Abstract:
Mailpieces configured to mitigate flexure of frangible articles during handling by postal processing equipment. The mailpieces include spacers that intervene between the stress-sensitive article held by the mailer and a convex surface of a roller, drum, spindle, or other mechanical device used in the postal processing equipment for transporting the mailpieces.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/610,675, filed on Dec. 14, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/805,416, filed Jun. 21, 2006, the disclosure of each document is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]    The invention relates to mailpieces and, in particular, to mailpieces and mailpiece assemblies that are suitable for securing and protecting articles, such as stress-sensitive or frangible articles, to ensure safe processing by automated processing equipment. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]    Mailpieces are routinely employed for mailing breakable, frangible or stress-sensitive articles, such as DVD&#39;s, compact disks (CD&#39;s), and mini-CD&#39;s. Most mass mailings of frangible articles consist of letter-sized mailpieces, which are pre-sorted before possession is transferred to a postal service, such as the United States Postal Service. The pre-sorting qualifies the mass mailing for reduced postage rates because it easier for the United States Postal Service to sort and deliver the mail using automated equipment. To qualify for reduced postage rates, however, the processed mail must meet certain criteria set forth in various postal regulations. 
         [0004]    Postal services sort large volumes of mail with high-speed automated processing equipment having drums, transport rollers, and pairs of opposing belts that grip and transport individual mailpieces at a volume of up to 40,000 pieces an hour. The automated processing equipment conveys the mailpieces at speeds approaching 500 to 600 feet per minute along a feed path. Various functions may be performed on the mailpieces at different locations along the feed path. For example, an optical scanner provided adjacent to the feed path identifies a destination address for each mailpiece. Ultimately, the mailpieces are sorted according to the destination address and routed along the feed path into assorted bins or stackers. 
         [0005]    The rollers used to support the belts, which have a width approximately equal to the roller height, are crowned. The vertical convex shape of the crowned rollers keeps the belts tracking properly within the machinery and in the correct position on the rollers. The opposing belts are kept under tension to be able to hold and transport mailpieces through the machinery of the automated processing equipment. As the belts move through and change direction within the machinery, the tension of the belts exerts pressure on the rollers. Changes in direction are accommodated by providing a pulley, roller or drum over which the moving belts are trained at the change-of-direction point. For example, if the mailpiece is moving linearly in a horizontal direction and it is desired to effect a directional change to a different horizontal direction, a rotatable drum is placed at the change-of-direction point in the path of travel of the opposed belts. As the belts move about the rotating drum, the mailpiece travels through a curved path conforming to the drum periphery and emerges traveling between the moving belts in the different horizontal direction. 
         [0006]    Letter-size mailpieces are constructed to comply with postal regulations, such as dimensional requirements, address positioning, and flexibility. Specifically, postal regulations require the mailpiece to be flexible enough to be bent and routed about the circumference of cylindrical pulleys, rollers and drums of the type used in automated processing systems. The United States Postal Service currently states that all letter-sized mailpieces must easily bend under 40 pounds of exerted belt pressure. If the dimensions of the mailpiece exceed a maximum dimension (e.g., are oversized) as governed by postal regulations or the mailpiece fails to meet the flexibility requirements for letter sorting equipment, the United States Postal Service does not treat the mailpiece as a letter. Instead, the mailpiece is handled as a non-letter or flat by automated equipment that does not require routing about the exterior of drums or rollers. The postage rate is higher for flats than for letter-sized mailpieces. 
         [0007]    Conventional mailpieces expose stress-sensitive articles to a significant risk of damage during processing by automated processing equipment. As the mailpiece is conveyed about the exterior of the roller (or pulley or drum), the belt pressure forces flexible items carried by the belts to conform to the vertical convex shape of the roller and to bend or bow horizontally around the circumference of the roller when the belt changes direction. The stress-sensitive article inside the mailpiece must also curve or bow in conformity with the mailpiece and, therefore, will experience a state of tension due to the flexure. The combination of bending to the vertical convex shape of the roller and bending horizontally around the circumference of the roller is believed to apply significant pressure on the article at the center of these two divergent forces. The applied pressure may damage, or even break or fracture, the article. 
         [0008]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , a pair of confronting conventional belts  11  (one shown) rides over the surface of a vertically-oriented crown roller  12  mounted with bearings to an axle or spindle  15  projecting from the support base of a machine  17 . The roller  12  is one of several similar rollers (not shown) used for guiding the belts  11  in a generally horizontal direction indicated by the single-headed arrows  14 . As the belts  11  move in the horizontal direction  14 , the belts  11  cause the crown roller  12  to rotate about an axis  15   a  ( FIGS. 2 ,  3 ), as indicated by the single headed arrow  113  in  FIG. 3 . Crown roller  12  includes a convexly-contoured surface  13  such that the diameter of roller  12  at a circumference  26  is larger than the diameter of roller  12  at peripheral rims  30   a ,  30   b.    
         [0009]    A stress-sensitive, frangible article  16 , which is contained or packaged inside of a mailpiece  22 , is gripped on opposites sides by the moving belts  11 . Frangible article  16  may be, but is not limited to, a CD, DVD, optical disk, or the like, having a hub  18 , a center opening  21  defined in the hub  18 , and a media portion  20 . The hub  18  and media portion  20  are concentrically arranged about a central axis  19  of the center opening  21  with the hub  18  radially inside of the media portion  20 . 
         [0010]    Mailpiece  22 , which may have a generally rectangular shape, has a height, h, ( FIG. 4 ) greater than the height of article  16 , a length, L, and a thickness, w. The length, L, is measured generally along the horizontal direction of travel  14 . Mailpiece  22  includes two opposed panels  42 ,  44 , peripheral edges  46 ,  48  substantially parallel to the length, L, and lateral or side edges  50 ,  52  substantially parallel to the height, h. The peripheral edges  46 ,  48  ( FIG. 4 ) respectively represent the top and bottom edges of the mailpiece  22  when being conveyed by the belts  11 . The side edges  50 ,  52  connect the peripheral edges  46 ,  48 . Peripheral edge  46  may coincide with a fold line  47  of a flap  56  ( FIG. 7 ). 
         [0011]    The mailpiece  22  and frangible article  16  are conveyed past the crown roller  12 . As the belts  11  past the crown roller  12  in the horizontal direction  14  transport the mailpiece and frangible article  16 , the hub  18  and/or media portion  20  of the article  16  generally ride over the surface  13  of the roller  12 . The mailpiece  22  prevents direct contact between the article  16  and belts  11 . At any instant in time, the mailpiece  22  contacts the roller  12  about contact point  24 , which lies on a circumference  26  of the roller  12 . As best shown in  FIG. 2A , mailpiece  22  moves into and out of the plane of the page in a direction generally parallel to a plane  36  that is tangent to contact point  24 . The moving belts  11  apply belt pressure in a direction generally indicated by arrows  28  to the mailpiece  22 . As the mailpiece  22  is transported past the roller  12 , contact point  24  traces a substantially linear path along the length, L, of the mailpiece  22 . 
         [0012]    Frangible article  16  is typically carried inside mailpiece  22  with at least a portion of the hub  18  located between the opposite rims  30   a ,  30   b  of roller  12 . The mailpiece  22  and the article  16 , which are somewhat flexible, conform to the convexly contoured surface  13  of the crown roller  12  between peripheral rims  30   a ,  30   b  under the influence of the belt pressure  28 . Specifically, mailpiece  22  and article  16  bend or flex to adopt a convex curvature that corresponds to the convexly contoured surface  13  of the crown roller  12 . Because of the curvature of the surface  13  of crown roller  12 , the belt pressure  28  bends the mailpiece  22  and article  16  in a direction perpendicular to the travel direction  14 . The bending of the mailpiece  22  and article  16  closes the theoretical gaps  32   a ,  32   b  ( FIG. 2A ) defined by the respective distances from points  39   a ,  39   b  on the rims  30   a ,  30   b  to the nearest point along the plane  36 , otherwise present in the absence of pressure symbolized by arrows  28 . Each of the panels  42 ,  44  ( FIG. 4 ) defining the mailpiece  22 , which is relatively thin, operates as a thin membrane or film that readily conforms to the shape of the roller  12 . 
         [0013]    As best shown in  FIG. 3 , the mailpiece  22  also bends about the circumference  26  ( FIG. 2 ) of the roller  12  to conform to the curvature. The frangible article  16 , which is constrained by the mailpiece  22 , must likewise flex to assume a curvature that conforms to the circumference  26  of the roller  12 . Consequently, the belt pressure  28  also bends the article  16  about the roller  12  in a direction parallel to the travel direction indicated by arrow  14 . 
         [0014]    The bi-directional flexing of the mailpiece  22  and frangible article  16  may damage the frangible article  16 . In one damage mode, the flexing may cause a fracture to initiate and propagate in the constituent material(s) of the frangible article  16 . Often, the fracture will initiate in the hub  18  and propagate radially outwardly into the media portion  20 . The fractured hub  18  of the frangible article  16  may be damaged to an extent that the frangible article  16  cannot be engaged by a player for retrieving the data encoded in the medial potion  20 . Alternatively, the fracture may damage the media portion  20  such that any data encoded in the media portion  20  is unreadable by the player. Because of this and other significant shortcomings, conventional letter-sized mailpieces fail to adequately safeguard stress-sensitive articles when handled by automated processing equipment of the type used by the United States Postal Service. 
         [0015]    Accordingly, there is a need for mailpieces and mailpiece assemblies suitable for mailing stress-sensitive, frangible articles that can be handled by automated letter-sized processing equipment and, moreover, that fully comply with postal regulations while simultaneously protecting the article from damage during processing. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0016]    In one embodiment, a mailpiece is provided for mailing an article having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The mailpiece comprises first and second panels that are joined to define a first peripheral edge, a second peripheral edge, and side edges separating the second peripheral edge from the first peripheral edge. The first and second panels are disposed on the respective opposite sides of the article and the article is positioned between the first and second edges. The first panel carries a first spacer. The second panel carries a second spacer. The first spacer is disposed between the first side of the article and the first panel. The second spacer is disposed between the second side of the article and the second panel. The first and second spacers are aligned substantially parallel to the first and second peripheral edges. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment, a mailpiece is provided for mailing an article having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The mailpiece comprises a first panel, a second panel joined to the first panel to define a first peripheral edge, a second peripheral edge, and side edges separating the second peripheral edge from the first peripheral edge. The mailpiece further includes a sleeve carrying the article. The sleeve is disposed between the first and second panels. The sleeve is also positioned between the first and second edges. The sleeve includes a first spacer disposed between the first side of the article and the first panel, and a second spacer disposed between the second side of the article and the second panel. The first and second spacers are aligned substantially parallel to the first and second peripheral edges. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment, a mailpiece is provided for mailing an article having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The mailpiece comprises a first panel joined to a second panel to define a first peripheral edge, a second peripheral edge, and side edges separating the second peripheral edge from the first peripheral edge. The first and second panels are disposed on the respective opposite sides of the article. The article is positioned between the first and second edges. An insert is located between the first and second panels. The insert includes a first spacer disposed between the first side of the article and the first panel and a second spacer disposed between the second side of the article and the second panel. The first and second spacers may be aligned substantially parallel to the first and second peripheral edges. 
         [0019]    In another embodiment, a mailpiece is provided for mailing an article having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The mailpiece comprises a first panel joined to a second panel to define a first peripheral edge, a second peripheral edge, and side edges separating the second peripheral edge from the first peripheral edge. The first and second panels disposed on the respective opposite sides of the article. The article is positioned between the first and second edges. First and second inserts are disposed between the first and second panels. The first insert includes a first spacer disposed between the first side of the article and the first panel. The first insert includes a second spacer disposed between the second side of the article and the second panel. The first and second spacers are aligned substantially parallel to the first and second peripheral edges. 
         [0020]    In another embodiment, a mailpiece is provided for mailing an article having a first side, a second side opposite to the first side, and a center opening extending between the first and second sides. The mailpiece comprises a first panel joined to a second panel to define a first peripheral edge, a second peripheral edge, and side edges connecting the first and second peripheral edges. The first and second panels are disposed on the respective opposite sides of the article. The article is positioned between the first and second edges. A spacer, which may be carried by the first panel, is adapted to be inserted into the center opening of the article. The spacer is at least partially disposed between the first side of the article and the first panel. 
         [0021]    In another embodiment, an apparatus for use with a mailpiece that comprises a frangible article having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The apparatus further comprises a spacer projecting from the first side of the frangible article. The spacer is adapted to be disposed between the first side of the frangible article and the mailpiece. 
         [0022]    The spacers of the embodiments of the invention operate to reduce one component of the bi-directional flexing of the mailpiece and the frangible article carried by the mailpiece. Specifically, the spacers reduce the flexing of the mailpiece and frangible article relative to the convexly contoured surface of a crown roller. This reduces the likelihood that the frangible article will be damaged when handled by automated letter-sized processing equipment. 
         [0023]    The invention may be used in conjunction with mailpieces shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,160 and in U.S. Publication Nos. 2004/256446 and 2005/224566. The respective disclosure of each of these patent documents is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0024]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is an elevational view of an article being transported by belts riding on a crown roller with a mailpiece, which is omitted for purposes of illustration, in accordance with the prior art. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is an end view of an article held by a mailpiece in accordance with the prior art in which the mailpiece is being conveyed by belts past a crown roller and is distorted by the pressure applied by the belts in which bending about the roller is uncompensated. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2A  is a theoretical end view similar to  FIG. 2  of the prior art mailpiece and the article in the absence of pressure applied by the belts. 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a top view of  FIG. 2  demonstrating the bending of the prior art mailpiece and article about the circumference of the crown roller and taken along a line through a circumference of the crown roller. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is an end view of a mailpiece in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in which the mailpiece carries gap-filling spacers at respective locations above and below the central circumference of the roller. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5A  is an end view similar to  FIG. 4  of a mailpiece in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 5B  is an end view similar to  FIG. 5A  in which the mailpiece is conveyed past the roller with a different side of the mailpiece in contact with the roller. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  is an end view similar to  FIG. 4  of a mailpiece in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a mailpiece in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and broken away to show an article held by the mailpiece. 
           [0034]      FIG. 7A  is an enlarged view of the encircled area of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  is an end view of the mailpiece of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0036]      FIGS. 9-12  are detailed perspective views similar to  FIG. 7A  of mailpieces in accordance with alternative embodiments of the invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of a mailpiece comprising an envelope and a sleeve inserted into the envelope in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 13B  is an end cross-sectional view of the mailpiece of  FIG. 13A . 
           [0039]      FIG. 13C  is a perspective view of a sleeve for the mailpiece of  FIG. 13A  in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 13D  is an end cross-sectional view of the sleeve of  FIG. 13C . 
           [0041]      FIGS. 14-16  are perspective views of mailpieces in accordance with alternative embodiments of the invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 17  is a partial perspective view of a mailpiece in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 18  is a partial perspective view of a portion of a mailpiece in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 19  is a partial perspective view of a mailpiece in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of the mailpiece of  FIG. 19  with the frangible article and spacer inserted into the mailpiece. 
           [0046]      FIG. 20A  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 20B  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 20A  of a mailpiece in accordance with an alternative embodiment. 
           [0048]      FIG. 20C  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view similar to  FIGS. 20A and 20B  of a mailpiece in accordance with an alternative embodiment. 
           [0049]      FIG. 21A  is an end cross-sectional view of the mailpiece of  FIGS. 20 and 20A  held by belts and being transported past a crown roller. 
           [0050]      FIG. 21B  is an end cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 21A  with the opposite panel of the mailpiece riding over a crown roller. 
           [0051]      FIG. 22A  is a perspective view of a frangible article in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0052]      FIG. 22B  is a partial end cross-sectional view of the frangible article of  FIG. 22A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0053]    With reference to  FIG. 4  in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIGS. 1-3  and in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a mailpiece  23 , which is similar in most respects to mailpiece  22 , includes spacers  38   a ,  40   a  disposed above contact point  24  and spacers  38   b ,  40   b  that are disposed below contact point  24 . The spacers  38   a,b  and  40   a,b  are aligned generally parallel to the peripheral edges  46 ,  48 . 
         [0054]    Spacers  38   a  and  38   b  are spaced vertically along the height, h, of the mailpiece  23  relative to contact point  24 , as are spacers  40   a  and  40   b . The article  16 , spacers  38   a,b,  and spacers  40   a,b  are positioned within the mailpiece  23  such that the circumference  26  of the crowned roller  12  (and, thus, the linear path traced by contact point  24  across the length, L, of the mailpiece  23  between lateral edges  50 ,  52  ( FIG. 7 )) is between spacers  38   a  and  38   b  and is also between spacers  40   a  and  40   b . Typically, spacers  38   a ,  40   a  and spacers  38   b ,  40   b  are positioned within mailpiece  23  such that the central axis  19  of the article  16  is located between spacers  38   a ,  40   a  and spacers  38   b ,  40   b . However, the precise location of the central axis  19  of the article  16  relative to spacers  38   a ,  40   a  and spacers  38   b ,  40   b  is contingent upon the positioning of the article  16  inside the mailpiece  23  and the location of the spacers  38   a ,  40   a  and spacers  38   b ,  40   b . Accordingly, the article  16  may be positioned inside the mailpiece  23  to optimize the effectiveness of the spacers  38   a,b,    40   a,b  in view of all mailpiece design parameters. For example, inserts or a pocket (not shown) may be used to position the article  16  inside the mailpiece  23  to optimize the effective of the spacers  38   a,b,    40   a,b.  Spacer  38   a  may be collinear or non-collinear with spacer  40   a . Similarly, spacer  38   b  may be collinear or non-collinear with spacer  40   b.    
         [0055]    Spacers  38   a,b,  and spacers  40   a,b  have a thickness, t 1 , measured relative to the thickness, w, of the mailpiece  23  that is selected to keep the frangible article  16  from being forced to conform to the vertically convex (i.e. crowned) surface  13  of the roller  12 , as well as those of other rollers, drums, spindles or mechanical apparatus (not shown) used in postal processing equipment. Spacers  38   a,b , and spacers  40   a,b  locally increase the thickness of mailpiece  23  and represent a minor deviation from planarity of the side surfaces of panels  42 ,  44  nearest to the article  16 . The respective thicknesses, t 1 , of the spacers  38   a,b , and spacers  40   a,b  is suitably chosen to provide the amount of filler required to at least partially bridge one or both of the gaps  32   a ,  32   b  ( FIG. 2A ). This reduces the bending or conforming of the article  16  relative to the crowned surface  13  of the roller  12  and along the height of the roller  12 . In certain embodiments, the curvature of the crown on roller  12  is slight so that the spacers  38   a,b , and spacers  40   a,b  may be relatively thin, such as, for example, the thickness of two or three sheets of folded paper, or in the range of about 1/16″ to about 1/32″. 
         [0056]    Spacers  38   a,b  are disposed between one side of article  16  and panel  44 . Spacers  40   a,b  are disposed between the opposite side of the article  16  and panel  42 . Article  16  is disposed between spacers  38   a  and  40   a , which are positioned within the mailpiece  23  and relative to article  16  such that the portion of panel  42  adjacent to spacer  40   a  contacts the roller  12  between the peripheral rim  30   a  and contact point  24  on the circumference  26 . Spacers  38   b  and  40   b  are positioned within the mailpiece  23  and relative to article  16  such that the portion of panel  42  adjacent to spacer  40   b  contacts the bottom of roller  12  between the peripheral rim  30   b  and contact point  24  on the circumference  26 . 
         [0057]    Spacers  38   a,b  operate to reduce the amount of flexing of the article  16  because of the tendency of the mailpiece  23  to conform to the crowned surface  13  of the roller  12 . Thus, in the arrangement depicted in  FIG. 4 , the surface  13  of the roller  12  contacts the side surface of panel  42 , while the surface  13  of the roller  12  may contact the side surface of panel  44  if the mailpiece  23  were oriented on the opposite side of the roller  12  (such orientation not shown but similar to FIGS.  5 A,B). Positioning of one or more of spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  on each side of the article  16  ensures that the article  16  will be protected against excessive bending regardless of whether or not edge  46  is the top or bottom edge, and regardless of whether panel  42  or panel  44  is in contact with the roller  12 . 
         [0058]    The design of the mailpiece  23  and the requirements for effectively limiting the amount of bending and flexing of the article  16  may determine the number of spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b . In certain embodiments, fewer than all of the multiple spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  may be required. Spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  may be contained within the plane of the mailpiece  23  or may project as short asperities (e.g., parallel ridges) from the opposite sides of the mailpiece  23  and inwardly toward the article  16  inside the mailpiece  23 . 
         [0059]    The mailpiece  23  may conform to the shape of the crowned surface  13  on the crowned roller  12  between the spacers  38   a  and  38   b , if the exposed side of panel  44  contacts the roller  12 , or between spacers  40   a  and  40   b , if panel  42  contacts the roller  12 . The spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  are shaped and have a thickness, t 1 , sufficient to mitigate the effect of the curvature in the crowned roller  12  or other crown-profiled belt support members that may be used for proper carriage and tracking of drive belts (not shown) in mail or postal processing equipment. By keeping the article  16  from being forced to conform to the convex shape of the crowned roller  12  along the height, h, of the mailpiece  23  at the same time the article  16  is bending about the circumference  26  of the roller  12 , damage to the article  16  may be eliminated or, at the least, the probability is reduced that article  16  will be damaged by the effect of conforming to the surface  13  of roller  12 . 
         [0060]    Spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  may be sized and shaped to orient the frangible article  16  substantially parallel to a tangent plane  36  when pressure  28  is exerted. Spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  may be integrally formed or attached to a mailpiece such as mailpiece  23  or may alternatively be made part of a sleeve or similar device holding the article  16  such that the sleeve or similar device is placed inside a mailpiece  23  for mailing. Likewise, spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  may alternatively be made part of or be attached to the article  16  prior to being inserted into a mailpiece  23 . 
         [0061]    Spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  may be rigid and non-compressible, such that no deformation occurs under the influence of the belt pressure  28  and thickness, t 1 , is maintained. Alternatively, the spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  may be substantially rigid, such that negligible deformation occurs under the influence of the belt pressure  28  and thickness, t 1 , is substantially maintained. In an alternative embodiment, if the spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  are non-rigid, their thickness is chosen to compensate for any deformation that occurs under the influence of the belt pressure  28  such that the compressed thickness, t 1 , is sufficient to mitigate the flexing. Any cushioning effect provided by the spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  is incidental to the mitigation of the flexing of the article  16 . 
         [0062]    With reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B  in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIGS. 1-4  and in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, a generally rectangular mailpiece  54 , which is similar in most respects to mailpiece  22 , includes two spacers  37   a,b  that separate the article  16  from the panels  42 ,  44 . In this embodiment, spacers  37   a,b  are sized and positioned within mailpiece  54  in such a manner as to engage roller  12  providing a straight surface against which article  16  will be pressed when the belt pressure  28  is exerted on the article  16 . As a result, bending of the article  16  in accordance with the crowned surface  13  of the roller  12  is limited, which mitigates the flexure of the article  16 . 
         [0063]    Spacers  37   a,b  may be integrally formed or attached to mailpiece  54  or may alternatively be made part of a sleeve or similar device holding the article  16  such that the sleeve or similar device is placed inside a mailpiece such as the conventional mailpiece  22  ( FIGS. 1-3 ) for mailing. Likewise, spacers  37   a,b  may alternatively be made part of, or may be attached to, the frangible article  16  prior to being inserted into a mailpiece. The materials and dimensions of spacers  37   a,b  may be suitable chosen to limit bending of article  16 . Spacers  37   a,b  may, for example, comprise a thickness, t 2 , measured in the same direction as the width, w 2 , of mailpiece  54  that is larger, smaller or equal to the width, w 2 . The thickness, t 2 , of spacers  37   a,b  may greater than the thickness, t 1 , of spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  ( FIG. 4 ). 
         [0064]    Spacers  37   a,b  may be rigid and non-compressible, such that no deformation occurs under the influence of the belt pressure  28 . Alternatively, the spacers  37   a,b  may be substantially rigid, such that negligible deformation occurs under the influence of the belt pressure  28  and thickness, t 2 , is substantially maintained. In an alternative embodiment, if the spacers  37   a,b  are non-rigid, their thickness is chosen to compensate for any deformation that occurs under the influence of the belt pressure  28  such that the compressed thickness, t 2 , is sufficient to mitigate the flexing. Any cushioning effect provided by the spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  is incidental to the mitigation of the flexing of the article  16 . 
         [0065]    Typically, the central axis  19  of the article  16  is located between spacers  37   a,b . However, the precise location of the central axis  19  of the article  16  relative to spacers  37   a,b  is contingent upon the positioning of the article  16  inside the mailpiece  23  and the positioning of the spacers  37   a,b  inside the mailpiece  23 . Accordingly, the article  16  may be positioned inside the mailpiece  23  to optimize the effectiveness of the spacers  37   a,b  in view of all mailpiece design parameters. For example, inserts or a pocket (not shown) may be used to position the article  16  inside the mailpiece  23  to optimize the effective of the spacers  37   a,b.    
         [0066]    With specific reference to  FIG. 5A , the belt pressure  28  on the mailpiece  54  and the article  16  will result in the article  16  being tilted such that article  16  is pushed against a portion of panel  42  between the rim  30   a  and contact point  24  of the roller  12  and against spacer  37   b . This force profile is such that the bending or flexure of the article  16  along the height, h, of the mailpiece  54  is reduced, or eliminated, as mailpiece  54  is transported past the roller  12 . 
         [0067]    With specific reference to  FIG. 5B , the mailpiece  54  rides over the surface of roller  12  with an outer surface of the opposite panel  44  riding against the surface  13 . The belt pressure  28  on the mailpiece  54  and the article  16  will result in the article  16  and mailpiece  54  being tilted such that article  16  is pushed against a portion of panel  44  between the rim  30   b  and circumference  26  of the roller  12  and against spacer  37   a . This force profile is such that there is reduced bending or flexure of the article  16  along the height, h, of the mailpiece  54  as mailpiece  54  is transported past the roller  12 . 
         [0068]    With reference to  FIG. 6  in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIGS. 1-5  and in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, a generally rectangular mailpiece  64 , which is similar in most respects to mailpiece  22 , includes a pair of spacers  37   c,d  on the same side of the contact point  24 . The position of the spacers  37   c,d  may be adjusted so that they lie either above or below contact point  24 . The spacers  37   c,d  are sized, including a thickness, t 3 , and positioned in such a manner as to engage roller  12  providing a straight surface against which article  16  will be pressed when the belt pressure  28  is applied to the article  16 . Accordingly, the article  16  may be positioned inside the mailpiece  23  to optimize the effectiveness of the spacers  37   c,d  in view of all mailpiece design parameters. For example, inserts or a pocket (not shown) may be used to position the article  16  inside the mailpiece  23  to optimize the effective of the spacers  37   c,d.  The spacers  37   c,d,  thereby limit bending of the article  16  about the crowned surface  13  of the roller  12  along the height, h, of the mailpiece  64 . 
         [0069]    The belt pressure  28  exerted on the mailpiece  64  and the article  16  will result in the article  16  and mailpiece  64  being canted or tilted such that article  16  is pushed against a portion of the mailpiece panel  42  between the rim  30   b  and contact point  24  of the roller  12  and against spacer  37   d.  This force profile is such that bending or flexure of the article  16  is reduced as it rides over the surface  13  of the roller  12 . While the embodiment of  FIG. 6  depicts mailpiece  64  oriented such that panel  42  rides against the surface  13  of the roller  12 , mailpiece  64  would be similarly suitably adapted to be oriented such that panel  44  rides against the surface  13  of the roller  12 . In this case, the belt pressure  28  would result in the article  16  and mailpiece  64  being tilted such that article  16  is pushed against a portion of the mailpiece panel  44  between the rim  30   b  and contact point  24  of the roller  12  and against spacer  37   c . The resulting force profile would be such that bending or flexure of the article  16  is reduced as the mailpiece  64  is transported across the surface  13  of the roller  12 . 
         [0070]    Spacers  37   c,d  and article  16  are located in the mailpiece  64  such that the spacers  37   c,d  are disposed between the article  16  and roller  12 . Spacers  37   c,d  may be rigid and non-compressible, such that no deformation occurs under the influence of the belt pressure  28 . Alternatively, the spacers  37   c,d  may be substantially rigid, such that negligible deformation occurs under the influence of the belt pressure  28  and thickness, t 3 , is substantially maintained. In an alternative embodiment, if the spacers  37   c,d  are non-rigid, their thickness is chosen to compensate for any deformation that occurs under the influence of the belt pressure  28  such that the compressed thickness, t 3 , is sufficient to mitigate the flexing. Any cushioning effect provided by the spacers  37   c,d  is incidental to the mitigation of the flexing of the article  16 . 
         [0071]    With reference to  FIGS. 7-12 , in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIGS. 4-6 , various exemplary embodiments of mailpieces in accordance with the principles of the invention are shown. 
         [0072]    With reference to  FIGS. 7 ,  7 A, and  8  in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIGS. 1-6  and in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, a mailpiece  23   a  includes spacers  60   a - c  arranged in a configuration similar to spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  ( FIG. 4 ). Spacers  60   a,b  each comprise a respective elongated member  61   a,b  secured by securing members  63   a,b,  respectively, with the inner surface of panel  42  of mailpiece  23   a . Spacers  60   c,d  each comprise a respective elongated member  61   c,d  secured by securing members  63   c,d , respectively, with the inner surface of panel  44  of mailpiece  23   a . Elongated members  63   a - d  may have a length substantially equal to the length, L, of the mailpiece  23   a , and may extend between the lateral edges  50 ,  52 , although the invention is not so limited. Securing members  63   a - d  may each include adhesive portions at least in the areas that contact the inner surface of the respective one of the panels  42 ,  44 . Alternatively, other suitable bonding methods or components such as, for example, thermal-bonding components or mechanical stitching, may be substituted instead of securing members  63   a - d  for securing the elongated members  61   a - d  with the inner surface of the respective panels  42 ,  44 . 
         [0073]    When belt pressure  28  ( FIG. 4 ) is applied, the behavior of mailpiece  23   a  and article  16  is similar to that described in the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , which shows the general principles for the behavior of mailpieces with this type of spacer configuration. A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that elongated members  61   a - d  and securing members  63   a - d  may have any other length relative to the length, L, of mailpiece  23   a , or may alternatively have different lengths with respect to each other. In an alternative embodiment, the invention contemplates that mailpiece  23   a  may include only spacers  60   a ,  60   d  (or  60   b ,  60   c ) arranged in compliance with the arrangement of spacers  37   a,b  (FIGS.  5 A,B). In another alternative embodiment, the invention contemplates that mailpiece  23   a  may include only spacers  60   a,c  (or  60   b,d ) arranged in compliance with the arrangement of spacers  37   c,d  ( FIG. 6 ). 
         [0074]    Mailpiece  23   a  may further include a flap  56  integrally formed with panel  42  along a fold line  47  and adjoining an opening  43  into the space between panels  42 ,  44 . The flap  56  has an adhesive region  58  suitable to adhere flap  56  to the outer surface of panel  44  or, alternatively, any other non-adhesive coupling components suitable to couple the two involved surfaces. A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the flap  56  may be characterized by a different shape, size, material, and/or relative location on mailpiece  23   a . Alternatively, the flap  56  may be omitted from the construction of mailpiece  23   a.    
         [0075]    With reference to  FIG. 9  in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIGS. 1-8  and in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, a mailpiece  23   b  has spacers  68  (of which only a portion of one spacer  68  is shown for illustrative purposes) consisting of elongated adhesive beads bonded, adhered, or otherwise coupled to the inner surface of, for example, panel  42 . The spacers  68  may made of any other material suitable to be coupled to the inner surfaces of the panels  42 ,  44 , such as hot melt adhesives, cohesives, caulking materials, and the like. Spacers  68  may have a length substantially equal to the length, L, of mailpiece  23   b  and substantially extending between lateral edges  50 ,  52 . Alternatively, spacers  68  may be of any relative length and location with respect to the mailpiece  23   b  and have any non-tubular geometry or even an irregular cross-section effective to mitigate the flexing of the article  16 . 
         [0076]    In one embodiment, the spacers  68  may be arranged on panels  42 ,  44  of mailpiece  23   b  in compliance with the arrangement of spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  ( FIG. 4 ) or spacers  60   a,b ,  60   c,d  ( FIG. 8 ). In an alternative embodiment, the invention contemplates that spacers  68  may be arranged on panels  42 ,  44  of mailpiece  23   b  in compliance with the arrangement of spacers  37   a,b  (FIGS.  5 A,B). In another alternative embodiment, the invention contemplates that the spacers  68  may be arranged on panels  42 ,  44  of mailpiece  23   b  in compliance with the arrangement of spacers  37   c,d  ( FIG. 6 ). 
         [0077]    With reference to  FIG. 10  in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIGS. 1-9  and in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, a mailpiece  23   c  includes a plurality of spacers  70  (only a portion of one row of spacers  70  is shown for illustrative purposes), each of a length substantially smaller than the length, L, ( FIG. 7 ) of mailpiece  23   c , positioned in series (e.g., a row) such that their cumulative end-to-end length may substantially extend between lateral edges  50 ,  52  ( FIGS. 7 ,  10 ). Spacer  70  comprises a staple-like structure made of deformable metal, plastic, or any other suitable material, having a general U-shape and including a main portion  70   a  and two opposed leg members  70   b  extending from the ends of main portion  70   a . Each of the spacers  70  is adapted to deform between an open position and a closed position coupled with a respective one of the panels  42 ,  44 . Spacer  70  engages the inner surface of, for example, panel  42  in the direction shown by arrows  71 , such that the leg members  70   b  fold behind the opposite, outer surface of each panel, as depicted by spacer  70 ′. While this embodiment describes serially positioned spacers  70  extending substantially along the entire length, L, of mailpiece  23   c , persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that spacers  70  may be of any relative length and location with respect to the mailpiece  23   c  and have any cross-sectional shape effective to mitigate the flexing of the article  16 . 
         [0078]    In one embodiment, the spacers  70  of mailpiece  23   c  may be arranged on panels  42 ,  44  of mailpiece  23   c  in compliance with the arrangement of spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  ( FIG. 4 ) or spacers  60   a,b ,  60   c,d  ( FIG. 8 ). In an alternative embodiment, the invention contemplates that spacers  70  may be arranged on panels  42 ,  44  of mailpiece  23   c  in compliance with the arrangement of spacers  37   a,b  (FIGS.  5 A,B). In another alternative embodiment, the invention contemplates that spacers  70  may be arranged on panels  42 ,  44  of mailpiece  23   c  in compliance with the arrangement of spacers  37   c,d  ( FIG. 6 ). 
         [0079]    With reference to  FIG. 11  in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIGS. 1-10  and in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, a mailpiece  23   d  includes spacers  72  (only a portion of one spacer  72  is shown for illustrative purposes) of a length substantially equal to the length, L, ( FIG. 7 ) of mailpiece  23   d , and substantially extending between lateral edges  50 ,  52  ( FIGS. 7 ,  11 ). Spacer  72  comprises a Z-folded section  73  of, for example, panel  42  that locally increases the relative thickness of panel  42 . A securing member  74  may be applied over the Z-folded section  73  to secure the fold in place and prevent unfolding. Securing member  74 , having a length substantially equal to that of the Z-folded section  73 , may have adhesive portions (not shown) or other suitable coupling components such as, for example, mechanical, thermal or chemical components to secure it against the inner surface of each panel. Alternatively, Z-folded sections  73  may include adhesive portions allowing it to retain the fold(s) in place without the need for securing members  74 . 
         [0080]    In one embodiment, the spacers  72  may be arranged on panels  42 ,  44  of mailpiece  23   d  in compliance with the arrangement of spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  ( FIG. 4 ) or spacers  60   a,b ,  60   c,d  ( FIG. 8 ). In an alternative embodiment, the invention contemplates that spacers  72  may arranged on panels  42 ,  44  of mailpiece  23   d  to comply with the arrangement of spacers  37   a,b  (FIGS.  5 A,B). In another alternative embodiment, the invention contemplates that spacers  72  may be arranged on panels  42 ,  44  of mailpiece  23   d  in compliance with the arrangement of spacers  37   c,d  ( FIG. 6 ). 
         [0081]    While the embodiment of  FIG. 11  depicts and describes Z-folded sections  73  and securing members  74  of respective lengths substantially equal to length, L, of mailpiece  23   d , persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the folded sections may adopt a different non-Z-shape folded configuration effective to mitigate the flexing of the article  16 . Likewise, Z-folded sections  73  and securing members  74  may have any other length relative to the length, L, of mailpiece  23   d , or may alternatively have different lengths with respect to each other effective to mitigate the flexing of the article  16 . 
         [0082]    With reference to  FIG. 12  in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIGS. 1-11  and in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, a mailpiece  23   e  includes spacers  76  (only one spacer  76  is shown for illustrative purposes) of a length substantially equal to the length, L, ( FIG. 7 ) of mailpiece  23   e , and substantially extending between lateral edges  50 ,  52  ( FIGS. 7 ,  12 ). Spacer  76  may, for example, comprise a stack of laminated flat members  78 ,  78 ′,  78 ″ coupled to the inner surface of, for example, panel  42 . The flat members  78 ,  78 ′,  78 ″ increases the local relative thickness of panel  42  in that particular section, thereby creating an effective spacer  76  on panel  42 . Flat members  78 ,  78 ′,  78 ″ may be made of the same or different substrates, have equal or unequal respective lengths, and have adhesive portions (not shown) or other suitable coupling components such as, for example, mechanical, thermal or chemical components to permit coupling with adjacent flat rectangular members or the inner surface of a panel. Flat rectangular members  78 ,  78 ′,  78 ″ may be, for example, made of the same substrate, have equal lengths and each have adhesive portions on one the respective sides. 
         [0083]    While the embodiment of  FIG. 12  depicts and describes spacers  76  comprising flat members  78 ,  78 ′,  78 ″, persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the flat members  78 ,  78 ′,  78 ″ may adopt a different shape than rectangular. Alternate shapes for the flat members  78 ,  78 ′,  78 ″ may, for example, include square, round, oval, triangular or polygonal members in any number and of any suitable dimensions and thickness effective to mitigate the flexing of the article  16 . Likewise, flat, members  78 ,  78 ′,  78 ″ may have any other length relative to the length, L, of mailpiece  23   e  effective to mitigate the flexing of the article  16 . 
         [0084]    In one embodiment, the spacers  76  may be arranged on panels  42 ,  44  of mailpiece  23   e  in compliance with the arrangement of spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  ( FIG. 4 ) or spacers  60   a,b ,  60   c,d  ( FIG. 8 ). In an alternative embodiment, the invention contemplates that spacers  76  may arranged on panels  42 ,  44  of mailpiece  23   e  in compliance with the arrangement of spacers  37   a,b  (FIGS.  5 A,B). In another alternative embodiment, the invention contemplates that spacers  76  may be arranged on panels  42 ,  44  of mailpiece  23   e  in compliance with the arrangement of spacers  37   c,d  ( FIG. 6 ). 
         [0085]    Embodiments of the invention contemplate that the spacers may be carried on a separate sleeve that is inserted into the mailpiece, as opposed to spacers directly carried by the mailpiece. The spacers may also comprise an insert that is loosely placed inside a mailpiece. The invention contemplates that the sleeve or insert(s) may include any of the spacer structures described above in connection with  FIGS. 7-12  for mitigating or reducing the stress applied to the article when the belt pressure causes the mailpiece and the sleeve or insert to conform to the curved shape of the crown of a crowned roller. 
         [0086]    With reference to FIGS.  13 A,B in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIG. 7  and in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, a mailpiece  23   g , which is otherwise similar in most respects to mailpiece  23   a  ( FIG. 7 ), includes a sleeve  84  adapted to hold the frangible article  16 . Sleeve  84  is configured with spacers in the form of a series of semi-circular foldable flaps  94   a,b  folded against the respective back surfaces of each panel  85 ,  87  in respective directions indicated by arrows  95   a ,  95   b . The flaps  94   a,b  effectively increase the local thickness of the sleeve  84 . 
         [0087]    Sleeve  84  may be a generally rectangular or square assembly formed of two opposed panels  85 ,  87 , having top and bottom peripheral edges  90 ,  92 , and lateral or side edges  86 ,  88 . Bottom edge  92  may be folded to contact the outer side of panel  85 , thereby enclosing the sleeve  84  and containing article  16 . The folded section along bottom edge  92  may or may not have adhesive, or other suitable coupling components, permitting coupling with the outer side of panel  85 . Alternatively, the folded section along the bottom edge  92  may be omitted. 
         [0088]    The flaps  94   a,b  originate from semi-circular apertures  93   a,b  punched through the constituent material of sleeve  84 . The apertures  93   a,b  are formed at selected locations on each of the panels  85 ,  87  so that the flaps  94   a,b  comply with the arrangement of spacers  37   a,b  (FIGS.  5 A,B). Apertures  93   a,b  and flaps  94   a,b  may be generally aligned in a direction parallel to top and bottom edges  90 ,  92  of sleeve  84 , such that a first set of flaps  94   a  may be adapted to lie on panel  85  either above or below the central axis  19  of article  16 , while a second set of flaps  94   b  may be adapted to lie on panel  87  on the opposite side (i.e. above or below) of central axis  19  of article  16 . In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS.  13 A,B, the first set of flaps  94   a  from apertures  93   a  on panel  85  lies below central axis  19  of article  16  and the second set of flaps from apertures  93   b  on panel  87  lies above central axis  19  of article  16 . Alternatively, the first set of flaps  94   b  on panel  85  may lie above central axis  19  of article  16  while the second set of flaps  94   a  on panel  87  may lie below central axis  19  of article  16 , which is in compliance with the arrangement of spacers  37   c,d  ( FIG. 6 ). 
         [0089]    While sleeve  84  is depicted having two sets of flaps  94   a,b  from three semi-circular apertures  93   a,b,  persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that sleeve  84  may alternatively, comprise any other number of flaps and apertures of any suitable shape (other than semi-circular), such as square, rectangular, triangular, oval or polygonal. 
         [0090]    Article  16  may be placed within sleeve  84 , which may in turn be inserted into mailpiece  23   g  in the direction indicated by arrow  98 , thereby defining the configuration of the general embodiment depicted in FIGS.  5 A,B. Upon application of belt pressure  28 , the mailpiece  23   g  and article  16  behave similar to the behavior described with regard to the embodiment of FIGS.  5 A,B. The sleeve  84  is located inside the mailpiece  23   g , the flaps  94   a,b  are located on the sleeve  84 , and the article  16  is located inside the sleeve  84  such that the flaps  94   a,b  intervene between the article  16  and roller  12 . 
         [0091]    With reference to FIGS.  13 C,D in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIGS. 13A , B and in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, a sleeve  100 , which is otherwise similar to sleeve  84 , includes spacers in the form of round members  102  coupled with the apertures  93   c,d.  The sleeve  100  replaces sleeve  84  (FIGS.  13 A,B) in mailpiece  23   g . The apertures  93   c,d  and round members  102  are aligned in a direction generally parallel to top and bottom edges  90 ,  92  of sleeve  100 . Apertures  93   c  are adapted to lie on panel  85  either above or below the central axis  19  of article  16 . Apertures  93   d  are adapted to lie on panel  87  on the opposite side of central axis  19 . The first set of apertures  93   c  round members  102  on panel  85  lies below central axis  19  of article  16  and the second set of apertures  93   d  and round members  102  on panel  87  lies above central axis  19  of article  16 . Alternatively, the first set of apertures  93   c  and round members  102  on panel  85  may lie above central axis  19  of article  16  while the second set of apertures  93   d  on panel  87  and round members  102  may lie below central axis  19  of article  16 . While apertures  93   c,d  are depicted having a generally square or rectangular shape, persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that apertures  93   a,b  may have any suitable shape so long as such shape includes at least one straight edge. 
         [0092]    Round members  102  are folded and coupled about a straight edge of each aperture  93   c,d  such that, when folded against the respective back surfaces of each panel  85 ,  87 , they effectively increase the thickness of the sleeve  100  in the portions including the round members  102 , thereby defining spacers similar to spacers  37   a,b  (FIGS.  5 A,B). Round members  102  may be made, for example, of paper, cardboard, plastic, rubber, or other materials of suitable thickness. Round members  102  may be adhesively bonded with the surfaces of panels  85 ,  87  or may be coupled therewith in a different manner. 
         [0093]    While sleeve  100  is depicted having two sets of apertures  93   a , persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that sleeve  100  may, alternatively, comprise any other number of apertures of any suitable shape (other than square) such as rectangular, triangular, oval or polygonal. Sleeve  100  is depicted having two rows of diametrically opposed (with respect to central axis  19  of article  16 ) apertures  93   a , thus attaining the arrangement of spacers  37   a,b  (FIGS.  5 A,B). However, sleeve  100  may alternatively comprise two confronting sets of apertures  93   a  lying on the same side (i.e. above or below) of central axis  19 , thereby attaining the arrangement of spacers  37   c,d  ( FIG. 6 ). Similarly, round members  102  may be replaced with members of any other shape suitable to be coupled about an edge or portion of apertures  93   a , which may alternatively be a slit instead of an aperture. 
         [0094]    Article  16  may be placed within sleeve  100 , which may in turn be inserted into mailpiece  23   g  ( FIG. 13A ). Upon application of belt pressure  28 , the behavior of the mailpiece  23   g , sleeve  100 , and article  16  is similar to that described in the embodiment of FIGS.  5 A,B. The sleeve  100  is located inside the mailpiece  23   g , the round members  102  and apertures  93   c,d  are located on the sleeve  100 , and the article  16  is located inside the sleeve  100  such that the round members  102  intervene between the article  16  and roller  12 . 
         [0095]    With reference to  FIG. 14  in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIG. 13A  and in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, a generally rectangular sleeve  104 , which is similar to sleeve  84  (FIGS.  13 A,B) and sleeve  100  (FIGS.  13 C,D), includes a series of spacers in the form of projections or disks  105   a,b  are coupled to respective inner surfaces of the panels  85 ,  87  at selected locations so as to meet the spacer configuration of the general embodiment of FIGS.  5 A,B. The sleeve  104  is folded in the direction indicated by arrow  114  to thereby enclose frangible article  16 . The sleeve  104  may replace sleeve  84  (FIGS.  13 A,B) in mailpiece  23   g  (FIGS.  13 A,B). 
         [0096]    Disks  105   a,b  may be aligned in a direction generally parallel to top and bottom edges  90 ,  92  of sleeve  104 , such that a first set of disks  105   a,b  is coupled to panel  85  either above or below the central axis  19  of article  16 , while a second set of disks  105   a,b  is coupled to panel  87  on the opposite side of central axis  19 . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 14 , a first set of three disks  105   b  on panel  85  lie below central axis  19  of article  16  while a second set of three disks  105   a  on panel  87  lie above central axis  19  of article  16 . Alternatively, the first set of disks  105   b  on panel  85  may lie above central axis  19  while the second set of disks  105   a  on panel  87  may lie below central axis  19 . 
         [0097]    Disks  105   a,b,  which project from the plane of the corresponding panel  85 ,  87 , effectively increase the local thickness of the sleeve  100 . As a result, the disks  105   a,b  thereby define spacers with an arrangement similar to spacers  37   a,b  (FIGS.  5 A,B). In an alternative embodiment, the disks  105   a,b  and another pair of similar disks (not shown) may be arranged in compliance with the arrangement of spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  ( FIG. 4 ) or spacers  60   a,b ,  60   c,d  ( FIG. 8 ). In another alternative embodiment, the invention contemplates that disks  105   a,b  may be arranged in compliance with the arrangement of spacers  37   c,d  ( FIG. 6 ). While sleeve  104  is depicted having two rows of circular disks  105   a,b  of three, persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that sleeve  104  may alternatively comprise any other number of circular disks  105   a,b  of any suitable size and shape (circular or non-circular), such as square, rectangular, triangular, oval or polygonal. 
         [0098]    Disks  105   a,b  may be made of any suitable material such as rubber, plastic, cardboard, paper, film or any other type of substrate and may have a thickness in accordance with the amount of bending to which article  16  would otherwise be exposed. Disks  105   a,b  may be constructed from a non-rigid material, such as a cellular foam, with a thickness chosen to compensate for any deformation or compression that occurs under the influence of the belt pressure  28  ( FIG. 2 ) such that the compressed thickness is sufficient to mitigate the flexing of article  16 . 
         [0099]    Disks  105   a,b  may be adhesively bonded to the respective inner surfaces of panels  85 ,  87  of sleeve  104 . Alternatively, other suitable coupling components may be included to secure disks  105   a,b  on the surface of panels  85 ,  87  or alternatively disks  105   a,b  may be integrally formed with panels  85 ,  87 . Disks  105   a,b  may alternatively comprise pockets filled with a fluid either injected into the panels  85 ,  87  or created by layering or laminating multiple sheets to form panels  85 ,  87 . 
         [0100]    Article  16  may be placed within sleeve  104 , which may in turn be inserted into mailpiece  23   g  (FIGS.  13 A,B), thereby defining the configuration of the general embodiment depicted in FIGS.  5 A,B. Upon application of pressure against the belts  11  (FIGS.  5 A,B), the behavior of the mailpiece, sleeve  104  and article  16  is similar to that described in the embodiment of FIGS.  5 A,B, showing the general principles of the behavior of mailpieces having spacers with this type of configuration. The sleeve  104  is located inside the mailpiece  23   g , the disks  105   a,b  are located on the sleeve  104 , and the article  16  is located inside the sleeve  104  such that the disks  105   a,b  intervene between the article  16  and roller  12 . 
         [0101]    With reference to  FIG. 15  in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIG. 13A  and in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, mailpiece  23   g  ( FIG. 13A ) may include a sleeve  108  adapted to receive frangible article  16 . The sleeve  108  replaces sleeve  84  (FIGS.  13 A,B) in mailpiece  23   g . Circular spacers  110   a,b  may be disposed at selected locations on panel  87  and circular spacers  112   a,b  may be disposed at selected locations on panel  85  so as to comply with the configuration of the general embodiment of  FIG. 4 . A first pair of diametrically opposed circular spacers  110   a, b  may lie on panel  87  while a second pair of diametrically opposed circular members  112   a,b  may lie on panel  85 . When sleeve  108  is formed by bringing panels  85 ,  87  together in the direction indicated by arrow  114 , a pair of facing circular spacers  110   a ,  112   a  may lie on one side (i.e. above or below) of central axis  19  of article  16 , while a second pair of facing circular spacers  110   b ,  112   b  may lie on the opposite side of central axis  19 . Circular spacers  110   a,b,    112   a,b  effectively increase the thickness of the sleeve  108  in the portions including the spacers  110   a,b ,  112   a,b,  thereby defining spacers similar to spacers  38   a,b ,  40   a,b  ( FIG. 4 ) or spacers  60   a,b,    60   c,d  ( FIG. 8 ). 
         [0102]    In an alternative embodiment, the invention contemplates that one of the spacers  110   a,b  and one of the spacers  112   a,b  may arranged to comply with the arrangement of spacers  37   a,b  (FIGS.  5 A,B). In another alternative embodiment, the invention contemplates that one pair of the spacers  110   a,b ,  112   a,b  may be omitted to provide an arrangement in compliance with the arrangement of spacers  37   c,d  ( FIG. 6 ). While sleeve  108  is depicted having two pairs of circular spacers  110   a,b ,  112   a,b,  persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that sleeve  108  may alternatively comprise any other number of pairs of spacers of any suitable size or shape (other than circular), such as square, rectangular, triangular, oval or polygonal. 
         [0103]    Article  16  may be placed within sleeve  108 , which may in turn be inserted into mailpiece  23   g  (FIGS.  13 A,B), thereby defining the configuration of the general embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 . Upon application of pressure  28  against the belts  11  ( FIG. 4 ), the behavior of the mailpiece and article  16  is similar to that described in the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , showing the general principles of the behavior of mailpieces having spacers with this type of configuration. The sleeve  108  is located inside the mailpiece  23   g , the  1   10   a,b,    112   a  are located on the sleeve  108 , and the article  16  is located inside the sleeve  108  such that the  110   a,b ,  112   a  intervene between the article  16  and roller  12 . 
         [0104]    The invention contemplates that the mailpiece itself, rather than a sleeve inserted into a mailpiece, may include any of the spacer structures described above in connection with  FIGS. 14 and 15  for mitigating or reducing the stress applied to the article when the belt pressure causes the mailpiece to conform to the curved shape of the crown of a crowned roller. 
         [0105]    With reference to  FIG. 16  in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIG. 7  and in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, a mailpiece  23   h  similar in most respects to mailpiece  23   a  ( FIG. 7 ), includes a pair of spacers in the form of rectangular inserts  118   a,b.  Each of the inserts  118   a,b  may be a generally flat, rectangular member defined by top and bottom edges  124 ,  126  and lateral edges  120 ,  122  and having a length substantially extending across the opening  43  of mailpiece  23   h . Inserts  118   a,b  may be made of any suitable material to provide the functionality of the spacers  37   c,d  ( FIG. 6 ), thereby limiting bending of article  16  when riding over the surface  13  of a crown roller  12  ( FIGS. 1-3 ). Since inserts  118   a,b  may be in direct contact with the article  16 , the material and construction of inserts  18  may also be suitable to contact the surfaces of frangible article  16  without damaging such contacting surfaces. 
         [0106]    Inserts  118   a,b  are positioned such that they both lie generally facing each other but respectively adjacent opposite sides  117 ,  119  of the article  16 . Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that inserts  118   a,b  may have a different length and/or height, have a shape other than rectangular, have different respective thicknesses, be made of two different materials or both be placed at a different location with respect to central axis  19  of article  16 . Inserts  118   a,b  may alternatively be coupled along their respective lateral edges  120 ,  122  thereby defining a sleeve of suitable dimensions to retain of article  16 . Inserts  118   a,b  may also be coupled along their respective lateral edges  120 ,  122  and bottom edges  126  so as to define a pocket into which article  16  may be inserted prior to insertion of the article  16  and defined pocket into the mailpiece  23   h.    
         [0107]    Article  16  and inserts  118   a,b  may be inserted into mailpiece  23   h  in the direction indicated by arrow  130 , with a final resting position as indicated by the phantom-line rectangle  132 , thereby defining the configuration of the general embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 . While the embodiment of  FIG. 16  is depicted having two individual inserts  118   a,b  separable from mailpiece  23   h , an alternative embodiment may include an insert  118   a,b  pre-attached to the inner surface of either panel  42 ,  44  and a separable insert  118   a,b  adapted to be inserted along with article  16  such that both inserts  118   a,b  lie adjacent opposed sides  117 ,  119  of the article  16  when article  16  is within mailpiece  23   h . Upon application of pressure  28  ( FIG. 6 ) against the belts  11 , the behavior of mailpiece  23   h  and article  16  is similar to that of spacers  37   c,d  ( FIG. 6 ), showing the general principles of the behavior of mailpieces having spacers with this type of configuration. 
         [0108]    With reference to  FIG. 17  in which like reference numerals refer to like features of  FIG. 16  and in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, a mailpiece  23   i  similar to mailpiece  23   h  ( FIG. 16 ) includes a Z-shape sleeve  134  that is assembled with the frangible article  16 . Sleeve  134  comprises a main panel  141  and two end panels  140 ,  142  integrally formed with main panel  141 . Sleeve  134  may be folded along fold lines  144 ,  146  in a Z-fold configuration, thereby defining the end panels  140 ,  142  and main panel  141 . The Z-fold of sleeve  134  is such that end panels  140 ,  142  lie diametrically opposed and adjacent to opposed sides  117 ,  119  of article  16 . For example, end panel  140  may be disposed adjacent to side  117  of the article  16  while end panel  142  may be disposed adjacent to side  119  of article  16 . Alternatively, end panel  140  may confront against side  119  while end panel  142  may confront side  117  of the article  16 . 
         [0109]    Sleeve  134  may be made of any suitable material to provide the functionality of the pairs of spacers  37   a,b  (FIGS.  5 A,B), thereby limiting bending of article  16  or when riding over the surface  13  of crown rollers  12  ( FIGS. 1-3 ). Because sleeve  134  may be in direct contact with article  16 , the material and construction of sleeve  134  may also be suitable to contact the surfaces of article  16  without damaging such surfaces. While sleeve  134  is depicted in  FIG. 17  as shown, persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, alternatively, sleeve  134  may have end panels of unequal respective lengths and/or heights or jointly have respective lengths and/or heights other than those shown, have a shape other than rectangular, have different respective thicknesses, be made of two different materials or both be placed at different locations with respect to central axis  19  of article  16 . 
         [0110]    Article  16  and sleeve  134  may be inserted into mailpiece  23 i in the direction indicated by arrow  130 , thereby defining the configuration of the general embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 5A-5B . Upon application of pressure  28  against the belts  11  ( FIG. 4 ), the behavior of mailpiece  23   i  and article  16  is similar to that described in the embodiment of  FIGS. 5A-5B , showing the general principles of the behavior of mailpieces having spacers with this type of configuration. 
         [0111]    With reference to  FIG. 18  in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIG. 15  and in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, sleeve  108  may be modified to omit spacers  110   a,b,    112   a,b  but, in their place, to include spacers  80   a,b  of a length substantially equal to the length of sleeve  108 , and substantially extending between lateral edges  86 ,  88 . Spacer  80   a  comprises a folded section along edge  92  of panel  87  so as to locally increase the effective thickness of panel  87 . Spacer  80   b  comprises a folded section along edge  79  of panel  85  so as to locally increase the effective thickness of panel  85 . The spacers  80   a,b  may each comprise any type of fold such as a bifold, trifold or z-fold, such as to create a suitable effective local thickness increase. Spacers  80   a,b  may comprise adhesive members (not shown) to facilitate retention of the fold along each of the top and bottom edges  79   a . Alternatively, securing members, such as adhesive tape, or coupling components, such as staples, may be applied over the folded sections to secure the respective folds of spacers  80   a,b.  The spacers  80   a,b  are arranged in compliance with the arrangement of spacers  37   c,d  ( FIG. 6 ). The spacers  80   a,b  may extend along substantially the entire length of sleeve  108  or may have unequal lengths and/or respective lengths that are shorter than  108  effective to mitigate the flexing of the article  16 . 
         [0112]    With reference to  FIGS. 19 ,  20 , and  20 A in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIGS. 1-3  and in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, a generally square or rectangular mailpiece  150  includes opposed panels  151 ,  153  defining a mailpiece opening  155 . The mailpiece  150  has top and bottom edges  154 ,  156  and lateral edges  152   a,b.  Mailpiece  150  may further include a flap  157 , integrally formed with panel  153  along a fold line (not shown), having an adhesive portion  157   a  suitable to adhere flap  157  to the outer surface of panel  151  or any other non-adhesive components suitable to couple the two surfaces involved. A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the flap  157  of mailpiece  150  may have a different shape, size, material, or relative location or the flap  157  may be omitted so long as the configuration or mailpiece  150  is such that it protects and generally encloses the contents therein. 
         [0113]    Mailpiece  150  further includes a spacer  158  coupled to the inner surface of one of the panels  151 ,  153  or integrally formed therewith. Spacer  158  is adapted to fit into the center opening  21  of the article  16  and is vertically positioned within mailpiece  150  such that the spacer  158  will traverse a path above or below circumference  26  of roller  12  ( FIG. 2 ). Spacer  158  has a thickness or axial dimension, A, that is larger than the thickness of the article  16 . 
         [0114]    As best shown in  FIG. 20A , spacer  158  includes a hub portion  160  and a flange portion  162  coupled to one end of the hub portion  160 . When the spacer  158  is inserted into center opening  21 , the hub portion  160  projects beyond the plane of one side  117  of the article  16  and the flange portion  162  projects beyond the plane of the opposed side  119 . The flange portion  162  is disposed between side  119  of the article  16  and panel  153 . Hub portion  160  may be of any suitable shape to provide a surface area against which panel  151  may be abutted. Flange portion  162  may be of any suitable shape to provide a surface area against which panel  153  may be abutted. Once article  16  is placed into mailpiece  150 , the effective thickness of the mailpiece  150  local to the central axis  19  of the article  16  is increased. The diameter of flange portion  162  is greater than the diameter of the center opening  21  of article  16 . Consequently, belt pressure  28  ( FIG. 3 ) cannot displace the spacer  158  relative to the center opening  21  and hub  19 . 
         [0115]    The hub region  160  of the spacer  158  is diametrically smaller than the center opening  158 . As a result, the article  16  is free to move and freely rotate relative to the hub region  160 , as opposed to being anchored in the mailpiece  150 . The location of the spacer  158  inside the mailpiece  150  is based on the position of the article  16  relative to the circumference  26  and opposite rims  30   a,b  of the roller  12  ( FIG. 2 ) in order to optimize the mitigation. The shape of hub portion  160  can be circular, oblong or oval, stared, square, etc. 
         [0116]    With reference to  FIG. 20B , a mailpiece  150   a  with opposed panels  151 ,  153  includes a spacer  158   a . Spacer  158   a  is illustrated as having a uniform diameter across its axial dimension, A, which is perpendicular to the radius. As a result, spacer  158   a  differs from spacer  158  ( FIGS. 19 ,  20 ,  20 A) in that the hub and flange portions  160 ,  162  have a constant diameter. When spacer  158   a  is positioned in the center opening  21 , spacer  158   a  does not contact either side  117 ,  119  of the article  16 . Spacer  158   a  has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the center opening  21  of article  16 . The length is greater than a thickness between the sides  117 ,  119  of the article  16 . The invention contemplates that the spacer  158   a  may be tapered along its length so long as the maximum diameter is less than the diameter of the center opening  21  of article  16 . 
         [0117]    With reference to  FIG. 20C , a mailpiece  150   b  has opposed panels  151 ,  153  and a radially compressible and resilient spacer  158   b . Spacer  158   b  may be manually pre-compressed by the user prior to engaging it into center opening  21  of the article  16 . Alternatively, the article  16  may be pushed onto spacer  158   b , which causes radial compression of spacer  158   b  to occur and thereby allows positioning of the spacer  158   b  inside the center opening  21 . Once positioned in the center opening  21 , spacer  158   b  may expand, thereby comprising a central hub portion  161   b  and opposed cylindrical flange portions  160   b ,  162   b . Flange portion  160   b  contacts side  117  and flange portion  162   b  contacts side  119 . Alternatively, spacer  158   b  may be such that, once engaged into center opening  21 , spacer  158   b  expands to thereby comprise a spacer having a non-cylindrical central portion and/or non-cylindrical flange portions. 
         [0118]    With reference to FIGS.  21 A,B in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIGS. 1-3  and  FIGS. 19 ,  20 ,  20 A and in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, mailpiece  150 , including spacer  158  and holding article  16 , is shown transported by belts  11  over the crowned surface  13  of a roller  12  such as the roller in the embodiment of  FIG. 4  and the description of which may be referred to for an understanding of the roller of FIGS.  21 A,B as well. The article  16  and spacer  158  are positioned inside the mailpiece  150  to optimize the effectiveness of spacer  158  in view of all mailpiece design parameters. For example, a lifting mechanism, such as inserts or a pocket (not shown), may be used to position the article  16  inside the mailpiece  150  to optimize the effectiveness of the spacer  150  by ensuring that the centerline of spacer  158  (which coincides with axis  19 ) does not coincide with the circumference  26  of roller  12 . 
         [0119]    With reference to  FIG. 21A , mailpiece  150  is oriented such that panel  153  sides the roller  12  while belt pressure is applied in a direction as indicated by arrows  28   a.  Spacer  158  is vertically positioned in mailpiece  150  such that the spacer  158  will traverse a path above circumference  26  of roller  12 . Alternatively and although not shown, spacer  158  may be vertically positioned in mailpiece  150  such that the spacer  158  will traverse a path below circumference  26  of roller  12 . Pressure  28   a  exerted by the belts  11  onto the mailpiece  150  and the article  16  will result in the mailpiece  150  contacting the roller at a point proximate contact point  24  of roller  12  and the outer surface of the spacer  158  adjacent to panel  153  deforming to conform to the crown surface of the roller  12 . Spacer  158  will indirectly contact (through panel  153 ) the roller  12  in a region generally above circumference  26 . The bending or flexing of article  16  is substantially limited due to the abutment of hub  18  of article  16  against the inner surface of flange portion  160 , which remains substantially flat and parallel to hub  18 . The bending or flexing of article  16  is further limited due to the pressure of the belts  11  being exerted onto the spacer  158 , and not onto the article  16 , causing the deformation and relative motion of spacer  158  with respect to the center opening  21  of article  16 . 
         [0120]    With reference to  FIG. 21B , mailpiece  150  is oriented such that panel  151  sides the roller  12  while belt pressure is applied in a direction as indicated by arrows  28   b . Spacer  158  is vertically positioned in mailpiece  150  such that the spacer  158  will traverse a path above circumference  26  of roller  12 . Alternatively, spacer  158  may be vertically positioned in mailpiece  150  such that the spacer  158  will traverse a path below circumference  26  of roller  12 . Pressure exerted by the belts  11  onto the mailpiece  150  and the article  16  will result in the mailpiece contacting the roller at a point proximate contact point  24  and in the outer surface of the spacer  158  adjacent to panel  151  being deformed to conform to the crown profile of the roller  12 . Spacer  158  will indirectly contact (through panel  151 ) the roller  12  in a region generally above circumference  26 . The bending or flexing of article  16  is substantially limited due to the pressure of the belts  11  being exerted onto the spacer  158 , and not onto the article  16 , causing the deformation and relative motion of spacer  158  with respect to the center opening  21  of article  16 . 
         [0121]    With reference to FIGS.  22 A,B and in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, the invention contemplates that one or more spacers may be placed directly on the frangible article, as opposed to carried on an insert loosely positioned inside a mailpiece, directly coupled with a mailpiece, or carried by a sleeve inserted into the mailpiece. Specifically, a frangible article  16   a , which is constructed otherwise similarly to article  16 , includes a front side  117   a , a back side  119   a , a hub  18   a , a center opening  21   a , and a central axis  19   a . Article  16   a  further includes annular spacers  170   a,b  that are concentric with center opening  21   a  and located on the hub  18   a  on a respective one of opposed sides  117   a ,  119   a . Annular spacers  170   a,b  may be constructed from a flexible material that permits deformation when pressure  28   a  from conventional belts  11  (FIGS.  21 A,B) acts thereupon or may be composed of a rigid material that does not deform under the influence of pressure  28   a . Annular spacers  170   a,b  have a diameter larger than the diameter of the center opening  21   a  such that they do not interfere with the writing and reading of information respectively to and from a media region  20   a  of article  16   a.    
         [0122]    The annular spacers  170   a,b  may be adhesively bonded to the sides  117   a ,  119   a  of the hub  18   a . Alternatively, the annular spacers  170   a,b  may be integrally formed with the article  16   a  during, for example, a molding process. 
         [0123]    Article  16   a  may be placed in mailpiece  150  with the central axis  19   a  positioned such that the spacer  170   a,b  traverse a path above or below circumference  26  of roller  12  (FIGS.  21 A,B). The mailpiece  150  may be configured with a pocket, interior sleeve or the like, to place the article  16   a  in this location. Upon exertion of belt pressure  28   b  ( FIGS. 21A , B), the behavior of article  16   a  and the mailpiece  150  will be as described for the general embodiment of FIGS.  21 A,B, which may be referred to for an understanding of this exemplary embodiment as well. 
         [0124]    While the present invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the inventor to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative example shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.