JP2007506573A - Mailable card - Google Patents

Abstract

  The mailable card (1) has a substantially rectangular first panel having a pair of side end portions (10, 15) and a pair of end portions (20, 25) extending between the side end portions (10, 15). (5) is included. The first panel (5) further has a main surface (30) for storing an image or text and a main back surface (35). The second panel (40) is combined with the first panel (5) to provide a pocket (50) for accommodating a relatively flat object (52), so that a first part (which can be secured to the first panel (5) ( 45). The second part (55) can be secured to the back surface (35) to connect to the first part (45) and close the pocket (50). The fixing means (60) is operated by the user to fix the second part (55) to the back surface (35) and close the pocket (50), and the opening means (65) is used to place the object (52) in the pocket ( 50) operated by the user so that it can be removed from.

Description

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

  Taking ordinary postcards as an example only, when a traveler visits a destination of interest, he usually buys a postcard that displays a special destination. The postcard is then sent to family and friends to provide a snapshot of the travel destination you are experiencing.

  A picture postcard is usually made up of a sheet of hard paper with an address and text on one side and a photo of the travel destination on the other side.

  The disadvantage of normal postcards is that it only provides the recipient with a static view of the travel destination. Some postcards may include a brief description of the destination, but only very limited information about the travel destination is communicated.

  It is also already known to bind a number of postcards together to form a foldable booklet showing a number of different photographs to provide the recipient with further details of the travel destination. The disadvantages of these booklets are that they still cannot provide enough information about the travel destination, they are not interactive (interactive), and the booklet is not suitable for mailing at the lowest cost. is there.

  A similar problem arises with the increase in the use of postcard-style cards distributed at shops, theaters, restaurants, and direct mail postcards in advertisements. These types of mailable cards can be mailed at minimal cost, but cannot provide sufficient information.

(Object of invention)
The object of the present invention is to overcome or ameliorate the drawbacks of the prior art or at least provide a useful alternative.

(Summary of the Invention)
First disclosed herein is a mailable card,
A first panel having a substantially rectangular shape having a pair of side end portions and a pair of end portions extending between the side end portions, and further including a main surface for storing an image or a text and a main back surface; ,
A first portion that can be fixed to the first panel so as to provide a pocket for storing a relatively flat information (data) storage medium in combination with the first panel, and the first portion that is connected to the first portion and that closes the pocket. A second panel including a second portion that can be secured to the back surface;
Fixing means operated by a user to fix the second part to the back surface so as to close the pocket;
Opening means operated by a user so that the object can be removed from the pocket;
Means for resealing the pocket so that the card can be re-mailed;
It is a card containing.

  Preferably, the card is formed of a single card material folded at a boundary line parallel to the end portion and defining the boundary between the first and second panels.

  Preferably, the first panel includes first and second folded portions that can be folded at the side end portions and are adjacent to the second panel.

  Preferably, the first portion of the second panel can be fixed to the folded portion so as to close a pocket.

Preferably, it includes a lip for receiving the folded member to reseal the pocket so that the card is not re-mailed.
Preferably, the securing means includes an elongated region of adhesive along the end of the second portion.

Preferably, the opening means comprises a separable panel delimited by a perforation line.
Preferably, the separable panel provides an opening in the second panel, and when the first panel is secured to the second panel, operation of the separable panel by a user may cause the object from the pocket. Enables removal.
Preferably, the second panel includes a folded member.

  Preferably, the folding member in use is movable between a closed position substantially parallel to the surface of the panel and an open position substantially perpendicular to the surface of the panel.

  Preferably, the folding member forms a stand for the card when in the open position.

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

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In the accompanying drawings, in particular FIGS. 1 to 4, a substantially rectangular first panel 5 having a pair of side ends 10, 15 and a pair of end portions 20, 25 extending between the side ends 10, 15. A postal card 1 such as a postcard (postcard), a direct mail postcard, etc. is schematically depicted. The first panel 5 has, for example, a main surface 30 for storing an image or text, such as an image or text of a travel destination in a picture postcard, and a main back surface 35 for storing an image or text together with a mailing address column. . The second panel 40 is superimposed on the back surface 35 of the first panel 5, and in combination with the first panel 5, a first portion secured to the back surface 35 to provide a pocket 50 that houses a relatively flat object 52. 45. The object 52 is an information storage device such as a disk or a CD-ROM. The second portion 55 is attached to or connected to the first portion 45 and is fixed to the back surface 35 to close the pocket 50. The fixing means 60 is operated by the user to fix the second portion 55 to the back surface 35 and close the pocket 50. The opening means 65 is operated by the user in order to take out the object 52 from the pocket 50.

  In a preferred form, the postcard 1 is made from a piece of card material that is folded at a boundary 70 that is parallel to the terminations 20, 25 and delimits the first and second panels 5, 40. I will do it. As best understood in FIGS. 1 to 4, the second panel 40 is approximately half the size of the first panel 5. However, any ratio can be used. The second panel 40 is preferably fixed to the back surface 35 of the first panel 5 with glue or other suitable material while the second portion 55 is not initially fixed. Fixing means 60 in the form of an elongated region of adhesive is disposed around the end of the second portion 55 and is made functional by the user when enclosing the object 52 in the pocket 50. The separable part or opening means 65 is bounded by perforations in the preferred form.

  The unsealing means 65 includes an oblique (diagonal) zip lock seal that can be easily broken so that it can easily reach the object 52 in the pocket 50 without damaging the postcard 1. The user simply opens the diagonal cut at the right end of the second panel 40 by simply pulling on one end of the zip lock. Alternative opening means are also available. A flap member 75 is disposed within the second member 55 and can move between a closed position and an open position in use (see, eg, FIGS. 4, 7, 11, or 16). The card 1 is provided with a stand (card stand). This wrap 75 folds back to form a triangular fold (FIGS. 4, 7, and 11), helps to remove the object 52 from the pocket 50, and allows the stand 75 to display the card. The stand 75 tilts the postcard slightly backward so that the front side of the card faces slightly upward so that it can be seen from a horizontal surface such as a furnace shelf (mantelpiece). Another stand is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 17, a further embodiment is disclosed, in which the first panel 5 can be folded at the side edges 10, 15 and adjacent to the second panel 40, first and second folds ( (Flap) portions 6 and 7. The first portion 45 and / or the second portion 55 of the second panel 40 can be fixed to the folded portions 6 and 7. One of the folds 7 includes a lip 8 that can be used to re-fix the fold member 75 when the opening means 65 has been used.

  In use, the user obtains the card 1 with the second portion 55 of the second panel 40 not fixed and the pocket 50 opened. An object 52 that is an information storage device, such as a mini-compact disc, mini-digital video disc, or CD-ROM will be purchased. The user will view the object 52 containing information about the travel destination, company profile, advertisements, etc. and will insert the object 52 into the pocket 50 when finished. Next, the pocket 50 is closed using the fixing means 60, and the second portion 55 will be fixed to the back surface 35 of the first panel 5. The object 52 is now securely held in the card 1. Next, the card 1 is mailed to the recipient, and the recipient separates the separating means 65, takes out the object 52, and looks at the contents of the object 52. The stand 75 can then be opened and the card 1 can be placed on the furnace shelf, disk, etc. for display. If the card 1 is stored and placed, the lip 8 can be used to re-fasten the folding member 75.

  The advantage of the present invention is that it is the simplest, most efficient and cost-effective way to deliver a significant amount of information about a particular topic to the recipient while allowing CD / DVD etc. to be mailed within the "minimum postage" limit. It is the point that it is a small envelope for mail or the card | curd 1 which is a means with a big effect. Usually, the minimum postage is for postcards. For example, using a sheet-fed printing method, a single card / paper can be cut and multiple mail envelopes (e.g., printed on 8 or more sheets), with considerable time, cost, and waste. It can be formed while saving.

  In a preferred form, the present invention is designed to be used with a small (80 mm) CD-ROM containing information such as video regarding image, graphics or document information printed on the surface 30 of the card 1. . In effect, Card 1 fulfills the purpose of providing many other information while maintaining the look and feel of traditional postcards and greeting cards (cards), and CD- New forms of digital media, such as those contained in ROM, can be used. The sender of such a product can send a digital medium of 180 Mb or more together with the card itself. This is advantageous when sending advertising materials to a large number of people.

  Furthermore, to the best of the applicant's knowledge, a design that allows mailing of CDs / DVDs, etc. within the range of the “minimum postage” factors (parameters) while maintaining the aesthetics and functionality of ordinary postcards. It does not exist at this time. The card surface 30 can display a panoramic photo, text, or design on the front surface 30, and the user can write the message and postage details on the back surface 35 and put the CD / DVD or equivalent in the pocket 50. Can be fixed. The pocket 50 securely holds the object 52 in the middle of mailing, prevents any rewriting (tampering, opening) of the object 52, and is flexible enough to preview the object 52 (preview) before posting. It should be easy to open so that the object 52 can be easily removed by the recipient without damaging the described area, and some kind of postcard 1 so that it can be displayed on a furnace shelf or work desk like a picture or picture A stand 75 is preferably provided.

  In an alternative embodiment, card 1 uses card paper that is slightly wider than a standard picture postcard. About 1/3 of the paper is folded and overlapped, and then the top and bottom folded portions are glued to form the pocket 50. Then, the remaining cuts (slits) need to be activated by “licking”, “peeling the seal”, etc., or removing the backing strip (backing strip) before closing, etc. It is glued with some kind of glue.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may take many other forms. For example, FIGS. 5 to 16 show another folding arrangement of cards. 5 to 11, the first and second portions 45, 55 of the second panel are not initially attached. The card 1 is folded twice instead of once, and the separating means 65 extends in the longitudinal direction across the second portion 55. 12 to 16, the card 1 is folded twice instead of once, but no separation means is provided. The first and second portions 45 and 55 are folded over and fixed to the first panel 5 to form a pocket 50. The second portion 55 includes a notch (slit) 76 for holding the object 52. The stand 75 is made by expanding (opening) the first and second portions 45 and 55 halfway.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the mailable card material according to the first embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state. FIG. 2 is a rear view of FIG. FIG. 3 is FIG. 2 in a folded configuration. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of FIG. 3 with the stand in the open position. FIG. 5 is a front view of a card material according to another embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state. FIG. 6 is a rear view of FIG. 5 in a folded configuration. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of FIG. 6 with the stand in the open position. FIG. 8 is a front view of a card material according to another embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state. FIG. 9 is a rear view of FIG. 8 with the sealing portion opened in the folded configuration. FIG. 10 is a rear view of FIG. 8 with the seal closed in the folded configuration. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of FIG. 8 with the stand in the open position. FIG. 12 is a front view of a card material according to another embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state. FIG. 13 is a rear view of FIG. FIG. 14 is FIG. 13 in a partially folded arrangement. FIG. 15 is FIG. 13 in a fully folded configuration. 16 is a perspective view of FIG. 15 with the stand in the open position. FIG. 17 is a front view of a mailable card material according to another embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state.

Claims (21)

A mailable card,
A first panel having a substantially rectangular shape having a pair of side end portions and a pair of end portions extending between the side end portions, and further including a main surface for storing an image or a text and a main back surface; ,
A first part that can be fixed to the first panel so as to provide a pocket for storing a relatively flat object in combination with the first panel, and a back part that is connected to the first part and closes the pocket. A second panel including a second portion;
Fixing means operated by a user to fix the second part to the back surface so as to close the pocket;
Opening means operated by a user to allow the object to be removed from the pocket;
Including mailable cards.   The mail according to claim 1, wherein the card is formed of a single card material folded at a boundary line parallel to the terminal end and delimiting the first and second panels. Possible card.   The mailable card according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first panel includes first and second folded portions that can be folded at the side end and are adjacent to the second panel.   The mailable card of claim 3, wherein the first portion of the second panel can be secured to the folded portion to close a pocket.   A mailable card according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the securing means comprises an elongated region of adhesive along the end of the second portion.   The mailable card according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the opening means includes a separable panel delimited by a perforation line. A mailable card,
First and second panels that can be secured together and delimit pockets for holding objects;
Fixing means for fixing the first panel to the second panel;
A separable part providing an opening in the second panel, wherein when the first panel is fixed to the second panel, an operation of the separable part by a user removes the object from the pocket. A separable part that allows,
With mailable card.   The mailable card according to claim 7, wherein the first panel includes first and second folded portions that can be folded at the side end and are adjacent to the second panel.   The mailable card of claim 7 or 8, wherein the second panel includes a first portion and a second portion.   The mailable card of claim 9, wherein the first portion of the second panel can be secured to the folded portion to close a pocket.   The mailable card of claim 9, wherein the first portion is secured to the first panel before the object is inserted into the pocket.   The mailable card of claim 9, wherein the second portion is secured to the first panel by a user after an object is inserted into the pocket.   14. A mailable card according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the securing means includes an elongated region of adhesive along the end of the second portion.   14. A mailable card according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the separable portion is delimited by a perforation line.   The mailable card according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the second panel includes a folding member.   The mailing of claim 15, wherein the folding member in use is movable between a closed position substantially parallel to the surface of the panel and an open position substantially perpendicular to the surface of the panel. Possible card.   The mailable card of claim 16, wherein the folding member forms a stand for the card when in the open position.   The mailable card according to any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the first and second panels are formed of a single card material.   The mailable card according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein one of the folded portions includes a lip for storing the folded member in order to reseal the pocket.   The mailable card according to any one of claims 7 to 18, wherein the object is an information storage device.   21. A mailable card according to claim 20, wherein the information storage device is a mini-compact disc, a mini-digital video disc, or a CD-ROM.

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