GB2146579A - Postcards - Google Patents

Abstract

A postcard is formed from a sheet-form member 3, for example a card, which is provided with a first layer of adhesive 6. An additional transparent sheet 7 is provided. It is secured along one edge, preferably its upper edge, to the card. It is provided with a second layer of adhesive 9. A protective sheet 8 is located between the two layers of adhesive to keep them separate. In use, a photograph or other articles can be secured and sandwiched between the sheet form member and the transparent sheet. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Postcards This application is a Continuation-in-Part of my earlier U.S. Patent application, Serial No. 532,627 filed September 1983.

This invention relates to a postcard with an adhesive surface for articles, particularly photographs.

At the present time a wide variety of different postcards are known. Ordinary, plain postcards, one side of which is used for a message and the other side of which is used for messages, are used for ordinary communications purposes. For people on vacation and the like, there are a wide variety of different postcards provided with a photograph on one side. The other side of the card is then used for a short message and for the appropriate name and address. Typically, the photograph will show an attractive local scene. Alternatively, a number of small images of local scenes can be provided, and this is particularly suited to larger postcards. Such cards enables someone on vacation to send friends and relatives a picture of the resort or area where they are staying.

However, they only enable a general scenic picture to be sent, whereas friends and relatives would frequently be interested in receiving a photograph of the sender, and where appropriate his family. At the present time, this can only be achieved by sending a letter which is more costly and time consuming.

Also, such cards are inconvenient from the manufacturer's viewpoint, as he has to produce a wide variety of different cards for different locations, and attempt to anticipate the varying demand for each card.

Various proposals have been made for devices for sending photographs through the mail. These devices are typically quite complex, which makes them costly to manufacture and difficult to someone to use. Also, some of the designs do not securely locate and protect the photograph.

In the applicant's earlier U.S. patent application, there is disclosed a postcard to which photographs and other articles can be affixed. An additional sheet is provided with removable panels, which can be selectively removed to permit different sized photographs or other articles to be stuck to the postcard.

Whilst this postcard enables a photograph to be sent through the mail, it does not completely protect the photograph, and the provision of removable panels makes it relatively complex and costly.

According to the present invention, there is provided a postcard comprising a sheet form member, a first layer of adhesive provided on one side of the sheet-form member, a transparent sheet attached to the sheet-form member, a second laye of adhesive on one side of the transparent sheet with the first and second layers of adhesive facing one another, and a first protective sheet between the first and second layers of adhesive to separate them; whereby, in use, the protective sheet is removed and an article is mounted between the sheet-form member and the transparent sheet, and is stuck to the first and second layer of adhesives, to secure and protect the article, exposed portions of the first adhesive layer adhering to corresponding portions of the second adhesive layer.

If desired, the postcard can be provided with a further sheet having removable panels. Then, after removal of appropriate panels, a photograph can be mounted on the first adhesive layer flush with the remainder of the further sheet, and covered and protected by the transparent sheet.

The present invention also encompasses a postcard comprising a sheet-form member, a first layer of adhesive on the sheet form member, a further sheet attached to the sheet-form member by means of the first layer of adhesive and including at least one removable panel; whereby, in use, the or each removable panel can be removed, to reveal a portion of the first layer of adhesive to which an article can be adhered.

Thus, the postcard of the present invention enables a user to send a card having photographs of himself, family or friends, etc, instead of the usual standard scenic pictures on mass produced postcard. The transparent sheet ensures that the photograph of other articles is retained. It also ensures that a corner of the photograph cannot be snagged, during for example sorting of the mail, thereby detaching the photograph. The provision of adhesive layers on both the transparent sheet and the sheet-form member also ensures that the photograph is securely retained. The provision of the second adhesive layer ensures that the transparent sheet sticks to the photograph, and that there is no loose part of the transparent sheet over the photograph. When the transparent sheet is replaced, any air bubbles that occur can be eliminated by smoothing with the hand.

The provision of a further sheet with removable panels not only provides greater security for the photograph or other article, but it also improves the visual appearance as the transparent sheet can now be entirely flat.

The first layer of adhesive can be any suitable adhesive, which permits removal of a protective sheet, and will retain an article in position. The second layer of adhesive is preferably transparent and has similar adhesive properties to the first layer.

However, the second layer of adhesive could be tinted, and this might even be desirable for some purposes.

