FR2709267A1 - Message support designed to form an envelope and a display in succession - Google Patents

Abstract

Message support designed to form a postal envelope and a display in succession. It is obtained from a single blank cut from a sheet of strong paper. Said support is characterised in that it consists of a rectangular or square middle part (5) whose left-hand and right-hand sides are extended by trapezoidal side flaps (1) and (3) respectively, each separated from said middle part (5) by a fold line while the lower side of each is cut at an angle alpha of between 5 and 10 DEG , also characterised in that the topside of the middle part (5) is continued by a flap (2) of trapezoidal surface with a repositionable adhesive transfer and possessing a tab (6) by which to open it; characterised in that the bottom side of the middle part (5) is continued by the trapezoidal flap (4); the flaps (2) and (4) being separated from the middle part (5) by a fold line; in such a way that, when folded against the outer face of the middle part (5), the flaps (1) and (3) keep the middle part (5) in position to form a plane inclined by an angle alpha so that it can rest on a horizontal surface and so form, with the flaps (2) and (4), a display which shows simultaneously: a visual image on the middle part (5), a text on the inside surface of the flap (4) and a business logo on the flap (2).

Description

Communication medium intended to constitute successively
an envelope and a display
The present invention relates to a communication medium for constituting successively an envelope and a display, the purpose of which is to convey a message (image and text) by post and to present it, such as a photo frame, without the sender having to add any element to the envelope (except the stamp for postage) and without the recipient having to use any instrument to turn the envelope into a display. The envelope thus transformed makes it possible to increase the lifetime of the transmitted message.

The fields of use of this support or otherwise designated envelope-display are on the one hand, advertising and more particularly the forms of advertising-posting used by industries,
SMEs and SMIs and on the other hand that of consumer photography and the postcard.

In the field of written communication, the display envelope provides an original answer to the needs of the company:
The needs of the company: 1 Hold the attention and limit the junk reflex.

2 Increase the receptivity of the recipient to the message, by involving him in the implementation of the support. 3 Increase the lifetime of the message.

 Answers of the envelope-display: 1 Originality - gift effect - playfulness - personalization and aesthetics of the product.

2 Following the folding instructions, the recipient transforms the paper document (the envelope) into a three-dimensional object, which is pleasant to keep within sight (the display).

3 The image, highlighted by the display, recalls the message (the information transmitted) to each look at it.

As part of services related to amateur photographic shaping, the envelope-display allows customers to propose personalized cards with their own photos, directly printed on this new medium. The user only has to fill the envelope by writing a small word in the area reserved for this purpose. The display envelope thus serves as a gift, decorative object and memory constantly offered to the recipient.

In view of its display function, this medium is also a type of original postcard, which can present four-color reproductions of high artistic value and thereby find applications in museums.

The shape of this support evolves and adapts to the function to be filled: the sender first uses the medium in the form of a flat sheet, in order to add a message to the image already printed, then by simple folding transforms it into a satin envelope to ship it by post. The recipient, meanwhile, opens the envelope and turns it into a display. The initially flat sheet of paper has thus become a three-dimensional object (see Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4).

The device according to the invention is obtained by a single cut in a sheet of strong paper (250 g / m2 for example) see Figure 5. Each of the side flaps (1) and (3) upper (2) and lower (4) ) is delimited from the central part (5) of the envelope by a fold line.

This support has an inner face and an outer face. The internal face designates the non-visible face of the support when it takes the form of a closed envelope. Conversely, the external face of it is visible in this same configuration.

This support comprises the following six distinct parts, see FIG. 5: - the central part (5), - the flaps (1) and (3), - the flap (2), - the opening tongue (6), - the shutter (4).

Central part
The central portion (5) of rectangular or square shape is intended, on its inner face, to receive an image printed in black and white or four-color process, with or without an advertising hook or a legend. Its external face is assigned to the address of the recipient's address and the postage of the correspondence.

Shutters (1) and (3!
The flaps (1) and (3) of trapezoidal shape, are of identical dimensions. They participate in the closing of the envelope, as well as in the display function, by Fixing the inclination of the central part (5). These two components are symmetrical and carry a number in correspondence with the folding instructions, allowing the sender and the recipient to form the support according to his needs.

The flap (3) has the particularity of wearing on its inner side the instructions relating to the transformation of the support into a display. These bending instructions are essential for the proper functioning of this product, because this manipulation, of great simplicity, is not innate and must be clearly indicated. The mention of the instructions on the envelope is an essential functional feature of this new communication medium.

The external faces of these two shutters have no particular function, except that to receive, if necessary, an additional advertising hook, which the recipient discovers as soon as he opens the envelope (surprise effect)
Shutter (2)
The flap (2) of trapezoidal shape makes it possible, first of all, to close the envelope-display, via the repositionable adhesive transfer disposed according to FIG. 6 and covered with a protective film that the sender must remove in order to glue the shutter. In a second step, the recipient opens the envelope by detaching the flap (2) that raises by the tongue (6).

The opening tongue (6) is an integral part of the flap (2). It has on each side of its base a rounded angle having a radius of curvature r designed to prevent tearing of the flap (2) during the opening of the envelope. Tests are needed to determine a radius of curvature compatible with the paper and adhesive used.

The inner face of the flap (2) has in the lower right corner a number, made necessary for reasons identical to those mentioned for the flaps (1) and (3). Moreover, this face of the shutter (2) comprises a reserved pre-printed area, either to the sign of the sending company (case of an advertising use) or to the reminder of the name of the invention (case of a consumer use).

The outer face of the flap (2) has, on the surface of the opening tongue (6), a portion of the instructions for transforming the support. In the form of a wire drawing, these instructions show in perspective the support transformed into a display. The remarks made for the shutters (1) and (3) on the need to print the instructions on the support are also valid here. The flap (2) also has on its outer face an area reserved for the wording of the address of the sender. This can be pre-printed, or filled in handwritten form by the sender himself.

Shutter (4!
The flap (4) of trapezoidal shape, whose surface is equivalent to 2/3 of that of the central part of the support, makes it possible to close the envelope by simply folding it against the central part (5). For the same reasons as those stated for the previous shutters, the flap (4) has a number in the upper right corner of its inner face.

During the transformation of the support into a display, the flap (4) can be oriented towards the front of the display (Figure 7). In this configuration, the recipient can simultaneously see the message on this panel, the image reproduced on the central portion (5) and the text printed on the flap (2).

The inner face of the flap (4) has a correspondence zone, on which is shown either a pre-printed information message or simple line-guides intended to assist the user in the drafting of his text.

The outer face of the flap (4) indicates to the recipient, by pre-printed instructions, how to open the envelope without damaging any of the elements thereof.

The trapezoidal shape of the flaps is intended to prevent paper jamming at the right angles of the central portion (5) when the latter are folded against the inner face of the central portion (5) to transform the support into a closed envelope.

The dimensions of the envelope-display must allow to use a sufficiently strong paper to give a good rigidity to the envelope when it is transformed into a display, while avoiding that it, provided with its stamp of franking, does not exceed 20 g, weight beyond which the postage rate is increased. By way of non-limiting example, an envelope cut in a sheet of 250 g / m2 and dimensions 255 cm x 275 cm, weighs only 16 g.

This also allows the introduction of a letter or a reply coupon in addition to the message already conveyed by the envelope itself.

The confidentiality of the envelope is ensured by the repositionable adhesive disposed all along the side on which is the opening tab (6) see Figure 11. In addition, the flap (4) covers and overflows on each side of the common area to the flaps (2) and (4), of a width E, between 7 and 10 mm: the flap (2) glues on both the flaps (1), (4) and (3) . This gluing system avoids the introduction of other objects of correspondence by the sides of the envelope.

The use of a repositionable adhesive transfer makes it possible, in combination with the stiffness of the paper and the angle of curvature at the base of the opening tongue (6), to prevent deterioration of the flap (2) when the opening of the envelope. Only a fold of the paper appears at the flap (2) and the tab, indicating that the envelope was opened at least once. The use of any other adhesive may cause the flap (2) to tear and thus cancel the aesthetic appearance of the product.

The length of the adhesive used, marked A in FIG. 6, must be less than or equal to the length B of the zone common to the flaps (2) and (4) when closing the envelope (A <B) .

This constraint prevents any glue deposit and tearing of paper on the inner face of the central portion of the envelope (5).

Other details and features of the invention appear from the description of the drawings attached to this memo. These represent, by way of non-limiting examples, a form of envelope-display according to the invention.

Figures 1 to 4 show the different forms that the support can take during its use.

Figure 1 shows the support in its unfolded form (flat sheet). The inner face of it is represented.

Figure 2 shows the rear portion of the support as a closed envelope. On the opening tongue (6) is a representation of the support in its display form.

Figure 3 shows the front part of the display envelope in its closed envelope form, ready to be shipped. This front face of the envelope bears the wording of the address of the recipient, as well as the stamp of franking.

Figure 4 shows the support in its display form, seen in perspective. The shutter (1) is obscured by the central portion (5).

Figure 5 specifies the constituent parts of the support. The dotted lines indicate the fold lines of the flaps (1), (2), (3) and (4). For the clarity of the drawing, the adhesive transfer is not shown.

In order to make the support compatible with the Postal Administration's guidelines, to harmonize the dimensions of the latter with the constraints of the reproduction of the image on the central part (5) and to ensure the confidentiality of the fold, the different dimensions verify the following relations: L / I =, 7, F # 1 / 3L, D # 2 / 3L + B, 5 # &alpha;# 10, 7 mm # E # 10 mm, A # B, F # C, in which,
A: represents the width of the repositionable adhesive,
B: represents the width of the part common to the shutters (2) and (4),
C: represents the length of flaps (1) and (2),
D: represents the width of the flap (4),
E: represents the length of the overflow of the flap (2) on each side of the flap (4),
F: represents the width of the flap (2) not including the opening tab,
L: represents the width of the flaps (1), (3) and the central part (5), 1: represents the length of the flaps (2), (4) and the central part, a: represents the angle of cutting of the lower part of the shutters (1) and (3).

Figure 6 shows the radius of curvature r of the line connecting the opening tongue (6) to the body of the flap (2). This radius of curvature is determined experimentally, so that the detachment of the flap (2) by the lifting of the tongue (6) does not cause tearing greater than 5 mm, on each side of the tongue, during the opening of the envelope. The type of paper and adhesive are to be taken into account. The shaded part represents the adhesive transfer.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the different positions that can take the flap (4), when the envelope is transformed into a display. The current position of the flap (4) is that shown in FIG. 7, since it enables the recipient to take a look at the totality of the correspondence, namely: the image reproduced on the central portion (5), the sign or the name of the invention written on the panel (2) and the message contained on the panel (4), to the extent that the recipient takes care to put the shutter (4) horizontally, as the instructions written on the envelope recommend it. Once folded against the central part of the envelope, each of the flaps (1) and (3) must make a right angle with it. The user folds the paper until it remains in this position.

Figures 9 and 10 provide information on the cutting angle a fixing the inclination of the central portion (5). By way of example, a value of 5 to 10 degrees allows a comfortable visualization of this central part.

Figure 11 shows the support in the form of a closed envelope. It is clear that the gluing of the flap (2) takes place on both the flaps (1), (4) and (3). The flap (2) overflows with a length E of between 7 and 10 mm, at each end of the flap (4). For the sake of clarity, the design of the display-shaped envelope on the opening tab (6) is not shown in this drawing.

This new communication medium, according to the invention, involves the recipient in the implementation of the medium and makes it more receptive to the message. In addition, the form of display makes the image alive and encourages the recipient to keep it close to him in his daily environment. Thus, with each look at the envelope-display, it stimulates his memory and reminds him of the information transmitted. It should be understood that the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and that many modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this patent.

Claims (2)

 CLAIMS 1 - Communication medium for successively constituting a postal envelope and a display, obtained by a single cut in a sheet of strong paper, said support being characterized in that it is composed of a rectangular central portion (5) whose left and right sides are extended by a trapezoidal side flap respectively (1) and (3) separated from said central portion (5) by a fold line and whose lower side has a cutting angle has between 5 and 10 ", in that the upper side of the central part (5) is extended by a flap (2) of trapezoidal surface provided, over the entire length of the upper part of its inner face, with a repositionable adhesive transfer covered by a protective film, intended to cover the flap 4 and to protrude from 7 to 10 mm on each side of the flap, to glue left, on the flap 1, and right on the flap 3, thus closing the fold on the lateral sides to prevent the introduction of other objects of correspondence, said flap (2) having in the middle of its upper side an opening tongue (6) and separated from the part central (5) by a fold line, in that the underside of the central portion (5) is extended by the flap (4) of trapezoidal shape and width D, substantially equal to two thirds of the width L of the central portion (5) and separated therefrom by a fold line; so that the closure of the envelope by the sender is effected by the flap of the flaps (1) and (3) or vice versa, the flap (4), then the flap (2) around their respective fold line on the inner face of the central part (5): only this folding order of the flaps guarantees a correct closure of the envelope and so that, folded against the outer face of the central part (5) by the recipient, the flaps (1) and (3) maintain this part to form an inclined plane of an angle a which can rest on a horizontal surface and thus constitute, with the flap (2) also folded against the outer face of the central part and the flap (4) put in horizontal position towards the front of this central part, a display showing simultaneously, such as a photo frame, for example: a visual composed of an image reproduced in four-color process for example accompanied by a legend and reproduced on the inner side of the central part (5), a pre-printed text su r the inner face of the shutter (4) and the sign of a company including its logogram in the case of an advertising use or a name in the case of a general public use, both printed on the lower part of the inner face of the flap (2). 2 - communication medium according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening tongue (6) is connected to the body of the flap 2 by rounded corners for limiting the tearing of the flap.