Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
TITLE
SEPARABLE OR OPENING PORTIONS FOR PRINTABLE SHEET MATERIAL
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of the co-pending U.S.
patent
application serial no. 12/749,152 filed March 29, 2010 that claims the benefit
of U.S.
provisional patent application Serial No. 61/164,418 filed March 28, 2009.
This
application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application serial
no. 61/778,603
filed March 13, 2013.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to apparatus, articles of manufacture and
methods relating to improved separable or opening portions or structures or at
least
partially separable portions or structures for printable sheet material.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many containers, such as envelopes, re-usable envelopes, pockets,
carriers,
cartons, boxes, folded forms, greeting cards, packaging, brochures, booklets,
magazines and mailers, are formed of printable sheet material that is designed
to be
sealed or fastened and incorporate at least a partially separable portion or
portions that
may be used to open the container, or expose or remove an area, or separate
connected container portions. Other items that have one or more layers or
panels of
printable sheet material are postcards, single sheet advertisements and order
forms that
can also incorporate at least a partially separable portion or portions.
Various problems
and inefficiencies are associated with the opening or separation of these
portions
relative to the remaining sheet material. For example, unsealing or opening of
the item
is often difficult, messy or damaging to the item. The existing perforation
(cut and
connector designs do not ensure that the desired tearing path is followed.
Depending
on how someone grasps and pulls the two separating portions, variable forces
are
applied that can subsequently cause the tearing of the two separable portions
to drift
away or tear into adjacent areas at each gap or connector area where the cuts
are
1
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
spaced apart to form gaps called connectors that are necessary to provide
strength for
the connection of the two separable portions for manufacture and use. Attempts
at
solving the problems and inefficiencies associated with manufacturing,
fastening and
separating such items have proven unsatisfactory.
[0004] Accordingly, there exists a need for apparatus, methods and articles of
manufacture for fastening and/or separating portions of sheet material having
one or
more of the following attributes, capabilities or features: allows for easy
release,
separation or opening of connected sheet material portions; limits, minimizes
or
eliminates damage to the portions being separated; reduces, limits, eliminates
or
controls tearing of the sheet material portions during separation; reduces,
limits,
eliminates or controls tearing of the portions during separation regardless of
the
direction of separation of the connected portions; reduces, limits, eliminates
or controls
tearing of the portions during separation when the connected portions are
separated in
a particular direction; indicates tampering or attempted opening of the
connected
portions; prevents or reduces damage to text or graphics included on any
connected/separated portions; provides an intuitive mechanism for opening or
separating connected portions; makes opening containers easier; provides
simple,
dependable, easy-open functionality for containers; preserves the appearance
and/or
integrity of connected portions after separation; provides desired sturdiness
of
affixation/separation mechanisms; eliminates the need for equipment to open
certain
containers or separate connected portions; enables re-use, resealing or
remailing of
sheet material and containers made from sheet material; prevents accidental
opening of
perforations on containers; allows for easy connection of container portions;
removes or
reduces uncertainty in determining the quantity and extent of affixation
material to
include on the portions to be connected; enables the manufacture, sealing and
use of
containers with less affixation material; simplifies the manufacturing process
of
containers and other sheet material items; removes or reduces potential
difficulties in
processing and/or handling sheet material items; and allows for easy use of
sheet
material item manufacturing and handling equipment, such as high-speed
envelope
2
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
printing and converting technology, envelope insertion and sealing equipment,
and mail
processing technologies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] As used herein, the terms "present invention", "invention" and
variations
thereof refer merely to at least one feature or capability that may be part of
at least one
embodiment of the invention, may be implemented and/or claimed independently,
in
combination with at least one other feature or capability, or not at all. The
use of the
terms "present invention", "invention" and variations thereof does not mean or
refer to
the subject matter of every embodiment of the invention or each and every
claim, or
necessarily any claims, of any patent application. Thus, the use herein of the
terms
"present invention", "invention" and variations thereof should not limit the
scope of the
invention or any claims of any patent application or patent related to, based
upon or
claiming priority to this application.
[0006] The invention includes various independent aspects or features.
Included with
this patent application are sample embodiments illustrated in drawings showing
various
views of various particular embodiments of the invention. The drawings are not
necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the drawings
may be
shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic form in the interest of clarity and
conciseness. Common or similar components or elements of the various
illustrated
embodiments are evident based upon the drawings themselves. Any text, graphics
and
other writings appearing in the drawings are provided only as examples of
potential
features that may be included in the illustrated embodiments, but which are
not required
by, or limiting upon, the present invention.
[0007] The present invention may have one or more of the features,
capabilities or
advantages described below or shown in the drawings and sample embodiments, as
well as other features, capabilities and advantages that will be apparent to a
person
skilled in the art based upon the description below and/or the attached
drawings.
However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described
herein or
3
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
shown in the attached drawings, or any particular details thereof. Also, any
of the
particular features described or shown with respect to one embodiment of the
invention
may be included in any other embodiment or application of the invention.
Further,
nothing in this document or the attached drawings or sample embodiments should
limit
the scope of the present invention, or any patent claims of any patent
applications
relating hereto. This patent application is intended merely to provide a
written
description of examples of various features of the present invention and the
manner and
process of making and using at least one embodiment sufficient to enable a
person
skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and to set forth the best
mode presently
contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the present invention.
[0008] The present invention is an improved separable or opening structure or
portion
for use with a container or other item formed of printable sheet material and
having at
least one partially separable portion, or one or more items or portions that
are
connectable with, or separable from one another or combination thereof. A few
examples of single or multiple use "items" include envelopes, re-usable
envelopes,
window envelopes, inline envelopes, welded envelopes, overnight carriers,
reusable
overnight carriers, boxes, reusable boxes, folded forms, re-usable forms,
pressure seal
forms, cartons, containers, postcards, printed forms and packaging constructed
of
uncoated or coated paper, cardboard, chipboard, C1S board, pulp composite,
fibrous,
or other synthetic material or window material or paper patch or label or any
other
suitable material or a combination thereof. The at least partially separable
portion or
portions may be embodied in one or more panels, sections, or may be detachably
affixed to or separable from other layers, patches or any other part or parts
of the item
or container, or any desirable combination thereof. The present invention is
in no way
limited by the type, construction, form, configuration, use or any other
details or features
of the item with which it is or may be used.
