US3552282A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Continuous forms envelope converter system
Assignee: BALTIMORE BUSINESS FORMS Inc
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Filing: 1968-08-09
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Granted: 1971-01-05
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Expires: 1988-08-09
Abstract
Abstract A continuous forms press converts a roll of envelope paper into a continuous envelope form having a plurality of transverse perforated lines dividing the form into envelope blanks, a plurality of transverse score lines defining fold lines on the envelope blanks, longitudinal perforated lines and score lines defining side trim zones and side flaps, lines of sprocket holes along the side margins of the form, and adhesive coatings on a seal flap and adjacent side margins of a top sheet of each blank. The press folds the continuous form into a zigzag folded stack suitable for feeding into a computer printout device or automatic typewriter where the forms are automatically addressed from addresses contained in a tape or punch card memory. The continuous form is again folded into a zigzag stack and fed into a continuous forms envelope converter which includes means for separating the continuous form into separate envelope blanks, means for trimming the side trim zones from the blanks, means for folding over the side flaps, means for folding over a top sheet of each blank over a bottom sheet thereof along a transverse fold line, and means for activating the adhesive coatings adjacent the side margins of the top sheet and securing the side flaps thereto for completing the envelopes.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul O Wilson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 06:08
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65H; B65H45/00; B65H45/12; B65H45/28; B43; B43M; B43M5/00; B43M5/04; B43M5/045; B65D; B65D27/00; B65D27/12; B65D27/14; B65D27/18; B65H45/14; B65H45/142; B31; B31B; B31B2150/00; B31B2160/00; B31B2160/10; B31B2160/102; B65H2701/00; B65H2701/10; B65H2701/19; B65H2701/1916
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 38
Claim 1
Independent Claim
275 words
A system for converting a continuous strip of paper into addressed envelopes comprising: press means for providing perforated lines on said strip transversely of said strip to divide said strip into a plurality of envelope blanks, a pair of score lines transversely of each blank to provide a first fold line between a bottom sheet and a top sheet and a sEcond fold line between said top sheet and a seal flap, a pair of longitudinal lines spaced inwardly from sides of said strip to provide side margins, said longitudinal lines being score lines adjacent to said bottom sheet to provide side flaps integral with said bottom sheet and perforated lines adjacent to said top sheet to provide side trim zones, a row of longitudinal sprocket holes in each of said side margins, and adhesive coatings on said seal flap and adjacent to the side margins of said top sheet and for folding said strip into a zigzag folded stack; printer means for receiving said zigzag folded stack and printing addresses on an outer face of one of said top and bottom sheets and refolding said continuous strip as an addressed zigzag folded stack; and a continuous forms envelope converter including means for receiving said addressed zigzag folded stack, means for separating said blanks along said transverse perforated lines, means for removing said side trim zones, means for folding said side flaps over said bottom sheet, means for folding said top sheet over said bottom sheet along said first fold line, and means for activating said adhesive coatings between said top sheet and said side flaps to secure said top sheet to said side flaps.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
275 words
A system for converting a continuous strip of paper into addressed envelopes comprising: press means for providing perforated lines on said strip transversely of said strip to divide said strip into a plurality of envelope blanks, a pair of score lines transversely of each blank to provide a first fold line between a bottom sheet and a top sheet and a sEcond fold line between said top sheet and a seal flap, a pair of longitudinal lines spaced inwardly from sides of said strip to provide side margins, said longitudinal lines being score lines adjacent to said bottom sheet to provide side flaps integral with said bottom sheet and perforated lines adjacent to said top sheet to provide side trim zones, a row of longitudinal sprocket holes in each of said side margins, and adhesive coatings on said seal flap and adjacent to the side margins of said top sheet and for folding said strip into a zigzag folded stack; printer means for receiving said zigzag folded stack and printing addresses on an outer face of one of said top and bottom sheets and refolding said continuous strip as an addressed zigzag folded stack; and a continuous forms envelope converter including means for receiving said addressed zigzag folded stack, means for separating said blanks along said transverse perforated lines, means for removing said side trim zones, means for folding said side flaps over said bottom sheet, means for folding said top sheet over said bottom sheet along said first fold line, and means for activating said adhesive coatings between said top sheet and said side flaps to secure said top sheet to said side flaps.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said press means provides an additional longitudinal perforated line in each side margin to define outer marginal strips, said sprocket holes being located on said marginal outer strips.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said press means provides diagonal slashes between the ends of said second fold lines and said transvers perforated lines.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said adhesive coatings are heat activatable and said means for activating said adhesive coatings comprises heater means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
222 words
A continuous forms envelope converter for receiving a continuous paper strip having perforated lines transversely of the strip to divide the strip into a plurality of envelope blanks, a pair of score lines transversely of each blank to provide a first fold line between a bottom sheet and a top sheet and a second fold line between said top sheet and a seal flap, a pair of longitudinal lines spaced inwardly from the sides of said strip to provide side margins, said longitudinal lines being score lines adjacent to said bottom sheet to provide side flaps integral with said bottom sheet and being perforated lines adjacent said top sheet to provide side trim zones, a row of sprocket holes in each of said side margins and adhesive coatings on said seal flap and adjacent to the side margins of said top sheet, said converter comprising: means for receiving said continuous sheet from a zigzag folded stack; means for separating said blanks along said transverse perforated lines; means for removing said side trim zones; means for folding said side flaps over said bottom sheet; means for folding said top sheet over said bottom sheet along said first fold line; and means for activating said adhesive coatings between said top sheet and said side flaps to secure said top sheet to said side flaps.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
222 words
A continuous forms envelope converter for receiving a continuous paper strip having perforated lines transversely of the strip to divide the strip into a plurality of envelope blanks, a pair of score lines transversely of each blank to provide a first fold line between a bottom sheet and a top sheet and a second fold line between said top sheet and a seal flap, a pair of longitudinal lines spaced inwardly from the sides of said strip to provide side margins, said longitudinal lines being score lines adjacent to said bottom sheet to provide side flaps integral with said bottom sheet and being perforated lines adjacent said top sheet to provide side trim zones, a row of sprocket holes in each of said side margins and adhesive coatings on said seal flap and adjacent to the side margins of said top sheet, said converter comprising: means for receiving said continuous sheet from a zigzag folded stack; means for separating said blanks along said transverse perforated lines; means for removing said side trim zones; means for folding said side flaps over said bottom sheet; means for folding said top sheet over said bottom sheet along said first fold line; and means for activating said adhesive coatings between said top sheet and said side flaps to secure said top sheet to said side flaps.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
92 words
A continuous forms envelope converter as recited in claim 5, further comprising feed means for feeding said sheet from said zigzag folded stack, said feed means comprising sprocket pins engaged with said sprocket holes, means for intermittently moving said sprocket pins in one direction to bring said transverse perforated lines successively to said means for separating said blanks, and wherein said means for separating said blanks comprises knife means vertically reciprocated in synchronism with said feed means to engage said transverse perforated lines when they are positioned stationary beneath said knife means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
58 words
A continuous forms envelope converter as recited in claim 6, wherein said feed means comprises a rack, means for reciprocating said rack, and means coupling said rack with said sprockets whereby said rack drives said, sproCkets in said one direction upon forward reciprocation of said rack and said sprockets are maintained stationary upon backward reciprocation of said rack.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
A continuous forms envelope converter as recited in claim 7, Wherein said means coupling said rack with said sprockets comprising a slip clutch and brake and detent means for preventing reverse drive of said sprocket upon said backward reciprocation of said rack.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
70 words
A continuous forms envelope converter as recited in claim 5, further comprising conveyor means for conveying said separated blanks to said means for removing said side trim zones, said means for removing said side trim zones comprising a pair of knurled rollers adjacent to and below said side margins of said strip and flat spring strips pressing said side margins against said knurled rollers to separate said side trim zones.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
59 words
A continuous forms envelope converter as recited in claim 5, further comprising conveyor means for conveying said separated blanks to said means for folding over said side flaps, said means for folding over said side flaps comprising wedge means adjacent each side margin for lifting said side flaps and spring means for folding over and flattening said side flaps.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
66 words
A continuous forms envelope converter as recited in claim 10, wherein each of said wedge means comprises a tip facing toward the direction from which said blanks are conveyed and positioned adjacent the outer edge of one of said side flaps, a first laterally inclined surface extending inwardly of the side flaps from said tip, and a second vertically inclined surface extending upwardly from said tip.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
37 words
A continuous forms envelope converter as recited in claim 11, wherein said wedge means further comprises a third inclined surface between said first and said second inclined surfaces, said third inclined surface being laterally and vertically inclined.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
A continuous forms envelope converter as recited in claim 10, wherein said means for folding over said side flaps further comprises guide means spaced inwardly of said wedge means for guiding said lifted side flaps.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
44 words
A continuous forms envelope converter as recited in claim 10, wherein said spring means includes a first portion extending downwardly and inwardly from said wedge means for folding down said side flaps and a second portion pressing said side flaps against a base plate.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
102 words
A continuous forms envelope converter as recited in claim 5, further comprising means for conveying said separated blanks from said means for folding over said side flaps to said means for folding said top sheet over said bottom sheet, said means for folding said top sheet over said bottom sheet comprising guide means, stop means on said guide means for engaging the forward edge of said blanks causing said blanks to buckle along said first fold line, and roller means for engaging said blank on opposite sides of said first fold line for conveying said folded blank away from said guide means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
39 words
A continuous forms envelope converter as recited in claim 15, wherein said stop means is so located as to position said first fold lines over said roller means when said forward edge of said blanks engage said stop means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
38 words
A continuous forms envelope converter as recited in claim 15, wherein said guide means comprises a lower guide member and an upper guide member spaced above said lower guide member to provide a guide chute for said blanks.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
39 words
A continuous forms envelope converter as recited in claim 5, wherein said means for activating said adhesive coatings between said top sheet and said side flaps comprises heater means and means to press said blanks against said heater means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
43 words
Apparatus for folding over a side flap of an envelope blank comprising means for conveying said envelope blank, wedge means in the path of said side flap for lifting said side flap and spring means for folding over and flattening said side flap.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
43 words
Apparatus for folding over a side flap of an envelope blank comprising means for conveying said envelope blank, wedge means in the path of said side flap for lifting said side flap and spring means for folding over and flattening said side flap.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
94 words
Apparatus for folding over a side flap of an envelope blank comprising Means for conveying said envelope blank, wedge means in the path of said side flap for lifting said side flap and spring means for folding over and flattening said side flap, said wedge means comprising a tip facing toward the direction from which said blank is conveyed and positioned adjacent the outer edge of said side flap, a first laterally inclined surface extending inwardly of the side flap from said tip and a second vertically inclined surface extending upwardly from said tip.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
94 words
Apparatus for folding over a side flap of an envelope blank comprising Means for conveying said envelope blank, wedge means in the path of said side flap for lifting said side flap and spring means for folding over and flattening said side flap, said wedge means comprising a tip facing toward the direction from which said blank is conveyed and positioned adjacent the outer edge of said side flap, a first laterally inclined surface extending inwardly of the side flap from said tip and a second vertically inclined surface extending upwardly from said tip.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said wedge means further comprises a third inclined further between said first and said second inclined surfaces, said third inclined surface being laterally and vertically inclined.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 20, further comprising guide means spaced inwardly of said wedge means for guiding said lifted side flaps.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein said spring means includes a first portion extending downwardly and inwardly from said wedge means for folding down said flap and a second portion for pressing said side flap against a base plate.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
84 words
In apparatus for folding over a side flap of an envelope blank having means for conveying said envelope blank, wedge means in the path of said side flap for lifting said side flap, said wedge means comprising a tip facing toward the direction from which said blank is conveyed and positioned adjacent the outer edge of said side flap, a first laterally inclined surface extending inwardly of the side flap from said tip and a second vertically inclined surface extending upwardly from said tip.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
84 words
In apparatus for folding over a side flap of an envelope blank having means for conveying said envelope blank, wedge means in the path of said side flap for lifting said side flap, said wedge means comprising a tip facing toward the direction from which said blank is conveyed and positioned adjacent the outer edge of said side flap, a first laterally inclined surface extending inwardly of the side flap from said tip and a second vertically inclined surface extending upwardly from said tip.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
33 words
In apparatus as recited in claim 24, said wedge means further comprising a third inclined surface between said first and said second inclined surfaces, said third inclined surface being laterally and vertically inclined.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
226 words
A method of converting a continuous strip of paper into addressed envelopes comprising the steps of: providing perforated lines on said strip transversely of said strip to divide said strip into a plurality of envelope blanks, a pair of score lines transversely of each blank to provide a first fold line between a bottom sheet and a top sheet and a second fold line between said top sheet and a seal flap, and a pair of longitudinal lines spaced inwardly from sides of said strip to provide side margins, said longitudinal lines being score lines adjacent to said bottom sheet to provide side flaps integral with said bottom sheet and perforated lines adjacent to said top sheet to provide side trim zones; folding said strip into a zigzag folded stack; transporting said zigzag folded stack to an address printing station; feeding said strip from said zigzag folded stack and printing addresses on an outer face of one of said top and bottom sheets; refolding said strip into an addressed zigzag folded stack; transporting said addressed zigzag folded stack to an envelope converting station; feeding said strip from said addressed zigzag folded stack; separating said blanks along said transverse perforated lines; removing said side trim zones; folding said side flaps over said bottom sheet; and folding said top sheet over said bottom sheet along said first line.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
226 words
A method of converting a continuous strip of paper into addressed envelopes comprising the steps of: providing perforated lines on said strip transversely of said strip to divide said strip into a plurality of envelope blanks, a pair of score lines transversely of each blank to provide a first fold line between a bottom sheet and a top sheet and a second fold line between said top sheet and a seal flap, and a pair of longitudinal lines spaced inwardly from sides of said strip to provide side margins, said longitudinal lines being score lines adjacent to said bottom sheet to provide side flaps integral with said bottom sheet and perforated lines adjacent to said top sheet to provide side trim zones; folding said strip into a zigzag folded stack; transporting said zigzag folded stack to an address printing station; feeding said strip from said zigzag folded stack and printing addresses on an outer face of one of said top and bottom sheets; refolding said strip into an addressed zigzag folded stack; transporting said addressed zigzag folded stack to an envelope converting station; feeding said strip from said addressed zigzag folded stack; separating said blanks along said transverse perforated lines; removing said side trim zones; folding said side flaps over said bottom sheet; and folding said top sheet over said bottom sheet along said first line.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
71 words
A method as recited in claim 26, further comprising the steps of providing adhesive coatings on said seal flap and adjacent to the side margins of the top sheet and, after said steps of folding said side flaps over said bottom sheet and said top sheet over said bottom sheet activating said adhesive coatings between said top sheet and said side flaps to secure said top sheet to said side flaps.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
151 words
A method of converting a continuous paper strip into envelopes, said paper strip having perforated lines transversely of the strip to divide the strip into a plurality of envelope blanks, a pair of score lines transversely of each blank to provide a first fold line between a bottom sheet and a top sheet and a second fold line between said top sheet and a seal flap, and a pair of longitudinal lines spaced inwardly from the sides of said strip to provide side margins, said longitudinal lines being score lines adjacent to said bottom sheet to provide side flaps integral with said bottom sheet and being perforated lines adjacent said top sheet to provide side trim zones, comprising the steps of: separating said blanks along said transverse perforated lines; removing said side trim zones; folding said side flaps over said bottom sheet; and folding said top sheet over said bottom sheet.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
151 words
A method of converting a continuous paper strip into envelopes, said paper strip having perforated lines transversely of the strip to divide the strip into a plurality of envelope blanks, a pair of score lines transversely of each blank to provide a first fold line between a bottom sheet and a top sheet and a second fold line between said top sheet and a seal flap, and a pair of longitudinal lines spaced inwardly from the sides of said strip to provide side margins, said longitudinal lines being score lines adjacent to said bottom sheet to provide side flaps integral with said bottom sheet and being perforated lines adjacent said top sheet to provide side trim zones, comprising the steps of: separating said blanks along said transverse perforated lines; removing said side trim zones; folding said side flaps over said bottom sheet; and folding said top sheet over said bottom sheet.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
69 words
A method as recited in claim 28, further comprising the steps of applying adhesive to said top sheet adjacent to the side margins of said top sheet and, after said steps of folding said side flaps over said bottom sheet and said top sheet over said bottom sheet, activating said adhesive coatings between said top sheet and said side flaps to secure said top sheet to said side flaps.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
222 words
A continuous forms envelope converter for receiving a continuous paper strip having lines of separation transversely of the strip to divide the strip into a plurality of envelope blanks, a pair of lines of weakness transversely of each blank to provide a first fold line between a bottom sheet and a top sheet and a second fold line between said top sheet and a seal flap, a pair of longitudinal lines spaced inwardly from the sides of said strip to provide side margins, said longitudinal lines being lines of weakness adjacent to said bottom sheet to provide side flaps integral with said bottom sheet and defining side trim zones adjacent said top sheet, a row of sprocket holes in each of said side margins and adhesive coatings on said seal flap and adjacent to the side margins of said top sheet, said converter comprising: means for receiving said continuous sheet from a zigzag folded stack; means for separating said blanks along said transverse lines of separation; means for removing said side trim zones; means for folding said side flaps over said bottom sheet; means for folding said top sheet over said bottom sheet along said first fold line; and means for activating said adhesive coatings between said top sheet and said side flaps to secure said top sheet to said side flaps.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
222 words
A continuous forms envelope converter for receiving a continuous paper strip having lines of separation transversely of the strip to divide the strip into a plurality of envelope blanks, a pair of lines of weakness transversely of each blank to provide a first fold line between a bottom sheet and a top sheet and a second fold line between said top sheet and a seal flap, a pair of longitudinal lines spaced inwardly from the sides of said strip to provide side margins, said longitudinal lines being lines of weakness adjacent to said bottom sheet to provide side flaps integral with said bottom sheet and defining side trim zones adjacent said top sheet, a row of sprocket holes in each of said side margins and adhesive coatings on said seal flap and adjacent to the side margins of said top sheet, said converter comprising: means for receiving said continuous sheet from a zigzag folded stack; means for separating said blanks along said transverse lines of separation; means for removing said side trim zones; means for folding said side flaps over said bottom sheet; means for folding said top sheet over said bottom sheet along said first fold line; and means for activating said adhesive coatings between said top sheet and said side flaps to secure said top sheet to said side flaps.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-01-04 | 1974-07-06 | 1975-01-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-01-04 | 1978-07-06 | 1979-01-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-01-04 | 1982-07-06 | 1983-01-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |