Abstract:
A method of use of a scraper for scraping a scratchcard 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 the scratchcard scraper near an opaque coating on a surface of the scratchcard, and rubbing the scratchcard scraper across said opaque coating.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/389,891, filed on Feb. 20, 2009, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/051,714, filed on May 9, 2008, the entirety of which are incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to cleaning implements, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a handheld implement configured to comfortably and efficiently clean or scrape an opaque coating off a scratchcard, such as a lottery ticket, while bearing a machine readable code system associable to end-user data. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Many lottery tickets, game cards, and other scratchcards have obscuring or opaque coatings on one or more portions of the card or ticket that overlay printed indicia. The coating is scraped away to expose the indicia, numbers, letters, and/or symbols, underneath, which are used in various manners to determine prizes, awards, or rewards won. Often other portions of the card or ticket have additional areas covered by a surface security covering that must remain unexposed for the authentication and/or verification of the scratchcard. For example, these security coatings might be covering a number assigned to a lottery ticket, and, if the security coating is inadvertently removed, the ticket is voided. 
         [0004]    Though fingernails, credit card edges, or coins are often employed to scrape the opaque coating overlying the indicia used to determine any winnings, they are less than satisfactory. They are not of the optimum shape, plus fingernails may be too weak to be effective and the residue under the fingernail is Objectionable. Sharp instruments such as pocket knives or razor blades are also sometimes used, but are also unsatisfactory. Sharp instruments increase the risk of an accidental injury to the user or bystander, as well as increasing the risk that the underlying printing will be damaged during the removal, thus voiding the ticket. As none of these devices are configured specifically for scraping lottery tickets, the chance of voiding the ticket by accidental removal of the security covering from the ticket is increased. Additionally none of these devices are configured for comfort of the user. Furthermore, lottery tickets are often purchased in multiples, as they are frequently offered in small denominations, consequently multiplying the laborious task and the discomfort of scratching numerous tickets. 
         [0005]    Thus an efficient handheld device to greatly reduce the labor of removing opaque coatings from one or multiple tickets, increase the precision with which the correct portion of the opaque coating can be removed, decreasing the risk of destroying the validity of the ticket, and increasing comfort is advantageous to the end-user. 
         [0006]    Another set of advantages, which no currently existing device makes available, could accrue to the issuer of the scratchcard scraper or to other interested commercial institutions, which would often be the state lottery. These advantages would ensue from allowing the issuer to associate particular data with a particular scratchcard scraper and to collect such data. As a consequence, information could be obtained about the ticket buyer&#39;s buying habits by noting the number and types of lottery tickets purchased, and personal information could be obtained by registration. Further, the associated data could be utilized to link a bank account, lottery account, or other finding source to this data-encoded scratchcard scraper. This would provide non-cash and pre-paid options for lottery ticket purchases, as well as allowing for automatic replenishment of a lottery account. 
         [0007]    Another problem with the current lottery systems is the cost involved in obtaining marketing studies for targeting current and potential customers. It would be advantageous for the issuer to be able to associate particular data with a particular scratchcard scraper and to collect such data. The issuer could save significant amounts of money with the reduction in marketing studies, as direct information would be available on demographics, geographic locations, and purchasing habits of lottery ticket purchasers. 
         [0008]    Additionally, the issuer could present customer specific offers, prizes, rewards, directed advertising, and the like. The issuer could also partner with other local retailers and businesses, piggy-backing on the advertising programs or campaign already being utilized by these entities. In addition advertising space on the scratchcard scraper could be sold to a retailer as a means of generating revenues for the issuer. 
         [0009]    Plus, because purchasing lottery tickets could be simplified by associating the data-encoded scratchcard scraper with a funding source, advantages follow to both the customer and to the issuer. The customer would receive the benefit of convenience, as he or she would not have to have enough cash in his or her pocket to pay for the lottery tickets. And the issuer would receive the benefit of increased sales, due to this increased convenience. Also, sales could increase due to the possible psychological effect of lessoning resistance to spending money, similarly to what has been reported in studies showing that persons using credit cards are more likely to spend money than those using cash. 
         [0010]    Further, with a data-encoded scratchcard scraper the ability to offer pre-paid gift cards could be advantageously created, which no existing device provides. 
         [0011]    Accordingly, there is an established need for a scratchcard scraper, as provided in the instant invention, that provides significant advantages to both the customer and to the issuer 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    The present invention is directed to an inexpensive data-encoded scratchcard scraper that is capable of efficiently removing an opaque coating off a scratchcard or lottery ticket, while providing useful end-user-specific data to the issuer of the data-encoded scraper. The data-encoded scratchcard scraper includes a scraper body and a machine readable code system affixed to the scraper body. The machine readable code system is associable with unique end-user-identifying data, and preferably comprises barcode symbols disposed on a carrier. 
         [0013]    The scraper body is preferably an easily identifiable, eye-catching, durable, lightweight, 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 thumbprint-shaped indentation. The smaller end is preferably 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. 
         [0014]    The machine readable code of the data-encoded scratchcard scraper enables the issuer to obtain and use end-user-identifying data, thus allowing the presentation of end-user-specific offers, prizes, rewards, directed advertising, and the like. Further, the machine readable code facilitates purchasing lottery tickets, purchasing of lottery gift cards, and re-loading of funds into purchasing accounts. 
         [0015]    An object of the present invention is to provide a data-encoded scratchcard scraper that can efficiently remove opaque coating from a particular area of a scratchcard. 
         [0016]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a data-encoded scratchcard scraper that is comfortable to use when removing opaque coatings from scratchcards. 
         [0017]    An additional object of the present invention is to provide a data-encoded scratchcard scraper that is lightweight. 
         [0018]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a data-encoded scratchcard scraper that allows association of customer data with a particular scratchcard. 
         [0019]    An additional object of the present invention is to provide a data-encoded scratchcard scraper that provides the issuer a mechanism to obtain the customer data associated with a particular scratchcard. 
         [0020]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a data-encoded scratchcard scraper that permits the association of a funding source with a particular scratchcard. 
         [0021]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a data-encoded scratchcard scraper that allows end-user-specific offers to be extended. 
         [0022]    An additional object of the present invention is to provide a data-encoded scratchcard scraper that has the ability to function as a pre-paid gift card. 
         [0023]    These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the top of a preferred embodiment of the data-encoded scratchcard scraper of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing the bottom of a preferred embodiment of the data-encoded scratchcard scraper of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a top view showing a preferred embodiment of the data-encoded scratchcard scraper of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view showing a preferred embodiment of the data-encoded scratchcard scraper of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a side view showing a preferred embodiment of the data-encoded scratchcard scraper of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a front view showing a preferred embodiment of the data-encoded scratchcard scraper of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is a back view showing a preferred embodiment of the data-encoded scratchcard scraper of the present invention; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the data-encoded scratchcard scraper of the present invention being utilized to remove the opaque coating from a scratch card. 
       
    
    
       [0033]    Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]    Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward a useful data-encoded scratchcard scraper that is capable of comfortably and efficiently removing an opaque or obscuring coating from an area of a scratchcard (such as a lottery ticket, game card, or the like), while providing benefits to both the customer and to the issuer from the machine readable code system that is associable with unique end-user-specific data and that is affixed to the scraper body. By providing end-user-specific data to the issuer of the data-encoded scraper, the customer benefits by increased convenience in purchasing scratchcards, by automatic entry into contests and raffles, by receiving rewards, and by receiving personalized offers. The issuer, such as a lottery department of a state lottery or a private vendor, can both increase sales and lower expenses. The issuer can specifically direct offers, prizes, rewards, marketing, and the like to a particular customer. Plus the data-encoded scratchcard scraper is eye-catching, easily identifiable, and distinctive; this results in a subliminal encouragement to purchase lottery tickets, thus further increasing sales for the issuer. Expenses are lowered, as compared to the cost of marketing research and studies, due to the ease of collection of a variety of information, including, for example, personal data, purchase numbers and types, advertising effectiveness, and selling trends. Such personal information is obtained by registration, such as web-based forms, email, postal mail, in-person, or phone registration. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , a data encoded scratchcard scraper, shown generally as reference number  10 , is illustrated in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the data-encoded scratchcard scraper  10  includes a scraper body  11  and a machine readable code system  12  ( FIG. 2 ). 
         [0036]    The scraper body  11  is preferably an easily identifiable, eye-catching, durable, lightweight, flattened, somewhat elongated curvilinear object having a rounded larger end  13 , a rounded smaller end  14 , and a narrow sidewall  15 . The scraper body  11  is preferably colored and/or patterned in an aesthetically pleasing, attractive, and/or attention-getting manner, i.e. a state logo, a private issuer&#39;s emblem, or other advertisement. The scraper body  11  is unitarily formed of durable plastic or other polymer, preferably produced via, a plastic molding injection system. The upper surface of larger end  13  is configured with a slightly recessed, thumbprint-shaped indentation  16  for easy handling. The indentation  16  may have a textured surface, such as a grooved surface, for example, to aid in gripping and prevent slippage. The thumbprint-shaped indentation  16  is sized and configured to fit an average thumb and to provide a comfortable surface for the thumb to rest upon while using the scraper to remove the opaque coating. The smaller end  14  is preferably configured with a small hole  18 , sized to accommodate a standard key ring. Providing for carrying the data-encoded scratchcard scraper  10  on a key ring potentially increases lottery sales by subliminally reminding the customer (or bystanders) to purchase lottery tickets when the keys or the data-encoded scratchcard scraper  10  are viewed. Optionally, for the convenience of the customer, the data-encoded scratchcard scraper  10  may be hung on a hook inserted through small hole  18  or may be carried in a pocket or bag. 
         [0037]    Referring now to FIG,  5 ,  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7 , the sidewall  15  is configured with multiple ridges, scales, or grooves  17  suitable for efficiently scraping the opaque coating from the scratchcard. Grooves  17  are formed integrally with the scraper body  11 , and may be vertical grooves (as shown), horizontal grooves, or diagonal grooves. Grooves  17  may be uniform or may vary in width. The grooves  17  are configured to accurately and effectively remove the opaque coating from the scratchcard, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0038]    A promotional element  19  is provided. Promotional element  19  comprises a logo, advertising, marketing display, graphic, or the like, which may promote furtherance of sales or brand identity or commercial distinction. For instance, promotional element  19  may be a state lottery logo printed on a carrier, such as an adhesively attachable label. The state lottery logo then could be easily varied by substituting the correct label to correspond to the state for which the lottery ticket was issued. The state lottery logo would be both an advertisement and a subliminal marketing message increasing player participation and increasing revenue to the state lottery. Optionally, the promotional element  19  may be formed integrally with scraper body  11 , for example with a raised logo, symbol, or graphic. Promotional element  19  may be disposed on a top surface of scraper body  11 , as shown, or alternatively, on the bottom surface near the machine readable code system  12  (not shown), or on both top and bottom surface of the scraper body  11 , or other suitable location. 
         [0039]    The machine readable code system  12  comprises machine-readable encoded data, and optionally, additionally comprises a carrier upon which the machine-readable encoded data is disposed. In the interest of economy, preferably the machine-readable encoded data is in the form of barcode symbols disposed on a carrier, scannable with a barcode reader. The carrier is preferably adhesively attachable, and may he formed of any conventional material, such as paper, plastic, or a composite material. The carrier may he affixed at the general location illustrated in  FIG. 2  on the bottom side of scraper body  11 , or, alternatively, may be affixed on the top surface (not shown). The barcode symbols comprise traditional linear barcodes, matrix codes and other 2D barcodes, stacked barcodes, and the like. The machine readable code system  12  may alternatively comprise other conventional machine-readable encoded data, such as an RFID tag or a magnetic stripe. The machine readable code system  12  may alternatively be integrally formed with the scraper body  11  at the time of manufacture, as opposed to carrier-based. 
         [0040]    The machine readable code system  12  allows the data-encoded scratchcard scraper  10  to be uniquely identified, and thus to be associable with unique end-user identifying, end-user-specific data. This is advantageous as it allows the linking of the data-encoded scratchcard scraper  10  with a bank account, lottery account, or other funding source. This would provide non-cash and pre-paid options for lottery ticket purchases, as well as allowing for automatic replenishment of a lottery account. The customer no longer needs to carry cash to fund his or her lottery card purchases, as the money can be withdrawn from a lottery account, thus providing convenience to the customer. This simplification of lottery ticket purchases also provides the issuer the benefit of increased sales. 
         [0041]    The end-user-specific data comprises both end user-specific usage information and end-user-specific personal information. The end-user-specific usage information can be obtained about the ticket buyer&#39;s purchasing habits by noting the locations, number, and types of lottery tickets purchased. End-user-specific personal information can be obtained by registration of the unique machine readable code system  12  on a specific data-encoded scratchcard scraper  10  to a particular person, including one or more of the fields of name, address, age, occupation, interests, email address, income, ethnic group, education, and the like. Registration can be done online, by mail, by phone, or in person, allowing the collection of any desired personal data or survey answers. This registration allows direct collection of demographic, personal, usage, and geographic data and facilitates correlation with purchasing habits. Advantages accruing to the issuer include savings on the cost of marketing studies, increased partnering possibilities, increased ease of directed marketing, increased sales, and an increased number and types of games or prizes which can be offered. The issuer can present end-user-specific offers, prizes, rewards, directed advertising, and the like. The issuer can reward frequent purchasers with additional prizes and raffles. The machine readable code system  12  additionally provides a system whereby the customer can be automatically entered into random lottery raffles or contests. The lottery establishment can devise new, interesting, and appealing games, raffles, prizes, and rewards using the newly acquirable data, which creates buzz and increases lottery ticket sales. 
         [0042]    The issuer can partner with local retailers and businesses, piggy-backing on the advertising programs or campaigns already being utilized by these entities. For example, a partnership with a grocery store or gasoline station, will allow the player to win free groceries or free gasoline. Or the issuer can promote community services or state agencies through donations or through taxes paid on winnings, such as, for instance, the issuer can emphasize enhancements in educational quality when a portion of the purchase price of the lottery ticket is funneled to the educational system of the state of issue; or the issuer may promote goodwill and assistance to the elderly by donating a portion of the purchase price; or the issuer may devote a portion of the proceeds to conservation efforts. The promotional element  19  provides advertising space on the scratchcard scraper that can be sold to a retailer as a means of generating revenues for the issuer. 
         [0043]    Further, the data-encoded scratchcard scraper  10  creates the ability to offer both a zero-dollar value data-encoded scratchcard scraper and a pre-paid gift-card-type data-encoded scratchcard scraper, as the machine readable code system  12  can be used to pre-load the data-encoded scratchcard scraper  10  with a specific dollar amount of money. Moreover, additional funds can be added at a retailer, over the Internet, by postal mail, in person, or by phone. Optionally, the user can establish an auto-replenishment feature, whereby additional funds are automatically replenished at a pre-set dollar value. 
         [0044]    The data-encoded scratchcard scraper  10  can be offered for purchase (or dollar value added) at retail stores, on-line via the Internet, by postal mail, or via the telephone. The data-encoded scratchcard scraper  10  can be easily incorporated into existing lottery department&#39;s marketing and advertising concepts and campaigns, and used to expand these concepts and campaigns. 
         [0045]    From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the data-encoded scratchcard scraper  10  of the current invention efficiently and comfortably removes the opaque coating from a scratchcard, while providing numerous significant benefits to both the customer and to the issuer. 
         [0046]    Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.