Abstract:
The present invention provides an apparatus for distributing samples is provided. The apparatus includes a sample package and a publication. The sample package comprises a sample product to be distributed and a sample backing. The sample package is joined to the publication such that the sample package is partially inserted into the publication and the sample product is external to the publication.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT DOCUMENTS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/847,870, entitled “Apparatus and Method for Distributing Samples,” filed on Jul. 30, 2010. The entire contents U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/847,870 is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to the field of distributing samples of a commercial product. More particularly, the invention relates to the distribution of samples of commercial products by attaching the samples to other commercial goods, such as: magazines, books, items for sale in convenience and/or grocery stores, pharmaceutical containers (including single dose containers), etc. Additionally, the present invention relates to the packaging of individual samples, such that the samples are presented to consumers in an accessible, informative, and aesthetically pleasing manner. Additionally, the present invention relates to the attachment of page marking devices, including but not limited to plastic adhesive flags, to publications and/or commercial articles. 
         [0004]    2. Background of the Invention and Prior Art 
         [0005]    It is a well known marketing strategy of manufacturers to distribute free samples of their goods in order to entice consumers to make future purchases. Benjamin T. Babbitt, a 19 th  century businessman, is recognized as being one of the first people known to have advertised through the use of free samples. Specifically, Benjamin T. Babbitt distributed free samples of soap. However, the use of free samples is pervasive in today&#39;s economy, and is no longer limited to the soap industry of Benjamin T. Babbitt. 
         [0006]    Free samples are a commonplace in today&#39;s advertising and marketing campaigns. Free samples of a wide variety of goods are constantly being dangled in carrot like fashion in front of hungry consumers. The goods available as free samples are a diverse group ranging from individual commercial items (e.g., perfumes and pharmaceuticals) to services (e.g., gym or discount buying club memberships). However, all free samples, no matter what good or service is being “pushed,” suffer from an identical same problem, distribution. That is, unless the free sample is actually presented to and received by a consumer it cannot have the desired effect of enticing future sales. Put simply, a free sample that is sitting in a box has no market effect, whereas a free sample in a consumers hand has the potential for market effect. 
         [0007]    A common example of an industry that uses free samples in advertising is that of men&#39;s and women&#39;s fragrances. Fragrance free samples are distributed using a variety of methods. Department stores often stock free samples of fragrances that are distributed to consumers in the store. Often these samples are distributed in one of two ways. First, free samples are distributed by a store clerk that offers to provide a sample either on a sample card or on the actual person of a consumer. Second, free samples are distributed during checkout where free samples may be included in the shopping bag of the consumer. Both of these methods suffer from many drawbacks. 
         [0008]    The first method often is viewed negatively by consumers as an annoyance, and thus may actually harm the product placement more than it helps. The second method is not effective for a variety of reasons, including: the store clerk forgets to include the sample in the consumer&#39;s shopping bag, or conversely includes so many samples that no one particular product is highlighted. Given the numerous drawbacks of distributing fragrance free samples in person, some of which have been highlighted above, manufacturers and marketers have turned to other modes of distributing free samples of their products. 
         [0009]    One mode of free sample distribution embraced by the fragrance industry is the use of magazines as a distribution tool. For example, magazines often include samples of fragrances in the form of folded magazine scent strips that when unfolded exposes a strip containing a microencapsulated fragrance slurry. The exposed microencapsulated fragrance slurry, while not an actual sample of a fragrance, allows the reader to smell the fragrance. U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,537 is directed to one embodiment of the fold-type magazine page for distributing fragrances, as described above. However, this method of free sample distribution suffers from numerous shortcomings. 
         [0010]    A shortcoming of the fold-type magazine free sample, described above, is the placement of the free sample inside of the magazine and out of eyesight of potential consumers of the magazine (and fragrance). That is, a potential consumer of the magazine would not be able to see the advertisement and free sample without first opening (and likely buying) the magazine. Moreover, where the free sample is desirable and could be a positive selling point for the magazine, the internal fold-type magazine free sample fails to provide additional incentive to purchase one magazine over another. 
         [0011]    A shortcoming of the fold-type magazine free sample, described above, is that most magazines have numerous pages of advertising, included in which are often a large number of fold-type magazine free samples. Thus, by placing the free sample as a page of a magazine, the manufacturer runs a significant risk of the free sample simply being overlooked and/or lost among the numerous other advertisements and free samples included in the magazine. This problem is similar to the department store clerk including too numerous a number of free samples in the shopping bag of consumer. 
         [0012]    Another shortcoming of the fold-type magazine free sample, described above, is the lack of usability of the free sample. That is, the paper strip samples cannot be utilized in the same manner that a consumer would expect to use the advertised product if it were purchased. For example, a fragrance strip in a magazine might be rubbed on a potential consumer&#39;s skin to transfer a small amount of the fragrance, but this is not the way that fragrances are generally applied. Thus, a free sample of fragrance distributed in this manner cannot be utilized by a consumer over a period of time in order to help persuade the consumer to purchase the product. Additionally, a consumer might be skeptical that the actual product would be fairly represented in this form. 
