US20080041927A1 - Insert and envelope assembly - Google Patents
Insert and envelope assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080041927A1 US20080041927A1 US11/868,028 US86802807A US2008041927A1 US 20080041927 A1 US20080041927 A1 US 20080041927A1 US 86802807 A US86802807 A US 86802807A US 2008041927 A1 US2008041927 A1 US 2008041927A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- insert
- envelope
- assembly
- flap portion
- rear panel
- 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
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- 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
- B65D27/04—Envelopes or like essentially-rectangular containers for postal or other purposes having no structural provision for thickness of contents with apertures or windows for viewing contents
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- 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
Definitions
- This application is directed to an insert and envelope assembly, and more particularly, to an insert and envelope assembly wherein the insert and envelope are coupled together in various manners.
- Return envelopes are often packaged with an invoice or the like inside a larger, outer mailing envelope.
- the outer mailing envelope is then sent to a customer or recipient.
- the outer mailing envelope may be sent from a retailer to a customer or recipient, and the outer mailing envelope may include an invoice and a return envelope for remitting payment to the retailer.
- inserts such as coupons, advertisements, order forms, promotional materials and can also be located inside the outer mailing envelope.
- Such inserts may be desired to attract the attention of the recipient (in the case of advertising) and/or may be intended to be returned by the recipient using the associated return envelope. Thus, it may be desired to require or urge the customer to handle or manipulate the insert.
- the mailer or distributor of the inserts and return envelopes may receive large numbers of return envelopes sent by the customers.
- the distributor or its contractors may use automated extraction or processing machines to process and handle the large number of return envelopes.
- automated extraction machines may have difficulty processing unconventional envelopes or envelopes sealed in unconventional manners.
- the invention is an envelope and insert assembly that requires or urges the recipient to handle or examine the insert prior to returning the envelope.
- the envelope and insert assembly may also be configured to help ensure that the envelope is sealed in a conventional manner such that it can be easily processed.
- the invention is an insert and envelope assembly including an envelope including a flap portion, a body portion and securing means which are operable to secure the flap portion directly to the body portion.
- the body portion includes a front panel and a rear panel defining an inner cavity therebetween, wherein the flap portion is directly pivotally coupled to the front panel along a fold line.
- the assembly further includes an insert made of a separate piece of material than the envelope, wherein the insert is removably adhered directly to the rear panel at a position external of the inner cavity.
- the invention is an insert and envelope assembly including an envelope including a flap portion, a body portion and securing means which are operable to secure the flap portion directly to the body portion.
- the body portion includes a front panel and a rear panel defining an inner cavity therebetween, wherein the flap portion is directly pivotally coupled to the front panel along a fold line.
- the rear panel has an upper free edge.
- the assembly further includes an insert, at least part of the insert being positioned between the flap portion and the rear panel. The insert is removably adhered directly to the rear panel of the envelope at a position external of the inner cavity, and the insert is not directly coupled to the upper free edge.
- FIG. 1 is a rear view of one embodiment of the insert and envelope assembly of the present invention, with the insert and envelope being spaced apart from each other;
- FIG. 2 is a rear view of the envelope and insert assembly of FIG. 1 , with the insert and envelope being coupled together;
- FIG. 3 is a rear view of the envelope and insert assembly of FIG. 2 , with the assembly positioned above an outer envelope;
- FIG. 4 is a front view of the envelope and insert assembly and outer envelope of FIG. 3 , shown with an invoice;
- FIG. 5 is a rear view of an alternate envelope and insert assembly of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a rear view of another envelope and insert assembly of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a rear view of an alternate envelope
- FIG. 8 is a rear view of the envelope of FIG. 7 , with an insert coupled thereto.
- the invention is an insert and envelope assembly 10 including an envelope 12 and an insert 14 .
- the envelope 12 may be any variety of envelopes of various shapes or sizes including legal, baronial, announcement, remittance, business, inter-office and the like.
- the envelope 12 may be of any of a variety of styles of envelopes including, but not limited to, diagonal seam, center seam, side seam, or single side seam-style constructed envelopes.
- the envelope 12 is a diagonal seam envelope.
- a diagonal seam envelope does not include any side seams which can serve to trap components in the envelope.
- the envelope 12 can be made of a variety of materials, such as paper (including cellulose-based and/or pulp-based paper) paperboard, plastic, cardboard or the like.
- the envelope 12 includes a body portion 16 and a flap portion 18 pivotally coupled to the body portion 16 along a fold line 20 .
- the envelope 12 /body portion 16 includes a front panel 22 and a rear panel 24 that define a cavity 26 therebetween, the cavity 26 having a mouth 28 .
- the flap portion 18 is pivotable about the fold line 20 between a closed position, wherein the flap portion 18 covers the mouth 28 to generally seal the cavity 26 , and an open position, wherein the flap portion 18 does not cover the mouth 28 and does not generally seal the cavity 26 .
- the rear panel 24 includes a free edge 30 along its upper end thereof.
- the mouth 28 of the cavity 26 may be positioned between the fold line 20 and the free edge 30 . Alternately, the mouth 28 can be defined along or about the free edge 30 and the portions of the front panel 22 opposite the free edge 30 .
- the flap portion 18 may be sized such that when the flap portion 18 is in its closed position at least part of the flap portion 18 lies on top of, and/or overlaps the rear panel 24 .
- the cavity 26 is bounded by the inner surface of the front panel 22 , the inner surface of the rear panel 24 and part of the underside 32 of the flap portion 18 .
- the underside 32 of the flap portion 18 may include an adhesive 34 (such as a moisture activated adhesive or a pressure sensitive adhesive) or other securing means located thereon and positioned to secure the flap portion 18 to the rear panel 24 .
- the adhesive 34 could be located at locations other than the underside 32 of the flap portion 18 , for example, on the outer surface of the rear panel 24 (i.e. adjacent to the free edge 30 ), or on the inner surface of the front panel 22 (i.e., adjacent to the free edge 30 ).
- the insert 14 may be made of any of a variety of materials, including sheets of thin or flexible material, such as paper, glossy paper, paperboard, plastic, cardboard and the like, and may be smaller in length and/or width than the body portion 16 of the envelope 12 .
- the insert 14 could be a single or multi-panel sheet (i.e. the insert 14 can include one or more fold lines).
- the insert 14 is not limited to these specific characteristics and can take the form of nearly any component that is or can be inserted into or used with the envelope 12 .
- the insert 14 has a substantially rectangular shape, although the insert 14 can have any of a variety of shapes.
- the insert 14 can have various indicia 36 printed thereon.
- the indicia 36 can take any of a variety of forms, such as text, images, drawings, photographs, notices (i.e., a change in an account agreement), or the like.
- the indicia 36 takes the form of advertising materials.
- the envelope 12 and insert 14 may be separate and discreet pieces of material, the envelope 12 and insert 14 may be formed from different materials.
- the envelope 12 may be made of regular paper stock, which is relatively inexpensive, and the insert 14 may be made of coated stock so that finer details of the indicia 36 can be better illustrated.
- the insert 14 is positioned between the flap portion 18 and the body portion 16 of the envelope 12 and located such that an upper edge 40 of the insert 14 is located adjacent to the fold line 20 .
- the insert 14 is loosely coupled to the envelope 12 and may be held in place solely by frictional forces.
- the insert 14 may be positioned adjacent to a majority (by surface area) of the adhesive 34 .
- the insert 14 may be positioned to cover a majority (i.e., at least about 50%) of the adhesive 34 with respect to the body portion 16 .
- the envelope/insert assembly 10 may be inserted into an outer mailing envelope 42 .
- the outer mailing envelope 42 may include a front panel 44 and a rear panel 46 that define a cavity 48 therebetween.
- the outer mailing envelope 42 may have a flap 50 that can be secured to the rear panel 46 by an adhesive 52 to generally seal the cavity 48 /envelope 42 .
- the outer mailing envelope 42 can take any of a variety of shapes and forms, including the various shapes and forms outlined above for the envelope 12 .
- the outer mailing envelope 42 may be slightly larger than the envelope 12 and sized to closely receive the envelope 12 therein.
- an invoice 54 may also inserted into the outer envelope 42 .
- the invoice 54 may include billing information that is desired to be sent to a customer or recipient.
- the invoice 54 may include, for example, an account number, billing information, information relating to an outstanding amount to be paid, address information, etc.
- the invoice 54 may be a relatively large sheet of paper that needs to be folded to fit into the outer envelope 42 .
- the invoice 54 may include a return portion 56 along an outer edge thereof that is defined by a tear guideline 58 , such as a perforation line.
- the return portion 56 may include information, such as the customer name and address, the billing company name and address, account number, billing information, etc.
- the return portion 56 may be sized to fit into the envelope 12 , such as in an unfolded state. In this manner, when the user receives an invoice 54 , the user can tear along the tear guideline 58 to separate the return portion 56 , and insert the return portion 56 into the envelope 12 .
- the outer mailing envelope 42 may then be sealed and printed with addressee information 60 (i.e. the address of the customer or recipient) and addressor information 62 (i.e. the address of the billing company, mailer or distributor). Alternately, the outer mailing envelope 42 may be printed with addressee 60 /addressor 62 information prior to receiving the envelope/insert assembly 10 (and any other components) therein.
- addressee information 60 i.e. the address of the customer or recipient
- addressor information 62 i.e. the address of the billing company, mailer or distributor
- the envelope 12 may be printed with addressee/addressor information.
- the addressor information 68 i.e., the address of the billing company, mailer or distributor
- the envelope 12 may also or instead include windows at the addressee and/or addressor locations such that components having an address printed thereon can be received in the envelope 12 and the address information can be viewed through the associated window.
- the envelope 12 includes a window or cut-out 64 at the addressee location. If desired a piece of clear, transparent or translucent material may be located in the window 64 in a well-known manner.
- the return portion 56 of the invoice 54 includes the customer's or recipient's address information 66 printed thereon at the upper left-hand corner. In this manner when the return portion 56 is properly placed in the envelope 12 , the customer's or recipient's address is viewable through the window 64 and can be used as the addressee information by the post office or other delivery service.
- the addressee information (i.e. customer or recipient address) can be pre-printed on the envelope 12 (not shown) in place of the window 64 .
- a window (not shown) can instead be located at the addressor location 68 of the envelope 12 , and addressor information can be printed on the return portion 56 (or other component) and positioned so as to be viewable through the addressor window when the return portion 56 is properly inserted into the envelope 12 .
- addressee and/or addressor information can be printed on the insert 14 , or on some other component sent in/packaged in the outer mailing envelope 12 .
- the outer mailing envelope 42 may include one or more windows or cut-outs (not shown) formed therein.
- a piece of material may be located inside the outer mailing envelope 42 (such as the envelope 12 , insert 14 and/or invoice 54 ) and may include addressee and/or addressor information that is viewable through one or more windows on the outer mailing envelope 42 .
- the outer envelope 42 is opened, and its contents extracted.
- the envelope/insert assembly 10 should remain in its configuration shown in FIG. 2 due to frictional forces.
- the customer/recipient may then desire to utilize the envelope 12 , i.e. by inserting a component, such as the return portion 56 of an invoice 54 , into the inner cavity 26 .
- the insert 14 is positioned between the flap portion 18 and the body portion 16 of the envelope 12 , and covers all or a majority (i.e., at least about 50%) of the adhesive 34 of the envelope 12 with respect to the body portion 16 . Because the majority of the adhesive 34 cannot contact the body portion 16 when the insert 14 is positioned as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the customer/recipient is encouraged to move/remove, and therefore handle, the insert 14 prior to using/sealing the envelope 12 .
- the insert 14 generally prevents the body portion 16 from being adhered to the flap portion 18 of the envelope 12 .
- the insert 14 may be required to be moved in order to fully access the inner cavity 26 .
- the insert 14 in order to effectively seal the envelope 12 , the insert 14 must be removed from its position between the flap portion 18 and the body portion 16 . Forcing or encouraging the customer/recipient to handle the insert 14 ensures that additional attention is paid to the insert 14 . This helps to ensure that important notices are recognized by the customer/recipient, and may increase the effectiveness of advertising.
- the insert 14 is removed by the customer/recipient, this ensures that when the envelope 12 is sent back to the original sender (i.e. the billing company, mailer or distributor) the insert 14 is not coupled to or located on an outer surface of the envelope 12 . This helps to ensure more efficient processing.
- the original sender i.e. the billing company, mailer or distributor
- any inserts or other components that are coupled to the outer surface of the envelope 12 can interfere with the operation of the automated equipment by causing jams, outsorts, addition processing or the like.
- the envelope 12 is a diagonal seam envelope
- the envelope 12 lacks side seams which can trap an insert in the envelope 12 and interfere with automated extraction of the contents of the envelope 12 .
- the use of diagonal seam envelope helps to further ensure smooth processing.
- the insert 14 may be adhered or attached to the envelope 12 to ensure it is properly positioned when removed from the outer mailing envelope 42 .
- an insert adhesive 70 may be applied on the underside 32 of the flap portion 18 .
- the insert adhesive 70 contacts the insert 14 and the insert 14 is secured to the flap portion 18 and held in position.
- the insert 14 When the insert 14 is adhered to the underside 32 of the flap portion 18 in this manner and the flap portion 18 is closed, the customer/recipient is unable to effectively seal the envelope 12 without handling and/or removing the insert 14 .
- the insert 14 when the insert 14 is coupled to the flap portion 18 by adhesive 70 , the insert 14 may cover substantially all or the majority of the adhesive 34 . Consequently, it is difficult for the customer/recipient to access the adhesive 34 without removing the insert 14 .
- the flap portion 18 will adhere primarily to the insert 14 , in which case the envelope 12 would remain substantially unsealed.
- the insert 14 blocks access to the inner cavity 26 . Thus the customer/recipient is guided to handle and remove the insert 14 .
- the insert adhesive 70 can take a variety of forms such as one or more patterns or strips of adhesive to secure the insert 14 to the envelope 12 .
- the insert adhesive 70 may be, for example, a peelable, pressure sensitive adhesive, a gelatinous adhesive, double-sided tape or the like.
- the adhesive material 70 may be of a relatively low strength such that the insert 14 can be manually separated from the envelope 12 without causing any tearing or separation of the insert 14 or envelope 12 .
- the adhesive 70 may be a quick release adhesive, easy release adhesive, peelable adhesive, no-damage release adhesive, non-absorbing or non-aggressive adhesive, such as a rubber-based adhesive that can be easily removed from the envelope 12 , and from any inserts adhered thereto, without causing damage to the envelope or inserts.
- non-absorbing or non-smearing adhesive may be useful to ensure that the adhesive 70 does not soak into, or distort, any text, indicia or drawings on the insert 14 or envelope 12 .
- the adhesive 70 can also be of an aggressive/absorbing nature.
- the adhesive 70 shown in FIG. 5 is in the form of a dot.
- the adhesive 70 can take any of a variety of configurations, such as a row of dots, a continuous or intermittent line of adhesive, etc.
- the adhesive 70 can be clear, transparent, translucent, opaque or colored.
- the insert 14 is adhered to body portion 16 of the envelope 12 by an insert adhesive 72 positioned on the inner surface of the front panel 22 of the envelope 12 .
- the insert adhesive may be positioned between the fold line 20 of the front panel 22 and the upper edge 30 of the rear panel 24 .
- the insert 14 is again positioned to prevent the adhesive 34 from fully sealing the flap portion 18 to the body portion 16 of the envelope 12 .
- the customer/recipient is generally prevented, or at least hindered, from accessing the inner cavity 26 of the envelope 12 while the insert 14 is in place.
- the customer/recipient will be guided to handle or move the insert 14 prior to accessing the cavity 26 of the envelope 12 and utilizing the envelope 12 . If the insert adhesive 72 is applied to the front panel 22 and the front panel 22 of the envelope 10 is not exposed (i.e., if the free edge 30 is generally aligned with the fold line 20 ), a notch (not shown) may be cut in the free edge 30 of the envelope 12 to expose a portion of the front panel 22 and allow application of the insert adhesive 72 .
- the adhesive 72 of FIG. 6 can take the form of the adhesives 70 outlines above.
- the adhesive 72 shown in FIG. 6 is in the form of a line, although the adhesive 72 can take any of a variety of configurations, such as a dot, a row of dots, an intermittent line of adhesive, etc.
- an insert adhesive 74 is located on the rear panel 24 adjacent to the flap portion 18 (when the envelope 12 is closed) and/or adjacent to the free edge 30 .
- the insert adhesive 74 should be positioned to remain uncovered by the flap portion 18 when the flap portion 18 is closed.
- the flap portion 18 may be folded into position over the rear panel 24 , and the insert 14 may be adhered to the insert adhesive 74 such that the insert 14 covers at least a part, or at least 50%, of the flap portion 18 (see FIG. 8 ).
- the envelope/insert assembly 10 in this embodiment encourages a customer/recipient to handle or move the insert 14 prior to opening the flap portion 18 in order to access the inner cavity 26 .
- the adhesive 74 can take the form and shape of the adhesives 70 , 72 described above.
- the envelope/insert assembly 10 can be inserted into the outer mailing envelope 42 and sent to a customer/recipient.
- the insert 14 is positioned between the flap portion 18 and the body portion 16 of the envelope 12 .
- the insert 14 is not positioned between the flap portion 18 and the body portion 16 . Instead, the insert 14 is located outside of the flap portion 18 and directly or immediately positioned between the flap portion 18 and the front 44 or rear 46 panel of the outer envelope 42 .
- the insert 20 may not be directly attached to the free edge 30 of the envelope 10 , and may not be pivotally attached to the free edge 30 .
- a method of manufacture of the insert envelope assembly 10 includes providing an envelope 12 .
- the envelope 12 may be positioned with the flap portion 18 unfolded such that the underside 32 of the flap portion 18 is exposed.
- the insert 14 may be placed on the body portion 16 of the envelope 12 .
- the flap portion 18 may be folded such that the insert 14 is positioned between the body portion 16 and the flap portion 18 , and adjacent to fold line 20 . If an insert adhesive is utilized, the insert 14 is adhered to the insert adhesive.
- the envelope/insert combination 10 may then be inserted into an outer mailing envelope 42 ( FIG. 3 ) and sent to a customer/recipient.
- enclosures such as an invoice 54 , notice, text, order forms, or the like may be included in the outer envelope 42 .
- At least one of the insert 14 , envelopes 12 or 42 or other enclosures may include return address information of the original sender (i.e., the billing company, mailer or distributor).
- the present invention provides several advantages over a conventional bang-tail envelope (i.e. an envelope with a flap attached to the upper rear edge of the envelope along a perforation line).
- a conventional envelope 12 and an easily formed insert 14 allow for simple formation and assembly as compared to a bangtail envelope which must be specifically manufactured.
- the present invention also encourages a user to handle and remove the insert 14 , which ensures additional attention is paid to the insert 14 , and ensures that the insert 14 does not interfere with sealing of the envelope 12 .
- a user may seal the envelope with the flap in place, which means lesser attention may have been paid to the flap, and interferes with sealing of the envelope and opening/automated processes of the bang-tail envelope.
- the present invention allows the insert 14 and envelope 12 to be made of different materials, whereas in conventional bang-tail envelopes the flap and envelope are made of the same materials.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/660,643, filed on Mar. 11, 2005, and is a continuation of Ser. No. 11/373,558, filed on Mar. 10, 2006. The entire contents of both of these applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- This application is directed to an insert and envelope assembly, and more particularly, to an insert and envelope assembly wherein the insert and envelope are coupled together in various manners.
- Return envelopes are often packaged with an invoice or the like inside a larger, outer mailing envelope. The outer mailing envelope is then sent to a customer or recipient. For example, the outer mailing envelope may be sent from a retailer to a customer or recipient, and the outer mailing envelope may include an invoice and a return envelope for remitting payment to the retailer.
- Various other inserts, such as coupons, advertisements, order forms, promotional materials and can also be located inside the outer mailing envelope. Such inserts may be desired to attract the attention of the recipient (in the case of advertising) and/or may be intended to be returned by the recipient using the associated return envelope. Thus, it may be desired to require or urge the customer to handle or manipulate the insert.
- In addition, the mailer or distributor of the inserts and return envelopes may receive large numbers of return envelopes sent by the customers. The distributor or its contractors may use automated extraction or processing machines to process and handle the large number of return envelopes. However, such automated extraction machines may have difficulty processing unconventional envelopes or envelopes sealed in unconventional manners.
- Accordingly there is a need for an envelope and insert assembly that requires the recipient to handle or examine the insert prior to returning the envelope. There is also a need for an envelope and insert assembly that helps to ensure the envelope is sealed in a conventional manner.
- In one embodiment the invention is an envelope and insert assembly that requires or urges the recipient to handle or examine the insert prior to returning the envelope. The envelope and insert assembly may also be configured to help ensure that the envelope is sealed in a conventional manner such that it can be easily processed.
- In particular, in one embodiment the invention is an insert and envelope assembly including an envelope including a flap portion, a body portion and securing means which are operable to secure the flap portion directly to the body portion. The body portion includes a front panel and a rear panel defining an inner cavity therebetween, wherein the flap portion is directly pivotally coupled to the front panel along a fold line. The assembly further includes an insert made of a separate piece of material than the envelope, wherein the insert is removably adhered directly to the rear panel at a position external of the inner cavity.
- In another embodiment the invention is an insert and envelope assembly including an envelope including a flap portion, a body portion and securing means which are operable to secure the flap portion directly to the body portion. The body portion includes a front panel and a rear panel defining an inner cavity therebetween, wherein the flap portion is directly pivotally coupled to the front panel along a fold line. The rear panel has an upper free edge. The assembly further includes an insert, at least part of the insert being positioned between the flap portion and the rear panel. The insert is removably adhered directly to the rear panel of the envelope at a position external of the inner cavity, and the insert is not directly coupled to the upper free edge.
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FIG. 1 is a rear view of one embodiment of the insert and envelope assembly of the present invention, with the insert and envelope being spaced apart from each other; -
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the envelope and insert assembly ofFIG. 1 , with the insert and envelope being coupled together; -
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the envelope and insert assembly ofFIG. 2 , with the assembly positioned above an outer envelope; -
FIG. 4 is a front view of the envelope and insert assembly and outer envelope ofFIG. 3 , shown with an invoice; -
FIG. 5 is a rear view of an alternate envelope and insert assembly of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a rear view of another envelope and insert assembly of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a rear view of an alternate envelope; and -
FIG. 8 is a rear view of the envelope ofFIG. 7 , with an insert coupled thereto. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , in one embodiment the invention is an insert andenvelope assembly 10 including anenvelope 12 and aninsert 14. Theenvelope 12 may be any variety of envelopes of various shapes or sizes including legal, baronial, announcement, remittance, business, inter-office and the like. Theenvelope 12 may be of any of a variety of styles of envelopes including, but not limited to, diagonal seam, center seam, side seam, or single side seam-style constructed envelopes. In the illustrated embodiment theenvelope 12 is a diagonal seam envelope. A diagonal seam envelope does not include any side seams which can serve to trap components in the envelope. - The
envelope 12 can be made of a variety of materials, such as paper (including cellulose-based and/or pulp-based paper) paperboard, plastic, cardboard or the like. Theenvelope 12 includes abody portion 16 and aflap portion 18 pivotally coupled to thebody portion 16 along afold line 20. Theenvelope 12/body portion 16 includes afront panel 22 and arear panel 24 that define acavity 26 therebetween, thecavity 26 having amouth 28. Theflap portion 18 is pivotable about thefold line 20 between a closed position, wherein theflap portion 18 covers themouth 28 to generally seal thecavity 26, and an open position, wherein theflap portion 18 does not cover themouth 28 and does not generally seal thecavity 26. - The
rear panel 24 includes afree edge 30 along its upper end thereof. Themouth 28 of thecavity 26 may be positioned between thefold line 20 and thefree edge 30. Alternately, themouth 28 can be defined along or about thefree edge 30 and the portions of thefront panel 22 opposite thefree edge 30. - The
flap portion 18 may be sized such that when theflap portion 18 is in its closed position at least part of theflap portion 18 lies on top of, and/or overlaps therear panel 24. When theflap portion 18 is closed, thecavity 26 is bounded by the inner surface of thefront panel 22, the inner surface of therear panel 24 and part of theunderside 32 of theflap portion 18. Theunderside 32 of theflap portion 18 may include an adhesive 34 (such as a moisture activated adhesive or a pressure sensitive adhesive) or other securing means located thereon and positioned to secure theflap portion 18 to therear panel 24. Theadhesive 34 could be located at locations other than theunderside 32 of theflap portion 18, for example, on the outer surface of the rear panel 24 (i.e. adjacent to the free edge 30), or on the inner surface of the front panel 22 (i.e., adjacent to the free edge 30). - The
insert 14 may be made of any of a variety of materials, including sheets of thin or flexible material, such as paper, glossy paper, paperboard, plastic, cardboard and the like, and may be smaller in length and/or width than thebody portion 16 of theenvelope 12. Theinsert 14 could be a single or multi-panel sheet (i.e. theinsert 14 can include one or more fold lines). However, theinsert 14 is not limited to these specific characteristics and can take the form of nearly any component that is or can be inserted into or used with theenvelope 12. In the illustrated embodiment theinsert 14 has a substantially rectangular shape, although theinsert 14 can have any of a variety of shapes. Theinsert 14 can havevarious indicia 36 printed thereon. Theindicia 36 can take any of a variety of forms, such as text, images, drawings, photographs, notices (i.e., a change in an account agreement), or the like. In the illustrated embodiment theindicia 36 takes the form of advertising materials. - Because the
envelope 12 andinsert 14 may be separate and discreet pieces of material, theenvelope 12 andinsert 14 may be formed from different materials. For example, theenvelope 12 may be made of regular paper stock, which is relatively inexpensive, and theinsert 14 may be made of coated stock so that finer details of theindicia 36 can be better illustrated. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , in one embodiment theinsert 14 is positioned between theflap portion 18 and thebody portion 16 of theenvelope 12 and located such that anupper edge 40 of theinsert 14 is located adjacent to thefold line 20. When theflap 18 is closed, theinsert 14 is loosely coupled to theenvelope 12 and may be held in place solely by frictional forces. Theinsert 14 may be positioned adjacent to a majority (by surface area) of the adhesive 34. In other words, theinsert 14 may be positioned to cover a majority (i.e., at least about 50%) of the adhesive 34 with respect to thebody portion 16. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , the envelope/insert assembly 10 may be inserted into anouter mailing envelope 42. Similar to theenvelope 12, theouter mailing envelope 42 may include afront panel 44 and arear panel 46 that define acavity 48 therebetween. Theouter mailing envelope 42 may have aflap 50 that can be secured to therear panel 46 by an adhesive 52 to generally seal thecavity 48/envelope 42. However, theouter mailing envelope 42 can take any of a variety of shapes and forms, including the various shapes and forms outlined above for theenvelope 12. Theouter mailing envelope 42 may be slightly larger than theenvelope 12 and sized to closely receive theenvelope 12 therein. - If desired, various other components besides the
envelope 12 and insert 14 can also be inserted into theouter envelope 42. For example, as shown inFIG. 4 , an invoice 54 may also inserted into theouter envelope 42. The invoice 54 may include billing information that is desired to be sent to a customer or recipient. The invoice 54 may include, for example, an account number, billing information, information relating to an outstanding amount to be paid, address information, etc. The invoice 54 may be a relatively large sheet of paper that needs to be folded to fit into theouter envelope 42. - The invoice 54 may include a
return portion 56 along an outer edge thereof that is defined by atear guideline 58, such as a perforation line. If desired, thereturn portion 56 may include information, such as the customer name and address, the billing company name and address, account number, billing information, etc. Thereturn portion 56 may be sized to fit into theenvelope 12, such as in an unfolded state. In this manner, when the user receives an invoice 54, the user can tear along thetear guideline 58 to separate thereturn portion 56, and insert thereturn portion 56 into theenvelope 12. - Once the envelope/insert assembly 10 (and invoice 54, if utilized) are inserted into the
outer mailing envelope 42, theouter mailing envelope 42 may then be sealed and printed with addressee information 60 (i.e. the address of the customer or recipient) and addressor information 62 (i.e. the address of the billing company, mailer or distributor). Alternately, theouter mailing envelope 42 may be printed with addressee 60/addressor 62 information prior to receiving the envelope/insert assembly 10 (and any other components) therein. - The
envelope 12 may be printed with addressee/addressor information. For example, as shown inFIG. 4 the addressor information 68 (i.e., the address of the billing company, mailer or distributor) is pre-printed on theenvelope 12. Theenvelope 12 may also or instead include windows at the addressee and/or addressor locations such that components having an address printed thereon can be received in theenvelope 12 and the address information can be viewed through the associated window. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 4 theenvelope 12 includes a window or cut-out 64 at the addressee location. If desired a piece of clear, transparent or translucent material may be located in thewindow 64 in a well-known manner. Thereturn portion 56 of the invoice 54 includes the customer's or recipient'saddress information 66 printed thereon at the upper left-hand corner. In this manner when thereturn portion 56 is properly placed in theenvelope 12, the customer's or recipient's address is viewable through thewindow 64 and can be used as the addressee information by the post office or other delivery service. - If desired, the addressee information (i.e. customer or recipient address) can be pre-printed on the envelope 12 (not shown) in place of the
window 64. In addition, if desired, a window (not shown) can instead be located at the addressor location 68 of theenvelope 12, and addressor information can be printed on the return portion 56 (or other component) and positioned so as to be viewable through the addressor window when thereturn portion 56 is properly inserted into theenvelope 12. In addition, if desired addressee and/or addressor information can be printed on theinsert 14, or on some other component sent in/packaged in theouter mailing envelope 12. - In addition, rather than having pre-printed information at the addressee 60/
addressor 62 locations, theouter mailing envelope 42 may include one or more windows or cut-outs (not shown) formed therein. A piece of material may be located inside the outer mailing envelope 42 (such as theenvelope 12, insert 14 and/or invoice 54) and may include addressee and/or addressor information that is viewable through one or more windows on theouter mailing envelope 42. - Once the customer/recipient receives the
outer envelope 42, theouter envelope 42 is opened, and its contents extracted. The envelope/insert assembly 10 should remain in its configuration shown inFIG. 2 due to frictional forces. The customer/recipient may then desire to utilize theenvelope 12, i.e. by inserting a component, such as thereturn portion 56 of an invoice 54, into theinner cavity 26. - As noted above, in the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-3 , theinsert 14 is positioned between theflap portion 18 and thebody portion 16 of theenvelope 12, and covers all or a majority (i.e., at least about 50%) of the adhesive 34 of theenvelope 12 with respect to thebody portion 16. Because the majority of the adhesive 34 cannot contact thebody portion 16 when theinsert 14 is positioned as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 , the customer/recipient is encouraged to move/remove, and therefore handle, theinsert 14 prior to using/sealing theenvelope 12. - For example, if the adhesive 34 is located on the
underside 32 of the flap portion 18 (as shown inFIG. 1 ), the customer/recipient may not be able to effectively secure theflap portion 18 to thebody portion 16. Similarly, if the adhesive 34 is located on thebody portion 16 of theenvelope 12, theinsert 14 generally prevents thebody portion 16 from being adhered to theflap portion 18 of theenvelope 12. In addition, theinsert 14 may be required to be moved in order to fully access theinner cavity 26. - Consequently, in order to effectively seal the
envelope 12, theinsert 14 must be removed from its position between theflap portion 18 and thebody portion 16. Forcing or encouraging the customer/recipient to handle theinsert 14 ensures that additional attention is paid to theinsert 14. This helps to ensure that important notices are recognized by the customer/recipient, and may increase the effectiveness of advertising. - In addition, if the
insert 14 is removed by the customer/recipient, this ensures that when theenvelope 12 is sent back to the original sender (i.e. the billing company, mailer or distributor) theinsert 14 is not coupled to or located on an outer surface of theenvelope 12. This helps to ensure more efficient processing. In particular, when automated equipment is used by the billing company, mailer or distributor to open and process the receivedenvelopes 12, any inserts or other components that are coupled to the outer surface of theenvelope 12 can interfere with the operation of the automated equipment by causing jams, outsorts, addition processing or the like. If the customer/recipient removes theinsert 14, and either discards theinsert 14 or places theinsert 14 inside theenvelope 12, jams of the automated equipment are reduced and more efficient opening and processing operations are provided. In addition, when theenvelope 12 is a diagonal seam envelope, theenvelope 12 lacks side seams which can trap an insert in theenvelope 12 and interfere with automated extraction of the contents of theenvelope 12. Thus the use of diagonal seam envelope helps to further ensure smooth processing. When theinsert 14 is loosely held under theflap portion 18, theinsert 14 can be easily removed and handled. - In an alternate embodiment, the
insert 14 may be adhered or attached to theenvelope 12 to ensure it is properly positioned when removed from theouter mailing envelope 42. For example, as shown inFIG. 5 , aninsert adhesive 70 may be applied on theunderside 32 of theflap portion 18. Thus, when theflap portion 18 is moved to its closed position the insert adhesive 70 contacts theinsert 14 and theinsert 14 is secured to theflap portion 18 and held in position. - When the
insert 14 is adhered to theunderside 32 of theflap portion 18 in this manner and theflap portion 18 is closed, the customer/recipient is unable to effectively seal theenvelope 12 without handling and/or removing theinsert 14. In particular, as outlined above, when theinsert 14 is coupled to theflap portion 18 by adhesive 70, theinsert 14 may cover substantially all or the majority of the adhesive 34. Consequently, it is difficult for the customer/recipient to access the adhesive 34 without removing theinsert 14. In addition, if the customer/recipient activates the adhesive 34 without removing theinsert 14, theflap portion 18 will adhere primarily to theinsert 14, in which case theenvelope 12 would remain substantially unsealed. Finally, when theinsert 14 is coupled to theflap 18 and theflap 18 is closed, theinsert 14 blocks access to theinner cavity 26. Thus the customer/recipient is guided to handle and remove theinsert 14. - The insert adhesive 70 can take a variety of forms such as one or more patterns or strips of adhesive to secure the
insert 14 to theenvelope 12. The insert adhesive 70 may be, for example, a peelable, pressure sensitive adhesive, a gelatinous adhesive, double-sided tape or the like. Theadhesive material 70 may be of a relatively low strength such that theinsert 14 can be manually separated from theenvelope 12 without causing any tearing or separation of theinsert 14 orenvelope 12. For example, the adhesive 70 may be a quick release adhesive, easy release adhesive, peelable adhesive, no-damage release adhesive, non-absorbing or non-aggressive adhesive, such as a rubber-based adhesive that can be easily removed from theenvelope 12, and from any inserts adhered thereto, without causing damage to the envelope or inserts. The use of a non-absorbing or non-smearing adhesive may be useful to ensure that the adhesive 70 does not soak into, or distort, any text, indicia or drawings on theinsert 14 orenvelope 12. However, if desired the adhesive 70 can also be of an aggressive/absorbing nature. - The adhesive 70 shown in
FIG. 5 is in the form of a dot. However, the adhesive 70 can take any of a variety of configurations, such as a row of dots, a continuous or intermittent line of adhesive, etc. The adhesive 70 can be clear, transparent, translucent, opaque or colored. - In another embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 6 , theinsert 14 is adhered tobody portion 16 of theenvelope 12 by an insert adhesive 72 positioned on the inner surface of thefront panel 22 of theenvelope 12. In this case, the insert adhesive may be positioned between thefold line 20 of thefront panel 22 and theupper edge 30 of therear panel 24. When theinsert 14 is coupled to theinsert adhesive 72, theinsert 14 is again positioned to prevent the adhesive 34 from fully sealing theflap portion 18 to thebody portion 16 of theenvelope 12. In addition, the customer/recipient is generally prevented, or at least hindered, from accessing theinner cavity 26 of theenvelope 12 while theinsert 14 is in place. Therefore, the customer/recipient will be guided to handle or move theinsert 14 prior to accessing thecavity 26 of theenvelope 12 and utilizing theenvelope 12. If theinsert adhesive 72 is applied to thefront panel 22 and thefront panel 22 of theenvelope 10 is not exposed (i.e., if thefree edge 30 is generally aligned with the fold line 20), a notch (not shown) may be cut in thefree edge 30 of theenvelope 12 to expose a portion of thefront panel 22 and allow application of theinsert adhesive 72. - The adhesive 72 of
FIG. 6 can take the form of theadhesives 70 outlines above. In addition, for illustrative purposes the adhesive 72 shown inFIG. 6 is in the form of a line, although the adhesive 72 can take any of a variety of configurations, such as a dot, a row of dots, an intermittent line of adhesive, etc. - In another embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8 , aninsert adhesive 74 is located on therear panel 24 adjacent to the flap portion 18 (when theenvelope 12 is closed) and/or adjacent to thefree edge 30. The insert adhesive 74 should be positioned to remain uncovered by theflap portion 18 when theflap portion 18 is closed. In this case, theflap portion 18 may be folded into position over therear panel 24, and theinsert 14 may be adhered to the insert adhesive 74 such that theinsert 14 covers at least a part, or at least 50%, of the flap portion 18 (seeFIG. 8 ). The envelope/insert assembly 10 in this embodiment encourages a customer/recipient to handle or move theinsert 14 prior to opening theflap portion 18 in order to access theinner cavity 26. The adhesive 74 can take the form and shape of theadhesives - As previously noted, once the envelope/insert assembly 10 (i.e., any of the embodiments described above) is formed, the envelope/
insert assembly 10 can be inserted into theouter mailing envelope 42 and sent to a customer/recipient. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-6 , theinsert 14 is positioned between theflap portion 18 and thebody portion 16 of theenvelope 12. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 7 and 8 , theinsert 14 is not positioned between theflap portion 18 and thebody portion 16. Instead, theinsert 14 is located outside of theflap portion 18 and directly or immediately positioned between theflap portion 18 and the front 44 or rear 46 panel of theouter envelope 42. By being “directly” or “immediately” positioned between theflap portion 18 of theenvelope 12 and the front 44 or rear 46 panel of theouter envelope 42 it is meant that thebody portion 16 of theenvelope 12 is not positioned between theflap portion 18 and the associatedadjacent front 44/rear panel 46 of theouter envelope 12. In addition, theinsert 20 may not be directly attached to thefree edge 30 of theenvelope 10, and may not be pivotally attached to thefree edge 30. - In one embodiment, a method of manufacture of the
insert envelope assembly 10, as shown inFIG. 1 , includes providing anenvelope 12. Theenvelope 12 may be positioned with theflap portion 18 unfolded such that theunderside 32 of theflap portion 18 is exposed. Theinsert 14 may be placed on thebody portion 16 of theenvelope 12. Theflap portion 18 may be folded such that theinsert 14 is positioned between thebody portion 16 and theflap portion 18, and adjacent to foldline 20. If an insert adhesive is utilized, theinsert 14 is adhered to the insert adhesive. The envelope/insert combination 10 may then be inserted into an outer mailing envelope 42 (FIG. 3 ) and sent to a customer/recipient. Other enclosures, such as an invoice 54, notice, text, order forms, or the like may be included in theouter envelope 42. At least one of theinsert 14,envelopes - The present invention provides several advantages over a conventional bang-tail envelope (i.e. an envelope with a flap attached to the upper rear edge of the envelope along a perforation line). The use of a
conventional envelope 12 and an easily formedinsert 14 allow for simple formation and assembly as compared to a bangtail envelope which must be specifically manufactured. The present invention also encourages a user to handle and remove theinsert 14, which ensures additional attention is paid to theinsert 14, and ensures that theinsert 14 does not interfere with sealing of theenvelope 12. In contrast, in a conventional bang-tail envelope a user may seal the envelope with the flap in place, which means lesser attention may have been paid to the flap, and interferes with sealing of the envelope and opening/automated processes of the bang-tail envelope. Finally the present invention allows theinsert 14 andenvelope 12 to be made of different materials, whereas in conventional bang-tail envelopes the flap and envelope are made of the same materials. - While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various additional changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is therefore intended that all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
Claims (13)
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US11/868,028 US20080041927A1 (en) | 2005-03-11 | 2007-10-05 | Insert and envelope assembly |
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US8752756B2 (en) * | 2010-10-21 | 2014-06-17 | Alexander I. Brufsky | Integrated envelope assembly including original and return envelope components |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110100845A1 (en) * | 2009-10-31 | 2011-05-05 | James Arthur Meech | Packaging for Concealing an Insert |
WO2011061479A1 (en) | 2009-11-18 | 2011-05-26 | Reckitt Benckiser Llc | Ultrasonic surface treatment device and method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20060202008A1 (en) | 2006-09-14 |
US8322597B2 (en) | 2012-12-04 |
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