WO2007062489A1 - Printed matter dissemination management - Google Patents
Printed matter dissemination management Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2007062489A1 WO2007062489A1 PCT/AU2006/001840 AU2006001840W WO2007062489A1 WO 2007062489 A1 WO2007062489 A1 WO 2007062489A1 AU 2006001840 W AU2006001840 W AU 2006001840W WO 2007062489 A1 WO2007062489 A1 WO 2007062489A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- indicating
- printed matter
- accordance
- letterbox
- indicating device
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G29/00—Supports, holders, or containers for household use, not provided for in groups A47G1/00-A47G27/00 or A47G33/00
- A47G29/12—Mail or newspaper receptacles, e.g. letter-boxes; Openings in doors or the like for delivering mail or newspapers
- A47G29/122—Parts, details, or accessories, e.g. signalling devices, lamps, devices for leaving messages
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to managing printed matter intended for distribution into letterboxes and adjacent property/areas associated with residential and/or commercial premises.
- the present invention seeks to ameliorate one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages.
- a method for control of printed matter dissemination including the step of: mounting an indicating element upon which is disposed a selected colour or pattern on or adjacent to a letterbox to indicate to a printed matter distributor that a selected action is desired to be taken with reference to the receipt or otherwise of printed matter.
- Preferred embodiments of the present invention represent the first opportunity to gain control of print matter receipt via a highly visible notice to choose or refuse.
- a choice is made to execute one of the following steps: mounting an indicating element of a selected pattern or colour adjacent to or on a letterbox, to indicate to a printed matter distributor that all printed matter is receivable in or adjacent to the associated letterbox; or mounting an indicating element of another selected pattern or colour adjacent to or on a letterbox to indicate to a printed matter distributor that all printed matter except junk mail is receivable in or adjacent to the associated letterbox; or mounting an indicating element of yet another selected pattern or colour adjacent to or on a letterbox to indicate to a printed matter distributor that only personally addressed mail is receivable in or adjacent to the associated letterbox.
- an indicating device adapted to be mounted on a letterbox, which receives printed matter, the indicating device including a retaining means adapted to removably retain an indicating element which includes a selected pattern or colour disposed on a face thereof, so as to indicate to a printed matter distributor a selected action desired to be undertaken in relation to the printed matter.
- the retaining means is in the form of a recess for receiving the indicating element.
- the recess has an opening at an end of a main indicator body, through which may be placed the indicating element to be mounted within a void.
- the main body includes opposed walls which surround the void, at least one wall, a display wall, being translucent or transparent.
- AU walls may be transparent if desired.
- the main body includes weakened zones in order to provide variable length main body to suit various widths of letterbox.
- Frangible portions, disposed between weakened zones, may be merely broken to provide a shorter main body.
- Indicating elements may also be cut to length.
- the main indicating body is a blind tube, rectangular in cross-section, constructed from perspex or similar material, to provide UV stability, strength, and longevity.
- a lock means may be provided in order to retain the selected indicating element within the main indicating body.
- the lock may be a flap, a bolt, latch, fastener with security head passing through the indicating element, or the like.
- the lock may be key-operated.
- the method includes the step of providing a solid blue indicating element so as to indicate to a mail distributor that an operator of the letterbox or residence agrees to receive all printed matter.
- the method includes the step of providing a solid red indicating element in order to indicate that an owner or operator of the letterbox or residence agrees to receive all printed matter except junk mail.
- the method includes the step of providing a solid green indicating device in order to indicate that an owner or operator of the letterbox or residence agrees to receive only personally addressed mail.
- the colour or pattern is a flat, solid colour.
- junk mail is intended to convey brochures, flyers, leaflets,- upon which advertising and special offers and the like are printed. Newspapers, unsubscribed or unsolicited, do not form junk mail but do fall within the scope of the term "printed matter” and may be thrown adjacent a letterbox, and not necessarily placed within it. Furthermore, "printed matter” includes phone books which may be placed adjacent a driveway or portico of a residence or adjacent entrances to a multiple residence building, but not police and council notices. - A -
- Figure 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of one aspect of the present invention, in one colour, having an indicating element partially mounted in a recess;
- Figure 2 is an isometric view of Figure 1, showing an indicating element in a different colour.
