Abstract:
A fully automated raffle assembly ( 15 ) comprising a data collection device ( 16 ) adapted to read information, a printer ( 18 ) communicating with the data collection device and adapted to print a raffle ticket ( 19 ), the printer and the data collection device so configured and arranged that the information read by the data collection device is communicated to the printer and printed on the ticket, a collection bin ( 20 ), the printer and collection bin so configured and arranged that the ticket is automatically fed into the collection bin after it is printed by the printer. The data collection device may be selected from a group consisting of a bar code scanner and a magnetic code scanner. The raffle assembly may further comprise a ticket guide ( 21 ) between the printer and the collection bin, the ticket guide configured to direct the ticket from the printer into the collection bin. The raffle assembly may further comprise a processor ( 22 ) with the data collection device and the printer communicating through the processor.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application(s) No(s) 60/467,219, filed May 1, 2003. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of raffle devices and, more particularly, to a fully automated raffle assembly. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     It is known in the prior art that visitors to trade shows can fill out an information card before entering a show hall, and that once in the hall exhibitors at the show can scan or swipe a visitor&#39;s card to enter that visitor&#39;s information into the exhibitor&#39;s lead retrieval system. Exhibitors also sometimes have a label printer that enables them to print a hard copy of such visitor information. It is also known that visitors to certain exhibitor&#39;s booths can be provided with an opportunity to enter raffles for various prizes. To enter the raffle, the visitor either provides a business card or manually fills out a raffle slip and the business card or slip is manually deposited in a raffle bin by the visitor or the exhibitor. 
     However, devices known in the prior art do not provide a fully automated raffle system. Raffle assemblies known in the prior art require that the visitor or potential customer manually fill out a raffle ticket or that the ticket be manually placed in a collection bin. Hence, it would be useful to provide a raffle gathering and deposit system which is fully automated. 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     With parenthetical reference to the corresponding parts, portions or surfaces of the disclosed embodiment, merely for purposes of illustration and not by way of limitation, the present invention provides a fully automated raffle assembly ( 15 ) comprising a data collection device ( 16 ) adapted to read information, a printer ( 18 ) communicating with the data collection device and adapted to print a raffle ticket ( 19 ), the printer and the data collection device so configured and arranged that the information read by the data collection device is communicated to the printer and printed on the ticket, a collection bin ( 20 ), the printer and collection bin so configured and arranged that the ticket is automatically fed into the collection bin after it is printed by the printer. The data collection device may be selected from a group consisting of a bar code scanner and a magnetic code scanner. The raffle assembly may further comprise a ticket guide ( 21 ) between the printer and the collection bin, the ticket guide configured to direct the ticket from the printer into the collection bin. The ticket guide may comprise a printer discharge port ( 23 ) and a collection bin drop slot ( 24 ) with the discharge port aligned in the drop slot such that the ticket from the printer is fed from the discharge port through the drop slot, and may further comprise an adjustment mechanism ( 57 ) between the printer and the collection bin adapted to move the discharge port relative to the drop slot. The collection bin may comprise an access door ( 26 ) and the ticket guide may comprise a ticket chute ( 28 ) between the printer and the access door and an ejector guide ( 29 ) between the printer and the ticket chute. The raffle assembly may further comprise a processor ( 22 ) with the data collection device and the printer communicating through the processor. The processor may be programmed to store information from the data collection device. The raffle assembly may further comprise a digital display ( 25 ) communicating with the data collection device and adapted to display information read by the data collection device. The raffle assembly may further comprise a processor with the digital display and a data collection device communicating through the processor. The raffle assembly may further comprise an advertising support member ( 30 ). The printer may be supported over the collection bin and the collection bin may be supported over the data collection device. 
     Accordingly, the general object of the present invention is to provide a fully automated raffle assembly. 
     Another object is to provide a raffle assembly that does not require the manual entry of information on a raffle ticket nor the manual deposit of the raffle ticket in a raffle collection bin. 
     Another object is to provide an improved raffle assembly that may be operated without supervision. 
     Another object is to provide an improved raffle assembly that allows for the participant to view the printing of his or her raffle ticket and the automatic deposit of that ticket in the raffle bin. 
     Another object is to provide an improved raffle assembly that allows for the participant to view his or her contact information digitally before it is printed on a raffle ticket. 
     Another object is to provide an improved raffle assembly that allows for information to be electronically scanned. 
     Another object is to provide an improved raffle assembly with the capability of storing information collected through the incentive of winning a prize. 
     Another object is to provide an improved raffle assembly that may be used in multiple venues. 
     These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the foregoing and ongoing written specification, the drawings, and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is perspective view of the improved raffle assembly. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the raffle assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the raffle assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a partial vertical sectional view of the raffle assembly shown in  FIG. 3 , taken generally on line  4 — 4  of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the collection bin shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the base shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the printer and adjustment mechanism shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the adjustment mechanism shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a partial vertical sectional view of the printer shown in  FIG. 3  in its lowered position, taken generally on line  9 — 9  of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 10  is a partial vertical sectional view of the printer as shown in  FIG. 9  but in a raised position. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the improved raffle assembly. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the raffle assembly shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan view of the raffle assembly shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  is a partial vertical sectional view of the raffle assembly shown in  FIG. 13 , taken generally on line  14 — 14  of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the ticket chute shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the printer ejector guide shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions or surfaces, consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as such elements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification, of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1–2 , this invention provides an improved raffle assembly, of which the presently preferred embodiment is generally indicated at  15 . The assembly is shown as broadly including a bar code scanner  16 , a data processor  22 , a printer  18 , a digital display  25  and a ticket guide. 
