Abstract: A system and method to provide identification codes to track outbound mail and corresponding replies. Tracking is enabled where an intended recipient is not determined until after physical components of the mailpiece are assembled. A first ID code is associated with a second ID code on a return envelope. The first ID code is positioned on a front of the return envelope proximal to a return address on the return envelope. The second ID code is positioned on a back of the return envelope proximal to a recipient address region on the return envelope. The return envelope is inserted into a carrier envelope with the front of the return envelope facing the back of the carrier envelope, and the second ID code and the recipient address region being visible through a front window in the front of the carrier envelope. A recipient address is printed in the recipient address region of the reply envelope, through the front window on the carrier envelope.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing mail packages to be sent to recipients. The package includes a carrier envelope with a front address window and a back window. A content document having a style code printed on it is positioned at the back of the carrier envelope. The content style code is positioned to be visible through the back window of the carrier envelope. A reply envelope is enclosed with an address area aligned with the front window of the carrier envelope. Mail packages are prepared by storing a corresponding content style for the recipient. While transported, the content style code is scanned. From the style code, a recipient having the corresponding content style is selected from the stored list. That recipients name and address are printed onto the address area of the reply envelope through the address window on the front of the carrier envelope.

Abstract: Simulated commercial envelopes and methods of making the same are disclosed. An example envelope includes a first envelope portion having a front panel including a top edge and a bottom edge parallel to the top edge, connected by a pair of side edges. A top flap is integrally formed with the top edge of the front panel about a first fold line and a bottom flap is integrally formed with the bottom edge of the front panel about a second fold line. A second envelope portion having a rear panel is adapted to be secured to the front panel to form a pocket for a mailer insert. The bottom flap foldable about the second fold line and is secured to the rear panel on a side opposite the formed pocket, and the top flap is foldable about the first fold line and is also secured to the rear panel or the bottom flap on the side opposite the formed pocket to form the example envelope.

Abstract: A package for distributing a presentation instrument includes a shipping indicator comprising a shipping destination address and an envelope that has a first substantially clear window and contains the presentation instrument and the shipping indicator. The shipping destination address is visible through the first substantially clear window. The package also includes a shipping container that has a second substantially clear window and contains the envelope. The shipping destination address is visible through the second substantially clear window. A method for assembling a package for a presentation instrument includes providing the presentation instrument, a shipping indicator, an envelope, and a shipping container. The presentation instrument and the shipping indicator are inserted into the envelope and the envelope is inserted into the shipping container. The shipping destination address is visible through the first and second substantially clear windows.

Abstract: The envelope with interior decorative elements is an envelope for receiving a greeting card, which may be further opened to display additional, decorative elements mounted within an interior thereof. The envelope includes first and second outer panels, each outer panel having an interior surface and an exterior surface. An inner panel is further provided so that, when the envelope is in a closed configuration, the inner panel is sandwiched between the first and second outer panels. An exterior surface of the inner panel is positioned adjacent an interior surface of the second outer panel so that a pocket is defined therebetween. The pocket is adapted for receiving the greeting card. The first and second outer panels may be separated so that, when folded apart, a pop-up decorative element is displayed, the decorative element being mounted on the interior surfaces of the inner panel and the first outer panel.

Abstract: A device comprised of two flat layers of equal dimensions shaped like a postcard, for mailing a biodegradable organic video media item, such as a CD or DVD, integrated and embodied into its bottom layer, so as to create a greeting card. A picturesque scene is on its front cover related to the contents of the CD or DVD. The back cover has areas designated for greetings, instructions, recipient's address, and postage. The top and bottom layers are glued together. The glue is positioned so as not to contact the readable surface of the CD or DVD and degrade play. Once the top layer is separated from the bottom layer, the recipient can detach the CD or DVD from the bottom layer along outlines of the inner and outer perimeters of the CD's or DVD's shape, in order to play the CD or DVD.

Abstract: A postal mailer includes a first main panel and a second main panel opposite the first main panel and opposed first and second peripheral side panels extending between the first main panel and the second main panel. One or more score lines extend across each of the first and second main panels and an opening is formed in each of the first and second peripheral side panels and extends between the first and second main panels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an unexpectedly unique environmentally friendly composite material structure and storage article fabricated therefrom. The composite structure includes a fiber-containing layer, such as a fiberboard layer or other layer having fibers from natural and/or synthetic sources, and a mineral-containing layer covering the fiber-containing layer. The mineral-containing layer is substantially continuously bonded to the fiber-containing layer along the surface of the fiber-containing layer. The fiber-containing layer and mineral-containing layer can be shaped, sized and manufactured such that the composite structure formed therefrom is capable of being machined to form the storage article. The composite structure has advantages in that it has a high degree of pliability and flexibility that is increased over the pliability of the fiber-containing layer alone, which renders it highly attractive to consumers.

Abstract: A device configured to preserve, maintain and/or safeguard information within an envelope includes a sheet of media having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first surface includes security print covering substantially the entire first surface and having a predetermined pattern of indicia configured to prevent the deciphering of a writing on a composition proximate the media sheet.

Abstract: The flat oversize mail piece includes an envelope of expandable nature, a flexible insert within the pocket of the envelope and an item that may be rigid or non-rigid. In one embodiment, the insert is provided with a cutout that is asymmetrical to one side of the insert and envelope to matingly receive the item being shipped. In another embodiment, the insert is a thin plastic tray having a recess to receive the item being shipped and a plurality of cavities interconnected by thin webs that impart flexibility to the package.

Abstract: The flat oversize mail piece includes an envelope of expandable nature, a flexible insert within the pocket of the envelope and an item that may be rigid or non-rigid. The insert is provided with a cutout that is asymmetrical to one side of the insert an envelope to matingly receive the item being shipped.

Abstract: A plurality of air relief holes 18 for removing air in a bag are formed in a slit shape at a portion where, when an opening portion of an envelope 10 is sealed by a seating portion 11a, the air relief holes are concealed by the sealing portion and which is an upper end portion of a second back face 14 of the envelope 10. In case that the envelope 10 is inserted between a pair of upper and lower pressure-contacting rollers from its bottom portion, when the envelope 10 passes through between the pair of upper and lower pressure-contacting rollers rotating in a manner sandwiched therebetween, air staying in a bag of the envelope 10 is exhausted from the air relief holes 18 to the outside, so that the envelope 10 is changed in one sheet shape. Thereby, forces acting on upper and lower faces of the envelope 10 from the pair of upper and lower rollers becomes approximately even, so that occurrence of wrinkles on the envelope 10 is suppressed.

Abstract: A printable form for correspondence and organized filing is disclosed comprising a sheet of material of predetermined size wherein a portion is scored to define a printable tab that extends outward from the sheet of material when the scored portion is removed, providing for faster, more organized, and efficient filing and retrieval of information.

Abstract: A postal mailer includes a first main panel and a second main panel opposite the first main panel and opposed first and second peripheral side panels extending between the first main panel and the second main panel. One or more score lines extend across each of the first and second main panels and one or more openings formed in each of the first and second peripheral side panels and extend between the first and second main panels.

Abstract: A postal mailer includes a first main panel and a second main panel opposite the first main panel, opposed first and second peripheral side panels extending between the first main panel and the second main panel, and opposed first and second end panels extending between the first main panel and the second main panel. One or more score lines extend across each of the first and second main panels and one or more openings formed in each of the first and second peripheral side panels and extending between the first and second main panels.

Abstract: A container with an opening on one end, with an adhesive flap to seal the container once the desired information and objects are placed therein; said container may then be affixed to a surface, thereby creating a convenient way to keep necessary emergency information both readily available and private.

Abstract: A combination note card and protector, now known commercially as the a Heart Warmer®, is an unattached pocket made of fabric where a side folds down to display a card, trinket, or other sentiment. Its purpose is to send a greeting, trinket or other sentiment, which is held in the pocket, to a loved one. The recipient can then place the Heart Warmer® in his pocket close to his heart. It is constructed out of a single piece of fabric folded in half and sewn on at least portion of the sides with the a corner of the fabric folded down to create a pocket effect. It preferably comes with a card that fits into the pocket for the sender to write a personal message to the recipient.

