CA2590815C - Irregularly shaped envelope and method for making irregularly shaped envelopes - Google Patents
Irregularly shaped envelope and method for making irregularly shaped envelopes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2590815C CA2590815C CA2590815A CA2590815A CA2590815C CA 2590815 C CA2590815 C CA 2590815C CA 2590815 A CA2590815 A CA 2590815A CA 2590815 A CA2590815 A CA 2590815A CA 2590815 C CA2590815 C CA 2590815C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- envelope
- panel
- flap
- secured
- irregularly shaped
- 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.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 13
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D27/00—Envelopes or like essentially-rectangular containers for postal or other purposes having no structural provision for thickness of contents
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Making Paper Articles (AREA)
Abstract
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.
Description
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Claims (3)
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.
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;
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.
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;
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.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2590815A CA2590815C (en) | 2007-06-04 | 2007-06-04 | Irregularly shaped envelope and method for making irregularly shaped envelopes |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2590815A CA2590815C (en) | 2007-06-04 | 2007-06-04 | Irregularly shaped envelope and method for making irregularly shaped envelopes |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2590815A1 CA2590815A1 (en) | 2008-12-04 |
| CA2590815C true CA2590815C (en) | 2010-04-27 |
Family
ID=40091191
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2590815A Expired - Fee Related CA2590815C (en) | 2007-06-04 | 2007-06-04 | Irregularly shaped envelope and method for making irregularly shaped envelopes |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2590815C (en) |
-
2007
- 2007-06-04 CA CA2590815A patent/CA2590815C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2590815A1 (en) | 2008-12-04 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20220606 |