CA2124110A1 - Fund raising coupon - Google Patents
Fund raising couponInfo
- Publication number
- CA2124110A1 CA2124110A1 CA 2124110 CA2124110A CA2124110A1 CA 2124110 A1 CA2124110 A1 CA 2124110A1 CA 2124110 CA2124110 CA 2124110 CA 2124110 A CA2124110 A CA 2124110A CA 2124110 A1 CA2124110 A1 CA 2124110A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- coupon
- hidden
- scratch
- symbol
- money
- 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
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- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 25
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 13
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 5
- 235000015220 hamburgers Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 description 3
- 244000228957 Ferula foetida Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000011111 cardboard Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000013410 fast food Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 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
- 239000010432 diamond Substances 0.000 description 1
- HVCNNTAUBZIYCG-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethyl 2-[4-[(6-chloro-1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)oxy]phenoxy]propanoate Chemical compound C1=CC(OC(C)C(=O)OCC)=CC=C1OC1=NC2=CC=C(Cl)C=C2S1 HVCNNTAUBZIYCG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 210000004905 finger nail Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 235000012020 french fries Nutrition 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
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006748 scratching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002393 scratching effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001930 tungsten oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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)
- Educational Technology (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a coupon for raising money. The coupon comprises a scratch and show component. The scratch and show component comprises one or more hidden symbols, each hidden symbol comprising a symbol covered by an opaque layer. Each hidden symbol is disposed and a respective opaque layer is removeable such that the symbol can be selectively exposed or uncovered. The hidden symbols of the scratch and show component comprise symbols of money amounts.
Description
212~
FIJND RAISING COUPON
The present invention relates to an article which may be used to promote various types of activities. The article in accordance with the present invention may be used 5 to promote non-profit or charitable i~lilulions, or~nic~tion~ causes and the like.
The article may thus be used to induce people to sponsor such activities by donating funds thereto. The article may if desired also be used to promote both commercial and non-commercial activities.
10 It is known to promote the financial support of non-commercial or non-profit type activities (i.e. charitable activities and the like) 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 covering layer. The money amount to be donated by the donor is determined by the selective removal of the opaque layer (e.g. by scr~tching) covelhlg a money amount 20 to reveal the money amount hidden thereby. Such a card is described in t~n~ n Patent no. 1,265,553.
It would, however, be advantageous to have a means of inducing people to donate money to non-profit or non-commercial org~ni~tions (i.e. charities and the like)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 a coupon, for raising money, comprising a scratch and show component. The scratch and show component comprises one or more of hidden symbols. Each hidden symbol comprises 10 a symbol covered by an opaque layer. Each hidden symbol is disposed and a respective opaque layer is removeable such that the hidden symbol can be selectively uncovered. The hidden symbols of the scratch and show component comprise symbols of money amounts.
15 A coupon in accordance with the present invention may as desired or as necessary include one or more exposed money amounts as shall be described herein.
A coupon in accordance with the present invention may be used in any desired or suitable fashion and in particular such as shall be described herein by way of example.
A coupon, in accordance with the present invention, may take on any desired form such as a card, ticket, certificate and the like. The coupon provides a gift of value as 212411~
_ 4 one incentive for a person to become a donor or sponsor. A coupon may include, as desired, one or more coupon values.
In accordance with the present invention the coupon value may be an exposed value.
5 In this case the coupon value is a value which can be readily ascertained from a direct (visual) eY~min~tion thereof (i.e. the coupon value is not initially hidden).
Alternatively, the coupon value may initially be hidden beneath a removeable opaque layer as described herein with respect to the scratch and show component(s). The coupon value may, for example, (see below) be part of a further scratch and show 10 component so as to augment the element of chance with respect to the donation.
A coupon may, 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) provide to a coupon holder, on 15 surrender of the coupon, some (gift of an) article, service, ~ccommodation 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 wherein the coupon value may be a money amount, an article, a service, 20 ~ccommodation, or the like which may be won by the holder of the coupon. The coupon value may of course be represented by any appropliate indicia or symbol representative of the coupon value; for example, words, graphics, pictures, numerals 212~
and the like which describe the nature of the COupOll value.
As mentioned, the coupon is also provided with a scratch and show component which may comprise one or more (e.g. a plurality of) hidden symbols, the hidden symbols 5 CO~ liSillg symbols of money amounts. The symbol for a money amount may take any form whatsoever; the money amount may be depicted in numerical form, in image or picture form, in word form and the like.
A coupon of the present invention may, for example, be used by being given to a 10 person on condition that the person first uncover one (or more) hidden money amount(s) by scr~tching away one or more opaque layers and then make a money donation equal to the money amount(s) so uncovered.
Thus, a coupon may, for example, be provided with a single hidden money amount.
15 A prospective donor who is willing to participate will be asked to uncover the hidden money amount by scr~t~hing off the opaque layer covering the money amount and, in eYch~nge for being given the coupon, the donor will also be asked to donate the money amount so uncovered. The coupon may have inscribed thereon an indication that the money amount varies between some specified limits such as one cent to 2 20 dollars, such that the person being asked to donate will know in advance that the donation will not exceed the upper limit of the money amount and serve as a further incentive to provide a donation. This inrollllation could of course be provided on .
some other docnment~tion or verbally by the canvasser.
Alternatively, a coupon may be provided with a plurality (e.g. two or more) of represent~tions of money amounts which may, for example, vary between S predetermined .. i~li.. , and ",~ .. amounts; as mentioned above, 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 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 in this case may for example be used 10 one or more times; in a particular embodiment a money amount may be used only once. The money amounts may inchlde all possible monetary deno...il~tions between any given minim~lm and m~xi~ predetermined amounts. In any event, the prospective donor may uncover one or more of the hidden money amounts and pay same to the canvasser.
In accordance with a further alternative a coupoll may for example be provided with one or more exposed money amounts and one or more hidden money amounts. An exposed money amount may be initially provided as such with the coupon or else be a money amount uncovered by a previous prospective donor and which amount the 20 prospective donor previously refused to pay; i.e. this person was thus not given the coupon. In this case, a subsequent prospective donor may be given the coupon in eYch~nge either for ~on~ting the amount of an exposed money amount or for `' 2124110 ~lon~ting the money amount exposed by scr~tching away an opaque layer c ~.eling a hidden money amount. Alternatively, the prospective donor may be given the coupon in eYch~nge for donating the total amount comprising the exposed money amounts as well as the money amount exposed by scr~tching away at least one opaque layer S covering a hidden money amount. As a further example, the donor may be given the coupon by paying the lesser of the total exposed money amounts and an uncovered money amount. Again the donor preferably would know in advance a possible range of money amounts represented by the hidden symbols.
10 In order to further increase the element of chance the donor may be presented with a set of coupons as described above (i.e. a plurality of coupons) and be asked to select one coupon from the set. The donor would then be given the selected COU~OIl in çYch~nge for a donation determined as ~ sed above. The donor could of course select two or more coupons but would have to donate the amounts determined 15 as above for each coupon. The set of coupons could, for example, co~ ise two or more different types of coupons, i.e. the set may cOlllprise coupons which provide for different types of coupon values (e.g. articles, services, etc.) and/or different hidden money amounts.
20 As mentioned above in order to heighten the element of chance the collpon value itself may be hidden under an opaque layer such as discussed herein and which may be removeable by scr~tching once the donor has made the required contribution. The hidden coupon value may either be identified as such on the coupon, be identified by separate documentation (i.e. e.g. on the back side of the coupon) or be i~entified by the canvasser. The above mentioned set may, for example, comprise or consist of coupons, the COUPO11 value of which is hidden beneath a removeable opaque layer as 5 discussed herein with respect to the scratch and show component(s).
Thus, the coupon may, if desired, include other types of hidden symbols in addition to money amounts which are to be donated by a donor; these other symbols may, for example, comprise symbols selected from among the group incl~l(ling (a) symbols 10 comprising representations of an "instant" gift or prize of a money amount, a pen, m~g~7ine, etc.. which the donor is to immediately receive as a gift or prize along with a coupon; (b) symbols comprising representations of a "discount" money amount toward the purchase price of some sort of article, service, accommodation, etc.. to be provided by some commercial establishment as mentioned above; (c) symbols 15 comprising representations of a non-money prize or bonus such as an article, service, accommodation, etc.. to be provided by some commercial establishment as mentioned above; (d) symbols comprising null representations which are intended to indicate that no gift or prize is to be given; (e) and the like.
20 Thus in accordance with a further general aspect, the present invention provides a coupon for raising money co~ ising i) a ffrst scratch and show component, and ii) a second scratch and show colllponent said first scratch and show component comprising a hidden symbol, said hidden symbol comprising a symbol covered by an opaque layer, said hidden symbol being disposed and said respective opaque layer being removeable such that said hidden 5 symbol can be selectively uncovered, said hidden symbol of said ffrst scratch and show component identifying a prize, said second scratch and show component colll~lising a plurality of hidden symbols, each hidden symbol colllprisillg a symbol covered by an opaque layer, each said hidden symbol being disposed and said respective opaque layer being removeable 10 such that said hidden symbol can be selectively uncovered, said hidden symbols of said second scratch and show component colllplising symbols of money amounts.
A coupon having first and second scratch and show components may be used as already discussed above except that it may provide a heightened element of chance 15 by either initially hiding the coupon value or provide an additional incentive in the form of a hidden prize which would be in addition to a (hidden or exposed) coupon value; thus, for example, if the coupon value is hidden it may itself represent the prize of the first scratch and show component. The location of the hidden prize component and the hidden money amounts may either be identified as such on the coupon, be 20 identified by separate documentation (i.e. e.g. on the back side of the coupon) or be identified by the canvasser.
Thus, for example, a coupon may colll~lise an exposed coupon value, a hidden symbol identifying a prize and one or more hidden symbols co~ lisillg money amounts. The prospective donor would either be given such a coupon or else be asked to select a coupon from a set of coupons. The donor may then scratch off an opaque layer 5 hiding a money amount and donate the amount shown in order to be able to keep the coupon. Once the donation is paid and the donor pos~es~es the coupon the prize may then be uncovered. The prize may for example specify that the holder is entitled to twice the specified coupon value; for example if the coupon value is a hamburger at some participating fast food outlet the uncovered prize may specify that the coupon 10 holder is entitled to twice the coupon value i.e. two hamburgers; alternatively the prize may specify that the holder is entitled to french fries and a cola drink as well as the hamburger.
As another example, a coupon may coll~plise an exposed coupon value, a hidden 15 symbol identifying a prize and two hidden symbols comprising money amounts. Again a prospective donor would either be given such a COupOll or else be asked to select a coupon from a set of coupons. The donor may then scratch off the opaque layer hiding one of the money amounts and donate the amount shown in order to be able to keep the coupon and remove the covering hiding the prize.
As a further example, a coupon may compl;se an exposed coupon value, a hidden symbol identifying a prize, an exposed money amount and a hidden symbol comprising - 2~24110 a money amount. Again, a prospective donor would either be given such a coupon or else be asked to select a coupon from a set of coupons. The donor, in order to be able to keep the coupon and remove the c~Jve~ g hiding the prize, may then either donate the amount of the exposed money amount or else scratch off the opaque layer S covelhlg the hidden money amount and donate the amount so revealed. As another alternative to this particular case the donor in order to get the coupon may be asked to pay the total amount of the exposed money amount and the uncovered money amount or else pay the lesser of the exposed money amount and the uncovered money amount.
In accordance with a further aspect the present invention provides a coupon, for raising money, comprising i) a ffrst scratch and show component, and ii) a money amount component 15 said ffrst scratch and show component comprising a hidden symbol, said hidden symbol comprising a symbol covered by an opaque layer, said hidden symbol being disposed and said respective opaque layer being removeable such that said hidden symbol can be selectively uncovered, said hidden symbol of said first scratch and show component identifying a prize, 20 said money amount component identifying an exposed money amount. In this case the exposed money amount may be initially provided as such with the coupon or else be a money amount(s) uncovered by a previous prospective donor and which amount - 212~1~0 the prospective donor previously refused to pay; i.e. the person was thus not given the coupon. A prospective donor may be given the coupoll in eYch~nee for donating the amount of an eYposed money amount or the total eYposed money amounts if more than one is shown.
Thus, a coupon in accordance with the present invention may comprise a coupon component and one or more scratch and show components. The coupon value, prize value and/or money amounts of a coupon component and one or more scratch and show components may all be supported by a suitable support substrate. In accordance 10 with the present invention the support substrate may be configured so as to be easily handled by canvassers.
In accordance with the present invention a coupon value, a prize value and any money amounts may be supported by the support substrate in any suitable manner.
15 The indicia or symbols of a coupon value, prize value and any money amounts may, for example, be inscribed in any suitable manner onto a ~Uppl~ substrate. Thus, for example, a coupon value, prize value and any money amount(s) may comprise indicia and/or symbols inscribed on a card support sheet.
20 The symbols or indicia of a coupon value, prize value and/or any money amount(s) may be inscribed and covered by a removable opaque layer using any (known) technique provided that the opaque layer is removeable by rubbing, scr~tc~ine or the 212~110 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.
5 As mentioned, symbols, indicia and the like which represent a coupon value, prize value and money amount(s) may be inscribed on a coupon support substrate. If a symbol, indicia, or money amount(s) is to be hidden initially from view care should be taken to ensure that the coupon support substrate is configured so as to participate in the hiding of the symbols, indicia and the like (e.g. the substrate may be opaque), 10 e.g. the support substrate, for example, forms part of the scratch and show col,lponent.
The coupon 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.
15 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 of a flexible (opaque) material.
If the support substrate is not of an opaque material then some provision must be 20 made to render the support substrate opaque such that a money amount (coupon value, prize value, etc.) is 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 212~
may be done for example by overlaying the SUPPO1 l 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..
5 A coupon support substrate may 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 a coupon support substrate 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 point Cornwall paper.
The coupons of the present invention may be configured as individual coupon cards, coupon tickets, etc. Alternatively, the coupons may be configured as a coupon block 15 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 from 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 20 to free the coupon; etc.. The individual coupon leaves may be assembled by any suitable (known) technique such that they form a block of coupons and the coupons are detachable therefrom; for example, the leaves may be attached by a suitable 212~110 adhesive or mechanically (e.g. by a staple(s)) at a peripheral edge thereof. A
possible form of cou~on block is for example taught in U.S. patent no. 2,108,749.
In accordance with another aspect the present invention relates to the use of a S coupon as defined herein for raising money (i.e. funds) for a non-profit o-g~ ion (e.g. charities).
In drawings which illustrate example embodimentc of the present invention;
Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which co,l,~ises an exposed COUp value and a scratch and show component being disposed one above the other;
Figure 2 shows a schematic view of another example embodiment of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which comprises a hidden coupon value and a scratch and show component being disposed one above the other;
Figure 3 shows a schematic view of an example embo~iimeIlt of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which comprises an exposed coupon value and a scratch and show component colllplising a plurality of hidden money amounts;
Figure 4 shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which co~ lises a scratch and show component comprising a plurality of hidden money amounts, a scratch and show component comprising a hidden symbol or indicia idenliryillg a prize and ` ~ 2124~10 an exposed cou~oll value inchltling in particular a lottery ticket identification;
Figure S shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which coln~lises an exposed coupon value, an exposed money amount, a scratch and show component colll~lising S a hidden symbol or indicia idelllir~ing a prize, and a scratch and show component comprising a hidden money amount;
Figure 6 shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which colll~lises a hidden coupon value, an exposed money amount, a scratch and show component comprising a hidden symbol or indicia identifying a prize, and a scratch and show component comprising a plurality of hidden money amounts;
Figure 7 shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which comprises a scratch and show component comprising a plurality of hidden money amounts, an exposed coupon value and a plurality of exposed money amounts;
Figure 8 shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which comprises a hidden coupon value, a plurality of exposed money amounts, a scratch and show component comprising a hidden symbol or indicia identifying a prize, and a scratch and show component comprising a hidden money amount;
Figure 9 shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a coupon in accordance with the present invention wherein a scratch and show component ` -- 2124110 co,llplish~g hidden money amounts is shown as being disposed one side of a support substrate;
Figure 10 shows a schematic view of the other opposite side of the example embodiment of the coupon shown in figure 9 showing an exposed coupon S value;
Figure 11 shows a schematic view of another example embotlime~t of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which comprises a hidden coupon value and an exposed money amount being disposed one above the other; and Figure 12 shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which comprises a hidden coupon value, an exposed money amount, and a scratch and show component comprising a hidden symbol or indicia iden~iryillg a prize.
1~ For thè following description of the example embo-lim~nt~c illustrated in the drawings the same reference numerals will be used to decign~te the same elements.
Each of the example coupons illustrated in the figures 1 to 12 comprises a support substrate 1 which co",p,ises a flat sheet of relatively stiff thin paperboard material 20 such a a (opaque) cardboard sheet, e.g. a light card stock; any other type of desired or necessary support substrate may of course be used.
For the example embodiments shown in figures 1 to 12, the money amounts are in ~lec;m~l 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. If a plurality of money amounts are used the money amounts may range between a predetermined high value and low 5 value which values are co~ unicated to a potential donor before the donor removes an opaque layer to expose a monetary amount, i.e. the donor is thus made aware of the mZ~ amount he may be liable to give. The monetary amounts may also take on any desired values such as for example values from one cent to two to five dollars or more.
The "coupon values" can, for the coupons shown in figures 1 to 12, 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. The "coupon value" can, for the coupons shown in figures 1 to 12, be shown by means of any desired indicia or symbol 15 which illustrates the value to be provided to the bearer of the COupOll (e.g. an indication in word or picture form that a hamburger will be provided by a specified fast-food store).
Figure 1 shows one side of a coupon in accordance with the present invention. The 20 illustrated coupon side is divided into a first part or zone 2 and a second part or zone 3; the dotted line 4 is shown herein only for illustration purposes so as to delineate an arbitrary boundary between various coupon zones and it need not be present in `' 2124110 a coupon.
The zone 2, shown in Figure 1, colllylises a scratch and show component which includes a single hidden money amount 5. The money amount is covered by an 5 opaque layer 6. The opaque layer 6 is shown in figure 1 as being partially scratched away such that the money amount of 0.25 dollars is partially exposed. The opaque layer 6 may be removed, to uncover the hidden money amount, by being scratched away with a finger nail, coin or the like. The money amount as shown is enclosed within a circle; if desired the circle or any other boundary defining form need not be 10 present but if present it does serve to highlight the exposed money amount.
The zone 3 comprises an exposed "coupon value".
The coupon of Figure 1 may be used alone or in conjunction with a plurality of other 15 coupons of the same configuration or with other coupons of different configuration such as described herein by way of example. For example, a set of 54 COUpOllS having playing card symbols (ace, king, hearts, diamonds, etc) inscribed thereon (including two joker coupons) could be used and their money values may be adjusted so as to raise 101.25 dollars per set. In any event, whether the potential donor is presented 20 with a coupon or is asked to select a coupon from a set of coupons, the donor will get to keep the coupon provided that, after scr~tchin~ away the opaque layer 6, the donor donates the so uncovered money amount.
212~110 The scratch and show component and the COupOll value are shown in Figure 1 as being disposed in a vertical ~lignment with one component above the other; these components could of course be disposed in any other fashion whatsoever such as holizonlally side by side or with their positions being reversed as seen in Figure 2.
Figure 2 shows one side of another coupon in accordance with the present invention.
The illustrated coupon side is divided into a first part or zone 7 and a second part or zone 8. Each zone of the coupon shown is provided with a scratch and show component. Thus, the zone 7 comprises a hidden "coupon value". The "coupon value"
10 is covered by an opaque removable layer 9. The opaque layer 9 may be removed by scratching as in the case of hidden money amounts; however, the donor will only get to uncover the "coupon value" once the donation is paid. The zone 8 comprises a scratch and show component which includes a plurality of hidden money amounts 5 (i.e. two hidden money amounts); the money amounts are covered by an opaque layer 15 6.
A coupon as shown in Figure 2 heightens the element of chance since the coupon value as well as the donatable money ~mounts are hidden under a removable opaque layer.
The coupon of Figure 2 may be also used alone or in conjunction with a plurality of other coupons of the same configuration or with other coupons of different 212'1110 configuration such as described herein by way of example. In any event, whether the potential donor is presented with a coupon or is asked to select a coupon from a set of coupons, the donor will get to keep the COupOll provided that, after scr~tchin~ away an opaque layer 6, the donor don~tes the so uncovered money amount. In this case, S however, there is an additional element of chance since the IlCOUl)Oll value" is also hidden from view; for example, a plurality of coupons as shown in Figure 2 could be provided as a set wherein each coupon of the set has a different "coupon value" and the donor may be asked to select a coupon from among the set.
10 The coupon shown in figure 3 is the same as the coupon shown in Figure 1 except that the scratch and show component comprises a plurality of hidden money amounts S arranged in holi~olltal rows and vertical cohlmn~; the hidden money amounts could of course be disposed in any other desired con~-ration.
15 The coupon of Figure 3 may be used in the same way as the coupon of Figure 1 except that there is an additional element of chance since the donor may be asked to select one of the hidden money amounts and pay the uncovered money amount hidden thereby. However, if a person should refuse to pay the uncovered amount all is not lost. The coupon with the uncovered money amount may be presented to 0 another prospective donor who could, for example, be asked either i) to pay the uncovered money amount, ii) to select some other hidden money amount, uncover it and pay that amount, or ii) to select some other hidden money amount, uncover it and pay the lesser of the initially uncovered amount and the newly uncovered money amount.
5 Figure 4 shows one side of another coupon in accordance with the present invention.
The illustrated coupon side is divided into a first part or zone 10, a second part or zone 11, a third part or zone 12 and a fourth part or zone 13. The cou~,on shown is provided with a scratch and show component disposed in zone 10 and a scratch and show component disposed in zone 12. Thus, the zone 10 coll~lises a hidden 'prize", 10 the prize value being covered by a scratchably removable opaque layer 14 as discussed herein. The prize value may be represented by some indicia or symbol which may entitle a donor to an immerliate gift of a money amount, some sort of article, a price reduction for an article, etc. The zone 12 conlplises a plurality of hidden money amounts 5 covered by opaque layers 6.
The zones 11 and 13 of the coupon shown in Figure 4 comprise respectively an exposed coupon value and an exposed lottery identification.
The coupon as shown in Figure 4 may be used in the manner of the coupon shown 20 in Figure 3, since the coupon of figure 4 has a plurality of hidden money amounts 5.
The incentive to donate is, however, enhanced by the presence of a scratch and show component colllplising a hidden prize and an exposed lottery identification, the latter entitling the coupon holder to participate in some sort of lottery. The prospective donor is entitled to the coupon only on payment of an exposed money amount; once in possession of the coupon the holder may expose the prize by scr~tching away the opaque cove~h~g layer.
Figure 5 shows one side of a further coupon in accordance with the present invention.
The coupon as shown similar to the coupon of Figure 1 in that it has a scratch and show component comprising a hidden money amount and an exposed "coupon value".
The coupon, however, also has an exposed money amount 15 and a 'prize" scratch 10 and show component.
The coupon of Figure 5 may be presented to a prospective donor who could, for example, be asked either i) to pay the uncovered money amount 15, ii) to uncover the hidden money amount and pay the so exposed amount, or ii) to uncover the hidden money amount and pay the lesser of the initially uncovered amount and the newly uncovered money amount.
In any case the added incentive to donate is present in the form of the hidden prize, the value of which the donor may only discover by scr~t~hing away the opaque layer 20 14 after having paid the required donation.
Figure 6 shows one side of an additional coupon in accordance with the present invention. The coupon of figure 6 is similar to the coupon in Figure S except that for the coupon of Figure 6 the "coupon value" is hidden by an opaque layer 9 and there are two hidden money amounts 5 in~te~d of one. The c~upoll of Figure 6 may be used in the same manner as ~ se~ above for Figure S except that the prospective donor may choose between two hidden money amounts and will not know the prize nor the coupon value until after having paid the required donation and scr~tching away the opaque layers 9 and 14.
The coupon shown in Figure 7 is similar to the coupon shown in Figure 3 except that the coupon has two exposed money amounts. The coupon of Figure 7 may be presented to a prospective donor who could, for example, be asked either i) to pay the total of the uncovered money amounts, ii) to uncover a hidden money amount and pay that amount, or ii) to uncover a hidden money amount and pay the lesser of the initially uncovered amounts and the newly uncovered money amount.
The coupon shown in Figure 8 is similar to the coupon shown in Figure 6 except that the coupon has two exposed money amounts. The coupon of Figure 8 may be presented to a prospective donor who could, for example, be asked either i) to pay the total of the uncovered money amounts, ii) to uncover the hidden money amount and pay that amount, or ii) to uncover the hidden money amount and pay the lesser of the initially uncovered amounts and the newly uncovered money amount.
For the coupons shown in Figures 1 to 8, any unused surface parts of the support substrate 1 (such as, for example, the o~l,osile surface), may, if desired, be used to 5 display the name of the or~ni~tion for which the money is being raised, the names of sponsors or other types of advertisements, etc..
As shown in figures 1 to 8, the "coupon value" and the scratch and show compol ent(s) are on the same side of the support substrate l; the "coupon value" and the scratch 10 and show component(s) may, however, be on opposite sides of the support subst rate 1.
Thus, Figures 9 and 10 show the opposite sides of a single coupoll in accordance with the present invention. The exposed "coupon value" is shown on one side (Fig. 10) of 15 the support substrate 1 and the scratch and show component colllplising a plurality of hidden money amounts 16, 17 and 18 is shown on the opposite side (Fig. 9) of the support substrate 1.
Figure 9 also illustrates that the boundary (if present) around (hidden or exposed) 20 money amounts need not be a circle but may take on any other shapes as desired; see the hidden money amounts 16, 17 and 18 of Fig. 9. Similarly, differently shaped boundaries may be disposed about the "coupon value" and any "prize" (see Fig. 10).
2 12411~
Figures 11 and 12 are similar to Figures 2 and 6 except that the coupons of Figures 11 and 12 do not have any hidden money amounts and have only one exposed money amount which a donor must pay in order to be given the coupon.
5 The coupons of figures 1 to 12 may be obtained from a block of coupons which co~ lises a plurality of coupon leaves. Each coupon leaf may be provided with perforated (holi~ontal) tear lines defining a plurality of individual coupo~s, a coupon being separated by tearing the coupon away along the tear line. Each coupon leaf may, for example, be tearable into two or more (e.g. three, four, five, six coupons or 10 more) individual coupons. The use of tear lines based on perforations in paper material is a known technique.
The circles, squares, money amounts, coupon values, prize values, etc., may inscribed directly on to a support substrate by any suitable printing technique keeping in mind 15 that they must be sufficiently fixed to the support substrate such that they are not removed when scr~trhing away a removeable covering opaque layer by means of which the coupon value, money amounts, prizes, etc. may be initially hidden from view. The opaque layers may be applied using any suitable (known) technique as mentioned above.
FIJND RAISING COUPON
The present invention relates to an article which may be used to promote various types of activities. The article in accordance with the present invention may be used 5 to promote non-profit or charitable i~lilulions, or~nic~tion~ causes and the like.
The article may thus be used to induce people to sponsor such activities by donating funds thereto. The article may if desired also be used to promote both commercial and non-commercial activities.
10 It is known to promote the financial support of non-commercial or non-profit type activities (i.e. charitable activities and the like) 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 covering layer. The money amount to be donated by the donor is determined by the selective removal of the opaque layer (e.g. by scr~tching) covelhlg a money amount 20 to reveal the money amount hidden thereby. Such a card is described in t~n~ n Patent no. 1,265,553.
It would, however, be advantageous to have a means of inducing people to donate money to non-profit or non-commercial org~ni~tions (i.e. charities and the like)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 a coupon, for raising money, comprising a scratch and show component. The scratch and show component comprises one or more of hidden symbols. Each hidden symbol comprises 10 a symbol covered by an opaque layer. Each hidden symbol is disposed and a respective opaque layer is removeable such that the hidden symbol can be selectively uncovered. The hidden symbols of the scratch and show component comprise symbols of money amounts.
15 A coupon in accordance with the present invention may as desired or as necessary include one or more exposed money amounts as shall be described herein.
A coupon in accordance with the present invention may be used in any desired or suitable fashion and in particular such as shall be described herein by way of example.
A coupon, in accordance with the present invention, may take on any desired form such as a card, ticket, certificate and the like. The coupon provides a gift of value as 212411~
_ 4 one incentive for a person to become a donor or sponsor. A coupon may include, as desired, one or more coupon values.
In accordance with the present invention the coupon value may be an exposed value.
5 In this case the coupon value is a value which can be readily ascertained from a direct (visual) eY~min~tion thereof (i.e. the coupon value is not initially hidden).
Alternatively, the coupon value may initially be hidden beneath a removeable opaque layer as described herein with respect to the scratch and show component(s). The coupon value may, for example, (see below) be part of a further scratch and show 10 component so as to augment the element of chance with respect to the donation.
A coupon may, 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) provide to a coupon holder, on 15 surrender of the coupon, some (gift of an) article, service, ~ccommodation 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 wherein the coupon value may be a money amount, an article, a service, 20 ~ccommodation, or the like which may be won by the holder of the coupon. The coupon value may of course be represented by any appropliate indicia or symbol representative of the coupon value; for example, words, graphics, pictures, numerals 212~
and the like which describe the nature of the COupOll value.
As mentioned, the coupon is also provided with a scratch and show component which may comprise one or more (e.g. a plurality of) hidden symbols, the hidden symbols 5 CO~ liSillg symbols of money amounts. The symbol for a money amount may take any form whatsoever; the money amount may be depicted in numerical form, in image or picture form, in word form and the like.
A coupon of the present invention may, for example, be used by being given to a 10 person on condition that the person first uncover one (or more) hidden money amount(s) by scr~tching away one or more opaque layers and then make a money donation equal to the money amount(s) so uncovered.
Thus, a coupon may, for example, be provided with a single hidden money amount.
15 A prospective donor who is willing to participate will be asked to uncover the hidden money amount by scr~t~hing off the opaque layer covering the money amount and, in eYch~nge for being given the coupon, the donor will also be asked to donate the money amount so uncovered. The coupon may have inscribed thereon an indication that the money amount varies between some specified limits such as one cent to 2 20 dollars, such that the person being asked to donate will know in advance that the donation will not exceed the upper limit of the money amount and serve as a further incentive to provide a donation. This inrollllation could of course be provided on .
some other docnment~tion or verbally by the canvasser.
Alternatively, a coupon may be provided with a plurality (e.g. two or more) of represent~tions of money amounts which may, for example, vary between S predetermined .. i~li.. , and ",~ .. amounts; as mentioned above, 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 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 in this case may for example be used 10 one or more times; in a particular embodiment a money amount may be used only once. The money amounts may inchlde all possible monetary deno...il~tions between any given minim~lm and m~xi~ predetermined amounts. In any event, the prospective donor may uncover one or more of the hidden money amounts and pay same to the canvasser.
In accordance with a further alternative a coupoll may for example be provided with one or more exposed money amounts and one or more hidden money amounts. An exposed money amount may be initially provided as such with the coupon or else be a money amount uncovered by a previous prospective donor and which amount the 20 prospective donor previously refused to pay; i.e. this person was thus not given the coupon. In this case, a subsequent prospective donor may be given the coupon in eYch~nge either for ~on~ting the amount of an exposed money amount or for `' 2124110 ~lon~ting the money amount exposed by scr~tching away an opaque layer c ~.eling a hidden money amount. Alternatively, the prospective donor may be given the coupon in eYch~nge for donating the total amount comprising the exposed money amounts as well as the money amount exposed by scr~tching away at least one opaque layer S covering a hidden money amount. As a further example, the donor may be given the coupon by paying the lesser of the total exposed money amounts and an uncovered money amount. Again the donor preferably would know in advance a possible range of money amounts represented by the hidden symbols.
10 In order to further increase the element of chance the donor may be presented with a set of coupons as described above (i.e. a plurality of coupons) and be asked to select one coupon from the set. The donor would then be given the selected COU~OIl in çYch~nge for a donation determined as ~ sed above. The donor could of course select two or more coupons but would have to donate the amounts determined 15 as above for each coupon. The set of coupons could, for example, co~ ise two or more different types of coupons, i.e. the set may cOlllprise coupons which provide for different types of coupon values (e.g. articles, services, etc.) and/or different hidden money amounts.
20 As mentioned above in order to heighten the element of chance the collpon value itself may be hidden under an opaque layer such as discussed herein and which may be removeable by scr~tching once the donor has made the required contribution. The hidden coupon value may either be identified as such on the coupon, be identified by separate documentation (i.e. e.g. on the back side of the coupon) or be i~entified by the canvasser. The above mentioned set may, for example, comprise or consist of coupons, the COUPO11 value of which is hidden beneath a removeable opaque layer as 5 discussed herein with respect to the scratch and show component(s).
Thus, the coupon may, if desired, include other types of hidden symbols in addition to money amounts which are to be donated by a donor; these other symbols may, for example, comprise symbols selected from among the group incl~l(ling (a) symbols 10 comprising representations of an "instant" gift or prize of a money amount, a pen, m~g~7ine, etc.. which the donor is to immediately receive as a gift or prize along with a coupon; (b) symbols comprising representations of a "discount" money amount toward the purchase price of some sort of article, service, accommodation, etc.. to be provided by some commercial establishment as mentioned above; (c) symbols 15 comprising representations of a non-money prize or bonus such as an article, service, accommodation, etc.. to be provided by some commercial establishment as mentioned above; (d) symbols comprising null representations which are intended to indicate that no gift or prize is to be given; (e) and the like.
20 Thus in accordance with a further general aspect, the present invention provides a coupon for raising money co~ ising i) a ffrst scratch and show component, and ii) a second scratch and show colllponent said first scratch and show component comprising a hidden symbol, said hidden symbol comprising a symbol covered by an opaque layer, said hidden symbol being disposed and said respective opaque layer being removeable such that said hidden 5 symbol can be selectively uncovered, said hidden symbol of said ffrst scratch and show component identifying a prize, said second scratch and show component colll~lising a plurality of hidden symbols, each hidden symbol colllprisillg a symbol covered by an opaque layer, each said hidden symbol being disposed and said respective opaque layer being removeable 10 such that said hidden symbol can be selectively uncovered, said hidden symbols of said second scratch and show component colllplising symbols of money amounts.
A coupon having first and second scratch and show components may be used as already discussed above except that it may provide a heightened element of chance 15 by either initially hiding the coupon value or provide an additional incentive in the form of a hidden prize which would be in addition to a (hidden or exposed) coupon value; thus, for example, if the coupon value is hidden it may itself represent the prize of the first scratch and show component. The location of the hidden prize component and the hidden money amounts may either be identified as such on the coupon, be 20 identified by separate documentation (i.e. e.g. on the back side of the coupon) or be identified by the canvasser.
Thus, for example, a coupon may colll~lise an exposed coupon value, a hidden symbol identifying a prize and one or more hidden symbols co~ lisillg money amounts. The prospective donor would either be given such a coupon or else be asked to select a coupon from a set of coupons. The donor may then scratch off an opaque layer 5 hiding a money amount and donate the amount shown in order to be able to keep the coupon. Once the donation is paid and the donor pos~es~es the coupon the prize may then be uncovered. The prize may for example specify that the holder is entitled to twice the specified coupon value; for example if the coupon value is a hamburger at some participating fast food outlet the uncovered prize may specify that the coupon 10 holder is entitled to twice the coupon value i.e. two hamburgers; alternatively the prize may specify that the holder is entitled to french fries and a cola drink as well as the hamburger.
As another example, a coupon may coll~plise an exposed coupon value, a hidden 15 symbol identifying a prize and two hidden symbols comprising money amounts. Again a prospective donor would either be given such a COupOll or else be asked to select a coupon from a set of coupons. The donor may then scratch off the opaque layer hiding one of the money amounts and donate the amount shown in order to be able to keep the coupon and remove the covering hiding the prize.
As a further example, a coupon may compl;se an exposed coupon value, a hidden symbol identifying a prize, an exposed money amount and a hidden symbol comprising - 2~24110 a money amount. Again, a prospective donor would either be given such a coupon or else be asked to select a coupon from a set of coupons. The donor, in order to be able to keep the coupon and remove the c~Jve~ g hiding the prize, may then either donate the amount of the exposed money amount or else scratch off the opaque layer S covelhlg the hidden money amount and donate the amount so revealed. As another alternative to this particular case the donor in order to get the coupon may be asked to pay the total amount of the exposed money amount and the uncovered money amount or else pay the lesser of the exposed money amount and the uncovered money amount.
In accordance with a further aspect the present invention provides a coupon, for raising money, comprising i) a ffrst scratch and show component, and ii) a money amount component 15 said ffrst scratch and show component comprising a hidden symbol, said hidden symbol comprising a symbol covered by an opaque layer, said hidden symbol being disposed and said respective opaque layer being removeable such that said hidden symbol can be selectively uncovered, said hidden symbol of said first scratch and show component identifying a prize, 20 said money amount component identifying an exposed money amount. In this case the exposed money amount may be initially provided as such with the coupon or else be a money amount(s) uncovered by a previous prospective donor and which amount - 212~1~0 the prospective donor previously refused to pay; i.e. the person was thus not given the coupon. A prospective donor may be given the coupoll in eYch~nee for donating the amount of an eYposed money amount or the total eYposed money amounts if more than one is shown.
Thus, a coupon in accordance with the present invention may comprise a coupon component and one or more scratch and show components. The coupon value, prize value and/or money amounts of a coupon component and one or more scratch and show components may all be supported by a suitable support substrate. In accordance 10 with the present invention the support substrate may be configured so as to be easily handled by canvassers.
In accordance with the present invention a coupon value, a prize value and any money amounts may be supported by the support substrate in any suitable manner.
15 The indicia or symbols of a coupon value, prize value and any money amounts may, for example, be inscribed in any suitable manner onto a ~Uppl~ substrate. Thus, for example, a coupon value, prize value and any money amount(s) may comprise indicia and/or symbols inscribed on a card support sheet.
20 The symbols or indicia of a coupon value, prize value and/or any money amount(s) may be inscribed and covered by a removable opaque layer using any (known) technique provided that the opaque layer is removeable by rubbing, scr~tc~ine or the 212~110 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.
5 As mentioned, symbols, indicia and the like which represent a coupon value, prize value and money amount(s) may be inscribed on a coupon support substrate. If a symbol, indicia, or money amount(s) is to be hidden initially from view care should be taken to ensure that the coupon support substrate is configured so as to participate in the hiding of the symbols, indicia and the like (e.g. the substrate may be opaque), 10 e.g. the support substrate, for example, forms part of the scratch and show col,lponent.
The coupon 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.
15 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 of a flexible (opaque) material.
If the support substrate is not of an opaque material then some provision must be 20 made to render the support substrate opaque such that a money amount (coupon value, prize value, etc.) is 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 212~
may be done for example by overlaying the SUPPO1 l 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..
5 A coupon support substrate may 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 a coupon support substrate 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 point Cornwall paper.
The coupons of the present invention may be configured as individual coupon cards, coupon tickets, etc. Alternatively, the coupons may be configured as a coupon block 15 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 from 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 20 to free the coupon; etc.. The individual coupon leaves may be assembled by any suitable (known) technique such that they form a block of coupons and the coupons are detachable therefrom; for example, the leaves may be attached by a suitable 212~110 adhesive or mechanically (e.g. by a staple(s)) at a peripheral edge thereof. A
possible form of cou~on block is for example taught in U.S. patent no. 2,108,749.
In accordance with another aspect the present invention relates to the use of a S coupon as defined herein for raising money (i.e. funds) for a non-profit o-g~ ion (e.g. charities).
In drawings which illustrate example embodimentc of the present invention;
Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which co,l,~ises an exposed COUp value and a scratch and show component being disposed one above the other;
Figure 2 shows a schematic view of another example embodiment of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which comprises a hidden coupon value and a scratch and show component being disposed one above the other;
Figure 3 shows a schematic view of an example embo~iimeIlt of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which comprises an exposed coupon value and a scratch and show component colllplising a plurality of hidden money amounts;
Figure 4 shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which co~ lises a scratch and show component comprising a plurality of hidden money amounts, a scratch and show component comprising a hidden symbol or indicia idenliryillg a prize and ` ~ 2124~10 an exposed cou~oll value inchltling in particular a lottery ticket identification;
Figure S shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which coln~lises an exposed coupon value, an exposed money amount, a scratch and show component colll~lising S a hidden symbol or indicia idelllir~ing a prize, and a scratch and show component comprising a hidden money amount;
Figure 6 shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which colll~lises a hidden coupon value, an exposed money amount, a scratch and show component comprising a hidden symbol or indicia identifying a prize, and a scratch and show component comprising a plurality of hidden money amounts;
Figure 7 shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which comprises a scratch and show component comprising a plurality of hidden money amounts, an exposed coupon value and a plurality of exposed money amounts;
Figure 8 shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which comprises a hidden coupon value, a plurality of exposed money amounts, a scratch and show component comprising a hidden symbol or indicia identifying a prize, and a scratch and show component comprising a hidden money amount;
Figure 9 shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a coupon in accordance with the present invention wherein a scratch and show component ` -- 2124110 co,llplish~g hidden money amounts is shown as being disposed one side of a support substrate;
Figure 10 shows a schematic view of the other opposite side of the example embodiment of the coupon shown in figure 9 showing an exposed coupon S value;
Figure 11 shows a schematic view of another example embotlime~t of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which comprises a hidden coupon value and an exposed money amount being disposed one above the other; and Figure 12 shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of a coupon in accordance with the present invention which comprises a hidden coupon value, an exposed money amount, and a scratch and show component comprising a hidden symbol or indicia iden~iryillg a prize.
1~ For thè following description of the example embo-lim~nt~c illustrated in the drawings the same reference numerals will be used to decign~te the same elements.
Each of the example coupons illustrated in the figures 1 to 12 comprises a support substrate 1 which co",p,ises a flat sheet of relatively stiff thin paperboard material 20 such a a (opaque) cardboard sheet, e.g. a light card stock; any other type of desired or necessary support substrate may of course be used.
For the example embodiments shown in figures 1 to 12, the money amounts are in ~lec;m~l 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. If a plurality of money amounts are used the money amounts may range between a predetermined high value and low 5 value which values are co~ unicated to a potential donor before the donor removes an opaque layer to expose a monetary amount, i.e. the donor is thus made aware of the mZ~ amount he may be liable to give. The monetary amounts may also take on any desired values such as for example values from one cent to two to five dollars or more.
The "coupon values" can, for the coupons shown in figures 1 to 12, 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. The "coupon value" can, for the coupons shown in figures 1 to 12, be shown by means of any desired indicia or symbol 15 which illustrates the value to be provided to the bearer of the COupOll (e.g. an indication in word or picture form that a hamburger will be provided by a specified fast-food store).
Figure 1 shows one side of a coupon in accordance with the present invention. The 20 illustrated coupon side is divided into a first part or zone 2 and a second part or zone 3; the dotted line 4 is shown herein only for illustration purposes so as to delineate an arbitrary boundary between various coupon zones and it need not be present in `' 2124110 a coupon.
The zone 2, shown in Figure 1, colllylises a scratch and show component which includes a single hidden money amount 5. The money amount is covered by an 5 opaque layer 6. The opaque layer 6 is shown in figure 1 as being partially scratched away such that the money amount of 0.25 dollars is partially exposed. The opaque layer 6 may be removed, to uncover the hidden money amount, by being scratched away with a finger nail, coin or the like. The money amount as shown is enclosed within a circle; if desired the circle or any other boundary defining form need not be 10 present but if present it does serve to highlight the exposed money amount.
The zone 3 comprises an exposed "coupon value".
The coupon of Figure 1 may be used alone or in conjunction with a plurality of other 15 coupons of the same configuration or with other coupons of different configuration such as described herein by way of example. For example, a set of 54 COUpOllS having playing card symbols (ace, king, hearts, diamonds, etc) inscribed thereon (including two joker coupons) could be used and their money values may be adjusted so as to raise 101.25 dollars per set. In any event, whether the potential donor is presented 20 with a coupon or is asked to select a coupon from a set of coupons, the donor will get to keep the coupon provided that, after scr~tchin~ away the opaque layer 6, the donor donates the so uncovered money amount.
212~110 The scratch and show component and the COupOll value are shown in Figure 1 as being disposed in a vertical ~lignment with one component above the other; these components could of course be disposed in any other fashion whatsoever such as holizonlally side by side or with their positions being reversed as seen in Figure 2.
Figure 2 shows one side of another coupon in accordance with the present invention.
The illustrated coupon side is divided into a first part or zone 7 and a second part or zone 8. Each zone of the coupon shown is provided with a scratch and show component. Thus, the zone 7 comprises a hidden "coupon value". The "coupon value"
10 is covered by an opaque removable layer 9. The opaque layer 9 may be removed by scratching as in the case of hidden money amounts; however, the donor will only get to uncover the "coupon value" once the donation is paid. The zone 8 comprises a scratch and show component which includes a plurality of hidden money amounts 5 (i.e. two hidden money amounts); the money amounts are covered by an opaque layer 15 6.
A coupon as shown in Figure 2 heightens the element of chance since the coupon value as well as the donatable money ~mounts are hidden under a removable opaque layer.
The coupon of Figure 2 may be also used alone or in conjunction with a plurality of other coupons of the same configuration or with other coupons of different 212'1110 configuration such as described herein by way of example. In any event, whether the potential donor is presented with a coupon or is asked to select a coupon from a set of coupons, the donor will get to keep the COupOll provided that, after scr~tchin~ away an opaque layer 6, the donor don~tes the so uncovered money amount. In this case, S however, there is an additional element of chance since the IlCOUl)Oll value" is also hidden from view; for example, a plurality of coupons as shown in Figure 2 could be provided as a set wherein each coupon of the set has a different "coupon value" and the donor may be asked to select a coupon from among the set.
10 The coupon shown in figure 3 is the same as the coupon shown in Figure 1 except that the scratch and show component comprises a plurality of hidden money amounts S arranged in holi~olltal rows and vertical cohlmn~; the hidden money amounts could of course be disposed in any other desired con~-ration.
15 The coupon of Figure 3 may be used in the same way as the coupon of Figure 1 except that there is an additional element of chance since the donor may be asked to select one of the hidden money amounts and pay the uncovered money amount hidden thereby. However, if a person should refuse to pay the uncovered amount all is not lost. The coupon with the uncovered money amount may be presented to 0 another prospective donor who could, for example, be asked either i) to pay the uncovered money amount, ii) to select some other hidden money amount, uncover it and pay that amount, or ii) to select some other hidden money amount, uncover it and pay the lesser of the initially uncovered amount and the newly uncovered money amount.
5 Figure 4 shows one side of another coupon in accordance with the present invention.
The illustrated coupon side is divided into a first part or zone 10, a second part or zone 11, a third part or zone 12 and a fourth part or zone 13. The cou~,on shown is provided with a scratch and show component disposed in zone 10 and a scratch and show component disposed in zone 12. Thus, the zone 10 coll~lises a hidden 'prize", 10 the prize value being covered by a scratchably removable opaque layer 14 as discussed herein. The prize value may be represented by some indicia or symbol which may entitle a donor to an immerliate gift of a money amount, some sort of article, a price reduction for an article, etc. The zone 12 conlplises a plurality of hidden money amounts 5 covered by opaque layers 6.
The zones 11 and 13 of the coupon shown in Figure 4 comprise respectively an exposed coupon value and an exposed lottery identification.
The coupon as shown in Figure 4 may be used in the manner of the coupon shown 20 in Figure 3, since the coupon of figure 4 has a plurality of hidden money amounts 5.
The incentive to donate is, however, enhanced by the presence of a scratch and show component colllplising a hidden prize and an exposed lottery identification, the latter entitling the coupon holder to participate in some sort of lottery. The prospective donor is entitled to the coupon only on payment of an exposed money amount; once in possession of the coupon the holder may expose the prize by scr~tching away the opaque cove~h~g layer.
Figure 5 shows one side of a further coupon in accordance with the present invention.
The coupon as shown similar to the coupon of Figure 1 in that it has a scratch and show component comprising a hidden money amount and an exposed "coupon value".
The coupon, however, also has an exposed money amount 15 and a 'prize" scratch 10 and show component.
The coupon of Figure 5 may be presented to a prospective donor who could, for example, be asked either i) to pay the uncovered money amount 15, ii) to uncover the hidden money amount and pay the so exposed amount, or ii) to uncover the hidden money amount and pay the lesser of the initially uncovered amount and the newly uncovered money amount.
In any case the added incentive to donate is present in the form of the hidden prize, the value of which the donor may only discover by scr~t~hing away the opaque layer 20 14 after having paid the required donation.
Figure 6 shows one side of an additional coupon in accordance with the present invention. The coupon of figure 6 is similar to the coupon in Figure S except that for the coupon of Figure 6 the "coupon value" is hidden by an opaque layer 9 and there are two hidden money amounts 5 in~te~d of one. The c~upoll of Figure 6 may be used in the same manner as ~ se~ above for Figure S except that the prospective donor may choose between two hidden money amounts and will not know the prize nor the coupon value until after having paid the required donation and scr~tching away the opaque layers 9 and 14.
The coupon shown in Figure 7 is similar to the coupon shown in Figure 3 except that the coupon has two exposed money amounts. The coupon of Figure 7 may be presented to a prospective donor who could, for example, be asked either i) to pay the total of the uncovered money amounts, ii) to uncover a hidden money amount and pay that amount, or ii) to uncover a hidden money amount and pay the lesser of the initially uncovered amounts and the newly uncovered money amount.
The coupon shown in Figure 8 is similar to the coupon shown in Figure 6 except that the coupon has two exposed money amounts. The coupon of Figure 8 may be presented to a prospective donor who could, for example, be asked either i) to pay the total of the uncovered money amounts, ii) to uncover the hidden money amount and pay that amount, or ii) to uncover the hidden money amount and pay the lesser of the initially uncovered amounts and the newly uncovered money amount.
For the coupons shown in Figures 1 to 8, any unused surface parts of the support substrate 1 (such as, for example, the o~l,osile surface), may, if desired, be used to 5 display the name of the or~ni~tion for which the money is being raised, the names of sponsors or other types of advertisements, etc..
As shown in figures 1 to 8, the "coupon value" and the scratch and show compol ent(s) are on the same side of the support substrate l; the "coupon value" and the scratch 10 and show component(s) may, however, be on opposite sides of the support subst rate 1.
Thus, Figures 9 and 10 show the opposite sides of a single coupoll in accordance with the present invention. The exposed "coupon value" is shown on one side (Fig. 10) of 15 the support substrate 1 and the scratch and show component colllplising a plurality of hidden money amounts 16, 17 and 18 is shown on the opposite side (Fig. 9) of the support substrate 1.
Figure 9 also illustrates that the boundary (if present) around (hidden or exposed) 20 money amounts need not be a circle but may take on any other shapes as desired; see the hidden money amounts 16, 17 and 18 of Fig. 9. Similarly, differently shaped boundaries may be disposed about the "coupon value" and any "prize" (see Fig. 10).
2 12411~
Figures 11 and 12 are similar to Figures 2 and 6 except that the coupons of Figures 11 and 12 do not have any hidden money amounts and have only one exposed money amount which a donor must pay in order to be given the coupon.
5 The coupons of figures 1 to 12 may be obtained from a block of coupons which co~ lises a plurality of coupon leaves. Each coupon leaf may be provided with perforated (holi~ontal) tear lines defining a plurality of individual coupo~s, a coupon being separated by tearing the coupon away along the tear line. Each coupon leaf may, for example, be tearable into two or more (e.g. three, four, five, six coupons or 10 more) individual coupons. The use of tear lines based on perforations in paper material is a known technique.
The circles, squares, money amounts, coupon values, prize values, etc., may inscribed directly on to a support substrate by any suitable printing technique keeping in mind 15 that they must be sufficiently fixed to the support substrate such that they are not removed when scr~trhing away a removeable covering opaque layer by means of which the coupon value, money amounts, prizes, etc. may be initially hidden from view. The opaque layers may be applied using any suitable (known) technique as mentioned above.
Claims (50)
1. A coupon, for raising money, comprising a scratch and show component, said scratch and show component comprising one or more 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 such that said hidden symbol can be selectively uncovered, said hidden symbols of said scratch and show component comprising symbols of money amounts.
2. A coupon as defined in claim 1 wherein said scratch and show component comprises one hidden symbol.
3. A coupon as defined in claim 1 wherein said scratch and show component comprises a plurality of hidden symbols.
4. A coupon as defined in claim 1 wherein said scratch and show component comprises two hidden symbols.
5. A coupon as defined in claim 1 wherein said scratch and show component comprises one or more exposed symbols and one or more of said hidden symbols, said exposed symbols comprising money amounts.
6. A coupon as defined in claim 1 wherein said scratch and show component comprises one exposed symbol and one hidden symbol, said exposed symbol comprising a money amount.
7. A coupon, for raising money, comprising an exposed coupon value and a scratch and show component, said scratch and show component comprising one or more hidden symbols, each hidden symbol comprising a symbol covered by an opaquelayer, each said hidden symbol being disposed and said respective opaque layer being removeable such that said hidden symbol can be selectively uncovered, said hidden symbols of said scratch and show component comprising symbols of money amounts.
8. A coupon as defined in claim 7 wherein said scratch and show component comprises one hidden symbol.
9. A coupon as defined in claim 7 wherein said scratch and show component comprises a plurality of hidden symbols.
10. A coupon as defined in claim 7 wherein said scratch and show component comprises two hidden symbols.
11. A coupon as defined in claim 7 wherein said scratch and show component comprises one or more exposed symbols and one or more of said hidden symbols, said exposed symbols comprising money amounts.
12. A coupon as defined in claim 7 wherein said scratch and show component comprises one exposed symbol and one hidden symbol, said exposed symbol comprising a money amount.
13. A coupon, for raising money, comprising i) a first scratch and show component, and ii) a second scratch and show component said first scratch and show component comprising a hidden symbol, said hidden symbol comprising a symbol covered by an opaque layer, said hidden symbol being disposed and said respective opaque layer being removeable such that said hidden symbol can be selectively uncovered, said hidden symbol of said first scratch and show component identifying a prize, said second scratch and show component comprising one or more 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 such that said hidden symbol can be selectively uncovered, said hidden symbols of said second scratch and show component comprising symbols of money amounts.
14. A coupon as defined in claim 13 wherein said second scratch and show component comprises one hidden symbol.
15. A coupon as defined in claim 13 wherein said second scratch and show component comprises a plurality of hidden symbols.
16. A coupon as defined in claim 13 wherein said second scratch and show component comprises two hidden symbols.
17. A coupon as defined in claim 13 wherein said second scratch and show component comprises one or more exposed symbols and one or more of said hidden symbols, said exposed symbol comprising money amounts.
18. A coupon as defined in claim 13 wherein said scratch and show component comprises one exposed symbol and one hidden symbol, said exposed symbol comprising a money amount.
19. A coupon, for raising money, comprising i) an exposed coupon value, ii) a first scratch and show component, and iii) a second scratch and show component said first scratch and show component comprising a hidden symbol, said hidden symbol comprising a symbol covered by an opaque layer, said hidden symbol being disposed and said respective opaque layer being removeable such that said hidden symbol can be selectively uncovered, said hidden symbol of said first scratch and show component identifying a prize, said second scratch and show component comprising one or more 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 such that said hidden symbol can be selectively uncovered, said hidden symbols of said second scratch and show component comprising symbols of money amounts.
20. A coupon as defined in claim 19 wherein said second scratch and show component comprises one hidden symbol.
21. A coupon as defined in claim 19 wherein said second scratch and show component comprises a plurality of hidden symbols.
22. A coupon as defined in claim 19 wherein said second scratch and show component comprises two hidden symbols.
23. A coupon as defined in claim 19 wherein said second scratch and show component comprises an exposed symbol and one or more of said hidden symbols, said exposed symbol comprising a money amount.
24. A coupon as defined in claim 19 wherein said scratch and show component comprises one exposed symbol and one hidden symbol, said exposed symbol comprising a money amount.
25. A coupon, for raising money, comprising i) a first scratch and show component, and ii) a money amount component said first scratch and show component comprising a hidden symbol, said hidden symbol comprising a symbol covered by an opaque layer, said hidden symbol being disposed and said respective opaque layer being removeable such that said hidden symbol can be selectively uncovered, said hidden symbol of said first scratch and show component identifying a prize, said money amount component identifying an exposed money amount.
26. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 1 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
27. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 2 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
28. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 3 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
29. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 4 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
30. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 5 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
31. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 6 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
32. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 7 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
33. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 8 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
34. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 9 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
35. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 10 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
36. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 11 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
37. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 12 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
38. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 13 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
39. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 14 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
40. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 15 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
41. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 16 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
42. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 17 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
43. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 18 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
44. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 19 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
45. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 20 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
46. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 21 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
47. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 22 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
48. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 23 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
49. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 24 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
50. The use of a coupon as defined in claim 25 for raising money for a non-profit organization.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2124110 CA2124110A1 (en) | 1994-05-20 | 1994-05-20 | Fund raising coupon |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2124110 CA2124110A1 (en) | 1994-05-20 | 1994-05-20 | Fund raising coupon |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2124110A1 true CA2124110A1 (en) | 1995-11-21 |
Family
ID=4153651
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2124110 Abandoned CA2124110A1 (en) | 1994-05-20 | 1994-05-20 | Fund raising coupon |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2124110A1 (en) |
-
1994
- 1994-05-20 CA CA 2124110 patent/CA2124110A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |