Single sheet self-mailer form with improved opening characteristics

Claim 1

A self-mailer form, comprising: a) a substantially rectangular upper portion having opposed upper and lower edges and opposed longitudinal edges, said upper portion being weakened along a first transverse line substantially extending between said longitudinal edges substantially parallel to, and spaced from said upper edge of said upper portion by a predetermined distance, and being weakened along a second transverse line substantially co-extensive with and parallel to said first line, said said second line being spaced from said lower edge by said predetermined distance; b) a substantially rectangular lower, message portion having a width less than said upper portion, and having opposed upper and lower edges and opposed longitudinal edges; c) a substantially rectangular connecting portion attached along said lower edge of said upper portion and said upper edge of said lower portion having a length substantially equal to said predetermined distance, said form being weakened along said upper edge of said lower portions; wherein, d) the dimensions of said upper portion and said lower portion are chosen so that, after a first folding of said form around said lower edge of said upper portion, a second folding of said form around a transverse fold line substantially bisecting said upper portion, and sealing of said longitudinal edges of said upper portion and said upper edge of said upper portion and said upper edge of said upper portion to said connecting portion, a mail piece is formed containing said lower portion, said lower portion being attached to said mail piece only be attachment to said connecting portion along said upper edge of said lower portion; and, e) said form is weakened along said upper edge of said lower portion relatively less than along said transverse lines by an amount selected to allow said form to withstand the stresses of mechanical folding operation.