CA2120676A1 - Fund raising article - Google Patents
Fund raising articleInfo
- Publication number
- CA2120676A1 CA2120676A1 CA002120676A CA2120676A CA2120676A1 CA 2120676 A1 CA2120676 A1 CA 2120676A1 CA 002120676 A CA002120676 A CA 002120676A CA 2120676 A CA2120676 A CA 2120676A CA 2120676 A1 CA2120676 A1 CA 2120676A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- article
- support substrate
- coupon
- component
- scratch
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 108
- 230000008520 organization Effects 0.000 claims abstract 13
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 31
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 23
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000011111 cardboard Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- GBFLZEXEOZUWRN-VKHMYHEASA-N S-carboxymethyl-L-cysteine Chemical compound OC(=O)[C@@H](N)CSCC(O)=O GBFLZEXEOZUWRN-VKHMYHEASA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229960004399 carbocisteine Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 208000018747 cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy and bilateral vestibular areflexia syndrome Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004905 finger nail Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- QGLKJKCYBOYXKC-UHFFFAOYSA-N nonaoxidotritungsten Chemical compound O=[W]1(=O)O[W](=O)(=O)O[W](=O)(=O)O1 QGLKJKCYBOYXKC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910001930 tungsten oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
- B42D15/00—Printed matter of special format or style not otherwise provided for
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
- A63F3/06—Lottos or bingo games; Systems, apparatus or devices for checking such games
- A63F3/065—Tickets or accessories for use therewith
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
- A63F3/06—Lottos or bingo games; Systems, apparatus or devices for checking such games
- A63F3/065—Tickets or accessories for use therewith
- A63F3/0665—Tickets or accessories for use therewith having a message becoming legible after rubbing-off a coating or removing an adhesive layer
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Educational Technology (AREA)
- Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to an article for raising money comprising i) a coupon component ii) a scratch and show component and iii) a support substrate for said components, said coupon component comprising a plurality of coupons, said scratch and show component comprising a plurality of hidden symbols, each hidden symbol comprising a symbol covered by an opaque layer, each said hidden symbol being disposed and said respective opaque layer being removeable so as to selectively uncover said symbol, said hidden symbols comprising symbols of money amounts. The article may be used for raising money for a non-profit organization.
Description
` 2120676 Fl)ND RAISING ARTICLE
The present invention relates to an article which may be used to promote various ~pes of activities. The article in accordance with the present invention may be used S to promote non-profit or charitable i~ ;ons~ olg~ ;on, causes and the like.
The article may thus be used to induce people to sponsor such activities by don~ting funds thereto. The article may if desired also be used to promote both comrnercial and non-commercial activities.
10 It is known to promote the fin~nci~l support of non-commercial or non-profit type activities by the use of advertising, by canvassing door to door, by telephone solicitation, and the like.
It has been proposed to encourage people to donate to non-profit or charity 15 org~ni~tions by using a fund-raising card which exploits the element of chance. The element of chance is introduced by use of a scratch and show technique. In accordance with this technique a plurality of money amounts are hidden by an opaque coveling layer. The money amount to be donated by the donor is determined by the selective removal of the opaque layer (e.g. by scr~trlling) covering a money amount 20 to reveal the money amount hidden thereby. Such a card is described in C~n~di~n Patent no. 1,265,553.
21~0676 It would, however, be advantageous to have a means of inducing people to donate money to non-profit or non-commercial org~ni~tions which, in addition to the element of chance, provides a further inducement (e.g. in the form of coupons, prizes and the like).
s STATEMENT OF INVENTION
In accordance with a general aspect, the present invention provides an article for raising money comprising i) a coupon component ii) a scratch and show component and iii) a support substrate for said components, said coupon component comprising a plurality of coupons, said scratch and show component co~ ising a plurality of hidden symbols, each hidden symbol comprising a symbol covered by an opaque layer, each said hidden 15 symbol being disposed and said respective opaque layer being removeable so as to selectively uncover said symbol, said hidden symbols comprising symbols of money amounts.
In accordance with the present invention the coupon component may comprise a 20 plurality of individual coupons supported by the ~u~po, I substrate by being removably held in a pouch or pocket defined by the support substrate. Alternatively the coupon component supported by the support substrate may comprise a block of coupons ~ 2120676 co~ ,lisil,g a plurality of coupon leaves. In either case, the coupons may, for example, if desired, equal the number of symbols covered by opaque layers.
Thus in accordance with a particular aspect, the present invention provides an article 5 for raising money Colllplisillg i) a coupon component ii) a scratch and show component and iii) a support substrate for said components, said coupon component comprising a block of coupons comprising a plurality of 10 coupon leaves, each coupon leaf comprising one or more detachable coupons, said scratch and show component comprising a plurality of hidden symbols, each hidden symbol comprising a symbol covered by an opaque layer, each said hidden symbol being disposed and said respective opaque layer being removable so as to selectively uncover said symbol, said hidden symbols comprising symbols of money 15 amounts.
In accordance with the present invention the article may be configured so as to be easily handled by canvassers.
20 As mentioned above the coupons may be configured as a coupon block comprising a plurality of coupon leaves. The individual coupon leaves may comprise one or more coupons. Any individual coupon may be detachable in any (known) manner form the coupon block. Thus for example, a tear line of perforations may be provided to assist in the removal of a coupon; a lead line may be provided which outlines a coupon and along which the leaf may be cut by a device such as scissors to free the coupon; etc..
The individual coupon leaves may assembled by any suitable (known) technique such 5 that they form a block of coupons and the coupons are detachable therefrom; for example, the leaves may be attached by a suitable adhesive or mechanically (e.g. by a staple(s)) at a peripheral edge thereo A possible form of coupon block is for example taught in U.S. patent no. 2,108,749.
10 The coupons may take on any desired form such as a ticket, certificate and the like.
The coupon may provide an immediate gift of value as an additional incentive for a person to become a donor or sponsor. The coupons may, thus, for example, comprise a commercial promotional or advertising device whereby as a result of a previous undertaking or agreement, a commercial establishment may (under certain conditions) 15 provide to a coupon holder, on surrender of the coupon, some (gift of an) article, - service, accommodation or the like; some reduction in the price of an article, service, accommodation or the like; and so on. Alternatively, the coupon may provide a coupon holder, the chance for some future gift. Thus the coupon may, for example, take the form of some type of lottery ticket whereby a money amount, an article, a 20 service, accommodation, or the like may be won by the holder of the coupon.
In accordance with the present invention, the coupons may be supported by the - 21~a676 support substrate in any suitable manner; e.g. a block of coupons may be fixed to the support substrate or it may be removably ~tt~he~l thereto in any suitable or desired manner.
5 As mentioned, the scratch and show co~l~ponent may comprise a plurality of hidden symbols, the hidden symbols comprising symbols of money amounts. The symbols for the money amounts may take any form whatsoever; the money amounts may be depicted in numerical form, in image or picture form, in word form and the like. The symbols may, if desired, also include other types of symbols such as, for example, 10 symbols selected from among the group incl~lding symbols comprising representations of "instant" gifts of money amounts; symbols comprising representations of a non-money prize such as an article, service, accommodation etc..; symbols comprising null representations which are intended to indicate that no money is to be paid nor any gift to be given; and the like.
As mentioned the hidden symbols comprise representations of money amounts. The money amounts may, for example, vary between predetermined minim~lm and m~imllm amounts; if the money amounts are indicated as varying between some specified limits such as one cent to 2 dollars the person being asked to donate will 20 know in advance that his donation will not exceed the upper limit of the money amount and serve as a further incentive to provide a donation. Any given money amount may for example be used one or more times; in a particular embodiment a - 21~0 676 money amount may be used only once. The money amounts may include all possible monetary denomin~tions between said ~I~;n;~ lll and m~Yimllm predetermined amounts.
5 In accordance with the present invention the scratch and show component may be supported by the support substrate in any suitable m~nner. The symbols of the scratch and show component may, for example, be inscribed on the support substrate itself. Alternatively the scratch and show component may be removably attached to the support substrate. Thus for example the scratch and show component may 10 comprise symbols inscribed on a card support sheet, the card support sheet being removably attached to said support substrate in any suitable or desired manner.
The syrnbols of the scratch and show component may be inscribed and covered by a removable opaque layer using any (known) technique provided that the opaque layer lS is removeable by rubbing, scr~tching or the like. Known techniques are illustrated, for example, in U.S. Patent nos. 5,002,313, 4,726,608, 4,491,319, 4,241,942, 4,174,857, 4,095,824, 3,938,993, 3,281,165, 4,429,877, 4,241,943, 2,764,821, 2,986,820, and 3,055,117.
20 If the symbols are inscribed on the support substrate, the support substrate will form part of the scratch and show component and the support substrate must be thus configured so as to participate in the hiding of the symbols (e.g. be opaque). In this 212,06~6 case the support substrate may comprise a sheet of relatively stiff (opaque) material such as of paper, of plastics material, of some type of composite material, etc. (e.g.
a flat (relatively thin) sheet of paperboard or paperboard like material such as a card material, cardboard material and the like); alternatively the support substrate may be 5 of a flexible (opaque) material provided that it can support the two components, i.e.
link the components together as a unit. On the other hand, if the symbols are inscribed on a separate card support sheet as mentioned above the card support sheet will form part of the scratch and show component and the card support sheet must be configured so as to participate in the hiding of the symbols (e.g. be opaque). In 10 this case the card support sheet may be selected from the same type of materials as mentioned above with respect the support substrate; thus a card ~UppOl I sheet may, if desired, comprise a sheet of relatively stiff (opaque) material such as of paper or of plastics material (e.g. a flat sheet of paperboard, e.g. a card material, cardboard material and the like). The support substrate (and card support sheet, if any) may 15 be of any desired or suitable thickness and stiffness keeping in mind that the article is intended to be used to canvass persons for donations and thus should not be so bulky as to defeat this purpose. Examples of materials which may be used as support substrates or card support sheets are shown in U.S Patent nos. 4,726,608, 4,241,942, 4,174,857, 4,095,824, and 3,281,165. The supports may, for example, be made of 12 20 point Cornwall paper.
The components may be attached or affixed to a support substrate or, if used, a card 21 ~0 676 :~U~J~)Ol l sheet, in any suitable or desired manner.
The article may, if desired, include cover means for covering at least one of said components; the article may, in particular, include cover means for covelmg both of 5 the components. The article may in this way take on the form of a book or booklet having covers serving to protect the components.
In accordance with the present invention, the support substrate for the above mentioned components may comprise a plurality of support members and one or 10 more hinge members, each hinge member connecting together respective first and second members. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, the support substrate for the above mentioned components may comprise a first member, a second member and a hinge member connecting said ffrst and second members. The hinge member may be configured such that the first and second members respectively 15 define front and back book covers. The coupon component and said scratch and show component may be disposed such that the components are covered when the covers are closed. The components may, for example, be disposed such that when the covers are closed the components are disposed in face to face relationship.
20 The hinge members may be defined by bendable portion(s) of the support substrate itself; in this case the support substrate may be of a relatively stiff but bendable card-like material. Alternatively, the support and hinge members may be separate individual members; in this case, the hinge members connecting the support members together may, for example, colllplise rings such as those used for three ring binders.
As a further alternative the separate support members may be bound together in book like fashion by any (known) book binding terhnique (i.e. for example, stitching~
5 gluing, etc.).
The front and back book covers defined by the first and second members of the support substrate may for example define respective inner faces. The coupon component may be supported by the ~UppOl l substrate so as to overly one such inner 10 face and the scratch and show component may be supported by the support substrate so as to overly the other inner face. The block of coupons, may for example, be fixed to the support substrate while the symbols may be inscribed on the other inner face.
Alternatively, as mentioned above, the scratch and show component may comprise said symbols inscribed on a card support sheet, the card support sheet being 15 removably attached to said support substrate. If desired the COUPO11 component may be removably attached to the support substrate as well.
As an alternative, the support substrate for said components may comprise a first member, a second member, an intermediate member disposed between said first and 20 second members, and hinge members connecting said first and second elements to said intermediate element. The hinge members may be configured such that the first and second members respectively define front book covers, said coupon and scratch 212~676 and show components being covered when the covers are closed. In this case one of the said front covers may overlap the other cover when the covers are closed.
If desired the scratch and show co~ )ollent for an article having a substrate provided 5 with the three above mentioned members may comprise two elements, each element comprising a plurality of said covered symbols, one said element being supported by said first member and the other element being supported by said second member.
The above mentioned first, intermediate and second members may define respective inner faces. The coupon component may be supported by the support substrate so 10 as to overlay the inner face of the intermediate portion. One element of the scratch and show component may be supported by the support substrate so as to overly the inner face of said first member and the other element of the scratch and show component may be supported by the second member so as to overly the inner face of the second member of the scratch and show component. The block of coupons 15 may be fL~ed to the support substrate and the symbols may be inscribed on the inner faces of the first and second members disposed on either side of the intermediate member. Alternatively, each element of the scratch and show component may comprise said symbols inscribed on a card support sheet, the card support sheets being removably attached to the support substrate. The coupon component may also 20 be removably attached to the support substrate.
In accordance with another aspect the present invention relates to the use of an 21~ 676 article as defined herein for raising money (i.e. funds) for a non-profit org~ni7~tion.
In drawings which illustrate example embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 1 shows a front view of an example embodiment of an article in accordance with the present invention wherein the ~U~)Ol I substrate colul,~isesa flat sheet of material such as a thin relatively stiff paperboard sheet and the coupon coll~onent and the scratch and show component are disposed side by side;
Figure 2 shows a front view of another example embodiment of an article of the present invention which is in book like form, the article being shown in an open configuration;
Figure 3 illustrates the opening and closing of the booklet of figure 2;
Figure 4 illustrates yet another example embodiment of an article in accordance with the present invention in book like form but wherein the coupon component and the scratch and show component are disposed side by side on the same support member;
Figure 5 shows a front view of a further example embodiment of an article of the present invention which is also in book like form, the article shown being shown in an open configuration, the scratch and show component being split between two parts;
Figure 6 illustrates the article shown in figure 4 wherein the side or wing members are in the initial open configuration prior to pivoting the side 21 2a67~
members so that they are closed over the central member;
Figure 7 illustrates the article shown in figure 4 wherein the side or wing members are being pivoted so as to close over the central member;
Figure 8 shows the article of figure 4 in a closed configuration;
Figure 9 shows a scratch and show component wherein the symbols are inscribed on a card ~upl)olL sheet which can be removably attached to a suppo~ l substrate;
Figure 10 shows a coupon component wherein the block of coupons is fixed to a card support sheet which can be removably attached to a support substrate;
Figure 11 illustrates the formation of a pocket for eng~ging the flap or tab members or elements of card support sheets of the components of ffgures 9 and 10;
Figure 12 shows a front view of an additional example embodiment of an article in accordance with the present invention wherein the support substrate comprises a flat sheet of material and the coupon component and the scratch and show component shown in figures 9 and 10 are disposed side by side with the ~tt~ ment flap or tab elements thereof removably disposed in pockets defined by the support substrate; and Figure 13 illustrates examples of other types of symbols which may be used for the scratch and show component of the present invention.
For the following description of the example embodiments illustrated in the drawings the same reference numerals will be used to ~esign~te the same elements.
Figure 1 shows an example embodiment of an article 1, in accordance with the 5 present invention. The article 1 comprises a support substrate 2 which is in the form of a flat sheet of relatively thin material such as a (opaque) cardboard sheet, e.g. a light card stock.
The article is provided with a scratch and show component indicated generally by the 10 reference numeral 3 and a coupon component indicated generally by the reference numeral 4. The components 3 and 4 are disposed horizontally side by side; these components could of course be disposed in any other fashion such as in a vertical alignment with one component above the other or with their positions being reversed.
15 The scratch and show component 3 comprises circles enclosing symbols representing numerical money amounts; if desired the circles need not be present but if present they do serve to highli~ht the money amounts. The circles and money amounts are shown as being arranged in holLcon~al rows and vertical columns. Some circles design~ted by the reference numeral 5 are shown enclosing uncovered money amounts 20 ~lesign~ted by the re&rence numeral 6. Initially, a money amount is hidden from view and is covered by an opaque layer. The opaque layer may be removed, to uncover the hidden money amount, by being scratched away with a finger nail, coin or the like; the majority of money amounts are shown as being hidden from view and covered by a respective opaque layer (some of the opaque layers are lesign~ted with the reference numeral 7).
5 As mentioned above the support substrate for the embodiment shown in figure 1 may be of an opaque material. However, if it is not of an opaque material then some provision must be made to render the support substrate opaque such that the money amounts are initially hidden so as to m~int~in the element of chance in the selection of the money amount by the selective removal of an opaque layer. This may be done 10 for example by overlaying the support substrate with an opaque material (e.g. a paint like material) which would not rub off; by impregn~ting the support with a dye material such as tungsten oxide, etc.. Any suitable (known) support substrate may be used, such as those indicated in the above mentioned patents.
15 For the example embodiment shown in figure 1, the money amounts are in decimal format; for example, one dollar and fifty cents is shown numerically as 1.50; one cent is shown numerically as 0.01 and so on. The money amounts range between a predetermined high and low value which values are conllllul~,cated to a potential donor before the donor removes an opaque layer to expose a monetary amount, i.e.
20 the donor is thus made aware of the m~xi,,,~,,, amount he may be liable to give.
The circles and money amounts are inscribed directly on to the support substrate 2 by any suitable printing technique keeping in mind that they must be sufficiently fixed to the support substrate 2 such that they are not removed when scr~tçl-ing away the removeable opaque layer by means of which the money amounts are initially hidden from view. The opaque layers may be applied using any suitable (known) technique S as mentioned above.
The coupon component 4 comprises a block of coupons which comprises a plurality of coupon leaves; two coupon leaves are shown as being design~ted by the reference numerals 8 and 9. In the example embodiment shown the coupon leaves are each provided with perforated hol.~on~al tear lines 10, 11 and 12; the use of tear lines based on perforations in paper material is a known technique.
The tear lines 10, 11 and 12 divide each coupon leaf into three coupons which may be individually removed starting by removing the lower coupon by tearing it away 15 along the tear line 12. If desired, the tear lines could be replaced by a full line along which the coupon leaf may be cut using scissors to separate the individual coupons.
Although three coupons are shown as being detachable each leaf could if desired provide less than three coupons (e.g. only one or two coupons) or more than three coupons (e.g. four, ffve, six coupons or more).
The coupons can take on any of the previously mentioned character, e.g. provide for a gift of an article, provide a reduction in price for an article and the like. For the 21 ~676 example emboAiment shown in figure 1 the number of COUpOllS is equal to the number of covered money amounts such that once the money amounts are all uncovered there should be no coupons left to give away as shall be explained below.
5 The cou~,on leaves in figure 1 are shown as being bound together by staples 13 and 14 along an upper peripheral edge. These staples may pass through all of the coupon leaves and through the support substrate 2 as well, so as to fix the coupon block to the support substrate 2. Alternatively, the coupon block may be provided with a relatively stiff backing cardboard sheet to which they are held by the staples; the 10 backing sheet may then be fixed to the support substrate by some suitable adhesive or glue.
Although the staples are shown in figure 1 as being along an upper edge of the coupon block they could be disposed along a side edge but in this case there would 15 also be a vertical tear line parallel to the side edge of the coupon block (see for example U.S. patent no. 2,108,749 mentioned above).
Figure 2 illustrates a modified version of the article shown in figure 1 . The article shown in figure 2 is exactly the same as the article shown in figure 1 except that the 20 article in figure 2 takes on a book-like form or configuration; the support substrate is of a thin relatively stiff but bendable paperboard material (e.g. a card-like material which can define a hinge member as described below). The example embodiment 212~676 -shown in figure 2 has a support substrate which has a first member which is associated with the component 4 and a second member associated with the component 3. Thus, the money amounts are inscribed on the second member and the coupon block is attached to the first member. The support substrate also has a hinge member 15 5 which connects the first and second members together such that the article can be opened and closed in the manner of a book. The hinge member 15 comprises two fold lines 16 and 17; the distance between these fold lines collesponds to the initial thickness of the coupon block before any coupons are given out. The fold line 16 is disposed adjacent to the side edge of the coupon block. The fold lines can be defined 10 before or after the covered money amounts are disposed on the first member and the coupon block is attached to the second member. The fold lines may be produced simply by folding or bending the previously flat unfolded support substrate thereabout such that the first and second members can each respectively pivot about a respective fold line so as to define a respective front and back book cover.
Although the hinge member is shown in figure 2 as comprising fold lines, if desired the first and second members of the support substrate may be individual elements linked together along adjacent edges by a (known) ring type binder means (e.g. a hinge member may comprise means the same as or analogous to the ring connectors 20 of three ring binder type books).
Referring to figure 3, the above mentioned so defined book covers of the article 212(~676 shown in figure 2 may be displaced in the direction of the arrow 18 so as to open or close the book-like article. The money amounts may be considered as being inscribed on the inner surface of the back cover with the coupon block being attached to the inner surface of the front cover; this disposition could of course be reversed. In this 5 way, when the book like article is closed, the components 3 and 4 are covered and are disposed in face to face relationship; the covered components are thus protected from accidental damage or unwanted alteration, e.g. ullwall~ed separation of a coupon or unwanted removal of an opaque layer.
10 Figure 4 illustrates yet another example embodiment of an article in accordance with the present invention which is in book like form. For this embodiment the coupon component and the scratch and show component are disposed side by side on the same support member, i.e the components are supported by the first member 19 whereas the second member 20 acts solely as a cover. The two members 19 and 20 15 are connected by a hinge member 21 which has a configuration analogous to that of hinge member 15 shown in figure 2; for this embodiment the support substrate is again may be of a paperboard material as described with respect to the article shown in figure 2. For this embodiment the scratch and show component is the same as that shown in figure 1. The coupon block, however, is made up of coupon leaves which 20 can be divided into six separate coupons due to the presence of the additional vertical tear line 22.
- 21~o67G
Figures 5 to 8 illustrate yet another example embodiment of the article of the present invention which is in book like form but wherein the scratch and show component is split between two parts. For this embodiment, the support substrate may be of a suitable card like material as described with respect to the article shown in figure 2.
5 The support substrate, for article shown in figures 5 to 8, however, colll~lises two, first and second side members 3a and 3b disposed on either side of an intermediate member 4a. The side members each have inscribed thereon covered money amounts as described with respect to figure l; the intermediate member 4a has attached thereto a coupon block as described with respect to figure 1. The side members 3a 10 and 3b are connected to the intermediate member 4a by respective hinge members 22 and 23. The hinge member 22 includes a pair of fold lines 24 and 25; the hinge member 23 includes a pair of fold line 26 and 27. The fold lines 25 and 27 are disposed adjacent to the side edges of the coupon block attached to the intermediate member 4a. As in the case for the embodiment shown in figure 2 each pair of fold 15 lines is spaced apart a distance equal to the initial thickness of the coupon block before any coupons are given away. These fold lines are also obtained by bending the support substrate al)propliately and are disposed so that the side members 3a and 3b are able to define book like covers. The scratch and show parts are inscribed on respective inner surfaces of these so defined covers; the coupon block is attached to 20 the inner surface of the intermediate member 4a.
The member 3a is provided with a tab member 28 which is sized and disposed so as 21 2~676 to be able to engage an elongated opening 29 in the member 3b when the article is in a closed configuration as shall be explained below.
Referring to figures 6 to 8 these figures show how the members 3a and 3b can be S pivoted to close the article. The members 3a and 3b are sized such that member 3a overlays member 3b and the tab 28 can be engaged in opening 29 when the article is in a closed configuration, i.e. in closed configuration member 3a is disposed over member 3b such that member 3b is sandwiched between members 3a and 4a. To close this book like article the member 3b is first pivoted in the direction of the arrow 10 30 until it covers the member 4a such that the covered symbols of member 3b are in face to face relation with the coupon block; then the member 3a is pivoted in the direction of the arrow 31 and the tab 28 is slipped into engagement with the opening 29 to secure the members 3a and 3b in the closed configuration. The manipulations to close the book are reversed to open the book.
Figures 1 to 8 show embodiments of the article wherein the coupon block is attached in fixed relation to the support substrate to overly an underlying surface of the support substrate and wherein the money amounts are inscribed directly onto a respective surface of the support substrate. In accoldance with the present invention 20 the coupon component and or the scratch and show component may be removably supported by the support substrate such that these components overly respective surfaces of the support substrate.
-Figures 9 to 12 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the article of the present invention wherein the coupon and scratch and show components are removably attached to the support substrate.
S Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a scratch and show colllponent wherein the symbols are inscribed on a card ~u~po,l sheet 32 which can be removably attached to a support substrate. The card support sheet may col~lise a relatively thin stiff but bendable paperboard material. The card support sheet is divided into two parts, namely a symbol part 33 and a tongue part 34. The card support sheet may be made 10 of a material as discussed above with respect to the support substrate for the article of figure 1. The symbol part 33 is the part of the card sheet on which the symbols are inscribed and hidden (as described above); the tongue part 34 is bent backward along fold line 35 in the direction of the arrow 36 to form a tab member 37.
15 Figure 10 shows a coupon component wherein the block of coupons is fixed to a card support sheet 38 which can be removably attached to a support substrate. The card support sheet may colllplise a paperboard material as described with respect of figure 9 and is divided into two parts, namely a coupon part 39 and a tongue part 40. The card support sheet may be made of a material as discussed above with respect to the 20 support substrate for the article of figure 1. The coupon part 39 is the part of the sheet 38 on which the coupon block is attached by staples 13 and 14; the tongue part 40 is bent backward along fold line 41 in the direction of the arrow 42 to form a tab 21~0676 member 43.
Figure 11 illustrates the formation of a pocket for eng~ging the tab member 37 or 43 of the SU~pOl~ sheets of the components of ffgures 9 and 10. To form the pocket a S sheet of cardboard 44 is provided with an adhesive layer disposed on its peripheral side and bottom surface edges as shown by the dotted line 45. The sheet 44 is then pressed up against the surface of the SuppOl ~ substrate 2 in the direction of the arrows 46 so as to leave an opening 47 sized to engage a tab member 37 or 43 as the case may be, i.e. adhesive is not provided along upper side edge surface of the cardboard 44 such that an opening 47 is provided allowing access to the interior of the soformed pocket. The support substrate 2 may be of a thin relatively stiff paperboard material.
Figure 12 shows a front view of an additional example embodiment of an article in accordance with the present invention. This embodiment is the same as that shownin ffgure 2 except that the components shown in figures 9 and 10 and the pocketsshown in ffgure 11 are used. Thus he coupon component and the scratch and show component shown in ffgures 9 and 10 are disposed side by side with the attar~lment tab elements 37 and 43 thereof removably disposed in pockets obtained as shown in figure 12. The fold lines 16 and 17 for this embodiment are adjacent to the sideedges of the elements 44 which deffne the pockets. The components are removeablyattached to the support substrate by passing the tab element 37 or 43 through the 212~676 opening 47 and lodging the tab in a respective pocket; to remove the components the tabs are removed from the pockets. With the tab elements 37 and 43 disposed in the pockets the coupon component and the scratch and show component are supported by the support substrate and each overly an inner face of a respective first or second 5 member of the support substrate. If desired only one of the components may be so removeable, e.g. the scratch and show component. If desired the pocket for the coupons may be sized so as to receive individual lln~tt~ ed coupons rather than a block of coupons as shown. If removeable components are used the advantage is that the support substrate may be reused; that the number of coupons need not be equal 10 to the number of covered symbols if the scratch and show component is replaceable;
etc.. The embodiments shown in figures 4 and 5 may also be modified in like manner to include one or more removeable components.
Alternatively, if desired, the components shown in figures 9 and 10 may be fixed to 15 the support substrate by applying an adhesive or glue to the surfaces 61 and 63 of tab elements 37 and 43 respectively and pressing the adhesive coated surface against the appro~liate or desired surface of the support substrate such that the components overly a support substrate surface. In this fashion the can be more or less permanently attached to the substrate.
The article as shown in figures 1 to 12 may be used to obtain donations by being presented to a potential donor. The donor scratches away one or more opaque layers - 21 2~676 to reveal one or more money amounts which the donor then donates (i.e. gives to the canvasser). However, for each opaque layer which a donor scratches away the canvasser will give to the donor one coupon from the coupon block; e.g. if one opaque layer is scratched then the donor receives one coupon; if three opaque layers S are removed the donor is given three coupons; and so on. Thus a certain element of chance is introduced into the donation process along with the additional incentive to donate provided by the coupon(s). In the case of the embodiments shown in figures 1, 2, 4 and 5 the coupons will initially usually equal the number of hidden money symbols such that once all of the symbols are uncovered all of the coupons should 10 have been given away.
The embodiment shown in figures 1 to 12 are shown with monetary amounts which a donor is to give to a canvasser. If desired the scratch and show component may include other type of symbols which may entitle a potential donor to an immediate 15 gift of a money amount, some sort of article, etc.
Referring to figure 13, this figure shows some examples of other types of symbols which may be used. As may be seen for the embodiment shown in figure 13, the symbols are enclosed by a rectangle 48 rather than a circle as in the other 20 embodiments. Those rectangles enclosing a numeral 49 in decimal format represent money amounts which a donor is to give to a canvasser; the rectangles which include a smiling face 50 along with a numeral 49 in decimal format represent monetary amounts which the potential donor is to be given by the canvasser along with a coupon; the rectangle which encloses the symbol S1 of an object or article represents some article such as a pen, m~g~ine, etc.. which the donor is to immediately receive as a gift or prize along with a coupon. The sad face 52 on the other hand indicates 5 that the potential donor does not have to give any money but that the person also does not receive a coupon. This other embodiment increases the incentive(s) for a potential donor to participate in the fund raising system. Each of the symbols is of course covered by a removeable opaque layer 53. In this case depending on the type of symbols used once all of the symbols are uncovered there may be coupons left 10 over, i.e. in the case of one or more above mentioned sad faces 52.
The number of hidden symbols can take on any desired number, e.g. 90 to 120 hidden symbols. The monetary amounts can also take on any desired values such as for example values from one cent to two to five dollars or more, e.g. 25 cents to two 15 dollars with no money amount appearing twice. For example, ninety covered monetary amounts could be used and their values set so as to raise 101.25 dollars per article. Any unused surface parts of the support substrate such as, for example, the exterior surfaces, may, if desired, be used to display the name of the org~ni~tion for which the money is being raised, the names of sponsors or other types of 20 advertisements.
The present invention relates to an article which may be used to promote various ~pes of activities. The article in accordance with the present invention may be used S to promote non-profit or charitable i~ ;ons~ olg~ ;on, causes and the like.
The article may thus be used to induce people to sponsor such activities by don~ting funds thereto. The article may if desired also be used to promote both comrnercial and non-commercial activities.
10 It is known to promote the fin~nci~l support of non-commercial or non-profit type activities by the use of advertising, by canvassing door to door, by telephone solicitation, and the like.
It has been proposed to encourage people to donate to non-profit or charity 15 org~ni~tions by using a fund-raising card which exploits the element of chance. The element of chance is introduced by use of a scratch and show technique. In accordance with this technique a plurality of money amounts are hidden by an opaque coveling layer. The money amount to be donated by the donor is determined by the selective removal of the opaque layer (e.g. by scr~trlling) covering a money amount 20 to reveal the money amount hidden thereby. Such a card is described in C~n~di~n Patent no. 1,265,553.
21~0676 It would, however, be advantageous to have a means of inducing people to donate money to non-profit or non-commercial org~ni~tions which, in addition to the element of chance, provides a further inducement (e.g. in the form of coupons, prizes and the like).
s STATEMENT OF INVENTION
In accordance with a general aspect, the present invention provides an article for raising money comprising i) a coupon component ii) a scratch and show component and iii) a support substrate for said components, said coupon component comprising a plurality of coupons, said scratch and show component co~ ising a plurality of hidden symbols, each hidden symbol comprising a symbol covered by an opaque layer, each said hidden 15 symbol being disposed and said respective opaque layer being removeable so as to selectively uncover said symbol, said hidden symbols comprising symbols of money amounts.
In accordance with the present invention the coupon component may comprise a 20 plurality of individual coupons supported by the ~u~po, I substrate by being removably held in a pouch or pocket defined by the support substrate. Alternatively the coupon component supported by the support substrate may comprise a block of coupons ~ 2120676 co~ ,lisil,g a plurality of coupon leaves. In either case, the coupons may, for example, if desired, equal the number of symbols covered by opaque layers.
Thus in accordance with a particular aspect, the present invention provides an article 5 for raising money Colllplisillg i) a coupon component ii) a scratch and show component and iii) a support substrate for said components, said coupon component comprising a block of coupons comprising a plurality of 10 coupon leaves, each coupon leaf comprising one or more detachable coupons, said scratch and show component comprising a plurality of hidden symbols, each hidden symbol comprising a symbol covered by an opaque layer, each said hidden symbol being disposed and said respective opaque layer being removable so as to selectively uncover said symbol, said hidden symbols comprising symbols of money 15 amounts.
In accordance with the present invention the article may be configured so as to be easily handled by canvassers.
20 As mentioned above the coupons may be configured as a coupon block comprising a plurality of coupon leaves. The individual coupon leaves may comprise one or more coupons. Any individual coupon may be detachable in any (known) manner form the coupon block. Thus for example, a tear line of perforations may be provided to assist in the removal of a coupon; a lead line may be provided which outlines a coupon and along which the leaf may be cut by a device such as scissors to free the coupon; etc..
The individual coupon leaves may assembled by any suitable (known) technique such 5 that they form a block of coupons and the coupons are detachable therefrom; for example, the leaves may be attached by a suitable adhesive or mechanically (e.g. by a staple(s)) at a peripheral edge thereo A possible form of coupon block is for example taught in U.S. patent no. 2,108,749.
10 The coupons may take on any desired form such as a ticket, certificate and the like.
The coupon may provide an immediate gift of value as an additional incentive for a person to become a donor or sponsor. The coupons may, thus, for example, comprise a commercial promotional or advertising device whereby as a result of a previous undertaking or agreement, a commercial establishment may (under certain conditions) 15 provide to a coupon holder, on surrender of the coupon, some (gift of an) article, - service, accommodation or the like; some reduction in the price of an article, service, accommodation or the like; and so on. Alternatively, the coupon may provide a coupon holder, the chance for some future gift. Thus the coupon may, for example, take the form of some type of lottery ticket whereby a money amount, an article, a 20 service, accommodation, or the like may be won by the holder of the coupon.
In accordance with the present invention, the coupons may be supported by the - 21~a676 support substrate in any suitable manner; e.g. a block of coupons may be fixed to the support substrate or it may be removably ~tt~he~l thereto in any suitable or desired manner.
5 As mentioned, the scratch and show co~l~ponent may comprise a plurality of hidden symbols, the hidden symbols comprising symbols of money amounts. The symbols for the money amounts may take any form whatsoever; the money amounts may be depicted in numerical form, in image or picture form, in word form and the like. The symbols may, if desired, also include other types of symbols such as, for example, 10 symbols selected from among the group incl~lding symbols comprising representations of "instant" gifts of money amounts; symbols comprising representations of a non-money prize such as an article, service, accommodation etc..; symbols comprising null representations which are intended to indicate that no money is to be paid nor any gift to be given; and the like.
As mentioned the hidden symbols comprise representations of money amounts. The money amounts may, for example, vary between predetermined minim~lm and m~imllm amounts; if the money amounts are indicated as varying between some specified limits such as one cent to 2 dollars the person being asked to donate will 20 know in advance that his donation will not exceed the upper limit of the money amount and serve as a further incentive to provide a donation. Any given money amount may for example be used one or more times; in a particular embodiment a - 21~0 676 money amount may be used only once. The money amounts may include all possible monetary denomin~tions between said ~I~;n;~ lll and m~Yimllm predetermined amounts.
5 In accordance with the present invention the scratch and show component may be supported by the support substrate in any suitable m~nner. The symbols of the scratch and show component may, for example, be inscribed on the support substrate itself. Alternatively the scratch and show component may be removably attached to the support substrate. Thus for example the scratch and show component may 10 comprise symbols inscribed on a card support sheet, the card support sheet being removably attached to said support substrate in any suitable or desired manner.
The syrnbols of the scratch and show component may be inscribed and covered by a removable opaque layer using any (known) technique provided that the opaque layer lS is removeable by rubbing, scr~tching or the like. Known techniques are illustrated, for example, in U.S. Patent nos. 5,002,313, 4,726,608, 4,491,319, 4,241,942, 4,174,857, 4,095,824, 3,938,993, 3,281,165, 4,429,877, 4,241,943, 2,764,821, 2,986,820, and 3,055,117.
20 If the symbols are inscribed on the support substrate, the support substrate will form part of the scratch and show component and the support substrate must be thus configured so as to participate in the hiding of the symbols (e.g. be opaque). In this 212,06~6 case the support substrate may comprise a sheet of relatively stiff (opaque) material such as of paper, of plastics material, of some type of composite material, etc. (e.g.
a flat (relatively thin) sheet of paperboard or paperboard like material such as a card material, cardboard material and the like); alternatively the support substrate may be 5 of a flexible (opaque) material provided that it can support the two components, i.e.
link the components together as a unit. On the other hand, if the symbols are inscribed on a separate card support sheet as mentioned above the card support sheet will form part of the scratch and show component and the card support sheet must be configured so as to participate in the hiding of the symbols (e.g. be opaque). In 10 this case the card support sheet may be selected from the same type of materials as mentioned above with respect the support substrate; thus a card ~UppOl I sheet may, if desired, comprise a sheet of relatively stiff (opaque) material such as of paper or of plastics material (e.g. a flat sheet of paperboard, e.g. a card material, cardboard material and the like). The support substrate (and card support sheet, if any) may 15 be of any desired or suitable thickness and stiffness keeping in mind that the article is intended to be used to canvass persons for donations and thus should not be so bulky as to defeat this purpose. Examples of materials which may be used as support substrates or card support sheets are shown in U.S Patent nos. 4,726,608, 4,241,942, 4,174,857, 4,095,824, and 3,281,165. The supports may, for example, be made of 12 20 point Cornwall paper.
The components may be attached or affixed to a support substrate or, if used, a card 21 ~0 676 :~U~J~)Ol l sheet, in any suitable or desired manner.
The article may, if desired, include cover means for covering at least one of said components; the article may, in particular, include cover means for covelmg both of 5 the components. The article may in this way take on the form of a book or booklet having covers serving to protect the components.
In accordance with the present invention, the support substrate for the above mentioned components may comprise a plurality of support members and one or 10 more hinge members, each hinge member connecting together respective first and second members. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, the support substrate for the above mentioned components may comprise a first member, a second member and a hinge member connecting said ffrst and second members. The hinge member may be configured such that the first and second members respectively 15 define front and back book covers. The coupon component and said scratch and show component may be disposed such that the components are covered when the covers are closed. The components may, for example, be disposed such that when the covers are closed the components are disposed in face to face relationship.
20 The hinge members may be defined by bendable portion(s) of the support substrate itself; in this case the support substrate may be of a relatively stiff but bendable card-like material. Alternatively, the support and hinge members may be separate individual members; in this case, the hinge members connecting the support members together may, for example, colllplise rings such as those used for three ring binders.
As a further alternative the separate support members may be bound together in book like fashion by any (known) book binding terhnique (i.e. for example, stitching~
5 gluing, etc.).
The front and back book covers defined by the first and second members of the support substrate may for example define respective inner faces. The coupon component may be supported by the ~UppOl l substrate so as to overly one such inner 10 face and the scratch and show component may be supported by the support substrate so as to overly the other inner face. The block of coupons, may for example, be fixed to the support substrate while the symbols may be inscribed on the other inner face.
Alternatively, as mentioned above, the scratch and show component may comprise said symbols inscribed on a card support sheet, the card support sheet being 15 removably attached to said support substrate. If desired the COUPO11 component may be removably attached to the support substrate as well.
As an alternative, the support substrate for said components may comprise a first member, a second member, an intermediate member disposed between said first and 20 second members, and hinge members connecting said first and second elements to said intermediate element. The hinge members may be configured such that the first and second members respectively define front book covers, said coupon and scratch 212~676 and show components being covered when the covers are closed. In this case one of the said front covers may overlap the other cover when the covers are closed.
If desired the scratch and show co~ )ollent for an article having a substrate provided 5 with the three above mentioned members may comprise two elements, each element comprising a plurality of said covered symbols, one said element being supported by said first member and the other element being supported by said second member.
The above mentioned first, intermediate and second members may define respective inner faces. The coupon component may be supported by the support substrate so 10 as to overlay the inner face of the intermediate portion. One element of the scratch and show component may be supported by the support substrate so as to overly the inner face of said first member and the other element of the scratch and show component may be supported by the second member so as to overly the inner face of the second member of the scratch and show component. The block of coupons 15 may be fL~ed to the support substrate and the symbols may be inscribed on the inner faces of the first and second members disposed on either side of the intermediate member. Alternatively, each element of the scratch and show component may comprise said symbols inscribed on a card support sheet, the card support sheets being removably attached to the support substrate. The coupon component may also 20 be removably attached to the support substrate.
In accordance with another aspect the present invention relates to the use of an 21~ 676 article as defined herein for raising money (i.e. funds) for a non-profit org~ni7~tion.
In drawings which illustrate example embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 1 shows a front view of an example embodiment of an article in accordance with the present invention wherein the ~U~)Ol I substrate colul,~isesa flat sheet of material such as a thin relatively stiff paperboard sheet and the coupon coll~onent and the scratch and show component are disposed side by side;
Figure 2 shows a front view of another example embodiment of an article of the present invention which is in book like form, the article being shown in an open configuration;
Figure 3 illustrates the opening and closing of the booklet of figure 2;
Figure 4 illustrates yet another example embodiment of an article in accordance with the present invention in book like form but wherein the coupon component and the scratch and show component are disposed side by side on the same support member;
Figure 5 shows a front view of a further example embodiment of an article of the present invention which is also in book like form, the article shown being shown in an open configuration, the scratch and show component being split between two parts;
Figure 6 illustrates the article shown in figure 4 wherein the side or wing members are in the initial open configuration prior to pivoting the side 21 2a67~
members so that they are closed over the central member;
Figure 7 illustrates the article shown in figure 4 wherein the side or wing members are being pivoted so as to close over the central member;
Figure 8 shows the article of figure 4 in a closed configuration;
Figure 9 shows a scratch and show component wherein the symbols are inscribed on a card ~upl)olL sheet which can be removably attached to a suppo~ l substrate;
Figure 10 shows a coupon component wherein the block of coupons is fixed to a card support sheet which can be removably attached to a support substrate;
Figure 11 illustrates the formation of a pocket for eng~ging the flap or tab members or elements of card support sheets of the components of ffgures 9 and 10;
Figure 12 shows a front view of an additional example embodiment of an article in accordance with the present invention wherein the support substrate comprises a flat sheet of material and the coupon component and the scratch and show component shown in figures 9 and 10 are disposed side by side with the ~tt~ ment flap or tab elements thereof removably disposed in pockets defined by the support substrate; and Figure 13 illustrates examples of other types of symbols which may be used for the scratch and show component of the present invention.
For the following description of the example embodiments illustrated in the drawings the same reference numerals will be used to ~esign~te the same elements.
Figure 1 shows an example embodiment of an article 1, in accordance with the 5 present invention. The article 1 comprises a support substrate 2 which is in the form of a flat sheet of relatively thin material such as a (opaque) cardboard sheet, e.g. a light card stock.
The article is provided with a scratch and show component indicated generally by the 10 reference numeral 3 and a coupon component indicated generally by the reference numeral 4. The components 3 and 4 are disposed horizontally side by side; these components could of course be disposed in any other fashion such as in a vertical alignment with one component above the other or with their positions being reversed.
15 The scratch and show component 3 comprises circles enclosing symbols representing numerical money amounts; if desired the circles need not be present but if present they do serve to highli~ht the money amounts. The circles and money amounts are shown as being arranged in holLcon~al rows and vertical columns. Some circles design~ted by the reference numeral 5 are shown enclosing uncovered money amounts 20 ~lesign~ted by the re&rence numeral 6. Initially, a money amount is hidden from view and is covered by an opaque layer. The opaque layer may be removed, to uncover the hidden money amount, by being scratched away with a finger nail, coin or the like; the majority of money amounts are shown as being hidden from view and covered by a respective opaque layer (some of the opaque layers are lesign~ted with the reference numeral 7).
5 As mentioned above the support substrate for the embodiment shown in figure 1 may be of an opaque material. However, if it is not of an opaque material then some provision must be made to render the support substrate opaque such that the money amounts are initially hidden so as to m~int~in the element of chance in the selection of the money amount by the selective removal of an opaque layer. This may be done 10 for example by overlaying the support substrate with an opaque material (e.g. a paint like material) which would not rub off; by impregn~ting the support with a dye material such as tungsten oxide, etc.. Any suitable (known) support substrate may be used, such as those indicated in the above mentioned patents.
15 For the example embodiment shown in figure 1, the money amounts are in decimal format; for example, one dollar and fifty cents is shown numerically as 1.50; one cent is shown numerically as 0.01 and so on. The money amounts range between a predetermined high and low value which values are conllllul~,cated to a potential donor before the donor removes an opaque layer to expose a monetary amount, i.e.
20 the donor is thus made aware of the m~xi,,,~,,, amount he may be liable to give.
The circles and money amounts are inscribed directly on to the support substrate 2 by any suitable printing technique keeping in mind that they must be sufficiently fixed to the support substrate 2 such that they are not removed when scr~tçl-ing away the removeable opaque layer by means of which the money amounts are initially hidden from view. The opaque layers may be applied using any suitable (known) technique S as mentioned above.
The coupon component 4 comprises a block of coupons which comprises a plurality of coupon leaves; two coupon leaves are shown as being design~ted by the reference numerals 8 and 9. In the example embodiment shown the coupon leaves are each provided with perforated hol.~on~al tear lines 10, 11 and 12; the use of tear lines based on perforations in paper material is a known technique.
The tear lines 10, 11 and 12 divide each coupon leaf into three coupons which may be individually removed starting by removing the lower coupon by tearing it away 15 along the tear line 12. If desired, the tear lines could be replaced by a full line along which the coupon leaf may be cut using scissors to separate the individual coupons.
Although three coupons are shown as being detachable each leaf could if desired provide less than three coupons (e.g. only one or two coupons) or more than three coupons (e.g. four, ffve, six coupons or more).
The coupons can take on any of the previously mentioned character, e.g. provide for a gift of an article, provide a reduction in price for an article and the like. For the 21 ~676 example emboAiment shown in figure 1 the number of COUpOllS is equal to the number of covered money amounts such that once the money amounts are all uncovered there should be no coupons left to give away as shall be explained below.
5 The cou~,on leaves in figure 1 are shown as being bound together by staples 13 and 14 along an upper peripheral edge. These staples may pass through all of the coupon leaves and through the support substrate 2 as well, so as to fix the coupon block to the support substrate 2. Alternatively, the coupon block may be provided with a relatively stiff backing cardboard sheet to which they are held by the staples; the 10 backing sheet may then be fixed to the support substrate by some suitable adhesive or glue.
Although the staples are shown in figure 1 as being along an upper edge of the coupon block they could be disposed along a side edge but in this case there would 15 also be a vertical tear line parallel to the side edge of the coupon block (see for example U.S. patent no. 2,108,749 mentioned above).
Figure 2 illustrates a modified version of the article shown in figure 1 . The article shown in figure 2 is exactly the same as the article shown in figure 1 except that the 20 article in figure 2 takes on a book-like form or configuration; the support substrate is of a thin relatively stiff but bendable paperboard material (e.g. a card-like material which can define a hinge member as described below). The example embodiment 212~676 -shown in figure 2 has a support substrate which has a first member which is associated with the component 4 and a second member associated with the component 3. Thus, the money amounts are inscribed on the second member and the coupon block is attached to the first member. The support substrate also has a hinge member 15 5 which connects the first and second members together such that the article can be opened and closed in the manner of a book. The hinge member 15 comprises two fold lines 16 and 17; the distance between these fold lines collesponds to the initial thickness of the coupon block before any coupons are given out. The fold line 16 is disposed adjacent to the side edge of the coupon block. The fold lines can be defined 10 before or after the covered money amounts are disposed on the first member and the coupon block is attached to the second member. The fold lines may be produced simply by folding or bending the previously flat unfolded support substrate thereabout such that the first and second members can each respectively pivot about a respective fold line so as to define a respective front and back book cover.
Although the hinge member is shown in figure 2 as comprising fold lines, if desired the first and second members of the support substrate may be individual elements linked together along adjacent edges by a (known) ring type binder means (e.g. a hinge member may comprise means the same as or analogous to the ring connectors 20 of three ring binder type books).
Referring to figure 3, the above mentioned so defined book covers of the article 212(~676 shown in figure 2 may be displaced in the direction of the arrow 18 so as to open or close the book-like article. The money amounts may be considered as being inscribed on the inner surface of the back cover with the coupon block being attached to the inner surface of the front cover; this disposition could of course be reversed. In this 5 way, when the book like article is closed, the components 3 and 4 are covered and are disposed in face to face relationship; the covered components are thus protected from accidental damage or unwanted alteration, e.g. ullwall~ed separation of a coupon or unwanted removal of an opaque layer.
10 Figure 4 illustrates yet another example embodiment of an article in accordance with the present invention which is in book like form. For this embodiment the coupon component and the scratch and show component are disposed side by side on the same support member, i.e the components are supported by the first member 19 whereas the second member 20 acts solely as a cover. The two members 19 and 20 15 are connected by a hinge member 21 which has a configuration analogous to that of hinge member 15 shown in figure 2; for this embodiment the support substrate is again may be of a paperboard material as described with respect to the article shown in figure 2. For this embodiment the scratch and show component is the same as that shown in figure 1. The coupon block, however, is made up of coupon leaves which 20 can be divided into six separate coupons due to the presence of the additional vertical tear line 22.
- 21~o67G
Figures 5 to 8 illustrate yet another example embodiment of the article of the present invention which is in book like form but wherein the scratch and show component is split between two parts. For this embodiment, the support substrate may be of a suitable card like material as described with respect to the article shown in figure 2.
5 The support substrate, for article shown in figures 5 to 8, however, colll~lises two, first and second side members 3a and 3b disposed on either side of an intermediate member 4a. The side members each have inscribed thereon covered money amounts as described with respect to figure l; the intermediate member 4a has attached thereto a coupon block as described with respect to figure 1. The side members 3a 10 and 3b are connected to the intermediate member 4a by respective hinge members 22 and 23. The hinge member 22 includes a pair of fold lines 24 and 25; the hinge member 23 includes a pair of fold line 26 and 27. The fold lines 25 and 27 are disposed adjacent to the side edges of the coupon block attached to the intermediate member 4a. As in the case for the embodiment shown in figure 2 each pair of fold 15 lines is spaced apart a distance equal to the initial thickness of the coupon block before any coupons are given away. These fold lines are also obtained by bending the support substrate al)propliately and are disposed so that the side members 3a and 3b are able to define book like covers. The scratch and show parts are inscribed on respective inner surfaces of these so defined covers; the coupon block is attached to 20 the inner surface of the intermediate member 4a.
The member 3a is provided with a tab member 28 which is sized and disposed so as 21 2~676 to be able to engage an elongated opening 29 in the member 3b when the article is in a closed configuration as shall be explained below.
Referring to figures 6 to 8 these figures show how the members 3a and 3b can be S pivoted to close the article. The members 3a and 3b are sized such that member 3a overlays member 3b and the tab 28 can be engaged in opening 29 when the article is in a closed configuration, i.e. in closed configuration member 3a is disposed over member 3b such that member 3b is sandwiched between members 3a and 4a. To close this book like article the member 3b is first pivoted in the direction of the arrow 10 30 until it covers the member 4a such that the covered symbols of member 3b are in face to face relation with the coupon block; then the member 3a is pivoted in the direction of the arrow 31 and the tab 28 is slipped into engagement with the opening 29 to secure the members 3a and 3b in the closed configuration. The manipulations to close the book are reversed to open the book.
Figures 1 to 8 show embodiments of the article wherein the coupon block is attached in fixed relation to the support substrate to overly an underlying surface of the support substrate and wherein the money amounts are inscribed directly onto a respective surface of the support substrate. In accoldance with the present invention 20 the coupon component and or the scratch and show component may be removably supported by the support substrate such that these components overly respective surfaces of the support substrate.
-Figures 9 to 12 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the article of the present invention wherein the coupon and scratch and show components are removably attached to the support substrate.
S Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a scratch and show colllponent wherein the symbols are inscribed on a card ~u~po,l sheet 32 which can be removably attached to a support substrate. The card support sheet may col~lise a relatively thin stiff but bendable paperboard material. The card support sheet is divided into two parts, namely a symbol part 33 and a tongue part 34. The card support sheet may be made 10 of a material as discussed above with respect to the support substrate for the article of figure 1. The symbol part 33 is the part of the card sheet on which the symbols are inscribed and hidden (as described above); the tongue part 34 is bent backward along fold line 35 in the direction of the arrow 36 to form a tab member 37.
15 Figure 10 shows a coupon component wherein the block of coupons is fixed to a card support sheet 38 which can be removably attached to a support substrate. The card support sheet may colllplise a paperboard material as described with respect of figure 9 and is divided into two parts, namely a coupon part 39 and a tongue part 40. The card support sheet may be made of a material as discussed above with respect to the 20 support substrate for the article of figure 1. The coupon part 39 is the part of the sheet 38 on which the coupon block is attached by staples 13 and 14; the tongue part 40 is bent backward along fold line 41 in the direction of the arrow 42 to form a tab 21~0676 member 43.
Figure 11 illustrates the formation of a pocket for eng~ging the tab member 37 or 43 of the SU~pOl~ sheets of the components of ffgures 9 and 10. To form the pocket a S sheet of cardboard 44 is provided with an adhesive layer disposed on its peripheral side and bottom surface edges as shown by the dotted line 45. The sheet 44 is then pressed up against the surface of the SuppOl ~ substrate 2 in the direction of the arrows 46 so as to leave an opening 47 sized to engage a tab member 37 or 43 as the case may be, i.e. adhesive is not provided along upper side edge surface of the cardboard 44 such that an opening 47 is provided allowing access to the interior of the soformed pocket. The support substrate 2 may be of a thin relatively stiff paperboard material.
Figure 12 shows a front view of an additional example embodiment of an article in accordance with the present invention. This embodiment is the same as that shownin ffgure 2 except that the components shown in figures 9 and 10 and the pocketsshown in ffgure 11 are used. Thus he coupon component and the scratch and show component shown in ffgures 9 and 10 are disposed side by side with the attar~lment tab elements 37 and 43 thereof removably disposed in pockets obtained as shown in figure 12. The fold lines 16 and 17 for this embodiment are adjacent to the sideedges of the elements 44 which deffne the pockets. The components are removeablyattached to the support substrate by passing the tab element 37 or 43 through the 212~676 opening 47 and lodging the tab in a respective pocket; to remove the components the tabs are removed from the pockets. With the tab elements 37 and 43 disposed in the pockets the coupon component and the scratch and show component are supported by the support substrate and each overly an inner face of a respective first or second 5 member of the support substrate. If desired only one of the components may be so removeable, e.g. the scratch and show component. If desired the pocket for the coupons may be sized so as to receive individual lln~tt~ ed coupons rather than a block of coupons as shown. If removeable components are used the advantage is that the support substrate may be reused; that the number of coupons need not be equal 10 to the number of covered symbols if the scratch and show component is replaceable;
etc.. The embodiments shown in figures 4 and 5 may also be modified in like manner to include one or more removeable components.
Alternatively, if desired, the components shown in figures 9 and 10 may be fixed to 15 the support substrate by applying an adhesive or glue to the surfaces 61 and 63 of tab elements 37 and 43 respectively and pressing the adhesive coated surface against the appro~liate or desired surface of the support substrate such that the components overly a support substrate surface. In this fashion the can be more or less permanently attached to the substrate.
The article as shown in figures 1 to 12 may be used to obtain donations by being presented to a potential donor. The donor scratches away one or more opaque layers - 21 2~676 to reveal one or more money amounts which the donor then donates (i.e. gives to the canvasser). However, for each opaque layer which a donor scratches away the canvasser will give to the donor one coupon from the coupon block; e.g. if one opaque layer is scratched then the donor receives one coupon; if three opaque layers S are removed the donor is given three coupons; and so on. Thus a certain element of chance is introduced into the donation process along with the additional incentive to donate provided by the coupon(s). In the case of the embodiments shown in figures 1, 2, 4 and 5 the coupons will initially usually equal the number of hidden money symbols such that once all of the symbols are uncovered all of the coupons should 10 have been given away.
The embodiment shown in figures 1 to 12 are shown with monetary amounts which a donor is to give to a canvasser. If desired the scratch and show component may include other type of symbols which may entitle a potential donor to an immediate 15 gift of a money amount, some sort of article, etc.
Referring to figure 13, this figure shows some examples of other types of symbols which may be used. As may be seen for the embodiment shown in figure 13, the symbols are enclosed by a rectangle 48 rather than a circle as in the other 20 embodiments. Those rectangles enclosing a numeral 49 in decimal format represent money amounts which a donor is to give to a canvasser; the rectangles which include a smiling face 50 along with a numeral 49 in decimal format represent monetary amounts which the potential donor is to be given by the canvasser along with a coupon; the rectangle which encloses the symbol S1 of an object or article represents some article such as a pen, m~g~ine, etc.. which the donor is to immediately receive as a gift or prize along with a coupon. The sad face 52 on the other hand indicates 5 that the potential donor does not have to give any money but that the person also does not receive a coupon. This other embodiment increases the incentive(s) for a potential donor to participate in the fund raising system. Each of the symbols is of course covered by a removeable opaque layer 53. In this case depending on the type of symbols used once all of the symbols are uncovered there may be coupons left 10 over, i.e. in the case of one or more above mentioned sad faces 52.
The number of hidden symbols can take on any desired number, e.g. 90 to 120 hidden symbols. The monetary amounts can also take on any desired values such as for example values from one cent to two to five dollars or more, e.g. 25 cents to two 15 dollars with no money amount appearing twice. For example, ninety covered monetary amounts could be used and their values set so as to raise 101.25 dollars per article. Any unused surface parts of the support substrate such as, for example, the exterior surfaces, may, if desired, be used to display the name of the org~ni~tion for which the money is being raised, the names of sponsors or other types of 20 advertisements.
Claims (38)
1. An article for raising money comprising i) a coupon component ii) a scratch and show component and iii) a support substrate for said components, said coupon component comprising a block of coupons comprising a plurality of coupon leaves, each coupon leaf comprising one or more detachable coupons, said scratch and show component comprising a plurality of hidden symbols, each hidden symbol comprising a symbol covered by an opaque layer, each said hidden symbol being disposed and said respective opaque layer being removeable so as to selectively uncover said symbol, said hidden symbols comprising symbols of money amounts.
2. An article as defined in claim 1 wherein said block of coupons is fixed to said support substrate.
3. An article as defined in claim 1 wherein said symbols are inscribed on said support substrate.
4. An article as defined in claim 1 wherein said block of coupons is attached to said support substrate and said symbols are inscribed on said support substrate.
5. An article as defined in claim 1 wherein said coupon component is removably attached to said support substrate.
6. An article as defined in claim 1 wherein said scratch and show component is removably attached to said support substrate.
7. An article as defined in claim 1 wherein said coupon component and said scratch and show component are removably attached to said support substrate.
8. An article as defined in claim 1 wherein said scratch and show component comprises said symbols inscribed on a card support sheet, said card support sheet being removably attached to said support substrate.
9. An article as defined in claim 8 wherein said coupon component is attached to said support substrate.
10. An article as defined in claim 8 wherein said coupon component is removably attached to said support substrate.
11. An article as defined in claim 1 wherein said support substrate for said components comprises a first member, a second member and a hinge member connecting said first and second members, said hinge member being configured such that said first and second members respectively define front and back book covers, said coupon component and said scratch and show component being disposed such that said components are covered when the covers are closed.
12. An article as defined in claim 11 wherein said components are disposed such that when the covers are closed the components are disposed in face to face relationship.
13. An article as defined in claim 11 wherein said front and back book covers define respective inner faces, said coupon component being supported by said support substrate so as to overly one said inner face and the scratch and show component being supported by said support substrate so as to overly the other inner face.
14. An article as defined in claim 13 wherein said block of coupons is fixed to said support substrate and said symbols are inscribed on said other inner face.
15. An article as defined in claim 11 wherein said scratch and show component comprises said symbols inscribed on a card support sheet, said card support sheet being removably attached to said support substrate.
16. An article as defined in claim 15 wherein said coupon component is removably attached to said support substrate.
17. An article as defined in claim 1 wherein said support substrate for said components comprises a first member, an intermediate member, a second member and hinge members connecting said first and second members to said intermediate member, said hinge members being configured such that said first and second members respectively define book covers, said coupon and scratch and show components being covered when the covers are closed.
18. An article as defined in claim 17 wherein said scratch and show component comprise two elements, each element comprising a plurality of said covered symbols, one said element being supported by said first member and the other element being supported by said second member.
19. An article as defined in claim 17 wherein one said cover overlaps the other cover when said covers are closed.
20. An article as defined in claim 18 wherein said first, intermediate and second members define respective inner faces, said coupon component being supported by said support substrate so as to overlay the inner face of said intermediate member, one element of said scratch and show component being supported by said support substrate so as to overly the inner face of said first member and the other part of said scratch and show component being supported by said support substrate so as to overly said second member of said scratch and show component.
21. An article as defined in claim 20 wherein said block of coupons is fixed to said support substrate and said symbols are inscribed on said inner faces of the first and second members.
22. An article as defined in claim 18 wherein each part of said scratch and show component comprises said symbols inscribed on a card support sheet, said card support sheets being removably attached to said support substrate.
23. An article as defined in claim 22 wherein said coupon component is removably attached to said support substrate.
24. The use of an article as defined in claim 1 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
25. The use of an article as defined in claim 2 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
26. The use of an article as defined in claim 3 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
27. The use of an article as defined in claim 4 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
28. The use of an article as defined in claim 5 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
29. The use of an article as defined in claim 6 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
30. The use of an article as defined in claim 7 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
31. The use of an article as defined in claim 8 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
32. The use of an article as defined in claim 9 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
33. The use of an article as defined in claim 10 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
34. An article for raising money comprising i) a coupon component ii) a scratch and show component and iii) a support substrate for said components, said coupon component comprising a plurality of coupons, said scratch and show component comprising a plurality of hidden symbols, each hidden symbol comprising a symbol covered by an opaque layer, each said hidden symbol being disposed and said respective opaque layer being removeable so as to selectively uncover said symbol, said hidden symbols comprising symbols of money amounts.
35. An article as defined in claim 34 wherein the number of coupons equals the number of symbols covered by respective opaque layers.
36. An article as defined in claim 1 wherein the number of coupons equals the number of symbols covered by respective opaque layers.
37. The use of an article as defined in claim 34 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
38. The use of an article as defined in claim 36 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002120676A CA2120676A1 (en) | 1994-04-06 | 1994-04-06 | Fund raising article |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002120676A CA2120676A1 (en) | 1994-04-06 | 1994-04-06 | Fund raising article |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2120676A1 true CA2120676A1 (en) | 1995-10-07 |
Family
ID=4153321
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002120676A Abandoned CA2120676A1 (en) | 1994-04-06 | 1994-04-06 | Fund raising article |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2120676A1 (en) |
-
1994
- 1994-04-06 CA CA002120676A patent/CA2120676A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |