U.S. patent application number 10/988387 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-24 for tickets with removable purchased value parts, chance game parts, and variable advertising within a set of tickets, redeemable toward goods or services offered by multiple merchants.
Invention is credited to Such, David A..
Application Number | 20050258596 10/988387 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46303271 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050258596 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Such, David A. |
November 24, 2005 |
Tickets with removable purchased value parts, chance game parts,
and variable advertising within a set of tickets, redeemable toward
goods or services offered by multiple merchants
Abstract
Ticket sets having a value part with a predetermined value and
identification code. The tickets have a chance game part which is
played for variable winnings identified by code. The value part is
preferably removable to allow non-purchasers to participate in the
chance game without cost, to meet gaming laws. The sets have
variable frequency advertising messages from plural advertisers to
meet varying budgets. A cooperative trading forum, such as a web
site, allows purchasers to select from products or services from
plural merchants and/or participate in an auction. The ticket
values can be banked by registration so that a purchaser can
aggregate or select different value entries associated with
different tickets. Purchaser registration qualifies a purchaser for
added incentives, such as a sweepstakes that is cooperatively
funded by participating merchants. A checkout code may be provided
that provides potential added discounts at checkout. Related
methods are also described.
Inventors: |
Such, David A.; (Great
Falls, MT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREGORY I.P. LAW
P.O. BOX 31090
SPOKANE
WA
99223-3018
US
|
Family ID: |
46303271 |
Appl. No.: |
10/988387 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10988387 |
Nov 12, 2004 |
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10651486 |
Aug 29, 2003 |
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6923445 |
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60407595 |
Aug 30, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/269 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 23/10 20130101;
G09F 1/00 20130101; G09F 1/04 20130101; A63F 3/069 20130101; A63F
2250/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/269 |
International
Class: |
A63F 003/06 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A set including a plurality of ticket formations, the plurality
of individual ticket formations providing value and a game of
chance, comprising: at least one value part which indicates a
predetermined value associated with the ticket formation; at least
one value identification code which distinguishes one value part
from another value part; at least one chance game formed on a
chance game part or parts of the ticket formations, said at least
one chance game having a game piece identification code which
distinguishes one chance game from another chance game; advertising
messages provided on a plurality of ticket formations included in
said set to advertise goods or services of participating
advertisers who pay an advertising fee therefor which is dependent
upon the participating advertisers' desired exposure frequency in
said set; wherein the plurality of ticket formations have at least
one chance game having at least one game indicia which is hidden
when distributed and then opened by an end user to reveal the at
least one game indicia, said at least one game indicia being
indicative of a winning condition or a non-winning condition of the
at least one game indicia; said advertising messages on a plurality
of said ticket formations contained in said set being different
from other advertising messages on ticket formations of the same
set so as to provide advertising messages for a plurality of
different participating advertisers which may vary between ticket
formations of the set.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein the advertising
messages are presented within the set of ticket formations at an
advertising message frequency which is variable by participating
advertiser.
3. A ticket formation according to claim 1 wherein said at least
one value identification code uniquely distinguishes said at least
one value part.
4. A ticket formation according to claim 1 wherein the
predetermined value of the at least one value part is a
predetermined monetary value amount.
5. A ticket formation according to claim 1 wherein the
predetermined value of the at least one value part is a
predetermined value amount given in terms of credit points.
6. A ticket formation according to claim 1 wherein the
predetermined value of the at least one value part is a
predetermined value amount given in terms of a predetermined credit
amount programmed onto a programmable credit card.
7. A ticket formation according to claim 1 and further comprising a
checkout savings code which may be used at the time the value part
is utilized to obtain checkout value which may vary dependent upon
the checkout savings code.
8. A ticket formation according to claim 1 and further comprising a
checkout savings code on the which may be used at the time the
value part is utilized to obtain checkout value which may vary
dependent upon the checkout savings code, said checkout savings
code being hidden until the ticket formation is used.
9. A ticket formation according to claim 1 and further comprising a
checkout savings code on the ticket formation which may be used at
the time the value part is utilized to obtain checkout value which
may vary dependent upon the checkout savings code.
10. A ticket formation according to claim 1 wherein the ticket
formation is divisible into at least one value part portion which
can be detached from at least one chance game portion to allow the
at least one value part portion to be removed for later use by a
ticket purchaser while allowing the at least one chance game
portion to be immediately redeemed for any chance game winnings,
said at least one value identification code being presented on said
at least value part portion.
11. A ticket formation according to claim 1 wherein the ticket
formation is made in a single ply construction.
12. A ticket formation according to claim 1 wherein the ticket
formation is made in a two ply construction.
13. A ticket formation according to claim 1 wherein the ticket
formation is made in a three ply construction.
14. A ticket formation according to claim 1 wherein the ticket
formation is made in a multiple ply construction.
15. A ticket formation according to claim 1 wherein the ticket
formation is made in a single ply construction having a preformed
line of partition that allows th.
16. A ticket formation according to claim 1 wherein the ticket
formation is made in a single ply construction.
17. A ticket formation system including multiple groups each having
at least one set containing plural ticket formations, comprising:
said at least one set including a plurality of ticket formations,
the plurality of ticket formations providing value and a game of
chance, comprising: at least one value part which indicates a
predetermined value associated with the ticket formation; at least
one value identification code which distinguishes one value part
from another value part; at least one chance game formed on a
chance game part or parts of the ticket formations, said at least
one chance game having a game piece identification code which
distinguishes one chance game from another chance game; advertising
messages provided on a plurality of ticket formations included in
said set to advertise goods or services of participating
advertisers who pay an advertising fee therefor which is dependent
upon the participating advertisers' desired exposure frequency in
said set; wherein the plurality of ticket formations have at least
one chance game having at least one game indicia which is hidden
when distributed and then opened by an end user to reveal the at
least one game indicia, said at least one game indicia being
indicative of a winning condition or a non-winning condition of the
at least one game indicia; said advertising messages on a plurality
of said ticket formations contained in said set being different
from other advertising messages on ticket formations of the same
set so as to provide advertising messages for a plurality of
different participating advertisers which may vary between ticket
formations of the set.
18. A ticket formation according to claim 17 wherein said at least
one value identification code uniquely distinguishes said at least
one value part.
19. A ticket formation according to claim 17 wherein the
predetermined value of the at least one value part is a
predetermined monetary value amount.
20. A ticket formation according to claim 17 wherein the
predetermined value of the at least one value part is a
predetermined value amount given in terms of credit points.
21. A ticket formation according to claim 17 wherein the
predetermined value of the at least one value part is a
predetermined value amount given in terms of a predetermined credit
amount programmed onto a programmable credit card.
22. A ticket formation according to claim 17 and further comprising
a checkout savings code which may be used at the time the value
part is utilized to obtain checkout value which may vary dependent
upon the checkout savings code.
23. A ticket formation according to claim 17 and further comprising
a checkout savings code on the which may be used at the time the
value part is utilized to obtain checkout value which may vary
dependent upon the checkout savings code said checkout savings code
being hidden until the ticket formation is used.
