Data-encoded lottery ticket scraper and method of use

• US 8,191,773 B1
• Filed: 02/20/2009
• Issued: 06/05/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 05/09/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dreamstickle LLC
• Original Assignee: Dreamstickle LLC
• Inventors: Messinger, Andrew, Govin, Yasmi
• Primary Examiner(s): Hess, Daniel
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHEDEKEL, TABITHA F
• Application Number:
  US12/389,891
• Time in Patent Office: 1,201 Days
• Field of Search: 235/375, 235/380, 152/360.1, 152/360.5, 152/360.6, 152/360.7, 152/360.8, 151/11, D32/11, D32/42, D32/43, D32/46
• US Class Current: 235/380
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 3/065 Tickets or accessories for use therewith A63F3/0625 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 3/068 Accessories therefor, e.g. ticket scrapers

Abstract

A data-encoded scraper for cleaning an opaque coating off a scratchcard or lottery ticket is provided. The data-encoded scratchcard scraper includes a scraper body with an integrally formed, or attached, machine-readable encoded data associable with unique end-user-specific data. The machine-readable encoded data preferably comprises barcode symbols.

The scraper body is preferably a flattened, somewhat elongated curvilinear object having a rounded larger end, a rounded smaller end, and a narrow sidewall. The larger end is configured with a thumb-size indentation. The smaller end is configured with a small hole for a key ring. The sidewall is configured with multiple grooves suitable for efficiently scraping the opaque coating from the scratchcard.

The machine-readable encoded data facilitates purchasing, re-loading of funds, collection of end-user-specific data, and presentation of end-user-specific offers, prizes, rewards, directed advertising, and the like.

Claims

1. A scraper manually operated by an end-user to scrape an obscuring surface from a scratchcard, comprising:

a scraper body configured as a flattened, somewhat elongated curvilinear object having a rounded larger end, a rounded smaller end, an upper surface, a bottom surface, and

a narrow vertical sidewall, wherein said upper surface is configured with an thumbprint-shaped indentation sized and configured to generally fit a thumb of said end-user, and wherein said sidewall is configured with multiple grooves; and

a machine readable code system configured to encode machine-readable end-user-identification-specific data.

2. The scraper manually operated by an end-user to scrape an obscuring surface from a scratchcard, as recited in claim 1, further comprising a promotional element, and wherein said rounded smaller end is configured with a small hole sized to accommodate a key ring.

3. The scraper manually operated by an end-user to scrape an obscuring surface from a scratchcard, as recited in claim 2, wherein said promotional element is attached to said upper surface.

4. The scraper manually operated by an end-user to scrape an obscuring surface from a scratchcard, as recited in claim 2, wherein said promotional element is attached to said bottom surface.

5. The scraper manually operated by an end-user to scrape an obscuring surface from a scratchcard, as recited in claim 2, wherein said promotional element is formed integrally with said scraper body.

6. The scraper manually operated by an end-user to scrape an obscuring surface from a scratchcard, as recited in claim 2, wherein said promotional element comprises a logo.

7. The scraper manually operated by an end-user to scrape an obscuring surface from a scratchcard, as recited in claim 2, wherein said promotional element comprises advertising.

8. The scraper manually operated by an end-user to scrape an obscuring surface from a scratchcard, as recited in claim 2, wherein said machine readable code system is formed integrally with said scraper body.

9. The scraper manually operated by an end-user to scrape an obscuring surface from a scratchcard, as recited in claim 2, wherein said machine readable code system comprises a carrier, wherein said carrier is attached to said scraper body.

10. The scraper manually operated by an end-user to scrape an obscuring surface from a scratchcard, as recited in claim 9, wherein said machine readable code system comprises barcode symbols disposed on said carrier.

11. The scraper manually operated by an end-user to scrape an obscuring surface from a scratchcard, as recited in claim 9, wherein said machine readable code system comprises an RFID tag.

12. A method of use of a scraper for scraping a scratchcard, comprising:

obtaining a scratchcard scraper comprising a machine readable code system, wherein said machine readable code system is associated with unique end-user-identification-specific data;

interacting with at least one commercial institution by using said machine readable code system;

positioning a sidewall of said scratchcard scraper near an opaque coating on a surface of said scratchcard; and

rubbing said sidewall of said scratchcard scraper across said opaque coating.

13. The method of use of a scraper for scraping a scratchcard, as recited in claim 12, wherein:

said at least one commercial institution comprises a lottery establishment; and

said interacting with at least one commercial institution comprises collecting said unique end-user-identification-specific data.

14. The method of use of a scraper for scraping a scratchcard, as recited in claim 13, further comprising receiving a prize entry associated with said unique end-user-identification-specific data.

15. The method of use of a scraper for scraping a scratchcard, as recited in claim 14, wherein said at least one commercial institution further comprises a banking institution;

and wherein said method of use of a scraper for scraping a scratchcard further comprises;

associating a specific account at said banking institution with said unique end-user-identification-specific data; and

deducting an amount from said specific account at said banking institution to be credited to said scratchcard scraper.

16. The method of use of a scraper for scraping a scratchcard, as recited in claim 15, further comprising receiving offers from said lottery establishment based on said unique end-user-identification-specific data.

17. A method of use by a commercial institution of a scratchcard scraper configured with machine-readable encoded data, comprising:

providing said scratchcard scraper to an end-user to use to remove an opaque coating from a surface of a scratchcard;

obtaining end-user-identification-specific personal information from said unique end-user;

associating said end-user-identification-specific personal information with said machine-readable encoded data;

offering prize entries based on said machine-readable encoded data; and

funding lottery purchases based on said machine-readable encoded data.

18. The method of use by a commercial institution of a scratchcard scraper configured with machine-readable encoded data, as recited in claim 17, further comprising directing marketing to said end-user based on said machine readable encoded data.

19. The method of use by a commercial institution of a scratchcard scraper configured with machine-readable encoded data, as recited in claim 18, wherein said scratchcard scraper comprises a promotional element configured to promote brand identity.

20. The method of use by a commercial institution of a scratchcard scraper configured with machine-readable encoded data, as recited in claim 19, further comprising pre-loading said scratchcard scraper with a specific monetary value, wherein said scratchcard scraper can function as a gift card.