Expandable Envelope Patents (Class 229/928)
  • Patent number: 5860904
    Abstract: A special service mailpiece having at least on integral document section and a method for forming the mailpiece requiring special services is provided. The mailpiece has an integral document section requiring special mailing service 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: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Glenn Petkovsek
  • Patent number: 5855396
    Abstract: A postcard comprising a generally planar portion having a front face adapted to receive and hold a photographic print, the postcard further comprising a stand extendible from the reverse face of the planar portion and operable to permit the planar portion to be stood on its side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Patrick Simpson-Jones
    Inventors: Patrick Simpson-Jones, Jean-Jacques Degas
  • Patent number: 5842629
    Abstract: The invention is a "VERI MAG PACK," a package that protects the magnetic stripe and PIN of a data card from unauthorized access from manufacture to the point of sale while allowing the retail sales clerk to have quick, easy access to the magnetic stripe at the time of sale. When the bottom perforated portion of the packet is removed, without destroying the integrity of the packet, the magnetic stripe is revealed to the sales person to swipe through a magnetic card reader to verify, activate, and register the card. The PIN remains inside the packet and not accessible to the sales person. Only the customer will see the PIN. The PIN and data card instructions are accessible when the perforated top and right sides of the packet are removed by the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventors: William R. Sprague, Steven W. Sprague
  • Patent number: 5836622
    Abstract: A form for creating a postcard having printing on both sides includes a front sheet and a back sheet, which are laminated using a pressure sensitive adhesive on a back surface of the front sheet. A fold line extends across the front sheet, while a tear line underlying the fold line extends across the back sheet. A gap in the adhesive preferably extends along the fold line. On one side of the fold line opposite to the direction of the gap, the inner surface of the back sheet has a release coating restricting the adhesion of the adhesive layer. After printing on the front surface of the front sheet, the section of the back sheet having this release coating is removed and discarded, and the front sheet is folded along the fold line, thereby providing a document having printing on both sides and a thickness sufficient for a postcard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Laser Substrates, Inc.
    Inventor: Warren M. Fabel
  • Patent number: 5833129
    Abstract: A picture frame postcard for transmitting and displaying a photograph or other visual display. The picture frame postcard includes a housing having a front face and a rear face and defining an interior region for containing a photograph or other visual display. The front face includes a removable panel to permit the display of the photograph or other visual display contained within. The rear face may used to provide a postage and address panel and includes a slot into which the removable panel may be placed to permit the entire assembly to be supported in the vertical direction to facilitate viewing of the photograph or other visual display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Jeanne M. Smith
  • Patent number: 5826914
    Abstract: A composite insert for a magazine or other publication is shown that includes a postal reply card. In one embodiment, the insert has a first portion formed of heavy paper stock suitable for use as a postcard, and a second portion formed of paper stock that is substantially lighter than the first portion. The first portion includes a perforated area defining a detachable postcard. The two portions are superimposed, and joined by a glued seam that is sandwiched between their respective edges. These joined edges are aligned together to define a unitary binding edge. This binding edge may be fed into a standard feeding unit of a perfect or other type binding machine as a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Solar Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter R. Hudetz
  • Patent number: 5822897
    Abstract: A self-contained, built-in and reversible greeting, letter and/or photograph frame with cover, all suitable for mailing as an all-in-one unit, thereby eliminating the need for a separate envelope. In addition, when the unit is reversed upon itself and fastened, the unit becomes a stand exhibiting its content without the need of any additional elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Michelle Ertzan
  • Patent number: 5822896
    Abstract: A dioramic greeting card is provided. The card has a construction comprising three panels or segments. One panel has a viewing window, the second panel typically has a written message imprinted thereon, and the third panel includes an attractive picture or photo display. The card's construction is made from a cardboard blank which is appropriately folded and manipulated in order to construct the greeting card. The blank includes a series of panels foldably connected to each other along common fold lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Jeffrey Milstein
  • Patent number: 5813596
    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: January 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Dixonweb Printing Company
    Inventor: Ake L. Dahlquist
  • Patent number: 5797541
    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 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Kurt H. Volk, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Stenner
  • Patent number: 5788144
    Abstract: A combined picture frame and mailer is formed of a single piece of reinforced paper folded along a horizontal axis into two substantially equal halves forming front and back panels. The front panel has a central cutout providing a window behind which the picture is placed and which is covered by a transparent sheet of cellophane. The back panel is provided with flaps about its remaining peripheral edges which fold over the corresponding edges of the front panel, and which are sealed to form a closed thin envelope. The back panel is also provided with fold out legs permitting the frame to stand alone on a flat surface such as a table as well as space in which the user may write a message as on a postcard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Say It With A Picture, Inc.
    Inventors: William Sorge, deceased, Philip Cesario, Daniel Fier, Frank Conti
  • Patent number: 5775492
    Abstract: The invention relates to a card for mailing a storage disc economically and safely. The card comprises a coupling part on one side of a postal card-sized board to firmly fix a storage disc via a hooking means, and on the opposite side a communication entry part is provided to write down messages. At least one sealing sheet is employed to cover one side of the board and its entire rim is adhered on the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Ban PR Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ichiro Ban
  • Patent number: 5765745
    Abstract: A secured message postcard mailer having a message area defined on a front surface of a postcard and covered by an obscuring layer to prevent viewing of a message in the message area, the message being imprintable within the message area through the obscuring layer by thermal electronic impulses provided by a thermal printing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Earl N. Graziano
  • Patent number: 5742883
    Abstract: An integrated product mailing system comprises a product to be mailed and a mailer enclosure secured to the product for enclosing and mailing the product once the product is spent. In a preferred embodiment, a toner cartridge for a laser printer includes a cavity disposed in the cartridge, a mailer enclosure disposed in the cavity, and means for removably securing the mailer enclosure in the cavity, whereby the mailer enclosure may be removed from the cavity to be used for easily and efficiently surrounding, enclosing and mailing the product. The mailer enclosure is folded, compacted, or deflated in the cavity, and unfolded upon use for enclosing the product. An access cover secures the mailer in the cavity, and the cavity is integrated into the cartridge for functional efficiency and aesthetic presence of the cartridge and mailer combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: James J. Girard, Darius Boockholdt
  • Patent number: 5740957
    Abstract: Photograph framing and mailing device and blank sheet for forming the device are disclosed. When assembled, the device includes panels that frame a photograph, panels that enclose a photograph for delivery purposes, and panels that support a photograph and the framing panels in a horizontal or vertical display orientation. Some of the panels can be used to include written communication and in place of other mailing packaging material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Gregory J. Wenkman
  • Patent number: 5735453
    Abstract: High quality, novelty articles are provided and comprise a multilayer construction of printed material sandwiching a foam board having a foam core. A preferred embodiment comprises an oversized decorative postcard suitable for sending through the U.S. mail. Alternative embodiments include keytags and business cards which are mass-produced in a die cutting manufacturing method of the present invention. These relatively inexpensive articles are of sturdy construction and may be mounted or otherwise displayed after their initial use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventors: James W. Gick, Terri L. Gick
  • Patent number: 5702740
    Abstract: An edible greeting card includes two edible leaves. Each leaf of the card is imprinted with a message and/or design which is suggestive of a celebratory event and each leaf is individually wrapped in clear plastic. The two leaves are coupled to each other by a hinge which may be formed from a strip of adhesive tape or from a folded cardboard member which embraces an edge of each leaf. The wrapped and hinged leaves are preferably packaged with at least one self-adhesive label upon which the sender may write a personal message and affix the label to one of the leaves. The edible greeting card and the self-adhesive label are preferably packaged in a plastic box which serves as the "envelope" for the greeting card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: Stephen Wild
  • Patent number: 5699956
    Abstract: A magnetic novelty post card incorporating a thin sheet of magnetic material that will self-adhere to metal surfaces, and allowing an image on the front or obverse face and printed material or correspondence on the back or reverse face. A method of manufacturing a magnetic novelty post card that allows a matrix of multiple post card images to be aligned in proper registration with multiple printed paper backs, thus permitting economic and efficient use of existing post card printing plates and permitting the cutting of the multiple images into individual post cards by use of conventional die cutting or shear cutting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: William James Brennan
  • Patent number: 5678756
    Abstract: An envelope can be used as a photo stand in a stable manner. It is made up of a frame panel having a window, a retaining panel that forms, in cooperation with the frame panel, a photo-receiving portion in the shape of a bag, and a leg-forming panel connecting with the photo-receiving portion and having a sealing flap on one side thereof. The sealing flap is formed with two cut lines that extend longitudinally over the entire length of the sealing flap to define an unsealing strip therebetween. The leg-forming panel has supporting legs defined by discontinuous cuts. The photo-receiving portion is formed with slits adapted to engage the legs along its bottom edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Haguruma Envelope Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Sugiura
  • Patent number: 5676307
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a card having magnetic sheet secured to one surface and having a ramp to facilitate mailing. The ramp helps mail properly pass through high speed postal sorting equipment, for example, so as to prevent the edge of a magnetic strip on one card from interfering with other mail to prematurely stop that other mail and cause the machine to jam, particularly when the mail is being restacked after sorting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Crane Productions, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Martin
  • Patent number: 5669165
    Abstract: A picture card (9) including a front card (11), a back card (10), a first transparency (14) and a second transparency (18). First and second transparencies are rotatably secured together by means of grommet (20) and second transparency (18) is mounted to back card (10). First transparency (14) preferably includes an image similar to that of second transparency (18), whereby first transparency (14) can be rotated to align its image with the image of second transparency (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Alan J. Santorsola
  • Patent number: 5667134
    Abstract: A mailer intermediate, and a combination postcard and negotiable instrument mailer, are provided which has the benefit of postcard postal rates, yet provides the confidentiality of a mailer. The intermediate is formed by a quadrate sheet of cellulose based stock with first and second parallel lines of weakness (e.g., perforations) extending substantially transverse to the side edges of the sheet and dividing the sheet into an outgoing address portion, a negotiable instrument portion, and a combination security and reply portion. When the sheet is folded about the first line of weakness to form a mailer, the mailer has postcard-sized dimensions (e.g., about 4.25".times.6") with the outgoing addressee indicia image on the outside face of the address portion and negotiable instrument indicia (including payee and MICR indicia) on the inside of the mailer, negotiable instrument portion. The outgoing address portion has a width of about 1.2-1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Moore Business Forms, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Olson, Elaine C. Ropson
  • Patent number: 5664725
    Abstract: A multi-part mailing form has two superimposed sheets of material such as paper stock which are secured together in adhered areas by an adhesive layer between the sheets. The inner face of a lower sheet is coated with a non-adhesive material in certain areas so that the sheets are not adhered in these areas. The coated areas of the lower sheet correspond to detachable areas of the upper sheet which can be detached and secured to an item to be mailed. Sections of the form are separable from one another by cutting or by means of tear lines. One of the separable sections has imprinted indicia on the outer face of each sheet and includes a return postcard for confirming receipt of a mailed item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Walz Postal Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard F. Walz
  • Patent number: 5662222
    Abstract: Packaging designed for mailing informational media to a recipient, the packaging including a return response with an attached reply card. The packaging protects the informational media from damage during mailing. The informational media may include audio or video tape or a CD. The reply card is detachable from the package. The packaging is preferably secured by an attached closure without the use of other closure mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventors: Bryan Keith Thayer, Kerri Denise Scarbrough
  • Patent number: 5657869
    Abstract: In a self-contained information-bearing package for labels, a number of conventional self-adhesive labels are made on a backing sheet, which may have two labels on each segment, on opposite sides. The backing sheet is made either in a folded length with several segments, or a plurality of backing sheet segments in a V-fold, for example. If the backing sheet is a folded length with several segments, it may be accordion-folded. If the backing sheet is a plurality of segments in a V-fold, a number of these are assembled as leaves in an assembly resembling a "perfect bound" book. These are inserted and attached at the fold line of a cover, which is folded to a closed position for distribution. Other pages, carrying printed indicia, may be included within the cover. These other pages may be mounted at a different fold line from the label-carrier leaves. The top cover can fit into a flap at the bottom, or can have a tab that fits into a slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Leo P. Carroll, III
  • Patent number: 5647938
    Abstract: An apparatus automatically places postcard backings on rolls of developed photo stock. The backings are formed from a roll of bulk label stock such as that sold under the trade name AVERY. The label stock comes with an adhesive layer on its back side, which adhesive is covered by a removable backing sheet. Preferably, indicia have previously been printed on the front side of the label at regular intervals thereon, the size of the intervals corresponding to the size to which the photo postcards will be cut. The two rolls are fed to traction rollers and past a manual calibration register. The backing then is peeled off of the label stock by an automatic peeling-blade which is inserted between the adhesive and the backing. After that, the two lines of feed are led to a laminating press, where they are pressed together and permanently mated by mutual contact with the adhesive layer. The next stage is a cutter which cuts the photo/label combination at the intersections of individual photos.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Aaron Levine
  • Patent number: 5645214
    Abstract: A combination envelope and greeting card having a primary panel with ancillary top, bottom and side panels foldably attached to it in a way that allows the ancillary panels to be torn away from the primary panel as desired. Permanent and releasable adhesive are all strategically located on the panels so that when the panels are folded over the primary panel and adhered to one another in a designated order, the combination becomes a compact, securely sealed unit that can be mailed. In the folded over configuration, panel surfaces containing greeting introduction indicia or a greeting message are not exposed, while a panel surface that contains address and postage aligning indicia faces outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Celina M. Taganas
  • Patent number: 5641116
    Abstract: A card comprising a planar blank having a first planar surface and a second planar surface, the planar blank having at least one line of perforations dividing it into a first section and a second section; a thin, flexible, magnetic sheet material having magnetic materials therein, the magnetic sheet material having a first side and a second side, the magnetic sheet material being capable of magnetically holding the card to a magnetic substance, the first side of the magnetic sheet material being secured to the first planar surface within the first section; where the first section of the card having the magnetic sheet material secured thereto can be separated from the second section of said card along the at least one line of perforations; and, a spacer being removably secured to the second side of the magnetic sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Crane Productions, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Martin
  • Patent number: 5641115
    Abstract: A combination greeting card and envelope formed from a unitary sheet of material. The combination greeting card and envelope has a main card panel with a front face and a rear face, a pair of side doors, one each extending from side edges of the main card panel, with the pair of side doors being sized to generally overlay at least a portion of the front and rear faces of the main card panel. A closure panel having a front and back side extends from a top edge of the main card panel, with the closure panel being sized to be overlayable of the main card panel. A retention flap extends from a top edge of the closure panel. In use, the combination greeting card and envelope is designed to be folded for display on a retail rack, folded for mailing, and folded for display by the end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Lois V. Brewster
  • Patent number: 5626551
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a kit containing the required elements to enable one to manufacture his or her own greeting cards, note cards, and/or envelopes. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a greeting card, note card, or an envelope from ordinary paper stock or from paper stock containing decorative scenes thereon. An example of decorative paper stock which may be suitable for use with the kit is the glossy decorative paper stock which is used within some magazines. The kit is preferably provided in booklet form and includes templates to assist one in manufacturing cards and/or envelopes. The kit typically includes pieces of paper stock which have decorative scenes printed thereon which are suitable for use in manufacturing cards and envelopes. The kit typically will also include numerous pieces of plain or substantially plain paper stock which are suitable for use in forming envelopes and/or cards and which have a writing surface. Various stickers may be provided in the kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventors: Elizabeth J. Kearns, Bethany L. Miller
  • Patent number: 5626286
    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 folded and sealed in such a way that one portion of the assembly provides an envelope and the other portion provides a return postcard and at least one other form 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 at which time the return postcard may be removed. Alternatively, the system may be constructed from two sheets appropriately sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Glenn Petkovsek
    Inventor: Glenn Petkovsek
  • Patent number: 5622388
    Abstract: The invention is a bankable apparatus or post card bank check for sending payments or contributions by mail without the use of any letter envelope. The post card bank check may be used for personal check payments or it may carry with it the dollar value of the instrument of such denominations as the issuing banks may determine and as the buyer may choose for the purpose of sending money from the sender to the recipient. A security strip is provided for use when the payor wishes to conceal the account number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Isabelo S. Alcordo
