EZ scratch systems
09751001 · 2017-09-05
Inventors
Cpc classification
International classification
Abstract
A tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system includes a tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly having a downwardly-tapered front surface having a front top portion including an upwardly-curved lip, and at least one aperture, a front central portion having a digit-contoured indented center having at least one light, and a tapered front bottom portion having at least one front-side tapered blade; and a downwardly-tapered back surface having a back top portion, a back central portion, and a tapered back bottom portion having at least one back-side tapered blade.
Claims
1. A tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system comprising: a tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly having, a downwardly-tapered front surface having, a front top portion having an upwardly-curved lip, a front central portion having, a digit-contoured indented center, and a tapered front bottom portion having, at least one front-side tapered blade; and a downwardly-tapered back surface having, a back top portion, a back central portion, and a tapered back bottom portion having, at least one back-side tapered blade; wherein said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system comprises said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly; wherein said downwardly-tapered front surface and said downwardly-tapered back surface comprise said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly; wherein said downwardly-tapered front surface is mated to said downwardly-tapered back surface via injection molding; wherein said front top portion, said front central portion, and said tapered front bottom portion comprise said downwardly-tapered front surface; wherein said back top portion, said back central portion, and said tapered back bottom portion comprise said downwardly-tapered back surface; wherein said at least one front-side tapered blade is integral to said at least one back-side tapered blade thereby forming said tapered blade; wherein said tapered blade when engaged with said lottery ticket scratch-off removes at least one opaque film thereby revealing if a prize is won; wherein said digit-contoured indented center provides a region for said digit of a user-scratcher to grasp said tool for scratching lottery tickets system, thereby preventing unwanted displacement while in an in-use condition; and wherein said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly is structured and arranged for quickly and cleanly scratching off said opaque film on scratch-off said lottery tickets.
2. The tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system of claim 1 wherein said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly comprises an injection-molded thermoplastic polymer to provide strength, durability, and lack of deformability.
3. The tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system of claim 1 wherein said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly comprises a cast-molded metal to provide strength, durability, and lack of deformability.
4. The tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system of claim 1 wherein said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly is approximately 1¾ inches in height.
5. The tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system of claim 1 wherein said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly is approximately ⅞ inches in width.
6. The tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system of claim 1 wherein said tapered back bottom portion having said tapered blade of said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly is approximately ⅜ inches in thickness.
7. The tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system of claim 1 wherein said opaque film comprises latex.
8. The tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system of claim 1 wherein said front top portion of said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly further comprises at least one aperture centrally located along an upper edge of said top portion.
9. The tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system of claim 8 where said aperture acts as a keychain aperture for inserting a ball-clasp chain through said aperture thereby removably-coupling said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly to a keychain of a user-scratcher so as to have access to said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly thereby preventing unwanted displacement of said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly.
10. The tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system of claim 8 where said aperture acts as a keychain aperture for inserting a split-ring through said aperture thereby removably-coupling said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly to a keychain of a user-scratcher so as to have access to said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly thereby preventing unwanted displacement of said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly.
11. The tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system of claim 1 wherein said digit-contoured indented center is deformable.
12. The tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system of claim 11 further comprises at least one light for illuminating an area around said lottery scratch off ticket.
13. The tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system of claim 12 wherein said light comprises at least one LED.
14. The tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system of claim 13 wherein said LED light is activated by compressing said deformable said digit-contoured indented center.
15. The tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system of claim 14 wherein said LED light is powered via at least one battery.
16. The tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system of claim 14 wherein said at least one battery comprises a long-life, internal lithium-ion pill-type battery.
17. The tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system of claim 14 wherein said light when activated by compressing said digit-contoured indented center illuminates a keyhole on a doorknob when user-scratcher removably-couples said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly to said keychain.