         [0013]    Another shortcoming of the fold-type magazine free sample, described above, is the inability to separate the free sample from the magazine without damaging the publication. That is, if a consumer would like to, for whatever reason, separate the scented strip from the magazine, it is necessary to tear or cut the free sample from the publication. This damage has many negative effects. For example, it lessens the consumer&#39;s ability to use the magazine by destroying content contained on the reverse side of the page containing the free sample. Generally, the front and back of fold-type magazine advertisements are used to advertise the same product. However, if the opposite side of the fold-type magazine advertisement was used as additional advertising space by the magazine, this additional advertising space would be negatively impacted by the removal of the fold-type advertisement. Thus, advertisers and marketers would likely be inclined to pay less for advertising space that is on the reverse side on a fold-type magazine free sample. 
         [0014]    Another mode of free sample distribution by magazine is the inclusion of three-dimensional free samples, i.e., free samples that are of a shape that would prevent a magazine from lying flat when closed if the free sample were included inside of the magazine. These free samples are most often included (1) in the magazine&#39;s shrink-wrapping or (2) attached to the magazine cover or magazine pages. However, both of these methods have significant weaknesses. 
         [0015]    One weakness of including a three-dimensional free sample in either of these ways stems directly from the shape and proportions of the free sample packaging. Specifically, if the free sample packaging covers a small portion of the magazine cover or page and is not relatively thin in comparison to the magazine cover or page, the free sample packaging is likely to cause damage to the magazine and/or other magazines during shipping and distribution of the publication. For example, if a small plastic tube containing a free sample of perfume was attached to a magazine page, the earlier pages of the magazine would have to bulge and disfigure to accommodate the shape of the free sample packaging. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,061 is specifically directed to this problem and provides a solution by cutting slots through multiple pages in a magazine that provide enough space for the free sample while at the same time allowing the magazine to lay flat when closed. However, this solution is unacceptable because it inherently reduces the value of advertisements placed on the pages found earlier in the magazine in many ways, such as: reducing the advertising space on the earlier pages, and possibly “cross contaminating” advertisements on earlier pages that when viewed by a consumer also reveals the three-dimensional free sample. For example, if Ralph Lauren is advertising a new fragrance, they would likely be less then pleased if a consumer viewing their print advertisement could also see a free sample of a Calvin Klein fragrance at the same time. Thus, the invention of U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,061 has significant problems. 
         [0017]    Another problem associated with three-dimensional free samples included in the magazine&#39;s shrink-wrapping or attached to the magazine cover or magazine pages is that it creates a pressure point that may damage the free sample. For example, a free sample of perfume (in the form of a small plastic tube) attached to a page of a magazine creates a pressure point that is stressed when the magazine is stacked. This pressure point increases the likelihood that the free sample of perfume will be damaged and its contents spilled into the magazine, thus damaging the magazine and the free sample beyond use. Again this problem can be addressed by the invention of U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,061, but that method has significant drawbacks, as discussed above. 
         [0018]    Additionally, advertisers and marketers have placed free samples on the covers of magazines, or simply included free samples within the shrink-wrapping of a magazine. For example, compact discs containing software are often shrink-wrapped with computer related magazines. This type of free sample distribution is positive in that it acts as an enticement to a potential consumer of the magazine. However, this placement of a free sample still results in the problem of bulging. This bulging problem does not affect the individual magazine including the free sample, but rather other magazines shipped and distributed with the magazine. That is, if a number of magazines are stacked and each of the magazines includes a three-dimensional free sample attached to the cover, then the only magazine not affected by the bulging is the magazine on the very bottom of the stack. Likewise, the magazine most likely affected most by the bulging is the uppermost magazine of the stack. This magazine is subjected to a bulge equal to the collective bulge of each individual magazine&#39;s three-dimensional free sample. For example, if ten magazines are stacked and each magazine has a 0.5 inch free sample attached to the cover, then the top most magazine is subjected to a 4.5 inch bulge while the bottom most magazine is not subjected to any bulge. This bulging would likely warp and damage the magazines during transit. Additionally, the pressure would likely damage or destroy the free samples attached to the covers of the magazines. In cases where the free samples are liquids, the damaging of these samples would likely cause collateral damage to the magazines themselves. Additionally, the bulging would decrease the number of magazines that can fit into fixed space magazine racks, such as checkout counter magazine racks. 
         [0019]    Additionally, by placing free samples on the covers of magazines, the thickness of the overall magazine is increased. This is a drawback because the amount of shelf/rack space that is available for any given magazine is finite, and by increasing the overall thickness of the magazine the number of magazines that can fit into the finite space is reduced. Additionally, free samples placed on the front or back covers of magazines necessarily obscures the front and back cover of the magazine, including the magazines cover art/copy. The cover art of a magazine may entice a consumer to buy the magazine, and thus obscuring the cover art could easily be viewed as a negative by magazine publishers. Additionally, if the free samples are included with the magazines using shrink wrap, the magazine is unreadable at a magazine store or grocery checkout because the magazine cannot be opened. 
         [0020]    Co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,075 is directed to a binding product holder in the form of a transparent plastic tube that is capped and attached to the spine of a publication. The invention of this patent, while solving many of the shortcomings discussed above, is not appropriate for all forms of sample distribution. For example, a publication with the attached product holder of U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,075 will not fit in many publication displays (e.g., grocery store checkout lane wire racks). Additionally, because many publications are very thin, the relatively bulky product holder of U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,075 will not attach correctly to the publication. 
         [0021]    Therefore, there remains a need for effective methods, systems, and apparatuses for the distribution of product samples. In particular, there is a need for advancements in the distribution of samples attached to publications. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided for distributing samples. The apparatus includes a sample package made up of a sample product to be distributed and a sample backing. The apparatus further includes a sample carrier. The sample package and the sample carrier are joined. 
         [0023]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for distributing page flags is provided. The method includes attaching a page flag dispenser to a carrier. The carrier can either be a publication or a consumer article. 
         [0024]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for distributing samples is provided. The method includes forming a sample package made up of a sample product to be distributed and a sample backing. The method further includes joining the sample package to a sample carrier. 
         [0025]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for distributing samples is provided. The apparatus includes a sample package and a publication. The sample package comprises a sample product to be distributed and a sample backing. The sample package is joined to the publication such that the sample package is partially inserted into the publication and the sample product is external to the publication. 
         [0026]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for distributing samples is provided. The apparatus includes a sample package and a publication. The sample package comprises a sample product to be distributed attached to a dust jacket. The sample package is joined to the publication such that said sample product is visible without opening the publication. 
         [0027]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for distributing samples is provided. The apparatus includes a sample package and a publication. The sample package comprises a sample product to be distributed, a tubular container, and a sample backing. The sample package is joined to the publication such that the sample package is partially inserted into the publication and the tubular container containing the sample product is external to the publication. 
         [0028]    The embodiments of the present invention yield several desirable advantages over the prior art, including:
       providing new product introductions where maximum visibility is required;   promoting a product that consumers can actually, see, feel, touch, taste and smell;   allowing the promoter of the sample to have the highest visibility of their product being displayed (i.e., allowing the sample to be seen without having to open the publication);   enabling publications/consumer articles to have a new and highly profitable space to sell advertising;   providing a highly visible point-of-purchase location for the sample product being displayed.   providing a positive impact impression from association of both publisher/consumer product and sample advertiser (e.g., a Gucci sample advertisement displayed on the spine of a highly respected magazine, such as, Vogue magazine);   providing additional space for an instantly redeemable coupon that can influence consumer buying decisions;   providing additional space for additional information, such as: expanded content booklets, mail-in rebates, product information, cross-promotional literature, and/or multi-lingual translations of product information;   promoting brand awareness more effectively;   reducing the space and manpower required to distribute product samples;   generating sales based on the inclusion of a free sample of a desirable product;   allowing for the use of three-dimensional sample advertisements;   increasing the distribution of samples to a target audience;   providing permanent advertising space beneath the sample;   allowing consumers to sample actual products, rather than approximations of the products;   allowing consumers to use the sample in a manner more akin to actual use of a product (e.g., spraying a fragrance on via a sample tube rather than rubbing a page of a magazine on one&#39;s skin);   providing an inexpensive attachment mechanism for the sample package;   providing opportunities for new or smaller companies that do not own shelf space to distribute samples;   providing advertisement space without interfering with ad space on the front or rear covers of publications;   providing a sample distribution mechanism that can be used with any size publication;   providing a sample distribution mechanism that can be used with dust jackets.       
 
         [0050]    Further applications and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed below with reference to the drawing figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0051]      FIGS. 1   a - 1   d  are illustrations of sample packages; 
           [0052]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of a sample package attached to a publication; 
           [0053]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  are illustrations of a sample package attached to a publication; 
           [0054]      FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  are illustrations of a sample package attached to a publication; 
           [0055]      FIGS. 5   a - 5   e  are illustrations of sample packages attached to publications; 
           [0056]      FIGS. 5   f - 5   h  are illustrations of sample packages attached to consumer articles. 
           [0057]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of a sample package attached to a dust jacket; 
           [0058]      FIGS. 7   a - 7   c  are illustrations of sample packages attached to dust jackets; 
           [0059]      FIG. 7   d  is an illustration of page marking flags attached to a dust jacket; and 
           [0060]      FIG. 8   a  is an illustration of page marking flags attached to a three ring binder. 
           [0061]      FIG. 8   b  is an illustration of a sample package attached to a three ring binder. 
           [0062]      FIGS. 9   a - 9   b  are illustrations of sample packages that are attached to publications by insertion into the publications. 
           [0063]      FIG. 10   a  is an illustration of a sample package that is attached to a publication by insertion into the publication. 
           [0064]      FIG. 10   b  is an illustration of a sample package that is configured to be attached to a publication by insertion into the publication. 
           [0065]      FIG. 10   c  is an illustration of multiple sample packages that are attached to a single publication by insertion into the publication. 
           [0066]      FIG. 11   a  is an illustration of a sample package that is attached to a publication by insertion into the publication. 
           [0067]      FIG. 11   b  is an illustration of a sample package that is configured to be attached to a publication by insertion into the publication. 
           [0068]      FIG. 12   a - 13   a  are illustrations of tubular containers that are attached to publications by insertion into the publications. 
           [0069]      FIG. 13   b  is an illustration of a container sample package that is configured to be attached to a publication by insertion into the publication. 
           [0070]      FIG. 13   c  is an illustration of a container sample package that is attached to a publication by insertion into the publication. 
           [0071]      FIG. 13   d  is an illustration of a container sample package that is configured to be attached to a publication by insertion into the publication. 
           [0072]      FIG. 14   a  is an illustration of a sample package that is formed as a portion of a dust jacket. 
           [0073]      FIG. 14   b  is an illustration of a book having a dust jacket with an attached sample package. 
           [0074]      FIG. 14   c  is an illustration of a sample package that is formed as a portion of a dust jacket. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0075]    The present invention, including but not limited to the embodiments described herein, relate to the distribution of samples using sample carriers (i.e., publications and/or other consumer articles). Publications, include, but are not limited to, magazines, books (including hardbacks, paperbacks, dust jackets, etc.), pamphlets, booklets, flyers, and other such printed materials. Consumer articles refer to goods which are sold or distributed and are not grouped under publications. That is, embodiments of the present invention could be applicable to any product that is sold. Examples of consumer articles include, but are not limited to, vitamins, cosmetics, medication bottles, three-ring binders, household cleaners, etc. Additionally, the present invention relates to the attachment of page marking devices, including but not limited to plastic adhesive flags, to publications and/or commercial articles, such as three-ring binders. 
         [0076]    Examples of liquid samples include, but are not limited to, fragrances, cosmetics, food items, etc. Examples of solid samples include, but are not limited to, cosmetics, electronics parts, pharmaceuticals, unit dose samples, seed packets, computer components, flash drives, food items, etc. 
         [0077]    For example, according to the present invention, small quantities of fragrances may be distributed in blister packets (i.e., blister packages), plastic containers, vials, and/or sachets. Additionally, according to embodiments of the present invention, free samples may also be distributed in plastic skin packaging, plastic pouches, paper pouches, spray bottles, tubes, packets, foil pouches, etc. This list in no way limits the scope of the invention. 
         [0078]    According to other embodiments miniature replicas of full size products can be distributed. For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention and as illustrated in  FIG. 7   c , a miniature hot sauce bottle containing a liquid sample of hot sauce could be attached to a cookbook (or the dust cover of a cook book) for distribution. 
         [0079]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 1   a , a product sample may be distributed by attaching a sample  102  to a sample backing  104  in order to form a sample package  110 , which can then be attached to a publication or consumer article. Sample  102  can be a liquid, solid, or a mixture of liquids and solids. Sample backing  104  can be made of a variety of substances, including, but not limited to: paper, plastic, or metal. Additionally, sample backing  104  could be a pressure sensitive label. 
         [0080]    Sample  102  is a container for a product sample to be distributed. Sample  102  is, according to one embodiment, a container for a liquid, including, but not limited to: a blister pack, pouch, vile, tube, or any other leak resistant container. According to another embodiment, sample  102  is a container for one or more solids, including, but not limited to: a blister pack, pouch, vile, tube, bag (resealable and non-resealable), net, plastic skin packaging, or any other container capable of housing the product sample. 
         [0081]    Sample backing  104 , according to one embodiment, is a flat card onto which sample  102  is attached. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sample backing  104  comprises two or more layers, such that a portion of sample  102  is visible and/or passes through the front most layer(s) of the sample backing  104  and is sandwiched between two or more layers of the sample backing  104 . 
         [0082]    According to embodiments of the present invention, sample  102  can be attached to sample backing  104  in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to: adhesive tape, glue, staples, and pressure (in embodiments where sample  102  is sandwiched between two or more layers of the sample backing  104 ). According to different embodiments of the present invention, glues and/or adhesives that are used to connect sample  102  to sample backing  104  are of varying strengths and permanency. 
         [0083]    For example, according to one embodiment, permanent glue is used to attach sample  102  to sample backing  104 , thus the sample  102  cannot be removed from the sample backing  104 . This could be desirable to advertisers who, for example, do not want their branding/marketing materials to be separated from a blister pack of a fragrance. That is, advertisers may want their message (which can be printed on sample backing  104 ) to be viewed each and every time sample  102  is used. According to another embodiment, removable glue is used to attach sample  102  to sample backing  104 , thus the sample  102  can be removed from the sample backing  104 . This could be desirable to advertisers who, for example, want potential consumers to use their product in a fashion that requires both the use of the sample  102  and the sample backing  104 . For example, a spice company could distribute a spice sample with a recipe that is printed in/on the sample backing  104 . In this case, the advertiser could desire that the recipe be separated from the sample  102  for ease of use in the kitchen. 
         [0084]    Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the sample backing has an inherent value that is separate and distinct from the sample  102 . For example, the recipe, as discussed above, retains its value long after the spice sample is consumed. Thus, it is contemplated that an ancillary benefit of the present invention is that consumers could retain the sample backing  104  independent from the sample  102 , thereby creating a secondary opportunity for marketing and advertising. 
         [0085]    The sample package  110  can include glue or adhesive for attaching the sample package  110  to a publication or consumer article. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1   a , sample package  110  includes adhesive strips  106  that are attached to the sample backing  104  and can be attached a publication or consumer article. According to one embodiment of the present invention the adhesive strips are printed with advertising material. According to one embodiment of the present invention, adhesive strip  106  is scored with separation line  108  that allows the sample backing  104  (to which sample  102  is attached) to be removed from the publication without having to remove the adhesive strips  106  from the publication. The removability of the sample  102  and sample backing  104 , according to one embodiment of the present invention, is necessary to allow the use of the sampled product. Additionally, the use of separation lines  108  in removing the sample  102  and sample backing  104  from the publication or consumer article, has the distinct advantages of both preventing damage caused to the publication or consumer article during removal of the adhesive strips  106  and ease of use for the consumer. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the separation lines  108  do not score the entire length of the adhesive strips  106 , but rather are notches on the top and bottom that allow a consumer to tear adhesive strips  106  from top to bottom cleanly. 
         [0086]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 1   a , the sample backing  104  includes an individualized content area  112 . The individualized content area  112  can be a location to print content that changes more frequently than the content printed on sample backing  104 . For example, content that could be printed on individualized content area  112 , includes, but is not limited to: coupons (including instantly redeemable coupons), recipes, special offers, updated product information, product description, product trademark, pictures, lenticular printing, raised inks, embossed copy, domed print, etc. Print copy can also be placed under the sample package  110  such that after removal of sample package  110  product information or copy is present on the publication binding spine or consumer article for additional and permanent advertising. Later readers would still have the opportunity to be impacted by the advertising that was related to the sample. 
         [0087]      FIG. 1   b  is an illustration of a sample package  110 , according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the sample package  110  includes a sample  102  and a sample backing  104  that is multi-layered and includes a folded booklet, e.g., a straight folded booklet, booklet label, or expanded content label, (pages  114   a - 114   d ). According to one embodiment, these booklets can contain instant redeem coupons, mail-in rebates, comprehensive product information, cross-promotional literature and multi-lingual translations. In one embodiment, sample  102  protrudes through a die cut hole within sample backing  104 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the pages  114   a - 114   d  of the folded booklet contains individualized content areas  112 . As shown in  FIG. 1   b , the individualized content area  112  on page  114   c  contains a manufacturer&#39;s coupon. According to one embodiment of the present invention, pages  114   a - 114   d  of the folded booklet are separated by scored folds  116  to better allow consumers to remove portions of the sample backing  104 , e.g., coupons. Additionally, as described above, separation lines  108  on the adhesive strips  106  are notches on the top and bottom of adhesive strips  106  that allow a consumer to tear adhesive strips  106  from top to bottom cleanly. 
         [0088]    According to the present invention,  FIGS. 1   c  and  1   d  are alternative embodiments of sample package  110 .  FIG. 1   c  illustrates that the sample backing  104  is a folded booklet, e.g., a map folded booklet.  FIG. 1   d  illustrates that the sample backing  104  is a conventional booklet, e.g., bound style booklet, that is bound on one edge. While not explicitly shown,  FIGS. 1   c  and  1   d  may contain sample package  110  features described above with regard to  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b . The afore described booklets are often referred to in the industry as booklet labels and/or expanded content labels (ECLs). 
         [0089]      FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. According to the illustrated embodiment, a sample  102  and sample backing  104  are attached to form a sample package  110 . According to one embodiment of the present invention, sample package  110  is attached to the perfect bound or saddle-stitched binding spine of publication  202  utilizing two adhesive strips  106 . In other embodiments of the present invention, the sample package  110  is attached to publication  202  utilizing one adhesive strip  106 . Additionally, in other embodiments of the present invention, the sample package  110  is attached to the perfect, stapled, sewn, or saddle-stitched binding spine of publication  202  utilizing glue and/or staples. A sewn publication is constructed in the same way as a hardbound publication, except that it lacks the hard covers. The binding is as durable as that of a hardbound publication. Saddle-stitching is accomplished by stapling a publication through the centerfold, thereby joining a set of nested folios into a single publication. For example, most comic books are saddle-stitched. In order to prevent the sample package  110  from effecting the stacking of multiple copies of publication  202 , it is necessary that the sample package  110  be no thicker than the thickness of publication  202 . 
         [0090]    The adhesive strip  106  extending from the front of the sample package  110  to the front of the publication  202  is shown in  FIG. 2 . A second adhesive strip  106 , not shown in  FIG. 2 , extends from the back of the sample package  110  to the back cover of the publication  202 . Thus, the sample package  110  is attached to the publication  202  such that the sample backing  104  is substantially in the same plane as the back cover of publication  202 , and the sample package  110  extends horizontally from the back cover of the publication  202 . According to one embodiment of the present invention, sample package  110 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , contains some or all of the features described above in reference to  FIGS. 1   a - 1   d . Additionally, while the sample package  110  is attached to publication  202  via adhesive strips  106 , it is contemplated that glue (permanent or removable) could be used in place of or to supplement adhesive strips  106 . In another embodiment, sample backing  104  overlaps the publication  202  back cover with adhesive  106  attaching sample backing  104  in the overlap area. 
         [0091]    In another embodiment of the present invention, sample package  110  is attached to publication  202  utilizing one adhesive strip  106  in a sample package  110  and publication back cover overlap area. The adhesive strip  106  extending from the right front side of the sample package  110  to the backside of the publication  202  in an overlapping fashion. Thus, the sample package  110  is attached to the publication  202  such that the sample backing  104  is substantially in the same plane as the back cover of publication  202 , and the sample package  110  extends horizontally in an overlapping fashion from the back cover of the publication  202 . According to one embodiment of the present invention, sample package  110 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , contains some or all of the features described above in reference to  FIGS. 1   a - 1   d . Additionally, while the sample package  110  is attached to publication  202  via adhesive strip  106 , it is contemplated that glue (permanent or removable) could be used in place of or to supplement adhesive strip  106 . 
         [0092]    It is noted that the sample package  110  can be attached to any portion of the length of the publication  202 . According to one embodiment, sample package  110  is restricted to the upper quarter of the length of the publication  202 . This is especially pertinent when the publication is a periodical (e.g., a magazine) that is often sold in racks or shelving that interfere with the sample packaging  110  of the present invention if the sample packaging  110  were placed too low on the spine of the publication  202 . 
         [0093]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  illustrate an embodiment of the present invention. According to the illustrated embodiment, a sample package  110  is attached to the perfect binding of publication  202  utilizing adhesive strips  106  that having separation lines  108 . As shown in  FIG. 3   a , the back of the sample package  110  rests on the spine of the publication  202 . In order to prevent the sample package  110  from effecting the stacking of multiple copies of publication  202 , it is necessary that the sample package  110  be no wider than the thickness of publication  202 .  FIG. 3   b  is a profile illustration of the sample package  110  attached to the publication  202 . 
         [0094]      FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  illustrate an embodiment of the present invention. According to the illustrated embodiment, a sample package  110  is attached to publication  202  utilizing adhesive strips  106  that having separation lines  108 . As shown in  FIG. 4   a , the back of the sample package  110  rests on the spine of the publication  202 . In this embodiment of the present invention, the sample package  110  extends more than half-way down the spine of the publication  202 . It is contemplated that the extended sample package  110  could contain a large individualized content area  112 . Additionally, the separation lines shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , allow for the removal of the sample portion of the sample package, while allowing the large individualized content area  112  to remain on the publication  202 . This has the distinct advantage of advertising to readers of the publication who were likely not the original purchaser of the publication  202 . For example, if a magazine with sample package  110  attached were purchased by a doctor&#39;s office; it is unlikely that after the first few readers the sample portion of the sample package  110  would be intact. However, according to this embodiment of the present invention, later readers would still have the opportunity to be impacted by the advertising that was related to the sample. 
         [0095]      FIGS. 5   a  through  5   e  are illustrations of sample packages  110  attached to publications. In  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b , the sample packages  110 , include liquid blister packages, are attached to magazines. In  FIG. 5   a , the sample package  110  extends from the spine of the publication in a way similar to  FIG. 2 . In  FIG. 5   b , the sample package  110  abuts the spine of the magazine in a way similar to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b . In  FIG. 5   c , a sample package  110 , containing a powdered sample, is attached to the spine of a book in a way similar to  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b . In  FIG. 5   d , a sample package  110 , containing a miniature replica of a product, extends from the spine of the publication in a way similar to  FIG. 2 . In  FIG. 5   e , a sample package  110 , containing a sample  102  that is miniature replica of a product, abuts the spine of the magazine in a way similar to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b.    
         [0096]      FIGS. 5   f - 5   h  are illustrations of sample packages  110  attached to consumer articles. In  FIGS. 5   f - 5   h , the sample packages  110 , include blister packages. In  FIG. 5   f , the blister package is filled with a liquid sample. In  FIG. 5   g , the blister package is filled with a solid sample, such as a pill. In  FIG. 5   h , the sample package  110  contains a sample of a solid consumer product. In this case, the sample product is a flossing device and the consumer article is toothpaste. By packaging a related sample, advertisers can reach their target demographics. It should be noted that sample packages  110  can be applied to consumer articles in any position, i.e., top, side, etc. 
         [0097]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of a sample package attached to a dust jacket. Specifically, the dust jacket is comprised of three main parts: the front cover  606 , the spine cover  604 , and the back cover  602 . While samples may be attached to dust jackets in a variety of ways, according to the present embodiment the sample package  110  is attached to the spine cover  604  of the dust jacket. According to the illustrated embodiment, an opening  608  is cut or otherwise formed in the spine cover  604 . If desired, product copy and/or logo information could then be printed directly on the dust jacket or in the form of a label with a cutout area equivalent to opening  608  and adhered to spine cover  604  relating to the sample product. The sample package  110  is visible and/or protrudes through opening  608 . Once the dust jacket is placed on a book, the sample package  110  remains visible and/or accessible without removing the dust jacket from the book. Additionally, sample package  110  may contain product information hidden from view under dust jacket spine cover  604 . Illustrations of examples of this type of embodiment of the present invention can be found in  FIGS. 7   b  through  7   d.    
         [0098]    According to one embodiment,  FIGS. 7   b  and  7   c  could include a copy area  112  (as shown in  FIG. 1   a ) either printed directly on the dust jacket or on a label attached to the dust jacket. According to one embodiment, sample package  110  is placed under the spine cover  604  and copy is printed directly on the spine cover  604 . According to another embodiment, the sample package  110  is placed on top of the spine cover  604 , thus obviating the need for a dust jacket to have opening  608 . According to this embodiment, the copy area  112  is found on the sample package  110  or in a booklet/extended content label (similar to that shown in  FIGS. 1   b - 1   d ). 
         [0099]    Additionally, according to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 7   a , the sample package  110  is attached to the spine cover  604  in a way similar to that shown in  3   a  and  3   b.    
         [0100]      FIGS. 7   d  and  8   a  illustrate embodiments of the present invention related to attaching page markers to publications and/or commercial articles, such as, but not limited to: publications, writing utensil cases, crayon and/or marker boxes, paper organizers, folders, etc.  FIG. 7   d  is an illustration of page markers that are both visible and available through the dust jacket of a publication.  FIG. 8   a  is an illustration of a page flag dispenser attached to the spine of a three ring binder. According to various embodiments of the present invention a page flag dispenser could reside directly on a publication binding spine, on top of a dust jacket as shown in  7   d , on the binding spine of a publication area  604  with a dust jacket cutout area  608  through which the page flag dispenser protrudes similar to that shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0101]      FIG. 8   b  is an illustration of a sample package  110  attached to a three ring binger. 
         [0102]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sample packages need not be wholly external to the publication. That is, embodiments of the present invention may be glued or sewn into a publication, such that a portion of the sample package is internal to the publication and a portion of the sample package is external to the publication. 
         [0103]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b , sample package  110  is inserted and extends into (as illustrated with the dotted lines) publication  202 . Sample package  110 , as described in detail above, contains sample  102 . In  FIG. 9   a , sample package  110  is bound into the spine of publication  202 . In  FIG. 9   b , sample package  110  is tipped (glued) into a non-spinal area of publication  202 . In  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b , sample package  110  and sample  102  is visible without opening publication  202 . Thus, this embodiment of the present invention retains the advantages discussed in detail above. 
         [0104]    According to various embodiments of the present invention (including, but not limited, to those described above) a heavy paper card or an insert booklet can be used to form sample package  110 . Sample package  110  can be placed at any point within the publication such that the sample package  110  extends outward from publication  202 , and sample  102  can be removed for use by the purchaser of the publication  202 . According to various embodiments of the present invention, sample packages can be inserted into both saddle-stitched and perfect bound publications. 
         [0105]    According to various embodiments of the present invention, sample packages can be placed at the head of a page in a publication and can be either bound (bind-in insert) into the publication or tipped (glued) with permanent or removable glue. Additionally, if the sample package is sewn into the binding of a publication, the sample package can have a perforation that allows the sample and/or booklet/card to be released. According to one embodiment of the present invention, if the sample package is formed using a booklet, it is preferred that the closed booklet edge be inserted against the spine within the magazine. 
         [0106]    According to various embodiments of the present invention, the sample package can vary in length and width, meaning the sample package does not have to take up any particular portion of a page in a publication. For example,  FIG. 10   a  is an illustration of a sample package  110  that is attached to a publication  202  by insertion into the publication  202 . In  FIG. 10   a , the sample package  110  is a half page insert. This insert is illustrated in  FIG. 10   b . As shown in  FIG. 10   b , the sample package  110  has a sample backing  104 , a sample  102 , and an individualized content area  112  that can be used, for example, as advertising space for the product of sample  102 . 
         [0107]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 10   c , multiple sample packages  110   a - 110   c  containing samples  102   a - 102   c  are attached at varying depths to a single publication  202 . For example, it could be that sample package  110   a  is inserted into publication  202  at page  100 , sample package  110   b  is inserted into publication  202  at page  200 , and sample package  110   c  is inserted into publication  202  at page  300 . By staggering the positions (along the x, y, and z axes) of sample packages multiple sample packages can be attached to a single publication while not interfering with the visibility of any of the attached sample packages. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first sample package is attached with the sample facing the front of the publication, and a second sample package is attached with the sample facing the back of the publication. This configuration would be useful if samples were to be included in the advertisements located on both the front and back covers of a publication. 
         [0108]    According to another embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 11   a  is an illustration of a sample package  110  that is attached to a publication  202  by insertion into the publication  202 . In  FIG. 11   b , the sample package  110  is approximately a ⅙ th  page insert. According to this embodiment, the use of a smaller insert provides less obstruction to the pages following an insert. For example, if the sample package  110  were followed by at least one page of advertisement for the product of sample  102 , it is possible that an advertiser would want to provide less obstruction to the following page(s). This insert is illustrated in  FIG. 11   b . As shown in  FIG. 11   b , the sample package  110  has a sample backing  104 , a sample,  102 , and an individualized content area  112  that can be used, for example, as advertising space for the product of sample  102 . 
         [0109]    In  FIGS. 9   a - 11   b , sample  102  could be, according to one embodiment of the present invention, held in place by die cutting a hole within the sample backing  104  and sandwiching the sample within the resulting folded flap. According to another embodiment of the current invention, sample  102  can be housed within a tubular container  1202  (as illustrated in  FIGS. 12   a - 13   d ). 
         [0110]      FIG. 12   a - 13   a  are illustrations of tubular containers  1202  that are attached to publications  202  by insertion into the publications  202 . In  FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b  the tubular container  1202  is attached to publication  1202  via an insertion that is denoted by the dotted line. As shown, in  FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b , the tubular container  1202  can be attached to both the top and side of a publication  202 . Moreover, the present invention also contemplates that a tubular container could be attached, via an insertion, to the bottom of a publication. The embodiments of the present invention that utilize a tubular container are especially suitable for publication that will be delivered via the mail. 
         [0111]      FIG. 13   b  is an illustration of a container sample package  1302  that is configured to be attached to a publication  202  by insertion into the publication  202 . According to one embodiment, container sample package  1302  has a tubular container  1202  attached to a sample backing  104 . The tubular container  1202  contains a sample  102 , and the same backing  102  has an individualized content area  112 . According to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 13   b , the container sample package  1302  takes up a full page of publication  1202 . Further, it is envisioned that a perforation can be cut into the sample backing  104  to allow for easy removal of tubular container  1202 .  FIGS. 13   c  and  13   d  operate in similar fashion to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 12   a  and  13   b , with the exception that the tubular container  1202  is located on top of the publication  202  rather than the side. 
         [0112]    According to various embodiments of the present invention, the container tube is attached to the sample backing via an adhesive to form a container sample package. The container sample package is then inserted into a publication and attached (either sewn in or by glue). According to various embodiments, a perforation in the sample backing can be placed at different locations on the card backing to allow some, all, or none of the sample backing  104  to be removed with the tubular container. Additionally, multiple perforation lines can be used to allow for the removal of excess sample backing once the tubular container has been removed from the publication. Additionally, the use of multiple perforations could be used to allow for easy access to coupons or other items located within an individualized content area. 
         [0113]      FIGS. 14   a - 14   c  are illustrations of a sample package that is formed as a portion of a dust jacket  1402 . As illustrated in  FIG. 14   a , the dust jacket  1402  has a sample  102  attached to it. As illustrated in  FIGS. 14   b  and  14   c , the dust jacket  1402  makes it possible to attach sample  102  to a book. Additionally, as illustrated in  FIG. 14   c , a perforation  1404  is cut into dust jacket  1402  to allow for easy removal of sample  102 . 
         [0114]    The invention being thus described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same may be varied in many ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Any and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.