[0009] The opening or separable structure of the present invention includes at
least
one partially separable portion formed by at least one tearable line that is
formed by at
least one "connector" and/or at least two "cut lines". To form a outline, the
item, or the
4
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
panel, section, portions, parts or components thereof, may be weakened in any
suitable
desired manner, such as, for example, by having at least one score, cut,
indentation,
thin section or any combination thereof formed therein. The connector may be
any
desired, suitable mechanism for connecting the separable portion such as, for
example,
a gap or spacing approximate at least two cut lines forming a tearable line,
or between
at least one cut line and a fold line or other sheet material portion. The
present
invention may also feature a staggered or angled or bent or overlapping or
intersecting
or converging pattern of cut lines and connectors that may be incorporated to
strengthen the formed tearable line or lines, portion or portions such that
the tearable
line or lines forming the separable portion or portions can be customized to
function
reliably for its purpose, desired tearing path and manufacturing method based
on the
type of sheet material or thickness of paper or substrate and design that is
utilized to
manufacture the corresponding at least partially separable portion.
100101 The overlapping or intersecting or converging pattern of cut lines and
connectors may also be configured with channeling cuts that extend or
partially extend
to ensure that the tearing is controlled or redirected in a specific direction
or desired
path, or this provides a method which enables the cut lines to be further
separated from
each other or positioned in at least a partially overlapping pattern forming
stronger
connector areas that make the tearable line or lines, portion or portions
stronger and
more reliable for manufacturing, insertion, processing and function. A
stronger tearable
cut design may be positioned more closely or proximate to a fold line or lines
or void or
window area or areas, and or positioned on or across a fold line or lines,
section or
section, portion or portions while thereby ensuring reliable manufacturing,
processing
and function of the tearable portion or portions. The overlapping,
intersecting or
staggered or converging cut lines may be spaced apart from each other thereby
forming
connectors and in line with each other or proximate to each other so that when
the
separable portion is lifted in a desired direction along a tearable line, each
cut line tears
through the adjacent connector towards the next cut line, or channeling cut in
a desired
shape or path or direction.
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
[0011] When desired, one or more of layers and/or patches may be connected
utilizing a point or points of affixation between or proximate to the at least
partially
separable portion or portions and the corresponding separable layered or
affixed patch
portion such as for example, windowed envelopes, windowed boxes, packaging,
containers and forms where patch material(s) or layered structures may be
affixed
approximate to one or more separable portion(s). The layer or patch could also
embody
additional windows, layers or patches, printed graphics or other
embellishments. The
affixation mechanism may be any desired shape or size, which functions as a
suitable
mechanism for connecting or affixing the items, layers, patches or portions or
any
combination thereof such as, for example, glue, tape, adhesive, removable
adhesive.
repositionable adhesive, remoisten gums or glues, contact gums or glues,
pressure seal
adhesive, latex gums, peel-n-seal tapes, two-sided tapes, fugitive adhesives,
magnetic
material, hook and loop fastener, or any combination thereof.
[0012] When desired, a release cut or cuts may be incorporated into one or
more
affixed portions, items, containers, layers, patches approximate to one or
more
affixation points to control or limit the adhered fibrous tearing between at
least one
among two affixed portions, items, layers, patches, container portions when
lifted and
separated from the other. When desired, the separable portion or layer or
patch may be
utilized for additional graphic marketing, communication or messaging space
such as a
hidden offer, advertising, coupon, repositionable note, or instructional
graphics etc. or
other embellishments like scratch off areas, labels, sound chips, credit or
membership
cards, 3-D pop-ups. The one or more at least partially separable portions or
layers or
patches may also embody printed graphics, photos, ads or other embellishments
like
repositionable adhesive areas, release coating areas, permanent adhesive
areas,
removable or scratch off labels, scratch off areas, membership cards, parking
stickers,
embossing, carbon or carbonless coating areas, die cut areas or any other
desirable
enhancement or combination thereof. The at least partially separable portions
or layers
or patches may also incorporate an area or areas that embody a polymer release
coating that allow the release of corresponding permanent or removable
adhesive area
or areas.
6
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
[0013] When desired the at least partially separable portion or layer or patch
may
include a tearable or detachable section or sections that can be utilized as
an
advertising or messaging device such as for example a coupon or reminder note
or part
of reply or interactive method, or simply to remove a desired portion or
section of the
separable portion, or layer or patch for desired purpose such as for example
the
removal of outbound graphics, addressing and mail processing markings such as
postage or presort markings etc for a another purpose or reuse. When desired
the
separable portion or portions, layer or layers, patch or patches may also
incorporate a
method to reseal and or reuse the remaining container portion or portions,
item or items.
Any desirable sealing or affixing method could be used to reseal or reuse the
remaining
container portion or item or layer, such as for example, adhesive, remoisten
gum, peel-
n-seal tape, glue, contact adhesives, hook and loop fastener, magnetic
material, static
bonding material, interlocking slits or cuts, string, button, hook etc or any
combination
thereof.
[0014] The present invention may have one or more of the following features,
capabilities, functions or benefits: to allow for easy opening or separation
or controlled
tearing of one or more portions of one or more items; to allow for reliable
connection of
one or more separable portions of one or more items; to allow for easy
separation of
one or more portions of one or more items; to allow for easy opening of one or
more
portions of an item or an area; to allow for easy separation or controlled
tearing or
release of one or more portions of one or more items; controlling, limiting,
minimizing or
eliminating the damage to the separable portions, layers, patches that have
been
connected with the use of one or more weakened areas, connectors or
intersecting or
overlapping control tear lines and or affixing mechanisms and is separated or
disconnected; reducing, limiting or controlling the tearing of the paper or
substrate at or
near one or more weakened area, cut line, connector or affixation mechanism on
a
separable portions, layer or patch; to preserve a separable portions, layer,
patch or
remaining portion or portions of an item or items for other use or reuse or
continued
use; to incorporate one or more methods to reseal or reclose the remaining
container
7
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
portion or portions of an item or items; to facilitate the detachment or
separation of a
portion or portions of the opening portion or portions from an item or items;
to facilitate a
method to display and when desired the removal of a portion or portions that
may
display graphics or information such as the outbound addressing information -
for
example, postage, stamps, indicia, postnet bar codes, 1MB, cancellation marks
or any
other mailing or shipping information that would hinder the reuse, remailing
or re
shipping of the reusable portions, item or items; to incorporate a method to
display
necessary graphics, postage methods, account information and addressing
information
for use or reuse for mailing, shipping or interoffice use such as for example
a die cut
window, printed paper patch, label, or any type of form, label or insert that
may be
enclosed to display first or subsequent re-use information or any combination
thereof;
to prevent or reduce damage to graphics or other components or elements of a
portion
or portions of an item or items with which one or more connector mechanisms
has been
connected and or affixed and disconnected; to enable greater functionality and
use of
an item or portion of an item that has been connected and disconnected or
separated
with the use of one or more connecting and or affixing mechanisms; to preserve
the
appearance and/or integrity of an item or portion of an item that has been
connected
and disconnected with the use of one or more affixation mechanisms; to remove
or
reduce uncertainty in determining the quantity and extent of each connector to
include
on an item having at least one affixation mechanism during manufacturing; to
simplify
the manufacturing process of items; to remove or reduce the potential for
problems in
the processing and handling of items having opening or removable sections or
portions;
to allow easy use of manufacturing and handling equipment, such as inserting
and
sealing equipment, sorting and presorting processing methods and package
processing
equipment; to provide an intuitive mechanism for opening or separating an item
or
portion of an item that has been connected and disconnected with the use of
one or
more affixation mechanism; to provide tab shape, exposed edge, pop up edge, un-
affixed or un-connected edge for the gripping and easy opening of an item or
portion of
an item; to make it easier to understand how to open or separate or both, and
to open
or separate an item or portion of an item; to enable, allow the use of, or
preserve
ornamental portions or designs, such as, for example, that simulate outlines
of an object
8
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
or objects, shape or shapes such as, animals, horizons, round, oval, square,
rectangular, curved to conform to a graphic shape or the like on items having
one or
more connector or affixation mechanisms; to allow easy and intuitive access
into an
item or items; to provide dependable, easy-open functioning, separation
release
thereby limiting or controlling the fiber tear between connected portions and
or items; to
enable the manufacture, sealing and use of items with minimal connectors or
affixation
mechanisms or combinations thereof; to prevent the accidental opening of a
perforation
line or lines on an item; to use existing manufacturing technologies for
providing any of
the above; to utilize the space or areas within the at least partially
separable or
connected portions, layers, patches or items for other purposes such as
additional
marketing, messaging, branding, communications such as coupons, notes, offers,
advertising, solicitations of one or more parties' services or products, or to
incorporate
other interactive or ornamental features such as scratch off areas or labels,
pop-up
mechanisms, affixed cards, tags, membership cards, winning tickets, additional
windows, layers or any desirable embellishment or combination thereof; and to
incorporate a systematic and actionable separation or opening process that is
intuitive
and methodical thereby creating a strategy or process for the creative team,
package
designer, marketer, direct mail strategist, copywriter etc. to integrate or
present
communications, messaging, actionable or interactive features, enclosures or
embellishments to the recipient.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The above as well as other advantages of the present invention will
become
readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed
description of a
preferred embodiment when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings
in
which:
[0016] Figs. IA-1D show a second layer or patch for use with a sheet material
item
according to the present invention.
9
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
[0017] Figs. 2A-2D show a sheet material item in the form of an envelope with
a
separable portion and the second layer or patch.
[0018] Figs. 3A-3C show a second embodiment envelope.
[0019] Figs. 4A-4D show a third embodiment envelope.
[0020] Figs. 5A-5D show a fourth embodiment envelope.
[0021] Figs. 6A-6C show a fifth embodiment envelope.
[0022] Figs. 7A-7B show a sixth embodiment envelope.
[0023] Figs. 8A-8F are illustrations of various tear line configurations used
in the
present invention.
[0024] Figs. 9A-9B show a seventh embodiment envelope.
[0025] Fig. 10 shows an eighth embodiment envelope.
[0026] Fig. 11 shows a ninth embodiment envelope.
[0027] Fig. 12 shows a tenth embodiment envelope.
[0028] Fig. 13 shows an eleventh embodiment envelope.
[0029] Fig. 14 shows a twelfth embodiment envelope.
[0030] Fig. 15 shows a thirteenth embodiment envelope.
[0031] Fig. 16 shows a fourteenth embodiment envelope.
[0032] Fig. 17 shows a fifteenth embodiment envelope.
[0033] Fig. 18 shows a sixteenth embodiment envelope.
[0034] Fig. 19 shows a seventeenth embodiment envelope.
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0035] The U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 61/778,603 filed
March 13,
2013 is incorporated herein by reference.
[0036] The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and
illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description and
drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention,
and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. In respect of
the
methods disclosed, the steps presented are exemplary in nature, and thus, the
order of
the steps is not necessary or critical.
[0037] In the attached drawings of various examples of the present invention,
a first
layer or an at least partially or fully separable portion is referenced by the
numeral 20
and has edges formed by a series of intersecting cuts or weakened areas
referred to as
cut lines 21 spaced apart by solid areas referred to as connectors 22. The cut
lines 21
and connectors 22 are positioned to form a tearable line as the separable
portion 20 is
lifted thereby tearing the corresponding connectors 22 in a desired direction
or path
forming the shape of the at least partially separable portion 20. Redirecting
or at least
partially overlapping channeling cuts 28 may be incorporated proximate the
series of cut
lines 21 so as to ensure the tearing action is controlled and directed in the
desired
direction and path that forms the separable portion or opening section 20.
When
desired the channeling cuts 28 may also cooperate with the connectors 22 to
add
strength and to ensure reliable manufacture, processing and use. Any quantity,
size,
shape and orientation of cut lines 21, channeling cuts 28 and corresponding
connectors
22 or any combination thereof may be used to form the tearable line that forms
the at
least partially separable portion 20 or portions which are embodied in the
present
invention.
[0038] A second layer or patch is referenced by the numeral 30, and may be
applied
when desired proximate to the at least partially separable portion and or to
the adjacent
11
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
portion or portions. The patch material may be made of any desirable substrate
such as
paper, clear window material, foil, cellophane, polyester, synthetic substrate
etc and
may be printed or embellished for any desirable purpose.
(00391 Also shown in the drawings are various attachment devices 25 such as a
remoisten glue area 25a, a gum area 25b and a peel-n-seal strip 25c on the
patch 30
as shown in Fig. 1A. There is shown in Figs. 1B and 1C instructional graphics
26 for
applying postage. There is shown in Figs. 1B and 1D a FIM bar code 27 affixed
to the
patch 30. The patch 30 can have an affixation point 35 and/or a release cut 36
as
shown in Figs. 1B, 1C and 1D. As shown in Fig. 1D, the patch 30 can have a
return
postage graphic 31 affixed thereto.
(0040] The separable portion 20 and the second layer or patch 30 may have any
respective shape, size, orientation, configuration, form and location, as is
desired. A
few examples of different shaped separable or opening portions 20 are shown in
accompanying drawings. The series of cut lines 21 and connectors 22 that form
a
separable portion 20 may be any desired length or shape to form the separable
or
opening portion 20. When desired the at least partially separable portion 20
and the
second layer or patch 30 may be connected by an affixation point or points 35
that
connect the separable portion to the layer or patch for such purposes as
reliable
manufacturing, processing and use methods etc. When desired release cuts 36
may be
incorporated proximate to a point or points of affixation 35 on the separable
portion 20
and/or corresponding layer or patch 30 so as to allow the controlled release
or easy
separation of the affixed separable portion 20 and layer or patch 30 by
limiting or ending
the tearing of the adhered surface fibers on the affixed separable portion 20
and/or
corresponding layer or patch 30. Any desired shape, size and configuration or
combination of release cut(s) 36 or desired affixation mechanism(s) 35 may be
utilized
to connect and thereby enable the controlled release or separation of the
separable
portion 20 and the corresponding layer or patch 30. When desired the
affixation
mechanism or mechanisms may utilize a repositionable or releasable adhesive
method
or process that does not require the release cuts, so as to enable reclosure
or reuse of
the container or the separable or opening portion or section or sections
thereof. Or
12
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
when desired to incorporate a method to reuse or reapply a detachable section
or
portion of the separable opening portion or sections thereof to another item
such as for
example a note in a Day-Timer planner, a coupon or offer etc.
[0041] In some embodiments, the weakened areas or release cuts 36 are located
proximate to an affixation mechanism 35. In such embodiments, the weakened
area
and affixation mechanism may be configured and positioned in any desired
manner.
Fig. 2C shows one example of release cuts or weakened areas 36 located
proximate to
the trailing or tearing side of the affixation mechanisms 35. In other
examples, not
shown, the weakened area or release cuts may entirely surround the affixation
mechanism on one or both of the separable affixed portion 20 and the layer or
patch 30.
In other examples not shown, the weakened area only partially surrounds the
affixation
mechanism. In yet other examples, the weakened area is merely adjacent to part
of the
affixation mechanism. However, the illustrated examples are in no way limiting
upon
the present invention and there are an infinite number of other possible
combinations of
different shaped, sized, oriented and positioned pairs of weakened
areas/affixation
mechanisms. Thus, when one or more weakened area or release cut is used along
with
one or more affixation mechanism, any positioning thereof may be used. For a
few
other examples (not shown), the weakened area(s) or release cuts may be
positioned
just outside, within, adjacent to or toward the trailing side of the
affixation mechanism(s).
[0042] Figs. 2A-2D illustrate a reusable embodiment of the current invention
whereby
an opening or separable portion 20 is incorporated in and integral with a face
panel 10
of a printable sheet material in the form of an inside side seam envelope El
having a
side flap 13 at each end or side edge and which also features an address
window 29
formed therein. A back panel 11 is attached to a bottom edge of the face panel
10 and
an initial seal flap 12 is attached to a top edge. Fig. 2A shows the outside
of the
envelope El with the separable portion 20 attached to the face panel 10. Fig.
2B shows
the separable portion 20 detached from the face panel 10 along three edges and
moved
to expose the second layer or patch 30. Fig. 2C shows the separable portion 20
13
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
completely detached from the face panel 10. Fig. 2D shows the inside of the
envelope
El.
[0043] There is a tab shaped opening or starting mechanism 24 integrated in
the
outline of the intersecting cuts 21 and connectors 22 that form the tearable
line or lines
that form three edges of the separable or opening portion 20. The tab 24 is an
option
but forms a functional and intuitive device that can be utilized to help the
recipient
initiate the lifting and subsequent tearing of the intersecting tearable cuts
21 and
connectors 22. There is a second perforated tearable line 40 incorporated in
the
separable or opening portion 20 whereby a section or portion of the separable
or
opening portion 20 can be separated and detached from the front panel 10
subsequently leaving a second seal flap portion 23 attached to the remaining
portion of
the container or envelope El which serves as a method to reuse and reseal the
remaining container portion for mailing purposes. The second seal flap portion
23
includes an attachment device 25 such as a remoisten glue area.
[0044] A second layer or patch 30 is applied proximate to the separable
opening
portion 20 and features one affixation point 35 and release cuts 36 proximate
to the
opening tab shape 24 to ensure reliable manufacturing, insertion, mail
processing,
opening function, reusable function. The separable portion 20 also displays
instructional graphics 26 to apply a stamp or postage for remailing and also
may display
a FIM bar code 27 used for automation mail processing methods. There is a hump
20a
in the top edge of the separable portion 20 so as to display more of the
postal FIM bar
graphics 27. If desired, the path of the tearable lines forming edges of the
separable
portion 20 could be straightened and if desired the side flap 13 where the
tearable lines
extend could be shortened to the same height (not shown) to allow the end of
the
separable portion to open fully along the side whereby the separable portion
is
connected. There are two patch configurations shown (Figs. 1A-1C and Figs. 2A-
2D)
and many others not shown. The at least partially separable structure 20 opens
from
left to right but could be adjusted to open in any direction, towards any edge
of the front
panel 10 or any combination thereof. If desired the separable portion 20 could
extend
to an adjacent or connected back or side panel.
14
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
[0045] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a printable sheet
material in the form of an envelope E2 as shown in Figs. 3A-3C. This
embodiment is a
reusable closed face inside side seam envelope which utilizes a single large
separable
or opening portion 20 and no second address window. Fig. 3A is an outside view
and
Figs. 3B and 3C are inside views. This configuration features a void or
section 32 that
has been removed from the front panel 10 so as to form a tab shape which
allows
easier access to the edge of the portion 20 for easy grasping, lifting and
opening. The
series of cut lines 21 that form the tearable line that forms the edges of the
separable
portion 20 do not overlap but are positioned closely to minimize the
connectors 22 that
are formed by the spacing between the cuts so as to ensure tearing in the
desired
shape and path required to form the separable portion 20. The outbound
address,
postage or shipping information (not shown) is imaged or written directly on
the at least
partially separable portion 20 such that when desired can be detached so that
the
remaining Portion of the container E2 can be reused, resealed or renriailed.
There are
three patch 30 configurations shown (Business Reply Mail 30a, courtesy reply
regular
stamp 30b, and courtesy reply meter 30c), but many others are not shown
including a
clear patch material. The at least partially separable structure 20 opens from
left to
right, but could be adjusted to open in any direction, towards any edge or any
combination thereof.
[0046] A third embodiment of the present invention is an envelope E3 shown in
Figs.
4A-4D that illustrate the four steps to open, reuse or reseal the envelope.
The printable
sheet material envelope E3 has a short opening portion 20 which incorporates a
void
area 32 whereby the recipient can grasp the opening tab shape 24, lift and
pull the
opening portion to the right thereby tearing the intersecting cuts 21 and
connectors 22 in
a specific path forming the edges of the at least partially separable or
opening section
20. The intersecting cuts 21 and connectors 22 travel mostly straight across
the face
and at the perforation line 40 extend to the top and bottom corners of the
right side of
the envelope E3 thereby forming the second seal flap 23 in this configuration.
There is
also an address window 29 in the body of the envelope E3 which is used to
display
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
variable address and mailing information. In Fig. 4C the opening portion 20
can be
subsequently detached along the perforation line 40 to free the second seal
flap 23
which is formed with a remoisten gum area 25 for sealing and remailing or a
second
use. The patch 30 features a F1M bar code 27 and affix stamp instructions 26
for return
mailing. It could also feature other FIM or return mailing or shipping
information. The
opening portion 20 and patch 30 also feature two affixation areas 35 which
also include
an arcuate pair of release cuts 36 that encompass at least half of the
circumference of
the affixed area.
[0047] There are various shapes and configurations of envelope structures that
can
incorporate the present invention ¨ side seam, booklet, catalog, diagonal seam
etc.
There are many other container applications that can incorporate the present
invention -
for example, folded forms, pressure seal forms, boxes, packaging, overnight
carriers,
reusable overnight carriers, etc.
[0048] Fig. 5A is an outside view and Fig. 5B is an inside view of a fourth
embodiment
of the present invention including a printable sheet material in the form of
an envelope
E4 where the separable or opening portion 20 is incorporated into the back
panel 11 of
a side seam envelope. There is a void section 32 that forms a tab opening
mechanism
24 and a second layer or patch 30 is attached proximate to the inside of the
back panel
short of a fold line 33 where an inside bangtail flap 50 extends. Additional
points of
affixation 35 and corresponding release cuts 36 may be incorporated between
the
second layer or patch 30 and the separable or opening portion 20. If desired
some of
the affixation points or spots may not incorporate release cuts (see the three
spots 35
closest to bangtail fold line 34). The bangtail section 50 may also have a
tearable
perforation line 34 located between the back panel 11 and the section that
extends to
form the bangtail section 50. The outbound address window 29 is shown on the
front
panel 10 of this envelope, but could be located on the back panel 11 as an
option.
[0049] When the recipient receives this envelope he/she simply turns to the
back
side, lifts and pulls the opening tab shape 24 towards the outbound seal flap
23 thereby
16
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
tearing or breaking a tearable line 37 that intersects the outer edge of the
back panel 11
which allows the separable opening portion 20 to detach from the points of
affixation 35
on the patch or second layer 30. Once the opening section 20 is separated from
the
patch 30, the separable portion 20 remains attached to the outbound seal flap
23. To
reuse or remail this envelope E4, one would simple tear off the separable
portion 20
which is affixed to the original seal flap portion 12 and a portion of the
front panel 10 of
the envelope along a horizontal perforation or tearable line 38 which is short
of the
second seal portion or flap 23 at the edge of the patch 30. As shown in Fig.
5C, the
second seal flap 23 can include the attachment device 25 on one side and, as
shown in
Fig. 5D, the F1M bar code 27 on the other side. The second seal flap could be
incorporated proximate to the initial seal flap fold line on a foldable face
panel portion
that would embody a resealing method or adhesive. The remaining back panel
section
or patch portion that forms the back throat on the remaining opened container
portion
would be slightly shorter than illustrated when the second seal flap is
configured on a
foldable portion on the face panel, proximate to the initial seal flap section
or panel.
[0050] There is another bangtail configuration (not shown) whereby the
extended
bangtail section folds to the outside of the back panel and is affixedly
attached to the
back panel with an affixing point or points that may or may not require
corresponding
release cuts. A patch or second layer is not required. The end of the bangtail
section
becomes the opening mechanism for the envelope as the initial seal flap is
sealed to the
lower section proximate to the fold line of the extended bangtail section.
Additional
perforations may be incorporated in the bangtail to divide into sections that
can
subsequently be separated or detached.
[0051] Fig. 6A is an outside view and Fig. 6B is an inside view of a fifth
embodiment
of the present invention including a printable sheet material in the form of
an envelope
E5 illustrating an at least a partially separable portion or portions 20 that
are designed to
be lifted and separated from adjacent portions of the envelope in a shape or
figure or
opening that may expose a message or graphics that may appear through the
opening,
on a patch or affixed layer 30 proximate to the opening or through a clear
window
17
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
material to an insert that is enclosed inside. The separable portion 20 could
be useful
for many other purposes. As shown in Fig. 6A, separable portion 20 has a
mostly
circular shape with a void area 32 at the top to form an open area to access a
lifting
edge or tab 24. Thus, the separable portion 20 incorporates an intuitive
opening
process or method that ensures the intersecting tearable cuts 21 and
connectors 22
function properly. The overlapping V-shaped channeling cuts 28 may be
incorporated
to ensure that as each connector 22 tears it is channeled or redirected to
tear in a
desired direction which follows the path or shape of the separable or
partially separable
portion 20.
[0052] Fig. 6B shows a shaded area that is patch gum, the points of affixation
35 and .
the corresponding release cuts 36 that may be utilized as desired. The clear
window
patch 30 extends proximate to both the separable portion 20 and the address
window
area 29. Fig. 6C is an inside view of the envelope E5 with the circular
separable portion
20 and the void area 32 extending above the edge of circular separable
portion. it also
features the optional points of affixation 35 and the corresponding release
cuts 36.
[0053] Fig. 7A is an outside view and Fig. 7B is an inside view of a sixth
embodiment
of the present invention including a printable sheet material in the form of
an envelope
E6 that is a combination inside side seam or flap on one side and an outside
side seam
or flap on the other side. The reusable envelope design E6 utilizes an opening
mechanism as part of the at least partially separable portion 20 on the front
panel 10
that extends around the right edge fold line and extends on the envelope
portion that is
the outside side seam portion 41. Patch material 30 may be attached proximate
to the
separable or opening portion 20 and in this embodiment extends beyond the fold
line 42
short of the end of the portion forming the outside side seam flap 41. The
patch 30 also
embodies a resealing attachment device 25 and a foldable second seal flap 23
whereby
when the opening portion 20 is lifted and separated beyond the fold line 42
and beyond
the extended patch portion, the portion 20 separates or detaches from the
corresponding points of affixation 35 on the back panel 11 of the envelope
exposing the
extended second seal flap portion 23 of the patch 30 that allows access to the
enclosed
18
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
contents. Subsequently the second seal flap 23 may be incorporated to reseal
the
remaining container portions for reuse or remailing or other purposes. The at
least
partially separable portion 20 extends to and is contiguous to the portion
that is utilized
as the outside side seam flap 41 and wraps around to the corresponding back
panel
section 11 that may also include release cuts 36 proximate to the affixation
points 35 on
one or both portions to control and facilitate the release or detachment of
the two affixed
portions thereof. The separable portion 20 could be configured to tear off at
the fold line
42 or any functional point if desired (not shown). This embodiment could also
be an
outside or inside side seam configuration or a glued side seam (not shown).
[0054] Figs. 8A-8E are views of some of the possible tearable line
configurations
utilized in the present invention. Fig. 8A shows most of an opening or
separable portion
20 with a plurality of the cut lines 21 and connectors 22 forming a tearable
line 43. The
tearable line 43 also includes a tab 24 and overlapping, channeling cuts 28
connected
to ends of some of the cut lines 21 which allow easier separation of the cut
lines 21 and
which make the connectors 22 stronger for reliable manufacturing, processing
and use
purposes. Fig. 8A is a good example of one feature of the invention whereby a
large,
random shaped area can be assembled and ultimately separated into a desired
shape
or area. An arrow 44 indicates a direction of tearing along the tearable line
43 as the
tab 24 is pulled from left to right. Fig. 8B shows the cut lines 21, the
connectors 22 and
the channeling cuts 28 in a basically circular formation of the tearable line
43 forming
the edge of the separable portion 20. Access to the edge of the top of the
circle may be
made easier by incorporating a void area 32 which forms an intuitive tab 24.
[0055] Figs. 8C and 8D feature an enlarged view of several possible
overlapping and
channeling cut shapes to show the flexibility of some of the possible
embodiments of
the invention. In Fig. 8C, the channeling cut 28 at the left is separated into
a first straight
portion 28a connected to an end of one of the cut lines 21 and a second
straight portion
28b connected to an adjacent end of another one of the cut lines 21. The
channeling
cut 28 at the right can further include a spaced third straight portion 28c
adjacent the
second portion 28b and/or a spaced S-shaped fourth portion 28d between the
portions
19
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
28a and 28b. The channeling cut 28 may also incorporate areas of separation
22a
between portions of the channeling cut which function like the connectors 22
within their
shape or proximate to other tearable connectors 22 or cut lines 21. Fig. 8D
shows from
left to right: a channeling cut formed from the second portion 28b, the third
portion 28c
and the separation area 22a; a channeling cut formed from an arcuate fifth
portion 28e
connected to an end of one of the cut lines 21; a channeling cut formed from
the V-
shaped cut 28 spaced by the separation area 22a; and a channeling cut formed
from a
sixth bent portion 28f connected to an end of one of the cut lines 21 and a
seventh bent
portion 28g spaced from the cut line 21 by the separation area 22a. The shape
and
configuration is not limited to what is shown.
[0056] Fig. 8E shows a tearable line 43 configuration without any of the
channeling
cuts. Longer cut lines 21 have facing ends separated by sections having one or
more
shorter cut lines 21a alternating with the connectors 22 such that as the
separable
portion that is formed tears in the desired path or shape, it functions
properly yet is
strong enough for manufacturing, processing and use.
[0057] Fig. 8F shows a tearable line 43 configuration adjacent a folds line 45
separating the first seal flap 12 from the separable portion 20. The tearable
line 43
includes a plurality of the shorter cut lines 21a alternating with the
connectors 22. Each
cut line 21a is connected at one end to an associated channeling cut 28b which
allows
easier separation of the cut lines 21a and which make the connectors 22
stronger for
reliable manufacturing, processing and use purposes. As shown, the channeling
cuts
28b extend away from the fold line 45.
[0058] Fig. 9A is an outside view and Fig. 9B is an inside view of a seventh
embodiment of the present invention including a printable sheet material in
the form of
an envelope E7 that is similar to the envelope El. The upper and lower edges
of the
separable portion 20 are adjacent the upper and lower fold lines 45 connecting
the front
panel 10 to the first seal flap 12 and the back panel 11 respectively. The
upper and
lower edges of the separable portion 20 are formed by a pair of the tearable
lines 43
having the configuration shown in Fig. 8F. As shown in Fig. 9A, the envelope
E7 is
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
reusable with the patch 30 that can have the F1M bar code 27 and the return
postage
graphic 31 on a front side and a blank rear side or can be a one way envelope
with a
clear patch.
[0059] Fig. 10 is an outside view of an eighth embodiment of the present
invention
including a printable sheet material in the form of an envelope E8 that is
similar to the
envelope El. In this configuration, the converging tearable lines 43 are
formed for a
substantial distance by the longer cut lines 21, the connectors 22 and the
channeling
cuts 28. As the tearable lines 43 approach the right side flap 13, the
configuration
switches to the shorter cut lines 21a alternating with the connectors 22
without the
channeling cuts 28 to improve control of the tearing path.
[0060] Fig. 11 is an outside view of a ninth embodiment of the present
invention
including a printable sheet material in the form of an envelope E9 that is
similar to the
envelope E5. In this configuration, the separable portion 20 has a pair of
attachment
devices 25 affixed on the inside surface that can be used to adhesively attach
the
portion 20 to other objects when detached from the front panel 10.
[0061] Fig. 12 is an outside view of a tenth embodiment of the present
invention
including a printable sheet material in the form of an envelope El that is
similar to the
envelope El. The tearable lines 43 incorporate a combination of overlapping
and
converging cuts to form the separable portion 20 that also can be detached at
the
perforation line 40. The separable portion 20 has an attachment device 25
affixed on
the inside surface that can be used to adhesively attach the portion 20 to
other objects
when detached from the front panel 10, or re-affixed back to itself if not
detached at the
perforation line 40.
[0062] Fig. 13 is an outside view of an eleventh embodiment of the present
invention
including a printable sheet material in the form of an envelope Ell that is
similar to the
envelope E10. However, the address window 29 is formed in the face panel 10
and the
tab 24 is located at an edge of the window. A pair of tearable lines 51
incorporates a
combination of cut lines 52 and channeling cuts 53 to form the separable
portion 20 with
21
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
a generally rectangular shape that extends to the right side flap 13. The cut
lines 52 are
formed as overlapping "hockey stick" shapes that extend at angles relative to
horizontal
from the tab 24 toward the back panel 11 and the seal flap 12 respectively.
Each
channeling cut 53 is formed as an open "V" shape by a pair of converging cuts
spaced
wider apart at one end than at an opposite end. The channeling cuts 53 are
spaced
apart along the tearable line from the ends of the cut lines 52 extending in a
straight line
in the horizontal direction to the right side seal flap 13. The channeling
cuts 53 are
separated only by the connectors 22 and are oriented with the wider spaced end
facing
toward the tab 24 and the narrower spaced end facing toward the right side
flap 13.
Thus, the channeling cuts 53 "point" in the direction of tearing along the
tearable line 51.
[0063] Fig. 14 is an outside view of a twelfth embodiment of the present
invention
including a printable sheet material in the form of an envelope E12 that is
similar to the
envelope Ell. However, the separable portion 20 is formed with a generally
circular
shape and is fully removable. A pair of tearable lines 54 incorporates a
combination of
the cut lines 52 and the channeling cuts 53 to form the separable portion 20
that
extends to a position spaced from the right side flap 13. The cut lines 52 are
formed as
curved "hockey stick" shapes that curve from the tab 24 toward the back panel
11 and
the seal flap 12 respectively. A plurality of the channeling cuts 53 forms two
arcuate
lines extending from ends of the cut lines 52 toward the right side seal flap
13. A gap
between the rightmost ends of the channeling cut lines is bridged by a
plurality of
overlapping, angled cut lines 55 in a "V" shape pointed toward the right side
flap 13.
[0064] Fig. 15 is an outside view of a thirteenth embodiment of the present
invention
including a printable sheet material in the form of an envelope E13 that is
similar to the
envelope Ell. Also see the envelope E8 shown in Fig. 10. A pair of tearable
lines 56
incorporates a combination of the overlapping cut lines 52 adjacent to the tab
24, the
straight lines of channeling cuts 53 and a plurality of straight cut lines 57
to form the
generally rectangular separable portion 20 that extends to the right side flap
13.
[0065] Fig. 16 is an outside view of a fourteenth embodiment of the present
invention
including a printable sheet material in the form of an envelope E14 that is
similar to the
22
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
envelope E13, but does not include the address window 29. Also see the
envelope El 0
shown in Fig. 12. A pair of tearable lines 58 incorporates a combination of a
first set of
the overlapping cut lines 55 adjacent to the tab 24, the channeling cuts 53 in
straight
lines, and a second set of overlapping cut lines 55 to form the generally
rectangular
separable portion 20. The second set of the cut lines 55 extends from the ends
of the
lines of channeling cuts 53 to the junctions of the ride side flap 13 with the
back panel
11 and the seal flap 12 to render the portion 20 and the side flap 13 fully
removable.
[0066] Fig. 17 is an inside view of a fifteenth embodiment of the present
invention
including a printable sheet material in the form of an envelope E15 that is
similar to the
envelope E5 shown in Fig. 6C, but having a generally rectangular fully
separable portion
20. The portion 20 is surrounded by a line of the channeling cuts 28 (see Fig.
8D and
cut portions 28b and 28c) interrupted by the tab 24.
[0067] Fig. 18 is an inside view of a sixteenth embodiment of the present
invention
including a printable sheet material in the form of an envelope E16 that is
similar to the
envelope El& However, the fully separable portion 20 is in a generally square
shape
and is tilted so that only a corner forming the tab 24 overlaps a portion of
the
rectangular area of the attachment device 25 where there is no adhesive. The
portion
20 is surrounded by a line of channeling cuts 59 that include open "V" cut
lines (see the
channeling cuts 53 in Fig. 13) alternating with straight cut lines (see the
cut lines 21 in
Fig. 8A).
[0068] Fig. 19 is an outside view of a seventeenth embodiment of the present
invention including a printable sheet material in the form of an envelope EV
that
incorporates features of the envelopes El through E16. On the initial seal
flap 12 there
is an adhesive area 25 that can be a peel n seal, a pressure seal, a remoisten
or a
resealable adhesive pattern. The seal flap 12 also includes an open "V"
channeling cut
tear strip pattern (one or two directions). The open "V" cut pattern (53a and
53b) within
the seal flap panel 12 illustrates a tear strip configuration wherein the
tearing can be
initiated by pulling a tab shaped structure 60 that is formed on the edge of
the seal flap
and tearing across the length of the flap along the corresponding linear "V"
cut pattern
23
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
to the opposite edge when the flap is sealed for mailing or internal
communications.
The two sets of open "V" channeling cut opening tab structures illustrate a
two direction
opening structure - from left to right using the two parallel tearable lines
53b or right to
left using the two parallel tearable lines 53a at the preference of the
recipient. This is a
very unique structure with the open "V" channeling cut lines. The only other
two
directional opening strip structure on the market includes a reinforced nylon
string which
is used to rip through the flap in line with the string pattern which applied
in only a
straight pattern. Most of these type of containers (e.g., UPS and FedEx
envelope
packages) are made using multiple layered thicker paperboard materials. The
top
surface or layer of this type of packaging may also include a kiss cut line to
assist the
opening but the hot melt string pattern actually rips through the lower layer
of the
paperboard material.
[00691 An open "V" channeling cut separable portion tear strip 20c is formed
on the
left side of the front panel 10. This structure illustrates a tearable open
"V" cut 53
pattern that does not require a patch behind the opening thumb cut tab shape
24 at the
bottom. This design has a curved tearable line 61 pattern and a straight
tearable line 62
pattern to illustrate that the tearable lines can follow any pattern, shape or
image, etc.
The tear strip 20c provides access to the contents of the envelope by simply
lifting and
pulling the tab 24 which rips along the open "V" channeling cut patterns 61
and 62. The
opening tab shape can be modified to open along the bottom edge as illustrated
or just
along one corner edge like the removable rectangular pattern 20b on the back
panel 11.
[0070] The tabbed opening structure 20 on the right side of the front panel 10
with
open "V" channeling cuts 53 at top and bottom features a tab shaped starting
mechanism 24 that is described in US Pat. 6,983,875 (can include the
affixation point or
glue spot 35 and the release cuts 36), and opening structure of US Pat.
8,020,751, but
integrates open "V" channeling cuts along the top and bottom edges. The
starting
mechanism 24 overlaps a portion of a rectangular area of the attachment device
25
where there is no adhesive. The open "V" channeling cuts 53 along the top and
bottom
of the opening structure could be utilized in the part of the opening that
angles towards
24
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
the top and bottom of the right side flap 13. A third tearable line 63 allows
the left
portion of the opening structure 20 to be detached along the tearable line
after it is
initially opened. The address window 29 is included in the front panel 10 and
extends
behind and around the initial opening tab structure 24. The opening tab
structure 24
could be modified with an opening structure that does not require patch
material similar
to the opening tear strip structure 20c on the left side of the front panel
10.
[0071] The tabbed opening structure 20a in the middle of the address window 29
on
the front panel 10 with the open "V" channeling cuts 53 in a rounded pattern
opens
downwardly across a fold line where the opening shape continues on the back
panel 11.
It features a tab shaped opening mechanism 24 within the address window 29
that is
described in US Pat. 6,983,875 (glue spot and release cuts), and the opening
structure
in US Pat. 8,020,751, but integrates open "V" channeling cuts along the left
and right
edges of the round shaped opening structure across the front and back panel
where it is
designed to be detachable when it is fully opened. The address window 29
included in
the front panel 10 extends behind and around the initial opening tab structure
24. The
opening tab structure 24 could be modified with an opening structure that does
not
require patch material similar to the opening tear strip structure 20c formed
on the left
side of the front panel 10.
[0072] The rectangular opening structure 20b with a patch 30 having a
repositionable
adhesive area on the right side of the back panel 11 is formed with the open
"V"
channeling cuts 53 along a lower tearable perimeter line. The separable
portion 20b
features a rounded corner shaped opening mechanism 24. The open "V" channeling
cuts 53 are only along the bottom of the opening structure 20b, but the open
"V" cuts
could be utilized in the other perimeter tear lines formed by the channeling
cuts 28.
This illustration shows one configuration of an opening structure that
includes a patch
30 which is positioned along the two upper edges that form the easy opening
rounded
corner shape. The patch 30 is not required for the opening structure 20b, but
is
included to illustrate a removable shape that could be opened, removed and
subsequently be re-attached to another area of this container or second object
or
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
structure using a lifted patch and repositionable adhesive. The patch 30 (when
desired)
would only need to cross one edge of this particular opening structure even
though it is
shown crossing two edges. The patch 30 and corresponding repositionable
adhesive
area needs only to extend enough into the removable shaped structure 20b so as
to
enable reattachment as desired. It could be as small as 1/8" thick depending
on the
length or width of the detachable portion and the partial patch. The
repositionable
adhesive is illustrated as a pattern that stops short of the opening structure
cut pattern
but is applied light enough to be a continuous pattern crossing from outside
the opening
shape 20b to the area inside the opening shape.
[0073] In summary, the pair of tearable lines 58 form the generally
rectangular first
separable portion 20, similar to Fig. 16, extending from the address window 29
to the
right side flap 13. The pair of tearable lines 54 form the generally circular
second
separable portion 20a, similar to Fig 14, extending from the address window 29
across
a fold line and into the back panel 11. The generally rectangular third
separable portion
20b, similar to Fig. 17, is formed in the back panel 11. The generally
rectangular fourth
separable portion 20c is formed in the front panel 10.
[0074] The printable sheet materials El through E17 have an opening structure
comprising: a face or front panel having an integral separable portion; a
tearable line
formed in the front panel permitting the separable portion to be at least
partially
separated from a remaining portion of the front panel, the tearable line
including a
plurality of cut lines separated by a plurality of connectors and, in some
cases,
channeling cuts; and, in some cases, a patch positioned behind the separable
portion
whereby when the separable portion is detached from the front panel along the
tearable
line, the patch is exposed.
[0075] It should be understood that all of the illustrated embodiments and the
above
descriptions of any components and features may be adjusted or modified for
any
application, desired size, material construction, configuration, form and
quantity, as is or
becomes known. The present invention is in no way limited to the components,
26
CA 02905878 2015-09-11
WO 2014/159852 PCT/US2014/025336
configurations, dimensions, specific example or other details described above
or shown
in the attached figures. Further, the above-described features are not limited
to the
details as described and shown. Yet further, each such feature can be used
independently of any other feature. Moreover, the present invention does not
require
each of the above features and includes further capabilities, functions,
methods, uses
and applications, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art based
upon the
description above and the appended drawings and claims. Thus, the particular
combination of inventive features described herein and shown in the appended
drawings is not limiting on the present invention. While preferred embodiments
of the
present invention have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be
made
by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or teachings of
this invention.
Many variations and modifications of the invention are possible and are within
the scope
of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited to the
embodiments
described herein.
[0076] In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present
invention
has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred
embodiment.
However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than
as
specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or
scope.
27
