accessible to support fluctuating demand. The level of cleaning therefore required can be an enormous drain on cleaning consumables and highly labour-intensive. It is therefore preferable that any suitable mode of cleaning physical gaming currency reduces a requirement for cleaning consumables. The present invention utilises ultraviolet light as a means of treating the surfaces of the one or more gaming chips, thereby utilising very few to no consumables.

Such an approach does not require any mechanical interaction with the one or more gaming chips and therefore eliminates any labour-intensiveness of cleaning gaming chips.

It has additionally been found that contact-based modes of cleaning, such as scrubbing and using a potential germ reservoir or transmission vector such as cleaning equipment or fluid can act as a means of spread of a particular pathogen, and may therefore be unsuitable for cleaning gaming currency. Any mechanical cleaning action, such as scrubbing or the application of harsh cleaning chemicals may additionally damage the casino equipment. As such a suitable cleaning method preferably minimises physical contact between personnel and the gaming currency. Some solutions have included fumigation, but this method utilises a great deal of consumables and invariably requires expensive and unwieldy equipment unsuitable for deployment in a casino environment. The present apparatus and method of using ultraviolet light to sanitise gaming chips avoids these drawbacks of previous solutions since it makes use of a non-contact sanitising method and does not use such frequently-replenished consumables.

Ultraviolet light has been shown to be highly germicidal through a deleterious irradiation of nucleic acids, causing death or loss of function in microorganisms, or inactivation in viruses. Direct ultraviolet light exposure is, however, dangerous to humans and animals, particularly at shorter wavelengths, and therefore contraindicated for use in populous or crowded environments. It has, however, been found that ultraviolet light is an effective bactericidal and virucidal solution for use in sanitising gaming chips due to its relatively low impact on chip surfaces coupled with its high bactericidal and virucidal efficacy.

In most preferable embodiments of the present invention, the ultraviolet light preferably comprises ultraviolet C light having a wavelength selected from between 100 nm to 280 nm, and preferably 250 nm to 280 nm. In most preferable embodiments, the ultraviolet C light has a wavelength of approximately 250 nm to 270 nm, with suitable examples being found at around 265 nm and most preferably 254 nm, which has been found to be particularly effective in providing the necessary bactericidal and virucidal treatment of gaming chips. The term "approximately 250 nm to 270 nm" will be understood by the skilled addressee to encompass embodiments emitting ultraviolet C light having a wavelength within an appreciable error range around 250 nm to 270 nm, depending on the ultraviolet light source used.

The term "virucidal" (which may also be termed "viricidal" or "viruscidal") will be understood to mean the inactivation of, or otherwise destruction of, viruses. The terms "bactericidal efficacy" and "virucidal efficacy" will be understood to mean having any efficacy in killing, deactivating, or otherwise destroying bacteria or viruses. The term "germicidal" will be understood to mean any combination of "virucidal" and/or "bactericidal" activity, and the term "germicidal efficacy" will be understood to mean having any efficacy in killing, deactivating, or otherwise destroying bacteria and/or viruses. The terms "cleaning" and "sanitising" will be understood to mean any reduction in bacterial and/or viral incidence on a surface of the gaming chips. The terms "cleaning" and "sanitising" will therefore be understood to include, but not be limited to, sterilisation of the gaming chips.

The ultraviolet light source may be any suitable light source arranged to emit ultraviolet light, and preferably ultraviolet C light, which will be appreciated. In some embodiments the ultraviolet light source is an ultraviolet LED array. Any ultraviolet LED array suitable for use with the present invention preferably comprises a plurality of ultraviolet LEDs arranged in a planar formation for maximal coverage of a 2-dimensional area of the platform with the ultraviolet light. Preferable embodiments may comprise an ultraviolet LED array having between 5 and 50 ultraviolet LEDs. More preferable embodiments may comprise an ultraviolet LED array having 15 to 25 ultraviolet LEDs, and most preferably 18 ultraviolet LEDs. The ultraviolet LEDs may be arranged to emit ultraviolet light at different wavelengths, but preferable embodiments comprise ultraviolet LEDs emitting ultraviolet light at the same wavelength (within an appreciable error range). The ultraviolet LEDs in the ultraviolet LED array are preferably spaced from one another to provide adequate coverage of the one or more gaming tokens. A greater number of LEDs may be required for greater proximity to the platform (such as in a small form factor device) which may additionally depend on a viewing angle and power of said LEDs.

In order to achieve maximum bactericidal/virucidal efficacy, the ultraviolet light source is preferably positioned at a transmission distance from the platform, the transmission distance being a suitable distance to achieve any bactericidal/virucidal efficacy, and preferably selected from the range: 0 mm to 100 mm, and most preferably 10 to 60 mm. The required transmission distance may depend on form factor of the device and power of the ultraviolet light source, among other appreciable factors as discussed herein.

The first ultraviolet light source is preferably positioned proximate a first face of the platform and arranged to emit the ultraviolet light toward a first surface of the said one or more gaming chips.

In preferable embodiments the apparatus further comprises: a second ultraviolet light source positioned proximate a second face of the platform, opposing the first face; wherein the second ultraviolet light source is arranged to emit ultraviolet light (which preferably comprises ultraviolet C light) toward the second face.

The platform is preferably arranged to support a planar monolayer of the one or more gaming chips, which has been shown to receive the most effective bactericidal and/or virucidal treatment by the ultraviolet light. The platform preferably comprises a chip capacity, defining the number of gaming chips which can be formed as a planar monolayer on the platform. The chip capacity may be any suitable number, and may be determined by the size of the platform according to the space requirements. For example, in embodiments wherein the apparatus is comprised within a gaming table, the chip capacity may be determined by the size of the gaming table. The chip capacity is preferably selected from between 50 to 200 gaming chips.

Most preferably the chip capacity is 81 gaming chips, which may be formed by a planar 9 x 9 array of chip-accommodating wells positioned within the first face of the platform.

The platform preferably comprises: a platform material, wherein the platform material is transparent to the ultraviolet light (which, in most embodiments, comprises ultraviolet C light).

The platform material, in most preferable embodiments, permits the permeation of the ultraviolet light to all surfaces of the one or more gaming chips supported thereon. The platform material may, either alternatively or in addition to transparency to the ultraviolet light, comprise a reflective portion arranged to reflect the ultraviolet light toward a surface of the one or more gaming chips. In embodiments wherein the platform material is transparent to the ultraviolet light, the platform material may, for example, comprise one selected from the group: acrylic; glass; polymer; polycarbonate; poly(methyl methacrylate). The reflective portion may, for example, comprise a reflective metal. The platform material may comprise any suitable material arranged to support the one or more gaming chips.

In embodiments wherein the apparatus comprises the second ultraviolet light source, the platform material preferably permits permeation of the ultraviolet light from the second ultraviolet light source through the second face to the second surface of the one or more gaming chips. In such embodiments, the ultraviolet light reaching the second surface of the one or more gaming chips comprises bactericidal and virucidal efficacy.

The platform preferably comprises: one or more wells in a principal face thereof, each said well being arranged to accommodate at least a portion of a respective gaming chip. The said one or more wells each preferably comprise: a well floor positioned in a plane aligned to a first face of the platform, and depressed relative thereto by a depression distance, said depression distance preferably being equal to or shorter than a depth of said one or more gaming chips.

A depression distance of equal to, or shorter than, a depth of the gaming chips may aid in removal of the gaming chips from the platform. Embodiments will, however, be appreciated wherein the wells may be deeper than the gaming chips. The wells in the principal face of the platform will be understood to support the one or more gaming chips on the platform. Such wells preferably permit the separating of gaming chips such that all surfaces of said gaming chips are accessible to the ultraviolet light, and unoccluded by other gaming chips. The wells preferably inhibit lateral movement of the gaming chips during lateral movement of the platform, such as during a placement of the platform proximate the first ultraviolet light source for treatment. The said one or more wells each preferably comprise: a well side wall extending between the well floor and the first face; wherein at least a portion of said well side wall intersects the first face at an oblique angle. Such side walls are therefore preferably sloped at a portion thereof relative to the well floor and the first face. The slope, or inclined gradient, of the side wall may be straight or curved, and may extend throughout the length of the side wall or may begin at a point along the length of the side wall. The sloping of the well side wall preferably permits easy ejection of the gaming chips from the wells during inversion, or tipping, of the platform, such as to remove the gaming chips from the platform, which may be into a chip sorting mechanism or chip reservoir. The sloping of the well side wall preferably additionally provides for reflection of the ultraviolet light from above the platform, toward lateral surfaces of the gaming chip accommodated within the well In preferable embodiments the sloping of the well side wall permits refraction of ultraviolet light from beneath the platform toward the lateral surfaces of the gaming chip accommodated within the well. The sloped side walls thereby preferably increase coverage of the gaming chip by the ultraviolet light and maximise germicidal efficacy.

In most preferable embodiments, the platform is substantially quadrilateral in shape, and may optionally be substantially rectangular. Embodiments will be appreciated wherein the platform is any suitable shape. In preferable embodiments the platform comprises a retaining lip projecting outwardly from a first face thereof; wherein said retaining lip extends about a portion of a perimeter of the platform. The retaining lip protrudes from the platform proximate an edge of the platform in order to provide an abutment for gaming chips and to prevent movement of the one or more gaming chips off the platform. The retaining lip may be positioned proximate or along one or more edges of the platform. The term "extends about a portion of a perimeter of the platform" in the present context will be understood by the skilled addressee to mean that, while the protruding retaining lip is intended to inhibit movement of the gaming chips over an edge of the platform, the retaining lip is not required to track directly along, and immediately adjacent to, the edge of the platform and may in some embodiments be spaced from the edge of the platform. It will therefore be appreciated that any suitably functioning retaining lip is intended within the scope of the present invention, independent of positioning relative to the corresponding edge of the platform.

In some embodiments the retaining lip preferably defines a gap, the gap being defined between terminal ends of the retaining lip. In such embodiments the gap is preferably positioned at, or proximate, a vertex formed between adjacent edges of the platform. Having the gap positioned at a corner of the platform, flanked by the retaining lip (and in some embodiments by a lid member), preferably aids in funnelling chips on the platform toward the gap for the purpose of ejecting the chips from the platform through the gap, which may in turn provide precise ejection of the one or more gaming chips from the platform following sanitising. In preferable embodiments therefore, the gap comprises a width equal to or greater than a width of said one or more wells. In some embodiments, however, wherein the one or more wells comprise a width greater than a width of the one or more gaming chips, the gap width may be defined as being equal to or greater than a width of said one or more gaming chips. In such embodiments it will be appreciated that the gap is any suitable width to provide suitable ejection of the gaming tokens from the platform, and in most embodiments is required to be at least marginally wider than the gaming tokens. Such a gap preferably provides easy ejection of the gaming chips from the platform during inversion, or tipping, of the platform, such as to remove the gaming chips from the platform, which may be into a chip sorting mechanism or chip reservoir. The border portions, cooperating to form a gap for pouring gaming chips, preferably enhances the non-contact nature of the present invention, thereby providing further reduced number of opportunities for spread of germs and viruses through physical contact with the gaming chips.

In some preferable embodiments, the platform comprises a lid member arranged to engage the one or more gaming chips such that the one or more gaming chips are fixed in place on the platform. The lid member may, in some embodiments, be detachable from, and reattachable to, the platform. In other embodiments, the lid member may be permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the platform by way of a hinge, such that the lid member may pivot about the hinge between an open configuration in which the lid member is not substantially parallel to the platform, to a closed configuration wherein the lid member is substantially parallel to the platform. The lid member can, in some embodiments, comprise a tamper-proof seal which may improve security of the apparatus. The lid member preferably minimises movement of the one or more gaming chips on the platform, and may fix the gaming chips in place on the platform. In other embodiments the lid member may cooperate with a retaining lip border the platform to provide adequate retention of the one or more gaming chips on the platform. As such, the lid member may aid transport of the one or more gaming chips to and from the apparatus to be cleaned.

The lid member may permit multiple platforms, each having tokens thereon, to be transported or stored together, and the lid member may be shaped such that the plurality of platforms may be stacked for ease of transport or storage. The lid member may be preferable in embodiments of the present invention having a chamber requiring horizontal stacking of platforms, or horizontal stacking of drawers each for accommodating a corresponding platform therein.

Such horizontal stacking may be required according to the available space provided in, for example, a smaller gaming table such as a blackjack table. In most preferable embodiments the lid member comprises a lid material which is non-opaque and most preferably transparent to the ultraviolet light. As such the lid member preferably permits transmission of the ultraviolet light therethrough such that the ultraviolet light reaches the one or more gaming chips while retaining germicidal efficacy. The lid material may comprise one selected from the group: acrylic; glass; polycarbonate; poly(methyl methacrylate). Embodiments will be appreciated wherein the lid material is any suitable material for permitting transmission of the ultraviolet light therethrough such that the ultraviolet light reaches the one or more gaming chips while retaining germicidal efficacy.

The apparatus preferably further comprises: a chamber arranged to house the platform and the first light source, the chamber having a chamber opening arranged to receive the platform. In preferable embodiments, the chamber further comprises a reciprocating drawer arranged to support the platform thereon and move between: a closed position wherein the drawer is accommodated within the chamber; and an open position wherein the drawer extends through the chamber opening and substantially away from the chamber; through one or more intermediary positions. In preferable embodiments, the drawer comprises: a frame arranged to support the platform thereon, the frame being arranged to permit permeation of the ultraviolet light to the platform. The frame may any suitable means of supporting the platform and may include an unbroken, planar layer arranged to support the platform thereon. The base may alternatively include a foraminous, meshed or netted layer, or alternatively opposing, or otherwise spaced, flanges or rails arranged to engage edges of the platform thereon such that a gap, hole or aperture is defined in the base of the drawer to allow permeation of the ultraviolet light therethrough to the second face of the platform. In embodiments wherein the frame is a sheet, planar or meshed layer, the frame is preferably transparent to allow permeation of the ultraviolet light therethrough to the second face of the platform.

The drawer preferably comprises: a drawer panel, the drawer panel being opaque to the ultraviolet light and arranged to occlude at least a portion of the chamber when the drawer is in the closed position. The drawer may comprise a drawer handle, which may be positioned on the drawer panel. The drawer may alternatively comprise any suitable means for moving the drawer between the open position and the closed position. The drawer panel preferably comprises a locking member arranged to lock the drawer panel in the closed position. Such a locking member is preferably useful for preventing unauthorised opening of the drawer, which may comprise a platform having numerous gaming chips supported thereon, which presents a security hazard. The locking member may additionally prevent unnecessary opening of the drawer and the hazardous release of ultraviolet light therefrom.

The drawer panel preferably comprises: a drawer panel flange extending from a first face thereof toward the chamber, the drawer panel flange being arranged to engage the chamber when the drawer is in the closed position and optionally one or more intermediary positions. The drawer panel flange preferably extends from the drawer panel and abuts one or more adjacent interior surfaces of the chamber is the closed position. The drawer panel flange may thereby preferably provide an opaque seal about the drawer panel during engagement between the drawer panel and the chamber in the closed position, such that in the closed position no ultraviolet light may escape through any junction between the drawer panel and the chamber in the closed position.

The one or more reciprocating drawers are preferably each supported within the chamber on a corresponding pair of opposing flanges or runners extending within the chamber and defining a path for reciprocating movement of the drawers between the open position and the closed position.

Embodiments will be appreciated wherein the chamber does not comprise drawers, and wherein the platform, or a plurality of platforms, are instead arranged to slide into the chamber, each supported on a corresponding frame, shelf or a corresponding pair of opposing flanges or runners. In such embodiments, the chamber preferably comprises a chamber door arranged to substantially occlude the chamber opening. In such embodiments, the chamber door preferably engages the chamber about the chamber opening such that an opaque seal is provided which inhibits transmission of the ultraviolet light out of the chamber when the door is in a closed position.

