Abstract: The present invention discloses a network communication system that includes a network processing center for receiving and converting an electronic or electro-magnetically transmissible data/content into a physically deliverable object and/or network transmissible content data files for carrying out a hybrid delivery of the data/content by a physical delivery process and/or a network electro-magnetic delivery process to a recipient or an ECRMA. A machine-readable code such as QR code is used in the continuous information flow among the various components of this system. This unique machine-readable code is associated with multiple kinds of address-linked information, user-related personally identifiable information, or biometric information. This code also embodies some derivative component(s) which can be individually accessed and manipulated.

Abstract: Systems and methods which are adapted to generate multiple indicia in a single secure environment session are described. Embodiments provide for generation of a plurality of postage indicia in a single postage security device (PSD) transaction, whereby the PSD loads and unloads corresponding virtual PSD information a single time for generating the plurality of postage indicia (i.e., in a single secure environment session). The indicia generated in a same secure environment session according to embodiments of the invention may comprise a plurality of indicia requested by a same, single user. Additionally or alternatively, the indicia generated in the same secure environment session may comprise a plurality of indicia requested by multiple different users.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a printing template for use during an aqueous inkjet printing process in which ink is transferred onto a metal panel. The printing template includes a printable film having die cut area inside perimeter edge of its first layer, a generally flat metal panel having the same size as to that of the die cut area in the printable film, and a carrier having a recess which is sized and configured to encompass the shaped perimeter of the metal panel. The metal panel is secure within the die cut area and the recess in such a way that it is sandwiched between the printable film and the carrier during the printing process.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a solution to the problem of metal printing where the printer leaves an undesired “border” or “margin” around the edge, as the printer sensors detect the edge of the metal plate and stop printing before reaching the edge. The system and method disclosed herein comprises a metal plate removably associated with a carrier, where the carrier is larger than the metal plate such that the metal plate is positioned entirely within the perimeter of the carrier. The metal plate has a special receptive coating that allows ink from an inkjet printer to adhere to the metal plate without running. The carrier has an external coating that mimics the metal plate such that the sensors of the printer do not detect any “edge” of the metal plate and print over, onto the carrier. This creates a borderless final printed picture.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure include a financial services card including a card substrate, and multiple rows of braille-encoded characters formed on the card substrate, at least a portion of the braille-encoded characters encoding an account number that is associated with the financial services card being distributed between a first row and a second row of the multiple rows, and additional information associated with the financial services card being braille-encoded in a third row.

Abstract: A product display in accordance with the present disclosure includes a display header and a product-support structure. The display header is coupled to the product-support structure for showing product indicia related to products stored in the product-support structure to a customer at a retail location.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a solution to the problem of metal printing where the printer leaves an undesired “border” or “margin” around the edge, as the printer sensors detect the edge of the metal plate and stop printing before reaching the edge. The system and method disclosed herein comprises a metal plate removably associated with a carrier, where the carrier is larger than the metal plate such that the metal plate is positioned entirely within the perimeter of the carrier. The metal plate has a special receptive coating that allows ink from an inkjet printer to adhere to the metal plate without running. The carrier has an external coating that mimics the metal plate such that the sensors of the printer do not detect any “edge” of the metal plate and print over, onto the carrier. This creates a borderless final printed picture.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure include a financial services card including a card substrate, and multiple rows of braille-encoded characters formed on the card substrate, at least a portion of the braille-encoded characters encoding an account number that is associated with the financial services card being distributed between a first row and a second row of the multiple rows, and additional information associated with the financial services card being braille-encoded in a third row.

Abstract: Systems and methods which are adapted to generate multiple indicia in a single secure environment session are described. Embodiments provide for generation of a plurality of postage indicia in a single postage security device (PSD) transaction, whereby the PSD loads and unloads corresponding virtual PSD information a single time for generating the plurality of postage indicia (i.e., in a single secure environment session). The indicia generated in a same secure environment session according to embodiments of the invention may comprise a plurality of indicia requested by a same, single user. Additionally or alternatively, the indicia generated in the same secure environment session may comprise a plurality of indicia requested by multiple different users.

Abstract: A prosthetic device including an internal frame assembled from multiple longitudinal members and multiple transverse members, wherein each member is substantially planar and defines peripheral slots, and wherein the longitudinal members and transverse members are arranged to mate with one another to join the longitudinal members with the transverse members. In certain embodiments, a first group of longitudinal members is radially arranged relative to a central axis extending through the transverse members, and a second group of longitudinal members is tangentially arranged relative to the central axis, preferably with lateral edges of the second group of longitudinal members extending between two different longitudinal members of the first group of longitudinal members to provide enhanced torsional rigidity. An outer shaping member, which may be tubular in shape, may be arranged to cover at least a portion of the internal frame.

Abstract: An in store sales product having a greeting card with an uninflated balloon attached. and after purchase the cashier can then inflate the balloon, place the greeting card and balloon in a shopping bag and hand it to the customer and the balloon remains temporarily secured down on the greeting card, and will be released later to float upwards on a tether.

Abstract: A liquid sample bulk mailing packaging device includes a paperboard envelope blank assembled to form a hermetically sealed leakproof containment pocket that, in combination with proper alignment of a liquid containing packette enclosed inside, will prevent leakage in the event the enclosed liquid containing packette fails during mail processing. The device may include coupons printed on the envelope blank and seperable by perforations, and may be printed on both sides.

Abstract: A greeting card having special effects such as lights, sound and motor movement of a pop-up structure. The pop-up structure is in the form of a miniature faux Ferris wheel. When the greeting card is opened, the Ferris wheel begins to turn, the lights are illuminated and audio begins to be emitted through a speaker.

Abstract: An interactive greeting card with a multi-panel insert which can be unfurled over a portion of the greeting card. In one embodiment, there is a photo or drawing of a character or animal printed on the front cover. A tab is located to the left of and behind the photo or drawing. When a user grasps and moves the tab, a multi-panel paper construct unfurls around the photo or drawing and appears as a wig atop the head of the character or animal depicted in the photo or drawing. Audio replay may also triggered by moving the tab from its original position. In another embodiment, the panels of the multi-panel paper construct are each shaped like a different item or object which is complementary to the theme of the greeting card. Unfolding the multi-panel construct along an outside edge of the greeting card may initiate audio playback and may also activate a motor module which causes movement to at least one mobile object contained on the greeting card.

Abstract: A packaging band includes side edges, a divider fold line, a front panel extending in a first direction away from the divider fold line, and a rear panel extending in a second direction away from the divider fold line. The packaging band includes a front securement tab and a rear securement tab. The front securement tab is formed in the front panel and flexes relative to the front panel about a front panel fold line. The rear securement tab is formed in the rear panel and flexes relative to the rear panel about a rear panel fold line. The front securement tab and the rear securement tab each rotate about a corresponding one of the front panel fold line and the rear panel fold line to open toward a same one of the first direction and the second direction when the packaging band is laid substantially flat.

Abstract: A method for processing packages is provided. A package is received at an intermediate shipping site and a delivery authorization status corresponding to the package is determined based on a threshold of some characteristic of the package. The package is delivered if the authorization status is that delivery is acceptable and the package is not delivered if the authorization status is that delivery is not acceptable. The acceptability of the package for delivery is determined by a response that an addressee provides to an electronic message notification of package availability. The electronic response preferably contains some authenticating information regarding the package.

Abstract: A sliding panel gift card holder includes a panel mounted within a sleeve, pouch or bag, the panel being hingedly connected to a draw flap and then to a cover flap. Upon opening the cover flap, the draw flap draws the panel out of the sleeve to reveal a gift card secured upon the panel, thereby presenting the gift card to a recipient.

Abstract: In one aspect, an envelope having an integrated return mailing article is fabricated from a single sheet of material having first and second sections, and a perforated line for separably interconnecting said first and second sections. The first section includes bottom, top and side edges and a non-perforated first fold line, a non-perforated second fold line, and a non-perforated third fold line. The second section defines a return mailing article having bottom, top and side edges, at least one of which is coincident with said first perforated line. In another aspect, a multimedia remailable envelope includes an outgoing seal flap, face panel which includes an embedded reply envelope seal flap, a back panel, a face panel for the reply envelope, and side seams for the outgoing face panel. Side seams may also be available and located for the reply envelope.

Abstract: A gift product which holds a single, individually-wrapped chocolate bar, currency bills, and one or more gift cards. The gift product has a greeting card panel and a chocolate bar container. The internal face of the greeting card panel has a pocket that holds currency bills and a gift card. The gift product is preferably formed from a single blank made of box stock, reinforced paper, or thin plastic.

Abstract: A combination gift card holder and message delivery package facilitates the identification of a gift card contained within the package while presenting the recipient with an accompanying message prior to fully revealing the gift card. The package includes first, second and third panels. The first and second panels and the second and third panels are connected with one another along a common edge and are pivotable with respect to each other. The panels have cutouts therein. The gift card is positioned in the package between the second and third panels thereby exposing a portion of a front surface of the gift card through the cutout in the third panel and exposing a portion of a rear surface of the gift card through the cutout in the second panel, thereby partially concealing the gift card while exposing an identification marking thereon.

Abstract: Multi-ply mailer with multiple detachable elements are disclosed. An example method includes applying adhesive on at least one of a first face of a first ply of a substrate or a first face of a second ply of the substrate. The method also includes folding the substrate about a line of weakness to directly adhere the first face of the first ply to the first face of the second ply. The line of weakness separates the first ply from the second ply. The method also includes forming a pattern of weakness through the first ply and the second ply to define a first card in the first ply and a second card in the second ply. The first card is off-set from a center of the first ply and off-set from edges that define the substrate and the first line of weakness. The second card is off-set from a center of the second ply and off-set from the edges that define the substrate and the first line of weakness.

Abstract: A device, system and method for monitoring conditions within an environment in which an item is disposed includes a reusable environment monitoring tag operably connected to a return postcard that can be disposed adjacent an item to be monitored, the tag equipped to sense and store surrounding environmental conditions thereof and an electronic reader electronic reader which upon receipt of the a return postcard having the tag therein in a predetermined range receives environmental data sensed and stored by the tag and analyze the data. The method includes mailing the return postcard to a receiving site for reading.

Abstract: An example linerless two-ply mailer including multiple detachable elements is disclosed. The example mailer includes a first ply having opposing top and bottom edges, opposing first and second side edges substantially perpendicular to the top edge, a first face and a second face opposite the first face, and a second ply substantially the same size as the first ply and having a first face and a second face opposite the first face. The example mailer also includes a first indicia area on the first face of the first and second ply, while an adhesive is applied to adhere the second face of the first ply directly to the second face of the second ply to form the linerless mailer. At least one pattern of weakness is formed in the first and second plies and offset from each of the top and bottom edges and the first and second side edges of the first and second ply to form a removable first element and a removable second element. The first element and second element are separately removable from the mailer.

Abstract: In one aspect, an envelope having an integrated return mailing article is fabricated from a single sheet of material having first and second sections, and a perforated line for separably interconnecting said first and second sections. The first section includes bottom, top and side edges and a non-perforated first fold line, a non-perforated second fold line, and a non-perforated third fold line. The second section defines a return mailing article having bottom, top and side edges, at least one of which is coincident with said first perforated line. In another aspect, a multimedia remailable envelope includes an outgoing seal flap, face panel which includes an embedded reply envelope seal flap, a back panel, a face panel for the reply envelope, and side seams for the outgoing face panel. Side seams may also be available and located for the reply envelope.

Abstract: A double postcard with bank check includes a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The first and second panels are separated by a first line of weakness. The second and third panels are separated by a second line of weakness. The first panel includes first and second opposing surfaces. A face of a bank check is located on the first opposing surface and an outgoing address is located on the second opposing surface. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: A mailer intermediate, foldable into postcard size, includes a generally rectangular sheet of card stock having first and second side edges, first and second end edges, and first and second faces. A fold line extends substantially transverse to the side edges and substantially bisecting them, and dividing the sheet into first and second portions. An adhesive pattern on the first face of the sheet, adjacent at least one of the first and second end edges, secures the first and second portions together adjacent the first and second end edges. An obscuring coating and a camouflage image are provided on the first face of the sheet. Variable indicia are printed on the obscuring coating, and are not legible when viewed by an observer who separates the first and second portions while the first and second portions remain secured together adjacent the first and second end edges. The obscuring coating may comprise a multi-layer, thermochromic coating.

Abstract: A printable and imprintable multi-component form is described that features detachable components including a correspondence piece, an envelope, and a variable element. The multi-component form is formed from two plies of material such as paper, plastic, foil, or paperboard. The correspondence piece can be a greeting card or a post card. The variable element can be a scrip, a customizable component, e.g., a wallet-sized photograph, or a product stamp. The scrip can be any non-monetary certificate exchangeable for currency, goods, or services including, for example, a gift card or a gift certificate. The assembled envelope can be used to mail the correspondence piece and variable element to a recipient. The detachable components can be separated from one another and from the sheet of material of the form at a plurality of lines of separation such as perforations.

Abstract: A mailing card for mailing confidential information securely, comprising: a card having a front and a back and configured to be mailed; a display layer over the front of the card; a security shield removably coupled to the display layer and including a design substantially matching the design of the display layer, wherein the security shield is selectably coupleable to a portion of the back of the card and substantially opaque thereby enabling a user to obscure writing thereon. In addition, the security shield includes a pressure sensitive adhesive layer. Moreover, the security shield is sized smaller than the display layer and matches the design of the display layer at borders of the security shield when disposed at a predetermined location over the display layer. Furthermore, the security shield substantially identically matches a portion of the design of the display layer.

Abstract: A liquid sample bulk mailing packaging device includes a paperboard envelope blank assembled to form a hermetically sealed leakproof containment pocket such that a moisture resistant coating on one of the paperboard surfaces will prevent leakage in the event an enclosed liquid containing packette fails during mail processing, while the other paperboard surface will absorb the moisture from the packette. The device meets the US Postal Service requirements for machinable and automation letters.

Abstract: Confidential postcards are described herein. An example postcard mailer includes a substrate having a first panel and a second panel adjacent the first panel, wherein each of the first panel and the second panel includes a first face and a second face. The example mailer also includes a first line of weakness separating the first panel and the second panel and a first fastener pattern included on at least one of the first face of the first panel or the first face of the second panel to releasably adhere a first portion of the first face of the first panel to a first portion the first face of the second panel when the substrate is folded about the first line of weakness. In addition, the example mailer includes a second fastener pattern included on at least one of the first face of the first panel or the first face of the second panel to releasably adhere a second portion of the first face of the first panel to a second portion of the first face of the second panel.

Abstract: Software media packaging apparatus and associated method for manufacturing. The software media packaging apparatus may include first and second panels. The first and second panels may be connected to each other on three edges to define an enclosure. A media storage flap may be attached to the second panel and may be adapted to hold one or more software media. The media storage flap may be perforated with one or more perforations. Each perforation may be adapted to hold a software medium. The media storage flap may be foldable across the second panel. First and second sealer flaps may be connected to at least two edges of the first panel. The first and second sealer flaps may be adapted to fold over and attach to the enclosure and the media storage flap, thereby holding the media storage flap adjacent to and substantially coplanar with the second panel.

Abstract: A blister packaging (3) for sanitary insert parts or accessory parts (4, 5, 6). The sanitary insert or accessory parts (4, 5, 6) can be interchanged with each other or combined with each other. Each of the sanitary insert parts or accessory parts (4, 5, 6) is arranged in a mold cavity (8) of a molded plastic-film part (7) made from transparent plastic. Because the insert parts or accessory parts (4, 5, 6) that can be interchanged with each other or combined with each other are accommodated in a single blister packaging (3), the correct association of these parts (4, 5, 6) is ensured and the handling of these parts (4, 5, 6) is made easier even for the uninformed user.

Abstract: A mailer intermediate, foldable into postcard size, includes a generally rectangular sheet of card stock having first and second side edges, first and second end edges, and first and second faces. A fold line extends substantially transverse to the side edges and substantially bisecting them, and dividing the sheet into first and second portions. An adhesive pattern on the first face of the sheet, adjacent at least one of the first and second end edges, secures the first and second portions together adjacent the first and second end edges. An obscuring coating and a camouflage image are provided on the first face of the sheet. Variable indicia are printed on the obscuring coating, and are not legible when viewed by an observer who separates the first and second portions while the first and second portions remain secured together adjacent the first and second end edges. The obscuring coating may comprise a multi-layer, thermochromic coating.

Abstract: An intermediate for a postcard mailer is disclosed. An example intermediate includes a quadrate sheet having parallel top and bottom edges, parallel first and second side edges and first and second faces. At least first, second and third fold lines parallel to said top and bottom edges divide said sheet into first, second, third, and fourth panels, said first and fourth panels being substantially the same size and said second and third panels being substantially the same size. First adhesive areas on the second face of at least one of said first and fourth panels and on the second face of at least one of said second and third panels permanently adhere mutually facing portions of two of the panels and mutually facing portions of the other two panels as respective first and second postcard plies when said sheet is folded about at least two of said fold lines.

Abstract: A three-dimensional illuminated greeting card which combines a unique card construction having a 3D pop-out structure with one or more lights contained therein. The 3D pop-out structure forms an internal cavity in which illumination means and other electronic components are contained. One or more sides of the 3D structure are made of translucent or semi-translucent material, creating a screen that can be illuminated from behind by one or more miniature lights, such as LED lights. The light or lights may be connected to an integrated circuit chip that can be programmed with various lighting effects. The greeting card may optionally include other electronic components which are configured to play sound or music or perform other electronic effects.

Abstract: An intermediate for a postcard mailer is disclosed. An example intermediate includes a quadrate sheet of paper having parallel top and bottom edges, parallel first and second side edges perpendicular to the top edge and first and second faces. The intermediate also includes at least first, second and third fold lines parallel to said top and bottom edges dividing said sheet into at least first, second, third, and fourth panels, said first and fourth panels being substantially the same size and said second and third panels being substantially the same size.

Abstract: An intermediate form is designed for folding to a double postcard mailer that has dimensions and sealing features that meet U.S. Postal Service standards for postcard sealing and postal rates. The intermediate form includes a single ply of stock having a first face and a second face, a first and a second end edge, and a first and a second side edge. The first and the second side edges are disposed in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the first and the second end edges. The single ply includes a fold line extending at a substantially transverse orientation to and between the first and the second side edges. The fold line is disposed to define a first panel and a second panel in the single ply. The first panel and/or the second panel has/have postcard dimensions.

Abstract: A file with a card-receiving recess is disclosed. The file comprises a first panel comprising a first layer and a backing layer, that contains an opening extending from the first layer to the backing layer, and a second panel hingedly associated with the first panel. The backing layer is configured to support a displayed sheet element in a position such that it is visible through the opening of the first layer, and the displayed sheet element is at least partially received within the thickness of the first surface and the backing layer. The backing layer contains an adhesive disposed thereon within the opening for securing the displayed sheet element to the backing.

Abstract: An intermediate form is designed for folding to a double postcard mailer that has dimensions and sealing features that meet U.S. Postal Service standards for postcard sealing and postal rates. The intermediate form includes a single ply of stock having a first face and a second face, a first and a second end edge, and a first and a second side edge. The first and the second side edges are disposed in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the first and the second end edges. The single ply includes a fold line extending at a substantially transverse orientation to and between the first and the second side edges. The fold line is disposed to define a first panel and a second panel in the single ply. The first panel and/or the second panel has/have postcard dimensions. A first application of adhesive is disposed adjacent to the fold line and substantially near a center point along the fold line that is disposed substantially equidistant from the first and the second side edges.

Abstract: A bag includes a first portion. The first portion is attached to a second portion of the bag. The reusable bag also includes a mailing label having an addressee section preprinted with an address of a recycler. When the bag is in an unpacked state, the first portion is configured to carry items. When the bag is in a packed state, the first portion is secured in the packed state using the second portion such that the mailing label is visible.

Abstract: A magnetic structure for a mailer, postcard or other suitable device is provided. The structure includes a magnetic layer to which is secured a printable outer layer. The outer layer is formed of a material which can receive printed indicia thereon, as well as personalized handwritten indicia, to enable the structure to be customized by the sender or the recipient of the mailer structure.

Abstract: A talking picture postcard with a scored and die cut paperboard or thin plastic panel having a central portion, a first portion, a picture frame portion and a second portion which when folded together form a rectangular postcard sized construction. Within the folded construction is an audio microprocessor and support electronics. One side of the paperboard construction includes a die cut picture frame and the other side includes removable graphic labels that give instructions to the user on how to make a recording. When the user completes the recording he removes the graphic labels and pushes down on a record switch separator tab so that the receiver can not accidentally record over the message. The user can insert a photo or other graphic into the picture frame portion and then send the entire unit through the mail just as one would send a standard postcard.

Abstract: A printable and imprintable multi-component form is described that features detachable components including a correspondence piece, an envelope, and a variable element. The multi-component form is formed from two plies of material such as paper, plastic, foil, or paperboard. The correspondence piece can be a greeting card or a post card. The variable element can be a scrip, a customizable component, e.g., a wallet-sized photograph, or a product stamp. The scrip can be any non-monetary certificate exchangeable for currency, goods, or services including, for example, a gift card or a gift certificate. The assembled envelope can be used to mail the correspondence piece and variable element to a recipient. The detachable components can be separated from one another and from the sheet of material of the form at a plurality of lines of separation such as perforations.

Abstract: The invention is a postcard in the form of a lightweight flip-flop sandal. This postcard is an efficient and unique way to memorialize and to convey the leisure experiences of the sender to an addressee. The three-dimensional flip-flop postcard can actually be worn, albeit without a mate unless two are sent, either before or after a message and appropriate address information is written in applicable marking areas and it is mailed with sufficient postage or otherwise delivered to the intended recipient.

Abstract: An envelope for one or more gift cards is disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-use real estate closing card is described. A real estate closing card may be used as an advertising tool, a closing gift from real estate vendors to new home owners, and a moving announcement for the homeowner. The real estate closing card has at least two information blocks that can comprise an announcement block and an advertising block. Information may be text or visual representation, such as photographs or drawings of the home or family.

Abstract: The present invention introduces an integrated mag-postcard including a pattern layer as front side, a magnet layer as middle side and a mailing information layer as back side, wherein all three layers are integrated tightly. The integrated mag-postcard has full magnetic effect and ability of sticking on metal surface evenly and freely for a long time without bending or wrinkle. The appearance of present invention is substantially the same as a conventional postcard. Both the pattern layer and the mailing information layer may be readable, printable or writable freely and easily. Furthermore, the magnetic property of present invention still remains after being posted to anywhere in the world.

Abstract: A personally crafted greeting card adapted to insert over a gift is disclosed. The greeting card includes a top horizontal panel and two vertical panels. The top horizontal panel is adhered to the vertical panels by means of adhesive tapes to form a receptacle for inserting over a gift. The vertical panels are designed in T-shirt shape including front and back surface for inputting personalized messages over it for imparting a personal touch while presenting the gift to a recipient. The greeting card is inserted over the neck of a wine or other spirit bottle, or gifts with similar neck configurations through a cutout orifice formed at the center of the top horizontal panel in the unfolded position. The invention includes a packaging system for holding the greeting cards in their greeting card covers. The packaging system includes a crate for holding a plurality of greeting cards in their greeting card covers.

Abstract: Confidential postcards are described herein. An example postcard mailer includes a substrate having a first panel and a second panel adjacent the first panel, wherein each of the first panel and the second panel includes a first face and a second face. The example mailer also includes a first line of weakness separating the first panel and the second panel and a first fastener pattern included on at least one of the first face of the first panel or the first face of the second panel to releasably adhere a first portion of the first face of the first panel to a first portion the first face of the second panel when the substrate is folded about the first line of weakness. In addition, the example mailer includes a second fastener pattern included on at least one of the first face of the first panel or the first face of the second panel to releasably adhere a second portion of the first face of the first panel to a second portion of the first face of the second panel.

Abstract: A liquid sample bulk mailing packaging device includes a paperboard envelope blank assembled to form a hermetically sealed leakproof containment pocket such that a moisture resistant coating on at least one of the paperboard surfaces will prevent leakage in the event an enclosed liquid containing packette fails during mail processing, while if uncoated the other paperboard surface will absorb the moisture from the packette. The device meets the US Postal Service requirements for machinable and automation letters.