24. A ticket formation according to claim 17 and further comprising
a checkout savings code on the ticket formation which may be used
at the time the value part is utilized to obtain checkout value
which may vary dependent upon the checkout savings code.
25. A ticket formation according to claim 17 wherein the ticket
formation is divisible into at least one value part portion which
can be detached from at least one chance game portion to allow the
at least one value part portion to be removed for later use by a
ticket purchaser while allowing the at least one chance game
portion to be immediately redeemed for any chance game winnings,
said at least one value identification code being presented on said
at least value part portion.
26. A ticket formation according to claim 17 wherein the ticket
formation is made in a single ply construction.
27. A ticket formation according to claim 17 wherein the ticket
formation is made in a two ply construction.
28. A ticket formation according to claim 17 wherein the ticket
formation is made in a three ply construction.
29. A ticket formation according to claim 17 wherein the ticket
formation is made in a multiple ply construction.
30. A ticket formation according to claim 17 wherein the ticket
formation is made in a single ply construction having a preformed
line of partition that allows the parts to be separated.
31. A ticket formation according to claim 17 wherein the ticket
formation is made in a single ply construction.
32. A ticket formation providing value and a game of chance,
comprising: at least one value part which indicates a predetermined
value associated with the ticket formation; at least one value
identification code which distinguishes one value part from another
value part; at least one chance game forming part of the ticket
formation, said at least one chance game having a game piece
identification code which distinguishes one chance game from
another chance game; at least one advertising message provided on
the ticket formation to advertise the goods or services of at least
one participating advertiser who pays an advertising fee
therefor.
33. A ticket formation according to claim 32 wherein said at least
one value identification code uniquely distinguishes said at least
one value part.
34. A ticket formation according to claim 32 wherein the
predetermined value of the at least one value part is a
predetermined monetary value amount.
35. A ticket formation according to claim 32 wherein the
predetermined value of the at least one value part is a
predetermined value amount given in terms of credit points.
36. A ticket formation according to claim 32 wherein the
predetermined value of the at least one value part is a
predetermined value amount given in terms of a predetermined credit
amount programmed onto a programmable credit card.
37. A ticket formation according to claim 32 and further comprising
a checkout savings code which may be used at the time the value
part is utilized to obtain checkout value which may vary dependent
upon the checkout savings code.
38. A ticket formation according to claim 32 and further comprising
a checkout savings code on the which may be used at the time the
value part is utilized to obtain checkout value which may vary
dependent upon the checkout savings code, said checkout savings
code being hidden until the ticket formation is used.
39. A ticket formation according to claim 32 and further comprising
a checkout savings code on the ticket formation which may be used
at the time the value part is utilized to obtain checkout value
which may vary dependent upon the checkout savings code.
40. A ticket formation according to claim 32 wherein the ticket
formation is divisible into at least one value part portion which
can be detached from at least one chance game portion to allow the
at least one value part portion to be removed for later use by a
ticket purchaser while allowing the at least one chance game
portion to be immediately redeemed for any chance game winnings,
said at least one value identification code being presented on said
at least value part portion.
41. A ticket formation according to claim 32 wherein the ticket
formation is made in a single ply construction.
42. A ticket formation according to claim 32 wherein the ticket
formation is made in a two ply construction.
43. A ticket formation according to claim 32 wherein the ticket
formation is made in a three ply construction.
44. A ticket formation according to claim 32 wherein the ticket
formation is made in a multiple ply construction.
45. A ticket formation according to claim 32 wherein the ticket
formation is made in a single ply construction having a preformed
line of partition that allows the parts to be divided.
46. A ticket formation according to claim 32 wherein the ticket
formation is made in a single ply construction.
47. A method for dispensing and redeeming tickets from at least one
ticket set, comprising: selecting a plurality of tickets having: at
least one value part which indicates a predetermined value
associated with the ticket; at least one value identification code
which distinguishes one value part from another value part; at
least one chance game forming part of the ticket, said at least one
chance game having a game piece identification code which
distinguishes one chance game from another chance game; at least
one advertising message provided on the ticket to advertise the
goods or services of at least one participating advertiser who pays
an advertising fee therefor; distributing a plurality of said
tickets to at least one ticket distributor said tickets having
different advertising messages for tickets within a ticket set;
providing credit to the at least one ticket distributor based upon
amount of advertising included on the tickets; distributing tickets
to ticket recipients; offering products or services on a
cooperative trading forum including products or services offered
from a plurality of participating merchants; redeeming one or more
value part from one or more tickets via the cooperative trading
forum to ticket recipients.
48. A method according to claim 47 wherein said distributing
tickets comprises: selling tickets to ticket purchasers who pay for
the tickets with the value part included thereon; distributing free
tickets to ticket recipients with the value part removed.
49. A method according to claim 47 wherein the value parts do not
expire.
50. A method according to claim 47 and further comprising banking
value parts for use selectively or in an aggregated manner where
multiple value part values may be used in a single transaction.
51. A method according to claim 47 and further comprising paying
any winning chance game.
52. A method according to claim 47 and further comprising paying
any winning chance game by a ticket distributor that sold the
ticket.
53. A method according to claim 47 and further comprising
registering value parts with a value bank account specific to a
ticket purchaser.
54. A method according to claim 47 wherein the cooperative trading
forum is at least one web site at which goods or services are
offered.
55. A method according to claim 47 and further comprising
registering value parts with a value bank account specific to a
ticket purchaser; and wherein the cooperative trading forum is at
least one web site at which goods or services are offered in
exchange for value parts banked to the ticket purchaser.
56. A method according to claim 47 and further comprising
registering value parts with a value bank account specific to a
ticket purchaser; and wherein the cooperative trading forum is at
least one web site at which goods or services are offered at
auction in exchange for value parts banked to the ticket
purchaser.
57. A method according to claim 47 wherein the value part of a
ticket is indicated in points which are redeemable at the
distributor which sold the ticket to a purchaser, said points being
used as part or full credit toward goods or services offered by the
distributor.
58. A method according to claim 47 wherein the value part of a
ticket or tickets are used as partial payment.
59. A method according to claim 47 wherein the value part of a
ticket or tickets are used as full payment.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/651,486, filed Aug. 29, 2003; which claimed
priority based upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/407,595, filed Aug. 30, 2002. Priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120
is claimed with regard to both such prior applications.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The technical field of this invention is gaming or other
chance tickets having selectable variable advertising exposure and
an inherent value component which may be used to purchase goods or
services from a collection of products or services offered by a
plurality of merchants or other providers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Advertising is a highly utilized means for all types of
businesses to promote themselves in the marketplace or marketplaces
to which their goods and or services relate. Much of the money or
other costs spent on advertising include advertising developmental
costs, advertising production costs and advertising dissemination
costs.
[0004] Advertising developmental costs are those associated with
developing advertising materials. Advertising developmental costs
may include internal costs incurred within the organization seeking
to advertise (advertiser). These often include work done to define
the type of advertising desired and the scope of advertising
coverage. Advertising developmental costs may alternatively or also
include external advertising developmental costs associated with
having an outside advertising agency or similar advertising service
which contracts to further develop or fully develop an advertising
campaign.
