Promotional article

Abstract

A promotional mailing in the form of an envelope having an insert with a promotional message and a simulated reward item, i.e., an item which substantially simulates in shape, size and coloration an actual item having a recognizable, tenderable value, such as a postage stamp or currency. The simulated reward item is at least partially displayed through a window in the envelope such that a consumer viewing the envelope will perceive the simulated item to be an actual item having value. In order to access the simulated reward positioned in the envelope, the consumer must open the envelope, and is thereby more likely to be exposed to the promotional message conveyed by the insert in the envelope. The simulated reward item may be inexpensively printed directly on the sheet material of the insert. The simulated reward item may be enhanced to appear more like an actual reward item by embossing the sheet material to simulate edges on the reward item. To prevent the simulated reward item from being confused with an actual reward item, the simulated reward item is provided with a visual cue in the form of a portion of the item which is missing, obscured or overprinted. The visual cue is positioned on the simulated reward item, and the simulated reward item is positioned in the window of an envelope such that the visual cue is not readily apparent or visible from the exterior of the package. The visual cue only becomes visible or apparent after the insert has been removed from the envelope, and the simulated reward item is inspected more closely.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.