CA1325621C - Envelope for table top printer - Google Patents
Envelope for table top printerInfo
- Publication number
- CA1325621C CA1325621C CA000600367A CA600367A CA1325621C CA 1325621 C CA1325621 C CA 1325621C CA 000600367 A CA000600367 A CA 000600367A CA 600367 A CA600367 A CA 600367A CA 1325621 C CA1325621 C CA 1325621C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- envelope
- webs
- sheets
- adhesive
- panel
- 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 - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
- B42D15/00—Printed matter of special format or style not otherwise provided for
- B42D15/02—Postcards; Greeting, menu, business or like cards; Letter cards or letter-sheets
- B42D15/04—Foldable or multi-part cards or sheets
- B42D15/08—Letter-cards or letter-sheets, i.e. cards or sheets each of which is to be folded with the message inside and to serve as its own envelope for mailing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42C—BOOKBINDING
- B42C3/00—Making booklets, pads, or form sets from multiple webs
Landscapes
- Making Paper Articles (AREA)
- Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Method and apparatus are provided for forming an envelope wherein front and rear panels of an envelope are incorporated in continuous or discrete webs or sheets. Heat activatable adhesive is applied to three peripheral edge portions of one of the envelope panels in facing engagement with the other of the panels. The webs or sheets are fixed together and fed into a printing machine such as a table or desk top laser printer wherein the heat fusing rolls of the printer are utilized to activate the heat activatable adhesive to thereby secure the envelope panels together to form an envelope pocket. One of the envelope panels incorporates a sealing flap portion which may be provided with a rewettable adhesive pattern, while the facing portion of the opposed sheet may be provided with an antistick composition to prevent premature sticking between the sheets in the area of the sealing flap.
Method and apparatus are provided for forming an envelope wherein front and rear panels of an envelope are incorporated in continuous or discrete webs or sheets. Heat activatable adhesive is applied to three peripheral edge portions of one of the envelope panels in facing engagement with the other of the panels. The webs or sheets are fixed together and fed into a printing machine such as a table or desk top laser printer wherein the heat fusing rolls of the printer are utilized to activate the heat activatable adhesive to thereby secure the envelope panels together to form an envelope pocket. One of the envelope panels incorporates a sealing flap portion which may be provided with a rewettable adhesive pattern, while the facing portion of the opposed sheet may be provided with an antistick composition to prevent premature sticking between the sheets in the area of the sealing flap.
Description
1 3 2 ~ 6 2 ~ 63423-290 `.
ENVELOPE FOR TABLE TOP LASER PRINTER
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE_INVENTION
This invention relates to envelope constructions and, :'~ particularly, to envelope constructions for use with .:.j conventional table or desk top laser prinkers.
.. , Presently, it is difficult for standard business ~` ;! envelopes to be fed into a table or desk top laser printer ; without the addition of a specially constructed envelope feed . device. In addition~ and even with this feed device, standard .., 10 solid-pasted envelopes will pucker and/or wrinkle when processed : through a laser printer as a result of the heat and pressure .~ applied during the printing process.
~ The present invention solves these problems in a ,. .~
unique way by utilizing the heat fusing rolls of the laser .~ printer, whicha~.e employed to fix the toner on the printed substrate, to activate a heat sealable or heat activatable : adhesive provided about three peripheral borders of at least .,,1 : one of the envelope forming panels to seal the front and rear : panels of the envelope along the borders to thereby form a ~: 20 conventional envelope pocket.
More specifically, in the present invention, a pair , :~
.~ of sheets or webs (in discrete or continuous form) are super-imposed and adhesively secured along a single leading edge ~,~ thereof. The leading edge in this context refers to a forward edge relative to the direction of feeding. The upper and lower sheets or webs incorporate front and rear envelope panels with ~: the front paneL in direct overlying and . j ~.
~1 .
:,,, ~ .
.~, .
. ~ , , ., .
. . . ... .
.. ~ , 2 13~621 , vertically aligned relationship with the rear , panel. It is also a feature of the invention tha-t the envelope panels have at least two edges which coincide with corresponding edges of the web or 1 5 sheet to minimize subse~uent trimming to finished I form.
, The front panel of the envelope includes a foldable sealing panel portion which is provided on its rearward face with an adhesive, and preferably j 10 with a rewettable adhesive. Thus, in use, the `s sealing panel may be fold0d over the rear envelope panel and sealed in a conventional manner via application of moisture to the rewettable adhesive.
~' The rear sheet or web is provided on its front faca with an antistick composition, and preferably a moisture barrier composition, directly underlying the rewettable adhesive on the superimposed foldable sealing panel to prevent accidental and unintended sticking of the sealing panel portion to the i 20 underlying sheet or web during production of the envelope.
At the same time, the envelope border portions, ~ with the exception of the border defined by the : ~oldable sealing flap portion, are provided with a heat activatable adhesive, applied in any conventional manner. The adhesive is preferably applied only to the front face of the rear panel, but may be applied additionally or alternatively to the rear face of the front panel.
1 30 To print and finalize the formation of the ef envelope construction, the superimposed webs or sheets are fed into a printing machine, such as a , toner based table or desk top laser printer, with .,., ~
.
,, `1 .
~:
, 3 132~21 63423-290 :;~
~ the sheets or webs adhered only along the forward leading edge '~1 extending across the sheets or webs, i.e., transverse to the ,, direction of feeding.
After the envelope (typically only the front panel) , has been printed with return address information and the like, the webs or sheets are passed between a pair of heat fusing rollers which not only fix the toner~ but also activate the ., adhesive about the three peripheral borders of one of the i envelope panels, so as to securely fasten one panel to the -~ 10 other and thereby form the envelope, including a pocket portion sealed on three sides and open on one side.
