CHECK PRESENTER WITH MOVABLE MEMBER

Abstract

Embodiments include a check presenter with a first panel, a second panel, and a binding joining an edge of the first panel with an edge of the second panel, the binding being configured to allow movement of the first and second panels between an open state and a closed state. The check presenter further includes a moveable member attached to at least one of the first panel and the second panel, wherein the moveable member is configured to be in an inactive state when the first and second panels are in the closed state. In some embodiments, the moveable member is configured to move into an active state as the front and back covers move into the open state, and during the inactive state, the moveable member is configured to lie substantially flat between the inner surfaces.

Description

FIELD

This application generally relates to check presenters, and more particularly, a check presenter with an internal moveable member.

BACKGROUND

Merchants, such as restaurants, spas, salons, tradesman, and other businesses, use check presenters to present a bill, invoice, or check to a guest or customer and to obtain payment from the customer, particularly when the transaction occurs away from a cash register. Most commercially-available check presenters are constructed of plastic (e.g., vinyl) and have a bi-fold design with internal pockets for holding bills, receipts, and payment (e.g., credit cards, gift cards/certificates, monies, coupons, etc.). In some cases, merchants also place advertisements, coupons, or other promotional material within the check presenter to help with branding, build customer loyalty, and/or increase sales volume.

For example, FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an existing check presenter 100 that may be delivered to a customer in a folded or closed state, as shown in FIG. 1A, and can be unfolded or opened to reveal a number of interior pockets, such as pockets 102, 104, and 106 shown in FIG. 1B. Traditionally, the pocket 102 holds bills, receipts, and/or payment, and the pocket 104 holds any promotional materials provided by the business. In some cases, the reverse may be true, and/or either of the pockets 102 and 104 can hold the bills, receipts, payment, and/or promotional materials. In most commercially-available check presenters, the pocket 106 is sized and shaped to hold credit cards, debit cards, and/or any other payment card, as shown in FIG. 1B. The check presenter 100 includes a front cover 108, a back cover 11, and a fold 112 that divides the check presenter 100 into these two halves. The fold 112 allows the check presenter 100 to fold on itself when in the closed state, thereby concealing any contents. Further, in some cases, the fold 112 may be designed so that the check presenter 100 lies substantially flat when in the open state, in order to provide a flat surface for, for example, signing the check.

Despite having an extra pocket (e.g., pocket 104) that can be designated for delivering promotional materials to the customer, most commercially-available check presenters are an ineffective tool for advertising, branding, and/or otherwise promoting a restaurant or other business. In fact, promotional materials provided in a check presenter are often left behind by the customer. For example, in many cases, the customer will open the check presenter for only a brief period of time, and during that time the customer's attention is typically directed towards reviewing the bill and providing payment. As such, any promotional materials placed inside the check presenter may be ignored and/or overlooked. Also, in some cases, the pockets of the check presenter are made of an opaque material (e.g., the same black vinyl as the rest of the check presenter), which causes the promotional materials to be at least partially hidden from view while in the pocket.

SUMMARY

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed embodiments, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

Embodiments include a check presenter with a first panel, a second panel, and a binding joining an edge of the first panel with an edge of the second panel, the binding being configured to allow movement of the first and second panels between an open state and a closed state. The check presenter further includes a moveable member attached to at least one of the first panel and the second panel, wherein the moveable member is configured to be in an inactive state when the first and second panels are in the closed state.

In some embodiments, the moveable member is configured to move into an active state as the front and back covers move into the open state, and during the inactive state, the moveable member is configured to lie substantially flat between the inner surfaces. For example, moving the moveable member into the active state may include extending the moveable member out from each attachment point on the at least one of the first panel and the second panel, unfolding a folded element within the moveable member, and/or releasing a compressed element within the moveable member.

In other embodiments, the moveable member is configured to be in an active state upon moving the first and second panels into the open state and moving a movable element within the moveable member. For example, the moveable member may include a top panel and a bottom panel, and the moveable element forms a releasable engagement between the top and bottom panels. As another example, the moveable element may be a rotatable disc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, reference may be had to embodiments shown in the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a conventional check presenter in a closed state.

FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the conventional check presenter of FIG. 1A in an open state.

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of an exemplary pop-up check presenter in an open and active state.

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the exemplary pop-up check presenter of FIG. 2A in an inactive state

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of another example pop-up check presenter in an open and active state in accordance with a further embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of the exemplary pop-up check presenter of FIG. 3A in an inactive state.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of another example of a pop-up check presenter in an open and active state in accordance with a further embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of another example of a pop-up check presenter with a moveable member in an inactive state in accordance with a further embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a front perspective view of the pop-up check presenter of FIG. 5A with the moveable member in an active state.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of another example of a pop-up check presenter in an open and active state in accordance with a further embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of another example of a pop-up check presenter in an open and active state in accordance with a further embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of another example of a pop-up check presenter in accordance with a further embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of another example of a pop-up check presenter in accordance with a further embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of another example of a pop-up check presenter in accordance with a further embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

While the invention may be embodied in various forms, there are shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

In this application, the use of the disjunctive is intended to include the conjunctive. The use of definite or indefinite articles is not intended to indicate cardinality. In particular, a reference to “the” object or “a” and “an” object is intended to denote also one of a possible plurality of such objects.

In accordance with one or more principles described herein, techniques and mechanisms are provided for adding an activation element (e.g., “a movable member”) to a check presenter that can provide a customer of a restaurant or other business with a differentiated and potentially unexpected experience, which in turn can help increase an effectiveness of promotions and/or advertising included in the check presenter. Further, because the check presenter is one of the last interactions between the business and the customer, the movable member(s) in the check presenters described herein can help provide a more memorable experience for the customer or a distinctive point of branding for the business and/or its vendors and partners.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict an exemplary check presenter 200 in accordance with embodiments. More specifically, FIG. 2A depicts the check presenter 200 in an open state, and FIG. 2B depicts the check presenter 200 in a partially closed state. Notably, the check presenter 200 includes a moveable member 201 for promoting the restaurant or other business associated with the check presenter 200, while also adding an active and unexpected dimension to the customer interaction facilitated by the check presenter 200. Moveable member 201 is configured to provide a more memorable and interesting (e.g., fun and/or whimsical) layer to the check presenter 200 and thereby, can serve as a more effective promotional tool.

In embodiments, the moveable member 201 is configured to autonomously expand, “pop out,” “pop up,” extend forward, or otherwise become activated when the check presenter 200 is opened (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2A and 4). Various mechanisms and/or techniques may be utilized to achieve this activation of the moveable member 201. In some cases, the moveable member 201 is constructed using one or more folding techniques that are configured to cause autonomous activation, or a “pop-up” motion, of the moveable member 201 as the folds open or unfold. For example, the techniques illustrated herein include offset folds (e.g., FIG. 2A), rotating folds (e.g., FIG. 3), angle folds (e.g., FIGS. 6 and 7), parallel folds (e.g., FIG. 8), and spiraling folds (e.g., FIG. 9), though a number of other folding techniques may be utilized to implement the principles described herein. In some cases, the moveable member 201 includes a combination of folding techniques, for example, to provide movement in more than one direction upon activation thereof. In some cases, in addition to or instead of the folding technique(s), the moveable member 201 includes a moveable element that can be activated by a user after opening the check presenter 200. In some cases, the moveable element is a rotatable element for adding a rotational movement to the moveable member 201 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10). In other cases, the moveable element is a pull tab or the like for adding lateral and/or vertical movement to the moveable member 201 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5A). These and other examples will be discussed in more detail below.

Check presenter 200 may be generally similar to existing check presenters, such as the check presenter 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, from a front perspective view, the check presenter 200 may appear substantially similar to the check presenter 100 when in a closed state. Further, the check presenter 200 includes a first pocket 202 similar to the pocket 102 shown in FIG. 1B, and a second pocket 206 similar to the pocket 106 shown in FIG. 1B. First pocket 202 may be configured to hold receipts, bills, payments (e.g., monies, checks, payment cards or certificates, coupons, etc.), and/or promotional materials. And the second pocket 206 can be specifically shaped and sized for receiving a payment card, such as a credit card, a debit card, or a gift card. In some cases, monies (such as, e.g., cash and/or coins), checks, and/or coupons can be folded and inserted into the pocket 206 as well. In some embodiments, the check presenter 200 may also include a third pocket (not shown), similar to the pocket 104 shown in FIG. 1B, and the third pocket 104 may hold one or more of receipts, payments, and promotional materials.

In other embodiments, the check presenter 200 may have a different configuration than the existing check presenter 100, such as, for example, a different height, width, and/or thickness than the depicted embodiments and/or a different number, size, arrangement, and/or placement of the interior pockets 202 and 206 and/or the moveable member 201. For example, the moveable member 201 may be placed on either side of the check presenter 200 and/or in any location on said side (e.g., top, bottom, middle, left side, right side, etc.), and the arrangement and size of the pockets 202 and 206 may be adjusted to accommodate the selected placement of the moveable member 201. These and other modifications are contemplated by, and intended to be included within, the principles and techniques described herein.

As illustrated, the check presenter 200 includes a binding 212 that divides the check presenter 200 into two halves: a front cover 208 and a back cover 210. Front cover 208 includes an inner surface 214 (also referred to herein as “inner front surface), and the back cover 210 includes an inner surface 216 (also referred to herein as “inner back surface”). According to embodiments, when the check presenter 200 is in the open state, the inner surfaces 214, 216 are visibly exposed, as shown in FIG. 2A, and when in the closed state, the front cover 208 overlays the bottom cover 210 so as to conceal the inner surfaces 214, 216 from view, for example, as shown in FIG. 1A.

The binding 212 can be any type of joint, hinge, or other binding that allows the check presenter 200 to be folded into a closed state and unfolded into an open state, and that can flexibly join an inner edge of the front cover 208 with an inner edge of the back cover 210. In some embodiments, the binding 212 is flexible enough to allow the check presenter 200 to lie substantially flat when completely unfolded or opened. In some embodiments, the check presenter 200 is constructed of a single sheet of material, and the binding 212 is a longitudinal fold in the center of the material. In other embodiments, the front cover 208 and the back cover 210 are constructed from separate sheets of material, and the binding 212 flexibly joins the front and back covers 208, 210 together using known methods (e.g., stitching, coil or spiral binding, comb binding, thermal taping, screw post binding, rivet binding, ring binding, etc.). Check presenter 200 may be constructed of plastic (e.g., vinyl, polycarbonate, etc.), paper (e.g., cardstock, cardboard, etc.), metal, fabric, or any other suitable material.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, FIG. 2A shows the moveable member 201 in an active state and the check presenter 200 in the open state, and FIG. 2B shows the moveable member 201 in an inactive state and the check presenter 200 in a partially closed (or partially open) state. In FIG. 2B, the moveable member 201 is drawn in dashed lines to indicate portions not visible from the outside of the back cover 210. Moveable member 201 is configured to move in response to movement of the front cover 208 and/or the back cover 210 relative to each other. In some embodiments, the motion of opening the check presenter 200 can cause the moveable member 201 to become fully activated, or reach the active state. For example, in the active state shown by FIG. 2A, the moveable member 201 extends out (e.g., “pops out”) from the inner surfaces 214, 216. Also in some embodiments, the motion of closing the check presenter 200 can cause the moveable member 201 to become de-activated, or reach the inactive state. For example, in the inactive state shown by FIG. 2B, the moveable member 201 is partially folded and substantially flat, in order to fit between the inner surfaces 214, 216 when the check presenter 200 is closed. As will be appreciated, other types of movements (e.g., vertical, lateral, rotational, etc.), or combinations thereof, may be utilized to implement activation of the moveable member 201, instead of, or in addition to, the forward extending or “pop-up” movement described herein.

In exemplary embodiments, the moveable member 201 includes a promotional face 218, one or more folds 220, and one or more tabs 222 to facilitate autonomous movement of the moveable member 201 between the active and inactive states in response to opening and closing the check presenter 200. The one or more folds 220 can be formed by bending the material of the moveable member 201 at locations that are specifically selected to cause a first series of movements with the moveable member 201 as the check presenter 200 is opened and a second series of movements with the moveable member 201 as the check presenter 200 is closed. In particular, the one or more folds 220 can be configured to enable the moveable member 201 to lie substantially flat when the check presenter 200 is in the closed state, and to enable the moveable member 201 to extend forward into a pre-specified configuration when the check presenter 200 is in the open state. In the illustrated embodiment, the folds 220 are shown as being offset relative to a center of the check presenter 200, such that, for example, a larger number of the folds 220 are adjacent to the inner front surface 214 than are adjacent to the inner back surface 216. As will be appreciated, in other embodiments, the reverse may be true, such that the moveable member 201 is configured to include folds 220 that are offset towards the inner back surface 216, as opposed to the inner front surface 214. In still other embodiments, the moveable member 201 may be configured to include folds 220 that are centered with the binding 212 and/or between the two inner surfaces 214, 216 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8).

The one or more tabs 222 (also referred to herein as an “attachment point”) can be formed at one or more ends of the moveable member 201 and can attach the moveable member 201 to at least one of the inner front surface 214 and the inner back surface 216. In some cases, the tabs 222 can be attached to both of the inner surfaces 214, 216, for example, as shown in FIG. 2A. In other cases, the tabs 222 can be attached to only one of the inner surfaces 214, 216, for example, as shown in FIG. 3. Further, the tabs 222 can be attached to certain locations on the inner surfaces 214, 216 that are specifically selected to cause the first and second series of movements in the moveable member 201, such as, e.g., unfolding or re-folding the folds 220 as the front and back covers 208, 210 are moved relative to each other to open or close the check presenter 200. According to embodiments, the exact number and location of the tabs 222 can depend on the number and location of the folds 220 within the moveable member 201, the design of the promotional face 218, and the intended “pop-up” or other activation effect.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the intended pop-up effect is to have the promotional face 218 move or extend forward as the check presenter 200 is opened, so that ultimately the face 218 is parallel to the inner front surface 214, as shown in FIG. 2A. To achieve this effect, the moveable member 201 includes three tabs 222: a first tab 222a attached to the lower portion of the inner back surface 216, a second tab 222b attached to the upper portion of the inner front surface 214, and a third tab 222c attached to the lower portion of the inner front surface 214. Further, the third tab 222c is coupled to one end of an arm 224 of the moveable member 201, an opposing end of the arm 224 being coupled to the first tab 222a. The folds 220 include a first set of folds 220a that are included on the arm 224 and a second set of folds 220b that are included adjacent to the promotional face 218 and/or the inner front surface 214.

As shown in FIG. 2B, when the check presenter 200 is in the closed or partially closed state, the moveable member 201 folds along at least one of the folds 220a and along at least one of the folds 220b in order to be substantially flat when placed between the inner surfaces 214, 216. As a user opens the check presenter 200, e.g., by moving the back cover 210 away from the front cover 208, the resulting force causes the arm 224 to be pulled away from the promotional face 218 into an extended position, and causes the at least one of the folds 220a to be unfolded. While extending, the arm 224 exerts a pulling force on the promotional face 218 that moves the face 218 forward and causes the at least one of the folds 220b to unfold. Once the moveable member 201 is completely activated or extended, the promotional face 218 rests substantially parallel to the inner front surface 214. When the user closes the check presenter 200, the moveable member 201 re-folds along the at least one fold 220a in the arm 224 and the at least one fold 220b adjacent to the promotional face 218 until the moveable member 201 is substantially flat and sandwiched between the front and back covers 208, 210.

It will be appreciated that any of a number of techniques for creating a pop-up type of insert may be utilized to achieve the moveable member 201 described herein. For example, while the illustrated embodiment depicts a specific configuration of the folds 220, the tabs 222, and the arm 224, it will be understood that other configurations may be utilized to provide autonomous movement of the moveable member 201 as the check presenter 200 is opened and closed. Examples of such other configurations can include a different number, type, and/or placement of the folds 220 in the moveable member 201, a different number, shape, and/or placement of the tabs 222 on the inner surfaces 114, 216, a different length, shape, and/or placement of the arm 224 of the moveable member 201, and/or any combination thereof.

The promotional face 218 of the moveable member 201 includes an advertising, branding, or other promotional message associated with the business. For example, in some cases, the message may reflect current promotions or deals; new menu offerings; news, reviews, or other coverage related to the business or industry; customer reviews; a message from the owner (such as, e.g., a thank you note); or any other suitable subject matter. In some cases, the advertising message may be printed directly on the promotional face 218. For example, the moveable member 201 may be constructed of cardstock, and the advertising message is printed on the cardstock. In other cases, the advertising messages may be printed on a separate item (e.g., a magnet, a card made of cardstock, plastic, and/or fabric, or any other suitable item) that is affixed to the promotional face 218. In such cases, the separate item may be coupled to the promotional face 218 using any suitable attachment means, including adhesives, hook and loop, magnets, etc. Promotional face 218 may also be configured to hold a removable item that can be removed from the face 218 by, for example, a customer or an employee of the business. In some cases, the removable item may be, for example, coupons or gift cards offered to the customer by the business, or promotional materials periodically replaced by the business (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, seasonally, etc.).

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict the check presenter 200 with another exemplary moveable member 301. More specifically, FIG. 3A depicts the check presenter 200 in an open state and the movable member 301 in an active state, and FIG. 3B depicts the check presenter 200 in a partially closed state and the moveable member 301 in an inactive state. The moveable member 301 includes a promotional face 318 for presenting advertising, branding, and other promotional materials for the business associated with the check presenter 200, similar to the promotional face 218 discussed above. The moveable member 301 is configured to extend forward or “pop-up” as the check presenter 200 is opened, similar to the moveable member 201. In addition, the moveable member 301 is configured such that an extending or unfolding movement of the moveable member 301 causes the promotional face 318 to rotate from a rest position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3B) into a presentation position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3A). As shown, in the presentation position, the promotional face 318 is extended in front of the inner surfaces 214 and 216 and/or the binding 212, and while in the rest position, the promotional face 318 lies substantially flat between the inner surfaces 214 and 216.

Similar to the folds 220 and the tabs 222, the moveable member 301 includes a plurality of folds 320 and a pair of tabs 322 that are configured to facilitate autonomous movement of the moveable member 301 between the active and inactive states in response to opening and closing the check presenter 200. The folds 320 can be formed by bending the material of the moveable member 301 at locations that are specifically selected to cause a first series of movements with the moveable member 301 as the check presenter 200 is opened and a second series of movements with the moveable member 301 as the check presenter 200 is closed. In particular, the plurality of folds 220 can be configured to enable the moveable member 301 to lie substantially flat when the check presenter 200 is in the closed state, and to enable the moveable member 301 to extend forward into a pre-specified configuration as the check presenter 200 is moved into the open state.

The one or more tabs 322 can be formed at one or more ends of the moveable member 301 and can attach the moveable member 301 to at least one of the inner front surface 214 and the inner back surface 216. In the illustrated embodiment, tab 322a attaches the movable member 301 to the inner front surface 214, and tab 322b attaches the moveable member 301 to the inner back surface 216. When the moveable member 301 is fully extended, the tabs 322 support the moveable member 301 in the extended or active state. Further, because the tabs 322 attach opposing ends of the moveable member 301 to the inner surfaces 214 and 216, opening the front and back covers 208 and 210 can cause the ends of the moveable member 301 to be pulled apart or move in opposite directions. As the tabs 322 pull the moveable member 301 apart, the moveable member 301 is pulled or extended forward, for example, due to the moveable member 301 being folded or unfolded along one or more of the folds 320.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of folds 320 include a first set of folds 320a that are adjacent to the inner surfaces 214 and 216, a second set of folds 320b that form a triangular shape 326 in a center of the moveable member 301, and a central fold 320c that is substantially parallel to the binding 212 and bisects the movable member 301 into two halves. As shown, the central fold 320c bisects the triangular shape 326 into two halves, and an attached end 323 of the promotional face 318 is attached to one half of the triangular shape 326, adjacent to, and without overlapping, the central fold 320c.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the folds 320 are configured such that, when moving towards the inactive state, the moveable member 301 folds in half along an upper portion of the central fold 320c, while a lower portion of the central fold 320c folds backwards or upwards, perpendicular to the upper portion of the central folds 320c. This causes the triangular shape 326 to be folded in half along the lower portion of the central fold 320c and along the second set of folds 320b, and to be carried upwards so that the two halves of the triangular shape 326 overlap each other and rest between the two halves of the moveable member 301. Because the promotional face 318 is attached to the triangular shape 326, folding the triangular shape 326 upwards and in half causes movement of the face 318 as well. In particular, the attached end 323 of the promotional face 318 is carried inwards as the moveable member 301 folds along the second set of folds 320b and the lower half of the central fold 320c. This causes an unattached end 325 of the promotional face 318 to rotate downwards, or clockwise, and the attached end 323 to rotate into and inbetween the folded halves of the triangular shape 326.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the folds 320 are further configured such that, when moving into the active state, the moveable member 301 substantially unfolds along the central fold 320c and the second set of folds 320b, causing the promotional face 318 to rotate upwards, or counterclockwise, until the unattached end 325 of the face 318 is positioned in front of, or overlapping, the central fold 320c. Further, the moveable member 301 folds at least partially along the first set of folds 320a in order to extend the two halves of the moveable member 301 forward and away from the inner surfaces 214 and 216.

Thus, the rotating pop-up effect of the moveable member 301 can add an additional (whimsical) layer of interest to the check presenter 200, leaving the customer with a more memorable restaurant experience. It will be appreciated that FIG. 3 depicts only one exemplary technique for achieving the rotating pop-up effect of the moveable member 301 and that other techniques and/or mechanisms may be used to produce a similar effect. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the promotional face 318 is configured to rotate approximately 90 degrees in a counterclockwise direction as the moveable member 301 moves from the inactive state to the active state, but in other embodiments, the moveable member 301 can be configured to achieve other types of rotating pop-up effects and/or impart other directions (e.g., clockwise) and/or degrees (e.g., greater than 90 degrees) of rotational motion to the promotional face 318. In some cases, the moveable member 301 may include a different number, type, or combination of folds 320 and/or tabs 322, and/or the promotional face 318 may be placed in a different location of the moveable member 301, such as, for example, on the other half of the triangular shape 326. In some embodiments, other suitable mechanisms may be utilized to cause autonomous rotation of the moveable member 301 as the check presenter 200 is opened. Further, while the illustrated embodiment shows the moveable member 301 with polygonal promotional face 318, the promotional face 318 may have any other suitable shape, including, for example, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a hexagon, a circle, a spiral, etc.

FIG. 4 depicts the check presenter 200 with an alternative exemplary moveable member 401. In FIG. 4, the moveable member 401 is shown in an active state with the check presenter 200 being substantially open (e.g., the front cover 208 and the back cover 210 are moved away from each other to reveal the inner surfaces 214, 216). The moveable member 401 includes a promotional face 418 for presenting promotional materials, similar to the promotional face 218 described herein, and a back tab 422 that affixes the moveable member 401 to the check presenter 200. The moveable member 401 also includes a compressible element 430 for exerting a spring force on the promotional face 418 that causes the face 418 to “pop out” when the check presenter 200 is opened. In some cases, the compressible element 430 may be configured to have a predetermined amount of resilience, so that the promotional face 418 also exhibits a bouncing or bobbling motion when extended. Accordingly, the moveable member 401 can provide a more interesting (e.g., fun, whimsical, etc.) and memorable layer to the customer interaction surrounding the check presenter 200, while still promoting the business.

When the check presenter 200 is in a closed state, the compressible element 430 is in a compressed state and the promotional face 418 rests between the front and back covers 208, 210. Once the user opens the check presenter 200, the compressible element 430 is released, and the spring force of the element 430 causes the promotional face 418 to move or spring forward (e.g., “pop out”) into the active state. When closing the check presenter 200, the force exerted by the act of pressing the front and back covers 208, 210 together can be sufficient to push the compressible element 430 back into the compressed position. Further, the check presenter 200 and/or the compressible element 430 may be configured such that a weight of the covers 208, 210 is sufficient to overcome the spring force exerted by the compressible element 430 and thereby, keep the moveable member 401 in an inactive state (not shown) while the check presenter 200 is closed.

Compressible element 430 may be constructed of any suitable material, including, for example, metal, cardstock, and/or plastic. While the illustrated embodiment shows the compressible element 430 as a compression spring, the element 430 may include any suitable compressible mechanism, such as, e.g., other types of springs, coils, or accordion-type elements. Also while the illustrated embodiment depicts the moveable member 401 as being attached to the inner front surface 214, in other embodiments, the moveable member 401 may be attached to the inner back surface 216 or both of the inner surfaces 214, 216.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict the check presenter 200 with another exemplary moveable member 501 in an inactive state and in an active state, respectively. The moveable member 501 includes a movable element 505 that provides a user of the check presenter 200 with an option to open the moveable member 501 and reveal its contents, such as, e.g., a promotional face 518. Promotional face 518 can include advertisements, branding materials, or other items for promoting the business associated with the check presenter 200, similar to the promotional face 218 described herein. In some cases, a removable promotional element (not shown) may be attached to the promotional face 518, as described herein.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the moveable member 501 includes a top panel 507 and a bottom panel 509. When the moveable member 501 is in the inactive or closed state, the moveable element 505 can be operated to release an engagement between the top panel 507 and the bottom panel 509. As shown in FIG. 5A, each of the panels 507, 509 covers a respective half of the promotional face 518 when the moveable member 501 is closed. As shown in FIG. 5B, the moveable element 505 can include a tab that, when pulled, causes the moveable member 501 to spring open or otherwise move into the active state. Pull tab 505 may be configured to hold both the top panel 507 and the bottom panel 509 in respective closed or folded positions while the moveable member 501 is in the inactive state. For example, the pull tab 505 may include an adhesive, hook and loop, magnet, or other releasable attachment mechanism for releasably attaching the tab 505 to at least the panel 507. The act of pulling down the tab 505 can release the top panel 507 from the tab 505 and allow the top panel 507 to move or pop up towards the top of the check presenter 200. Further, releasing the top panel 507 from the tab 505 can, in turn, release the bottom panel 509 and allow the panel 509 to hang down towards the bottom of the check presenter 200.

Moveable member 501 can be returned to the inactive state by re-covering the promotional face 518 with the top and bottom panels 507, 509 and re-affixing the tab 505 to at least the top panel 507. In some cases, each of the panels 507, 509 includes a single fold that can be unfolded and re-folded depending on a position of the tab 505. In some cases, each of the panels 507, 509 includes a spring-like mechanism that pushes the panels 507, 509 away from a center of the moveable member 501 once the tab 505 is pulled down or released from the top panel 507.

It will be appreciated that other types, shapes, and/or sizes of tabs and/or other moveable mechanisms may be utilized to implement the user-driven movable element 505 of the moveable member 501 described herein. For example, in some cases, the moveable element 505 may include a release button (not shown) that releases an engagement between the top and bottom panels 507, 509. As another example, in some cases, the moveable element 505 may include one or more ribbons (not shown) tied into a knot or bow to keep the moveable member 501 closed, where untying the ribbon causes the moveable member 501 to open and reveal the promotional face 518.

Moveable member 501 can be affixed to the inner front surface 214, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and/or the inner back surface 216, as will be appreciated. In some cases, the pop-portion 501 may be combined with one or more of the moveable members 201, 301, and/or 401 described herein. In one example, the moveable member 501 may be attached to the promotional face 218 of the moveable member 201, so that upon opening the check presenter 200, the moveable member 201 extends forward and presents the user with the option to pull the movable element 505 and view the promotional face 518 hidden between the top and bottom panels 507, 509. In another example, the moveable member 501 may be attached to the promotional face 418 of the moveable member 401, so that upon opening the check presenter 200, the moveable member 401 springs forward and presents the user with the option to pull the moveable element 505 and reveal the promotional face 518.

FIG. 6 depicts the check presenter 200 with an alternative exemplary moveable member 601. The moveable member 601 includes a pair of tabs 622 for affixing the moveable member 601 to the inner surfaces 214 and 216 of the check presenter 200, the tabs 622 being positioned at a preset angle relative to each other. In FIG. 6, the tabs 622 form an acute angle and attach an upper end of the moveable member 601 to the check presenter 200. As a result, a top of the moveable member 601 forms a peak, and the moveable member 601 has a generally triangular shape when extended. In other embodiments, the tabs 622 may be positioned at other preset locations and/or angles relative to each other, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and described below.

Referring still to FIG. 6, the moveable member 601 is shown in an active state with the check presenter being substantially open (e.g., the front cover 208 and 210 are moved away from each other to reveal the inner surfaces 214 and 216). The moveable member 601 includes a promotional face 618 for presenting promotional materials, similar to the promotional face 218. The moveable member 601 also includes a plurality of folds 620 that are configured to facilitate autonomous movement of the moveable member 601 between the active and inactive states in response to opening and closing the check presenter 200.

In embodiments, the moveable member 601 is configured to fold or unfold along different ones of the folds 620 depending on whether the check presenter 200 is closing or opening. In particular, the plurality of folds 620 includes a pair of folds 620a adjacent to the inner surfaces 214 and 216, respectively, and a central fold 620b that is substantially parallel with the binding 212 and bisects the promotional face 618 into two halves. When inactive, the moveable member 601 folds in half along the central fold 620b and lies substantially flat against or between the inner surfaces 214 and 216. When active, the moveable member 601 unfolds along the central fold 620b but folds along the pair of folds 620a, causing the promotional face 618 to extend forward, or “pop-up,” in front of the inner surfaces 214 and 216 and/or the binding 212.

FIG. 7 depicts the check presenter 200 with another alternative exemplary moveable member 701 that includes a pair of tabs 722 positioned on the check presenter 200 to form an obtuse angle. The tabs 722 attach a lower end of the moveable member 701 to the inner surfaces 214 and 216, respectively. As a result, the lower end of the moveable member 701 forms an obtuse angle when activated. In the illustrated embodiment, an upper end of the moveable member 701 has a curved or rounded configuration, though other shapes or configurations are also possible.

As will be appreciated, the moveable member 701 may be substantially similar to the moveable member 601 in at least some respects. For example, in FIG. 7, the moveable member 701 is shown in an active state with the check presenter being substantially open (e.g., the front cover 208 and 210 are moved away from each other to reveal the inner surfaces 214 and 216). Further, the moveable member 701 includes a promotional face 718 for presenting promotional materials, similar to the promotional face 618. And the moveable member 701 includes a plurality of folds 720 that are configured to facilitate autonomous movement of the moveable member 701 between the active and inactive states in response to opening and closing the check presenter 200. Further, the plurality of folds 720 includes a pair of folds 720a that are adjacent to the inner surfaces 214 and 216, respectively, and a central fold 720b that bisects the promotional face 718 into two halves and is substantially parallel to the binding 212. When in the inactive state, the moveable member 701 folds along the central fold 720b, so that the moveable member 701 rests substantially flat between the inner surfaces 214 and 216. And when in the active state, the moveable member 701 folds along the pair of folds 720a, so that the promotional face 718 extends forward and is suspended in front of the inner surfaces 214 and 216.

FIG. 8 depicts the check presenter 200 with yet another alternative exemplary moveable member 801 that includes a pair of tabs 822 positioned in parallel to each other on the check presenter 200. As shown, the tabs 822 attach opposing (parallel) sides of the moveable member 801 to the inner surfaces 214 and 216 and therefore, do not meet or touch. When activated, a promotional face 818 of the moveable member 801 extends forward in front of the inner surfaces 214 and 216 and maintains this position through support from the tabs 822. The moveable member 801 may be substantially similar to the other moveable members 601 and 701 in at least some respects, including, for example, the configuration and/or operation of folds 820 and the function and/or purpose of the promotional face 818.

FIG. 9 depicts the check presenter 200 with an alternative exemplary moveable member 901. The moveable member 901 has a spiral configuration that uncoils as the check presenter 200 is opened and recoils as the check presenter 200 is closed. In FIG. 9, the moveable member 901 is shown uncoiled and in an active state with the check presenter 200 being substantially open (e.g., the front cover 208 and 210 are moved away from each other to reveal the inner surfaces 214 and 216). As illustrated, the spiral configuration spirals outwards from a central point 921, so that the coils start out smaller and tighter at the central point 921 and become larger and looser as they spiral away from the central point 921. Further, the moveable member 901 can be configured to spiral outwards with little to no overlap, such that the moveable member 901 is substantially flat when fully coiled. As a result, when the check presenter 200 is closed, the moveable member 901 lies substantially flat between the inner surfaces 214 and 216.

In embodiments, the moveable member 901 includes one or more tabs 922 for affixing the moveable member 901 to at least one of the inner surfaces 214 and 216. For example, one of the tabs 922 may attach an outer end 927 to the inner back surface 216 and another of the tabs (not shown) may attach the central point 921 to the inner front surface 214. As the check presenter 200 is opened, the tabs 920 may operate to pull opposing ends of the moveable member 901 apart and thereby, cause the moveable member 901 to uncoil, as shown in FIG. 9.

The moveable member 901 further includes one or more folds 920 that are configured to facilitate autonomous movement of the moveable member 901 between the active and inactive states in response to opening and closing the check presenter 200. For example, as the check presenter 200 is opened, the moveable member 901 may unfold or fold along specific ones of the folds 920 in order to cause the spiral configuration to uncoil. In embodiments, the moveable member 901 also includes a promotional face 918 for presenting promotional materials, similar to the promotional face 218. In some cases, the moveable member 901 includes a plurality of promotional faces or embellishments (not shown) that hang from various locations of the spiraling movable member 901. Various other techniques or mechanisms may be used to add promotional messages or attractive materials to the moveable member 901 to further draw the customer's eye to the moveable member 901 of the check presenter 200.

FIG. 10 depicts the check presenter 200 with an alternative exemplary moveable member 1001. The moveable member 1001 includes a rotatable promotional face 1018 (also referred to herein as a “moveable element”) and is configured to expose only a limited area of the face 1018 through an opening 1021 as the promotional face 1018 is rotated. In FIG. 10, the moveable member 1001 is shown in an active state with the check presenter 200 substantially open (e.g., the front cover 208 and 210 are moved away from each other to reveal the inner surfaces 214 and 216) and the moveable member 1001 rotated to reveal a section of the promotional face 1018 through the opening 1021. The moveable member 1001 can be considered inactive when the check presenter 200 is closed (not shown).

In embodiments, the moveable member 1001 includes a sleeve 1019 for partially covering the promotional face 1018. The sleeve 1019 includes the opening 1021 for revealing only a set area of the face 1018 at a given time and a slot 1029 through which a portion 1030 of the promotional face 1018 extends. In embodiments, the promotional face 1018 is configured as a disc or wheel that can spin around (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) in response to a user input, such as, for example, a swipe of the finger along the portion 1030. In the illustrated embodiment, the promotional face 1018 includes a plurality of indentations 1032 that can facilitate the swiping interaction by providing pre-designated points of contact. In other embodiments, the moveable member 1001 may include other mechanisms for facilitating rotation of the promotional face 1018, including, for example, a lever or handle to allow a user to drive rotation of the promotional face 1018. Further, while in FIG. 10 the promotional face 1018 itself is a moveable element, in other embodiments, the promotional face 1018 may be a separate piece that is attached to a moveable or rotatable element of the moveable member 1001.

As illustrated, the promotional face 1018 includes a plurality of promotional messages 1034 positioned in a circle and at set intervals. In embodiments, the moveable member 1001 may be configured so that only one of the promotional messages 1034 is visible at a time. To achieve this, a size, shape, and/or spacing of the messages 1034 can be configured to match, or at least fit within, a size and shape of the opening 1021. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, each of the promotional messages 1034 are sized and shaped to be entirely visible through the opening 1021. In some cases, the promotional face 1018 can be configured as a game or contest where each of the promotional messages 1034 includes a promotional offer that the user can “win” by spinning the promotional face 1018 and seeing which offer appears through the opening 1021 when the face 1018 stops spinning. In other cases, each of the promotional messages 1034 can provide information about the business, including upcoming events or specials, current promotions, interesting facts about the business, or any other message that would grab the attention of the user and/or promote the business.

While the illustrated embodiment shows the moveable member 1001 as being affixed to the inner front surface 214, it will be appreciated that, in other embodiments the moveable member 1001 can be attached to the inner back surface 216 instead. Further, other shapes and/or designs may be utilized to implement the moveable member 1001 of FIG. 10. For example, instead of the illustrated circle, the promotional face 1018 and/or the opening 1021 may be shaped as a hexagon, a star, or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, instead of the rotatable wheel shown in FIG. 10, the moveable member 1001 may include other rotatable devices, such as, for example, a pinwheel-type mechanism that may be rotated by a gust of air or a light touch.

This disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and use various embodiments in accordance with the technology rather than to limit the true, intended, and fair scope and spirit thereof. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment(s) were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principle of the described technology and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the technology in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the embodiments as determined by the appended claims, as may be amended during the pendency of this application for patent, and all equivalents thereof, when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. A check presenter comprising:

a first panel;

a second panel;

a pocket located on one of the first panel or the second panel, the pocket configured to hold a bill, cash, or a receipt;

a binding joining an edge of the first panel with an edge of the second panel, the binding being configured to allow movement of the first and second panels between an open state and a closed state; and

a moveable member attached to the first panel and the second panel at a plurality of attachment points and separate from the pocket, at least two of the plurality of attachment points being located on a select one of the first panel or the second panel, and the moveable member comprising a promotional surface configured to present promotional information,

wherein the moveable member is configured to be in an inactive state when the first and second panels are in the closed state, and

wherein the moveable member is configured to move into an active state as the first and second panels move into the open state, the movement of the first and second panels into the open state causing the moveable member to extend out from each attachment point on the first and second panels.

2. The check presenter of claim 1, wherein in the inactive state, the moveable member is configured to lie substantially flat between the first and second panels.

3-10. (canceled)

11. A check presenter comprising:

a front cover having an inner front surface;

a back cover having an inner back surface;

a pocket located on one of the inner front surface or the inner back surface, the pocket being configured to hold a bill, cash, or a receipt;

a binding joining an edge of the front cover with an edge of the back cover, the binding being configured to allow movement of the front and back covers between an open state, wherein the inner front and back surfaces are visibly exposed, and a closed state, wherein the front cover overlays the bottom cover to conceal the inner front and back surfaces; and

a moveable member attached to a select one of the inner front surface or the inner back surface and separate from the pocket, the moveable member comprising a promotional surface configured to present promotional information,

wherein the moveable member is configured to be in an inactive state when the front and back covers are in the closed state and to extend out into an active state as the front and back covers move into the open state.

12. The check presenter of claim 11, wherein in the inactive state, the moveable member is configured to lie substantially flat between the inner surfaces.

13-18. (canceled)

19. The check presenter of claim 11, wherein the moveable member is attached to the inner front surface.

20. The check presenter of claim 11, wherein the moveable member is attached to the inner back surface.

21. The check presenter of claim 11, wherein the moveable member includes a compressed spring element configured to be released as the front and back covers move into the open state.

22. The check presenter of claim 21, wherein the compressed spring element is coupled to the promotional surface, and in the active state, the promotional surface extends out from, and substantially parallel to, the select one of the inner front surface or the inner back surface.

23. The check presenter of claim 11, further comprising a second pocket located on one of the inner front surface or the inner back surface, the second pocket being configured to hold a payment for the bill.

24. The check presenter of claim 1, wherein in the active state, the promotional surface extends out from, and substantially parallel to, at least one of the first panel and the second panel.

25. The check presenter of claim 1, wherein in the active state, the promotional surface extends out in front of the binding.

26. The check presenter of claim 1, wherein the moveable member further comprises a first tab attached to a first attachment point on the first panel, a second tab attached to a second attachment point on the first panel, and a third tab attached to a third attachment point on the second panel.

27. The check presenter of claim 1, wherein the moveable member further comprises a plurality of folds configured to fold flat when in the inactive state and to unfold as the moveable member extends out from each attachment point and moves into the active state.

28. The check presenter of claim 1, further comprising a second pocket located on one of the first panel or the second panel, the second pocket being configured to hold a payment for the bill.

29. A check presenter comprising:

a front cover having an inner front surface;

a back cover having an inner back surface;

a pocket located on one of the inner front surface or the inner back surface, the pocket being configured to hold a bill, cash, or a receipt;

a binding joining an edge of the front cover with an edge of the back cover, the binding being configured to allow movement of the front and back covers between an open state, wherein the inner front and back surfaces are visibly exposed, and a closed state, wherein the front cover overlays the bottom cover to conceal the inner front and back surfaces; and

a moveable member attached to a select one of the inner front surface or the inner back surface and separate from the pocket, the moveable member comprising a selectively moveable element and a promotional surface configured to present promotional information,

wherein the moveable member is configured to be at least partially concealed when the front and back covers are in the closed state and visibly exposed when the front and back covers are in the open state.

30. The check presenter of claim 29, wherein the moveable member is configured to lie substantially flat between the inner surfaces when the front and back covers are in the closed state.

31. The check presenter of claim 29, further comprising a second pocket located on one of the inner front surface or the inner back surface, the second pocket being configured to hold a payment for the bill.

32. The check presenter of claim 29, wherein the moveable member further includes a top panel and a bottom panel, and the selectively moveable element forms a releasable engagement between the top and bottom panels.

33. The check presenter of claim 32, wherein the moveable member is configured to visibly expose the promotional surface upon release of the engagement between the top and bottom panels.

34. The check presenter of claim 29, wherein the selectively moveable element is a rotatable disc coupled to the promotional surface.

35. The check presenter of claim 34, wherein the moveable member is configured to visibly expose only a portion of the promotional surface.