Promotional item and advertising method

Abstract

A promotional item includes a digital data storage disk adapted for inserting into a player for playback by a recipient. A disk carrier holds the data storage disk. The disk carrier cooperates with the data storage disk to form a novelty beverage coaster adapted for protecting an underlying surface. The disk carrier has a moisture-absorbent backing adapted for receiving moisture through a center hole of the data storage disk, and transporting moisture away from a top side of the coaster.

1 . A promotional item, comprising: 
 (a) a digital data storage disk adapted for inserting into a player for playback by a recipient, said data storage disk defining a center hole;    (b) a disk carrier holding said data storage disk, and cooperating with said data storage disk to form a novelty beverage coaster adapted for protecting an underlying surface; and    (c) said disk carrier comprising a moisture-absorbent backing forming a bottom side of said beverage coaster, and adapted for receiving moisture through the center hole of said data storage disk and transporting the moisture away from a top side of said beverage coaster.    
   
   
       2 . A promotional item according to  claim 1 , wherein said data storage disk contains multimedia advertising comprising text, sound, and motion video.  
   
   
       3 . A promotional item according to  claim 1 , wherein the backing of said disk carrier comprises paper fiber.  
   
   
       4 . A promotional item according to  claim 1 , wherein the backing of said disk carrier defines a center hole in substantial registration with the center hole of said data storage disk.  
   
   
       5 . A promotional item according to  claim 1 , wherein said disk carrier defines an annular disk cavity receiving said data storage disk therein.  
   
   
       6 . A promotional item according to  claim 1 , wherein said data storage disk comprises a data storage medium selected from a group consisting of an 8 cm mini-disk, CD, and multimedia DVD.  
   
   
       7 . A promotional item, comprising: 
 (a) a digital data storage disk adapted for inserting into a player for playback by a recipient, said data storage disk defining a center hole;    (b) a disk carrier defining an annular disk cavity receiving said data storage disk therein, and cooperating with said data storage disk to form a novelty beverage coaster adapted for protecting an underlying surface; and    (c) said disk carrier having a moisture-absorbent backing comprising paper fiber, the moisture-absorbent backing forming a bottom side of said beverage coaster, and adapted for receiving moisture through the center hole of said data storage disk and transporting the moisture away from a top side of said beverage coaster.    
   
   
       8 . A promotional item according to  claim 7 , wherein said data storage disk contains multimedia advertising comprising text, sound, and motion video.  
   
   
       9 . A promotional item according to  claim 7 , wherein the backing of said disk carrier defines a center hole in substantial registration with the center hole of said data storage disk.  
   
   
       10 . A promotional item according to  claim 7 , wherein said data storage disk comprises a data storage medium selected from a group consisting of an 8 cm mini-disk, CD, and multimedia DVD.