Game piece and method of using the same

Abstract

A game piece includes symbol identification areas, symbol definition areas, and a first symbol area. Each symbol identification area visually identifies a unique symbol, each symbol definition area is visually proximate to a corresponding symbol identification area and wherein each symbol definition area defines a prize that is represented by the symbol visually identified in the corresponding symbol identification area, and the first symbol area includes a visually concealed symbol. The visually concealed symbol is provided as a symbol that is visually identified in at least one of the symbol identification areas.

1 . A game piece, comprising: 
 a plurality of symbol identification areas, wherein each symbol identification area visually identifies a unique symbol;    a plurality of symbol definition areas, wherein each symbol definition area is visually proximate to a corresponding symbol identification area and wherein each symbol definition area defines a prize that is represented by the symbol visually identified in the corresponding symbol identification area; and    a first symbol area including a visually concealed symbol, wherein the visually concealed symbol is provided as a symbol visually identified in at least one of the plurality of symbol identification areas.    
   
   
       2 . The game piece of  claim 1 , wherein the prize defined within each symbol definition area includes an entirety of at least one of a particular good or service that the sponsor is engaged in selling.  
   
   
       3 . The game piece of  claim 1 , wherein each symbol definition area identifies how to exchange the game piece for the prize that is represented by the symbol visually identified in the corresponding symbol identification area.  
   
   
       4 . The game piece of  claim 1 , wherein each symbol definition area further identifies a sponsor providing the prize that is represented by the symbol visually identified in the corresponding symbol identification area.  
   
   
       5 . The game piece of  claim 4 , wherein each symbol definition area further identifies the sponsor by name.  
   
   
       6 . The game piece of  claim 4 , wherein each symbol definition area further identifies the sponsor by address.  
   
   
       7 . The game piece of  claim 1 , wherein the monetary value of each prize defined within the plurality of symbol definition areas is equal to or greater than a purchase price of the game piece.  
   
   
       8 . The game piece of  claim 1 , wherein the monetary value of each prize is fixed.  
   
   
       9 . The game piece of  claim 1 , further comprising a second symbol area including a symbol associated with a prize having a monetary value greater than or equal to the monetary value of each prize defined within the plurality of symbol definition areas.  
   
   
       10 . The game piece of  claim 9 , wherein the symbol within the second symbol area is visually unconcealed.  
   
   
       11 . The game piece of  claim 9 , wherein the symbol within the second symbol area is visually unconcealable.  
   
   
       12 . The game piece of  claim 9 , wherein the first symbol area is detachably coupled to the first symbol area.  
   
   
       13 . A method of producing game pieces, comprising: 
 receiving, from at least one sponsor, at least one offer to provide at least one prize that is exchangeable for at least one game piece defining a plurality of prizes; and    producing at least one game piece, wherein the at least one game piece includes: 
 a plurality of symbol identification areas, wherein each symbol identification area visually identifies a unique symbol;  
 a plurality of symbol definition areas, wherein each symbol definition area is visually proximate to a corresponding symbol identification area and wherein each symbol definition area defines a prize offered by a sponsor and represented by the symbol visually identified in the corresponding symbol identification area; and  
 a first symbol area including a visually concealed symbol, wherein the visually concealed symbol is provided as a symbol visually identified in at least one of the plurality of symbol identification areas.  
   
   
   
       14 . The method of producing game pieces of  claim 13 , wherein the monetary value of each prize defined within the plurality of symbol definition areas is equal to or greater than a purchase price of the game piece.  
   
   
       15 . The method of producing game pieces of  claim 13 , wherein the offer to provide at least one prize includes an offer to provide an entirety of at least one of a particular good or service that the sponsor is engaged in selling.  
   
   
       16 . A method of advertising, comprising: 
 receiving, from at least one sponsor, at least one offer to provide at least one prize that is exchangeable for at least one game piece defining a plurality of prizes;    producing at least one game piece, wherein the at least one game piece includes: 
 a plurality of symbol identification areas, wherein each symbol identification area visually identifies a unique symbol;  
 a plurality of symbol definition areas, wherein each symbol definition area is visually proximate to a corresponding symbol identification area and wherein each symbol definition area defines a prize offered by a sponsor and represented by the symbol visually identified in the corresponding symbol identification area; and  
 a first symbol area including a visually concealed symbol, wherein the visually concealed symbol is provided as a symbol visually identified in at least one of the plurality of symbol identification areas; and  
   selling the at least one game piece for a purchase price.    
   
   
       17 . The method of advertising of  claim 16 , wherein the monetary value of each prize defined within the plurality of symbol definition areas is equal to or greater than the purchase price of the game piece.  
   
   
       18 . The method of advertising of  claim 16 , wherein the offer to provide at least one prize includes an offer to provide an entirety of at least one of a particular good or service that the sponsor is engaged in selling.