     Bar code scanner  16  is a conventional scanner which allows for the collection of information from a bar code. Each visitor to a trade show or customer to a retail outlet, for example, can be given an identifier card having a bar code containing that participants contact information. Scanner  16  allows for such information to be collected automatically by conventional processor  22 . The model LS-5800 bar code scanner manufactured by Symbol Technologies, Inc., of One Symbol Plaza, Holtsville, N.Y. 11742-1300, may be employed in the preferred embodiment. It is contemplated that other scanners may be used, such as a magnetic code scanner that reads information from a magnetic strip on a card. 
     Processor  22  is a conventional processor that communicates with scanner  16  and with digital display  25 . Mainboard  31  provides interface connections between processor  22 , hard drive  17 , scanner  16  and digital display  25 , respectively. The Diamond Max Plus 8 ATA hard drive provided by Maxtor Corporation, of 500 McCarthy Boulevard, Milpitas, Calif. 95035, and the EPIA M Mainboard, with a VIA C3/EDEN EBGA processor, manufactured by VIA Technologies, Inc., of 940 Mission Court, Fremont Calif. 94539, may be employed in the preferred embodiment. 
     Digital display  25  communicates with processor  22  and displays the information scanned by scanner  16  so that such information can be reviewed and connected if necessary by the participant. The model TD3000 series digital display manufactured by Logic Controls, Inc. of 355 Denton Avenue, New Hyde Park, N.Y. 11040 may be employed in the preferred embodiment. 
     Processor  22  in turn communicates with printer  18  through printer cord  61 . Some or all of the contact information collected from scanner  16  by processor  22  is printed on an individual raffle slip or ticket  19  by printer  18 . Thus, printer  18  allows the exhibitor to print information about each visitor or customer on individual tickets of paper  19  that are configured to be drawn in a raffle and to provide the winner&#39;s name and contact information. The model TK/VL41 series printer manufactured by Fenix Group, of Barcelona, Spain, may be employed in the preferred embodiment. 
     Processor  22  may be programmed to perform other functions such as data storage and participant screening. For example, processor  22  may be connected to a central processor where information from one or multiple raffle assemblies may be collected or used for marketing purposes. In addition, processor  22  may be programmed to check to make certain that multiple raffle tickets for the same participant are not printed and deposited in collection bin  20 . In this way, processor  22  may act as a gatekeeper to assure that only one raffle ticket is deposited per person, removing the ability of a single person to scan their information onto raffle tickets multiple times. 
     Printer  18  communicates with collection hopper or bin  20  so that each raffle ticket  19  printed by printer  18  is automatically directed into collection bin  20 . As shown in FIG.  5 , collection bin  20  is a hexagonal drum. Bin  20  is made of clear acrylic so that the interior volume where the raffle tickets are collected is viewable. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , scanner  16 , processor  22 , digital display  25  and motherboard  31  are housed in a base  32 . Base housing  32  comprises a horizontal base plate  33 , a vertical rear face plate  34 , a vertical front face plate  35 , a vertical side plate  40 , a vertical side plate  41  and a top horizontal plate  36 . Front face plate  35  includes a scanner face panel  38  through which scanner  16  can scan participant cards. Front plate face  35  also includes a display opening  39  through which a customer may view scanned information on digital display  25 . 
     Bin  20  is removably supported by two vertical side supports  42  and  43  mounted to the top of base housing  32 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Bin  20  is supported on its axis x-x above base housing  32  by side supports  42  and  43  such that bin  20  may be detached from supports  42  and  43  and disengaged from the rest of the assembly. In addition, bin  32  may be rotated about axis x-x to allow access to the top panel  49  of bin  20 . 
     Printer  18  is mounted to base plate  63  of printer shelf  46  above bin  20 . Printer shelf  46  is supported at either end by vertical printer shelf risers  44  and  45 , respectively. Printer shelf  46  and base plate  63  include a printer shelf opening  48  over which printer  18  is mounted. 
