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.

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.