[0005] Advertising production costs are those costs associated with
printing advertising materials or producing broadcasted advertising
messages. The production costs may or may not be charged by the
advertising disseminator. This varies upon the type of advertising
vehicle being used, such as print versus broadcast advertising and
upon other considerations.
[0006] Advertising dissemination costs are the advertising costs
associated with purchasing services for providing advertising
exposure. Part of these costs may be is provided by an advertising
agency which also serves the advertiser by defining the manner and
type of advertising being used. The advertising dissemination costs
are dependent upon the manner in which the advertising message is
presented to the is public, such as printed advertising materials
which are mailed or otherwise disseminated physically, or
broadcasting of advertising messages via radio, television,
internet or other broadcast media.
[0007] Either form of advertising is usually presented to the
public in a fashion which increases costs incurred by the
advertiser due to dissemination of the advertising message to a
large number of people or organizations that have no interest in
the goods or services being offered in the advertising message.
[0008] Examples of advertising dissemination costs include costs
for having magazines, newspapers, or billboards present the printed
message. Other examples include radio and or television
broadcasting services which disseminate an advertising message or
messages which have been developed by an advertiser or advertising
agency.
[0009] All of these forms of advertising dissemination are costly,
and there are only limited ways of directing the advertising to a
targeted audience that is actually interested in spending money on
the advertiser's goods and or services. This increases the
advertiser's costs since advertisers must use advertising that is
presented, sent or broadcast to many people and businesses in a
hope that some are interested. However, most people or businesses
receiving the advertising message are not interested and the costs
associated with dissemination of the message to these disinterested
audience members is effectively a waste of the advertiser's
resources.
[0010] Currently an advertiser is relatively limited in its ability
to target or tailor advertising to a specific interested audience.
Current attempts to target a more selected or receptive audience
are by selecting the form of the advertising, such as magazines,
newspapers, billboards, radio or television). Another way in which
an advertiser attempts to select a more receptive and interested
audience is by using a particular publication, location of
billboard, or by choosing a broadcast organization that tends to
draw an audience that is interested in the advertiser's product or
service. Needless to say, this approach is very limited in its
ability to target an audience that is actually interested in
purchasing the advertiser's goods or services. Thus, the typical
advertiser is spending considerably more on advertising costs due
to the diffuse nature of most modes of advertising. This may be
fine for the newspaper, magazine or broadcast organization that
disseminates or otherwise helps in producing the message because
they sell greater amounts of advertising services and increase
their revenue. However, all advertisers wish to minimize
advertising costs while increasing the effectiveness in generating
responses by interested purchasers for the advertiser's goods or
services.
[0011] In view of the high costs associated with advertising there
has been and continues to be a long-felt need for advertising
materials and methods that have increased appeal and interest to an
interested potential consumer and which provide lower costs per
effective response from a consumer of the advertised good or
services.
[0012] Another problem associated with advertising by some or all
organizations is the need to have an advertising vehicle and
associated methods that allow more flexibility to tailor
advertising costs dependent upon the size and nature of the
advertiser. For example, many businesses cannot afford broadcast,
magazine or newspaper advertising because the circulation is
effectively predetermined by the circulation or listening audience
size previously developed by the advertising dissemination
organization. Large circulation publications like Time.TM. or
Newsweek.TM. have developed vast circulation audiences to increase
revenues from advertising. An organization that has only local or
regional consumer appeal cannot in many cases justify the high
costs of using such publications.
[0013] In an attempt to address the above problem some publications
have different editions that include services directed toward
exposure audiences that are for only a regional edition. This
allows at least some of the advertising to be sold at a lower cost
to advertisers having a smaller advertising budget. However, this
approach is still very limited because of production costs and
similar considerations of producing different editions of the
publications.
[0014] In a similar fashion the broadcast advertising disseminating
organizations have also provided more than one level of exposure,
such as nationwide versus local broadcast advertising. Again, this
approach is restricted by the broadcasting organization's ability
to limit dissemination to selected areas or groups dependent upon
the type of audience they have developed and the ability to present
different broadcast editions. Nationwide television broadcast
advertising is very expensive and the next level down is to
purchase regional broadcasting (where available) or
station-by-station advertising by selected local broadcasters.
[0015] Local broadcasting is however more costly to setup and
coordinate for the given broadcast audience population. At some
point the costs associated with using a number of local
broadcasters may justify national broadcasting instead. For
example; an organization that wants to approach certain audiences
may be forced to chose between nationwide advertising where such
nationwide advertising is not economically justified on the basis
of the number of interested potential consumers. The other option
of using plural local broadcasters may not address the proper
audiences cost effectively.
[0016] Thus there is a continuing need for advertising that can be
more cost effectively tailored to the advertiser's budget while
also not requiring excessive advertising costs due to lack of
effective choices for tailoring the size of audience and targeting
an interested group of prospective purchasers. Accordingly, there
has also been a long-felt need to have more flexibility in
providing advertising circulation options so that a variety of
different types and sizes of advertisers can be accommodated by
providing tailored circulation levels in line with the advertising
budget of the vast number of different types and sizes of
organizations wanting to advertise. In the past many advertisers
have been forced to choose between limited options which are either
too costly or too limited in circulation or audience size.
[0017] Another common limitation or fault with most or all prior
forms of advertising is that the recipient of the advertising
message of a particular advertiser is usually bundled with a large
number of other messages from other advertisers. For example, most
or all newspapers present advertising or advertising supplements
that include advertising messages from numerous advertisers in a
single publication or broadcast. Thus a recipient of the
advertising must wade through this bundle of advertising messages
from plural advertisers in an attempt to find a message of interest
to that particular recipient. In some cases the number of different
advertising messages are so numerous that the recipient easily is
tired of the hunt for an interesting message applicable to the
recipient. Thus, the volume of messages concurrently presented to
the recipient work to reduce the effectiveness associated with any
particular message from a particular advertiser. This demonstrates
that the circulation exposure being paid for by the advertiser is
diluted, and the effectiveness of the message is diminished
compared to the high costs being paid.
[0018] The above problems compound upon themselves, particularly
when circulation audience size and absence of effective targeted
publications or broadcasters do not exist for an advertiser
interested in purchasing advertising. Thus, there are often
potential advertisers that cannot find an effective and efficient
manner of advertising which justifies the use of their limited
advertising budgets. These considerations underscore the need for
advertising that is interesting to the prospective customer, is
efficient in directing the advertising message to potentially
interested customers, is presented in a manner that has undiluted
impact on the recipient, and has the ability to provide advertising
that can easily be tailored to the advertiser's budget. Despite the
billions of dollars spent on advertising each year, these problems
have not heretofore been adequately addressed.
[0019] Games of chance have always been of attraction for
entertainment. For many years chance tickets have been produced in
various forms. One common form of chance ticket is known as a
pull-tab. A pull-tab has one or more reveal areas which can be
peeled or otherwise opened to reveal a symbol or set of symbols. A
symbol set may have one or more symbols. The symbol set may be a
winning symbol set or a non-winning symbol set.
[0020] Other chance tickets include scratch-off tickets or
"scratch-offs". Scratch-off chance tickets have one or more symbols
or symbol sets that are revealed by scratching off a coating that
is opaque and prevents viewing by the purchaser of other end
user.
[0021] Another form of chance tickets are folded tickets. The
folded tickets are typically soft and opened after removing a seal
or band. The end user cannot see the symbol set or sets provided on
the chance ticket because of the folded configuration.
[0022] Chance tickets are frequently regulated by statute. In some
jurisdictions they cannot be sold. In others there are various
requirements and or limitations. In general, chance tickets can be
sold only in states permitting the legal sale of these products.
The types of chance ticket products which can be sold may vary by
jurisdiction. Regulations also often control the licensing of
manufacturers, distributors, taverns, bingo halls, and fraternal
clubs which may utilize or distribute chance tickets.
[0023] Pull-tab tickets often display a menu of cash prizes, which
are won by the players holding a combination of symbols that match
the winning symbol sets indicated in the menu determining a winning
game piece or ticket. The menu describing the winning from
non-winning symbols or symbol sets is usually included on either
the front or back of the ticket. Typically the pull-tabs,
scratch-offs or soft folded tickets are sold for a dollar amount
such as $1.00, $0.50, or $0.25.
[0024] Presently, there are twenty-six states that issue a license
to manufacturers and distributors to sell pull-tabs, scratch-offs
or soft folded tickets to licensed taverns, bingo halls and
fraternal clubs, which in turn sell this product to the general
public. The licensed taverns, bingo halls and fraternal clubs sell
pull-tabs, scratch-offs or soft folded tickets to make a
predetermined profit associated with the sale of a predetermined
number of chance tickets that make up a ticket set. After selling
all the pull-tabs, scratch-offs or soft folded tickets in the
entire game or ticket set, then the predetermined maximum profit
can be realized. If the entire set is not sold, then the profit
will typically diminish. If the ticket set is distributed with the
distributor bearing risk of paying part or all of the winnings,
then profit depends on which tickets are sold and redeemed for
prize earnings.
[0025] In some areas the licensed distribution of chance tickets to
taverns, bingo halls, and fraternal clubs may be associated with
either a charitable organization or represent a charity or
charitable organization. This may be due to custom or law.
[0026] Pull-tabs and scratch-offs are also used in some state
lottery games. Scratch-off games are primarily used in state
lottery games and typically sold for $1.00 per game piece.
[0027] Scratch-off games are also widely used as promotional games
in fast food or retail businesses. In these instances the game
pieces are distributed to the general public without charge.
[0028] Chance ticket games in the past have been used and are still
used by a limited number of individual bingo halls and fraternal
clubs which often have large volumes of usage. Some have been
printed to advertise their individual bingo games or clubs'
information on one side of the tickets.
[0029] Chance ticket games have also been used as a vehicle to
offer discount coupons on various products or services and can only
be used for discounts from a single advertiser. Chance tickets used
in this fashion are frequently not sold as a gambling device, but
instead, are given as a complementary item. The winning tickets are
usually associated with small prizes.
[0030] Chance tickets have also been sold for value and been
provided with an associated coupon or special offer. Such are used
in the commercial promotional marketplace. These tickets display a
menu of cash prizes to be won on one side, just as the gambling
pull-tabs, scratch-offs or soft folded tickets used in the gambling
marketplace. These pull-tabs, scratch-offs or soft folded tickets
are then sold to the public as coupons, typically providing a
percentage discount on the goods or services being offered.
[0031] Chance tickets also have legitimate use in the general
business world as promotional games to build in-store traffic,
promote products, or as business or product sweepstake games.
However, the pull-tabs, scratch-offs or soft folded tickets are not
sold, but distributed "free" to the general public. Pull-tabs,
scratch-offs or soft folded ticket games are also used in all types
of businesses as employee incentives to improve the overall bottom
line and performance of the company.
SUMMARY OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Our invention includes versions which may introduce chance
tickets such as pull-tabs, scratch-offs or soft folded ticket
gaming pieces as a vehicle for all types of general advertising by
any type of business or organization for all types of services and
products.
[0033] Our invention involves chance tickets sold in game sets
which involve the sale of advertising space. Rates for such
advertising space may be charged based on the circulation exposure
desired by the advertiser. The advertising would be custom fit to
each business, organization or institution acting as an
advertiser.
[0034] A further extension of the invention places all advertisers
in a web-based mall to provide further benefits to the advertiser
for an advertisement feature having web-based mall advertising
connection.
[0035] The advertising space rate would be charged based on the
circulation exposure desired and this may vary in frequency within
a game ticket set to accommodate the individual desires and budgets
of each advertiser.
[0036] Advertisers will be able to advertise nationally or
regionally wherever our chance ticket products are sold. Typical
ticket sets consist of 150 to 12,000 individual tickets. Greater
numbers are also possible. Thus, the advertisers additionally have
the opportunity to select the frequency or ratio their message can
be presented to the public within the game unit as well as
selecting a game with ticket sets that provide different numbers of
tickets.
[0037] The invention offers more flexibility than traditional
advertising opportunities and at far less cost. In some forms, the
invention automatically guarantees a more focused, less distracting
method of conveying the advertisers' message compared to other
common forms of advertising, such as newspapers or magazines. The
advertiser's message will have more impact because of the subtle
recreational type environment. In addition, the production methods
may include producing the chance ticket sets using a program which
provides a complete turnkey advertising program.
[0038] Depending on the game set and program, various methods of
tracking the results of the advertisers' message or messages may be
possible. Thus, the invention offers small businesses with a meager
advertising budget an opportunity to have advertising exposure and
performance feedback previously enjoyed by only those advertisers
with large budgets.
[0039] Additionally, advertisers using this program may have the
opportunity 3 to: (1) advertise on a web-based mall; (2)
advertisers would be included in a promotional game web site; (3)
access to a "pin number" registry for both web and telephone
dial-in; (4) advertising would be tied to in-store pull-tabs,
scratch-offs or soft folded ticket games; (5) advertisers would
participate in cooperatively funding a national grand prize; (6)
advertisers can partake in a variety of kiosk programs; and (7)
participate in a unique co-op media campaign.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] Preferred forms or embodiments of the inventions are
explained and characterized herein, often with reference to the
accompanying drawings. The drawings also serve as part of the
disclosure of the inventions of the current application. Such
drawings are briefly described below.
[0041] FIG. 1 shows pull-tab front side.
[0042] FIG. 2 shows the back or opened side of the pull-tab of FIG.
1.
[0043] FIG. 3 shows the front side of a scratch-off chance
ticket.
[0044] FIG. 4 shows an opened soft folded chance ticket.
[0045] FIG. 5 shows the folded chance ticket of FIG. 4 in the
closed condition.
[0046] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a five window pull-tab
chance ticket.
[0047] FIG. 7 is a front view of a pull-tab having a purchase
price.
[0048] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the pull-tab of FIG. 7 with
revealed areas open and three symbol sets shown, each having
multiple symbols.
[0049] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another form of
pull-tab.