~, Subsequently, the individual envelopes are separated '~;!; from the webs manually, or alternativel~, webs or sheets may 'j be fed into a trimming machine for removal of all or part of :1 the web or sheet material lying outside the bounds of the I envelope panels. The web portions which do not form part of ;I the envelope per se, may also be printed and used as a voucher, I' invoice, or the like to be inserted in the envelope and mailed .. j , `'"J~ to a customer, client, etc.
In one exemplary embodiment, a standard size 10 business envelope may be oriented lengthwise of standard 8~"
wide webs or sheets in such a way as to minimiz~ the amount of ~' paper required to be trimmed. In another exemplar~ embodiment, ;1~ the envelope is oriented cross-wise to the longitudinally extending webs or sheets to form a smaller envelope in a manner that also minimi~es trimming.
In either case, the webs or sheets may be in continu-ous or discrete form. If continucus, `I
.' .
~ ` ~
`', 4 ~32~21 . . .
.,.~
transverse lines of perforations extending across the webs or sheets may be employed to facilitate separation of the individual envelopes and, if appropriate, associated voucher, invoice, or the 5 like. The separation may occur before or a~ter, but preferably after the printing operation.
Accordingly, in its broader aspects, the invention relates to an envelope blank assembly which, in one exemplary embodiment, comprises a 10 first sheet incorporating a front panel portion and foldable sealing flap portion of an envelope, 3 superimposed and fixed to a second sheet incorporating a rear panel portion, wherein at least ~` one of the first and second sheets has a heat 15 activatable adhesive extending along three peripheral edges of one of the envelope panels, and engaging the other of the envelope panels. The foldable sealing flap portion of the envelope has a rewettable adhe~ive applied to its rearward face, 20 while a corresponding portion o the second s~eet lying directly beneath the foldable sealing flap portion has an antistick composition applied thereto.
- The present invention also relates to a process ~! 25 of ~orming and printing an envelope comprising, broadly, the steps of (1) superimposing a pair of ., .
paper sheets, each of which incorporates an envelope panel portion, wherein one or more of the panel portions are provided with a heat activatable adhesive in prsdetermined bordsr areas; and (2) passing the sheets through a printing device including heating means s~lch that the heat activatable adhesive on the one or more panel ' ,1 .
. . ~.
~1 .
,1 ~" 1 3 2 ~ ~21 63423-290 portions is activated by the heating means during printing to secure the envelope panel portions together.
:
. From the above, it will be appreciated that the present invention solves particular problems with respect to the ability and/or ease with which standard business envelope ~' constructions can be printed by conventional toner-based table or desk top laser printers. The invention is particularly ~i advantageous in that it reduces the number of steps re~uired to form and print the envelope, and in that it enables ``1 10 envelopes to be printed in standard table or desk top laser ~ printers without requiring specially designed feed devices ., heretofore required in the prior art to align and properly feed conventional envelopes.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will ~, become apparent from the detailed description which follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
;, ~ Figure 1 illus~rates a front envelope panel ,"~
, incorporated wlthin a sheet or web in accordance with one q exemplary embodiment of the invention;
~!~' 20 Figure 2 illustrates a rear envelope panel ~-i, incorporated within a sheet or web for use with the sheet or web shown in Figure l;
!, Figure 3 illustrates a front envelope panel incorporated within a sheet or web in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention;
, .
;', .
'1 :--~ 6 ~32~21 ,;.
,., 'i FIGURE 4 illustrates a rear envelope panel -~ incorporated within a sheet or web for use with the sheet or web shown in FIGURE 3; and ,.~
.`i 5 FIGURE 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an envelope printing and sealing process in accordance with the invention.
:~
,~ DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF T~E DRAWINGS
.'.~ 10 ;~ Referring to FIGURE 1, an upper sheet or web 10 of an envelope blank construction is shown, and ~; includes a forward edge 12, a pair of side edges 14, `~ 16 and a rearward edge 18.
`.j 15 In FIGURE 2, there is shown a lower sheet or web 20 of an envelope blank assembly, and including a forward edge 22, a pair of side edges 2~, 26 and a rearward edge 28.
Sheets 10 and 20 are held together in .,JI 20 superimposed relationship by a lines of adhesive 30 ::1 J extending along the forward edge 12 of the rearward face of the upper sheet 10 and along the aligned 1 forward edge 22 of the front face of the lower sheet ;~ 20. It will be appreciated, of course, that the 25 adhesive 30 may be applied, alternatively, to only one of the upper and lower sheets. Adhesive 30 may be o any conventional type including, but not l limited to, the pressure sensitive type. In either .~ case, superimposed lines of perforations 32, 42, 30 formed in sheets 10, 20, respectively, extend adjacent and inwardly of the adhesive 30. The lines of perforations 32, 42 permit separation of the 1 adhesively secured forward peripheral edge portions `,: ' `11 . ~
.j ~,!
. --~ 7 `` ~32~21 ,, jl! of the upper and lower sheets upon completion of the -~ printing/forming oparation as will be described in greater detail below. As indicated above, in the event sheets 10 and 20 are in continuous form, a similar line of perforations ~not shown) would ,~ extend along or adjacent the rearward edges 18, 28 , to facilitate separation of the individual envelopes ;j from the continuous sheets or webs.
~, The sheet 10 is also provided with a il 10 perforation line 34 extending between forward edye 12 and rearward edge 18 which serves as a line about which an envelope sealing flap, described below, may be folded in a conventional manner. The sheet 10 -~! also includes a trim line 36 extending substantially parallel and spaced from the line of perforations 34. It will thus be appreciated that the sheet 10 incorporates a ~ront panel 38 of an envelope defined ~-,; by web edges 16 and 18, perforation line 32 and trim line 36. This front panel further includes a I 20 sealing flap portion 40, defined by lines 34 and 36, and foldable about the line of perforations 34.
Referriny again to FIGURE 2, the underlying or lower sheet 20 incorporates a rear panel 48 of an e~velope, defined by edges 26, 28, a transverse , 25 per~oration line 42 which underlies perforation line 32, and a trim line 44 which underlies the line of ' perforations 34 in the upper sheet 10.
,! Thus, it may be seen that trim lines 36 and 44 are offset by the width W of the sealing flap portion 40, so that flap 40 may be folded about line ;~ 34 and over the tri~ line 44 (ultimately the upper free edge) of the rear panel 48 in a conventional manner.
.
.
1............... . . . .
132~f~21 Trim lines 36 and 44 are preferably in the form of elongated perforations or slits to facilitate manual removal of the excess web portions which do J not form part of the finished envelope.
It will be understood, of course, that other i~ trimming methods may be employed, incorporating, for -, example, an automatic trimming machine.
`~ With reference again to FIGURE 1, it may be seen that the foldable sealing flap portion 40 is provided on its rearward face, i.e., the ~ace that ,~l ultimately engages the rearward face of the rear panel 48 in the folded-over position, with an `i adhesive pattern 50, extending over substantially the entire flap portion. Adhesive 50 may be of a ~ 15 conventional rewettable type typically employed in ;~i envelope construction. One ~uitable adhesive af this type is a compounded synthetic resin emulsion produced ~ the Craig Adhesives Company and sold under the name Craigbond 3078S. Other suitable 0 rewettable, or pressure sensitive adhesives may also I be used.
j With specific reference now to FIGURE 2, it may be seen that the rearward face of flap portion 40, there is provided on the front face of lower sheet 20, a strip or pattern 52 of an antistick composition applied to prevent accidental and ~:
unintended sticking of the foldable sealing flap portion 40 to the lower sheet 20 during the printing and heat sealing processes.
The antistick composition is preferably of the moisture barrier type, and most preferably a vegetable based ink, such as that manufactured by ~f Colorcon, Inc. and sold under the name NoTox~. This I
.~ ' ~ .
132~62~
., is a non-toxic and contaminant free ink which may be ordered in several colors such as yel~ow, magenta, blue or black. This latter feature is advantageous inasmuch as certain color inks may be more desirable for use with variously colored envelope assemblies.
Of course, it will be understood by tho~e skilled in the art that other vegetable based inks with good ~, moisture barrier characteristics may also be employed. In addition, if the adhesive pattern 50 comprises a pressure s~nsitive adhesive, the i antistick composition may comprise a conventional .~ release liner or coating.
' The pattern 52 may extend from an upper edge 46 i~ (substantially underlying trim line 36) to a line adjacent trim line 44, thus extending slightly above ~`~ and below the adhesive pattern S0 to insure that sealing flap is not caused to adhere to any portion of sheet 20 during the entire envelope forming and ? printing production process.
The front face of lower sheet 20 is also provided with strips 54, 56 and 58 of heat activatable adhesive extending along edges 26, 28 and perforation line 42, within the confines of the -rear panel 48 of the envelope construction. It will be appreciated that when panels 38 and 48 are heat sealed along adhesive lines 54, 56 and 58 during the printing operation, an open-ended envelope pocket will be formed which can be closed by sealing flap j 40 in a conventional manner. While the strips 54, 56 and 58 are shown applied to the front face of the rear panel 48, they may al50 be applied to the rearward face of front panel 38.
The heat activatable adhe-ive may be a waxy hot o ~32~21 . ~
:`, melt adhesive particularly designed for preapplied ` heat seal applications, such as that described herein. One exemplary adhesive is sold by the H.B.
J, Fuller Company as product No. HM-4199. Other heat activatable adhesives may also be used.
, Turning to FIGURE 5, a schematic diagram is presented which illu~trates the sequence of events ~i in a process according to an exemplary embodiment of ' the invention. Thus, sheet feeder 70 ~eeds a pair 7' 10 of superimposed sheets 10, 20 preferably in , continuous web form and secured together only along the adhesive line 30 adjacent the leadinq edge 12 of each envelope construction, to a printer 72. In this regard, reference is made again to FIGURE 1 ;i, 15 showing the preferred feeding direction indicated by ~i arrow 60 and noting that the adhesive line 30 extends transverse to the direction of feeding.
~31 While the printer 72 schematically shown in ~ -FIGURE 5 may be a conventional impact printer, the 20 blank envelope assembly of this invention has been ~ specifically desiyned for use with heat fusing toner `l~ based table or desk top printers, e.g., laser printers.
- As the envelope blanks are fed through the 25 printer, a business logo and/or address are printed, 1 usually in the upper left hand portion of the front panel of each envelope (such as area 74 in FIGURE
~,! 1). The continuous web then passes through heat `I fusing rolls, schematically indicated at 76, 7~, ~ 30 which fix the toner and activate the heat sealable 3 adhesive strips 54, 56, 58 in the border areas of each envelope to seal the front and rear panels so as to form an envelope pocket therebetween.
. - - - . . - ~
11 t 3 2 5 62 1 63423-290 Therea~ter, individual envelopes may be separated manually from the web by tearing along the perforation lines 32,42 and trim lines 36 and 44. If in continuous form, an " additional tear must be made along edges 18, 28. Alternatively, the web may be fed to a trimmer 80 which removes at least the ~..
- leading edge portion ~between lines 32, 42 and edges 12, 22) of each envelope construction. Further trimming along lines ,7 36, 44 may be done here, or the separated but only partially ., .
` trimmed envelopes may be shipped to the customer for final trimming. As indicated earlier/ one (or both) of the web portions which do not form part of the envelope per se, such :i;
~, as shown at 82 and 84 in Figures 1 and 2, respectively, may be :`
;~ utilized as vouchers, invoices, or other inserts for use with -i th e envelopes.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the envelope shown in Figures 1 and 2 represents a standard business envelope, formed within standard 8~" by ll"
paper sheets, or sections of continuous sheets.
