Lottery marking apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to apparatuses to facilitate the playing of lottery games. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatuses for marking or puncturing lottery play slips.

Description

[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 903,211, filed Nov. 12, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to apparatuses to facilitate the playing of lottery games. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatuses for marking or puncturing lottery play slips.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Many states in the United States operate lotteries as a means of generating revenue. One common type of lottery game involves the selection of a series of numbers by a user, which are then submitted for entry into the lottery game. The selected numbers are indicated on a lottery play slip, which typically features an array of numbered entry boxes. The traditional method of selecting the desired numbers has been for the user to manually mark the selected entry boxes on the play slip (e.g., with a pencil, pen, or s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a container that can be opened and closed by moving the top and bottom parts of the container together or separately using a hinge. The top and bottom parts have parts that fit together to securely close the container. This design allows for easy movement of the container from one configuration to another, with minimal effort. Different methods can be used to secure the container, such as studs and sockets, latches, clasps, magnets, snaps, hinges, springs, brackets, struts, or other mechanisms. The patent also describes a design with two or more securing mechanisms.

Problems solved by technology

However, because the boxes on a lottery play slip are often small and tightly spaced, this method requires that a user have both a relatively high degree of manual dexterity and good eyesight, one or both of which are often lacking in some users (e.g., senior citizens, people suffering from arthritis or injuries, etc.).

A disadvantage of the devices of the prior art is that they still require the user to manually mark the selected entry boxes on the play slip with a writing instrument such as a pen.

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