Printed matter – Tally – Coupon
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-10
2001-06-05
Wellington, A. L. (Department: 3722)
Printed matter
Tally
Coupon
C283S067000, C283S070000, C283S081000, C283S101000, C283S105000, C283S107000, C283S108000, C493S210000, C493S231000, C493S243000, C493S343000, C493S382000, C024S487000, C024S067900, C024S067700
Reexamination Certificate
active
06241287
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The subject invention relates to a dual coupon card assembly having a plurality of mini-coupons formed therein.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Coupon cards having a number of mini-coupons which may be removed and redeemed are well known. The mini-coupons are a popular means of attracting customers and encouraging additional sales. The prior art coupon cards and mini-coupons have various constructions and are used for a multitude of applications. Examples of some prior art coupon cards and mini-coupons are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,767,654; 5,299,834 and 5,308,120. These prior art coupon cards, however, have a number of deficiencies. Primarily, the mini-coupons are attached to a thin layer of laminated paper such that the coupon cards lack structural integrity once a mini-coupon is removed. Upon removal of a mini-coupon, the laminated paper backing is structurally insufficient for a card that will be repeatedly used. In particular, the coupon card will be bent repeatedly with each removal of the mini-coupons which weakens the bond between the paper and the remaining mini-coupons, as well as having the coupon card bend and fold undesirably.
Another prior art coupon card, having a unique and superior construction, is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,458. The '458 patent is assigned to the assignee of the subject invention and includes a novel structure of two layers of card stock sandwiching a liner with adhesive disposed between each layer of card stock and the liner. The two layers of card stock allow the mini-coupons to be removed while maintaining sufficient integrity and rigidity within the card itself. The mini-coupons are mounted to one side of the coupon card while informational messages, advertisements and the like are printed on and opposite side of the coupon card.
The preferred design for the prior art coupon cards is to have the mini-coupons disposed on one side of the coupon card such that some integrity of the card is remained as the mini-coupons are removed. In order to accommodate numerous mini-coupons on one coupon card, the card itself must be relatively large. Some examples of large coupon cards which may hold a number of mini-coupons are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,308,120 and 5,501,491. These prior art coupon cards are bulky, cumbersome and cannot be easily transported within a purse, wallet, carrying pouch or the like. These larger coupon cards also suffer from the deficiencies of having a weakened paper backing material.
The deficiencies of the prior art may be overcome by providing a coupon card which can hold numerous mini-coupons, can be manipulated to reduce in overall size, and have sufficient structural integrity to support the coupon card once mini-coupons have been removed. Preferably, the overall size of the coupon card reduces to substantially the same size as a credit card.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
A coupon card assembly comprising a first card half having a first liner and first and second layers of card stock. The first and second layers of card stock are adhered to the first liner to sandwich the first liner therebetween. A plurality of mini-coupons are detachably cut into the first card half through the second layer of card stock. A second card half has a second liner and third and fourth layers of card stock. The third and fourth layers of card stock are adhered to the second liner to sandwich the second liner therebetween. A plurality of mini-coupons are detachably cut into the second card half through the fourth layer of card stock. The card assembly is characterized by a living hinge interconnecting the first card half with the second card half to define a dual coupon card assembly wherein the first card half may be folded upon the second card half.
Accordingly, the subject invention provides a structurally sound coupon card assembly which may hold numerous mini-coupons and also may be folded to reduce in size. Preferably, the coupon card reduces in size to the size of a standard credit card such that the coupon card may be easily transported in purses, wallets, carrying pouches and the like.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3854229 (1974-12-01), Morgan
patent: 4359358 (1982-11-01), Hattemer
patent: 4526405 (1985-07-01), Hettemer
patent: 4601490 (1986-07-01), Brandon
patent: 4767654 (1988-08-01), Riggsbee
patent: 4783886 (1988-11-01), Koppe
patent: 5021110 (1991-06-01), Kobayashi
patent: 5227209 (1993-07-01), Garland
patent: 5296279 (1994-03-01), Birnbaum et al.
patent: 5299834 (1994-04-01), Kraige
patent: 5308120 (1994-05-01), Thompson
patent: 5417458 (1995-05-01), Best et al.
patent: 5466321 (1995-11-01), Miyaji
patent: 5501491 (1996-03-01), Thompson
patent: 5503436 (1996-04-01), Alpaugh et al.
patent: 5571358 (1996-11-01), Napier et al.
patent: 5727817 (1998-03-01), Kraige
patent: 5776287 (1998-07-01), Best et al.
patent: 1292962 (1972-10-01), None
patent: 2213770 (1989-08-01), None
US Postage Stamp Booklet with self-adhesive stamps.
Best Scott D.
Turner James F.
Henderson Mark T.
Howard & Howard
Saxon Inc.
Wellington A. L.
LandOfFree
Dual coupon card assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Dual coupon card assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dual coupon card assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2505186