With reference now to Figures 3 and 4, a second ,;
embodiment of the invention is illustrated wherein a smaller envelope construction is formed within similar sized sheets ; or webs.
i' The envelope construction illustrated in Figures 3 `~ and 4 is identical in every respect with that illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 with the exception of size of the envelope and ~`! its orientation relative to the feeding direction of the webs I or sheets. In ~his regard, reference numerals in Figures 3 ; and 4 are identical to those used in Figures l and 2, with ~ the addition of a prefatory ;
, ,. . . . .. .
12 132~2~
. ~ .
r~ Because of the identical construction, the ~;l embodiment shown in FIGURES 3 and 4 need not be . described in detail. It is sufficient to indicate ~, that the envelope has been reoriented relative to the webs or sheets 110, 120 so that the length -;l, dimension of the envelope extends transverse ta the direction of feedin~ indicated by arrow 160, rather ~ than parallel to the direction of feeding as in the t^;-; case of the embodiment shown in FIGURES 1 and 2.
In both embodiments, the envelope orientation is such as to maximize the use of existing edges of the webs or sheets and thereby minimize the amount of final trimming required.
' While only two envelope sizes and orientations 15 have been described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that other ~1 co~ventional, or cu~tomized envelopes may be formed in accordance with the invention.
~l It will therefore be appreciated that the 20 present inven~ion provides a unique solution to the problem of producing standard or other size envelopes that can be printed in heat fused toner based table or desk top laser printers without the addition of a special envelope feed device, and 25 further provides manufacturing economies by reducing the number of both process steps and pieces of J ~ equipment required to form finished envelopes.
While the invention has been described in ~-connection with what is presently considered to be 30 the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is ntended to cover various modifi~ations ~j .
'I
j t ~:~, 13 - ~32~2~
".!
.3 and e~uivalent arrangements included within the :~ spirit and scope of the appended claims. "
i, .
;~3 -1 ~
' .'3`~ , ~1, j: ~
:
,~ , :
: ,. : ' . ~
: :
:
' :
: ~ : , 'i ,:S
''~
~ ,
ENVELOPE FOR TABLE TOP LASER PRINTER
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE_INVENTION
This invention relates to envelope constructions and, :'~ particularly, to envelope constructions for use with .:.j conventional table or desk top laser prinkers.
.. , Presently, it is difficult for standard business ~` ;! envelopes to be fed into a table or desk top laser printer ; without the addition of a specially constructed envelope feed . device. In addition~ and even with this feed device, standard .., 10 solid-pasted envelopes will pucker and/or wrinkle when processed : through a laser printer as a result of the heat and pressure .~ applied during the printing process.
~ The present invention solves these problems in a ,. .~
unique way by utilizing the heat fusing rolls of the laser .~ printer, whicha~.e employed to fix the toner on the printed substrate, to activate a heat sealable or heat activatable : adhesive provided about three peripheral borders of at least .,,1 : one of the envelope forming panels to seal the front and rear : panels of the envelope along the borders to thereby form a ~: 20 conventional envelope pocket.
More specifically, in the present invention, a pair , :~
.~ of sheets or webs (in discrete or continuous form) are super-imposed and adhesively secured along a single leading edge ~,~ thereof. The leading edge in this context refers to a forward edge relative to the direction of feeding. The upper and lower sheets or webs incorporate front and rear envelope panels with ~: the front paneL in direct overlying and . j ~.
~1 .
:,,, ~ .
.~, .
. ~ , , ., .
. . . ... .
.. ~ , 2 13~621 , vertically aligned relationship with the rear , panel. It is also a feature of the invention tha-t the envelope panels have at least two edges which coincide with corresponding edges of the web or 1 5 sheet to minimize subse~uent trimming to finished I form.
, The front panel of the envelope includes a foldable sealing panel portion which is provided on its rearward face with an adhesive, and preferably j 10 with a rewettable adhesive. Thus, in use, the `s sealing panel may be fold0d over the rear envelope panel and sealed in a conventional manner via application of moisture to the rewettable adhesive.
~' The rear sheet or web is provided on its front faca with an antistick composition, and preferably a moisture barrier composition, directly underlying the rewettable adhesive on the superimposed foldable sealing panel to prevent accidental and unintended sticking of the sealing panel portion to the i 20 underlying sheet or web during production of the envelope.
At the same time, the envelope border portions, ~ with the exception of the border defined by the : ~oldable sealing flap portion, are provided with a heat activatable adhesive, applied in any conventional manner. The adhesive is preferably applied only to the front face of the rear panel, but may be applied additionally or alternatively to the rear face of the front panel.
1 30 To print and finalize the formation of the ef envelope construction, the superimposed webs or sheets are fed into a printing machine, such as a , toner based table or desk top laser printer, with .,., ~
.
,, `1 .
~:
, 3 132~21 63423-290 :;~
~ the sheets or webs adhered only along the forward leading edge '~1 extending across the sheets or webs, i.e., transverse to the ,, direction of feeding.
After the envelope (typically only the front panel) , has been printed with return address information and the like, the webs or sheets are passed between a pair of heat fusing rollers which not only fix the toner~ but also activate the ., adhesive about the three peripheral borders of one of the i envelope panels, so as to securely fasten one panel to the -~ 10 other and thereby form the envelope, including a pocket portion sealed on three sides and open on one side.
~, Subsequently, the individual envelopes are separated '~;!; from the webs manually, or alternativel~, webs or sheets may 'j be fed into a trimming machine for removal of all or part of :1 the web or sheet material lying outside the bounds of the I envelope panels. The web portions which do not form part of ;I the envelope per se, may also be printed and used as a voucher, I' invoice, or the like to be inserted in the envelope and mailed .. j , `'"J~ to a customer, client, etc.
In one exemplary embodiment, a standard size 10 business envelope may be oriented lengthwise of standard 8~"
wide webs or sheets in such a way as to minimiz~ the amount of ~' paper required to be trimmed. In another exemplar~ embodiment, ;1~ the envelope is oriented cross-wise to the longitudinally extending webs or sheets to form a smaller envelope in a manner that also minimi~es trimming.
In either case, the webs or sheets may be in continu-ous or discrete form. If continucus, `I
.' .
~ ` ~
`', 4 ~32~21 . . .
.,.~
transverse lines of perforations extending across the webs or sheets may be employed to facilitate separation of the individual envelopes and, if appropriate, associated voucher, invoice, or the 5 like. The separation may occur before or a~ter, but preferably after the printing operation.
Accordingly, in its broader aspects, the invention relates to an envelope blank assembly which, in one exemplary embodiment, comprises a 10 first sheet incorporating a front panel portion and foldable sealing flap portion of an envelope, 3 superimposed and fixed to a second sheet incorporating a rear panel portion, wherein at least ~` one of the first and second sheets has a heat 15 activatable adhesive extending along three peripheral edges of one of the envelope panels, and engaging the other of the envelope panels. The foldable sealing flap portion of the envelope has a rewettable adhe~ive applied to its rearward face, 20 while a corresponding portion o the second s~eet lying directly beneath the foldable sealing flap portion has an antistick composition applied thereto.
- The present invention also relates to a process ~! 25 of ~orming and printing an envelope comprising, broadly, the steps of (1) superimposing a pair of ., .
paper sheets, each of which incorporates an envelope panel portion, wherein one or more of the panel portions are provided with a heat activatable adhesive in prsdetermined bordsr areas; and (2) passing the sheets through a printing device including heating means s~lch that the heat activatable adhesive on the one or more panel ' ,1 .
. . ~.
~1 .
,1 ~" 1 3 2 ~ ~21 63423-290 portions is activated by the heating means during printing to secure the envelope panel portions together.
:
. From the above, it will be appreciated that the present invention solves particular problems with respect to the ability and/or ease with which standard business envelope ~' constructions can be printed by conventional toner-based table or desk top laser printers. The invention is particularly ~i advantageous in that it reduces the number of steps re~uired to form and print the envelope, and in that it enables ``1 10 envelopes to be printed in standard table or desk top laser ~ printers without requiring specially designed feed devices ., heretofore required in the prior art to align and properly feed conventional envelopes.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will ~, become apparent from the detailed description which follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
;, ~ Figure 1 illus~rates a front envelope panel ,"~
, incorporated wlthin a sheet or web in accordance with one q exemplary embodiment of the invention;
~!~' 20 Figure 2 illustrates a rear envelope panel ~-i, incorporated within a sheet or web for use with the sheet or web shown in Figure l;
!, Figure 3 illustrates a front envelope panel incorporated within a sheet or web in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention;
, .
;', .
'1 :--~ 6 ~32~21 ,;.
,., 'i FIGURE 4 illustrates a rear envelope panel -~ incorporated within a sheet or web for use with the sheet or web shown in FIGURE 3; and ,.~
.`i 5 FIGURE 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an envelope printing and sealing process in accordance with the invention.
:~
,~ DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF T~E DRAWINGS
.'.~ 10 ;~ Referring to FIGURE 1, an upper sheet or web 10 of an envelope blank construction is shown, and ~; includes a forward edge 12, a pair of side edges 14, `~ 16 and a rearward edge 18.
`.j 15 In FIGURE 2, there is shown a lower sheet or web 20 of an envelope blank assembly, and including a forward edge 22, a pair of side edges 2~, 26 and a rearward edge 28.
Sheets 10 and 20 are held together in .,JI 20 superimposed relationship by a lines of adhesive 30 ::1 J extending along the forward edge 12 of the rearward face of the upper sheet 10 and along the aligned 1 forward edge 22 of the front face of the lower sheet ;~ 20. It will be appreciated, of course, that the 25 adhesive 30 may be applied, alternatively, to only one of the upper and lower sheets. Adhesive 30 may be o any conventional type including, but not l limited to, the pressure sensitive type. In either .~ case, superimposed lines of perforations 32, 42, 30 formed in sheets 10, 20, respectively, extend adjacent and inwardly of the adhesive 30. The lines of perforations 32, 42 permit separation of the 1 adhesively secured forward peripheral edge portions `,: ' `11 . ~
.j ~,!
. --~ 7 `` ~32~21 ,, jl! of the upper and lower sheets upon completion of the -~ printing/forming oparation as will be described in greater detail below. As indicated above, in the event sheets 10 and 20 are in continuous form, a similar line of perforations ~not shown) would ,~ extend along or adjacent the rearward edges 18, 28 , to facilitate separation of the individual envelopes ;j from the continuous sheets or webs.
~, The sheet 10 is also provided with a il 10 perforation line 34 extending between forward edye 12 and rearward edge 18 which serves as a line about which an envelope sealing flap, described below, may be folded in a conventional manner. The sheet 10 -~! also includes a trim line 36 extending substantially parallel and spaced from the line of perforations 34. It will thus be appreciated that the sheet 10 incorporates a ~ront panel 38 of an envelope defined ~-,; by web edges 16 and 18, perforation line 32 and trim line 36. This front panel further includes a I 20 sealing flap portion 40, defined by lines 34 and 36, and foldable about the line of perforations 34.
Referriny again to FIGURE 2, the underlying or lower sheet 20 incorporates a rear panel 48 of an e~velope, defined by edges 26, 28, a transverse , 25 per~oration line 42 which underlies perforation line 32, and a trim line 44 which underlies the line of ' perforations 34 in the upper sheet 10.
,! Thus, it may be seen that trim lines 36 and 44 are offset by the width W of the sealing flap portion 40, so that flap 40 may be folded about line ;~ 34 and over the tri~ line 44 (ultimately the upper free edge) of the rear panel 48 in a conventional manner.
.
.
1............... . . . .
132~f~21 Trim lines 36 and 44 are preferably in the form of elongated perforations or slits to facilitate manual removal of the excess web portions which do J not form part of the finished envelope.
It will be understood, of course, that other i~ trimming methods may be employed, incorporating, for -, example, an automatic trimming machine.
`~ With reference again to FIGURE 1, it may be seen that the foldable sealing flap portion 40 is provided on its rearward face, i.e., the ~ace that ,~l ultimately engages the rearward face of the rear panel 48 in the folded-over position, with an `i adhesive pattern 50, extending over substantially the entire flap portion. Adhesive 50 may be of a ~ 15 conventional rewettable type typically employed in ;~i envelope construction. One ~uitable adhesive af this type is a compounded synthetic resin emulsion produced ~ the Craig Adhesives Company and sold under the name Craigbond 3078S. Other suitable 0 rewettable, or pressure sensitive adhesives may also I be used.
j With specific reference now to FIGURE 2, it may be seen that the rearward face of flap portion 40, there is provided on the front face of lower sheet 20, a strip or pattern 52 of an antistick composition applied to prevent accidental and ~:
unintended sticking of the foldable sealing flap portion 40 to the lower sheet 20 during the printing and heat sealing processes.
The antistick composition is preferably of the moisture barrier type, and most preferably a vegetable based ink, such as that manufactured by ~f Colorcon, Inc. and sold under the name NoTox~. This I
.~ ' ~ .
132~62~
., is a non-toxic and contaminant free ink which may be ordered in several colors such as yel~ow, magenta, blue or black. This latter feature is advantageous inasmuch as certain color inks may be more desirable for use with variously colored envelope assemblies.
Of course, it will be understood by tho~e skilled in the art that other vegetable based inks with good ~, moisture barrier characteristics may also be employed. In addition, if the adhesive pattern 50 comprises a pressure s~nsitive adhesive, the i antistick composition may comprise a conventional .~ release liner or coating.
' The pattern 52 may extend from an upper edge 46 i~ (substantially underlying trim line 36) to a line adjacent trim line 44, thus extending slightly above ~`~ and below the adhesive pattern S0 to insure that sealing flap is not caused to adhere to any portion of sheet 20 during the entire envelope forming and ? printing production process.
The front face of lower sheet 20 is also provided with strips 54, 56 and 58 of heat activatable adhesive extending along edges 26, 28 and perforation line 42, within the confines of the -rear panel 48 of the envelope construction. It will be appreciated that when panels 38 and 48 are heat sealed along adhesive lines 54, 56 and 58 during the printing operation, an open-ended envelope pocket will be formed which can be closed by sealing flap j 40 in a conventional manner. While the strips 54, 56 and 58 are shown applied to the front face of the rear panel 48, they may al50 be applied to the rearward face of front panel 38.
The heat activatable adhe-ive may be a waxy hot o ~32~21 . ~
:`, melt adhesive particularly designed for preapplied ` heat seal applications, such as that described herein. One exemplary adhesive is sold by the H.B.
J, Fuller Company as product No. HM-4199. Other heat activatable adhesives may also be used.
, Turning to FIGURE 5, a schematic diagram is presented which illu~trates the sequence of events ~i in a process according to an exemplary embodiment of ' the invention. Thus, sheet feeder 70 ~eeds a pair 7' 10 of superimposed sheets 10, 20 preferably in , continuous web form and secured together only along the adhesive line 30 adjacent the leadinq edge 12 of each envelope construction, to a printer 72. In this regard, reference is made again to FIGURE 1 ;i, 15 showing the preferred feeding direction indicated by ~i arrow 60 and noting that the adhesive line 30 extends transverse to the direction of feeding.
~31 While the printer 72 schematically shown in ~ -FIGURE 5 may be a conventional impact printer, the 20 blank envelope assembly of this invention has been ~ specifically desiyned for use with heat fusing toner `l~ based table or desk top printers, e.g., laser printers.
- As the envelope blanks are fed through the 25 printer, a business logo and/or address are printed, 1 usually in the upper left hand portion of the front panel of each envelope (such as area 74 in FIGURE
~,! 1). The continuous web then passes through heat `I fusing rolls, schematically indicated at 76, 7~, ~ 30 which fix the toner and activate the heat sealable 3 adhesive strips 54, 56, 58 in the border areas of each envelope to seal the front and rear panels so as to form an envelope pocket therebetween.
. - - - . . - ~
11 t 3 2 5 62 1 63423-290 Therea~ter, individual envelopes may be separated manually from the web by tearing along the perforation lines 32,42 and trim lines 36 and 44. If in continuous form, an " additional tear must be made along edges 18, 28. Alternatively, the web may be fed to a trimmer 80 which removes at least the ~..
- leading edge portion ~between lines 32, 42 and edges 12, 22) of each envelope construction. Further trimming along lines ,7 36, 44 may be done here, or the separated but only partially ., .
` trimmed envelopes may be shipped to the customer for final trimming. As indicated earlier/ one (or both) of the web portions which do not form part of the envelope per se, such :i;
~, as shown at 82 and 84 in Figures 1 and 2, respectively, may be :`
;~ utilized as vouchers, invoices, or other inserts for use with -i th e envelopes.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the envelope shown in Figures 1 and 2 represents a standard business envelope, formed within standard 8~" by ll"
paper sheets, or sections of continuous sheets.
With reference now to Figures 3 and 4, a second ,;
embodiment of the invention is illustrated wherein a smaller envelope construction is formed within similar sized sheets ; or webs.
i' The envelope construction illustrated in Figures 3 `~ and 4 is identical in every respect with that illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 with the exception of size of the envelope and ~`! its orientation relative to the feeding direction of the webs I or sheets. In ~his regard, reference numerals in Figures 3 ; and 4 are identical to those used in Figures l and 2, with ~ the addition of a prefatory ;
, ,. . . . .. .
12 132~2~
. ~ .
r~ Because of the identical construction, the ~;l embodiment shown in FIGURES 3 and 4 need not be . described in detail. It is sufficient to indicate ~, that the envelope has been reoriented relative to the webs or sheets 110, 120 so that the length -;l, dimension of the envelope extends transverse ta the direction of feedin~ indicated by arrow 160, rather ~ than parallel to the direction of feeding as in the t^;-; case of the embodiment shown in FIGURES 1 and 2.
In both embodiments, the envelope orientation is such as to maximize the use of existing edges of the webs or sheets and thereby minimize the amount of final trimming required.
' While only two envelope sizes and orientations 15 have been described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that other ~1 co~ventional, or cu~tomized envelopes may be formed in accordance with the invention.
~l It will therefore be appreciated that the 20 present inven~ion provides a unique solution to the problem of producing standard or other size envelopes that can be printed in heat fused toner based table or desk top laser printers without the addition of a special envelope feed device, and 25 further provides manufacturing economies by reducing the number of both process steps and pieces of J ~ equipment required to form finished envelopes.
While the invention has been described in ~-connection with what is presently considered to be 30 the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is ntended to cover various modifi~ations ~j .
'I
j t ~:~, 13 - ~32~2~
".!
.3 and e~uivalent arrangements included within the :~ spirit and scope of the appended claims. "
i, .
;~3 -1 ~
' .'3`~ , ~1, j: ~
:
,~ , :
: ,. : ' . ~
: :
:
' :
: ~ : , 'i ,:S
''~
~ ,
Claims (22)
1. A method of producing a printed envelope comprising the steps of:
(a) superimposing a pair of paper sheets, each of which incorporates an envelope panel portion, wherein at least one of said panel portions is provided with a heat activatable adhesive in predetermined areas;
(b) passing the sheets through heating means provided in an envelope printing device so that said heat activatable adhesive is activated while said sheets are in said printing device to secure said envelope panel portions together.
(a) superimposing a pair of paper sheets, each of which incorporates an envelope panel portion, wherein at least one of said panel portions is provided with a heat activatable adhesive in predetermined areas;
(b) passing the sheets through heating means provided in an envelope printing device so that said heat activatable adhesive is activated while said sheets are in said printing device to secure said envelope panel portions together.
2. The method according to claim 1 wherein said printing device comprises a non-impact laser printer.
3. The method according to claim 2 wherein said heating means comprises a pair of fusing rolls.
4. The method according to claim 1 wherein just prior to step (b), at least one of said panel portions is printed.
5. The method according to claim 1 wherein said envelope panel portions comprise a front panel and a rear panel, and wherein said front panel incorporates a foldable flap portion, the method further comprising the step of, prior to step (b), applying an adhesive pattern to a rearward face of said foldable flap portion, and an antistick composition to a front face of said rear panel in underlying relationship to said adhesive pattern.
6. The method according to claim 5 wherein said adhesive pattern comprises a rewettable adhesive, and said antistick composition comprises a moisture barrier.
7. The method according to claim 6 wherein the moisture barrier comprises a vegetable-based ink.
8. A method of producing a printed envelope comprising the steps of:
(a) aligning a pair of webs in overlying relationship, a first of said webs being provided with a heat activatable adhesive in predetermined areas corresponding to peripheral edge portions of an envelope, said areas lying on a face of said first web which engages a second of said pair of webs;
(b) feeding said overlying webs into a printing means for printing indicia on at least one face of one of said webs, said printing means including heating means; and (c) utilizing said heating means to activate said heat activatable adhesive along said three edges to seal the webs along said edges, thereby forming an envelope pocket.
(a) aligning a pair of webs in overlying relationship, a first of said webs being provided with a heat activatable adhesive in predetermined areas corresponding to peripheral edge portions of an envelope, said areas lying on a face of said first web which engages a second of said pair of webs;
(b) feeding said overlying webs into a printing means for printing indicia on at least one face of one of said webs, said printing means including heating means; and (c) utilizing said heating means to activate said heat activatable adhesive along said three edges to seal the webs along said edges, thereby forming an envelope pocket.
9. A method according to claim 8 wherein, prior to step (b), said webs are fixed together along a leading edge which lies outside the periphery of the envelope portion of the said pair of webs.
10. A method according to claim 9 wherein said leading edge lies transverse to a feeding direction employed in step (b).
11. A method according to claim 8 wherein said webs define front and rear panels of said envelope, each of said panels having a front face and a rearward face, said front panel including a foldable sealing flap portion.
12. A method according to claim 11 wherein, prior to step (b), said foldable sealing flap portion is provided on its rearward face with a rewettable adhesive.
13. A method according to claim 11 wherein said panels extend longitudinally in the direction of feeding.
14. A method according to claim 11 wherein said panels extend longitudinally in a direction transverse to the direction of feeding.
15. A method according to claim 5 wherein prior to step (b), the rear panel is provided on its front face with a moisture barrier composition in an area corresponding substantially to said rewettable adhesive on said foldable sealing flap portion.
16. A method according to claim 8 wherein said moisture barrier comprises a vegetable-based ink.
17. A method according to claim 8 and further including the step of:
(d) trimming said webs to separate said envelope therefrom.
(d) trimming said webs to separate said envelope therefrom.
18. An envelope produced in accordance with the process of claim 8.
19. An envelope blank assembly for use in the production of printed envelopes comprising:
a first sheet incorporating a front panel portion including a foldable sealing flap portion of an envelope superimposed on and fixed to a second sheet incorporating a rear panel portion of said envelope;
at least one of said first and second sheets having a heat activatable adhesive extending along three peripheral edges of the respective envelope panel;
said foldable sealing flap portion of said front panel having a rewettable or pressure sensitive adhesive applied thereto, and a corresponding portion of said second sheet, lying directly beneath said foldable sealing flap portion, having an antistick composition applied thereto.
a first sheet incorporating a front panel portion including a foldable sealing flap portion of an envelope superimposed on and fixed to a second sheet incorporating a rear panel portion of said envelope;
at least one of said first and second sheets having a heat activatable adhesive extending along three peripheral edges of the respective envelope panel;
said foldable sealing flap portion of said front panel having a rewettable or pressure sensitive adhesive applied thereto, and a corresponding portion of said second sheet, lying directly beneath said foldable sealing flap portion, having an antistick composition applied thereto.
20. A blank construction according to claim 19 wherein said first and second sheets are fixed only along one edge of at least one of said first and second sheets, said one edge lying outside said envelope panels.
21. A blank construction according to claim 20 wherein said first and second sheets are fixed by a single line of adhesive lying adjacent superimposed lines of perforations which define one of said peripheral edges of said envelope panels.
22. A blank construction according to claim 20 wherein at least one of said first and second sheets incorporates an insert for use with the envelope.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US19629988A | 1988-05-20 | 1988-05-20 | |
| US07/196,299 | 1988-05-20 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1325621C true CA1325621C (en) | 1993-12-28 |
Family
ID=22724813
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000600367A Expired - Fee Related CA1325621C (en) | 1988-05-20 | 1989-05-23 | Envelope for table top printer |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0342829B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2774311B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8902355A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1325621C (en) |
| PT (1) | PT90615A (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5164218A (en) * | 1989-05-12 | 1992-11-17 | Nippon Soken, Inc. | Semiconductor device and a method for producing the same |
| DE19518107A1 (en) * | 1995-05-17 | 1996-11-21 | Drescher Geschaeftsdrucke | An easier-opening confidential single sheet letter-cum-envelope |
| GB0403989D0 (en) * | 2004-02-24 | 2004-03-31 | Black Stephen P | Stationery |
Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR325706A (en) * | 1902-10-23 | 1903-05-06 | S Ecornes En Papier | Improvements to paper bag making machines |
| US3476307A (en) * | 1968-05-06 | 1969-11-04 | Hans G Faltin | Foldable mailing piece |
| US3952942A (en) * | 1974-01-24 | 1976-04-27 | Leary John W O | Continuous form mailer with integral detachable insert material and return envelope |
| US4031818A (en) * | 1974-10-16 | 1977-06-28 | Gaf Corporation | Apparatus for preparing sealed envelope units with messages |
| JPS52105027A (en) * | 1976-02-28 | 1977-09-03 | Toppan Printing Co Ltd | Method of false-tamping printing sheets such as calendars |
| US4313557A (en) * | 1980-05-14 | 1982-02-02 | Berlin Industries, Inc. | Envelope insert for magazines |
| JPS57174238A (en) * | 1981-04-21 | 1982-10-26 | Toppan Moore Kk | Preparation of windowed letter |
| DE3144064A1 (en) * | 1981-11-06 | 1983-05-19 | Nederlandse Pillo-Pak Maatschappij B.V., 6961 Eerbeek | SHIPPING BAG |
| DE3508114C1 (en) * | 1985-03-07 | 1986-05-22 | O. T. Drescher GmbH, 7255 Rutesheim | Process for gluing products made of paper, foils, etc., in particular label sheets |
-
1989
- 1989-05-05 EP EP89304539A patent/EP0342829B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1989-05-16 JP JP1122701A patent/JP2774311B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1989-05-19 BR BR898902355A patent/BR8902355A/en unknown
- 1989-05-19 PT PT90615A patent/PT90615A/en unknown
- 1989-05-23 CA CA000600367A patent/CA1325621C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2774311B2 (en) | 1998-07-09 |
| PT90615A (en) | 1989-11-30 |
| EP0342829A2 (en) | 1989-11-23 |
| EP0342829B1 (en) | 1994-08-10 |
| BR8902355A (en) | 1990-01-09 |
| JPH0238033A (en) | 1990-02-07 |
| EP0342829A3 (en) | 1990-08-22 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4878613A (en) | Envelope for table top laser printer | |
| EP0306131B1 (en) | Multiple-part business form | |
| MXPA96005101A (en) | Postal piece of seal by pressure folded e | |
| US4380315A (en) | Mailer | |
| CA1304048C (en) | Conventional return envelope in a two-part mailer and method of assembly | |
| US5110043A (en) | Return mailer without fly sheet | |
| US4852795A (en) | Mailing cover with reply envelope and response device made from integral web | |
| US5048748A (en) | Single sheet self-mailer form with improved opening characteristics | |
| US5039000A (en) | Mailer with tear strip on outgoing and return envelopes | |
| US5370302A (en) | Two way sealer postcard | |
| US5095682A (en) | Mailer and method and apparatus for making | |
| US4731048A (en) | Method of making envelope and letter assembly with business letter fold | |
| US4726802A (en) | Mailing cover with reply envelope and response device from integral web | |
| EP0115013B1 (en) | Computerized correspondence form | |
| US5114067A (en) | Single sheet self-mailing form with improved feeding characteristics | |
| US5064115A (en) | Mailer and method and apparatus for making | |
| EP0535853B1 (en) | Bifolded mailer with return envelope, and method and intermediate for forming same | |
| US4731142A (en) | Method of making a personalized folder with pockets and page inserts from a continuous web | |
| US4023727A (en) | Mailing envelope structure and method | |
| US4335845A (en) | Carrier sheet with envelope letter sheet device secured thereto | |
| CA1325621C (en) | Envelope for table top printer | |
| US5207592A (en) | Multiple part business form and related process | |
| AU653267B2 (en) | Multiple part business form and related process | |
| US5320276A (en) | Cut sheet mailer business form assembly | |
| EP0128738B1 (en) | Mailing wrapper with reply envelope and response device from integral web |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |