INFORMATION PACKET WITH TRANSACTION PIECE HOLDER

Abstract

A printed packet adapted to hold a transaction piece such as a hotel key card in conjunction with an information enclosure. The transaction holder is comprised of two layers of material bonded with a glue pattern to form a pocket designed to hold a transaction piece. The information enclosure includes an information piece, consisting of a sheet, multiple sheets, a folded pamphlet, or booklet. The information piece is secured to a base layer of the packet by means of a self-adhesive overlaminate enclosure disposed over the information piece and extending beyond two opposing edges of the piece. The enclosure is designed to hold expansive amounts of printed information in a secure, protected manner. The information enclosure and the transaction holder share the same base layer sheet of material.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

Benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/754,777, filed Jan. 21, 2013, is claimed. That application is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to printed media constructions which include a pocket, designed to hold and transport transaction pieces such as hotel room key cards, casino player club cards, printed receipts, event tickets, business cards, and the like. For the sake of brevity, the terms “transaction piece” or “card” will be used interchangeably in reference to these and similar transaction items herein without limitation. Further, the present invention relates to such pocketed card transport constructions, which additionally contain printed information, such information often being some type of advertisement.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

Prior art shows a number of examples of transaction piece holders combined with added space for additional information, typically of a promotional nature. Often, the added space for promotional information is supplied by means of multiple panels as illustrated by Alford, U.S. Pat. No. 3,970,332, incorporated herein by reference.

Other prior art is disclosed by Wright, U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,262, incorporated herein by reference, wherein the card holding device is formed from heavy paper stock and comprises two adjoining sections which fold upon one another along a score line. One section contains some type of formed pocket to hold the inserted card, such as a room key, in place. The other section is available for printed information, often in the form of an advertisement. As is disclosed by Fledge U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,909, additional sections can be used to allow for more printed information as required. Alternatively, additional information can be condensed onto a single section or panel as shown in prior art by Jacobs, U.S. Pat. No. 4,488,737, these latter two patents also incorporated herein by reference.

The general purpose and aim of much of this prior art is to provide a holder that conveniently and effectively secures a transaction piece, such as a room key, for transport and storage by the recipient; and, at the same time, provides a method to impart additional information, typically promotional in nature, such constructions within hereinafter to be referred to as “packets”.

Examples of such packets in prior art have problematic issues, which are solved with the present invention:

First, the creation of packets with 3 or more panels arranged in a folded format may be deemed necessary in order to impart the expansive information required. However, multi-panel designs become increasingly difficult to handle and read as the number of panels increase.

Accordingly, it is one object of this invention to provide a packet with an information enclosure that minimizes the number of panels required to present the expansive amount of information deemed necessary.

Second, if the packet includes multiple promotional coupons, typically such coupons are connected one to the other using perforations. Coupons so constructed often are difficult to separate by the user. That is, perforations often do not function as intended, causing torn coupons when separation is attempted.

Accordingly, it is another object of this invention to provide a packet wherein multiple coupons are presented in a padded stack allowing individual coupons to be viewed and removed without the use of tear-off perforations.

Third, once a piece of information is separated from packets of prior art, it will always remain detached.

For example if a series of coupons in a packet are grouped using perforations, the user may need to separate unwanted coupons from the group in order to access the desired coupon. The unwanted, separated coupons are thereby no longer attached to the primary packet construction and will often be discarded and lost for future use. It is frequently desirable to re-attach into the packet, for future reference and use, printed information such as a coupon, a booklet or a map which has previously been detached by the user.

Accordingly, it is another object of this invention to provide a packet wherein information pieces removed from the packet can be reinserted and secured again within the packet for future viewing and use.

Fourth, packets that include information in a pamphlet or booklet format as illustrated by Exline, U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,228, incorporated herein by reference, are cumbersome in that the booklet pages are always open, exposed, and prone to tearing or other damage during transport or use.

Accordingly, it is another object of this invention to provide a packet wherein sheets or pages of information, which would otherwise be exposed and prone tearing or other damage, are protected, secured, and enclosed within the packet.

Fifth, packets of the prior art are constructed in such a manner that further customization is impossible. For example, if a packet is designed, formed, and pre-printed as a hotel key card holder with an attached series of coupons, the packet cannot be modified at the hotel level to, for instance, promote a one-day special promotion. Such last-minute modifications could be most desirable in certain circumstances.

Accordingly, it is another objective of this invention to provide a packet that can be modified at a later time to enable timely customization of the packet prior to issuance to an end user.

As detailed below, the present invention provides novel product embodiments providing solutions to concerns of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides a printed multi-functional packet comprising a repository for a transaction piece such as a hotel key card along with a sealed enclosure containing an information piece such as a booklet or coupons.

All embodiments of this invention contain two distinct functional components.

The first component comprises a transaction pocket which is designed to conveniently enable insertion and securing of a transaction piece, such as a hotel key card, within the packet for storage and transport by the recipient. The pocket is preferably formed of two layers of stiff paper or card stock, with the transaction piece being inserted between the layers and thereby being held in place.

A second component is designed to elegantly and efficiently hold significant amounts of printed information, typically promotional in nature, in a closed, secured manner. This component comprises an information enclosure comprising an information piece, such as a group of coupons, or a booklet, a self-adhesive overlaminate film securing the information piece, and a base layer. More specifically, the overlaminate will be positioned over the information piece and will extend beyond at least two of the outer edges of the information piece, thereby securing the piece to an underlying base layer by means of an adhesive on the underside of the overlaminate. When the information enclosure is in the closed, sealed state, the printed matter contained within the information piece is substantially hidden from the end user with the exception of the piece's upper, exposed surface. The end user is preferably prompted to open the piece for viewing by instructional graphics such as “open”, “peel here” or the like.

This invention discloses two embodiments both of which contain a transaction pocket component as well as an information enclosure component. In the first embodiment, the transaction pocket comprises one section or panel of a multi-panel construction, preferably comprising two panels folded together as in a wallet. An information enclosure comprises a second panel of this multi-panel embodiment. In a second embodiment of this invention, the transaction pocket and the information enclosure together comprise a single panel, the transaction pocket and enclosure being positioned on opposite sides of the same panel.

Both the transaction pocket and the information enclosure are herein disclosed with a variety of forms and features that demonstrate the usefulness and versatility of this invention. It should be appreciated that a key attribute of this invention is that it can be produced and used with a multitude of variations to suit the user's needs while remaining faithful to the unique innovations disclosed herein. As such, this invention may be modified into many different forms as would be obvious from the following detailed description and should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments set forth herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1a to 1d illustrate a series of four views of one variation of this invention, all views depicting the invention in an open posture for clarity rather than in the alternative closed posture;

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the variation of the invention as in FIGS. 1a to 1d illustrating the invention prior to insertion of a transaction piece, and prior to end user access to the information piece;

FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view of the variation of the invention as in FIG. 1a;

FIG. 1c is a perspective view of the variation of the invention as in FIGS. 1a to 1d illustrating the invention after insertion of a transaction piece, and after end user access to the information piece;

FIG. 1d is a cross-sectional view of the variation of the invention as in FIG. 1c.

FIGS. 2a to 2d illustrate a series of four views of a second variation of this invention;

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of the variation of the invention as in FIGS. 2a to 2d illustrating the obverse side of the invention prior to insertion of a transaction piece;

FIG. 2a-1 is a perspective view of the variation of the invention as in FIGS. 2a to 2d illustrating the reverse side of the invention prior to user access to the information piece;

FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view of the variation of the invention as in FIG. 2a-1;

FIG. 2c is a perspective view of the variation of the invention of FIGS. 2a to 2d illustrating the obverse side of the invention after insertion of a transaction piece;

FIG. 2c-1 is a perspective view of the variation of the invention of FIGS. 2a to 2d illustrating the reverse side of the invention after end user access to the information piece, and after partial removal of a portion of the information piece;

FIG. 2d is a cross-sectional view of the variation of the invention as in FIG. 2c-1.

FIGS. 3a to 3d illustrate a series of four views of a third variation of this invention all views depicting the invention in an open posture for clarity rather than in the alternative closed posture;

FIG. 3a is a perspective view of the variation of the invention as in FIGS. 3a to 3d illustrating the invention prior to insertion of a transaction piece, and prior to end user access to the information piece;

FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of the variation of the invention as in FIG. 3a;

FIG. 3c is a perspective view of the variation of the invention as in FIGS. 3a to 3d illustrating the invention after insertion of a transaction piece, and after end user access to the information piece;

FIG. 3d is a cross-sectional view of the variation of the invention as in FIG. 3c.

FIGS. 4a to 4d illustrate a series of four views of a fourth variation of this invention, all views depicting the invention in an open posture for clarity rather than in the alternative closed posture;

FIG. 4a is a perspective view of the variation of the invention as in FIGS. 4a to 4d illustrating the invention prior to insertion of a transaction piece, and prior to insertion of a secondary information piece;

FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of the variation of the invention as in FIG. 4a;

FIG. 4c is a perspective view of the variation of the invention as in FIGS. 4a to 4d illustrating the invention after insertion of a transaction piece, and illustrating partial insertion of a secondary information piece;

FIG. 4d is a cross-sectional view of the variation of the invention as in FIG. 4c.

ALL cross-sectional FIGS. are depicted with expanded thicknesses to aid in the discussion and understanding of the invention variations detailed below.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

In the detailed description herein below, certain terms have the following meanings. For the sake of brevity, each use herein of the listed terms should be construed as containing the attributes detailed:

Glue strip or pattern—The glue or adhesive strip or pattern used in forming the transaction pocket can be applied by either use of a printing process or one of several alternative methods as are common to the industry. The adhesive thus applied may be of the water base, hot melt, or the pressure sensitive family.

Information piece—Information pieces referenced herein will normally comprise a single sheet, a group of sheets, a folded sheet, or booklet. It should be appreciated that the information piece could be of a variety of shapes, materials, and forms to suit user requirements.

Living hinge—A term to describe the hinge mechanism present in certain embodiments of this invention. The hinge enables the multiple opening and closing of the information enclosure in a manner as in opening and closing a book.

Release/Reseal mechanism—A term to describe all elements of the invention that enable the information enclosure to be opened and, if desired, reclosed by the end user. Elements comprising the release/reseal mechanism include a release coating, extended overlaminate, the self-adhesive on the lower surface of the overlaminate and in some cases, a strip of self-adhesive overlaminate with a releaseable upper surface.

Overlaminate—A clear film preferably with a coating of pressure sensitive adhesive on the underside. Cross sectional drawings herein will show the adhesive as a separate layer for clarity. The overlaminate can be of various film and adhesive thicknesses, textures and types. A commonly used example would be Sekisui TA Industries' Spec #1225, a 2 mil clear polypropylene overlaminate with an emulsion acrylic adhesive. “Self-adhesive overlaminate” and “overlaminate” will be used interchangeably herein without limitation.

Transaction piece—Transaction pieces are items inserted into the transaction piece pocket that are intended for future removal by an end user. Such items are typically inserted by a secondary individual or entity well after the packet has been manufactured and prior to presentation of the packet to an end user. Examples of transaction pieces include, without limitation, hotel key cards, sales receipts, gambling players' cards, membership cards, business cards, event tickets, photographs, special notes, coupons, advertising literature, and the like.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will herein be described in detail, referencing the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments and variations of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments and variations set forth herein, applicant intending to be bound only by the claims appended hereto.

The products of this invention provide unique solutions to the challenge of inserting and securing a transaction piece into an information packet while concurrently providing a sealed enclosure to effectively and efficiently hold substantial amounts of printed information in a compact, protected manner.

In addition, it will be noted that while the following description refers to four “variations” of the invention, the respective transaction piece and information enclosure components of the variations might be combined with one or more components of another variation, within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, component elements of the described four variations that are similar or related to the component elements of another variation are identified with the same number followed by a single digit (1-4, respectively) to distinguish which variation of the Figures (1-4) that component element is primarily associated with.

Multi-Panel Embodiment

With attention to a first embodiment of this invention, the first series of drawings FIGS. 1a to 1d show various views of a multi-panel packet 1. The packet 1 has preferably two adjoining sections or panels.

A first panel 5-1, hereafter referred to as the “transaction panel” includes a transaction pocket component 6-1 designed to securely hold a transaction piece 7-1 such as an event ticket or tickets. A variety of transaction pockets will be detailed herein below. A second panel 8-1, hereafter referred to as the “information panel” includes an information enclosure component 9-1. A variety of information enclosures will be detailed herein below. As shown in FIGS. 1b and 1d, the transaction panel 5-1 and the information panel 8-1 each include base layer portions 10-1 and 11-1 respectively formed of a single sheet of material 12-1. The panels 5-1 and 8-1 are separated by a fold line 13-1 formed in a single sheet of base layer material 12-1. As indicated by the arc “a” in FIG. 1a, the two panels 5-1 and 8-1 can be folded together inwardly a along the fold line 13-1 for convenient, secure storage of the packet in, for instance, a shirt pocket or purse by the end user. Alternatively, the fold line 13-1 can be replaced with a weakening fold line such as a perforation enabling folding of the two panels 5-1 and 8-1, as well as separation, one from the other. Panel 5-1 can be coextensive or offset relative to panel 8-1 in the folded configuration. Additional panels (not shown) of various types and uses comprising the same single sheet 12-1 of material with fold lines parallel to fold line 13-1 are contemplated.

Single-Panel Embodiment

With attention to a second embodiment of this invention, the second series of drawings, FIGS. 2a to 2d show various views of a single-panel packet 2. As with the first multi-panel embodiment packet 1, the single-panel embodiment packet 2 also includes a transaction pocket component 6-2 and an information enclosure component 9-2. Unlike the first embodiment packet 1, the second embodiment consists of only a single panel 5-2 with a transaction pocket 6-2 positioned on an obverse side of the single panel 5-2, and an information enclosure 9-2 on the reverse side of the same panel 5-2. It should be appreciated that both the transaction pocket 6-2 and the information enclosure 9-2 share to the same sheet 14 of base layer material (FIGS. 2b and 2d) being positioned on opposite sides.

Transaction Pockets and Enclosures (General)

This invention envisions a variety of differing transaction pocket and information enclosure designs which could be incorporated into either the multi-panel or single-panel embodiments described above. Herein detailed below is a representation of transaction pocket and information enclosure designs faithful to the claims of this invention. Other variations are expected to be contemplated in the industry which will likewise fall within the claims of this invention.

Transaction Pockets—Variation Details

Giving attention to transaction pockets, four representative, but not limiting, transaction pocket variations of the invention are illustrated within the drawings herein. FIGS. 1a to 1d illustrate a first transaction pocket 6-1; FIGS. 2a to 2d a second pocket 6-2; FIGS. 3a to 3d a third pocket 6-3; and FIGS. 4a to 4d show a fourth variation transaction pocket 6-4. As is shown in the cross-section illustrations of the four variations, the transaction pockets 6-1 through 6-4 are comprised of an upper layer 15-1 to 15-4 respectively, and base layer 10-1 to 10-4 respectively; both layers preferably consisting of stiff paper or card stock material. AU transaction pockets 6-1 through to 6-4 additionally include of a glue strip or glue pattern 16-1 to 16-4 respectively, positioned between the upper layer 15-1 to 15-4 and the base layer 10-1 to 10-4 respectively, forming a non-adhesive compartment 17-1 to 17-4 respectively, which is capable of receiving and holding a transaction piece such as an event ticket, business card, hotel key card, receipt, or the like, 7-1 to 7-4 respectively.

FIGS. 3a to 3d show a transaction pocket 6-3 comprising two layers of material in which the upper layer 15-3 is attached to the base layer 10-3 solely by means of a glue pattern 16-3. The two layers 15-3 and 10-3 can consist of the same or differing materials. In a similar manner, FIGS. 4a to 4d also show a transaction pocket 6-4 comprising two layers 15-4 and 10-4 in which the upper layer 15-4 is attached to the base layer 10-4 solely by means of a glue pattern 16-4.

Alternatively, a transaction pocket 6-1, as shown in FIGS. 1a to 1d is comprised of an upper layer 15-1 and base layer 10-1, both layers formed from the same material and the same sheet 12-1. More specifically, in this variation, during the production process, an extended portion of the single sheet base layer 12-1 is creased and folded upward upon itself forming the upper layer 15-1 and the pocket 6-1 with the addition of glue pattern 16-1.

Insertion for storage of a transaction piece into the transaction pocket can be accomplished with the addition of a slit 18 (FIGS. 2a and 2c) in the upper layer 15-2, or slot 19 (FIGS. 3a and 3c) in the upper layer 15-3. It will be appreciated that a slit as at 18 in a simple cut through the material while a slot 19 is a slit of wider dimension that slit 18. Either can be used interchangeably, and the terms “slit” and “slot” are used interchangeably herein and have the same meaning. It is further contemplated that the slits or slots can be located in the base layer (positioning not shown), thereby enabling card insertion and removal from the outside of the folded packet rather than the preferred inside location illustrated herein. As an alternative to slits or slots, FIGS. 1a and 1c depict a variation allowing side or top access for a transaction piece 7-1 into a non-adhesive compartment 17-1, and FIGS. 4a and 4c illustrate a top access construction for a transaction piece 7-4 into a non-adhesive compartment 17-4.

Information Enclosures

Giving attention to information enclosures of this invention, four representative, but not limiting, information enclosure variations are illustrated within the drawings herein. FIGS. 1a to 1d illustrate a first enclosure 9-1; FIGS. 2a to 2d a second enclosure 9-2; FIGS. 3a to 3d a third enclosure 9-3; and FIGS. 4a to 4d show a fourth variation enclosure 9-4. As is shown in all four variations illustrated, the information enclosures 9-1 through 9-4 are comprised of three elements: first, a self-adhesive overlaminate 20-1 to 20-4 respectively; second, an information piece 21-1 to 21-4 respectively; and third, a base layer element 11-1 to 11-4 respectively.

Overlaminate

With attention to the information enclosure overlaminate, FIGS. 1a through 1d show enclosures wherein the overlaminate 20-1 is disposed over an information piece 21-1 with two segments 22-1 and 23-1 of the overlaminate 20-1 extending past opposite edges of the information piece 21-1. Self-adhesive 24-1, positioned on the underside portion of the overlaminate 20-1 adhesively affixes the overlaminate 20-1 to the upper surface of the information piece 21-1. Further, the overlaminate adhesive 24-1 positioned on the underside of the extended segments 22-1 and 23-1 of the overlaminate 20-1 affixes the overlaminate to portions of the base layer 11-1 and thereby secures the information piece 21-1 to the base layer 11-1. It should be appreciated that the information piece 21-1 is enclosed between and within the overlaminate 20-1 and the base layer 11-1 thereby being secured and protected prior to access by the end user, eliminating the problematic concerns of lost, torn or otherwise damaged sheets.

End user access to the information piece 21-1 to 21-4 is enabled by one of several construction alternatives. FIGS. 1a to 1d illustrate the use of perforations in the overlaminate 20-1 to accomplish separation of the information piece 21-1 from the base layer 11-1 by the end user. More specifically, the information piece 21-1 can be accessed for full viewing when the end user tears open the perforations 25 and 26 thereby separating the information piece 21-1 and affixed portions of the overlaminate 20-1 from the base layer 11-1, with the extended laminate segments 22-1, 23-1 remaining permanently bonded to the enclosure's base layer 11-1. As a second option, the enclosure overlaminate 20-1 could include only a single perforation line, enabling only a partial detachment of the information piece 21-1 from the base layer 11-1 (not shown).

As an alternative to perforations in the overlaminate, a hinge feature and a release/reseal mechanism utilizing the overlaminate can be included, enabling repeated opening and closing of the enclosure for multiple accesses by the end user to the information piece. As illustrated in FIGS. 2a-1 and 2b, one of the two extended self-adhesive overlaminate segments 22-2 secures the information piece 21-2 at one edge to the base layer 11-2 thereby forming a living hinge 27-2. The opposite extended overlaminate segment 23-2 releasably bonds the opposite edge of the information piece 21-2 to the base layer 11-2. In more detail, a releasable surface 28-2 is preferably applied to the upper surface of the base layer 11-2 in the area of attachment of the overlaminate extension 23-2 forming a release/reseal zone 29-2 on a portion of the base layer 11-2. The resealable surface 28-2 is preferably applied as a printed UV release pattern coating, as is well known in the industry. Alternatively, referring to FIGS. 3b and 3d, if a print-applied release coat is not practical to apply, for example, when certain uncoated specialty paper stocks are used for the base layer 11-3, a strip of self-adhesive overlaminate 30 can be adhesively bonded to the base layer 11-3 by the overlaminate's 30 self-adhesive 31 wherein the upper surface of the overlaminate 30 functions as a release surface. Returning to FIGS. 2a to 2d, actual opening of the information enclosure 9-2 of packet 2 is typically accomplished by the end user pulling down and outward at or near the top corner edge of the extended overlaminate 23-2 causing the overlaminate to separate from the base layer 11-2 in the release/reseal zone 29-2, and thereby opening up the enclosure 9-2 for full viewing of the information piece 21-2. After viewing, the information enclosure 9-2 can be returned to a closed position by means of the overlaminate extension 23-2 reattaching to the release/reseal zone.

Information Pieces

Turning attention to information pieces of this invention, it should be appreciated that many types and forms of information could be contemplated and remain within the bounds of the claims of this invention. Four representative, but not limiting, information piece variations of the invention are illustrated within the drawings herein. FIGS. 1a to 1d illustrate a first information piece 21-1; FIGS. 2a to 2d a second piece 21-2; FIGS. 3a to 3d a third piece 21-3; and FIGS. 4a to 4d show a fourth variation information piece 21-4. As is shown in all variations illustrated herein, the information pieces 21-1 to 21-4 are positioned between the overlaminates 20-1 to 20-4 and the base layers 10-1 to 10-4 respectively when the information enclosures 9-1 to 9-4 are in a closed state, thereby securing, storing and protecting information otherwise subject to loss or damage.

Turning attention to FIGS. 1a to 1d, a first variation of an information piece 214 is illustrated as comprising a booklet 21-1. Such a booklet 21-1 would preferably be formed as a series of sheets 32 folded along fold lines 33 and 34, the sheets nested and secured one within the other by a glue line 35 between the fold lines 32 and 33 or alternatively with a staple through the folds (not shown). The number of sheets and method of bonding sheets together can vary as deemed appropriate. Prior to opening of the enclosure 9-1 the booklet is secured and protected in a closed position by the overlaminate 20-1 with only the text and graphics on the booklet's 21-1 upper surface available for viewing by the end user. Upon tearing the perforations 25 and 26 the booklet 21-1 is separated from the information panel 8-1 for full viewing of all text and graphics within the booklet 21-1 as well as any printed matter on the base layer 11-1.

Turning attention to FIGS. 2a to 2d, a second variation of an information piece 21-2 (FIG. 2b) is illustrated as comprising multiple singular sheets 36 of printed information, such as promotional coupons, preferably attached to each other by means of a common glued edge 37. The upper-most sheet 38 is secured to the base layer 11-2 by the self-adhesive overlaminate 20-2. It is contemplated in the invention that when the information enclosure 9-2 is opened by an end user, one or more of the secured inner sheets 36, with the exception of the top sheet 38, can be detached and removed with minimal force. Easy removal can be accomplished by adjusting the bonding force of the edge glue 37. Alternatively, single sheets 36 can be positioned within the enclosure without any bonding edge glue, allowing all but the top sheet 38 to be easily removed from the packet 2. After removal of any desired sheets 36, the information enclosure 9-2 can be resealed at the release/reseal zone 29-2 for later use.

Turning attention to FIGS. 3a to 3d, a third variation of an information piece 21-3 is illustrated as comprising a folded pamphlet 21-3. The exact configuration of the pamphlet can vary in regards to the number of panels and folding patterns as are common in the industry. Regardless, the upper most sheet of the pamphlet 21-3 is secured to the paper base layer sheet 11-3 by the self-adhesive overlaminate 20-3. The pamphlet 21-1 can be accessed for viewing and/or resealed as described herein.

Turning attention to FIGS. 4a to 4d, a fourth variation of an information piece 21-4 is illustrated as comprising a single sheet of material 40 (FIG. 4b). When the information enclosure 9-4 with the single-sheet information piece 21-4 is opened, it is possible for an additional information piece 41 to be inserted in a post-production venue within the opened space provided as shown in FIGS. 4c and 4d. After insertion, of the additional piece 41 can then be secured within the information enclosure 9-4 by closing the enclosure 9-4 using the release/reseal mechanism described herein. This variation has the unique, desirable advantage of post-production customization of the packet. For example, the product of this invention could be provided to, for instance, a restaurant owner with the information enclosure including only the single inner sheet 40. The owner could then “customize” the information to be presented to a dining guest along with his or her dining receipt 7-4 by opening the enclosure 9-4 and inserting specially selected custom coupons or some other custom information piece 41 and immediately resealing the enclosure 9-4 prior to presentation. A further securing of the inserted custom information piece 41 can be accomplished by lifting the single sheet 40 away from the base layer 11-4 exposing a small sliver portion 4-2 of the overlaminate adhesive 20-4 used in forming the hinge 27-4, then pressing edge 43 of the custom piece 41 against the exposed adhesive 42, thereby forming a bond. A thin strip of release coating 44 can be applied to the upper surface of the base layer 11-4 as shown in FIGS. 4b and 4d to facilitate exposing a portion 42 of the hinge adhesive for attachment of the custom insert piece 41.

It should be appreciated that although the present invention has been shown and described with references to particular embodiments or modifications thereof, nevertheless, various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed within the purview of the invention. For example, paper and film materials discussed herein could readily be substituted with other media or material to generate a similar product with similar functions. Other changes could easily include sizing and positioning of panels and components such as the release/resealing zone, hinges, card slots and the like. Further, the nature and construction of the information pieces may differ from descriptions herein based on unique user requirements.

It is of importance and should be appreciated that in all embodiments and variations illustrated herein, each and every product of this invention includes both a transaction pocket and an information enclosure. In the series of illustrations presented and discussed herein, it is intended that the transaction pockets and information enclosures should be considered interchangeable from one variation of the invention to the others. For example, the illustrated and detailed construction of a transaction pocket in the series FIGS. 4a to 4d could be easily interchanged with the pocket construction shown in series FIGS. 1a to 1d, without compromising the essence of the claims of this invention. As such, one should not attribute any particular significance to the pairing and positioning of a specific transaction pocket design to any specific information enclosure design within the illustrations presented herein.

Claims

1. A folded form construction having at least two or more sections, each section comprising a common single sheet of material, the sections each being delineated by a fold line, and including:

a first section panel formed to store a transaction piece, said first section panel comprising an upper and lower layer bonded by a glue pattern to form a storage pocket for said transaction piece, said lower layer comprising a portion of said single sheet of material;

a second section panel including an information piece disposed on said second section of said single sheet of material;

a self-adhesive overlaminate disposed over said information piece and having segments extending beyond two opposing edges of said information piece;

one of the two extended overlaminate segments affixing one edge of said information piece to said second panel material and thereby forming a living hinge;

an opposite extended overlaminate segment releasably bonding the opposite edge of said information piece to said second section;

said opposite extended overlaminate segment forming a portion of a release/reseal mechanism;

said release/reseal mechanism further comprised of a printed release coat or a self-adhesive film strip with a releasable top surface applied to the top surface of said second panel material.

2. A construction as is claim 1 wherein said first section upper layer is formed by folding said single sheet on itself and further including glue bonding two contacting surfaces of said single sheet in selected areas to form a pocket to store said transaction piece.

3. A construction as in claim 1 wherein the said first and second sections are joined at said fold line and are detachable from one another, said fold line defined by perforations in said sections at said fold line.

4. A construction as in claim 1 wherein said first section panel contains a die cut slot in at least one of said upper layer or said lower layer to enable the insertion of a card into said storage pocket formed in said first section panel.

5. A construction as in claim 1 wherein said upper layer of said first panel section is smaller than said lower layer of said first panel; said upper layer being bonded to said lower layer, forming a pocket with one or more open sides for the insertion and storage of a card.

6. A folded form construction having at least two sections, each section being formed from a common single sheet of material, the sections each being delineated by a fold line, and including:

a first section panel of said at least two sections formed to store a transaction piece said first section comprising an upper and lower layer bonded by a glue pattern to form a storage pocket for said transaction piece, said lower layer comprising a portion of said single sheet of material;

a second section panel formed to present additional information and including an information piece disposed on a section of said single sheet of said second panel section

a self-adhesive overlaminate disposed over said information piece and having two opposed segments extending beyond two opposing edges of said information piece, said two extended overlaminate segments permanently affixing two edges of said information piece to said second panel material; and

at least one perforation line cut into at least one of said extended overlaminate segments at or near an edge of the information piece, enabling access to or detachment of said information piece from said second section panel.

7. A construction as is claim 6 wherein said first section upper layer is formed by folding said single sheet on itself and glue bonding the two contacting surfaces in selected areas to form a pocket to store said transaction piece.

8. A construction as in claim 6 wherein the said first and second panel sections are detachable from one another at the said fold line by perforations in said sections at said fold line.

9. A construction as in claim 6 wherein said first section panel contains a die cut slot in at least said upper layer or said lower layer to enable the insertion of a card into said storage pocket formed in said first section panel.

10. A construction as in claim 6 wherein said upper layer of said first panel section is smaller than said lower layer of said panel section; said smaller layer being bonded to said other layer and forming a pocket with one or more open sides for the insertion and storage of a card.

11. A single-panel construction having two sections, each section comprising a single sheet of material said sheet of material having a first side and a second side; said two sections forming opposite sides of said single sheet and including:

a first section formed to store a transaction piece, said first section comprising an upper and lower layer bonded by a glue pattern to form a storage pocket for said transaction piece;

said lower layer comprising a portion of said single sheet of material and said upper layer bonded to said first side of said single sheet;

a second section including an information piece disposed on said second side of said single sheet;

a self-adhesive overlaminate disposed over said information piece and having segments extending beyond two opposing edges of said information piece;

one of the two extended overlaminate segments affixing one edge of said information piece to said second side of said single sheet and thereby forming a living hinge;

an opposite extended overlaminate segment releasably bonding the opposite edge of said information piece to said second side of said single sheet; said opposite extended overlaminate segment forming a portion of a release/reseal mechanism;

said release/reseal mechanism further comprised of a printed release coat or a self-adhesive film strip with a releasable top surface applied to the surface of said second side of said single sheet.

12. A construction as in claim 11 wherein said first section contains a die cut slot in said upper layer enabling the placement of a card into the glue bonded pocket.

13. A construction as in claim 11 wherein said upper layer of said first section is smaller than said lower layer of said first section; said smaller layer being bonded to said other layer and forming a pocket for the insertion and storage of a card.

14. A construction as in claim 13 wherein said pocket contains more than one open side.

15. A single-panel construction having two sections, each section comprising a single sheet of material said sheet of material having a first side and a second side; said two sections being positioned on opposite sides of said single sheet and including:

a first section formed to store a transaction piece, said first section comprising an upper and lower layer bonded by a glue pattern to form a storage pocket for said transaction piece; said lower layer comprising a portion of said single sheet of material and said upper layer bonded to said first side of said single sheet;

a second section including an information piece disposed on said second side of said single sheet;

a self-adhesive overlaminate disposed over said information piece and having opposed, extended segments extending beyond two opposing edges of said information piece; said two extended overlaminate segments permanently affixing two edges of said information piece to said second side of said single sheet; and

at least one perforation line cut into at least one of said extended overlaminate segments at or near an edge of the information piece, enabling access to or detachment of said information piece from said second section panel.

16. A construction as in claim 15 wherein said first section contains a die cut slot in said upper layer enabling the placement of a card into the glue bonded pocket.

17. A construction as in claim 15 wherein said upper layer of said first section is smaller than said lower layer of said first section; said smaller layer being bonded to said other layer and forming a pocket for the insertion and storage of a transaction piece.

18. A construction as in claim 17 wherein said pocket contains more than one open side.