Abstract:
A windowed postcard mailer intermediate is provided so that the mailer can be processed by simplex printing, printing only on a single side. The windowed mailer intermediate of the present invention is printed with customer interaction indicia which may include a negotiable instrument such as check, coupon or the like or alternatively, the indicia may include response or interest surveys, membership cards or similar mailings intended to extract some sort of indication of interest by the recipient. The address is printed on the face of the mailer intermediate and upon folding of the intermediate about a fold line, the address is visible through a window cutout.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     None.  
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to business and marketing communications. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a windowed mailer postcard intermediate that has a pair of similarly sized, substantially quadrate panels, that when folded about a central fold line, form a postcard suitable for use with the mail. The instant invention can be used for a number of applications in which the sender provides the recipient with the ability to communicate with the product or mailing campaign sponsor such as through the redemption of a product coupon, rebate check or utilization of a service offering, such as those provided through the use of membership cards, identification cards and the like.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The use of postcards is generally attractive in that postcards can deliver information to intended recipients by taking advantage of reduced postal rates. Postcards have been used in the past and are regularly used to convey billing information to recipients such as utility, refuse collection or other contracted services to the homeowner or business. Postcards have also served to deliver notice to recipients about the availability of an order, reminder of appointments and the like. One exemplary postcard construction is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 2,018,984. However, such postcards suffer from a principal drawback in that they do not conceal any information from those that come into contact with the cards.  
         [0004]     The availability of personal information is particularly worrisome with respect to scheduling medical and dental appointments, where recent legislation requires the information related to a patient to be protected thus preserving the confidentiality of the patient. Moreover, recipients of postcards used for utility bills or other services, may simply not want information about their accounts to be exposed. Such account information can potentially be used to tap into credit and other personal information by unscrupulous individuals. In addition, where the postcard announces the arrival of goods that have been ordered, the recipient may not want that information to be made available in such an easily discernable manner so as to avoid unwanted attention.  
         [0005]     Postcards or double postcards, which in effect create a laminated construction have been used in the past to mail or issue refund checks, such as show in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,667,134 and 5,924,737. The foregoing prior art constructions however require duplex printing, that is printing on both sides of the substrate so as to create a complete construction that is suitable for passage through the postal system. Those individuals without the ability to process such constructions in a duplex manner thus cannot take advantage of postcards for mailing information. Even where the capability exists, companies may not want to take advantage of the postal savings as the additional production time required with duplex printing may offset any savings that the user may realize.  
         [0006]     Thus, what is needed is a postcard intermediate that provides the user with the ability to process postcard mailers with simplex printing, imaging only provided on one side of the substrate. Such a product would not only cut the processing time to produce the mailer intermediate in half (only one pass is required through a printer), but perhaps more importantly, the ability to simplex print the substrate would expose the postcard as a communication piece to a significant larger audience, including the small office or home office or “SOHO” applications.  
         [0007]     Publications, patents and patent applications are referred to throughout this disclosure. All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The embodiments of the present invention described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention.  
         [0009]     Surprisingly, it has been found that the use of postcards for conveying information to intended recipients has been largely limited in that prior art constructions required duplex printing which requires the card to be printed on both sides in order to effectuate the mailing of the communication piece. In addition, cards heretofore have not been utilized as a vehicle to forward cards, coupons and other opportunities that may be of interest to end users, including response, survey and requests for information.  
         [0010]     In one embodiment of the present invention, a windowed mailer postcard intermediate, is described and includes a substantially quadrate sheet of material having a first face and a second face, first and second longitudinally extending sides and first and second transversely extending end edges. The sheet is divided into first and second substantially quadrate sections by a fold line extending substantially medially of the sheet and running parallel to the end edges, with each of the first and second sections having top and bottom edges and first and second longitudinally extending sides. Each of the first and second sections having a central portion and an edge portion. One of the first and second sections of the presently described embodiment is provided with a window cutout that is positioned closer to one of the top and bottom edges and spaced inwardly from the edge and substantially within the central portion.  
         [0011]     The above mentioned embodiment may be provided with address information on one of the panels opposite that of the window panel such that when the sections are folded about the fold line the address information is visible through the window. In an alternative arrangement, the address information may be provided on a removable label so that the entire section may be printed with information and then the label that is used for address information is removed prior to use of the section.  
         [0012]     The window cutout may be covered with a glassine or other substantially transparent patch so as to fully cover the cut out and protect the information underlying the cutout area.  
         [0013]     In a still further embodiment of the present invention, a windowed postcard for mailing negotiable instruments is provided and includes a substantially quadrate sheet of material capable of receiving printing. The sheet has first and second faces, first and second sides and first and second end edges and a fold line that divides the sheet into first and second panels. In this embodiment, each of the first and second panels have a line of weakness disposed inwardly from the end edge and which runs parallel to the edge so as to define a major and minor area of the panels. One of the minor areas contains postal indicia on one of the first and second faces and adhesive on the other of the minor areas the first and second panels.  
         [0014]     In this presently described embodiment, a window cutout is also provided in the first panel and is sized and configured so as to be able to display address information when the first panel is folded over the second panel such that the cutout overlies the address information. The window cutout is disposed at least substantially in the major area of the first panel. The windowed postcard intermediate of this embodiment is suitable for the inclusion of a negotiable instrument which is provided on the second panel in the major area. The negotiable instrument is printed with indicia that enables redemption by a recipient.  
         [0015]     In an alternative or supplemental arrangement, the windowed postcard mailer intermediate can be provided with a card, selected from a group including business cards, identification cards, membership cards, credit cards and combinations thereof as an economical means of delivering cards to the intended end user.  
         [0016]     In a yet still further embodiment of the present invention, a method of using a windowed postcard, is described and includes the steps of initially providing a substantially quadrate sheet of material that has first and second faces and first and second panels and a windowed cutout provided in the first panel. The first and second panels each have major and minor areas. Next, address information is imprinted on a portion of second panel on the first face and substantially within the major area of the panel. After address information is printed then recipient interaction indicia is imaged on the second panel on the first face and substantially within the major area.  
         [0017]     Continuing with a brief description of the presently described embodiment, once the printing and/or imaging is completed the sheet is then folded about a fold line such that the address information is visible through the window cutout to form an outgoing postcard mailer. Once the postcard mailer is folded and sealed it is then sent to a pre-determined recipient. The recipient then returns at least a portion of the panel with the recipient interaction indicia thereon and that portion is received by a clearing house or the like which processes the portion of the panel having the recipient interaction indicia such that the information can be recorded and reported to the sponsor or sender of the postcard mailer intermediate.  
         [0018]     In a still further exemplary embodiment of the present invention a windowed postcard for mailing cards, is provided and includes a substantially quadrate sheet of material capable of receiving printing. The sheet has first and second faces, first and second sides and first and second end edges and a fold line that divides the sheet into first and second panels.  
         [0019]     In this embodiment, each of the first and second panels have a line of weakness that is disposed inwardly from the end edge and runs parallel to the edge so as to define a major and minor area of the panels. One of the minor areas containing postal indicia on one of the first and second faces and adhesive on another of the minor areas of the first and second panels.  
         [0020]     Still continuing with the presently described embodiment of the instant invention, a window cutout is provided in the first panel and is sized and configured so as to be able to display address information when the first panel is folded over the second panel such that the cutout overlies the address information. The window cutout is disposed at least substantially in the major area of the first panel. A card is provided in the current embodiment and is selected from a group including business cards, identification cards, membership cards, credit cards and combinations thereof. The card is positioned and placed on the second panel in the major area, with the card containing indicia enabling use by a recipient.  
         [0021]     These and other objects of the invention will become clear from an inspection of the detailed description of the invention and from the appended claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]     These, as well as other objects and advantages of this invention, will be more completely understood and appreciated by referring to the following more detailed description of the presently preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, of which:  
         [0023]      FIG. 1  depicts a front view of the windowed postcard intermediate of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  illustrates the back face of the windowed postcard intermediate and provides a window patch and adhesive sealing patterns suitable for use in creating a sealed outgoing mailer;  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  shows the postcard, windowed intermediate of the present invention illustrating the inclusion of a negotiable instrument and indicia related to the transmission and use of the instrument and using a removable label shown in phantom to carry address information;  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  provides a side elevation of the present invention showing the window patch, removable label and in an alternate or supplemental embodiment a card;  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  depicts the windowed postcard in a folded and sealed condition with address or delivery information visible through the window;  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  illustrates an additional embodiment of the present invention and includes a removable card and coupon;  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  shows a response return postcard that is provided in connection with coupons or other product or service offerings;  
         [0030]      FIG. 8  provides a still further view of the present invention in which an identification card or the like is provided on the winnowed panel of the postcard mailer;  
         [0031]      FIG. 9  depicts a modified version of the postcard mailer for transmitting checks to a recipient;  
         [0032]      FIG. 10  illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention in which the negotiable instrument is contained on the windowed panel of the postcard mailer so that a return piece may be provided; and  
         [0033]      FIG. 11  provides a block diagram showing the steps of using the windowed postcard mailer of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0034]     The present invention is now illustrated in greater detail by way of the following detailed description which represents the best presently known mode of carrying out the invention. However, it should be understood that this description is not to be used to limit the present invention, but rather, is provided for the purpose of illustrating the general features of the invention.  
         [0035]     Unexpectedly, it has been found that by being able to use a simplex printable postcard mailer, by the inclusion of window cutout, the market of available opportunities as well as users expands exponentially, thereby making postcards a more effective communication piece.  
         [0036]     Sheets suitable for forming the windowed postcard mailer intermediate of the present invention should have a size of about eight and a half inches by about five and half to about six inches (8.5″×5.5″-6″). When the material is folded about a fold line each panel or section will have dimensions of approximately 4.25″ by 5.5″-6.″ 
         [0037]     Material selected for use with the present invention should be printable and capable of being passed through postal sorting equipment. Generally, cellulosic stock is selected and the stock may contain a coating which adds a glossy appearance to the stock. Where cellulosic stock is selected normally a tag or card stock is used ranging from 80 to 120 pound material. Alternatively, one may use synthetic film for a base material. The material can be provided in a cut sheet arrangement or may be made available in a continuous format. In either format, the intermediates of the present invention are generally provided in a two wide or “two up” configuration. For an 8.5″ by 11″ sheet of material, the postcards will have dimensions of 8.5″ by 5.5″ to achieve the 11″ size of the sheet material.  
         [0038]     If a negotiable instrument is provided, it should have a minimum dimension of approximately 6″ by 2¾″ so as to be able to be processed through a financial institution. Minor portions, as will be described herein, are typically removed prior to attempting to process such instruments and will have an equivalent length of about 6″ and a width ranging from ½″ to 1½″. The minor portion needs to be sufficient in size so as to be able to accommodate postal indicia such as FIM codes and other sorting codes or information as is necessary and understood by those with skill in the art.  
         [0039]     In still other possible embodiments, the windowed mailer intermediate of the present invention can comprise two different materials such as cellulosic and synthetic that may be joined to one another along a mid point such as through the use of tape or other joining means. In this embodiment, where a sponsor of the mailing desires to provide a plastic or synthetic card, the card can be die cut from the synthetic material.  
         [0040]     Turning now to the FIGURES provided along with the instant specification,  FIG. 1  depicts one face of the windowed postcard intermediate of the present invention. The postcard intermediate is generally referred to herein by reference to numeral  10 .  
         [0041]     The postcard windowed intermediate mailer  10  has first and second sides referred to by the letters “A” and “B” with the second face being shown in  FIG. 2 . The intermediate  10  has first and second longitudinally extending sides  12  and  14  and first and second transversely extending end edges  16  and  18 . The intermediate  10  is divided by a fold line  20  into first and second sections or panels  22  and  24 . The fold line  20  may include a score line, line of weakness, perforation line or the like which would enable the first and second sections  22  and  24  to be separated from one another for the purposes of using the panels for the purpose intended. Each of the panels or sections  22  and  24  has first and second ends which are defined by transverse end edges  16  and  18  and the fold line  20 . The sections or panels  22  and  24  have a major and minor portions or central and edge areas  26 ,  26 * and  28 ,  28 *, respectively.  
         [0042]     A window cutout  30  is provided in panel or section  22  and is positioned inwardly of the edge defined by fold line  20  and substantially within the major portion or central area  26  of the intermediate  10  of the present invention.  
         [0043]     The minor portion or edge area  28  and  28 * of each of the panels or sections  22  and  24 , is defined by a lines of weakness  27  and  29  (perforation lines) which enable the separation of the minor or edge portion from the remainder of the mailer intermediate  10 . In this way, postal indicia  32  as well as adhesive patterns (discussed in  FIG. 2 ) can be removed from the intermediate  10  thereby enabling the processing of the redemption piece such as a coupon, negotiable instrument or the transmission of a response card, survey or the like.  
         [0044]      FIG. 1  also provides space for advertising or marketing messages  34 . Such advertising or marketing information may be preprinted such as by the manufacturer of the card so that duplex printing is not required by the end user and the card can still be processed in a simplex fashion. Alternatively, the provider of the substrate can produce colors, trademarks and the like prior to providing the material to the end user or manufacturer that may further process the substrate or material such as by the die cutting of the material.  
         [0045]      FIG. 2  shows the back or second face “B” of the mailer intermediate  10  of the present invention. As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the minor or edge portions  28  and  28 * have been provided with an adhesive  31  so that when the intermediate is folded about fold line  20  the intermediate will be sealed along edges  16  and  18 .  
         [0046]     As used herein, the term “adhesive” includes, but is not limited to strips, patterns, segments, shapes, spots, continuous arrangements, discontinuous arrangements and combinations thereof. The type of adhesive that may be used includes but is not limited to repositionable, removable, permanent, remoistenable, hot melt, pressure seal (cohesive), cold glues and combinations and mixtures thereof. The present invention may also include adhesive strips that are provided in the form of transfer tapes, pressure sensitive tapes and the like which usually will have a removable release liner, which when removed will expose and/or activate the adhesive that can be used to form a sealing arrangement.  
         [0047]     In the present invention, mating patterns of a cohesive  31 , such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,128 are used to create a pressure sealing type closure. That is, as the patterns are brought into contact with one another and pressure is applied, the mating patterns form a relatively permanent bond to secure the mailer intermediate  10  together along the end edges  16  and  18 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 2  also illustrates the use of a transparent patch  36  that has been provided over the window cutout  30 . The patch  36  may be glassine or other material that is suitable for allowing address or other information to be visible. The patch  36  is secured through the use of an adhesive  38  (typically a permanent, acrylic based adhesive). As is illustrated, the adhesive remains clear of the cutout window  30  creating an adhesive free zone  40  which precludes the adhesive from oozing into the area of the cutout  30  which may cause the panels or sections  22  and  24  to adhere unintentionally together.  
         [0049]     It should be pointed out at this juncture that in order to qualify for reduced postal rates, the interior of the assembly must open such as by bowing the panels  22  and  24  of the assembly outward (away from one another) so that an ovoid shape is created. Thus, adhesive from the patch needs to remain out of contact with the surface of panels  22  and  24 , hence the preference for an adhesive free zone  40  as provided in  FIG. 2  of the instant specification. Exemplary patches used in the present invention are available from Ward/Kraft, Inc., of Fort Scott, Kans. and are sold under the name VIEWTECH™.  
         [0050]      FIG. 3  of the present invention illustrates one exemplary use of the postcard intermediate  10 . Panel  22 , containing the cutout window  30  covered by transparent patch  36  is also provided with supplemental use indicia  42 . This information may include data related to why the recipient is receiving the mailing as well as directions for use. In addition, the indicia  42  may contain other marketing or advertising messages which may or may not be personalized to the particular recipient.  
         [0051]     The second panel  24  is imaged with a negotiable instrument such as a check in the major or central portion  26  of panel  24 . The negotiable instrument would include MICR numbering  46  would contains information relating to the account and routing number of the payor bank for the purposes of processing the instrument.  
         [0052]      FIG. 3  also illustrates the use of a removable label  44 , shown in phantom on the panel  24 . The removable label would be used to carry address information that would be visible when the window cutout is positioned over the label. The label would likely contain a light tack adhesive such as a repositionable adhesive, such as POST-IT® type adhesive available from 3M of St. Paul, Minn. so that the label could be easily removed from the instrument prior to the instrument being utilized by the recipient. The label  44  would be provided or placed onto the panel  24  after the intermediate has been imaged and may be placed by hand, such as may occur in a SOHO environment or alternatively may be blown or tipped on by means readily known or utilized in the industry.  
         [0053]     Other indicia  48  is typically added to the panel  24  prior to the mailing. In the example of a negotiable instrument, this may include the recipient&#39;s name, amount in numerical and alpha characters, address information, company and the like.  
         [0054]     If a removable label  44  is not used to provide the address information, then the window would be located in an area adjacent to the minor area or portion  28  and may partially overlap the minor portion  28  so that a full size check or negotiable instrument may be provided.  
         [0055]     The indicia on panels  22  and  24  may be printed all in one direction or one panel may have indicia provided that has an upside down appearance when viewed from the same end edge or angle. Printing of the indicia is accomplished by any known means such as non-impact printers, laser, ink jet, ion deposition and the like.  
         [0056]     Attention is now directed to  FIG. 4  of the instant invention where the intermediate  10  is shown from a side perspective. The intermediate  10  is again shown with first and second sections  22  and  24 , having end edges  16  and  18 . Fold line  20  separates the panels  22  and  24  from one another and forms generally quadrate sections as shown in the previous FIGURES.  
         [0057]      FIG. 4  also provides lines of weakness  27  and  29  that show the separation of the major and minor portions of the sections of the panels. Window cutout  30  is shown to illustrate the adhesive layer  38  and transparent patch  36  over the cutout area  30 . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a removable label  44  is shown as is a card, coupon or the like  50  which will be discussed in connection with additional FIGURES herein.  
         [0058]     Turning now to  FIG. 5  shows the intermediate  10  in a folded condition. Panel  22  and face “A” are shown in the FIGURE as is window cutout  30  having address indicia  44  shown therein.  FIG. 5  illustrates a different position of the window cutout  30  than those illustrated in the earlier FIGURES. Here, the cutout is disposed adjacent the minor portion  28  that is defined by line of weakness  29  and end edge  18 . The address indicia  44  can be provided via a label or alternatively can be printed directly on face “B” of the substrate  10 , panel  24 . In this configuration sufficient space is provided so that a fully negotiable check can be delivered to the recipient.  
         [0059]     Postal indicia  32  such as a FIM code is provided in the minor or edge portion area  28  and is to be detached via the line of perforation  29  so that the postcard mailer may be opened by the recipient. Tearing the intermediate  10  along line  29  will also remove the adhesive patterns that are used to seal the intermediate  10 .  
         [0060]      FIG. 6  depicts a still further embodiment of the present invention. The intermediate postcard mailer  10  is provided with a card  50  which may be a membership card, business card, identification card, credit card or the like. The card  50 , is provided on panel  24  and on interior face “B” of the intermediate  10 . The card  50  may be blown or tipped on to the surface  24  of the intermediate  10  and secured to the surface or face “B” through a removable adhesive.  
         [0061]     In addition to the card  50  in the present embodiment, a coupon  52  may also be provided as part of the offering. For example if card  50  is membership card to a video store, then coupon  52  can be a matched or complementary piece such as a coupon for a free movie rental or the like. Conditions for use, membership information and the like may be printed at  54  and the address to whom the card  50  and coupon are to be delivered is imaged at  55  which will be visible through the window  50  when the intermediate  10  is folded about fold line  20 .  
         [0062]     In an alternate embodiment, for the intermediate  10 , panels  22  and  24  may be composed of different materials. For example panel  22  which contains the window cutout  30  and coupon  52  may be prepared from a cellulosic stock, whereas panel  24  which includes the membership card  50  may be composed of a synthetic material such as plastic. The two different materials are then joined to one another through a strip of tape  56  or the like. The tape  56  would then have the line of perforations extending there through so that sections  22  and  24  could be separated from one another along fold line  20 .  
         [0063]     In this example, instead of tipping or blowing the card  50  onto the section  24 , the card  50  is formed integrally with the panel by die cutting the area to be occupied by the card as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. Thus, when the mailer intermediate  10  is received by the recipient instead of peeling the card  50  up from the adhesive, the card  50  is punched out of the material.  
         [0064]     While the card of the embodiment of  FIG. 6  is shown in a “portrait” configuration, the long dimension extending parallel to the longitudinal sides of the postcard, the card  50  may be presented in “landscape” mode in which the long dimension extends perpendicularly to the long dimension of the postcard intermediate  10 .  
         [0065]     In a still further embodiment of the present  FIG. 6 , a second card  50 * is shown in phantom so that plural cards could be provided to a single address, such as may be used by a family. Either a removable label would be used to provide the relevant address information or alternatively, the address information would be printed on a portion of the membership card  50 *. In this embodiment, the conditions of use  54  may then be provided on panel  22  and the coupon  52  may or may not be provided or it may be provided in a different configuration such as adjacent the window cutout  30 .  
         [0066]     Reference is now directed to  FIG. 7  of the present invention in which the intermediate  10  is depicted in a response configuration. As provided previously, the intermediate  10  is simplex printed so that face B contains all the printing to be provided relating to the offering to be sent by the sponsor of the mailing. Panel  22  may contain a coupon  60  related to a product or service offering that the sponsor of the mailing wishes the recipient of the intermediate  10  to try. Coupon  60  may be separated from the window portion of the panel along line of weakness  61 .  
         [0067]     After the product or service is sampled by the recipient of the intermediate  10 , the recipient would complete the survey or response section  64  contained on panel  24  and then simply forward the panel  24  to the pre-printed address  64  provided on panel  24 . The panel  24  would be provided with postage  66  and would contain the address information from whom the response is being mailed. Panel  24  is separated from panel or section  22  along fold line  20  as has been previously described. In this way, the sponsor of the mailing has information related to those respondents to send out future mailings. Prior art postcards would typically not contain this information.  
         [0068]     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , where a further embodiment of the present invention is presented and provides for the inclusion of a membership or identification card  50  on the windowed panel  22 . In addition, the remainder of the panel  22  may be used for the provision of a coupon  60  or the like. As previously discussed, the ends  28  are sealed to one another and the address  68  printed on panel  24  is visible through the window  30 . In this embodiment, the card  50  can be removed and a response provided by the return postcard constructed from panel  24 .  
         [0069]      FIG. 9  provides a further modification of the embodiment provided in  FIG. 3 . In  FIG. 9 , indicia relating to a check, such as MICR numbering  46 , are printed on panel  24 . Instead of using the label  44  of  FIG. 3  to show the address, instead the window  30  is positioned near the end edge of the postcard mailer so that when the postcard mailer is folded about line  20 , the address information will be visible through the window. As can be seen in this FIGURE, the window is provided over perforation line  29  and the window patch  36  is itself perforated enabling the postcard construction to be opened.  
         [0070]     Attention is now directed to  FIG. 10  of the present invention, in which a further embodiment of the postcard mailer is provided. In this arrangement, a negotiable instrument is provided on the windowed panel  22 . The negotiable instrument is provided with MICR printing  46  and other information related to the payor and payee  67  such as the amount and the like. The address information  68  will be visible through the window  30  when the postcard mailer is folded about central fold line  20 . In this embodiment, the address information or payor information  67  is reverse image printed to the address information  68  which will appear through the window. The postcard mailer will still be opened by tearing along perforation lines  27  and  29 . Perforation line  29  in this embodiment will also be provided such that the material  36  covering the window  30  will also be perforated so that the mailer may then be opened.  
         [0071]     In order to process the negotiable instrument, the check will have to be detached from the window portion along perforation line  69  as well as from panel  24  along medial fold line  20 . The instrument is then endorsed by the recipient and processed through conventional means.  
         [0072]      FIG. 11  presents a block diagram relating to a proposed method of using the postcard intermediate of the present invention. At the first step  100 , a substrate is provided. The substrate may be constructed of a single type of material or may represent a combination of material types that may be joined together such as by a line or strip of tape or the like. Next, the substrate or sheet of material which is intended to be generally planar so as to be able to easily process through a printer is imprinted at step  110  with address information of the intended recipient. The imprinting of address information may also include the printing of postal indicia. Alternatively, postal indicia can be provided by a manufacturer of the product. At step  120  recipient interactive data is provided on the surface of the intermediate.  
         [0073]     The term “recipient interactive” data or indicia is intended to mean indicia that enables a recipient the ability to act or interact with the mailing, such as through the processing of a negotiable instrument, i.e. the cashing of a check, use of a coupon such as through a bar code, personalized information that elicits a response or action from the recipient and such other information, data or indicia that will generally provide a stimulus to the recipient to take some action or steps in furtherance of the mailing.  
         [0074]     It should be understood that the steps of applying the address information and interactive indicia may be provided in reverse order, that is the interactive data is printed first and then the address information printed second.  
         [0075]     Once the indicia has been provided, and if a card or plural cards are to be provided, the cards would then be die cut at step  125  to create the necessary cuts to enable a recipient with the ability to remove the card from the intermediate. After the application of the indicia, the substrate is then folded at step  130  about a centrally disposed fold line as has been discussed previously.  
         [0076]     Next, and still referring to  FIG. 11 , the mailer postcard is sealed at step  140  using adhesive, which may seal immediately on contact such as with a pressure sensitive adhesive or alternatively through the use of an adhesive that requires some subsequent treatment such as heat, moisture or pressure to affect the sealing of the intermediate.  
         [0077]     After the postcard has been folded and sealed at steps  140  and  150 , the postcard is then placed in the mail at step  150 . It should be understood that placing the postcard in the mail may also comprise placing the postcard with a courier or other delivery service. The intention of step  150  is that the postcard will ultimately be received by the recipient at step  160 . It is hoped that through the delivery of the postcard and the presentation of recipient interactive data that the mailing will be responded to at step  170 . If the recipient responds to the mailing, then the sponsor can collect response data at  180  so as to determine whether the mailing was successful or not. Alternatively, the sponsor of the mailing can contract with a third party to collect the postcards and deliver a report to the sponsor of the mailing. Response collection can be conducted at the same site as the mailing or at different or remote sites from one another.  
         [0078]     It will thus be seen according to the present invention a highly advantageous windowed mailer postcard intermediate has been provided. While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, that many modifications and equivalent arrangements may be made thereof within the scope of the invention, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all equivalent structures and products.  
         [0079]     The inventors hereby state their intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of their invention as it pertains to any apparatus, system, method or article not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set out in the following claims.