U.S. patent number 3,902,655 [Application Number 05/469,673] was granted by the patent office on 1975-09-02 for method of producing multi-panel mailing envelope forms in side-by-side interconnected series.
Invention is credited to Harold W. Huffman.
United States Patent |
3,902,655 |
Huffman |
September 2, 1975 |
Method of producing multi-panel mailing envelope forms in
side-by-side interconnected series
Abstract
The methods of the present invention provide for the manufacture
of a series of side-by-side interconnected, single-ply, multi-panel
envelope forms from a continuously advancing web of sheet material.
The forms are adapted to be continuously fan-folded into sealed,
envelope-defining relationship, and to be thereafter severed from
the series as individual items for distribution. A stuffer-insert,
such as a circular or the like, may be inserted in the interior of
the envelope prior to sealing thereof.
Inventors: |
Huffman; Harold W. (Fairfield,
OH) |
Family
ID: |
23864669 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/469,673 |
Filed: |
May 13, 1974 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/69; 206/232;
229/92.7; 229/92.1; 229/314 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B42D
5/025 (20130101); B31B 2170/20 (20170801); B31B
2150/00 (20170801); B31B 2160/10 (20170801) |
Current International
Class: |
B42D
5/02 (20060101); B42D 5/00 (20060101); B31B
41/00 (20060101); B65D 027/10 () |
Field of
Search: |
;229/69,85,92.1,92.3,92.7 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Price; William I.
Assistant Examiner: Garbe; Stephen P.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kinney, Jr.; J. Warren
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. As a new article of manufacture, a continuous series of
side-interconnected stuffed-envelope-defining forms fabricated from
a single, endless web, wherein each form comprises a series of at
least three end-interconnected panels collectively spanning the
width of the web, wherein the web-edge-adjacent panels define the
front and rear panels of mailer envelopes and wherein the
intermediate panels define envelope stuffers; a removable
tear-strip integral with and extending along each side-edge of the
panels of each form, said strips having an inner edge which, when
severed from the form, defines the overall width of the various
panels thereof, wherein the overall width of each of the
envelope-defining panels exceeds the overall width of each of the
intermediate panels; a series of side-interconnected transfer
panels fabricated from an endless web of transfer material, secured
to, carried by and in corresponding registry with one intermediate
panel of each form; a removable tear-strip integral with and
extending along each side edge of said transfer panels, said strips
having an inner edge which, when severed from said transfer panels,
defines the overall width thereof, wherein the overall width of
each transfer panel corresponds with the overall width of the
corresponding intermediate panel, adhesive along the side surfaces
of the envelope-defining panels and along the end-adjacent surfaces
of those panels of the form and of the transfer panels which are
disposed in abutting contact when the panels of the form are
disposed in fan-folded relationship for disposing the
envelope-defining panels in overlying relationship and externally
of the intermediate and transfer panels; said form being further
characterized in that the side edges of the intermediate and
transfer panels are spaced inwardly from and free of connection
with the side edges of the envelope-defining panels.
2. An article of manufacture as called for in claim 1, which
includes an insert disposed between each transfer panel and the
adjacent envelope-defining panel.
3. An article of manufacture as called for in claim 1, wherein one
end-edge of each transfer panel is releasably connected to the
corresponding end-edge of each intermediate panel.
4. An article of manufacture as called for in claim 1, wherein a
record panel and a second transfer panel are releasably secured to
and carried by the outer surface of an envelope-defining panel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application is related to my copending application
entitled: MULTI-PANEL ENVELOPE FORM AND METHOD OF PRODUCING SAME,
Ser. No. 469,672, filed on even date herewith, in which I have
disclosed a single-ply, multi-panel envelope form and the methods
of producing an end-to-end interconnected series of said forms from
an endless web of sheet material. The envelope forms therein
disclosed are produced from a continuously advancing web of sheet
material which is transversely subdivided into a plurality of
end-to-end interconnected forms, each of which comprises a pair of
end-adjacent, coplanar, envelope-defining panels separated by at
least one end-connected, intermediate panel. The end-to-end
interconnected forms are each adapted to be sequentially zig-zag
folded into sealed, envelope-defining relationship.
The methods disclosed in the present application are readily
distinguishable therefrom, wherein a continuously advancing,
endless web of sheet material is transversely subdivided into a
plurality of side-by-side interconnected forms which are adapted to
be continuously fan-folded into sealed, envelope-defining
relationship. The present application is specifically limited and
directed to the methods disclosed herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to the methods of producing a
series of side-by-side interconnected, single-ply, multi-panel
mailing envelope forms from a continuously advancing, endless web
of sheet material and to the methods of producing the stuffed,
sealed envelopes resulting therefrom. Generally, the forms comprise
a pair of coplanar, envelope-defining panels separated by at least
one intermediate panel disposed between said envelope-defining
panels and in end-connected relationship therewith, wherein the
forms are adapted to be continuously fan-folded into stuffed,
sealed mailing envelopes, each containing at least one integral,
interior panel. The methods of the present invention also provide
for the selective insertion of a stuffer-insert, such as a circular
or the like, in the interior of the envelope prior to sealing
thereof.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is known to produce a series of interconnected envelope forms or
assemblies from one or more continuously advancing, endless webs of
sheet material. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,104,700; 3,312,385;
3,411,699; 3,544,438; and 3,608,816 each disclose a series of
end-to-end interconnected envelope forms produced from a plurality
of collated, continuous webs, wherein the front, back and various
insert plies of each envelope are separate, independent sheets of
material. U.S. Pat. No. 3,482,780 discloses a series of end-to-end
interconnected envelope forms produced from one web of sheet
material, wherein each form comprises a pair of panels defining the
front and back of a mailing envelope.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,337,120 and 3,339,827 each disclose a series of
interconnected envelope forms produced from a plurality of collated
endless webs. It should be noted that FIGS. 11-14 of U.S. Pat. No.
3,339,827 illustrate a form wherein the front and back of a mailing
envelope are defined by a single web. However, the interior sheets
thereof are separate, collated webs.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,618 discloses a single, independent envelope
form comprising three interconnected panels, wherein the outer
panels define the front of a send and return envelope,
respectively, and the intermediate panel defines the back of both
the send and return envelope.
The present invention differs from each of the foregoing in that
the disclosed method provides for the manufacture of a series of
side-by-side interconnected, single-ply, multi-panel envelope forms
which are adapted to be presented in coplanar relationship to a
printing mechanism or the like for the application of original,
directly applied indicia to the various surfaces thereof. The forms
are adapted to be thereafter continuously fan-folded into stuffed,
sealed mailing envelopes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides methods of producing a series of
side-by-side interconnected forms from a continuously advancing,
endless web of sheet material. The web is transversely subdivided
into a plurality of forms, each of which comprises a pair of
coplanar, web-edge-adjacent envelope-defining panels separated by
at least one end-connected, intermediate panel integral and
coplanar therewith. A pair of opposed, transversely extending side
edges are delineated in each of the panels of said forms, wherein
the side edges of each intermediate panel are disposed inwardly of
the corresponding side edges of the envelope-defining panels and
interconnected therewith.
The forms are adapted to be subsequently continuously fan-folded
into stuffed, sealed envelope-defining relationship wherein each
envelope contains at least one integral, intermediate panel
disposed between the front and back panels of the envelope.
A modification of the method provides a form compatible for use
with imprint printing techniques, where such is desired. Further,
the methods of the present invention provide for the insertion of
insert material, such as a circular or the like, in the interior of
the envelope prior to sealing thereof.
Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention to
provide a method for manufacturing a series of side-by-side
interconnected, single-ply, multi-panel envelope forms which are
adapted to be thereafter continuously fan-folded into stuffed,
sealed envelope-defining relationship wherein each envelope
contains at least one integral, intermediate panel disposed between
the front and back panels thereof.
It is, further, an object of the present invention to provide a
series of side-by-side interconnected single-ply, multi-panel
envelope forms which are adapted to be presented to a printer or
the like in coplanar, interconnected relationship.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for
inserting insert material, such as a circular or the like, in the
interior of the envelope prior to sealing thereof.
Other objects and features of the present invention will be readily
apparent from the accompanying drawings and detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1-3 diagrammatically illustrate steps in the method of making
a continuous series of envelope forms incorporating the features of
the present invention, wherein an odd number of intermediate panels
are disposed between each set of envelope-defining panels.
FIG. 3A diagrammatically illustrates steps in a modified method of
making a continuous series of envelope forms incorporating the
features of the present invention, wherein an even number of
intermediate panels are disposed between each set of
envelope-defining panels.
FIGS. 4-18 illustrate an embodiment of the form produced by the
method of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the resulting sealed envelope obtained
therefrom and the means and method for opening same.
FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate an embodiment of the form produced by
the method of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3A.
FIGS. 21-23 diagrammatically illustrate steps in the method of
making a continuous series of envelope forms similar to the forms
of FIGS. 4-18, adapted for use with transfer imprint printing
techniques.
FIGS. 24-27 illustrate the resulting record sheet and sealed
envelope obtained from the form produced by the method of FIGS.
21-23.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The methods of the present invention provide for the manufacture of
single-ply, multi-panel envelope forms in a side-by-side
interconnected series from a continuously advancing endless web of
sheet material. The forms are adapted to be subsequently
continuously fan-folded into sealed, envelope-defining relationship
wherein each envelope contains at least one intermediate panel
disposed between the front and back envelope panels. While the
forms and resulting stuffed, sealed mailing envelopes are similar
to the forms and envelopes of my aforementioned application, it
should be understood that the methods thereof are readily
distinguishable from those disclosed herein. My co-pending
application discloses the methods of producing a series of
end-to-end interconnected forms which are adapted to be thereafter
sequentially zig-zag folded into stuffed, sealed mailing envelopes,
whereas the present application is limited and directed to the
methods of producing a series of side-by-side interconnected forms
which are adapted to be thereafter continuously fan-folded into
stuffed, sealed mailing envelopes.
A first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS.
1-18, wherein each form is defined by a pair of envelope-defining
panels P and R separated by one intermediate data panel Q. The form
is produced from the endless web of sheet material 10 which is
continuously advanced through the steps of the method
diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein repetitive indicia
such as, by way of example, address 12, postage permit 14, box 16,
and lines 18, see FIG. 4, are conventionally printed at station 20;
stripes 22-29 of self-seal, dry or other suitable adhesive are
applied at station 30; line holes 32 are punched at station 34;
diagonal perforated lines 36-39 and notches 48, 49 are cut by a
typical corner-cut unit at station 40; transverse perforated lines
58-63 are supplied at cross perforating station 50; transverse
score lines 97 are supplied at cross scoring station 56; and
longitudinal perforated lines 42-46 as well as longitudinal score
lines 52 and 54 are supplied at station 64.
The continuous series of forms is suitably accumulated in a
convenience pack at station 66, which it will be noted, provides a
method for storing the forms in sequential order while such are
maintained as an integral part of the advancing web. Generally, the
forms are sequentially accordion folded at preselected transverse
score lines 97 as illustrated. It should, of course, be understood
where self-seal, dry adhesive or the like is utilized, care should
be taken to preclude premature contact of the various adhesive
bearing areas of the form.
Broadly speaking, the web is transversely subdivided at lines 97
into a plurality of forms, each of which are subdivided by
continuous score lines 52 and 54 into three panels P, Q and R, the
upper surfaces of which are identified A, B, C, respectively, (FIG.
