This invention relates to advertising/promotional display systems and, more particularly, to audible advertising/promotional display systems for providing visually exciting and interest generating products.
With the ever-increasing quantity of products and services being offered to consumers, substantial interest has been given to promotional systems for advertising such products and services. In this regard, a wide variety of advertising displays and promotional literature has been created and distributed to consumers. However, due to the deluge of material to which average consumers are constantly exposed, greater emphasis has been placed on developing eye-catching visual displays and promotional material which stand out as being visually unique in order to receive consumer attention.
Although various novelty products and printed displays have been created in an attempt to satisfy this demand, these prior art products have failed to provide the desired interest generating result with production costs which advertisers are capable of justifying. In attempting to generate a unique advertising display, some prior art products have employed complex folding systems which produce a three-dimensional display when activated or unfolded. However, in spite of the unique visual appearance generated by such products, the overall cost of production and complexity of the assembly of these systems has prevented such prior art systems from becoming popular.
Other prior art displays have attempted to generate consumer interest by providing unique visual images or other indicia as an integral part of the display. However, these prior art attempts have also failed to generate the consumer interest being sought, largely due to an inability to physically involve the consumer in the promotion or display operation.
Furthermore, the ever increasing consumer demand seeks to obtain promotional products which produce unique and/or surprising results. In this regard, consumers are continuously seeking products which will produce a surprising visual and/or audible effect when used.
Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a printed advertising or promotional product which is capable of being produced at a reasonable cost and provides an exciting, interest generating display.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a printed advertising or promotional product having the characteristic features described above, which enables the consumer to physically control the presentation of the display in a unique, hands-on manner.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a printed advertising or promotional product having the characteristic features described above, which is capable of mass production and assembly.
A further object in the present invention is to provide a printed advertising or promotional product having the characteristic features described above, which provides a unique, eye-catching, exciting and surprising visual change and/or an audible sound generation which is produced in response to action taken by the consumer.
Other and more specific objects will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.
By employing the present invention, all of the difficulties and inabilities of the prior art are eliminated and a unique, hands-on, printed, visually exciting and interest generating advertising/promotional product is attained. This desirable and previously unattainable result is realized in the present invention by providing a unique, pre-printed promotional system which can be produced in a wide variety of alternate forms and/or configurations. However, regardless of the printed form or configuration desired, the promotional system of the present invention employs two cooperating panels securely affixed to each other, with each panel being movable between a folded, compacted position and an unfolded, extended position.
In addition, in the preferred construction of the present invention, the promotional system of the present invention is constructed to produce a snapping or cracking sound whenever the promotional system is moved between its two alternate positions. Although the creation or production of a sound is not required, it has been found that the sound produced further enhances consumer surprise and interest.
In the basic, principal construction of the present invention, the promotional system comprises two enlarged panel members forming a front panel and a rear panel with the opposed terminating ends of both panels being securely affixed to each other. Preferably, holding zones or sections are established directly adjacent the terminating ends of the panels which are affixed to each other, with the holding sections or zones being formed by securely affixing an enlarged area of both the front panel and rear panel to each other.
Finally, a first fold line is formed along the edge of one of the holding zones/sections, while a second fold line is formed between the first fold line and the opposed terminating end of the panels, with the second fold line being constructed for extending outwardly as the two holding zones/sections are advanced towards each other. In this way, the promotional system is able to be quickly moved between a first folded, compacted position, and a second, unfolded and fully extended position. In addition, in the folded position, the holding zone/section with the fold line and the section between the two fold lines are nested between the remaining portion of the two panel members.
In order to further enhance the excitement and eye-catching visual appearance of the present invention, as well as providing enjoyment and surprising effects, the promotional system of the present invention can be constructed in a wide variety of alternate exciting configurations. In the principal, basic embodiment of the present invention, the front panel and rear panel are constructed with pre-printed indicia formed on all external surfaces, in order to provide a visual message, along with the hands-on movement of the promotional system from the first position to the second position.
In order to provide a further alternate visually exciting and interest generating configuration, various cut out zones may be formed in the front panel and/or the rear panel with additional indicia printed on the inside surfaces. In this way, added visual excitement and interest can be attained. Furthermore, consumer interest and enjoyment can be further enhanced by incorporating an interior panel member sandwiched between the front and rear panels which are affixed to each other to form the movable holding section. By printing indicia on this internal panel and aligning the indicia with cut out zones formed on the front and/or rear panel, further interest and excitement is achieved.
Furthermore, if desired, the promotional system of the present invention can be constructed with one of the pivoting panel portions being employed as a carrier for a product to be given to the user. Although a wide variety of alternate products can be presented to the consumer in this way, the presentation of a compact disc is a prime example, wherein the compact disc can be stored or hidden from view, and be revealed to the consumer as a surprise whenever the promotional system is moved into its fully extended configuration.
In addition, in an alternate variation of this construction, interior panels of the promotional system of the present invention can be constructed with three-dimensional producing die cut and/or pop-up elements integrally formed therein. Preferably, the die-cut, pop-up element remains hidden from view when the promotional system is in its first, compact position, and becomes revealed only upon movement of the promotional system into its fully extended position. By incorporating any desired unique, three-dimensional, pop up or extending die cut elements in one or more of the interior panels of the promotional system of the present invention, substantially enhanced excitement, interest, and surprise are realized.
In a still further alternate embodiment of the promotional system of the present invention, the system is constructed with a plurality of extendable segments. By forming one side of the panel member in a plurality of parallel sections or segments, each segment can be separately movable relative to the central panel portion. In addition, by incorporating any desired indicia and/or message on each separate segment, added interest and excitement is realized.
In a further additional variation of the basic construction, the promotional system is constructed with two separate and independent movable sections, each of which cooperate with opposed ends of a central zone or section. In addition, the central zone/section is formed by affixing the front and rear members to each other. In this way, two separate, movable sections are achieved, with further enhanced, visual excitement and interest being generated.
In addition to these unique alternate configurations in which the present invention can be constructed, the promotional system of the present invention can also be manufactured incorporating readily extendable foldable components formed in one or more corners of an enlarged panel section. In this way, a plurality of smaller foldable segments can be extended by the user whenever desired from an enlarged central panel. In this way, a further exciting, interest-generating, and visually distinctive printed promotional display capable of being conveyed to the user by the sponsor.
In accordance with the present invention, a still further alternate embodiment is achieved by forming the promotional system with the movable panel members being peripherally surrounded by a frame construction. As a result, the movement of the activation holding zone or section causes the interior panel to arcuately pivot or extend within the frame assembly. By employing this embodiment, substantially unique features and enhanced visual effects are attained.
The invention accordingly comprises an article of manufacture possessing the features, properties, and relation of elements which will be exemplified in the article hereinafter described, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
By referring to
In
In addition, promotional system 20 also incorporates two separate and independent holding zones or sections 30 and 31. Holding zone/section 30 is formed by securely affixing a portion of the rear surface of front panel member 21 to the adjacent, facing, front surface of rear panel member 22 which extends from side edges 23. Similarly, holding zone/section 31 is formed by securely affixing a portion of the rear surface of front panel member 21 to the adjacent, facing, front surface of rear panel member 22 which extends from side edges 24. Although the overall axial or longitudinal length of holding zone/sections 30 and 31 may comprise any size desired, in the preferred embodiment, holding zone/sections 30 and 31 each comprise an overall axial or longitudinal length ranging between about 10% to 35% of the overall length of panel members 21 and 22.
Furthermore, in the preferred construction of the present invention, promotional system 20 also incorporates fold lines 32, 33, and 34. As depicted, fold line 32 is formed parallel to side edges 24 and defines the overall width of holding zone/section 31. In the preferred construction, front panel member 21 and rear panel member 22 are securely affixed to each other throughout the entire area defined by holding zone 31, as established by side edges 24 and fold line 32.
Fold line 33 is formed in front panel member 21 extending parallel to fold line 32, while fold line 34 is formed in rear panel member 22 in juxtaposed aligned relationship with fold line 33, extending therein parallel to fold lines 32 and 33. In addition, fold line 33 forms flaps 35 and 36 in front panel member 21, while fold line 34 forms flaps 37 and 38 and rear panel member 22.
Since front panel member 21 and rear panel member 22 are separate from each other in the zone adjacent holding zone/section 31, flaps 35 and 36 of front panel member 21 and flaps 37 and 38 of rear panel member 22 move independently of each other, with fold lines 33 and 34 being constructed to extend outwardly from holding zone/sections 30 and 31. In this way, holding zone/section 31 is able to move between front panel member 21 and rear panel member 22, along with flaps 36 and 38, when in the folded, compact position. In this way, the folded, compact position is quickly and easily attained, preferably with side edges 24 extended outwardly for easy access. In addition, by merely pulling on side edges 24, holding zone/section 31, flaps 36 and 38 are quickly moved outwardly from their stored position into their fully extended position.
By employing this construction, promotional system 20 is capable of moving from a first, compact position, as depicted in
As a further feature of the present invention, the material preferably employed for forming panel members 21 and 22 comprises cardboard or heavy paper stock which enables promotional system 22 operate repeatedly and continuously whenever desired by the user without suffering degradation. In addition, it has also been found that by employing material of a sufficient thickness or weight, the rapid removal of holding zone/section 31 from its concealed position between folded portions of front panel member 21 and rear panel member 22 causes the free surfaces of front panel member 21 and rear panel member 22 to contact each other, producing a surprise audible effect.
This surprise audible effect is also caused whenever holdings zone/section 31 is returned from its fully extended position back to its original, concealed position in a rapid manner. Typically, the audible effect produced consists of a snapping or cracking sound, which often surprises the user and adds entertainment and excitement to the use of promotional system 20.
In
In this alternate embodiment, in order to further enhance and assure the production of a distinctive surprise audible effect, which is consistently and repeatedly achieved, promotional system 20 incorporates interior panel 70 which is mounted to flaps 36 and 38. In the preferred construction, panel 70 extends from flap 36 to flap 38, spanning fold line 32. As a result of this construction, with panel 70 incorporating a fold line formed substantially midway along the width thereof, panel 70 folds automatically with the folding of promotional system 20.
By employing this configuration, the desired audible sound is consistently and repeatedly created by the movement of panel 70 between its two alternate folded positions in combination with its position affixed to flaps 36 and 38. Furthermore, it has been found that the audible sound is created with a substantially enhanced volume, thereby assuring the repeated creation of the sound to the surprise of the user. As a result, the desired enhancement to promotional system 20 is achieved.
In
Furthermore, in the preferred construction of this embodiment, support panel 71 is configured for securely retaining a desired component, such as compact disc, CD, and/or DVD 72. As a result, this embodiment of promotional system 20 is employable for a wide variety of alternate uses directed to compact discs, CDs, and/or DVD's 72. These various uses include storage, gift-giving, and/or sale or distribution of these components. As a result, this embodiment of promotional system 20 can be employed for a wide variety of alternate purposes.
In
In addition, in order to further enhance the unique visual distinctive characteristics of this embodiment of the present invention, and add additional exciting and interest generating features, separate and independent internal panel 43 is mounted between panel members 21 and 22. In the preferred construction, internal panel 43 is securely sandwiched between the portions of panel members 21 and 22 forming holdings zone/section 31, and comprises an overall length enabling panel 43 to extend beyond fold line 32, into the open area formed between flaps 35/36 and 37/38.
Furthermore, any desired indicia is preferably printed on internal panel 43, with the indicia being constructed for being easily seen through cut out zone 40 when promotional system 20 is in its compact, folded position. In this way, when promotional system 20 is in its closed or compact position, the indicia printed on internal panel 43 is easily viewable through cut out zone 40.
In addition, in order to further enhance the visual capabilities of the present invention, indicia is also printed on flap 36 of front panel 21 in position for being viewable through cut out zones 41 when promotional system 20 is in its compact, folded position. Furthermore, by printing additional distinctive indicia on flap 37 of rear panel member 22, with the indicia being constructed for being viewable through cut out zones 40 and 41, a further distinctive visual presentation is attainable with the indicia being seen through cut out zones 40 and 41 changing whenever promotional system 20 is moved from its first, compact position to its second, fully extended position.
In
In the preferred construction, extendable members 45 are formed by cutting holding zone/section 31 and flaps 36 and 38 into a plurality of separate and independent parallel segments. In this way, each segment 45 is capable of being extended independently of its adjacent segment, thereby providing a unique and visually distinctive presentation.
Furthermore, by incorporating pertinent indicia on segments 45, any desired theme can be emphasized with each segment having to be separately removed to reveal a portion of the desired theme. However, other than forming a plurality of separate and independent segments 45, all of the other features of construction detailed above are incorporated into this embodiment.
In
As depicted, holding zone/section 31 is constructed with flaps 36 and 38 of panel members 21 and 22 of each display panel assemblies 47 and 48 extending from both side edges thereof. As result, holding zone/section 31 comprises a centrally located display panel which is hidden from view in the compact position, with folded flaps 35, 36, 37, and 38 of both extendable display panels assembly 47 and 48 peripherally surrounding and enclosing holdings zone/section 31 when in the closed position. In addition, when display panel assemblies 47 and 48 are moved into their fully extended configuration, all of the outer surfaces of display panel assembly 47 and 48 as well as holding zone section 31, are fully displayed.
By employing this embodiment of the present invention, a unique visually distinctive construction is realized, with optimum, hands on effort be required by the user. In addition, a substantially elongated display assembly is attained, enabling sponsors of promotional system 20 to have increased surface area up on which any desired indicia, advertisement, message, etc. can be fully displayed. In addition, in this embodiment, the snapping or cracking sound is produced when either panel assembly 47 or panel assembly 48 is moved between its two alternate positions.
In
As is evident from the disclosure of the construction shown in
Further alternate embodiments of the present invention are depicted in
In
In the preferred construction of this embodiment of the present invention, die-cut, pop-up element 55 is formed in front panel member 21 in the portions thereof which are folded when promotional system 20 is in its compact configuration. As a result, whenever the activating panels of promotional system 20 are axially moved for causing promotional system 20 to move from its first, compacted configuration into its second, fully extended configuration, die-cut, pop-up element 55 is revealed in a unique exciting and interest generating manner. Furthermore, by printing any desired indicia, promotional information, messages, color elements, etc. on the exposed surfaces of promotional system 20, the sponsor obtains a unique promotional system with added interest generating features and message delivery capabilities.
In
In addition, display assembly 60 is mounted with frame member 54, positioned within cut out zone 55 for being viewable therethrough. By constructing display assembly 60 in the manner detail below, alternate images are displayed and quickly and easily changed from one display to another display by user activation.
In this regard, in the preferred construction, display assembly 60 incorporates front panel 61 on which a desired indicia is displayed. As discussed above, this indicia may comprise any desired message, colors, alphanumeric designations, etc., which the sponsor wishes to convey to the use. In addition, panel 61 is interconnected to pull tab 62. By drawing pull tab 62 outwardly from frame member 54, front panel 61 is forced to pivot about pivot axis or fold line 63. Once tab 61 is fully withdrawn from frame assembly 54, panel 64 is displayed, revealing a second separate and independent indicia which the sponsor wishes to present to the user.
By employing this further alternate embodiment of the present invention, any desired image or indicia can be quickly and easily altered between a first image/indicia and a second image/indicia. Furthermore, if desired, rear panel 57 of this embodiment of promotional system 20 can be constructed in a manner substantially identical to front panel 56, thereby enabling the user to enjoy two separate and independent images/indicia alternately displayed on both the front and rear surfaces thereof.
By employing the teaching of the present invention as detailed above, numerous alternate constructions, configurations, and variations can be made for achieving alternate embodiments of promotional system 20. As examples of these and numerous alternate configurations and constructions, further alternate embodiments of the present invention are depicted in
In each of these Figures, alternate constructions of promotional system 20 are depicted, with each alternate construction employing the teaching provided above. However, in each of these embodiments, the construction elements and features detailed above have been combined in alternate combinations, thereby achieving a unique promotional system 20 having a visually distinctive visual appearance. However, in spite of the unique visual appearance of these alternate embodiments, each embodiment incorporates a combination of features and/or construction details thoroughly discussed and fully disclosed in the foregoing alternate embodiments.
In
In promotional system 20 of
Finally, in
It will thus be seen that the object set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above article without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/786,644, filed Mar. 28, 2006 entitled PROMOTIONAL DISPLAY SYSTEM.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
155970 | Platz | Oct 1874 | A |
1254639 | Lang | Jan 1918 | A |
1499891 | Storer | Jul 1924 | A |
D71940 | Hansen | Feb 1927 | S |
1699875 | Burgess | Jan 1929 | A |
1938919 | Marsh | Dec 1933 | A |
2142826 | Rosello | Jan 1939 | A |
2148279 | Sandberg | Feb 1939 | A |
2261280 | Pennebaker et al. | Nov 1941 | A |
2267378 | Snelling | Dec 1941 | A |
2324232 | Pantalone | Jul 1943 | A |
2421850 | Ringler | Jun 1947 | A |
2636600 | Denton et al. | Apr 1953 | A |
2824394 | Lohnes | Feb 1958 | A |
3002722 | Cote | Oct 1961 | A |
3092927 | Luchsinger | Jun 1963 | A |
3241660 | Cathcart, Jr. et al. | Mar 1966 | A |
3429451 | Samsing | Feb 1969 | A |
3455498 | Gadiel | Jul 1969 | A |
3514031 | Burgess | May 1970 | A |
3594937 | Luchsinger | Jul 1971 | A |
3990177 | Daraux | Nov 1976 | A |
5106332 | Segan et al. | Apr 1992 | A |
5803748 | Maddrell et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
5830037 | Mastandrea, Jr. | Nov 1998 | A |
5971168 | Proulx | Oct 1999 | A |
6102342 | Dunn | Aug 2000 | A |
6269961 | Porcelli | Aug 2001 | B1 |
6467437 | Donovan et al. | Oct 2002 | B2 |
7537121 | Markson et al. | May 2009 | B2 |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20070227921 A1 | Oct 2007 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
60786644 | Mar 2006 | US |