Preferably, the protective sheet or carrier adheres more firmlyto the second adhesive layer. In use, the transparent sheet is peeled upwards, together with the protective sheet. The protective sheet, whose two sides contact the first and second layers of adhesive, is formed so as to be readily detachable from the two layers of adhesive. To permit ready separation of the transparent sheet and the sheetform member, the protective sheet preferably has a glossy finish and can be provided with tabs. It can have one tab to ensure that it is lifted up with the transparent sheet, and another tab for removing it from the protective sheet. A photograph is positioned on and stuck to the first layer of adhesive.

Then, the protective sheet is removed and the transparent sheet stuck down onto the photograph and exposed portion of the first layer of adhesive.

The photograph is then securely sandwiched between the sheet-form member and the transparent sheet.

The transparent sheet can be attached to the sheet-form member, along a common edge, by means of an elongate strip wrapped around that edge and secured, as by adhesive, to outer edge portions of the sheet-form member and the transparent sheet. However, it is preferred for the transparent sheet and the sheet-form member to be secured by adhesive along facing edge portions. For this purpose, the release or protective sheet would only extend part of the way across the card, so as not to interfere in this joint between the edge portions of the sheet-form member and the transparent sheet.

Such a construction can provide a postcard that has a cleaner, external appearance.

Where the postcard does include a further sheet with removable panels, one or two release or protective sheets can be provided. In the case of one sheet, instructions for use of the card can be printed on it. In the case of two sheets one is associated with the adhesive layer on the transparent sheet, whilst the other is associated with the adhesive layer on the sheet-form member. They can both be of relatively lightweight material. The instructions can be printed on top of the lower protective sheet on the card, so as to be visible through the other protective sheet.

The protective sheets can have a variety of tabs, to enable them to be removed. For example, the tabs could be semicircular or rectangular strips extending the full width of the card.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, which show embodiments of the present invention and in which: Figure 1 shows a postcard according to the present invention, in an open state; Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the postcard of Figure 1, in a partially open state; Figure 3 shows the postcard of Figures 1 and 2 and a photograph mounted on the postcard, in a similar section to Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a postcard according to a variant of the present invention; Figure Sshows a cross-section along the line 5-5 of Figure 4; Figure 6 shows the same cross-section as Figure 4, with a photograph in place; Figure 7 shows a cross-section through another embodiment of the postcard of the present inven tion;; Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of a post card, in an open state; and Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the postcard of Figure 8, in a partially open state.

In the drawings, the postcard is generally denoted by the reference 1. In Figure 1,8 and 9 the postcard is shown approximately half its full size, whilst in Figure 4 it is shown full size. In Figures 2, 3, 5-7 and 9 for the purposes of clarity, whilst the width of the postcard corresponds respectively to Figures 1,4 and 8, the depth dimension has been enlarged.

The postcard 1 comprises a sheet-form member 3, which can be formed from the usual card used for postcards. It provides the main body of the postcard 1. As shown most clearly in Figures 2 and 3, an additional transparent sheet 7 is attached by a portion of tape 5. The tape 5 forms a hinge and is permanently adhered to the sheet-form member 3 and the transparent sheet 7. As an alternative, the tape 5 can be omitted and the transparent sheet 7 can be provided with an extension strip that is folded around the back of the sheet-form member 3 to secure it to the member 3. A first layer of adhesive 6 is provided on the sheet-form member 3, whilst a second layer of adhesive 9 is provided on the transparent sheet 7. To keep these layers of adhesive separate, a protective or carrier sheet 8 is provided.It is such that it can readily be detached from the adhesive layers 6, 9, and for this purpose can be given a glossy finish. Preferably, the protective sheet 8 adheres more firmly to the second adhesive layer 9. To open the postcard, the transparent layer 9 and protective sheet 8 are peeled upwards, as shown in Figure 2. To ensure that the protective sheet 8 is peeled upwards, it can be provided with tabs.

Although only one tab need be provided, two possible tab locations are indicated at 11 in Figure 1.

Alternatively, the upper tab 11 can be used to open the postcard, and the lower tab 11 can be used for removing the protective sheet 8. In the folded condition, the tab at the lower location 11 will be folded against the main part of the protective sheet 8.

After the postcard has been opened as shown in Figures 1,2, the adhesive layer 6 is revealed. A photograph 22 can be located and stuck on the adhesive layer 6. The protective sheet 8 is removed to reveal the second layer of adhesive 9. Then, the transparent sheet 8 can be replaced, as indicated in Figure 3, and smoothed down onto the sheet form member 3. If any air bubbles are trapped by the transparent sheet 8, these can be removed by smoothing them out at its edges. The second layer of adhesive 9 then contacts the top surface of the photograph 22 and the exposed border of the first adhesive layer 6. The photograph 22, as shown in Figure 3 is then firmly located, secured and protected.

