Lottery marking apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to apparatuses to facilitate the playing of lottery games. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatuses for marking or puncturing lottery play slips.

1 . An apparatus for marking or puncturing a lottery play slip comprising an array of depressible buttons. 
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus comprises a main body having a top cover and a bottom tray. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said top cover comprises said array of depressible buttons. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said top cover and said bottom tray are pivotally connected by a hinge. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said top cover and said bottom tray comprise a lottery play slip inserted therebetween. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the buttons of said array of depressible buttons comprise markings corresponding to markings on said lottery play slip. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the buttons of said array of depressible buttons comprise a component for contacting said lottery play slip when said buttons are depressed. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein said buttons of said array of depressible buttons comprise a component for marking or puncturing said lottery play slip upon contacting said lottery play slip. 
     
     
         9 . A method of marking or puncturing a lottery play slip comprising contacting said lottery play slip with the apparatus of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising contacting a second lottery play slip. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the apparatus comprises a main body having a top cover and a bottom tray. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said top cover comprises said array of depressible buttons. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said top cover and said bottom tray are pivotally connected by a hinge. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said top cover and said bottom tray comprise a lottery play slip inserted therebetween. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the buttons of said array of depressible buttons comprise markings corresponding to markings on said lottery play slip. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the buttons of said array of depressible buttons comprise a component for contacting said lottery play slip when said buttons are depressed. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said buttons of said array of depressible buttons comprise a component for marking or puncturing said lottery play slip upon contacting said lottery play slip.