- an indicating device generally indicated at 10, the device in the form of a main body 12 and retaining means 14.
- the retaining means 14 is in the form of a recess 16 having an opening 18 at one side 20 so as to access the recess 16 or void 22.
- the main body 12 is in the form of an elongate rectangular hollow tube 24 constructed from a material suitable for longevity under harsh UV and other difficult, hot, wet, alternatively dry circumstances such as for example a plastic such as perspex 26.
- Weakened sections 28, 30 are provided, so as to enable a variation in length of tube 24 for adapting to variable widths of letterbox (not shown). Frangible portions 29, 31 may be broken off to reduce length of tube 24.
- the main body 12 is mounted to the letterbox, so as to indicate to a printed matter distributor the kind of printed matter deliverable to or adjacent the letterbox.
- the mounting may be by adhesive, double-sided tape or by through fastener.
- a lock 32 may be provided to inhibit removal of an indicating element 34 when installed in the void 22.
- the lock may be a through fastener (not shown) which pierces front walls 36 and back wall 38, passing through indicating element 34 on the way.
- the lock may be a keyed device, including a flap (not shown), which may close the side opening 18 of recess 16. All walls of the tube 24 may be transparent or translucent. . •
- the indicating element 34 may be cut to length to fit the adjustable tube 24.
- the indicating element 34 may be a pattern or solid colour, preferably blue, red, or green.
- a blue indicating element 34 would indicate to a printed mail distributor that all printed matter is deliverable to and desirable at an associated address.
- a red indicating element 34 would indicate that all printed matter is receivable except junk mail.
- a green indicating element 34 is to indicate that only personally addressed mail is to be received at the associated address.
- a single indicating device 10 may be mounted adjacent an entire block of home units so as to indicate that all units are to be treated in accordance with the direction shown on the single indicating device 10.
- the removable nature of the indicating element 34 allows a resident to quickly change the indicator element 34 when going on holiday or according to a user's whim, or changed circumstances, such as for example at Christmastime, when the possibility of a genuine bargain raises its head. This reduces build up of junk mail in the residence's letterbox, which reduces the likelihood of thieves stealing from that residence.
Landscapes
- Supports Or Holders For Household Use (AREA)
Abstract
A method for control of printed matter dissemination is described, the method including the step of mounting an indicating element upon which is disposed a selected colour or pattern on or adjacent to a letterbox to indicate to a printed matter distributor that a selected action is desired to be taken with reference to the receipt or otherwise of printed matter. An indicating device is also described, adapted to be mounted on a letterbox, which receives printed matter, the indicating device including a main indicator body which includes a retaining means adapted to removably retain an indicating element which includes a selected pattern or colour disposed on a face thereof, so as to indicate to a printed matter distributor a selected action desired to be undertaken in relation to the printed matter.
Description
PRINTED MATTER DISSEMINATIQN MANAGEMENT
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to managing printed matter intended for distribution into letterboxes and adjacent property/areas associated with residential and/or commercial premises.
Background of the Invention
A massive amount of resources are expended annually in producing what has become known as junk mail. Junk mail is placed in letterboxes; however, there is evidence to suggest that much of the junk mail is unwanted, unread, and merely a waste of a retailer's and the earth's resources. Effective targeted marketing would result in more efficient use of so-called junk mail resources, and reduce the amount of print matter going into the waste stream — in landfill, recycling and storm water drains.
Furthermore, uncontrolled junk mail alerts potential thieves that no one may be home, and adds to litter on streets. Junk mail also emits carbon dioxide emissions, uses toxic substances and creates unnecessary recycling.
The present invention seeks to ameliorate one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages.
Summary of the Invention
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for control of printed matter dissemination, the method including the step of: mounting an indicating element upon which is disposed a selected colour or pattern on or adjacent to a
letterbox to indicate to a printed matter distributor that a selected action is desired to be taken with reference to the receipt or otherwise of printed matter.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention represent the first opportunity to gain control of print matter receipt via a highly visible notice to choose or refuse.
