U.S. patent number RE34,673 [Application Number 08/044,606] was granted by the patent office on 1994-07-26 for two level scratch game.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Les Technologies Babn Inc.. Invention is credited to Jean P. Desbiens.
United States Patent |
RE34,673 |
Desbiens |
July 26, 1994 |
Two level scratch game
Abstract
A two-level scratch game is disclosed which comprises a
substrate on which is printed a first grid of randomly selected
numbers, each number being printed in a separate box which forms
part of the grid. At least one instant price in the form of a price
amount or of a game symbol is printed in at least one of the boxes
of the first grid. A scratchable rub-off coating is applied onto
the first grid to hide the numbers and instant prices printed in
the boxes of this first grid. A second grid identical in size to
the first grid and containing the same randomly selected numbers is
printed on the rub-off coating exactly over the first grid. In use,
a player owning the game will benefit from two levels of playing
activity upon a drawing of numbers at random by an authorized
authority, namely (1) to try to get a complete horizontal, vertical
or diagonal row of numbers as in a Bingo game in order to win a
given price, and simultaneously (2) to scratch the boxes containing
the drawn numbers in order to find and win an instant price. A
method of manufacturing this two-level scratch game is also
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Desbiens; Jean P. (Montreal,
CA) |
Assignee: |
Les Technologies Babn Inc.
(Montreal, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
25674256 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/044,606 |
Filed: |
April 9, 1993 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
563353 |
Aug 7, 1990 |
05074566 |
Dec 24, 1991 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/269;
273/139 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F
3/0665 (20130101); A63F 2003/066 (20130101); A63F
2009/242 (20130101); Y10S 283/903 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63F
3/06 (20060101); A63F 9/24 (20060101); A63F
003/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;273/138R,139,240,269,307 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Stoll; William
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Foley & Lardner
Claims
I claim:
1. A method of manufacturing a two-level scratch game, comprising
the steps of:
printing a first grid of randomly selected numbers onto a
substrate, each number being printed in a separate box forming part
of the first grid;
printing onto the substrate at least one instant price in the form
of a price amount or of a game symbol in at least one of the boxes
of the first grid;
applying a scratchable rub-off coating onto the first grid printed
on the substrate to hide the numbers and said at least one instant
price printed in the boxes of the first grid; and
printing onto said rub-off coating a second grid identical in size
to the first grid and containing the same randomly selected
numbers,
wherein said printings of said first and second grids are
synchronized so that the second grid is printed exactly over the
first grid and contains the very same numbers in the very same
boxes as said first grid.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein use is made of a card as said
substrate, and wherein said first and second grids are
two-dimensional and comprise a plurality of rows and a plurality of
columns.
3. The method of claim 2, comprising the additional step of
providing onto said card at least one of the following security and
control features:
printing and hiding a validation number which is specific to said
card in order to permit authenification of said card and thus
permit the detection of any counterfeiting or partial alteration of
the numbers, amounts or symbols printed on the card;
printing of an uncovered control number for production control;
dual numbering of the card with the same number during the
printings of the first and second grids to make sure that the
synchronization of said grids was perfect when such printings were
carried out and that the second grid is identical to the first one;
and
printing of a coded version of a validation number which is
specific to the card and in the form of bars of different
thicknesses.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the additional steps
of using first and second grids having five columns and printing
over said first and second grids the word BINGO in such a manner
that each letter of the word BINGO is positioned above one of said
five columns.
5. The method of claim 2, further comprising the additional steps
of using first and second grids having five columns and printing
over said first and second grids the word BINGO in such a manner
that each letter of BINGO is positioned above one of said five
columns.
6. A two level scratch game comprising:
a substrate;
a first grid of randomly selected numbers printed onto the
substrate, each number being printed in a separate box which forms
part of the first grid;
at least one instant price in the form of a price amount or of a
game symbol which is printed in at least one of the boxes of the
first grid;
a scratchable rub-off coating applied onto the first grid which
hides the numbers, and at least one instant price printed in the
boxes of the first grid; and
a second grid which is identical in size to the first grid and
which contains the same randomly selected numbers as the first
grid, said second grid being printed onto said rub-off coating
exactly over the first grid and containing the very same numbers in
its boxes as said first grid,
whereby, in use, a player owning the game will benefit from two
levels of playing activity upon a random drawing of numbers by an
authorized authority, namely (1) to try to get a complete
horizontal, vertical or diagonal row of numbers as in a BINGO game
in order to win a given prize, and simultaneously (2) to scratch
the boxes containing the drawn numbers in order to find and win an
instant price.
7. The scratch game of claim 6, wherein said substrate is a card
and wherein the first and second grids are two-dimensional and
comprise a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns.
8. The scratch game of claim 7, further comprising at least one of
the following security or control features:
a hidden validation number which is printed on the card and which
is specific to said card in order to permit authentification of
said card and thus permit the detection of any counterfeiting or
partial alteration of the numbers, amounts or symbols printed on
the card;
an uncovered control number printed on the card for production
control;
dual numbers printed on the card for ascertaining that the first
and second grids printed onto the card are identical;
a coded version of a validation number which is specific to the
card, said coded version being in the form of bars of different
thicknesses.
9. The scratch game of claim 8, wherein the first and second grids
have five columns and wherein the word BINGO is printed above said
first and second grids in such a manner that each letter of the
word BINGO is positioned above one of said five columns.
10. The scratch game of claim 6, wherein the first and second grids
have five columns and wherein the word BINGO is printed above said
first and second grids in such a manner that each letter of BINGO
is positioned above one of said five columns.
11. The scratch game of claim 7, wherein the prizes to be won upon
completion of a horizontal, vertical or diagonal row of numbers are
printed onto the card.
12. The scratch game of claim 6, wherein the prizes to be won upon
completion of a horizontal, vertical or diagonal row of numbers are
printed onto the card.
13. The scratch game of claim 10, wherein the prizes to be won upon
completion of a horizontal, vertical or diagonal row of numbers are
printed onto the card. .Iadd.
14. A method of manufacturing a scratch game, comprising the steps
of:
printing a first grid of randomly selected numbers onto a
substrate, each number being printed in a separate box forming part
of the first grid;
applying a scratchable rub-off coating onto the first grid printed
on the substrate to hide the numbers printed in the boxes of the
first grid; and
printing onto said rub-off coating a second grid identical in size
to the first grid and containing the same randomly selected
numbers, wherein said printings of said first and second grids are
synchronized so that the second grid is printed exactly over the
first grid and contains the very same numbers in the very same
boxes as said first grid. .Iaddend. .Iadd.15. The method of claim
14, wherein said substrate is a card, and wherein said first and
second grids are two-dimensional and comprise a plurality of rows
and a plurality of columns. .Iaddend. .Iadd.16. The method of claim
15, comprising the additional step of providing into said card at
least one of the following security and control features:
printing and hiding a validation number which is specific to said
card in order to permit authentification of said card and thus
permit the detection of any counterfeiting or partial alteration of
the number printed on the card;
printing of an uncovered control number for production control;
dual numbering of the card with the same number during the
printings of the first and second grids to make sure that the
synchronization of said grids was perfect when such printings were
carried out and that the second grid is identical to the first one;
and
printing of a coded version of a validation number specific to the
card, in the form of bars of different thicknesses. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.17. The method of claim 16, further comprising additional
steps of using first and second grids having five columns and
printing over said first and second grids the word BINGO in such a
manner that each letter of this word is positioned above one of
said five columns. .Iaddend. .Iadd.18. The method of claim 15,
further comprising additional steps of using first and second grids
having five columns and printing over said first and second grids
the word BINGO in such a manner that each letter of this word is
positioned above one of said five columns. .Iaddend. .Iadd.19. The
method of claim 14, further comprising additional steps of using
first and second grids having five columns and printing over said
first and second grids the word BINGO in such a manner that each
letter of this word is positioned above one of said five columns.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.20. In a scratch game comprising a substrate, the
combination of:
a first grid of randomly selected numbers printed onto the
substrate, each number being printed in a separate box which forms
part of the first grid;
a scratchable rub-off coating applied onto the first grid which
hides the numbers printed in the boxes of the first grid; and
a second grid which is identical in size to the first grid and
containing the same randomly selected numbers as the first grid,
said second grid being printed onto said rub-off coating exactly
over the first grid and containing the very same numbers in its
boxes as said first grid. .Iaddend. .Iadd.21. The scratch game of
claim 20, wherein said substrate is a card and wherein the first
and second grids are two-dimensional and comprise a plurality of
rows and a plurality of columns. .Iaddend.
.Iadd. . The scratch game of claim 21, further comprising at least
one of the following security or control features:
a hidden validation number which is printed on the card and which
is specific to said card in order to permit authentification of
said card and thus permit the detection of any counterfeiting or
partial alteration of the numbers, amounts or symbols printed on
the card;
an uncovered control number printed on the card for production
control;
dual numbers printed on the card for ascertaining that the first
and second grids printed onto the card are identical;
a coded version of a validation number which is specific to the
card, said coded version being in the form of bars of different
thicknesses. .Iaddend. .Iadd.23. The scratch game of claim 21,
wherein the first and second grids have five columns and wherein
the word BINGO is printed above said first and second grids in such
a manner that each letter of the word BINGO is positioned above one
of said five columns. .Iaddend. .Iadd.24. The scratch game of claim
20, wherein the first and second grids have five columns and
wherein the word BINGO is printed above said first and second grids
in such a manner that each letter of the word BINGO is positioned
above one of said five columns. .Iaddend. .Iadd.25. The scratch
game of claim 22, wherein the first and second grids have five
columns and wherein the word BINGO is printed above said first and
second grids in such a manner that each letter of the word BINGO is
positioned above one of said five columns. .Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a two-level scratch game to be
used and sold in a lottery. The invention also relates to a method
of manufacturing this two-level scratch game.
b) Brief Description of the Prior Art
Scratch games comprising a substrate on which a scratchable rub-off
coating is applied in order to hide instant prices in the form of a
price amount, or a game symbol which is printed directly onto the
substrate, are well known and commonly used by lotteries and
advertising companies for promotional purposes. With such scratch
games, the play essentially consists of scratching the rub-off
coating or a part thereof in order to hopefully find that one of
the instant prices has been printed on the substrate. If an instant
price is found, the possessor of the scratch piece wins that
amount.
A game called Bingo is also well known. This game makes use of
cards on which two dimensional grids .Iadd.form individual boxes.
Each box has a .Iaddend.randomly selected number printed
therein.[.part.]..Iadd.. .Iaddend.Bingo random numbers are drawn by
some authority. A player marks the corresponding numbers on their
card. In trying to get a complete horizontal, vertical or diagonal
row of the numbers marked. When a player accomplishes this
objective, they win a price amount that is usually predetermined
before the drawing of numbers starts.
Another scratch game derived from the Bingo game has already been
suggested and is presently marketed in France under the tradename
GROLO. This game comprises a substrate on which has a first grid of
boxes printed thereon, containing winning or losing symbols which
are randomly distributed. This first grid is hidden by a
scratchable rub-off coating upon which another grid is printed and
superimposed over the first grid. This second grid contains numbers
sequentially printed in its boxes to allow identification of the
boxes. In use, a plurality of numbers are drawn at random by some
authority. Then, each player scratches the rub-off coating of the
boxes bearing the numbers that are drawn in order to uncover the
symbols printed within the corresponding boxes of the first grid.
If a given number of winning symbols are uncovered, the player will
win a specific price amount.
The second grid of numbers printed on the rub-off coating of all of
these games is always the same, and only the first grid of randomly
selected winning and losing symbols vary from one card to the
other. In addition, there is only a single way of playing this
scratch game.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A first object of the present invention is to provide a two-level
scratch game which combines two of the above mentioned games,
namely the instant scratch game and the Bingo game, thereby
allowing a player to benefit from two levels of playing activity
within the same game.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of
manufacturing such a two-level scratch game.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
More particularly, the present invention provides a two-level
scratch game comprising:
a substrate;
a first grid of randomly selected numbers printed onto the
substrate, each number being printed in a separate box which forms
part of the first grid;
at least one instant price in the form of either a price amount or
of a game symbol which is printed in at least one of the boxes of
the first grid;
a scratchable rub-off coating applied over the first grid to hide
the numbers and at least one instant price printed in the boxes of
this first grid; and
a second grid which is identical in size to the first grid and
which contains the same randomly selected numbers, this second grid
being printed on the rub-off coating in a position which is exactly
over the first grid and containing the very same numbers in its
boxes as the first grid.
In use, a player owning the game will benefit from two levels of
playing activity during the drawing of numbers at random by some
authority. That is, the player will try to get a complete
horizontal, vertical or diagonal row of numbers as in a Bingo game
in order to win a specific price while simultaneously trying to
scratch the boxes containing the drawn numbers in order to find and
win an instant price.
Preferably, the substrate is a card, and the first and second grids
are two dimensional in shape and comprise a plurality of rows and a
plurality of columns.
Preferably also, the prices which can be won upon completion of a
horizontal, vertical or diagonal row of numbers may be printed on
the card which acts as the substrate.
Advantageously, the scratch game may also comprise at least one of
the following security or control features:
a hidden validation number printed on the card which is specific to
the card, in order to permit authentification of the card and thus
permit detection of any counterfeiting or alteration of the
numbers, amounts or symbols printed on the card;
an uncovered control number printed on the card for production
control;
dual numbers printed on the card to ascertain that the first and
second grids printed on the card are identical; and
a coded version of the hidden validation number which is in the
form of bars having different thicknesses.
When the first and second grids have five columns, the word BINGO
may be printed over the first and second grids in such a manner
that each letter of this word is positioned above one of the five
columns. This particular configuration is of a particular interest
since it makes it possible, for the authority drawing the numbers,
to call them as in a conventional Bingo game. That is, the
authority can identify the column where each number being drawn can
be found, by reciting a letter. Thus, for example, if the number
being drawn, say, 5, is in the first column of both grids, the
authority drawing this number will actually call it as "B-5".
The invention also provides a method of manufacturing the two-level
scratch game as disclosed hereinabove.
The method according to the invention comprises the steps of:
printing a first grid of randomly selected numbers onto a
substrate, each number being printed in a separate box forming part
of the first grid;
printing onto the substrate at least one instant price in the form
of a prize amount or of a game symbol in at least one of the boxes
of the first grid;
applying a scratchable rub-off coating onto the first grid printed
on the substrate to hide the numbers, and providing at least one
instant price which is printed .Iadd.on .Iaddend.one of the boxes
of this first grid; and
printing onto the rub-off coating a second grid identical in size
to the first grid and containing the same randomly selected
numbers.
The printings of the first and second grids are synchronized so
that the second grid is printed exactly over the first grid and
contains the very same numbers in its boxes, as .Iadd.the
.Iaddend.first grid.
Of course, this method may also contain the additional steps of
providing on the card at least one of the above mentioned security
and/or control features.
.Iadd.In another aspect, the invention further provides a method
for use in the manufacture of a scratch game, comprising the steps
of:
printing a first grid of randomly selected numbers onto a
substrate, each number being printed in a separate box forming part
of the first grid;
applying a scratchable rub-off coating onto the first grid printed
on the substrate to hide the numbers printed in the boxes of the
first grid; and
printing onto said rub-off coating a second grid identical in size
to the first grid and containing the same randomly selected numbers
as the first grid,
wherein said printings of said first and second grids are
synchronized so that the second grid is printed exactly over the
first grid and contains the very same numbers in the very same
boxes as the first grid.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention and the way it works will become apparent from the
following non restrictive description of a preferred embodiment
thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of a two-level scratch game
according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a flow chart of the method used for manufacturing this
game;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a two-level scratch game as shown in
FIG. 1 which is ready for sale to a player; and
FIG. 4 appearing on the same sheet as FIG. 2, is a bottom plan view
of a corner of the scratch game of FIGS. 1 and 3, showing the coded
version of a validation number which is specific to the card and is
in the form having bars of different thicknesses.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
The two-level scratch game 1, according to the invention and as
shown in the accompanying drawings has a substrate 3 which is in
the form of a card. The upper surface of the substrate 3 has a
first grid 5 of randomly selected numbers thereon printed.
The first grid 5, is preferably bidimentional, and is similar to a
traditional Bingo grid having five rows of five numbers ranging
from 1 to 75 which are distributed over five columns. Each column
has a specific range of numbers such as, for example, Nos. 1 to 5
in column 1, Nos. 16 to 30 in column 2, etc. Each number is printed
in a separate box which is part of the grid and, each box is
defined by the intersection of one column with one row. In addition
to the randomly selected numbers, the first grid also contains
instant prices 7 in the form of price amounts or of a game symbol
printed in some of the boxes of the first grid 5. In the embodiment
shown in the drawings, such instant prices are printed in the boxes
containing numbers 28, 62 and 74.
After the boxes of the first grid 5 have been printed and filled in
with random numbers and instant prices, a scratchable rub-off
coating 9 is applied on top of the first grid 5 to hide the numbers
and instant prices. Then, a second grid 11 which is identical in
size to the first grid 5, and which contains the same randomly
selected numbers as the first grid 5 is, are printed onto the
rub-off coating after the rub-off coating is dried. Of course, the
boxes of the second grid 11 only contain printed numbers and do not
have any price amounts or game symbols printed therein.
In accordance with the invention, both the printing of the first
and second grids 5, 11 are identical, except for the additional
price amount and symbol printed game some of the boxes of the first
grid 5. Thus, if a number, such as 7, is printed in the first box
of the second grid 11 for example, the same number 7 will also be
printed in the same box of the first grid 5.
As aforesaid, certain boxes of the first grid 5 contain, in
addition to their numbers, a price amount to be won instantly by
the player owning the game. Of course, the player is instructed on
the back of the card to scratch only the boxes whose numbers are
drawn.
The boxes containing a price amount or a game symbol, in addition
to a number, form the instant portion of the game. Of course,
several game designs can be used here, such as by way of example,
"match two", "match three", collectable, and add-up of digits to
beat a score. The play in this part of the game is essentially an
instant "win" or "lose" concept as explained above.
The other portion or level of the game is derived from and is
played in the same way as the traditional Bingo game. A player must
get a complete horizontal, vertical or diagonal row of numbers in
order to win a predetermined price that are preferably printed all
around the grid (see the arrows 13).
Of course, the winning numbers must be drawn at random, using Bingo
type drawing machines or any other similar means. When the game is
used by a public lottery, the results may be published in the
media, as is known in this particular field.
As described above, the player having the inventive game card will
benefit from two-levels of activity upon the drawing of numbers by
an authorized authority. Assuming, for example that a total of five
numbers are drawn, one number a day for five days, each player will
have to look for these numbers on their card(s) and will (1) try to
get a complete horizontal, vertical or diagonal row of numbers as
in a traditional Bingo game in order to win the price indicated by
the arrow 13 and (2) will also have the opportunity every day to
scratch the boxes containing the drawn number in order to find and
win an instant price.
To make the game easier to play for those accustomed to the
traditional Bingo game, capital letters such as those forming the
word BINGO 15 may be printed on the card above the first and second
grids 5 and 11, in such a manner that each letter of the word BINGO
is positioned above one of the five columns of the grid. This makes
each number being drawn easier to identify as was previously
explained.
The two-level scratch game 1 disclosed hereinabove can be
manufactured according to the flow chart shown in FIG. 2.
In a first step, the first grid 5 of randomly selected numbers can
be printed together with the instant prices 7 onto each card, using
a high speed ink jet printer driven by a computer to do so. This
kind of equipment which is commonly used by lottery ticket
manufacturers, permits the printing of a great numbers of tickets
such as 50,000 or more. Usually, the price structure of the instant
portion of the game is based on the random numbers which are chosen
in generating the 50,000 tickets. This price structure/ticket
correlation allows for a .[.reasonably.]. .Iadd.reasonable
.Iaddend.estimation of the price fund liability in relation to the
numbers drawn.
In a second step, a thick layer of scratchable rub-off coating is
applied onto the printed card.
In the third and last step, the second grid 11 is printed onto the
rub-off coating, after the rub-off coating 3 has been dried, using
the same kind of high speed ink jet printer as used in the first
step.
In accordance with the invention, it is of course compulsory that
printings of the first and second grids be synchronized by some
control means so that the second grid 11 is printed exactly on top
of the first grid 5 and contains the very same numbers in its boxes
as the first grid 5. Once again, this kind of synchronized control
means is usually incorporated into a computer and is known
well.
If necessary, a simulated drawing of numbers can also be made on
the computer in order to allow for a reasonably accurate estimation
of the price fund liability of the Bingo portion of the card in
relation to the numbers being drawn.
A plurality of security and control features may also be used with
this game card.
First of all, a validation number (not shown) specific to each card
and hidden by a thick layer of scratchable rub-off coating 21, may
be printed onto the card to permit the authentification of the card
and the detection any counterfeiting or partial alteration of the
numbers, amounts or symbols printed on the card. The basic purpose
of this validation number, which is unique to each card, and which
is memorized by the computer when the computer randomly selects the
number to be printed, is to allow the authority conducting the game
to query the computer and to check whether the data appearing on
the winning card are actually the true and real data that were
printed onto a particular card.
A second feature that can be used with this card is to print an
uncovered control number 23, whose purpose is essential to allow
for production control. This control number may be unique
game-wide, and may be used for description and quantitative
controls.
A third feature that can be used with the game forming the subject
matter of this invention is the dual numbering of the game card. In
this feature, the same number is printed on the first and second
grids to make sure that the synchronization was perfect when such
printings were carried out and that the second grid was identical
to the first one. By way of example, a three-digit number, or an
alpha-numeric symbol such as D8 at 25 in FIGS. 1 and 3, may be
printed on the card when the first grid 5 is printed thereon. Then,
the same number or alpha-numeric symbol may be printed at 27 when
the second grid is printed. Of course, a match in the numbers or
alpha-numeric symbols printed at 25 and 27 is proof that both
printings have been successfully synchronized.
A fourth security and control feature that may be used with the
game according to the invention is the printing of a coded version
of the validation number which is specific to the card and is in
the form of bars of different thicknesses 29 which are on the back
of each card .[.and is.].. This feature facilitates the data
entries in the computer by the paying agents who want to verify the
authority of the card. Of course, this bar-code is a coded version
of the validation number printed on the front of the card. An
algorithm may be used to code this number in order to prevent the
fraudulent verification of the card's status by a paying agent.
* * * * *