U.S. patent application number 08/923168 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-09 for generic special service mailing assembly and a system and method for automating the imaging of same.
Invention is credited to PETKOVSEK, GLENN.
Application Number | 20010012123 08/923168 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46255834 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010012123 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PETKOVSEK, GLENN |
August 9, 2001 |
GENERIC SPECIAL SERVICE MAILING ASSEMBLY AND A SYSTEM AND METHOD
FOR AUTOMATING THE IMAGING OF SAME
Abstract
An assembly for mailing an article requiring delivery by a
special service and a method and system for imaging the same are
provided. The assembly includes a generic mailing label having a
back side adhesively and detachably affixed to a backing sheet as
well as a multi-colored panel ribbon for imprinting special service
mailing information thereon. The label may be imaged with all of
the information necessary, including a colored background, to serve
as one of many types of special service mailing labels. Removal of
the label from the associated backing sheet allows the label to be
permanently affixed to a mailpiece. Upon delivery of the mailpiece,
a return receipt postcard portion of the label may be removed and
forwarded to the sender of the mailpiece as a return receipt. A
method and system for the automatic imaging of such mailing label
are also provided wherein the sender of the mailpiece may obtain a
special service mailing label from a vending-type machine upon
providing all of the required information for the desired special
mailing service.
Inventors: |
PETKOVSEK, GLENN; (LITTLE
ROCK, AR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRIAN M. MATTSON
PATENTS+TMS
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
1914 NORTH MILWAUKEE AVENUE
CHICAGO
IL
60647
US
|
Family ID: |
46255834 |
Appl. No.: |
08/923168 |
Filed: |
September 4, 1997 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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08923168 |
Sep 4, 1997 |
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08855032 |
May 13, 1997 |
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6050603 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07B 2017/00596
20130101; G07B 2017/0062 20130101; B42D 15/006 20130101; G07B
17/00508 20130101; G07B 17/00193 20130101; G07B 2017/00491
20130101; G07B 17/00467 20130101; G07B 17/00362 20130101; G07B
2017/00379 20130101; G07B 2017/00306 20130101; G07B 2017/00604
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.17 |
International
Class: |
B41F 001/00; B41J
001/00; B41B 001/00; G06K 001/00; G06F 015/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A method for automating imaging of a generic mailing label for
one of a plurality of special mailing services for a mailpiece
requiring delivery by a selected one of the plurality of special
mailing services, the method comprising the steps of: providing a
label; selecting one of the plurality of special mailing services
for the mailpiece; and printing imaging data on the label with a
multi-colored panel ribbon wherein the imaging data is associated
with the selected one of the plurality of special mailing
services.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: entering
data necessary to effect delivery of the mailpiece by the selected
one of the plurality of special mailing services for the mailpiece;
and processing the data to generate the corresponding imaging
data.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: printing
textual information on the label with one panel area of the
multi-colored panel ribbon wherein the textual information is part
of the imaging data.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: printing a
colored background on a designated area of the label with one of a
plurality of colored panel areas on the multi-colored panel ribbon,
wherein the colored background conforms with existing postal
guidelines on a color designation representative of the selected
one of the plurality of special mailing services.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of:
sequentially printing (a) textual information on the label with one
panel area of the multi-colored panel ribbon wherein the textual
information is part of the imaging data, and (b) a colored
background on a designated area of the label with one of a
plurality of colored panel areas on the multi-colored panel ribbon,
wherein the colored background conforms with existing postal
guidelines on a color designation representative of the selected
one of the plurality of special mailing services.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:
positioning an area of the label to be printed in substantially
parallel and adjacent relation to the multi-colored panel ribbon;
and effecting movement between the area of the label to be printed
and the multi-colored panel ribbon for the printing of imaging
data.
7. A system for automating imaging of a generic mailing label for
one of a plurality of special mailing services for a mailpiece
requiring delivery by a selected one of the plurality of special
mailing services, the system comprising: means for selecting one of
the plurality of special mailing services for the mailpiece; and a
multi-colored panel ribbon for printing imaging data on the label
wherein the imaging data is associated with the selected one of the
plurality of special mailing services.
8. The system of claim 7 further comprising: means for entering
data necessary to effect delivery of the mailpiece by the selected
one of the plurality of special mailing services for the mailpiece;
and means for processing the data to generate corresponding imaging
data.
9. The system of claim 7 further comprising: a panel area on the
multi-colored panel ribbon for printing textual information on the
label wherein the textual information is part of the imaging
data.
10. The system of claim 7 further comprising: a plurality of
colored panel areas on the multi-colored panel ribbon for printing
respective colored backgrounds on a designated area of the label
wherein each respective colored background conforms with existing
postal guidelines on a color designation representative of the
selected one of the plurality of special mailing services.
11. The system of claim 7 further comprising: a plurality of
substantially planar and rectangular colored panel areas adjacently
positioned on the multi-colored panel ribbon.
12. The system of claim 7 further comprising: a substantially
planar and rectangular panel area on the multi-colored panel ribbon
for printing textual information on the label wherein the textual
information is part of the imaging data and wherein the panel area
has a size corresponding to an overall area of the label to be
imprinted with the textual information.
13. The system of claim 7 further comprising: a plurality of
substantially planar and rectangular colored panel areas adjacently
positioned on the multi-colored panel ribbon for printing
respective colored backgrounds on a designated area of the label
wherein each respective colored background conforms with existing
postal guidelines on a color designation representative of the
selected one of the plurality of special mailing services and
wherein each colored panel area has a size corresponding to the
designated area of the label to be imprinted with the colored
background.
Description
[0001] This application is continuation-in-part application of
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/855,032, filed May
13, 1997.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a form for
mailing an article requiring special services. More specifically,
the present invention relates to a generic mailing label which may
be configured to serve as a special service mailing label and which
may be automatically dispensed by a mailing label vending machine.
In addition, the present invention relates to a method and system
for fully automating the imaging of a generic mailing label to
configure the same as a special service mailing label.
[0003] It is, of course, known to provide specialized postal
processing and handling of particular mailpieces. Such special
services include the preparation of certified mail, registered
mail, insured mail, recorded delivery mail, return receipt for
merchandise mail, C.O.D. and the like. The primary disadvantage of
such special service mailings is that they require a rather
extensive amount of manual preparation and labor prior to mailing.
The known procedures typically require printing or writing
information on various slips of paper and then attaching such slips
to the outside of an envelope or other mailpiece. Often, carbon
paper is used to assist in making the attachments. As an example,
to prepare a certified mailpiece, the forms are supplied by the
United States Postal Service to the customer. The customer must
separately address and complete a certified mailing receipt, both
faces of a return receipt card, an envelope or mailpiece in which
the mail is to be mailed and a request for return service on the
face of the envelope. Then, the customer or postal service employee
must affix each of the completed parts to the envelope using glue,
an adhesive, tape or the like.
[0004] Clearly, the current methods known for preparing mailpieces
or shipping items for special services are tedious, complicated,
and labor intensive, particularly for businesses and institutions
in which items such as notifications, reminders, or valuable
documents are commonly sent by specialized mail services. In many
instances, the delivery of such mailpieces must be documented by
recording of U.S. Postal Service or other service return receipt
when it arrives back to the sender. This task is also time
consuming and has great potential for error when all of the
identifying information from each return receipt card must be
entered or recorded by hand.
[0005] Despite these shortcomings, the various special service
types of mailing are still used extensively by individuals as well
as companies. However, when the above-mentioned difficulties in
processing such mail and preparing the same for mailing are
multiplied by a large number of mailpieces, the time and labor
intensive nature of preparing the special service mailings becomes
quite costly and results in an inefficient use of employee time.
Further complicating such procedures is the fact that different
types of forms and envelopes are used for each different type of
special mailing service.
[0006] A need, therefore, exists for an improved special service
mailing assembly which can be prepared substantially automatically
and which can be used for all types of special mailing
services.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a generic mailing label which
can be automatically configured to serve as a special service
mailing label. In addition, the present invention provides a method
and a system for fully automating the imaging of the generic
mailing label to configure the same as a special service mailing
label.
[0008] To this end, in an embodiment, the present invention
provides a method for automating imaging of a generic mailing label
for one of a plurality of special mailing services for a mailpiece
requiring delivery by a selected one of the plurality of special
mailing services. The method comprises the steps of: providing a
label; selecting one of the plurality of special mailing services
for the mailpiece; and printing imaging data on the label with a
multi-colored panel ribbon wherein the imaging data is associated
with the selected one of the plurality of special mailing
services.
[0009] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of:
entering data necessary to effect delivery of the mailpiece by the
selected one of the plurality of special mailing services for the
mailpiece; and processing the data to generate the corresponding
imaging data.
