US20080230592A1 - Flexible Media Packaging - Google Patents

Flexible Media Packaging Download PDF

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Publication number
US20080230592A1
US20080230592A1 US12/047,172 US4717208A US2008230592A1 US 20080230592 A1 US20080230592 A1 US 20080230592A1 US 4717208 A US4717208 A US 4717208A US 2008230592 A1 US2008230592 A1 US 2008230592A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
wrapper
face
edge
packaging apparatus
flexible insert
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
Application number
US12/047,172
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Steve Cavell
John Schlich
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
NE OPCO Inc
Original Assignee
National Envelope Corp
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by National Envelope Corp filed Critical National Envelope Corp
Priority to US12/047,172 priority Critical patent/US20080230592A1/en
Assigned to NATIONAL ENVELOPE CORPORATION reassignment NATIONAL ENVELOPE CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CAVELL, STEVE, SCHLICH, JOHN
Priority to EP08102705A priority patent/EP1972568A1/en
Priority to MX2008003833A priority patent/MX2008003833A/es
Priority to CA002626265A priority patent/CA2626265A1/en
Publication of US20080230592A1 publication Critical patent/US20080230592A1/en
Assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT reassignment GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: NATIONAL ENVELOPE CORPORATION
Assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT reassignment GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: NATIONAL ENVELOPE CORPORATION
Assigned to NE OPCO, INC. reassignment NE OPCO, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: NATIONAL ENVELOPE CORPORATION
Assigned to NE OPCO, INC. reassignment NE OPCO, INC. ORDER OF THE U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT AFFIRMING ASSIGNMENT TO NE OPCO, INC. FREE AND CLEAR OF ALL PRE-EXISTING LIENS (INCLUDING THE GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION SECURITY INTEREST RECORDED AT REEL/FRAME 024555/0932) Assignors: NATIONAL ENVELOPE CORPORATION
Assigned to WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC reassignment WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: NE OPCO, INC.
Assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION reassignment GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: NE OPCO, INC.
Assigned to LBC CREDIT PARTNERS, L.P. reassignment LBC CREDIT PARTNERS, L.P. ASSIGNMENT OF SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION
Assigned to GALACTIC HOLDINGS, LLC reassignment GALACTIC HOLDINGS, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: LBC CREDIT PARTNERS, L.P.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • B65D27/02—Envelopes or like essentially-rectangular containers for postal or other purposes having no structural provision for thickness of contents with stiffening inserts
    • 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
    • B65D27/12—Closures
    • B65D27/14—Closures using adhesive applied to integral parts, e.g. flaps
    • 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
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
    • B65D81/03—Wrappers or envelopes with shock-absorbing properties, e.g. bubble films
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • G11B33/02—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon
    • G11B33/04—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers
    • G11B33/0405—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers for storing discs
    • G11B33/0411—Single disc boxes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • G11B33/02—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon
    • G11B33/04—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers
    • G11B33/0405—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers for storing discs
    • G11B33/0411—Single disc boxes
    • G11B33/0422—Single disc boxes for discs without cartridge
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • G11B33/02—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon
    • G11B33/04—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers
    • G11B33/0405—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers for storing discs
    • G11B33/0494—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers for storing discs packages made by folding

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to the field of packaging and, in particular, postal packaging for media items including, but not limited to, compact disc (CD) jewel cases and digital versatile disc (DVD) storage cases and, more generally, for other items to be packaged for mailing or shipping.
  • media items including, but not limited to, compact disc (CD) jewel cases and digital versatile disc (DVD) storage cases and, more generally, for other items to be packaged for mailing or shipping.
  • CD compact disc
  • DVD digital versatile disc
  • Envelope manufacturing machines which fold the closure, side and bottom flaps of envelope blanks are known. Such machines, which manufacture envelopes in a production-line environment, are also known.
  • One such machine includes an apparatus which automatically applies gum to predetermined portions of the envelope blank during the manufacturing process. The gum is usually applied to the side seams and/or flaps of the envelope blank such that the side seams and/or flaps can be sealed to form an enclosure.
  • a window patch of a clear material is also known to be adhered to the inside of the envelope during the production line process.
  • such an envelope may not prevent the product from moving inside the envelope, for example, during transport of the envelope.
  • a stable stack of such envelopes e.g., a stack including 10 or more such envelopes. That is, it might not be possible to form such a stack to remain standing without toppling or falling over.
  • a packaging apparatus includes a flexible insert and a sealable wrapper.
  • the flexible insert includes: a body having a first face and a second face opposite the first face; a first flap at a first edge of the body; and a second flap at a second edge of the body, the second edge of the body located opposite the first edge.
  • the sealable wrapper includes: a first panel; and a second panel.
  • the sealable wrapper is sized to enclose the flexible insert.
  • the first face of the body of the flexible insert is configured to engage the first panel of the sealable wrapper upon insertion of the flexible insert to the sealable wrapper.
  • the first and second flaps of the flexible insert are configured to, upon the insertion, swing from the body of the flexible insert to engage the second panel of the sealable wrapper such that a thickness of the packaging apparatus becomes substantially uniform.
  • a flexible insert includes a body having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, a first flap at a first edge of the body, and a second flap at a second edge of the body, the second edge of the body located opposite the first edge.
  • the flexible insert is configured to be inserted to an envelope including a first interior face and a second interior face opposite the first interior face, the envelope having a variable thickness.
  • the first face of the body of the flexible insert is configured to engage the first interior face of the envelope upon insertion of the flexible insert to the envelope.
  • the first and second flaps of the flexible insert are configured to, upon the insertion, swing from the body of the flexible insert to contact the second interior face of the sealable envelope such that the thickness of the envelope becomes substantially uniform.
  • a packaging apparatus includes a sealed wrapper and a flexible insert.
  • the sealed wrapper includes a first panel and a second panel.
  • the sealed wrapper encloses the flexible insert and has a substantially uniform thickness.
  • the flexible insert includes a body having a first face engaging the first panel of the sealed wrapper and a second face opposite the first face, a first flap at a first edge of the body and engaging the second panel of the sealed wrapper to form a first acute angle with the body, and a second flap at a second edge of the body located opposite the first edge, and engaging the second panel of the sealed wrapper to form a second acute angle with the body.
  • FIG. 1 a is a back view of a packaging apparatus according to one embodiment showing contents of the packaging apparatus in phantom.
  • FIG. 1 b is a perspective view of the packaging apparatus of FIG. 1 a.
  • FIG. 2 is a drawing of an envelope blank for formation of a wrapper according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 a is a drawing of a flexible insert according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 b is a drawing of a flexible insert according to another embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 c is a drawing of a flexible insert according to another embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a drawing of a flexible insert according to another embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a rigid item joined with a flexible insert according to one embodiment.
  • a completed packaging 10 for the mailing of a certain item (or items) 16 includes a wrapper 12 and an insert 14 .
  • the insert 14 is inserted to the wrapper 12 , as will be described in more detail below, to form the completed packaging 10 .
  • the completed packaging 10 has a uniform thickness H, in compliance with section 1.4 of Part 301, titled “Physical Standards,” of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service (USPS), Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • the minimum thickness of an Automation Flat is 0.009 inch, and the maximum thickness of an Automation Flat is 0.75 inch.
  • rigid item 16 (such as, but not limited to, a DVD storage case as shown in FIG. 1 b ) is located on the insert 14 .
  • the insert 14 may be inserted to the wrapper 12 either via automated production equipment or manually. Because the completed packaging 10 meets the requirements provided in Part 301 of the DMM, it may be accepted by the USPS for delivery at a discounted rate.
  • the wrapper 12 is formed of a booklet-style envelope blank 120 .
  • the envelope blank 120 includes a panel 121 , a panel 122 , a side seam 123 , a side seam 124 , and a seal flap 125 .
  • the envelope blank 120 also includes a pliable pad 126 placed on the panel 122 .
  • the panels 121 and 122 , the seams 123 and 124 , and the flap 125 are constructed of a material that is suitable for processing by the USPS.
  • the material is suitable also for processing by known envelope-manufacturing equipment and is sufficiently strong such that the completed envelope can supportably contain a product weighing approximately 4 to 5.6 ounces.
  • Such materials include, but are limited to, Kraft papers, Tyvek, and certain laminates.
  • the seams 123 and 124 may be affixed to the panel 122 using an adhesive known in the art of envelope manufacturing and capable of maintaining the fastening of the seams 123 , 124 to the panel 122 during normal usage of the completed envelope and processing and transportation of the completed envelope by the USPS.
  • the flap 125 at the top of the envelope blank 120 is double-scored at a fold position 127 where the flap 125 is joined to the panel 121 .
  • the score lines are spaced from each other by 0.625 inch such that the flap 125 can be folded over more easily before it is affixed to the panel 122 to enclose one or more items stored in the wrapper 12 .
  • An adhesive is placed along the top edge of the flap 125 for allowing automated insertion equipment to remoisten and seal the wrapper once the item (or items) has been inserted to the wrapper 12 .
  • the pad 126 is made of a cushioning material including, but not limited to, foam.
  • the cushioning material is sufficiently soft and flexible to protect the item (or items) inserted into the wrapper 12 from, for example, external forces applied to the panel 121 , 122 .
  • the pad may be approximately 0.1 inch in thickness and may be capable of being adhered to a portion of the panel 122 by a known envelope-manufacturing machine.
  • the pad 126 may be adhered to the portion of the panel 122 using an adhesive known in the art of envelope manufacturing such that sufficient adhesive strength is provided and such that the fastening of the pad 126 to the panel 122 is maintained during normal and routine use of the wrapper 12 .
  • the pad 126 is affixed during the manufacturing process using an adhesive sufficiently strong to hold the pad 126 securely onto an interior surface of the wrapper 12 while the wrapper 12 goes through a routine and typical life cycle, as described herein.
  • the pad 126 is formed of a reinforcement material that may or may not be cushioning.
  • the reinforcement material may include, but is not limited to, Tyvek.
  • the reinforcement material should be sufficiently strong to protect the item (or items) inserted into the wrapper 12 from tearing.
  • the envelope blank 120 may not include a pad 126 , which is formed of cushioning and/or reinforcement material.
  • a blank 120 that does not include a pad 126 may be used in a situation where a non-fragile (or less fragile) item (or items) is shipped.
  • the panels 121 , 122 measure approximately 9.5 inches in height and approximately 12 inches in width. Such dimensions are suitable for packaging of items including, but not limited to, compact disc (CD) jewel cases.
  • the side seams 123 , 124 are approximately 1 inch in width.
  • the flap 125 is approximately 2 inches in length. In embodiments of the blank that include the pad 126 , the pad 126 measures approximately 7 inches in height and approximately 6 inches in width.
  • the panels 121 , 122 measure approximately 11.5 inches in height and approximately 12 inches in width. Such dimensions are suitable for packaging of items including, but not limited to, digital versatile disc (DVD) storage cases.
  • DVD digital versatile disc
  • the storage case is positioned relative to the panel 121 , 122 such that the longer edge of the case extends along the height of the panel 121 , 122 .
  • the side seams 123 , 124 are approximately 1 inch in width.
  • the flap 125 is approximately 2 inches in length. In embodiments of the blank that include the pad 126 , the pad 126 measures approximately 7 inches in height and approximately 6 inches in width.
  • the panels 121 , 122 measure approximately 10 inches in width and approximately 13 inches in length. Such dimensions are suitable for packaging of items such as digital versatile disc (DVD) storage case.
  • DVD digital versatile disc
  • the storage case is positioned relative to the panel 121 , 122 such that the longer edge of the case extends along the length of the panel 121 , 122 .
  • the side seams 123 , 124 are approximately 1 inch in width.
  • the flap 125 is approximately 2 inches in length. In embodiments including the pad 126 , the pad 126 measures approximately 6 inches in height and approximately 7 inches in width.
  • wrapper 12 Although certain embodiments of the wrapper 12 have been described as being formed of a booklet-style envelope blank 120 , embodiments of the wrapper 12 are not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, cellophane or a similar material may be used to wrap an item (or items) for mailing. If desired, such a wrapper may also enclose a pad similar to pad 126 , which was described above.
  • the wrapper 12 may be a welded side seam pouch similar in design and manufacture to a condiment packet containing a serving-sized quantity of a condiment such as sugar.
  • a pouch could be used to enclose an item (or items) for mailing.
  • a pouch may also enclose a pad similar to pad 126 , which was described above.
  • Manufacture of such side seam pouches is known in the art and, as such, will not be discussed in more detail below.
  • any type of containing device that complies with the provisions of Part 301 of the DMM may constitute the wrapper 12 .
  • the insert 14 is made of a flexible material that includes, but is not limited to, cardboard, foam (such as, but not limited to, recyclable green padded foam, such as the Green Cell biodegradable engineered foam sold by KTM Industries of Lansing, Mich.), plastic, wood, and the like.
  • the cardboard may include, but is not limited to, F Flute type board and/or 29 ECT/E Flute cardboard.
  • the insert 14 includes a body 144 .
  • the body 144 has a face 144 a (not shown) and a face 144 b opposite the face 144 a.
  • an indentation or depression is located on the face 144 b of the body 144 .
  • a flap 140 is located at an edge 1441 of the body 144
  • a flap 142 is located at an opposite edge 1442 of the body 144 .
  • the flaps 140 , 142 are generally rectangular in shape.
  • the edge 1441 and/or the edge 1442 are/is at least partially perforated such that the flap 140 , 142 is joined to the body 144 at the perforated portion of the edge 1441 , 1442 .
  • the perforations are for facilitating folding of the flap 140 , 142 relative to the body 144 , as will be described in more detail below. In other embodiments, such perforations are not included.
  • a notch 143 generally having the shape of the letter ‘V’ is located at one end of the edge 1441 and between the body 144 and the flap 140 . In one embodiment, notches 143 are located at both ends of the edge 1441 and between the body 144 and the flap 140 . Similarly, in one embodiment, a notch 143 generally having the shape of the letter ‘V’ is located at one end of the edge 1442 and between the body 144 and the flap 142 . In one embodiment, notches 143 are located at both ends of the edge 1442 and between the body 144 and the flap 142 . The notches 143 are for facilitating folding of the flap 140 , 142 relative to the body 144 , as will be described in more detail below.
  • the body 144 has an opening 146 extending through the body.
  • the opening 146 is located adjacent to the flap 140 .
  • the body 144 has openings 146 and 147 extending through the body.
  • the opening 146 , 147 is located adjacent to the flap 140 , 142 .
  • the opening 146 , 147 is generally rectangular in shape.
  • the opening 146 , 147 is for lending additional flexibility to the insert 14 and for facilitating folding of the flap 140 , 142 relative to the body 144 , as will be described in more detail below.
  • a rigid item including, but not limited to, CD jewel cases and DVD storage cases will be disposed on a generally central portion 1443 of the body 144 between the openings 146 , 147 .
  • the body 144 of the insert 14 is approximately 9 inches in height and approximately 11 inches in width.
  • the insert 14 has a thickness of 0.1 inch.
  • the flap 140 , 142 is approximately 9 inches in height and approximately 1.75 inches in width.
  • the opening 146 , 147 is approximately 5.25 inches in height and approximately 2.75 inches in width.
  • the opening 146 , 147 is spaced 1.825 inches away from top and bottom edges of the body 144 .
  • the insert of FIG. 3 a is sized such that it can be fully inserted to a wrapper 12 measuring 9.5 inches by 12 inches, which was described above.
  • the body 144 of the insert 14 is approximately 11.25 inches in height and approximately 11 inches in width.
  • the insert 14 has a thickness of 0.1 inch.
  • the flap 140 , 142 is approximately 11.25 inches in height and approximately 1.75 inches in width.
  • the opening 146 , 147 is approximately 7.5 inches in height and approximately 2.75 inches in width.
  • the opening 146 , 147 is spaced 1.875 inches away from top and bottom edges of the body 144 .
  • the insert of FIG. 3 b is sized such that it can be fully inserted to a wrapper 12 measuring 11.5 inches by 12 inches, which was described above.
  • the body 144 of the insert 14 is approximately 9.5 inches in height and approximately 12 inches in width.
  • the insert 14 has a thickness of 0.1 inch.
  • the flap 140 , 142 is approximately 9.5 inches in height and approximately 1.25 inches in width.
  • the opening 146 , 147 is approximately 5.875 inches in height and approximately 2.25 inches in width.
  • the opening 146 , 147 is spaced 1.9375 inches away from top and bottom edges of the body 144 .
  • the insert of FIG. 3 c is sized such that it can fully inserted to a wrapper 12 measuring 10 inches by 13 inches, which was described above.
  • the height and width dimensions of the insert 14 may vary according to the height and width dimensions of the selected wrapper 12 .
  • the height and width dimensions of the insert 14 are selected to be approximately 0.5 inches less than the corresponding dimensions of the selected wrapper 12 such that the insert can be inserted to the wrapper more easily using, for example, automated insertion equipment.
  • the insert 14 ′ has the general shape of the letter ‘H’.
  • the body 144 ′ of the insert measures 5.75 inches in height and 5 inches in width.
  • the insert 14 ′ also includes legs 148 , each of which measures approximately 1.625 inches in height and 11 inches in width.
  • the legs 148 are for keeping a body 144 ′ and a rigid item placed on the body 144 ′ in the center of the wrapper during processing and transport of the envelope.
  • the insert 14 ′ is flexible such that the postal specifications for automation flats are met.
  • the envelope for enclosing the insert 14 ′ measures approximately 9.5 inches in height and 12 inches in width.
  • the height and width dimensions of the insert 14 ′ may vary according to the height and width dimensions of the selected wrapper 12 .
  • the overall height and width dimensions of the insert 14 ′ are selected to be approximately 0.5 inches shorter than the corresponding dimensions of the selected wrapper 12 such that the insert can be inserted to the wrapper more easily using, for example, automated insertion equipment.
  • the insert is for positioning a rigid item at the center of a wrapper and ensuring that the filled wrapper meets flatness requirements as provided in Part 301 of the DMM.
  • a rigid item 16 is removably affixed to the portion 1443 of the body 144 of the insert 14 located between the two openings 146 , 147 .
  • the flaps 140 , 142 are at their natural rest positions are shown in FIG. 3 a.
  • the flaps are then manually or mechanically folded.
  • the flaps are folded about the perforated edges of the body.
  • the flaps are folded to swing towards the face of the body on which the rigid item is placed. As such, the flaps are moved out of their natural rest positions.
  • a drawing of the rigid item 16 as affixed on the body of the insert 14 using an adhesive is shown in FIG. 5 .
  • the rigid item 16 is affixed on the body of the insert 14 using an adhesive.
  • a rigid item such as, but not limited to, a box or container of cosmetic items such as a perfume bottle, a neutraceutical and/or a pharmaceutical container, and the like
  • an indentation or depression located on the insert 14 .
  • the indentation is sized and shaped to securely hold the rigid item.
  • both the insert 14 and the rigid item 16 are inserted to the wrapper 12 .
  • the insert and the rigid item may be inserted to the wrapper such that the first face 144 a of the body 144 of the insert 14 faces the panel 121 of the wrapper and the rigid item faces the panel 122 of the wrapper.
  • the body 144 of the insert 14 protects one face of the rigid item.
  • the rigid item is positioned relative to the pad 126 such that the cushioning material of the pad 126 can protect an opposite face of the rigid item.
  • the flaps 140 , 142 remain folded as the insert 14 is inserted to the wrapper. As folded, the flaps 140 , 142 are not in their natural rest positions. Sometime after the insert is inserted to the wrapper (e.g., before or after the insert 14 is fully inserted to the wrapper), the flaps 140 , 142 are released. As such, the flaps 140 , 142 swing away from the body of the insert 14 , to return to their natural rest positions. Here, the flaps 140 , 142 engage the panel 122 of the wrapper 12 . As such, the volume occupied by the insert 14 within the wrapper 12 expands at least to some degree.
  • This expansion provides additional thickness at the peripheral regions of the wrapper 12 and, therefore, enhances the uniformity of the overall thickness of the wrapper 12 , when filled.
  • the packaging 10 meets the flatness- and thickness-related requirements of an Automation Flat, as specified by the USPS.
  • packages may be stacked more stably because each of the packages has a substantially uniform thickness. Further, such packages meet the physical specifications of Automation Flats, as published by the USPS in Part 301 of the DMM.
  • a packaging apparatus includes a wrapper and a flexible insert, which are joined together using automated insertion equipment. Because such a packaging apparatus qualifies as an Automation Flat, it may be accepted for mailing by the USPS at a lower postal rate relative to packages that do not qualify as Automation Flats but instead qualify under other categories, such as USPS Parcels or Non-Machinable Flats.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
US12/047,172 2007-03-19 2008-03-12 Flexible Media Packaging Abandoned US20080230592A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/047,172 US20080230592A1 (en) 2007-03-19 2008-03-12 Flexible Media Packaging
EP08102705A EP1972568A1 (en) 2007-03-19 2008-03-18 Flexible media packaging
MX2008003833A MX2008003833A (es) 2007-03-19 2008-03-19 Empacado de medios flexibles.
CA002626265A CA2626265A1 (en) 2007-03-19 2008-03-19 Flexible media packaging

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US89569707P 2007-03-19 2007-03-19
US95455307P 2007-08-07 2007-08-07
US96955007P 2007-08-31 2007-08-31
US97341607P 2007-09-18 2007-09-18
US98069907P 2007-10-17 2007-10-17
US12/047,172 US20080230592A1 (en) 2007-03-19 2008-03-12 Flexible Media Packaging

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US20080230592A1 true US20080230592A1 (en) 2008-09-25

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/047,172 Abandoned US20080230592A1 (en) 2007-03-19 2008-03-12 Flexible Media Packaging

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US (1) US20080230592A1 (es)
EP (1) EP1972568A1 (es)
CA (1) CA2626265A1 (es)
MX (1) MX2008003833A (es)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090212099A1 (en) * 2008-02-27 2009-08-27 Pragopacket S.R.O. Envelope for distribution of compact discs and blank for manufacture of same
US20110284620A1 (en) * 2005-06-29 2011-11-24 Charles Westray Crutchfield Method and apparatus for managing the delivery of mail items
US9463915B2 (en) 2013-10-28 2016-10-11 John McDonald Compressible packaging assembly
US10315829B2 (en) 2012-09-14 2019-06-11 Clearpak, Llc Multi-layered suspension package assembly
US10392156B2 (en) 2017-04-10 2019-08-27 John McDonald Return shipping system
US11124348B2 (en) 2014-03-21 2021-09-21 John McDonald Heat sealed packaging assemblies and methods of producing and using the same

Citations (13)

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US3561671A (en) * 1969-01-09 1971-02-09 Elizabeth C Minot Enclosure for records
US4355718A (en) * 1978-05-11 1982-10-26 Bengt Petersson New Products Investment Ab Grammophone record sleeve
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