METHOD AND AID FOR THE AUTOMATED SORTING OF MAIL BY ZIP CODE

摘要

A method and aid for sorting the mail is disclosed wherein a series of five columns of sequentially arranged numbers from zero to nine are positioned at a predetermined location on an article to be mailed. The columns may be positioned on a strip of material which also has a stamp on it. The stamp and the columns are separated from each other by a line which is weakened to facilitate bending. This strip can then be properly positioned on the article by folding at the line and attaching to the envelope so that the stamp is on one surface of the article to be mailed and the columns on another. The sender marks the appropriate number in each column corresponding to the equivalent digit in the zip code and at the post office automatic scanning and sorting devices read the markings and sort the mail accordingly.