CA2275375A1 - Multiple-pocket envelope - Google Patents
Multiple-pocket envelope Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2275375A1 CA2275375A1 CA 2275375 CA2275375A CA2275375A1 CA 2275375 A1 CA2275375 A1 CA 2275375A1 CA 2275375 CA2275375 CA 2275375 CA 2275375 A CA2275375 A CA 2275375A CA 2275375 A1 CA2275375 A1 CA 2275375A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- envelope
- panel
- flap
- subsidiary
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Abstract
A multiple-pocket envelope constructed of a flexible plastic, for accommodating multiple groups of documents for mailing. A second pocket is provided on the front of a first pocket, the openings of both pockets being located at the top of the envelope. A flap is provided at a top of a back panel of the first pocket, which flap may be folded down over, and affixed to the front of the second pocket to close the openings of both pockets. The pockets may be of different sizes.
Description
MULTIPLE-POCKET ENVELOPE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to multiple-pocket envelopes, and more particularly to envelopes having multiple pockets for use in mailing documents.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When mailing two or more groups of documents, it is often desirable to separate the documents into separate compartments within the envelope. Such a situation arises, for example when a bank mails bank statements and cancelled cheques to its customers in one envelope.
Compartmented envelopes are well known. One such envelope is a paper envelope having gussets on the side to accommodate bulky material. The envelope is provided with a smaller pocket affixed to an inside surface of the envelope.
A single flap extending from the front of the envelope folds over the top of the envelope to close the openings for both the main envelope as well as the smaller pocket. When closed, the flap is affixed to the back of the envelope. Such an envelope is expensive to produce since the addition of gusseting, which is necessary so that the envelope can accommodate bulkier items, is expensive.
Use of a flexible plastic envelope to avoid the necessity for gusseting is also known. However, known plastic envelopes have separate closures for each of the compartments, which again adds to the cost of the envelope.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a broad aspect, the present invention provides a rectangular envelope made of flexible plastic, the envelope comprising a front panel affixed to a rear panel to define a first pocket having a first opening, a subsidiary panel affixed to an outside surface of the front panel, the subsidiary panel and the front panel defining a second pocket having a second opening, the second opening substantially overlying the first opening, a portion of the rear panel extending above the first opening defining a flap for folding over both the first opening and the second opening thus closing both openings, and closure means for affixing the flap to an outside surface of the subsidiary panel.
Advantageously, the envelope according to the present invention may be more inexpensively produced than present known compartmented envelopes. The flexible plastic used to manufacture the envelope allows large volumes of materials to be placed within the envelope without the need for gusseting or other means to accommodate the additional volume while at the same time, the use of one flap to close both pockets negates the need for multiple closures to seal each of the compartments.
Other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying sheets of drawings.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to multiple-pocket envelopes, and more particularly to envelopes having multiple pockets for use in mailing documents.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When mailing two or more groups of documents, it is often desirable to separate the documents into separate compartments within the envelope. Such a situation arises, for example when a bank mails bank statements and cancelled cheques to its customers in one envelope.
Compartmented envelopes are well known. One such envelope is a paper envelope having gussets on the side to accommodate bulky material. The envelope is provided with a smaller pocket affixed to an inside surface of the envelope.
A single flap extending from the front of the envelope folds over the top of the envelope to close the openings for both the main envelope as well as the smaller pocket. When closed, the flap is affixed to the back of the envelope. Such an envelope is expensive to produce since the addition of gusseting, which is necessary so that the envelope can accommodate bulkier items, is expensive.
Use of a flexible plastic envelope to avoid the necessity for gusseting is also known. However, known plastic envelopes have separate closures for each of the compartments, which again adds to the cost of the envelope.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a broad aspect, the present invention provides a rectangular envelope made of flexible plastic, the envelope comprising a front panel affixed to a rear panel to define a first pocket having a first opening, a subsidiary panel affixed to an outside surface of the front panel, the subsidiary panel and the front panel defining a second pocket having a second opening, the second opening substantially overlying the first opening, a portion of the rear panel extending above the first opening defining a flap for folding over both the first opening and the second opening thus closing both openings, and closure means for affixing the flap to an outside surface of the subsidiary panel.
Advantageously, the envelope according to the present invention may be more inexpensively produced than present known compartmented envelopes. The flexible plastic used to manufacture the envelope allows large volumes of materials to be placed within the envelope without the need for gusseting or other means to accommodate the additional volume while at the same time, the use of one flap to close both pockets negates the need for multiple closures to seal each of the compartments.
Other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying sheets of drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a front view of an envelope according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the envelope of figure 1 taken along 2-2, with the thickness of the envelope greatly exaggerated for clarity.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A multiple-pocket envelope 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in figures 1 and 2. The envelope 10 consists generally of a front panel 12 and rear panel 14 which together define a first pocket 16, and a subsidiary panel 18 affixed to the front panel 12 to define a second pocket 20. An extension of the rear panel above a top edge of the front panel forms a flap 22 which provides a closure for the two pockets 16 and 20. The envelope is rectangular, the top edge of the envelope being shorter than its side edges.
The front panel 12 is co-extensive with the rear panel 14, except for the flap 22 portion of the rear panel which extends above the top edge of the front panel as described above. The front panel is affixed to the rear panel 14 along left, right and bottom edges of the front panel by gluing, melt-sealing, or other suitable means. The front and rear panels 12 and 14 are of sufficient size to create a first pocket 16 capable of accommodating the size and volume of documents to be placed therein. In this embodiment, the front and rear panels 12 and 14 are of sufficient size to create a first pocket large enough to accommodate a document which is 7" x 9~". The front and rear panels 12 and 14 are opaque, and are constructed of a flexible plastic strong enough to accommodate the documents to be placed in the first pocket 16 without tearing, puncture or excessive deformation.
The subsidiary panel 18 is affixed to an outside surface of the front panel 12 along the subsidiary panel's left, right and bottom edges by gluing, melt-sealing, or other suitable means. The subsidiary panel 18 may be of any size equal to, or smaller than the front panel 12, but the top of the second pocket 20 must substantially overlie the top of the first pocket 16, though a top edge of the subsidiary panel 18 may be slightly below the top of the first pocket 16 to allow greater ease in opening the second pocket 20. In the preferred embodiment, the subsidiary panel 18 is of sufficient size to create a second pocket 20 large enough to accommodate a document 7" in width and 3 7/8" in height. The subsidiary panel 18 is constructed of a flexible plastic strong enough to accommodate the documents to be placed in the second pocket 20 without tearing, puncture or excessive deformation. In the preferred embodiment, the subsidiary panel 18 is constructed of a lighter weight plastic than that used for the front 12 and rear 14 panels since the second pocket 20 is only intended to hold a few sheets of paper. In the preferred embodiment, the subsidiary panel 18 is also initially transparent, and is overprinted throughout most of its outside surface with opaque material 24, leaving two transparent windows 26, as well as a 1" transparent strip 28 along its top. The use of a selectively overprinted transparent material to form a panel with a transparent window, is less expensive than the usual method for producing a panel with a window which consists of gluing transparent plastic over a hole defined in an opaque panel. The transparent windows 26 allow selected information on a document placed in the second pocket 20 to be seen from the outside of the envelope 10, while the transparent strip 28 allows improved adhesion of an adhesive strip 30 on the flap 22 when the flap is folded downward. The overprinting may also include indicia such as branding, a return address or opening instructions.
The flap 22 is of sufficient height to allow it to be folded downward and to extend over the front of the subsidiary panel 18 to seal both the first 16 and second 20 pockets. In the preferred embodiment, the flap 22 is 1~~ in height. The flap 22 is provided with closure means to permanently affix the flap to the front of the subsidiary panel 18. In the preferred embodiment, a thin strip of adhesive 30 is provided across the width of the flap 22, with a removable protective strip (not shown) provided on top of the adhesive strip to protect the adhesive strip prior to use.
The flap 22 is preferably opaque such that when the flap is extended over the front of the subsidiary panel 18, it covers confidential material at the top of documents placed within the second pocket 20, which might otherwise be seen through the lighter plastic used for the subsidiary panel 18. The interface between the flap 22 and rear panel 14 may be provided with a perforation for ease of opening, if security of the documents to be placed in the envelope 10 is not important.
In use, documents are placed in each of the first 16 and second 20 pockets. The front of the document in the second pocket 20 bears address information for the sender and recipient at locations coinciding with the locations of the windows 26 on the subsidiary panel 18, such that these addresses may be seen from the outside of the envelope 10.
The removable protective strip is then removed from the adhesive strip 30, the flap 22 is folded over the top of the first and second pockets 16 and 20, and affixed to the front of the subsidiary panel 18. To gain access to the documents in the envelope, the junction between the flap 22 and the remainder of the rear panel 14 is cut open.
Although the front 12 and rear 14 panels, as well as the subsidiary panel 18 are described as being substantially opaque, it is to be understood that one or more of these panels may be translucent or transparent to allow the contents of the first 16 and/or second 20 pocket to be seen from the outside of the envelope 10.
Although the flap 22 is also described as being opaque, it is to be understood that the flap may be transparent to allow the contents of the second pocket 20 be more easily viewed from the outside of the envelope 10.
Although the second pocket 20 is described and illustrated as being significantly smaller than the first pocket 16, it is to be understood that the second pocket may be only slightly smaller, the same size as, or bigger than the first pocket.
Although the flexible plastic used for the l0 subsidiary panel 18 is described as being lighter than that used for the front panel 12, it is to be understood that the plastic used for the subsidiary panel may be the same weight, or heavier than that used for the front panel, to accommodate heavier or bulkier items. Similarly, the plastic used for the rear panel 14 may be lighter than, the same weight as, or heavier than that used for the front panel.
Although the flap 22 is described as having an adhesive strip 30 provided thereon to affix the flap to the front of the subsidiary panel 18, it is to be understood that 20 the adhesive strip may be provided on the front of the subsidiary panel 18 instead.
Although the subsidiary panel 18 is described as having two windows 26, it is to be understood that the subsidiary panel may have no windows, one window, or many windows. Similarly, the rear panel 14 may have no windows, one window, or many windows.
Although the envelope 10 is described as having a top edge shorter than side edges, it is to be understood that the top edge may be the same length as, or longer than the side edges.
Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practised otherwise than as specifically described herein.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a front view of an envelope according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the envelope of figure 1 taken along 2-2, with the thickness of the envelope greatly exaggerated for clarity.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A multiple-pocket envelope 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in figures 1 and 2. The envelope 10 consists generally of a front panel 12 and rear panel 14 which together define a first pocket 16, and a subsidiary panel 18 affixed to the front panel 12 to define a second pocket 20. An extension of the rear panel above a top edge of the front panel forms a flap 22 which provides a closure for the two pockets 16 and 20. The envelope is rectangular, the top edge of the envelope being shorter than its side edges.
The front panel 12 is co-extensive with the rear panel 14, except for the flap 22 portion of the rear panel which extends above the top edge of the front panel as described above. The front panel is affixed to the rear panel 14 along left, right and bottom edges of the front panel by gluing, melt-sealing, or other suitable means. The front and rear panels 12 and 14 are of sufficient size to create a first pocket 16 capable of accommodating the size and volume of documents to be placed therein. In this embodiment, the front and rear panels 12 and 14 are of sufficient size to create a first pocket large enough to accommodate a document which is 7" x 9~". The front and rear panels 12 and 14 are opaque, and are constructed of a flexible plastic strong enough to accommodate the documents to be placed in the first pocket 16 without tearing, puncture or excessive deformation.
The subsidiary panel 18 is affixed to an outside surface of the front panel 12 along the subsidiary panel's left, right and bottom edges by gluing, melt-sealing, or other suitable means. The subsidiary panel 18 may be of any size equal to, or smaller than the front panel 12, but the top of the second pocket 20 must substantially overlie the top of the first pocket 16, though a top edge of the subsidiary panel 18 may be slightly below the top of the first pocket 16 to allow greater ease in opening the second pocket 20. In the preferred embodiment, the subsidiary panel 18 is of sufficient size to create a second pocket 20 large enough to accommodate a document 7" in width and 3 7/8" in height. The subsidiary panel 18 is constructed of a flexible plastic strong enough to accommodate the documents to be placed in the second pocket 20 without tearing, puncture or excessive deformation. In the preferred embodiment, the subsidiary panel 18 is constructed of a lighter weight plastic than that used for the front 12 and rear 14 panels since the second pocket 20 is only intended to hold a few sheets of paper. In the preferred embodiment, the subsidiary panel 18 is also initially transparent, and is overprinted throughout most of its outside surface with opaque material 24, leaving two transparent windows 26, as well as a 1" transparent strip 28 along its top. The use of a selectively overprinted transparent material to form a panel with a transparent window, is less expensive than the usual method for producing a panel with a window which consists of gluing transparent plastic over a hole defined in an opaque panel. The transparent windows 26 allow selected information on a document placed in the second pocket 20 to be seen from the outside of the envelope 10, while the transparent strip 28 allows improved adhesion of an adhesive strip 30 on the flap 22 when the flap is folded downward. The overprinting may also include indicia such as branding, a return address or opening instructions.
The flap 22 is of sufficient height to allow it to be folded downward and to extend over the front of the subsidiary panel 18 to seal both the first 16 and second 20 pockets. In the preferred embodiment, the flap 22 is 1~~ in height. The flap 22 is provided with closure means to permanently affix the flap to the front of the subsidiary panel 18. In the preferred embodiment, a thin strip of adhesive 30 is provided across the width of the flap 22, with a removable protective strip (not shown) provided on top of the adhesive strip to protect the adhesive strip prior to use.
The flap 22 is preferably opaque such that when the flap is extended over the front of the subsidiary panel 18, it covers confidential material at the top of documents placed within the second pocket 20, which might otherwise be seen through the lighter plastic used for the subsidiary panel 18. The interface between the flap 22 and rear panel 14 may be provided with a perforation for ease of opening, if security of the documents to be placed in the envelope 10 is not important.
In use, documents are placed in each of the first 16 and second 20 pockets. The front of the document in the second pocket 20 bears address information for the sender and recipient at locations coinciding with the locations of the windows 26 on the subsidiary panel 18, such that these addresses may be seen from the outside of the envelope 10.
The removable protective strip is then removed from the adhesive strip 30, the flap 22 is folded over the top of the first and second pockets 16 and 20, and affixed to the front of the subsidiary panel 18. To gain access to the documents in the envelope, the junction between the flap 22 and the remainder of the rear panel 14 is cut open.
Although the front 12 and rear 14 panels, as well as the subsidiary panel 18 are described as being substantially opaque, it is to be understood that one or more of these panels may be translucent or transparent to allow the contents of the first 16 and/or second 20 pocket to be seen from the outside of the envelope 10.
Although the flap 22 is also described as being opaque, it is to be understood that the flap may be transparent to allow the contents of the second pocket 20 be more easily viewed from the outside of the envelope 10.
Although the second pocket 20 is described and illustrated as being significantly smaller than the first pocket 16, it is to be understood that the second pocket may be only slightly smaller, the same size as, or bigger than the first pocket.
Although the flexible plastic used for the l0 subsidiary panel 18 is described as being lighter than that used for the front panel 12, it is to be understood that the plastic used for the subsidiary panel may be the same weight, or heavier than that used for the front panel, to accommodate heavier or bulkier items. Similarly, the plastic used for the rear panel 14 may be lighter than, the same weight as, or heavier than that used for the front panel.
Although the flap 22 is described as having an adhesive strip 30 provided thereon to affix the flap to the front of the subsidiary panel 18, it is to be understood that 20 the adhesive strip may be provided on the front of the subsidiary panel 18 instead.
Although the subsidiary panel 18 is described as having two windows 26, it is to be understood that the subsidiary panel may have no windows, one window, or many windows. Similarly, the rear panel 14 may have no windows, one window, or many windows.
Although the envelope 10 is described as having a top edge shorter than side edges, it is to be understood that the top edge may be the same length as, or longer than the side edges.
Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practised otherwise than as specifically described herein.
Claims (17)
1. A rectangular envelope made of flexible plastic, said envelope comprising:
a front panel affixed to a rear panel to define a first pocket having a first opening;
a subsidiary panel affixed to an outside surface of said front panel, the subsidiary panel and the front panel defining a second pocket having a second opening, said second opening substantially overlying said first opening;
a portion of the rear panel extending above the first opening defining a flap for folding over both the first opening and the second opening thus closing both openings; and closure means for affixing the flap to an outside surface of said subsidiary panel when said flap is folded over.
a front panel affixed to a rear panel to define a first pocket having a first opening;
a subsidiary panel affixed to an outside surface of said front panel, the subsidiary panel and the front panel defining a second pocket having a second opening, said second opening substantially overlying said first opening;
a portion of the rear panel extending above the first opening defining a flap for folding over both the first opening and the second opening thus closing both openings; and closure means for affixing the flap to an outside surface of said subsidiary panel when said flap is folded over.
2. The envelope of claim 1 wherein said front and rear panels are opaque.
3. The envelope of claim 2 wherein said subsidiary panel is made of a transparent flexible plastic over-printed with opaque material over most of its area, leaving at least one transparent window.
4. The envelope of claim 3 wherein said flap is opaque.
5. The envelope of claim 4 wherein said closure means is an adhesive strip provided on the flap.
6. The envelope of claim 5 wherein said adhesive strip is covered with a removable protective strip.
7. The envelope of claim 6 wherein said second pocket is significantly smaller than the first pocket.
8. The envelope of claim 7 wherein said subsidiary panel is made of a lighter flexible plastic than that used for the front and rear panels.
9. The envelope of claim 8 wherein the envelope is rectangular, and the flap is disposed along an edge shorter than adjacent edges.
10. The envelope of claim 1 wherein said subsidiary and front panels are opaque.
11. The envelope of claim 10 wherein said rear panel is made of a transparent flexible plastic over-printed with opaque material over most of its area, leaving at least one transparent window.
12. The envelope of claim 11 wherein said flap is opaque.
13. The envelope of claim 12 wherein said closure means is an adhesive strip provided on the flap.
14. The envelope of claim 13 wherein said adhesive strip is covered with a removable protective strip.
15. The envelope of claim 14 wherein said second pocket is significantly larger than the first pocket.
16. The envelope of claim 15 wherein said rear panel is made of a lighter flexible plastic than that used for the front and subsidiary panels.
17. The envelope of claim 16 wherein the envelope is rectangular, and the flap is disposed along an edge shorter than adjacent edges.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2275375 CA2275375A1 (en) | 1998-10-01 | 1999-06-18 | Multiple-pocket envelope |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US16593398A | 1998-10-01 | 1998-10-01 | |
| US09/165,933 | 1998-10-01 | ||
| CA2,249,123 | 1998-10-01 | ||
| CA 2249123 CA2249123A1 (en) | 1998-10-02 | 1998-10-02 | Multiple-pocket envelope |
| CA 2275375 CA2275375A1 (en) | 1998-10-01 | 1999-06-18 | Multiple-pocket envelope |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2275375A1 true CA2275375A1 (en) | 2000-04-01 |
Family
ID=31498865
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2275375 Abandoned CA2275375A1 (en) | 1998-10-01 | 1999-06-18 | Multiple-pocket envelope |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2275375A1 (en) |
-
1999
- 1999-06-18 CA CA 2275375 patent/CA2275375A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |