Abstract: A document pressing envelope is constructed by providing first and second substantially rectangular sheets of transparent material and a strip of opaque material, each of the sheets having corresponding first, second, third and fourth edges. A strip of first adhesive material is disposed on a first major surface of the first sheet, adjacent to the first edge thereof. The strip of opaque material is placed on the first major surface of the first sheet, to substantially cover the strip of first adhesive material. Strips of second adhesive material are disposed on a first major surface of the second sheet, adjacent to the first, second and third edges thereof. The respective first major surfaces of the first and second sheets are placed in facing contact, so that the respective second and third edges of the sheets are substantially in alignment to define respective closed ends of the envelope.

Abstract: An envelope for carrying returned or damaged checks and other documents through automated processing equipment is comprised of first and second rectangular, transparent sheets joined together along respective aligned edges at opposite ends of the envelope and a strip of opaque material, a first portion of which is sandwiched between the first and second sheets and a second portion of which is exposed for being encoded with information pertaining to the document being carried. The strip is thus securely attached to the envelope to resist tearing and other damage to the envelope during processing and sorting. A portion of the first sheet extends beyond the top edge of the second sheet to define a flap member, which is foldable over the top edge of the second sheet to seal the envelope. A release glue is disposed on the flap member for sealing the envelope when the glue is sandwiched between the flap member and the second sheet.