  • Patent number: 5607100
    Abstract: A direct mail article in the form of a packet comprising a plurality of envelopes separably joined along a parting line at their longitudinal edges, as by perforations, each envelope containing at least one separate enclosure device, one or more of which envelopes and enclosure devices can be personalized, is produced from an integral web or sheet defining all of the envelopes and at least one of the separate enclosure devices. The direct mail packet is formed by folding the envelopes at the parting lines to position the envelopes one above the other. In one preferred embodiment, the direct mail article is formed from two webs, one of which defines all of the envelopes and an associated enclosure device for each envelope, and the second web defines one or more additional enclosure devices for at least one of the plurality of envelopes, the enclosures not being separated until after both have been folded into the envelope, thus ensuring that mismatching of personalized enclosures and envelopes does not occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Kurt H. Volk, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Stenner
  • Patent number: 5607101
    Abstract: The invention relates to postal matter having an obverse and a reverse of which the obverse is provided with a portion allotted for affixing a postage stamp thereto etc. and another portion allotted for indicating an address. The postal matter in the form of this post card can be assembled and includes a sheet and a housing portion which can be secured to the reverse of the sheet and can accommodate a small article. The postal matter in the form of a sealed letter can be assembled and includes an envelope having a flap adapted to close an opening of the envelope and a housing portion which can be secured either to the back of the envelope or to the flap and can accommodate a small article. This inventive postal matter draws a recipient's attention, because the small article is accommodated in such a manner as to project from the surface so that one glance may be enough to make a recipient aware that something is inside of the housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Toshiki Saito
  • Patent number: 5566981
    Abstract: The invention is a bankable apparatus or post card bank check for sending contributions by mail without the use of any letter envelope. The post card bank check carries with it the dollar value of the instrument of such denominations as the issuing banks may determine and as the buyer may choose for the purpose of sending money from the sender to the recipient. The post card check is for deposit only and withdrawable only with the use of the recipient's own bank check making it a safe way to transfer money from donor to recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Isabelo S. Alcordo
  • Patent number: 5544473
    Abstract: A first embodiment of the envelope comprises an outer envelope forming an interior, and a packing material secured in the interior of the outer envelope and forming a pocket for receiving an article. This packing material is comprised of a flexible and expandable packing material forming a multitude of slits arranged to allow the packing material to be pulled into a three-dimensional shape in which the packing material cushions and protects the article inside the packing material. A second embodiment of the envelope of this invention comprises a plurality of sections connected together to form an interior for holding an article; and each of these sections is comprised of a flexible and expandable paper material forming a multitude of slits to allow the sections to be pulled into three dimensional shapes in which those sections cushion and protect the article in the interior of the envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Prompac Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Maida, Joseph Sferlazza
  • Patent number: 5538135
    Abstract: Various dual-medium articles which advantageously combine two mediums, metal for appearance and durability, and cardboard which affords high quality printing. The articles include a generally rectangular metal substrate having front and rear sides, and a cardboard insert sheet adjacent the rear side. The metal substrate includes a central main portion, four edge marginal portions terminating in respective substrate edges, and four corner marginal portions. The marginal portions surround the central main portion, sharing respective boundaries therewith, and are rolled towards the substrate rear side and around such that the substrate edges contact the insert sheet so as to hold the insert sheet in position. The rolled marginal portions together define a continuous bead around the periphery of the card without any exposed sharp edges. In some embodiments the rolled edges are replaced by hinge sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Cui, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter K. Hexter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5516033
    Abstract: A multi-leaved social expression card with an integral envelope has first and second leaves joined together along a first score line and foldable into overlying relationship with each other to form a social expression card. The first and second leaves can have social expression thereon identifying the sending situation for the card. A third leaf is joined to the second leaf along a second score line, and is foldable into overlying adjacent relationship with the first leaf such that the third leaf substantially covers and protects the outer surface of the first leaf. A flap is joined to the third leaf along a third score line. The flap is foldable into overlying adjacent relationship with the second leaf when the first, second and third leaves are folded together. The flap includes an adhesive structure which adhesively secures the flap to the second leaf to form an envelope. The flap also includes an additional social expression identifying the sending situation for the social expression card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventor: Kathleen A. Bernetich
  • Patent number: 5501393
    Abstract: A multi-part mailing form has two superimposed sheets of material such as paper stock which are secured together in adhered areas by an adhesive layer between the sheets. The inner face of a lower sheet is coated with a non-adhesive material in certain areas so that the sheets are not adhered in these areas. The coated areas of the lower sheet correspond to detachable label areas of the upper sheet which can be detached and secured to an item to be mailed. Tear lines extending through both sheets allow sections of the form to be separated from one another. One of the separable sections has imprinted indicia on the outer face of each sheet and includes an adhered area of the form which comprises a return postcard for confirming receipt of a mailed item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Walz Postal Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard F. Walz
  • Patent number: 5495981
    Abstract: A printed sheet product comprises a thin core having a pair of opposing major planar sides. A plurality of sets of variable data fields are printed on at least a first side of the core. One or more of the variable data fields of each set may be printed on the opposing second side of the core. Each set of printed variable data fields includes at least a first data field printed with a numeric code, the numeric code of each variable data field set being different from that of each other set printed on the first side of the core. Each set of variable data fields further includes a second data field printed with either a name and mailing address uniquely associated with a numeric code or with another representation of the numeric code. Where printed, the name and address of each variable data set differs from that of each other variable data set printed on the first side of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventor: Richard O. Warther
  • Patent number: 5469965
    Abstract: The video cassette mailer comprises a box which is foldable from a prescored blank and includes a structure therein for securely isolating at least one video cassette from any damage which it may incur during mailing. The isolating structure is configured to fit snugly within the box and securely engage the video cassette. The isolating structure includes a wall which rests against and cushions one planar surface of the cassette while the box includes a plurality of foldable panels, tabs and cover sections which seat against and cushion the opposite side of the cassette, with the isolating structure protecting at least the short side walls and corners of the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: Gary E. Stearns
  • Patent number: 5458282
    Abstract: A card fabricated of a flexible material such as paper, pasteboard, plastic and the like that has a first planar surface and a second planar surface. The card is formed with a line of perforations or a fold line dividing the card into first and second sections and a thin, flexible, magnetic sheet material is adhesively secured to one of the planar surfaces of one of the sections. The thin, flexible, magnetic sheet is dimensionally coextensive with the section to which it is attached. Indicia is printed on the exposed surface of the card section to which the magnetic sheet is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Crane Productions, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Martin
  • Patent number: 5441778
    Abstract: Two dimensional artwork, such as photographs, posters, sports cards, comics cards and the like can be converted into three dimensional articles of artwork by mounting foreground figures provided from copies of the two-dimensional artwork onto the underlying two dimensional artwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventors: Mykos M. Gilbreath, Jonathon L. Gilbreath, Jeremy C. Gilbreath
  • Patent number: 5428423
    Abstract: A method for making photographic cards by imprinting a message directly on the reverse side of a photograph, in a plurality of configurations including singular cards, cards in sheet form, cards in roll form and cards in a new and improved continuous form with tractor feed selvedge strips and perforations for separating the photographs from each other and from the selvedge strips. Each configuration of photographic cards is comprised of developed photographs having a photographic image surface (32) on one side and a message printed directly on an imprinting surface (34) which is the reverse side of the photographic paper material (30) using a computer (22) with a printer (24) attached and controlled by a software (20) program used by a computer operator (18) to create and edit messages and control the printing of said messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: John R. Clark
  • Patent number: 5399021
    Abstract: A tamper-proof and/or tamper-evident bag or envelope is provided for transporting of credit cards or debit cards which have raised identifying characters. The bag or envelope includes a tamper strip, a front panel, and a back panel drawing together at the lateral edges of the panels. In use the card is inserted into the bag or envelope with its characters disposed behind the tamper strip and covered by the tamper strip. The inside of the rear panel is then sealed to the outside of the front panel by an improved closure system which utilizes improved folding means and an adhesive strip. The tamper strip may be a thick panel such as a sheet of semi-rigid foam or thickened plastic material to prevent transfer of an impression of the raised characters through a mailing envelope and/or may transmit a warning impression in response to an attempted transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: Lesley Litt
  • Patent number: 5398866
    Abstract: An enclosure such as a letter envelope, a casing, shipping pouch, file for, or the like, is made of paper or similar suitable material to have a front portion (3) and a back portion (4) as well as side flaps (6) and (7). The enclosure may be provided with a closure flap (23) that is either part of the front portion (3) or part of the back portion (4). A bottom portion (5) is arranged between the back portion (4) and the front portion (3), whereby the bottom portion is preferably an integral component of the front and back portions. The side flaps (6, 7) are provided with respective folding creases extending longitudinally and foldable bottom side tongues (18, 19) are provided at the bottom end of the side flap (6, 7). These basic features are common to a plurality of different enclosures which provide a substantially larger enclosed volume than heretofore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Winkler & Duennebier Maschinen-fabrik und Eisengiesserei KG
    Inventor: Martin Bluemle
  • Patent number: 5397052
    Abstract: A continuous mailing form includes one or more sheets of individual form parts secured together along spaced transverse tear lines. The or each sheet has a designated addressee area on each form part, and, where there is more than one sheet, the sheets are secured together with the addressee areas in registry. One of the sheets has a predetermined detachable area comprising a return postcard. A blow-on label is detachably secured to the addressee area on each form part of one of the sheets, for receiving address information and reproducing it on the underlying addressee area of the underlying sheet or sheets. The label can be peeled off and attached to an item to be mailed along with the return postcard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Walz Postal Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard F. Walz
  • Patent number: 5370302
    Abstract: A postcard mailer may also be used as a reply postcard. A sheet of paper between one-half of and the minimum weight of a postcard, is printed with reply and return address indicia on the top face of one side of an intermediate fold line, while the sheet on the other side of the fold line is printed with instructional or inquisitive indicia. A removable label printed with outgoing address indicia is disposed over the reply address indicia. A line of weakness parallel to the top edge defines the sheet into first and second panels, the second panel having at least the minimum dimensions of a postcard. Adhesive patterns are provided on the bottom face of the sheet, on both the first and second panels. The sheet is folded about an intermediate fold line and the adhesive is sealed, producing an outgoing postcard. By detachment at the line of weakness, and removing the label, the mailer is transformed into a reply postcard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Moore Business Forms, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Dyer
  • Patent number: 5364021
    Abstract: A mailing pack includes a bottom panel and first and second side flaps hingedly connected with first and second opposite edges of the bottom panel. First and second end flaps are hingedly connected with third and fourth opposite edges of the bottom panel. The first end flap extends in a first direction from the hinge edge thereof and the second end flap extends from the hinge edge thereof in an opposite direction. The bottom panel, first and second side flaps and first and second end flaps are constructed from a fluted material having flutes extending in a second direction. A securing tab arrangement secures the end flaps in substantially parallel covering relation to the side flaps and the bottom panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Amdurables, Inc.
    Inventor: Marvin R. Munk
  • Patent number: 5362299
    Abstract: A stamp storage envelope is constructed from a single sheet of material which allows for varying the size of the access opening into the storage chamber by how many panels of end walls are overlapped with each other or adjacent front and rear walls. The panels may be secured to each other and the front and rear walls by adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Diane D. Schou