Mechanical folding aid for letterheads

Abstract

Mechanical folding aid (1, 12) for letterheads (8), in particular for carrying out a third fold, comprising a flat element with at least three sub-areas (2, 3, 4), wherein two sub-areas are connected to each other by means of hinge areas (5, 6), characterized in that at least the middle sub-area (3), preferably the at least three sub-areas (2, 3, 4) are each designed as flat element areas unstructured in height.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mechanical folding aid for letterheads, in particular for carrying out a third fold.

[0002] Particularly in business correspondence, the use of the so-called third-folding method has become established in the metric world. Here, DIN A4 letterhead is folded into thirds along its long side (i.e., folded twice), while remaining unfolded along its wide side. The same applies to the US, where so-called letter or legal letterhead (letter: 8.5 x 11 inches; legal: 8.5 x 14 inches) is used (folded for use in 4-1 / 8 x 9.5 inch envelopes).

[0003] Although it is easily possible for experienced people to carry out a sufficiently accurate third fold for mailing purposes by eye (in particular, the address field of the letterhead should also be in the viewing window of the envelope (if there is one)), for inexperienced people or even for disabled people, the third fold presents a problem that often leads to incorrect folding.

[0004] Various proposals have already been made to solve the problem.

[0005] For example, it's common practice to use print templates for letters that have folding marks (aid marks) – usually on the left edge. These marks allow the sheet to be folded precisely. However, the disadvantage is that these typically fine auxiliary marks are difficult or impossible to recognize, especially for visually impaired people, but also for people with visual impairments (e.g., presbyopia).

[0006] Automatic folding devices are now available, which, for example, can automatically fold into thirds using an electric motor. Some of these are also available as an add-on for a printer. However, the disadvantages are the relatively high purchase price and the space required by these devices. Accordingly, these devices are rarely, if ever, used in smaller offices or at home.

[0007] Furthermore, DE 20 2013 007 875 U1 has disclosed a folding aid which operates purely mechanically and consists of three parts connected by film hinges. In the middle third of the folding device, a clamping pocket is provided for securing and centering the letterhead to be folded. Although the folding aid is functional, its construction is quite complex, which is particularly reflected in the current selling price of over €30. It is understandable that such a high price is not attractive, especially for private individuals. The clamping pocket, which is made of plastic, is also prone to signs of aging and breakage after a relatively short period of use. Furthermore, many users find it annoying to have to fumble the letterhead into the slot of the clamping pocket.

[0008] Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to propose a mechanical folding aid for letterheads which is improved over mechanical folding aids for letterheads as known in the prior art.

[0009] In particular, the goal is to provide a mechanical folding aid that is as cost-effective and relatively durable as possible. Ideally, the price of the folding aid should be low enough that it can also be used as marketing material or promotional gift.

[0010] A mechanical folding aid for letterhead is proposed, which is designed and configured in particular to perform a third fold. The mechanical folding aid has a flat element with at least three sub-areas, wherein two sub-areas are connected to one another by means of hinge areas. At least the middle sub-area is designed as a flat element area with an unstructured height. Preferably, the at least three sub-areas are each designed as flat element areas with an unstructured height. The design as an unstructured flat element area / unstructured flat element areas enables a particularly simple and cost-effective, yet simultaneously comparatively durable, construction.In addition, the height of the mechanical folding aid can be particularly low, especially when folded, which can be advantageous, for example, when storing a large number of mechanical folding aids (advertising material). The design as “unstructured in height” does not exclude an internal structure that is not visible, obvious and / or inaccessible from the outside. This could, for example, be a design as a type of corrugated cardboard or even a multi-layer flat element (possibly with a film coating or the like). If the flat element in question were to be viewed in cross-section, it might well be possible to detect a structure in height. However, the way the mechanical folding aid appears to the user, under realistic circumstances, at least largely no structure in the height of the flat element area(s) is discernible.

[0011] Preferably, two sections (usually the first and second, middle sections; typically in a fully or partially folded state) are used to initially position the letterhead to be folded. These two sections (first and second sections) are then closed, and the letterhead is then folded for the first time along a marginal edge of a section of the mechanical folding aid (usually at the outer marginal edge of the first section). This folding process can be carried out, in particular, by closing the third section of the mechanical folding aid. If necessary, however, the letterhead can also be folded additionally or alternatively by hand at the outer marginal edge of the first section, and only then can the third section be closed. Finally, the letterhead to be folded is folded a second time at the outer marginal edge of the third section.This results in a letter that is folded into three parts, with the address field in particular being positioned correctly in the window of a suitable envelope with a window.

[0012] In particular, it is proposed that the hinge areas of the mechanical folding aid be designed as film hinges, folding hinges, beaded hinges, and / or rebate hinges. This allows for a particularly simple and cost-effective design of the mechanical folding aid. Furthermore, this typically prevents the mechanical folding aid from becoming thicker in the respective hinge area.

[0013] It is preferred if the flat element of the mechanical folding aid is made primarily of paper, cardboard, carton, or a plastic material. This also promotes a particularly simple and cost-effective construction of the mechanical folding aid.

[0014] It is also advantageous if the mechanical folding aid has at least one imprint. This could, for example, be a kind of instruction manual for using the folding aid. However, it can also prove particularly advantageous if at least some of the printed material is printed with advertising. This makes the mechanical folding aid ideal for use as a promotional gift or as a bonus to promote customer loyalty.

[0015] It is particularly useful if the mechanical folding aid is designed to perform a third fold, especially for folding DIN A4 sheets into a format corresponding to DL / DIN long envelopes. Additionally or alternatively, it is useful for the mechanical folding aid to be designed to fold legal-size sheets (8.5 x 14 inches) or letter-size sheets (Letter: 8.5 x 11 inches) into a format corresponding to 4-1 / 8 x 9-1 / 2 inch envelopes. The corresponding dimensions for the individual sections are easily determined by a specialist. In particular, they also arise from DIN 5008. Purely as an example, the dimension of the mechanical folding aid in the longitudinal direction in the area of ​​the first partial area should essentially be 105 mm (typically ±0.5 mm, ±1 mm, ±1.5 mm, ±2 mm, ±3 mm, ±4 mm or ±5 mm tolerance; this can also apply to the dimensions mentioned below).The dimension for the middle, second section is typically somewhat larger, so that a type of wrap-around fold of the mechanical folding aid can be realized; typically 107 to 113 mm, preferably 108 to 112 mm, more preferably 109 to 111 mm, particularly preferably 110 mm (the stated interval limits can also be combined in different ways; reference is made to the tolerance ranges already mentioned). The third section, in turn, preferably has a length in the range of the first section, although a length can also be selected according to the second, middle section. In terms of width, it is advisable for the mechanical folding aid to be wider than the width of the letterhead to be folded, typically by 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm or more.

[0016] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one partial area, preferably at least two partial areas, of the mechanical folding aid have at least one viewing window recess. These can be used, in particular, for visually checking the correct positioning of a letterhead. In particular, at least one viewing window recess is provided adjacent to the hinge area between the first and second (middle) partial areas.

[0017] It is particularly advantageous if at least one viewing window recess is designed as a cutout. This can be achieved through a simple punching process. This again results in a particularly simple and cost-effective, yet comparatively durable, design for the mechanical folding aid.

[0018] It is further proposed that the mechanical folding aid include at least one closure element. This can be implemented, for example, by a type of snap fastener, a foldable side flap protruding from one edge, a magnetic closure, a hook-and-loop fastener, or the like. This allows the mechanical folding aid to be moved particularly easily into a transport position without unfolding, which could result in potentially damaging creases.

[0019] A further advantageous embodiment of the mechanical folding aid can result if at least one hinge reinforcement is provided in at least one hinge region, in particular in at least one region of a film hinge, folding hinge, beaded hinge, and / or rebate hinge, which is in particular designed as an adhesive tape-like reinforcement device. In particular, an adhesive tape-like reinforcement device can be easily applied after production of the "unreinforced" folding aid (or a corresponding shell assembly). Initial tests have shown that acetate carrier devices, which are coated in particular with a polyacrylate adhesive, are particularly advantageous. Such adhesive tape devices are available under the trade name Leukosilk® from Essity International as of the filing date of the present utility model.If necessary, the adhesive tape-like reinforcement device can also be provided (reinforced) with a fabric-like device (particularly made of viscose fiber). Such adhesive tape devices are available under the trade name Leukoplast® from Essity International as of the filing date of the present utility model.

[0020] Further advantages, features and objects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1: a schematic plan view of a possible embodiment of a mechanical folding aid in unfolded form from above; Fig. 2: the mechanical folding aid according to Fig. 1 in the folded state in a schematic view from the side; Fig. 3: a second possible embodiment of a mechanical folding aid in folded state in a schematic view from the side.

[0021] Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of a possible embodiment of a mechanical folding aid 1 in unfolded form from above.

[0022] The mechanical folding aid 1 comprises three partial areas 2, 3 and 4 arranged longitudinally, namely a first partial area 2, a second partial area 3 and a third partial area 4. The partial areas 2, 3, 4 are each foldably connected to one another by folding hinges 5, 6. In the present embodiment, this is realized by beads 10 (bead-like material thinnings) (see Fig. 2). The first section 2 and the second section 3 are connected by the first folding hinge 5, while the second section 3 and the third section 4 are connected by the second click hinge 6.

[0023] In this case, the length of the first section 2 is 105 mm, the length of the second section 3 is 108 mm, and the length of the third section 4 is 105 mm. The width of the three sections 2, 3, and 4 is 220 mm, which is slightly larger than the width of a DIN A4 sheet of paper (210 mm). Accordingly, the mechanical folding aid 1 is suitable for folding DIN A4 letterhead into thirds.

[0024] The mechanical folding aid 1 is made of cardboard, or possibly also of a carton material. Accordingly, the first folding hinge 5 and the second folding hinge 6 are simply designed as a fold. The fold can be facilitated by first pressing the relevant area into the cardboard.

[0025] In particular, the individual sections 2, 3, and 4 of the mechanical folding aid shown here do not have any superstructures and / or special vertical structures (simple cardboard). This does not preclude the provision of special elements, such as closure elements, in specific, particularly marked (sub)sections.

[0026] Furthermore, Fig. 1, adjacent to the area of ​​the first folding hinge 5, in the first partial area 2 and in the second partial area 3, two viewing windows 7 are provided, which in this case are diamond-shaped (however, other shapes are readily conceivable). The viewing windows 7 are designed as cutouts. Using the viewing windows 7, the correct positioning of a letterhead 8 to be folded can be visually checked before a folding process is initiated.

[0027] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of the mechanical folding aid 1 in the folded state. To illustrate the folding process, which is described below, a sheet of paper 8 is shown.

[0028] First, the first partial area 2 and the second partial area 3 are at least partially folded together, and the letterhead 8 is inserted so that its one end (edge) lies in the area of ​​the first folding hinge 5. In particular, Fig. 2 also shows that the first folding hinge 5 is realized by means of a bead 10 (which also applies analogously to the second folding hinge 6). Subsequently, the first partial section 2 and the second partial section 3 are completely folded together.

[0029] In the next step, the third section 4 is folded onto the second section 3 so that the Fig. 2 results in the position shown.

[0030] Subsequently, in a further step, the letterhead 8 is folded along the outer edge 9 of the third partial area 4. The letterhead 8 is now folded into thirds and can be removed from the mechanical folding aid 1.

[0031] Not shown here, the mechanical folding aid 1 can, for example, be provided with an advertising print in order to serve as a promotional gift.

[0032] In Fig. 3 is a variation of a folding aid 12 compared to the one shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown folding aid 1.

[0033] The basic structure (as well as its handling) of this second embodiment of a folding aid 12 is similar to that of the first embodiment of a folding aid 1. In the second embodiment shown here, the beads 10 (bead-like material thinnings) are again formed in an outer region of the folding hinges 5, 6 of the folding aid 12 (although this is not mandatory). In particular to increase the durability of the folding aid 12, reinforcing devices 11 are additionally provided in the region of the folding hinges 5, 6, which reinforcing devices 11 are glued to the relevant surface areas of the folding aid 12 in the form of an adhesive tape 11. The adhesive tape 11 follows the surface of the folding aid 12, including the indentations due to the beads 10. In the present case, an acetate carrier provided with a polyacrylate adhesive is used as the adhesive tape 11.The adhesive tape 11 used in initial tests can be purchased commercially under the name Leukosilk ® from Essity International at the time of the filing date of the present utility model.

[0034] It should be noted that any one or more features of the presently disclosed detailed embodiments may be used in combination with each other and / or with the general description of the present disclosure. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2013 007 875 U1

[0007] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] DIN 5008

[0015]

Claims

[1] Mechanical folding aid (1, 12) for letterheads (8), in particular for carrying out a third fold, comprising a flat element with at least three partial areas (2, 3, 4), wherein two partial areas are connected to one another by means of hinge areas (5, 6), characterized by that at least the central partial area (3), preferably the at least three partial areas (2, 3, 4) are each designed as flat element areas that are unstructured in height. [2] Mechanical folding aid (1, 12) according to claim 1, characterized by that the hinge areas (5, 6) are designed as a film hinge, a folding hinge, a beaded hinge and / or as a rebate hinge (5, 6). [3] Mechanical folding aid (1, 12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the flat element is essentially made of paper, cardboard, carton or a plastic material. [4] Mechanical folding aid (1, 12) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim three, characterized by that the folding aid (1, 12) has at least one print, in particular at least one advertising print. [5] Mechanical folding aid (1, 12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the mechanical folding aid is designed to carry out a third fold, in particular for folding DIN A4 sheets (8) into a format corresponding to DL / DIN long envelopes and / or for folding legal sheets or letter sheets into a format corresponding to 4-1 / 8 inch * 9-1 / 2 inch envelopes. [6] Mechanical folding aid (1, 12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one partial area (2, 3), preferably at least two partial areas (2, 3), has at least one viewing window recess (7) for optically checking the correct positioning of a letterhead (8). [7] Mechanical folding aid (1, 12) according to claim 6, characterized by that at least one of the at least one viewing window recesses (7) is designed as a cutout. [8] Mechanical folding aid (1, 12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it has at least one closure element. [9] Mechanical folding aid (1, 12) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 2, characterized by that in at least one hinge region (5, 6), in particular in at least one region of a film hinge, folding hinge, beaded hinge and / or rebate hinge, at least one hinge reinforcement (11) is provided, which is designed in particular as an adhesive tape-like reinforcing device (11).

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