CA2123247A1 - Multi-use envelope - Google Patents
Multi-use envelopeInfo
- Publication number
- CA2123247A1 CA2123247A1 CA002123247A CA2123247A CA2123247A1 CA 2123247 A1 CA2123247 A1 CA 2123247A1 CA 002123247 A CA002123247 A CA 002123247A CA 2123247 A CA2123247 A CA 2123247A CA 2123247 A1 CA2123247 A1 CA 2123247A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- envelope
- closure flap
- openable closure
- opening means
- opening
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D27/00—Envelopes or like essentially-rectangular containers for postal or other purposes having no structural provision for thickness of contents
- B65D27/12—Closures
- B65D27/14—Closures using adhesive applied to integral parts, e.g. flaps
- B65D27/16—Closures using adhesive applied to integral parts, e.g. flaps using pressure-sensitive adhesive
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D27/00—Envelopes or like essentially-rectangular containers for postal or other purposes having no structural provision for thickness of contents
- B65D27/06—Envelopes or like essentially-rectangular containers for postal or other purposes having no structural provision for thickness of contents with provisions for repeated re-use
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D27/00—Envelopes or like essentially-rectangular containers for postal or other purposes having no structural provision for thickness of contents
- B65D27/32—Opening devices incorporated during envelope manufacture
- B65D27/34—Lines of weakness
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure In accordance with the present invention a multiple use envelope for safely sending material to successive recipients is provided. The envelope broadly is a paperboard container having a generally rectangular, substantially closed bodywith one open edge opening into an interior cavity for receiving material. A
closure flap is connected to the body adjacent the open edge and can be manipulated to close the opening. On its interior surface, the closure flap carries two parallel sealing strips and two parallel opening strips for use by first and second senders and recipients. On its exterior surface, the closure flap carries an indicia receiving security block overlying at least a portion of at least one of the two opening strips.
The invention also encompasses a flat paperboard blank for forming into the envelope.
closure flap is connected to the body adjacent the open edge and can be manipulated to close the opening. On its interior surface, the closure flap carries two parallel sealing strips and two parallel opening strips for use by first and second senders and recipients. On its exterior surface, the closure flap carries an indicia receiving security block overlying at least a portion of at least one of the two opening strips.
The invention also encompasses a flat paperboard blank for forming into the envelope.
Description
21232~7 MVLTI-IJSE ENVELOPE
Tecl-nical !~eld The present ir.ven/cion relates to envelopes and, more particularly, to a mulffple use mailing or courier envelope wherein the envelope may be used to serl~ items to more than one recipient successively, and wherein the envelope includes a security feature for providing that only intended recipients operl the ' - envelope.
;, Background of the Invention U.S. Patent 1~896,425 (to 5carfi) discloses an envelope which may be sealed several times in a successive manner so that the envelope may be used several times for mailing purposes, and is provided with means for separating the closure flap from ~e body of the envelope so that no tools or letter-openers are required in J the opening operation. The envelope includes a closure flap comprising two strips, ~, a main dosure strip, which has its obverse surface ~eated with glue, and an auxillary ~losure flap continuing therefrom. .The auxiliary flap is folded over to lie flat upon the main flap but does not adhere to the glued surface of the latter.
Basically, the Scarfi envelope provides a plurality of dosure flaps wherein a top closure flap has an upper gummed surface which is ~e first flap used to 02iginally seal the envelope. A string is used to separate the auxiliary flap from the mainclosure flap, thereby opening the envelope. For a second or successive use of the enveloF3e, ~e gununed surface of the main flap is caused to adhere to the body of 2:L232 ;
the envelope, and the envelope is opened a second time by pulling the second string.
While the envelope disclosed by Scar~ provides Çor successiYe or multiple uses, there are some unaddressed problems. There is no disclosure of a security mechanism or tamper-evideneing fea~ure for ensuring that contents aIQ received by the intended recipient. The gummed or glu~treated surfaces of ~e envelope are unprotec~ed prior to activation or use. This can lead to unwanted activation, deterioration or contamination of the glue-treated or gummed surface. A related problem is that because the gummed surfaces are unprotected, ~he overlaid auxiliary and main f~aps may become stuck together rendering the envelope inoperative for its intended purpose. The ends of the opening str~ngs of the Scarfi envelope project from the edges of the envelope and this can damage automatic handling equipment or cause premature tearing of the envelope itself.
U.S. Patent 2,859,907 (to McFarland), particularly E ig5. 1~13 thereof, discloses an envelope induding a sealing and opening tape with a protective layer or release coating on at least one side. U.S. Patents 211,725 (to Foster), 754,201 (to Davalos) and British Patent 16,784 ~to Cooper) disclose envelopes with tearing strips "'onned by one or more lines of weakness. However, there is no disclosure or suggestion in these patents about how to achieve an envelope for more than one successive use, nor is there any suggestion about providirlg a dedicated, tamper-evidencing security feature ~or a multiple use envelope.
212 ~ 7 Although ~he envelopes disclosed in the above-noted patcnts and commercially available envelopes, particularly air expres~ envelopes such as those used by "Federal Express"~, represent improvemeIIts in the art~ if such envelo}:es could be used securely more than once, i.e., by successive senders and recipien~s, expensive nah~ resources could be saved. Additionally, it would be advantageous if such multi-use envelopes could be converted practically and easily to another use after being used by more than one sender and recipient, saving additional money and resources.
Clearly with current envelope technology, efficiency, securi~r and conservation are not optimized. Accordingly, there is a need for a durable, costefficient, secure multiple-use envelope.
Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, an envelop~type container for sending material to a recipient is provided. Ihe envelope broadly comprises a paperboard container having a generally rectangular, thin, substantially closed body with one open edge opening into an interior cavity for receiving ~ontents. A
dosure flap is connected to ~he body adjacent the open edge and can be manipulated to close ~e opening. Ihe envelope includes a security means for providing for the secure ~ansmittal of contents comprising at least one signature block or indiciareceiving location on the closure flap. At least one removable portion of the body adjacent to the closure flap enables the envelope to be converted to a filing folder for ~ ~ 2 ~
long te~n use. The invention encompasses a flat paperboard blank fo~ ~rming into the envelope of the present invention.
In its preferred embodiment, ~he present invention includes a closure flap carryulg at least two parallel adhesive seal strips, each being covered by a removable release layer. At least two tear opening strlps are ca~ied by the closure flap. l`he seal and tear strips alternate, a first tear strip being between the seal s~ips, and a second tear strip being between the connection between the closure flap and the body alld the seal strip most closely adjacent to the body when the closure flap is coplanar with the body, i.e., not closed. The connection between the closure flap and the envelope body, the seal strips and the tear strips are generally parallel and ~e seal and tear strips extend substantially for the length of the closure flap. The security signature bloclcs are immediately adjacent at least one of the tear strips, on the side of the closure flap exposed when the envelope is sealed, and at least partially overlie one of the tear strips.
A first alternative embodiment of the multiple use envelope of ~he present invention comprises an envelope initially having two open edges and a multiple sealing and opening arrangement wherein a first sealing and opening flap, carry~ng two sealing adhesive strips and a parallel opening tear strip therebetween, is Çoldably connected to the envelope body along one edge and a second opening f~ap ca~ryin~
at least one adhesive strip and one parallel tear opening strip is foldably connected to the envelope body along a second edge, either an edge perpendicular or an edge parallel to the ~oldable connection between the body ancl the first sealing and s 2 ~ 2 .~ Z ~ ~
opening flap. Similarly, in other embodiments, two or more sealing and opening flaps may ~e provided, one at each edge of the envelope body.
An object of the present invention is to provide a mul~i-trip courier mailing envelope having a mater;al receiving cavity defined by two major, generally parallel rectangular side wall panels. The envelope initially has at least one open edge and one or both of the side wall panels carry closure flaps including a main openable closure flap for dosing the at least one open edge. The closure flap for closing ~e open edge carries at least two parallel self-adhesive tape closing strips for securing the flap to one of the side wall panels and at least two parallel tear strips for opening the envelope. The closure flap carrying the tape and tear strips may be either a long end dosure flap or a short end closure flap, or both. Alternatively, two adhesive tape strips with a single tear ~ape therebetween may be carried on one closure flap and a single adhesive strip and single tear strip may be carried on a selected another of the four closure flaps. Another closing tape strip may be added to the la~ter selected another closure flap as a fail-safe device, i.e., even if the first receiver or addressee opens the tear strip intended for use by a subsequent addressee, ~e envelope can be resealed and used again.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an envelope including a security means for protecting valuable or sensitive items eontained therein, wherein the security means comprises at least one si~nature, seal or code security block or box overlying at least one opening tear strip on ~e exterior of the envelope.
Similarly, more than one security block may be provided for a single tear strip, each 2 ~ 7 tear strip may have associated security signatl~re block~, and the security means may include a "travelers-checlc" arrangement, wherein security blocks are provided in one or more locations on the envelope, including one or more locations on one or more closl~re flaps, for receiving matching signatures or security codes.
Yet another object of the present invention is tc~ provide a mailing container for securely sending material ~rom multiple successi~re senders to multiple successive recipients.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a mailing envelope for shipping material from a first sender to a first recipient, whereby the first recipient may reuse the envelope to send material to a second recipient, and wherein each recipient is provided with means, a tear strip or filamerlt, for facilitating the opening of the envelope and each sender is provided with means, a security signature block, for ensuring that the envelope is opened only by the intended recipient.
An advantage of the present invention is that it combines easy opening and durability in a multi-use mailing envelope having a tear resistant body and at least one closure flap with elongated tear strips or filaments which make it easy for a recipient to open the envelope.
Another advantage of the envelope of the present invention is that it combires multiple use mailing, i.e., it may be sent and received by more than one sender and recipient, with a useful end US2 as a durable file hlder providing easy f~
2 1 2 ~
access to stored documents, secure storage thereof, and means for identifying the stored contenZ~.
Other advantages of Z~e present anvention are: it can be used with suitable supplemental paclcaging and mailing materials, such as overwraps and labels, and it may be provided in various sizes to contain many different materials without substantial redesign or recon~igur~tion of the basic design.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent and understood with reference itO the ~ollowing specification and to the appended drawings and claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a plan view of a di~cut and scored blank for forming the envelope of the present invention, the inside side of the blank being shown;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the blank shown in Fig. 1, showing ~he opposite side of the blank, the side which is the exterior of the envelope erected therefrom;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the envelope of the present islvention folded up and ready to reoeive contents, and further depic~dng a first adhesive seal protecting element partially remove<i by the first sender;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view depicting the envelope of the present invention sealed and ready for sending, also depicting the beginning of openang the enYelope by the farst recipient;
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212 3 ~ ~ ~
Fig. S is a perspective view of the envelope of the present invention depicting it fully opened lby a second receiYer;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view depicting the reverse side of the envelope depicted in Fig. 5 with ~e filing folder enabling removable segment depicted removed therefrom in an exploded view;
~ ig. 7 is a plan view of a first alterna~ve embodiment of the envelope of ~e present invention sealed ard ready for sending;
Fig. 8 is a plan view of a second alternative e;nbodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 9 is a plan view depicting a third alternative embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 10 is a plan view of a di~cut and scored blank for forming a fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 11 is a plan view of the other side of the blank depicted in Fig. 10;
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention ~olded up with ~e peel-off removable adhesive protective seal tape partially removed as it would be removed by the first sender prior to the first sending of the envelope; and Pig. 13 is a perspective view of the fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention sealed and ready for sending to the first receiver.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment 2 1 2 3 ~ ~ I
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:~ Figs. 1 and 2 depict a die-cut blank 20 for forming, in accordance wi~ the present invention, the eouner type mailing envelope 22 depic~ed, subs~ ially sealed and ready for use, in Fig. 4. In the drawings, double lines indicate scores used to fo~n fold lines and single solid or single dashed lines indicate cuts, edges or free edges, except where o~herwise indicated.
The blank 20 is made from paperboard and includes a front wall panel 24 foldably connected o~ ar~iculated to a rear wall panel 26 at a fold line 28. A first closure flap 30 is foldably connected to the front panel 24 at a fold line 32 generally perpendicular to the fold line 28. The first closure flap has a free long edge 34, ~wo tapered elld edges 36, 37 and carries a generally central perrnanent adhesive region 38. A second end closure flap 40 is foldably connected to the front panel 24 along a fold line 42 which is generally parallel to the fold line 32. The second closure flap 40 is substarltially sirnilar to the first closure flap 30, having a long free edge 44, shor~
~apered free edges 46, 47 and an adhesive region 48.
The rear panel 26 is substantially similar to ~e front panel 24 and is defined by the fold line 28, a first free edge 50 collinear with the fold line 32, a second free edge 52 collinear with the fold line 42, and a ~ird long free edge 54, generally .j parallel to the fold line 28.
With continued reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the blank 20 includes a main openable closure flap 51. The main closure flap 51 is foldably connected to the front panel 24 along a fold line 56 which is generally parallel to the fold line 28. The main dosure panel 51 is fur~er defined by free end edges 58, 60, ~e end edge S8 being ~0 . 2 t~ f.~
collinear withi fold line 32 and the end edge 60 being collinear with the fold line 42.
The main closure panel 51 has a long free edge 62 generally perpendicular to ~e end edges 58, 6û, and parallel to the fold lines 5S, 28 and free edge 54 of ~ie rear panel 26.
The main openable closure flap 51 includes two parallel adhesive seal st~ips or regions 64, 66. The adhesive sealing regions or strips 64, 66 are between the fold line 56 and the free edge 62 and may be formed by affixing the well-known tw~sided adhesive tape to the interior or inside of the main closure flap 51. Such tape is well-known, having two adhesive surfaces each protected by release layer. One of the sides connects the tape to the closure flap 51, the other remains covered by the peel-off release or protective layer 68, 70, respectively.
The openable closure flap 51 includes two tear strips 72, 74. Referring speciQcally to Fig. 1, the tear strips 72, 74 include a plastic reinforcing tear filament 76, 78, respectively. The filaments 76, 78 comprise s~ong tensile tape which may carry pre-applied adhesive to adhere it to the interior surface of the closure flap 51 or the filaments 76~ 78 may be glued in place by suitable adhesives applied to the dosure flap 51. The tear filaments 76, 78 are parallel, with respect to each other, with respect to the sealing region 64, 66, and with respect to the fold line 56 joining the i, main closure panel 51 to the front panel 24. The tear strips extend linearly across the main closure flap 50 from one edge to the other (free edges 58, 60). Adjacent each end, an associated tear tab 80 is formed in the main dosure panel 51. The tabs 80 are all substantially similar and are formed by weakening cut lines 82 on either side of 2123~ ~
the tear filaments 76, 78. Although the tab ends are substantially collinear with the free edges 58, 60, they may extend slightly therefrom to facilita~e grasping the tabs 80.
The front panel 24 includes a line of weakness 84 fo~ned by a plurality o~
linear perforations or cuts separated by rucks. The line of weakness 84 is generally parallel to fold lines 28, 56 and extends substantially cross the front panel 24 adjacent to the main closure flap 51. At each end of the line of weakness 84 a plurality of parallel cuts 86 angle toward the corners of the front panel 24 ~ormed by the intersection of the fold line 56 and the fold lines 32, 42, connecting the ends of the line of weakness 84 to the corners.
Referring specifically to Fig. 2, the exterior side of the blank 20 carries security signature blocks 90, 92. Additional security signature blocks may be provided ~s indicated by the blocks 93, depicted in phantom. Security blocks 90, 92 overly the tear strips 72, 74 on the opposite side of the clssure flap 51 and may be formed by printed lines, by providing a debossed or depressed area on the exterior surface of the blanlc 20, or by providing embossed or raised lines defining the blocks 90, 92.
With continued reference to Fig. 2, the exterior surface of the blank 20 may be printed with suitable text or instructions ;nciuding starter arrows 96, first receiver instructions 98, second receiver instructions 100 and folder conversion instructions 102. The inside surface of the rear panel 26 (refer to Fig. 1) may be provided with a single printed line 104 along the free edge 54, as well as instructions indicia as represented at block 106.
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Referring to Figs. ~5, particularly Fig. 4, the blanl; 20 is shown assembled into the envelope 22 of the present invention. To foldably erect the blank 20, the rear wall panel 26 is folded along the fold line 28 until it i5 generally parallel and closely adjacent to the front wall p~nel 24. The closure flaps 30, 40 are folded along the fold lines 32, 42, respectively, until they overly the rear wall panel 76. The adhesive regions 38, 48 ca~ied by the closure flaps affix the flaps 30, 40 permanently in place.
The closure flaps 40, 30 are affixed to the exterior surface of the rear panel 26 to create an interference free envelope cavity. Folding the blank 20 as just outlined produces an envelope 22 having the cor~iguration depicted in Fig. 3; the folding and gluing may be done at the time of manufacture, leaving an open edge or segment 105 along 7he fold line 56 adJacent to the main closure flap 51. A first sender may insert contents into the envelope 22 while it is in ~e configuration depicted in Fig. 3. As is also depicted in Fig. 3, after contents are inserted, ~he peel~ff release layer 7û
covering the adhesive strip 66 closest to the free edge 62 of the rnain closure flap S0 may be removed and the closure flap 51 as a whole is folded downwardly about the fold line 56 until it contacts and is generally parallel to the rear wall panel 26. Thus, the envelope 22 is sealed by the first sender.
Fig. 4 depicts the opening of the envelope 22 when it arrives at the first addressee or recipient. Specifically, the first recipient grasps the tear tab 80 assoaated with the tear s~ip 74 to remove it completely as shown in Fig. 5. The tear filament 78 underlying the strip 74 cuts the flap 51 in a line across the extent of the flap 51.
Either tab 80 at the ends of the tear strip 74 can be used to start tearing. After the - 2~ 2~7 ship 74 is removed, the closure flap 51 may be unfolded about line 56 until it i5 again coplanar with the front panel 24 (as shown in Fig. 3) and the contents of the envelope Z may be extracted.
The first recipient may ~en become the second sender by refilling ~e envelope 22, removing the peel-off tape 68 in the second adhesive strip region 64, and refolding the closure flap 51 about the fold line 56 un~il it again overlies the rear panel 26. The envelope 2~ will then substantially be in the conditiorl depieted in Fig. 4; however, the first tear strip 74 will be missing as shown in Fig. 5. In this condition, the envelope 22 may be mailed to another, second recipient who, upon receipt, grasps a tab 80 at either end of the second receiver's tear strip 72 ~d removes the tear strip 72 from the envelope 22. The contents of the envelope 22 can be extracted, and the envelope 22 will have the configuration depicted in Fig. 5.
Fig. 6 depicts a filing folder 2~' created or adapted from the envelope 22.
Specifically, the front panel 24 includes a removable segment or portion 110 defined by the line of weakness 84 and the end lines of weakness ~6. ~e file folder configuration 2~' is obtained by separating ~e segment 110 from the body of the envelope. This reveals the labeling line 104 as well as the text portion 106.
Fig. 7 depicts a second preferred embodiment of the invention. This second embodiment, similar in many respects to the embodiment depicted in Figs. 1~, comprises a multiple-use mailing envelope 2~. The blank for forming the second embodiment envelope 222 is not depicted but is substantially similar to the blank 20 (depicted in Figs. 1-6~ except that the second embodiment 222 includes a main 2 ~
closure flap 250 at one of the short ends of the envelope 22~ rather than' the long end of the envelope as depicted in Figs. 1~. In folding the blank to ~eate the second embodiment of the envelope ~2, the first closure flap 252 and second end closure flap 254 are folded in to overlie the rear wall panel 256 and perrnanently glued in place at adhesive regions depicted at 258, 260. The main closure panel 250 will be adjacent the remaining open edge of the envelope. Ihe envelope 22~ can be filled through the open edge and the main elosure flap 250 ~Ided about the fold line 262 until it overlies the rear panel ~56.
Before folding the flap 250 about line 262, the Qrst sender removes the release layer covering the adhesive strip 264 whereby the flap 250 will be adhered to the body of the envelope 222. The first recipient may grasp either of tabs 266 to remove the first tear strip 268 to open the envelope. After removing the contents, the envelope 222 can be refilled and resent by removing the release layer of the second adhesive 270, whereby the main closure flap 250 can be reconnected to the rear wall 256 of the envelope 222. Upon receipt, the second recipient grasps either of the tabs 272 to remove the second tear strip 274 to gain access to the contents.
Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is depicted in Fig. 8.
In this embodiment, again similar to the first embodiment, a multi-use envelope 322 is provided. In this embodiment of the present invention, the envelope 3~
includes a permanent closure ~lap 324 carrying a permanent adhesive region 326.
Opposite the first permanent closure flap 324, the envelope in~ludes a firs~ openable short end closure Qap 328. The openable flap 328 includes a single opening tear s~ip ~5 - - 2~232'~7 330 generally centrally located in the flap 328 and two adhesiYe areas, a first adhe.siv2 strip 332 and a second adhesive strip 3~ closely adjacent to the fold line 336 at which the flap 328 is connected to the envelope 322. One long edge of the envelope 322 i~
defined by fold line 340 connecting the front and rear side wall panels of the envelope 322. The other long ed~e of the envelope 3æ is defined by a fold line 342 connecting a shird closure flap 344 to the envelope 322. The shird closure flap 344 calYies a permanent adhesive region 346 and is provided with an opening tear s~ip 348, including starter tabs 350 at each end. I~e Sear strip 348 lies between the fold line 342 and the permarent adhesive area 346.
In use, the envelope 322 has an initial open edge underlying the closure flap 328. The first sender may fill the envelope, remove the release layer covering the adhesive strip 332 and close the flap 328. The first recipient may grasp one of the starter tabs 331 associated with the tear strip 330 to remove 1~, thereby opening the envelope 32~. The envelope may be emptied and refilled, and then resealed by removing the release layer protecting the adhesive strip 33~. A second addressee or recipient may gain access to ~he contents of the envelope 322 by tearing away t~.e tear strip 348. As in all the embodiments described herein, the envelope 322 may car~
textual instructional information, as depicted at bloclcs 352 in ~ig. 8. Similarly, security blocks 353, sirnilar to blocks 90, 92 depicted in Fig. 2, may ~e used with all of the embodiments described herein.
A fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is depicted in Figs.
10-13. Referring to Figs 10 and 11, the blank 420 for thi5 emb<:diment includes a ', .
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21232~ 7 front panel 422 foldably connected to a rear panel 4~4 along the fold line'426. A first closure panel d~8 is foldably coupled to ~ ront panel 42~ along a fold line 430 parallel ~o ~e fold line 426. A first openable closure flap 432 is oupled to the fron~
panel 422 along a fold line 434 generally perpendicular to the fold lines 425, 430. A
second openable closure flap 436 is foldably coupled to the front panel 422 along a fold line 438 parallel to the fold line 434.
Referring to Fig. 11, the inside surface of the blank 420, specifieally the inside of the closure flap 428 carries a permanent adhesive region 440. Similarly, the end flap 432 carries a permanent adhesive strip 442 and an opening tear strip 444, including a tear filament 446. The second openable closure flap 436 includes two adhesive regions 448, 450 and a tear strip 452 therebetween. As in previous embodiments, the envelope 421 may carry indicia or appropriate instructional material as shown at 454 in Fig. 10 In use, the fourth embodiment envelope 421 is formed by folding the openable closure flaps 432, 436 about fold lines 434, 438, respectively, ~hereby forming an enclosed envelope with an open edge along fold line 430. The first sender removes the protective peel-off strip 441 from the adhesive strip 440 after filling the envelope. A first recipient grasps the tabs at ~e end of the tear strip 452 to open the envelope for the first time. After emptying the envelope 421, the first reapient may refill and reseal the envelope by removing the protective layer 448 from the adhesive strip 449 and folding the end flap 436 about ~e foid line 438 to . 2~J32~(f reseal the envelope. The second recipient rnay use the tear sf~rip 446 to access f~he contents.
As shown in ~igs. 1~13, the closure flap 428 includes relieved regions 456 and 458 generally at the ends thereof to accommodate the f~ear sf~ips, speafically the starter tabs at f~he ends ~hereof. This arrangement also permits a generally coplanar envel~pe to facilitate automatic handling and provide enhanced durabilif~y.
Yet another embo~iment of the present invenf~ion is depicted in Fig. 9. The envelope 522 depicted in Fig. 9 is substantially similar to the envelope 322 deplcted in Fig. 8. The envelope 522 is adapted to include a "fail-safe" feature by providing the long end closure flap 524 with a second adhesive region 526. The first sender seals the envelope 522 at the openable closure flap 532. Normally, the first recipient would open the envelope 522 by removing tear sf~ip 534, then would refill and reseal f~he envelope 522 by using adhesive strip 535. Even if ~he tear sf~ip 528, intended for use by f~he second recipient, is torn by the first recipient, the envelope 522 can still be used at le st twice. The release layer protecting adhesive sf~rip 526 can still be removed by the first recipient and the rernaining por~don of the flap 524 may be affixed to the ~ody of the envelope 522. The second recipient of ~he envelope 522 may use the tear s~ip 534, intended to be used by the first recipient, to open the envelope 522.
In summary, the invention provides a multi-use envelope structure induding multiple adhesive strips protected by release layers, and multiple ~ear .
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Ll 7 strips. The enYelope indudes a ~ecuAty feature (as depic~ed in Figs. 2, 4 and 8) to pr~vide that only .he intended recipients open the envelope ~o access the contents.
The present invention may be changed by m~difying the number and sh2pe of the peripheral edges, and by changing the shape of the ~ear tabs for removing the tear strips. Various appropriate materials rnay be used to form the envelope, and cushioning material may be incorporated to provide a cushioning envelope for protecting delicate contents, e.g., a layer or layers of material such as "bubble"
packaging material may be adhered to the inside of the envelope. For sealing the envelope, double or two-sided adhesive tapes, suitable adhesives or cohesives can be used in the depicted adhesive regions. Various cross-sectional configurations of the envelope can be made. For example, ins~ead of having imrnediately adjacent main side walls, the side walls might be spaced to provide a box-like mailing container having a width and a contents receiving cavity capable of holding a thick item or a stack of sheets. Of course, the envelope may be provided wi~h indicia, instructional material or graphics as appropriate.
Although descriptions of preferred embodiments have been presented, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, including those mentioned above, could be made without from the spirit of the present invention.
It is desired, therefore, that the preceding descriptions be considered in all respects as illustrative, not restrictive, and that reference be made to the appended claims to indicate the scope of the invention.
Tecl-nical !~eld The present ir.ven/cion relates to envelopes and, more particularly, to a mulffple use mailing or courier envelope wherein the envelope may be used to serl~ items to more than one recipient successively, and wherein the envelope includes a security feature for providing that only intended recipients operl the ' - envelope.
;, Background of the Invention U.S. Patent 1~896,425 (to 5carfi) discloses an envelope which may be sealed several times in a successive manner so that the envelope may be used several times for mailing purposes, and is provided with means for separating the closure flap from ~e body of the envelope so that no tools or letter-openers are required in J the opening operation. The envelope includes a closure flap comprising two strips, ~, a main dosure strip, which has its obverse surface ~eated with glue, and an auxillary ~losure flap continuing therefrom. .The auxiliary flap is folded over to lie flat upon the main flap but does not adhere to the glued surface of the latter.
Basically, the Scarfi envelope provides a plurality of dosure flaps wherein a top closure flap has an upper gummed surface which is ~e first flap used to 02iginally seal the envelope. A string is used to separate the auxiliary flap from the mainclosure flap, thereby opening the envelope. For a second or successive use of the enveloF3e, ~e gununed surface of the main flap is caused to adhere to the body of 2:L232 ;
the envelope, and the envelope is opened a second time by pulling the second string.
While the envelope disclosed by Scar~ provides Çor successiYe or multiple uses, there are some unaddressed problems. There is no disclosure of a security mechanism or tamper-evideneing fea~ure for ensuring that contents aIQ received by the intended recipient. The gummed or glu~treated surfaces of ~e envelope are unprotec~ed prior to activation or use. This can lead to unwanted activation, deterioration or contamination of the glue-treated or gummed surface. A related problem is that because the gummed surfaces are unprotected, ~he overlaid auxiliary and main f~aps may become stuck together rendering the envelope inoperative for its intended purpose. The ends of the opening str~ngs of the Scarfi envelope project from the edges of the envelope and this can damage automatic handling equipment or cause premature tearing of the envelope itself.
U.S. Patent 2,859,907 (to McFarland), particularly E ig5. 1~13 thereof, discloses an envelope induding a sealing and opening tape with a protective layer or release coating on at least one side. U.S. Patents 211,725 (to Foster), 754,201 (to Davalos) and British Patent 16,784 ~to Cooper) disclose envelopes with tearing strips "'onned by one or more lines of weakness. However, there is no disclosure or suggestion in these patents about how to achieve an envelope for more than one successive use, nor is there any suggestion about providirlg a dedicated, tamper-evidencing security feature ~or a multiple use envelope.
212 ~ 7 Although ~he envelopes disclosed in the above-noted patcnts and commercially available envelopes, particularly air expres~ envelopes such as those used by "Federal Express"~, represent improvemeIIts in the art~ if such envelo}:es could be used securely more than once, i.e., by successive senders and recipien~s, expensive nah~ resources could be saved. Additionally, it would be advantageous if such multi-use envelopes could be converted practically and easily to another use after being used by more than one sender and recipient, saving additional money and resources.
Clearly with current envelope technology, efficiency, securi~r and conservation are not optimized. Accordingly, there is a need for a durable, costefficient, secure multiple-use envelope.
Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, an envelop~type container for sending material to a recipient is provided. Ihe envelope broadly comprises a paperboard container having a generally rectangular, thin, substantially closed body with one open edge opening into an interior cavity for receiving ~ontents. A
dosure flap is connected to ~he body adjacent the open edge and can be manipulated to close ~e opening. Ihe envelope includes a security means for providing for the secure ~ansmittal of contents comprising at least one signature block or indiciareceiving location on the closure flap. At least one removable portion of the body adjacent to the closure flap enables the envelope to be converted to a filing folder for ~ ~ 2 ~
long te~n use. The invention encompasses a flat paperboard blank fo~ ~rming into the envelope of the present invention.
In its preferred embodiment, ~he present invention includes a closure flap carryulg at least two parallel adhesive seal strips, each being covered by a removable release layer. At least two tear opening strlps are ca~ied by the closure flap. l`he seal and tear strips alternate, a first tear strip being between the seal s~ips, and a second tear strip being between the connection between the closure flap and the body alld the seal strip most closely adjacent to the body when the closure flap is coplanar with the body, i.e., not closed. The connection between the closure flap and the envelope body, the seal strips and the tear strips are generally parallel and ~e seal and tear strips extend substantially for the length of the closure flap. The security signature bloclcs are immediately adjacent at least one of the tear strips, on the side of the closure flap exposed when the envelope is sealed, and at least partially overlie one of the tear strips.
A first alternative embodiment of the multiple use envelope of ~he present invention comprises an envelope initially having two open edges and a multiple sealing and opening arrangement wherein a first sealing and opening flap, carry~ng two sealing adhesive strips and a parallel opening tear strip therebetween, is Çoldably connected to the envelope body along one edge and a second opening f~ap ca~ryin~
at least one adhesive strip and one parallel tear opening strip is foldably connected to the envelope body along a second edge, either an edge perpendicular or an edge parallel to the ~oldable connection between the body ancl the first sealing and s 2 ~ 2 .~ Z ~ ~
opening flap. Similarly, in other embodiments, two or more sealing and opening flaps may ~e provided, one at each edge of the envelope body.
An object of the present invention is to provide a mul~i-trip courier mailing envelope having a mater;al receiving cavity defined by two major, generally parallel rectangular side wall panels. The envelope initially has at least one open edge and one or both of the side wall panels carry closure flaps including a main openable closure flap for dosing the at least one open edge. The closure flap for closing ~e open edge carries at least two parallel self-adhesive tape closing strips for securing the flap to one of the side wall panels and at least two parallel tear strips for opening the envelope. The closure flap carrying the tape and tear strips may be either a long end dosure flap or a short end closure flap, or both. Alternatively, two adhesive tape strips with a single tear ~ape therebetween may be carried on one closure flap and a single adhesive strip and single tear strip may be carried on a selected another of the four closure flaps. Another closing tape strip may be added to the la~ter selected another closure flap as a fail-safe device, i.e., even if the first receiver or addressee opens the tear strip intended for use by a subsequent addressee, ~e envelope can be resealed and used again.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an envelope including a security means for protecting valuable or sensitive items eontained therein, wherein the security means comprises at least one si~nature, seal or code security block or box overlying at least one opening tear strip on ~e exterior of the envelope.
Similarly, more than one security block may be provided for a single tear strip, each 2 ~ 7 tear strip may have associated security signatl~re block~, and the security means may include a "travelers-checlc" arrangement, wherein security blocks are provided in one or more locations on the envelope, including one or more locations on one or more closl~re flaps, for receiving matching signatures or security codes.
Yet another object of the present invention is tc~ provide a mailing container for securely sending material ~rom multiple successi~re senders to multiple successive recipients.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a mailing envelope for shipping material from a first sender to a first recipient, whereby the first recipient may reuse the envelope to send material to a second recipient, and wherein each recipient is provided with means, a tear strip or filamerlt, for facilitating the opening of the envelope and each sender is provided with means, a security signature block, for ensuring that the envelope is opened only by the intended recipient.
An advantage of the present invention is that it combines easy opening and durability in a multi-use mailing envelope having a tear resistant body and at least one closure flap with elongated tear strips or filaments which make it easy for a recipient to open the envelope.
Another advantage of the envelope of the present invention is that it combires multiple use mailing, i.e., it may be sent and received by more than one sender and recipient, with a useful end US2 as a durable file hlder providing easy f~
2 1 2 ~
access to stored documents, secure storage thereof, and means for identifying the stored contenZ~.
Other advantages of Z~e present anvention are: it can be used with suitable supplemental paclcaging and mailing materials, such as overwraps and labels, and it may be provided in various sizes to contain many different materials without substantial redesign or recon~igur~tion of the basic design.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent and understood with reference itO the ~ollowing specification and to the appended drawings and claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a plan view of a di~cut and scored blank for forming the envelope of the present invention, the inside side of the blank being shown;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the blank shown in Fig. 1, showing ~he opposite side of the blank, the side which is the exterior of the envelope erected therefrom;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the envelope of the present islvention folded up and ready to reoeive contents, and further depic~dng a first adhesive seal protecting element partially remove<i by the first sender;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view depicting the envelope of the present invention sealed and ready for sending, also depicting the beginning of openang the enYelope by the farst recipient;
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212 3 ~ ~ ~
Fig. S is a perspective view of the envelope of the present invention depicting it fully opened lby a second receiYer;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view depicting the reverse side of the envelope depicted in Fig. 5 with ~e filing folder enabling removable segment depicted removed therefrom in an exploded view;
~ ig. 7 is a plan view of a first alterna~ve embodiment of the envelope of ~e present invention sealed ard ready for sending;
Fig. 8 is a plan view of a second alternative e;nbodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 9 is a plan view depicting a third alternative embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 10 is a plan view of a di~cut and scored blank for forming a fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 11 is a plan view of the other side of the blank depicted in Fig. 10;
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention ~olded up with ~e peel-off removable adhesive protective seal tape partially removed as it would be removed by the first sender prior to the first sending of the envelope; and Pig. 13 is a perspective view of the fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention sealed and ready for sending to the first receiver.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment 2 1 2 3 ~ ~ I
.;
:~ Figs. 1 and 2 depict a die-cut blank 20 for forming, in accordance wi~ the present invention, the eouner type mailing envelope 22 depic~ed, subs~ ially sealed and ready for use, in Fig. 4. In the drawings, double lines indicate scores used to fo~n fold lines and single solid or single dashed lines indicate cuts, edges or free edges, except where o~herwise indicated.
The blank 20 is made from paperboard and includes a front wall panel 24 foldably connected o~ ar~iculated to a rear wall panel 26 at a fold line 28. A first closure flap 30 is foldably connected to the front panel 24 at a fold line 32 generally perpendicular to the fold line 28. The first closure flap has a free long edge 34, ~wo tapered elld edges 36, 37 and carries a generally central perrnanent adhesive region 38. A second end closure flap 40 is foldably connected to the front panel 24 along a fold line 42 which is generally parallel to the fold line 32. The second closure flap 40 is substarltially sirnilar to the first closure flap 30, having a long free edge 44, shor~
~apered free edges 46, 47 and an adhesive region 48.
The rear panel 26 is substantially similar to ~e front panel 24 and is defined by the fold line 28, a first free edge 50 collinear with the fold line 32, a second free edge 52 collinear with the fold line 42, and a ~ird long free edge 54, generally .j parallel to the fold line 28.
With continued reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the blank 20 includes a main openable closure flap 51. The main closure flap 51 is foldably connected to the front panel 24 along a fold line 56 which is generally parallel to the fold line 28. The main dosure panel 51 is fur~er defined by free end edges 58, 60, ~e end edge S8 being ~0 . 2 t~ f.~
collinear withi fold line 32 and the end edge 60 being collinear with the fold line 42.
The main closure panel 51 has a long free edge 62 generally perpendicular to ~e end edges 58, 6û, and parallel to the fold lines 5S, 28 and free edge 54 of ~ie rear panel 26.
The main openable closure flap 51 includes two parallel adhesive seal st~ips or regions 64, 66. The adhesive sealing regions or strips 64, 66 are between the fold line 56 and the free edge 62 and may be formed by affixing the well-known tw~sided adhesive tape to the interior or inside of the main closure flap 51. Such tape is well-known, having two adhesive surfaces each protected by release layer. One of the sides connects the tape to the closure flap 51, the other remains covered by the peel-off release or protective layer 68, 70, respectively.
The openable closure flap 51 includes two tear strips 72, 74. Referring speciQcally to Fig. 1, the tear strips 72, 74 include a plastic reinforcing tear filament 76, 78, respectively. The filaments 76, 78 comprise s~ong tensile tape which may carry pre-applied adhesive to adhere it to the interior surface of the closure flap 51 or the filaments 76~ 78 may be glued in place by suitable adhesives applied to the dosure flap 51. The tear filaments 76, 78 are parallel, with respect to each other, with respect to the sealing region 64, 66, and with respect to the fold line 56 joining the i, main closure panel 51 to the front panel 24. The tear strips extend linearly across the main closure flap 50 from one edge to the other (free edges 58, 60). Adjacent each end, an associated tear tab 80 is formed in the main dosure panel 51. The tabs 80 are all substantially similar and are formed by weakening cut lines 82 on either side of 2123~ ~
the tear filaments 76, 78. Although the tab ends are substantially collinear with the free edges 58, 60, they may extend slightly therefrom to facilita~e grasping the tabs 80.
The front panel 24 includes a line of weakness 84 fo~ned by a plurality o~
linear perforations or cuts separated by rucks. The line of weakness 84 is generally parallel to fold lines 28, 56 and extends substantially cross the front panel 24 adjacent to the main closure flap 51. At each end of the line of weakness 84 a plurality of parallel cuts 86 angle toward the corners of the front panel 24 ~ormed by the intersection of the fold line 56 and the fold lines 32, 42, connecting the ends of the line of weakness 84 to the corners.
Referring specifically to Fig. 2, the exterior side of the blank 20 carries security signature blocks 90, 92. Additional security signature blocks may be provided ~s indicated by the blocks 93, depicted in phantom. Security blocks 90, 92 overly the tear strips 72, 74 on the opposite side of the clssure flap 51 and may be formed by printed lines, by providing a debossed or depressed area on the exterior surface of the blanlc 20, or by providing embossed or raised lines defining the blocks 90, 92.
With continued reference to Fig. 2, the exterior surface of the blank 20 may be printed with suitable text or instructions ;nciuding starter arrows 96, first receiver instructions 98, second receiver instructions 100 and folder conversion instructions 102. The inside surface of the rear panel 26 (refer to Fig. 1) may be provided with a single printed line 104 along the free edge 54, as well as instructions indicia as represented at block 106.
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Referring to Figs. ~5, particularly Fig. 4, the blanl; 20 is shown assembled into the envelope 22 of the present invention. To foldably erect the blank 20, the rear wall panel 26 is folded along the fold line 28 until it i5 generally parallel and closely adjacent to the front wall p~nel 24. The closure flaps 30, 40 are folded along the fold lines 32, 42, respectively, until they overly the rear wall panel 76. The adhesive regions 38, 48 ca~ied by the closure flaps affix the flaps 30, 40 permanently in place.
The closure flaps 40, 30 are affixed to the exterior surface of the rear panel 26 to create an interference free envelope cavity. Folding the blank 20 as just outlined produces an envelope 22 having the cor~iguration depicted in Fig. 3; the folding and gluing may be done at the time of manufacture, leaving an open edge or segment 105 along 7he fold line 56 adJacent to the main closure flap 51. A first sender may insert contents into the envelope 22 while it is in ~e configuration depicted in Fig. 3. As is also depicted in Fig. 3, after contents are inserted, ~he peel~ff release layer 7û
covering the adhesive strip 66 closest to the free edge 62 of the rnain closure flap S0 may be removed and the closure flap 51 as a whole is folded downwardly about the fold line 56 until it contacts and is generally parallel to the rear wall panel 26. Thus, the envelope 22 is sealed by the first sender.
Fig. 4 depicts the opening of the envelope 22 when it arrives at the first addressee or recipient. Specifically, the first recipient grasps the tear tab 80 assoaated with the tear s~ip 74 to remove it completely as shown in Fig. 5. The tear filament 78 underlying the strip 74 cuts the flap 51 in a line across the extent of the flap 51.
Either tab 80 at the ends of the tear strip 74 can be used to start tearing. After the - 2~ 2~7 ship 74 is removed, the closure flap 51 may be unfolded about line 56 until it i5 again coplanar with the front panel 24 (as shown in Fig. 3) and the contents of the envelope Z may be extracted.
The first recipient may ~en become the second sender by refilling ~e envelope 22, removing the peel-off tape 68 in the second adhesive strip region 64, and refolding the closure flap 51 about the fold line 56 un~il it again overlies the rear panel 26. The envelope 2~ will then substantially be in the conditiorl depieted in Fig. 4; however, the first tear strip 74 will be missing as shown in Fig. 5. In this condition, the envelope 22 may be mailed to another, second recipient who, upon receipt, grasps a tab 80 at either end of the second receiver's tear strip 72 ~d removes the tear strip 72 from the envelope 22. The contents of the envelope 22 can be extracted, and the envelope 22 will have the configuration depicted in Fig. 5.
Fig. 6 depicts a filing folder 2~' created or adapted from the envelope 22.
Specifically, the front panel 24 includes a removable segment or portion 110 defined by the line of weakness 84 and the end lines of weakness ~6. ~e file folder configuration 2~' is obtained by separating ~e segment 110 from the body of the envelope. This reveals the labeling line 104 as well as the text portion 106.
Fig. 7 depicts a second preferred embodiment of the invention. This second embodiment, similar in many respects to the embodiment depicted in Figs. 1~, comprises a multiple-use mailing envelope 2~. The blank for forming the second embodiment envelope 222 is not depicted but is substantially similar to the blank 20 (depicted in Figs. 1-6~ except that the second embodiment 222 includes a main 2 ~
closure flap 250 at one of the short ends of the envelope 22~ rather than' the long end of the envelope as depicted in Figs. 1~. In folding the blank to ~eate the second embodiment of the envelope ~2, the first closure flap 252 and second end closure flap 254 are folded in to overlie the rear wall panel 256 and perrnanently glued in place at adhesive regions depicted at 258, 260. The main closure panel 250 will be adjacent the remaining open edge of the envelope. Ihe envelope 22~ can be filled through the open edge and the main elosure flap 250 ~Ided about the fold line 262 until it overlies the rear panel ~56.
Before folding the flap 250 about line 262, the Qrst sender removes the release layer covering the adhesive strip 264 whereby the flap 250 will be adhered to the body of the envelope 222. The first recipient may grasp either of tabs 266 to remove the first tear strip 268 to open the envelope. After removing the contents, the envelope 222 can be refilled and resent by removing the release layer of the second adhesive 270, whereby the main closure flap 250 can be reconnected to the rear wall 256 of the envelope 222. Upon receipt, the second recipient grasps either of the tabs 272 to remove the second tear strip 274 to gain access to the contents.
Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is depicted in Fig. 8.
In this embodiment, again similar to the first embodiment, a multi-use envelope 322 is provided. In this embodiment of the present invention, the envelope 3~
includes a permanent closure ~lap 324 carrying a permanent adhesive region 326.
Opposite the first permanent closure flap 324, the envelope in~ludes a firs~ openable short end closure Qap 328. The openable flap 328 includes a single opening tear s~ip ~5 - - 2~232'~7 330 generally centrally located in the flap 328 and two adhesiYe areas, a first adhe.siv2 strip 332 and a second adhesive strip 3~ closely adjacent to the fold line 336 at which the flap 328 is connected to the envelope 322. One long edge of the envelope 322 i~
defined by fold line 340 connecting the front and rear side wall panels of the envelope 322. The other long ed~e of the envelope 3æ is defined by a fold line 342 connecting a shird closure flap 344 to the envelope 322. The shird closure flap 344 calYies a permanent adhesive region 346 and is provided with an opening tear s~ip 348, including starter tabs 350 at each end. I~e Sear strip 348 lies between the fold line 342 and the permarent adhesive area 346.
In use, the envelope 322 has an initial open edge underlying the closure flap 328. The first sender may fill the envelope, remove the release layer covering the adhesive strip 332 and close the flap 328. The first recipient may grasp one of the starter tabs 331 associated with the tear strip 330 to remove 1~, thereby opening the envelope 32~. The envelope may be emptied and refilled, and then resealed by removing the release layer protecting the adhesive strip 33~. A second addressee or recipient may gain access to ~he contents of the envelope 322 by tearing away t~.e tear strip 348. As in all the embodiments described herein, the envelope 322 may car~
textual instructional information, as depicted at bloclcs 352 in ~ig. 8. Similarly, security blocks 353, sirnilar to blocks 90, 92 depicted in Fig. 2, may ~e used with all of the embodiments described herein.
A fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is depicted in Figs.
10-13. Referring to Figs 10 and 11, the blank 420 for thi5 emb<:diment includes a ', .
r~
21232~ 7 front panel 422 foldably connected to a rear panel 4~4 along the fold line'426. A first closure panel d~8 is foldably coupled to ~ ront panel 42~ along a fold line 430 parallel ~o ~e fold line 426. A first openable closure flap 432 is oupled to the fron~
panel 422 along a fold line 434 generally perpendicular to the fold lines 425, 430. A
second openable closure flap 436 is foldably coupled to the front panel 422 along a fold line 438 parallel to the fold line 434.
Referring to Fig. 11, the inside surface of the blank 420, specifieally the inside of the closure flap 428 carries a permanent adhesive region 440. Similarly, the end flap 432 carries a permanent adhesive strip 442 and an opening tear strip 444, including a tear filament 446. The second openable closure flap 436 includes two adhesive regions 448, 450 and a tear strip 452 therebetween. As in previous embodiments, the envelope 421 may carry indicia or appropriate instructional material as shown at 454 in Fig. 10 In use, the fourth embodiment envelope 421 is formed by folding the openable closure flaps 432, 436 about fold lines 434, 438, respectively, ~hereby forming an enclosed envelope with an open edge along fold line 430. The first sender removes the protective peel-off strip 441 from the adhesive strip 440 after filling the envelope. A first recipient grasps the tabs at ~e end of the tear strip 452 to open the envelope for the first time. After emptying the envelope 421, the first reapient may refill and reseal the envelope by removing the protective layer 448 from the adhesive strip 449 and folding the end flap 436 about ~e foid line 438 to . 2~J32~(f reseal the envelope. The second recipient rnay use the tear sf~rip 446 to access f~he contents.
As shown in ~igs. 1~13, the closure flap 428 includes relieved regions 456 and 458 generally at the ends thereof to accommodate the f~ear sf~ips, speafically the starter tabs at f~he ends ~hereof. This arrangement also permits a generally coplanar envel~pe to facilitate automatic handling and provide enhanced durabilif~y.
Yet another embo~iment of the present invenf~ion is depicted in Fig. 9. The envelope 522 depicted in Fig. 9 is substantially similar to the envelope 322 deplcted in Fig. 8. The envelope 522 is adapted to include a "fail-safe" feature by providing the long end closure flap 524 with a second adhesive region 526. The first sender seals the envelope 522 at the openable closure flap 532. Normally, the first recipient would open the envelope 522 by removing tear sf~ip 534, then would refill and reseal f~he envelope 522 by using adhesive strip 535. Even if ~he tear sf~ip 528, intended for use by f~he second recipient, is torn by the first recipient, the envelope 522 can still be used at le st twice. The release layer protecting adhesive sf~rip 526 can still be removed by the first recipient and the rernaining por~don of the flap 524 may be affixed to the ~ody of the envelope 522. The second recipient of ~he envelope 522 may use the tear s~ip 534, intended to be used by the first recipient, to open the envelope 522.
In summary, the invention provides a multi-use envelope structure induding multiple adhesive strips protected by release layers, and multiple ~ear .
r~
Ll 7 strips. The enYelope indudes a ~ecuAty feature (as depic~ed in Figs. 2, 4 and 8) to pr~vide that only .he intended recipients open the envelope ~o access the contents.
The present invention may be changed by m~difying the number and sh2pe of the peripheral edges, and by changing the shape of the ~ear tabs for removing the tear strips. Various appropriate materials rnay be used to form the envelope, and cushioning material may be incorporated to provide a cushioning envelope for protecting delicate contents, e.g., a layer or layers of material such as "bubble"
packaging material may be adhered to the inside of the envelope. For sealing the envelope, double or two-sided adhesive tapes, suitable adhesives or cohesives can be used in the depicted adhesive regions. Various cross-sectional configurations of the envelope can be made. For example, ins~ead of having imrnediately adjacent main side walls, the side walls might be spaced to provide a box-like mailing container having a width and a contents receiving cavity capable of holding a thick item or a stack of sheets. Of course, the envelope may be provided wi~h indicia, instructional material or graphics as appropriate.
Although descriptions of preferred embodiments have been presented, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, including those mentioned above, could be made without from the spirit of the present invention.
It is desired, therefore, that the preceding descriptions be considered in all respects as illustrative, not restrictive, and that reference be made to the appended claims to indicate the scope of the invention.
Claims (26)
1. A multi-use envelope comprising:
a first side wall;
a second side wall having approximately the same size and shape as the first side wall and being joined to said first side wall along respective peripheral edges, except for at least one open segment having first and second ends, thereby forming an enclosure for receiving material;
means for repeatedly opening and closing said envelope comprising at least one openable closure flap foldably connected to one of said first and second side walls along a fold line, said at least one openable closure flap extending between the first and second ends of said at least one open segment to close said at least one open segment, having an interior surface affixable to the other of said first and second side walls to close said at least one open segment and carrying opening means for opening said at least one openable closure flap.
a first side wall;
a second side wall having approximately the same size and shape as the first side wall and being joined to said first side wall along respective peripheral edges, except for at least one open segment having first and second ends, thereby forming an enclosure for receiving material;
means for repeatedly opening and closing said envelope comprising at least one openable closure flap foldably connected to one of said first and second side walls along a fold line, said at least one openable closure flap extending between the first and second ends of said at least one open segment to close said at least one open segment, having an interior surface affixable to the other of said first and second side walls to close said at least one open segment and carrying opening means for opening said at least one openable closure flap.
2. The envelope according to claim 1, wherein said at least one openable closure flap carries means for affixing said at least one openable closure flap to the other one of said first and second side walls, said means for affixing comprising a pair of spaced adhesive regions and wherein said opening means is positioned between said spaced adhesive regions.
3. The envelope according to claim 2, wherein said at least one openable closure flap has an exterior surface and carries security means on said exterior surface for providing that only an intended recipient opens said opening means.
4. The envelope according to claim 2, wherein said at least one openable closure flap has a free edge, said means for affixing comprising two parallel adhesive regions, one of said adhesive regions being closer to said free edge than the other adhesive region, and wherein said opening means comprises two parallel tear strips, one of said tear strips being between said adhesive regions and the other of said tear strips being between said other adhesive region and said fold line.
5. The envelope according to claim 4, wherein said at least one openable closure flap has an exterior surface and carries security means on said exterior surface for providing that only an intended recipient opens said opening means.
6. The envelope according to claim 2, wherein said at least one openable closure flap comprises two openable closure flaps including a first openable closure flap carrying means for affixing said first openable closure flap to the other one of said first and second side walls, said means for affixing comprising a pair of spaced adhesive regions and wherein said opening means is positioned between said spaced adhesive regions, and a second openable closure flap having a free edge, said means for affixing comprising two parallel adhesive regions, one of said adhesive regions being closer to said free edge than the other adhesive region, and wherein said opening means comprises two parallel tear strips, one of said tear strips being between said adhesive regions and the other of said tear strips being between said other adhesive region and said fold line.
7. The envelope according to claim 6, wherein said at least one openable closureflap carries security means for providing that only an intended recipient opens said opening means.
8. The envelope according to claim 1, wherein said at least one openable closureflap has an exterior surface and carries security means on said exterior surface for providing that only an intended recipient opens said opening means.
9. The envelope according to claim B, wherein said security means comprises an indicia receiving area on said exterior surface generally overlying at least a portion of said opening means.
10. The envelope according to claim 9, wherein said at least one openable closure flap includes a graspable tear tab associated with each end of said opening means, each of said tabs being defined by a pair of cuts in the closure flap, one of said cuts on either side of said opening means.
11. The envelope according to claim 10, wherein one of said first and second side walls includes a removable portion adjacent to said open segment.
12. The envelope according to claim 1, wherein said at least one openable closure flap has a free edge and carries means for affixing said at least one openable closure flap to the other of said first and second side walls, said means for affixing comprising two parallel adhesive regions, one of said adhesive regions being closer to said free edge than the other adhesive region, and wherein said opening means comprises two parallel tear strips, one of said tear strips being between said adhesive regions and the other of said tear strips being between said other adhesive region and said fold line.
13. The envelope according to claim 12, wherein said at least one openable closure flap has an exterior surface and carries security means on said exterior surface for providing that only an intended recipient opens said opening means.
14. The envelope according to claim 13, wherein said security means comprises an indicia receiving area defined on said exterior surface and associated with at least one of said tear strips.
15. The envelope according to claim 1, and a plurality of closure flaps foldably connected to one of said first and second side walls, each having an interior surface carrying adhesive means for affixing the respective closure flap to the other of said first and second side walls, two of said plurality of closure flaps being openable closure flaps.
16. The envelope according to claim 15, wherein each of said two openable closure flaps carries said opening means, said opening means comprising a tearable region between said adhesive means and the foldable connection between said two openable closure flaps and said first and second side wall to which said openable closure flaps are connected.
17. The envelope according to claim 16, wherein said openable closure flaps include security means adjacent to said tearable region for providing that a intended recipient opens said envelope.
18. A scored and die-cut blank for forming a multi-use envelope, said blank comprising:
a first side wall panel;
a second side wall panel articulated to said first side wall panel at a first fold line;
at least one openable closure flap foldably connected to one of said first and second side walls along a second fold line, having an interior surface affixable to the other of said first and second side walls and carrying an opening means for opening said at least one openable closure flap, said opening means having a first end and a second end, being disposed on said at least one openable closure flap generally adjacent and parallel to said second fold line and extending substantially across said at least one openable closure flap.
a first side wall panel;
a second side wall panel articulated to said first side wall panel at a first fold line;
at least one openable closure flap foldably connected to one of said first and second side walls along a second fold line, having an interior surface affixable to the other of said first and second side walls and carrying an opening means for opening said at least one openable closure flap, said opening means having a first end and a second end, being disposed on said at least one openable closure flap generally adjacent and parallel to said second fold line and extending substantially across said at least one openable closure flap.
19. The blank according to claim 18, wherein said at least one openable closure flap has an exterior surface and carries security means on said exterior surface for providing that only an intended recipient opens said opening means.
20. The blank according to claim 19, wherein said security means comprises an indicia receiving area on said exterior surface generally overlying at least a portion of said opening means.
21. The blank according to claim 18, wherein said at least one openable closure flap has a free edge and carries an adhesive region on said interior surface between said free edge and said opening means.
22. The blank according to claim 21 and a graspable tear tab associated with each end of said opening means, each of said tear tabs being defined by a pair of cuts, one cut on either side of said opening means.
23. The blank according to claim 22, wherein one of said first and second side wall panels includes a removable portion adjacent to said closure panel.
24. A multi-use envelope comprising:
a first side wall having a peripheral edge;
a second side wall having a peripheral edge, being approximately the same size and shape as the first side wall and being joined to said first side wall along a portion of said peripheral edges, means for repeatedly openings and closing said envelope comprising at least one openable closure flap foldably connected to one of said first and second side walls along a fold line, said openable closure flap having an interior surface affixable to the other of said first and second side walls and an exterior surface, said interior surface carrying two generally parallel adhesive regions each covered by a removable protective release material, and two generally parallel tear strips, one of said tear strips being closely adjacent and generally parallel to said fold line and the second of said tear strips being between and generally parallel to said adhesive regions.
a first side wall having a peripheral edge;
a second side wall having a peripheral edge, being approximately the same size and shape as the first side wall and being joined to said first side wall along a portion of said peripheral edges, means for repeatedly openings and closing said envelope comprising at least one openable closure flap foldably connected to one of said first and second side walls along a fold line, said openable closure flap having an interior surface affixable to the other of said first and second side walls and an exterior surface, said interior surface carrying two generally parallel adhesive regions each covered by a removable protective release material, and two generally parallel tear strips, one of said tear strips being closely adjacent and generally parallel to said fold line and the second of said tear strips being between and generally parallel to said adhesive regions.
25. The envelope according to claim 24, and security means for providing that only an intended recipient opens said envelope comprising an indicia receiving area defined on said exterior surface of said at least one openable closure flap, said indicia receiving area generally overlying at least a portion of one of said tear strips.
26. The envelope according to claim 25, wherein one of said first and second side walls includes a removable portion adjacent to said at least one openable closure flap defined by a line of weakness parallel to said fold line, said line of weakness extending substantially across said one of said first and second side walls.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US6111993A | 1993-05-13 | 1993-05-13 | |
| US08/061,119 | 1993-05-13 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2123247A1 true CA2123247A1 (en) | 1994-11-14 |
Family
ID=22033695
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002123247A Abandoned CA2123247A1 (en) | 1993-05-13 | 1994-05-10 | Multi-use envelope |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5503328A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2123247A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5826787A (en) * | 1994-11-04 | 1998-10-27 | Fraser Envelopes Ltd. | Two-way mailer envelope |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5826787A (en) * | 1994-11-04 | 1998-10-27 | Fraser Envelopes Ltd. | Two-way mailer envelope |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US5503328A (en) | 1996-04-02 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |