CA1066236A - Stationery having snap-open envelope with remailable portion - Google Patents

Abstract

STATIONERY HAVING SNAP-OPEN
ENVELOPE WITH REMAILABLE PORTION

Abstract of the Disclosure Stationery including a snap-open envelope having perforations arranged so that an end portion separates from the remaining portion to expose the contents. The remaining portion provides a return or reusable envelope having an end closure flap which, when the return envelope is closed, may cover a portion of the front panel of the original envelop, with a portion of the original back panel of the original envelope becoming the front panel of the return envelope. The snap-open envelope can be of the pasted type having front and back panels die cut or perforated from different, paper sheets with the panels pasted together to form the envelope and with an insert or information sheet between the panels. This en-velope can be processed by high speed data processing equipment including computer driven printing.

Description

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STATIONERY HAVING SNAP OPEN
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ENVELOPE WITH REMAILABLE PORTION

Background of the Invention This invention relates to stationery and more particularly tO
stationery having a snap-open envelope a portion of which provides a reusable envelope.
Envelopes are commonly used one time and discarded. For example, i~ billing and other business mail, it is common practice to provide a separate, self addressed return envelope inside the billing envelope. The use of two separate envelopes compared to a reusable or two-way envelope, of course, results in increased manufacturing costs and handling. Also since additional material is required, there is an increase in waste, and in waste handling costs, as well as natural resources, and these are un~esirable from an ecological point o view.
Envelope: that can be snapped open are deslrable because of the ease with which they are opened. In the case of advertising material, or example, such easy opening envelopes encourage the receiver to open them.
Snap-open reusable envelopes have been proposed but have had certain drawbacks. For example, some were provided with address windows which ' , , -1- . : ' ', ' ~. .

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required the proper orientation of the return message in the return enveloFe in order that the proper address appear in the window for return mailing.
Improper orientation could result in unmailable matter. The window type of envelope also limited the types of contents that could be used. Also, additional enclosures, such as a remittance, could cover the address.
Where confidential information is used there is a chance that it could be seen through the window. Also, window envelopes are generally limited to in-dustrial use, and require that the address be printed on the insert instead of directly on the envelope. It has also been proposed to use, instead of a window, a sticker for attachment over the original address, however, this results in increased manufacturing costs and handling.
Some snap-open envelopes provided a reusable envelope having an end closure flap that was a portion of the front panel of the original envelope.
With such a construction, mailing instructions could not be placed on the inside of the end closure flap that would be seen by the receiver upon opening if the envelope was opened while looking at the front face thereof.
Also, the reusable envelope portion was generally greatly reduced in size from the original envelope since it was usually desired to completely remove ;
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the original mailing address. These were of the address window type.
U. S. Patent No. 3,558,041, issued to the present applicant discloses a snap-open envelope but does not provide an envelope having a reusable envelope portion. U. S. Patents No. 3,062,431 and No. 3,747,837 relate to envelopes that can be snapped open or separated on perforation lines and which provide a portion for use as an envelope but tllese are of the address window type. U. S. Patent No. 3,227,360 has an envelope with a portion for reuse but is also of the address wlndow type.

Summary of the Invention ~' . ' .

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It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide stationery having a snap-open enveLope with a portion which provides a reusable envelope that substantially avoids the above-mentioned undesirable Eeatures.
One broad aspect of the invention pertains to a mailing envelope having front and back sides connected in facing relation, and upper, lower, left and right edges when viewing the front side. The front and back sides include front and back panels respectively and mailing address means is on the exterior of the front panel for mailing the envelope. Return address means are on the exterior side of oDe of the panels and first and second tear lines of perforations extend substantially between the upper and lower edges of the envelope respectively on the front and back sides dividing the envelope into separable left and right envelope portions, each including a part of the back side and a part of the front side. One of the lines of perforations is disposed closer to the left edge of the envelope than the other of the lines of perforations so that upon separation of the left and right envelope portions, one of the parts of one of the envelope portions has a greater left-to-right length than that of the other of the parts of the ~-one envelope portion to provide a closure end flap foldable over the other part for closlng the one envelope portion. Thus the one envelope portion is usable to mail an element therein. The left and right envelope portions remain together when the envelope is originally mailed and the mailing address means and the lines of perforations are relatively disposed on the envelope such that when the envelope portions are separated and the flap is folded over the other part, at least a portion of the mailing address is removed from view on the one envelope portion. The one envelope portion, after it is separated from the other of the envelope portions and the flap is folded over the other part, includes the return address means for mailing the one envelope portion.
It is another aspect of the invention to provide a snap-open envelope in which the opposed ends are pulled apart to provide~ a portion which serves as an envelope and which has an end closure flap wherein instructions for use or notification that the one portion does serve as an envelope, can be applied to the flap and readily seen upon opening the original envelope.
Another aspect is to provide a snap-open envelope which is printed with an initial mailing address and a return or second address and a portion of Z3~ ~
which envelope provides a reusable envelope wherein the initial mailing address has been removed from the reusable envelope, and which permits the use of the return or second address to be used to return the reusable envelope to the original sender or fon~ard it on.
Another aspect is to provide novel stationery that includes a snap-open envelope that provides a reusable envelope and which can be processed by a computer driven printer.
Still another object is to pro~ide stationery which includes a data computer processed envelope formed of pasted together panels which is opened by a snap action and which provides a reusable envelope.
In accordance with another aspect of the inventiol- statiol-cry is ~-provided which includes an envelope front panel and an envelope back panel -which are perforated and adhesively connected together to provide a snap-open envelope having a reusable portion with an end flap, the panels having facing margins adhesively connected together.
These and other aspects and advantages oE the invention will be apparent ;
from the following detailed description and drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts. ;
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a plan view of a pre-cut sheet of paper capable oE being formed into an envelope in accordance with one embodiment of the presene invention;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the reverse side of the pre-cut sheet of Figure l;
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Figure 3 is a plan view of the back side of an envelope Eormed Erom the sheet of Figure 1 with an enclosure therein but w:ith the Elap up;
Figure 4 is a plan view of the back side of the envelope of Figure 3 after it is closed;
Figure 5 is a plan view of the front side of the envelope of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a plan view of the envelope of Figure 5 after it has been snapped open;
Figure 7 is a plan view of the left h.ln(l port-Lon of thc envclope of Figure 6 which serves as a return envelope;

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Figure 8 i5 a plan view of the return envelope of Figure 7 with a return enclosure therein and the envelope cloaed;
Fîgure 9 is a plan view of the envelope of Figure 8 showing the reverse side thereof;
Figure 10 is a plan of paper stock or a form cut to provide , stationery including an envelope in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
Figure 11 is a plan view of the stationery form of Figure 10 folded;
Figure 12 is a plan view of stationery formed by completing the folding and sealing of the stationery form of Figure 11;
Figure 13 is a plan view oE a reusable portion of the envelope of :~
Figure 12 after it has been opened;
Figure 14 is a plan view of the contents and an end portion of the : .
envelope of Figure 12 after it has been opened;
Figure 15 is a plan view of one side of the reusable envelope portion .
shown in Figur,e 13 but closed for remailing;
Figure 16 is a plan view of the envelope of Figure 15 but showing the reverse side;
Figure 17 is a plan view of a flat sheet paper form having cut envelope :
2Q front and back panels therein for use in forming envelopes in accordance with still another e~bodiment of the present invention;
Figure 18 is a plan view of a flat sheet paper form used with the form shown in Figure 17 for producing envelopes;
Figure 19 is a plan view of a completed envelope formed from the panels of Figures 17 and 18 and showing the back side tllereof;
Figure 20 is a plan view, with portions broken away, of the completed envelope of Figure 19 but showing the front side thereof; .: -Figure 21 is a plan view of a reusable portion of the envelope of .
Figure 20;
-30 Figure 22 is a plan view of the rlght end portion of the envlope and enclosuFe of the stationery of Figure 20;

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Figure 23 i5 a plan view o~ the enyelope portion oX Figure 21 but in a closed condition and containing anather enclosure to be mailed;
Figure 24 i5 a plan view of the envelope of Figure 23 but showing the reyerse side thereof;
Figure 25 is a plan view of a back panel of another modified embodiment of the present invention; .
Figure 26 is a plan view of an insert or information panel to be associated with the back panel of Figure 25;
Figure 27 shows a completed envelope including a front panel and the `
panels of Figures 25 and 26;
Figure 28 shows the reusable portion of the envlope of Figure 27 after ~ `:
it has been opened;
Figure 29 shows the reusable poreion of Figure 28 closed and the .
reverse side of it;
. Figure 30 is a plan view of a back panel used in an envelope in ~:
accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention; :~
Figure 31 is a plan view, partly brolcen away, of stationery using the panel of Figure 30;
Figure 32 is a plan view of the reusable portion of the envelope of :
2Q Figure 31 after it has been opened;
Figure 33 is a plan view of the reverse side of the reusable envelope of Figure 32 but with it closed for mailing;
Figure 34 is a plan view of a back panel for use ln ormlng an envelope ~:
according to another embodiment;
Figure 35 is a plan view, partly broken, oE a completed envelope using the panel of Figure 34;
Figure 36 is an open reusable portion of the envelope of Figure 35; and Figure 37 is the reusable portion of Figure 36 closed for use.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring now to the drawings, a pre-cut sheet of paper is shown in .`
Figures 1 and 2 which provides a single piece envelope form 10 having a front panel 12 defined by four fold liDes 13, 14, 15 and 16, a back panel 18, an upper main sealing panel or closure flap 19, and end flaps 20 and 21. ` Figure 1 shows the side which will become the interior slde in the finished envelope ::
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while Figure 2 shows the side which w:ill become the exterior side of the finished envelope.
A continuous tear line, shown as a perforation line 22, as viewed in Figure 1, extends downwardly from the upper edge of flap 19, to the bottom edge of back panel 18. Perforation line 22 includes a relatively small ;~ ~
vertical portion 22a extending inwardly from the upper edge of flap 19 to the -middle where it connects with a straight line portion 22b that is inclined rightwardly and connects with a vertical line portion 22c at about the fold line 13. The perforation line portion 22c extends vertically downwardly to the fold line 15 where it connects with a line portion 22d that is inclined leftwardly and downwardly. Perforation line portion 22d connects with a vertical portion 22e that extends vertically to the bottom edge of back panel ~-18. -The perforation line 22 divides blank 10 into a relatively small portion lOa that includes minor portions of panels 12, 18, and 19, and the end flap 20, and a major portion lOb which includes major portions of panels 12, 18 and 19, and end flap 21.
Where desired, a small slit or cut 24 may be provided which extends horizontally or longitudinally Erom the perforation line 22e on panel 18 at a point slightly below (e.g. 1/3 inch) the junction of portions 22d and 22e, inwardly to a point directly below perforation line 22c. As will be discussed more fully hereinafter, slit 24 provides a tab 25 which may be used to provide postage, a meter number, or information for returning the reusable portion back to the sender.
As seen in Figure 2, the exterior side of form lO is pre-printed with the original senderts return name and address 27 printed on flap 19 longitudinally about midway of the flap. The original receiver's name and address 28 is shown printed on the front panel 12 to the right of the geometric center of the b]ank with the perforation line 22c extending through the name and address 28. Both addresses 27 and 28 are printed so that they are both readable as viewed in Figure 2.

A pair of semi-circles 29 are printed at the opposite ends of the front panel 12 along the longitudinal axis of the panel. One semi-circle may have printed therein "hold" while the other has "snap" or "pull" ~;~
printed therein. ~ ~ -j The blank 10 is provided with an adhesive or glue on the interior side of the back panel 18 along the opposite ends such as indicated at 30 ~ :
and 31 in Figure 1. These glue areas 30 and 31 are located so that during manufacture, when the blank 10 is ~olded into an envelope 10', as shown in Figure 3, the glue will secure the back panel 18 only to the exterior sides of the folded-in end flaps 20 and 21.
As seen in Figure 1, additional vertically extending glue stripes 32 and 32a are disposed on the main blank portion lOb spaced from but adjacent the perforation lines 22a and 22e, respectively. The glue lines are used to seal the reusable portion of the envelope, as will be apparent hereinafter.
In Figure 3, the envelope lO' is shown open with an enclosure 33 disposed therein. The upper flap 19 is provided with adhesive or glue indicated at 34 for sealing the envelope closed. The glue 34 is shown extending longitudinally but spaced a short distance on either side of the perforation line 22a. In Figures 4 and 5, the envelope is shown closed and ~ -containing enclosure 33 to provide stationery ready for mailing. The perforation line 22 divides the envelope 10' into a relatively small portion lO'a and a relatively large portion lO'b which consist of blank portions lOa and lOb, respectively.
When the stationery has been received by the receiver, the opposite ends of the envelope 10' are grasped at the semi-circles 29 and the envelope is snapped open as indicated in Figure 6. The enclosure 33 i:
shown remaining in the main envelope portion lU'b while the minor portion lO'a has been separated therefrom along the perforation line 22 which is continuous about the envelope 10'. The minor port~on lO'a is discarded and the contents 33 removed from the open ma~or portion lO'b which latter portion now serves as a reusable or re-mailable envelope as seen in Figures 7, 8 and 9.

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It will be apparent, especially ~rom Figures 4 and 5, that since the perforation lines 22a and 22e, which are shown forming together a vertical straight line (Figure 4) on the hack side of the envelope are offset longitudinally toward one end of the envelope fro~ the perforation line 22c on the front side (Figure S), an end sealing flap 36 is provided in the reusable envelope as shown in Figure 7, ~lap 36 includes a portion -18b of the original back panel, and a portion l9b of the original sealing flap 19. Flap 36 has the glue stripes 32 and 32a thereon so that after a return message, such as indicated at 37 in Figures 8 and 9, has been inserted, the glue is wetted and folded over onto the portion 12b which is a portion of the original front panel 12 as seen in Figure 8. In the illustrated embodiment, a right hand portion of the original receiver's name and address was removed during the snap opening of the original envelope since it was on the minor portion lO'a which is discarded. Also, the flap -36, when folded over the portion 12b (Figure 8) cover or hides the remaining left hand por~lon oE the original receiver's name and address.
The front panel portion 12b of the original envelope 10', as is seen -~
in Figure 5 now becomes a portion of the rear or back side of the return or reusable envelope lO'b as is seen in Figures 7 and 8. This back side also includes the flap 36 which includes portions of the original back side of the original envelope including portions of the back panel 18 and flap 19.
Figure 9 shows the front side of the reusable envelope lO'b with the pre-printed address 27 which was originally the return address on the original envelope. The front side includes portions of the original backpanel 18, flap 19, and end flap 21 of blank 10 (Fig. 1).
The tab 25 is folded in the reverse direction from that of the end sealing flap 36 so that it covers a portion of the front of the reosable envelope lO'b as seen in Figure 9, The tab 25 may be provided with glue Eor wetting and have postage thereon. For example, ~623~ : ~

it may be provided with a postage stamp or wilere permitted, with a return permit number so that the original sender can pay the return postage. The glue used for tab 25 is preferably a conventional non-drying adhesive provided with a pealable cover (not shown).
Referring again to Figure 7, information or directions for using the reusable or return envelope may be pre-printed on the flap as indicated at 38.
Figure 10 illustrates a modified embodiment which shows an envelope and message blank 40 die cut or otherwise formed from a sheet 41, shown in phantom and having sheet advancing holes 43 along the opposed sides of the sheet for co-operation with drive gears (not shown). Blank 40 may be die cut as the sheet 41 is advanced through a die (not shown). Blank 40 lncludes an envelope blank 45 integrally formed with a message sheet 46 on which a message indicated at 47, is printed. The sheet 46 is attached to blank 45 by a tear or perforation line 51.
The envelope blank 45 is similar to blank 10 of Figures 1 and 2 except that it is not shown with a slit 24 as in Figure 1. Blank 45 includes a front panel 48, back panel 49, sealing flap 50, and end flaps 52 and 54. A
perforation line 53, similar to line 22 oE Figure 1, includes a portion 53a which extends vertically adjacent the right end of the envelope to an angularly inwardly and upwardly extending portion 53b. Portion 53b connects with a vertically extending perforation portion 53c extending vertically across the front panel 48. A portion 53d extends angularly from portion 53c to a vertical portion 53e. The perforation portions 53a and 53e being offset to the right of portion 53c on the front panel. The perforation line 53 divides the blank 45 into a portion 45a and a portion 45b. The message sheet 46 is connected to the end flap 52 by the perforation line Sl which defines the right end edge of flap 52. Glue is applied to blank 45 in the same manner as it was app]ied to the blank 10 of Figure 1, as seen in Figure 11 where the interior side of the form 45 is shown. As seen in Figure 11, glue or adhesive is indicated at 55. It is shown on the back panel 49 and flap panel 50.

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In Figure 11, the message sheet 46 is shown folded on the fold lines shown in Figure 10 at 56 and then the folded blank is folded late;ally on the flap fold line indicated at 57 in Figure 10. Then the envelope blank 45 is folded and sealed to provide an envelope 45' with the sheet 46 therein as seen in Figure 12.
When the stationery is opened by a snap-opening the envelope, that is, by pulling the right and left ends apart, a reusable envelope 45'b having a pre-glued closure end flap 58 is provided, as seen in Figure 13. As seen in Figure 14, the message sheet 46 is removed from the envelope along with the -minor portion 45'a to which it is attached by the perforation line 51. The message sheet 46 and portion 45'a are readily separated by pulling them apart. -~
A return message at 59 in Figure 15 is inserted into the reusable orreturn envelope 45'b and the pre-glued flap 58 wetted and folded over onto that side that was the front side of the original letter but which now becomes the back side of the return envelope 45'b. In Figure 16, the front side of the return envelope containing the message is shown with a stamp and ready for remailing. The return address of the original envelope 45' as indicated generally at 65 in Figure 10, now becomes the mailing address for the return envelope 45'b in Figure 16. Thus, it is not necessary for the person returning a message to write the name and address of the person or company to which it is being returned.
In Figures 17 and 18, similar envelope forms 60 and 61 are illustrated which can be superposed and pasted together to provide a plurality of envelopes in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. One such envelope is indicated at 62 in Figures 19 and 20.
Form 60 includes a pair of front panels 63a and 63b having closure flaps 64a and 64b respectively, integrally connected at fold lines 65a and 65b. The form 60 also includes back panels 66a and 66b shown connected by perforation lines 67a and 67b to front panels 63a and 63b, respectively.
Front panel 63a is provided with a perforation line 68a extending from the ,~1, .
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upper edge vertically downwardly across the height of the panel and then angularly across the flap 64a to the bottom right corner of the flap.
Similarly, a perforation line 68b extends from the bottom edge vertically across the front panel 63b and then angularly to the upper right corner of flap 64b.

Back panel 66a is provided with a perforation line 70a extending from ~;
the lower edge to the upper edge a minor or relatively short distance from the right end of the back panel. Perforation line 70a includes a central portion and portions at each end thereof which are inclined inwardly toward the right end of the panel. Back panel 66b is provided with a perforation line 70b similar to perforation ]ine 70a.

The form 61 of Figure 18 is idential to form 60 of Figure 17 but is, in effect, rotated 180 about its vertical axis with respect to form 60. Thus, like corresponding panels and perforation lines oE form 61 are identi~ied by like corresponding reference characters except that the characters of form 61 -are primed.

As seen in the drawings perforation lines 68a, 68'a, 68b and 68'b divide their respective front panels and closure flaps into major and minor portions; and the perforation lines 70a, 70'a, 70b and 70'b divide the back panels into major and minor portions. The perforation lines 67a, 67b, 67'a, and 67'b are used during the manufacture of the envelopes to separate the front and back panels from each other in each Eorm.

The back panels 66a, 66'a, 66b and 66'b may be provided with an -~
adhesive or paste as indicated at 72. The paste is shown extending vertically along the end margins and horizontally partly along the margins of the outer longer sides of the back panels leaving a marginal portion free of paste so that a superposed minor portion of a front panel will not be ;~
glued to a major portion of a back panel of a constructed envelope so that the envelope can be snapped open. The paste 72 is disposed on the interior ~
side of each back panel so that it is silown only in Figure 18 where the ;
interior sides are seen.
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~ ;6236 The envelope forms 60 and 61 may be obtained by die cutting and slittiPg a sheet shown in phantom at 73 and 73~ Eram a supply ~oll of paper stock. Opposed sides of the sheets are provided with sheet adYancing holes 75 for cooperation with drive gears for moving the sheet through a die cutter, . .
! printer, slitter, paste applying device, etc. The flaps are separated by slitting along lines 71 and 71~
The forms 60 and 61 may be printed and addressed by computer operated printers. Also, where desired, a third sheet haYing suitably die cut printed letters or information inserts may be positioned between the forms 60 and 61 and suitably glued between opposed front and back panels to produce an envelope with an insert, such as indicated at 77 in Figure 20. The flap, which is also provided with an adhesive, Figure 18, for sealing the envelope, may then be wetted and closed. Additional mailing matter or inserts may be included before the closure flap is sealed to the back panel of the envelope.
~arious methods of producing the envelope 62 and variations in the sequence of steps mentioned above are possible, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
After the forms 60 and 61 are suitably addressed, such as with a receiver's name and address 76 and a return name and address 78 (Fig. 19) the forms are glued together by paste 72 and then separated on perEoration lines 67a, 67b, 67'a and 67'b to form four envelopes, The envelope 62 is indicated as being formed by front panel 63b of Figure 17 and back panel 66'b of Figure 18.
The envelope 62 is snapped open by grasping the opposite sides or ends and forcing the envelope to separate along the perforation lines 68b and 70'b into a return or reusable portion 62' as seen in Figure 21 and a minor portion 62" as seen in Figure 22. The minor envelope portion 62" of Figure 22 includes the minor portions of the front panel 63b and flap 64b, which are to right of perforation line 68b in Figure 17, and the minor portion of the back panel 66'b to the right of perforation line 70'b in Figure 18. The remailable portion ~ i623~ :~

62' in Figure 21 includes the remaining major portions of the front panel 63b, closure flap 64b, and the back panel 66'b. Since the portion of perforation line 68b, as seen also in Figure 20 is offset farther from the -~
right side or end of the envelope than-the perforation line 70'b tFigure 19), ' a closure flap 80 is formed which includes portions of the original back panel 66'b and closure flap 64b. Flap 80 extends rightwardly beyond the right end of the portion of the original front panel and is shown provided with an adhesive 82 shown also in Figure 18. After a return insert or information sheet or card is inserted into envelope 62' in Figure 2],' the ' end closure flap 80 may be wetted and folded over onto the major portion of ' ' the original front panel 63b as seen in Figure 23. The return insert is indicated at 83 in phantom and may be a portion of the original insert 77 if desired. I~hile the back or rear side of the return envelope 62' is shown in Figure 23, the front side is shown in Figure 24. ~ stamp 84 is shown on the front side along with the original sender's name and address 78 which may be pre-printed on the forms 61 in Figure 18 and oriented to be positioned to become the mailing name and address of the remailable envelope 62', as seen in Figure 24. ' A rectangular back panel 85 is shown in Figure 25 relating to another `
embodiment of the invention, which 'back panel has a vertical perforation line 86 adjacent to the right side thereof. It is also provided with an adhesive 87 along the four margins and a vertical line 88 of adhesive to the " ~' left of the perforation line 86. ' An insert sheet or letter shown in Figure 26 at 90 is adapted to be '' -positioned between the back panel 85 and a rectangular front panel 91 as in Figure 27. The insert 90 has a vertical perforation line 92 spaced from the right side or end a distance e~ual to the distance that perEoration line 86 of the back panel is positLoned away from the right side thereof. The insert 90 is placed on back panel 85 with the perforation lines 86 and 92 aligned with the right end of the insert adhering to the back panel by means of -' " ' '' ' " :' ' ' :

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adhesive 87. Adhesive 87 also secures the Eront panel 91 to the back panel since adhesive strip 94 on the insert holds the right and/or side of front panel 91 to the insert.
As seen in Figure 27, the front panel has a vertical perforation line extending from the bottom to the top of the panel which is offset from the right side thereof a greater distance than that between the perforation line 86 of both panel 85 and the right end thereoE.
The perforation line of the front panel is indicated at 93. In this way, when the envelope, indicated generally at 95 in Figure 27, is snapped open by pulling the opposed ends in opposite directions, an end closure flap 96 is provided as seen in Figure 28, wherein the reusable or return envelope portion of the original envelope is indicated at 95'. The envelope separates on the perforation lines. The return envelope 95' includes the major portions of the front and back panels of the original envelope 95.
After an insert or return letter is inserted into envelope 95', adhesive 88 is wetted and the flap 96 folded over on the back side of the return envelope. The envelope is shown rotated in Figure 29 and provided with a stamp 97. The underside of the back panel, or side opposite the side seen in Figure 25 may be provided with a return address that becomes the address to which the reusable envelope is to be mailed, as seen in Figure 29. Also, the front panel of the reusable envelope 95' is a portion of the back panel 85 of the original envelope 95.
In Figure 30, a back panèl 100 of another embodiment ls shown rectangular in form and having a perforation line 102 extending from the bottom to the top of the panel adjacent to the right side thereof. The perforation line 102 has a vertical portion and a pair end portions which are inclined inwardly toward the right end or side of the panel. Also, a hole or window 104 is formed, such as by die cutting, near the bottom edge of the panel with instructions, postage, mail:Lng permit number (if allowed by the Postal Service) to the right of the window 104 and indicated at 106, as will be discussed hereinafter. The data 106 may be "Permit No." or any -lS-~066;~3~
desired element or lettering permitted.
A front panel 108 is shown adhesively connected to back panel 100 with an insert or letter 110 therebetween to form an envelope 112 as seen in Figure 31. The front panel 108 is provided with a perforation line 114 - :
extending from the bottom edge angularly upwardly and toward the right end . :.
of the panel.
When the envelope 112 is snapped open the front panel separates on . -:
perforation line U4 and the back panel on perforation line 102 to provide an envelope 116 having an end closure flap indicated at 118 in Figure 32.
The portions of the original front and back panels at the right end are discarded and a return insert or letter 120 is inserted in the envelope 116. . .
The flap 118 is provided with an adhesive on the inside surface as seen also in Figure 30, which is wetted, and then the flap is folded over on top of the remaining portion of the original front panel to close the reusable portion or envelope 116. When the..envelope is turned over, as seen in Figure 33, the postage or instruction 106 shows through window 104. Adhesive for this ~ ~
envelope is indicated generally at 119. .:
Figures 34 - 37 relate to a further embodiment of the inventi.on and in : .
Figure 34 the outside of a rectangular back panel 130 is shown with the panel having a vertical perforation line 132 approximately mid-way between the opposed sides. Also, a return name and address 134 which is printed -vertically along the left side or end of the panel. . : .
A rectangular front panel 136 in Figure 35 is adhesively secured to the :~
inside of the back panel 130 to provide an envelope 140. An insert or letter 142 is shown disposed between the front and back panels. The front panel is :
also provided with a mailing name and address 144 wh:i.ch is shown extending laterally across a vertical perforation line 146. The perforation line 146 is disposed closer to the left side of envelope 140 than is the perforation line 132 on the back pane]. 130 so that when the envelope is snapped open, a reusable portion or envelope 147 is provided with a closure f:Lap 148, as seen in Figure 36.

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The flap 148 is provided with an adhesiye 150 which may be applied to the back panel 130 in ~igure 34. I~fter a return letter is inserted into envelope 147 the adhesive 150 is wetted and the flap 148 is folded over to close the envelope. When the envelope is closed and rotated 180 about the longer or horizontal axis and then rotated 90 about an axis normaI to the plane of the envelope, as is shown in Figure 37, the address 134, (shown also in Figure 34) is readable and provides the mailing address for return envelope 147. Postage 152 may be applied in the conventional manner in the upper right corner. It will be apparent that the panels are sized so that the vertical dimension of the panels, as seen in Figures 34 and 35, become the width or horizontal dimension of the reusable envelope. The envelope of Figure 35 is similar to that of Figure 27.
In most of the illustrated embodiments the original mailing address on the front panel of the original envelope is partially removed when the envelope is snapped open or torn along the perforation lines, and the remaining portion of the address on the reusable or return portion is covered by the right closure flap. If desired, and where adequate space is available, the original mailing address may be located so that it is completely contained on the disposable right end portion of tlle original 2Q envelope, as in the case of the envelope shown in Figure 31. In the latter case, the original mailing address is completely removed whFn the origmal envelope is snapped open.
Where adhesive is used to connect portions of the envelope together, it should of course be applied such that the portion of the front panel to the right of its perforation line does not adhere to the portion of the back side or back panel to the left of its perforation so that the portions of the envelope will separate easily on opening.
In some cases the closure flaps may be connected to the upper edge of the panel. In the em7elope forms shown in Figures 17 and 18, the closure flaps 64a and 64'a are integrally connected to their associated front panels along the lower edges when facing the front panel with the mailing address readable.

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In each of the illustrated embodiments, information or data means such as indicated at 38 in Figure 7j and which may for example, be elements such as ink printing or the like or a sticker or other means, will be in view after the original envelope is opened~ Such data means may advise the receiver that the left envelope portion can be reused or returned. In Figures 13, 18, 21, 28, 32 and 36 such information data is indicated at lSO-155, respectively, Preferably, the left-to-right width of the flaps are at least one inch to provide sufficient space for this information.
In each of the embodiments illustrated the Eront panel of the ~-original envelope extends continuously from the left edge to the right edge, that is, solid or without a mailing address window. The mailing and return address means may be ink printing or a sticker with printing :. .
thereon, or the like, and the printing, sticker or other element is shown disposed on the exterior surface of the panel. The address means may be a~name of a person, a name and address, an address only, or any other ~-indicia which indicates a desired destination. The postage means may be a printing of postage, or a permit number and associated information or the like.
As used herein, viewing or facing the front panel means facing the front panel so that when a normal or usual mailing address is on the front panel, it is readable. While the left envelope portion, when facing the front panel, is used as the reusable or return envelope in each of the illustrated embodiments, the right envelope portion in some cases may be used as the reusable envelope portion. For example, by locating the front -panel line of perforations closer to the right edge or side of the envelope ~.

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than the perforation line on the hack fiide, a closure flap which is part o the back side, is proYided. In such case, the right end portion of the original envelope can be closed and reused. Since it is generally desirable to discard the envelope portion with the postage, as in the ; illustrated embodiments, the aboYe mentioned reuse of a right envelope portion may be desirable, for example, if the required or normal position of the postage is changed to the left side of the envelope. Also, where desired, the original mailing address may be disposed on the reusable or return envelope portion such that it remains in view and is not covered by the closure end flap. However, it is often desirable to remove the entire original mailing address to avoid any possible confusion as to the actual mailing address for the reusable portion, or to avoid a part of the original address remaining.
In addition to the advantages of easy opening, savings in material, reduction in waste material, confidentiality, and other advantages, envelopes made in accordance with the present invention can be manufactured, and printed at relatively low cost.
It will now be apparent that the objects and advantages set out hereinbefore have been met. It is to be understood that the foregoing description and accompanying drawings have been given only by way of illustration and example, and that alterations and changes in the present disclosure, which wlll be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the claims which follow.

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Claims (39)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A mailing envelope comprising front and back sides connected in facing relation, and upper, lower, left and right edges when viewing said front side, said front and back sides including front and back panels, respectively, mailing address means on the exterior of said front panel for mailing said envelope, return address means on the exterior side of one of said panels, first and second tear lines of perforations extending substantially between the upper and lower edges of the envelope respectively on said front and back sides dividing the envelope into separ-able left and right envelope portions each including a part of said back side and a part of said front side, one of said lines of perforations being disposed closer to the left edge of the envelope than the other of said lines of perforations so that upon separation of said left and right envelope portions, one of said parts of one of said envelope portions has a greater left-to-right length than that of the other of said parts of said one envelope portion to provide a closure end flap foldable over said other part for closing said one envelope portion whereby said one envelope portion is usable to mail an element therein, said left and right envelope portions remaining together when said envelope is mailed, said mailing address means and said lines of perforations being relatively disposed on the envelope such that when said envelope portions are separated and said flap is folded over said other part, at least a portion of the mailing address is removed from view on said one envelope portion, said one envelope portion, after it is separated from the other of said envelope portions and said flap is folded over said other part, including said return address means for mailing said one envelope portion.

2. The envelope of Claim 1 wherein said one part of said one envelope portion is a part of said back panel, and said mailing address means is so disposed on said front panel that said closure end flap covers at least a portion of said mailing address means when folded over said other part of said one envelope portion to close said one envelope portion.

3. The envelope of Claim 2 wherein said back side further includes a main closure flap integrally connected to said front panel at said upper edge for closing the envelope, and said closure end flap of said one envelope portion includes a portion of said main closure flap.

4. The envelope of Claim 1 further including a pair of flaps integrally connected to one of said panels respectively at the left and right edges thereof and connected to the other of said panels in face-to-face relation, and at least a portion of said mailing address means is disposed on the other of said envelope portions.

5. The envelope of Claim 4 further including an element to be mailed disposed between said front and back sides, and wherein said pair of flaps are connected to said front panel, said element to be mailed is connected to the flap of said pair which is connected to said right edge of said front panel and is retained with said right envelope portion when the envelope is opened, said element being separable from said right envelope portion by a third line of perforations.

6. The envelope of Claim 1 further including an element adapted to be mailed, and means connecting said element to one of said panels including a third line of perforations between said one panel and said element.

7. The envelope of Claim 1 wherein said front and back panels are secured together by adhesive means between facing marginal portions of said panels but with sections of said facing marginal portions laterally between said tear lines of perforations being substantially free of said adhesive means so that said sections are capable of relative movement during the opening of said envelope to allow the opening of said envelope along said tear lines of perforations.

8. The envelope of Claim 1, 5 or 7 wherein said closure end flap includes a portion of said back panel and extends rightwardly of the right edge of said part of said front panel of said one envelope portion a predetermined distance, and information data means on the interior surface of said closure end flap and readable upon opening the envelope while facing said front side.

9. The envelope of Claim 1 wherein said front side consists only of said front panel and said back side consists only of said back panel, adhesive means disposed between facing marginal surfaces of said panels to secure them together, a portion of said mailing address means is disposed on each of said separable left and right envelope portions, and said closure end flap substantially covers the portion of said mailing address means on said one envelope portion when said closure end flap is folded over said other part of said one envelope portion to close said one envelope portion for mailing.

10. The envelope of Claim 9 wherein said return address means is on the exterior of said back panel and positioned thereon so as to be on said one envelope portion and constitute the mailing address for said one envelope portion.

11. The envelope of Claim 1 further including an element to be mailed which comprises a sheet member disposed between said front and back panels, means securing a portion of said sheet member between said parts of one of said envelope portions, and a third line of perforations extending between the upper and lower edges of said sheet member and disposed between the secured portion and the opposite end thereof whereby said sheet member is separable along said third line of perforations after separation of said envelope portions, said element extends into both of said envelope portions, and said closure end flap has adhesive means thereon for closing said one envelope portion.

12. The envelope of Claim 1 further including an element to be mailed disposed between said front and back sides and extending across at least one of said lines of perforations and with at least a portion thereof extending within said one envelope portion, said mailing address means being so disposed on said envelope that at least a portion thereof is on said other part of said one envelope portion, and said closure end flap, when folded over said other part of said one envelope portion, substantially covers said portion of said mailing address means.

13. The envelope of Claim 1, 4 or 7 wherein said closure end flap includes a tab formed by a portion of one of said sides and foldable flatwise onto said one side and is adapted to have postage means thereon for mailing said one envelope portion.

14. The envelope of Claim 1 wherein said closure end flap includes a portion of said back panel and has an opening adjacent one of said upper and lower edges, said closure end flap also has data means thereon which, when said closure end flap is folded to close said one envelope portion, shows through said opening.

15. A mailing envelope comprising a front side, and a back side connected to said front side in facing relation for containing an element therebetween to he mailed, each of said sides being free of an address window, the envelope having upper, lower, left and right edges when viewing the front side, said front and back sides including front and back panels, respectively, mailing address means for mailing the envelope disposed on the exterior surface of said front panel, return address means on the exterior of one of said panels, first and second tear lines of perforations extending between the upper and lower edges of the envelope respectively on said front and back sides dividing the envelope into left and right envelope portions which are separable on said first and second lines of perforations upon opening the envelope by pulling the right and left envelope portions apart, said left envelope portion including a part of said front panel and a part of said back panel with one of said parts being longer from left-to-right than the other of said parts to provide an end closure flap foldable over said other part for closing said left envelope portion so that it can contain and mail an element, said left and right envelope portions remaining together and said front and back sides being connected together at the left and right edges of said envelope when said envelope is mailed, said mailing address means and said lines of perforations being relatively disposed on the envelope such that when said left and right envelope portions are separated and said flap is folded over said other part, at least a portion of said mailing address is removed from view on the left envelope portion, and said left envelope portion, after said flap is folded over said other part includes said return address means for mailing said left envelope portion.

16. The envelope of Claim 15 wherein said return address means is on the envelope exterior of said part of said back panel of said left envelope portion whereby said return address means becomes the mailing address of said left envelope portion when said part of said back panel of said left envelope portion is used as the front panel for said left envelope portion.

17. The envelope of Claim 16 wherein said return address means is oriented to be readable when the envelope is rotated 180° about the longer axis thereof from the position wherein said mailing address is readable.

18. The envelope of Claim 1, 7 or 16 wherein said return address is disposed so as to be readable when the envelope is rotated 180° about the longer axis thereof from the position wherein said mailing address is readable and then rotated 90° about an axis that intersects the plane of the envelope.

19. The envelope of Claim 15 wherein at least a portion of said mailing address means is on said right envelope portion.

20. The envelope of Claim 15 or 19 wherein said end closure flap has adhesive means thereon and is adapted to be folded over, and onto said part of said front panel of said left envelope portion, and at least a portion of said address means being located so that it is substantially covered by said end closure flap.

21. The envelope of Claim 15 wherein said front side comprises only said front panel, said back side comprises only said back panel, and adhesive means between marginal facing surfaces of said panel so that they are adhesively interconnected but with sections of said facing marginal portions laterally between said tear lines of perforations being substantially free of said adhesive means so that said sections are capable of relative movement during the opening of said envelope to allow the opening of said envelope along said tear lines of perforations.

22. The envelope of Claim 15 further including a closure flap panel integrally connected at one of said upper and lower edges to said front panel, and marginal facing surfaces of said front and back panels being adhesively connected together.

23. The envelope of Claim 22 wherein said longer part is a portion of said back panel, and said closure flap panel and said end closure flap have adhesive means thereon for respectively sealing the envelope and said left envelope portion closed, and said mailing address means being so disposed on said front panel that said closure end flap covers at least a portion of said mailing address means when folded over said other part of said left envelope portion for closing the same.

24. A mailing envelope comprising a front side including a front panel adapted to receive postage means at the upper right corner thereof, mailing address means on said front panel for mailing said envelope, second address means on the exterior of said envelope, and a back side connected in facing relation to said front side and in-cluding a back panel, each of said sides being free of an address window, a first tear line of perforations extending between the lower and upper edges of said front side, a second tear line of perforations extending between the lower and upper edges of said back side and disposed closer to the right edge of the envelope when viewing said front side than said first line of perforations, said lines of perforations dividing the envelope into left and right envelope portions which are separable at said lines of perforations to open the envelope upon applying a force tending to pull said envelope portions apart; said left envelope portion when separated from said right envelope portion having a right closure flap including a portion of said back panel for closing the left envelope portion so that the left envelope portion can contain an element for mailing, said left and right envelope portions remaining together and said front and back sides being connected together at the left and right edges of said envelope when said envelope is mailed, said mailing address means being so disposed on said front panel relative to said lines of perforations that said closure flap covers at least a portion of said mailing address means when folded back for closing said left envelope portion thereby removing said at least a portion of said mailing address from view on said second envelope portion, said second address means being located on said envelope such that it is on said left envelope portion for mailing the same.

25. The envelope of Claim 24 including information data means on the interior side of said right closure flap which is visible after opening the envelope.

26. The envelope of Claim 24 or 25 wherein said second line of perforations includes a pair of sections at the opposite ends thereof which extend inwardly from the upper and lower edges respectively, toward the right edge of the envelope, and a main section extending generally vertically and connecting with said pair of sections.

27. The envelope of Claim 24 further including a main closure panel integrally connected along the upper edge of the front panel for closing the envelope, said second line of perforations extending between the upper and lower edges of said closure panel whereby said right closure flap of said right envelope portion includes a portion of said main closure panel.

28. The envelope of Claim 27 further including a pair of right and left end flap panels integrally connected respectively to the right and left edges of said front panel and adhesively connected in facing relation to said back panel, and said right envelope portion includes a portion of said right end flap panel.

29. The envelope of Claim 28 wherein a sheet adapted to receive information is connected to said right envelope portion by another line of perforations and is detachable from the right envelope portion after the envelope is opened.

30. The envelope of Claim 24, 25 or 27 wherein said end closure flap has a longer upper-to-lower edge dimension than its left-to-right dimension, and said front and back panels have marginal facing surfaces adhesively connected together.

31. The envelope of Claim 24 or 25 wherein said front and back panels are adhesively connected together by adhesive means between facing marginal surfaces, and said mailing address means is disposed on said front panel so that a portion thereof is on both said right and left envelope portions.

32. The envelope of Claim 24 wherein at least a portion of said mailing address means is on said right envelope portion, and wherein said front side comprises only said front panel, and said back side comprises only said back panel, said panels being separate sheets with facing marginal surface areas thereof interconnected by adhesive means.

33. The envelope of Claim 24, 27 or 32 wherein said second address means is on a part of said back panel on said left envelope portion to serve as a mailing address for the left envelope portion.

34. The envelope of Claim 24 wherein said front panel has a surface area thereof for receiving said mailing address means thereon with at least a portion of said surface area on said right envelope portion, said second address means is on said back panel wholly on said left envelope portion whereby said second address means becomes a mailing address when said left envelope portion is mailed, and where-in said front and back panels are generally rectangular separate sheets with facing marginal surfaces at each of the four sides thereof adhesively connected together.

35. The envelope of Claim 1, 24 or 34 further including an element to be mailed disposed between said front and back sides and extends across at least one of said lines of perforations and into both of said left and right envelope portions.

36. The envelope of Claim 1, 24 or 28 wherein said address means includes ink or the like printing directly on the outer surface of said front side.

37. The envelope of Claim 1, 7 or 11, wherein said mailing address means is wholly on the other of said envelope portions, so that when said envelope portions are separated, the mailing address is removed from said one envelope portion.

38. The envelope of Claim 19, 21 or 22 wherein said mailing address means is wholly on said right envelope portion so that when said envelope portions are separated said mailing address is removed from said left envelope portion.

39. The envelope of Claim 1, 15 or 21 wherein said lines of perforations extend in substantially straight line fashion parallel to the left and right edges of the envelope.