CA1264706A - Mailing cover with reply envelope and response device from integral web - Google Patents
Mailing cover with reply envelope and response device from integral webInfo
- Publication number
- CA1264706A CA1264706A CA000455464A CA455464A CA1264706A CA 1264706 A CA1264706 A CA 1264706A CA 000455464 A CA000455464 A CA 000455464A CA 455464 A CA455464 A CA 455464A CA 1264706 A CA1264706 A CA 1264706A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- envelope
- cover
- along
- response device
- line
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D27/00—Envelopes or like essentially-rectangular containers for postal or other purposes having no structural provision for thickness of contents
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
- B42D5/00—Sheets united without binding to form pads or blocks
- B42D5/02—Form sets
- B42D5/023—Continuous form sets
- B42D5/025—Mailer assemblies
- B42D5/026—Mailer assemblies with return letter or return card
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
- Sanitary Thin Papers (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE:
A composite mailing wrapper, suitable for use with a magazine or catalog, having front and rear cover sheets joined along a longitudinal fold line. A reply envelope is detachably connected to the inside of the cover sheets and the composite wrapper is prepared from an integral web. A method of producing the wrapper from the web by way of folding, bonding and further folding operations is described.
A composite mailing wrapper, suitable for use with a magazine or catalog, having front and rear cover sheets joined along a longitudinal fold line. A reply envelope is detachably connected to the inside of the cover sheets and the composite wrapper is prepared from an integral web. A method of producing the wrapper from the web by way of folding, bonding and further folding operations is described.
Description
i47~
Mailing Wrapper With Reply Envelope And Response Device From Integral Web Background Of The Invention 1. Field Of The Invention This invention relates to mailing wrappers or covers for magazines and especially for mail order catalogs.
Mailing Wrapper With Reply Envelope And Response Device From Integral Web Background Of The Invention 1. Field Of The Invention This invention relates to mailing wrappers or covers for magazines and especially for mail order catalogs.
2. Description Of The Prior Art Mail order catalogs, magazines and publications of a si~ilae format distributed in volu~e aee commonly mailed in wrappers intended to protect the co~er and~or integrity of the catalog.
Pre-printed addre~s labels can be applied to the wrappers, or the recipient's address can be printed directly on the nrapper using any of a variety of conventional addr2ssing machines.
Mail order catalogs are pcovided with an order form and may include a pre-addressed return envelope. ~hese are commonly inserted 1008e in the catalog if a sealed wrapper is employed for mailing. Alternatively, the order form can be stitched, or stapled, usually in the centerfold, to become an integral part of the catalog.
~ 7 0~
While advertisers find it desirable to personalize their solicitations with the name, address, and other per~inent information relating to the recipient, it has not been practical or economical to do so where an address label is appl ied to a publ ication containing the personalized message or solicitation. Problems of mismatching o separate address labels and personalized form letters in the preparation of large volume mailings have made it impractical to use personalized pieces with catalog and magazine mailings.
It is therefore a purpose of this invention to provide a composite wrapper for a catalog~ magazine or the like, which wrapper contains, fields for printed material, such as an order form, and one or more preformed reply envelopes intended for use by the recipient.
It is another object of this invention to provide a wrapper which can be stitched or otherwise a.fixed to the outside of a completed catalog, and which will not render the catalo~
bulky or difficult to read.
It i~ a further object to provide a wrapper which comprises at least two preformed reply envelopes and at least one preprinted response device joined to the envelope.
Another object of the invention is to provide a method for prepaeing a composite wrapper, the elements of which compri8e preprinted front and rear cover sheets joined along a longitudinal centerfold line, at least one preformed reply envelope, and optionally, one or more response devices joined to the envelope flap(s), all of which are for~ed from an integral sheet or web, so that two or more of the elements can be personalized without the pos~ibility of mismatching of per~onal data on the ele~ents.
Summary Of The Invention The present invention relates to 3 co~posite mailing wrapper or cover suitable for use with a ~agazine or catalog comprising the elements of a pair of cover sheet~ joined along a longitudinal fold line and at lea~t one envelope, and, optionally, one or more respon~e devices, all of which are prepared from an integral web.
A portion of the envelope is positioned proximate to the longitudinal fold iine and in contact with the binding of the magazine or catalogue. This configuration will maintain the envelope inside the co~er sheets during transmittal. The longitudinal fold line of the cover coincides with the binding or backbone of the magazine or catalogue.
In a preferred embodiment the cover sheets~ ~nvelopes and respon3e device~ are preprinted with fields of information while in the form of th~ integral sheet or continuous web, and there~fter pa~ed through computer directed prlntlng apparatus for personalization of the various elements.
The tecms ~personalized~ and ~personalization~ will be understood by tho~e familiar with the art ~nd include the printing at predeter~ined positions within the fields of in~ormation 3UC~ as the recipient' 8 name, address, account number and other data that may be collected in demographic studies. These specific printing technique~ are well-known in the art and do not con~titute a par~ of the invention.
470~
The article~ of the present invention and their method~ of preparation permit the pec~onalization of two or more of the element~, i.e., cover sheets, envelope~ and optional re3ponse devices, and theic assembly to a magazine or catalog with the elimination of any substantial risk of mismatching.
This re~ult is achieved by the novel method which includes the pceparation of the cover sheets and envelope~, and optionally, the resEsonse devices, from an integral sheet in a roanner such that the ele~ents in the final coraposite article re~ain detachably connected by 1neans of lines of perforation~ and/or staples or fhe like, throughout the entire manufacturing process, and are so connected when asse~bled to the catalog.
The elimination of mis~atching of the various personalized element~ permits the efficient and reliable production of the articles on high-speed equip~ent, with the concomi~ant savings associated with fewer qu~lity control checks, reassembly of mismatched ele~ents and wacted materials. The use of personalized enclo~ures such as envelo]pe~ and re~ponse devices not only expedites handling by the recipient, but permits the ~endee to incorpoeate data ~uch as an account or order nu~ber in machine read~ble form so that information received in reply can be machine sorted or promptly entered into a co~puter data b~3~.
The ~ethods of the invention can readily be adapted to producing the desired articles in ~
wide variety oi configurations, for~at~ and ~ize~, all of whlch ar~ within the capabilities of commercial presses, computer-directed printer3, and the foldiQg and converting equipment which is available to the ark.
Brief Description~ Of The Drswings In the drawings accompanying and for~ing part of thi-R sp2cifieation wherein like nu~erals are used to cefer to corresponding ele~ent~ in the variou~ figures:
12647~i FIG. 1 is a plan view of an integral sheet, or portion of a continuous web, containing the composite cover sheet and two envelopes.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment 5 of FIG. 1 showing the first folding step as partially completed.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing the second folding step as partially completed.
FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating schematically the trimming operation of the preferred embodiment on the article following completion of the second folding step illustrated in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is also a side view illustrating 15 schematically the stapling, or s~itching, of the envelopes along the cover sheet fold line and completion of the trimming step shown in FIG . 4 .
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the completed composite cover sheet and two envelopes folded along the longitudinal fold line and ready for assembly to a magazine or catalog.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention consisting of an integral sheet, or portion of a continuous web, comprising the composite 25 cover sheet, two envelopes and two response devices.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the completed cover sheet, envelopes and response devices shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of an integral sh~eet, or portion of a continuous web, forming a wrapper particularly adapted to enclosing thick or bulky catalogs and including a return envelope, cover sheets and a sealing flap.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the wrapper 35 of FIG. 9 enclosing a bulky catalog with the sealing flap of the wrapper still open.
70~i -5a-FIG. 11 is an end view of the wrapper and catalog of FIG. 10 illustrating the finished assembly of the wrapper with the sealing flap closed.
Description Of The Preferred Embodiments There is shown in FIG. 1 a composite sheet, or portion of a continuous web of paper, 10, which is bisected by longitudinal fold line 11.
6 ~7 Sheet 10 is divided into cover panel 20 and envelope portion 30 by a first transverse line 12.
Envelope portion 30 contains a pair of adjacent envelope blanks 31 and 32 lying on either side of line 11. Each envelope blank consists of a flap 33, defined by second transverse line 34 and a third transverse line 35 defining front envelope panel 36 and rear envelope panel 37~ Flaps 33 can be coated with remoistenable gum adhesive 38.
Flaps 33 can also be provided with die-cuts 39 at their respestive corners.
In practising the invention in the preferred embodiment where the return envelope and cover sheet portions are to be personalized, the web 10 can be provided with line holes 13 which are positioned in outer longitudinal strips 14. Line holes facilitate indexing of pre-printed sheets and webs during the personalization step where the line holes are engaged by the computer directed printer.
Where sheet 10 comprises a section of a continuous printed web, the line holes facilitate the bursting of the composite forms along intermediate line 15.
Strips 14 are trimmed off during a subsequent finishing ~tep, as described below.
In practising the invention, blank web 10 is fed into a form printer capable of printing an appropriate field on the adjacent cover sheets 21 and 22. Where the article i5 to be used as a mailing wrapper or cover for a mail-order catalog, the printed fields can include a solicitation and an order for~, or simply two order forms. The form printer also prints the return address on the business reply envelope at a position obverse of front panel 36. In this illustrative description which follows it will be assumed that the article of FIGS~ 1 and 2 i~ to be folded so that the cover page shown will be the inside facing pages, and will be assembled to the front and rear pages of the catalog. In this configuration, envelope panels 36 and 37 will likewise be folded to face each other, and remoistenable adhesive 38 will be applied to the upper surface of the web 10 as shown. Die cutting at flap corners 39 and perforations, for example, along lines 11 and 12, can be accomplished on the form printer.
The continuous ~eb exiting the form printer is indexed and fed into the compu~er directed printers for personalization in any desired configuration. For example, the solicitations and order forms on the inside cover sheets 21 and 22 can be personalized in the salutation and an account number can be entered.
In addition, the inside of the flap can be personalized with the name and address of the recipient. In a fur~her preferred embodiment, which will be described in more detail below, the cover sheet 21 is provided with an opening, or window 23, as by die-cutting, which corresponds to a personalized printed field 40 on the envelope flap ~o that when the article is folded in the final assembly the printed field 40 on the flap 33 is visible through the window 23 in the cover sheet.
Following personali~ation, the web 10 is directed to appropriate folding apparatus where hot melt adhesive 41 i8 applied adjacent the outer edges of the pair of front envelope panels 36. The subsequent folding and finishing steps will be described with reference to FIGS. 2-5. A fir~t fold along third transverse line 35, shown partally completed in FIG. 2, brings the rear envelope panel 37 into superposed position over front panel 36 thereby forming the envelope pocket.
~X~47~)6 Simultaneously, the sheet can be perfora~ed along line 11, if perforations have not been previously provided, as on the form printer. The composite forms are also Ubursta, or separated feom the web along transverse cutting lines 15 and l5i, and the line hole strips 14 are removed prior to folding.
Shown partially completed in FIG. 3 is a secor.d fold along line 12, which brings the completed envelopes in~o superposed relation with the cover sheets~ In one embodiment of the invention the envelopes remain detachably joined to the cover sheets along the line of perforations 120 The article is then folded along line 11 and secured to the catalog. The recipient can then remove one envelope from the assembly by tearing first along the line of perforations between the envelopes and then along the perforations at line or edge 12, much in the manner that a check is removed from a page in a con~entional business checkbook. This embodiment has the advantage of leaving the other envelope detachably connected to the reMaining cover sheet.
In a second preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated by FIG. 1, the envelopes are separated from the cover sheets, as by trimming away the material adjacent fold line 12, while the envelope and cover sheets are in a superposed configuration, and essentially simultaneous with said trimming step, detachably connecting the elements as by a staple or stitching. This latter sequence of steps is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, where the edge trimming i8 accomplished for example, by scissor wheels 45, and the 3 separate elements 20 and 30 are essentially simultaneously detachably connected by staple means ~264~
.9_ 50 in cooperation with anvil Sl. The finished article is then ready for folding along line 11 and assembly to the catalog. See FIG. 6.
As an alternativ~ to the stitching, or stapling, of the envelopes to the cover sheet as illustrated in FIG. 5, the envelope can be detachably secured to the cover sheet by means of a releasable, pressure sensitive adhesive. The pressure sensitive adhesive can be applied as a spot or narrow strip to either the cover sheet or the envelope panel, and preferably subsequent to the folding step shown in FIG. 2. The releasable, pressure sensitive adhesive permits the envelope to be detached without da~age ~o itself or the cover sheet.
As will be apparent from the preceding description, an article comprising cover sheets 21 and 22 and a single large envelope can be prepared merely by eliminating the two internal lines of hot melt adhesive on panels 36 and the perforations along centerfold line 11. See, for example, FIG.
9, described in detail below. The preparation of a composite cover sheet and single envelope could be necessitated by postal regulations setting minimum envelope dimensions, especially where the catalog or magazine itself is of a small, or pocket size.
Where the article comprises but a single envelope, it will be necessary for the recipient to completely remove the cover ~heets in order to separate the envelope from the assembly.
As will also be apparent, three or more return envelopes can be prepared as part of the composite sheet by providing an additional pair of hot melt glue lines and intermediate lines of perforations defining lines of separation between ""''1 ' ' ~6~7~6 the respective panels and flaps. In all other respects, the steps for completing the composite article are as previously described.
As will also be apparent to one ~killed 5 in the art from the above disclosure, the relative size and configuration of the envelope, or envelopes, can be varied by changing the relative positions of transverse fold lines 34 and 35. The width can also be modified by die-cutting and bursting along the outside longitudinal edges of panels 36 and 36' to reduce the width of one or both of the envelopes. By die-cutting and trimming one side of the envelope portion 30 to the fold line 11, one envelope can be entirely eliminated.
A further pr~ferred embodiment of the invention incorporates a response device and is shown by way of illustration in FIG. 7. The compo3ite sheet 10 is similar to that shown in FIG.
1, with the e~ception that a response device 60 and 60', defined by first transverse line 12 and transverse parting line 16, is positioned between envelope flap 33 and cover sheet 20. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 7, die-cut sections 40 have been provided to reduce the width of the response devices to that of the envelope pockets formed after the first folding step.
Depending on the particular use for the article, the response device could take the form of a prepaid post card that can be detached from the envelope flap along line 16, which is preferably peovided with slit perforations. It will also be apparent that the methods and steps of glulng, perforating, folding and optionally, trimming and stapling, will in all respects be similar to those described in connection with FIGS. 1 through 5.
~;~64706 The only difference will be that the response device 60 will remain interposed between the envelope portion and the cover sheet portion of the web, and that if separation is accomplished as 5 illustrated in FIG. 4, the edge trimmed will be that between the response device and cover sheet.
The finished article, suitable for assembly to a catalog is illustrated in ~IG. 8, which also has a die-cut window 23 in the cover sheet which corresponds to a personalized field of printing 40 on the response device.
There is shown in FIG. 9 a further preferred embodiment of the invention which is particularly adapted for use with extremely thick or bulky catalogs distributed by large mail order firms. It is a specif ic purpose of this embodiment to provide a wrapper which completely encloses the catalog, and which can be sealed so that the integrity of the catalog is protected during mailing, and also precludes the inspection of the contents without removal of the wrapper. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the composite mailing wrapper comprises a single return envelope, cover sheets and a cover sealing flap 25, joined to the left cover sheet 21 along longitudinal joining line 26. Cover flap 25 can be provided with a strip of pressure sensitive adhesive 28, and preferably is provided with a longitudinal tear line of perforations which i8 positioned parallel to the outer edges of the cover flap and lies inside of the adhesive strip 28. The composite wrapper of FIG. 9 can be prepared in the manner of the embodiments of FIG. 1 and 7, above, starting with a cont~nuous web which is fed to the forms press where, during printing, the line holes are punched 1;~6~7()~;
and any desired die cut configurations can also be provided. Thereafter the printed web is fed through a computer printer for personalization, and then to the folding and bursting equipment for finishing. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, flap 25 is prepared by die-cutting and trimming away the width of the web above the flap.
Preparation of the finished article leading to the use as illustrated in FIG. lO follows the steps described in connection with FIGS. 2 ~hrough 5.
The composite mailing wrapper comprised of envelope 30 detachably connected to cover 20 is wrapped around bulky catalog 60 and sealing flap 25 is folded along joining line 26 and then along tear line 27 to bring the strip of pressure sensitive adhesive 28 into contact with the outside of rear cover 22. This configuration of the finished assembly is illustrated schematically in the end view of FIG. ll. It will be appreciated that where lines 26 and 27 are provided with perforations, opening and removal of the composite wrapper can be accomplished by pullin~ down to remove that portion of the cover sealing flap between the perforated lines. As will be obvious from the prior descriptions, this embodiment can be produced with more than one envelope and can include one or more response devices. The cover sealing flap 25 can also be provided on composite mailing wrappers used on catalogs or magazines of any thickness where it is deemed important to peotect the integrity of the article~ In lieu of the pressure sensitive adhesive 28, the cover flap can be sealed after assembly to the catalog by hot melt or other conventional adhesive means, or by wafer seals, tape r and the like. As shown in FIG. 10 a window ... ~ . ..... . .. .. .... . .. . . .. ... . ..
~L2~i47()~i 23 can be die-cut at a position in one or bo~h of the cover sheets to reveal the title, publisher or oth~r information printed on the catalog cover.
As will be apparent from the above description of the several embodiments, variations in the size, format and configuration of the elements comprising the composite mailing wrapper can readily be effected by changing the positions of the transverse fold and perforation lines, as well as the die cut areas.
The specific embodiments described are intended to be representative and illustrative of the articles and methods of the invention which can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as determined by the following claims:
... .. , . . . ~ .. , .. , . , . ~ .. . .. ~ . .. . . . . . .
. ~ F ' ~'
Pre-printed addre~s labels can be applied to the wrappers, or the recipient's address can be printed directly on the nrapper using any of a variety of conventional addr2ssing machines.
Mail order catalogs are pcovided with an order form and may include a pre-addressed return envelope. ~hese are commonly inserted 1008e in the catalog if a sealed wrapper is employed for mailing. Alternatively, the order form can be stitched, or stapled, usually in the centerfold, to become an integral part of the catalog.
~ 7 0~
While advertisers find it desirable to personalize their solicitations with the name, address, and other per~inent information relating to the recipient, it has not been practical or economical to do so where an address label is appl ied to a publ ication containing the personalized message or solicitation. Problems of mismatching o separate address labels and personalized form letters in the preparation of large volume mailings have made it impractical to use personalized pieces with catalog and magazine mailings.
It is therefore a purpose of this invention to provide a composite wrapper for a catalog~ magazine or the like, which wrapper contains, fields for printed material, such as an order form, and one or more preformed reply envelopes intended for use by the recipient.
It is another object of this invention to provide a wrapper which can be stitched or otherwise a.fixed to the outside of a completed catalog, and which will not render the catalo~
bulky or difficult to read.
It i~ a further object to provide a wrapper which comprises at least two preformed reply envelopes and at least one preprinted response device joined to the envelope.
Another object of the invention is to provide a method for prepaeing a composite wrapper, the elements of which compri8e preprinted front and rear cover sheets joined along a longitudinal centerfold line, at least one preformed reply envelope, and optionally, one or more response devices joined to the envelope flap(s), all of which are for~ed from an integral sheet or web, so that two or more of the elements can be personalized without the pos~ibility of mismatching of per~onal data on the ele~ents.
Summary Of The Invention The present invention relates to 3 co~posite mailing wrapper or cover suitable for use with a ~agazine or catalog comprising the elements of a pair of cover sheet~ joined along a longitudinal fold line and at lea~t one envelope, and, optionally, one or more respon~e devices, all of which are prepared from an integral web.
A portion of the envelope is positioned proximate to the longitudinal fold iine and in contact with the binding of the magazine or catalogue. This configuration will maintain the envelope inside the co~er sheets during transmittal. The longitudinal fold line of the cover coincides with the binding or backbone of the magazine or catalogue.
In a preferred embodiment the cover sheets~ ~nvelopes and respon3e device~ are preprinted with fields of information while in the form of th~ integral sheet or continuous web, and there~fter pa~ed through computer directed prlntlng apparatus for personalization of the various elements.
The tecms ~personalized~ and ~personalization~ will be understood by tho~e familiar with the art ~nd include the printing at predeter~ined positions within the fields of in~ormation 3UC~ as the recipient' 8 name, address, account number and other data that may be collected in demographic studies. These specific printing technique~ are well-known in the art and do not con~titute a par~ of the invention.
470~
The article~ of the present invention and their method~ of preparation permit the pec~onalization of two or more of the element~, i.e., cover sheets, envelope~ and optional re3ponse devices, and theic assembly to a magazine or catalog with the elimination of any substantial risk of mismatching.
This re~ult is achieved by the novel method which includes the pceparation of the cover sheets and envelope~, and optionally, the resEsonse devices, from an integral sheet in a roanner such that the ele~ents in the final coraposite article re~ain detachably connected by 1neans of lines of perforation~ and/or staples or fhe like, throughout the entire manufacturing process, and are so connected when asse~bled to the catalog.
The elimination of mis~atching of the various personalized element~ permits the efficient and reliable production of the articles on high-speed equip~ent, with the concomi~ant savings associated with fewer qu~lity control checks, reassembly of mismatched ele~ents and wacted materials. The use of personalized enclo~ures such as envelo]pe~ and re~ponse devices not only expedites handling by the recipient, but permits the ~endee to incorpoeate data ~uch as an account or order nu~ber in machine read~ble form so that information received in reply can be machine sorted or promptly entered into a co~puter data b~3~.
The ~ethods of the invention can readily be adapted to producing the desired articles in ~
wide variety oi configurations, for~at~ and ~ize~, all of whlch ar~ within the capabilities of commercial presses, computer-directed printer3, and the foldiQg and converting equipment which is available to the ark.
Brief Description~ Of The Drswings In the drawings accompanying and for~ing part of thi-R sp2cifieation wherein like nu~erals are used to cefer to corresponding ele~ent~ in the variou~ figures:
12647~i FIG. 1 is a plan view of an integral sheet, or portion of a continuous web, containing the composite cover sheet and two envelopes.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment 5 of FIG. 1 showing the first folding step as partially completed.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing the second folding step as partially completed.
FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating schematically the trimming operation of the preferred embodiment on the article following completion of the second folding step illustrated in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is also a side view illustrating 15 schematically the stapling, or s~itching, of the envelopes along the cover sheet fold line and completion of the trimming step shown in FIG . 4 .
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the completed composite cover sheet and two envelopes folded along the longitudinal fold line and ready for assembly to a magazine or catalog.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention consisting of an integral sheet, or portion of a continuous web, comprising the composite 25 cover sheet, two envelopes and two response devices.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the completed cover sheet, envelopes and response devices shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of an integral sh~eet, or portion of a continuous web, forming a wrapper particularly adapted to enclosing thick or bulky catalogs and including a return envelope, cover sheets and a sealing flap.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the wrapper 35 of FIG. 9 enclosing a bulky catalog with the sealing flap of the wrapper still open.
70~i -5a-FIG. 11 is an end view of the wrapper and catalog of FIG. 10 illustrating the finished assembly of the wrapper with the sealing flap closed.
Description Of The Preferred Embodiments There is shown in FIG. 1 a composite sheet, or portion of a continuous web of paper, 10, which is bisected by longitudinal fold line 11.
6 ~7 Sheet 10 is divided into cover panel 20 and envelope portion 30 by a first transverse line 12.
Envelope portion 30 contains a pair of adjacent envelope blanks 31 and 32 lying on either side of line 11. Each envelope blank consists of a flap 33, defined by second transverse line 34 and a third transverse line 35 defining front envelope panel 36 and rear envelope panel 37~ Flaps 33 can be coated with remoistenable gum adhesive 38.
Flaps 33 can also be provided with die-cuts 39 at their respestive corners.
In practising the invention in the preferred embodiment where the return envelope and cover sheet portions are to be personalized, the web 10 can be provided with line holes 13 which are positioned in outer longitudinal strips 14. Line holes facilitate indexing of pre-printed sheets and webs during the personalization step where the line holes are engaged by the computer directed printer.
Where sheet 10 comprises a section of a continuous printed web, the line holes facilitate the bursting of the composite forms along intermediate line 15.
Strips 14 are trimmed off during a subsequent finishing ~tep, as described below.
In practising the invention, blank web 10 is fed into a form printer capable of printing an appropriate field on the adjacent cover sheets 21 and 22. Where the article i5 to be used as a mailing wrapper or cover for a mail-order catalog, the printed fields can include a solicitation and an order for~, or simply two order forms. The form printer also prints the return address on the business reply envelope at a position obverse of front panel 36. In this illustrative description which follows it will be assumed that the article of FIGS~ 1 and 2 i~ to be folded so that the cover page shown will be the inside facing pages, and will be assembled to the front and rear pages of the catalog. In this configuration, envelope panels 36 and 37 will likewise be folded to face each other, and remoistenable adhesive 38 will be applied to the upper surface of the web 10 as shown. Die cutting at flap corners 39 and perforations, for example, along lines 11 and 12, can be accomplished on the form printer.
The continuous ~eb exiting the form printer is indexed and fed into the compu~er directed printers for personalization in any desired configuration. For example, the solicitations and order forms on the inside cover sheets 21 and 22 can be personalized in the salutation and an account number can be entered.
In addition, the inside of the flap can be personalized with the name and address of the recipient. In a fur~her preferred embodiment, which will be described in more detail below, the cover sheet 21 is provided with an opening, or window 23, as by die-cutting, which corresponds to a personalized printed field 40 on the envelope flap ~o that when the article is folded in the final assembly the printed field 40 on the flap 33 is visible through the window 23 in the cover sheet.
Following personali~ation, the web 10 is directed to appropriate folding apparatus where hot melt adhesive 41 i8 applied adjacent the outer edges of the pair of front envelope panels 36. The subsequent folding and finishing steps will be described with reference to FIGS. 2-5. A fir~t fold along third transverse line 35, shown partally completed in FIG. 2, brings the rear envelope panel 37 into superposed position over front panel 36 thereby forming the envelope pocket.
~X~47~)6 Simultaneously, the sheet can be perfora~ed along line 11, if perforations have not been previously provided, as on the form printer. The composite forms are also Ubursta, or separated feom the web along transverse cutting lines 15 and l5i, and the line hole strips 14 are removed prior to folding.
Shown partially completed in FIG. 3 is a secor.d fold along line 12, which brings the completed envelopes in~o superposed relation with the cover sheets~ In one embodiment of the invention the envelopes remain detachably joined to the cover sheets along the line of perforations 120 The article is then folded along line 11 and secured to the catalog. The recipient can then remove one envelope from the assembly by tearing first along the line of perforations between the envelopes and then along the perforations at line or edge 12, much in the manner that a check is removed from a page in a con~entional business checkbook. This embodiment has the advantage of leaving the other envelope detachably connected to the reMaining cover sheet.
In a second preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated by FIG. 1, the envelopes are separated from the cover sheets, as by trimming away the material adjacent fold line 12, while the envelope and cover sheets are in a superposed configuration, and essentially simultaneous with said trimming step, detachably connecting the elements as by a staple or stitching. This latter sequence of steps is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, where the edge trimming i8 accomplished for example, by scissor wheels 45, and the 3 separate elements 20 and 30 are essentially simultaneously detachably connected by staple means ~264~
.9_ 50 in cooperation with anvil Sl. The finished article is then ready for folding along line 11 and assembly to the catalog. See FIG. 6.
As an alternativ~ to the stitching, or stapling, of the envelopes to the cover sheet as illustrated in FIG. 5, the envelope can be detachably secured to the cover sheet by means of a releasable, pressure sensitive adhesive. The pressure sensitive adhesive can be applied as a spot or narrow strip to either the cover sheet or the envelope panel, and preferably subsequent to the folding step shown in FIG. 2. The releasable, pressure sensitive adhesive permits the envelope to be detached without da~age ~o itself or the cover sheet.
As will be apparent from the preceding description, an article comprising cover sheets 21 and 22 and a single large envelope can be prepared merely by eliminating the two internal lines of hot melt adhesive on panels 36 and the perforations along centerfold line 11. See, for example, FIG.
9, described in detail below. The preparation of a composite cover sheet and single envelope could be necessitated by postal regulations setting minimum envelope dimensions, especially where the catalog or magazine itself is of a small, or pocket size.
Where the article comprises but a single envelope, it will be necessary for the recipient to completely remove the cover ~heets in order to separate the envelope from the assembly.
As will also be apparent, three or more return envelopes can be prepared as part of the composite sheet by providing an additional pair of hot melt glue lines and intermediate lines of perforations defining lines of separation between ""''1 ' ' ~6~7~6 the respective panels and flaps. In all other respects, the steps for completing the composite article are as previously described.
As will also be apparent to one ~killed 5 in the art from the above disclosure, the relative size and configuration of the envelope, or envelopes, can be varied by changing the relative positions of transverse fold lines 34 and 35. The width can also be modified by die-cutting and bursting along the outside longitudinal edges of panels 36 and 36' to reduce the width of one or both of the envelopes. By die-cutting and trimming one side of the envelope portion 30 to the fold line 11, one envelope can be entirely eliminated.
A further pr~ferred embodiment of the invention incorporates a response device and is shown by way of illustration in FIG. 7. The compo3ite sheet 10 is similar to that shown in FIG.
1, with the e~ception that a response device 60 and 60', defined by first transverse line 12 and transverse parting line 16, is positioned between envelope flap 33 and cover sheet 20. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 7, die-cut sections 40 have been provided to reduce the width of the response devices to that of the envelope pockets formed after the first folding step.
Depending on the particular use for the article, the response device could take the form of a prepaid post card that can be detached from the envelope flap along line 16, which is preferably peovided with slit perforations. It will also be apparent that the methods and steps of glulng, perforating, folding and optionally, trimming and stapling, will in all respects be similar to those described in connection with FIGS. 1 through 5.
~;~64706 The only difference will be that the response device 60 will remain interposed between the envelope portion and the cover sheet portion of the web, and that if separation is accomplished as 5 illustrated in FIG. 4, the edge trimmed will be that between the response device and cover sheet.
The finished article, suitable for assembly to a catalog is illustrated in ~IG. 8, which also has a die-cut window 23 in the cover sheet which corresponds to a personalized field of printing 40 on the response device.
There is shown in FIG. 9 a further preferred embodiment of the invention which is particularly adapted for use with extremely thick or bulky catalogs distributed by large mail order firms. It is a specif ic purpose of this embodiment to provide a wrapper which completely encloses the catalog, and which can be sealed so that the integrity of the catalog is protected during mailing, and also precludes the inspection of the contents without removal of the wrapper. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the composite mailing wrapper comprises a single return envelope, cover sheets and a cover sealing flap 25, joined to the left cover sheet 21 along longitudinal joining line 26. Cover flap 25 can be provided with a strip of pressure sensitive adhesive 28, and preferably is provided with a longitudinal tear line of perforations which i8 positioned parallel to the outer edges of the cover flap and lies inside of the adhesive strip 28. The composite wrapper of FIG. 9 can be prepared in the manner of the embodiments of FIG. 1 and 7, above, starting with a cont~nuous web which is fed to the forms press where, during printing, the line holes are punched 1;~6~7()~;
and any desired die cut configurations can also be provided. Thereafter the printed web is fed through a computer printer for personalization, and then to the folding and bursting equipment for finishing. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, flap 25 is prepared by die-cutting and trimming away the width of the web above the flap.
Preparation of the finished article leading to the use as illustrated in FIG. lO follows the steps described in connection with FIGS. 2 ~hrough 5.
The composite mailing wrapper comprised of envelope 30 detachably connected to cover 20 is wrapped around bulky catalog 60 and sealing flap 25 is folded along joining line 26 and then along tear line 27 to bring the strip of pressure sensitive adhesive 28 into contact with the outside of rear cover 22. This configuration of the finished assembly is illustrated schematically in the end view of FIG. ll. It will be appreciated that where lines 26 and 27 are provided with perforations, opening and removal of the composite wrapper can be accomplished by pullin~ down to remove that portion of the cover sealing flap between the perforated lines. As will be obvious from the prior descriptions, this embodiment can be produced with more than one envelope and can include one or more response devices. The cover sealing flap 25 can also be provided on composite mailing wrappers used on catalogs or magazines of any thickness where it is deemed important to peotect the integrity of the article~ In lieu of the pressure sensitive adhesive 28, the cover flap can be sealed after assembly to the catalog by hot melt or other conventional adhesive means, or by wafer seals, tape r and the like. As shown in FIG. 10 a window ... ~ . ..... . .. .. .... . .. . . .. ... . ..
~L2~i47()~i 23 can be die-cut at a position in one or bo~h of the cover sheets to reveal the title, publisher or oth~r information printed on the catalog cover.
As will be apparent from the above description of the several embodiments, variations in the size, format and configuration of the elements comprising the composite mailing wrapper can readily be effected by changing the positions of the transverse fold and perforation lines, as well as the die cut areas.
The specific embodiments described are intended to be representative and illustrative of the articles and methods of the invention which can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as determined by the following claims:
... .. , . . . ~ .. , .. , . , . ~ .. . .. ~ . .. . . . . . .
. ~ F ' ~'
Claims (33)
1. A composite mailing cover, adapted to be secured to a magazine or catalogue, comprising front and rear cover sheets joined along a longitudinal fold line to be aligned with the binding of the magazine or catalogue, characterized in that at least one reply envelope with an open flap is detachably connected to the inside of the cover sheets, such that an outer edge of the envelope flap lies adjacent an edge of said cover sheets which is perpendicular to said fold line, a portion of the reply envelope being positioned proximate the fold line and in contact with the binding when assembled to the magazine or catalogue to thereby maintain the envelope inside the cover sheets during transmittal, the cover sheets and envelope being prepared from an integral web.
2. A cover according to claim 1, in which the envelope is detachably connected to the cover sheets by means of perforations.
3. A cover according to claim 1, in which the envelope is detachably connected to the cover sheet by stitching means.
4. A cover according to claim 1, in which the envelope is detachably connected to the cover sheet by adhesive means.
5. A cover according to claim 1 wherein detachable connecting means are provided between the front and rear cover sheets along the fold line.
6. A cover according to any of claims 2 to 4 wherein detachable connecting means are provided between the front and rear cover sheets along the fold line.
7. A cover according to claim 5, wherein the front and rear cover sheets are detachably connected by means of perforations along the fold line.
8. A cover according to claim 1, which includes a cover sealing flap attached to the outer edge of one of the cover sheets along a joining line which is parallel to said fold line.
9. A cover according to any of claims 2 to 4, which includes a cover sealing flap attached to the outer edge of one of the cover sheets along a joining line which is parallel to said fold line.
10. A cover according to claim 8, wherein the cover sealing flap is provided with a strip of pressure-sensitive adhesive and the joining line is perforated.
11. A cover according to claim 1, further comprising a response device detachably connected to the envelope flap.
12. A cover according to any of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a response device detachably connected to the envelope flap.
13. A cover according to claim 11, wherein the response device is connected to the envelope flap by means of a line of perforations.
14. A cover according to claim 11 or 13, wherein the width of the response device is less than the width of the envelope.
15. A cover according to claim 1, which comprises two or more adjacent envelopes which are detachably connected to each other.
16. A cover according to any of claims 2 to 4, which comprises two or more adjacent envelopes which are detachably connected to each other.
17. A cover according to claim 15, in which the envelopes are detachably connected to each other by one or more lines of perforations.
18. A cover according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one window is provided in the cover sheet panel in alignment with a printed field on the superposed envelope.
19. A method for producing a cover as claimed in claim 1 from an integral web comprising a cover sheet panel and an envelope sheet, the method comprising the steps of :
(a) folding the envelope sheet along a line defining front and rear envelope panels;
(b) bonding the edges of the front and rear envelope panels to form an envelope pocket;
(c) further folding the web along a line joining the cover sheet panel to the envelope sheet to position the envelope sheet over the cover sheet panel; and (d) folding the cover sheet panel along the fold line to position the envelope sheet between the front and rear cover sheets.
(a) folding the envelope sheet along a line defining front and rear envelope panels;
(b) bonding the edges of the front and rear envelope panels to form an envelope pocket;
(c) further folding the web along a line joining the cover sheet panel to the envelope sheet to position the envelope sheet over the cover sheet panel; and (d) folding the cover sheet panel along the fold line to position the envelope sheet between the front and rear cover sheets.
20. A method according to claim 19, wherein after step (c) the envelope is separated from the cover sheet panel along the joining line and, substantially simultaneously therewith, is detachably reconnected to the cover sheet panel.
21. A method according to claim 19, wherein the envelope and cover sheet are detachably reconnected by stitching means.
22. A method according to claim 19, wherein the envelope and cover sheet are detachably reconnected by adhesive means.
23. A method according to claims 20, 21 or 22, wherein the envelope and cover sheet panel are separated by edge trimming along the transverse line.
24. A method according to claims 20, 21 or 22, wherein the envelope and cover sheet panel are separated by slitting along the joining line.
25. A method according to claim 19 wherein the web includes a response device panel for forming a response device joined to the cover sheet panel along the joining line, the envelope sheet being joined to the response device panel along a parting line whereby step (c) positions the envelope and the response device panel over the cover sheet panel and step (d) positions the envelope and the response device panel within the front and rear cover sheets.
26. A method according to any of claims 20, 21 or 22, wherein the web includes a response devide panel for forming a response device joined to the cover sheet panel along the joining line, the envelope sheet being joined to the response device panel along a parting line whereby step (c) positions the envelope and the response device panel over the cover sheet panel and step (d) positions the envelope and the response device panel within the front and rear cover sheets.
27. A method accoridng to claim 25, wherein after step (c) the response device is separated from the cover sheet panel along the transverse line and, substantially simultaneously therewith, the response device and envelope are detachably reconnected to the cover sheet panel.
28. A method according to claim 27, wherein the response device and the cover sheet panel are separated by edge trimming along the first transverse line.
29. A method according to claim 27, wherein the response device and the cover sheet panel are separated by slitting along the first transverse line.
30. A method according to claims 28 or 29, wherein the response device and envelope are detachably reconnected to the cover sheet panel by stitching means.
31. A method according to claims 28 or 29 wherein the response device and envelope are detachably reconnected to the cover sheet panel by adhesive means.
32. As an article of manufacture, a composite mailing cover, adapted to be secured to a magazine or catalogue, comprising front and rear cover sheets joined along a longitudinal fold line, said longitudinal fold line being aligned with the binding of the magazine or catalogue, and at least one preformed reply envelope with open flap, on outer edge of said envelope flap being parallel to and adjacent a transverse edge of said cover sheets, the envelope lying inside of and detachably connected to at least one of the cover sheets, a portion of the reply envelope positioned proximate the longitudinal fold line and in contact with the binding of the magazine or catalogue to thereby maintain said envelope inside the cover sheets during transmittal, and wherein said composite wrapper is prepared from an integral web.
33. A cover attached to a magazine or catalogue, comprising front and rear cover sheets joined along a fold line aligned with the binding of the magazine or catalogue, characterized in that at least one reply envelope with an open flap is detachably connected to the inside of the cover sheets, such that an outer edge of the envelope flap lies adjacent an edge of said cover sheets which is perpendicular to said fold line, a portion of the reply envelope being positioned proximate the fold line and in contact with the binding to thereby maintain the envelope inside the cover sheets during transmittal, the cover sheets and envelope being capable of being prepared from an integral web.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000455464A CA1264706A (en) | 1983-06-10 | 1984-05-30 | Mailing cover with reply envelope and response device from integral web |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US50234583A | 1983-06-10 | 1983-06-10 | |
| US502,345 | 1983-06-10 | ||
| CA000455464A CA1264706A (en) | 1983-06-10 | 1984-05-30 | Mailing cover with reply envelope and response device from integral web |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1264706C CA1264706C (en) | 1990-01-23 |
| CA1264706A true CA1264706A (en) | 1990-01-23 |
Family
ID=23997395
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000455464A Expired CA1264706A (en) | 1983-06-10 | 1984-05-30 | Mailing cover with reply envelope and response device from integral web |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0128738B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1264706A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3471077D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4927072A (en) * | 1986-09-25 | 1990-05-22 | Moore Business Forms, Inc. | Mailer |
| IE872367L (en) * | 1986-09-25 | 1988-03-25 | Union Switch & Signal Inc | Envelope |
| GB2201919A (en) * | 1987-02-07 | 1988-09-14 | David Barke | Computer stationery |
| US5238183A (en) * | 1992-10-14 | 1993-08-24 | Moore Business Forms, Inc. | Bifold mailer with return envelope |
| US6814513B2 (en) * | 2002-02-05 | 2004-11-09 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Parcel with printed sheet wrapper, method of generating a printed sheet wrapper and computer readable medium |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2340700A (en) * | 1941-05-29 | 1944-02-01 | Victor J Sawdon | Multiform envelope |
| US3167243A (en) * | 1963-03-19 | 1965-01-26 | Kimberly Clark Co | Return envelope |
| US3525469A (en) * | 1968-10-17 | 1970-08-25 | Kimberly Clark Co | Multiform envelopes |
-
1984
- 1984-05-30 CA CA000455464A patent/CA1264706A/en not_active Expired
- 1984-06-05 DE DE8484303799T patent/DE3471077D1/en not_active Expired
- 1984-06-05 EP EP84303799A patent/EP0128738B1/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0128738A2 (en) | 1984-12-19 |
| EP0128738B1 (en) | 1988-05-11 |
| EP0128738A3 (en) | 1985-12-04 |
| DE3471077D1 (en) | 1988-06-16 |
| CA1264706C (en) | 1990-01-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20030123 |