US20030197328A1

US20030197328A1 - Method and apparatus for providing advertising

Info

Publication number: US20030197328A1
Application number: US10/295,434
Authority: US
Inventors: David Davis
Original assignee: Davis David Lee
Current assignee: DAY-DAY Ltd
Priority date: 2001-11-15
Filing date: 2002-11-15
Publication date: 2003-10-23

Abstract

A play ticket for use in a game of chance including a sheet of paper, a first graphical image and at least one advertising graphical image. The sheet of paper has a front facing surface and aback facing surface. The sheet of paper is weakened along at least one predetermined line to define at least a first portion and a second portion. The first graphical image includes required indicia for playing the game of chance and is at least partially imprinted on the first portion. The at least one advertising graphical image includes indicia identifying a product of an advertiser and is imprinted on the second portion. The first graphical image is imprinted on the front facing surface. The sheet of paper may include a readable data form containing coded data. The sheet of paper may also include a coupon detailing a product discount.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Serial No. 60/336,124, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Providing Advertising,” filed on Nov. 15, 2001, and Serial No. 60/340,871, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Providing Advertising,” filed on Dec. 7, 2001.[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for providing advertising, and more particularly, the invention is directed to a method and apparatus for providing advertising on a game of chance ticket.

BACKGROUND ART

Games of chance continue to be very popular in our culture. Certain games of chance, such as instant ticket games or pull tab tickets games have gained popularity with social, fraternal, or church organizations seeking to raise funds. Commercial bingo halls also feature similar games of chance. Other conventional games of chance include state lottery instant tickets and betting slips. Certain betting slips are available at no charge. In these cases, a player holding a bet slip only pays when placing his or her bet. These and other types of games of chance are well-known and popular with a relatively large percentage of people.

Many games of chance are played with play tickets that are discarded soon after completion of the game. Because most holders of the play tickets are not ultimately winners in these games, the holders are sometimes left with a feeling disappointment or sorrow regarding the particular game of chance. To counteract this affect, some games of chance include “second chance” options to compensate certain losing players. Some of these methods include a material loss of revenue or profit to the game operator. A need exists to compensate losing players of games of chance, without providing additional chances to play at the expense of the game operator.

As stated, games of chances are very popular in our culture. As a result, the competition for players has led to a very competitive market with ever decreasing profit-margins for game operators. A need exists for an individual operator of a game of chance to receive revenues additional and separate from revenues received from game players. The play tickets used in these games represent a previously unused advertising vehicle for goods and services of companies not associated with the operator of the game of chance and thus, a potential source of revenue for game manufacturers or operators.

For at least the reasons stated, a need exists in the art for a game of chance playing ticket that is a new apparatus and method for providing advertising. The present invention advantageously allows for a play ticket to include advertising, with possibilities for coupons and bar code data, while supplying the game operator with additional revenue and the play ticket holder with extra incentive to play the game of chance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for providing advertising on a game of chance play ticket. The invention allows an individual operator of a game of chance to receive revenues additional and separate from revenues received from game players. One embodiment of the invention features a “tear-off” portion including advertising or coupons for retention by the player.

The play ticket of the present invention includes a sheet of paper, a first graphical image and at least one advertising graphical image. The sheet has a front facing surface and a back facing surface. The sheet is weakened along at least one predetermined line to define at least a first portion and a second portion. The first graphical image includes required indicia for playing the game of chance and is at least partially imprinted on the first portion. The at least one advertising graphical image includes indicia identifying a product of an advertiser and is imprinted on the second portion. The first graphical image is imprinted on the front facing surface.

The play ticket may include a plurality of advertising graphical images, wherein each image identifies a product of an advertiser. The play ticket may include at least one advertising graphical image that is a readable data form, wherein the data form comprises coded data. The data may including information identifying the play ticket of the game of chance as an advertising vehicle source. The at least one advertising graphical image may be a coupon detailing a product discount offered to a holder of the play ticket.

The play ticket of the present invention may include at least one predetermined line weakened by scoring to facilitate folding, or at least one predetermined line weakened by perforation to facilitate tearing.

The play ticket may include at least one predetermined line perforated to allow a play ticket holder to separate the play ticket into the first portion and the second portion, wherein the second portion includes at least one advertising graphical image and may be retained by the play ticket holder separately from the first portion.