[0050] FIG. 10 shows the front side of one preferred scratch-off
chance ticket according to the invention.
[0051] FIG. 11 shows the rear or reverse side of the chance ticket
of FIG. 10.
[0052] FIG. 12 shows the front side of a pull-tab according to
another embodiment of the invention.
[0053] FIG. 13A shows the rear or reverse opening side of the
pull-tab of FIG. 12 with the reveal areas intact in a closed or
unopened condition.
[0054] FIG. 13B shows the opening side of the pull-tab shown in
FIGS. 12 and 13A with the reveal areas opened into an opened
condition.
[0055] FIG. 14 an attraction and explanation poster which announces
and advertises the game being offered and played.
[0056] FIG. 15 shows a scratch-off one-ply ticket according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0057] FIG. 16 is a front view of a two-ply ticket showing the
outside of the first ply according to another form of the
invention.
[0058] FIG. 17 is a rear view of the two-ply ticket of FIG. 16
showing the outside of the second ply.
[0059] FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic rear perspective view of the
two-ply ticket of FIG. 16 with the second ply having a window which
has been partially opened to also show the inside of the first
ply.
[0060] FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18 with the second ply
window opened more fully.
[0061] FIG. 20 is a view showing the inside face of the second ply
window, portion removed from remaining parts of the ticket shown in
FIGS. 16-19.
[0062] FIG. 21 is a front view of another embodiment ticket
according to the invention which has a three-ply construction.
[0063] FIG. 22 is a rear view of the ticket shown in FIG. 21
showing the outside surface of the third ply.
[0064] FIG. 23A is diagrammatic perspective rear view showing a
rear window of the third ply in an open condition to reveal the
inside surface of the third ply.
[0065] FIG. 23B is a view similar to FIG. 23A with a second ply
peeled upwardly to show the inside of the second ply and the inside
surface of the first ply.
[0066] FIG. 24 is a view of another configuration of three-ply
ticket showing a check-out savings code that may provide additional
discounts of variable amounts when a ticket purchaser is completing
a purchase transaction from the cooperative trading forum (e.g. web
based mall).
[0067] FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing various parts of a
preferred system according to this invention.
[0068] FIG. 26 is another block diagram showing additional parts of
the system 3 of FIG. 25.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0069] Introductory Note
[0070] The readers of this document should understand that the
embodiments described herein may rely on terminology used in any
section of this document and other terms readily apparent from the
drawings and language common therefor. This document is premised
upon using one or more terms with one embodiment that may also
apply to other embodiments for similar structures, functions,
features and aspects of the invention. Wording used in the claims
is also descriptive of the invention and the text of the claims is
incorporated by reference into the description entirely in the form
of the claims as originally filed. Terminology used with one, some
or all embodiments may be used for describing and defining the
technology and exclusive rights associated herewith.
[0071] Two-Ply Pull Tab
[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a pull-tab
chance ticket 20 having a front side 21 that includes a menu or
schedule 22. The menu or schedule may include a game name 23 and a
chance ticket price 24.
[0073] Pull-tab 20 has a laminated upper and lower layers of
material such that until torn apart by removing a tab 26, the
indicia 27 may include various symbols, such as picture symbols 28
or numbers 29. Alternatively the indicia may be provide as a blank
devoid of symbols or particular colors or other indicators of a
winning versus non-winning condition of the symbol set behind each
window or reveal area. Pull-tab 20 represents a prior art or
conventional pull-tab.
[0074] Scratch-Off Chance Ticket
[0075] FIG. 3 shows a prior art or conventional scratch-off chance
ticket 40. Scratch-off ticket 40 has coating areas 41 which cover
reveal areas having the game symbols or indicia (not shown in FIG.
3). The coating layers are removed by scratching to reveal the
indicia. Otherwise, the reveal areas remain concealed until removed
by the end user.
[0076] Soft Folded Ticket
[0077] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a conventional or prior art soft folded
ticket 50. The soft folded ticket uses a wrapper or band which
secures the ticket in a closed condition for distribution. The band
is broken and the ticket unfolded to reveal and make the game
indicia visible, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0078] As shown, the indicia includes a number set 52, 53. The
indicia number set is used to identify the number or numbers used
to determine a winning condition from non-winning condition, such
as by matching hidden numbers covered by coating layers 54.
[0079] The pull-tabs, scratch-offs, soft folded tickets or other
chance tickets may be of any suitable size or shape. Preferably
they are made for handling by humans.
[0080] Multiple Window Pull Tab Ticket
[0081] FIG. 6 shows a pull-tab ticket 60 in perspective from the
opening side 61. The front side 62 has a front side similar to that
shown in FIG. 1. The opening or rear side 61 is provided with five
reveal areas 65 which may be peeled or otherwise opened as
indicated in FIG. 2.
[0082] FIG. 6 shows a conventional or prior art design having a
message 66, such as advertising a bingo parlor. All tickets in a
ticket set or group of ticket sets were provided with similar
advertising.
[0083] Multiple Window Pull Tab Ticket with Advertising
[0084] FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 show another prior art pull-tab 70 having
features similar to those described above. The opening side is
provided with an advertisement 71 which is the same for all tickets
in a ticket set, game or group of ticket sets. The advertising in
this pull-tab comprises a coupon which entitles the holder to some
free offering.
[0085] Scratch-Off Ticket with Variable Advertising
[0086] FIGS. 10 and 11 show a scratch-off chance ticket 100
according to the invention. Ticket 100 has a front face or side 101
shown in FIG. 10 and a rear face or side 102 shown in FIG. 11.
[0087] The front side includes a trademark section 103 used to
identify the producer of the game and ticket. The front side may
also include a game name identifier 105 used to indicate to the
user what type of scratch-off game is being offered or played. A
price indicator 106 is further included where the game being played
uses tickets for which a purchase price or coupon charge is being
made.
[0088] The front side 101 also includes at least one symbol set
area 107. As shown, the ticket 100 includes four symbol set areas.
The symbol set areas are provided with overlaying coatings or
layers 108 that hide the symbol sets from view during distribution
and until the user plays the game by scratching off the coatings
108.
[0089] FIG. 11 shows the reverse or back side 102. Back side 102
includes a rules section 110. The rules section 110 may also be
provided with the winning symbols set information 111. The text of
the rules and winning symbol sets is diagrammatically depicted by
X's in FIG. 11.
[0090] FIG. 11 also shows a paid advertising space 120. The paid
advertising space or area 120 carries a message 121 which can be
according to the desires or design of the advertiser paying for the
advertising space.
[0091] In accordance with the invention the ticket 100 is part of a
ticket set having a plurality of tickets included therein. Typical
sizes for the ticket sets are 500-12,000 chance tickets per ticket
set. The ticket set according to the invention do not contain the
same advertising message 121 for all tickets of the ticket set as
is the case with prior art technology. Instead, it includes
advertising messages from a plurality of advertisers. The
advertisers may include various messages which are different. The
messages may appear in different frequencies or amounts of tickets
per ticket set as desired by the advertiser or offered by the
producer of the tickets. This allows the advertising costs to be
matched with the amount the advertiser wants to spend and be
integrated into a matrix of advertisers who participate in the
ticket set to the degree desired.
[0092] Additionally, the invention can include groups of ticket
sets that are tailored to the geographic area or marketing area to
which they are best distributed. For example, an advertiser may
choose tickets which are to be distributed in specific cities,
states, nations, or other geographical area. The areas may be
continuous or discontinuous. The advertiser may choose or otherwise
participate in distribution of tickets according to market areas,
such as to gasoline stations, grocery stores, or other market
defined segments that appeal to the advertisers. They can also
participate to the extent and degree desired with one or multiple
advertising messages included in a set or group of sets. A game may
include a single set or group of sets.
[0093] Pull-Tab with Multiple Variable Advertising Areas
[0094] FIGS. 12, 13A and 13B show a preferred pull-tab 150
according to another embodiment of this invention. Pull-tab 150
includes a front face or side 151 and rear or opening side 152.
[0095] FIG. 12 shows the front side 151. Front side 151 is provided
with a game name section 153 which indicates the name or other
indicia by which the distributor and end user may identify the game
being offered or played. As shown, front side 151 also includes a
winning symbol set schedule 154 that includes a plurality of
winning symbol sets. As shown each symbol set is comprised of
multiple symbols, but may have a single symbol or indicia to
indicate the winning versus non-winning tickets and symbol set
areas.
[0096] FIG. 12 further shows that the chance ticket 150 has on
front face 151 a serial number indicia 156 which is used to
identify the ticket set. Alternatively, the serial number indicia
may uniquely identify each ticket. Furthermore, the serial number
indicia may provide information indicating both the ticket set and
uniquely identify each ticket.
[0097] FIG. 12 also shows a form number indicia 157 that may be
used to indicate the particular form of the game being played. This
may also be used as a group identifier which applies to a single or
multiple ticket sets. The ticket also preferably includes an
indication of how many winners there are for each type of winning
symbol sets. The prizes or awards made will typically vary
depending upon the particular features of the winning symbol
set.
[0098] FIG. 13A shows the opening side or face 152. Opening side
152 is provided with one or more advertising areas. As shown, side
152 is provided with advertising area or space number one 161 and
advertising space number two 162. Advertising space 161 is of
different size than space 162 to provide added flexibility for
meeting the demand and budget limitations of advertisers seeking
advertising on chance tickets according to this invention.
[0099] FIG. 13B shows in greater clarity that the opening side has
three symbol set areas 173 which are covered by tabs 174. Tabs 174
are peeled or otherwise opened by the end user. The symbol sets may
include a single symbol or multiple symbols that match or otherwise
combine to provide greater combinations for determining the odds of
winning versus not winning.
[0100] The advertising spaces 161 and 162 may be paid for by the
same or a different advertiser. More flexibly, various tickets
within a ticket set may be paid for by multiple advertisers who
have a similar or dissimilar frequency of appearance of the
advertiser's desired message or messages.
[0101] Action Board or Poster
[0102] FIG. 14 describes an attraction and explanation poster 200
which announces and advertises the game being offered and played.
It is usually placed in vicinity to where the chance tickets are
being sold. It may also serve to compliment employee or in-store
reward programs advertised via the invention. The poster also
depicts the total number of winners contained in the ticket game
set and the individual number of winners based on each tier
contained in the ticket game set.
[0103] As shown, the poster 200 includes a game name section 253
used to indicate the game. Winning symbol sets are indicated in the
menu or winning definition area 223. Winning frequencies of any
particular winning symbol set may be indicated by winning symbol
frequency indicators 225. Poster 200 also includes a point
indication column 230 which may include points associated with
particular winning symbol sets. These points may be used for
various secondary games or in a fashion which earns awards or
credits toward prizes, merchandise or monetary awards. A total
number of winners indicator 234 may be included to indicate the
total number of symbol sets which are winning symbol sets from the
total number of tickets included in a set or game.
[0104] In one version the invention may include an apparatus
forming a set of chance tickets, comprising: wherein said set of
chance tickets including a plurality of chance tickets each chance
ticket having at least one symbol set which is hidden when
distributed by a distributor and then opened by an end user to
reveal the at least one symbol set, said at least one symbol set
including at least one symbol that is indicative of a winning
condition or a non-winning condition of the symbol set; said at
least one advertising section thereon; said at least one
advertising section on multiple chance tickets of said set of
chance tickets being different from other chance tickets of the
same set so as to provide advertisements for a plurality of
different advertisers which may vary from chance ticket to chance
ticket at an advertisement frequency specific to each
advertiser.
[0105] An invention as indicated in the prior paragraph wherein the
advertisement frequency of advertisements for each advertiser is
variable by advertiser.
[0106] A system forming multiple groups of chance tickets, each
group of chance tickets including at least one set of chance
tickets, comprising: wherein said set of chance tickets including a
plurality of chance tickets each chance ticket having at least one
symbol set which is hidden when distributed by a distributor and
then opened by an end user to reveal the at least one symbol set,
said at least one symbol set including at least one symbol that is
indicative of a winning condition or a non-winning condition of the
symbol set; said set of chance tickets including individual chance
tickets a majority of which include at least one advertising
section thereon; said at least one advertising section on multiple
chance tickets of said set of chance tickets being different from
other chance tickets of the same set so as to provide
advertisements for a plurality of different advertisers which may
vary from chance ticket to chance ticket at an advertisement
frequency specific to each advertiser; and wherein at least two
groups of chance tickets are adapted to provide advertising which
is different by geographical area of ticket distribution.
[0107] An invention as indicated in the prior paragraph wherein the
advertisement frequency of advertisements for each advertiser is
variable by advertiser.
[0108] One-Ply Scratch-Off Ticket Having Value Part and Game
Part
[0109] FIG. 15 shows another novel ticket or ticket formation 300
incorporating further aspects according to the inventions hereof.
Ticket 300 is a single ply scratch-off type ticket. Ticket 300
preferably has two parts 301 and 302. The first or game part 301 is
shown as a scratch-off game having a symbol set or other indicia
305 which are hidden by a covering 306. Covering 306 is removed by
an end user or purchaser.
[0110] FIG. 15 also shows a game identification code 308 which may
be of various forms. In some forms the identification code 308 has
an indication of the ticket set and specific ticket serial number
which distinguishes the ticket, preferably in a manner which is
unique or sufficiently unique to allow identification for purposes
indicated in this document.
[0111] Ticket 300 also advantageously includes a game name or
trademark 309 which further helps identify the game and producer of
the game.
[0112] FIG. 15 further shows that the value part 302 has a price
indicator 311 which are preferably easy prices to use, such as
$1.00, $0.50, $0.25 or other suitable ticket price. The price is a
minimum value which is provided to the purchaser for use in
purchasing or toward a purchase price of a good or service being
offered on a co-operative trading forum, which is typically a web
site mall. The web site mall offers goods and services from various
participating merchants which may be advertisers, or which may be
merchants who are not advertisers. The operation and manner of use
is described in greater detail below. Although the purchase price
is the minimum value received, it is alternatively possible for the
value of the value part to be greater, such as from one to five
times the purchase price. This provides the purchaser real value
since the purchaser not only gets the value but also may get more
value than what was paid. Additionally, the purchaser may win at
the game part and realize winnings, such as instant winnings, paid
at the place of purchase from which the ticket was bought. Since
the value received does not expire or diminish there is value at
least equal to the purchase price, plus the entertainment and
potential value associated with winning the game part of ticket
300.