The transparent sheet 7 can be formed of any suitable transparent flexible material, for example an acetate, such as Mylar. The second adhesive layer 9 contains an adhesive which is transparent so that the photograph is not impaired.

As an alternative to a single protective sheet 8, two protective sheets can be provided, one of each of the adhesive layers. Then, one protective sheet would be removed to permit a photograph to be mounted, and the other one would be removed from the transparent sheet 7, prior to replacing it.

The first and second layers of adhesive 6,9 can be considered to be "double-sided", in that they each adhere to two sheets. A wide variety of means could provide the function of the first adhesive layer 6. For example, double-sided adhesive tape, which is adhe sive on both sides, could be used.

Avariant of the postcard is shown in Figures 4,5, and 6. Here, the protective sheet 8 is replaced by a sheet 10, although the protective sheet 8 can be provided for the transparent sheet 7, if required. The sheet 10 is die-cut, and is stuck to the card 3 by the first layer of adhesive 6. Also, the transparent sheet 7 is shown with an extension 7a, including a portion of the second adhesive layer 9, adhered to the top edge of the reverse of the card or sheet-form member 3.

The sheet 10 comprises a border or periphery 12, and within this border 12 four separate panels 14, 16, 18 and 20. The border 12, and the panels 14, 16, 18, and 20 are either completely detached from one another, orthey are joined by partially cut through portions of the sheet 10.

In this embodiment of the invention, the postcard 1 is rectangular and has a width of 6" and a height of 4-1/4". As is described in more detail below, the panels 14, 16, 18 and 20 have dimensions chosen corresponding to standard photograph sizes. Here, the panel 14 is a square of side 3-1/2". The panel 16 is 1/4" wide, whilst the panels 18 and 20 are 314" and 1/2" wide respectively. The panels 14, 16, 18 and 20 are located centrally, so that opposite portions of the border 12 are of the same width.

Additionally, two cuts 28 are provided to separate the border 12 into an upper rectangular portion 24 and a lower generally U-shape portion 26. Further, a cut 30, divides portion 26 into two parts 32 and 34.

Appropriate panels 14, 16, 18, and 20 are removed for photographs having a height of 3-1/2"; and a width of 3- 1/2", 3 -3/4", 4', 4- 1/4", 4- 1/2", 4-3/4" or 5". The top portion 24 is 1/4" deep, whilst the bottom part of portion 26 is 1/2" deep. Consequently, removing all the elements of sheet 10 except portion 24 leaves an area of the adhesive 6 exposed suitable for photographs having a width of 6" and a height of 3-7/8" or similar. The provision of cut 30 enables panels 14, 16 and 18 and 34 to be removed, for photographs of area 5" x 4" Here, before use, the sheet of transparent material 7 (shown in Figures 5 and 6 unhatched) is stuck to the sheet 10 by its second layer of adhesive 9.

To affix a photograph, the transparent layer 7 is again peeled upwards together with its adhesive layer 9. For this purpose, although not shown, a tab can be provided. Then appropriate panels 14, 16, 18 and 20 and appropriate portions 24, 32 and 34 are removed. A photograph is then stuck onto the exposed portion of adhesive 6, so that it is flush with the remainder of the sheet 10. Figure 6, shows a photograph 10 of width 3-1/2" with just the central square panel 14 removed. Then, the transparent sheet7 can be replaced to cover the photograph 22 and remainder of the sheet 10. This arrangement keeps the transparent sheet 7 completely flat and better protects the photograph.

The bottom side 4 of the sheet-form member or card 3 is either blank or in known manner is provided with an inidication of where a message should be written and where a name and address should be inserted.

The top surface 11 of the sheet 10, when present, can be blank, and can be coloured with any uniform colour. Alternatively, the border 12 at least could be provided with some decorative pattern, or information. For example, the top strip of the border 12 could be provided with an indication of where the card is sent from, although this would require the printing of separate cards for separate places.

The panel 14 only need be removed for standard size 126 prints. Instant developing or Polaroid prints have a size of 3-1/2" x 4-1/4". To accommodate such a print or photograph, the panel 14 and panel 18 are both removed. 110 cartridge or disc photographs have a size of 3-1/2" x 4-1/2". To accommodate them, the 3 panels 14, 16 and 18 are removed.

For regular format 35mm prints or photographs, all four panels 14, 18 and 20 are removed, to reveal an area 3-1/2" x 5". This then just leaves the border 12, and the 35mm print or photograph is inserted within the resultant large aperture in the border 12.

The sheet-form member or card 3 is preferably the main body of the postcard 1, so that removal of the panels 14, 16, 18 and 20 does not substantially weaken the postcard 1. The sheet 10 can be relatively thin and formed from paper in known manner. If it is desired to provide additional protection for photographs stuck to the postcard 1, then the sheet 10 can then have a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of ordinary photographs. This should ensure that corners of the photographs can not readily become caught or snagged, causing accidental removal of the photograph. In any event, the adhesive layer 6 should be such as to ensure that a photograph is securely held.

The present invention also encompasses a postcard comprising just the sheet-form member or card 3, the first adhesive layer 6 and the sheet. Here, for use with the photographs, it is desirable that the sheet 10 has a thickness equal to the thickness of standard photographs, as there is no transparent sheet to cover the photograph. The photograph is mounted directly onto the first adhesive layer 6, after removal of appropriate panels 14, 16, 18,20 and where required portions of the border 12. This provides a simple design, which is easier to use, but the photograph is not so well protected.

Figure 7 shows a further variant of the postcard, prior to use. Here, an upper edge portion of the protective sheet or carrier 8 is omitted. This enables respective upper edge portions 6a, 9a, of the adhesive layers 6, 9 to contact each other, and thus secure the transparent sheet 7 to the sheet-form member on card 3. These edge portions can be 1/4" wide. Then, when the two sheets 7 and 8 are lifted, a photograph can be positioned and the protective sheet 8 detached, prior to replacing the transparent sheets 7. If desired, the edge portions of adhesive 6, 9 can be replaced by a strip of another adhesive that bonds the card 3 and transparent sheet 7 together. The transparent sheet 7 could be quite thick, and it may be desirable to provide a positive hinge between the edge portion of it and a main body of it. This can be achieved by perforating the transparent sheet 7 or by forming a strip of reduced thickness.

Referring to Figures 8 and 9, there is shown a further embodiment of the postcard. Here, like parts are given the same references as in the earlier figures.

In addition to the first carrier, or release sheet 8, there is a second release sheet 40. In place of the tabs 11, both release sheets 8 and 40 have rectangulartabs 42, which are approximately 1/4" deep and extend the full width of the card.

As shown at the left-hand side of Figure 9, the two release sheets 8, 40 do not extend the full height or depth of the card, but stop approximately 114" from the top edge. This leaves edge portions of adhesive layers 6, 9 free to contact one another to secure permanently the transparent sheet 7 to the sheetform member or card 3. Additionally there is shown the tape 5 which can be included in this construction, or omitted.

In use, the card is used as described above. First, the second release sheet 40 is removed and a photograph stuck to the layer of adhesive 6. Then the release sheet 42 is removed and the transparent sheet 7 is stuck to the photograph and exposes portions of adhesive layer 6.

For the release sheets 8, 40, a variety of materials could be used. However, it is preferred to use a paper stock of flat, bleached kraft paper, coated with silicone on one side. The silicone coated layer contacts the adhesive and enables the sheet to be removed. Where only one release or protective sheet is provided, it should have a weight of at least 65 Ib/ream, preferably 90 Ib/ream.

The instructions for use of the card can be printed on the release sheets. In the Figures 8 and 9 construction, the instructions could be printed on top of the sheet 40 and the sheet 8 could be thin enough to enable them to be viewed through it when the card is closed. Where there is only one release sheet, the instructions can be printed on its top surface.

The adhesive for the layers 6, 9 should be a Pressure Sensitive Permanent Adhesive.

The postcard 1 can be manufactured in a number of ways. The sheet-form member or card 3 is cut in known manner. The sheet 10 can be cut to form the panels 14,16, 18 and 20, either before or after it is combined with the sheet-form member 3. The sheet 10 is conveniently die-cut.

For the construction of Figures 1,2 and 3, the transparent sheet 7 and card 3 are each conveniently produced with a respective adhesive layer and with its own covering or protective sheet. If two protective sheets are required, then the card and transparent sheet are cut to size and secured together along one edge as required. If only one protective sheet is used, then, one of the protective sheets from the card and transparent sheet stock is discarded. The transparent sheet and card are then stuck together and cut to size.

For the Figures 4, 5 and 6 construction, the first layer of adhesive 6 can be applied to the sheet 10 first, and the sheet 10 bearing the layer of adhesive 6 then stuck to the card 3. Alternatively, the card 3 is first coated with adhesive, and the sheet 10 then placed on the exposed surface of the layer of adhesive 6. The transparent sheet 7, when present, either with or without a separate protective sheet 8, is then secured in position.