[0010] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of:
printing textual information on the label with one panel area of
the multi-colored panel ribbon wherein the textual information is
part of the imaging data.
[0011] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of:
printing a colored background on a designated area of the label
with one of a plurality of colored panel areas on the multi-colored
panel ribbon, wherein the colored background conforms with existing
postal guidelines on a color designation representative of the
selected one of the plurality of special mailing services.
[0012] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of:
sequentially printing (a) textual information on the label with one
panel area of the multi-colored panel ribbon wherein the textual
information is part of the imaging data, and (b) a colored
background on a designated area of the label with one of a
plurality of colored panel areas on the multi-colored panel ribbon,
wherein the colored background conforms with existing postal
guidelines on a color designation representative of the selected
one of the plurality of special mailing services.
[0013] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of:
positioning an area of the label to be printed in substantially
parallel and adjacent relation to the multi-colored panel ribbon;
and effecting movement between the area of the label to be printed
and the multi-colored panel ribbon for the printing of imaging
data.
[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, a system is
provided for automating imaging of a generic mailing label for one
of a plurality of special mailing services for a mailpiece
requiring delivery by a selected one of the plurality of special
mailing services. The system comprises: means for selecting one of
the plurality of special mailing services for the mailpiece; and a
multi-colored panel ribbon for printing imaging data on the label
wherein the imaging data is associated with the selected one of the
plurality of special mailing services.
[0015] In an embodiment, the system further comprises: means for
entering data necessary to effect delivery of the mailpiece by the
selected one of the plurality of special mailing services for the
mailpiece; and means for processing the data to generate
corresponding imaging data.
[0016] In an embodiment, the system further comprises: a panel area
on the multi-colored panel ribbon for printing textual information
on the label wherein the textual information is part of the imaging
data.
[0017] In an embodiment, the system further comprises: a plurality
of colored panel areas on the multi-colored panel ribbon for
printing respective colored backgrounds on a designated area of the
label wherein each respective colored background conforms with
existing postal guidelines on a color designation representative of
the selected one of the plurality of special mailing services.
[0018] In an embodiment, the system further comprises: a plurality
of substantially planar and rectangular colored panel areas
adjacently positioned on the multi-colored panel ribbon.
[0019] In an embodiment, the system further comprises: a
substantially planar and rectangular panel area on the
multi-colored panel ribbon for printing textual information on the
label wherein the textual information is part of the imaging data
and wherein the panel area has a size corresponding to an overall
area of the label to be imprinted with the textual information.
[0020] In an embodiment, the system further comprises: a plurality
of substantially planar and rectangular colored panel areas
adjacently positioned on the multi-colored panel ribbon for
printing respective colored backgrounds on a designated area of the
label wherein each respective colored background conforms with
existing postal guidelines on a color designation representative of
the selected one of the plurality of special mailing services and
wherein each colored panel area has a size corresponding to the
designated area of the label to be imprinted with the colored
background.
[0021] It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to
provide an improved assembly for mailing an article requiring
delivery by a special service.
[0022] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a
method and system for fully automating the imaging of variable
information upon a generic mailing label resulting in a special
service mailing label.
[0023] A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a
simplified method and system for mailing an article requiring
delivery by a special service.
[0024] Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to
provide a method and system for configuring a generic mailing label
to serve as one of several types of special service mailing
labels.
[0025] In addition, an advantage of the present invention is to
provide a method and system for generating a special service
mailing label from a postal vending machine.
[0026] Additional features and advantages of the present invention
are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed
description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a front side of an
embodiment of the mailing assembly of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of a back side of an
embodiment of the mailing assembly of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of a back side of an
embodiment of the mailing label removed from the mailing assembly
of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a front side of an
embodiment of the mailing label affixed to a mailpiece with a
return receipt postcard of the mailing label detached from anchor
portions of the mailing label.
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of a back side of an
embodiment of the return receipt postcard of the mailing label of
the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of an embodiment of a system
for printing and dispensing special service mailing labels of the
present invention.
[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of a method
for creating labels necessary for delivery of an article by a
special service of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates a plan view of a multi-colored panel
ribbon incorporated as part of a system and method for creating
special service mailing labels of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 9 illustrates a plan view of a multi-colored panel
ribbon superimposed over respective printable areas of a plurality
of mailing labels in accordance with the teachings of a system and
method of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer
to like parts, FIG. 1 is a front plan view that generally
illustrates an embodiment of a mailing assembly 1 formed from a
mailing label 2 and a backing sheet 3. A number of these mailing
assemblies 1 may be continuously and detachably interconnected
(end-to-end, for example) such that the mailing assemblies 1 may be
provided on a reel or roll. The reel or roll may be provided for
use with, for example, a dispensing device. The mailing label 2 may
be peeled away from the backing sheet 3 whereupon the mailing label
2 subsequently may be affixed to a mailpiece. The mailing assembly
1 is capable for use in mailing an article requiring a particular
type of special mailing service. Such mailing services include
certified mail, insured mail, registered mail, recorded delivery
mail, C.O.D., return receipt for merchandise and the like. Further,
the mailing assembly 1 is intended to serve the needs of both
individual users (made available, for example, at a local post
office) and business users (addressing such needs as On-Demand
and/or Point-Of-Sale applications).
[0037] The mailing assembly 1, in combination with the mailing
label 2, forms a generic mailing label which, after imprinting, can
be used for any one of a plurality of special services required for
delivery of a given mailpiece. Therefore, the mailing assembly 1
may be incorporated for use in a system and method described
hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 for any one of a
plurality of special services required for delivery of a mailpiece
without requiring a different form for each one of the plurality of
special services generally available and offered by, for example,
the United States Postal Service.
[0038] The mailing label 2 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1
consists of four primary parts: a first anchor portion 5, a second
anchor portion 6, an auxiliary label 21 and a return receipt
postcard 4. The return receipt postcard 4 is removably attached to
the first anchor portion 5 along a first perforated tear line 7 and
removably attached to the second anchor portion 6 along a second
perforated tear line 8. The significance of the detachability of
the return receipt postcard 4 is discussed in more detail in
connection with FIG. 4.
[0039] The return receipt postcard 4 of the mailing label 2
includes a number of information areas necessary for the proper
delivery and acknowledgment of a mailpiece via a particular type of
special mailing service. Specifically, the return receipt postcard
4 includes a special service identification area 9 which, pursuant
to specific mailing requirements desired by a user of the mailing
label 2, is imprinted with information relating to the type of
special mailing service used, the individual article number for
that particular mailpiece and, in some cases, a colored background
which is representative of the one color that the postal service
has designated for that particular type of mailing service. For
example, if it is desired that a mailpiece be sent via certified
mail, special service identification area 9 may include the words
"CERTIFIED MAIL," a designated article number and a substantially
green background. Other background colors used for the special
service identification area 9 include, for example, blue for
insured mail, red for registered mail and brown for return receipt
for merchandise. Therefore, the mailing label 2 may be imprinted
with a color on demand and/or a designation on demand; i.e.,
"CERTIFIED MAIL". The mailing label 2 is generic in format so that
it is capable of receiving information on demand relating to the
type of special service requested.
[0040] In addition, the return receipt postcard 4 includes an
article addressee area 10 for the imprinting of the addressee's
address. Such information may, if so desired, also be completed by
the sender, prior to mailing, in an addressee address section 13.
Both the special service identification area 9 and the article
addressee area 10 may have a background color that contrasts with
the color of the remainder of the return receipt postcard 4 so as
to facilitate the reading of any machine-readable code which may be
imprinted in these areas. Other areas, as well, may include similar
color-contrasting portions.
[0041] Other information which may be imprinted on the return
receipt postcard 4 includes the relevant sender information in a
sender information area 11 and tracking information found in a
document control area 12. Such tracking information includes, at
least, a document control number bar code and a specific article
number. Indeed, such tracking information is intended to include
the United States Postal Service's tracking bar coding symbols
which would, of course, be compatible with the Service's existing
track and trace network.
[0042] Upon delivery of the relevant mailpiece, additional
information may be entered on the return receipt postcard 4.
Indeed, the name of the individual receiving such mailpiece may be
entered in a "Received By" area 14, his or her signature entered in
a signature area 15 and the date on which delivery of the mailpiece
occurred entered in a "Date of Delivery" area 16.
[0043] The first anchor portion 5 and the second anchor portion 6
serve the purpose of securing the mailing label 2 to a mailpiece.
The first anchor portion 5 also contains various identifier
information which corresponds to that which is on the return
receipt postcard 4. Specifically, the first anchor portion 5
includes the same special service mailing information which is
found in the special service identification area window 9 of the
return receipt postcard 4.
