US20120199500A1

US20120199500A1 - Scratch-Off Coin Holder

Info

Publication number: US20120199500A1
Application number: US13/022,666
Authority: US
Inventors: John Trusso
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-02-08
Filing date: 2011-02-08
Publication date: 2012-08-09

Abstract

A scratch-off coin holder for use with a scratch gaming ticket comprising: a semi-circular body; an opening, where the opening is providing at a portion of the body and enables the insertion of a coin; and a thumb grip indentation on one side of the body. The scratch-off coin holder may further include a clasping ring, where the clasping ring provides a mechanism for attachment of a key ring. The holder is made of a flexible material such as a plastic gel. The opening may accommodate various sizes of coins.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a coin holder that is used to secure a coin while scratching a lottery ticket.
2. Description of Related Art
Gambling is a pastime or in some instances a profession where individuals wager money to gain a pot or prize based upon the odds that may be related to the particular gaming. Gambling takes many forms for instance casino games, table games, electronic gambling, Internet online gambling, Para mutual betting, sports betting and one of the most popular forms lotteries. In particular, lotteries are very popular in most states and various foreign countries. The lottery is a form of gambling that involves a drawing for a large pot. Individuals may enter a lottery for a small amount usually a $1.00 entry fee in order to gain a chance at the large pot that may be available. Lotteries for the most part are organized by state governments and are presently legal in most states. In addition to the opportunity to enter a large pot many lotteries offer smaller pots or smaller winnings that may be associated with tickets that have predetermined prizes concealed under latex masking that covers a portion of the ticket. Many lottery players purchase these tickets and then scratch off the masking to determine whether they have luckily purchased a winning ticket. Scratching off the masking typically involves using a coin or other suitable device that helps to move the masking from the surface of the lottery ticket. Some tools have been developed to assist a lottery player in removal of the masking from scratch-off ticket such as disclosed in US Patent Application No. 20090126135 which discloses a scratch-off tool for removing coverings from a lottery game ticket where the tool is actually shaped like a key and includes a blade for removal of the masking of the scratch-off ticket. Another example of a lottery ticket scraper is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,590 which discloses a lottery ticket scraper that incorporates a coin as the scraping surface where the scraper includes a body that's modified with a tear drop shape where the scraper includes a recess for the insertion of a coin that may be glued or pressed into the recess. Yet another example of a lottery ticket scraper is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,818 where the scraper includes four protrusions located around a circular disc.
Although some elaborate lottery ticket scrapers are available as discussed above a simpler scraping device that may be used in conjunction with the traditional coin is certainly needed for the lottery player. Many lottery players simply prefer using a coin since it has been established as a suitable means to scrape the masking from the lottery ticket.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a scratch-off coin holder for use with a scratch gaming ticket comprising: a semi-circular body; an opening, where the opening is providing at a portion of the body and enables the insertion of a coin; and a thumb grip indentation on one side of the body. The scratch-off coin holder may further include a clasping ring, where the clasping ring provides a means for attachment of a key ring. The holder is made of a flexible material such as a plastic gel. The opening may accommodate various sizes of coins.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a prospective view of the scratch-off coin holder according to the present invention.

FIG. 1B depicts a scratch-off coin holder used in conjunction with a key ring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a scratch-off coin holder that allows a lottery player to utilize a coin held within the holder to scrape and scratch off a traditional lottery ticket. The scratch-off coin holder according to the present invention is a semi-circular device that includes an opening for the insertion of a coin. The slot that receives the coin holds the coin in place once it is placed within the holder. An indentation is provided on the holder so that the user may comfortably grip the holder once the coin is inserted therein. Use of the coin holder in conjunction with a conventional coin allows the lottery player to easily scratch off tickets and enjoy lottery gaming without some of the drawbacks of using a coin or having to purchase a specific scratch-off device for that purpose.
In reference to FIG. 1A, a scratch-off coin holder 20 is depicted capable of receiving coin 30. As shown the coin holder 20 may vertically attach to the coin 30 within an opening 22 provided in the holder 20. Once the coin 30 is inserted within this opening 22 the holder 20 sufficiently secures the coin 30 in place for use by a lottery player. In addition to the opening 22 the coin holder 20 further includes a thumb grip indentation 24 that allows the user to comfortably use their thumb while scratching off lottery tickets. The thumb indentation 24 helps the user to easily manipulate the holder 20 when scratching off lottery tickets.
In reference to FIG. 1B, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The alternative embodiment depicts the coin holder 20 where a coin 30 is inserted through the opening 22 as shown in FIG. 1A. However this particular coin holder 20 shown in FIG. 1B includes a clasping ring 44 that extends from the body of the coin holder 20. A chain 42 extends from this ring 44 and therefore forms a key ring 40 that may be associated with the coin holder 20. The key ring 40 consequently provides a scratch-off coin holder with a multiple function of providing a key ring for the user. The user may easily incorporate keys on the key ring 40 and keep track of the coin holder 20 for use with their lottery pursuits.
The coin holder 20 according to present invention is made of a soft flexible material but however firm enough to hold a coin within the opening 22. The opening 22 may vary in size to accommodate various size coins ranging from the traditional US dime to half dollar or even dollar coin. The coin holder may be further manufactured with a gel or plastic material so that it may be comfortably held and used by the user when scratching off lottery tickets. The instant invention has been shown and described in what it considers to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made there from within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A scratch-off coin holder for use with a scratch gaming ticket comprising:

a. a semi-circular body;

b. an opening, where the opening is providing at a portion of the body and enables the insertion of a coin; and

c. a thumb grip indentation on one side of the body.

2. The scratch-off coin holder according to claim 1, further including a clasping ring, where the clasping ring provides a means for attachment of a key ring.

3. The scratch-off coin holder according to claim 1, where holder is made of a flexible material.

4. The scratch-off coin holder according to claim 1, where the opening accommodates various sizes of coins.