Optical scan window envelopes and methods of making

Abstract

A method of automatically forming a mailing envelope includes forming an envelope blank from a web of paper and forming a window in the envelope blank. The window defines a window edge in the envelope blank. The method includes adhering a transparent window patch to the window, the adhering operating to adhere the complete window edge to the window patch.

1 . A method of automatically forming a mailing envelope, the method comprising: 
 forming an envelope blank from a web of paper;    forming a window in the envelope blank, the window defining a window edge in the envelope blank;    adhering a transparent window patch to the window, the adhering operating to adhere the complete window edge to the window patch.    
   
   
       2 . The method as in  claim 1  further comprising folding and adhering the envelope blank to define an envelope having an opening adapted to receive an insert.  
   
   
       3 . The method as in  claim 1  wherein the window comprises a step shape on a first side and a sloped shape on an opposing side.  
   
   
       4 . The method as in  claim 1  further comprising forming a taggant on the envelope blank, the taggant adapted to be read by an optical scanning device.  
   
   
       5 . The method as in  claim 4  wherein the optical scanning device is further adapted to read a bar code through the window patch from an insert in the envelope.  
   
   
       6 . The method as in  claim 5  wherein the reading of the bar code is triggered by the reading of the taggant.  
   
   
       7 . The method as in  claim 1  further comprising inserting a mailing insert into the envelope, the insert comprising a bar code which is viewable through the window patch when the insert is disposed in the envelope.  
   
   
       8 . The method as in  claim 7  wherein the bar code comprises at least a customer name and address.  
   
   
       9 . The method as in  claim 7  wherein the bar code comprises at least a customer account number.  
   
   
       10 . A mailing envelope, comprising: 
 a generally rectangular front panel having an outer surface and an inner surface, the front panel further having a window formed therethrough, the window defining a front panel interior edge;    a transparent window patch coupled to the inner surface of the front panel so that the interior edge is completely coupled to the window patch.    
   
   
       11 . The mailing envelope as in  claim 10  wherein the front panel interior edge comprises a plurality of generally straight edge sections coupled together using curved edge sections so that the interior edge is generally devoid of sharp-angled edge sections between adjacent straight edge sections.  
   
   
       12 . The mailing envelope as in  claim 10  wherein the front panel interior edge is generally devoid of right angle edge sections.  
   
   
       13 . The mailing envelope as in  claim 10  wherein the transparent window patch is coupled to the inner surface with a glue.  
   
   
       14 . The mailing envelope as in  claim 10  wherein the transparent window patch is coupled to the inner surface with a gummed front panel surface portion.  
   
   
       15 . The mailing envelope as in  claim 10  wherein the transparent window patch comprises cellophane.  
   
   
       16 . The mailing envelope as in  claim 10  wherein the window comprises a non-symmetrical shape.  
   
   
       17 . The mailing envelope as in  claim 10  wherein the front panel further comprises a taggant.  
   
   
       18 . The mailing envelope as in  claim 10  wherein the taggant conforms to USPS standards for certified mail.  
   
   
       19 . A die adapted to form a mailing envelope blank for forming a mailing envelope as provided in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       20 . A method of processing a mailing envelope, the method comprising: 
 providing a mailing envelope as in  claim 10;  and    passing the mailing envelope through a scanner;    wherein the scanner is adapted to read a piece of data from the envelope front panel without engaging the front panel interior edge.