Continuous forms assembly

Abstract

A continuous form envelope assembly, wherein a plurality of superimposed plies define mailing envelopes with inserts, including return envelopes therein. Transverse lines of weakening across the plies define the individual envelopes. The return envelope, which is an insert, is defined by two plies, one of which includes a flap formation whereby the return envelope may be closed. The other ply defining the return envelope, includes a protective portion adjacent the flap and which is secured to the outer envelope so that when the return envelope is extracted from the outer envelope, the protective portion remains with the outer envelope.

We claim: 
     
       1. In a continuous forms envelope assembly wherein a plurality of elongated, superimposed plies including transverse lines of weakening defining individual envelopes which may be separated from the assembly therealong and wherein upper and lowermost ones of the plies define fronts and backs of envelopes with intermediate plies defining insert material within each envelope including at least a return envelope, the return envelope being defined by portions of adjacent intermediate plies, respectively defining the front and back of the return envelope, one of said adjacent plies further including an envelope flap that may be folded about and secured to the other of said adjacent plies of closing the return envelope and wherein the intermediate plies are constructed so that the insert material is free from the outer envelope along at least two, opposed, marginal edges of the outer envelope, the improvement wherein said other adjacent ply has an attaching portion secured to the outer envelope, said attaching portion being attached to a covering portion which is in substantial abutment with said flap; said attaching portion and said covering portion being loosely secured to the remainder of said other adjacent ply so that upon the opening of the outer envelope, the return envelope can be easily extracted with said attaching portion and said covering portion remaining interiorly of the outer envelope. 
     
     
       2. A continuous forms envelope assembly according to claim 1 wherein said one adjacent ply having said flap thereon further includes a moistenable adhesive on the side of said flap facing said other adjacent ply and abutting said covering portion. 
     
     
       3. A continuous forms envelope assembly according to claim 2 wherein said adjacent plies defining said return envelope are configured to define a top opening envelope and wherein said attaching portion and said covering portion are defined by an L-shaped chip. 
     
     
       4. A continuous forms envelope assembly comprising: a plurality of at least four superimposed, elongated plies of paper, a first of said plies defining the fronts of outer envelopes; a second of said plies defining one of the fronts and the backs of return envelopes within the outer envelopes, a third of the plies defining the other of the fronts and the backs of the return envelopes within the outer envelopes, and the fourth of the plies defining the backs of the outer envelopes; said plies including transverse lines of weakening defining individual envelopes which may be separated from the assembly therealong; said first and fourth plies being secured to each other about at least three marginal edges to define a sealed outer envelope; one of said second and third plies having at least two, opposed, marginal edges free from connection to said outer envelope and a flap extending along one marginal edge to define a sealing flap for the return envelope; the other of said second and third plies having at least one marginal edge secured to said outer envelope and a covering portion extending from said marginal edge in alignment and in substantial abutment with said flap, means separating said marginal edge and said covering portion from the remainder of said other of said second and third plies; and means securing said remainder to said one of said second and third plies to define said return envelopes. 
     
     
       5. A continuous forms envelope assembly according to claim 1 wherein said attaching and covering portions are loosely secured to said remainder by small, easily rupturable tongues in a partial slit separating said attaching and covering portions from said remainder. .Iadd. 6. A sealed envelope comprising: front and back panels, and insert material within said sealed envelope; said insert material comprising interconnected upper and lower panels forming a return envelope having an opening along one edge thereof, one of said return envelope panels being separable along a keen line of weakening provided therealong, the other of said return envelope panels having a flap foldable along a fold line provided thereon; attaching means connecting a portion of said insert material in said sealed envelope with said sealed envelope, said portion comprising a section of said one panel which is superimposed over said flap and which is separable along said keen line of weakening; and a tear strip on said sealed envelope for opening said sealed envelope and freeing said return envelope from said sealed envelope, said section of said return envelope being retained with said sealed envelope upon the freeing of said return envelope from said sealed envelope. .Iaddend..Iadd. 7. The envelope according to claim 6, wherein said tear strip is located along one end of said sealed envelope, and said keen line of weakening is disposed perpendicular to said tear strip. .Iaddend..Iadd. 8. The envelope according to claim 6, wherein said section extends along said return envelope between opposite end edges thereof. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 9. In a continuous forms envelope assembly wherein a plurality of elongated, superimposed plies including transverse lines of weakening defining individual envelopes which may be separated from the assembly therealong and wherein upper and lowermost ones of the plies define fronts and backs of envelopes with intermediate plies defining insert material within each envelope including at least a part of a return envelope, the return envelope being defined by portions of adjacent plies including at least one intermediate ply, one of the adjacent plies including an envelope flap that may be folded about and secured to the other of the adjacent plies for closing the return envelope and wherein the intermediate plies are constructed so that the insert material is free from the outer envelope along at least two, opposed, marginal edges of the outer envelope, the improvement wherein said other adjacent ply has an attaching portion thereof secured to at least one of said upper and lowermost plies with said attaching portion including a covering portion in substantial abutment with said flap; said attaching portion and said covering portion being loosely secured to the remainder of said other adjacent ply so that upon the opening of the outer envelope, the return envelope may be easily separated therefrom with said edge portion and said covering portion remaining attached to said one of said upper and lowermost plies. .Iaddend.