[0044] Similarly, the auxiliary label 21 may include the return
address of the sender of the mailpiece much like that information
which is found in the sender information area 11. If desired, the
auxiliary label 21 may be peeled off of the backing sheet 3,
detached from the second anchor portion 6 along a third perforated
tear line 22 and affixed to the mailpiece 20 as a conventional
return address label separate and apart from the remainder of the
mailing label 2. Preferably, the back side of the auxiliary label
21 includes an adhesive that allows the label 21 to be removed from
the backing sheet 3 and subsequently attached to the mailpiece.
Alternatively, the auxiliary label 21 may include address
information regarding to whom the mailpiece is being. sent. When
printed with addressee's information, the label 21 may be detached
and attached to the mailpiece as a mailing label.
[0045] Yet another use of the auxiliary label 21 is as a customer
receipt. The receipt may include, for example, such information as
the article number, the addressee's address, the type of special
mailing service used and the fees associated for such service. When
used in this manner, the label 21 may not be peeled away from the
backing sheet 3. Rather, that portion of the backing sheet 3 which
is adhesively connected to the auxiliary label 21 may remain
affixed thereto as the label 21 is detached from the rest of the
mailing label 2 along perforation line 22. Of course, the auxiliary
label 21, when constructed as a customer receipt, may be provided
without an adhesive backing.
[0046] As mentioned above, upon delivery of the relevant mailpiece,
the return receipt postcard 4 may be detached from the rest of the
mailing label 2 along the first and second perforated tear lines 7
and 8, respectively. Identical identifying information is contained
on both the return receipt postcard 4 and the first anchor portion
5 to aid in the accurate tracking of the mailpiece both during and
after delivery.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 2, a back plan view of an embodiment
of the mailing assembly 1 is illustrated. This back side consists
entirely of the backing sheet 3, given that the backing sheet 3 has
height and width dimensions greater than those of the mailing label
2 (see FIG. 1). The backing sheet 3 includes a frozen printable
"Return To" area 19 which is scored along score/cut line 18 and
which is removably separable from the rest of the backing sheet 3
so as to remain securely attached to the return receipt postcard 4.
After printing an address on the frozen printable "Return To" area
19, the backing sheet 3 may be removed from the mailing label 2
without removal of the frozen printable "Return To" area 19. The
combination of the backing sheet 3 with the frozen printable
"Return To" area 19 provides a uniform thickness in the mailing
assembly 1 which simplifies the printing of the same. Indeed, this
also allows both sides of the mailing assembly 1 to be
substantially simultaneously imprinted with information, if so
desired. Of course, the backing sheet 3 may be constructed
continuously, i.e. without a frozen label, such that removal of the
backing sheet 3 exposes the entire back side of the return receipt
postcard 4. Still further, the backing sheet 3 may be constructed
with a cut-out section at the point of the frozen label such that
the printing of the return address is performed directly on the
back side of the return receipt postcard 4. Also present on the
backing sheet 3 is the perforation line 22 which, if it is desired
that the auxiliary label 21 be used as a customer receipt, allows
that portion of the backing sheet 3 which may be adhesively
connected to the auxiliary label 21 to be detached from the rest of
the backing sheet 3 along with the auxiliary label 21.
[0048] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a back side of the mailing label
2 of the present invention after removal of the backing sheet 3
thereon. As shown, the back sides of the first anchor portion 5 and
the second anchor portion 6 are covered with an adhesive coating
which serves the dual purpose of removably attaching the mailing
label 2 to the backing sheet 3 and, subsequently, permanently
attaching the mailing label 2 to a mailpiece. The auxiliary label
21 also has an adhesive backing whereby, upon detachment from the
second anchor portion 6 along the third perforated tear line 22,
the auxiliary label 21 may be affixed to a mailpiece as either a
conventional return address label or an addressee's label. The
return receipt postcard 4, defined as that area between the first
perforated tear line 7 and the second perforated tear line 8, does
not include any such adhesive backing.
[0049] Turning now to FIG. 4, a perspective view of a sample
mailpiece 20 is shown having the mailing label 2 affixed thereupon.
Actual affixation of the mailing label 2 to the mailpiece 20 is
achieved via the adhesive backing found on the first and second
anchor portions 5 and 6, respectively. Upon delivery of the
mailpiece 20, the return receipt postcard 4 is detached from the
rest of the mailing label 2 along the first and second perforated
tear lines 7 and 8, respectively.
[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of the back side of the
return receipt postcard 4. Information contained on this side of
the return receipt postcard 4 is sufficient to allow the card to be
mailed back to the proper sender. As shown, this side of the return
receipt postcard 4 includes a "Return To" area 19 and a postage
information area 17. Typically, the postage information area 17 is
imprinted with prepaid postage information to allow for the
immediate and prepaid return delivery of the return receipt
postcard 4 to the proper sender.
[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates, in black-box form, an embodiment of the
system 30 of the present invention. The system 30 may, for example,
be in the form of a kiosk or vending machine which processes
information and prints special service mailing labels implementing
the mailing label embodiments previously described. Again, the
system 30 is intended to serve not only the needs of individual
users (made available, for example, at a local post office) but
also the needs of private businesses. The system 30 may include a
display 31 by which users of the system 30 (senders of special
service mailpieces) are prompted to enter certain information.
These users may then both select a particular type of special
mailing service and enter all of the necessary mailing information
associated with such special mailing service through an input
device 32. The present invention contemplates a variety of displays
31 and input devices 32 and combinations of the same, including
touch screens and/or keyboards. Both the display 31 and the input
device 32 are in communication with a processor 33. The processor
33 has ultimate control over the information transmitted and
received via the display 31 and the input device 32.
[0052] Once all of the details of the selected special mailing
service desired are confirmed, the processor 33 determines a cost
associated with the selected special mailing service. Payment for
such service may then be required via a payment mechanism 34. The
payment mechanism 34 may include coin/bill slots, credit card
readers, keypads or the like. In addition, the system 30 may
include a scale 35 or other like weighing device to compute the
weight of the mailpiece. The processor 33 may take such weight into
consideration when determining the cost for the selected special
service.
[0053] Upon payment of the required fee at the payment mechanism
34, the processor 33 instructs the printer 36 to print the
necessary special service mailing information upon a generic
mailing label of the present invention. As already discussed in
connection with the above-referenced embodiments, such information
includes both addressee and sender information and, more
importantly, the special mailing service to be used, the specific
article mailing number and the colored background associated with
this special service. Indeed, the printer 36 has full
color-printing capabilities to allow for the imprinting of a
particular color on the various areas of a generic mailing label
for the label's effective use as a special service mailing label.
Having been configured for a special mailing service, the label may
then be affixed to the desired mailpiece.
[0054] Referring now to a detailed description of the method of the
present invention as illustrated in an embodiment shown in the flow
chart of FIG. 7, the method provides for the fully automatic
imaging of a generic mailing label whereupon such label may serve a
special service mailing purpose. The method may be performed using
the system 30 as described above.
[0055] The method of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 7 includes a step 41 of selecting the preferred type of mail
delivery service from a Special Service Mailing (SSM) vending
machine. As already discussed, such services may include certified
mail, registered mail, insured mail, recorded delivery mail, return
receipt for merchandise mail, C.O.D. and the like. Pursuant to the
present method, a single generic mailing label, such as that
illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1-5, may be configured to serve
as a special service mailing label for any one type of these
special services. Step 42 requires that certain input data be
entered based upon the type of SSM service selected in step 41.
Such input data may include the type of special service,
addressee's information, sender's information and the like. Step 43
provides for the storage of all such data which relates to this
particular SSM label.
[0056] Step 44 provides for the calculation of a cost for the
selected SSM service. Accordingly, prior to the actual imaging of a
SSM mailing label, payment for such service, if required, must be
completed at step 45. The method of payment pursuant to the present
invention may be, for example, an actual cash transaction, debiting
of a credit card, charging to an account number via a keypad, etc.
The system 30 may incorporate a scale or other like weighing device
(not shown) to compute weight of the mailpiece. The cost of
delivery of a mailpiece may be affected by the weight and/or size
of the mailpiece, the distance in which the mailpiece is sent,
and/or the type of special service. Of course, other variables may
exist that affect the cost of delivery of any given mailpiece.
[0057] Step 46 provides for the processing of the stored data to
create corresponding imaging data which will be printed on the SSM
label. At step 47, the imaging data is actually transferred onto
the mailing label. Again, such information includes both addressee
and sender information and, more importantly, the special mailing
service to be used, a specific article mailing number and the
colored background associated with this special service. The actual
transfer of imaging data at step 47 therefore includes imprinting a
particular color on the various areas of the generic mailing label
for the label's effective use as a special service mailing label.
Once the configuration of the generic mailing label as a special
service mailing label is complete, the label is dispensed from the
vending machine.
[0058] Turning to FIGS. 8 and 9, a multi-colored panel ribbon 51 is
shown which may be incorporated in an embodiment of the method and
system of the present invention. The multi-colored panel ribbon 51
assists in providing for the fully automatic imaging of a generic
mailing label whereupon the label may then serve a special mailing
purpose. In connection with the system 30 shown in black-box form
in FIG. 6, the multi-colored panel ribbon 51 may be incorporated
into the printer 36. Similarly, in connection with the method of
the present invention shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the
multi-colored panel ribbon 51 may be implemented at step 47 wherein
the imaging data is actually transferred onto the mailing
label.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, the multi-colored panel ribbon 51 is a
unitary piece which includes five separate and adjacently
positioned colored panel areas 52, 53, 54, 55 and 56. The panel
area 52 is approximately the same size and shape as a single label
2 of a mailing assembly 1. The panel area 52 is intended to imprint
all of the necessary variable information on the front of the label
2. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the panel
area 52 is capable of printing in black. Of course, other colors
may be implemented for the particular application of the panel area
52.
[0060] The remaining colored panel areas are intended to imprint
their respective colors on the particular areas of the generic
mailing label 2 so that the label 2 may be effectively used as a
special service mailing label. Specifically, the multi-colored
panel ribbon 51 may include a blue panel area 53 for use with
insured mail, a brown panel area 54 for use with return receipt for
merchandise purposes, a red panel area 55 for registered mail
purposes and a green panel area 56 for certified mail purposes. The
order in which the colored panel areas appear on the multi-colored
panel ribbon 51 is not critical. Similarly, the variety of colors
which might be incorporated into the multi-colored panel ribbon 51
should not be limited to those specifically disclosed above.
Indeed, the present invention contemplates that any number of
colors, and combinations thereof, might be used to convert a
generic mailing label into a special services mailing label.
[0061] Each of the colored panel areas is particularly sized to
correspond with that area on the label 2 which is imprinted with a
colored background. In addition, as specifically shown in FIG. 8,
the green panel area 56 may include an uncolored taggant area 57
which corresponds to a taggant area 60 on the label 2 which
typically remains uncolored, but is separately printed with a
taggant. If desired or necessary, additional taggant areas such as
taggant area 57 may be incorporated into other colored panel
areas.
[0062] In FIG. 9, the multi-colored panel ribbon 51 is shown
superimposed over a chain of interconnected mailing assemblies 1.
As the generic mailing label 2 of each mailing assembly 1 passes
beneath the multi-colored panel ribbon 51, it may be imprinted with
the requisite textual data via the panel area 52 and may be
imprinted with a colored background associated with the desired
special service via one of the remaining colored panel areas.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 9, the panel area 52 has a height 50 which
is approximately equal to the height of the label 2 and the mailing
assembly 1. Accordingly, the black panel area 52 may be used to
imprint variable information in the special service identification
area 9, the addressee area 10, the sender information area 11, the
document control area 12 and the addressee address section 13 of
the return receipt postcard 4.
[0064] In addition, the special service identification area 9 of
the return receipt postcard 4 is that area which may be imprinted
with a colored background in compliance with special service
requirements. As such, each of the remaining colored panel areas,
for example, the blue panel area 53, has a height 59 which
corresponds to the desired height of the colored background area of
the special service identification area 9.
[0065] The direction of travel of the chain of interconnected
mailing assemblies 1 with respect to the multi-colored panel ribbon
51 is not critical. Indeed, the imprinting of a colored background
on the label 2 may take place prior to imprinting the label 2 with
the variable information by the panel area 52.
[0066] The present invention may be incorporated into a color
printing system that incorporates a printing cartridge. Such a
system employs a cartridge or cartridges having four colors to
accomplish the same task as the system described above. Similarly,
the embodiment described is intended to be used with thermal,
bubble, laser and ink jet types of printers. Indeed, the spirit of
this embodiment lies in the ability to incorporate the
multi-colored panel ribbon 51 into the method and system herein
described to assist in the automatic generation of a special
service mailing label from a generic mailing label.
[0067] It should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described
herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes
and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention and without diminishing its
attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes
and modifications be covered by the hereinafter appended
claims.
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