Expandable Envelope Patents (Class 229/928)
  • Patent number: 11931985
    Abstract: A packaging material including one or more expandable layers that provide protection to contents of a packaging enclosure formed with the packaging material. The packaging material includes at least a first layer and a second layer bonded to one another. The first layer is pulled or extended in a first direction that is effective to cause the second layer to expand in a second direction. The second layer is a cut-patterned layer which creates structural strength in the packaging material when expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: IOW, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Alan Talda, John Michael Moran
  • Patent number: 11505379
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a container system comprising a flat package, which has walls that define an interior space, and at least one fibrous water-soluble unit dose article in the interior space, where the fibrous water-soluble unit dose article comprises household care active agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Girish Jagannath, Grace Catherine Cook, Mark Robert Sivik, Sun-Jan Alan Huang, Reginald Edward Crutcher, II, Frank William Denome
  • Patent number: 8596516
    Abstract: A folder provides easy access to its contents, is lockable, and keeps its locking mechanism out of the way when not in use. The folder has fold lines partway down on the front and back faces, so that the user has easy access to the folder contents. There is a gusset on the bottom edge and on the side edges from the bottom to the fold lines. The folder has an elastic member that is configured to act as a locking mechanism. In the locked position, the elastic member extends over the top edge of the folder, thereby preventing the front and back faces from being folded down and additionally preventing the folder's contents from escaping along the top edge. In the unlocked position, the elastic member extends over the side edges of the folder, and the user may optionally fold down the front and/or back faces and may access the contents through the top edge of the folder. The user can easily move the elastic member from a side edge to the top edge and back, to lock and unlock the folder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Darryll Dodson, Duane Christensen
  • Patent number: 8215537
    Abstract: The pad holder is constructed with an expandable pocket to receive a pad of paper or the like and with a fold over front ply to retain the pad of paper in place. A pad of paper may be retained wholly within the pocket while the front ply is secured to the pocket to retain the pad in a secure condition. In another embodiment, the expandable holder is formed to receive photo prints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Conformer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Marvin A. Makofsky
  • Patent number: 8167193
    Abstract: A packaging container for containing an object includes a substantially square-shaped first sheet member and a substantially square-shaped second sheet member overlaid on one another and forming four sides. At least one of the four sides forms an opening from which the object can be inserted. The packaging container also includes a first flap adjacent to the first sheet member through a first fold line at the opening, including a first cover piece to cover one half of the opening when folded, and a second flap adjacent to the second sheet member through a second fold line at the opening, including a second cover piece to cover another half of the opening when folded. The first flap and the second flap are provided at the opening so as not to overlap each other, and the first cover piece and the second cover piece cover substantially all the opening when folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoaki Arai
  • Patent number: 8162204
    Abstract: The pocket folder has a closed pocket on the back section with each side of the closed pocket being freely expandable. Flaps that form the ends of the closed pocket are separated by a fold line into two contiguous parts that are hinged to each other to allow expansion of the pocket. The pocket folder is fabricated from a one-piece blank of any suitable material such as paper, paperboard or plastic and has score lines on at least the back section to permit expansion when materials are inserted into the closed pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Conformer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Marvin A. Makofsky
  • Patent number: 7726547
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multifunction and low-cost photoprint storage bag. When paper is die-cut along a pattern to produce development sheets, folds are created simultaneously, thereby achieving simple manufacturing. A multifunction photoprint storage bag can be realized by folding along folds on the die-cut development sheet, which is used as a photoprint storage bag and a photo stand, and further as a sealed letter by folding back in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Kimiko Tachikawa, Shigeaki Ueyama
  • Patent number: 7407469
    Abstract: An expandable folder (10) is disclosed for holding reports. The folder (10) is formed of a single sheet of material (12). The folder (10) includes a back (14), a front (20), two sides (16, 18) and a flap (22). The sides (16, 18) are folded inwardly and the front (20) is folded upwardly to form a pocket. Tabs (68, 70) on the front fit into slots (58, 60) in the sides (16, 18) to hold the folder together. Two label sections (label section (82) and back (14)) are provided to allow the folder to be marked with identifying information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: Doris L. Lockhart, legal representative, William E. Lockhart
  • Patent number: 7185800
    Abstract: An expandable folder (10) is disclosed for holding reports. The folder (10) is formed of a single sheet of material (12). The folder (10) includes a back (14), a front (20), two sides (16, 18) and a flap (22). The sides (16, 18) are folded inwardly and the front (20) is folded upwardly to form a pocket. Tabs (68, 70) on the front fit into slots (58, 60) in the sides (16, 18) to hold the folder together. Two label sections (label section (82) and back (14)) are provided to allow the folder to be marked with identifying information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: William E. Lockhart
  • Patent number: 6905064
    Abstract: A portable, expandable file section case is equipped with file section dividers, at least some of which are provided with pockets. The file section dividers of the invention are formed of a laterally expansive partition with a pocket attached thereto. The pocket may be formed either from the same sheet of material as the file section divider partition, or from a second sheet of material. For example, the pocket may be formed by an extension of the same sheet of material that projects from the lower edge of the partition and is folded back up into contact with the divider partition. The opposing pocket panel side edges may be secured to the file section divider partition by sonic welding or some other means. Alternatively, the pocket may be formed from a second sheet of material having a generally rectilinear configuration and formed in the manner of a patch on the divider partition. The pocket is secured along its bottom edge and its opposing side edges to the divider partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Bon S. Ong
  • Patent number: 6866183
    Abstract: The invention teaches an envelope with an adjustable dimension to accommodate inserts of varying size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas K. Purcell
  • Patent number: 6820799
    Abstract: A single blank is used to make an expandable envelope construction having four side edges which can expand as the envelope construction is filled to capacity. The blank is provided with horizontal and vertical score lines and fold lines which permit the sides and bottom of the construction to collapse inwardly while the pocket enlarges in thickness and decreases in height and width. The blank has side flaps with corners at the ends which are overlaid by the back panel and closure panel in an unsecured manner to maintain the envelope in a sealed condition when expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Pama Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin A. Makofsky, Jerome B. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20030183679
    Abstract: A portable document storage device is formed of a filing pouch having a collapsible pocket and a foldable flap extending from its back cover, and an expandable filing case. The filing case is partitioned by a plurality of indexed section dividers that divide the filing case into a plurality of pockets to receive papers in an orderly manner. Mutually engageable releaseable fasteners are located on the back cover of the filing case and on the front cover of the filing pouch. When the releaseable fasteners are engaged the filing case can be carried with the filing pouch and is enveloped by the foldable cover of the filing pouch. Alternatively, the fasteners may be released from each other so that the filing case may be completely or partially detached from the filing pouch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Bon S. Ong
  • Patent number: 6578756
    Abstract: A filing device (1), which has a reference cover-forming member (2) having a cover (21), a spine (22), and a back cover (23) integrated in one body, and a movable cover-forming member capable (3) of relative movement with respect to and along the inner surface of the reference cover-forming member (2), and in which the reference cover-forming member (2), in the area where the aforementioned spine (22) is formed, is provided with a cover motion-enabling insertion engagement section (25) extending in the longitudinal direction of the spine-forming section, and, along with that, is provided with a guiding section (26) controlling the motion of the movable cover-forming member (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Ren Marumi
  • Patent number: 6564994
    Abstract: A single blank is used to make an expandable envelope construction having four side edges which can expand as the envelope construction is filled to capacity. The blank is provided with horizontal and vertical score lines and fold lines which permit the sides and bottom of the construction to collapse inwardly while the pocket enlarges in thickness and decreases in height and width. The blank has side flaps with corners at the ends which are overlaid by the back panel and closure panel in an unsecured manner to maintain the envelope in a sealed condition when expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Pama Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin A. Makofsky, Jerome B. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20030034383
    Abstract: This invention is an envelope that can be laterally extended to accommodate articles of varying length. The envelope is formed from a single blank in one pass in a continuous manufacturing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas K. Purcell
  • Publication number: 20030029762
    Abstract: A document holder includes a flat base part, front and rear wall parts, a pair of lateral wall parts, and a cover part. Each of the front and rear wall parts extends upwardly from a respective one of front and rear edges of the base part. The lateral wall parts extend between the front and rear wall parts, and cooperate with the latter to confine a document holding space with an open top. The cover part is hinged to the rear wall part, is movable so as to cover and uncover the open top of the document holding space, and is formed with a window section that permits viewing into the document holding space when the latter is covered by the cover part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Lien Ho
  • Publication number: 20020179475
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a storage including a plurality of unit cases each consisting of a front panel and rear panel, defining between them a pocket in which a content is received. In the storage case, the plurality of unit cases is coupled to each other with a coupling means formed in the rear panel of a forward one of adjacent unit cases and a one formed in the front panel of a rearward one so that the unit cases will be superposed on each other in the back-and-forth direction and the rearward one of the unit cases will be movable in a predetermined direction in relation to the forward one; each of the unit cases has a folding panel formed contiguously to, and along a return line at, the lower end of the rear panel; and the folding panel of the forward unit case is disposed in the pocket of the rearward unit case, namely, the front panel of the rearward unit case is disposed between the rear panel and folding panel of the forward unit panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Norio Kohana
  • Publication number: 20020164088
    Abstract: A multi-functional bag/envelope for carrying and/or mailing an item is provided. The bag/envelope includes a front panel, a back panel, a seal flap and a pair of side flaps that couple the front panel with the back panel. The front panel includes a first weakened portion that is at least partially overlapped with a second weakened portion that is defined in the seal flap. A third weakened portion is defined in the back panel and overlaps with said first and second weakened portions. The weakened portions may be broken to form a handle assembly that is hingedly coupled to the front panel, back panel and the seal flap. Breaking the weakened portions allow a user to carry the bag/envelope. Further, the punch flaps are capable of being resealed to the front panel, back panel and seal flap to hold the item within the bag/envelope during mailing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Robert W. Collins
  • Publication number: 20020096557
    Abstract: A combination mailer and a pocket file is disclosed. The combination includes a first file panel and a second file panel foldably connected together along a first fold line. The second file panel is foldably connected to a first mailer panel along a second fold line. The second file panel includes a separation line intermediate the first fold line and the second fold line. A second mailer panel is foldably connected to the first mailer panel along a third fold line, whereon a closure flap is foldably connected to the second mailer panel along a closure fold line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: William Gerrie, Louis Thyroff
  • Patent number: 6273470
    Abstract: Easily and securely gripped slip-resistant file folders including file pockets and hanging folders. The folders comprise a front flap having a top edge, a rear flap connected to the front flap by a folder bottom, the rear flap also having a top edge. A slip-resistant portion is disposed on at least one of the flaps near the top edge. Methods for producing the folders are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Roddy McKee Bullock
  • Patent number: 6227444
    Abstract: A single blank is used to make an expandable envelope construction having four side edges which can expand as the envelope construction is filled to capacity. The blank is provided with horizontal and vertical score lines and fold lines which permit the sides and bottom of the construction to collapse inwardly while the pocket enlarges in thickness and decreases in height and width. The blank has side flaps with rounded comers at the ends which are overlaid by the back panel and closure panel in an unsecured manner to maintain the envelope in a sealed condition when expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Pama Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin A. Makoesky, Jerome B. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6153280
    Abstract: A magnetic card having a flexible magnetic sheet material bonded to a flexible card blank, the combined blank and magnetic sheet having a magnet panel defined by lines of weakness that allow a user to easily separate and remove the magnet panel from the rest of the magnetic card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Magnet, LLC
    Inventor: Robert O. Uffmann
  • Patent number: 6098872
    Abstract: An office envelope is constructed of at least one flat sheet of stock of uniform thickness throughout folded to form overlying front and back panels and a pocket panel secured to the back panel. The panels are secured together by longitudinally extending heat seals located near the edges of the pocket panel. These edges are respectively secured to the back panel proximate the opposing side edges thereof. Also, one of the sides of the envelope is provided with an overlap margin that is also secured to the back panel. The overlap margin of the side panel may be secured to the back panel by the same seal that secures one of the sealing margins of the pocket panel to the back panel. Alternatively, separate seals may be utilized to secure the overlap margin of the side panel to the back panel and the pocket panel to the back panel by two closely spaced lines of sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Bon S. Ong
  • Patent number: 6085904
    Abstract: The invention is a single face corrugated paperboard package for containing an article. The package includes a pair of paperboard sheets each having an interior surface and an exterior surface. A cohesive coating is applied over substantially the entire interior surface of each of the paperboard sheets. A tear strip is disposed on the interior surface of at least one of the paperboard sheets. The tear strip includes an uncoated portion. The uncoated portion has two opposed longitudinal sides defined by a pair of spaced apart lines of intermittent impressions. Optionally, the tear strip may also include a tape disposed between the pair of spaced apart lines of intermittent impressions. The pair of paperboard sheets may be formed from a single paperboard sheet. The invention also includes the method of making the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Harry A. Perdue, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6076675
    Abstract: A presentation and holding device for small-format objects has at least two transparent joinable halves that form a hollow body when fitted together into a corresponding opening in a presentation surface, such as a picture postcard. The hollow body is effectively used to contain an object which has some connection with the motif presented on the picture postcard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Volker Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 6053855
    Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a personalized direct mail article requiring no envelope or other wrapper in the format of an oversized brochure having front and rear cover sheets, at least one interior sheet and a detachable preformed business reply envelope and at least one detachable reply device, all of which are joined to the cover sheets during mailing and all of which are formed from a single integral web to insure that there can be no mismatching of the several personalized elements forming the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Kurt H. Volk, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Stenner
  • Patent number: 6047880
    Abstract: A special service mailpiece having an integral document section and a method for forming the mailpiece requiring special services are provided. The mailpiece has an integral document section requiring special service mailing and includes a sheet folded into a section along a fold line then sealed to close the integral document section. The sheet further has a removably attached section which, after the system is folded and sealed, forms a return postcard and at least one form. The return postcard and the form are integrally formed, but removably attached, such that the return postcard remains attached to the mailpiece until received by the addressee at which time it may be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Glenn Petkovsek
  • Patent number: 6042672
    Abstract: In a method of making sealed paper, a web of paper is unrolled and fed, while under a given tension, from a paper roll, and is single-folded or multiple-folded. Prior to the or each folding step, the unrolled web of paper is treated by having an adhesive applied to margin portions thereof destined to be margins of the sealed paper on an inner surface thereof other than along a fold line at which the paper is to be folded. The folded web of paper is then cut to yield a number of sealable paper units so treated and folded as above. The method further includes pressing the sealable paper units to have them sealed with the adhesive applied and thereafter discharging the sealed paper units each of which represents a sealed paper. The method may further include printing a given message or information on a sheet of paper before the paper is rolled into the above mentioned paper roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Miyakoshi Printing Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kishine, Mikio Yoshikawa, Toshikazu Yamada
  • Patent number: 6041999
    Abstract: A system for mailing an article requiring special services and a method for forming a mailpiece having an interior for carrying an article requiring special services are provided. The system includes an integrally formed envelope and form constructed from a single sheet and folded and sealed in such a way that one portion of the assembly provides an envelope and the other portion provides a return postcard for attachment to the envelope in its aeembled position. The parts are integrally formed, but removably attached, such that the return postcard remains attached to the envelope until received by the addressee upon which the return postcard may be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Glenn Petkovsek
  • Patent number: 6030274
    Abstract: A combination toy and packaging assembly which is suitable for mailing without additional packaging includes a toy, preferably a plush toy animal, having predetermined areas thereon for receiving mailing and return addresses, and for indicating proper placement of postage. The sender of the toy can write the name and address of the receiving person onto the toy. The toy can be further provided with additional areas to write messages, pockets for gift items, flaps for pictures, electronic voice chips for outputting voice or musical greetings, strings for hanging the toy as an ornament, pins for attaching the toy to clothing, etc. The plush toy animal is received within a transparent, flexible plastic casing which substantially conforms to the outer surface of the toy. The casing includes a resealable opening for inserting and removing the toy from the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Joan C. Kaplan
  • Patent number: 6024277
    Abstract: A pocket card, including a planar blank having first and second planar surfaces, and first and second fold lines dividing the planar blank into a back wall portion, a protective flap and a pocket-forming flap. The protective flap is foldable over the back wall portion to define a pocket therebetween. The protective flap is foldable over the folded pocket-forming flap to provide a mailable enclosure. An opening is provided in the back wall portion of the planar blank and a magnet is positioned over the magnet such that the magnet is contained within the mailable enclosure. The pocket card is affixable from a magnetic surface, such as a refrigerator, office desk, filing cabinet or the like, to expose the pocket and a plurality of inserts held therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Crane Productions, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Martin
  • Patent number: 6024278
    Abstract: A mailable advertising article includes a planar blank having first and second planar surfaces, and first and second fold lines dividing the planar blank into a back wall portion, a protective flap adjacent the back wall portion along the first fold line, and a pocket-forming flap adjacent the back wall portion along the second fold line. A magnetic sheet is affixed to the second planar surface of the back wall portion. The pocket-forming flap is foldable about the second fold line over the back wall portion and is affixable thereto at at least one preselected location thereon, thereby forming a pocket between the back wall portion and the pocket-forming flap. The protective flap is foldable about the first fold line over the pocket-forming flap and is affixable thereto at at least one preselected location thereon. The second planar surface of the magnetic sheet includes mailing information printed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Crane Productions, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Martin
  • Patent number: 6019280
    Abstract: A mailer type business form intermediate, and business form produced from the intermediate, have an included postcard which is used as a reply piece. The mailer may be a C-fold mailer, with a window (e.g. die cut-out) formed in one of the panels which overlies the outgoing address indicia formed on a face at the postcard. Check-off indicia is preferably provided on the postcard to optimize response, and tear-off strips along the side edges of the mailer are preferably held together with pressure sensitive cohesive. Tacking pressure sensitive adhesive may also be provided along edges of the die cut-out panel and the postcard-securing panel, exterior of the postcard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Moore U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6003902
    Abstract: An assembly for mailing an article requiring delivery by a special service and a method for using the same are provided. The assembly includes a plurality of generic mailing labels having back sides adhesively and detachably affixed to a single backing sheet. Each label may be imaged with all of the information necessary to serve as one of many types of special service mailing labels. Removal of a label from the associated backing sheet allows the label to be permanently affixed to a mailpiece. Upon delivery of the mailpiece, a return receipt postcard portion of the label may be removed and forwarded to the sender of the mailpiece as a return receipt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Glenn Petkovsek
  • Patent number: 5997457
    Abstract: A direct mail article that is produced from an integral web or sheet of card stock that can be transmitted through the mails without an outer wrapper or envelope comprises a large or oversized card approximately the size of a book or magazine cover, a preformed reply envelope that is separably joined to the card directly or through an intermediate reply device panel that is separably joined to the envelope flap. The preformed reply envelope and reply device panel are folded to a superposed position on the card and secured to the card for mailing by releasable adhesive means. Alternatively, the direct mail article comprises a large card and a reply device panel, the reply device panel comprising at least one business reply card and at least one advertising panel, all of which are separably joined along transverse parting lines to each other and to the card and folded to a superposed position on the card where they are secured for mailing by releasable adhesive means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Kurt H. Volk, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Stenner
  • Patent number: 5992731
    Abstract: A postcard containing a separable card portion. The postcard has a first sheet and a second sheet which lies on the first sheet. An adhesive layer removably bonds the two sheets together. The first sheet includes a card portion which is surrounded by a cutting line so that it may be separated from the rest of the first sheet. The adhesive layer also firmly holds the card portion in position during mailing so as to avoid the possibility that it becomes separated and lost in mailing. After the postcard is received, the two sheets are peeled apart so that the card portion may then be cut out from the first sheet and used separately from the sheets. The card portion may include a name and address which then can be used as the address information both for the postcard, while it is attached to the sheets, and for the card itself, after it is separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Izumi Soft Service Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yosikazu Tani
  • Patent number: 5975579
    Abstract: A cleaner/wipe is provided integrally with a newspaper or other printed publication. The cleaner/wipe may be used for removing printer's ink from the hands of the reader and/or from the reader's clothing or upholstery. In a preferred embodiment, a page or a portion thereof is printed with a modified printer's ink vehicle so that the page or portion thereof can be torn out and used as a wipe. In an alternative embodiment, the wipe may be separately printed or otherwise prepared and then inserted in the printed publication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Jerry Iggulden
  • Patent number: 5967557
    Abstract: A printed advertising device is formed by folding a sheet to enclose a pop-up insert. The pop-up insert is a folded sheet that is initially retained within the advertising device by a novel arrangement, but "pops-up" when the advertising device is accessed to gain the attention of the person opening the device. The advertising device is created by several manipulations of a web, such as folding and applying adhesive using web printing equipment. The advertising device may be a mailing device, a magazine insert or a stand-alone circular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Sleepeck Printing Company
    Inventor: Ake L. Dahlquist
  • Patent number: 5950910
    Abstract: A special service mailpiece having an integral document section and a method for forming the mailpiece requiring special services are provided. The mailpiece has an integral document section requiring special service mailing and includes a sheet folded into sections along a fold line, then sealed to enclose the integral document section. The sheet further has a removably attached section which, after the system is folded and sealed, forms a return postcard and at least one form. The return postcard and the form are integrally formed, but removably attached, such that the return postcard remains attached to the mailpiece until received by the addressee at which time it may be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Glenn Petkovsek
  • Patent number: 5951057
    Abstract: A greeting card on which is printed a message addressed to its recipient by an established character, such as a well-known cartoon figure. The card includes a detachable decal section having printed thereon an image of the character. The decal section is printed with a transferable ink, the remainder of the card being printed with a non-transferable ink. The decal section constitutes a gift from this character to the recipient who can detach this section and transfer the image thereon to a surface receptive to a transferable ink which may be of the heat or water tranferable type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 5951051
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing reassurance that a notification of an occupant's change of address has been received is provided. The apparatus consists of a first document which includes occupant's change of address information, and which is sent to an intended recipient. A second document is also included, to be returned to the occupant, which contains an acknowledgement by the intended recipient that the change of address was received. The first and second documents may be detachably connected, and integrally supplied for dispatch to the intended recipient. The invention is particularly useful for children when the intended recipient is an ethereal being such as Santa Claus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Dominic J. Pileggi
  • Patent number: 5934549
    Abstract: A new type of folding box is disclosed, which is designed for redispatching to a second location, after it has been received at a first location. This box, which can be made from a single flat pre-cut blank, of cardboard or other suitable material, has two lids: an inner lid, and an outer lid. The outer lid is printed, stamped, or affixed with advertising information, a first mailing address, or other useful lettering, to facilitate a first delivery or sale. The inner lid, which is initially covered and preferably hidden by the outer lid, is printed or stamped with a second lettering, such as a second mailing or delivery address. The user purchases or otherwise receives the complete box, including the outer lid, and carries out any desired function with the contents of that box. For example, if the box contains collection jars, for holding blood, hair, water, or soil samples, the user would fill the jars with such samples or specimens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventors: Manfred Baumgartner, Karl-Ulrich Von Bischopinck
  • Patent number: 5927495
    Abstract: A mailer product is described which can be sold free of external packaging thus allowing single unit quantities to be sold at a reasonable price. The product is provided with a separable merchandiser panel containing desired merchandising information connected to the product at a perforated line with notches at each end for ease of separation. A vertical extension on one side of the merchandiser panel allows merchandising information to be provided above merchandising hook level in an area heretofore wasted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Manco, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick Didiano, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5924624
    Abstract: A magnetic pocket frame providing a planar blank including first and second planar surfaces, and first and second fold lines, the first and second fold lines dividing the planar blank into a back wall portion, a protective flap being disposed adjacent the back wall portion along the first fold line, and a pocket-forming flap being disposed adjacent the back wall portion along the second fold line; a flexible magnetic sheet adhesively secured to the second planar surface of the pocket-forming flap, the flexible magnetic sheet being capable of magnetically holding the magnetic pocket card to a magnetic surface in any angular orientation thereto; an opening provided through the back wall portion; a pair of continuous perforation lines extending transversely across the protective flap from a first side edge thereof to a second side edge thereof; the pocket-forming flap being foldable about the second fold line over the back wall potion and being secured thereto at at least one preselected location thereon, thereb
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Crane Productions, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Martin
  • Patent number: 5924737
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a postcard check which can be automatically processed by the U.S. Postal Service and a check clearinghouse. The postcard check meets all the dimensional requirements set forth by the U.S. Postal Service to be classified as a postcard. Moreover, on one side of the postcard check, a postal bar code is placed and positioned such that the postal bar code permits the U.S. Postal Service to automatically process the postcard check through the U.S. mail system. Furthermore, on the other side of the postcard check, a MICR number is placed to allow the check to be processed automatically at a clearinghouse and the banks. Since the postal bar code and the MICR number are on opposite sides of the postcard check, the MICR number is not mutilated by the U.S. Postal Service when it automatically processes the check.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Young America Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond Edward Frank Schrupp
  • Patent number: 5918802
    Abstract: A system for mailing an article requiring special services and a method for forming a mailpiece having an interior for carrying an article requiring special services are provided. The system includes an integrally formed envelope and form constructed from a single sheet and folded and sealed in such a way that one portion of the assembly provides an envelope and the other portion provides a return postcard for attachment to the envelope in its assembled position. The parts are integrally formed, but removably attached, such that the return postcard remains attached to the envelope until received by the addressee upon which the return postcard may be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Glenn Petkovsek
  • Patent number: 5914158
    Abstract: A card with a removal and reusable covering thin transparent vinyl layer sheet with indicia thereon and a backing material sheet layered under said vinyl layer sheet and removably retained thereto by static cling without the use of adhesives there between. The covering vinyl sheet may cover part or all of one side of the backing material sheet such as in a folded greeting or a unfolded postcard, respectively. The indicia may take on almost any form of visual data including letters, words, pictorial representations, drawings, photographs, logos or any combination thereof. When the vinyl layer sheet is removed from the backing sheet, it may be placed on any flat smooth surface, such as a glass window pane, as long as static cling can hold the removable vinyl layer sheet thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Robert Gary McGuiness
  • Patent number: 5901903
    Abstract: Envelopes for certified mail each comprising a panel and a flap constituting an integral, one-piece assembly of thin card stock with a fold line between the panel and the flap. When the panel of the panel and flap assembly comprises the rear panel of an envelope a removable return receipt card is formed therein by lines of perforations and is preprinted on both sides. A Certified Mail endorsement and a return receipt request are preprinted on the flap. A paper front panel is adhered to the inside surface of the rear panel. When the panel of the panel and flap assembly comprises the front panel of an envelope a removable return receipt card is formed in the flap by lines of perforations and is preprinted on both sides. A Certified Mail endorsement and return receipt request are preprinted on the front panel. A paper rear panel is adhered to the inside surface of the front panel. In both embodiments, the envelopes may be assembled individually or in the form of a continuous strip thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Ferrarelli, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond W. Sanders, Joseph R. Ferrarelli, Thomas C. Sanders
  • Patent number: 5890647
    Abstract: A system and a method for mailing a mailpiece requiring special service delivery is provided as well as a mailpiece that requires delivery by a special service. The assembled mailpiece includes a return postcard and a return envelope independently detachable from a remainder of the mailpiece. The mailpiece may be printed with information to be sent to an addressee by a sender. The sender may receive a return postcard verifying delivery of the mailpiece, and the sender, or another individual, may also receive a remittance in the return envelope also independently detachable from the assembled mailpiece. The assembled mailpiece is formed from a single sheet that may be printed with variable information on both sides of the sheet. The information may relate to the mail handling or to other information to be sent to the individual. The assembly is particularly suitable for special service delivery of mail including return remittance of payment or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Glenn Petkovsek