WO2002014174A1

WO2002014174A1 - An entertainment and education device having a message displaying medium and a message enhancing product sample

Info

Publication number: WO2002014174A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/025448
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maria A. Gallagher; Jodi S. Sweetbaum
Original assignee: Girl Squared, Llc
Priority date: 2000-08-15
Filing date: 2001-08-14
Publication date: 2002-02-21
Also published as: AU2001286474A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an intertainment and educational device for young adults that contains a medium for displaying messages that corresponds to a product or sample. In a preferred book embodiment a book (38) contains a theme, related text (42) and graphics (20) relating to a product sample (18). The product sample (18) is shown in one of pages (40) in a book (38) relating to a theme.

Description

AN ENTERTAINMENT AND EDUCATION DEVICE HAVING A MESSAGE DISPLAYING MEDIUM AND A MESSAGE ENHANCING PRODUCT SAMPLE

COPYRIGHT NOTICE A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

DESCRIPTION The present invention relates in general to an entertainment and education device, and more particularly to an entertainment and education device having a message displaying medium and a message enhancing product sample.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Product samples are commonly distributed by product manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers to induce people to use their products. These businesses hope that a consumer will purchase the actual product after they try the sample. Such product samples generally contain a relatively small amount of the product and usually are given away by the manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers. For example, magazines often contain perfume advertisements that include a sample of the perfume or the fragrance on the page.

Various known product samples include a blank substrate and a product sample attached thereto. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,608, entitled "Cosmetic Sampler," discloses a foldable cosmetic sampler that is a single sheet folded in two places to form three panels. The leftmost panel has an additional tab on its right side to receive a cosmetic material. The center panel has the tab cut from its left side and folds over the leftmost panel. The rightmost panel has a transparent film and a cutout hole in its center that folds over the cosmetic sample. In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,161 ,688, entitled "Sampler and Method of Making the Same," discloses a cosmetic sampler holder that has a base material with a hole, a plastic material adhered to the bottom of the base covering the hole that defines a cavity for make-up or fragrance, and a plastic material adhered to the top of the base that encloses the make-up or fragrance.

Certain product samples also include printed text related to the product sample. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,849, entitled "Perfume Sampler," discloses a perfume sampler containing a sample support film glued to a presentation sheet, a perfume sample applied to the support film, and a releasable protection film applied onto the perfume sample. The presentation sheet contains text that refers to the perfume. In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,916, entitled "Cosmetic Sampler with Applicator Backing," discloses a cosmetic sampler having a transparent cover film, a cosmetic sample on the bottom side of the film, and a protective backing that does not normally contact the cosmetic sample and that has a material for applying the cosmetic sample. The sample contains text for labeling the product or providing directions for application.

In further examples: (a) U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,188 discloses a package for carrying fluid, powder, dental floss, tablets, etc. that provides a print region for printing identification or information regarding the sample products; (b) U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,831 discloses a rub-off cosmetic sampler having text referring to the cosmetic material; (c) U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,139 discloses a foldable paper advertising packet having printed text such as ordering information and space for a customer's return address; and (d) U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,647,941 , 5,566,693, 5,192,386, and 4,751 ,934, disclose various cosmetic samplers and methods of making such that contain coupons, instructions, promotional or advertising information, and whereby the samplers may be attached as labels to literature, bills, mailers, magazines, bottles or other containers. U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,680, discloses a cosmetic display containing cosmetic materials displayed on separate areas of the display, wherein the display is in the shape of an artist's palette and the different colors of the materials simulate colors of an artist's palette. The palette shape is useful for displaying different shades of product, namely eye shadow. Thus, each of the known devices contains print or text which relates to the product or sample, the application of the product, or to the promotion or advertisement of the product.

Advertisements, promotional materials, and application instructions thereby provide the user with information as to where and how to find a particular product, how a particular product looks or smells when applied, and how to use the product once the user obtains the product. However, the advertisements generally are not useful for entertainment or education purposes. Children and teenagers, and in particular young girls generally find it entertaining to imitate their parents, other adults and other peers. This often includes dress-up situations and the use of products such as make-up. Therefore, a need exists for an entertaining and educational device for children and teenagers which involves product samples.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves these problems by providing a device having a medium capable of displaying an event, concept, idea, theme or story. The event, concept, idea, theme or story preferably enables a young person or novice to identify themselves with a character in the theme or story. The event, concept, idea, theme or story depicts the characters using a product in situations or life scenarios or otherwise depicts a situation or life scenarios where the product could be used. The medium has a location, area or a plurality of such locations or areas for one or more products or product samples (the present invention contemplates providing either interchangeably unless otherwise stated) that relate to, correspond with, and that have at least one characteristic that enhances or illustrates the accompanying events, concept, idea, theme or story. That is, the product or product sample has at least one characteristic relating to the situation or life scenarios.

It should also be appreciated that one or more of the figures of this application may include the following pending trademark, which is not part of the system of the present invention: "KISS AND MAKE-UP."

The present invention therefore provides a device that contains a medium for displaying one or more messages, and a product or product sample that relates to, corresponds with, or enhances the message or a certain part or component of the message. The present invention contemplates using a plurality of different mediums. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a card or set of cards, wherein each card has indicia including graphics and/or text (hereinafter "indicia" refers to graphics and/or text) and at least some, and preferably all, of the cards contain a product sample that relates to the indicia. The cards can be collected and traded for other cards of the present invention. In another further embodiment, the present invention provides a book, wherein the pages of the book have indicia, and at least some of the pages or an insert attached thereto contain a product sample that relates to the indicia. The book can be a comic book, which contains a sample page having one or more product samples relating to the indicia of the comic book.

The present invention contemplates providing a plurality of different types of messages. One type of message contemplated by the present invention is providing a theme. The cards, books and comic books each contain themes. The themes are ideas, ideals, or orienting principles that are dominant in the culture of young persons in the market areas for which the implementor of the present invention wishes to market the invention, which are often effective in controlling and activating belief and conduct in a specific direction. The indicia including the story line displayed on the medium create a theme. The theme is preferably important to young adults. For example, the themes could include a character's style of clothes, hair style, demeanor, body type, and situation (i.e., what the character is doing).

Another type of message contemplated by the present invention is providing a story. Typically, the books and comic books tell a story, although it should be appreciated that a single card and especially a set of cards can also tell a story. The stories are accounts of incidents or events that involve a person or thing that can be fictional or non-fictional. In many instances, the story is a chronological narrative of the events. The stories are typically comprised of indicia such as illustrations and text. The stories may relate to the same subject matter as the themes. The stories could, for instance, relate to young adults having styles of clothes, hair styles, demeanors, body types, and situations that attract the audience that the implementor of the present invention seeks to reach. The stories generally place the characters in fun and entertaining situations.

It should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to providing messages that are either a theme or a story. Other types of messages that portray events, concepts and ideas are also contemplated by the present invention.

The present invention provides a plurality or products or product samples that relate to, correspond with, and enhance the message or component of the message. Specifically, the invention contemplates providing product samples such as makeup (including eye shadow, blush, lipstick, etc.), nail polish, fragrances, tattoos and scented tattoos, moisturizer, body glitter, jewelry and any other suitable material capable of being provided as a sample.

As described below, the product samples relate to the message. The product samples can enhance the events, concepts, ideas, themes or stories by becoming part of them, that is, by providing an essential piece of information necessary to complete a message. The product samples can also provide examples of or illustrate the point or message of events, concepts, ideas, themes or stories. The present invention can employ any characteristic of a product sample such as its shape, pattern, color, scent, use, etc. to enhance or relate to a message. The product samples have a similar effect that adding three dimensional viewing does to a motion picture (i.e., they add an extra dimension to a person's perception and understanding of the message).

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an entertainment and education device having a message displaying medium and a message enhancing product sample, wherein the message is educational.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an entertainment and education device having a message displaying medium and a message enhancing product sample, wherein the message is entertaining.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps and processes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 A is a top plan view of the top side of a card of one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 1B is a bottom plan view of the sample side of the card of Fig. 1A; Fig. 2A is a top plan view of the top side of another card of one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2B is a bottom plan view of the sample side the card of Fig. 2A;

Fig. 3A is a top plan view of the top side of another card of one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3B is a bottom plan view of the sample side of the card of Fig. 3A;

Fig. 4A is a top plan view of the top side of another card of one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4B is a bottom plan view of the sample side of the card of Fig. 4A;

Fig. 5A is a top plan view of the top side of another card of one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5B is a bottom plan view of the sample side of the card of Fig. 5A;

Fig. 6A is a top plan view of the top side of another card of one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6B is a bottom plan view of the sample side of the card of Fig. 6A; Fig. 7A is a top plan view of the top side of a card of second embodiment of the present invention wherein the card is one of a set of cards which share a message;

Fig. 7B is a bottom plan view of the sample side of Fig. 7A;

Fig. 8A is a top plan view of the top side of another card of the set of cards of the second embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8B is a bottom plan view of the sample side of the card of Fig. 8A;

Fig. 9A is a top plan view of the top side of a card of the set of cards of the second embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9B is a bottom plan view of the sample side of the card of Fig. 9A; Fig. 10A is a top plan view of a third embodiment of the present invention wherein the medium is a book having an attached product sample; Fig. 10B is a top plan view of another configuration of the book embodiment of the present invention the book has an attached card with a product sample;

Fig. 10C is a perspective view of an alternative form of the third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the medium is a comic book having a separate product sample page of sturdy material such as cardstock;

Fig. 11 is a top plan view of a page from the book of the third embodiment of the present invention which illustrates the relationship between the product and the message in the present invention; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the product sample apparatus of the present invention, wherein a cover sheet attaches to a substrate;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the product sample apparatus of the present invention, wherein a cover sheet attaches to a medium; and

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the product sample apparatus of the present invention, which does not include a cover sheet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular Figs. 1A and 1 B, one embodiment of the product sample device of the present invention includes a medium or card 12 having a top side or face 14 and a bottom side or sample side 16, a product sample 18 attached to the bottom surface 16 of the card 12 and indicia 20 on the top side 14 and bottom side 16. The indicia on both sides of the card includes graphics 20 and text 22. The product sample 18 relates to the message. The product sample which includes lipstick specifically relates to a theme in which the young girl is anticipating her first kiss with a boy. The message on the top side does not mention the lipstick on the sample face 16, rather the lipstick relates to the kiss or the girl's anticipation of her first kiss.

It should be appreciated that the cards can also form a set of cards that has an overall theme or message, and the product samples can also relate to that overall theme or message. In the situation where the cards form a set of cards having an overall theme, the product samples can relate to either the theme of the accompanying card or to the overall theme or to both. The cards can be collected and/or traded for other cards of the present invention. The trading of cards provides excitement and entertainment because the person trading the card may wish to obtain a piece of the message or story to complete the same. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments of the present invention that include or contain cards, i.e., the comic book and book embodiments, the cards of those embodiments are tradeable as well.

Referring to Figs. 2A and 2B, the top face 14a and the bottom face 16a of card 12a have a message relating to a girl who believes she will be asked to a dance and wants to look very pretty for the occasion. The product sample 18a includes blush which will help the girl to look pretty and thus the product sample forms part of and completes the message by explaining how the girl will look pretty. Referring to Figs. 3A and 3B, the top face 14b and the bottom face 16b of card 12b have a message and a product relating to the message. The top side 14b depicts a young man and young woman standing next to each other and slightly facing each other. The card displays graphics 20b including hearts, which suggest that one or both of them may be attracted to the other. The card also displays the text 22b, "Sweet Dreams," which suggests that one or both of them is thinking of the other. The young woman wears a red dress and has red lipstick.

A young woman viewing this may have been in a similar real life situation as depicted on the top side 14b or may desire to be in such a position. In this respect, the young woman may find it entertaining to view the situation or theme of the card and may also desire to look like the woman on the card. When the viewer flips the card over to view the sample side or face 16b, she views the removable lipstick sample 18b, which bears the same color as the color worn by the young woman in the situation depicted on the top side 14b. The lipstick sample 18b relates to, corresponds with and enhances the theme created on the top side 14b.

Preferably, the sample side 16b also contains at least some of the same graphics 20b that the top side 14b contains (e.g., hearts, same colors, etc.) to further indicate that the lipstick sample 18b is the lipstick worn by the young woman on the top side 14b. The person may remove a protective sample cover, described in detail below, and apply the lipstick sample 18b by removing it from the sample side 16b. Referring to Figs. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B, the cards 12c, 12d and

12e include product samples which relate to a theme created by the individual card. As discussed below, besides relating to a theme created by the individual card, the product samples can also relate to a story of a book. Cards 12c and 12d have top sides 14c and 14d that include indicia of a young woman having a demeanor, hair style, and clothing style that will attract the attention and admiration of young persons.

Both cards 12c and 12d convey the theme that to look like these women, color is important. The sample sides of the cards 12c and 12d, 16c and 16d respectively, contain similar indicia 20c and 20d as on the top sides of the cards and provide eye shadow samples 18c and 18d, respectively, that relate to the theme of the cards, i.e., that a person wearing the samples can "Show [Her] True Colors" or know that "It's (i.e., the look is) All About color."

The top side 14e of card 12e of Fig. 6A includes indicia that depicts a young woman who "Smells So Fine," and the sample side 16e of Fig. 6B provides a sample scent 18e that relates to the message. The message is created by the graphical picture 20e of the young woman and the text 22e. The sample product 18e relates to and enhances the theme that the young woman feels attractive and "smells so fine."

Referring now to Figs. 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B, in a second embodiment of the present invention, the product samples on each card relate to a theme created by the individual card and also to an overall theme created by a plurality or set of cards shown. The overall theme created by the set of cards is a musical band having a plurality of members. Each member is displayed on a card. The top side 14f of card 12f illustrates a young woman drumming, the top side 14g of card 12g illustrates a young woman playing guitar, and the top side 14h of card 12h illustrates a young woman singing. The graphical illustrations of the band members on the cards create the overall message or theme. A band is an example of a theme or message for a targeted audience.

The product samples 18f, 18g, and 18h of the sample sides 16f, 16g, and 16h also relate to individual themes displayed on the cards. The top side 14f has indicia of an illustration of a young woman drumming and the text, "Hit The Spot." The product 18f on the sample side 16f is blush displayed in a circle or spot and thus relates to the indicia and specifically to the act of drumming displayed on the top side 14f. The present invention contemplates using any characteristic of the sample such as shape, pattern, scent, color or any other distinguishing characteristic to relate to the theme presented on the card or to an overall theme. The top side 14g of card 12g shows a young woman playing a guitar, an act performed using one's fingers. The product sample 18g on the sample side 16g is nail polish having various colors, which are applied to one's fingers and thus relates to the indicia and specifically to the act of playing a guitar. The top side 14h of card 12h shows a young woman singing. The product on 18h is lipstick, which is applied to one's lips, which are used to produce one's voice. Thus, each product sample relates to a theme of the card on which it is displayed and to an overarching theme that ties each individual card together. The present invention preferably illustrates the overarching themes through incidents or events that make up part of a story. Playing in a band is one overarching theme that can be presented by a set of cards, comic book, book or other medium. Other themes contemplated by the present invention include a magic purse full of magic make-up, jewelry, and accessories. Alternatively, the theme could be fairies or gnomes (or other characters) that young kids can see using body glitter, tattoos and make-up.

Referring to Figs. 10A and 10B, the present invention contemplates a third embodiment of the product sample device of the present invention

• generally indicated by the number 36, wherein the product samples are attached to a book 38. The present invention can employ any known book format, but preferably the books 38 are publications that contain pages 40 having text 42 that tell a story in a chronological or otherwise compelling narrative sequence. The present invention contemplates fixedly adhering, removably adhering or removably attaching (e.g., via a suitable clip) a product sample 18 or card 12 to the book 38. The books 38 may contain illustrations 44 randomly interspersed throughout the story, which preferably illustrate an important topic or theme of the story. The card or sample is preferably attached directly to one of the book's pages. The page of the book is preferably suitably coated with an oil impermeable substance in an area that receives and maintains the product sample. A removable cover is then preferably placed over the sample and removably connected to the book's page. The card or sample can be fixed along one of its edges so as to form a flap that a person may lift up to obtain the product. Alternatively, the removable cover can be a flap that hingedly lifts off the product sample. The book embodiment can also employ a non- permanent adhesive or suitable clip so that the person can easily remove a substrate having the sample from the book page. When the product is of a suitable type to be kept in an enclosed package such as tattoos, jewelry, or liquid makeup, an enclosed package is removably attached to the page so that a person can open the package and pour out its contents. The present invention contemplates gluing, fastening via a clip, stapling or otherwise permanently or removably attaching the bag to the book page. The bag can have a separate mechanical sealing apparatus, such as an interlocking seam along the top or employ the bag attachment apparatus to seal the bag. The bag is preferably plastic but can be of any suitable material such as cloth or perforated mesh.

In a preferred book embodiment illustrated in Fig. 10A, the indicia of the book 38 contains the theme to which the product sample 18 relates. The embodiment can display only the sample 18 or the sample in combination with graphics 20 that are similar to graphics displayed with the theme. The product sample 18 relates to a theme on one of the pages 40, to a theme of the book 38, or to any combination thereof. As can be seen from Fig. 10A, the present invention contemplates a plurality of product samples 18 relating to a particular theme or themes.

The illustrations 44 in the book 38 and the related text 42 of the story comprise the theme to which the product sample 18 or samples relate. The illustrations in the book can also contain indicia that include the product sample. For example, a book can have a story (not illustrated) wherein girls are getting ready for a dance and applying make-up. In the book, there is a picture of the girls in a room with wallpaper that contains the different make-up that the girls are applying for the dance.

In an alternative book embodiment illustrated in Fig. 10B, the present invention includes a card 12 having a product sample as described above which relates to the card and the book. In this embodiment, the product samples 18 can relate to the theme of the cards 12, to a theme on one of the pages 40, to a theme of the book 38, or to any combination thereof. The cards 12 can have a top side 14 that contains the same indicia as one of the illustrations 44. As with Fig. 10A, the illustrations 44 in the book 38 and the related text 42 of the story comprise the theme to which the product sample or samples relate. A set of cards and a book can tell a story. The stories of the present invention generally can contain systematic and continuous textual indicia or can employ graphics or pictures to display or communicate the stories. Preferably, the stories highlight and embellish the themes described above with respect to the cards. By doing so, the product samples can relate to both the themes and the story. Referring to Fig. 11 , the present invention contemplates placing many themes in one story. Fig. 11 has two pages 40a and 40b from a book 38a, which contains a portion of a story having themes to which a product sample can relate. It should be appreciated that the story could be described using the card embodiment 12 (e.g., Figs. 1A and 1B) or via a comic book embodiment 24, described below.

The page 40a contains verbal indicia sections 46 and 48 that describe a theme relating to school, school spirit and school activities. The page 40b contains graphical indicia depicting young persons in activities relating to school, school spirit and school activities. Page 40a (or a nearby page) has samples 18 of blush, eye shadow and nail polish that enable a young person to wear school colors. Samples 18 thus relate to the theme of pages 40a and 40b. That is, school colors obtained form the samples 18 relate to school spirit and school activities. As illustrated above with Fig. 10A, the present invention contemplates a plurality of product samples relating to one or more themes. Here the blush, eye shadow and nail polish all relate to the theme of school colors or school spirit.

The stories and themes of the embodiments previously described contain fictitious material or messages for young adults. The present invention also contemplates displaying photographic or characterized pictures of famous entertainment personalities. The theme can be the contents of the famous person's purse or bag, or how to obtain a look that the famous person has. The present invention can also provide stories or themes for adults. For example, the story or theme can be a "how to get a certain look" complete with different product samples to actually obtain the look.

Referring to Fig. 10C, the present invention contemplates another book embodiment of the product sample device of the present invention generally indicated by the number 24, wherein the cards and product samples are attached to or inserted in a comic book 26. In a preferred embodiment, the cards 12 having independent themes or product samples 18, as described above, form part of and are removable (by perforation or otherwise) from a special card or sample page 29 as illustrated in Fig. 10C. Since a comic book typically has thin pages, the present invention preferably does not attach a card or sample directly to a page of a comic book. However, the present invention includes a card or sample attached to a suitable support which is in turn attached to the comic book or a page of the comic book.

The present invention can employ any known comic book format, and preferably the comic books are publications in pamphlet form that contain pages 28 having at least one and preferably more than one display 30, wherein the displays contain text 32 and graphics 34 that tell and illustrate a story in a chronological or otherwise compelling narrative sequence. That is, the comic book displays 30 contain a plurality of graphics 34 and text 32, wherein the displays are juxtaposed so as to form a narrative or story. In an embodiment illustrated by Fig. 10C, the comic books contain sample page 29 or sample pages having removable cards 12 or product samples 18. The cards are the same as described above and have a self- contained theme, text 22 and graphics 20 to which the product sample 18 relates. In this embodiment, the product samples 18 can relate to the theme of the cards 12, to a theme on one of the comic book displays 30, to a theme on one of the comic book pages 28, to a theme of the comic book 26, or to any combination thereof. The cards 12 can have a top side 14 and/or bottom side 16 (not illustrated) that contain the same indicia as one of the displays 30 or pages 28. Alternatively, the sample pages 29 can have only the sample 18 and the bottom side 16 having the same indicia as one of the displays 30 or pages 28.

In this embodiment, the comic book 26 contains at least one sample page 29, which is placed near the associated themes to maximize the enhancement value of the cards and samples. The sample page 29 is preferably of card stock that is thicker than normal comic book paper. It contains at least one card having perforated edges so that a person can easily remove the card from the sample page 29 without damaging the card or the associated product.

The card 12 or product sample 18 can have perforated edges and removably attach to a sample page 29 as described above in Fig. 10C, illustrating the preferred embodiment. Alternatively, the card 12 or product sample 18 can be removably attached to the sample page 29 via a non- permanent adhesive or suitable clip. The sample page 29 can also contain a bag or card 12 having a bag as described above to hold jewelry, glitter or other product suitable to be placed in a bag.

The implementor of the present invention can employ any known product sample in connection with the present invention such as those disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,006,916, 5,944,188, 5,918,608, 5,715,849, 5,647,941 , 5,161 ,688, 5,072,139 and 5,037,139. The product samples of the present invention can have any suitable configuration or construction. In one such embodiment illustrated by Fig. 12, the product sample contains a medium 52 for displaying text and indicia. As described above, the medium can be a card, a comic book or a book. A substrate 54 is preferably attached to the medium 52. The substrate 54 can be a paper sheet, coated paper sheet, plastic sheet or other suitable material, so long as the product sample does not bleed into substrate 54, and so that a person may easily remove a sample 56 from the substrate 54. The sample 56 can be any of the specific samples listed above.

Substrate 54 is preferably permanently adhered to the medium 52 through the use of a suitable adhesive. Alternatively, the substrate 54 may be removably attached to the medium 52, such as when a product sample is attached directly to a comic book or book. Further, the substrate 54 may be loosely attached to the medium 52 by an additional removable device such as a clip.

As further illustrated in Fig. 12, a cover sheet 58 is in a detached position above the substrate 54. The cover sheet 58 removably attaches to the substrate 54. The cover sheet 58 can be a paper sheet, coated paper sheet, plastic sheet or other suitable material, so long as the product sample does not bleed into the cover sheet 58, and so that a person may easily remove the cover sheet 58 without the sample 56 adhering to the removed sheet. In many instances, the cover sheet is clear so that a person can see the product sample.

In Fig. 13, the cover sheet 58 is detached directly above and parallel to the substrate 54. It should be appreciated that cover sheet may be completely peeled off the substrate 54 through the use of a suitable adhesive applied between a plurality of the edges of the substrate 54 and sheet 58. Alternatively, the present invention contemplates fixedly adhering one edge of the cover sheet 58 to one edge of the substrate 54 and removably adhering the substrate and sheet along at least one other edge. In the latter embodiment, the cover sheet 58 is hingedly removable from the substrate 54. Referring to Fig. 13, another embodiment of the product sample apparatus of the present invention attaches the cover sheet 58 directly to the medium 52. The embodiment of Fig. 13 contains the same components having the same characteristics as illustrated with Fig. 12. In this embodiment, though, the cover sheet 58 removably attaches to the medium 52 as opposed to the substrate 54. The cover sheet 58 completely or hingedly detaches from the medium 52 in the same manner as described above with respect to the substrate. In this embodiment, the present invention contemplates not providing a substrate 54 when the medium has the qualities and properties described above to properly receive the removable sample 56.

Referring to Fig. 14, a further embodiment of the product sample apparatus of the present invention eliminates the cover sheet. The present invention employs this embodiment when the sample 56 cannot be permanently deformed through normal handling of the product sample, and when the sample 56 does not otherwise deteriorate through normal exposure to ambient conditions. For example, the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 14 displays the sample 56 as a pair of earrings. Such a sample eliminates the need for a cover sheet 58 and for a substrate 54 having the qualities and properties described above to receive a soft, pliable, permeable substance. It should be appreciated that the present invention could alternatively provide a cover sheet when the sample is jewelry, etc.

As further illustrated in Fig. 14, this embodiment contains a different sample sheet 60 that removably adheres to the medium 52, wherein the sample sheet 60 comes completely free from the medium 52 in the same manner described above with respect to the cover sheet 58 and substrate 54 illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13. The sample 56 is preferably mechanically attached to the sample sheet 60, so that the sample 56 may come free without any adhesive residue. In an alternative embodiment, the sample sheet 60 is permanently adhered to the medium 52. In a further alternative embodiment, there is no sample sheet 60 and the sample is removably and mechanically attached to the medium 52.

While the present invention is described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, and is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims. Modifications and variations in the present invention may be made without departing from the novel aspects of the invention as defined in the claims, and this application is limited only by the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMSThe invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. A device comprising: a medium; a message on the medium; a substrate attached to said medium; a product removably connected to said substrate, said product having at least one characteristic that relates to said message; and a cover sheet connected to said medium that covers said product.

2. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said medium includes a book.

3. The device of Claim 2, wherein said book includes a comic book.

4. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said medium includes a trading card.

5. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said medium includes a set of trading cards.

6. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said message includes a theme.

7. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said message includes a story.

8. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said substrate includes a coated paper sheet.

9. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said product is a material selected from the group consisting of make-up, fragrances, nail polish, tattoos, jewelry, moisturizer and body glitter.

10. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said attached cover sheet includes a coated paper sheet.

11. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said attached cover sheet includes a plastic sheet.

12. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said cover sheet hingedly connects to said substrate.

13. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said cover sheet hingedly connects to said medium.

14. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said cover sheet removably adheres to said substrate.

15. The device of Claim 1 , wherein said cover sheet removably adheres to said medium.

16. A device comprising: a medium for displaying indicia that create a message; a product removably connected to said medium, said product having at least one characteristic that enhances said message; and a cover removably attached to said medium that covers said product.

17. The device of Claim 16, which includes a substrate attached to said medium, wherein said substrate contains said removably applied product.

18. The device of Claim 17, wherein said substrate includes a coated paper sheet.

19. The device of Claim 16, wherein said medium includes a book.

20. The device of Claim 16, wherein said book includes a comic book.

21. The device of Claim 16, wherein said medium includes a trading card.

22. The device of Claim 16, wherein said medium includes a set of trading cards.

23. The device of Claim 16, wherein said message includes a theme.

24. The device of Claim 16, wherein said message includes a story.

25. The device of Claim 16, wherein said product is a material selected from the group consisting of make-up, fragrances, nail polish, tattoos, jewelry, moisturizer and body glitter.

26. The device of Claim 16, wherein said attached cover sheet includes a coated paper sheet.

27. The device of Claim 16, wherein said attached cover sheet includes a plastic sheet.

28. The device of Claim 17, wherein said cover sheet hingedly connects to said substrate.

29. The device of Claim 17, wherein said cover sheet hingedly connects to said medium.

30. The device of Claim 17, wherein said cover sheet removably adheres to said substrate.

31. The device of Claim 16, wherein said cover sheet removably adheres to said medium.

32. A device comprising: a medium for displaying words that create a message; a substrate attached to said medium; and a product removably connected to said substrate, said product being generally non-degradable when exposed to open air and having at least one characteristic that relates to said message.

33. The device of Claim 32, which includes a cover sheet removably attached to said entertainment device, which covers said product.

34. The device of Claim 32, wherein said product includes jewelry.

35. The device of Claim 32, wherein said substrate includes an enclosure.

36. A device comprising: a plurality of mediums; a message displayed on each medium; a substrate attached to each medium; a product removably attached to each substrate, said product having at least one characteristic that relates to said message displayed on the medium; and a cover sheet removably attached to said medium that covers said product.

37. The device of Claim 36, wherein a different message is displayed on each medium.

38. The device of Claim 35, wherein a different product is attached to each substrate.