Abstract: A system for processing coupons, documents, or the like including the assembling multiple encoding and decoding of coupons, or other documents requiring coding for the purpose of making the coupon uniquely identifiable and traceable. A machine encodes individual coupons or booklets or other documents with a unique code, a subsequent machine reads the encoded coupon or booklet of coupons and applies additional information such as a person's name and address, and another unique code to the coupon, coupon booklet or the like, and records all of this data in a computer master data base. The coupons, coupon booklets, or the like, are then issued to the person whose name appears on the document. After presentation of the coupon it is then decoded and compared to the master data base to validate it or cancel it, and can be stored for demographic or geographic analysis in the master data base.

Abstract: A single sheet paper form contains upon a first side the complete face of a negotiable instrument, nominally a check. Upon the opposite second side are printed one or more coupons in an image area which is partially overlapping of the oppositely juxtaposed image area of the check upon the first side. Severence of the check from the entire form is required in order to negotiate it, simultaneously dividing the coupon(s) and rendering it (them) unredeemable. Alternatively, severance of the one or more coupons from the entire form is required in order to redeem such coupon(s), simultaneously dividing the check and rendering it non-negotiable. The benefits promised, amounts, conditions, exercise dates, and other parameters of the check and the coupon(s) are completely independent. Further elements including a contest entry blank may be incorporated upon either side of the form, and either in alternative or non-alternative relationship to existing form elements of check and coupon(s).

Abstract: An improved structure and method for a promotional article is provided. A multi-page structure includes one or more pages of gallery-quality paper for receiving on their first sides high quality printed reproductions suitable for retention and framing as an immediate incentive gift for the recipient, and on their second sides promotional information and/or advertisements. Redeemable coupons for use in conjunction with the promotional and/or advertising copy are also provided by a structure adapted to permit removal of the coupons without reducing the value or impact of the incentive gifts. The resulting structure may be used as a free standing insert for newspapers or other publications, or alone as a promotional brochure.

Abstract: Voucher or coupon facilitating promotion of consumer goods comprises a sheet of stiff paper 1 perforated at 2 and with a fold line at 3 defining a margin adhesive-coated at 8. A transparent film is adhered around its edges 4 and 5, and across its width at 6, to define transparent pockets 7, open at 8, and longer than the adhesive coated margin is wide. Promotional literature and consumer instructions connected with "proof-of-sale" labels or tokens can be printed at the optional tear-off region 9, a mailback address or supermarket instruction can be printed on the back. The sheet can be used to amass and display, e.g. label portions and folded into a redemption voucher with consequent improved convenience in handling for consumer, store, or handling agent.

Abstract: A folder has a base sheet including a base tab portion on one outside edge. An overlapping sheet extends over an inside surface of the base sheet to provide a pocket between the overlapping sheet and one part of the inside surface of the base sheet. The overlapping sheet includes an overlapping tab portion which extends over the base tab portion to provide a plural thickness tab. At least part of the overlapping tab portion is affixed to the base sheet to provide a pocket with at least one closed lateral edge. The base sheet also includes a flap portion extending therefrom, which flap portion is folded into overlying relationship with another inside surface of the base sheet. The flap portion includes an area having the shape of a rotary file card which may be detached from the folder to provide a rotary file card.

Abstract: A refund coupon redeemable at a cash value at retail stores when a proof-of-purchase comprising a portion of a given product's packing packaging is affixed to the coupon. The coupon includes coupon indemnification indicia thereof corresponding to product identification indicia on the product and location indicia means indicating a location on the coupon for affixation of a portion of the product's packaging carrying the product identification code. The coupon identification indicia and the location indicia are positioned on the coupon proximate each other to facilitate a visual comparison of the coupon identification indicia and the product identification indicia affixed to the coupon.

Abstract: A multi-layered label which may be torn open to expose an interior leaflet. First and second cover sheets are peripherally sealed together, typically with end seals. A multi-layered leaflet member is positioned between the first and second cover sheets, at least one layer of the leaflet member being sealed to an internal face of one of the first and second sheets. A line of tearing weakness in the first cover sheet permits opening thereof for access to the leaflet member.

Abstract: A novel, multi-purpose printed form is provided. It consists of a longer er section, which is a single sheet of paper with varied printing on both sides, and a lower section, that is a three-sheet combination which is initially secured to one another along the lower margin thereof. The sheets are readily separable by manual handling after entry of a four digit or so number, that is personally selected by the card applicant. This number will later be needed for all uses of the card in an automatic teller computer machine (ATM). The form serves to provide a tamper-proof method to generate the personal money debit card.

