CN1871134A - mailable card - Google Patents

Abstract

A mailable card (1) including a first panel (5) of generally rectangular configuration so as to have a pair of side edges (10,15) and a pair of end edges (20,25) extending between the side edges (10,15). The first panel (5) also having a major front face (30) to receive an image or text and a major rear face (35). A second panel (40) including a first portion (45) securable to the first panel (5) so as to provide in combination with the first panel (5) a pocket (50) to receive a relatively flat object (52). A second portion (55) associated with the first portion (45) and securable to the rear face (35) to close the pocket (50). Securing means (60) manipulated by a user to secure the second portion (55) to the rear face (35) to close the pocket (50) and an opening means (65) manipulated by a user to permit removal of the object (52) from the pocket (50).

Description

mailable card

technical field

The present invention relates to mailable cards, and more particularly to postcard or direct mail cards having a pocket for an information storage device.

Background technique

Referring to general postcards as examples only, when tourists visit destinations of interest, they usually purchase postcards or the like showing specific destinations. Then, send postcards to family and friends offering snapshots of travel destinations experienced.

Postcards generally consist of a hardened sheet with an address and writing section on one side and a photographic representation of the travel destination on the other side.

A disadvantage of conventional postcards is that they only provide the recipient with a static view of the travel destination. Some postcards may include a brief description of the destination, however, conveying only very limited information about the travel destination.

In order to provide the recipient with more details of the travel destination, it is known to link together several postcards to form a folded booklet showing several different photographic images. The downside of these brochures is that they still do not provide sufficient information about the travel destination, they are not interactive, and the brochures are not suitable for mailing at minimal cost.

A similar problem arises with the increased use of postcard-style cards for gifting in shops, theaters, cafes, and direct mail in advertising. All of these types of mailable cards do not provide enough information and cannot be mailed at minimal cost.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or improve some of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to provide useful alternatives.

Contents of the invention

The first mailable cards revealed here include:

a first panel of substantially rectangular configuration such that the first panel has a pair of side edges and a pair of end edges extending between the side edges, the first panel also has a major front face accommodating an image or text, and a major rear face ;

A second panel comprising a first portion securable to the first panel to provide a pocket for flatter objects in combination with the first panel, and a second portion associated with the first portion and securable to the rear face to close the pocket part;

securing means operable by the user to secure the second portion to said rear face to close the pocket; and

An opening device operated by a user permits removal of said object from said pocket.

Preferably said card is formed from a single piece of card material folded about a line parallel to said end edge to define said first and second panels.

Preferably, said first panel includes first and second flap portions foldable about said side edges and adjacent said second panel.

Preferably, said first portion of said second panel is securable to said flap portion to close said pocket.

The mailable card further disclosed here has:

first and second panels securable together for defining an object-retaining pocket;

securing means for securing the first panel to the second panel; and

A detachable portion providing an opening on the second panel, whereby operation of the detachable portion by a user allows removal of the object from the pocket when the first panel is secured to the second panel .

Preferably, said second panel comprises a first portion and a second portion.

Preferably, said first panel includes first and second flap portions foldable about said side edges and adjacent said second panel.

Preferably, said first portion of said second panel is securable to said flap portion to close the pocket.

Preferably, said first portion is secured to said first panel prior to said object being inserted into said pocket.

Preferably, said second part is secured to said first panel by a user after an object has been inserted into said pocket.

Preferably, said securing means comprises adhesive strips along the edges of said second part.

Preferably, said detachable portion is defined by perforations.

Preferably, the second panel includes flap members.

Preferably, the flap members are movable in use between a closed position substantially parallel to the plane of the panel and an open position substantially perpendicular to the plane of the panel.

Preferably, said flap member forms a holder for said card when in said open position.

Preferably said first and second panels are formed from a single sheet of cardstock.

Preferably, one of said flap portions includes a lip for receiving said flap member to reseal said pocket.

Preferably, the object is an information storage device.

Preferably, said information storage means is a mini compact disc, a mini digital video disc or a CD-ROM.

Description of drawings

Preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an unfolded front view of a mailable card blank for a first embodiment of the present invention;

Accompanying drawing 2 is the back view of accompanying drawing 1;

Accompanying drawing 3 is the view of accompanying drawing 2 in the collapsed configuration;

Accompanying drawing 4 is the perspective view of accompanying drawing 3, and wherein support is in open position;

Figure 5 is an unfolded front view of a card blank for an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a rear view of Figure 5 in a collapsed configuration;

Accompanying drawing 7 is the perspective view of accompanying drawing 6, and wherein support is in open position;

Figure 8 is an unfolded front view of a card blank for an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a rear view of Figure 8 in a folded configuration with the seal open;

Figure 10 is a rear view of Figure 8 in a folded configuration with the seal closed;

Accompanying drawing 11 is the perspective view of accompanying drawing 8, and wherein support is in open position;

Figure 12 is an unfolded front view of a card blank for an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

Accompanying drawing 13 is the back view of accompanying drawing 12;

Figure 14 is a view of Figure 13 in a partially collapsed configuration;

Figure 15 is a view of Figure 13 in a fully collapsed configuration;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of Figure 15, wherein the stand is in an open position; and

Figure 17 is an unfolded front view of a mailable card blank for another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

In the drawings, in particular Figures 1 to 4, there is schematically depicted a mailable card 1, such as a postcard, direct mail card, etc., having a first panel 5 of substantially rectangular configuration, thereby having a pair of Side edges 10, 15 and a pair of end edges 20, 25 extending between the side edges 10, 15. The first panel 5 comprises a main front face 30 which accommodates an image or text on the card, such as that of a travel destination, and a main rear face 35 which accommodates an image or text etc. along with a mailing address section. The second panel 40 overlaps the rear face 35 of the first panel 5 and includes a first portion 45 secured to the rear face 35 to provide a pocket 50 with the first panel 5 for receiving a flatter object 52 . The object 52 is an information storage device such as a disk, a CD-ROM, or the like. The second portion 55 is connected to or associated with the first portion 45 and secured to the rear face 35 to close the pocket 50 . The securing means 60 is operated by the user to secure the second part 55 to the rear face 35 to close the pocket 50 . The opening device 65 is operated by the user to remove the object 52 from the pocket 50 .

In a preferred form, the postcard 1 will be manufactured from a single blank of card material which is folded about a line 70 parallel to the end edges 20,25 to define the first and second panels 5,40. As can best be seen from FIGS. 1 to 4 , the second panel 40 is about half the size of the first panel 5 . However, any ratio can be used. The first portion 45 of the second panel 40 is preferably secured to the rear face 35 of the first panel 5 with glue or other suitable material while the second portion 55 remains initially unsecured. A securing means 60 in the form of a user-activated adhesive strip or the like may be placed around the edge of the second portion 55 when the object 52 is sealed in the pocket 50 . The detachable part or opening means 65 is in the preferred form defined by perforations.

The opening means 65 preferably comprise an easy-to-tear diagonal zip-lock seal that enables easy access to the object 52 in the pocket 50 without damaging the postcard 1 . The user simply pulls one end of the zipper, opening the diagonal seam at the right end of the second panel 40 . Alternative opening devices may also be used. Flap members 75 may be located in the second portion 55 and, in use, moveable between an open position and a closed position (see eg Figures 4, 7, 11 or 16) to provide a support for the card 1 . The flap 75 is folded back to form a triangular fold (in Figures 4, 7 and 11), which further facilitates removal of the object 52 from the pocket 50 and enables the stand 75 to display the card. This stand 75 allows the postcard 1 to be tilted back slightly, pointing the front of the card slightly upwards and allowing it to be viewed from a horizontal surface such as a cover. An alternative bracket is shown in FIG. 16 .

In Figure 17, another embodiment is disclosed, a first panel 5 having first and second flap portions 6, 7 which are foldable around side edges 10, 15 and located near the second panel 40 . The first part 45 and/or the second part 55 of the second panel 40 may be secured to the flap parts 6,7. One of the flap parts 7 includes a lip 8 which can be used to resecure the flap member 75 once the opening device 65 has been used.

In use, the user will use the card 1 with the second portion 55 of the second panel 40 unsecured and the pocket 50 open. Object 52 is to be obtained as an information storage device such as a mini compact disc, mini digital video disc, CD-ROM or the like. The user is able to see objects 52 that contain information about travel destinations, company profiles, advertisements, and the like. Once the object 52 has been inserted into the pocket 50 , the pocket 50 will be closed with the securing means 60 and the second part 55 will be secured to the rear face 35 of the first panel 5 . Object 52 is now held firmly in card 1 . Then, the card 1 is mailed to the recipient, who retrieves the object 52 after opening the separation device 65 and observes the details of the object 52 . The stand 75 can then be opened to display the card 1 on a cover, tray or the like. The lip 8 can be used to reattach the flap member 75 if the card 1 is to be stored.

The advantage of the present invention is that the mail or card 1 is the easiest, most efficient and cheapest way to provide recipients with a large amount of information on a particular subject, while allowing materials like CD/DVDs to be delivered within the constraints of "minimum postage" to mail. Typically, postage for postcards is the lowest. For example, using the sheet-fed printing method, a single card/paper can be cut to form multiple mailers (e.g., print 8+), which saves a lot of time, cost and waste.

In a preferred form, the present invention is designed for use in conjunction with a miniature (80mm) CD-ROM which may contain information such as video pertaining to images printed on the front 30 of the card 1, Graphic or written information. In fact, the card 1 can serve many other informational purposes while maintaining the look and feel of a traditional postcard or greeting card, and use many new forms of digital media such as can be contained on CD-ROM and the like. The product's transmitter and card itself are capable of transmitting 180Mb or more of digital media. This is very advantageous when communicating advertising material to a large number of people.

Also, to the applicant's knowledge, there is currently no design that would allow CDs/DVDs, etc. to be mailed within the parameters of "minimum postage" while maintaining the aesthetics and functionality of an ordinary postcard. The card surface 30 is capable of displaying panoramic images, text or designs on the front 30 , enabling the user to write messages and mailing details on the back 35 and secure a CD/DVD or equivalent in the pocket 50 . The pocket 50 must securely hold the object 52 during mailing, prevent any damage to the object 52, be flexible enough to allow a preview of the object 52 prior to mailing, and be easily accessible by the recipient without damaging the postcard 1 or the area that has been written on. Opens easily for easy access to object 52, and preferably includes some sort of holder 75 to allow postcard 1 to be displayed on a cover or table as a photograph or picture.

In an alternative embodiment, the card 1 uses a slightly wider sheet than a standard postcard. About 1/3 of the sheet is folded back onto itself and the top and bottom folds are then bonded to form the pocket 50 . The remaining slits are then bonded using glue that needs to be "licked," "pealsealed," activated, or have the backing strip removed prior to sealing.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. For example, Figures 5 to 16 show alternative folding arrangements for cards. In Figures 5 to 11 the first and second parts 45, 55 of the second panel are not initially connected. The card 1 is folded twice, rather than once, and the separating means 65 extend longitudinally across the second part 55 . In Figures 12 to 16, the card 1 is again folded twice, not once, and does not include separating means. The first and second parts 45 , 55 are folded over each other and secured to the first panel 5 to form the pocket 50 . The second part 55 includes a slot 76 for holding the object 52 . The bracket 75 is formed by partially stretching the first and second portions 45 , 55 .

Claims (21)

1. A mailable card comprising: a first panel having a substantially rectangular configuration having a pair of side edges and a pair of end edges extending between the side edges, the first panel also having a main front for receiving images or text, and a main back; a second panel comprising a first portion securable to the first panel so as to combine with the first panel to form a pocket for relatively flat objects and a second portion associated with the first portion link and can be fixed to the back to close the pocket; securing means operable by a user to secure the second part to said rear face to close the pocket; and opening means operable by a user to allow removal of said object from said pocket. 2. The mailable card of claim 1, wherein the card is formed from a single piece of card material folded about a line parallel to said end edges to define said first and second Two panels. 3. The mailable card of claim 1 or 2, wherein said first panel includes first and second flap portions adapted to wrap around said side An edge is folded adjacent to the second panel. 4. The mailable card of claim 3, wherein said first portion of said second panel is securable to said flap portion to close said pocket. 5. A mailable card as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said securing means comprises an adhesive strip along an edge of said second portion. 6. The mailable card of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the opening means comprises a detachable panel defined by perforated lines. 7. A mailable card comprising: first and second panels securable together for defining an object-retaining pocket; securing means securing said first panel to said second panel; and a detachable portion that provides an opening in the second panel to allow the object to be removed by the user when the first panel is secured to the second panel Remove from said pocket. 8. The mailable card of claim 7, wherein said first panel includes first and second flap portions foldable about said side edges and adjacent said second panel . 9. The mailable card of claim 7 or 8, wherein the second panel includes a first portion and a second portion. 10. The mailable card of claim 9, wherein said first portion of said second panel is securable to said flap portion to close said pocket. 11. The mailable card of claim 9, wherein the first portion is secured to the first panel prior to inserting the object into the pocket. 12. The mailable card of claim 9, wherein the second portion is secured to the first panel by a user after the object is inserted into the pocket. 13. A mailable card as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 13 wherein said securing means comprises an adhesive strip along an edge of said second portion. 14. The mailable card of any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the detachable portion is defined by a line of perforations. 15. The mailable card of any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the second panel includes a flap member. 16. The mailable card of claim 15, wherein said flap members are movable in use in a closed position substantially parallel to the plane of said panel and an open position substantially perpendicular to the plane of said panel Move between locations. 17. The mailable card of claim 16, wherein said flap member forms a holder for said card when in said open position. 18. The mailable card of any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the first and second panels are formed from a single blank of card material. 19. The mailable card of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein one of the flap portions includes a lip for receiving the flap member to reclose the pocket. 20. The mailable card of any one of claims 7 to 18, wherein the object is an information storage device. 21. The mailable card of claim 20, wherein said information device is a Mini-Compact Disk, a Mini-Digital Video Disk, or a CD-ROM.

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