GB2417709A

GB2417709A - Document such as a greetings card having an integral fluid container.

Info

Publication number: GB2417709A
Application number: GB0419537A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Adam Martin; Benjamin Gordon Martin
Original assignee: BENIS Ltd
Current assignee: BENIS Ltd
Priority date: 2004-09-02
Filing date: 2004-09-02
Publication date: 2006-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2024-09-02
Also published as: GB2417709B; GB0419537D0

Abstract

The greetings card, promotional card, post card, novelty card, gift card has container compartment 108 containing a flowable material. This may be a liquid, such as an alcoholic beverage, perfume, scented fluid or gas, or particulate material such as granules, powder or cream or suspension, lotion or ointment, bath salts or spices. Container 108 comprises two panels of impermeable flexible transparent or translucent membrane, sealed around the edges. It lies parallel to a panel 103 of wing 102 of the card, and may lie between panel 103 and flap 105. It may extend across both wings of the card (figure 4); each wing may have one or more containers (figures 5,6). It can be drained through outlet 111, opened by tearing along a line of weakness. This may be shaped for placing to a person's mouth. The container is visible through aperture 110; absorbent material 109 absorbs any leakage. The container may contain an object which floats in the liquid contents (figure 3).

Description

24 1 7709

DOCUMENT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to documents.

Backaround to the Invention

Conventional greetings cards are well known in the art and typically consist of a flat sheet of card folded over into two or more "wings" so that in use, the card can be stood upright for display.

The inventors have realised a need and opportunity for a document which has an integral fluid container, which can contain fluids and liquids, including for example drinks, perfumes, skin care products, or any consumer products or liquid novelty items which may be delivered in relatively small volumes by way of a mail service.

In the field of advertising and promotions products, it is known to provide a package for a sample of liquid such as perfume or the like comprising a sachet, which is displayed through a window in a flat sheet of card. Typically the sachet 2 0 is made from two layers of material with their facing surfaces joined by welding, to form a cavity for the liquid. Such packages are convenient for insertion into magazines, and may carry publicity matter in addition to the sample liquid. An example of such a liquid package is provided in French patent FR2843371.

2 5 Summary of the Invention

One object of the embodiment according to the present invention is to provide a document having provision for containing a flowable material such as a fluid, a liquid, a particulate material such as granules or a powder or the like, or a suspension, which document is durable enough to be delivered through normal o surface mail or airmail delivery services without leakage of the flowable material.

Another object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a document having a flowable material carrying capability, by a manufacturing process and using manufactured materials which are of low enough cost to enable mass market penetration into the greetings card market.

Another object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a document having a container compartment for a flowable material, which is relatively easily openable by a recipient of the card, in order to remove the flowable material form the container compartment without spillage or loss of the flowable material.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a document configured for providing a message to a recipient, said document comprising: a first wing formed of a sheet material; a container compartment for containing a flowable material, said compartment extending substantially parallel to said first wing.

The document may comprise a promotional card; greetings card; post card; novelty card; or a gift card.

Preferably, said container compartment is formed from first and second s sheets of fluid impermeable material, placed next to each other and sealed around a common edge, forming a cavity there between and capable of containing a fluid within said cavity.

Said container compartment may comprise a flexible substantially 3 o transparent plastics material.

Said container compartment may be shaped such that an extremity of said container compartment forms an outlet; and said outlet is positioned adjacent a corner of said first and/or second wing, such that when said corner is removed, said extremity of said container compartment is opened, thereby allowing access to a flowable material contained within said container compartment.

Said outlet may be positioned at an upper corner of said document such that when said document is stood upright in use, said outlet is positioned above a flowable material such as a fluid, contained within said container compartment.

Said document may comprise an absorbent strip positioned adjacent to said container compartment.

Said fluid compartment may extend along said first wing and said second wing.

Said second wing may comprise a single sheet of material formed into a panel region, and into a foldable flap, said flap being connected to said first panel by a fold, such that said flap is foldable back onto said panel, such that said So container compartment is contained between said panel and said flap, said flap being attached to said panel by means of adhesive, so that said container compartment is sandwiched between said panel and said flap.

Preferably, said container compartment is viewable through an aperture in said first and/or second wings.

A said wing may comprise a weakened seam, configured for being tearable by a human hand, the arrangement being that tearing of the weakened seam causes opening of the container compartment and allowing outlet of the material 3 0 contained therein.

Said first and/or second wing may comprise and/or be formed of an absorbent material.

Said container compartment may be formed within a said first and/or second wing.

Preferably, said container compartment comprises first and second panels of a substantially flat fluid impermeable flexible membrane, having a cavity there between for containing a fluid.

