US3774758A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and aid for the automated sorting of mail by zip code
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1971-02-24
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Granted: 1973-11-27
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Expires: 1991-02-24
Abstract
Abstract A method and aid for sorting the mail is disclosed wherein a series of five columns of sequentially arranged numbers from zero to nine are positioned at a predetermined location on an article to be mailed. The columns may be positioned on a strip of material which also has a stamp on it. The stamp and the columns are separated from each other by a line which is weakened to facilitate bending. This strip can then be properly positioned on the article by folding at the line and attaching to the envelope so that the stamp is on one surface of the article to be mailed and the columns on another. The sender marks the appropriate number in each column corresponding to the equivalent digit in the zip code and at the post office automatic scanning and sorting devices read the markings and sort the mail accordingly.
Inventors
- 👤 H Sternberg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 17:19
CPC Classifications
B; B07; B07C; B07C3/00; B07C3/18; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S209/00; Y10S209/90
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
For use with a zip code system employing a scanning device, a strip of material having adhesive on one face thereof for attachment to an envelope, the other face of said strip of material being divided into first and second portions, said first portion having a postage stamp printed thereon, said second portion having a plurality of columns of sequentially arranged numerals printed thereon, said columns being positioned side by side and being substantially coextensive in length.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
77 words
For use with a zip code system employing a scanning device, a strip of material having adhesive on one face thereof for attachment to an envelope, the other face of said strip of material being divided into first and second portions, said first portion having a postage stamp printed thereon, said second portion having a plurality of columns of sequentially arranged numerals printed thereon, said columns being positioned side by side and being substantially coextensive in length.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A strip of material according to claim 1 wherein said first and second portions of the strip of material are separated from each other by a portion of the strip which is weakened.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A strip of material according to claim 2 wherein said weakened portion of the strip is formed by perforating said strip with a series of holes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A strip of material according to claim 2 wherein said weakened portion of the strip is formed by pre-folding the strip of material.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
157 words
A method of sorting mail according to zip code comprising: providing a strip of material having adhesive on one face thereof for attachment to an object to be mailed, the other face of said strip of material being divided into first and second portions, said first portion having a postage stamp printed thereon, said second portion having a plurality of columns of sequentially arranged numerals printed thereon; adhering said strip of material to said object to be mailed in such manner that said first portion appears on one side of said object and said second portion appears on another side of said object; marking a numeral in each of said columns which corresponds to a respective digit in the zip code of the destination of the object to be mailed; scanning the second portion of said strip of material with a scanning device; and sorting said object in accordance with the marking read by said scanning device.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
157 words
A method of sorting mail according to zip code comprising: providing a strip of material having adhesive on one face thereof for attachment to an object to be mailed, the other face of said strip of material being divided into first and second portions, said first portion having a postage stamp printed thereon, said second portion having a plurality of columns of sequentially arranged numerals printed thereon; adhering said strip of material to said object to be mailed in such manner that said first portion appears on one side of said object and said second portion appears on another side of said object; marking a numeral in each of said columns which corresponds to a respective digit in the zip code of the destination of the object to be mailed; scanning the second portion of said strip of material with a scanning device; and sorting said object in accordance with the marking read by said scanning device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
148 words
For use with a code system employing a scanning device, an envelope having visible indicia thereon, said indicia being printed on a strip of material, said strip of material being adhered to said envelope at a predetermined location, and comprising five columns of sequentially arranged numerals, each of said columns including the numerals zero through nine in each of said columns being aligned in respective rows, said indicia being printed on a first portion oF said strip of material, said strip of material having a postage stamp printed on a second portion thereof spaced from said first portion, said strip of material including a weakened portion between the first and second portions thereof, said strip of material being folded at said weakened portion so that said postage stamp is positioned on one side of said envelope and said indicia is positioned on the other side of said envelope.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
148 words
For use with a code system employing a scanning device, an envelope having visible indicia thereon, said indicia being printed on a strip of material, said strip of material being adhered to said envelope at a predetermined location, and comprising five columns of sequentially arranged numerals, each of said columns including the numerals zero through nine in each of said columns being aligned in respective rows, said indicia being printed on a first portion oF said strip of material, said strip of material having a postage stamp printed on a second portion thereof spaced from said first portion, said strip of material including a weakened portion between the first and second portions thereof, said strip of material being folded at said weakened portion so that said postage stamp is positioned on one side of said envelope and said indicia is positioned on the other side of said envelope.
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) | 1976-11-26 | 1977-05-28 | 1977-11-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-26 | 1981-05-28 | 1981-11-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-26 | 1985-05-28 | 1985-11-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |