Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
21~6182
11631-148P
ENVELOPE CONTAINING A SEPARATE
PRINTED CARD FROM AN- INTEGRAL SHEET
AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE
BACKGROUND OF THE lNv~NllON
(1) Field of the invention
This invention relates to articles and methods for
their manufacture from an integral web or sheet of
lightweight paper, comprising printed cards contained in a
sealable envelope of approximately the size and appearance
of a conventional plastic credit card. The method includes
the use of high-speed printing equipment, including computer
directed contact and electrostatic image transfer printers,
for the large volume production of the finished articles.
Each of the envelopes, or cards, or both, can be printed
with a unique indicia, such as names, alpha-numeric
characters, bar codes, magnetic ink characters, symbols that
can be read by optical character recognition ("OCR")
systems, or the like. The indicia can be of the type that
can be read with or without the assistance of optical or
electronic readers or scanners for entry of information in a
data storage and retrieval system. The cards are
particularly adapted for use as fare cards in a
transportation system and as disposable telephone cards.
\ 25
(2) Description of the prior art
Methods have been developed for preparing printed
direct mail articles and the like where an envelope and an
enclosure are produced from an integral web or sheet. These ;
2~46182
-2-
methods include, for example, those of USP 3,557,519
disclosing an envelope and single letter sheet enclosure
which can be personalized.
Other methods have been developed for manufacturing
printed direct mail articles comprising an envelope and
various enclosures produced from two or more superposed webs
or sheets that are brought into aligned relationship for
finishing. These methods include, for example, USP
4,067,171 disclosing an envelope and multiple card sheets;
USP 4,437,852 disclosing an envelope, an card sheet and
enclosed pre-formed return envelope; USP 4,437,852
disclosing an envelope, a response device and an enclosed
pre-formed return envelope; and USP 4,912,909 disclosing an
envelope, at least one card sheet and a reply card formed by
adhesively joining two separate sheets of lightweight paper.
The use of special purpose debit cards, fare cards, and
the like for charging telephone calls and for use in -~
metropolitan transportation systems has become more ~ ;
prevalent in recent years. These cards can be fabricated
from plastic or heavy paper stock, and often include a
magnetic strip that can be encoded with appropriate
electronic equipment to reflect the consumer's personal
identity data, account information, and/or the "value" or ~ ;~
credit available for use in making telephone calls or
utilizing the transportation system. Specialized equipment
in the nature of automated vending machines has been
developed for issuing fixed or variable value cards in
,.. ,, .. ~., . . . ,............. .. ~ :
21~6182
,
response to the insertion of coins, bills or a credit card
in the dispensing machine.
Cards containing embedded magnetic strips have the
disadvantage of requiring specialized equipment to encode
data onto the cards at the time of their original purchase
by the consumer, and also for the purposes of reading the
card to deduct or debit the user's account by the value of
the service provided. In the case of plastic cards, a - :
disposal problem is also created since the materials are not
biodegradable, and their incineration produces undesirable
pollutants.
If cards bearing an access number are issued by
individual vendors, there is the risk that third parties ~;
will note the number of the card prior to, or at the time of
its sale, and make unauthorized use of it after it has been
purchased.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide in combination, as an article of manufacture, a :
sealed envelope containing a separate card produced from an ~ ~:
20 integral sheet or web of paper each of which is imprinted ~.
with an indicia that is unique to the card-envelope set. .
It is another object of the invention to provide an ~:
envelope cont~ining a printed card with a unique indicia,
and methods for production of a such card-envelope set, that
25 provides security for the card indicia and which is tamper- :~
evident.
' '' ~ ' '~'.` "
21~61~2
It is also an object of this invention to provide a
method of manufacturing from an integral sheet or web, a
plurality of sealed envelopes each containing a card, where
each card and envelope set is provided with the same or a -~
5 different unique indicia, and, in the case where the indicia ~
are different, providing means for relating the indicia on ~:
the envelope to the corresponding indicia on the card in
that envelope. ; -
It is yet another object of the invention to provide an
inexpensive paper card that can be purchased and sold for
value and that can be discarded with mi n; mAl impact on the
envi,c -nt, where the card has a secure identification
number that is known only to the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE lNv~:N-llON
The present invention contemplates an inexpensive - ~;
method for the manufacture of a paper card contA;n~ in an ~-
envelope, both of which are produced from an integral sheet ;~
or web. In accordance with the method, a unique indicia can ;~
20 be printed on one or both of the card and the envelope ~
comprising the set. The invention contemplates the ~ -
production of a large number of such envelope-card sets ~ ~-
quickly and inexpensively by employing electronic data ` -~
storage and processing means. The indicia can include
names, numerical bar codes, machine readable data gxids,
magnetic ink characters, OCR symbols or alpha-numeric~ ;
characters that can be read by bar code readers, optical -
: ~ .; .
21~82
character readers and like means, where the indicia can
serve as a unique account identifier.
As will be described in more detail below, in a
preferred embodiment the card can be produced in either a
conventional two-sided configuration, or as a folded sheet
having four panels, each suitable for carrying a printed
field. The card is securely contained in an envelope of any
convenient size, and the card and the envelope are produced
from an integral sheet or web.
As a preliminary step in the manufacturing method, the
web or sheets can be appropriately printed with the unique
. . -:
identifying indicia, and/or other fixed and variable ~ ;;
information, as well as other information concerning the use
of the card, its issuer, or the vendor of the card. The -;
15 method of the invention also permits the printing of the -
.:::, .:: .
identical or different unique indicia on the exterior of the
envelope and on the card. Since the card and the envelope ;
are assembled from an integral sheet, and not separated
until the card is positioned in the interior of the
envelope, there is no possibility of mismatching.
The invention is particularly adapted, for example, for
use in purchasing a specified amount of credit to be used
:- .:
with a telephone system. At the time of purchase of the
card from a vending machine or from any of a variety of
commercial vendors, including newsstands, retail stores,
: ~:: : ~: . -
restaurants and the like, the value associated with the ;~-
purchase and the account number associated with the unique
::: - ::.
214~182
--6--
indicia printed on the card and/or envelope is communicated -
to the issuing telephone company to establish a temporary
account. Thereafter, at the time of making the telephone
call, the card holder enters the unique identifying account
number appearing on the card in lieu of depositing coins or
charging to an otherwise established permanent billing
account number. Upon termination of the call, the prepaid
account is debited with the amount of the telephone charge, -
and the value of the credit re--;n~ng in this prepaid
account is communicated to the card holder. When the value
of the prepaid credit has been depleted, the temporary
account is terminated by the telephone company and the card ; ;
can be discarded.
In another preferred embodiment, the envelope
cont~-ning a card is itself the size of a conventional
credit card and is adapted for use in existing dispensing
machines in place of the cards now in use. At the time of ~ ~ ;
dispensing the envelope and card, a reader records the ~`
unique indicia on the envelope and the value or amount paid
by the purchaser, which data is transmitted electronically
to appLo~riate data storage means associated with the
system. - -
The method of the invention permits the production of
large volumes of inexpensive paper cards that can be
disposed of with a lesser burden on the envil~ -nt than
plastic cards, or even paper cards containing electronically
or magnetically encodable polymer strips. ;
~, . . . . . . .
21~61~2
--7--
In another embodiment of the invention, the envelope
contains a first card of either two-sided or four panel
configuration as described above, and also contains one or
more folded and optionally, glued inserts of the same size
as the first card. The inserts are separated from the first
card, and can be joined to, or separated from each other. ~ -
As previously noted, unique indica are printed on the
envelope. Where the card and envelope are printed with
different unique indicia, the data relating to the
correspondence between these two indicia will also be
.., ~ -...~
retrievable from appropriate data storage means. In a
typical preferred embodiment, the correlation between the
unique indicia on the respective envelope and card sets will
be random, and selected for printing using standard
15 encryption methods known in the art. The program or ; -~
encryption scheme for generating these pairs of unique
indicia can be stored in a secure central processing unit
and then transmitted to a computer-directed printer via a
magnetic tape or disk or modem for printing the web. The
20 printer can be of the impact or electrostatic image transfer - ;-
type.
During the printing of the web, in one preferred
embodiment that is adapted to the production of telephone
cards, each envelope section is provided with a unique bar -`
25 code, or other optically scannable symbol, and each -
associated card blank is provided with a unique sequence of
.
' . ;,
, . :. ~ - . . . - :
.. : ....... : . . . ..
: : . . .. . .. .. .... .
- -- 2146182
-8-
numbers, and/or alphabetic characters that correspond to
those found on the telephone keypad or dial.
For example, a continuous paper web is provided with a
plurality of printed fields corresponding to the envelope
5 and card sections as described above. A web of paper in the -~
form of a standard roll measuring approximately 18,000 feet
in length can be printed to produce approximately 140,000
finished envelopes containing cards, each envelope measuring ;~
approximately 4.5 inches by 2.25 inches, or approximately
11.34 cm by 5.67 cm.
.::, . :~. .~ :~
The process of preparing the printed web with these
indicia can advantageously be accomplished using an
appropriate computer program and a high-speed, computer- -
directed electro-static image transfer means. Commercial
15 electro-static image transfer equipment, such as that sold :
under the trademark ELECTROPRESS~, is well known in the art.
Conventional high speed, multi-color lithographic web
printing equipment can also be used to print any desired
information, instructions, logos and the unique identifying
indicia that will appear on the finished card and envelope.
Typically, the printed web is separated into sheets for ease ~
of handling and feeding into conventional die-cut, folding ~ -:
and trimming equipment known to those skilled in the art.
Following separation of the composite card device from the
25 envelope rear panel, the flap may either be sealed or left ~-~
open for the insertion of additional enclosures.
~......... . . .
~ , ., .. . ~ , ., - . , : , . ..
2146132
.
The envelope can be of conventional construction and
opened by lifting or tearing along the sealed flap.
Alternatively, the envelope can be provided with lines of
perforations adjacent one or both of the sealed side edges
of the envelope, whereby the edge can be torn off to remove
the card. Lines of perforations can also be provided in one ~-
panel of the envelope to permit it to be torn open for
removal of the card. Other configurations known in the art~ --
can be employed to facilitate convenient opening and removal
of the card from the envelope.
The method of the invention utilizes a combination card
sheet and integral envelope sheet, and comprises forming the
enclosure card sheet into a composite card device, folding ~
the composite card device first along a transverse line, ;;~;-
which can be scored or perforated for ease of folding, and
thereafter folding and gluing said envelope sheet to form an ~ ~ `
envelope containing the composite card device. The envelope
sheet has a second transverse line defining front and rear~ -
envelope panels which, after the card device has been
folded, are adapted to fold around the composite card device
to form an envelope pocket which is sealed along the
longitn~-n~l edges of said panels. The envelope sheet is
further characterized as containing a top panel which is
adapted to fold along a third transverse line and thereby
form an envelope flap. The composite card device of said
combination is folded in such manner as to position the
perforated line ]oining the enclosure card sheet, which has
~, !; . ' ' . ~ , . . .
- -- 21461~2
--10-
been formed into a composite card device, and the envelope
portions so that the card device portion can be separated,
preferably in the same operation, from the envelope portion
after folding and prior to sealing.
In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprehends a .
method for producing an envelope containing a separate
composite card device from a combined card sheet-integral
envelope sheet in which said combined card sheet-integral ` ~ -
envelope sheet comprises a card sheet comprising a first
card panel and a second card panel joined along an
intermediate transverse line, said envelope sheet being
joined to the card sheet along a first transverse line, the
opposite longitudinal edges of said card sheet being . :.
' '.. '" ":~ ,
positioned inside those of the envelope sheet, said envelope :
15 sheet having a second transverse line defining front and ;
rear envelope panels and a third transverse line in said
front panel defining an envelope flap, which method
comprises
(a) applying adhesive to the first card panel, or
the second card panel, or both,
(b) folding the card sheet along the intermediate
transverse line to adhesively bond the first
and second card panels to form a composite ~ .
card device,
(c) folding said composite card device along said
first transverse line in the direction of the
envelope sheet, and
. .
r ~ ,.,,' ' : , : .
- 214618~
-11- -
~ ~.
(d) folding said envelope sheet along said second
transverse line about said composite card :
device and sealing the overlapping edge
portions of said envelope sheet together, :
,: .
thereby forming said envelope sheet into an
envelope cont~;nlng said composite card
device with said first transverse line
located at the opening of said envelope
adjacent said rear envelope panel,
(e) thereafter, while said envelope flap is open,
separating said envelope sheet from said
composite card device along said first
transverse line, to thereby produce a .~-
separate composite card device contained in
an envelope, and thereafter closing the .
envelope flap.
For adaptation to continuous high-speed web litho-
graphic printing techniques and computer directed printing
techniques, the combined card sheet and integral envelope .
sheet is printed on a continuous web. The opposite
longitu~;n~l edges of the web can optionally be plln~he~ with
:
line holes that engage sprocket feeding rollers on the ~ .
computer directed printing system used to print the indicia
and other information that appears on the cards and
envelopes, and to facilitate continuous high-speed feeding
during the subsequent cutting, folding, gluing and other
processing steps to which the web is subjected. :
,~
- ',' .
21~182
In connection with such high-speed feeding an embodi-
ment of the method of the invention comprises, in
combination, a plurality of the card sheet-integral envelope ~ ~-
sheet combinations as described above, sequentially joined
one to the other along a transverse line cGmmon to the end
of the card sheet, remote from said intermediate transverse ~ - -
line and the end of the envelope sheet that is remote from
said third transverse line.
In a further preferred embodiment of the invention for
the manufacture of envelope-card sets where the envelope and
card in each set have unique identifying indicia, the method
comprises~
(a) generating a first unique series of machine
readable indicia from electronic data storage means;
(b) generating a second series of indicia from
the electronic data storage means, where each indicia
in the second series corresponds to only one of the
indicia in the first series
(c) printing a first unique indicia selected from
the first series of indicia on a first section of a:~
moving printable web;
(d) printing the corresponding indicia from the ;-:
second series on a second section of the printable web
that is proximate the first section; `
(e) separating the first and second sections from
the printable web to form an integral sheet cont~;n;ng
the first indicia and corresponding indicia; :
' ~:
21461~2
-13-
(f) forming the separated first section bearing
the first indicia into an envelop and the second
section bearing the corresponding indicia into a card
device contained in the envelope; and
(g) separating the card device from the envelope.
The method avoids potential problems of mismatching of
uniquely encoded cards and envelopes that is attendant to
continuous envelope systems where the separated cards and
::.." ~
10 envelopes are printed with unique indicia and the card ~ -~
thereafter inserted in the envelope, since in the method of
the invention both elements are part of an integral
preprinted sheet. The composite card device of the finished
. .~: :: .
article is separate in the envelope and is ready for use by
the recipient or purchaser. In addition, personalization
used in connection with presently available computerized -~
printing techniques can also be utilized. For example, if
the cards are to be used for advertising or promotional
purposes individual recipients' names and addresses can be
20 printed on the envelope sheet and/or on the composite card ~ ;
device.
The folding of the paper stock and bonding the card
panels with an intermediate layer of adhesive produces a ~`
fi ni she~ composite card device having the feel and - ~ `
appearance of heavier card stock. Additional steps of
folding the card sheet and the application of inteL~ te
layers of adhesive can be employed to produce a finished
. , ~
., .. ~ . . . . : - . : ~ .. : : -: .
21~6182 ~ :
-14-
composite card device of more than two layers having an even -
heavier feel and greater stiffness.
The printing of different indicia on the card and the
exterior of the sealed envelope provides a number of
advantages and permits the combination card and envelope to
be used in a variety of commercial and promotional -~
applications. One important advantage to the use of a ;~ ~ -
sealed paper envelope is that it provides a tamper-evident
wrapper for the card. The sealed envelope bearing a unique
indicia provides a secure means for transmitting and
recording the value paid at the time of the purchase of the
card so that the individual vendor or a bystander cannot
determine the numerical sequence printed on the card.
The combination card and sealed envelope can also be
used in a variety of gaming schemes and games of chance in
the nature of lotteries. So-called "winning cards" are
associated with a unique indicia on the outside of the ;
sealed envelope by the central data processing unit. The
time, place and location of the distribution of the card-
cont~;ning envelopes can also be entered in the central
data-storage means. Since each sales transaction is
electronically transmitted to, and stored in the central
data storage means, the time and/or place of sale of W;nn;ng
cards can be determined, or estimated based on its relation ;
to cards previously sold. These records can also be used to
insure that winning cards are uniformly distributed with
respect to geographical or other desired criteria, while at
j ~ ...... . .
21461~2
-15-
the same time insuring that those involved in the
distribution and sales are unaware of the identification
associated with the winning card(s). -
A method similar to that described above can be -~
. :.''::i,:
5 employed, for example, by retailers with the distribution of ~
. :: ,
envelopes, each containing a coupon of predetermined value.
The value of the coupon can be indicated as a specified
number of dollars or as a percentage off the regular or list -
price of the goods or services. The recipient of the sealed
10 envelope containing a coupon does not know the value of the ~-
coupon, which can only be determined by the user by opening
the envelope after the sale transaction has been completed.
The use of a traceable coupon permits the issuer to
determine the location and distribution of valuable coupons, ~-
while at the same time ensuring the security and integrity
of their use.
.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE lNv~NllON
In the drawings accompanying and forming part of this :~;
specification~
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a section of the continu- ~ :~
ous web containing the card sheet and integral envelope
sheet of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the card sheet
that has been formed into a composite card device and
integral envelope, partially folded, showing the envelope in
~ 21461~2
a folded position prior to separation from the envelope ~ ~ ;
portion; ~ ;
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the sheet and ;~
integral envelope in nearly completed form ready for edge
5 sealing to form the envelope and separation of the letter ~
from the envelope as described hereafter; ;
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the
completed envelope cont~' n; ng the card sheet formed into a
composite card device being separated along the fold line by
cutting means;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the sealed
envelope and composite card device ready for use;
FIG. 6 is a plan view similar to FIG. 1 showing a modi-
fied embodiment of this invention; and
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a section of the con-
tinuous web containing two combined card sheet-integral
envelope sheets in a parallel configuration. ~;
FIG. 8A and 8B are perspective views of the finished
envelope-card sets illustrating alternative embodiments for
opening the envelope along perforation lines.
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a section of continuous
web and a further embodiment of a card sheet for producing
multiple cards joined to the integral envelope sheet. ~;
FIG. 10 is schematic block diagram illustrating one
embo~; - t for practicing the method of the invention in a
typical commercial application.
214618~ ~
-17-
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference
characters designate corresponding parts throughout the
several figures, and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown ;~ -
a composite sheet 10 that is divided by a perforated line 22
into a card sheet 11 and an integral envelope sheet 13. ~-~
Composite sheet 10 is a continuous form, preferably a
section of a lithographic web 9, having a plurality of
sheets 10 interconnected by cutting lines 4. This web is
10 adapted to be used with a machine such as a high-speed ~
computerized printing machine, that utilizes the continuous -
sheet forms and is therefore provided with a sprocket for
high speed feeding of the composite sheet 10 into the
machine utilizing said sheets. The composite sheet 10 has -
longitu~;n~l perforations 12 inside of and generally
parallel to pllnrhe~ line holes 24 suitable for engaging ~-
sprocket feeding rollers. The method of the invention is
equally applicable to sheets and webs that do not have
plm~he~ line holes, such as those employing image transfer
20 technology. ;--
The card sheet 11 is joined to the envelope sheet 13 ~ ~;
along first transverse perforation line 22. Envelope sheet ;
13 has opposite longitudinal perforations 6 positioned
inside of pllnchp~ line holes 24, but outside of perforations -~
12. Tn~Pnt~tion 8 defines this positioning. Envelope sheet
13 contains a third transverse score line 18, which defines
the envelope flap portion 2 of said envelope sheet 13, and a ~`
2146182
.
-18~
second transverse score line 20, which defines the front and
back panels of the envelope sheet 13. Area 16 defines that
part of the envelope flap to which adhesive is applied.
Sheet 11 is comprised of first card panel 25 and second
card panel 27. Rounded corners 29 are die-cut in sheet 11
in a preferred embodiment to enhance the appearance and to
simulate a conventional card. The card sheet 11 is also
provided with intermediate transverse score line 23 that
defines the first card panel 25 and a second card panel 27,
the latter positioned adjacent the first transverse line 22.
The composite sheet 10 can be a printed lithographic
web cont~;n~ng the graphic features previously described,
including the unique indicia on the envelope and card
sheets. The punched line holes 24 along the outer edge can
be die-cut, as can be the envelope flap side edges 2 and the
perforated lines 6, 12 and 22. Such die-cutting facilitates
the removal of these parts after the computer printing
and/or personalization process; however, it should be noted
that any of lines 2, 6 and 12, in addition to die-cutting,
can be guillotine cut or slit after bursting. The
perforated line 22 also facilitates fan folding of the
composite sheets so that the printed continuous web can be
transferred for subsequent processing steps in the method of
the invention. Line 22 also serves as a guide in the second
fold of the card sheet 11. As will be discussed below, in a
.. . .. . .. . . .
- -- 21461~2 :
- 19 ~
preferred embodiment, fold line 22 is skin-trimmed away
after folding and assembly into the envelope.
The score line 18 facilitates folding of the envelope
flap. The area identified by 16 is preferably covered with
a rewettable gum adhesive, and it is an optional feature
depending on the type of envelope sealing equipment to be
used in the final flap closure of the envelope and whether
or not additional material is to be added to the finished
envelopes. This scoring and application of adhesive can be
accomplished on the web press during printing.
Folding the enclosure and envelope sheets after the web
has been printed and die-cut, and after the web edges 2, 6
and 12 have been mechanically stripped away, is preferably
, ~ .
accomplished by first separating the sheets of the web into
multiples of the desired length, and guillotine cutting at
lines 4.
An adhesive is applied to first card panel 25, or
second card panel 27, or both, as indicated at shaded areas ~;
26. Referring to FIG. 2, the trimmed sheets 10 are then fed -~
through a conventional folding machine which folds the card
sheet 11 along line 23 to bond the first and second card
panels to form a composite card device. The envelope 13 is ~;
folded around the already folded and glued composite card
device.
As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the
card sheet 11 can be leng~hPne~ to accommodate one or more
additional card panels, and additional gluing and folding
:~ :
~ .. . . . .... .
214~182
-20-
steps can be incorporated into the method of the invention
to produce a finished composite card comprised of three or
more layers of lightweight paper.
Referring to FIG. 3, a bead of adhesive 3 is placed
along the edges 6 of sheet 13 so that when ~he envelope is
folded around the folded card sheet 11, edges 6 are joined.
These edges can then be skin-trimmed. The folded composite
card device 11 is then separated from the envelope body 13
along line 22 with a special slitting device comprising an
anvil 50 and slitting blade 55 which is adjusted to the
thickness of the paper stock so that the top layers are
trimmed clean leaving the third layer or envelope flap 16 ;~
untouched. As shown schematically in FIG. 4, anvil device
50 directs flap 16 away from scissor wheels 55 to permit the
separation of the composite card device from envelope rear
panel 15. In this r-nnPr, all the envelope edges are
trimmed clean including the inside edge underneath the flap,
as are the leading and bottom edges of the card, so that
they are free of ragged machine perforation marks.
As shown in FIG. 5, the final closure of the envelope
flap can be accomplished as an integral part of the
separation of the composite card device from the envelope or
by the use of conventional envelope sealing equipment if
additional material is to be added to the envelope.
Referring to FIG. 6, inclusion of flaps 7 as an adjunct
to edges 6 between lines 18 and 20, which can be folded over
and affixed to the reverse side 15 of envelope 13 during the
,: . : : . , . - . . : ~ -
:. .. . - . ~ : . . .
21461~
-21-
folding operation, thereby eliminates the necessity of edge
trimming the two side edges 6 of the envelope 13.
In actual operation, it is preferred to use a plurality - ~.
of composite sheets in parallel configuration. FIG. 7 shows
5 a typical composite sheet comprising a lithographic web ~-
containing two card-integral envelope sheets joined along
line 9, which can be perforated for bursting. In all other
respects the parts in FIG. 7 are identical to those in FIG.
1. Additional composite sheets 10 can be included in this
10 parallel configuration to utilize the entire width of the ;
web 9. ~ ;
If desired, the card sheet 11 can be coated with
varnish, a resin that is cured by exposure to W radiation,
or other coatings known in the art to give the finished
15 composite card device additional body and or wear ;~
resistance. ~ ~
As shown in FIG. 8A, finished envelope 13 is provided ~ -
with lines of perforations 30 adjacent and parallel to ~ -
sealed edges 6. The recipient can ~ -~ve the sealed edge
section 32 by tearing along one or both lines of
perforations to remove card 11. FIG. 8B illustrates another
embodiment in which the front panel of the finished envelope
is provided with a plurality of intersecting perforation
lines 36 that permit the easy separation of section 38 by
the recipient and removal of the card 11.
A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in -~
Fig. 9 for the manufacture of an envelope containing two
-"` 21~6182
.
-22-
separate cards. As is shown, third card panel 31 is joined
to card panel 25 along score or perforation line 42 and the
fourth card panel 33 is joined to panel 31 along line 43.
Glue is applied to one or both of the panels in each set of
25-27 and 31-33. After separation of section 10 from the
web 9, the third and fourth panels are folded into a
superposed position along line 43 and bonded together.
Panel 25 is then folded along line 23 to position the side ~ ;
cont~;ning adhesive in contact with panel 27 for bonding and
the bonded panels 31-33 are folded along line 29 into a
superposed position above panel 25. The bonded panel sets
are then folded along line 22 to position them above the
interior of rear envelope panel 15. The r~;n;ng
manufacturing steps are the same as those described above in
connection with Figs. 1-4. It will be understood that fold
line 42 will be positioned adjacent fold line 22, and that
upon tr;mm;ng as shown in Fig. 4, the cards will be
separated from each other while positioned inside of the
envelope.
The card section 11 can be made longer to provide
addition pairs of card panels that are adhesively bonded to ~
make cards that are separated using the same method. In -
addition, multiple finished cards can comprise three panels
each that are adhesively bonded, folded into superposed
relation and then trimmed as previously described to produce
an envelope containing two or more caxds.
-` 214~18~ :
-23-
One preferred embodiment for a typical commercial use
of the method of the invention is illustrated in the
schematic block diagram of Fig. 10. Data relating to the
identification of the first and corresponding second series ~
of unique indicia is transmitted to the central processing
unit ("CPU") of the computer that directs and controls the
printer. The data relating to these indicia, and any other
constant and/or variable information is transmitted to the
printer for reproduction on the printable web. It will be
understood that the web can be partially pre-printed and
;n~P~e~ for printing only of the unique indicia.
After printing, the web is finished into envelope-card - ~-
sets, each set bearing a unique indicia on the exterior of ;~
the envelope. The finished, sealed envelopes are distributed
15 for sale, as for example, by vending machines, or individual `
vendors, and at the time of the sale data relating to the
value paid for the envelope-card set and the indicia on the
envelope is transmitted to a central computer for
processing. The computer can be the same computer that ;~
provided the data to the printer for printing of the indicia
on the web comprising the card-envelope sheets, or a
computer maintained by the service provider, such as a
telephone company. ~-
As further illustrated in Fig. 10, when the indicia on
25 the card is transmitted at the time of the service ~
transaction, information from the electronic database or - -
memory concerning the indicia relating to the card-envelope ~ ~
214618~
-24-
set is retrieved and processed with information relating to
the user's service transaction. For example, if the
invention is used in a telephone system, the user of the
card enters the unique indicia, e.g., numerals, printed on ~ -
the card, via the keypad on the pay telephone.
The computer system's CPU retrieves the account
information that was entered when the envelope-card set was -
originally purchased and determines that a credit sufficient
to cover some established mlnimllm time charge for the
proposed call remains in the account balance. If the
account balance is insufficient, the caller is so advised -~
and the transaction can be terminated. If the account
b~l~nce is sufficient, the call is processed, the account
reduced by the appropriate charge, and in a preferred
embodiment, the user is informed of the r~m~;n;~g account
~nce before the user~s call is terminated.
In order to further enh~nce the security of the method
and to avoid the possibility that unauthorized use of
account balances could be used by the random entry of a
series of numbers on the keypad, the user can be required to
enter the indicia printed on both the envelope and the card.
The possibility of an unauthorized caller being able to -
enter an active account and also enter the different set of
numeric or alpha-numeric indicia correspon~;ng to the
characters printed on the envelope in the set can be reduced
to acceptable limits by increasing the number of characters
that must be entered by the card user.