Although the described embodiments have first and second adhesive layers 6, 9 completely covering the respective sheets 3, 7, it is possible for each adhesive layer 6, 9 to only partially cover its respective sheet 3, 7. Further, each adhesive layer 6, 9 could comprise two or more separate portions.

Claims (20)

1. A postcard comprising a sheet-form member, a first layer of adhesive provided on one side of the sheet-form member, a transparent sheet attached to the sheet-form member, a second layer of adhesive on one side of the transparent sheet with the first and second layers of adhesive facing one another, and a first protective sheet positioned between the first and second layers of adhesive to separate then; whereby, in use, the protective sheet is removed and an article is mounted between the sheet-form member and the transparent sheet and is stuck to the first and second layer of adhesive, to secure and protect the article, exposed portions of the first adhesive layer adhering to corresponding portions of the second adhesive layer.

2. A postcard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sheet-form member and the transparent sheet have the same shape and size.

3. A postcard as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sheet-form member and the transparent sheet are both rectangular.

4. A postcard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first layer of adhesive is provided only on one or more parts of the sheet-form member, with a part of the one side of the sheet-form member being free of adhesive.

5. A postcard as claimed in claim 1 or 4, wherein the second layer of adhesive is provided only on one or more parts of the transparent sheet with a part of the one side of the transparent sheet being free of adhesive.

6. A postcard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sheet-form member is formed from card.

7. A postcard as claimed in claim 1,wherein the transparent sheet is formed from an acetate.

8. A postcard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first protective sheet is initially adhered to the first adhesive layer, and wherein a second protective sheet is provided and is initially adhered to the second adhesive layer.

9. A postcard as claimed in claim 1, wherein edges of the sheet-form member and the transparent sheet are secured together by an adhesive tape which is wrapped around those edges and stuck to outer edge portions of the other sides of the sheet-form member and the transparent sheet.

10. A postcard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transparent sheet includes an extension strip which is wrapped around the sheet-form member and is secured to an edge region of the other side of the sheet-form member.

11. A postcard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first protective sheet is smaller than the sheet-form member, and edge regions of said one sides of the sheet-form member and transparent sheet are unprotected, which edge regions are bonded together to secure the transparent sheet to the sheet-form member.

12. A postcard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first protective sheet includes an extending, rectangular tab, to facilitate removal of the first, protective sheet.

13. A postcard as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the first, protective sheet is printed with instructions for use of the card.

14. A postcard as claimed in claim 11,which includes a second, protective sheet, and wherein both protective sheets include an extending, rectangular tab to facilitate removal thereof, the first protective sheet protecting the first layer of adhesive and the second protective sheet protecting the second layer of adhesive.

15. A postcard as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first protective sheet has instructions for use of the card printed on its top surface, and wherein the second, protective sheet is sufficiently transparent to enable said instructions to be read therethrough.

16. A postcard as claimed in claim 1, which includes a further sheet attached to the sheet-form member by the first layer of adhesive, which further sheet is cut to define removable panels, with the protective sheet being adhered to the second adhesive layer, whereby, in use, appropriate removable panels are removed to reveal an area of the first adhesive layer to which an article can be stuck, and, after removal of the protective sheet, the transparent sheet, by means of the second adhesive layer, is stuck to a remainder of the further sheet and to the article.

17. A postcard as claimed in claim 16, wherein the further sheet comprises a plurality of removable panels within a border around an edge of the postcard.

18. A postcard as claimed in claim 17, wherein the removable panels comprise a square panel having a side of 3-1/2", a first rectangular panel having dimensionsof3-1/2" x 1/4" adjacent one side of the square panel, a second rectangular panel having dimensions of 3-1/2" x 3/4" adjacent on opposite sides of the square panel, and a third rectangular panel having dimensions of 3-1/2" x 1/2" adjacent the second rectangular panel.

19. A postcard as claimed in claim 18, wherein the postcard is rectangular and has the dimensions 6 a 4-1/4", and wherein the border comprises a top rectangular portion having the dimensions 6" x 1/4", and a U-shaped bottom portion extending around the removable panels and having a width of 1/2", the top rectangular portion and the bottom portion being separated along a line extending along an upper edge of the removable panels and the bottom portion being separated into two parts by a line which is a downward extension of the line between the second and third rectangular portions.

20. A postcard substantially as herein described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.