U.S. patent number 3,558,041 [Application Number 04/803,499] was granted by the patent office on 1971-01-26 for envelope and detachable message form.
Invention is credited to Eugene J. Buescher.
United States Patent |
3,558,041 |
Buescher |
January 26, 1971 |
ENVELOPE AND DETACHABLE MESSAGE FORM
Abstract
A method for producing mailable materials comprising printing
messages on continuous data process forms, separating the layers of
the forms into individual sheets containing a message, positioning
the individual sheets in substantially complete alignment, cutting
said sheets to produce an unformed material and forming unformed
material into a mailable container. Another aspect of the invention
comprises an envelope formed and perforated in a manner to enable
the detachment of a part of the envelope and removal of a message
which was originally an integral part of the envelope.
Inventors: |
Buescher; Eugene J. (St. Louis
County, MO) |
Family
ID: |
27095486 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/803,499 |
Filed: |
December 4, 1968 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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648894 |
Jun 26, 1967 |
3442185 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
229/314;
206/459.5; 206/804; 229/69; 229/70; 229/316 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B42D
15/08 (20130101); B42D 5/025 (20130101); Y10S
206/804 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B42D
15/08 (20060101); B42D 5/02 (20060101); B42D
5/00 (20060101); B65d 027/34 () |
Field of
Search: |
;229/69,85,70,74 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Bockenek; David M.
Parent Case Text
This is a division of application Ser. No. 648,894, filed June 26,
1967, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,442,185.
Claims
I claim:
1. An envelope comprising an outer portion connected to a printed
larger inner portion at one edge of said envelope and a smaller
inner portion connected to said outer portion at the opposing edge
of said envelope, the total length of said larger inner portion and
said smaller inner portion being less than the distance from said
edges connecting said inner portions to said outer portions, said
outer portion being perforated along a line at from about
one-fourth inch to about three-fourth inch from the edge connecting
said larger inner portion and said outer portion to enable the
detachment of a part of said outer portion and removal of said
larger inner portion from said outer portion.
Description
This invention relates to a continuous method for preparing
multiple items suitable for mailing. More particularly, it relates
to a method for preparing and addressing these items from a
multiple layer form suitable for use in data processing
equipment.
Several methods have heretofore been proposed for utilizing the
speed of data processing equipment for the preparation of items
suitable for mailing such as envelopes. These methods, in general,
are an improvement over the older methods of addressing envelopes
such as by placing gummed labels, stenciling, address plates and
the like because such continuous methods utilizing data processing
equipment yield a product having an appearance of a personally
typewritten envelope. The methods utilizing forms suitable for data
processing machinery heretofore known, however, are not completely
free of handicaps. For example, one general method utilizes a
carrier strip upon which an envelope is attached until it is
processed through the data processing equipment and the envelope is
thereafter detached from the carrier strip. This method yields a
large amount of waste paper and the envelope when detached has a
rough edge which detracts from the appearance of the product.
The present method enables the production of multiple mailable
items by utilizing a unique method which overcomes many of the
disadvantages of prior processes. Furthermore, it has the
flexibility to enable a large number of different types of mailable
items to be produced. Such a method is believed to be an
advancement in the art.
In accordance with one aspect of this invention a multiple layer
form, capable of being processed on data processing equipment, is
printed on one of the external layers. This method requires that
the paper be of reproducible nature, that is a portion of the
printing made on one layer will be reproduced on subsequent layers.
In accordance with another aspect of this invention a single layer
form can be used for producing cartons. A heavy material that is
heavier than a standard 24 lb. weight paper is used to produce an
addressed mailable carton. Heretofore these mailable materials were
generally addressed by applying gummed labels to the carton. In
most instances, any standard paper having a weight of greater than
about 20 lbs., such as 125 lb. weight is satisfactory although in
some instances heavier paper can be used if desired. One of the
preferred methods which will be described in detail hereinafter
utilizes carbon paper between the layers for reproduction of the
desired printing on the subsequent layers. After printing, the form
is separated into individual layers by any suitable means which
step is known in the art as decollation. The carbon paper, if used,
is separated from the layers at this step. the layers after
separation are then bursted into easily divisible separate
rectangular portions. The material which is used in the present
commercially available data processing equipment will, generally,
vary from about 13 inches to about 18 inches. The layers before
they are broken into individual portions are generally several
hundred feet in length since normally a continuous method is used.
The layers are easily divisible into rectangular portions having
the foregoing widths and the depth of the portion can be varied
according to the product that is desired. For example, one standard
envelope in an unformed state would require a width of about 14 to
15 inches and a depth of about 8 1/2 inches to 9 inches. Another
standard envelope will require a depth of about 11 inches. Other
mailable materials such as cartons, bags and the like will require
different dimensions. The particular size of the individual sheet
will be variable and the size will generally be selected to
minimize the amount of waste. The processes of separating the
material into the smaller portions is known as bursting and will be
used hereinafter as signifying the above process of separating the
individual layers into the foregoing equal size portions. Bursting
is required after the separation step to enable stacking in a
manner suitable for diecutting. In most conventional processes
utilizing data processing equipment the data containing material is
stacked in a convenient size by folding along the portions where
the material is separated in the present method. It is essential to
the present method that the bursting step follow the decollation
step and that the sheets be in substantially complete alignment for
reasons hereinafter explained.
After the layers are bursted into the individual sheets, the
individual sheets are positioned in substantially complete
alignment. That is contiguous sheets are placed in a substantial
identical position in respect to each other. For example, messages
on contiguous sheets are in the same position, face the same
direction and are readable from the same position. By substantially
complete alignment it is meant that the side containing printing is
designated as the base and the opposing side is designated as the
back, the back of each individual sheet will be placed upon or
adjacent to the face of the succeeding sheet and the top of the
printing on each sheet will be in same direction.
After the individual sheets are in alignment, the desired unformed
material is cut, normally diecutting will be used; however, knives,
or slicers can be used in some instances. No special sorting is
necessary. After cutting, the separate mailable items are formed to
their desired shape and are suitable for mailing or for insertion
into one of the mailable items.
Each item contains printing which closely resembles typewriting. If
bursting and alignment are not carried out prior to diecutting, the
printing will not be in the same relative location, thus causing
either a large amount of waste or requiring a completely
symmetrical shape to the unformed item.
As can be appreciated, the method of this invention has a large
degree of flexibility. For example, the outer layer can be cut to
form an envelope which has the appearance of an individually typed
or window envelope. The subsequent layer can contain a preprinted
message which is automatically addressed during this method. A
third subsequent layer can be diecut to form a return envelope. The
person receiving the original envelope is thereby relieved of
writing his return address thus saving him time and
inconvenience.
These and other novel features of the present invention will be
further explained and set forth in reference to the drawings which
form a part of this specification.
In reference to the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating multilayer data
processing forms which have been preprinted and have been processed
through the data processing equipment. The forms are one of the
preferred embodiments and have carbon paper between the layers
which has been printed in accordance with a previous step.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the decollation step. The
form is separated into two individual stacks and the carbon paper
is separated at this step.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating bursting step. The
individual stacks are broken into individual rectangular sheets
which are stacked individually at this step.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a typical individual
sheet from one layer of the form of FIG. 1 and the portion of the
rectangular sheet which is to be diecut to form an envelope, one of
the preferred embodiments of this invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a typical individual
sheet from the other layer of the form of FIG. 1 and the portion of
this rectangular sheet which is to be diecut to form a return
envelope.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the completed envelope of
FIG. 4.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the completed envelope of
FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the portion of one of the
rectangular sheets which is to be diecut to form another preferred
embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the preferred embodiment
of FIG. 8 in a semiformed stage.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the preferred embodiment
of FIG. 9 in a completely formed stage to form an envelope.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the formed envelope of
FIG. 10 perforated along a particular line.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the envelope of FIG. 11
after opening along the perforation.
With specific reference to the drawings and with specific reference
to FIG. 1 a continuous multilayer form 20 is preprinted prior to
use in the data processing equipment with a message on the upper
layer 22 here illustrated as a return address 24. As the multilayer
paper passes through a data processing equipment, the address 26 is
printed upon the upper layer 22. The carbon paper 28 which is
between the upper layer 22 and the lower layer 30 causes the same
message to be imprinted on the lower layer 30. After the printing
is completed, the multilayer material is folded into a stack 32 as
illustrated in FIG. 1.
With reference to FIG. 2 in the decollation step, the upper layer
22, the lower layer 30 and the carbon paper 28 are each separated.
The upper layer 22 is folded separately to form a stack 40. The
lower layer 30 is folded separately to form stack 42.
With reference to FIG. 3, the stack 40 is bursted into individual
rectangular portions 44 and placed in a stack 46 with each portion
having the printing in the same relative location. In a similar
manner, stack 42 is separated into individual pieces and
stacked.
With reference to FIG. 4, a typical separated portion having
dimensions of about 9 inches x 14 inches 44 of the upper layer 22
is shown. A diecut is made throughout the portions of stack 46
along the lines shown to form an unformed envelope 48. The
preprinted message 24 and the data processing printed message 26
appear on the unformed envelope.
With reference to FIG. 5, a typical separated portion 50 of the
lower layer 30 is shown. These portions are diecut to form an
unformed envelope 52. The address 54 which was reproduced on the
lower layer 30 is in a proper location for a return address. The
mailing address 56 which was preprinted on the lower layer in the
same manner as the return address 24 on the envelope 48 produced
from the upper layer 22 is also in the proper location.
With reference to FIG. 6 the envelope 48 produced from the upper
layer 22 is shown formed and glued. The preprinted return address
24 and the printed address 26 are in a proper location for
mailing.
With reference to FIG. 7, the envelope 52 produced from the lower
layer 30 is show formed and glued. The printed return address 54 is
in the proper location for return mailing, and can be inserted into
the envelope 48 illustrated in FIG. 6.
With respect to FIG. 8, a rectangular portion 60 previously
printed, and separated as described in reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and
3 is cut to provide the unformed envelope 62. During the data
processing step a message such as a letter, an account statement
and the like are printed on an extended portion 64 which extends
from the body of the envelope 66. A smaller opposing extended
portion 67 is formed.
With reference to FIG. 9, which shows the combination envelope and
message in a semiformed position. The printed extended portion 64
is folded and does not reach to the smaller opposing extended
portion 67 when it is folded along line 68.
With references to FIG. 10, a space 69 between the portions 64 and
67 is left and the adjacent extended portions 70 and 72 are folded
to form a completed envelope 74.
With reference to FIG. 11, the completed envelope 74 is perforated
along a line 80 which is from about one-fourth inch to about
three-fourths inch from the edge, connecting the inner portion 64
to the body of the envelope 66. The address 26 is printed in the
data processing equipment at the same time the message contained on
the inner portion 64 is printed. This method has the advantage of
insuring that the proper statement, message or letter is sent to
the person to whom the letter is addressed, thereby overcoming one
of the inherent difficulties with handling large volumes of
accounts by normal hand-stuffing of envelopes.
With reference to FIG. 12, the message 64 is easily removed from
the envelope 74 by placing one hand on the envelope at one side 90
and the other hand on the other side 92 and imparting a slight
separation movement. The envelope separates along line 80 and the
inner portion 64 is attached to the detached part of the outer
portion of the envelope 94.
As can be appreciated, the method of this invention has a high
degree of flexibility, both in the type of forms used and in the
product produced. For example, the multilayer forms can be paper,
thin plastic sheets and fabrics, if desired. In most instances,
paper will be used because of its relative inexpensiveness and
ready availability. Additionally, in most instances, carbon paper
will be inserted between the layers in order to easily obtain
reproduction on only selected portions of the subsequent layer,
although in some instances a pressure sensitive reproducing paper
will be used, particularly if selected reproduction is not needed.
It is to be noted that from two to about four layers can be used
when reproduction is desired. The particular number of layers will
depend upon the particular product that is to be produced. For
example, when envelopes plus insertions into the envelopes are
produced, 3 to 4 layers can be utilized. When cartons are produced,
generally a higher strength material is required, therefore, in
most instances, a one layer continuous form can be used or a thin
layer in combination with a heavier layer can be used. It is to be
additionally noted that the layers can be separately printed with
the same or different printing prior to assembly into a continuous
form. In the preparation of a carton the thin layer can be
imprinted with the address and other pertinent information for a
record of the mailing of the carton.
In the printing step a large degree of flexibility can also be
achieved. For example, the address can be printed and will serve as
the mailing address on the product originally mailed and as a
return address or an inside address on the products produced from
the other layers. As an illustration, it is desirable in many
instances to send a form letter and a return envelope. In most
instances, it is believed if the letter contains the name and
address of the individual to whom it is sent, a better impression
is created. If desired, coded information can be used and suitable
messages for optical scanning can be included, if desired. In this
instance, a three layer form can be used, one layer of the
multilayer form can be preprinted with the form letter and
assembled with two other layers, one of which the address to whom
the return envelope is to be sent and the other containing the
return address of the originally mailed envelope. As the form
passes through the data processing equipment, the name and address
of the person to whom the material is to be sent is imprinted on
all three layers. In the subsequent diecutting step the two
envelopes are produced and the addressed form letter. It is to be
noted that in many instances, if desired, additional printing can
be done on selected pieces at the decollation step or at the
bursting step. It is to be noted that the multiple printing is not
limited to addresses. For example, a billing statement can be
printed on each of two layers, one to be mailed and the other to
become a file copy. Additionally where several mailings are to be
done to the same persons within a relatively short period of time,
all of the layers can be converted into original mailed materials.
Other uses and types of printing can be readily appreciated by
those skilled in the art.
It is to be emphasized that although the method of this invention
has been described in the drawings in reference to envelopes that
this is not considered a limitation upon the product that can be
produced. For example, as previously mentioned, relatively light
weight cartons can be produced from one layer and enclosures to be
placed inside these cartons can be produced from the subsequent
layers. Similarly, bags suitable for mailing with enclosures can
also be produced.
One of the aspects of this invention as described in reference to
FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 constitute a novel product, that is, an
envelope which contains a message which an integral portion of the
envelope can be detached by the receiver. The length of portion
containing the message and the length of the opposing portion are
less than the width of the envelope. If the total length of these
two portions are greater than the width of the formed envelope, the
portion containing the message would not be removed but would
normally remain attached since the smaller opposing portions would
be sealed to the body of the envelope. As previously mentioned,
this product insures that personal information will be mailed to
the correct person as it will be printed simultaneously with the
address. Errors in mailing the information to the wrong person
would thereby be reduced. The envelope can be perforated at a
distance from about one-fourth inch to about three-fourth inch from
the edge to enable a sufficient area for one to easily grasp the
edge with the finger and thumb of one hand. The perforation step
can be done at any step subsequent to diecutting and prior to
forming.
* * * * *