US3822901A - Hidden message apparatus - Google Patents

Hidden message apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US3822901A
US3822901A US00306236A US30623672A US3822901A US 3822901 A US3822901 A US 3822901A US 00306236 A US00306236 A US 00306236A US 30623672 A US30623672 A US 30623672A US 3822901 A US3822901 A US 3822901A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
message
carrier
disposed
article
manufacture
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00306236A
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English (en)
Inventor
J Seidman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SPOT O GOLD CORP
Original Assignee
SPOT O GOLD CORP
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by SPOT O GOLD CORP filed Critical SPOT O GOLD CORP
Priority to US00306236A priority Critical patent/US3822901A/en
Priority to JP48121868A priority patent/JPS4994419A/ja
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3822901A publication Critical patent/US3822901A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D15/00—Printed matter of special format or style not otherwise provided for
    • B42D15/02—Postcards; Greeting, menu, business or like cards; Letter cards or letter-sheets
    • B42D15/025—Postcards; Greeting, menu, business or like cards; Letter cards or letter-sheets with peel-away layer hiding information
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S283/00—Printed matter
    • Y10S283/901—Concealed data

Definitions

  • a second element having a second message zone and a second message disposed therein.
  • the second message is the same as the first message.
  • Means are provided for releasably coupling the first element to the second element so the content of the first message will be known until the first element is separated from the second element.
  • This invention relates to a hidden message apparatus and more particularly to a hidden message apparatus of the type wherein a message which is the same as the hidden message is displayed so that the Content of the hidden message can be determined.
  • the invention generally relates to a first element having a message thereon and a removable, opaque means overlying the message and covering it.
  • the first element is releasably coupled to a carrier.
  • the carrier has a second message thereon which is the same as the hidden message.
  • the nature of the hidden message can be readily determined.
  • the content of the message can onlybe determined by removing the opaque hiding material.
  • the invention relates to an apparatus having a plurality of first elements which are coupled to a carrier wherein each of the plurality of first elements has a message thereon hidden by removable opaque covering means. Messages which are the same as the hidden messages are disposed on the second element so that the content of each of the hidden messages can be determined.
  • F 1G. 1 is a plan view of an apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a presently preferred form of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view of an envelope with one of the first elements of the present invention attached thereto.
  • F 1G. 1 an apparatus constructed in accordance with a presently preferred form of the invention.
  • the apparatus comprises a plurality of first elements 12.
  • Each of the first elements may be of any convenient shape although, it is presently preferred that they be rectangular.
  • the elements 12 have a surface 14 on which a first message zone 16 is defined.
  • the first message zone may bedefined by embossrnent, colors, an outline, or the like. As illustrated, the message zone may take the configuration of a heart. However, it is conceivable that the shape of the first message zone 16 might be that of a diamond, a triangle, a square, a circle, a star, or any other convenient configuration.
  • the messages may have any desired content. As illustrated, they may comprise simple one word sentiments such as LOVE,” PEACE,” MOTHER or the like. Additionally, other messages such as ARE YOU FREE, CALL ME TONIGHT and the like could be utilized. For the purposes of the invention, the sentiments expressed by the various messages are not important. However, they may be selected to have substantial commercial appeal in connection with the merchandising of the apparatus.
  • Suitable-means 22 is provided for hiding the first message in each of the first message zones 16 so that it is not visible.
  • a suitable hiding means may comprise a plurality of discrete pressure sensitive opaque tape portions wherein each portion covers one of the first message zones 16. Thus, to read one of the first messages 18, the tape portion which covers it is removed.
  • Another hiding means may comprise a metal foil having an adhesive coating on one face thereof.
  • a presently preferred hiding means is a metal foil having a thickness of about 0.0003 to 0.0010 inches.
  • the metal foil may be heat stamped from a paper or plastic backing onto a first message zone 16.
  • Preferably the hiding means has the same configuration as the first message zone 16.
  • Foil or pressure sensitive tape may be readily removed without destroying the message within the first message zone.
  • the metal foil When the metal foil is heat stamped on the message zone, it may be easily erased, thereby revealing the message printed thereunder.
  • the metal foil is particularly advantageous since any unauthorized attempt to erase it will be readily apparent.
  • the first elements 12 are releasably coupled to a carrier 28.
  • Carrier 28 may be a relatively large card or other suitable member having a zone 30 in which illustrations or advertising materials may be printed.
  • carrier 28 is provided with a plurality of apertures 32 in which the first elements 12 are disposed.
  • each of the apertures 32 has the same configuration and is substantially the same size as the first element 12 which is to be disposed therein.
  • Suitable means is provided for releasably coupling the first elements to the carrier.
  • a presently preferred means for releasably coupling the first element to the carrier comprises the use of a third element 36 (FIGS. 2 and 3).
  • the third element also functions as a backing and reinforcement member for the apparatus.
  • a layer of adhesive is placed on the surfaces of the first element and the carrier which is opposite to that on which the hidden mes-
  • the apertures 32 are disposed in spaced relation to each other to form second message zones 42 adjacent each apertures 32.
  • a second message is displayed in each of said second message zones. The second message is the same as the message which is hidden by the opaque covering means 22.
  • the second message zone is shown adjacent the aperture 32 in which the first element containing the same message is located, such arrangement is not necessary in order to achieve the purposes of the invention.
  • any convenient arrangement may be utilized provided there is a manner whereby correspondence can be obtained between the hidden messages and the displayed messages so that the content of each hidden message can be identified without removing the opaque covering means therefrom.
  • the apparatus can be manufactured by preparing a sheet of material which will ultimately comprise the first element and the carrier.
  • Each of the first elements, the first message zones, and the first and second messages may be defined by being printed on the sheet of material.
  • the opaque covering means 22 may be applied to the first message zone 16 and the sheet of material may be coupled to a backing sheet which is treated as described above by a layer of adhesive 38.
  • the first elements may then be cut so that they will be readily removable from the backing sheet.
  • the first elements 12 may be displayed in an arrangement such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1 or 5. Thus, by perusing the second messages in the second message zones 42, a suitable message may be selected. The first element having a first message which corresponds to the message selected, may be removed from its aperture. By virtue of the adhesive 38 thereon, that element may then be attached to an article such as an envelope 48 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Upon receipt of the envelope, the recipient may remove the opaque covering means from the first message zone, thereby revealing the message therein.
  • the apparatus may comprise only one first element rather than a plurality of first elements such as illustrated.
  • the apparatus could be sold as premiums or packaged as novelties or gifts in connection with articles to be merchandised.
  • any suitable means of releasably coupling the first elements and carriers to each other could be employed.
  • any other suitable means such as paper hinges, perforations, tape, or the like could be employed.
  • An article of manufacture comprising a first element, said first element having a first surface, a first message zone on said first surface, a first message disposed in said first message zone, removable opaque means in said first message zone covering said first message therein so that it cannot be determined, said opaque means in said first message zone being selectively removable therefrom to reveal said first message, a carrier, means for releasably coupling said first element to said carrier, a second message zone in said carrier, a second message disposed in said second message zone, and said first and second messages being the same so that the content of said first message will be known until said first element is separated from said carrier.
  • An article of manufacture as defined in claim 3 including a second element, said second element being disposed in mutually facing relation to said first element and said carrier so that said first and second message zones are visible, and said means for releasably coupling said first element to said carrier comprises a layer of adhesive disposed between said first element and said carrier, and said second element.
  • An article of manufacture comprising a plurality of first elements, each of said first elements having a first surface, each of said first surfaces having a first message zone therein, a first message disposed in each of said first message zones, removable opaque means in each of said first message zones covering said first messages so that they cannot be determined, each of said opaque means being selectively removable from its respective first message zone to reveal said first message therein, a carrier, means for releasably coupling said first elements to said carrier, a plurality of second message zones on said carrier, a second message disposed in each of said second message zones, said first messages being the same as said second messages and being in correspondence therewith so the content of said first messages will be known until its respective first element is separated from said carrier.
  • sive disposed between said first element and said carrier, and said second element.

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  • Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
US00306236A 1972-11-13 1972-11-13 Hidden message apparatus Expired - Lifetime US3822901A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00306236A US3822901A (en) 1972-11-13 1972-11-13 Hidden message apparatus
JP48121868A JPS4994419A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1972-11-13 1973-10-31

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00306236A US3822901A (en) 1972-11-13 1972-11-13 Hidden message apparatus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3822901A true US3822901A (en) 1974-07-09

Family

ID=23184418

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00306236A Expired - Lifetime US3822901A (en) 1972-11-13 1972-11-13 Hidden message apparatus

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US3822901A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
JP (1) JPS4994419A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4430816A (en) * 1981-02-19 1984-02-14 Seton Name Plate Corporation Marker system
US4778153A (en) * 1985-08-02 1988-10-18 Dittler Brothers, Inc. Promotional article with pressure-sensitive adhesive portions and method of manufacture
US4826211A (en) * 1987-07-23 1989-05-02 Michael J. Sinnott Greeting card
US5201837A (en) * 1992-03-05 1993-04-13 Yves Lafontaine Film covered chance ticket or the like
US5257823A (en) * 1992-08-31 1993-11-02 Papercrafters, Inc. Personalizable paper product and method
US6139067A (en) * 1996-02-23 2000-10-31 Roussey; Roger Detachable stamp and envelope
US20040088893A1 (en) * 2002-11-13 2004-05-13 Mahoney Greg Vincent Greeting card with aligned characters and windows
US20080217906A1 (en) * 2007-02-16 2008-09-11 Neil Ellis Game ticket
US20110155313A1 (en) * 2006-11-23 2011-06-30 Stephen Paul Black Document security
USD653286S1 (en) * 2011-08-08 2012-01-31 Tecco, Inc. Laser printable card badge sheet
USD670340S1 (en) * 2012-04-25 2012-11-06 Tecco, Inc. Laser printable card badge sheet
US9533526B1 (en) 2012-06-15 2017-01-03 Joel Nevins Game object advances for the 3D printing entertainment industry

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0411826Y2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1986-06-24 1992-03-24

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US975887A (en) * 1910-08-02 1910-11-15 Charles L Newton Vending device.
US1011706A (en) * 1909-11-19 1911-12-12 Giocomo Allegretti Coupon-card.
US1028724A (en) * 1911-11-20 1912-06-04 Julius D Hirsch Game apparatus.
US1527929A (en) * 1924-06-05 1925-02-24 Simons David Gale Card game
US3040472A (en) * 1959-08-10 1962-06-26 John H Miller Coaster
US3420364A (en) * 1967-09-14 1969-01-07 Dennison Mfg Co Strip of tags
US3455575A (en) * 1967-07-03 1969-07-15 Heart O Gold Corp Promotional card
US3481460A (en) * 1968-07-10 1969-12-02 Dennison Mfg Co Label strip

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS4723225U (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1971-04-05 1972-11-15
JPH0710993U (ja) * 1993-07-09 1995-02-14 富士通テン株式会社 振動体の固定構造

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1011706A (en) * 1909-11-19 1911-12-12 Giocomo Allegretti Coupon-card.
US975887A (en) * 1910-08-02 1910-11-15 Charles L Newton Vending device.
US1028724A (en) * 1911-11-20 1912-06-04 Julius D Hirsch Game apparatus.
US1527929A (en) * 1924-06-05 1925-02-24 Simons David Gale Card game
US3040472A (en) * 1959-08-10 1962-06-26 John H Miller Coaster
US3455575A (en) * 1967-07-03 1969-07-15 Heart O Gold Corp Promotional card
US3420364A (en) * 1967-09-14 1969-01-07 Dennison Mfg Co Strip of tags
US3481460A (en) * 1968-07-10 1969-12-02 Dennison Mfg Co Label strip

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4430816A (en) * 1981-02-19 1984-02-14 Seton Name Plate Corporation Marker system
US4778153A (en) * 1985-08-02 1988-10-18 Dittler Brothers, Inc. Promotional article with pressure-sensitive adhesive portions and method of manufacture
US4826211A (en) * 1987-07-23 1989-05-02 Michael J. Sinnott Greeting card
US5201837A (en) * 1992-03-05 1993-04-13 Yves Lafontaine Film covered chance ticket or the like
US5257823A (en) * 1992-08-31 1993-11-02 Papercrafters, Inc. Personalizable paper product and method
US6139067A (en) * 1996-02-23 2000-10-31 Roussey; Roger Detachable stamp and envelope
US20040088893A1 (en) * 2002-11-13 2004-05-13 Mahoney Greg Vincent Greeting card with aligned characters and windows
US20110155313A1 (en) * 2006-11-23 2011-06-30 Stephen Paul Black Document security
US20080217906A1 (en) * 2007-02-16 2008-09-11 Neil Ellis Game ticket
USD653286S1 (en) * 2011-08-08 2012-01-31 Tecco, Inc. Laser printable card badge sheet
USD670340S1 (en) * 2012-04-25 2012-11-06 Tecco, Inc. Laser printable card badge sheet
US9533526B1 (en) 2012-06-15 2017-01-03 Joel Nevins Game object advances for the 3D printing entertainment industry
US10226900B1 (en) 2012-06-15 2019-03-12 Joel Nevins Synchronizing instructional media with object builds to advance the 3D printing industry
US10268181B1 (en) 2012-06-15 2019-04-23 Joel Nevins Advancing the 3D printing industry with temporarily-viewable content, including advertisements, sculptures, indicia, and dynamically-changing presentations
US10295989B1 (en) 2012-06-15 2019-05-21 Joel Nevins Surprise object advances for the 3D printing entertainment industry

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS4994419A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1974-09-07

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