18. A tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system comprising: a tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly having, a downwardly-tapered front surface having, a front top portion having an upwardly-curved lip, and at least one aperture; a front central portion having, a digit-contoured indented center having at least one light, and a tapered front bottom portion having, at least one front-side tapered blade; and a downwardly-tapered back surface having, a back top portion, a back central portion, and a tapered back bottom portion having, at least one back-side tapered blade; wherein said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system comprises said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly; wherein said downwardly-tapered front surface and said downwardly-tapered back surface comprise said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly; wherein said downwardly-tapered front surface is mated to said downwardly-tapered back surface via injection molding; wherein said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly comprises an injection-molded thermoplastic polymer to provide strength, durability, and lack of deformability; wherein said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly is approximately 1¾ inches in height; wherein said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly is approximately ⅞ inches in width; wherein said tapered back bottom portion having said tapered blade of said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly is approximately ⅜ inches in thickness; wherein said front top portion, said front central portion, and said tapered front bottom portion comprise said downwardly-tapered front surface; wherein of said at least one aperture located on said front top portion is centrally located along an upper edge of said top portion; where said aperture acts as a keychain aperture for inserting a ball-clasp chain through said aperture thereby removably-coupling said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly to a keychain of a user-scratcher so as to have access to said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly thereby preventing unwanted displacement of said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly; wherein said digit-contoured indented center provides a region for said digit of a user-scratcher to grasp said tool for scratching lottery tickets system, thereby preventing unwanted displacement while in an in-use condition; wherein said digit-contoured indented center is deformable; wherein said light comprises at least one LED; wherein said LED light is activated by compressing said deformable said digit-contoured indented center; wherein said LED light is powered via at least one battery; wherein said at least one battery comprises a long-life, internal lithium-ion pill-type battery; wherein said light when activated by compressing said digit-contoured indented center illuminates a keyhole on a doorknob when user-scratcher removably-couples said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly to said keychain; wherein said back top portion, said back central portion, and said tapered back bottom portion comprise said downwardly-tapered back surface; wherein said at least one light illuminates an area around said lottery scratch off ticket; wherein said at least one front-side tapered blade is integral to said at least one back-side tapered blade thereby forming said tapered blade; wherein said tapered blade when engaged with said lottery ticket scratch-off removes at least one opaque film thereby revealing if a prize is won; wherein said opaque film comprises latex; and wherein said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly is structured and arranged for quickly and cleanly scratching off said opaque film on scratch-off said lottery tickets.
19. The tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system of claim 18 further comprising a kit including: a plurality of said tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assemblies in various colors, designs, logos, graphics, and indicias; and a set of user-instructions.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system (entitled EZ Scratch Systems) constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.
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(7) The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(8) As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a lottery ticket scratcher device and more particularly to a tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system (entitled ‘EZ Scratch Systems’) that is structured and arranged for quickly and cleanly scratching off an opaque film on scratch-off lottery tickets.
(9) Generally speaking, EZ Scratch Systems comprises a keychain fob specifically designed for use in scraping away the opaque film on scratch-off lottery tickets. Compact, convenient, and even including its own pressure-activated reading light, the EZ Scratch Systems may cost less than half the price of a $5 scratch-off ticket, and preferably provide users with a quick and effective means of finding out whether this is their lucky day.
(10) Fabricated in a preferably tough and durable injection-molded thermoplastic polymer or metal, the EZ Scratch Systems may be about the size and dimensions of a book of matches for easy handling and use, measuring approximately 1¾ inches in height, by ⅞-inch in width, and tapering from a top about ⅜-inch in thickness to a bottom that tapers to a thin-edged scraping blade. The center top of the EZ Scratch Systems may be equipped with a keychain hole (and perhaps a ball-clasp chain or a split-ring), and the center of the device may be equipped with a thumb-press LED light—this light powered by a long-life, internal lithium-ion pill-type battery, and providing instant illumination useful not only for reading the numbers or symbols of the lottery ticket, but also for use when the EZ Scratch Systems is employed as a keychain: illuminating a doorknob keyhole at night, for example.
(11) The EZ Scratch Systems may be produced in a wide variety of colors, and could also be imprinted or emblazoned with a variety of sports-team logos; lucky sayings or mottos, and other graphics or language designed to appeal to individual users, from “World's Greatest Dad,” for example, to “You Go, Girl,” to “Bring Home the Bling.”
(12) The EZ Scratch Systems may offer consumers a simple, convenient, handy, and effective tool for quickly and cleanly scratching off the concealing film on scratch-off lottery tickets and a tool that may double as a lighted keychain. The lighted keychain may be used as a guide when unlocking doors, or simply while viewing scratch off tickets, or other reading materials, in a dimly lit area.
(13) The EZ Scratch Systems is clever in conception, thoughtful in design, and sure to appeal strongly to tens of millions of Americans who play scratch-off lottery games. The EZ Scratch Systems may be sold in displays on the very convenience stores where most consumers buy their tickets. Convenient and readily accessible and available, the EZ Scratch Systems may not improve an individual's chances in the lottery, but as an invention, presents itself as a clear winner.
