Abstract:
An apparatus, a system and a method for scraping a surface are provided. The apparatus and the system have a base with an edge surrounding the base. A sloping surface is associated with the base. A layer extends from the top surface of the base outward with respect to the top surface of the base. An indentation is formed in the layer to grip the layer and the base. The indentation, the layer and/or the base are held and/or gripped to move the edge and/or the sloping surface to scrape the surface.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention generally relates to an apparatus, a system and a method for scraping a surface. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and a system having a base with an edge which may scratch a surface, such as, for example, a lottery ticket, a gift card, a membership card, a bingo card and/or the like.  
         [0002]     It is, of course, generally known to provide a card with a removable layer. The card may be an instant lottery ticket and/or a game card and/or the like. The card is printed with instructions on one end of the card. The other end of the card is printed with information such as, data, numbers, symbols or dollar amounts. A user scratches the removable layer to reveal, for example, a prize amount and/or symbols. The user may win the prize amount by matching, for example, three symbols.  
         [0003]     It is also generally known to provide a discount card and/or a gift card with a removable layer. A security code may be covered by the removable layer. A user brings the card to a retailer which removes the removable layer to reveal the security code. The retailer may use the security code to verify the gift card was properly purchased. Alternatively, the user of the card may reveal the removable layer to reveal a percentage and/or a dollar amount of a discount to be awarded to the user by the retailer.  
         [0004]     Typically, the user scratches the removable layer with devices, such as, for example, a coin, a button, a guitar pick and/or a key. Generally, the devices are not designed for removing the removable layer from the card. For example, a key is generally designed to unlock, for example, a door. As a result, the key has rough edges which damage the card rather than merely removing the removable layer from the card. Further, such devices do not have indicia or graphical designs, such as, lucky symbols, personalized information and/or the like which may be desired by the user.  
         [0005]     Alternatively, in the absence of such a device, the user scratches the removable layer with a fingernail. However, a fingernail may break while scratching the surface. In addition, the removable layer may stick and/or may dirty the finger or skin of the user.  
         [0006]     A need, therefore, exists for an apparatus, a system and a method for scraping a surface. Additionally, a need exists for an apparatus and a system which may have an edge for scraping a surface. Further, a need exists for an apparatus and a system which may be grasped to scratch a surface. Still further, a need exists for an apparatus and a system which may have a layer or an area for grasping to scratch a surface. Moreover, a need exists for an apparatus, a system and a method for scraping a surface which may have indicia or graphical designs. Furthermore, a need exists for an apparatus, a system and a method for scraping a surface which may have an edge for scraping a surface without damaging the surface. In addition, a need exists for an apparatus, a system and a method for scraping a surface which may have a layer forming an ornamental or graphic design. Further, a need exists for an apparatus and a system having a surface with different length edges for scratching removable layers of different sizes. Still further, a need exists for an apparatus a system and a method for scraping a surface having an angled surface for scratching surfaces of different sizes.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention generally relates to an apparatus, a system and a method for scraping a surface. More specifically, the apparatus and the system may have a base with an edge for scraping a surface, such as, for example, a lottery ticket, a membership card, a promotional card, a game card and/or the like. A sloping surface may be associated with the base. A layer may be connected to, may be attached to and/or may be integrally formed with the base. The layer may form an object and/or a symbol. An opening may extend through the base and/or the layer. A user may position a finger, a thumb and/or a knuckle on an indentation and/or the base to scratch the surface with the edge.  
         [0008]     To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for scraping a surface is provided. The apparatus has a base having a thickness defined between a top side and a bottom side wherein the top side has a first perimeter and the bottom side has a second perimeter wherein the first perimeter is greater than the second perimeter. Further, the base has an edge defining an exterior perimeter of the top side of the base wherein the edge has at least three sides wherein a first side has a first length wherein a second side has a second length wherein the first length is greater than the second length. Still further, a portion of the base extends from the top side of the base wherein the portion has a thickness.  
         [0009]     In an embodiment, the apparatus has a sloping surface positioned between the top side and the bottom side of the base.  
         [0010]     In an embodiment, the apparatus has an opening extending from the top side and the bottom side of the base.  
         [0011]     In an embodiment, the apparatus has an indentation extending into the base to a point intermediate to the top end and the bottom end of the portion of the base.  
         [0012]     In an embodiment, the apparatus has a ring connected to the base.  
         [0013]     In an embodiment, the portion of the base extending from the base is shaped as a map.  
         [0014]     In an embodiment of the present invention, a system for scraping a surface is provided. The system has a base having a first end and a second end wherein the base has a sloping surface located between the first end and the second end wherein the sloping surface is at an angle with respect to the first end of the base and further wherein the base has an edge wherein the edge has sides wherein at least two of the sides abut to form a pointed tip. Further, the system has a layer connected to the base wherein the layer extends from the base to a top surface.  
         [0015]     In an embodiment, the system has a hole in the base wherein the hole extends from the first end to the second end.  
         [0016]     In an embodiment, the layer is shaped to resemble a map.  
         [0017]     In an embodiment, the system has an indentation in the layer wherein the indentation extends from the top surface toward the base.  
         [0018]     In an embodiment, the system has a ring connected to the base.  
         [0019]     In an embodiment, the system has at least two sides of the sloping surface have a different angle with respect to the first end of the base.  
         [0020]     In an embodiment of the present invention, a method for scraping a surface or a removable layer of a surface is provided. The method has the step of forming a base having a top surface and a bottom surface wherein the top surface of the base has a first width wherein the bottom surface of the base has a second width wherein the first width is greater than the second width. Further, the method has the step of positioning an edge about the top surface of the base wherein the edge has at least three sides wherein two of the sides abut to define a point. Still further, the method has the step of connecting the top surface and the bottom surface of the base with an angled surface. Moreover, the method has the step of connecting a layer to the base wherein the layer has a top end and a bottom end wherein the layer extends outward from the top surface of the base.  
         [0021]     In an embodiment, the layer has a third width wherein the third width is less than the first width.  
         [0022]     In an embodiment, the method has the step of indenting the layer toward the base. In an embodiment, the method has the step of shaping the layer to resemble a map.  
         [0023]     In an embodiment, the method has the step of providing indica on the base.  
         [0024]     In an embodiment, the method has the step of connecting the base to a ring.  
         [0025]     In an embodiment, the method has the step of positioning the base between a thumb and a finger.  
         [0026]     In an embodiment, the method has the step of scraping the removable layer of the surface with the edge.  
         [0027]     It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for scraping a surface.  
         [0028]     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system having a layer connected to the base which may have an indentation for holding and/or grasping the base.  
         [0029]     And, another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system which may have a base with an ornamental or graphical design on the base.  
         [0030]     Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system and a method which may have a sloping surface connecting a top side to a bottom side of a base.  
         [0031]     A further advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system having an opening through a base which may have an edge for scraping a surface.  
         [0032]     Moreover, an advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for scraping a surface having a layer connected to a base which may display indicia.  
         [0033]     And, another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for scraping a surface which may have an edge surrounding a base for scratching the surface.  
         [0034]     Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system and a method for scraping a surface which may not damage the surface.  
         [0035]     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system having a base with edges of different lengths.  
         [0036]     And, another advantage of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system having a sloping surface which may be angled to scratch a surface.  
         [0037]     Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0038]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus having a base with an edge in an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 2  illustrates a bottom plan view of an apparatus having a base with an edge in an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0040]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a hand holding a base having an edge in an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0041]     The present invention relates to an apparatus, a system and a method for scraping a surface. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and a system having a base with an edge which may scratch a surface. A sloping surface may be associated with the base. A layer may be connected to and/or secured to the base. An indentation may extend into the layer. An opening may extend from the top side to the bottom side of the base.  
         [0042]     A user may grasp and/or may hold the base and/or the indentation to scratch a surface and/or a removable layer on the surface with the edge and/or the sloping surface of the base. The edge and/or the sloping surface may scratch the surface to remove the removable layer from the surface.  
         [0043]     Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts,  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  illustrate a base  3 . The base  3  may have a top side  5  and a bottom side  7 . The top side  5  may be integrally formed with the bottom side  7 . The top side  5  of the base  3  may have a first perimeter defined by an edge  11 . The bottom side  7  of the base  3  may abut a sloping surface  29  to define a second perimeter. In an embodiment, the first perimeter may be greater than the second perimeter.  
         [0044]     The base  3  may be any shape, such as, for example, circular, rectangular, octagonal, hexagonal and/or pentagonal. Alternatively, the base  3  may be shaped to resemble an object such as, for example, a badge, a star, a moon, a logo, a cartoon character, a poker chip, a guitar pick, and/or a golf tee. The base  3  may be shaped to resemble an animal, such as, for example, a bear, a lion, a bird and/or a snake. The base  3  should not be deemed as limited to a specific shape and may be any shape as known to one having ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0045]     The base  3  may be shaped to scratch a surface  55 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The base  3  may be implemented for other uses, such as, for example, a poker chip, a ball marker, a key chain, a token and/or the like. To this end, the base  3  may be exchanged and/or redeemable for monetary value and/or may be used as a credit for a game. The base  3  may be placed to mark a location of, for example, a ball.  
         [0046]     The base  3  may be constructed from wood, plastic, metal, ceramic and/or the like. The base  3  may have a thickness  9  extending from the bottom side  7  and the top side  5 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0047]     The base  3  may have sides  13   a - 13   f,  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The sides  13   a - 13   f  may abut and/or may intersect to form points  33   a - 33   f  which may be rounded, pointed or curved. The points  33   a - 33   f  may be narrow or wide. The points  33   a - 33   f  may be sharp points, smooth points or other shapes as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The sides  13   a - 13   f  may be of different length. The base  3  should not be deemed limited to the number of sides  13   a - 13   f.  The base  3  may have any number of sides as known to one of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0048]     The sides  13   a - 13   f  may form the edge  11  which may be integrally formed with the base  3 . The edge  11  may define the top side  5  of the base  3 . The edge  11  may be shaped to scratch and/or to scratch a surface  55 . The edge  11  may be curvy, wavy, smooth, jagged, rounded and/or the like. In an embodiment, the edge  11  may be different shapes along the sides  13   a - 13   f.  For example, the edge  11  may be curvy along side  13   a  and smooth along side  13   b.    
         [0049]     Each of the sides  13   a - 13   f  may have different lengths. The side  13   a  may have a length L1; the sides  13   b  may have a length L2; and the side  13   c  may have a length L3. The length L1 may be greater in length than the length L2. The length L3 may be greater in length than the length L1. Alternatively, the sides  13   a - 13   f  may have equal lengths.  
         [0050]     The base  3  may have an opening  15  which may extend from the top side  5  to the bottom side  7 . The opening  15  may be shaped similar to a circle, an ellipse, an oval, a square, a rectangle, an octagon, or a hexagon. The opening  15  may be sized to attach to and/or to secure to, for example, a ring  17 . The opening  15  may be sized to attach to and/or secure to other devices(not shown), for example, a hook, a hoop, a rod and/or the like. The base  3  may be connected to a ring and/or other device to be implemented for other uses, such as, for example, an ornament, an ice scraper, a nail file and/or the like.  
         [0051]     The ring  17  may be a key ring, a metal hoop, a chain, and/or the like. The ring  17  may connect the base  3  to, for example, a key, a remote transmitter, a nail clipper, a credit card and/or the like. As a result, in an embodiment, the base  3  may be incorporated into, for example, a key chain.  
         [0052]     A layer  19  may be attached to, may be connected to and/or may be secured to the top side  5  of the base  3 . Alternatively, the layer  19  may be integrally formed with the base  3 . The edge  11  and/or the base  3  may be moved and/or may be controlled by gripping the layer  19 . In an embodiment, the layer  19  may be formed, may be positioned and/or may be sized to receive a knuckle, a finger and/or a thumb. Pressing, pushing and/or holding the layer  19  may be used to move the edge  11  which may scratch the surface  55 .  
         [0053]     The layer  19  may have a top surface  21  and a bottom surface  23 . The top surface  21  may be opposite the bottom surface  23 . Accordingly, the layer  19  may have a thickness  25  between the top surface  21  and the bottom surface  23 . The layer  19  may extend a distance D1 from the top side  5  of the base  3 .  
         [0054]     Furthermore, the layer  19  may be constructed from rubber, wood, metal, plastic, metal alloys and/or the like. The layer  19  may be made from metal alloys to form, for example, a magnet. In an embodiment, the layer  19  may be secured to the base  3  via magnetic attraction. The layer  19  may be made from an impressionable substance, such as, for example, putty, gel, silicone and/or the like. A finger, a thumb and/or a knuckle may press and/or push on the layer  19  to hold and/or to grip the base  3 .  
         [0055]     The shape of the layer  19  may relate and/or may have significance to a user (not shown) of the base  3 . To this end, the layer  19  may be shaped to resemble a lucky object and/or an object of personal significance to the user. In an embodiment, the layer  19  may be shaped to resemble a geographical shape, such as, for example, a continent, a country, a state, a city and/or the like. For example, the user may be an American citizen and the layer  19  may be shaped to resemble the map of The United States of America. Alternatively, the layer  19  may be shaped to resemble an object, such as, for example, a cartoon character, a logo, a mascot, a star, a moon a four-leaf clover, a dollar sign, an acorn and/or the like.  