Abstract: A place mat formed of a blank of sheet paper-like material having a main indicia disposed on one side of the blank of sheet material and which blank is provided with a plurality of spaced apart easy tear or frangible lines circumscribing the main indicia. The tear lines define a plurality of separate and distinct portions, each of which can be readily separated from the blank and from each other, and each such distinct portion is provided with a secondary indicia thereon.

Abstract: A sheet 20 on which a map is printed is attached to and folded within a matchbook-like cover 11. Sheet 20 is then folded in a first plurality of accordion folds (30-34) from side-to-side to expose a free, unfolded corner (21) for being grasped between the thumb and forefinger. Sheet 20 is then folded in a second plurality of accordion folds (23, 34). The folds are made in such a manner as to maintain the free, unfolded corner (21) in position to be grasped by the thumb and forefinger and pulled in a continuous movement diagonally against the direction of both the side-to-side folds (30-34) and the top-to-bottom folds (23, 24) simultaneously while holding the cover (11) in the other hand. To close the map, the sheet 20 is moved with the thumb and forefinger diagonally towards cover 11 to aid the sheet in reassuming its side-to-side folds (30-34) and top-to-bottom folds (23, 24) for storage within cover 11.

Abstract: A sweepstakes promotion vehicle employs a description section containing graphics and text pertaining to the sweepstakes, a sweepstakes entry blank, a region containing a series of graphic descriptions of products, and a plurality of detachable product stamps. Each of the product stamps is detachably secured in proximity to the graphic description of the product associated with that stamp. The sweepstakes entry blank includes a game card having a plurality of spaces, each space adapted to receive a particular product stamp associated with the specific product. To complete the sweepstakes entry blank, a participant must detach the product stamps located contiguous to the product descriptions and affix the stamps in the appropriate space on the game card.

Abstract: An envelope and blank structure is disclosed for use with promotional mailings. The envelope includes at least one window opening in its front panel which is normally covered by a sheet of transparent window material. The outer surface of the window material is in turn applied with a non-transparent coating for obscuring a message included within the envelope beneath the window opening. The message may subsequently be revealed without opening the envelope by scratching or rubbing the coating from the window material.

Abstract: A folded stationery piece has a three-dimensional pop-up message displayed along an internal fold line, formed by an arrayed sequence of letters with the spaces between them removed. The letters and bridge webs joined to their upper edges are both hinged to the stationery panels, forming a collapsible parallelogram structure. The message display can be formed as a separate insert, to be adhesively mounted along a fold line of any piece of stationery by the user.

Abstract: An information folder wherein a strip of paper or like sheet material is subdivided by a plurality of generally equally spaced parallel scores into a plurality of generally rectangular panels having informative indicia marked thereon, and folds are provided along the scores defining hinge connections between panels, the strip being wound about one end panel into a flattened spiral with all the panels in generally congruent overlying relation with each other.

Abstract: A mailable, promotional device is disclosed, usefully employed in promotional activities such as the assemblage of a mailing list. The device comprises, broadly, a wallet type of foldable display frame including tear off sheets for the inclusion of indicia to be returned to the promoter.

Abstract: An umbrella having a flexible cover that is usable in either a rib supported cover open position or a rib collapsed cover folded position. An advertising flag is attached to the umbrella cover, the advertising flag extending upwardly beyond the exterior surface of the cover when the umbrella is in the open position so as to display the advertising message thereon. Preferably the advertising flag is sized and positioned so that the flag is at least partially concealed between the folds of the umbrella cover when the cover is folded about the centerpost in the storage position.

Abstract: A product opinion research booklet having the following in sequence: a cover sheet, plural folded pages having their free edges bound to the cover sheet, and a summary sheet. The folded pages have, on the inside, an advertisement on one surface and questions relating to the product advertised on the facing surface. The booklet structure, together with the order of presenting the information, requires the respondent to answer questions in the sequence desired by the party making the opinion research survey.

Abstract: A self-indexing television program guide and advertising medium with printing on both surfaces of a sheet with the sheet provided with precreased foldlines in predetermined locations with a laterally extending first foldline located a small distance about the page center to leave a laterally extending third indexing strip at the lower edge of the back surface of the sheet when folded about the first line, a third program printed on the back surface for each day of the week, second and third aligned foldlines located above the center of the lower edge of the sheet when folded above the first line leaving a second indexing strip with a second program containing weekday, Saturday and Sunday features, and a third program on the exposed surface of the sheet when folded above all of the foldlines containing programs of specials, sports and movies with the programs interrelated so that a user moves from said first to said second to said third program for progressively detailed program information and advertising inf

Abstract: An airline ticket holder comprises a front cover and a back cover joined along a mutual inner edge or fold. A pocket is located between the two covers and is attached to the front cover. Located between the pocket and the back cover and attached to the covers adjacent the fold is a booklet comprising a plurality of pages each having advertising matter printed thereon.

Abstract: A publication consists of a folded cover sheet within which is assembled an insert of printed pages. The cover sheet is appropriately printed to provide a front cover page when folded and an integrated poster on its normally concealed side when unfolded, and the insert pages are dimensioned and configured for convenient and protected disposition therewithin.

Abstract: A booklet containing a multiplicity of multi-page pamphlets is affixed to a bulk container for prescription drugs. Each pamphlet can be removed from the booklet for dispensing with a filled prescription. Each pamphlet serves as a patient package insert. The booklet may also contain a professional insert which is removable in a similar fashion.

Abstract: A multi-page folder having a staggered array of interleaved pages successively flipped by manual actuation of a drawstrip. The folder includes a back cover panel bounded by a right fold line joining it to an overlying contiguous base panel, a central slot formed near the fold line joining the back panel and the base panel, a distal segmented tab extending from the base panel away from the right fold line, a plurality of substantially parallel fold lines traversing and subdividing the tab into plural segments, an elongated drawstrip joined to the last tab segment most remote from the right fold line and extending between the back cover panel and the base panel through the central slot longitudinally movable from a retracted position substantially flattening the segmented tab to an extended position protruding through the central slot beyond the right fold line and curling the segmented tab under the base panel toward the slot.

Abstract: A "V"-shaped resilient member having a pair of opposing rectangular side flanges is used to place over the upper side portion of a conventional grocery bag to maintain the bag mouth in open position. The lower edges of the side flanges carry a plurality of coupons which are removably attached along perforated lines.

Abstract: Strips of burstable, gas-filled bubbles are adhesively secured to the margins of a substrate (e.g., a paper cocktail napkin) having a printed advertising message and are adapted to be popped by the user to focus the user's attention on the napkin and the message printed thereon.

Abstract: An envelope insert for a magazine has a uniform double thickness of sheet material throughout so that a plurality of envelope inserts can be stacked evenly for automatic insertion into magazines. The envelope insert is comprised of substantially coextensive first and second sheets which have superposed edges. The first sheet has a perforation line which is spaced from the end of the first sheet, and the second sheet has a perforation line which is located between the end of the sheet and the perforation line of the first sheet to provide a flap portion on the first sheet between the perforation line of the first sheet and the perforation line of the second sheet. The flap portion is provided with adhesive so that it can be folded over the second sheet and secured thereto after the sheets are torn along the perforation lines.

Abstract: A promotional coupon vehicle designed for display in association with a particular product line or for distribution by mail or other media to consumers. A first surface region illustrates the particular product and offers a discount on a purchase of the product line. A second surface region is delineated to receive and hold some portion of the packaging material of the product line. Adhesive carried by the second region facilitates attachment of the packaging material. The combination of the coupon vehicle and the attached packaging material is acceptable for a discount on the product line.

Abstract: A soft cover and coupon insert for paperback books and a method for making the same is disclosed, where the cover and coupon insert are printed on both sides of a blank sheet of material. The printed sheet is folded in half on a terminal end fold line and bonded together on spine receiving portions, which separate the front and back portions of the cover and coupon insert. The front cover portion is separated from the front coupon insert portion by severing along a cut line positioned a sufficient distance from the terminal end fold line.

Abstract: One of the most effective methods of marketing a new product is to sample it, get it into the hands of millions of prospective customers so they can test it, feel it, taste it or smell it. Product sampling is practiced, however, only when it can be done economically. The present invention relates to the economical sampling of thin absorbent tissues such as toilet tissue, paper toweling, facial tissue and similar thin, lightweight products. The present invention reduces the cost of hand tipping samples of absorbent paper tissues from approximately $60.00 per 1,000 to below $9.00 per 1,000. This 85% reduction in costs will enable tissue producers to sample their products to more consumers so they can test them prior to buying. In the present invention, a printed front cover, the tissue sample or samples, and a printed back cover are delivered to a collator in continuous ribbons.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the return of discardable containers and associated elements on which complementary identifying indicia are placed on at least two portions of the container, one indicium being on a removable closure means, a second indicium being on another selected area of the container. The consumer may retain the closure portion upon its removal, return the container to a redemption center and subsequently compare and match the closure indicia with the second indicia in a lottery drawing of indicia from like containers returned to the redemption center.

Abstract: A printed promotional coupon comprises a multiple-product base coupon and a plurality of product stamps. The product stamps bear indicia defining a coupon redemption value for a particular product purchase. The coupon acquires value and becomes effective only by the affixing of one or more stamps onto the base coupon, each at a location which bears indicia corresponding to the associated stamp. The coupon holder can determine the overall redemption value of the coupon by selecting the number of stamps affixed, corresponding to the number of different products purchased at any retail store carrying the products. In one embodiment, the base coupon and product stamp form a single sheet, with the product stamps being detachable from the base coupon. In another embodiment, the product stamps are on a card or sheet separate from but distributed with the base coupon.

Abstract: A direct mail coupon print promotional vehicle for the stimulation of retail sales of items by the distribution of printed cash discount coupons, which are presented by the consumer or customer at the time of purchase of the item. The vehicle is a direct mail printed coupon folder characterized by a plurality of rectangular paper panels on which the discount coupons are individually printed. The panels are attached end-to-end seriatim to form a rectangular element. A weakened zone such as scoring or perforations is provided between adjacent panels. Each weakened zone is linear and perpendicular to the long axis of the rectangular element, which latter is folded by a plurality of parallel over-and-over folds at said zones to the configuration of a single panel the thickness of which is the conjoint thickness of all of the panels, thus forming the coupon folder. Means is provided to secure the coupon folder against premature opening.

Abstract: A bind-in insert of lightweight paper stock for use in magazines, catalogs and booklets, has a paper envelope and a narrow, elongated, and impermeable thickened binding strip section disposed along the edge to be bound, the binding strip being formed by folding over and gluing the edge portion of the insert.

Abstract: A combined advertising insert and mailing envelope is formed from a single sheet which is folded so as to form a single thickness portion and a double thickness portion. The single thickness portion has a fold line which defines a flap, the fold line being coextensive with the crease lines of the pages of the magazine to position the flap and the balance of the insert, or the advertising page, on opposite sides of the saddle of a magazine. The advertising page is provided with a detachable envelope as well as with a plurality of flaps or sections on the double thickness portion which sections form windows. Each of the sections on one of the panels of the double thickness portion may be lifted to expose information printed on the other of the panels which is in registry with the window. The same insert, in some cases with slight modifications, is also suitable for insertion into perfect or adhesive bound magazines, and side-stitched magazines.

Abstract: A direct mail coupon print promotional vehicle for the stimulation of retail sales of items by the distribution of printed cash discount coupons, which are presented by the consumer or customer at the time of purchase of the item. The vehicle is a direct mail printed coupon folder characterized by a plurality of rectangular paper panels on which the discount coupons are individually printed. The panels are attached end-to-end seriatim to form a rectangular element. A weakened zone such as scoring or perforations is provided between adjacent panels. Each weakened zone is linear and perpendicular to the long axis of the rectangular element, which latter is folded by a plurality of parallel over-and-over folds at said zones to the configuration of a single panel the thickness of which is the conjoint thickness of all of the panels, thus forming the coupon folder. Means is provided to secure the coupon folder against premature opening.

Abstract: The specification discloses an airline travel ticket and information folder for use by an airline passenger. The folder includes a pocket portion formed by a pair of flexible paper sheets to enable the insertion of tickets and boarding passes therein. A first fold panel is integrally joined by a first fold to one edge of the pocket portion. A plurality of additional fold panels are integrally joined together by folds to the first fold panel. On the front of the fold panels, indicia provides travel information related to the destination of the airplane. On the back of the fold panels, advertisements are displayed which are related to the indicia formed on adjacent fold panels. A map of the city of destination is provided on at least one of the fold panels and is color coded relative to certain of the travel information contained on the fold panels. The fold panels are constructed to be folded together beneath the pocket portion to form a compact folder for the airline passenger.

Abstract: A Journalist Teaching Aid for Journalists is provided which comprises in combination: a plurality of master layout boards constructed of a material such as glossy paper, mylar or the like to permit readily detachably mounting adhesively backed materials thereon, the master layout boards are used to simulate pages of publications such as newspaper, magazines, tabloids, books, and the like; adhesively backed strips of materials such as glossy paper card stock, plastics such as mylar and the like having a plurality of said strips covering a plurality of dimensions for simulating flags, nameplates, logos, headlines, mastheads, artwork and the like used in publishing said pages of publications; adhesively backed strip holders for detachably mounting said strips thereon when not in use; and a plurality of miniature card stock layout boards for use by the journalist in drafting thereon a preliminary page layout.