     As shown in FIGS.  4  and  7 – 10 , printer  18  includes a horizontal printing element  50  which is suspended in opening  48  and may be adjusted vertically relative to opening  48 . Member  50  has a rectangular printer discharge port  23  through which the end of the roll  51  of tickets extends. Collection bin  20  in turn includes an access door  26  in top panel  49 , which in this embodiment is in a closed position during operation. Access door  26  contains a generally rectangular drop slot  24 . Drop slot  24  has a width slightly greater than the outside width of port  23 . Discharge port  23  and slot  24  are configured and aligned such that, when printer is in its lowered position, port  23  extends into slot  24 . Not only does this allow for a seamless guide for ticket  19 , but it also keeps bin  20  from rotating about axis x-x. Raffle ticket  19  output from printer  18  is thereby automatically directed through port  23  and slot  24  in access door  26  into collection bin  20 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9–10 , printer  18  may be raised vertically with adjustment mechanism  57  to allow, as described below, rotation and removal of collection bin  20 . In order for ticket  19  to be properly directed from discharge port  23  into drop slot  24 , port  23  extends into slot  24  when printer  18  is lowered as shown in  FIG. 9 . This lowered position is desired during operation. Adjustment mechanism  57  is used to elevate printer  18  and withdrawal port  23  from slot  24  in order to thereby permit bin  20  to be rotated freely about axis x-x and removed from the assembly unencumbered by printer  18 . In the preferred embodiment, printer  18  is elevated by moving adjustment arm  62  to the position shown in  FIG. 10 . The lever action of arm  62  against base plate  63  elevates printer  18 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7–10 , adjustment mechanism  57  comprises adjustment arm  62 , base plate  63 , vertical printer plate  64 , vertical guide plate  65 , slide member  67  and retaining block  66 . Vertical guide plate  65  is mounted to base plate  63  of printer shelf  46  and includes a vertically extending slit that defines a rectangular guide channel  69 . Sliding member  67 , which is sized to allow it to move vertically in guide channel  69 , is fixably interposed between vertical printer plate  64  and retaining block  66 . When arm  62  is in its raised position, shown in  FIG. 9 , printer  18  is in its lowered operational position, with the bottom surface of sliding member  67  resting against the bottom of guide channel  69  and thereby vertically supporting printer  18 . Without a counterbalancing force against arm  62 , the weight of printer  18  will keep printer  18  in its lowered position and hold arm  62  in its raised position. 
     Arm  62  is pivotally mounted at pivot  71  to printer  18  such that moving arm  62  to its lowered position, shown in  FIG. 10 , causes member  67  to slide up in guide channel  69  until member  67  reaches the top of guide channel  69 , elevating printer  18 . Thus, printer  18  can be elevated relative to printer shelf  46  and slot  24  a distance equal to the difference between the vertical thickness of slidable member  67  and the length of guide channel  69 . This distance is large enough to allow port  23  to be fully withdrawn from slit  24  when printer  18  is so elevated. 
     With printer  18  in its raised position, collection bin  20  can be disengaged from the rest of the assembly  15  by loosening wing nuts  60 , thereby allowing easy access through access door  26  for a drawing to select the winner of the subject raffle prize or prizes. Thus, assembly  15  allows for a visitor&#39;s card to be scanned, certain information coded on the card to be printed by printer  18  on ticket  19 , and ticket  19  guided to collection bin  20  in a secure and automated manner through printer discharge port  23  and correspondingly aligned drop slot  24  for deposit into collection bin  20 . Once in collection bin  20 , a raffle ticket  19  may be drawn at a later time as a winning ticket for the raffle. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , assembly  15  includes an advertising support member  30  to which marketing material may be mounted. Support member  30  is mounted to the front edge of printer shelf  46 . 
       FIGS. 11–16  show an alternate embodiment  52 . In this embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 11–16 , an alternate ticket guide  21  is employed. Printer shelf risers  53  and  54  are mounted to bin supports  42  and  43 , respectively, to the real of the axis of rotation x-x of bin  20 . Thus printer  18  is offset from access door  26  of bin  20 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , ticket guide  21  includes a ticket chute  28  and a printer ejector guide  29 . Printer  55  is different from printer  18 , ejecting raffle ticket  19  from the top of the printer  55  rather than the bottom. A TSP700 Series printer manufactured by Star Micronics America, Inc., of 1150 King Georges Post Road, Edison, N.J. 08837-3729, may be employed in this alternate embodiment. Attached above the printer ejection port  70  of printer  55  is ticket ejector guide  29 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , printer ejector guide  29  is an arcuate member. As ticket  19  is printed, ejector guide  29  directs it downwards into ticket chute  28 . 
     Ticket chute  28  is mounted to the top panel  49  of bin  20 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , ticket chute  28  is defined by a top surface, a rear surface, and two side surfaces. As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the front face of chute  28  faces printer  55  and is open. Similarly, the base of chute  28  is aligned over access door  26  of bin  20  and is also open. Thus, a ticket printed by printer  55  is directed into chute  28  by guide  29 . The ticket then is funneled by chute  28  through open access door  26  and into bin  20 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , advertising support member  56  is mounted to the front of printer shelf  58 . Because printer shelf  58  is offset to one side of access door  26  of bin  20 , advertising support member  56  includes an opening  59  through which the end of guide  29  extends and through which ticket  19  is directed. As in the first embodiment, advertising support member  56  may be used to hold promotional material. 
     It is contemplated that the raffle assembly could be used in any venue where identification cards are used or available and an incentive is desired to encourage customers or potential customers to provide information or to otherwise create commercial interest. Such venues could include not only trade shows but grocery stores or other retail venues. 
     The present invention contemplates that many changes and modifications may be made. Therefore, while the presently preferred embodiment of the raffle assembly and an alternate embodiment have been shown and described, persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various additional changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, as defined and differentiated by the following claims.