Preferably a choice is made to execute one of the following steps: mounting an indicating element of a selected pattern or colour adjacent to or on a letterbox, to indicate to a printed matter distributor that all printed matter is receivable in or adjacent to the associated letterbox; or mounting an indicating element of another selected pattern or colour adjacent to or on a letterbox to indicate to a printed matter distributor that all printed matter except junk mail is receivable in or adjacent to the associated letterbox; or mounting an indicating element of yet another selected pattern or colour adjacent to or on a letterbox to indicate to a printed matter distributor that only personally addressed mail is receivable in or adjacent to the associated letterbox.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an indicating device adapted to be mounted on a letterbox, which receives printed matter, the indicating device including a retaining means adapted to removably retain an indicating element which includes a selected pattern or colour disposed on a face thereof, so as to indicate to a printed matter distributor a selected action desired to be undertaken in relation to the printed matter.
Preferably the retaining means is in the form of a recess for receiving the indicating element. In one preferred embodiment the recess has an opening at an end of a main indicator body, through which may be placed the indicating element to be mounted within a void.
Preferably, the main body includes opposed walls which surround the void, at least one wall, a display wall, being translucent or transparent. AU walls may be transparent if desired.
Preferably, the main body includes weakened zones in order to provide variable length main body to suit various widths of letterbox. Frangible portions, disposed between
weakened zones, may be merely broken to provide a shorter main body.
Indicating elements may also be cut to length.
Preferably the main indicating body is a blind tube, rectangular in cross-section, constructed from perspex or similar material, to provide UV stability, strength, and longevity.
A lock means may be provided in order to retain the selected indicating element within the main indicating body. The lock may be a flap, a bolt, latch, fastener with security head passing through the indicating element, or the like. The lock may be key-operated.
Preferably the method includes the step of providing a solid blue indicating element so as to indicate to a mail distributor that an operator of the letterbox or residence agrees to receive all printed matter.
Preferably the method includes the step of providing a solid red indicating element in order to indicate that an owner or operator of the letterbox or residence agrees to receive all printed matter except junk mail.
Preferably the method includes the step of providing a solid green indicating device in order to indicate that an owner or operator of the letterbox or residence agrees to receive only personally addressed mail.
Preferably the colour or pattern is a flat, solid colour.
Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, the term "junk mail" is intended to convey brochures, flyers, leaflets,- upon which advertising and special offers and the like are printed. Newspapers, unsubscribed or unsolicited, do not form junk mail but do fall within the scope of the term "printed matter" and may be thrown adjacent a letterbox, and not necessarily placed within it. Furthermore, "printed matter" includes phone books which may be placed adjacent a driveway or portico of a residence or adjacent entrances to a multiple residence building, but not police and council notices.
- A -
Brief Description of the Drawings
In order to enable a clearer understanding of the present invention, a preferred embodiment will hereinafter be described with reference to the attached drawings, and in those drawings:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of one aspect of the present invention, in one colour, having an indicating element partially mounted in a recess;
Figure 2 is an isometric view of Figure 1, showing an indicating element in a different colour.
Description of a preferred embodiment
Referring to the drawings there is shown an indicating device generally indicated at 10, the device in the form of a main body 12 and retaining means 14. The retaining means 14 is in the form of a recess 16 having an opening 18 at one side 20 so as to access the recess 16 or void 22. The main body 12 is in the form of an elongate rectangular hollow tube 24 constructed from a material suitable for longevity under harsh UV and other difficult, hot, wet, alternatively dry circumstances such as for example a plastic such as perspex 26.
Weakened sections 28, 30 are provided, so as to enable a variation in length of tube 24 for adapting to variable widths of letterbox (not shown). Frangible portions 29, 31 may be broken off to reduce length of tube 24. hi use, the main body 12 is mounted to the letterbox, so as to indicate to a printed matter distributor the kind of printed matter deliverable to or adjacent the letterbox.
The mounting may be by adhesive, double-sided tape or by through fastener. A lock 32 may be provided to inhibit removal of an indicating element 34 when installed in the void 22. The lock may be a through fastener (not shown) which pierces front walls 36 and back wall 38, passing through indicating element 34 on the way.
Altematively, the lock may be a keyed device, including a flap (not shown), which may close the side opening 18 of recess 16. All walls of the tube 24 may be transparent or translucent. . •
The indicating element 34 may be cut to length to fit the adjustable tube 24.
The indicating element 34 may be a pattern or solid colour, preferably blue, red, or green. A blue indicating element 34 would indicate to a printed mail distributor that all printed matter is deliverable to and desirable at an associated address. A red indicating element 34 would indicate that all printed matter is receivable except junk mail. A green indicating element 34 is to indicate that only personally addressed mail is to be received at the associated address.
A single indicating device 10 may be mounted adjacent an entire block of home units so as to indicate that all units are to be treated in accordance with the direction shown on the single indicating device 10.
It can be seen that the management method described herein would lead to a reduction of wastage in terms of untargeted or semi-targeted marketing and also, having large, single blocks of colour allows high visibility and long range identification of the intentions of residents living in associated dwellings. Labour time is reduced, because the mail distributor only approaches those dwellings who give permission to deliver junk mail and/or newspapers.
The removable nature of the indicating element 34 allows a resident to quickly change the indicator element 34 when going on holiday or according to a user's whim, or changed circumstances, such as for example at Christmastime, when the possibility of a genuine bargain raises its head. This reduces build up of junk mail in the residence's letterbox, which reduces the likelihood of thieves stealing from that residence.
Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be incorporated into the various constructions and arrangements of parts without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.
Claims
1. A method for control of printed matter dissemination, the method including the step of mounting an indicating element upon which is disposed a selected colour or pattern on or adjacent to- a letterbox to indicate to a printed matter distributor that a selected action is desired to be taken with reference to the receipt or otherwise of printed matter,
2. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the selected colour or pattern provides a visual distinction to a printed matter distributor from a distance that either: all printed matter is receivable in or adjacent to the associated letterbox; or that all printed matter except junk mail is receivable in or adjacent to the associated letterbox; or that only personally addressed mail is receivable in or adjacent to the associated letterbox.
3. A method in accordance with claim 1 or 2 wherein the method includes the step of providing a solid blue indicating element so as to indicate to a mail distributor that an operator of the letterbox or residence agrees to receive all printed matter.
4. A method in accordance with any previous claim wherein the method includes the step of providing a solid red indicating element in order to indicate that an owner or operator of the letterbox or residence agrees to receive all printed matter except junk mail.
5. A method in accordance with any previous claim wherein the method includes the step of providing a solid green indicating device in order to indicate that an owner or operator of the letterbox or residence agrees to receive only personally addressed mail.
6. An indicating device adapted to be mounted on a letterbox, which receives printed matter, the indicating device including a main indicator body which includes a retaining means adapted to removably retain an indicating element which includes a selected pattern or colour disposed on a face thereof, so as to indicate to a printed matter distributor a selected action desired to be undertaken in relation to the printed matter.
7. An indicating device in accordance with claim 6 wherein the retaining means is in the form of a recess or void for receiving the indicating element.
8. An indicating device in accordance with claim 7 wherein the recess has an opening at an end of the main indicator body, which is adapted to receive ' the indicating element to be mounted within the recess or void.
9. An indicating device in accordance with claim 7 or 8 wherein the main body includes opposed walls which surround the void, and at least one wall, a display wall, being translucent or transparent.
10. An indicating device in accordance with claim 9 wherein all walls are transparent.
11. An indicating device in accordance with any one of claims 6 - 10. wherein the main body includes weakened zones in order to provide variable length main body to suit various widths of letterbox, the arrangement being such that frangible portions, disposed between weakened zones, are adapted to be broken off from the main body to provide a shorter main body.
12. An indicating device in accordance with any one of claims 6 - 11 wherein the main indicating body is a blind tube, rectangular in cross-section, constructed from perspex or similar engineered or other material, to provide UV stability, strength, and longevity.
13. An indicating device in accordance with any one of claims 6 - 12 wherein a lock means is provided in order to retain the selected indicating element within the main indicating body.
14. An indicating device in accordance with claim 13 wherein the lock is a flap, a bolt, latch, fastener with a security head passing through the indicating element.
15. An indicating device in accordance with' claim 13 or 14 wherein the lock may include a key-operated lock barrel.
16. An indicating device in accordance with any one of claims 6 - 15 wherein the colour or pattern is a flat, solid colour.
17. An indicating device in accordance with any one of claims 6 - 16 wherein the indicating element is solid blue in colour on an indicating face so as to indicate to a mail distributor that an operator of the letterbox or residence agrees to receive all printed matter.
18. An indicating device in accordance with any one of claims 6 - 16 wherein the indicating element is solid red in colour on an indicating face in order to indicate that an owner or operator of the letterbox or residence agrees to receive all printed matter except junk mail.
19. An indicating device in accordance with any one of claims 6 - 16 wherein the indicating element is solid green in colour on an indicating face in order to indicate that an owner or operator of the letterbox or residence agrees to receive only personally addressed mail.
20. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the attached drawings.
21. An indicating device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the attached drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2005906791 | 2005-12-02 | ||
| AU2005906791A AU2005906791A0 (en) | 2005-12-02 | Printed matter dissemination management |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2007062489A1 true WO2007062489A1 (en) | 2007-06-07 |
Family
ID=38091818
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/AU2006/001840 WO2007062489A1 (en) | 2005-12-02 | 2006-12-04 | Printed matter dissemination management |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2007062489A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101568212A (en) * | 2008-04-23 | 2009-10-28 | 北京搜一搜广告有限公司 | Selector |
Citations (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB191018846A (en) * | 1910-08-10 | 1910-12-01 | John Shepherd | An Improved Postal Letter Box. |
| GB409573A (en) * | 1932-09-26 | 1934-05-03 | Walter Altmann | Improvements in or relating to advertising device for use in connection with postal letter-boxes |
| FR2737099A1 (en) * | 1995-07-27 | 1997-01-31 | Lemaitre Joseph | Plate used as signal for informing when post has been placed in letter box - has small mobile disc fixed by eccentric screw and rocking when flap is opened to uncover coloured mark |
| DE20301485U1 (en) * | 2003-01-31 | 2004-06-09 | Burg-Wächter Kg | Self-adhesive plastic retail label incorporates pictogram indicates suitability of letterbox for indoor and outdoor installation |
| EP1271452B1 (en) * | 2001-06-18 | 2004-10-20 | Jens-Uwe Kasten | Method for displaying posted advertising literature at the letterbox |
| AU2004100740A4 (en) * | 2004-09-06 | 2004-11-25 | Foundations Consulting Aust Pty Ltd | Magnetic 'No Junk Mail' Postbox Sign |
| US6964366B2 (en) * | 2003-12-02 | 2005-11-15 | Baycom-Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. | Mailbox with lighting decorative structure |
| FR2878366A1 (en) * | 2004-11-23 | 2006-05-26 | Consulting Sarl B | Advertising panel fixing device for e.g. public usage adjustable letter box, has base fixed on leg of letter box, and shell encased and fixed on base and comprising window that receives poster of preset dimension |
-
2006
- 2006-12-04 WO PCT/AU2006/001840 patent/WO2007062489A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB191018846A (en) * | 1910-08-10 | 1910-12-01 | John Shepherd | An Improved Postal Letter Box. |
| GB409573A (en) * | 1932-09-26 | 1934-05-03 | Walter Altmann | Improvements in or relating to advertising device for use in connection with postal letter-boxes |
| FR2737099A1 (en) * | 1995-07-27 | 1997-01-31 | Lemaitre Joseph | Plate used as signal for informing when post has been placed in letter box - has small mobile disc fixed by eccentric screw and rocking when flap is opened to uncover coloured mark |
| EP1271452B1 (en) * | 2001-06-18 | 2004-10-20 | Jens-Uwe Kasten | Method for displaying posted advertising literature at the letterbox |
| DE20301485U1 (en) * | 2003-01-31 | 2004-06-09 | Burg-Wächter Kg | Self-adhesive plastic retail label incorporates pictogram indicates suitability of letterbox for indoor and outdoor installation |
| US6964366B2 (en) * | 2003-12-02 | 2005-11-15 | Baycom-Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. | Mailbox with lighting decorative structure |
| AU2004100740A4 (en) * | 2004-09-06 | 2004-11-25 | Foundations Consulting Aust Pty Ltd | Magnetic 'No Junk Mail' Postbox Sign |
| FR2878366A1 (en) * | 2004-11-23 | 2006-05-26 | Consulting Sarl B | Advertising panel fixing device for e.g. public usage adjustable letter box, has base fixed on leg of letter box, and shell encased and fixed on base and comprising window that receives poster of preset dimension |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101568212A (en) * | 2008-04-23 | 2009-10-28 | 北京搜一搜广告有限公司 | Selector |
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