US2695130A - Multiple mailing envelope - Google Patents

Description

M. COVAN MULTIPLE MAILING ENVELOPE Nov. 23, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Nov. 14, 1950 INVENTOR. M270 OVA/V M44, AIJ'OZPNLE'YJ NOV. 23, 1954 cov 2,695,13U

MULTIPLE MAILING ENVELOPE Filed Nov. 14, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. flafirwv 50m BY United States Patent MULTlPLE MAILING ENVELOPE Morton Covan, Hollywood, Calif.

Application November 14, 1950, Serial No. 195,558

2 Claims. (Cl. 229-73) My invention relates to improvements in envelopes and particularly to a device which permits the replacement of minor parts in conjunction with the envelope to make it mailable again and again.

A. further object of. my invention is the provision of facilitiesv of reply by the sender of the initial communication and consequent users. of the envelope. purpose a detachable section. or sections are incorporated in the structure of the envelope.

It is further the aim of this invention to provide the means of eliminating the need of readdressing the envelope for any or all of its mailing if it is forwarded back and forth between the same parties.

My invention also makes provisions for the conversion of the envelope from one class of mail to another for any particular mailing without afiecting the main structure of the envelope for future mailings.

Special emphasis has been placed by this invention on the ease and speed of the operation by the recipient of the envelope, both in its opening and resealing for reniailing. This is of particular importance where large quantities of envelopes are used. for business purposes.

The structure of the envelope as outlined contains provisions for seven mailings and two correspondence or advertising sheets. These are embodied in the initial body ofthe envelope. However, the facilities for certain minor replacement, as stated, extend the usefulness of the envelope for additional multiple mailings, especially if manufactured from. a more durable material.

A further object of my invention is to provide an envelope which is preferably stamped from a single blank For this i and the various parts are folded and then connected together in a novel manner to form the completed envelope.

A modified form of the invention includes a rotatable disc that has the addressors and addressees' names and street addresses thereon. The rotatable disc'is so mounted that only one of the addresses will be exposed when the envelope iscompletely folded. Such an envelope can be used repeatedly so long as the material forming the envelope stands up.

A further object of my invention is to provide a device of the type described which is extremely simple in construction and durable and eflicient for the purpose indicated.

Other objects and advantages will appear in the following specification, and the novel features of the device will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming a part' of this application, in which:

Figure l is an outside plan view of the envelope blank prior to the folding of the various flaps into closed position;

Figure 2 is an inside plan view of the envelope blank prior to the folding of the various flaps;

Figure 3 is: a section along the line lI'I'-III of Figure 1 and in reality is an end view of the: long lower flap in an unfolded position;

Figure 4 is a section along the line I.VIV' of Figure l and illustrates the shortnflap with its pocket;

Figure 5 is an end view of the lower flap folded along itsmiddl'e portion with the gummed strip projecting beyond the fold;

Figure 6 is a face-view of Figure 5 when looking in the direction of the arrows.VlVI of Figure 5;

Figure? is asection along'the lineVl'IVII' ofFigure 2 and illustrates a portion of the long side flap with its 2,695,130 Patented Nov. 23,. 1954 gummed edge and with its short flap that has an inturned portion for protecting its gummed edge;

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 except that the gummed short flap shown in Figure 7 is unfolded and overlies the gummed edge: of the side flap;

Figure 9 shows a plan view of. the envelope in folded position with the long top flapdisposed on the outside. of the envelope;

Figure 10 is a. plan view of the foldedv envelope with the long lower envelope placed over the top flap and with the lower flap being folded along its mid portion so that the gummed strip on this flap will. adhere. to the adjacent portion of the topflap and the smaller portion' of the side: flap;

Figure ll is a plan view of the folded envelope with the long lower flapin unfolded position and overlying the top flap;

Figure 12' is a view similar to Figure 11' with. the envelope merely being: rotated through an. arc of Figure 13" is aninside plan view of the envelope with the lower flap folded over the top flap and: the shortside flap overlying the. lower flap. The long side flap has been: severed;

Figure 14 is a view similar to- Figure l3 with the long side flap folded over the short side flap rather thanbeing severed;

Figure 1-5 illustrates the long side flap, severed and reversed, so as tobe fed throughasleeve of the short side fiap; the left hand edge of the severed flap has: its gummed edge and its gummed strip receiving the stub end of the longside flap and being secured thereto;

Figure 16 illustrates how the envelope can be folded sothat a: corner will be received in the pocket, thus permitting the envelope to be opened forinspection;

Figure l7 is a transverse sect-ion along the line XVil.XVll of Figure 16;

Figure 18 shows a top: edge view of the long top flap provided with a pluralityof detachable sheets;

Figure 19 isaplan view of the long top flapafter being severed alongits perforated line sothat the severedportion can be used? as a postal card;

Figure" 20' is an end view of-v Figure 19 and illustrates the removal of the. outermost card from the pad;

Figure 21 isa plan view of the revolving label used with the envelope;

Figure 22 is a partial sectional view showing the attachment of the label tor thev envelope;

Figure 23 is a plan. view of the closed envelope with the label in position;.

Figure 24 is aview similar to: Figure 23 and shows the label rotated through an. arc of 180 degrees;

Figure 25' is a plan view of a pad of labels;

Figure 26 is a side elevation of Figure 25; and

Figure 27 is a modified. form of. the label where four positions can be used for names and. addresses rather than two.

While I have shown only the preferred forms of my invention, it should: be understood. that various changes or. modifications may be made within the scope. of the appended claimswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In carrying out my invention, I provide an envelope blank of the shape. shown in- Figures 1 and 2. Figure lv illustrates the outside plarr view ofthe blank while Figure 2 illustrates the. inside plani view. The blank is composed of. a. center on main panel portion A with along top. flap. B that iscoextensive with; the. length of the main panel, see Figure. 2. Figure 1 shows. the long top flap B extending downwardly from the main panel because the figure shows the outside plan view ofthe envelope. The. long top. flap. B. is. adapted to befolded along the line. 1 so. as. to overlie. the. main panel A in a manner hereinafter described. Both. Figures 1 and- 2 illustrate the. long top flap as being provided with an edge Zthat: isinclined. so as to cut olf a. corner indicated by: the dot: dashv line, 3 shown in Figure 2. The inner surface of. the. long. top flap. has acorner pocket 4, similar to the type: used: to: mountphotographs in: an. album,. the purpose of which. will be described hereinafter. The

corner mount: 4 is. disposed on. the inner. surface of the topfiap B, see. Figure: 2..

It will also be noted from Figure 2 that the inner surface of the long top flap B has an adhesive portion 5 disposed along an edge 6 of the flap. A line of perforations 6a border the gummed portion 5 to permit tearing when opening the envelope. In addition to this, there is a line of perforations 7, see Figure 1, which permit a portion of the long top flap to be torn along this line and be used as a postal card. Figure 1 also shows a rectangular area 8 on the long top flap B for receiving a postage stamp when the flap is to be used as a postal card or when the flap remains a part of the complete envelope.

Both Figures 1 and 2 show the envelope provided with a long side flap C and this flap is connected to the main panel A along a fold line 9. The long side flap is of a particular form in that it has a base portion C1 disposed adjacent to the main panel and having a width substantially equal to the width of the main panel. The long side flap is then provided with an intermediate portion C2 of slightly less width than the portion C1 and a line of perforations 10 divides the portion C1 from the portion C2. It will be noted from both Figures 1 and 2 that the sides 11 and 12 of the portion C2 are stepped inwardly a slight distance from the sides 13 and 14 of the base portion C1.

The greater length of the long side flap C is designated by the end portion C3 that is integral with the intermediate portion C2 and is of a slightly less width than this portion. The sides 15 and 16 of the end portion C3 are spaced inwardly from the sides 11 and 12 of the intermediate portion. This arrangement gives the flap C a wider base at its point of attachment to the main panel A. A corner pocket, not shown, could be provided at the end of the flap portion C3 in the same manner as the corner portion 4 for the flap B.

Figures 7 and 8 are a longitudinal section through a part of the end portion C3. The outer end of the portion C3 has a strip of adhesive 17 on the inner surface. A line of perforations 18 is provided in the portion C3 and borders the inner edge of the adhesive portion 17. It will also be seen from Figures 2, 7 and 8 that the inner surface of the portion C3 is provided with a fiap D which may be stapled or otherwise secured to the end portion C3 as indicated at 19 in Figure 7. Normally the flap D is folded at 20 so as to dispose the free end of the flap in a position where it will not interfere with the adhesive strip 17. In certain instances, which will be explained hereinafter, it is desirable to open the flap D along its fold line 20 so as to have its free end overlie the adhesive strip 17. The surface 21 adjacent to the free end of the flap is provided with a strip of adhesive that will cooperate with the strip of adhesive 17. When the section C3 and the flap D are in the position shown in Figure 8, it is possible to insert a member between the end of the section C and the end of the flap D and cause the member to be secured to the section C3 by merely pressing the adhesive strip portions into contact with both surfaces of the member. The advantage of this feature will be explained hereinafter. The flap D has a line of perforations 21a paralleling the fold line 20 and the flap D may be severed along this line. Figure 2 illustrates how the sections C2 and C3 are provided with a. rectangular area 22 for receiving a postage stamp and thus permit the two sections to be removed from the base section C1 along the line of perforations 10 and be used as a postal card.

Referring again to Figure 2, it will be seen that I provide a long lower flap E that is coextensive with the main panel A and is adapted to be folded over the main panel along a fold line 23. The rectangularly-shaped area of the long lower flap is substantially coextensive with the area of the main panel A. Figure 2 illustrates the inner surface of the long lower flap E, while Figure 1 shows the outer surface of the same flap. The flap E is provided with a median fold line 24 that extends throughout the length of the flap, and divides the flap into an inner portion E1 and an outer portion E2. Figure 3 illustrates how a strip F is secured to the outer surface of the flap portion E1 so as to be positioned over the line of fold 24 and to proiect over the portion E2 a slight distance. The strip F is permanently secured to the portion E1 that lies between the fold lines 23 and 24 and has a line of perforations 24a paralle ing the fold 24 and positioned adjacent thereto. Both Fi ures 3 and. 5 illustrate how the free end of the strip F normally line as clearly illustrated in Figures 5 and 6.

lies free of the outer portion E2 of the flap E and is provided with adhesive 25, see Figure 6. The gummed and perforated strip F is utilized to seal the envelope in conjunction with the use of the top flap B for postage indicia. In certain instances it is desirable to fold the outer portion E2 with respect to the inner portion E1 along the fold line 24 and when this is done, the adhesive portion 25 of the strip F will extend beyond the fold In addition, the outer edge of the portion E2 of the flap E has a gummed strip 26 of adhesive, see Figures 2 and 3. The lower flap E is brought into use for postage indicia by unfolding it at the center crease 24. When this flap is not so used, the outer section E2 is kept out of the way by being folded at the crease 24.

Before describing the purpose of the specially constructed long lower flap E, I will first describe the structure of a short side flap G. The inner surface of this flap is shown in Figure 2, while the outer surface is illustrated in Figure 1. The outer edge 27 of the short side flap has a gummed portion 28 provided on the inner surface of the fiap. A line of perforations 29 extends along the inner edge of the gummed surface 28 and parallels the outer edge 27. A band H is provided on the outer surface of the short flap G and covers most of its surface. The band H, see Figures 1 and 4, has a width equal to the width of the short side flap G and has its edges secured to the edges of the flap G by staples 31 or other suitable fastening means. Figure 1 shows the staples 31 securing the edges of the band H to the flap G for about one-half of the lengths of the edges. The staples are placed so that the right-hand half of the band H when looking at Figure 1, has its edges fastened down while the left-hand half has its edges unfastened. A pocket or sleeve is formed by the flap G and the band H, and this pocket has a wider portion where the edges are not stapled down for receiving the wider part C2 of the flap C when the flap is removed and inserted into the pocket as shown in Figure 15. The pocket has a narrow portion provided where the staples 31 are used, for receiving the more narrow part C3 of the fiap C. In this way the detached fiap C can have its wider end C2 anchored to the flap G when the latter is folded. The free end C2 of the flap is then secured to the folded flap C1, by the adhesive portion 17. The member H has a rectangular area 30 for receiving a postage stamp as indicated in Figure 1.

In Figures 9 to 17, inclusive, I show the various ways in which the envelope may be folded for the purposes of mailing. In Figure 9 the long side flap C and the short side flap G have both been folded along their fold lines 9 and 32, respectively, so as to be superimposed over the main panel A. The long lower flap E is shown overlying the side flaps C and G and the figure also illustrates the outer portion E2 of the flap E as being folded under the inner portion E1. The top flap B has the gummed portion 5 that is pressed down upon the adjacent portion of the flap E for sealing the envelope. All of the flaps B, C, E and G may terminate in gummed strips and perforated lines that parallel the outer edges of the flaps.

The long top flap B extends over all of the other flaps and the inclined edge 2 exposes a sutficient portion of the inner flap area E1 so that the name of the addressee may be viewable at 33. It will also be seen from Figure 9 that the word To is stamped on the outer surface of the flap B near the edge 2 and an arrow 34 associated with the word points toward the addressees name 33 which appears on the flap portion E1. A stamp is placed on the rectangular area 8 and the name of the addressor 35 is placed on the portion E1 and directly under the addressees name 33. The outer surface of the flap B also has the word From printed thereon adjacent to the inclined edge 2 with an arrow 36 pointing toward the addressors name 35.

Several flaps C, E and G, that are disposed under the flap B, together with the main panel A have their superimposed corner portions which are disposed adjacent to the pocket 4, actually inserted into the pocket for holding all of the parts of the folded envelope in proper relation to each other without sealing the envelope. This permits postal inspection and mailing the envelope second class. Figures 16 and 17 illustrate how the various fiaps together with the main panel A have their corner p0r-.

ti'ons disposed in the corner pocket 4'. The gummed' strips. and perforated or wealened lines are,. of course; unnecessary when theflap is not-sealed, but instead the corner mount 4 is used ftarholdingthe envelope flapsin folded" position.

In Figure the envelope isfolded to show howthe addressee can return the envelope: to the one=from Whom he has received it. In this figure, the flap E is shown folded alon its median f'oldline 24* so the portion E2 will not be viewable. The portion E1 is shown overlying the adjacent portion of'the long top flap B and the strip F is used for securing theflap E tothe flap B; A new stamp may be-aifixed-tothe rectangular-area 8 of the-outersurface of the exposed partof the flap B.

It' will be seen also-from Figure 10' that the same two. names indicated at' 33' and 35' are on: the portion El of the flap, but since the entireflap portion E1 is now exposed, the word From with itsarrow' 37 formerly covered by the flap B, now pointstothe name 33, while the word To'withits arrow 38 points to the name and address indicated at: 35'; In other words, the cut out corner 2 of the flap B may be used to eliminateth'e-need of readdressing the envelope for certain mailings. In Figure 9', the fully exposed topflap-B hasits word To associated with. the name-33-,. and: thezword: From associated with the name 35. The addressee can return the envelope to the addressor by folding the flap portion E1 over a partof the topflapB, as in- Figure 10. This will cover the arrows 34 and- 36-withtheir words and expose the'arrows .37 and- 38with their word's-From andTo.

Coming to Figure 1-1-, we have the envelope folded so that the entire long lowerflap- E remains in an unfolded state and overlies the greater portion of the flap-Br In this case the names of the addressee and addressor and the arrows 37 and 38 will be viewable. The adhesive portion 26. disposedalong the outer edge of the flap B will be pressed. down against the flap B for sealing the envelope. The flapE has arectangular'area 39 forreceivinga postagestamp.

Figure. 12 is similar to Figure 11: and the envelope has been-.rotated.180. while still lying in' the samepl'ane. The purpose of this is toshowthat: arectangular area 40 on the flap portion E1 may be used for receiving a postage stamp. In each of the instances: indicated in Figures- 9 through 12, inclusive, the message may be written on the concealed surfacesof the flaps-or a: message on a separate paper may be contained Within the envelope.

In Figure 13 the envelope is shown with the long side flap C torn along its line of perforations 10 in order to free the integral portions C2 and C3 from the base portion C1. In addition, the main portion of the envelope illustrates the top flap B folded down over the main panel A and then the long lower flap portion E1 is folded over the top fiap. It will be noted that the long lower flap has its outer portion E2 folded under its portion E1. Figure 13 further shows the short side flap G folded over the adjacent portions of the flaps B and E. Figure 13 is shown to illustrate how the long side flap C can be removed by tearing along the line of perforations 10 and then this long side fiap can be fed through the pocket or sleeve formed by the member H on the short side flap G.

Figure 15 illustrates how the narrow end C3 of the severed side flap C is fed through the cover-channel formed by the flap G and the band H, from the right hand side of the envelope and the same figure illustrates the final position of the severed side flap C. This final position shows the larger portion C2 received in the cover channel and the free end of the portion C3 secured to the folded base portion C1 by the adhesive strip 17 on the inner surface of the portion C3 and the adhesive portion on the inner surface of the flap D. In other words, the base C1 is gripped between the two gummed portions just mentioned and this will seal the envelope for mailing purposes. The wide base C2 of the severed flap C will be retained in the cover channel H by the narrowing margin formed by the staples 31. The outer surface of the portion C3 has an addressee name in the area indicated at 41 and the addressors name in the area indicated at 42. The portion C3 also covers any used or yet to be used surfaces of the envelope.

If it is not desired to remove the flap C by tearing along the perforated line 10, Figure 14 illustrates how this flap can overlie all of the other flaps and have its gummed portion 17 caused to adhere to the adjacent portions of the other underlying flaps. When this takes place, the

flap D''- has: its outer end: folded undenas: illustrated: in

Figure-7 soas-=to: cover the adhesive 211 and" expose; the: adhesive portion 1 71 The postage stamp is placed on:

" tional flaps may be removed at will without damaging;

or in any. way affecting, the. usefulness: of; the. main body of. the. envelope; The directions: 34: and- 36. printed on these. addedbfiaps nearthe; edge 2, in Figure 19, would;v

alternate with; each. removable flap. and permit: the cardsbeingmailed back and-.forth. between two parties,.a.business firmand its steady client-.01 two; regular-social; correspondents. Theientire envelopecould.be-mailed backand forth by using the flaps.

At: all points. where only a portion, of, an adhesive strip need be; used for: sealing-,- purposes, a transverse. per forated line;. suchas: the; line: 29a in Figure; 1-3, extendsv atright; anglesto the, perforated line 29: that bordersthe gummed; strip.- 28;. Figure 13' shows the portion E1 of the flap E1. overlying the folded? flap B. The side flap G. overlies both: theflapsE: andB'and' since; flap E covers a part-.of flap B, it;is only necessary to use the part of the. gummed: strip 28: that. overlies the portion, E1. The remainder ofathe, gumrnedlstrip 28; is not used. In opening the seal, the tear. takes. place'along the transverse line. of-perforations29a andalong'theportion of the perforated line. 29 that lies. adjacent to the flap portion E1. The remaining portion of the perforated. line 29'need not be torn. Other transverse tear lines are provided for a similar. purpose such as the transverse. tear, line 24b disposediat right angles tothe tear line 24a, on the strip F, see Figure 1, and, the transverse tear line 18a disposed at right angles to the tear. line-18'on-the side flap'C, see the samefigure.

The. various novelfeatures of the invention are not restricted to,-special; sizesror shapes of envelopes. While preferred locations. and. shapes, of, these features are out.- lined in the specification, these may be altered or changed without departing from the novel phases of the invention.

In certain cases it is desirable to provide two or more addresses with only one address being exposed when the envelope is folded. The modified forms shown in Figures 21 to 27, inclusive, are designed for this purpose. In Figure 21 I show a rotatable disc I or revolvable addresslabel that has a central opening 43 therein for receiving a rivet or other pivotal support 44, see Figure 22, and this pivotal support is mounted in the strip F, see Figure 23, or at any other advantageous location. The disc I has two flattened edges 45 and 46, see Figure 21. Figure 23 illustrates how the disc may be rotated for positioning the edge 45 adjacent to the fold line 23 between the main panel A and the long top fiap B. The other edge 46 will be received under the folded flap E and will contact with the fold line 23 so as to prevent the disc from rotating accidentally. The disc has the word From printed thereon in association with an arrow 47 and this arrow points to a name and address that may be printed on the fla B.

lifter the envelope has been opened and the one receiving it desires to return the envelope to the sender, the disc I is rotated through an arc of to bring the edge 46 into exposed position and to move the edge 45 under the flap E, see Figure 24. The disc I has the word To printed thereon in association with an arrow 48 that points to a portion of the flap B on which the return address is printed. The directions 47 and 48 on the address-label which reverse the destination of the envelope may be used to eliminate the need of readdressing. The end view of the envelope with the disc I is illustrated in Figure 22. The disc has a line of perforations 49, see Figure 21, paralleling the edge 45 and a second line of perforations 50 paralleling the edge 46. The label has gummed strips lying between the perforated lines and their adjacent edges 45 and 46 which permit the exposed portion of the label to be attached to the flap B for sealing the envelope. When the envelope is opened the label is torn along the exposed perforated line 49 and 50. The label has rectangular areas 51 for receiving postage stamps. A new label may be substituted for a used one as often as desired.

It is possible to provide a plurality of labels 1 as shown in Figures 25 and 26, all of which are mounted on a pivot pin 43. The pin in turn has an opening through which a connecting pin 44 is used for securing the label to the strip F. Each label in the stack shown in Figures 25 and 26 is identical to that shown in Figures 21 to 24, inclusive, and therefore corresponding reference numerals will be used. The only difference is that the labels shown in Figures 25 and 26 have radially extending tear lines 52 for the purpose of tearing off a used label. This is clearly shown in the two figures.

Another modification of the disc or label is shown at J1 in Figure 27. In this case four edges 53 are used in place of the two edges 45 and 46. The label may be swung into four different positions and lines of perforations 54 permit the label to be torn open adjacent to the adhering gummed strip after each use. In all other respects this type of label is the same as that shown in Figure 21.

The interior side of the band H or the adjacent surface of the short side flap G may carry a coating of dry adhesive which will act on contact with a similar coating on the surface portion of the long side flap C when the latter is folded and has its free end inserted into the sleeve formed by the band H and flap G. The long flap C when severed along the line of perforations 10, can be slipped through the sleeve so that its portion C2 is received therein and the flap can constitute a forwarding label.

The disc label J when used in a pack as illustrated in Figures 25 and 26, may be folded along the perforated lines 45 and 46 so as not to interfere with the adhesive portion of the label being used for securing the label to the surface of the underlying flap.

I claim:

1. In an envelope blank: a main panel; a top fiap extending from the top of the panel and being foldable thereover; a bottom flap extending from the lower edge of the panel and being foldable over the top flap; the bottom flap being foldable along a median line in the flap that parallels the fold line between the bottom fiap and the panel; whereby a section of the bottom flap may be folded under the remaining portion of the bottom flap and concealed when the folded bottom flap overlies the top flap, and a strip secured to the bottom fiap and overlying the median fold line; the strip having an exposed surface when the bottom flap is folded in half; the exposed surface having an adhesive thereon to permit the strip to be secured to the top flap when the bottom flap is folded over the top flap.

2. In an envelope blank: a main panel; a top flap foldable over the panel; a bottom flap foldable over the top flap and covering a portion thereof; and a side flap foldable over the other two flaps and having a strip of adhesive overlying both the top and bottom flaps; said side fiap having a line of perforations bordering the adhesive strip and having an additional short line of perforations extending across the adhesive strip at a point where the outer edge of the bottom flap overlies the top flap; whereby only the portion of the adhesive strip overlying the bottom flap may be caused to adhere to the bottom fiap and the envelope can be opened by tearing along the short line of perforations and along the portion of the first mentioned perforated line that overlies the bottom flap.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 380,616 Bobrick Apr. 3, 1888 884,394 Keegan Apr. 14, 1908 926,025 Shaffer June 22, 1909 945,710 Doxsee Jan. 4, 1910 965,269 Yasmeta July 26, 1910 966,107 Lowe Aug. 2, 1910 1,040,004 Patton Oct. 1, 1912 1,311,397 Herter July 29, 1919 1,344,071 Webster June 22, 1920 1,476,495 Cross Dec. 4, 1923 1,883,475 Bartsch Oct. 18, 1932 2,201,538 Holden May 21, 1940 2,355,348 Welliver et al. Aug. 8, 1944 2,527,925 Frampton Oct. 31, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 118,376 Great Britain Aug. 29, 1918 120,003 Great Britain Oct. 24, 1918

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