Title:
PRINTED SHEET CONTAINING USER FOLDED ENVELOPE WITH COIN POCKET
United States Patent 3826422
Abstract:
A sheet adapted to be formed as a page of a brochure or as an insert in a magazine has imprinted thereon a form adapted to be filled in by a user and then folded along a printed line and formed into an envelope using a gummed line applied to the sheet during the printing process. A rectangular coin pocket is adhered to the sheet along three of its edges. The pocket straddles the fold line so that when the envelope is folded and sealed the opening in the coin pocket is closed off. In an alternative embodiment the opening in the coin pocket is closed off by a gummed flap which may be adhered to the envelope.
US Patent References:
Money compartment envelope
Berkowitz - January 1942 - 2268795
Novelty page having mailer portion
Hiersteiner - December 1964 - 3159329
Bag construction
Clipner - March 1965 - 3173602
Money compartment envelope
Berkowitz - January 1942 - 2268795
Novelty page having mailer portion
Hiersteiner - December 1964 - 3159329
Bag construction
Clipner - March 1965 - 3173602
Application Number:
05/280616
Publication Date:
07/30/1974
Filing Date:
08/14/1972
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
George F. Valassis & Company (Oak Park, MI)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
229/72, 229/92.100
International Classes:
B65D27/08; B65D27/00; B65D27/08
Field of Search:
229/72,92.1,68R,56
Primary Examiner:
Price, William I.
Assistant Examiner:
Garbe, Stephen P.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Mcglynn Jr., Gerald E.
Claims:
Having thus described by invention, I claim
1. A first sheet having a form printed thereon and having an adhesive line formed along one edge and a fold line imprinted parallel to and displaced from said adhesive line so that the sheet may be folded on said fold line and sealed along the adhesive line to form an envelope, including a coin pocket attached to the sheet on the side which forms the interior of the completed envelope, said coin pocket consisting of a second smaller sheet having a section of its edge adhered to the first sheet and one section of its edge free to project from the sheet so that a coin may be inserted between the first sheet and the second sheet, said free section of the coin pocket being disposed adjacent to and on one side of the fold line with the main portion of the pocket lying on the opposite side of the fold line so that when the envelope is folded the pocket is closed off by the fold.
2. The first sheet of claim 1 wherein the first sheet forms one page of a multi-page brochure.
3. The first sheet of claim 1 wherein said first sheet and said second smaller sheet are both rectangular and the second smaller sheet is adhered to the first sheet so that their edges are parallel to one another.
1. A first sheet having a form printed thereon and having an adhesive line formed along one edge and a fold line imprinted parallel to and displaced from said adhesive line so that the sheet may be folded on said fold line and sealed along the adhesive line to form an envelope, including a coin pocket attached to the sheet on the side which forms the interior of the completed envelope, said coin pocket consisting of a second smaller sheet having a section of its edge adhered to the first sheet and one section of its edge free to project from the sheet so that a coin may be inserted between the first sheet and the second sheet, said free section of the coin pocket being disposed adjacent to and on one side of the fold line with the main portion of the pocket lying on the opposite side of the fold line so that when the envelope is folded the pocket is closed off by the fold.
2. The first sheet of claim 1 wherein the first sheet forms one page of a multi-page brochure.
3. The first sheet of claim 1 wherein said first sheet and said second smaller sheet are both rectangular and the second smaller sheet is adhered to the first sheet so that their edges are parallel to one another.
Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a sheet, adapted to be used as a page of a brochure or as an insert in a magazine, having a user-foldable envelope form thereon and a coin pocket secured to the envelope form.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Advertisements in newspapers or magazines often include a form which may be filled out by the reader and mailed to the advertiser or the publication to order various goods or services.
In order to make the ordering process as simple as possible and thereby encourage the use of these forms, the forms are foldable into envelopes with a pre-paid postage notice. Certain types of the forms are impregnated with moisture activatable glue lines which may be used to form the envelope.
It is often desirable from the advertiser's standpoint that the orders for the goods or services include some payment; either total payment for the goods offered or a lesser amount to show good faith on the part of the orderer. If the required payment is more than a dollar or so, payment is most conveniently made with a check or money order, however, if the payment required is a lesser amount, such as 25¢ or 10¢, it is most conveniently made by coin. Past practice has been to allow the user to make his own decision as to the manner in which the coin should be retained in the envelope created by folding and adhering the form. Some users tape the coin to the interior wall of the envelope, others merely drop the coin in the envelope. This arrangement for including coins in form envelopes is unsatisfactory from a number of aspects. First, if the coins are retained in the envelope in a random form the expense of receiving and processing the orders is substantially increased. Additionally, loose coins may tear through the envelope or provide an unnecessary temptation for persons handling the mail.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a printed form which is adapted to be employed as a page of a brochure or as an insert in a publication which has imprinted thereon a form adapted to be filled in by a user and folded along a printed line and formed into an envelope using a gummed line applied to the sheet during the printing process which form additionally contains a pocket adapted to receive a coin and to retain it within the envelope. This pocket simplifies the ordering process, removes the user's doubt as to the method of retaining the coin within the envelope, insures security of the coin during the mailing process and allows for economical and automatic removal of the coins from the finished package.
In a preferred form of the invention the coin pocket takes the form of a small rectangular sheet of paper adhered to the form along three of its edges so that its fourth edge is open for the receipt of a coin into the pocket. This fourth edge is disposed adjacent to the printed fold line used to close the envelope while the major portion of the pocket is on the opposite side of the fold line so that after a coin is inserted in the pocket folding and sealing the envelope closes off the pocket to retain the coin therein.
In an alternate embodiment the coin pocket again takes the form of a smaller separate section of paper adhered to the form along all of its edges except one. The free edge has a flap extending from it. A line of adhesive is formed on the envelope under the flap. This line may be moistened to attach the flap to the form after a coin has been inserted in the pocket.
Both types of coin pockets may be formed and attached to the insert on existing automatic machinery such as that which provides the cellophane sections for window envelopes. The coin pockets accordingly add very little to the cost of the forms. The coin pockets are simple to use and encourage insertion of coins in the pockets.
Other objectives, advantages and applications of the invention will be made apparent by the following detailed descriptions of two preferred embodiments of the invention. The descriptions make reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an eight-page brochure, spread in open form, containing an order page foldable into an envelope and including a coin pocket in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the order page of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the order page of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a detailed section of a page containing a coin pocket formed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; and
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the coin pocket of FIG. 4 taken along line 5--5 of that FIGURE.
Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a brochure, generally indicated at 10, of a type which might be used in direct mail advertising and might be contained as an insert in a publication. One page 12 of the brochure, often the last or next to the last page, is of such a form that the user may tear it out of the brochure, fill in a form contained therein, and fold and seal the form so as to create a preaddressed envelope.
The front of the page 12 is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 2. The page has a water activatable glue line 14 formed along its upper edge. Midway along its length an imprinted fold line 16 is formed. The page is separated from the brochure and is folded along the line 16 so that its bottom edge is brought into contact with the adhesive line 14. The two may be sealed by wetting the adhesive line. In another embodiment similar adhesive lines might be formed along the side edges to completely enclose the envelope thus formed.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the address 18 to which the completed envelope is to be sent is usually imprinted on the opposite side of the page and a prepaid postage notice 20 may also be imprinted thereon.
The page 12 has imprinted thereon a form which allows the user to fill in information relative to his order, usually including his name and address. The form should also contain instructions for forming the envelope.
As thus far described, the page 12 is relatively conventional. The present invention is distinguished from the prior art by the presence of a coin pocket generally indicated at 22. The coin pocket is formed on the side of the sheet which becomes the interior of the folded envelope. It consists of a small rectangular sheet of paper 24 adhered to the sheet 12 along its bottom of two side edges, which are aligned with equivalent edges of the sheet 12. The upper edge of the pocket 22 is opened and lies in general alignment with the fold line 16. The pocket straddles the fold line 16 with the free edge 22 lying on one side of the line and the major portion of the pocket lying on the other side. The pocket 22 has a sufficient size so that its section which lies below the line 16 can retain a coin of the size which is intended to be inserted. After a coin is inserted in the pocket, the sheet is folded along line 16 to effectively seal the open edge of the pocket and retain the coin therein.
An alternate form of coin pocket for formation on an envelope foldable sheet is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. A sheet 30 having an appropriate fold line 32 and a form 34 for completion by the user contains a coin pocket generally indicated at 36 having a circular section 38 and a rectangular extending flap 40. The edge of the circular section 3 is adhered to the form 30 by an appropriate adhesive. Glue line 42 is formed on the form 30 below the flap 40. The pocket 36 may be disposed at any position relative to the fold line 32 and need not be in immediate proximity to the fold line. After a coin is inserted into the pocket 36 the adhesive line 42 is activated with moisture and it is adhered to the form, thus closing off the pocket.
Both types of coin pocket may be formed along with the printed page in automatic machinery of the type that inserts the transparent material in window envelopes. Such machines include sheet feeders, cutters and glue spreaders and accordingly may be readily adapted to the formation of forms in accordance with the present invention.
This invention relates to a sheet, adapted to be used as a page of a brochure or as an insert in a magazine, having a user-foldable envelope form thereon and a coin pocket secured to the envelope form.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Advertisements in newspapers or magazines often include a form which may be filled out by the reader and mailed to the advertiser or the publication to order various goods or services.
In order to make the ordering process as simple as possible and thereby encourage the use of these forms, the forms are foldable into envelopes with a pre-paid postage notice. Certain types of the forms are impregnated with moisture activatable glue lines which may be used to form the envelope.
It is often desirable from the advertiser's standpoint that the orders for the goods or services include some payment; either total payment for the goods offered or a lesser amount to show good faith on the part of the orderer. If the required payment is more than a dollar or so, payment is most conveniently made with a check or money order, however, if the payment required is a lesser amount, such as 25¢ or 10¢, it is most conveniently made by coin. Past practice has been to allow the user to make his own decision as to the manner in which the coin should be retained in the envelope created by folding and adhering the form. Some users tape the coin to the interior wall of the envelope, others merely drop the coin in the envelope. This arrangement for including coins in form envelopes is unsatisfactory from a number of aspects. First, if the coins are retained in the envelope in a random form the expense of receiving and processing the orders is substantially increased. Additionally, loose coins may tear through the envelope or provide an unnecessary temptation for persons handling the mail.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a printed form which is adapted to be employed as a page of a brochure or as an insert in a publication which has imprinted thereon a form adapted to be filled in by a user and folded along a printed line and formed into an envelope using a gummed line applied to the sheet during the printing process which form additionally contains a pocket adapted to receive a coin and to retain it within the envelope. This pocket simplifies the ordering process, removes the user's doubt as to the method of retaining the coin within the envelope, insures security of the coin during the mailing process and allows for economical and automatic removal of the coins from the finished package.
In a preferred form of the invention the coin pocket takes the form of a small rectangular sheet of paper adhered to the form along three of its edges so that its fourth edge is open for the receipt of a coin into the pocket. This fourth edge is disposed adjacent to the printed fold line used to close the envelope while the major portion of the pocket is on the opposite side of the fold line so that after a coin is inserted in the pocket folding and sealing the envelope closes off the pocket to retain the coin therein.
In an alternate embodiment the coin pocket again takes the form of a smaller separate section of paper adhered to the form along all of its edges except one. The free edge has a flap extending from it. A line of adhesive is formed on the envelope under the flap. This line may be moistened to attach the flap to the form after a coin has been inserted in the pocket.
Both types of coin pockets may be formed and attached to the insert on existing automatic machinery such as that which provides the cellophane sections for window envelopes. The coin pockets accordingly add very little to the cost of the forms. The coin pockets are simple to use and encourage insertion of coins in the pockets.
Other objectives, advantages and applications of the invention will be made apparent by the following detailed descriptions of two preferred embodiments of the invention. The descriptions make reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an eight-page brochure, spread in open form, containing an order page foldable into an envelope and including a coin pocket in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the order page of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the order page of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a detailed section of a page containing a coin pocket formed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; and
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the coin pocket of FIG. 4 taken along line 5--5 of that FIGURE.
Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a brochure, generally indicated at 10, of a type which might be used in direct mail advertising and might be contained as an insert in a publication. One page 12 of the brochure, often the last or next to the last page, is of such a form that the user may tear it out of the brochure, fill in a form contained therein, and fold and seal the form so as to create a preaddressed envelope.
The front of the page 12 is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 2. The page has a water activatable glue line 14 formed along its upper edge. Midway along its length an imprinted fold line 16 is formed. The page is separated from the brochure and is folded along the line 16 so that its bottom edge is brought into contact with the adhesive line 14. The two may be sealed by wetting the adhesive line. In another embodiment similar adhesive lines might be formed along the side edges to completely enclose the envelope thus formed.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the address 18 to which the completed envelope is to be sent is usually imprinted on the opposite side of the page and a prepaid postage notice 20 may also be imprinted thereon.
The page 12 has imprinted thereon a form which allows the user to fill in information relative to his order, usually including his name and address. The form should also contain instructions for forming the envelope.
As thus far described, the page 12 is relatively conventional. The present invention is distinguished from the prior art by the presence of a coin pocket generally indicated at 22. The coin pocket is formed on the side of the sheet which becomes the interior of the folded envelope. It consists of a small rectangular sheet of paper 24 adhered to the sheet 12 along its bottom of two side edges, which are aligned with equivalent edges of the sheet 12. The upper edge of the pocket 22 is opened and lies in general alignment with the fold line 16. The pocket straddles the fold line 16 with the free edge 22 lying on one side of the line and the major portion of the pocket lying on the other side. The pocket 22 has a sufficient size so that its section which lies below the line 16 can retain a coin of the size which is intended to be inserted. After a coin is inserted in the pocket, the sheet is folded along line 16 to effectively seal the open edge of the pocket and retain the coin therein.
An alternate form of coin pocket for formation on an envelope foldable sheet is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. A sheet 30 having an appropriate fold line 32 and a form 34 for completion by the user contains a coin pocket generally indicated at 36 having a circular section 38 and a rectangular extending flap 40. The edge of the circular section 3 is adhered to the form 30 by an appropriate adhesive. Glue line 42 is formed on the form 30 below the flap 40. The pocket 36 may be disposed at any position relative to the fold line 32 and need not be in immediate proximity to the fold line. After a coin is inserted into the pocket 36 the adhesive line 42 is activated with moisture and it is adhered to the form, thus closing off the pocket.
Both types of coin pocket may be formed along with the printed page in automatic machinery of the type that inserts the transparent material in window envelopes. Such machines include sheet feeders, cutters and glue spreaders and accordingly may be readily adapted to the formation of forms in accordance with the present invention.