Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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PROI=ILE
(Two-way Em~elopv Comblnsdon)
The mailer has a unic method of closure for the out going portions as well as
for the
returning literture. It consists of a two fold flap instead of a convential
'one' fold flap. The 'one'
fold current envelope has an adhesive that must be 'wetted' first before the
flap will adhere to
the envelope. Further, the convential envelope uses only one of two systems to
afford a dosure
for their envelopes. One, which must be 'wetted' or'lidced' and the most
recent one, being that
the user must first remove a paper strip from a double sided tape in order to
adhere the
envelope flap.
Wettable adhesives are susceptable to humidity which may cause the adhesive to
activate when in storage, ruining whole blocks of envelopes) simply by welding
together. This is
a major problem in the production use of convential envelopes. Also a major
problem for high
speed equipment stuffing, such as utility users. This style of envelope
manufacturing has
changed very little since 1720. Production has incresed from about 501minute
to about
SOOlminute, with a waste factor usually exceeding 20°r6 after
trimming.
Manufacturing of conventional envelopes also have recently started to employ
the use
of a double sided tape to ensure closure to their envelopes. Basically, this
system has been quite
well received, except for the waste paper and time required to peel of a
protective strip of paper
exposing the adhesive. This type of application is an added expense for
manufacturers, both in
time and application. The added time necessary in slitting, coating, applying
plus the change in
packaging a 'heavy' sided envelopes all add up to the customer paying a
premium. This extra
labour, in terms of time, help keep production to levels of 500/min or so. The
added environment
waste due to the need to remove a protective strip, is of great concern.
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The new Two-Way mailer can be manufactured in-line, using materials for Gosure
that
DO NOT reauire anv 'wetting'. This increases manufacturing time 10 to 20 fold.
There is virtually
no waste. The Two-Way envelope system, being in-line, may be printed on two
sides in ~as many
colours desired, all in ONE operation.
A brief description of the system is as follows: Firstly, the Gosure flap had
a storage
portion, as well a sealing portion on the envelope. A very fine coating aof
pressure sensitive
adhesive is applied just below the top edge of the flap, running the full
width of the envelope.
Running parellel to the adhesive, which is approximately 1/4" wide is a perf
line that is about 1/8"
below, also n~nning the width of the envelope. Running parellel 1/4" below the
perf line is a fold
and score line. Below the fold and score line is another pent line, running
the full width of the
envelope. Directly below the perf line is a coating of silicone or wax release
coating, that is
applied, which is wide enough to accommodate the pressure sensitive coating.
When you fold
down the flap to the storage position, which will allow the pressure sensitive
adhesive to lay on
top of the silicone coating without sticking to the uncoated surfaces of the
envelopes. Once the
envelpe is ready for mailing, release the pressure sensitive adhesive from the
silicone coating
and use second fold score line to place adhesive on the 'uncoated'surtace of
the envelope for a
secure bonding on back face envelope.
Yet another aspect of the invention when using the Two-way mailer, is that the
adhesives and coatings are placed is such a way as to secure the outgoing
mailer and inhibit the
return mailer adhesive from activating. This is achieved by back folding. The
special co-hesive
adhesive that will only activate when two coated surfaces make contact, as
illustrated in attached
drawings.
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Yet another aspect of the invention, as shown in attached drawings, single
envelopes
that can be made into a book form. The envelopes are joined together at the
bottom and
perforated to be pulled apart at the center of the book. The book is bound
together either by
stapling, andlor a binding similar to being used in magazines.
Still yet another aspect of the invention is the increased speed of
manufacture, from
the cun-ent 500/min to 5J8000/min, using a 1/2 web and double the speed, using
a full web. Each
#10 envelope is about 9-1/4" x 4-1/4" and the half web manufactures 20001min
with a two-up
capability (double for fuN web). In one sweep, printing up to four colours,
the laying down of all
coatings, trimmed and packaged, alf in about 8 times faster that current
methods. This system
may be used for pouches,bags, forms prescriptions paper board boxes,
corrugated boxes, plastic
bags, all using our Tourtr & Seal" Gosure system. Include also, hanging signs
for retail stores.
While there are many benefits, some of which are aforementioned, probably the
most
notable benefd to manufacturers and end users alike, is the hygienic factor of
the Two-Way
Combination envelope. There are no wettin ag_ rents necessary for closure,
ABSOLUTELY NO
UCKIHG, commonly used by most home users. It is a known fad that current
methods are prone
to much bacteria. Consider a person 9icklrrg' to Dose an envelope, with that
person suffering a
contagious disease) such as hepatitis or HIV. Any unresolved blood or slyvia
partical may be
enough to contaminate the receiver of such an envelope) let alone any other
germs that might be
adherir~ to a 'lickable' envelope, now being used.
The Two-Way envelope Gosure flap system is the most known secure system. Its
three
coatings assure it, but more importantly, it is a "hygienic" closure system
with major
applications.
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Two Way Letter-Envelope Assembly
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to re-usable envelopes for sending
literature through a postal delivery system provided with a
covering address portion adhered thereto, to portion form-
able into envelopes, to method of forming such envelopes
and envelopes formed therefrom.
Background to the Invention
Envelopes containing letters and brochures bearing printed
and other material and the like pass through postal delivery
systems, either government or private courier, in vast numbers
every day. Typically, such envelopes, pouches and the like are
discarded after a single pass throuch a postal delivery system.
This discard of used envelopes constitutes a massive waste of
paper) notwithstanding recycling processes currently in use.
Such wastage of paper results in the unnecessary demand on a
natural resource, i.e. trees, which in certain parts of the world
are becoming scarce. Thus, the continued use of non-recycled
envelopes constitues and unnecessary threat to the environment
and economic waste. Although recycled paper may be used
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to produce new envelopes, there is no significant reuse of the
envelopes per se. There is thus a latent demand for the use
of envelopes in conventional postal delivery systems which
are not only recyclable, but also remailable in the hands of
individuals, businesses and governments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an envelope
assembly having a re-mailable and recyclable envelope. It is
further object of the present invention to provide a convenient
letter-envelope toreduce paper waste.
Thus, it is a yet further object of the invention to provide a sheet
of paper having a multi-purpose function as either a combined
Two-Way letter-envelope or for use, in whole or in part, with a
re-mailable portion.
These and other advantages and objects of the present invention
will become apparent upon a reading of the following specification
taken in conjunction with the accompaning drawings.
Thus, in one aspect the invention provides a Two-Way envelope
comprising a sheet of flexible material of use in sealing an opened,
re-usable envelope having an aperture through
single portion for an opened envelope as hereinbefore defined.
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which literature is enclosed within said envelope;said sheet having
a front face with a front portion for bearing a delivery address
a back face having a back portion for bearing an
and/or literature foldable along a line to provide a first oppos-
ing portion and a second opposing portion for operably re-
calving said literature between said opposing portions to sub-
stantially effect sealing of said aperture upon activation of said
adhesives and chemicals.
The flexible material is selected from a plastics material and much
more preferably, paper.
By the term "literature" is meant one or more sheets of papers con-
taining printed and other matter, such as letters, brochures, graphic
designs for greeting card assemblies, advertisiment materials and
the like.
Preferably, the Two-way envelope Combination maybe pre-address-
ed, self-adhesive coated rectangularly-shaped sheet of paper. The
foldable sheet may be of any dimension of length, width and thick-
ness suitable to partly embrace and substantially seal onto by means
of a 'lift-up' flap of top portion of envelope at its aperture, typically at
the
top of an opened envelope through which further literature contents and
new material may be inserted therein. The Two-way envelope com-
bination of the inventioon may also bear an unused postage stamp,
which information and artiGe may be added after the Two-way en-
velope has been sealed.
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In a further aspect the invention provides a pre-addressed,
self-adhesive bearing, rectangulariy-shaped sheet of paper
of use in sealing an opened, reuseable portion having an
aperture through which literature is enclosed within said en-
velope; said sheet having a front face, a back face having a
portion bearing said self-adhesive, and foldable along a tine to
provide said front face witha first front portion bearing the de-
livery addressa and a second front portion and said back face
with a first back portion and a second back portion; whereby
said first back portion opposes said second back pdortion to
define an envelope receiving opening.
The term "rectangularly-shaped" includes square-shaped.
In yet a further aspect the invention provides a reusable postal
assembly for use in sending literature throuth a postal delivery
system, comprising in combination, a Two-Way portion of the
envelope enclosure therein of said literature, having a front en-
velope face for bearing a first delivery address; a back envelope
face; and an edge portion between said rant and back envelope
2p faces openable to produce an apertudre through which said liter
ature can be transferred; and a sheet of paper as herein defined.
In addition to providing a remailabe portion to an envelope as
herein described, an envelope, according to the invention, may
further comprise one or more portions which are removable, one
from another, preferably detachable, perforation being provided
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by selected edges of the cover and lines of perforations may bear
printed and other literature matter, such as advertisements ma-
terial, or constitute coupons, tickets and the like, sent enclosed
in the envelope to a first addressee by a first sender.
The Two-Way envelope and envelope assembly are of particular
value to commercial businesses which currently pe~odically bill,
typically monthly, customers and clients and enclose a second-
ary "payment" envelope pre-addressed, for the convenient return
of a remittance by customer. These secondary payment envelopes
are provided to encourage customers into a faster payment re-
turn than the customer may otherwise make but are a significant
business expense. Thus) the present invention provides a more
economical means of satisfying the commercial business needs
of encouraging faster payment return by providing a much cheaper,
simpler, environmentally and more 'hygienic' "touch 8~ seal" appli-
ration, requiring NO'licking') making it a modre acceptable means
of return. constituted by the Two-way Envelope Combination. The
present invention assembly thus makes this secondary payment
envelope redundant.
The sheet constituting the Two-Way Envelope Combination of the
invention may further comprise a portion of sufficient area on its
back face to constitute a writing surface upon which verbal con-
tents of a letter may be written. Thus, the Two Way Envelope
Combination sheet as hereinabove defined may be used as a
with suitably located perforated portions. Such portions defined
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Accordingly, in a further aspect the invention comprises a sheet
of rectangulariy-shaped paper having a front face with a front
portion for bearing a delivery address, a backface having a back
portion for bearing a co-hesive self-adhesive, and being foldable,
inwardly of said back face, along a first fold line to provide a first
opposing portion and a second opposing portion, wherein said
back face constitutes a writinbg surface upon which verbal con-
tents of a letter may be written and having a first edge, a second
edge parallel to said first edge; a third edge; a forth edge parallel to
said third edge; a first peripheral portion adjacent asaid first edge
having a coating of said co-hesive self-adhesive; a second peri-
pheral podrtion adjacent said second edge having a coating of
said self-adhesive; said sheet being foldable) inwarclly, of said back
face along said first fold line to provide a first fold and said first and
said second opposing portions and along a second fold line to pro-
vide a second fold parallel to said first fold, whereby folding of said
sheet, inwardly, along said first fold line and said second fold line
effects closure of said sheet to form an envelope outwardly said
first portion of said first face.
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Thus, the invention provides a sheet of paper as defined
15
which is adapted and capable to form an envelope bear-
ing written contents of a letter.
In an altemaative embodiment the invention provides a
sheet) foldable along a plurality of lines parallel to the first
and second fold lines, to constitute a multi-folded envelope.
Preferably, a three or four folded sheet of suitable dimensions
provides convenient letter envelopes for passage through a
postal delivery system.
The sheet preferably has portions on its back face provided
with a coating of a self-adhesive, most preferably along the
periphery of a lest two parallel edges, typically) both side edges
of the sheet anbd, more preferably, along the top edge. The
glue lines may extend only partially the length of the sides of the
sheet, for example, 2I3 of the page length. However,this is not
strongly recommended because of the tendency of the sheet
to create "fold up", which may cause possible delays in postal
service. No wetting of the self-adhesive of the sheet back face
bearing a written message and folding the letter) inwardly, as
hereinbefore defined enables the envelope to be formed and
sealed while having the front face portion available for the de-
livery address to be actually displayed.
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s The Two-Way Combination is totally 'touch & seal' NO wetting
required. In one embodiment,the delivery address may be pre-
printed on the sheet.
More preferably, the sheets according to the invention have ident
ification means, such as printed matter, scoring marks, indented
edge portions or the like for identifying the suitable fold lines along
which the sheet should be folded.
The sheet may be provided with suitably arranged rows of per
forations extending the length of the sheet adjacent each of the
side edges, whereby, upon receipt by a recipient the sealed en-
velope may be areadily opened at its sides by the tearing of the
envelope along the pertorations without mutilation of the written
contents. Advantageously, the sheet has a pair of parallel lines
of perforations adjacent the horizontal, top edge, one line of per-
(orations disposed one on either side of the equidistant from the
first fold line, extending the width of the sheet. This is to enable
the sealed envelope to be opened the sidth of the envelope by
tearing through the perforations, once the envelope has been fold-
ed and sealed according to the invention. Alternatively) only a
single line of top perforations are provided adjacent the self-ad-
hesive coated periphery.
In a further aspect the invention provides a method of making a
sealed letter-envelope from a sheet of rectangulariy-shaped paper
having a front face with a front portion for bearing a delivery add-
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delivery address. The Two-way combination envelope may be
used for copying, laser printers, inkjet printers) and/or all like
systems. It may be used as a One-Way and/or Two-way delivery
system.
The sheets of the invention may be provided to end-user customer
as a detachable insert in a periodical, magazine or the like, option-
ally pre-addressed and bearing a postage stamp.
The sheets according to the invention in a further embodiment may
be of sufficient thickness that when partially folded constitutes a
typical greeting card such as to commenorate an anniversary, birth-
day, wedding or get-well greeting and the like. Thus, the greeting card
according to the invention may either have a pre-printed message
thereon, or provide the user the opportunity to customize his or her
own greeting. Opening of the sealed greeting cardlsheet by recipient
and suitable configuration of the partially opened card allows display
of the greeting. The Two-way envelope combination system may
be made into a pad form for retail sales. The Gient has option of
using a One-Way or Two-way by tearing at perforated lines.
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FIG 1 Exploded view
FIG 2 Isometric exploded vies of the 2-Way Mailer
FIG 3 A further isometric view in exploded form
FIG 4 Represents diagramitive viewing of sheets of single portion of 2-Way
mailer which
tb
FIG 8 represents one envelope emtxxfiment
FIG 9 Shows folding embodiment - flat open view;
FIG 10 Folded for pre-use;
FIG 11 Folded and sealed ready for mail) showing front face;
FIG 12 Showing diagramitic view of 2-Way envelope;
FIG 13 Showing 2-Way envelope
FIG 14 Shows 2-Way mailer folded and not sealed;
FIG 15 Shows 2-Way sealed ready for mailing;
FIG 18 Shows return portion of 2-Way mailer,
FIG 17 Shows return portion dready for folding;
FIG 18 Shows excess perterations being tom away as shown in Fig 1;
FIG 19 Shows 2-Way envelope folded but not sealed;
FIG 20 Shows 2-Way envelope sealed;
FIG 21 Shows 2-Way envelope front face sealed ready for mailing;
FIG 22 Shows perspective view of padded version of 2-Way envelopes;
FIG 23 Shows single portion of 2-Way mailer printed and not sealed;
FIG 24 Shows fron face) folded and ready for mailing
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FIG 6 DIAGRAMITIC VIEW: 33 mailing address; 42 stamp; 39 return address; 38
staple;
44 perferation line; 31 shows foldline; 16 co-hesive for return mail; 32 shows
seating
flap; 15 outgoing adhesive;
FIG 7 DIAGRAMATIC VIEW of single portion envelope; 20 release coating; 27
adhesive
coating; 27 adhesive coating; 34 perteration line; 35 perteration line; 28
foidline;
29 second foldline;
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Description of Preferred Embodiments
FIG: 1 Generally as number 10 in and exploded view of a 2-War letter/envelope;
1 Z shows
tear away portion for remailing; 32 shows sealing flap in closed positon for
remail-
ing; 18 shows area for return printed information; 14 shows front face mailing
in-
formation; 15 show co-hesive adhesive for out going mail; 18 shows co-hesive
ad-
hesive for return mail; 17 shows perforations separating return mailer, 19
shows
back face of tom away portion of 20; 20 shows silicone or wax release coating;
FIG 2: 21 shows perteration tear away for return portion; 20 release coating;
12 shows
tear way portion for re-mailing; 22 drybond co-hesive adhesive for return
mailer, 15
shows co-hesive adhesive for out going mail; 23 generally sealed 2-Way
envelope;
24 back potion ofout going mailer; 25 to seal onto 24 back portion; 20 showing
silicone release; 26 envelope sealed;
FIG 3: 27 adhesive coating; 20 show release coating; 28 shows foldline; 29
second fold-
line; 24 back face portion for 27 to adhere too; 30 shows contents; 31 shows
fold-
line; 32 shows sealing flap; 18 shows oo-hesive for return mail; 33 mailing
adddress;
34 perteration line; 35 parallel perteration line to 34, when folded;
FIG 4: 34 8 35 folds onto 28; 29 second foldline; 21 shows tear away portion
for re-mailing;
15 show co-hesive for out-going mail; 16 show co-hesive for return mail; 32
shows
sealing flap; 20 shows release silicone; 38 outgoing mail printed literature;
37 print-
ed literature for return mail; 40 foldline;
FIG 5: Shows pad of 2-Way envelopes; 38 staples to hold pad together, 44
perterations to
separate for single usage; 43 perteration to separate; 34 perteration line; 15
show
adhesive for outgoing mail; 36 printed literature; 41 generally sealed single
envelope;
33 mailing address;
