US2209601A - Mailing closure for cards - Google Patents

Description

July 30, 1940. v. E. HEYwooD MAILING CLOSURE FOR CARDS 2 Sheets-Sheet l Fglled Aug. 19, 1935 July 30, 1940. v. E. HEYwooD MAILING CLOSURE FOR CARDS Filed Aug. 19, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 llllllliIJ Patented July 30, 1940 UNITED STATES MAILING CLOSURE FOR CARDS Vincent E. Heywood, Worcester, Mass., assignor to United States Envelope Company, Springeld, Mass.,

a corporation of Maine Applicatiun August 19, 1935, serial No. 36,804

9 Claims.

The present invention relates to an improved mailing closure for various sizes of cards, such as automobile registrations, licenses and the like, which are customarily inscribed with names and addresses and utilized in connection with closures of the window envelope type for mailing in large quantities.

While certain forms of card mailing closures have heretofore been provided, either as separate compartments, or as embodied in two-compartment envelopes, all such previous card mailing closures of a given size have been adapted to receive only one size of card, in order to insure proper registration of the name and address on each card with the Window opening of the closure.

According to the present invention, there is provided an improved form of closure for the mailing of cards and the like, characterized by the fact that a given size of closure is adapted to properly register several different sizes of cards with its window opening. 'I'he closure is further characterized by the fact that both sealing of the closure and the proper positioning of a card therein may be quickly eiected by bringing into contact areas of dry-sealing adhesive,-that is to say, adhesive of the type that is adapted to adhere to itself upon non-moistened contact, thereby greatly facilitating the loading and sealing of such closures. The above and other advantageous features of the invention will hereinafter more fully appear from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of one form of closure embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is a view illustrating the positioning of a card, prior to sealing the closure of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows the closure of Fig. 1 in sealed condition. l

Fig. 4 illustrates another form of closure embodying the invention, prior to the positioning of a card. ff

Fig. 4a shows the closure of Fig. 4 folded over for packing.

Fig. 5 shows the closure of Fig. 4 folded so as to position a card therein.

Fig. Gnshows the reverse side of the closure of Fig. 5 in sealed condition.

Fig. '7 shows the card closure associated with the outside wall of an envelope.

Fig. 8 is a view of the envelope of Fig. '7,with a card positioned, preparatory to sealing.

Fig. 9 shows the envelope with the card sealed therein.

Fig. 10 shows the blank for a single compartment envelope having provision for positioning cards therein by dry-sealing adhesive.

Fig. 11 shows the blank of Fig. 10` made into an envelope.

Fig. 12 shows tlie envelope with parts broken away to show a card positioned therein ready for sealing.

Fig. 13 shows the reverse side of the envelope of Fig. l2 in s'ealed condition.

Fig. 14 is a sectional view along the line |4-I4 of Fig. 13.

Like reference characters refer to like parts in the diiierent figures.

Referring iirst to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the invenl5 tion is shown, in its simplest form, as being embodied in a blank I which may be readily converted into a closure for holding a previously addressed card in proper registration with a window opening. To this end, the blank provides g@ a window opening 2 covered by a transparent panel 3 of any desired type, with a series of right angled card registration lines d disposed on the same side of the blank as the panel 3. The blank l also provides a centrally located score 25 line 5, and the card registration lines 4 are so positioned as to be in substantial registration with the Window panel 3, should the blank be folded along itsl score line 5.

The entire surface of the blank l which carries the window panel 3 and registration lines d is coated with an adhesive 6 of such a character that it will adhere to itself upon nonmoistened contact, although it will not adhere to the material of the blank. Preferably, the 35 adhesive 6 is applied in the form of a dispersed rubber solution, or as natural or compounded latex, the invention also contemplating the use of other similar dry-sealing adhesives in the form of thermoplastics such as arclor resins or galyptols, either alone or in combination. By reason of the above described qualities of the adhesive 6, prepared blanks l can be packed front to back and handled in flat condition, without possibility of premature engagement of the adhesive-coated surfaces, prior to using the same for mailing purposes, as willv neXt be described.

When it is desired to mail a previously addressed card of given size by means of a blank `I, the card 'l is positioned on the .blank with 50 its addressed face up, as shown in Fig. 2, and with the edges of the card registering with one of the lines 4 corresponding most closely to the exact size of the card. The blank I is then folded along the score line 5 to bring the opposed 55 dry-sealing adhesive areas into engagement and at the same time to register the Window opening 2 with the address on the card 1, as shown in Fig. 3. The engaged portions of the blank I are then pressed flat, which action performs the double function of positively positioning the card 1 with its address in exact registration with the window opening 2, and of converting the entire blank into a sealed closure. It is to be noted that the sealing is accomplished without any adhesion to the card itself by reason of the inherent characteristics of the adhesive 6, so that the closure may be opened by pulling apart the adhesively-engaged areas to permit removal of the card. Obviously, closures of the type shown in Fig. 1 may be loaded and sealed with several diiferent sizes of cards in proper registration, and with a minimum expenditure of time and effort.

Referring now to Figs. 4, and 6, the closure of the invention is shown as being embodied in a blank 8 which may be converted into a closure having more of the properties of a conventional envelope than the closure made from the blank I. The blank I provides a window opening 9 covered by a transparent panel I0, with a series of rightangled registration lines II arranged in symmetrical relation with reference to one corner of the panel Il). The blank further provides a score line I2 beyond which extends a seal iiap I3 and a second score line I4 extending longitudinally of the blank substantially midway between the score line and the opposite edge I5 of the blank, which score linel I4 may be in the form of perforations.

The same side of the blank 8 which carries the window panel I0 and the registration lines I I also provides spaced areas I6, I1 and I8 coated with dry-sealing adhesive of the same character as the adhesive 6 on the blank I. The adhesive area IB is applied to the seal flap I3 along its outer edge, while the adhesive areas I1 and I8 are of corresponding shape and symmetrically disposed with reference to the central score line I4. 'Ihe reverse side of the blank is provided with a fourth adhesive area I9 corresponding in shape to the adhesive area I6 on the seal flap I3, which area I9 is offset from the blank edge I5 the same distance that the seal flap area I6 is offset from the score line I2.

When it is desired to mail a card 20 of given size with the blank 8, a card, shown indotted lines in Fig. 4, is placed with one corner coinciding with the particular registration line II which brings the address on the opposite side of the -card in registration with the window opening 9.

The blank is then folded along the score line I4 to bring the dry-sealing adhesive area I8 into engagementwith the corresponding area I1 along the upper edge of the previously-positioned card 20, thereby positively holding the card in registration with the window opening 9. This folding also serves to position the dry-sealing adhesive area I9 just below the score line I2, so that sealing of the closure is readily completed by folding over the seal flap I3 to engage the adhesive area I6 with the area I9.

The closure then appears as a conventional window envelope, as shown in Fig. 6, and it is obvious that the registration between the address on the card and the window opening 9 cannot be disturbed during the handling of the closure in the mails by reason of the adhesion between the dry-sealing areas I1 and I8. When it is desired to remove the card 20, the closure may be quickly opened by tearing along the score line I4 and seizing one corner of the card 20 after turning aside one flap of the envelope, as indicated. The card may then easily be removed, owing to the fact that it is not engaged by any adhesive, but only frictionally held by the adhesively-engaged portions around its upper edges.

In order to pack a number of blanks 8 without danger of premature contact between the drysealing adhesive areas, each blank provides a fourth score line 2l along which the blank may be folded to dispose the adhesive area I9 on the same side of the blank as the adhesive areas I6 and I1, and with the adhesive area I8 covered, as shown in Fig. 4a.

Referring now to Fig. 7, the invention is shown as being embodied in an envelope 22 which may be employed, if desired, for loading with secondclass matter such as registration plates, in conjunction with the mailing of a registration card as first-class matter. As shown, the rear wall of the envelope is constituted by adhesivelyconnected side flaps 23 and 24, and the overlying flap 24 provides a smaller extended flap 25 having a window opening 26 covered by a transparent panel 21. A score line 28 extends between the aps 24 and 25, and a series of right-angled registration marks 29 are so positioned on the rear surface of the ilap 24 that the panel 21 will register with these lines when the free flap 25 is folded over.

The same surface of the ap 25 which carries the panel 21, and a corresponding area'of the flap 24, are coated with a dry-sealing adhesive 30 having the same characteristics as the adhesive 6, as applied to the blank I, the adhesive 30 being preferably applied to the envelope in one application. When it is desired to mail a card 3I of a given size with the envelope 22, the card 3I is positioned, addressed face up, with reference to one of the registration lines 29, as shown in Fig. 8, after which the flap 25 is folded over to bring the dry-sealing adhesive 30 thereon into engagement with that portion of the adhesive on the flap 24 which is not covered by the card 3|. Pressure applied to the iiap 25 therefore results in positively positioning the card 3| with its address in register with the window opening 26, as well as in sealing the first-class compartment thus provided, as shown in Fig. 9. The envelope 22 is thus converted into a two-compartment envelope adapted for mailing material of diierent postal classifications.

Referringnow to Fig. 10, there is shown a blank 32 for conversion into an envelope of conventional type, with provision for holding a card in register with a window opening 33 covered by atransparent panel 34. The blank 32 provides a seal flap 35 carrying an adhesive 36, which requires moistening, and corresponding areas of dry-sealing adhesive 31 and 38 symmetrically disposed with reference to a score line 39. In the manufacture of an envelope from a blank 32, the seal flap 35 is first folded over upon the score line 40 to cover the dry-sealing adhesive area 31. When the remainder of the body of the blank is folded along the score line 39 into engagement with the previously folded over side aps 4I, the dry-sealing adhesive area 38 is separated from the area 31 by the interposed seal ap 35. The envelope then appears as shown in Fig. 11.

When it is desired to load the envelope with a card 42, the seal flap 35 is pulled out from the envelope pocket, as shown in Fig. 12, after which the card 42 is positioned with its addressed face in register with the window opening 33. The

front and rear walls of the envelope are then pressed together to engage the dry-sealing adhesive areas 31 and 38 above the upper edges of the card 42, thereby positively holding the card 42 in position, as shown at the broken away por.- tion of the rear envelope wall in Fig. 12. Sealing of the envelope by means of the wet-sealing adhesive 36 on the flap 35 is then accomplished in the usual manner, the loaded and sealed envelope then appearing as shown in Figs. 13

and 14.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that by the present invention there is provided an improved closure for cards and the like, characterized by the provision of dry-sealing adhesive areas on an envelope blank, or on a previously formed envelope, with such dry-sealing adhesive areas adapted to perform the double function -of holding a card in exact registration with the window opening, and of sealing the closure. V

I claim:

1,-A mailing device having a Window opening therein, characterized by the provision of corresponding dry-sealing adhesive areas disposed on opposite sides of a line of folding, which areas upon being brought into partial engagement, serve to register the address on an enclosure with said window opening, with said enclosure separating portions of said adhesive areas.

2. A mailing device having a window opening therein, characterized by the provision of corresponding dry-sealing adhesive areas disposed on opposite sides of a line of folding, which areas upon being brought into partial engagement, serve to eect sealing of the device, as well as to properly position an addressed enclosure with reference to said window opening, with said enclosure separating portions of said adhesive areas.

3. A closure having a window opening and a series of lines symmetrically disposed with reference to said opening, characterized by the provision of corresponding dry-sealing adhesive areas disposed on opposite sides of a line of folding, which areas upon being brought into contact, serve Ato position an addressed card previously placed in register with one of said lines in proper relation to said window opening.

4. A closure having a window opening and a series of lines symmetrically disposed with reference to said opening, characterized by the provision of corresponding dry-sealing adhesive areas disposed on opposite sides of a line of folding, which areas upon being brought into contact, serve to position an addressed card previously u placed in register with one of said lines in proper relation to said window opening, as well as to seal the closure.

y5. A closure having a window opening and a series of lines symmetrically disposed with reference to said opening, characterized by the pro- -vision of corresponding dry-sealing adhesive upon being brought into partial engagement,

serve to hold an addressed card with its edge in register with one of said lines and its address in register with said Window opening while engagement of other of said areas serves to seal the closure with the card so positioned.

'7. A closure blank having a window opening covered by a transparent panel and corresponding areas of dry-sealing adhesive so disposed on opposite sides' of a line of folding with reference to said window opening as to maintain an addressed card in register therewith when said blank is folded to bring said adhesive areas into partial engagement, with said card separating unengaged portions of said adhesive areas.

8. An envelope having one wall thereof provided with a free flap having a window opening therein, the said ap as well as an adjacent corresponding area of the envelope wall being coated with a drysealing adhesive, folding over of said flap into engagement with said wall serving to partially engage said drysealing adhesive and to position an addressed card beneath said flap in register with said window opening with said card entirely surrounded by the engaged adhesive.

9. An envelope having one wall thereof provided with a free ap having a window opening therein and a vseries of lines symmetrically disposed on the adjacent wall portion with reference to said window opening, the outside of said iiap as well as the corresponding adjacent area. ofsaid rear wall being coated with a dry-sealing adhesive, whereby folding over of said ap to engage an addressed card previously placed with reference to one of said lines serves to partially engage said adhesive and to enclose'said card with its address in register with said window opening.

VINCENT E. HEYWOOD.

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