WO2012045123A1

WO2012045123A1 - Improvements relating to reading material coverings

Info

Publication number: WO2012045123A1
Application number: PCT/AU2011/001283
Authority: WO
Inventors: Susan Matthews
Original assignee: Ghm Company Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2010-10-08
Filing date: 2011-10-08
Publication date: 2012-04-12
Also published as: GB201308199D0

Abstract

The presented invention is directed to reading covers having an engagement portion to engage the reading material, and a covering portion to cover the reading material. The cover may be shaped so as to be readily engaged with and readily cover the reading material. The invention also includes methods for making a cover for reading material comprising determining a set of characteristics suitable for a particular application, and creating a cover to suit the application. Also provided are systems or method to enable customization and ordering of a book cover online comprising ordering at an online environment: the book cover dimensions and/or colours and/or patterns, and/or pictures, and/or words, and/or transparent windows, and/or accompanying attachments, and/or stickers.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO READING MATERIAL COVERINGS

ABSTRACT:

A cover for reading material comprising an engagement portion to engage the reading material and a covering portion to cover the reading material.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates to a cover which can he used to enahle a protective coating book, magasine, folder, diary etc.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Parent of school children and other persons every year are faced with the difficulties of having to cover school hooks and other types of books, magazines, folders, diaries etc (here after collectively referred to as 'reading materials') in order to ensure longer life.

The traditional process has been to cover reading materials using rolls of brown paper or an adhesive cover, such as 'Contact'™„ This process is made more complicated hy having to cut to size an adhesive covering which is often sticky and uneasy to work with and can rip easily in the application process. Often with adhesive covering rolls there is also a high level of wastage, where usually a roll will cover only 2,5 standard exercise books,

Brown Paper is another material which is also used to cover reading materials. It is also not easy to work with and can rip, making the processes very frustrating for the person covering reading materials. With Brown Paper it will usually require some type of tape to ensure that it adheres to die reading material. To make the Brown Paper water proof it requires either plastic or an adhesive cover to he placed on top of the paper, again another long and messy process.

Other reading material coverings that are currently available in the public domain are made of plastic and the reading material slips into the covering without any adhesion, like a dust coat on a hard back hook, This in it self is often an issue as the plastic coverings can often rip or be easily pulled off the reading material if the reading material is not held correctly. These plastic coverings also do not protect the reading material along the top or bottom of the reading material and can easily allow a liquid substance to penetrate the cover of the reading material, thus causing the reading material to rapidly deteriorate.

Throughout the specification, the word comprising and its grammatical equivalents are to be taken to have an inclusive meaning, unless the context of use clearly indicates otherwise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a cover for reading material comprising an engagement portion to engage the reading material and a covering portion to cover the reading material.

In one aspect the cover is shaped so as to he readily engaged with and readily cover the reading material Thus for example, in some embodiments, the cover may be pre-cut to particular dimensions to suit a predetermined type of reading material.

The engagement portion may be of any suitable type, and may for example comprise an adhesive, Velcro, or any other suitable material.

The covering portion may be of any suitable type, including various polymers, or composites.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for making a cover for reading material comprising (a) determining a set of characteristics suitable for a particular application and (b) creating a cover to suit the application.

In some embodiments, the characteristics are dimensions which may for example be pre-cut to enable ready application of the cover to the particular reading material, In some embodiments the characteristics may for example comprise the type of engagement portion, or covering portion, and so on.

Creation of the cover may be undertaken by any suitable means. In some particularly preferred embodiments, it may for example comprise a reverse butt-cut via a die cut which may for example be made to a backing sheet covering an engagement portion.

In one aspect of this invention was designed to enable parents and other persons to easily cover reading materials without the difficulties of having to use a roll of paper or a roll of adhesive covering, It allows for the easy application of reading material coverings to any type of reading material

Other aspect of this invention is that it has been designed, not to come apart and to allow full protection against liqnids, which is something that the plastic coverings mentioned above do not do.

In some embodiments, the unique divided sections of the protective backing sheet make it easy to remove, enabling the reading material cover to be stuck onto the item without the difficulties of worrying of ripping or other sections of the adhesive covering meeting and causing the adhesive covering to stick together. These sections in the protective backing sheet may change in shape; size and/or number of sections from one section to 1.000 sections.

In some embodiments, the wastage component is reduced to nii or a very low percentage of what is currently available in the public domain.

In an embodiment of the invention, the base can comprise of a vinyl material. For example the vinyl material may comprise of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The fmal material may be in the form of sheet or film, The base material may have an adhesive backing thereon,

In another embodiment of the invention, the base can comprise of a waterproof and water resistant paper material The final material may be in the form of sheet or film. The base waterproof and water resistant paper material may have an adhesive backing thereon.

In another embodiment of the invention, the base can comprise of a laminated material. The final material may be in the form of sheet or film. The base laminated material, may have an adhesive backing thereon.

In another embodiment of the invention, the base can comprise of a polyester material. The polyester material may be in the form of sheet or film. The polyester material may have an adhesive backing thereon.

In another embodiment of the invention, the base can comprise of a polypropylene (PP) material. The polypropylene material may be in the form of sheet or film. The polypropylene material may have an adhesive backing thereon.

In another embodiment of the invention, the base can comprise of a polycarbonate (PC) material. The polycarbonate (PC) material may be in the form of sheet or film. The polycarbonate (PC) material may have an adhesive backing thereon.

In another embodiment of the invention, the base can comprise of a polyethylene (PE) material. The polyethylene (FE) material may be in the form of sheet or film. The polyethylene (PE) material may have an adhesive backing thereon.

In another embodiment of the invention, the base can comprise of a polyethylene Terephthalate (PET/PETE) material. The polyethylene Terephthalate (PET/PETE) material 1 may be in the form of sheet or film. The polyethylene Terephthalate (PET/PETE) material may have an adhesive backing thereon,

In another embodiment of the invention, the base can comprise of a po!yurethane (PU/PUR) material. The polyurethane (PU/PUR) material may be in the form of sheet or film. The poiyurethane (PU/PUR) material may have an adhesive backing thereon. In another embodiment of the invention, the base can comprise of a polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) material. The polyvinylidene FluorS.de (PVDF) material may he in the form of sheet or film. The polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) material may have as adhesive backing thereon.

Embodiments which comprise an adhesive backing may use any suitable type of adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive is reversible, so that the cover may be removed, or reapplied. In other embodiments the adhesive is not readily or not reversible so that the cover is semi permanently or permanently adhered to the reading material.

In another embodiment of the invention, the base may be printed upon. The printed base may he in the form of sheet or film. The printed base may have an adhesive backing tbereon,

Another aspect of the invention concerns methods to make reading material covers as per the invention.

In one aspect a book cover according to the invention is provided with an odour. The odour can be of any suitable type, and may for example he chosen for the particular circumstances, such as chocolate for a cover for a book on chocolate, or any other suitable odour. The odour may he created by any suitable means, such as dry or liquid form, it may be printed in or supplied by an odour releasing device or embedded in the book cover, etc.

In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a book cover which is customizable by a user, Such customization may take any suitable form, and may for example comprise personalization of the book cover.

In some embodiments, a book cover according to the invention can have any form of customisation or personalisation by the way of printing. Printed material may comprise any suitable printing. For example:

any form of advertising not excluding colour; images/pictures (including but not exclusive wireframe and/or photos and/ or vector and/ or any other type of images);text ; patterns, any form of instructions by the way of but not exclusive to test; colour; patterns; images/photos.

any form of personalisation by the way of hut not exclusive to text; colour; patterns; images/photos.

any form of promotional by the way of hut not exclusive to text; colour; patterns; images/photos. For example promoting Denial Health

Cancer Research,i.e. promotional including hut not exclusive to non-profit cause; religion; governments; services such as but not exclusive police: ambulance services; fire services; health services; education services; fundraising events etc.

any form of branding by the way of but not exclusive to test; colour; patterns; images/photos.

any form of design/designer by the way of but not exclusive to text; colour: patterns: images/photos.

any form of information by the way of but not exclusive to text; colour; patterns; images/photos

any farm of theme by way of but not exclusive to text; colour; patterns; images/photos. any form of photos

any form of patterns

any form of images

any form of text

any form of colour

advertising and / or branding information

Printing may be applied in any suitable way and for example may comprise:

Offset printing process

Offset Lithographic printing process

Lithography printing process

Digital printing process

Fad Printing Process

Hot Foil/Stamping Printing Process

Dye-Sublimation Printing Process

Direct Transfer Printing Process

Letterpress printing process

Screen Printing Process

Dye Transfer Printing Process

Electrostatic Printing Process Thermography Printing Process

Rotogravure Printing Process

Electrophotographic Printing Process

Woodblock Printing Process

Flexography Printing Process

Laser Printing Process

Relief Printing Process

Intaglio Printing Process

Viscosity Printing Process

Planographic Printing Process

Inkjet Printing Process

In some embodiments, a book cover according to the invention can have any form of personalisation by the way of pockets within, on or about the book cover. For example a single pocket or multi pockets; the pockets could be scalable or non scalable with 'the ability for the user to insert, pictures, wording, drawings, etc,

In some embodiments, a book cover according to the invention can have any form of personalisation by the way of stickers to the hook cover. For example the book cover could be printed with a pattern or image or colour and allow for stickers to be stuck to the outside enhancing and personalisation that book cover.

In some embodiments, a book cover according to the Invention can. have any form of personalisation by the way of transparent slip that can be peeled across and the user can put a label; picture; image or text or anything that they fancy and then tbey move or stick or clip the slip back into place on the book cover, For example the book cover could be printed with a pattern or image or colour with an area or areas (almost like a framed area) that allows the user to include their own personalization by the way of image, drawing, or other.

In some embodiments, the customization may for example comprise one or more, of the following:

One or more stickers which may be placed on to the cover by a user;

One or more attachments, which may be permanently or reversibly attached to the cover, For example, an attachment may comprise a Veiero fixtnre to allow Velcro items (shapes / colours / pockets / words or any other suitable item) to he reversibly placed on the cover. In other embodiments, a reversible glue may be used or electrostatic force, or moisture may be used.

One or more sections which may peel away to allow a transparent region of the cover to be used. This may for example be used to ensure that an area on the cover of the book which is for labeling with name / address details is left uncovered by the book cover applied over the top. This may occur for example with a children's school exercise book. Equally such a transparent area may be utilized to display a portion of the book's own cover (such as a title, or a picture), or to enable another item to be placed under the book cover, but remain visible through the transparent window so created (for example a photo or picture created by the user).

Customisation of book covers according to the invention may be provided in any suitable way. For example in one embodiment, there is provided a system and method to enable customization and ordering of a book cover online. In such an embodiment, the book cover dimensions, colours, patterns, pictures, words, transparent windows, accompanying attachments, stickers and any other customizations are ordered at an online environment and then provided to the user. The user may be provided with a template to then print (for example a certain number of times) on specialized materials with their own printer, or they may for example have one or more of such ordered book covers physically delivered to them. Any suitable means of provision of the now customized book covers may be used.

In some embodiments, the customization may occur at a booth, or machine (including a pc) which the user utilizes to customize their book cover. The machine in some embodiments will then create on-demand the book cover as ordered. This may for example be a booth that is placed at a shopping centre for generalized use. In other embodiments, such a booth is used to order a book cover which will then be physically delivered to a nominated address.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a plan view of the reading material cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In figure l, the reading material cover shown is not to scale.

Figure 2 shows another plan view of the reading material cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In figure 2, the reading material cover shown is not to scale.

Figure 3 shows another plan view of the reading material cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In figure 3, the reading material cover shown is not to scale.

Figure 4 shows another plan view of the reading material cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In figure 4, the reading material cover shown is not to scale.

7 Figure 5 shows another plan view of the reading material cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In figure 5, the reading material cover shown is not to scale.

Figure 6 shows another plan view of the reading material cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In figure 6, the reading material cover .shown is not to scale. Figure 7 shows another plan view of the reading material cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In figure 7, the reading material cover shown is not to scale.

Figure 8 shows another plan view of the reading material cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In figure 8, the reading material cover shown is not to scale.

Figure 9 shows another plan view of the reading material cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, In figure 9, the reading material cover shown is not to scale.

Figure 10 shows another plan view of the reading material cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, In figure 10. the reading material cover shown is not to scale.

Figure 11 shows another plan view of the reading material cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In figure 11, th e reading material cover shown is not to scale. Figure 12 shows another plan view of the reading material cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In figure 12, the reading material cover shown is not to scale.

Figure 13.1 shows another plan view of the reading material cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In figure 13.1, the reading material cover shown is not to scale.

Figure 13.2 shows another plan view of the reading material cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In figure 13.2, the reading material cover shown is not to scale.

Figure 14.1-14,2 depicts hydraulic/Mechanical use of a Plotter/knife cutter according to some embodiments.

Figure 15.1-15.4 depicts Hydraulic/Mechanical use of Dies - flexible and non flexible dies according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be understood that the drawings accompanying the specification have been provided for the purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the present invention should not be considered to be restricted solely to the features as shown and. described in the attached drawings. Turning to figure 1, a reading material cover in accordance with the present invention includes a base material thai covers the whole region of the drawing; an adhesive layer. However, it will be appreciated that the adhesive layer may form a region that covers the entire base surface or it may only cover a small region of the hase surface. Figure 1 also includes a protective hacking sheet; the dolled line of the drawing represents a cut to the protective backing sheet enabling the protective hacking sheet to he removed in two sections. The cut does not penetrate through to the base layer not does it penetrates through the. adhesive layer. Figure 1 shows the protective backing sheet in two sections, shown in figure 1 as "A" & "B". A left section (shown as "A") and a right section (shown as "B"}, allowing one section of the protective backing sheet to be peeled away at a time making it an easier and difficulties free to cover a book. There is also little to no wastage with the present invention. Size and shapes may alter.

Turning to figure 2 to 13.2, a reading material cover in accordance with the present invention includes a base material that covers the whole region of the drawing; an adhesive layer. However, it will be appreciated, that the. adhesive layer may form a region that covers the entire hase surface or it may only cover a small region of the base surface. Figure 2 to 13.2 also includes a protective backing sheet; the dotted line of the drawing represents a cut to the protective backing sheet enabling the protective backing sheet to be removed in sections. The cut does not penetrate through to the base layer not does it penetrates through the adhesive layer. Figure 2 shows the protective hacking sheet in five sections. Figure 3 shows the protective backing sheet in eight sections. Figure 4 shows the. protective backing sheet in eight sections. Figure 5 shows the protective backing sheet in eight sections. Figure 6 shows the protective backing sheet in five sections. Figure 7 shows the protective backing sheet in six sections. Figure 8 shows the protective backing sheet in eight sections. Figure 9 shows the protective backing sheet in seven sections. Figure 10 shows the protective hacking sheet in eight sections. Figure 11 shows the protective backing sheet in five sections. Figure 12 shows the protective backing sheet in eight sections. Fignre 13.1 shows the protective backing sheet in seven sections. Fignre 13.2 shows the protective backing sheet in seven sections. Each section can he peeled away at a time making it an easier and difficulties free to cover a reading material. There is also little to no wastage with the present invention. Size and shapes may alter. The number of sections may also alter.

Reading material covers according to the present invention may be made by any suitable means. In some embodiments, there comprises a method to apply a perforation to a backing sheet. Such a method may comprise one or more of

Blade Cutting

Die Cutting Flatbed and or Rotary and or Digital - All types

Knife Cutting (including Plotting) Laser Cutting

Perforating via all methods such as punching; pins & needles including rotary pinned perforation rollers: and or laser perforation

Punching

Scissor Cutting/Shearing

Scored

Slitting including razor slitting; Baloney slitting, also referred to as Lathe slitting

Stamping

In some embodiments, there comprises a method to cut out the shape of the base material. Such a method may comprise one or more of

Die Cutting Flatbed and or Rotary and or Digital - All type

Knife Cutting

Guillotine Cutting

Hot Wire Cutting

Laser Cutting

Punching

Scissor Culling/Shearing

Slitting

Stamping

It will be appreciated that the various processes may be carried out manually or via machine such as plotter; hydraulic press; etc.

In one preferred embodiment the method use employs a reverse butt-cut via a die cut to die backing sheet. It is also possible, however to use other methods such as a kiss-cut.

Diagram 14 shows the plotting/knifing process to make the book cover, In the above example we are using the base material containing PVC, however other base materials can be used. This material may or may not be printed upon. In Figure 4.1 the computer controlled plotter will cut out the shape for the hook cover, as well as making an incision into the backing material without damaging the base material In this example the dimensions are 29,3cm/293mm (length) x 42cm. /420mm(width), this particular example will snit a Scrapbook size book. The size of the slit is 29.3cm/293mm (length), however it should be noted that the dimensions and number of the slits can vary and are not specific to the size of the book cover. Plotters come in many different shapes and sizes, and now days most printing machines also knife/plot at the same lime. Figure 4.2 different types of plotting machines which can be used.

Diagram 15 shows the book cover being created via the process of using dies. Dies can come in many forms and are usually either in the category of flexible dies and non-flexible dies. There are many different types of die cutters and dies can be fitted to different types of mechanical and hydraulic machinery. Dies can be in fitted to roll presses; cylinder presses; hand feed presses; flatbed and sheet fed machines. Figure 5,1 shows an example of a flexible die; Figure 5.2 shows an example of a non-flexible wooden die. Figure 5.3 shows the die press to make the book cover using a die, where the die is used to punch out the base material in the shape and the die also makes the slit the protective backing material to enable the protective backing material removed in sections. In the above example we are using the base material containing PVC, however other base materials can be used. This material may or may not be printed upon. In this example the dimensions are 29.3cm/293mm (length) x 42cm /420mm(width), this particular example will suit a Scrapbook size book. The size of the slit is 29.3cm/293mm (length), however it should be noted that the dimensions and number of the slits can vary and are not specific to the size of the book cover. In Figure 5.4 you can see the material exiting the die process it will then go into another die which will automatically weed/strip the excess material away from the book cover. Once the book cover has been weeded/ stripped of the excess material it is ready for packaging.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A cover for reading material comprising:

an engagement portion to engage the reading material, and

a covering portion to cover the reading material.

2. A cover according to claim 1 wherein the cover is shaped so as to be readily engaged with and readily cover the reading material.

3. A cover according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the cover is pre-cut to particular dimensions to suit a predetermined type of reading material.

4. A cover according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the engagement portion comprises an adhesive or Velcro.

5. A cover according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the covering portion is a polymer, or a composite.

6. A cover according to any one of claims 1 to 5 comprising a base material.

7. A cover according to claim 6 wherein the base material is in the form of sheet or film.

8. A cover according to claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the base material comprises of a vinyl material.

9. A cover according to any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the base material has an adhesive backing thereon.

10. A cover according to any one of claims 6 to 9 wherein the base material comprises of a waterproof and water resistant paper material.

11 A cover according to any one of claims 6 to 10 wherein the base material comprises a laminated material.

12. A cover according to any one of claims 6 to 11 wherein the base material may be printed on.

13. A cover according to any one of claims 6 to 12 comprising a laminated material.

14. A cover according to any one of claims 6 to 13 wherein the laminated material has an adhesive backing thereon.

15. A cover according to any one of claims 6 to 14 wherein the base material comprises a polyester material, a polypropylene material, a polycarbonate material, a polyethylene material, a polyethylene terephthalate material, a polyurethane material, or a polyvinylidene fluoride material.

16. A cover according claim 15 wherein the polyester material, polypropylene material, polycarbonate material, polyethylene material, polyethylene terephthalate material,a polyurethane material, or a polyvinylidene fluoride material has an adhesive backing thereon.

17. A cover according to any one of claims 1 to 16 comprising a final material.

18. A cover according to claim 17 wherein the final material is in the form of sheet or film.

19. A cover according to any one of claims 4 to 18 wherein the adhesive is reversible.

20. A cover according to any one of claims 1 to 19 that is provided with an odour.

21. A cover according to any one of claims 1 to 20 that is customizable by a user.

22. A cover according to claim 21 wherein the customization is personalization.

23. A cover according to claim 21 or claim 22 wherein the customization or personalization is provided by way of pockets within, on or about the book cover; or by way of application of stickers to the book cover; or by the way of transparent slip; or by way of one or more attachments.

24. A method for making a cover for reading material comprising:

(a) determining a set of characteristics suitable for a particular application and

(b) creating a cover to suit the application.

25. A method according to claim 24 wherein the characteristics are dimensions which are pre-cut to enable ready application of the cover to the reading material.

26. A method according to claim 24 or claim 25 wherein the characteristics comprise the type of engagement portion, or covering portion.

27. A method according to any one of claims 24 to 26 comprising a reverse butt-cut via a die cut.

28. A system or method to enable customization and ordering of a book cover online comprising ordering at an online environment: the book cover dimensions and/or colours and/or patterns, and/or pictures, and/or words, and/or transparent windows, and/or accompanying attachments, and/or stickers.