GB2193702A - Re-usable envelope - Google Patents

Abstract

A reversible, re-usable envelope has adhesive areas B, C with the adhesive being resealable, thus enabling the envelope to be opened, refolded, resealed, re-addressed and re-used. <IMAGE>

Description

**WARNING** start of DESC field may overlap end of CLMS **.

SPECIFICATION A reversable, re-useable and/or self addressed envelope

DESCRIPTION A re-useable envelope which can be reversed (turned inside out) and then used for a second time.

BASIC IDEA At present envelopes are only used once and then destroyed. My idea is to be able to use one envelope TWICE. The way in which this would be obtained is by using any standard design envelope, and replacing the conventional adhesive (which produces a permanent bond) with a resealant adhesive, as shown in the attached diagram. This will allow the edges of the envelope to be peeled apart, after its first use, thus enabling it to be reversed and used for a second time.

METHOD OF USE After its initial use, the envelope would be unsealed from its original form by peeling along the edges (as shown in the attached diagram), opened into a flat position, then refolded in reverse (inside out) along its original fold lines, and resealed by pressing the edges of the now reversed envelope together, thus producing an envelope which offers a clean exterior onto which a new postal address may be written.

USES OF THE PROPOSED ENVELOPE (1) As a conventional envelope with flap sealed, for confidential use (2) Initially as a non-sealed envelope, and then secondly as a sealed envelope (as in 1 above) (3) To be used twice as non sealed envel ope (4) Both (2) and (3) above being used as Stamped addressed envelopes.

ADVANTAGES (1) Possible reduction in the amount of pa per used to produce the same equiva lent number of envelopes, by up to 50% (2) This process could be applied to all existing British and European standard size envelopes (3) Reduction in the- cost of envelopes to the public (4) Less storage space required throughout the industry (5) Less material and weight to transport from manufacturers to wholesalers etc (6) No redesigning within the industry and no retooling to produce the proposed product CLAIMS 1. On arrival at its destination after its original use, the envelope is in a form such as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3.

2. The envelope would then be unsealed along the edges of the flaps (A) in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, and the contents of the envelope removed.

3. The remaining flaps (B and C) would then be separated by peeling the edges apart, and turned through 180 degrees, until the original envelope is totally unfolded and flat, with its original address face down re Figs. 4, 5 and 6.

4. To obtain the envelope in its re-usable form, the complete unfolded envelope is now turned over, so that the original address is now facing upwards.

5. The flaps with the resealable adhesive on the edges are now refolded in reverse order along the original fold lines, so that the adhesive edges are facing each other. These are then resealed by placing the edges together and applying pressure, thus making a new envelope in reverse from its original form, with the initial address consealed on the inside of the envelope, and presenting a completely new exterior where a new address may be written, or a pre-printed address is automatically shown.

Claims (5)

SPECIFICATION A reversable, re-useable and/or self addressed envelope DESCRIPTION A re-useable envelope which can be reversed (turned inside out) and then used for a second time. BASIC IDEA At present envelopes are only used once and then destroyed. My idea is to be able to use one envelope TWICE. The way in which this would be obtained is by using any standard design envelope, and replacing the conventional adhesive (which produces a permanent bond) with a resealant adhesive, as shown in the attached diagram. This will allow the edges of the envelope to be peeled apart, after its first use, thus enabling it to be reversed and used for a second time. METHOD OF USE After its initial use, the envelope would be unsealed from its original form by peeling along the edges (as shown in the attached diagram), opened into a flat position, then refolded in reverse (inside out) along its original fold lines, and resealed by pressing the edges of the now reversed envelope together, thus producing an envelope which offers a clean exterior onto which a new postal address may be written. USES OF THE PROPOSED ENVELOPE (1) As a conventional envelope with flap sealed, for confidential use (2) Initially as a non-sealed envelope, and then secondly as a sealed envelope (as in 1 above) (3) To be used twice as non sealed envel ope (4) Both (2) and (3) above being used as Stamped addressed envelopes. ADVANTAGES (1) Possible reduction in the amount of pa per used to produce the same equiva lent number of envelopes, by up to 50% (2) This process could be applied to all existing British and European standard size envelopes (3) Reduction in the- cost of envelopes to the public (4) Less storage space required throughout the industry (5) Less material and weight to transport from manufacturers to wholesalers etc (6) No redesigning within the industry and no retooling to produce the proposed product CLAIMS

1. On arrival at its destination after its original use, the envelope is in a form such as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3.

2. The envelope would then be unsealed along the edges of the flaps (A) in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, and the contents of the envelope removed.

3. The remaining flaps (B and C) would then be separated by peeling the edges apart, and turned through 180 degrees, until the original envelope is totally unfolded and flat, with its original address face down re Figs. 4, 5 and 6.

4. To obtain the envelope in its re-usable form, the complete unfolded envelope is now turned over, so that the original address is now facing upwards.

5. The flaps with the resealable adhesive on the edges are now refolded in reverse order along the original fold lines, so that the adhesive edges are facing each other. These are then resealed by placing the edges together and applying pressure, thus making a new envelope in reverse from its original form, with the initial address consealed on the inside of the envelope, and presenting a completely new exterior where a new address may be written, or a pre-printed address is automatically shown.

**WARNING** end of CLMS field may overlap start of DESC **.