         [0056]     In yet another embodiment, the layer  19  may be shaped to resemble a face of a notorious person, such as, for example, a president, a saint, a motivator and/or the like. The layer  19  should not be deemed as limited to resemble a specific shape, object or person. The layer  19  may be formed to resemble any shape, any object or any person known to one having ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0057]     An indentation  27  may be formed and/or may be impressed into the layer  19 . Additionally, the indentation  27  may be positioned, may be sized and/or may be located to receive, for example, a finger, a knuckle, a thumb and/or the like. In an embodiment, the indentation  27  may be an impression a size of, for example, an average person&#39;s thumb. The indentation  27  may extend to a point intermediate to the top surface  21  and the bottom surface  23 . Accordingly, the indentation  27  may be, for example, a crevice, a cavity, a depression, a dent and/or the like.  
         [0058]     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a sloping surface  29  may be located and/or may be positioned between the top side  5  and the bottom side  7  of the base  3 . The sloping surface  29  may be, for example, integrally formed with and angled from the top side  5  to the bottom side  7 . In an embodiment, the sloping surface  29  of the sides  13   a - 13   f  may have a different angle a with respect to the top side  5  of the base  3 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . For example, the sloping surface  29  of the side  13   d  may be twenty-five degrees; the side  13   e  may be thirty-three degrees; and the side  13   f  may be forty-five degrees with respect to the top side  5  of the base  3 . Alternatively, the sloping surface  29  may have a constant angle, such as, for example, forty-five degrees with respect to the top side  5 .  
         [0059]     Indicia  31  may be printed, inked, dyed, sketched and/or engraved on the bottom side  7  of the base  3 . The indicia  31  may relate to the use of the base  3 , such as, for example, a monetary value for using the base  3  as a poker chip. The indicia  31  may be personalized to a user (not shown) of the base  3 . For example, the indicia  31  may be a name of the user, a favorite team of the user and/or the like.  
         [0060]      FIG. 3  illustrates a surface  55  with a removable layer  57 . The surface  55  may be paper, glass, plastic, metal and/or the like. The surface  55  and/or the removable surface  57  may be incorporated into a coupon, a gift card, a membership card, a game card and/or the like. The removable surface  57  may be removably attached to, connected to and/or secured to the surface  55 . The removable surface  57  may be, for example, ink, foil, paint, make-up, ice and/or the like. In an embodiment, the surface  55  and the removable layer  57  may be incorporated into a lottery ticket  60 .  
         [0061]     Information  61  may be printed, inked and/or typed on the lottery ticket  60 . For example, the information  61  may be instructions and/or directions for using the lottery ticket  60 . In addition, the information  61  may be located under the removable layer  57  which may be formed into boxes  63   a,    63   b.  In an embodiment, the information  61  located under the boxes  63   a,    63   b  may be, for example, dollar amounts, symbols, numerals and/or the like.  
         [0062]     The user may choose one of the sides  13   a - 13   f  to scratch and/or to scrape the removable layer  57 . The user may chose one of the sides  13   a - 13   f  based on a size, a material and/or a thickness of the removable layer  57  and/or the surface  55 . For example, the user may choose the side  13   a  of the edge  11  which may be similar in length to the boxes  63   a,    63   b.    
         [0063]     A hand  62  of a user may grasp and/or may hold the base  3  and the layer  19 . The hand  62  may have a finger  65  and/or a thumb  67  which may be positioned on the indentation  27 , the layer  19  and/or the base  3 . In an embodiment, the thumb  67  may be positioned on the layer  19  of the top side  5  of the base  3  and the finger  65  may be positioned on the bottom side  7  of the base  3 . The user may touch and/or may grasp the layer  19  and the base  3 .  
         [0064]     The edge  11  of one of the sides  13   a - 13   f  and/or one of the points  33   a - 33   f  may be used to scratch and/or to scrape the removable layer  57 . The edge  11  and/or the points  33   a - 33   f  may be positioned on the removable layer  57 . Moving and/or pushing the base  3  may scratch and/or may scrape the removable layer  57  to reveal the information  61 .  
         [0065]     The base  3  may have a thickness  9  between the top side  5  and the bottom side  7 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The sloping surface  29  may be positioned and/or may be located between the top side  5  and the bottom side  7 . The base  3  may have the edge  11  which may have the sides  13   a - 13   f.  The material  19  may be connected to, attached to and/or integrally formed with the base  3 . The material  19  may have a thickness  25  between the top surface  21  and the bottom surface  23 . The indentation  27  may extend from the top surface  21  to a point intermediate to the top surface  21  and the bottom surface  23 . In use, the user may grasp and/or may hold the base  3  and/or the indentation  27 . The edge  11  may be placed and/or may be positioned on the removable surface  57  which may be connected to the surface  55 . The edge  11  may be moved to scratch and/or to scrape the removable surface  57  on the surface  55 .  
         [0066]     It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.