[0113] As illustrated, the value part further includes a variable
advertising section 313 which may be printed or otherwise produced
with an advertising message. Although shown on the value part 302,
the advertising may include multiple messages at various locations
upon the ticket 300. The advertising message or messages may vary
from ticket to ticket within a set of tickets or within groups of
sets of tickets. This allows the advertiser paying for the exposure
to select a desired frequency of their advertising message. The
advertising messages of a particular advertiser may also vary from
one ticket to another ticket. The advertiser pays the sponsor or
organizer for the amount of advertising desired.
[0114] The advertising message may for a particular advertiser only
appear on one or more tickets within a set of tickets or group or
groups containing one or more sets of tickets. This allows multiple
advertisers to participate in the tickets contained therein at an
exposure frequency that is desired and consistent with the
advertiser's budget.
[0115] FIG. 15 further shows that the value part of ticket 300 also
includes a value part identification (i.d.) code 315. The code used
may be of various forms. In some forms the identification code 315
has an indication of the ticket set and specific ticket serial
number which distinguishes the ticket, preferably in a manner which
is unique or sufficiently unique to allow identification for
purposes indicated in this document. In particular the value part
code 315 may be registered in a saving account for the particular
user or holder of the value part code.
[0116] Another noteworthy feature is a line of weakness 320 which
may be in the form of a perforated or scored line that allows the
ticket 300 to be partitioned into pieces. The pieces are preferably
the value part 302 and the game part 301. This construction is
advantageous in that the distributor or seller of the ticket 300
may remove the value part 302 in certain situations. For example,
in some states games of chance must be open to play by anyone
whether they have paid for the game play or not. The regulations
vary from state to state and no attempt will be made to
specifically define the various rules and limitations that may be
provided by law or according to the organizer's business and game
rules. By removing the value part prior to distribution to a free
recipient, the free recipient does not receive the value associated
with the value part. A purchaser of the ticket does receive the
value part which acts as a value voucher, and the value can be
saved in hand or in a value saving account, as described further
below.
[0117] This ability allows the distributor of the tickets to
prevent value that purchasers are paying for from being freely
given to those only entitled to playing the game part 301 in a
chance game. Whether a ticket is purchased or given free, the
holder of the game part removes the game indicia 305. If the
indicia is a winning symbol, set of symbols or other indicia, then
the holder of the game part is entitled to an award. Typically the
award is an instant award made at the place of distribution. Other
modes of distribution can also be used, such as by redemption to
the organizer of the ticket program, or at authorized redemption
centers willing to redeem the winning game parts and then send the
winning game parts to the organizer for repayment.
[0118] Two-Ply Ticket Formation
[0119] FIGS. 16-20 illustrate a preferred form of two-ply pull-tab
ticket 400 according to the inventions. Ticket 400 has a front
which is the outside surface 401 of the first ply 410. Surface 401
advantageously has rules and general information about winning
symbol sets or other indicia. It may also have variable
advertising, but such is not illustrated in FIGS. 16-20.
[0120] FIG. 16 also shows a serial number 402 which serves to
distinguish and preferably uniquely identify the ticket. It can be
of various forms as explained above in connection with ticket 300.
As shown, the ticket identification code 402 is upon the game part
422 of ticket 400 and is used to identify the ticket. In most
jurisdictions the ticket identification is either presented in two
parts or has two parts. One part identifies the set of tickets and
the other part identifies the particular time. FIG. 16 shows a
serial number 402 which is a combined ticket identification code
that includes a part identifying the set and a second part
identifying the particular ticket.
[0121] FIG. 17 shows the back 429 of ticket 400 which also is the
outside surface 424 of the second ply 420. Second ply 420
preferably has perforations or other lines of weakness 421 which
allow a window cover 422 to be opened, as best shown in FIGS.
18-20. The window cover 422 may be completely removed as indicated
by FIG. 20. This allows separation of the game part from the value
part of the ticket 400.
[0122] The outside surface 424 of the second ply 420 is
advantageously provided with a purchase price indicator 423. As
shown, it is also provided with rules, directions 425a and/or other
information (generally 425) which are generically indicated by
X's.
[0123] A suitable interior surface is also provided with a value
part identification code or registration number 426. This is used
to distinguish or uniquely identify the value piece 410 so that the
value piece can be redeemed, registered or otherwise identified as
needed in the procedures and methods described herein. For example,
the value piece identification code 426 may be used to register the
value award made by the value piece 410.
[0124] As shown, the inside face 428 of the window cover 422 is
provided with game indicia 432 which are shown as three matching
symbols forming a winning symbol set. The inside face also has a
winning amount 433 which as illustrated shows $250. This may be the
actual winning amount for the symbol set shown, or an amount of the
maximum winning symbol set. If the latter, then the menu or rules
shown on either outside face 424 or inside face 427 indicate
whether the symbol set 432 is winning or losing and the amount paid
for any winning combination or symbol 432.
[0125] FIGS. 19 and 20 show that the inside surface 427 of the
window cover 422 formed from the second ply 420 may contain
additional rules, winning information, redemption techniques or
other information.
[0126] FIGS. 18 and 19 show the inside surface 411 of the first ply
410 is provided with variable advertising space that is sold by the
organizer of the tickets. This variable advertising is described in
detail elsewhere herein and will not be repeated here.
[0127] FIG. 19 further shows a value piece identification code 436
which is used to redeem or register the value piece for subsequent
use either alone or in combination with other value part awards.
The value associated with the value part is at least the purchase
price 423 or can be a higher value as may be indicated on the value
piece, preferably on inside surface 411. FIG. 19 shows a suitable
value award 441 which as illustrated is a value of five. The proper
value award can also be associated with the value part
identification code 436. However, it is preferred to show the value
award upon an interior or hidden surface of the ticket so that the
value award code cannot be surreptitiously obtained without
purchasing the ticket and opening the ticket.
[0128] Three-Ply Ticket
[0129] FIGS. 21, 22, 23A and 23B show a preferred construction
ticket formation according to the inventions. Ticket 500 has a
three-ply construction. The first ply 501 has an exterior surface
511 and interior surface 521. The second ply 502 has an exterior
surface 512 and interior surface 522. The third ply 503 has an
exterior surface 513 and interior surface 523.
[0130] FIG. 21 shows the front of the ticket 500 having a front
surface formed by the exterior surface 511 of the first ply.
Printed or otherwise indicated thereon 2 is the ticket
identification code or serial number 514. The front may also
include various attractive text or pictures 515 used to make the
ticket more attractive to purchasers. It may also include a game
name or trademark.
[0131] FIG. 22 shows the back face of ticket 500 formed of the
exterior surface 513 of the third ply 503. The third ply 503 has
perforations or other lines of weakness 543 which define a
removable window cover 544. The window cover 544 forms part or all
of the value part of ticket 500. The window cover 544 may be
removed by opening at the lines of weakness 543.
[0132] As shown in FIG. 23A the window cover 544 is opened along
three sides and folded forward to show the interior surface 523 of
the third ply 503. Included on the surface 523 is a value award
indicator 546 which as shown is for $3 worth of savings value which
may be used to pay in part for an item purchased from a web based
mall or other cooperative trade forum. The value may also be for a
value award which is given in points or gift card values which may
be used dollar for dollar and can be used to provide the full
purchase price of a selected item from the web based mall or other
trade forum having a plurality of participating merchants.
[0133] The window cover 544 also preferably includes a value part
serial or registration number 548 along the inside surface 523
which keeps the value part number hidden until the ticket is opened
and used. The registration number is used to register the award in
a saving account or validate the value piece if otherwise
redeemed.
[0134] FIGS. 23A and 23B also show the second ply 502 having a
second ply window covering 552 which is shown partly disconnected
and folded upward in FIG. 23B. The inside surface 522 can be used
to present variable advertising messages (not illustrated). FIG. 24
diagrammatically shows another use of surface 522 which is to
present a checkout savings code 562.
[0135] FIG. 23B also shows variable advertising messages 567. The
interior 8 surface 521 of the first ply also contains a game part
568 which as illustrated is an indication that the holder of this
ticket has won $50. The value part formed by window cover 544 may
be detached from the game part on interior surface 521 of the first
ply 501.
[0136] Ticket Handling System and Cooperative Trade Forum 14
[0137] FIGS. 25 and 26 show the active parts of a system 600 for
using the tickets described herein. The system is organized by an
organizer 601 which typically will also be the ticket producer 602,
although contract production of the tickets is another
alternative.
[0138] The organizer 601 contacts advertisers 610 who want to
participate by placing variable advertising on one or more tickets
contained in a ticket set or group of ticket sets. Contacting by
the organizer 601 is represented by arrow 608 in FIG. 25.
Participating advertisers pay variable advertising fees for varying
exposure on tickets as represented by arrow 609.
[0139] The advertisers may employ their own web site 611 to
facilitate offering particular products, specially priced products,
or their full product or service line to ticket purchasers or
recipients 676 (FIG. 26). The ability to offer products or services
on the cooperative trade forum 633 or by communications links 612
and 613 (such as via the internet) to the advertiser's web site
611, may be included as part of the advertising costs paid, or
there may be a separate charge.
[0140] FIG. 25 also shows a savings accountancy 653 which is
preferably a computer database which is secure and only assessable
by users to their individual accounts. Access is controlled by
having proper authentication, such as a PIN number or other
verification or authentication parameters. The savings accountancy
653 will have information on each registered user and the items of
value which have been registered on the user account. The items of
value can be used singularly or by grouping multiple value items so
that the use may purchase larger items than otherwise would be
possible with the value received from a single ticket.
[0141] In one form the user can bank in their individual saving
accounts values which are used as a part of an item purchase price
or as a supplement to money and shipping and handling charges that
must be paid in money or by charge or debit account. In another
version of the invention the values may be gift card values which
can be used to fully provide the payment of the purchase price. In
another form the values may include a point award which may be
honored by some of all of the participating merchant or merchant
partners 661.
[0142] FIG. 25 shows that the organizer 601 makes arrangements or
contracts with the participating merchants as represented by arrow
662. Fees may optionally be paid by the participating merchants to
the organizer as represented by arrow 663. The merchants may also
have a merchant web site 664 which is linked by communications
linkages 665 and 666 to allow presentation of goods and services
offered by the merchant. The trade forum 633 has a plurality of
participating merchants which allow a person having ticket values
which can be redeemed by purchasing from a variety of different
merchants. This is in contrast to earlier coupons that allow
discounts or credits for particular services or goods offered by a
single advertiser.
[0143] FIG. 25 also shows an auction system 691 which can interface
with the web based mall or other trade forum to expand the goods
and services being offered and allow bidding to determine the
prices for the auction goods. The bids may use any registered type
of value.
[0144] FIGS. 25 and 26 show the savings accounts are available for
use by link in the web based mall for some or all of the purchase
prices.
[0145] FIG. 26 shows that tickets are typically distributed by
ticket wholesale distributors 702 who pay the organizer for sets of
tickets and then sell the tickets to distributing retailers 703.
The distributing retailers are typically obligated to pay any game
winnings 706 directly to their purchaser, recipient or holder of
the game part of the tickets. The value part of the tickets are
redeemable by the holder to the retailers or through authorized
redemption centers 710. Redemption centers may receive redemption
from the organizer. The free recipients of the game part of the
tickets may be required to redeem the winning game parts directly
to the organizer.
[0146] Methods
[0147] Various methods and aspects and features thereof have been
explained herein and will not be repeated.
[0148] Methods according to the invention may include methods for
producing chance tickets. The methods include selling advertising
space for a ticket or multiple tickets comprising part of a set of
chance tickets. The number or frequency of advertising messages
purchased or otherwise allocated in the production of the ticket
set may be adjusted as desired by the particular advertiser. Thus
the advertiser may select any number of messages from the total
number of advertising messages available for a particular set of
tickets.
[0149] The methods further include involving and selling
advertising to multiple advertisers in the production of a ticket
set. This allows multiple advertisers to participate, yet reduces
costs compared to the purchase of advertising for an entire set of
tickets.
[0150] The set of tickets are produced by producing each ticket
with a potentially different and variable advertising messages from
multiple advertisers. The frequency may vary dependent upon the
total chance tickets per set.
[0151] Methods according hereto may also include producing groups
of tickets which may comprise a game or multiple games wherein the
set or sets of tickets of the group have different advertisers or
be directed at different market areas.
[0152] A method for producing chance tickets comprising: taking
advertising orders from multiple advertisers who desire to have
advertising sections included on chance tickets which form a set of
chance tickets; said set of chance tickets including a plurality of
chance tickets each chance ticket having at least one symbol set
which is hidden when distributed by a distributor and then opened
by an end user to reveal the at least one symbol set, said at least
one symbol set including at least one symbol that is indicative of
a winning condition or a non-winning condition of the symbol set;
producing said set of chance tickets with advertising sections on
individual chance tickets which vary from ticket to ticket with
different advertisements from different advertisers.
[0153] A method according to the prior paragraph wherein said
producing includes having the frequency of advertisements be
variable by advertiser.
[0154] Further Aspects and Features
[0155] The above description has set out various features and
aspects of the invention and the preferred embodiments thereof.
Such aspects and features may further be defined according to the
following claims which may individually or in various combinations
help to define the invention.
[0156] Interpretation Note
[0157] The invention has been described in language directed to the
current embodiments shown and described with regard to various
structural and methodological features. The scope of protection as
defined by the claims is not intended to be necessarily limited to
the specific features shown and described. Other forms and
equivalents for implementing the inventions can be made without
departing from the scope of concepts properly protected hereby.
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