(14) Referring now to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in
(15) Tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system 100 comprises tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly 102 having downwardly-tapered front surface 110 having front top portion 120 including upwardly-curved lip 122, and at least one aperture 126, front central portion 130 having digit-contoured indented center 134 having at least one optional light 136, and tapered front bottom portion 140 having at least one front-side tapered blade 144; and downwardly-tapered back surface 150 having back top portion 160, back central portion 170, and tapered back bottom portion 180 having at least one back-side tapered blade 184. Tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system 100 preferably comprises tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly 102.
(16) Downwardly-tapered front surface 110 and the downwardly-tapered back surface 150 comprise tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly 110. Back top portion 160, back central portion 170, and tapered back bottom portion 180 comprise downwardly-tapered back surface 150. Downwardly-tapered front surface 110 is mated to downwardly-tapered back surface 150 via injection molding. Tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly 102 is approximately 1¾ inches in height. Tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly 102 is approximately ⅞ inches in width. Tapered back bottom portion 180 having tapered blade 184 of tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly 102 is approximately ⅜ inches in thickness.
(17) Tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly 102 comprises an injection-molded thermoplastic polymer to provide strength, durability, and lack of deformability. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other material arrangements such as, for example, ferrous and non-ferrous materials including cast-molded metal, etc., may be sufficient.
(18) Front top portion 120, front central portion 130, and tapered front bottom portion 140 comprise downwardly-tapered front surface 110. At least one aperture 126 located on front top portion 120 is centrally located along upper edge 124 of top portion 120. Aperture 126 acts as a keychain aperture for inserting ball-clasp chain 128 through aperture 126 thereby removably-coupling tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly 102 to keychain 104 of user-scratcher 190 so as to have access to tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly 102 thereby preventing unwanted displacement of tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly 102 as shown in in-use condition 106 of
(19) Digit-contoured indented center 134 provides a region for digit 192 of user-scratcher 190 to grasp tool for scratching lottery tickets system 100, thereby preventing unwanted displacement while in in-use condition 106. Digit-contoured indented center 134 is deformable. Light 136 preferably comprises at least one LED, however other lighting means may be suitably used. The LED light 136 is activated by compressing deformable digit-contoured indented center 134. LED light 136 is powered via at least one battery. The at least one battery comprises a long-life, internal lithium-ion pill-type battery. Light 136 when activated by compressing digit-contoured indented center 134 illuminates a keyhole on a doorknob when user-scratcher 190 removably-couples tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly 102 to keychain 104. At least one light 136 illuminates an area around lottery scratch off ticket 194.
(20) At least one front-side tapered blade 144 is integral to at least one back-side tapered blade 184 thereby forming tapered blade 148. Tapered blade 148 when engaged lottery ticket scratch-off 194 removes at least one opaque film 196 thereby revealing if a prize is won. Opaque film 196 preferably comprises latex, however other substances may be suitably used. Tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly 102 is structured and arranged for quickly and cleanly scratching off opaque film 196 on scratch-off lottery tickets 194.
(21) Referring now to
(22) Kit 400 is embodied herein for tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system 100 comprising a plurality of tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assemblies 102 in various colors, designs, logos, graphics, and indicias, an optional replaceable long-life, internal lithium-ion pill-type battery; and set of user-instructions 410.
(23) The kit has instructions such that functional relationships are detailed in relation to the structure of the invention (such that the invention can be used, maintained, or the like in a preferred manner). Tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system 100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different scratch surface/means and combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient.
(24) Referring now to
(25) Method of using (method of use 500) tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system 100 comprises the steps of: step one 501 purchasing a user-preferred scratch off lottery ticket 194; step two 502 choosing tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly 102 in a user-preferred color and design; step three 503 user-scratcher 190 grasping tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly 102; step four 504 compressing digit-contoured indented center 134 located on tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly 102; step five 505 activating at least one LED light 136; step six 506 illuminating an area surrounding scratch off lottery ticket 194; step seven 507 user-scratcher 190 scratching off opaque film 196 via at least one tapered blade 148; step eight 508 decompressing digit-contoured indented center 134; step nine 509 de-activating LED light 136 once completely removing all opaque film 196 on scratch off lottery ticket 194; and step ten 510 discarding scratch off lottery ticket 194.
(26) It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶ 6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.
(27) The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.