Abstract:
The present invention relates to a flexible magnetic wafer seal for adhesive attachment to folded pieces, such as brochures, folded cards, self-mailers and postal mailers, which are generally made of card stock. One or more flexible magnetic wafer seals may be adhesively attached to the open edges of a folded piece to secure the open edges together, for example, as required during the mailing process. The magnetic wafer seal can then be broken, preferably along at least one line of weakness, allowing the piece to be unfolded and converting the magnetic wafer seal into at least two magnetic holders for securing a piece to a metal surface. The unfolded piece can then be secured to a metallic surface by placing the side of the piece with the magnetic holders against the metallic surface, thereby allowing the magnetic holders to engage the metal surface, holding the piece in place.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/450,154, filed Feb. 26, 2003. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (a) Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a flexible magnetic wafer seal for adhesive attachment to folded pieces, such as brochures, folded cards, self-mailers and postal mailers, which are generally made of card stock. One or more flexible magnetic wafer seals may be adhesively attached to the open edges of a folded piece to secure the open edges together, for example, as required during the mailing process. The magnetic wafer seal can then be broken, preferably along at least one line of weakness, allowing the piece to be unfolded and converting the magnetic wafer seal into at least two magnetic holders for securing a piece to a metal surface. The unfolded piece can then be secured to a metallic surface by placing the side of the piece with the magnetic holders against the metallic surface, thereby allowing the magnetic holders to engage the metal surface, holding the piece in place. 
     (b) Description of the Prior Art 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,938,654 to C. T. Braren teaches a machine for closing and sealing cartons, particularly cigarette cartons. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,056,451 to A. H. Haberstump teaches an apparatus for automatically stretching and securing a layer of fabric trim material over a padded backing sheet. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,388,770 to E. L. Stein teaches a method for sealing of mailing pieces by means of a small piece of gummed tape applied across the joint to be closed and sealed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,854,164 to L. Triolo teaches a high speed machine for applying short lengths or tabs of tape having a coating of pressure sensitive adhesive thereon to box blanks or other articles. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,004,962 to Kleid teaches an automatic machine which utilizes sealing tape to seal the edges of a folded article passing therethrough. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,160,687 to Spear teaches an apparatus for applying labels across the pages of a magazine as it is being conveyed with the binding of the magazine first. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,757 to Martin et al. teaches an apparatus for producing mail pieces and a system and method for controlling the apparatus to produce mail pieces in a variety of configurations. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,983 to Slater teaches a machine comprising a pair of rolls on powered shafts for forming a tight fit between a wafer seal and a form piece as they move between the rolls. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,175 to Graushar et al. teaches a system for preparing mail products having an arrangement for folding each of the mail products at least once and externally applying a self-adhesive label around each of the mail products after folding. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,300 to Oussani, Jr. et al. teaches a tabbing machine for applying adhesive tabs over the edge of an article. 
     Businesses often advertise by sending coupons, promotional materials, flyers, and other types of advertising materials through the U.S. mail or by inserting them between the pages of newspapers. These folded and sealed pieces are either mailed in envelopes, which may contain other types of advertising material, or are mailed or delivered as folded and sealed pieces which do not employ an envelope. The U.S. Postal Service has enacted rules specifying how the open edges of unenveloped pieces must be secured (tabbed) to prevent an open edge from jamming high-speed mail processing and sorting equipment. These rules are enumerated in the Domestic Mail Manual Quick Service Guide 811, “Tabs and Wafer Seals,” incorporated herein by reference. Construction of the piece plays an important role in determining automation compatibility. Standards for tabbing are based on basis weight of paper stock used and the location of the folded or bound edge. The sealing method used to secure the folded edges of the piece can employ glue, tape, or wafer seals. To open the piece, the consumer merely breaks the seal on the edges of the piece and unfolds the piece. 
     Applicant is aware of no prior art where a magnetic wafer seal can be used to seal a piece and then be converted into at least two magnetic holders for securing a piece to a metal surface by breaking the magnetic wafer seal, preferably along at least one line of weakness arranged across the wafer seal. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a magnetic wafer seal for adhesive attachment to folded pieces, such as brochures, folded cards, self-mailers and postal mailers. In the preferred embodiment, the magnetic wafer seal is composed of a thin, relatively flat, flexible magnet having an upper surface, a lower surface, a thickness between said upper surface and said lower surface, two lines of weakness comprised of variably spaced perforations which extend across the upper surface and at least partially through the magnet thickness towards the lower surface, and an adhesive layer affixed to the lower surface. The two lines of weakness, which intersect at their respective mid-points and form four approximately 90 degree angles between them, are comprised of a multiplicity of variably spaced perforations. Each of the multiplicity of perforations has either a first spacing or a second spacing between adjacent perforations. The magnetic wafer seal may be attached to and seal the edges of a folded piece by adhering the adhesive layer to the edges of the piece. The magnetic wafer seal can then be converted into at least two magnetic holders for securing the piece to a metal surface by breaking, tearing, or otherwise severing the magnetic wafer seal to form the magnetic holders. 
     It is often the hope of the business producing or sending the piece that the consumer will retain the piece and post it in a conspicuous place, such as a bulletin board or refrigerator. Small, flexible magnets have become very popular with consumers, who use them as “refrigerator magnets” to hold coupons, advertisements, promotional material, postcards, etc. on their home refrigerator. Consequently, there is a need for flexible wafer seals which can be adhesively attached to folded card stock or other material used for advertising pieces to secure the open edges and which can subsequently be used to magnetically attach the unfolded piece to a metal object, such as a refrigerator, when the seal is broken. 
     A principal object and advantage of the present invention is that the magnetic wafer seal can be used to secure the edges of a piece and then be converted into at least two magnetic holders for securing a piece to a metal surface by breaking, tearing, or otherwise severing the wafer seal to form the magnetic holders. 
     An additional object and advantage of the present invention is that the magnetic wafer seal is easily manufactured in volume, is flexible enough to be folded over and be easily adhered in that position, is thin enough not to adversely impact a U.S. Postal Service automatic mail sorting machine, and is easily applicable to the edges of the piece. 
     An additional object and advantage of the present invention is that the magnetic wafer seal has sufficient strength to survive mailing but is easily broken or torn when upward or sideways pressure is applied to it so that the consumer may unseal the sealed edges of the piece without tearing the piece when such pressure is applied. 
     An additional object and advantage of the present invention is that when the magnetic wafer seal is folded along a line of weakness, the line of weakness enhances the ability of the magnetic wafer seal to stay folded and not resume a flat position. 
     An additional object and advantage of the present invention is that the magnetic wafer seal of the preferred embodiment, and many of the alternate embodiments, may be utilized with existing tabbing machines by reconfiguring the tabbing machine to accept and apply the label. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of the magnetic wafer seal of the present invention on a liner, depicting a magnet with two intersection lines of weakness comprised of variably spaced perforations and an adhesive layer; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of a multiplicity of the magnetic wafer seals of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of a multiplicity of an alternate embodiment of the magnetic wafer seal of  FIG. 1 , having a different shape; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of a multiplicity of an alternate embodiment of the magnetic wafer seal of  FIG. 1 , having a different shape; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a multiplicity of an alternate embodiment of the magnetic wafer seal of  FIG. 1 , having a different shape; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the magnet of  FIG. 1 , showing the varied spacing of the perforations comprising the two lines of weakness; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a multiplicity of an alternate embodiment of the magnetic wafer seal of  FIG. 1 , where the two lines of weakness extend only partially across the magnet; 
         FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the magnetic wafer seal of  FIG. 1 , having two lines of weakness comprised of evenly spaced perforations; 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the magnetic wafer seal of  FIG. 1 , having one line of weakness comprised of variably spaced perforations; 
         FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the magnetic wafer seal of  FIG. 1 , having one line of weakness comprised of evenly spaced perforations; 
         FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the magnetic wafer seal of  FIG. 1 , having a scoreline; 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of the magnet of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom view of the magnet of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the magnetic wafer seal of  FIG. 1  having a line of weakness composed of one or more slits; 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of a multiplicity of an alternate embodiment of the magnetic wafer seal of  FIG. 1 , having a different shape; 
         FIG. 16  is a front perspective view of a multi-page piece prior to sealing, folded into three sections and having two magnetic wafer seals of  FIG. 4  affixed to an outside end edge; 
         FIG. 17  is a front perspective view of a multi-page piece prior to sealing, folded into two sections and having two magnetic wafer seals of  FIG. 1  each affixed to an outside side edge; 
         FIG. 18  is a front view of a piece prior to sealing, folded into two sections and having one magnetic wafer seal of  FIG. 5  affixed to an outside end edge; 
         FIG. 19  is a front view of the piece of  FIG. 16 , where the piece is unsealed and unfolded and has four magnetic holders; 
         FIG. 20  is a front view of the piece of  FIG. 17 , where the piece is unsealed and unfolded and has four magnetic holders; 
         FIG. 21  is a front view of the piece of  FIG. 18 , where the piece is unsealed and unfolded and has two magnetic holders; 
         FIG. 22  is a front perspective view of a piece prior to sealing, folded into three sections and having one magnetic wafer seal of  FIG. 3  affixed to an outside end edge; 
         FIG. 23  is a front view of the piece of  FIG. 22 , where the piece is unsealed and unfolded and has two magnetic holders; 
         FIG. 24  is a front perspective view of a piece after sealing, folded into two sections and having the magnetic wafer seal of  FIG. 1  affixed to two outside end edges; and 
         FIG. 25  is an end view of the piece of  FIG. 24 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference to the figures,  FIG. 1  shows a magnetic wafer seal  10  which is the preferred embodiment of the present invention removably adhesively affixed to liner  8 . The magnetic wafer seal  10  is composed of a thin, relatively flat, flexible magnet  20  having an upper surface  24 , a lower surface  26 , a thickness  22  between said upper surface  24  and said lower surface  26 , at least one line of weakness comprising two intersecting lines of weakness  50 ,  52  extending substantially across the magnet upper surface  24 , and an adhesive layer  70  affixed to the lower surface  26 . In the preferred embodiment, the two intersecting lines of weakness  50 ,  52  extend at least partially and preferably completely through the magnet thickness  22  towards the magnet lower surface  26 . The two lines of weakness  50 ,  52  intersect at their respective mid-points  56  and form four approximately 90 degree angles between them. Each of the two lines of weakness  50 ,  52  are comprised of a multiplicity of variably spaced perforations  60  which extend at least partially through the magnet thickness  22  towards the lower surface  26 , and each of the multiplicity of perforations  60  have either a first spacing  62  or a second spacing  64  between adjacent perforations  60 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a multiplicity of the magnetic wafer seals  10  of  FIG. 1  removably adhesively affixed to liner  8 .  FIGS. 3–5  show alternate embodiments of the magnetic wafer seal  110 – 310  removably adhesively affixed to liner  8 , where the magnets  120 – 320  have differing shapes. The magnetic wafer seal  10  may be adhesively attached to a piece  1  by applying the adhesive layer  70  side to the piece  1 .  FIGS. 24 and 25  show the magnetic wafer seal  10  of  FIG. 1  attached to a folded piece  1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the magnet  20  of the preferred embodiment of the magnetic wafer seal  10  is circular in shape with a preferential diameter, for example, in the range of approximately 1.905 centimeters (0.75 inch) to 2.858 centimeters (1.125 inches), and the magnet  20  has a preferential thickness  22  in the range of approximately 0.305 millimeters (0.012 inch; 12 mils) to 0.381 millimeters (0.015 inch; 15 mils) for example. This thickness  22  allows the magnetic wafer seal  10  to be flexibly attached to a piece  1  and to be easily torn along at least one line of weakness  50 ,  52 . Magnetic wafer seals having other size, shape or thickness can be used, such as in the magnetic wafer seals  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310 ,  410 ,  510 ,  610 ,  710 ,  810 ,  910 , and  1010  described herein, so long as there is sufficient magnetic strength to secure or hold a piece  1  against a horizontal metallic surface. The magnet  20 – 1020  shown in the various embodiments herein is preferably die cut or stamped from a known thin sheet of flexible magnetic material, such as a vinyl material having magnetic material dispersed therethrough. Such a sheet of flexible magnetic material can be obtained under the trademark “UltraMag” from Flex-Mag Industrial, Inc., of Marietta, Ohio. Depending on the magnetic capabilities of the magnetic material and the weight of the item to be magnetically affixed, the magnet  20 – 1020  size and thickness  22 – 622  can be varied. For example, the magnet  20 – 1020  diameter or width could vary in size from 2.223 centimeters (0.875 inches) to 7.620 centimeters (3.0 inches) or larger as necessary for use with heavier pieces  1 . Additionally, the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  can be made in any number of geometric shapes such as those shown in  FIGS. 1–6  and  15 , where the magnet  20 – 320 ,  1020  has shapes which may include circles, squares, rectangles, rectangles with curved edges, ovals, elliptical shapes, hourglass shapes and figure eight shapes. 
