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Sommaire du brevet 2590815 

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(12) Brevet: (11) CA 2590815
(54) Titre français: ENVELOPPE DE FORMES IRREGULIERES ET PROCEDE DE REALISATION
(54) Titre anglais: IRREGULARLY SHAPED ENVELOPE AND METHOD FOR MAKING IRREGULARLY SHAPED ENVELOPES
Statut: Réputé périmé
Données bibliographiques
Abrégés

Abrégé français

Une enveloppe de forme irrégulière et une méthode pour obtenir une telle enveloppe, comprenant un panneau arrière, un panneau avant, un rabat de fermeture et un rabat latéral, ce dernier étant replié sur une partie du panneau arrière, le panneau avant étant assujetti au moyen du rabat latéral replié et de l'extrémité opposée au rabat latéral, cette dernière fournissant la forme.


Abrégé anglais

An irregularly shaped envelope and a method of forming an irregularly shaped envelope comprising a rear panel, a front panel, a closure flap and a side flap in which the side flap is folded over a portion of the rear panel, the front panel is secured to both the folded side flap and a side portion of the rear panel, opposite the side flap, and a shape is formed in the side portion of the envelope opposite the side flap.

Revendications

Note : Les revendications sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.




7

CLAIMS:


1. An irregularly shaped envelope comprising:

a rear panel having a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges;

a front panel having a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges, the
front panel and rear panel secured to each other along their bottom edges;

a closure flap secured to the top edge of the front panel;

a side flap secured to one of the side edges of one of the rear or front
panels, the side flap folded over a corresponding side portion of that panel,
creating interior and exterior side flap surfaces;

a corresponding side edge of the other panel being fixedly joined to the
exterior side flap surface, and side portions of the rear and front panels
adjacent
said other side edges being fixedly joined, a shape being formed in said
fixedly
joined side portions so as to provide a non-linear edge to the envelope.

2. A method of forming an envelope comprising the steps of:
providing an envelope blank comprising:

a rear panel having a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges;
a front panel having a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges,
the front panel and rear panel secured to each other along their
bottom edges;

a closure flap secured to the top edge of the front panel;

a side flap secured to one of the side edges of one of the rear or
front panels;

folding the side flap to cover a portion of that panel, creating interior and
exterior side flap surfaces;

applying an adhesive to at least a portion of the exterior side flap surface,
closure flap and side portions of the rear panel and front panel adjacent said
side
edges, opposite the side flap;


8
folding the rear panel over the front panel;

securing the exterior folded side flap surface to one of the front or rear
panels and securing side portions of the rear and front panels adjacent said
side
edges opposite the folded side flap; and

forming a shape in said secured side portions of the rear and front panels.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the shape is formed using a die cutting
press.

Description

Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.



CA 02590815 2007-06-04

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

IRREGULARLY SHAPED ENVELOPE AND METHOD FOR MAKING IRREGULARLY
SHAPED ENVELOPES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to irregularly shaped envelopes and a
method for manufacturing such envelopes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Envelopes and processes for manufacturing envelopes from envelope
blanks are well known. Envelopes are typically formed by a high-speed,
automated process comprising using an envelope blank, having front and rear
panels, folding the side flaps inwardly on the blank form, applying an
adhesive
material to the exposed surfaces of the side flaps and folding the blank to
secure the side flaps to the front panel and create the closure of the sides
along the folded side flaps, resulting in a standard envelope. In the mass
production of such envelopes, it is important to minimize the number of
folding and adhesive application steps and adjustments needed to
manufacture each envelope. It is also important to create an envelope that is
suitable for mass manufacturing, insertion, operating within and passing
through mailing and mail sorting equipment. Further, the shape and surface
of an envelope provides a space for the sender to advertise or display designs
and information to attract potential customers.

A number of prior art references disclose changes in the shape of an
envelope blank or changes in the manufacturing of envelopes that optimize
the envelope for mass-handling operations, mail sorting and inserting
equipment. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,172,107 of Kranz, issued
February 6, 2007, describes an envelope in which the overlap profile of the
side flaps is optimized for automated mail handling processes. U.S. Patent


CA 02590815 2009-05-20

2
Publication No. U.S. 2004-0226986 Al of Purcell discloses an optimized
application of an adhesive layer to create an envelope that is better suited
for
automatic insertion equipment.

Conventionally, envelopes are rectangular in shape and provide little
opportunity for creative designs to be applied to the envelope. A sender who
wishes to use the surface of the envelope for advertising must fit their
design
within the space and shape of a conventional rectangular envelope. A number
of prior references exist which are designed to create interest in the shape
and
design of an envelope. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,619,539 of Schluger,
issued September 16, 2003, teaches a rectangular shaped envelope with miter
joint corners to pique the interest of the recipient and motivate the
recipient
to open the envelope. The mailer design disclosed in Canadian Patent
Application No. 2,412,549 provides a shaped structure, but is constructed
from a number of sheets and interlocking components to create a non-linear
design and thus, is not suited for large volume envelope manufacturing and
mailing applications.

It is an object of the present invention is to provide a method for
manufacturing an irregularly shaped envelope that can support non-linear
designs, is suitable for mass-mailing applications and which requires minimal
changes to existing envelope manufacturing methods and machinery.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is
provided an irregularly shaped envelope. The irregularly shaped envelope
comprises a rear panel having a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges
and a front panel having a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges, the
front panel and rear panel secured to each other along their bottom edges. A
closure flap is secured to the top edge of the front panel and a side flap is
secured to one of the side edges of one of the rear or front panels, the side
flap being folded over a corresponding side portion of that panel, creating


CA 02590815 2007-06-04
3

interior and exterior side flap surfaces. A corresponding side edge of the
other panel is fixedly joined to the exterior side flap surface, and side
portions
of the rear and front panels adjacent said other side edges are fixedly
joined,
a shape being formed in said fixedly joined side portions so as to provide a
non-linear edge to the envelope.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a method of forming an irregularly shaped envelope. The method of
forming an irregularly shaped envelope comprises the steps of providing a
rear panel having a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges; a front
panel having a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges, the front panel
and rear panel secured to each other along their bottom edges; a closure flap
secured to the top edge of the front panel; and a side flap secured to one of
the side edges of one of the rear or front panels. Folding the side flap to
cover a portion of that panel, creating interior and exterior side flap
surfaces.
Applying an adhesive to at least a portion of the exterior side flap surface,
closure flap and side portions of the rear panel and front panel adjacent said
side edges, opposite the side flap. Folding the rear panel over the front
panel.
Securing the exterior folded side flap surface to one of the front or rear
panels
and securing side portions of the rear and front panels adjacent said side
edges opposite the folded side flap. And forming a shape in said secured side
portions of the rear and front panels.

As will be discussed in more detail subsequently, the envelope
according to the present invention provides improved design opportunities.
The method of manufacturing the irregularly shaped envelope requires
minimal disruption to existing envelope manufacturing processes.

While the invention will be described in conjunction with illustrated
embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the
invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the


CA 02590815 2007-06-04
4

spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the present patent
specification
as a whole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon
reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the drawings
in which:
FIGURE 1 is a plan view of an unfolded, planar envelope blank;
FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a partially folded envelope blank after
adhesive regions are formed;
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a partially formed envelope from the
blank of Figure 2;
FIGURE 4 is a plan view of an irregularly shaped envelope;
The present invention will now be described by way of a non-limiting
description of certain detailed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been
given identical reference numerals where appropriate. All dimensions
described or suggested herein are intended solely to illustrate an embodiment.
These dimensions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention that
may depart from these dimensions.

Turning to Figure 1, there is shown an envelope blank 2 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. The envelope blank comprises a
rear panel 4, a front panel 6, a closure flap 8 and a side flap 10. The side
flap
10 is shown adjacent the front panel 6. Alternatively, a side flap 11 may be
located adjacent the rear panel 4, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 1. A
side
portion 12 of the front panel 6 and a side portion 14 of the rear panel 4 are
shown to illustrate the process of forming the irregularly shaped envelope. It
is to be understood that a conventional envelope blank with a second side flap


CA 02590815 2007-06-04

13, shown in dotted lines in Figure 1, also may be used to form the
irregularly
shaped envelope.

Figure 2 shows a partially folded envelope blank. The side flap 10 is
5 folded inwardly over a corresponding portion of the rear panel to create a
folded side flap 16. An adhesive layer is applied to adhesive regions 18, 20,
22 and 24. The adhesive may be any conventional adhesive material and
different adhesive materials may be applied in different regions of the
envelope.
Figure 3 illustrates the envelope with the rear panel 4 and side portion
14 folded over to confront corresponding portions of the front panel, side
portion of the front panel and folded side flap 16. As the rear panel 4 is
folded
over the front panel, it is secured to the folded side flap 16. The side
portion
14 is secured to the side portion 12 via the mating of adhesive regions 20 and
18, creating a shape-forming area 26.

As shown in Figure 3, an irregular or non-linearly shaped edge 28 can
be formed in the shape-forming area 26 by a conventional cutting step. For
example, a partial outline of the shape of a face, figure, product or the
like,
appearing on the envelope, can be created along the irregular edge 28. As
shown in Figure 4, a snowman 34 printed on the rear panel and shape-
forming area 26 illustrates this feature of the invention. Of course, the
front
panel also may carry a design which conforms to the irregularly shaped edge
28.

Figure 4 shows the full design surface and shape of the finished
irregularly shaped envelope. A design may be printed on the envelope blank 2
before the envelope is formed, or the design may be printed on the finished
irregularly shaped envelope. A traditional stamp area 30 and optional address
window 32 are also illustrated in Figure 4. The stamp area 30 and address
space 32 are shown on the conventional back side of the envelope but may be
placed on the conventional front side of the envelope.


CA 02590815 2007-06-04
6

The envelope design of the present invention provides an irregularly
shaped envelope that can be used for mass-mailing applications. It is to be
understood that the dimensions of the present invention can accommodate
but are not limited to the dimensions and requirements of mail systems such
as those of Canada Post.

Although the present invention has been described by way of a detailed
description in which various embodiments and aspects of the invention have
been described, it will be seen by one skilled in the art that the full scope
of
this invention is not limited to the examples presented herein. The invention
has a scope which is commensurate with the claims of this patent specification
including any elements or aspects which would be seen to be equivalent to
those set out in the accompanying claims.

Dessin représentatif
Une figure unique qui représente un dessin illustrant l'invention.
États administratifs

Pour une meilleure compréhension de l'état de la demande ou brevet qui figure sur cette page, la rubrique Mise en garde , et les descriptions de Brevet , États administratifs , Taxes périodiques et Historique des paiements devraient être consultées.

États administratifs

Titre Date
Date de délivrance prévu 2010-04-27
(22) Dépôt 2007-06-04
Requête d'examen 2007-06-04
(41) Mise à la disponibilité du public 2008-12-04
(45) Délivré 2010-04-27
Réputé périmé 2022-06-06

Historique d'abandonnement

Il n'y a pas d'historique d'abandonnement

Historique des paiements

Type de taxes Anniversaire Échéance Montant payé Date payée
Requête d'examen 800,00 $ 2007-06-04
Le dépôt d'une demande de brevet 400,00 $ 2007-06-04
Taxe de maintien en état - Demande - nouvelle loi 2 2009-06-04 100,00 $ 2009-05-26
Taxe finale 300,00 $ 2010-02-11
Taxe de maintien en état - Demande - nouvelle loi 3 2010-06-04 100,00 $ 2010-03-04
Taxe de maintien en état - brevet - nouvelle loi 4 2011-06-06 100,00 $ 2011-03-29
Taxe de maintien en état - brevet - nouvelle loi 5 2012-06-04 200,00 $ 2012-03-23
Taxe de maintien en état - brevet - nouvelle loi 6 2013-06-04 200,00 $ 2013-05-31
Taxe de maintien en état - brevet - nouvelle loi 7 2014-06-04 200,00 $ 2014-06-03
Taxe de maintien en état - brevet - nouvelle loi 8 2015-06-04 200,00 $ 2015-05-29
Taxe de maintien en état - brevet - nouvelle loi 9 2016-06-06 200,00 $ 2015-12-09
Taxe de maintien en état - brevet - nouvelle loi 10 2017-06-05 250,00 $ 2016-12-07
Taxe de maintien en état - brevet - nouvelle loi 11 2018-06-04 250,00 $ 2018-05-28
Taxe de maintien en état - brevet - nouvelle loi 12 2019-06-04 250,00 $ 2019-05-08
Enregistrement de documents 2020-02-20 100,00 $ 2020-02-20
Enregistrement de documents 2020-02-20 100,00 $ 2020-02-20
Taxe de maintien en état - brevet - nouvelle loi 13 2020-06-04 250,00 $ 2020-05-29
Taxe de maintien en état - brevet - nouvelle loi 14 2021-06-04 255,00 $ 2021-05-31
Titulaires au dossier

Les titulaires actuels et antérieures au dossier sont affichés en ordre alphabétique.

Titulaires actuels au dossier
SUPREMEX INC.
Titulaires antérieures au dossier
ROYAL ENVELOPE LTD.
TUCCI, LOU
Les propriétaires antérieurs qui ne figurent pas dans la liste des « Propriétaires au dossier » apparaîtront dans d'autres documents au dossier.
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Description du
Document 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Nombre de pages   Taille de l'image (Ko) 
Page couverture 2008-11-26 1 37
Abrégé 2007-06-04 1 10
Description 2007-06-04 6 226
Revendications 2007-06-04 2 46
Dessins 2007-06-04 2 46
Dessins représentatifs 2008-11-07 1 11
Page couverture 2010-04-08 1 37
Description 2009-05-20 6 227
Taxes 2010-03-04 1 37
Cession 2007-06-04 3 91
Poursuite-Amendment 2009-04-20 2 49
Poursuite-Amendment 2009-05-20 3 96
Taxes 2009-05-26 1 37
Correspondance 2010-02-11 1 35
Taxes 2011-03-29 1 33