U.S. patent application number 11/131666 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-22 for peel-off coupon redemption card.
This patent application is currently assigned to MCC Systems. Invention is credited to Thompson, Debra Tak, Thompson, James B., Thompson, Kenneth.
Application Number | 20050206157 11/131666 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34193577 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050206157 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thompson, Kenneth ; et
al. |
September 22, 2005 |
Peel-off coupon redemption card
Abstract
A peel-off coupon redemption card includes a plurality of
coupons releasably adhered to a base with a release liner. The
release liner is composed of a material, such as a dry release
adhesive or evaporative adhesive, such that when a coupon is
removed from the base substantially no effective adhesive remains
on the removed coupon. Each coupon preferably includes promotion
indicia and an electronic redemption indicia. The electronic
redemption indicia is preferably printed on a face of the coupon
facing the base so that each coupon can be electronically redeemed
while having sufficient space for the promotion indicia on the
opposite face of the coupon.
Inventors: |
Thompson, Kenneth; (Ventura,
CA) ; Thompson, Debra Tak; (Ventura, CA) ;
Thompson, James B.; (Ventura, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KELLY LOWRY & KELLEY, LLP
6320 CANOGA AVENUE
SUITE 1650
WOODLAND HILLS
CA
91367
US
|
Assignee: |
MCC Systems
|
Family ID: |
34193577 |
Appl. No.: |
11/131666 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11131666 |
May 17, 2005 |
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10638076 |
Aug 7, 2003 |
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11131666 |
May 17, 2005 |
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09865652 |
May 25, 2001 |
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6623039 |
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09865652 |
May 25, 2001 |
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09812020 |
Mar 19, 2001 |
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6520542 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
283/67 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B42D 15/00 20130101;
B42D 15/045 20130101; G06K 19/07739 20130101; B42D 15/0053
20130101; G06K 19/072 20130101; G09B 19/00 20130101; G06K 19/041
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
283/067 |
International
Class: |
B42D 015/00 |
Claims
1. A peel-off coupon redemption card which is not attachable to
merchandise, comprising: opposite first and second generally planar
surfaces the periphery of which are defined by four discrete edges
to form a generally rectangular base; a coupon overlaying at least
a portion of the base and including promotion indicia and
electronic redemption means; and means for releasably adhering the
coupon to the base such that when the coupon is removed from the
base substantially no effective adhesive remains on the coupon.
2. The redemption card of claim 1, wherein the releasably adhering
means comprises a release liner.
3. The redemption card of claim 2, wherein the release liner
comprises a dry release adhesive.
4. The redemption card of claim 2, wherein the release liner
comprises an evaporative adhesive.
5. The redemption card of claim 1, wherein the promotion indicia is
printed on a first face of the coupon, and the redemption means is
disposed on an opposite second face of the coupon.
6. The redemption card of claim 5, wherein the redemption means
faces the first surface of the base.
7. The redemption card of claim 5, wherein the redemption means
comprises a bar code.
8. The redemption card of claim 1, including a plurality of coupons
removably adhered to the base, each coupon being removable from the
base substantially without effective adhesive thereon.
9. The redemption card of claim 1, including indicia printed on the
first surface of the base beneath the coupon.
10. The redemption card of claim 1, including indicia printed on
the second surface of the base.
11. The redemption card of claim 10, including a protective layer
overlying the printed indicia on the second surface of the
base.
12. The redemption card of claim 1, wherein the base is
approximately the size of a credit card.
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. A wallet-sized peel-off coupon redemption card, comprising:
opposite first and second generally planar surfaces the periphery
of which are defined by four discrete edges to form a generally
rectangular base; a plurality of coupons overlaying at least a
portion of the base, each coupon including promotion indicia and
electronic redemption means; and a release liner which releasably
adheres the coupons to the base such that when a coupon is removed
from the base substantially no effective adhesive remains on the
removed coupon.
16. The redemption card of claim 15, wherein the release liner
comprises a dry release adhesive or an evaporative adhesive.
17. The redemption card of claim 15, wherein the promotion indicia
is printed on a first face of the coupon, and the redemption means
is disposed on an opposite second face of the coupon which faces
the first surface of the base.
18. The redemption card of claim 17, wherein the redemption means
comprises a bar code.
19. The redemption card of claim 15, including indicia printed on
the first surface of the base beneath the coupon.
20. The redemption card of claim 15, including indicia printed on
the second surface of the base and a protective layer overlying the
printed indicia.
21. The redemption card of claim 15, wherein the base is
approximately the size of a credit card.
22. (canceled)
23. A wallet-sized peel-off coupon redemption card which is not
attachable to merchandise, comprising: opposite first and second
generally planar surfaces the periphery of which are defined by
four discrete edges to form a generally rectangular base; a
plurality of coupons overlaying at least a portion of the base,
each coupon including promotion indicia is printed on a first face
of the coupon, and redemption means disposed on an opposite second
face of the coupon which faces the first surface of the base; and a
release liner comprising a dry release adhesive or evaporative
adhesive which releasably adheres the coupons to the base such that
when a coupon is removed from the base substantially no effective
adhesive remains on the removed coupon.
24. The redemption card of claim 23, wherein the redemption means
comprises a bar code.
25. The redemption card of claim 23, including indicia printed on
the first surface of the base beneath the coupon.
26. The redemption card of claim 23, including indicia printed on
the second surface of the base and a protective layer overlying the
printed indicia.
27. The redemption card of claim 23, wherein the base is
approximately the size of a credit card.
28. (canceled)
29. The redemption card of claim 8, wherein the plurality of
removable coupons include promotion indicia and redemption means
for different goods or services.
30. The redemption card of claim 15, wherein the plurality of
removable coupons include promotion indicia and redemption means
for different goods or services.
31. The redemption card of claim 23, wherein the plurality of
removable coupons include promotion indica and redemption means for
different goods or services.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/865,652, filed May 25, 2001, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/812,020, filed Mar. 19, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,542.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to coupons and
coupon redemption cards. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a peel-off coupon redemption card having one or more
coupons which are beneficially removable with effectively no
adhesive remaining on the coupon, as well as redemption means and
promotion indicia printed on opposite faces of the coupon.
[0003] Cents off coupons and other types of discount coupons are a
familiar marketing device, routinely used to promote the sale of
various products and services by offering discounts or other types
of effective price reduction upon presentation of the coupon to the
seller. For example, local newspapers print various grocery item
coupons, which will be honored by major supermarket chains. Coupons
are also published in magazines, and are frequently mailed to
households in mass mailings. Typically, the coupons are torn out or
cut out with scissors. Whatever the form of distribution, prior art
coupon systems are all somewhat disorganized in bulk, and hard for
the consumer to keep track of.
[0004] Typically, the cashier accepts the coupons as they are
presented to her at the check-out line of the retail establishment.
The accepted coupons are typically placed in a special drawer, and
later sorted and forwarded to the manufacturer for reimbursement.
Although cumbersome, retail establishments are accustomed to this
procedure.
[0005] As disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,308,120 and 5,501,491,
peel-off coupon redemption cards and tracking systems have been
developed wherein small coupons are removably attached to a
redemption card. Oftentimes, such redemption cards are sold as fund
raising vehicles. Thus, in order to justify the cost of the
redemption card, as many detachable coupons as is possible are
typically formed on the back of the redemption card so that the
total redemption value far exceeds the cost of the card. The holder
of the card peels off a coupon at the retail establishment in order
to receive the discount. When the coupon is removed, an adhesive
layer remains on the back of the coupon so that it can be adhered
onto a tracking sheet to assist the retail establishment in
determining the total number of coupons received, etc.
[0006] However, some retail establishments find it inconvenient to
train their cashiers in handling these coupons and the accompanying
tracking sheet. Some cashiers, instead of adhering the coupons onto
the tracking sheet, place them in the drawer for the regular
coupons. Due to the adhesive layer on the removed coupon, the
coupon adheres to other coupons or papers within the drawer,
creating a mess. Due to the relatively small size of the removable
coupons, the coupons are unable to physically support both the
necessary promotion indicia as well as an electronic redemption
means, such as a bar code or the like. Thus, the cashier must read
the fairly small print on the removed coupon and key in the
discount, or scan a bar code or the like on the redemption card
itself. Having a magnetic strip or bar code on the redemption card
separate from the coupons require that the coupons substantially
have the same discount for the same retail establishment. Also, it
is difficult to control the number of times the discount is given
as the redemption card holder could potentially scan the bar code
more times than the number of removable coupons provided on the
redemption card itself.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a peel-off
coupon redemption card in which the removed coupons do not have
adhesive thereon, and which can be treated in a more traditional
fashion. There is also a continuing need for such a redemption card
wherein the removed coupon support both the promotion indicia as
well as electronic scanning means for providing the discount. The
present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related
advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention resides in a peel-off coupon
redemption card which overcomes the disadvantages of prior art
coupons and prior peel-off coupon redemption card and tracking
systems.
[0009] The peel-off redemption card of the present invention
generally comprises a base having opposite first and second
surfaces. One or more coupons overlay at least a portion of the
base. Means for releasably adhering the coupon to the base, such as
a release liner, is provided such that when the coupon is removed
from the base substantially no effective adhesive remains on the
removed coupon. The releaser liner may comprise a dry release
adhesive, or an evaporative adhesive.
[0010] Each coupon includes promotion indicia as well as an
electronic redemption means, such as a bar code. Typically, the
promotion indicia is printed on a first face of the coupon, and the
redemption means is disposed on an opposite second face of the
coupon facing the first surface of the base.
[0011] The first surface of the base may include indicia beneath
the coupon such that as the coupons are removed the indicia is
viewable. Indicia may also be printed on the second surface of the
base, which also may include a protective layer overlying the
printed indicia.
[0012] Preferably, the base is approximately the size of a credit
card so as to be easily retained in one's wallet or purse. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, the base comprises two flaps
pivotally connected to one another, the flaps being foldable
against one another to approximately the size of a credit card.
[0013] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a redemption card
embodying the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view, illustrating
various component parts of the redemption card;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of a redemption card
embodying the present invention, illustrating a peel-off coupon
being removed therefrom; and
[0018] FIG. 4 is partially exploded and rear elevational view of a
dual-flap coupon redemption card embodying the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] As shown in the accompanying drawings for purposes of
illustration, the present invention resides in a peel-off coupon
redemption card, generally referred to by the reference number 10
in FIGS. 1-3 and by the reference number 12 in FIG. 4. The
redemption card 10 and 12 of the present invention is designed to
provide peel-off coupons which do not have substantially any
adhesive remaining thereon so as to enable the coupons to be
treated in a manner similar to traditional coupons. The redemption
card 10 and 12 of the present invention also maximizes the
allotment of space provided on each coupon by providing promotional
indicia 18 on one side of each coupon, and an electronic redemption
means on another side of the coupon, enabling each coupon to be
electronically scanned and redeemed.
[0020] With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the card 10 is
fabricated from multiple sheets of superimposed, layered materials.
The redemption card 10 includes a base layer 14 comprised of
plastic or paper. A front surface 16 of the base layer 14 may
include indicia 18 or a design 16 indicating the source of the
redemption card 10 or the retailer at whose establishment the
coupons will be redeemed, for example. A plastic film or clear
coating 20 can be laminated or otherwise applied to the front
surface 16 of the base layer 14 to provide a more durable and shiny
surface to the card 10, and protect the indicia and designs 18
imprinted on the front surface 16 of the base layer 14. For
example, the plastic film 20, known as "face stock", may be
comprised of a clear plastic, UCL Polyolam, NPL film or other
suitable substantially clear and protective coating or layer.
[0021] On the back side 22 of the base layer 14 is adhered a coupon
or redemption layer 24. The coupon layer 24 includes a plurality of
small coupons 26 which are removable by peeling the coupons 26 off.
Preferably, multiple removable coupons 26 are formed on the
redemption card 10 and 12. The detachable coupons 26 can be of any
size so as to fit on the redemption card 10 and 12, although such
cards 10 and 12 typically include approximately 16 peel-off coupons
26. The coupons 26 are typically created by printing the necessary
promotional indicia and printing or otherwise applying the
necessary electronic redemption means on at least one surface
thereof, and preferably on opposite faces thereof, as will be
described more fully herein. The coupon layer 24 is then "kiss cut"
at regular intervals to form the matrix of small removable coupons
26. The term "kiss cut" is a printer's term and is similar to a die
cut, but the cut is made sufficiently deep to form the removable
coupons 26, without cutting into or through the underlying layers
14 and 20. Each coupon 26 is cut at adjoining edges by the kiss-cut
process so that one can peel away a corner of the coupon 26 with
one's fingernail, and then easily remove that particular coupon 26.
A dog ear marking 28 may be printed at one corner of each coupon 26
to visually indicate to the user where to begin the peeling
process.
[0022] With particular reference to FIG. 2, the sheet of coupons 24
is adhered to the base layer 14 by means of a release liner 30. The
release liner 30 may comprise a clear plastic material which is
fixedly adhered to the base layer 14, and which supports a layer of
adhesive on a surface thereof facing the coupon layer 24.
Alternatively, the release liner 30 may comprise the adhesive layer
itself. In any event, the adhesive used is selected such that as
the detachable coupons 26 are removed, essentially no adhesive
remains on the coupon 26 to enable it to be placed in a drawer with
other coupons and handled in traditional fashion. Examples of such
adhesive include a dry release adhesive wherein essentially no
adhesive remains on the second face of the detached coupon 26, or
an evaporative adhesive in which some of the adhesive might be
present on the detached coupon 26 but quickly evaporates therefrom
upon exposure to the air. W hen the release liner 30 is comprised
of an evaporated adhesive, it is somewhat liquid in form when
applied, yet cannot evaporate or sublime because it is sealed
between the base layer 14 and the coupon layer 24, until a coupon
26 is removed and exposes that portion of the adhesive release
liner 30. It is important that substantially no effective adhesive
26 remain on the detached coupon 26 so that it does not stick onto
other coupons and create a mess in the till of the retailer. In
this manner, those retailers wishing to avoid the tracking system
disclosed in the above-identified patents can treat the detached
coupons 26 of the present invention in normal fashion as with other
coupons which are cut out from the newspaper, for example. As
discussed above, any residual adhesive left on the detached coupon
26 would cause it to stick to the other coupons in the coupon
drawer, or to the cashier's fingers or to the bar code or other
electronic redemption means reader.
[0023] A plastic laminate or clear coated material layer 32 may be
attached to the coupon layer 24, and subject to the kiss-cut
process, for added support of the coupons 26.
[0024] With reference now to FIG. 3, a back side of a redemption
card 10 embodying the present invention is illustrated, with a
coupon 26 partially detached from the card 10. In a particularly
preferred embodiment of the present invention, in order to maximize
the space provided on each detachable coupon, and allow the
greatest number of coupons 26 to be placed on the card 10 to
enhance its value and yet allow each coupon 16 to be electronically
redeemed, each coupon includes promotional information and indicia
32 printed on one face of the coupon 26, and an electronic
redemption means 34, such as the illustrated bar code, on the
opposite side of the coupon 26. It should be understood that the
promotional information 32 and redemption means 34 could be printed
on the same face of the detachable coupon 26, although the number
of detachable coupons 26 provided on each redemption card 10 would
be limited in number and size. Thus, to increase the visibility of
the promotional information 32, as well as the number of coupons
26, such promotional information 32 and redemption means 34 are
disposed on opposite faces of the coupon 26. Thus, a consumer would
typically view the promotional information for each detachable
coupon 26 on the back side of the card 10, which would indicate the
retail redeemer and the promotional offer, whether it be by "buy
one get one free", "cents off" a particular purchase, etc. Upon
peeling away the detachable coupon 26, the cashier would be able to
scan the electronic redemption means 34 on the opposite side of the
coupon 26. Preferably, the detached coupon 26 does not include any
adhesive remaining thereon, as described above.
[0025] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the back surface 22
of the base layer 14 includes printed indica 36 such that as the
coupons 26 are removed the indicia 36 is viewable. This enables the
use of the space for advertising or promotional purposes. Such
indicia 36 may or may not correspond with the indicia 32 on each
coupon 26, or even the one or more retail establishments who are
redeemers of the coupons 26.
[0026] In the illustrated embodiments in FIGS. 1-3, the redemption
card 10 comprises a single card which preferably approximates the
size of a credit card so as to be easily carried in one's wallet or
purse. The card 10 itself is thin, 0.007" to 0.026" in thickness,
and has approximate dimensions of 3.375" in length and 2.125" in
width. Of course, the redemption cards 10 can be offered in various
sizes to suit the needs of the potential consumers.
[0027] With reference now to FIG. 4, the card may comprise a
double-flap card 12. Such a card would include segments connected
at a pivoting hinge 38, allowing the sections or segments to be
folded on top of one another. Preferably, the total size of the
card 12, when folded, would approximate the size of a credit card
so as to be easily carried in one's wallet or purse. However, the
card 12 can be offered in various sizes. In fact, the hinge portion
38 can be used to actually separate the segments such that two
consumers can have access to the various promotional and detachable
coupons 26. The card 12 is comprised of essentially the same layers
as described above, and the detachable coupons 26 are comprised as
described in the previous embodiment as well, with promotional
indicia 32 on one face of the coupon 26, and redemption means 34,
such as a bar code, on an opposite face of the coupon 26 which is
machine readable by a wand bar code reader or a stationary bar code
scanner in typical fashion to electronically track the redemption
of such coupons 26. Preferably, each coupon 26 is removably adhered
to the underlying layer, such as the base layer 14 with a dry
release or evaporative adhesive or the like such that essentially
no effective adhesive remains on the detached coupon 26.
[0028] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
redemption cards 10 and 12 of the present invention overcomes the
traditional requirement of printing the coupon information and the
redemption means which is a bar code on the same side of the
conventional store coupon, thus limiting the coupon size beyond its
printed requirements. The present invention allows the size of the
coupon 26 to be reduced by printing the bar code 34 or other
redemption means on one side, and the promotional indicia 32 on an
opposite side, allowing the coupon to be much smaller, or allowing
for more information to be printed thereon. Reducing the size of
the coupons 26 provides an advertising and marketing advantage,
because several coupons can be placed on the card 10 and 12, while
still allowing electronic redemption of each coupon 26. Moreover,
the use of a dry release adhesive, evaporative adhesive, or the
like enables the coupons 26 to be treated in standard fashion
without the need of tracking sheets and the like.
[0029] Although several embodiments of the present invention have
been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various
modifications of each may be made without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be
limited, except as by the appended claims.
* * * * *