U.S. patent application number 12/928766 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-21 for random number generator and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to SCI-TEK, INC.. Invention is credited to James W. Grey, Alex Rhodes.
Application Number | 20120153568 12/928766 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46233365 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120153568 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grey; James W. ; et
al. |
June 21, 2012 |
Random number generator and method
Abstract
A kidney shaped number generator for randomly placing numbers in
Keno and other lottery number games comprising: a base, a set of
numbered disks on opposite sides of the base, each of said disks
having numbers on opposite sides of the disk, a mask overlying each
of the sets of numbered disks and a transparent cover on opposite
sides of the base for enclosing the numbered disks. Each of the
masks has a window through which selected sets of numbers are
exposed. An important feature of the invention is that the
generator can be used in different lotteries by merely changing the
masks and amounts of numbered disks. In a first embodiment, the
masks are labels adhesively applied to outer or inner surfaces of
the transparent outer covers. In a second embodiment, the masks are
thin sheets of materials with graphics between the numbered disks
and transparent outer covers.
Inventors: |
Grey; James W.; (Holly,
MI) ; Rhodes; Alex; (West Bloomfield, MI) |
Assignee: |
SCI-TEK, INC.
|
Family ID: |
46233365 |
Appl. No.: |
12/928766 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/138.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C 15/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/138.1 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A number generator for randomly picking lottery numbers
comprised of a base, said base extending across the width and
length of said generator and having a trap on opposite sides of
said base, a first set of numbered disks one side of said base; a
second set of numbered disks on an opposite side of said base; a
mask overlying said first set of numbered disks, said mask having a
window for displaying a first designated number of said first set
of numbered disks; a mask overlying said second set of numbered
disks, said mask having a window for displaying a second designated
number of said second set of numbered disks; a transparent cover on
opposite sides of said generator for enclosing said disks; and a
means for retaining said covers to said base.
2. The number generator recited in claim 1 wherein each of said
traps is comprised of a linear array of arcuate pockets for
capturing numbered disks
3. The number generator recited in claim 1 wherein each of said
masks is a transparent label with graphics that is adhesively
applied to opposite outer surfaces of said transparent covers.
4. The number generator recited in claim 1 wherein each of said
masks is a thin sheet of material with graphics between said disks
and said covers.
5. The number generator recited in claim 1 wherein each of said
masks is printed graphics on opposite outer surfaces of said
transparent covers.
6. The number generator recited in claim 1 wherein said traps are
linear arrays of arcuate pockets.
7. The number generator recited in claim 1 wherein said base is a
kidney shaped generator.
8. The number generator recited in claim 1 wherein said first
selection set of numbered disks are a first color and said second
set of numbered disks are a second color.
9. A number generator for randomly picking lottery numbers
comprised of a base, said base extending across the width and
length of said generator; a first set of numbered disks one side of
said base; a second set of numbered disks on an opposite side of
said base; a transparent cover on opposite sides of said base for
enclosing said disks, each of said covers having a trap for
capturing some of said numbered disks, each of said traps
comprising a linear array of arcuate pockets; a mask adhesively
applied to an outer surface of each of said covers, said masks
having windows for viewing designated numbers of said numbered
disks; and a means for retaining said covers to said base.
10. A method for randomly generating lottery numbers for more than
a single lottery, said method comprising the steps of: installing a
first set of numbered disks in a lottery random number generator
which correspond in number to a selection set of a first lottery;
adding a first mask to said generator which overlays said numbered
disks; shaking said generator to capture some of said numbered
disks in a trap; viewing a first designated number of said disks
through a window in said mask which correspond in number to a
winning number of said lottery; replacing said first selection set
of numbered disks with additional sets of numbered disks; replacing
said first mask with additional masks; shaking generators with said
additional sets of disks and said masks and viewing designated
numbers of said other disks through windows in said other
masks.
11. The method recited in claim 8 wherein said traps are completely
filled with said disks when said generator is shaken.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to number generators and, more
particularly, to a random number generator for placing lottery
number bets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 2009 lottery sales exceeded the combined incomes of
America's five most profitable corporations. Lotteries have become
so popular that it is believed that they may be adopted for
trimming federal budget deficits. Ordinary people have acquired
fortunes that were heretofore impossible. At the present time,
players individually select lottery numbers or "easy pick" numbers
are generated by machines at lottery stations.
[0003] Adell, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,507,492 and 5,803,454 are exemplary
of hand held lottery number generators in the prior art. Adell U.S.
Pat. No. 5,507,492 discloses a combined number generator and key
chain. The number generator has a trap and small circular disks for
displaying lottery numbers. The generator is shaken to capture
disks in a trap. Adell U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,454 discloses a beverage
coaster and number generator.
[0004] One deficiency of the Adell patents is that the disks are
difficult to capture. Another deficiency that the number generators
are applicable to single lotteries. Most states have six or more
lotteries that will require different number generators.
[0005] Electronic number generators also exist in the art. One
deficiency of electronic generators is that they are based on
algorithms and are therefore not random number generators. Another
shortcoming is that they are expensive
[0006] Manufacturers have been unwilling to invest in lottery
number generators because large investments are required to service
all of a State's lotteries. By way of example, Michigan has 7
lotteries that would require 9 Adell generators, namely, 2 for the
Mega-Millions lottery, 2 for the Power Ball lottery, and 1 for each
of the remaining 5 lotteries.
TABLE-US-00001 Michigan Lotteries Lottery Numbers Mega-Millions 5
of 56 plus 1 of 46 Daily 3 3 of 30 Daily 4 4 of 40 Fantasy 5 5 of
39 Lotto 47 6 of 47 Power Ball 5 of 59 plus 1 of 39 Lucky Lines 7
of 49
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is an easy to use generator for
randomly generating lottery numbers. A distinguishing feature of
the invention is that with minor modifications it can be adapted
for all of a State's lotteries. Another feature is that numbers are
generated on opposite sides of the generator.
[0008] The number generator comprises a base, a pair of transparent
"see through" covers, a mask and a plurality of numbered disks.
Numbers are generated by shaking the generator to capture numbered
disks in the base. Another distinguishing feature is that the same
number of disks is captured for all lotteries.
[0009] The method is comprised of the steps of cutting disks from a
common blank which correspond in number to a set from which numbers
are chosen, loading the disks in the generator, installing a mask
having a window for viewing numbers through a window in the mask,
shaking the generator to fill a trap in the generator and viewing a
set of numbers through the window. One benefit of the is the
generator is that it can be assembled without regard to "top" and
"bottom" orientations of its components.
[0010] The mask can have several forms. In one form the mask is a
thin sheet of material with graphics that is interposed between the
base and the lens. In a second form, the mask is a transparent
label which is adhesively attached to the outside surface of a
lens. In another form, the mask is printed on the outside or inside
surface of the lens. In each form a window is provided for viewing
sets of numbered disks in generator. The length of the window
establishes the number of disks that are exposed to view. In a
first embodiment of the invention the trap is an integral portion
of the base. In another embodiment, the trap is an integral portion
of the lens.
[0011] In employing the teaching of the present invention, a
plurality of alternate constructions can be provided to achieve the
desired results and capabilities. In this disclosure, some
alternate constructions are discussed. However, these embodiments
are intended as examples, and should not be considered as
limiting.
[0012] Further benefits, features and embodiments of the invention
will be apparent from the ensuing description and accompanying
drawings which describe the invention in detail. A preferred
embodiment is disclosed in accordance with the best mode which is
contemplated for practicing the invention and the specific features
in which exclusive property rights are claimed are set forth in
each of the numbered claims which are appended to the detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view of a lottery number generator
according to the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 2-2 in
FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the lottery number generator.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a front view of a base.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 5-5 in
FIG. 4.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the base.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a front view of a cover.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a right side view of the cover.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 9-9 in
FIG. 7.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the cover.
[0023] FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary view of FIG. 9.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an
alternate embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a front view of a second alternate
embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 14-14 in
FIG. 13.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
13.
[0028] FIG. 16 is a front view of the lens of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 13.
[0029] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 17-17 in
FIG. 16.
[0030] FIG. 18 is a rear view of the lens shown in FIG. 16.
[0031] FIG. 19 is a front view of the base of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 13.
[0032] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 20-20 in
FIG. 19.
[0033] FIG. 21 is a rear view of the base of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0034] Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals
designate like and corresponding parts throughout the several
views, in FIGS. 1 through 3, inclusive, a lottery number generator
30 is shown according to the invention. The lottery number
generator 30 is comprised of an opaque base 31, a pair of identical
transparent covers 32 on opposite sides of the base 31, a thin mask
33 on outer surfaces of opposite covers 32 and a plurality of thin
cylindrical numbered disks 34 in opposite sides of the base 31. The
same numbers are preferably marked on opposite sides of the disks
34. The disks 34 are of different colors to distinguish the front
of the generator 30 from the rear of the generator 30.
[0035] Although the lottery number generator 30 is kidney shaped,
it is not our intention to limit the generator 30 to this shape
since other shapes are possible within the spirit of our invention.
The mask 33 may have several forms. One form, as shown in FIGS. 1
and 3, is a thin transparent label 33 adhesively attached, to the
outer surface of each cover 32. Another form, as shown in FIG. 12,
is a thin sheet 36 between each cover 32 and the base 31. It may
also be printing on the outer 47 or inner surfaces of the covers
32.
[0036] On opposite sides of the base 31 are traps 37 for capturing
the numbered disks 34. The traps 37 are linear arrays of arcuate
pockets 38 that extend laterally across the base 31. When the
generator 30 is shaken, the pockets 38 fill with the numbered disks
34. Directly above the traps 37 some of the disks 34 are visible
through windows 39 in the masks 33. For example, for a lottery
requiring 3 numbers from a selection set of 30 numbers, three of
the disks 34 are visible through the window 39.
[0037] By providing traps 37, disks 34 and masks 33 on opposite
sides of the generator 30, the requirements of some lotteries can
be satisfied, For example, for the Multi-Millions lottery, 5 disks
can be viewed through an appropriate size window 39 on one side of
the generator 30 and one disk 34 can be viewed through an
appropriate size window 39 on an opposite side of the generator 30.
A mask 33 with windows 34 may be provided for the Daily 3 lottery
on one side and Daily 4 lottery on an opposite side. By merely
changing the amounts of disks 34 and masks 33, the generator 30 can
be adapted to all of a State's lotteries.
[0038] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, in the base are 3 posts 40
for maintaining the space between the cover 32 and base 31. The
covers 32 are attached to the base, as shown in Figs. in FIGS. 11
and 12 with fingers 41 in the covers 32 that engage recesses 42 in
the base 31.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 13 through 20, inclusive, an
alternate embodiment 43 is shown wherein traps 41 are portions of
transparent covers 44. In this embodiment 43, the masks 33 are
transparent labels or graphics on the outer surfaces of the covers
44. They 44 are separated by a base 45 which divides the generator
43 into front and rear portions for storing disks 34.
[0040] From the foregoing, it is apparent that our invention
provides a novel, easy to use number generator for selecting
lottery numbers having features which are neither anticipated nor
obvious over the prior art. One important feature is that it can
apply with minor modifications to all of a State's lotteries. One
distinguishing feature of our invention is that when the generator
is shaken traps are completely filled with disks. By providing
masks with different length windows, the generator may be used for
different lotteries. One important benefit is that our generator is
a true random generator as opposed to electronic generators with
are based on algorithms.
[0041] Although only two embodiments of our invention have been
described it is further obvious that other embodiments can be
derived after studying our disclosure, by such changes as providing
a generator with a single trap, mask and set of disks, substitution
of parts, changes in shape and inversion of elements without
departing from the spirit thereof.
* * * * *