     As clearly shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  6 , the magnet  20  of the preferred embodiment has two lines of weakness  50 ,  52  across the upper surface  24 . The two lines of weakness  50 ,  52  extend at least partially through the magnet thickness  22  towards the lower surface  26 . The two lines of weakness  50 ,  52  intersect at their respective mid-points  56 , forming four approximately 90 degree angles therebetween. Each line of weakness  50 ,  52  is comprised of a multiplicity of preferably variably spaced perforations  60  which extend at least partially through the magnet thickness  22  from the upper surface  24  toward the lower surface  26 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  6 , the two lines of weakness  50 ,  52  preferably extend substantially across the center of the upper surface  24  of the magnet  20  and intersect at their respective mid-points  56 , forming four approximately 90 degree angles therebetween and dividing the upper surface  24  into substantially equally sized quarter sections. However, the two lines of weakness  50 ,  52  may be in any orientation in regard to the edge of the liner  8 , which is removably attached to the adhesive layer during production of the magnetic wafer seal  10 . The two lines of weakness  50 ,  52  may also be in any position on the upper surface  24 , and may intersect at any angle in order accommodate the configuration of the tabbing machine to be used. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  6 , the two lines of weakness  50 ,  52  in the preferred embodiment are comprised of a multiplicity of variably spaced perforations  60 , which extend from the upper surface  24  through the magnet thickness  22  toward the lower surface  26 . The perforations  60  preferably extend fully through the thickness  22  of the magnet  20 , but may extend only partially through the magnet thickness  22 . If the perforations  60  do not extend fully through the magnet thickness  22 , the perforations  60  are preferably at least 0.127 to 0.229 millimeters (0.005 to 0.009 inch; 5 to 9 mils) deep, when the thickness  22  of magnet  20  is 0.305 millimeters (0.012 inch; 12 mils). 
     In the preferred embodiment, the multiplicity of perforations  60  comprising lines of weakness  50 ,  52  each have a spacing between adjacent perforations  60 , preferably comprising either a first spacing  62  having a first shorter length or a second spacing  64  having a second longer length. The first spacing  62  may be of any length which allows a consumer to easily tear the magnetic wafer seal  10  along a line of weakness  50 ,  52 . The first spacing  62  preferably has a length in the approximate range of 0.106 centimeter (0.0417 inch) to 0.159 centimeter (0.0626 inch). The second spacing  64  may be of any length which both allows a consumer to easily tear the magnetic wafer seal  10  along a line of weakness  50 ,  52  and provides an area of strength to the line of weakness  50 ,  52  to assist in maintaining the integrity of the magnetic wafer seal  10  when folded and prior to the consumer intentionally breaking the line of weakness  50 ,  52 . The second spacing  64  preferably has a length in the approximate range of 0.3175 centimeter (0.125 inch) to 0.635 centimeter (0.250 inch). When the magnetic wafer seal  10  is folded along one of the lines of weakness  50 ,  52 , as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , that line of weakness  50 ,  52  along the fold decreases the tendency for the magnetic wafer seal  10  to unfold because it decreases the ability of the magnet  20  to resume a flat position. 
       FIG. 6  depicts a top view of the magnet  20  of  FIG. 1 , showing two lines of variably spaced perforations  60  extending fully across the magnet  20  upper surface  24 . As best shown in  FIG. 6 , the variable spacing of the perforations  60  allows a number of perforations  60 , preferably five to seven, to each be tightly spaced apart from an adjacent perforation by a first length  62 , which comprises an area of weakness  66  in the line of weakness  50 ,  52 . An area of weakness  66  is bounded on both ends by a perforation  60  and is spaced apart from another area of weakness  66  by a second spacing  64 . The second spacing  64  forms an area in the line of weakness  50 ,  52  which has a longer length which is not perforated and is therefore stronger than the areas of weakness  66 . There are preferably at least two second spacings  64  in each line of weakness  50 ,  52 . The perforations  60  closest to the edges of magnet  20  in lines of weakness  50 ,  52  preferably cut the magnet  20  along thickness  22 . This makes the magnetic wafer seal  10  easier to separate along lines of weakness  50 ,  52 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts an alternate embodiment of the magnetic wafer seal  410 , in which the magnetic wafer seal  410  is composed of a thin, relatively flat, flexible magnet  420  having an upper surface  124 , a lower surface  26  (not shown), a thickness  122  (not shown) between said upper surface  124  and said lower surface  26 , two lines of weakness  150 ,  152  comprised of a multiplicity of spaced perforations  60  extending partially across the magnet upper surface  124 , and an adhesive layer  70  (not shown) affixed to the lower surface  26 . In this embodiment, the at least one line of weakness comprises two intersecting lines of weakness  150 ,  152  which extend at least partially through the magnet thickness  122  towards the magnet lower surface  26 . The two lines of weakness  150 ,  152  intersect and form four approximately 90 degree angles therebetween. Each of the two lines of weakness  150 ,  152  are comprised of a multiplicity of evenly spaced perforations  60  which extend at least partially through the magnet thickness  122  towards the lower surface  26 , and each of the multiplicity of perforations  60  have a first spacing  62  between adjacent perforations  60 . The first spacing  62  may be of any length which allows a consumer to easily tear the magnetic wafer seal  410  along a line of weakness  150 ,  152 . A second spacing  64 , which is longer than the first spacing  62 , is adjacent to the last of the multiplicity of perforations  60  in the lines of weakness  150 ,  152 . The second spacing  64  may also be of any length which both provides an area of strength to the line of weakness  50  and allows a consumer to easily tear the magnetic wafer seal  410  along the line of weakness  50 . After removal from the liner  8 , the magnetic wafer seal  410  may be adhesively attached to a piece  1  by applying the adhesive layer  70  side to the piece  1 . 
       FIG. 8  depicts an alternate embodiment of the magnetic wafer seal  510 , in which the magnetic wafer seal  510  is composed of a thin, relatively flat, flexible magnet  520  having an upper surface  224 , a lower surface  26 , a thickness  222  between said upper surface  224  and said lower surface  26 , two lines of weakness  250 ,  252  comprised of a multiplicity of evenly spaced perforations  60  extending substantially across the magnet upper surface  224 , and an adhesive layer  70  affixed to the lower surface  26 . In this embodiment, the at least one line of weakness comprises two intersecting lines of weakness  250 ,  252  which extend at least partially through the magnet thickness  222  towards the magnet lower surface  26 . The two lines of weakness  250 ,  252  intersect at their respective mid-points  256  and form four approximately 90 degree angles therebetween. Each of the two lines of weakness  250 ,  252  are comprised of a multiplicity of evenly spaced perforations  60  which extend at least partially through the magnet thickness  222  towards the lower surface  26 , and each of the multiplicity of perforations  60  have a first spacing  62  between adjacent perforations  60 . The first spacing  62  may be of any length which allows a consumer to easily tear the magnetic wafer seal  510  along a line of weakness  250 ,  252 . After removal from the liner  8 , the magnetic wafer seal  510  may be adhesively attached to a piece  1  by applying the adhesive layer  70  side to the piece  1 . 
       FIG. 9  depicts an alternate embodiment of the magnetic wafer seal  610 , in which the magnetic wafer seal  610  is composed of a thin, relatively flat, flexible magnet  620  having an upper surface  324 , a lower surface  26 , a thickness  322  between said upper surface  324  and said lower surface  26 , one line of weakness  50  comprised of a multiplicity of variably spaced perforations  60  extending substantially across the magnet upper surface  324 , and an adhesive layer  70  affixed to the lower surface  26 . The at least one line of weakness in this embodiment comprises one line of weakness  50  which extends at least partially through the magnet thickness  322  towards the magnet lower surface  26 . The line of weakness  50  is comprised of a multiplicity of variably spaced perforations  60  which extend at least partially through the magnet thickness  322  towards the lower surface  26 , and each of the multiplicity of perforations  60  have either a first spacing  62  having a first shorter length or a second spacing  64  having a second longer length between adjacent perforations  60 . The first spacing  62  may be of any length which allows a consumer to easily tear the magnetic wafer seal  610  along the line of weakness  50 . The second spacing  64  may also be of any length which both allows a consumer to easily tear the magnetic wafer seal  610  along the line of weakness  50  and provides an area of strength to the line of weakness  50  to assist in maintaining the integrity of the magnetic wafer seal  610  when folded and prior to the consumer intentionally breaking the line of weakness  50 , and provides an area of strength to the line of weakness  50 . After removal from the liner  8 , the magnetic wafer seal  610  may be adhesively attached to a piece  1  by applying the adhesive layer  70  side to the piece  1 . 
       FIG. 10  depicts an alternate embodiment of the magnetic wafer seal  710 , in which the magnetic wafer seal  710  is composed of a thin, relatively flat, flexible magnet  720  having an upper surface  424 , a lower surface  26 , a thickness  422  between said upper surface  424  and said lower surface  26 , one line of weakness comprised of evenly spaced perforations  60  extending substantially across the magnet upper surface  424 , and an adhesive layer  70  affixed to the lower surface  26 . The one line of weakness  250  extends at least partially through the magnet thickness  422  towards the magnet lower surface  26 . The line of weakness  250  is comprised of a multiplicity of evenly spaced perforations  60  which extend at least partially through the magnet thickness  422  towards the lower surface  26 , and each of the multiplicity of perforations  60  have a first spacing  62  between adjacent perforations  60 . The first spacing  62  may be of any length which allows a consumer to easily tear the magnetic wafer seal  710  along the line of weakness  250 . After removal from the liner  8 , the magnetic wafer seal  710  may be adhesively attached to a piece  1  by applying the adhesive layer  70  side to the piece  1 . 
       FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the magnetic wafer seal  810  of the present invention, depicting a magnet  820  having an upper surface  524 , a lower surface  26 , a thickness  522  between said upper surface  524  and said lower surface  26 , at least one line of weakness comprising a scoreline  350  which extends at least partially through the magnet thickness  522  towards the lower surface  26 , and an adhesive layer  70  affixed to the lower surface  26 . As shown in  FIG. 11  the at least one line of weakness  350  is comprised of a scoreline  350 , which is a cut line that does not extend fully through the thickness  522  of the magnet  820 . For a magnet  820  having a thickness  522  of about 0.305 millimeters (0.012 inch or 12 mils), the scoreline  352  is preferably 0.0762 millimeters (0.003 inch; 3 mils) to 0.229 millimeters (0.009 inch; 9 mils) deep, and more preferably 0.127 millimeters (0.005 inch; 5 mils) to 0.178 millimeters (0.007 inch; 7 mils) deep.  FIG. 12  depicts a top view of the magnet  820  of  FIG. 11 , with the magnet  820  having a scoreline  350  extending fully across its upper surface  524 .  FIG. 13  depicts the lower surface  26  of the magnet  820  of  FIG. 11 , showing that the scoreline  350  does not extend entirely through the magnet thickness  822  and does not extend through the lower surface  26 . Alternatively, the at least one line of weakness may comprise two intersecting scorelines  350 ,  352  which extend at least partially through the magnet thickness  522  towards the magnet lower surface  26  (not shown). The two scorelines  350 ,  352  intersect at their respective mid-points  356  and form four approximately 90 degree angles therebetween (not shown). 
       FIG. 14  depicts an alternate embodiment of the magnet  920  of the magnetic wafer seal  910  of  FIG. 10 , where the at least one line of weakness  450  is comprised of one line consisting of one or more slits  160  which extend at partially across the magnet  920  upper surface  624  and which extend at least partially or completely through the magnet thickness  622  (not shown). Alternatively, the at least one line of weakness may comprise two intersecting lines  450 ,  452  consisting of one or more slits which extend at least partially or completely through the magnet thickness  622 . The two lines  450 ,  452  intersect at their respective mid-points  456  and form four approximately 90 degree angles therebetween (not shown). 
       FIG. 15  depicts an alternate embodiment of the magnetic wafer seal  1010  of  FIGS. 9–11  and  14 , where the magnet  1020  has an hour-glass shape. The at least one line of weakness comprises one line of weakness which consists of a score-line  350  extending across the narrowest area of the upper surface  724 , as depicted in  FIG. 15 , but the one line of weakness  350  may also be comprised of variably or evenly spaced perforations  60  or slits  160  extending substantially across the narrowest area of the upper surface  724 . 
     Additionally, as shown in the figures, all embodiments of the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  can be made in any number of geometric shapes such as those shown in  FIGS. 1–6  and  15 , where the magnet  20 – 320 ,  1020  has shapes which may include circles, squares, rectangles, rectangles with curved edges, ovals, elliptical shapes, hourglass shapes and figure eight shapes. 
     Magnet  1020  shapes such as the hourglass shape depicted in  FIG. 15  allow the size of the magnetic wafer seal  1010  which is adhesively applied to the piece  1  to be maximized, while the length of that portion of the magnet  1020  to be torn by the consumer is minimized. For example, the narrow area of the magnet  1020  which is to be torn by the consumer could be sized to be only 0.635 centimeter (0.250 inch) to 1.27 centimeters (0.500 inch) wide. 
     In each of the embodiments of the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  of  FIGS. 1–15 , and as shown in FIGS.  1  and  8 – 11 , a layer of adhesive  70  is affixed to the lower surface  26  of the magnet  20 – 1020 . The adhesive layer  70  is preferably about 0.0762 millimeters (0.003 inch; 3 mils) thick, although it may be thinner or thicker as required by the application. The adhesive is preferably a permanent adhesive with a minimum adhesive or shear strength value of at least 425.25 grams (15 ounces) per 2.54 centimeters (1 inch) at a speed of 30.48 centimeters (12 inches) per minute after application to a stainless steel plate; however any suitable adhesive may be used. The adhesive layer  70  is attached to and covered by a removable liner  8 . The liner  8  is preferably comprised of paper, plastic or vinyl, although it may be made of any suitable material. The liner  8  allows the magnet  20 – 1020  and adhesive layer  70  to be removed as a unit, forming a magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010 . 
     One method for forming the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  of all embodiments of the present invention ( FIGS. 1–15 ), including the preferred embodiment of the magnetic wafer  10  of  FIG. 1 , is as follows: a layer  70  of the adhesive material is applied to a liner  8 . A layer of magnetic material is then applied over the liner  8  onto the adhesive layer  70 . The magnetic material is then die cut into a chosen shape to the depth of, but not through, the liner  8 , cutting one or more magnets  20 – 1020  into the magnetic material, and the extra magnetic material is detached from the liner  8 , leaving at least one magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  removably adhesively attached to the liner  8 . The at least one line of weakness  50 – 450 ,  52 – 452  is added during the die cutting process. The first spacings  62  are formed by the spacings between the perforation needles used to create the at least one line of weakness  50 – 250 ,  52 – 252 , and the second spacings  64  in the at least one line of weakness  50 – 150 ,  52 – 152  are formed by removing one or more corresponding perforating needles from the row of perforation needles installed in the needle head The perforations  60  closest to the edges of magnet  20 – 1020  in lines of weakness  50 – 250 ,  52 – 252  preferably cut the magnet  20 – 1020  along thickness  22 – 522 . This makes the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  easier to separate along lines of weakness  50 – 250 ,  52 – 252 . 
     The at least one line of weakness  50 – 450 ,  52 – 452  on the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  may be oriented in relation to the liner  8  in any orientation which is required by the tabbing machine being used (see  FIGS. 1–5  and  8 – 11 ). Where two lines of weakness  50 ,  52  are employed ( FIGS. 1–5 ,  7 ,  8 ), one line of weakness  50 – 450  can be aligned parallel to the edges of the liner  8  and the other line of weakness  52 – 452  can be aligned perpendicular to the edges of the liner  8 . Where one line of weakness  50 – 450  is employed as in  FIG. 9–11 , the line of weakness  50 – 450  can be aligned either parallel to the edges of the liner  8  ( FIGS. 9 and 10 ) or perpendicular to the edges of the liner  8  ( FIG. 11 ). Additionally, any other orientation of the at least one line of weakness  50 – 450 ,  52 – 452  required by the tabbing process may be employed. The magnetic wafer seal  10  of the preferred embodiment and all of the alternate embodiments  10 – 1010  of the present invention ( FIGS. 1–5 ,  7 – 11  and  14 ), with the exception of the embodiment  1010  of  FIG. 15  which has an hourglass shape, may be utilized with existing tabbing machines by reconfiguring the tabbing machine to accept and apply the label. For those magnetic wafer seals  10 – 1010  employed on pieces  1  to be mailed, the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010 , including the magnet  20 – 1020  and the adhesive layer  70 , must have sufficient strength and holding power to hold the piece  1  sealed in a unitary folded piece  1  without the piece  1  losing form or unsealing during the mail processing by the United States Postal Service. 
     In each of the embodiments, the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  may be adhesively applied to a piece  1  by removing the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  from the liner  8 , then applying the adhesive layered  70  side of a portion of the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  to two outer open edges  3  of the piece  1  so that the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  is folded over and adhered to the outer surface  5  of the piece  1 , thereby holding the piece edges  3  together and sealing them. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , the at least one line of weakness  50 – 450 ,  52 – 452  in the magnet  20 – 1020  serves as a fold line and allow the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  to be easily folded along any of the at least one lines of weakness  50 – 450 ,  52 – 452 , wherein the portions of the upper surface  24 – 624  on either side of the folded line of weakness  50 – 450 ,  52 – 452  are pressed towards each other, bringing portions of the lower surface  26  in proximity to each other. 
       FIGS. 17–18  show a one or more of the magnetic wafer seals  810 ,  310  partially adhesively applied to one or more outer edges  3  of a piece  1 , prior to sealing the piece  1  by folding the piece  1  along the a fold line  7  and folding the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  along one of the at least one line of weakness  50 – 450 ,  52 – 452  and adhesively attaching another portion of the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  to a second outer edge  3 . Folding the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  along the at least one line of weakness  50 – 450 ,  52 – 452  also permits the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  to stay in the folded position. Additionally, as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 22 , the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  may be adhesively attached to an outer edge  3  and an outer surface  5  of the piece  1  in order to seal the piece  1 . The process of sealing the piece  1  by application of the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  may be used for any of the embodiments of  FIGS. 1–15 . 
     The consumer unseals the piece  1  by tearing or breaking the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  of any of the embodiments of the present invention along the line or lines of weakness  50 – 450 ,  52 – 452  and then unfolding the folds  7  of the piece  1 . As shown in  FIGS. 19–21  and  23 , this action converts the magnetic wafer seal  10 – 1010  into at least two magnetic holders  92 – 392 ,  94 – 394  for securing a piece  1  to a metallic surface. The unfolded piece  1  can then be secured to a metallic surface by placing the outer surface  5  of the piece  1  containing the magnetic holders  92 – 392 ,  94 – 394  against the metallic surface, thereby allowing the magnetic holders  92 – 392 ,  94 – 394  to engage the metallic surface, holding the piece  1  in place. 
     A plurality of magnetic wafer seals  10 – 1010  could be employed to seal the piece  1 . For example, two or more magnetic wafer seals  10 – 1010  could be placed along the end edge  3  of the piece  1  ( FIG. 16 ), one or more could be placed along the open side edge  3  or edges  3  of the piece  1  ( FIG. 17 ) or one or more could be used to seal an edge  3  of the substrate against a surface  5  of the substrate ( FIGS. 16 and 22 ). 
     The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modifications can be made by those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.