4) and the lower surfaces of which are identified AA, BB, CC,
respectively, (FIG. 5). Interconnected transverse perforation lines
36, 37, 58, 59 and 50 delineate one side edge of panels P, Q and R
and interconnected transverse perforation lines 38, 39, 61, 62 and
63 delineate the other side edge thereof, wherein the opposite side
edges 57, 62 of panel Q are disposed inwardly of the corresponding
side edges 58, 60 and 61, 63 of panels R and P, respectively. Trim
strip 98, which comprises segments 98P, 98Q and 98R is defined by
the space between interconnected lines 38, 39, 61-63 and boundary
line 97. Trim strip 99, which comprises segments 99P, 99Q and 99R,
is similarly defined by the space between interconnected lines 36,
37, 58-60 and boundary line 97.
The forms accumulated at 66 are adapted to be subsequently advanced
through printing station 68 or the like, see FIG. 2, wherein
variable indicia unique to each form such as, by way of example,
invoice block 70, account number 72, name and address 74, 75 and
bar code 76 is applied. The printed forms are thereafter
accumulated at station 78 in a convenience pack similar to that at
station 66.
Once printed, the forms are thereafter adapted to be advanced
through the final processing steps as illustrated in FIG. 3,
wherein the web is advanced through fold station 89 where the forms
are continuously fan-folded at lines 52 and 54 disposing panels P,
Q and R in registered relationship, as particularly shown in FIG.
8. The corresponding, mated adhesive stripes 22, 25 and 26, 29 are
pressed into permanent, contacting relationship at station 102,
sealing the panels to one another as shown in FIG. 16. The
resulting, continuous series of side-by-side, sealed envelopes are
then severed from the web at station 104.
Trim strips 98 and 99, particularly segments 98Q and 99Q thereof,
preclude contact between the corresponding, mated adhesive stripes
23, 27 and 24, 28 adjacent the side edges of each form, see FIG.
17. Therefore, as the forms are severed from the web at station
104, trim strips 98, 99 are also removed and the stripes are
disposed in contacting relationship as shown in FIG. 18, forming a
plurality of independent, stuffed, sealed envelopes for
distribution as shown at 106.
Where desired, stuffer-insert 88 is disposed between two adjacent
panels of the forms at station 89, wherein for example, panels Q
and R are maintained in open relationship and the stuffer-insert,
comprising a circular, an advertising brochure or the like, is
inserted therebetween. The panels are thereafter closed at 90,
housing the stuffer-insert in the interior of the resulting
envelope. Generally, the stuffer-insert will be of a dimension such
that the peripheral edges thereof are disposed inwardly of any
adhesive stripes on the various panels on the form.
It should be noted that tractor feed mechanism 80, 80 may be
utilized to properly advance the series of forms through the final
steps illustrated in FIG. 3, wherein sprocket gears or the like
subsequently engage line holes 32 and properly advance the series
of forms toward fold mechanism 89. This is particularly
advantageous when the web is not advanced through the steps of FIG.
3 while under tension, but is loosely unfolded from the convenience
pack at station 78. In the event line holes 32 and tractor feed
mechanism 80, 80 are utilized, the line holes are conveniently
placed in boundary strips 96, 96 which are severed from the web
along lines 46, 46 at station 100. It should, of course, be
understood that when the web is continuously under tension, tractor
feed 80, 80 and line holes 32 are not required.
It should also be noted that a number of alternate steps may be
incorporated in the method of FIGS. 1-3 without departing from the
scope and spirit of the present invention. In particular, it should
be understood that the sequence of events should not be considered
limiting and that several of the various steps may be performed in
any suitable order. For example, it is often desirable to utilize a
printing apparatus wherein the variable indicia may be applied to
the moving web at high speeds, eliminating the necessity of
accumulating the form at 66, subsequent advancement through printer
68, and further accumulation of the forms at 78. This modification
is illustrated in phantom in FIG. 1, wherein jet controlled printer
108 is adapted to apply variable indicia 70, 72, 74, 75 and 76 in
advance of station 66, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Essentially, jet
controlled printing combines high speed printer 108 with computer
control 101 or the like wherein computer produced program media
such as, by way of example, tape 112 provides variable input to the
printer, generating a controlled, variable indicia output
therefrom. When jet printing methods, as such, are utilized the
continuous series of forms advances directly from station 64 (FIG.
1) to fold mechanism 89 (FIG. 3).
It should, of course, be understood that the self-seal dry adhesive
applied at station 30 is but one of the many well-known adhesive
means which may be incorporated in the form of the present
invention. For example, a hot-melt glue of the type having affinity
for the surface of the web 10 when applied, and thereafter quickly
dried to a non-tacky, non-adhesive state, may be applied in lieu of
stripes 22, 23, 24 and 29, eliminating the necessity of
complementary stripes 26, 27, 28 and 25, respectively. Of course,
pressure roll 102 would then be replaced with a heat-seal mechanism
in order to effect a sealing relationship between abutting surfaces
of the various panels. Further, a heat-seal mechanism in
combination with dry-seal paper of the type wherein contacting
portions of each panel are maintained in self-sealing relationship
by the application of heat to selected portions thereof would
altogether eliminate the need for station 30. In the event dry-seal
paper is utilized, heat would be selectively applied at station 102
to effect a seal between abutting panels in areas corresponding to
the various stripes of adhesive. It should, of course, be
understood that a cold glue could be used, in which event the web
speed would, in some instances, be reduced to allow a longer drying
time to effect a proper seal between abutting plies.
The resulting stuffed, sealed envelope, including means and methods
for opening same, is illustrated in FIGS. 9-15. By incorporating
diagonals 36, 37 and 38, 39 with transverse lines 59 and 62,
respectively, intermediate data panel Q is of a lesser width than
either of the envelope panels P and R. Specifically, data panel Q
is of a width such that the side edges thereof are disposed
inwardly of adhesive stripes 23, 24 and 27, 28 on envelope panel P
and R. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, here greatly enlarged, the
panels are fan-folded at lines 52, 54 and when trim strip 99,
particularly segment 99Q thereof, is removed stripe 23 is disposed
in contacting relationship with corresponding stripe 27, forming a
sealing relationship at corresponding side edges 58, 60 of the
envelope panels P and R, wherein side edge 59 of intermediate panel
Q is disposed inwardly thereof. It should, of course, be understood
that removal of trim strip 98 similarly disposes stripes 24 and 28
in adhesive contact, wherein side edge 62 of panel Q is disposed
inwardly thereof. Therefore, side edges 59 and 62 of data panel Q
are disposed inwardly of and are free of connection with the sealed
side edges of the envelope.
Tear lines 42, 44 and 45 are disposed inwardly of the adhesive
stripes 22 and 25 along the top edge of the envelope and with
corresponding notches 48 and 49 define stub 114 for gaining access
to the interior of the envelope, see FIG. 16. Tear line 43 on data
panel Q provides means for separating the remaining edge of the
data panel from the envelope assembly.
As illustrated in FIGS. 11-15, several alternate methods utilizing
stub 114 and modifications thereof are provided for gaining access
to the interior of the envelope. Preferably, the top of the
envelope will be grasped as in FIG. 11 with the thumb and
forefinger engaging notches 48, 49 inwardly of line 44 on data
panel Q. By similarly holding the bottom of the envelope and
applying a quick, snap action the stub will break loose along lines
42 and 45 and the data panel will break loose along line 43,
permitting removal thereof in one single act. It should be noted
that stuffer-insert 88 will also be removed by this act if the
upper edge 120 thereof is in overlapping relationship with notches
48, 49. If such is not the case, the stuffer-insert may by manually
removed once the envelope has been opened.
With particular reference to FIG. 13 it can be seen that the stub
may also be removed by tearing along lines 42, 44 and 45 without
damage to the contents of the envelope, i.e., data panel Q and,
where included, stuffer-insert 88. The data panel is then separated
from the envelope at line 43 and withdrawn therefrom. It may be
desirable in some instances to provide stub 115 without notches 48,
49 (FIG. 14) wherein the preferred means of entry is by tearing, as
shown. It should, of course, be understood that the envelope can
also be opened by slitting or cutting the assembly at line 116
(FIG. 15) as with automatic letter-opening machinery or the like,
afterwhich the data panel may be removed as described in reference
to FIG. 13.
FIGS. 19 and 29 illustrate a modified form produced generally by
the method of FIGS. 1-3, wherein each set of envelope-defining
panels P and R are separated by a plurality of intermediate panels
Q, S and T. Printing station 20 is modified to provide additional
repetitive indicia 278 on surface B of panel Q, and repetitive
indicia 280 and 292 on surface E of panel T. Station 64 provides
longitudinal perforated line 250 separating panels Q and S,
longitudinal score line 252 separating panels S and T, and score
line 254 defining a foldline in the return envelope. Station 50
supplies additional transverse perforated lines 258 and 260
connecting line 59 with diagonal 36 and transverse perforated lines
262 and 264 connecting line 62 with diagonal 38. Station 30 is
modified to apply additional stripes of dry, self-seal adhesive
266-271, wherein stripes 266, 267 and stripes 268, 269 are disposed
in contacting sealed relationship when the envelope is fan-folded
at station 89 to define an integral return envelope within the
interior of the final envelope. The resulting stuffed, sealed
mailing and return envelope is similar to that which is fully
disclosed in my aforementioned co-pending application.
The method thus modified produces the form as illustrated in FIGS.
19 and 20, wherein the upper surface of each of panels P, Q, R, S
and T is denoted A, B, C, D and E, and the corresponding lower
surface thereof is denoted AA, BB, CC, DD and EE respectively. The
forms are subsequently advanced through printing station 68, and
thereafter through the final processing steps of FIG. 3 wherein the
various panels are continuously fan-folded at lines 52, 252, 250
and 54 to define a sealed mailing envelope having at least one
intermediate panel Q and an integral return envelope defined by
panels S and T. As in the previous embodiment, trim strips 98, 99
and boundary strips 96, 96 (where utilized) are removed and the
various complementary adhesive stripes are disposed in contacting,
sealed relationship with one another at stations 100, 102 and 104
of FIG. 3.
FIG. 3A illustrates a modified method for producing a series of
side-by-side interconnected forms wherein an even number of
intermediate panels such as, by way of example, two panels Q and U
as shown, are disposed between each set of envelope-defining panels
P and R. The steps of FIGS. 1 and 2 are essentially the same as in
the previous embodiments, afterwhich the web is continuously
fan-folded at modified fold station 289 into envelope-defining
status as illustrated at 306 thereof. As in the previous
embodiments, stuffer-insert 88 may be disposed between two adjacent
panels of each form prior to sealing thereof in envelope-defining
relationship.
As illustrated, panels P, Q, U and R are continuously fan-folded
into registered, overlying relationship, after which trim strips 96
are removed at station 300, the web-edge-adjacent adhesive stripes
are permanently sealed at station 302, and trim strips 98, 99 are
removed, the side edges are sealed and the individual envelopes are
severed from the form at station 304.
Since a number of institutions presently utilize imprint printing
techniques, I have provided a modified method for manufacturing a
series of side-by-side interconnected, single-ply, multi-panel
forms which are compatible for use with imprint printing
techniques, as illustrated in FIGS. 21-23. As there shown, the
method of FIG. 1 is duplicated through station 64 afterwhich web 10
is advanced to modified fold station 389 wherein transfer web 400
comprising carbon paper or the like, is collated with panel Q.
Collating station 390 is in partial overlapping relationship with
fold station 389, and includes sprocket chain 391 or the like which
is adapted to sequentially engage line holes 432 in web 400 to
ensure proper collation thereof with the continuous series of
forms.
It will be noted, of course, that web 400 requires additional
stripes of adhesive 426 and 429 adjacent the line hole boundary
thereof to permit proper sealing of the resulting envelope, see
FIG. 27. As panels P, Q and R are continuously fan-folded into
registered relationship and web 400 is collated therewith, adhesive
stripes 26, 426; 29,429; and 22, 25 are disposed in contacting,
sealed relationship in a manner similar to that of the previous
embodiments. A second transfer web of carbon paper, or the like, is
collated with the folded web at station 390, wherein sprocket chain
391 sequentially engages line holes 532 thereof and registers same
with line holes 32 and 432 of webs 10 and 400, respectively. Record
web 600 is similarly collated via line holes 632 afterwhich the
forms are accumulated in a convenience pack at station 366.
It should, of course, be understood that webs 400, 500 and 600 are
each transversely subdivided by lines 497, 597 and 697,
respectively into a plurality of side-by-side interconnected panels
each of which correspond to the width of one form as defined by
lines 97 in panels P, Q and R. Further, trim strips 498, 499, 598,
599 and 698, 699 are provided in webs 400, 500 and 600 to
facilitate severance of the forms from the series at station 304 of
FIG. 23. The accumulated forms are subsequently advanced through
printing station 368, wherein indicia is directly applied to the
upper surface of web 600 and imprint printed on panels P and Q via
transfer webs 400 and 500, afterwhich the forms are again
accumulated at station 378.
The continuous series of side-by-side interconnected forms is
thereafter advanced through the final processing steps of FIG. 23,
thereby generating the stuffed sealed envelope of FIG. 24 and the
separate record and transfer sheets of FIG. 25. As in each of the
previous embodiments, the boundary strips including the various
line holes are removed at station 301, a permanent seal is effected
between contacting adhesive stripes 26, 426; 29, 429; and 22, 25 at
station 302, see FIG. 27, and the various trim strips 98, 99, 498,
499, 508, 599, 698 and 699 are removed at station 304 where a seal
is effected between the adhesive stripes 23, 27 (FIG. 26) and 24,
28 as in the previous embodiments, producing a plurality of
individual, stuffed, sealed envelopes for distribution at 306.
Where desired, stuffer-insert 88 may be inserted in the interior of
the envelope prior to final sealing thereof at station 311, as
shown in FIG. 23. In this event, adhesive stripe 426 is not
supplied on web 400 prior to collation thereof with web 10,
precluding sealing of panel P thereto in advance of station 311.
Panel P is lifted from the advancing series of forms, as shown at
313, afterwhich stuffer-insert 88 is disposed between panels P and
Q at 314 and adhesive stripe 426 is added to web 400 at station
315. Thereafter, the forms are sealed as previously described,
housing insert 88 between panel P and web 400 as shown in FIGS. 26
and 27.
It should, of course, be understood that spot carbon or the like
could be directly applied to webs 10 and 500, eliminating the need
for webs 400 and 500. Of course, the various other modifications,
such as jet printing and the like, may be incorporated in the
embodiment of FIGS. 21-27 without departing from the scope and
spirit of the present invention.
Therefore, from the foregoing, it can be seen that I have provided
the methods of producing a continuous series of side-by-side
interconnected forms each of which comprise the front and back
panels of a mailing envelope and at least one integral panel
disposed intermediate thereof. The forms may be presented in
coplanar relationship to a printer or the like, or where desired
may be adapted for use in conjunction with imprint printing
techniques when carbon or the like is interposed between the
various panels thereof. Each of the forms are adapted to be
fan-folded into stuffed, sealed mailing envelopes, and where
desired, insert material such as a circular or the like may be
inserted in the interior of the envelope prior to sealing
thereof.
* * * * *