The chamber preferably comprises: a chamber opening flange extending from the chamber about the chamber opening, the chamber opening flange being arranged to engage the drawer panel when the drawer is in the closed position and optionally one or more intermediary positions. Engagement between the chamber opening flange and the drawer in the closed position preferably provides an opaque seal about the drawer during engagement between the drawer panel and the chamber in the closed position, such that in the closed position no ultraviolet light may escape through any junction between the drawer panel and the chamber in the closed position. In order to maximise efficiency and eliminate the possibility of human exposure to the ultraviolet light during use, it may be preferable to ensure complete opacity of the engagement between the drawer panel and the chamber opening in the closed position.

The chamber preferably further comprises: a control member arranged to activate the ultraviolet light source when drawer is in the closed position, and further arranged to deactivate the ultraviolet light source when the drawer is in the open position and optionally one or more intermediary positions. The control member preferably prevents human exposure to the ultraviolet light during use, which may occur following inadvertent opening of the drawer while the ultraviolet light is being emitted by the ultraviolet light source. In some embodiments, the control member may comprise a switch, such as a push-button switch, arranged to detect the drawer in the closed position and activate the first and/or second ultraviolet light source. Such a switch may additionally detect when the drawer is not in the closed position and subsequently deactivate the ultraviolet light source. The control member may alternatively be any suitable means of ensuring the ultraviolet light source only emits the ultraviolet light while the drawer is closed, and may for example comprise a microswitch. One or more switches may be used, and in preferable embodiments a plurality of switches are used to activate and deactivate the ultraviolet light source. Embodiments will be appreciated comprising any suitable means of activating the ultraviolet light source when the drawer is in the closed position, and/or deactivating the ultraviolet light source when the drawer moves from the closed position toward the open position. Additional examples may comprise any suitable position sensor arranged to detect a drawer position, and may additionally require detection of further events prior to activation and/or deactivation of the ultraviolet light source, such as the actuation of a drawer lock and/or the detection that a lid member is securely attached. In a particularly preferable embodiment, the control member, which preferably comprises microswitch, is arranged to detect firm closure of a lid member of the platform.

One or more interior surfaces of the chamber are preferably arranged to reflect the ultraviolet light. Reflective interior surfaces of the chamber preferably permit maximum exposure of the gaming chips to the ultraviolet light, thereby maximising bactericidal or virucidal efficacy.

The chamber is preferably opaque to the ultraviolet light. In such embodiments, the chamber may comprise of a chamber material which is opaque to the ultraviolet light. Preferable chamber materials may include stainless steel or aluminium. Such materials may additionally act to reflect the ultraviolet light within the chamber to improve bactericidal and/or virucidal efficacy. Other embodiments will be appreciated wherein interior surfaces of the chamber are coated with a coating which is opaque to the ultraviolet light. The coating may additionally be reflective to the ultraviolet light in most preferable embodiments, such that the coating acts to reflect the ultraviolet light within the chamber to improve bactericidal and/or virucidal efficacy.

The preferable opacity of the chamber to the ultraviolet light preferably prevents human exposure to the ultraviolet light in populous environments.

In some preferable embodiments, the chamber comprises a plurality of said reciprocating drawers arranged in a vertical or horizontal stacked configuration within the chamber. In most preferable embodiments, each stacked drawer and/or platform is arranged such that a first ultraviolet light source is positioned to emit the ultraviolet light toward a first principal face of the platform, and a second ultraviolet light source is positioned to emit the ultraviolet light toward a second principal face of the platform opposing the first principal face. Such embodiments preferably further comprise a chamber have interior surfaces which are reflective to the ultraviolet light. In such embodiments, the ultraviolet light is thereby preferably arranged to be exposed to all surfaces of the one or more gaming chips. To facilitate exposure, such embodiments may comprise platforms having a platform material which is transparent to the ultraviolet light. The drawers preferably additionally comprise a frame providing for transmission of the ultraviolet light therethrough. In most preferable embodiments, the chamber comprises three drawers stacked vertically within the chamber, and four ultraviolet LED arrays positioned to emit the ultraviolet light toward the drawers from above and below said drawers.

The apparatus preferably comprises a timer arranged to activate and/or deactivate the first and/or second ultraviolet light source. The timer is preferably arranged to activate the ultraviolet light source for a treatment period, and/or preferably arranged to deactivate the ultraviolet light source following a treatment period. In embodiments comprising a control member, the control member may activate the timer, and thus initiate the treatment period, when one or more of the reciprocating chamber drawers, or the chamber door, is in the closed position. The timer may be activated, preferably by the control member, following a required sequence of events being completed, such as the drawer(s) and/or door being placed in the closed position, and a locking member of the drawer(s) and/or door being actuated, and preferably a further mechanical actuation of a switch. Such an event sequence preferably provides for added safety, ensuring that human exposure to the ultraviolet light is prevented.

The treatment period may, in some embodiments, be prematurely terminated as a result of the sensing of one or more events, which may include the actuation of said locking member, or the moving of the drawer(s) and/or door from the closed position toward the open position. During said termination, the ultraviolet light source may be deactivated by the control member.

In some embodiments, the timer may be activated through actuation of a button, which may be positioned on an external surface of the apparatus.

In preferable embodiments, the treatment period is freely adjustable by a user and/or a casino game monitoring system. The treatment period may be selectable according to game type, game length, game frequency per given period, expected/predicted player count, expected/predicted player turnover, among others which will be appreciated. The treatment period may preferably be selected from between: 30 seconds to 2 hours. In most preferable embodiments, the treatment period is selected from approximately 1 to 2 minutes, which may be maximally beneficial for the continued smooth operation of a gaming table and maintaining a satisfactory player experience. The treatment period may be selected according to a proximity of the ultraviolet light source to the platform, with a proximity of around 60 mm being shown to require around 1 to 2 minutes of ultraviolet C light treatment. Such a treatment period may depend on one or more of a number of factors, including ultraviolet light source power, ultraviolet light source viewing angle, a number of LEDs making up an example ultraviolet light source, and the age of said LEDs (since they may degrade over time). To reduce form factor of the apparatus, for example, while maintaining the same treatment period, proximity of the ultraviolet light source to the platform can be reduced. In cases where the ultraviolet light source comprises LEDs, the number of LEDs may be increased to account for the increased proximity.

In most preferable embodiments, the apparatus is comprised within a casino gaming apparatus such as a casino gaming table, a chip sorting device or chip reservoir/safe. In some embodiments, the casino gaming table is a roulette table comprising a roulette wheel. Additional embodiments of the first aspect will be appreciated wherein the casino gaming table is not a roulette table, but is any casino-related gaming table utilising or requiring gaming chips. Examples of such gaming tables may include, but are by no means limited to, roulette, baccarat, poker, blackjack, sic bo, money wheel, craps, or any other suitable casino-based dice game, card game or other live event game performed at a table. The apparatus is preferably located within or beneath the gaming apparatus or table. Other possible embodiments will be appreciated wherein the apparatus is installed in a gaming pit or casino pit, for example in a secure area between gaming tables.

The chamber material and any other components of the present apparatus preferably comprise, or are preferably at least in part coated by, a UV-resistant material such as a metal. Such a material or coating preferably maximises the lifetime of the present invention, and preferably overcomes, or minimises, potential degradation of components over prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet light. It will be appreciated that in most embodiments the platform, which is required to maintain permeability to the ultraviolet light, may not (or may minimally) comprise such a material or coating.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming chip sanitising cabinet, the cabinet comprising: a plurality of walls cooperating to form a chamber having a chamber opening; a reciprocating drawer extending within the chamber, said drawer comprising a frame; a removable platform arranged to be supported on said frame, the platform arranged to support one or more gaming chips thereon; and a first ultraviolet light source arranged to emit ultraviolet light toward the platform.

The first ultraviolet light source is preferably positioned proximate a first face of the platform and arranged to emit the ultraviolet light toward a first surface of the said one or more gaming chips; the cabinet preferably further comprising: a second ultraviolet light source positioned proximate a second face of the platform, opposing the first face; wherein the second ultraviolet light source is arranged to emit ultraviolet light toward the second face.

The cabinet of the second aspect will be understood to include any chamber such as that described herein, and can comprise a gaming chip sanitising apparatus in accordance with the first aspect.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a casino gaming table, the gaming table comprising a gaming chip sanitising apparatus in accordance with the first aspect which may in some embodiments comprise a cabinet in accordance with the second aspect.

The gaming table of the third aspect will be understood to include any gaming table such as that described herein.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of sanitising one or more gaming chips, the method comprising the steps of: positioning one or more gaming chips on an ultraviolet light permeable platform; - directing ultraviolet light toward a surface of the platform.

The "directing" preferably comprises directing the ultraviolet light toward a first surface of the one or more gaming chips; and wherein the method further comprises the step of: directing ultraviolet light toward a second surface of the one or more gaming chips, the second surface opposing the first surface.

The term "ultraviolet permeable" and "ultraviolet C permeable" in the context of the present invention will be understood to mean "arranged to permit passage of ultraviolet light (or ultraviolet C light) therethrough" It will be understood that the method of the fourth aspect may be performable by any apparatus, cabinet or gaming table of the first, second or third aspects respectively.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacture of a gaming chip sanitising apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. The method of the fifth aspect may additionally be used in the manufacture of a cabinet or gaming table in accordance with the second and third aspects respectively.

Detailed Description

Specific embodiments will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 shows a plan view of an example platform suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 2 shows a close-up sectional view of a well of the platform of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 shows a cutaway front view of an example cabinet according to the second aspect of the present invention incorporating a gaming chip sanitising apparatus according to the first aspect; FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a drawer of the cabinet of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 shows a sectional plan view of the cabinet of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 with the drawer in a closed position; FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, having all drawers in the closed position; and FIG. 7 shows a flowchart depicting steps of an example method of sanitising gaming chips in accordance with the fourth aspect.

Referring to FIG. 1, a plan view of an example platform 100 suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention is shown. The platform 100 is substantially rectangular in shape, having two opposing lateral edges 102, 104, a front edge 106 and a rear edge 108. The platform 100 comprises a principal upper face 110 having a plurality of circular wells 112 depressed therein. The individual wells 112 are shown in more detail in FIG. 2, and are distributed about the upper face 110 of the platform 100 forming a ten-by-ten array of one hundred wells 112. Extending about the periphery of the platform 100, and positioned adjacent the edges of the platform 102, 104, 106, 108 is a retaining lip 114 extending away from the upper face 110 of the platform 100 to form a border. The retaining lip 114 terminates about the vertex formed between the front edge 108 and a first lateral edge 102 of the platform 100, defining a gap 116 between the opposing terminal points 118, 120 of the retaining lip 114. As shown the gap 116 comprises a width which is larger than the width of the gaming chip 122. In the embodiment shown, the platform 100 is formed from transparent acrylic, the transparent acrylic being transparent to ultraviolet C light. Distributed along the retaining lip 114 adjacent a second lateral edge 104 of the platform 100 are hinges 130 supporting a planar transparent lid member 132 (outline shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1). The lid member 132 in the embodiment shown is formed from transparent acrylic transparent to ultraviolet C light, and comprises a handle portion 134 permitting easy movement of the lid member 132 from a closed position (shown in FIG. 1) to an open position. Movement of the lid member 132 in the embodiment shown is performed through pivoting the lid member 132 about the hinges 130.

Other embodiments will be appreciated wherein the lid member comprises not hinges and is instead placed over the platform. Such embodiments may comprise a further lid retaining member arranged to retain the lid member in place on the platform.

In use, each of the wells 112 of the platform are filled with a corresponding gaming chip 122.

In some embodiments, the platform 100 may additionally comprise a lid for ease of transportation of the platform 100 having gaming chips 122 supported thereon. Filled platforms 100 are placed proximate an ultraviolet light source arranged to emit ultraviolet C light toward the platform 100. Together the platform 100 and the ultraviolet C light source form an example gaming chip sanitising apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

The UVC transparency of the platform 100 and lid member 132 permits full permeation of the ultraviolet C light through the platform 100 and lid member 132 such that all surfaces of the gaming chips 122 may receive ultraviolet C treatment. The transparency is such that the ultraviolet C light reaches the surfaces of the gaming chips 122 while retaining bactericidal and/or virucidal efficacy. In use, the lid member 132 in the closed position shown is positioned at a distance from the gaming chips 122 such that movement of the gaming chips 122 out of the respective wells 112 is prevented as shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 2, a close-up sectional view of a well 112 of the platform 100 is shown accommodating a gaming chip 122. As shown, the wells 112 comprise a depth which is shorter than the depth of gaming chips 122 for use thereon. The wells 112 each comprise a side wall 124 which is sloped from a floor 126 of the well 112 to the upper surface 110 of the platform.

In use, when ultraviolet C light 230 is emitted toward the upper surface 110, the sloped side walls 124 cause the light 230 to be reflected and/or refracted toward the side surfaces of the chip 122. The sloped side walls 124 also permit easier movement of the gaming chips 122 out of the wells 112 upon inversion or tilting of the platform 110 to empty the platform 100. The sloped side walls 114, having an oblique angle relative to the upper face 110 of the platform 100, are however angled such that normal lateral movement of the platform 100, such as to transport the platform 100 in a horizontal configuration during walking, is not sufficient to cause the gaming chips 122 to exit the wells 122. In the embodiment shown, the well side walls 124 are angled at approximately 45° relative to the upper surface 110 of the platform 100.

In use, ultraviolet C light 230 emitted toward a lower principal face 128 of the platform 100 is arranged to permeate through the platform 100 such that it reaches the underside of the gaming chips 122 as shown in FIG. 2. The ultraviolet C light 230 is also emitted toward the upper principal face 110 of the platform 100, through the lid member 132 which is arranged to permit permeation of the ultraviolet C light 230 therethrough as shown, such that the ultraviolet C light 230 reaches a top surface of the gaming chips 122. Upon reaching the gaming chips 122, the ultraviolet C light comprises bactericidal and virucidal capacity.

Referring to FIG. 3, a cutaway front view of an example cabinet 200 according to the second aspect of the present invention is shown, the cabinet 200 incorporating a plurality of platforms equivalent to that described and shown for FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The cabinet 200 comprises two opposing lateral walls 202, 204, a ceiling 206 and an opposing floor 208, and a rear wall 210 forming a chamber 212, with front edges of the chamber walls 202, 204, 206, 208 forming a chamber opening 214. Extending away from, and along the front edges of the chamber walls 202, 204, 206, 208 is a protruding flange 216 arrange to engage a corresponding groove 218 in a drawer panel 220 (invisible in FIG. 3). Extending along the interior surfaces of the lateral walls 202, 204 from proximate the chamber opening 214 toward the rear wall 210 are three pairs of opposing runners 222. Supported on each pair of runners 222 is a drawer 224 comprising a frame 226 forming and open base of the drawer 224, the frame 226 arranged to support the platform 100 thereon. Positioned in planes located roughly 60 mm above and below each drawer 224 is an ultraviolet LED array 228 each comprising eighteen ultraviolet LEDs. The LEDs in the embodiment shown are arranged to emit ultraviolet C light 230 at a wavelength of roughly 260 nm (265 nm). The LEDs in the array 228 are evenly-spaced to provided full coverage of the wells 112 of the platform 100. The transparency of the platform 100 permits the transmission of the ultraviolet C light 230 through the platform 100. Embodiments will be appreciated wherein the number of LEDs in an LED may be greater in order to permit a greater proximity of the LED array to the platform or drawer. Alternatively, an equal or reduced number of LEDs having a greater viewing angle may also permit a greater proximity of the LED array to the drawer or platform. Embodiments having any suitable number of LEDs will be appreciated according to the type of LED used, and the required proximity of the LED array to the platform or drawer.

Referring to FIG. 4, a plan view of a drawer 224 of the cabinet 200 is shown, the drawer 224 having opposing lateral walls 232 and a rear wall 234 cooperating with a front drawer panel 220 to form a rectangular drawer 224. Positioned along exterior surfaces of the opposing lateral walls 232 are longitudinal flanges 236 arranged to engage the corresponding runners 222 of the cabinet 200. Positioned at the base of the drawer 224 is a frame 226 formed of opposing lateral flanges 238 extending along a lower edge of the opposing lateral walls 232, connected by an adjacent rear flange 240 extending along a lower edge of the rear wall 234. The frame 226 additionally comprises a front flange 242 extending along a lower edge of the drawer panel 220 between the lateral walls 232. The flanges 238, 240, 242 of the frame 226 cooperate to support the platform 100 (outline depicted using a dotted line) thereon. Extending perpendicularly to the lateral and front flanges 238, 242 are ribs 243 arranged to engage corresponding ribs (not shown) on an undersurface of the platform 100 when the platform 100 is placed in the drawer 224. The ribs 243 are arranged to provide a locating function for placing the platform 100. The ribs 243 also act to retain the platform 100 in place in the drawer 224 while the drawer 224 is moved reciprocally between open position and the closed position, such that during said movement, the gaming chips 122 supported thereon are less likely to move position on the platform 100. A gap 244 is formed in the frame between front flange 242 and the lateral flanges 238. The gap 244 is sized such that a hand may be inserted between the supported platform 100 and the interior surfaces of the lateral walls 232 to enable ease of placing the platform 100 into the drawer 224 and removing the platform 100 from the drawer 224. Located about an upper surface of the walls 232, 234 of the drawer 224 and extending outwardly therefrom in a horizontal plane, are strengthening ribs (not shown) arranged to improve the strength of the drawer structure. The drawer panel 220 comprises grooves 218 arranged to engage the corresponding protruding flange 216 positioned about the chamber opening 214 when the drawer is in a closed position (as depicted in FIG. 5).

Referring to FIG. 5, a sectional plan view of the cabinet 200 is shown with the drawer 224 in a closed position. The cabinet 200 is shown further comprising a pair of microswitches 246 positioned such that when the drawer 224 is in the closed position shown, the microswitches 246 are actuated. In use, when all microswitches 246 of the cabinet are actuated (when all drawers are in the closed position), the ultraviolet lighting circuit is completed and the LED arrays 228 are activated such that the ultraviolet C light 230 is emitted therefrom as shown in FIG. 3 (ultraviolet C light 230 depicted using dotted lines). In use, when the drawer 224 is in the closed position shown, the lateral groove 218 of the drawer panel 220 engages the corresponding flanges 216 located about the chamber opening 214 such that an opaque seal is provided, preventing escape of ultraviolet light from between the mating surfaces of the drawer panel 220 and the chamber opening 214.

The cabinet 200 of the embodiment shown additionally includes a timing circuit (not shown) which is arranged to deactivate the ultraviolet LED arrays 228 following a predefined treatment period of two minutes. The timing circuit can be modified to extend or reduce the treatment period as-needed. Embodiments will be appreciated wherein the timing circuit comprises a predefined lower and/or upper threshold of safe treatment, whereby the lower threshold may define a safe lower limit of time required for adequate germicidally-efficacious treatment to be performed. Such a lower threshold may take into account physical specifications of the apparatus such as distance between the ultraviolet light source and the platform and/or the intensity of the ultraviolet light emitted. An upper threshold may be determined in order to minimise the extent of UV-related deterioration of gaming chips and/or apparatus components over time. Thresholds may additionally be determined according to the requirements of a casino environment, such as the desired rate of play of a game, and may be determined and/or controlled by a casino game monitoring apparatus or system.

Referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view of the cabinet 200 is shown, having all drawers in the closed position such that ultraviolet C light treatment of gaming chips therein is ongoing in the view shown. The exterior of the cabinet 200 comprises a notification panel 248 providing LED indicators which, in use, indicate when the LED arrays 228 are in operation in order to alert personnel that ultraviolet C treatment is ongoing within the cabinet 200. The notification panel 248 also comprises a pushbutton arranged to permit manual triggering of the timed ultraviolet C treatment period. The LED indicators are also arranged to indicate when the treatment period has ceased, identifying to personnel that ultraviolet C treatment of the gaming chips has been performed for the treatment period. As is shown in FIG. 6, the uppermost drawer panel 220 comprises a lock 250, which in the embodiment shown is a cam lock such as that commonly used in other casino gaming equipment including for slot machines. The lock 250 is arranged to accept a key arranged to turn the lock from an open position to a closed position, locking the drawers in the closed position shown. The lock 250 prevents unauthorised or inadvertent opening of the drawers during the treatment period, thereby preventing potential escape of harmful ultraviolet radiation. Use of a single lock preferably prevents confusion as to whether all locks are engaged and acts to further prevent inadvertent opening of the drawers during the treatment period. Other embodiments will be appreciated wherein each drawer has a corresponding lock, with such embodiments preferably including a signalling member, such as an LED, to alert an operator of the cabinet that each lock is in the open or closed position. Other embodiments will be appreciated having any suitable locking arrangement.

Embodiments of a casino gaming table in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention will be appreciated comprising a gaming chip sanitising apparatus as described in relation to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 or a cabinet as described in relation to FIG. 3 to 6.

Referring to FIG. 7, a flowchart depicting steps of an example method 300 of sanitising gaming chips in accordance with the fourth aspect is shown. The example method comprises the steps of: positioning one or more gaming chips on a ultraviolet C permeable platform 302; directing ultraviolet C light toward a first face of the platform 304; and directing ultraviolet light toward a second face of the platform, the second face opposing the first face 306.

It will be appreciated the method may use, or may be performed by a gaming chip sanitising apparatus as described in relation to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 or a cabinet as described in relation to FIG. 3 to 6.

Methods of manufacturing a gaming chip sanitising apparatus in accordance with the fifth aspect of the present invention are also provided. Manufacture of a platform 100 as shown may comprise vacuum forming wells into a planar sheet of transparent acrylic to form the principal face of the platform, including the wells and the retaining lip portions in a single action. Other suitable methods of manufacture of the platform 100 will be appreciated, and may comprise, for example, CNC machining and/or injection moulding.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, in the embodiments shown, the ultraviolet light source is an ultraviolet LED array. Embodiments of the present invention will be appreciated wherein the ultraviolet light source is any suitable ultraviolet light source. Additionally, embodiments are shown and described comprising a plurality of drawers. Embodiments will be equally appreciated having a door functioning substantially the same of the drawers described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.A gaming chip sanitising apparatus comprising: a platform arranged to support one or more gaming chips thereon; and a first ultraviolet light source arranged to emit ultraviolet C light toward the platform; wherein the platform is permeable to the ultraviolet C light.
A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ultraviolet C light comprises light having a wavelength from within the range: 250 nm to 280 nm, and preferably approximately 260 nm.
A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first ultraviolet light source is positioned proximate a first face of the platform and arranged to emit the ultraviolet C light toward a first surface of the said one or more gaming chips.
A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, further comprising: a second ultraviolet light source positioned proximate a second face of the platform, opposing the first face; wherein the second ultraviolet light source is arranged to emit ultraviolet C light toward the second face.
A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the platform comprises: a platform material, and wherein the platform material is transparent to the ultraviolet C light.
A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the platform material is one selected from the range: acrylic; glass; polymer; polycarbonate; poly(methyl methacrylate).
A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform comprises: one or more wells in a principal face thereof, each said well being arranged to accommodate at least a portion of a respective gaming chip. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
8. A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said one or more wells each comprise: a well floor positioned in a plane aligned to a first face of the platform, and depressed relative thereto by a depression distance, said depression distance being equal to or shorter than a depth of said one or more gaming chips.
A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said one or more wells each comprise: a well side wall extending between the well floor and the first face; wherein at least a portion of said well side wall intersects the first face at an oblique angle.
A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform is substantially quadrilateral in shape and comprises a retaining lip projecting outwardly from a first face thereof; wherein said retaining lip extends about a portion of a perimeter of the platform.
A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the retaining lip defines a gap, the gap being defined between terminal ends of the retaining lip.
A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the gap is positioned at, or proximate, a vertex formed between adjacent edges of the platform.
A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, when dependent on claim 7, claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the gap comprises a width equal to or greater than a width of said one or more wells.
A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the apparatus further comprising: a chamber arranged to house the platform and the first ultraviolet light source, the chamber having a chamber opening arranged to receive the platform.
A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the chamber further comprises a reciprocating drawer arranged to support the platform thereon and move between: a closed position wherein the drawer is accommodated within the chamber; and 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21.an open position wherein the drawer extends through the chamber opening and substantially away from the chamber; through one or more intermediary positions.
A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the drawer comprises: a frame arranged to support the platform thereon, the frame being arranged to permit permeation of the ultraviolet C light to the platform.
A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the drawer comprises: a drawer panel, the drawer panel being opaque to the ultraviolet C light and arranged to occlude at least a portion of the chamber when the drawer is in the closed position.
A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the drawer panel comprises: a drawer panel flange extending from a first face thereof toward the chamber, the drawer panel flange being arranged to engage the chamber when the drawer is in the closed position and optionally one or more intermediary positions.
A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the chamber comprises: a chamber opening flange extending from the chamber about the chamber opening, the chamber opening flange being arranged to engage the drawer when the drawer is in the closed position and optionally one or more intermediary positions.
A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the chamber further comprises: a control member arranged to activate the ultraviolet light source when the drawer is in the closed position, and further arranged to deactivate the ultraviolet light source when the drawer is in the open position and optionally one or more intermediary positions.
A gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein one or more interior surfaces of the chamber are arranged to reflect the ultraviolet C light.
22. A gaming chip sanitising cabinet, the cabinet comprising: a plurality of walls cooperating to form a chamber having a chamber opening; a reciprocating drawer extending within the chamber, said drawer comprising a frame; a removable platform arranged to be supported on said frame, the platform arranged to support one or more gaming chips thereon; and a first ultraviolet light source arranged to emit ultraviolet C light toward the platform; wherein the platform is permeable to the ultraviolet C light.A casino gaming table, the gaming table comprising a gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21.A method of sanitising one or more gaming chips, the method comprising the steps of: positioning one or more gaming chips on an ultraviolet C permeable platform; directing ultraviolet C light toward a surface of the platform.A method of manufacture of a gaming chip sanitising apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21. 23. 24. 25.