Patent Publication Number: US-2007107287-A1

Title: Information display folder

Description:
RELATED INVENTIONS  
      This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/597144, entitled CAR WINDOW POCKET, filed on Nov. 13, 2005, hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD  
      The present invention relates generally to displaying information and more particularly to an information display folder for the display and distribution of information from an automobile or suitable window.  
     BACKGROUND  
      An enormous amount of money is spent annually on distributing information, whether it is for the purposes of advertisement, announcement, promotion, public information or to simply inform. An important aspect of any form of distribution is the ability to provide the information to the target audience. This is often accomplished by making the information available in the region or area the audience is most likely to be or by presenting the information directly to the target audience if the location of the identified audience is known.  
      Distributing to the general population, for instance, by passing out flyers, is often costly and ineffective as the information is most often distributed to uninterested parties even if the targeted population is localized. Similarly, when information is left at identified locations, for instance, on a local bulletin board or at a local cafe, only a small amount of the information reaches the target audience at any one location. Since the location is fixed, the location is often chosen based upon the number of people that are likely to see the information or at least pass by the information. Multiple locations must therefore be populated with the information in order to reach even a small amount of potential purchasers. While distributing to a target audience is much more effective, it is often costly as the process of identifying the target audience regularly involves extensive marketing and research.  
      Advertising is the most common reason for the distribution of information. There are many different ways for individuals and businesses to advertise items for sale. For instance, numerous types of classifieds exist in the market today. These include printed classifieds in periodicals and newspapers and on-line classifieds such as Craigslist® of San Francisco, Calif. Other methods of advertising items for sale include EBay® of San Jose, Calif. and the posting of printed material at local establishments and bulletin boards. Each of these methods involve posting the information at a fixed location, be it in a particular newspaper, at a particular website or on a particular bulletin board. The audience for each of these methods is limited to those individuals who read or subscribe to the periodical, those who visit the particular website and those that frequent the local establishment or bulletin board. Again, while direct marketing is available, given the cost, this method is almost always cost prohibitive for the sale of a personal or small valued items.  
      The advertisement of new and used automobiles represents a large portion of both on-line and print advertising. While the distribution of information for the purposes of selling an automobile present unique problems, it is also exemplary of the problems inherent in the distribution of most forms of information and advertising in general. For the new car industry, advertising is primarily done through television commercials and printed advertisements in both magazines and newspapers. Although automotive dealers that sell used cars also utilize television and print advertisements, most used cars are sold by individuals through classified ads, online advertisements, trade publications or direct advertisement on the automobile itself.  
      Hundreds of different types of automobiles exist on the market today. Automobiles are designed for a variety of uses both general and specific. Customers likewise purchase automobiles for their ability to fulfill particular utilitarian needs or to satisfy the purchaser&#39;s aesthetic desires. The qualities and capabilities of a particular automobile are therefore an important aspect of the potential buyers purchasing decision. While basic information such as make, model, year and color may be ascertained through a photo or simply by viewing the car itself, the majority of information about a car can usually be obtained through a detailed description of the cars history and specifications.  
      The current forms of advertising automobiles limit the seller&#39;s ability to provide critical information to the buyer both in terms of cost and available advertising space. Lengthy ads that contain photos and detailed information are costly and many newspapers and trade publications limit the space or number of words that can be used in a classified ad. On-line sales companies such as EBay® of San Jose, Calif., offer the seller the ability to post numerous photos as well as lengthy descriptions of the advertised automobile. Yet, most people that purchase used cars will not make an offer or finalize a sale unless they are given the opportunity to view the car. While photos are certainly helpful to the purchasing decision, they can be easily doctored or taken in ways that hide particular qualities of an automobile. A visual inspection of the car is often important to the sale of a used car even if a detailed description is available.  
      A common method for advertising a used car is to post a “For Sale” sign in the window of the vehicle. Such signs are often used even when the seller has advertised the car both on-line and in print ads. The “For Sale” sign will usually contain basic information about the car such as make, model, mileage and price. The main purpose of the For Sale sign is to provide a method by which the buyer can contact the seller in order to obtain more information about the vehicle. Often times, this contact information consists of a phone number, email address or website.  
      For Sale signs are often small thereby limiting the amount of information that can be presented upon them. They are meant primarily to grab the attention of the passerby, whether they are on foot or driving by the vehicle. Unfortunately, if the potential buyer is driving by the vehicle, they have a limited amount of time in which to read the For Sale sign and obtain the necessary contact information. This is especially true if the automobile is located on a busy or congested roadway. Even if the buyer happens to be walking or biking by the automobile and has time to stop and inspect the car, they must still have the ability to copy down the provided information or remember it long enough to transcribe it at a later time. Sellers therefore often do not include detailed information on the For Sale sign, even if space is available, as the information must be repeated to the buyer anyway.  
      In order to prevent the sign from being stolen, altered or destroyed by individuals or weather conditions, the For Sale sign is often attached to the inside window of the vehicle using a semi-permanent method such as tape or glue. Such semi-permanent methods of attaching the sign to the car make it inconvenient for the driver to take the sign down each time the vehicle is used. As such, the sign is often left in place while the owner is operating the vehicle thereby creating a driving hazard for the cars operator. Depending upon the position and size of the sign, dangerous blind spots can be created that limit the driver&#39;s ability to see other vehicles, pedestrians or other driving hazards. While attaching the sign to the outside of the vehicle may force the driver to remove the sign when the car is in use, the sign is then vulnerable to being removed by vandals or destroyed by wind or weather.  
      Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a whole variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an information display folder as it is secured to an automobile.  
       FIG. 2  is a cut away view of an embodiment of an information display folder.  
       FIG. 3  is a front view of an embodiment of an information display folder with sign and information enclosed therein.  
       FIG. 4  is a front view of an embodiment of an information display folder internal pocket exposed and with sign and information enclosed therein.  
       FIG. 5  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of an information display folder.  
       FIG. 6  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of an information display folder. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      In various embodiments, an exemplary information display folder is used to provide an individual or organization with a way to both display information and provide information that can be taken by another party. The information display folder further functions to protect the information from being damaged or destroyed by environmental effects. The information display folder is secured in such a way that it can be easily removed by the owner, yet can still be secured against theft or unauthorized removal by others.  
      As an example, the information display folder could be used as a way to sell an automobile. The folder can be located over the top edge of a window of the automobile before it is closed or rolled up. When the window is in the up position, the information display folder is secured into place on the outside of the car where the information it contains can be viewed by others. The folder itself is safe from unwanted removal as it is locked into the window and can only be removed by someone who can lower the window. In a similar manner, the folder could also be located over the door of the automobile and locked into place when the door is shut.  
      The use of the information display folder need not be limited to the sale of the item to which it is attached. As another example of use, the information display folder can be used for the distribution of a variety of information. For instance, the folder can be used to distribute information regarding a lost pet or missing person. Similarly, the information display folder could be used to distribute local and community information regarding up coming events or town meetings. The information display folder can also function in much the same way a classified advertisement works. An individual wishing to sell an item, rent an apartment or even meet people can make their information available to anyone passing by their car or other suitable window. Since the information can move with the car and be posted where ever the car is located, the audience will not be limited to those individuals who see the ad in a periodical, on a website or posted upon a bulletin board. The information display folder can work in conjunction with other means of advertising by making reference to where the particular ad may be found, either on-line or in print.  
      In one embodiment, the information display folder has a holder with multiple sheets of information about the vehicle that is being advertised for sale. An individual who might be interested in purchasing the car would then be able to remove a page from the folder that contains information about the car and take it with them for further consideration. Together with information about the vehicle, the information page could also contain contact information for the seller of the vehicle. The seller of a car therefore has the ability to provide a large amount of information to a potential buyer without the buyer having to remember the information or copy it on location.  
      Unlike current automotive display signs, the information display folder does not need to re-apply adhesive or tape each time the folder is removed and repositioned in place. As such, the information display folder is less likely to be left in place by an operator of the vehicle and will therefore not create a driving hazard when the automobile is in use. Because the information display folder can be quickly and easily positioned in place, it can be used whenever the car is parked or left in a location that others may see the vehicle.  
      An exemplary embodiment of the information display folder is able to protect the enclosed information from most environmental effects yet allows an individual to remove information from the folder easily and quickly. The information display folder can be used year round and in most weather conditions while protecting the enclosed information from damage or destruction.  
      Besides its use for advertising the sale of an automobile, the information display sign can also be used to sell a house, help locate a lost pet or distribute community information. Using the folder, information can be distributed from any place where a car may be located. Multiple folders can be used on a single vehicle and multiple vehicles can utilize information display folders carrying related or identical information.  
       FIGS. 1-4  illustrates one embodiment of an information display folder  100 .  
       FIG. 1  shows the embodiment of the information display folder  100  as it could be positioned on an automobile  190 . The folder is comprised of an information pocket  110 , an information pocket opening  215 , a display pocket  120 , a display pocket opening  220 , a securing flap  130  and a pliable hinge  140 . The information display folder  100  is positioned on a window  150  of an automobile  190  such that the pliable hinge  140  is positioned over the top edge  155  of the automobile&#39;s window  150 . As the window  150  is rolled up or closed, the pliable hinge  140  is engaged between the top edge  155  and the upper window seal  160  to secure the information display folder  100  to the automobile  190 . The pliable hinge  140  can be made to be both thin and flexible enough to fit into the upper window seal  160  without impeding the function of the window  150  or the protective seal created when the top edge  155  is engaged into the upper window seal  160 . Once the information display folder  100  is engaged in the window  150 , it is secure against theft or unauthorized removal from the automobile  190  as it is temporarily locked into the upper window seal  160  by the top edge  155  of the window  150 .  
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the embodiment showing the relative positioning and size of the component parts. The window  150  is shown positioned between the securing flap  130  and the information pocket  110  wherein the top edge  155  of the window  150  contacts the underside of the pliable hinge  140 . Display pocket  120  lies on the outside of the information pocket  110  relative to the window  150 . Both the information pocket opening  215  and the display pocket opening  220  are shown located on the sides of the information pocket  110  and display pocket  120  where such sides are in contact. The top portion of the display pocket  120  can then cover the information pocket opening  215  and the display pocket opening  220  from above.  
       FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate an embodiment with a display sign  125  in the display pocket  120  and information sheet  112  enclosed within the information pocket  110 . The information sheet  112  can be placed within the information pocket  110  via the information pocket opening  215 . The display sign  125  can be located within the display pocket  120  via the display pocket opening  220 . The thickness and depth of the information pocket  110  and the display pocket  120  can vary depending upon the size or number of information sheets  112  or the size or number of display signs  125 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , an information sheet  112  may be removed by lifting up on the display pocket  120  to expose the information pocket opening  215  and gain access to the information sheet  112 . Information pocket opening  215  includes a cut out  418  to make it easier to remove an information sheet  112 . Both the information pocket opening  215  and the display pocket opening  220  may be located on the “top” side of the information pocket  110  and display pocket  120  respectively such that when the information display pocket  110  is in the down position, the pliable hinge  140  covers the information pocket opening  215  and the display pocket opening  220 . With the display pocket  120  in the down position, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the information sheet  210  and display sign  125  are covered and may be protected from damage or destruction from environmental effects. In this embodiment, the display pocket  120  is kept in the down or closed position by its own weight. In other embodiments, the display pocket  120  could be kept closed by a securing mechanism such as adhesive, suction cup, hook and loop tape, tab, button, snap, static cling, magnets and the like. Similarly, the information pocket  110  is secured to the window  150  of the automobile  190  by its own weight. In other embodiments, the information pocket  110  can be secured to the window  150  by a securing mechanism such as adhesive, suction cup, static cling or the like.  
      The embodiment of the information display folder  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-4  may be comprised of a clear material (e.g., plastic) such that the information sheet  112  and display sign  125  can be seen through the information pocket  110  and display pocket  120  respectively. In alternative embodiments, other materials may be used in the construction of the information display folder  100  such as glass, metal, vinyl, rubber, coated fabric, fabric and the like. Similarly, in other embodiments, the information pocket  110 , display pocket  120  and securing flap  130  could be made from a rigid or non-flexible material that is clear. In yet another embodiment, the information pocket  110 , display pocket  120  and securing flap  130  could be made from a rigid or non-flexible material that is also opaque. For example, in some embodiments, the information sheet  112  and the information pocket  110  may be integrated. Similarly, in some embodiments the display sign  125  and the display pocket  120  may be integrated. The information pocket  110  and display pocket  120  could then have a window through which the information sheet  112  and display sign  125  could be seen.  
       FIG. 5  shows an alternate embodiment of the information display folder  500  wherein the information pocket opening  215  is covered by protective flap  520 . The enclosed information page  112  may then contain the display information found on the display sign  220  of the previous embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . The protective flap  520  could then protect the information page  112  from environmental conditions and, as in previous embodiments, the protective flap  520  could be secured to the information pocket  110  via adhesive, suction cup, hook and loop tape, tab, button, snap, static cling, magnets and the like.  
       FIG. 6  shows yet another embodiment of the information display folder  600  wherein the display flap  620  displays information  650  on the side of the display flap  620  that is facing away from the automobile. This display information  650  could be affixed directly to the outside of the display flap  620  via printing, embossing, adhering, stamping or the like. The display flap  620  could then protect the information page  112  from environmental conditions and, as in previous embodiments, the display flap  620  could be secured to the information pocket  110  via adhesive, suction cup, hook and loop tape, tab, button, snap, static cling, magnets and the like.