Abstract:
A system and method for providing a token with a complimentary coupon for distribution to patrons of different entities and events. A small and relatively inexpensive complimentary item may be mass produced for mass distribution to patrons or prospective patrons of different entities or events. The comp items may serve as an advertising or promotional tool as well. Each comp item, however, will include a removable comp coupon which will indicate a more valuable gift than the comp item itself. Furthermore, the comp item includes identifying marks and logos so that the patron or prospective patron will have an immediate remembrance or indication of the provider of the comp item. Additionally, the comp coupon is provided on the comp item in a tamper or pilfer resistant manner so that it is not easily removed yet removable by a patron who receives the comp item.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to an advertising or promotional device for use by any entity desiring to give a complimentary gift, and more particularly to a complimentary device which has a peel-away label to disclose such complimentary gift.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    In many industries and on many celebratory occasions, it is often desirable to provide gifts or complimentary items to patrons. Most often, the gift is provided in either secretive packaging or as an obvious item. In addition, the item may represent the occasion or entity itself. Often, the item alone is the gift or compliment.  
           [0003]    Other known systems allow that a hidden compliment or gift is provided on a gaming piece. Such is generally known in scratch off lottery systems. A card includes a statement or prize hidden by a removable peeling or covering. Removing this covering reveals the prize. These systems and devices, however, generally provide that only the card itself indicates a compliment or prize to be won, but includes no other tangible winning or gift.  
           [0004]    It is often desirable to provide a token or system where both a gift, which is valued greater than the token itself, and a memorable or collectible token may be provided. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a token which is commemorative of the event or entity providing the gift, especially if the gift is more temporary. Therefore, a token or device that provides both a complimentary gift and an advertisement is desired.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    A system and method for providing a token with a complimentary coupon for distribution to patrons of different entities and events. A small and relatively inexpensive complimentary item may be mass produced for mass distribution to patrons or prospective patrons of different entities or events. The comp items may serve as an advertising or promotional tool as well. Each comp item, however, will include a removable comp coupon which will indicate a more valuable gift than the comp item itself. Furthermore, the comp item includes identifying marks and logos so that the patron or prospective patron will have an immediate remembrance or indication of the provider of the comp item. Additionally, the comp coupon is provided on the comp item in a tamper or pilfer resistant manner so that it is not easily removed yet removable by a patron who receives the comp item.  
           [0006]    In one embodiment of the present invention is a collectible chip or coin, associated with an entity who generally provides chips or coins, which is oversized in diameter and/or thickness to a regular chip or coin provided by that entity. A tamper-proof and pilfer resistant peel-away complimentary or “comp” label or coupon is included on the back side of the chip or coin. The comp coupon is removable by a patron to reveal a complimentary or “comp” gift. The sponsoring entity provides the complimentary gift which is indicated on the comp coupon. Also printed on the collectible chip or coin is a name, location, and other identifying features, such as a logo, to indicate from where the collectible chip or coin originated. Because the comp coupon is removable, the comp coupon provides the currency for the complimentary gift while allowing the patron to permanently retain the collectible chip or coin.  
           [0007]    In another embodiment, a comp coupon is placed in an inlay which is a slight indentation in the collectible chip or coin. Because the comp coupon is adhered in the inlay it provides an inherent tamper resistance to the coupon. Furthermore, the type and strength of adhesive can be varied depending upon the amount of security or tamper resistance desired.  
           [0008]    In yet another embodiment, the collectible chip or coin is not associated with a particular entity, but rather with an event. In this way, a complimentary coupon is provided on a collectible chip or coin which has the name, location, or other identifying features of a particular event, such as a Mardi Gras parade or a convention. This will allow a patron, who receives the collectible coin or chip, to receive a permanent reminder of the event while also allowing the event to provide a larger gift than the collectible token or chip to the patron.  
           [0009]    In still a further embodiment, a collectible toy or item is provided with a comp coupon. The complimentary toy or item itself resembles the event or entity providing the complimentary toy or item. Furthermore, the complimentary toy or item is simply a toy or item for a patron which receives it. In this way, the complimentary toy or item provides a function beyond a collectible chip or token. On the complimentary item or toy, however, is a comp coupon. The comp coupon is affixed to the complimentary item or toy through any appropriate means that will provide for a tamper resistant affixation, while allowing for easy removal by a patron receiving the complimentary item or toy. A comp chip or comp coin may also be inserted into a pocket formed into the complimentary toy. Again, this allows for an event or entity to provide a permanent token of remembrance for a patron while also providing a means of distributing larger or more expensive gifts and items to patrons.  
           [0010]    Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]    The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a front side of a complimentary or comp chip;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the back side of the comp chip;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the comp chip;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a comp coupon, partially revealed, and system;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIGS. 4 a - 4   d  are detail views of the comp coupon and system;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a front side of a comp coin;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the back side of a comp coin;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a front side of an event comp chip;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a back side of an event comp chip;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a front side of an event comp coin;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a back side of an event comp coin;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 11 is an elevational view of a comp toy; and  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 12 is a top elevational view of a device for organizing comp items.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0025]    The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.  
         [0026]    With reference to FIGS.  1  to  3  a complimentary item, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, is a complimentary (comp) chip  20 . The comp chip  20  would typically be used by a casino to present to its patrons for various complimentary gifts. The comp chip  20  has a first or front face  22  and a second or back face  24 . The front face  22  is defined by a front rim, collar, or ring  26  with a front inlay  28 . The front inlay  28  is a depression or imprint formed in the front face  22 . The front inlay  28  generally has a bottom surface which is a distance A below the edge of the front rim  26 . The distance A, while depending upon the thickness of the comp chip  20  itself, is generally between about 0.25 mm and 2.0 mm.  
         [0027]    The back face  24  of the comp chip  20  is defined by a back rim  30  and a back inlay  32 . The back inlay  32  has a depth B. Again, the depth of the back inlay  32  is any appropriate depth, but that is generally between about 0.25 mm and 2.0 mm. Placed in the back inlay  32  is the peelable or removable comp label or comp coupon  34 . The comp coupon  34 , when positioned in the back inlay  32 , is disposed a distance C below the back rim  30 . The distance C is generally any appropriate distance but generally between about 0.001 mm and 0.25 mm.  
         [0028]    With reference to FIGS. 3 through 4D, the comp coupon  34  is described in greater detail. The comp coupon  34  is affixed to the back inlay  32  using a permanent and pressure sensitive adhesive  36 . The adhesive  36  may either be a clear double sided adhesive, so that any greeting or notation made on the back inlay  32  is visible therethrough, or may be opaque, which includes a greeting or advertisement on the outside surface of the adhesive surface layer  36 . In either case, a greeting layer  38  is visible once the comp coupon  34  has been removed. The comp coupon  34  is an opaque substrate which has a first or outside revealed side  40  including a casino or any other event or entity name, location, or other identifying features or advertisement. Placed on a second or hidden comp side  42  of the comp coupon  34  is an indication of a complimentary gift.  
         [0029]    In this way, when a comp chip  20  is given to a patron, the patron is unaware of the complimentary gift which the patron may later obtain. That is, the comp side  42  is hidden because it is against the comp chip  20 . Only once the comp coupon  34  has been removed from the adhesive  36  will the patron know the gift which the patron will receive. Therefore, the comp side  42  is selectively hidden to be revealed by the patron.  
         [0030]    Because of the back inlay  32 , the comp coupon  34  includes an inherent tamper or pilfer resistant feature. That being the comp coupon  34 , because of the recessed nature of the back inlay  32 , is either substantially flush or below the back rim  30 . The comp coupon  34  will not easily or accidentally be removed from the comp chip  20  until it is intended to be removed by the patron to which it is given. Therefore, the comp chip  20  has a longevity even during storage and transportation. Additionally, the comp coupon  34  will not be accidentally lost by the patron before the patron has a chance to remove the comp coupon  34  and reveal the gift which the patron will receive.  
         [0031]    The comp chip  20  may include any logo, advertising slogan, or other promotional display in the front inlay  28 . The size of the comp chip  20  may be in the appropriate size to include any desired logo or name in the front inlay  28 . Additionally, the event or entity may include slogans, addresses, locations, or other information on the front rim  26  and the back rim  30 . Providing such information as to the entity or event location, name, and other identifying information will provide a permanent reminder for the patron who receives the comp chip  20 .  
         [0032]    The comp coupon  34  is the actual element of currency for the gift to be received by the patron. Therefore, the patron will not only receive a gift with the comp coupon  34 , but the patron will have the additional permanent comp chip  20  to commemorate the event or occasion. The comp chip  20  itself may be made of any appropriate material depending upon the desires of the entity providing the comp chip  20 . For example, if the entity desires to provide a precious comp chip  20 , the comp chip  20  may be formed of a precious metal such as gold or silver. The comp chip  20 , however, may also be formed of a base metal or a plastic material. In addition, the comp chip  20  may be formed of two or more materials. In particular, the center area which defines the inlay may be formed of a metal or plastic while the rim area is formed of a complimentary plastic or metal.  
         [0033]    In addition, the comp chip  20  can be made to simulate, although with necessary distinguishing characteristics, such as size or color, the general chip of an entity such as a casino. Therefore, there will be an immediate recognition between the trade elements of a casino, which may give out a comp chip  20 , and the comp chip  20  actually received by a patron. In this way, the comp chip  20  can be used as a visual aid for later remembrances of the experience where the patron received the comp chip  20 .  
         [0034]    With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a complimentary item according to a second embodiment of the present invention is a complimentary coin or comp coin  50 . The comp coin  50  includes a front face  52  and a back face  54 . The front face  52  again includes any identifying logos, names, or locations of any entity or event for which a comp coin  50  is distributed. On the back face  54 , a comp coupon  56  is included. The comp coupon  56  may either be set in an inlay or fixed to the back face  54  of the comp coin  50  with any appropriate adhesive. As described above, it is desirable to provide an adhesive that is resistant to inadvertent removal of the comp coupon  56 , yet the adhesive must allow for easy removal of the comp coupon  56  by the patron. Therefore, if no inlay is used, the adhesive must be able to provide both functions.  
         [0035]    In regard to the comp coin  50 , however, it is desirable to more closely imitate a coin. Generally, a coin does not have a raised collar or outside edge and is substantially smooth across its face, save for any markings or indications. The comp coin  50  may still be made from any appropriate material, such as a plastic or metal depending upon the desires of the entity providing the comp coin  50 . The comp coin  50  generally is substantially planar and made out of only a single material. Therefore, the comp coupon  56  is more substantially adhered to the back face  54  of the comp coin  50  than the comp coupon  34  is adhered to the back inlay  32  according to the first embodiment.  
         [0036]    As discussed above however, the comp coupon  56  generally is opaque including a name, logo, or other identifying features on the outside surface of the comp coupon  56 . The actual complimentary gift itself is indicated on the inside surface of the comp coupon  56 . In this way, the gift is not known until the comp coupon  56  has been removed from the comp coin  50 . In additional, a logo or identifying feature may be placed on the visible side of the adhesive. As noted above, such a logo may also be placed on the back face  54  of the comp coin  50  and visible through a transparent adhesive. In this way, when the comp coupon  56  is removed, a decorative logo or other indication of the event or entity remains on the comp coin  50 .  
         [0037]    With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a complimentary item in the embodiment of an event comp chip  70  is illustrated. The event comp chip  70  includes a front face  72  which comprises a front rim or collar  74  around a front inlay  76 . As discussed regarding the first embodiment, the front inlay  76  includes any appropriate logo or identifying features of the event. In particular, many events distribute tokens or gifts to patrons. In particular, the Mardi Gras event, in a city such as New Orleans, has Krewes which toss or hand out Krewe coins. In place of a Krewe coin, an event comp chip  70  may be used. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a relevant event picture or logo may be placed in the front inlay  76  to commemorate the event.  
         [0038]    The event comp chip  70  also includes a back face  78  including a back rim or collar  80  with a back inlay  82 . Placed in the back inlay  82  is a comp coupon  84 . Methods and apparatuses for affixing the comp coupon  84  to an event comp chip  70  have been discussed above regarding the first embodiment comp chip  20 . For example, a transparent, double sided adhesive or an opaque adhesive may be used to affix the comp coupon  84  to the back inlay  82 . Furthermore, the comp coupon  84  may include the name or logo of any event or location where the comp coupon  84  may be redeemed. The back side of the comp coupon  84  indicates the actual complimentary gift to be received by the patron. With an event comp chip  70 , the complimentary gift indicated on the comp coupon  84  may be from the event itself or from any sponsoring entity.  
         [0039]    The event comp chip  70  provides the patron with a lasting and permanent token or reminder of the event. The comp coupon  84  provides the patron with a complimentary gift that may have a more substantial monetary value than the event comp chip  70 . Therefore, any event desirous of providing a small token to numerous individuals may provide an event comp chip  70  while providing a range of gifts and different values indicated on the comp coupon  84 .  
         [0040]    With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, a complimentary item in the embodiment of an event comp coin  90  is illustrated. The event comp coin  90  is similar to the comp coin  50 , according to the second embodiment, but may have a more event orientated picture on the front face  92  of the event comp coin  90 . The event comp coin  90  has a substantially planar surface, save for any markings or indications placed thereon. The event comp coin  90  also includes a back face  94  comprising, a comp coupon  96 . Again, as discussed above, the comp coupon  96  is affixed to the back face  94  of the event comp coin  90  by any appropriate means.  
         [0041]    With reference to FIG. 11, a complimentary item in the embodiment of a comp toy  100  is illustrated. It will be understood that the comp toy  100  may be either an event or entity comp toy. It will also be understood that the comp toy  100  is not necessarily a bear or other animal. In particular, the comp toy  100  may more closely resemble the event or entity which is providing the comp toy  100 . This provides a more real and distinct relation between the comp toy  100  and the event or entity providing the comp toy  100 .  
         [0042]    The comp toy  100 , although it is understood that any appropriate figure or animal may be used, includes a comp coupon  102 . The comp coupon  102  is affixed to the mid-section or body of the comp toy  100 . It will be understood, however, that the comp coupon  102  may be affixed to any appropriate section of the comp toy  100 . Simply the comp coupon  102  must be affixed to the comp toy  100  so that the comp coupon  102  is easily removed from the comp toy  100  by a patron, but will not be accidentally removed by shuffling or transporting the comp toy  100 . The comp coupon  102  may be affixed to the comp toy  100  with stitching if the comp toy  100  is a plush or fabric item. The comp coupon  102 , however, may also be affixed to the comp toy  100  with an adhesive, such as that described above, if the comp toy  100  is formed of a hard or smooth material.  
         [0043]    The outside surface of the comp coupon  102  provides any name or logo of a sponsoring event or entity to properly verify the comp coupon  102  the comp coupon  102  is then redeemed for the appropriate gift indicated on the back side of the comp coupon  102 . The comp toy  100  may also include any special logos or indicative names depending upon the desires of the promoting entity or event.  
         [0044]    The comp toy  100  may also include a pocket or pouch which is formed on the comp toy  100  which may then hold a comp chip or comp coin. That being, that rather than placing the comp coupon  102  directly onto the comp toy  100 , the comp coupon  102  may be placed on a comp chip or comp coin as discussed in relation to the other embodiments. For example a comp chip  20  may be held between a first slit or fold of fabric and a second slit or fold of fabric. Also, a large pocket may receive a comp chip  20 . The comp toy  100 , on the body or other portion, may either include markings or no markings, other than the pocket to hold the comp chip or comp coin.  
         [0045]    In addition to the device for an event or entity to provide a complimentary gift to a patron, along with a more permanent complimentary item, the sponsoring event or entity may also indicate on or with the complimentary item other information. In particular, the complimentary item may be different depending upon the value of the comp coupon. Therefore, a plurality of different colors, shapes, or sizes may be used to form the complimentary items depending upon the value of the comp coupon. This will provide a quick and visual indication of the relative or range of value of the particular complimentary gift. It will also offer an easy discrimination, by the event or entity sponsoring the complimentary gift, without actual knowledge of the particular complimentary gift.  
         [0046]    One example is that if a comp chip  20 , according to the first embodiment, had a different color depending upon the relative range of value of the complimentary gift, indicated by the comp coupon  34 , then a very quick and easy discrimination, by the entity providing the comp chip  20 , method to determine the relative value is available. In particular, a first color is used for a range of values between, for example one dollar and twenty dollars, a second color for a second range of values, between about twenty dollars and about one hundred dollars, and a third color for a third range above about one hundred and one dollars. Therefore, the entity provides comp chips having three distinct colors associated with a particular complimentary gift value range so that the entity would be able to quickly distinguish which comp chip  20  the entity desired to provide to a particular patron. It will also be understood that rather than each complimentary item having a discrete value between a particular range, an entire series of complimentary items might have a very broad range, for example between a $2.00 prize and a $10,000 grand prize. Wherein the entire series would have very few grand prizes, but many smaller prizes. Therefore, the average value of the series could also be indicated by color, shape, size.  
         [0047]    Furthermore, these color coded comp chips could be easily organized in a system or tray. One example is illustrated in FIG. 12 where comp chips, formed as annular discs, are divided by color and placed in a tray  200 . A first chip slot  202  holds a first stack of comp chips  204  of the first color. A second chip slot  206  holds a second stack of comp chips  208  of the second color. A third chip slot  210  holds a third stack of chips  212  of the third color. In this way, an entity, such as a casino, is able to provide their employees with a neatly arranged apparatus and system for quickly distinguishing between the values of the different complimentary gifts indicated on the comp coupons. Even though the relative value is known, the employee of the entity still is not aware of the specific complimentary gift which is indicated on the comp coupon. Therefore, a matter of chance and luck is still present, even though the entity is aware of a particular possible range or total value of the set of chips.  
         [0048]    Also, particular groups or series of complimentary items may be indicated with serial numbers. A portion of the serial number may be a numerical indication of a relative average value of the comp coupon on the complimentary item. Particularly, if the value of the entire series is known it may be divided by the number of complimentary items or comp coupons in that series and which results in a “factor.” The factor (without a decimal) may be indicated on the complimentary item to indicate its relative average value. Therefore, a more specific relative average value, using a numerical formula, is used to indicate the relative average value of the complimentary gift indicated on the comp coupon.  
         [0049]    As discussed above, the value of an entire series may be any appropriate value. It may include gifts of many disparate values. For example, a series may include several large value complimentary gifts, such as large cash prizes or high value prizes, while also having several small value prizes, such as free drinks or meals. The value for the entire series is then divided by the number of complimentary items in the series creating the factor. Therefore, even though a relative average value is known for the entire series, suspense is still created as to what the specific value of a particular complimentary gift, indicated on the comp coupon which may range from a very low value to a very high value.  
         [0050]    Using a relative average value indication, such as the factor, the entity providing the complimentary item is aware of the respective and relative average values of the complimentary gifts indicated on the comp coupon of the particular complimentary item. Therefore, the complimentary items of one particular relative average value are easily distinguishable from another set of complimentary items with a different relative average value. In addition, the entity providing the complimentary item knows the total value of a particular series of comp items even without knowing the actual complimentary gift indicated on each comp coupon. Therefore, a system of allowing a quick determination of relative average value is disclosed.  
         [0051]    The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.