The document may further comprise an envelope for containing said document; and a sheet of absorbing material of a size of shape suitable for placing in the envelope with said document.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a greetings card comprising: a first wing comprising a first panel of sheet material; a second wing comprising a second panel of sheet material; and a fluid compartment, said fluid compartment constructed of first and second panels of fluid impermeable material, said first and second panels being sealed around a do peripheral edge for containing fluid therein; and a sheet of fluid absorbent material, wherein said fluid compartment is sealed within a said first and/or second wing(s), and is viewable through an aperture in said first and/or second wing(s) so that a fluid contained within said fluid compartment can be viewed.

Other aspects are as recited in the claims herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, o specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 illustrates schematically a first document according to a first specific embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 illustrates schematically in partial cut-away view from above, part of the first document of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 illustrates schematically a second document according to a second specific embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 illustrates schematically a third document according to a third specific embodiment of the present invention; Fig 5 illustrates schematically a fourth document according to a fourth specific embodiment of the present invention having first and second fluid compartments, one on each wing of the document; and Fig 6 illustrates schematically a fifth document having a plurality of container compartments on each of a pair of wings of the document.

2 o Detailed Descrintion There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be :s practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description.

Problems which need to be overcome in order to provide a mail deliverable 3 o document having a container containing compartment include: The document needs to be engineered and designed so that it is durable and impact resistant, so that the fluid does not leak during transit, ruining the card, its envelope, and to avoid damaging any other mail with which it may be being transported.

The weight of the card needs to be within a weight band which does not make the card excessively expensive to post, in order to achieve mass market penetration in the greetings card market.

The flowable material must be relatively easily and quickly accessible by a recipient, without the need for special tools, and without spillage.

The materials of the card must be low cost not contaminate the flowable material and be readily available in order to keep the cost of the card low enough to achieve mass market penetration.

The card ideally would comply with regulations for inland and international mail services including airmail.

In this specification, the term "document" is used generically to refer to a physical document, the purpose of which is to provide a message to a receipient.

The type of message received can be wide ranging and may include images printed on the document, text or characters printed on the document or attached 2 o to the document or contained within the document; or any other visual information which is presentable in physical form and viewable by the human eye.

Documents may include, but are not limited to the following: promotional cards; greetings cards; post cards; novelty cards; gift cards.

2 5 In this specification, the term "greetings card" is used to refer to a document, the primary purpose of which is to provide a greeting to a recipient, However, the term "greetings card" is not limited to a document manufactured from a card material, but includes a document manufactured from any type of rigid sheet material including but not limited to materials such as: sheet plastics; o paper; or a thin board e. g. wooden board, plastics board, expanded foam boards, or the like, the aforesaid being merely examples of such sheet materials.

Referring to Fig. 1 herein, there is illustrated schematically a first document in the form of a first greetings card according to a first specific embodiment of the present invention. The first greetings card comprises a first wing 100 comprising a first panel 101 of substantially flat sheet material, such as card or the like; a second wing 102 comprising a second panel 103 which, ideally, but not necessarily, is formed from the same sheet of material as the first wing 100, and is hingedly attached to the first wing by an elongate fold 104 between the first wing and the second wing the fold being a fold in the sheet material at a first To edge of the second panel; the second wing 102 continuing, at a second edge opposite the first edge attached to the first wing 100, with a flap 105, the flap comprising a third panel and being formed ideally of the same sheet of material as used for the first and second wings; the flap being hingedly attached to the second wing by a second fold 107 being a second fold in the sheet material, between the second and third panels, and being folded back to adhere to or be otherwise fixed to the second panel 103; provided between the second panel and the flap 105, a container compartment 108 for containing a flowable material, for example a liquid such as an alcoholic beverage, a perfume, a scented fluid or a gas or the like, or a particulate material such as granules, or a powder, or a go cream like or suspension material, such as a lotion or ointment or the like, and optionally, an absorbent material strip 109, positioned adjacent the container compartment, the container compartment and absorbent strip being sandwiched between the second panel 103, and the fold back flap 105 of the second wing.

: The container compartment 108 may extend along either the first wing, the second wing, or may extend along both wings of the greetings card.

The container compartment preferably comprises first and second panels of a substantially flat fluid impermeable flexible membrane material, placed next to So each other and sealed around a common edge, and having a cavity there between for containing fluid.

ln the best mode, the container compartment is viewable externally by a user or a recipient of a card via a cut-out aperture 110 in the first and/or second wings of the greetings card, so that the container compartment may be provided integral with the first and/or second wing of the greetings card.

The absorbent material strip 109 is ideally positioned adjacent to the container compartment, so that if there is any leakage of the container compartment in transit, the absorbent strip will absorb such leakage. Preferably the absorbent material strip is of a size, shape and absorbing capacity such as to JO absorb a major part or all of the fluid content of the container compartment and the greetings card may be designed such that the fluid capacity of the container compartment is such that most or all of the fluid is absorbed by the absorbent material.

s In other embodiments, the sheet material of the first and/or second wings may be made from an absorbent material, that is, the sheet material itself may be capable of absorbing fluid of a type contained within the container compartment.

The first and/or second wings may be printed with a greetings message, o photograph, art work or the like, and in the best mode, are provided with a space whereby the sender of the greetings card can sign the card and add a personal message using a writing instrument.

Types of fluids which may be contained within the container compartment, include any type of fluid which is suitable for containment and delivery in a hand holdable package of postal envelope or letter size. Examples of such fluids include: - drinks such as alcoholic drinks or non-alcoholic drinks; personal hygiene products, for example shampoo, bubble-bath, body creams and body washes, liquid, soaps, or the like; or perfumes or after shaves in liquid form.

The second wing 102 optionally comprises a cutout aperture 110 through which the container compartment 108 can be viewed.

The container compartment 108 preferably comprises a flexible transparent or translucent material, for example a plastics film material, enabling a user to view a contents of the container compartment.

The container compartment can be drained by means of openable outlet 111. In the best mode, the openable outlet may be provided at an extremity of the greetings card, for example at one corner of the greetings card. In the first embodiment, the outlet is provided in an upper corner of the greetings card. By providing the openable outlet at an upper corner of the greetings card, after opening the outlet, the card may be placed in a normal upright position, such that the outlet is situated at a height below a fluid contents of the container compartment, thereby allowing the card to be placed in an "opened" condition on a surface, without leakage of the fluid from the container compartment.

By placing the opening at an extremity of the card, this allows a user (i) easy access to the outlet, for example in order to open the outlet by cutting with scissors, or by tearing across a corner of the card thereby tearing across the outlet, and (ii) providing a convenient outlet of a size and shape suitable for placing to a persons' mouth, so as to drain the fluid contents without spillage. In draining the fluid contents directly to a persons' mouth, the person may squeeze the container compartment 105 in order to urge fluid from the container compartment, into the persons mouth.

3 0 Alternatively, the contents of the container compartment may be poured into a cup, a glass or other drinking receptible.

At a position of the openable outlet, the second wing is provided with a weakened seam, allowing a corner of the wing to be torn-off, thereby opening the openable outlet by tearing across the corner of the wing.

Referring to Fig. 2 herein, there is illustrated schematically in partial cutaway view from above of, a lower portion of the first document of Fig. 1 herein.

There is shown in cut-away view from above in Fig 2, the first wing 100, the second wing 102, and the flap portion 105 of the second wing. The flap portion To 105 folds back onto an interior side of the second panel 103, enclosing there between the container compartment 108 and the strip 109 of absorbent material.

The fold back flap 105 may be adhered to the interior surface of the second panel 103 by means of a proprietary adhesive, so that in use, when folded flat, the entire greetings card comprises a substantially flat card, where the first and second wings lay substantially parallel to each other.

Referring to Fig. 3 herein, there is illustrated schematically in perspective view a second document in the form of a second specific embodiment greetings card according to the present invention. The second specific embodiment is go substantially similar to the first specific embodiment, but in this case, provided within the container compartment is a novelty item, in this case, a sailing ship formed from a plastics material which floats upon the fluid 300 within the container compartment 301.

ssReferring to Fig. 4 herein, there is illustrated schematically a third document in the form of a third greetings card according to a third specific embodiment of the present invention. In the third greetings card, the container compartment extends across both first and second wings 400, 401 respectively, and is foldable at a point where the first and second wings are joined to each other.

In use, the greetings card may be deliverable within a conventional paper envelope of a size and shape suitable for containing the greetings card.

Optionally, instead of providing an absorbent sheet material comprising the greetings card itself, an additional sheet of absorbent material may be placed in the envelope with a greetings card. Optionally, irrespective of whether the greetings card contains an absorbent material or not, one or more separate absorbent sheet materials may be placed within the envelope in order to absorb any leakage in the event of rupture or perforation of the container compartment and leakage of fluid.

Referring to fig 5 herein, there is illustrated schematically in perspective To view a fourth document according to a fourth specific embodiment of the present invention. The fourth document comprises a first wing member 500 comprising a first outer panel 501 of substantially flat sheet material such as card or the like; a second wing member 502, constructed from the same substantially flat sheet material; the first and second wings further comprising an inner, second panel, which extends substantially parallel to the first panel and is formed from a sheet material (which may be the same sheet of material as the first panel, or a different sheet material); a first container component 504 which is sandwiched between the first and second panels in the first wing; a second container compartment 505 which is sandwiched between the first and second panels of o the second wing.

Referring to fig 6 herein, there is illustrated schematically a fifth document according to a fifth specific embodiment of the present invention. The fifth document comprises a first wing member 600 comprising an outer panel 601 of a :s sheet material; an inner panel 602 of a sheet material (which may be the same sheet material as the first panel, or which may be a different sheet material); a second wing 603 comprising the first panel 601 and the second panel 602 joined substantially parallel to each other; the first and second wings being joined together by a fold 605 in the first and second panels; first and second container So compartments 604, 605 which are sandwiched between the first and second panels in the first wing; third and fourth container compartments 606, 607 which are sandwiched between the first and second panels of the second wing 603.

Each container panel comprises two sheets of membrane, sealed around a common periphery.

In the fourth and fifth embodiments described herein, the container compartments are viewed through apertures in the panels of the wings.

However, in a modification to these embodiments, either the inner or outer panel may be continuous, so that the container compartment may be viewable from only one side of the wing, either an outer side or an inner side. In yet further JO embodiments, the container compartments may be contained completely within the wing so that the fluid cannot be viewed from outside the document.

In any of the embodiments above, the fluid material may be replaced by a flowable material, such as for example a particulate material, or a viscous fluid, l for example cream, paste, a suspension of particulate material within a fluid or the like. The particulate material may be granular, and may be a substance such as bath salts or spices, and may be granular or powdery. In all cases, some degree of flowability is required in order to remove the flowable material from the container compartment. For example, the flowable material may be removed To from the container compartment by cutting off one corner of the container compartment, and squeezing the membrane sides of the container compartment in order to urge the flowable material towards the opened corner.

In yet a further embodiment, an envelope may be provided of a liquid s impermeable material, such that if there is any leakage of the fluid from the container compartment of the greetings card within the envelope, provided the skin of the envelope is not perforated itself, then any fluid may be contained within the envelope without leakage.

So In any of the above embodiments, there may be provided an absorbent material adjacent a material container compartment, positioned so as to absorb any material leaking from the compartment. However, this feature is optional, and in any of the embodiments above may be omitted.

Claims

Claims: 1. A document configured for providing a message to a recipient,

said document comprising: a first wing formed of a sheet material; a container compartment for containing a flowable material, said compartment extending substantially parallel to said first wing.

To
2. The documents as claimed in claim 1, selected from: a greetings card; a promotional card; a post card; a novelty card; a gift card.
3. The document as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container compartment is formed from first and second sheets of fluid impermeable material, placed next to each other and sealed around a common edge, forming a cavity there between and capable of containing a fluid within said cavity.
4. The document as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container compartment comprises a flexible substantially 2 o transparent plastics material.
5. The document as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container compartment is shaped such that an extremity of said container compartment forms an outlet; and said outlet is positioned adjacent a corner of said first wing, such that when said corner is removed, said extremity of said container compartment is opened, thereby allowing access to a flowable material contained within said container compartment.
6. The document as claimed in claim 5, wherein said outlet is positioned at an upper corner of said document such that when said document is stood upright in use, said outlet is positioned above a flowable material contained within said container compartment.
7. The document as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a fluid-absorbent strip positioned adjacent to said container compartment.
8. The document as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second wing attached to said first wing.
9. The document as claimed in claim 8, wherein said container compartment extends along said first wing and said second wing.
10. The document as claimed in claim 8, wherein said second wing comprises a single sheet of material formed into a panel region, and into a foldable flap, said flap being connected to said first panel by a fold, such that said flap is foldable back onto said panel, such that said container compartment is contained between said panel and said flap, said flap being attached to said panel by means of adhesive, so that said container compartment is sandwiched 2 0 between said panel and said flap.
11. The document as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container compartment is viewable through an aperture in a said wing.
12. The document as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a said wing comprises a weakened seam, configured for being tearable by a human hand, the arrangement being that tearing of the weakened seam causes opening of the container compartment and allowing outlet of the flowable 3 0 material contained therein.
13. The document as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a said wing is formed of a fluid absorbent material.
14. The document as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container compartment is formed within a said first and/or second wing.
15. The document as claimed in any one of the preceding claims having a plurality of container compartments in a single said wing.
16. The document as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container compartment comprises first and second panels of a substantially flat fluid impermeable flexible membrane, having a cavity there between for containing fluid.
17. A document as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: an envelope for containing said document; and a sheet of fluid absorbing material of a size of shape suitable for placing in the envelope with said document.
18. A greetings card comprising: a first wing comprising a first panel of sheet material; a second wing comprising a second panel of sheet material; so a fluid compartment, said fluid compartment constructed of said first and second panels of fluid impermeable material, said first and second panels being sealed around a peripheral edge for containing fluid therein; and a sheet of fluid absorbent material, wherein said fluid compartment is sealed within a said first and/or second wing, and is viewable through an aperture in said first and/or second wing so that a fluid contained within said fluid compartment can be viewed.