The play ticket may include on the front facing surface a perforation that defines a supplemental information portion. The supplemental portion may include fanciful information for the enjoyment of a play ticket holder. The supplemental portion may include a second game of chance for the enjoyment of a play ticket holder. The second game of chance may be a scratch-off game. In one embodiment, the player is not required to pay a fee to play the scratch-off game. The supplemental portion may include indicia for providing a method for selecting a number to be played in the game of chance.

The method practiced in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes the steps of obtaining a first graphical image, providing at least one advertising graphical image, producing a game of chance play ticket on a sheet of paper, the play ticket having the first graphical image imprinted on a front facing surface of the ticket and the at least one advertising graphical image imprinted on a surface of the ticket, and weakening the sheet of paper along at least one predetermined line, wherein the at least one predetermined line is perforated and defines at least a first portion and a second portion, the second portion includes the at least one advertising graphical image, the advertising graphical image is a coupon, and the coupon details a product discount offered to a play ticket holder.

Other objects and advantages and a fuller understanding of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a prior art game of chance play ticket; [0015]
FIG. 2 is a front view of a play ticket constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, showing a front facing surface; [0016]
FIG. 3 is a back view of the play ticket illustrated in FIG. 2, showing a back facing surface; [0017]
FIG. 4[0018] a is a front view of a play ticket constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, showing a front facing surface;
FIG. 4[0019] b is a back view of the play ticket illustrated in FIG. 4a, showing a back facing surface;
FIG. 5[0020] a is a front view of a play ticket constructed in accordance with yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, showing a front facing surface;
FIG. 5[0021] b is a back view of the play ticket illustrated in FIG. 5a, showing a back facing surface;
FIG. 6[0022] a is a front view of a play ticket constructed in accordance with yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, showing a front facing surface;
FIG. 6[0023] b is a back view of the play ticket illustrated in FIG. 6a, showing a back facing surface; and
FIG. 7 is a front view of a play ticket constructed in accordance with yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, showing a front facing surface.[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a prior art game of [0025] chance ticket 10 is shown. As illustrated, the ticket 10 is sold by a State Lottery. A front facing surface 12 of the ticket 10 as illustrated does not include advertising for any goods or services. The back facing surface (not shown) of this ticket 10 is blank. The ticket includes imprinted graphical grids 14 that create areas 16 for a play ticket holder to records bet information. Other similar prior art tickets may be computer generated at the point-of-purchase to include play numbers selected by the player or by a random generator.
Referring to FIG. 2, a front view of a [0026] ticket 20 constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, showing a front facing surface 22. A portion of the ticket may be pre-printed at another location and a portion may be printed at a point-of-sale location. Alternatively, the entire ticket may be computer generated and printed at a point-of-sale location. The play ticket 20 includes a sheet of paper, a first graphical image 26 and at least one advertising graphical image 40 a.
As illustrated, the [0027] play ticket 20 is designed for use as a bet slip in a conventional game of chance. It should be apparent to others with ordinary skill in the art that play tickets for use in other games of chance may be constructed in accordance with the present invention in view of this disclosure.
The [0028] play ticket 20 includes a sheet of paper. The play ticket 20 may be constructed from paper, chip board, or any other suitable medium. In a preferred embodiment, 60 lb. paper is used. The sheet has a front facing surface 22 and a back facing surface 24. The back facing surface 24 is best shown in FIG. 3.
The [0029] ticket 20 is weakened along at least one predetermined line 30 a. A predetermined line 30 a may be scored to facilitate folding or perforated to facilitate tearing. As illustrated, the ticket 20 includes three perforated lines 30 a, 30 b, 30 c. Only one line 30 a is illustrated in FIG. 2, however all three 30 a, 30 b, 30 c are illustrated in FIG. 3. The line 30 a acts to separate the ticket into two portions 32 a, 32 b. A top portion 32 a includes printing directed to the game of chance and a bottom portion 32 b includes printing directed to advertising. The perforation 30 a allows a player to tear off the advertising portion 32 b and retain for future reference after the top portion 32 a is discarded. The player may do so before or after the game is played.
In an alternative embodiment, the [0030] line 30 a is scored and allows a game operator to fold a play ticket 20 in half to facilitate insertion into a computer ticket entry opening.
In yet another alternative embodiment, a [0031] bottom portion 32 b includes printing directed to the game of chance and a top portion 32 a includes printing directed to advertising.
Referring again to FIG. 2, the [0032] ticket 20 includes a first graphical image 26. The first graphical image 26 is imprinted on the front facing surface 22. The first graphical image 26 includes required indicia for playing a game of chance. As discussed, the indicia may be pre-printed, or generated by a computer at a point-of-sale location. The indicia may include imprinted graphical grids for player use, instructions to players, and general game of chance information.
The [0033] ticket 20 also includes at least one advertising graphical image 40 a. The at least one advertising graphical image 40 a is imprinted on the front facing surface 22. The at least one advertising graphical image 40 a includes indicia identifying an advertiser's products or services. The image 40 a may be imprinted in black ink, by a four color printing process, or by any other conventional method.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a back view of the [0034] ticket 20 illustrated in FIG. 2 showing a back facing surface 24 is illustrated. The back facing surface 24 of the ticket 20 is divided into four portions 41 a, 41 b, 41 c, 41 d by three perforations 30 a, 30 b, 30 c. As illustrated, the ticket 20 further includes four advertising graphical images 40 b, 40 c, 40 d, 40 e imprinted on the back facing surface 24. Alternatively, one or more of the images 40 b, 40 c, 40 d, 40 e could be replaced with game of chance instructions 50 imprinted on the back facing surface 24.
As illustrated, the advertising [0035] graphical image 40 e imprinted on the bottom portion 41 d includes a readable data form 42. The readable data form may be one of several known systems that utilize coded data, including bar coding. In one embodiment, the coded data of the present invention data includes information identifying a product and a product discount. In other words, after the portion 41 d is separated by the play ticket holder from the ticket 20, the portion 41 d may act as a conventional coupon. In a preferred embodiment, the coded data of the present invention the code data includes information identifying the play ticket of the game of chance as an advertising vehicle source. Therefore, after the portion 41 d with the bar code is utilized by a consumer as a coupon, an advertiser could identify the game of chance as the source of the coupon.
Referring now to FIG. 4[0036] a, a front view of a play ticket 50 constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. A front facing surface 52 is shown in FIG. 4a. A back facing surface 54 of the ticket 50 is illustrated in FIG. 4b.
Again to FIG. 4[0037] a, the ticket includes perforations 60 a, 60 b. The play ticket 50 includes a perforation 60 a that defines a supplemental information portion 61 e. As illustrated, the supplemental portion 61 e includes imprinted fanciful information 64 for the enjoyment of a play ticket holder.
Referring now to FIG. 4[0038] b, the back facing surface of the ticket 50 is divided into five portions 61 a, 61 b, 61 c, 61 d, 61 e by four perforations 60 a, 60 b, 60 c, 60 d. As illustrated, the ticket portion 61 e has been separated from the ticket 50.
Referring now to FIGS. 5[0039] a and 5 b, a play ticket 70 constructed in accordance with yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As shown in the two referenced figures, a front facing surface 72 and a back facing surface 74 is illustrated. The general physical construction of the play ticket 70 is essentially the same as the play ticket 50 illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4 b.
The [0040] ticket 70 includes perforations 80 a, 80 b. The play ticket 70 includes a perforation 80 a that defines a supplemental information portion 81 e. As illustrated, the supplemental portion 81 e includes a second game of chance 84 for the enjoyment of a play ticket holder for the enjoyment of a play ticket holder. In the embodiment illustrated, the player does not pay any money to play the scratch-off game. In fact, in certain applications, no purchase is required of any kind. As illustrated, the second game of chance is a scratch-off game 84.
Referring now to FIGS. 6[0041] a and 6 b, a play ticket 90 constructed in accordance with yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As shown in the two figures, a front facing surface 92 and a back facing surface 94 is illustrated. The general physical construction of the play ticket 70 is essentially the same as the play ticket 50 illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4 b, as well as the play ticket 90 illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5 b.
The ticket [0042] 90 includes perforations 100 a, 100 b. The play ticket 90 includes a perforation 100 a that defines a supplemental information portion 101 e. As illustrated, the supplemental portion 101 e includes indicia 104 for providing a method for selecting a number to be played in the game of chance by the holder of the play ticket 90.
Referring now to FIG. 7, a front view of a [0043] play ticket 110 constructed in accordance with yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The play ticket 110 includes a front facing surface 112. The ticket 110 includes a perforation 114 defining a first portion 116 a and a second portion 116 b. As illustrated, the second portion 116 b includes at least one advertising graphical image 120. As shown, the image is an imprinted coupon 120. The coupon 120 details a product discount offered to a play ticket holder. The exemplary coupon shown details a “buy one, get one free” offer. It should be understood by others with ordinary skill in the art that other promotional strategies could be used in the practice of the present invention.
Many variations and modifications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically shown and described. [0044]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A play ticket for use in a game of chance comprising:

a) a sheet of paper, wherein said sheet has a front facing surface and a back facing surface and is weakened along at least one predetermined line to define at least a first portion and a second portion;

b) a first graphical image, wherein said first graphical image comprises required indicia for playing said game of chance and is at least partially imprinted on said first portion; and

c) at least one advertising graphical image, wherein said at least one advertising graphical image comprises indicia identifying a product of an advertiser and is imprinted on said second portion;

d) wherein said first graphical image is imprinted on said front facing surface.

2. The play ticket of claim 1 wherein said at least one advertising graphical image is imprinted on said back facing surface.

3. The play ticket of claim 1 further including a plurality of advertising graphical images, wherein each image identifies a product of an advertiser.

4. The play ticket of claim 1 further including a plurality of advertising graphical images, wherein at least one image is imprinted on said front facing surface and at least one image is imprinted on said back facing surface.

5. The play ticket of claim 1 wherein said at least one advertising graphical image includes a readable data form, wherein said data form comprises coded data.

6. The play ticket of claim 1 wherein said at least one advertising graphical image includes a readable data form, wherein said data form comprises coded data, said data including information identifying said play ticket of said game of chance as an advertising vehicle source.

7. The play ticket of claim 1 wherein said at least one advertising graphical image is a coupon, said coupon detailing a product discount offered to a play ticket holder.

8. The play ticket of claim 1 wherein said at least one predetermined line is weakened by scoring to facilitate folding.

9. The play ticket of claim 1 wherein said at least one predetermined line is weakened by perforation to facilitate tearing.

10. The play ticket of claim 1 wherein said back facing surface comprises a plurality of advertising graphical images.

11. The play ticket of claim 1 wherein said game of chance is a state lottery.

12. The play ticket of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said first graphical image is generated by an automated printing system at a point-of-sale location.

13. The play ticket of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said at least one advertising graphical image is generated by an automated printing system at a point-of-sale location.

14. The play ticket of claim 1 wherein said at least one predetermined line is perforated to allow a play ticket holder to separate said play ticket into said first portion and said second portion, wherein said second portion comprises said at least one advertising graphical image and may he retained by said play ticket holder separately from said first portion.

15. The play ticket of claim 1 wherein said back facing surface is imprinted with information indicia, wherein said indicia is directed toward cash award information and game of chance instructions.

16. The play ticket of claim 1 wherein said front facing surface includes a perforation that defines a supplemental information portion, wherein said supplemental portion includes fanciful information for the enjoyment of a play ticket holder.

17. The play ticket of claim 1 wherein said front facing surface includes a perforation that defines a supplemental information portion, wherein said supplemental portion includes a second game of chance for the enjoyment of a play ticket holder, said second game of chance being a scratch-off game.

18. The play ticket of claim 1 wherein said front facing surface includes a perforation that defines a supplemental information portion, wherein said supplemental portion includes indicia for providing a method for selecting a number to be played in said game of chance.

19. A play ticket for use in a game of chance comprising:

a) a sheet of paper, wherein said sheet has a front facing surface and a back facing surface and is weakened along a plurality of predetermined lines to define at least a first portion and a second portion;

c) a plurality of advertising graphical images, wherein each of said advertising graphical images comprises indicia identifying a product of an advertiser, at least one advertising graphical images is imprinted on said second portion, at least one advertising graphical image includes a readable data form, wherein said data form comprises coded data, and at least one advertising graphical image is a coupon, said coupon detailing a product discount offered to a play ticket holder;

d) wherein said first graphical image is imprinted on said front facing surface;

e) wherein at least one of said predetermined lines is perforated to allow a play ticket holder to separate said play ticket into said first portion and said second portion, wherein said second portion comprises said at least one advertising graphical image and may be retained by said play ticket holder separately from said first portion.

20. A method of providing advertising comprising the steps of:

a) obtaining a first graphical image, wherein said first graphical image comprises required indicia for playing a game of chance;

b) providing at least one advertising graphical image, wherein said at least one advertising graphical image comprises indicia identifying a product of an advertiser;

c) producing a game of chance play ticket on a sheet of paper, said play ticket having said first graphical image imprinted on a front facing surface of said ticket and said at least one advertising graphical image imprinted on a surface of said ticket; and

d) weakening said sheet of paper along at least one predetermined line, wherein said at least one predetermined line is perforated and defines at least a first portion and a second portion;

e) wherein said second portion includes said at least one advertising graphical image, said image being a coupon, said coupon detailing a product discount offered to a play ticket holder.