Abstract: Methods and systems that provide privacy of signatures on envelopes containing ballots are provided. The envelope for returning ballots includes a flap with a window that aligns with a signature area on the envelope. The window appears opaque under normal lighting conditions, but appears transparent when illuminated with light within a predetermined band of wavelengths. To read the signature, light having wavelength within the predetermined band can be directed onto the window, thereby rendering the window transparent and the signature visible.

Abstract: Methods and systems that provide privacy of signatures on envelopes containing ballots are provided. The envelope for returning ballots includes a flap with a window that aligns with a signature area on the envelope. The window appears opaque under normal lighting conditions, but appears transparent when illuminated with light having a predetermined wavelength. A movable signature stub is positioned on top of the signature area. The voter signs the back of the envelope on the signature stub, thereby imprinting a signature on the signature area by transferring a material from the signature stub to the signature area, and moves the signature stub. The flap of the envelope is then sealed, thereby covering the voter's signature in the signature area with the window of the envelope flap. To read the signature, light having the predetermined wavelength can be directed onto the window, thereby rendering the window transparent and the signature visible.

Abstract: An envelope includes a front wall and an overlying back wall. The front wall and the back wall are connected around mutual edges to form an enclosed pouch. One of the front wall and the back wall includes a message portion separable from remaining portions of the one of the front wall and the back wall. A release sheet is secured to an inside surface of the one of the front wall and the back wall overlying the message portion. The message portion comprises areas of removable adhesive or multiple reuse adhesive and is secured to the release sheet by the multiple reuse adhesive to form a repositionable note once removed from the one of the front wall and the back wall.

Abstract: An assembly including a sheet of material defining a front panel, a back panel, and two side flaps. The front panel is separated from the back panel by a panel fold line. The side flaps are disposed at opposing edges of the front panel and are each separated from the front panel by a flap fold line. The side flaps include a front flap surface with an adhesive material and a back flap surface opposite the front flap surface. A removable sheet is disposed over the adhesive material. The assembly is foldable about the panel fold line to dispose the back panel adjacent the front panel. The assembly is foldable about the flap fold line to dispose the back flap surface adjacent a front surface of the back panel when the back panel is folded. In a folded position, the assembly forms a pocket between the front and back panels, and is adherable by the adhesive material to a separate surface.

Abstract: A method of generating a mailer on demand by receiving data for an envelope and a matching document in a computer, placing data for the envelope and the document in a production queue, generating the envelope using the data, generating the document using the data, automatically verifying the correct generation and sequence of the envelope, automatically verifying the correct generation and sequence of the document, removing any envelope or document if the verification process returns a false condition for correct generation or sequence in order to maintain order integrity of the production queue and automatically regenerating the incorrectly generated or sequenced piece and all other corresponding piece(s) of the mailer, and matching a verified envelope with a matching verified document and creating the mailer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet material comprising a plurality of folds defining at least four segments, the sheet material being foldable and unfoldable about said folds, the sheet material comprising first and second securement means, arranged in use to cooperate to releasably secure the sheet material in the folded configuration when folded, and wherein the securement means are located such that the sheet material is foldable to a partially folded configuration comprising three columns of segments in a single row in which the first securement means is located on one outer column and the second securement means is located on the other outer column.

Abstract: A display assembly is provided comprising; (a) an image insert, the image insert being bendable from a planar configuration to a non-planar display configuration, wherein the image insert comprises a plurality of first surfaces for displaying a first image, and a plurality of second surfaces for displaying a second image; and (b) a display frame for supporting the image insert in the non-planar display configuration. The display frame comprises an abutment structure for abutting the plurality of first surfaces and the plurality of second surfaces to secure the plurality of first surfaces at a non-zero angle relative to the plurality of second surfaces and to resist unbending of the image insert. Optionally, the display assembly may be part of a book.

Abstract: A customizable envelope formed from interchangeable components allows the user to create various color and texture arrangements. The envelope is formed using two separate pieces of paper or other similar sheet material, each of which includes two foldable end flaps and a central portion. Both sheets are generally rectangular in shape and, when assembled to form the finished envelope, are preferably oriented so that their elongate axes are at a 90° angle to each other. In one form, the central portion of one sheet has a pair of elongated slits preferably formed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sheet and located near the top and bottom edges, respectively. The second sheet is sized so that it will be received in these slits. After assembly, the portion of the first, slitted sheet, exterior to the slits appears to frame the central portion of the second sheet, providing a framed opening on either the inner or outer surface of the completed envelope.

Abstract: A single-use container having a foldable writing surface with self-sealing adhesive and corresponding methods of fabrication and use involving at least one planar polygonal member having an outer surface, an inner surface, a plurality of vertices, and a plurality of edges, each edge of the plurality of edges including a peripheral portion, the planar member being foldable, and the planar member being conducive to accepting a writing material, and an adhesive disposed on the peripheral portion on at least one of the surfaces. The present invention also involves an additional adhesive disposed on the peripheral portion at an intermediate location between each vertex of the plurality of vertices.

Abstract: Mailpieces configured to mitigate flexure of frangible articles during handling by postal processing equipment. The mailpieces include spacers that intervene between the stress-sensitive article held by the mailer and a convex surface of a roller, drum, spindle, or other mechanical device used in the postal processing equipment for transporting the mailpieces.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates generally to mailpieces and more particularly, a hazardous material detector for detecting hazardous material in a mail stream. The present invention is directed, in general to detector for collecting sample (s) of hazardous materials from a mail processing device. The mailpiece generally comprises an envelope comprising a front side and a back side; holes formed in at least one of the front side or the back side of the envelope; a hazardous material test strip for detecting the presence of hazardous material in contact with the test strip; whereby when hazardous materials are detected by the hazardous material test strip a physical change occurs to the hazardous material test strip and the physical change can be viewed through at least one hole formed in the at least one of the front side or the back side of the envelope. The detector helps to quickly determine whether hazardous materials are present in the mail stream.

Abstract: An envelope assembly is provided for improved performance of a mailing envelope in the automated mail handling process. The envelope comprises a front panel having top, bottom and side edges and forming an envelope front surface, side flaps extending front the side edges, a rear panel extending from the bottom edge and combining with the side flaps to form an envelope rear surface, and a closure flap extending from the top edge for securing the envelope in a closed position. The rear panel is sized and configured to have a lesser width than the front panel as to expose the side flaps along the envelope rear surface. In this configuration, an automated mail opening device must only substantially cut through the side flaps and front panel to open the envelope along the side edges, as opposed to having to also cut through a substantial portion of the rear panel and an adhesive holding the rear panel and side flaps together.

Abstract: An assembly for providing information about an individual such as a lost child includes an envelope and an information sheet releasably adhesively connected to the rear panel of the envelope. The information sheet is manually removable from the rear envelope panel for insertion into the envelope. Removal of the information sheet exposes the adhesive on the envelope rear panel and the adhesive is used to apply the envelope to an individual's clothing.

Abstract: A mailing form for facilitating the mailing of a document is disclosed. The mailer comprises a ply having a front face and a back face, wherein the ply includes a first panel, a second panel, a third panel and a fourth panel of substantially the same area, each panel separated by a fold line. The mailer further includes a document in the third panel and the fourth panel and a first fold line between the third panel and the fourth panel. The mailer further includes a second fold line between the second panel and the third panel and a third fold line between the first panel and the second panel. The mailer further includes adhesive that secures the mailing form in folded form.

Abstract: An official postal product, and a method and apparatus for making the official postal product. The official postal product includes a first image area having an official postal indicia a second image area having a personal image. A protective coating is placed over the second image area such that official cancellation mark placed over the second area will not permanently adhere to the personal image.

Abstract: The invention teaches an envelope with an adjustable dimension to accommodate inserts of varying size.

Abstract: A mailing form for facilitating the mailing of a document is disclosed, the mailing form comprising a first panel, a second panel, and, a third panel of substantially the same area, each panel separated by a horizontal fold line. The mailing form includes a top ply of the mailing form and a document in the second panel. The mailing form further includes a bottom ply coupled to the top ply and a frame portion of the top ply. The mailing form further includes an adhesive on the outer edges of the front of the bottom ply extending over the second and third panel. The mailing form further includes a first horizontal fold line between the first and second panels and a second horizontal fold line between the second and third panels. When the mailing form is in folded form, the document in the second panel is securely situated between the first and third panel.

Abstract: In addition to a set of dividers having staggered tabs and binder holes, the retail packaging includes a sheet protector pocket having a front sheet and a back sheet and binder holes. The user removes the dividers and pocket from the packaging and custom designs and prints sheet indicia on a paper sheet. He/she then inserts the printed sheet into the pocket whereby the front sheet allows the sheet indicia to be viewed therethrough. The front sheet has pre-printed indicia thereon. With the printed sheet in the pocket and the pocket and dividers assembled in a ringed notebook or other binding system, the sheet indicia and the pre-printed indicia line up with respective ones of the tabs. The indicia thereby form an attractive custom-designed table of contents, which can be easily corrected or changed by the user by simply printing and inserting into the pocket a new sheet. The front sheet can either be transparent or have a window to allow the sheet indicia to be viewed therethrough.

Abstract: An envelope, bag or other mailing device for preventing the shifting of an item located within the envelope and a method for making the same is provided. The envelope includes a front panel, a back panel and at least one protrusion. The back panel is coupled to the front panel to form an interior portion formed between opposed interior surfaces of the front and back panels. The protrusion is coupled to one of the opposed interior surfaces and extends into the interior portion of the envelope. In another embodiment, a second protrusion is coupled to the other side of opposed interior surfaces and extends into the interior portion of the envelope. The protrusions are adapted to associate with one another to protect items contained within the envelope from external forces and prevent the item from moving around within the interior portion of the envelope.

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.

Abstract: An envelope formed from a single blank with a front panel, rear panel, two side flaps, and a closure flap. The two side flaps are folded inward and an adhesive layer is secured to the two side flaps and the closure flap. The adhesive layer extends to at least the top perimeter of the two side flaps and may even extend beyond the top perimeter of the rear panel to include the front panel and even some portion of the closure flap. The rear panel is folded and secured along substantially the entire length of the two side flaps. The envelope is then exemplary placed under a drier to dry any of the adhesive that extends beyond the upper perimeter of the two side flaps and the upper perimeter of the rear panel. The envelope is then processed and stacked using conventional equipment.

Abstract: A paper assembly is formed having an envelope and a carrier portion, such that the overall assembly is a generally flat paper assembly having a length and width of a standard paper size such as 8½ in.×11 in. or A-4 size. The assembly, having a footprint equal to a standard paper size, may be fed into a standard size paper tray of a printer such as a laser printer or an ink jet printer, with the printer printing on the front face of the envelop. After printing the envelope may be stuffed with material to be mailed, and the envelope separated from the carrier portion and sealed for mailing. In a first embodiment the carrier is an L-shaped piece of paper that is formed separately from the envelope and releasably adhered to the backside thereof, the L-cut having an acute angle and a rounded corner. In another embodiment the L-shaped carrier is releasably adhered to the front side of the envelope.

Abstract: An envelope includes a front wall having two lateral edges, a top edge, and a bottom edge; and a rear wall having two lateral edges, a top edge, and a bottom edge, the front and rear walls joined along their respective lateral and bottom edges; wherein the front and rear walls each have an outer ply including an outer layer including a propylene polymer or copolymer, polyamide or copolyamide, or polyester or copolyester, and an inner layer including an ethylene homopolymer or copolymer; and an inner ply including an inner and outer surface, including an air cellular or foamed material; the inner surface of the outer ply being adhered to the outer surface of the inner ply. A closure flap or other closure device, and one or more intermediate layers, can optionally be included in the envelope.

Abstract: A sleeve for holding papers or other material may be provided with an outer corner tab. The sleeve may be formed of a single die-cut sheet of plastic or other material, or from two or more sheets that are attached together. A first sheet may include score lines along two adjacent edges that enable an extended portion of the first sheet to be folded over a second sheet. The second sheet may include score lines that enable an outer corner tab to be formed thereon. The corner tab enables a portion of the papers or other material stored in the sleeve to be inserted into an insert space of the tab. The tab may then be used to retain papers in a secure manner, such that they will not fall out of the sleeve should the sleeve or folder be inverted.

Abstract: A security envelope that allows a mail handler or recipient to inspect its contents for potentially harmful granular/powder substances without ever opening the envelope is provided. The envelope comprises a front see-through window and a rear see-through window that are registered, such that an observer of the envelope can view through the envelope to examine its contents. A security background may, in place of, or in addition to, the rear window, be provided on the inside of the envelope, such that the observer can additionally verify that the envelope was sent from a trusted source. In this case, the security background will be registered with the front window. The security background may be composed of nano-structures that appear as a standard background when viewed with the naked eye, but reveal identifying elements when viewed under magnification.

Abstract: The invention concerns a form for non impact printers, characterized in that it consists of four sections including an upper section and a lower section, and in that each section is separated from the next section by parallel fold lines or perforations. The upper section has the same surface area as the total surfaces of the two subsequent sections, over which the upper section is folded before printing, in such a manner that after printing the upper section can be folded further over the lower section and that an image can be transferred to the lower section by means of mechanical or chemical self-copying techniques by exerting a pressure on the upper section.

Abstract: A hazardous materials safe envelope having holes permitting atmospheric communication between the interior and exterior of the envelope. Such holes reduce the risk of the use of a sealed envelope to transport hazardous materials (i.e. biological or chemical agents) through the United States Postal Service or other similar courier.

Abstract: An official postal product, and a method and apparatus for making the official postal product. The official postal product includes a first image area having an official postal indicia a second image area having a personal image. A protective coating is placed over the second image area such that official cancellation mark placed over the second area will not permanently adhere to the personal image.

Abstract: An envelope includes a front wall having two lateral edges, a top edge, and a bottom edge; and a rear wall having two lateral edges, a top edge, and a bottom edge, the front and rear walls joined along their respective lateral and bottom edges; wherein the front and rear walls each have an outer ply including an outer layer including a propylene polymer or copolymer, polyamide or copolyamide, or polyester or copolyester, and an inner layer including an ethylene homopolymer or copolymer; and an inner ply including an inner and outer surface, including an air cellular or foamed material; the inner surface of the outer ply being adhered to the outer surface of the inner ply. A closure flap or other closure device, and one or more intermediate layers, can optionally be included in the envelope.

Abstract: An envelope is formed from a single sheet of paper, which is of a standard size. The paper is folded along opposing edges and then folded along a mid-section. Content material may be placed in the envelope or printed information can be printed on desired surfaces of the envelope. The paper may also be folded so that a fold-over flap is formed. The edges are attached through a sealing mechanism such as knurling or crimping.

Abstract: An inline formed package having an envelope and insert material, is formed from a single repeat of a printed web both of which are crossfolded simultaneously, approximately along the half repeat line, and the area of the insert material is greater than half the area of the repeat.

Abstract: A gift envelope for packaging an information media disk holder that is formed of a decorative substrate. The envelope is formed to be flat without overlapping corner folds that are typically found in a wrapped package when the package is empty. The gift-wrap envelope may also be used as a mailer.

Abstract: A method for laying out an envelope blank on a sheet of material using a template having a straightedge portion with layout edge and an alignment portion with alignment field. The user places an item to be enclosed in an envelope onto the sheet, places marks thereon to locate approximately the corners of the item and removes the item. The user places the template thereon, adjustably aligns the edge of the straightedge portion on the sheet until the alignment element is lined up as parallel as possible with two diagonally opposed marks. The layout edge being thus aligned, the user draws a line representing a layout line substantially along the edge. In repeating this process for each mark, the user draws remaining layout lines. After drawing all layout lines, the user removes the template from the sheet; the envelope blank is formed from the layout lines.