U.S. patent application number 10/637525 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-20 for envelope and blank folded to form the envelope.
Invention is credited to Mori, Shohei.
Application Number | 20040094609 10/637525 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26562410 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040094609 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mori, Shohei |
May 20, 2004 |
Envelope and blank folded to form the envelope
Abstract
An envelope is recognized from its appearance as an envelope not
provided with perforations and is easy and infallible to open
without use of a cutting tool, such as scissors. In an envelop (F1)
with an opening-side flap (15) folded to cover an opening (8),
perforations (M1) are formed along the opening (8), and an adhesive
part (10A) for sealing is formed in the vicinity of the
perforations (M1) to adhere the opening-side flap (15) to the back
wall of the envelope. The opening-side flap (15) is folded and
adhered so as to cover the perforations (M1).
Inventors: |
Mori, Shohei; (Takaramachi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RABIN & CHAMPAGNE, P.C.
Suite 500
1101 14th Street N.W.
Washington
DC
20005
US
|
Family ID: |
26562410 |
Appl. No.: |
10/637525 |
Filed: |
August 11, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10637525 |
Aug 11, 2003 |
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09868591 |
Jun 20, 2001 |
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6662995 |
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09868591 |
Jun 20, 2001 |
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PCT/JP00/07301 |
Oct 20, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
229/80 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 27/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/080 |
International
Class: |
B65D 027/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 22, 1999 |
JP |
11-300667 |
Mar 17, 2000 |
JP |
2000-75548 |
Claims
1. An envelope comprising an opening-side flap folded back to close
an envelope opening and adhered to an opening-side wall of the
envelope with an adhesive, and characterized by a plurality of
adhesive spots for sealing disposed at predetermined intervals so
as to seal a proximal end side of the flap and a plurality of
adhesive spots disposed at predetermined locations on a distal end
side of the flap for preventing outward spread of the flap.
2. An envelope according to claim 1, characterized in that said
opening-side flap or outer peripheral flap is provided with a
plurality of adhesive spots for sealing disposed at predetermined
intervals so as to seal a proximal end side of the opening-side
flap or outer peripheral flap, and a plurality of adhesive spots
disposed at predetermined locations on a distal end side of the
opening-side flap or outer peripheral flap for preventing outward
spread of the opening-side flap or outer peripheral flap.
3. An envelope characterized in that it comprises at least one
outer peripheral flap provided on an outer periphery of a center
sheet of the envelope and folded back and an overlapping flap for
overlapping the outer peripheral flap, and that the overlapping
flap is overlaid on and adhered at predetermined intervals to the
outer peripheral flap.
4. An envelope according to claim 2, characterized in that said
overlapping flap has an outer peripheral end adjacent to the outer
peripheral flap and that said outer peripheral end has a part
disposed inward of a fold line of the outer peripheral flap.
5. A blank folded to form an envelop, comprising, in a developed
state, at least one outer peripheral flap provided on an outer
periphery of a center sheet of the envelope and folded back and an
overlapping flap for overlapping the outer peripheral flap, and
characterized in that the overlapping flap is overlaid on and
adhered at predetermined intervals to the outer peripheral
flap.
6. An envelope according to claim 4, characterized in that said
overlapping flap has an outer peripheral end adjacent to the outer
peripheral flap and that said outer peripheral end has a part
disposed inward of a fold line of the outer peripheral flap.
Description
[0001] This is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.
09/868,591, filed Jun. 20, 2001.
FIELD OF ART
[0002] The present invention relates to an envelope that is easy
and infallible to open and a blank that may be folded to form the
envelope.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] A receiver can open an envelope or sealed document by using
scissors, a cutter, a paper knife or other kind of cutting tool.
However, various envelopes have been disclosed (JU-A 04-19436, JU-A
06-35139, JU Reg. 3011338, and JP-A-10-181749, for example). These
are formed with an array of perforations or cut scores at the outer
periphery and a gripping tab at the end of the envelope so as to
enable opening without use of a cutting tool such as scissors. In
an ordinary envelope that is not formed with an array of
perforations or cut scores, when the closure flap folded to close
an opening of the envelope is pinched at the outer peripheral end
between the fingers to open the envelope, it is prone to partial
tearing. This generally requires a receiver to use a cutting tool
such as scissors to open the envelope.
[0004] In an envelope, having formed at its periphery, an array of
perforations or cut scores, there is a possibility of part of the
envelope being cut off at the array of perforations or cut scores
during the delivery to expose the enclosed contents. Furthermore,
the envelope looks poor in the presence of perforations or cut
scores that are conspicuous for a receiver and is therefore not
preferable from the standpoint of appearance. What is worse,
further, there is a possibility of the envelope being torn open or
cut open during mailing. When the perforations or cut scores have a
large size, there is a possibility of water, such as rainwater,
entering the envelope via the perforations or cut scores to dirty
the contents in the envelope.
[0005] In general, mail treatment at a post office is mechanically
conducted. In treating envelopes formed at the periphery with
perforations or cut scores, there is a possibility of a machine
catching the perforations or cut scores depending on the size,
pitch, etc. of the perforations or cut scores. This makes it
impossible to mechanically treat the envelopes due to paper
clogging that results in the machine being out of order.
[0006] For this reason, "a research meeting on the shape etc. of
mail that is difficult to mechanically treat" has started
functioning. Researches have been made in determining the standards
of the shape etc. of mail that can be mechanically treated and in
setting the determination methods. Nowadays, it has been provided
"a guideline related to mechanically treatable mail (first-class
and second-class mail)." According to the guideline, in the case of
envelopes provided at each side with an array of perforations or
cut scores (envelopes for mail of not more than 25 g), for example,
the positions of the arrays are required to be at one of the short
sides of an envelope. In addition, the perforations or cut scores
in the arrays are required to have a length not exceeding 2 mm and
the uncut portions in the arrays to have a length not exceeding 1
mm. Furthermore, attention has to be paid to the contents to be
inserted into an envelope so as not to have steps that would give
any stress to the arrays of perforations or score holes. Moreover,
in the case of mail having a weight exceeding 25 g but no more than
50 g, a single array has to be formed at one short side of an
envelope distant from the face value printing surface thereof. In
the case of a zipper type mail, the position is limited to the
lower short side of an envelope.
[0007] Generally, the opening of an envelope on the side of the
closure flap is utilized in sealing the envelope with the closure
flap after insertion of the contents and in opening the envelope to
take the contents out of the envelope. However, the perforations or
cut scores of conventional envelopes are formed on the side of the
closure flap. This has sometimes brought about the case where the
perforations or cut scores are damaged when sealing the closure
flap and the case where good adhesion cannot be obtained when
adhering the closure flap to the envelope with an adhesive.
[0008] In view of the above, the first object of the present
invention is to provide an envelope formed with perforations that
is not discernible from outside, and that is easy and infallible to
open. The second object thereof is to provide an envelope that is
not formed with perforations, but is capable of being opened in the
same manner as envelopes formed with perforations. The third object
thereof is to provide a blank that may be folded to form each of
the envelopes aimed at.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In one aspect, an envelope according to the present
invention comprises an opening-side flap folded back to close an
envelope opening and adhered to an opening-side wall of the
envelope with an adhesive, and is characterized by an array of
perforations that is formed along the opening for use in opening
the envelope and is covered with the flap that has been adhered.
According to the envelope of this invention, when a receiver
pinches the peripheral side end of the flap with his/her fingers
and intends to open the envelope, the sealed adhesive part of the
adhered flap pulls the array of perforations up. This results in
clear-cut cutting along the array without leaving the flap
remaining. Since the perforation array is covered with the adhered
flap, it is not discernible from outside. This envelope looks like
the one formed with no perforation and has no possibility of water,
such as rainwater, entering it. It is noted that how to open this
envelope is the same as the way to open an envelope formed with no
perforation. This envelope is not fragile in spite of the presence
of the array of perforations because the array is closed with the
flap. When a receiver pinches the peripheral side end of the flap
with his/her fingers and intends to open the envelope, the flap
pulls the array of perforations up via its sealed adhesive part.
This enables clear-cut and infallible cutting along the array.
Therefore, it is possible to completely eliminate the possibility
of part of the flap being left remaining and the possibility of the
contents being damaged. Thus, the receiver can open the envelope
without anxiety.
[0010] In another aspect, an envelope according to the present
invention comprises an opening-side flap folded back to close an
envelope opening and adhered to an opening-side wall of the
envelope with an adhesive, and is characterized by a plurality of
adhesive spots for sealing disposed at predetermined intervals so
as to seal a proximal end side of the flap and a plurality of
adhesive spots disposed at predetermined locations on a distal end
side of the flap for preventing outward spread of the flap.
According to the envelope of this invention, when a receiver
pinches a predetermined part of an outer peripheral flap with
his/her fingers, and pinches a predetermined part of an overlapping
sheet with his/her fingers and pulls the parts in opposite
directions, the envelope is cut out (split off) at the adhesive
spots for sealing disposed at predetermined intervals on the
proximal end side of the opening-side flap. Thus, this envelope can
be easily and infallibly opened in the same manner as an envelope
formed with a perforation array. In addition, since the adhesive
spots are formed at predetermined locations on the distal end side
of the opening-side flap for preventing outward spread of the
opening-side flap, there is no possibility of the opening-side flap
being split off during mailing. When the adhesive spots for
preventing outward spread of the opening-side flap are disposed at
the predetermined locations only, it is possible to pinch with
fingernails or fingers the outer peripheral side end of the
opening-side flap that is not formed with the adhesive spots. This
is convenient in opening the envelope. In addition, a hindrance to
the mechanical treatment at a post office (mailing office) that has
been encountered by conventional envelopes formed at the periphery
with perforations or cut scores can be eliminated.
[0011] Still in another aspect, an envelope according to the
present invention is characterized in that it comprises at least
one outer peripheral flap provided on an outer periphery of a
center sheet of the envelope and folded back inward, and an
overlapping sheet for overlapping the outer peripheral flap, in
that the outer peripheral flap is formed in a lengthwise direction
with an array of perforations, and in that the overlapping sheet is
overlaid on and adhered to the outer peripheral flap. According to
the envelope of this invention, since the outer peripheral flap,
that has the perforations, is overlapped by the overlapping sheet,
and since the overlapping sheet overlaps the outer peripheral flap
with the perforation array, the array is not discernible from
outside. This envelope looks like the one formed with no
perforation. When a receiver pinches a predetermined part of the
outer peripheral flap with his/her fingers, pinches a predetermined
part of the overlapping sheet with his/her fingers and pulls the
parts in opposite directions, the envelope is cut out along the
perforation array formed in the lengthwise direction of the outer
peripheral flap. Thus, this envelope can be easily and infallibly
opened. In addition, a hindrance to the mechanical treatment at a
post office (mailing office) that has been encountered by
conventional envelopes formed at the periphery with perforations or
cut scores can be eliminated.
[0012] Still in another aspect, an envelope according to the
present invention is characterized in that the opening-side flap or
outer peripheral flap is provided with a plurality of adhesive
spots for sealing disposed at predetermined intervals so as to seal
a proximal end side of the opening-side flap or outer peripheral
flap, and a plurality of adhesive spots disposed at predetermined
locations on a distal end side of the opening-side flap or outer
peripheral flap for preventing outward spread of the opening-side
flap or outer peripheral flap. According to the envelope of this
invention, since the adhesive spots for sealing the opening-side
flap or outer peripheral flap are disposed at predetermined
intervals, the envelope can easily and infallibly be opened. In
addition, since the adhesive spots are formed at predetermined
locations on the distal end side of the opening-side flap for
preventing outward spread of the opening-side flap, there is no
possibility of the opening-side flap being split off during
mailing. When the adhesive spots for preventing outward spread of
the opening-side flap are disposed at the predetermined locations
only, it is possible to pinch with fingernails or fingers the outer
peripheral side end of the opening-side flap that is not formed
with the adhesive spots. This is convenient in opening the
envelope.
[0013] Yet still in another aspect, an envelope according to the
present invention is characterized in that it comprises at least
one outer peripheral flap provided on an outer periphery of a
center sheet of the envelope and folded back, and an overlapping
sheet for overlapping the outer peripheral flap, and in that the
overlapping sheet is overlaid on and adhered at predetermined
intervals to the outer peripheral flap. According to the envelope
of this invention, when a receiver pinches a predetermined part of
the outer peripheral flap with his/her fingers, pinches a
predetermined part of the overlapping sheet with his/her fingers
and pulls the parts in opposite directions, the envelope is cut out
(split off) at the parts adhered at the predetermined intervals.
Thus, this envelope can be easily and infallibly opened in the same
manner as an envelope formed with a perforation array.
[0014] Yet still in another aspect, an envelope according to the
present invention is characterized in that the overlapping sheet
has an outer peripheral end adjacent to the outer peripheral flap
and in that the outer peripheral end has a part disposed inward of
a fold line of the outer peripheral flap. According to the envelope
of this invention, since the outer peripheral end of the
overlapping sheet has a part disposed inward of a fold line of the
outer peripheral flap, the envelope can be easily and infallibly
opened with a hand at a boundary between the outer peripheral flap
and the overlapping sheet due to the presence of that part.
[0015] Further, a blank folded to form an envelope according to the
present invention comprises, in a developed state, at least one
outer peripheral flap provided on an outer periphery of a center
sheet of the envelope and folded back, and an overlapping sheet for
overlapping the outer peripheral flap. The blank is characterized
in that the outer peripheral flap is formed in a lengthwise
direction with an array of perforations, and in that the
overlapping sheet is overlaid on and adhered to the outer
peripheral flap. According to the blank of this invention, an
envelope provided with the array of perforations and which is easy
and infallible to be open can be formed with ease. That is to say,
the envelope can be formed with ease by providing a conventional
blank with an array of perforations and as occasion demands by
changing the order of folding.
[0016] Still further, a blank folded to form an envelope according
to the present invention comprises, in a developed state, at least
one outer peripheral flap provided on an outer periphery of a
center sheet of the envelope and folded back, and an overlapping
sheet for overlapping the outer peripheral flap. The blank is
characterized in that the overlapping sheet is overlaid on and
adhered at predetermined intervals to the outer peripheral flap.
According to the blank of this invention, an envelope which is easy
and infallible to be opened can be formed with ease in spite of the
absence of an array of perforations. That is to say, the envelope
can be formed with ease by attaching the outer peripheral flap and
overlapping sheet of a conventional blank to each other at
predetermined intervals and as occasion demands by changing the
order of folding.
BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a rear view showing an envelope according to the
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the envelope according to the
first embodiment, with an opening-side closure flap developed.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a rear view showing a modification of the first
embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing an envelope according to the
second embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a rear view showing an envelope according to the
third embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a rear view showing an envelope according to the
third embodiment, with an opening-side flap developed.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a rear view showing an envelope according to the
fourth embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a rear view showing the envelope according to the
fourth embodiment, with an opening-side flap developed.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a rear view showing another modification of the
envelope of the first embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a modification of the
envelope of the third embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a rear view showing a modification of the
envelope of the fourth embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a rear view showing still another modification of
the envelop of the first embodiment according to the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a rear view showing the modification of the
envelope of the first embodiment according to the present
invention, with the contents being inserted.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a rear view showing an envelope of the fifth
embodiment according to the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 15 is a front view showing, in a developed state, a
blank to be folded to form an envelope of the sixth embodiment
according to the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 16 a rear view explaining the order of folding the
blank into the envelope of the sixth embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing an open side of
the envelope of the sixth embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the envelope of the
sixth embodiment in an opened state.
[0035] FIG. 19 is a front view showing a modification of the blank
to be folded to form the envelope of the sixth embodiment according
to the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 20 is a rear view explaining the order of folding the
blank of the above modification of sixth embodiment in FIG. 19.
[0037] FIG. 21 is a front view showing a blank to be folded to form
the envelope of the seventh embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 22 is a rear view explaining the order of folding the
blank of the seventh embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 23 is a front view showing a blank to be folded to form
the envelope of the eighth embodiment according to the present
invention.
[0040] FIG. 24 is a rear view explaining the order of folding the
blank of the eighth embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 25 is a front view showing a blank to be folded to form
the envelope of the ninth embodiment according to the present
invention.
[0042] FIG. 26 is a rear view explaining the order of folding the
blank of the ninth embodiment.
BEST MODE FOR EMBODYING THE INVENTION
[0043] One embodiment of the present invention will be described in
detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0044] (First Embodiment)
[0045] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, this embodiment applies the
present invention to a paper envelope F1 (called rectangular No. 3
or rectangular No. 4). This envelope F1 is formed on one side (the
right side in the figures) with an opening-side flap 15 that covers
an opening 8 into which contents S are inserted, and on the
opposite side (the left side in the figures) with a seal-side flap
16. Both the opening-side flap 15 and the seal-side flap 16 are
provided as folding back to the outer periphery of the envelope F1
and adhered to the envelope by means of an adhesive or other such
means. The opening 8 of the envelope F1 is disposed on the side of
the opening-side flap 15. It is noted that FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show
the back wall 1b of the envelope F1 and that the position at which
the envelope is to be opened is given an arrow mark for easy
reference.
[0046] The envelope F1 is formed with an array of perforations M1
for opening the envelope along the opening 8. The array of
perforations M1 for opening the envelope helps the opening-side
flap 15 to open the envelope and is formed on the outer surface of
the envelope F1 but is concealed by the opening-side flap 15 when
it is folded back. The array of perforations M1 in this embodiment
is substantially linear one, with the opposite end perforations M1a
and M1b extending to the peripheral side fold lines of the envelope
F1. However, this is by no means limitative. It will suffice if the
opposite end perforations extend to the neighborhood of the
peripheral side parts. Otherwise, the array of perforations may be
formed substantially in the shape of the letter "U" so that the
opposite end perforations reach the opening 8 (refer to FIGS. 2, 4
and 5). The array of perforations M1 including the opposite end
perforations M1a and M1b is substantially a linear one and has
parts that are not concealed by the opening-side flap 15, because
the opening-side flap 15 assumes a substantially trapezoidal shape.
If the opening-side flap 15 is rectangular with its opposite sides
coincident with the opposite sides of the envelope F2, the opposite
end perforations M1a and M1b of the array of perforations M1 will
be completely concealed. Thus, envelopes with part of the array of
perforations not concealed by the opening-side flap 15 are included
in the present invention.
[0047] At the positions in the vicinity of the array of
perforations M1 for opening the envelope, there are provided at
predetermined intervals adhesive spots 10A for sealing that allow
the opening-side flap 15 to adhere to the outer surface of the
envelope F1. Though the adhesive spots 10A are usually for allowing
the opening-side flap 15 to adhere to the outer surface of the
envelope F1, these also serve as means for attaining easy and
clear-cut opening of the envelope. To be specific, when the
envelope is to be opened with the fingers pinching an outer
peripheral end 15a of the opening-side flap 15, the adhesive spots
10A for sealing that are disposed at predetermined intervals cause
the opening-side envelope 15 to pull the array of perforations M1
upward. For this reason, the envelope can be opened more easily
than in the case of an adhesive applied to the entire surface. The
adhesive spots 10A are formed inside of the array of perforations
M1 for opening (at the upper side in the figures). However, this is
by no means limitative. It will suffice if the adhesive spots are
disposed in the vicinity of the array of perforations M1 for
sealing. These may also be disposed so as to straddle the array of
perforations M1 for sealing. The adhesive spots 10A may consist of
adhesives or double-bonded adhesive tapes. Otherwise, these may be
those subjected to seal processing so that splitting-off is easy to
conduct. In recent years, post cards subjected to the seal
processing can be found. A heat seal layer H is formed on one
surface of a post card, and a facing surface is brought into
pressure contact with the one surface. The facing surface is easy
to open and looks like a cellophane paper surface (refer to FIG.
12). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the opening-side flap
15 and a part of the outer surface of an envelope F5 to which the
flap is attached are subjected to seal processing and brought into
pressure contact with each other, thereby constituting the envelope
F5. In the case of the pressure contact by seal processing, a way
to insert contents as shown in FIG. 13 and described later will be
advantageous. In each of the embodiments, the position of the
adhesive spots 10A for sealing is on the side of opening-side flap
15. However, the position may be a corresponding position on the
back wall (the outer surface on the side of the opening) 1b of the
envelope F1.
[0048] When using the envelope F1 of this embodiment shown in FIG.
1, contents S are inserted into the envelope F1 from its opening 8
and the envelope is closed utilizing the adhesive spots 10A to
which adhesives or double-bonded adhesive tapes are applied. How to
insert the contents is the same as in the case of a conventional
ordinary envelope. A receiver who receives the envelope (sealed
document) F1 opens the same by pinching the outer peripheral end
15a of the opening-side flap 15 with his/her fingers. How to open
the envelope is the same as in the case of a conventional ordinary
envelope. When the opening-side flap 15 folded back is intended to
develop, the adhesive spots 10A for sealing in the vicinity of the
array of perforations M1 for opening to which adhesives or
double-bonded adhesive tapes are applied pull the portion of the
array upward. As a result, the envelope is infallibly opened along
the array of perforations M1 for opening in a clear-cut manner.
That is to say, the flap is intended to split off from the arrow
mark in FIG. 1, a force of splitting the flap off along the array
of perforations M1 for opening is exerted on the portion of the
array. For this reason, the envelope can be opened smoothly and
rhythmically along the array of perforations M1 in a clear-cut
manner. Upon splitting of reaching the opposite end perforation M1a
or M1b, the envelope F1 is opened along its outer peripheral fold
line. In this case, the clear-cut opening can be established even
if splitting-off commences from at any point of the outer
peripheral end 15a of the opening-side flap 15 not provided with
adhesives etc. This means that the initial splitting-off part is
not always the part to which the arrow mark is given in FIG. 1.
Where adhesives etc. are applied to the inside only of the array of
perforations M1 for opening, the one side is pulled. This ensures
more clear-cut and infallible opening along the array of
perforations M1. The opening-side flap 15 after opening the
envelope along the array of perforations M1 has traces of
perforations as shown in FIG. 2.
[0049] In this embodiment, since the array of perforations M1 of
the envelope F1 is covered with the adhered opening-side flap, it
is not discernible from the outside. This envelope looks like the
one formed with no perforation and has no possibility of water,
such as rainwater, entering it. Therefore, it is unnecessary for
the portion provided with the array of perforations M1 to be
waterproofed for the purpose of preventing rainwater etc. from
entering the envelope. Since the difference between an ordinary
envelope and the envelope of this embodiment excluding the range of
the adhesive spots 10A is the absence or presence of the array of
perforations M1, the envelope of this embodiment can be
manufactured with extreme ease. Therefore, the present invention is
applicable to a blank folded back to form a conventional ordinary
envelope. How to open the envelope F1 of this embodiment is the
same as the way to open an envelope formed with no perforation, and
the envelope F1 is not fragile in spite of the presence of the
array of perforations M1 because the array is closed with the
opening-side flap 15. For this reason, there is no possibility of
the envelope being cut out from the array of perforations M1 for
opening even when being extremely bent during mailing.
[0050] The side of the seal-side flap 16 may optionally be formed
with an additional array of perforations M1 for opening so that the
array is covered with the seal-side flap 16, in the same manner as
on the side of the opening-side flap 15. When a receiver who
receives this envelope (sealed document) intends to erroneously
open the envelope from the side of the seal-side flap 16, the
envelope can be opened along the additional array of perforations
M1 in the same manner as from the side of the opening-side flap 15.
In this case, the seal-side flap 16 serves as the opening-side flap
15. This case in which the envelope opening position is on the side
of the seal-side flap 16 is included in the present invention.
[0051] A modification of the first embodiment will be described.
The array of perforations M1 of an envelope F1a is formed
substantially in the shape of the letter "U" as shown in FIG. 3 so
that the opposite end perforations reach the opening 8. To be
specific, the opposite end perforations M1a and M1b are at right
angles relative to those of the first embodiment and extend to the
opening 8. In this case, the perforations of the perforation array
M1 at the right-angle portions preferably have a large size. This
is because the envelope can be opened smoothly along the
perforations M1, M1a and M1b at the right-angle portions without
need of an excessively forcible force. Since the array of
perforations including the perpendicular opposite-end perforations
is formed substantially in the shape of the letter "U", it can be
covered with the substantially trapezoidal opening-side flap
15.
[0052] (Second Embodiment)
[0053] This embodiment applies the present invention to a paper
envelope F2 (called rectangular No. 3 or rectangular No. 4) as
shown in FIG. 4. This envelope F2 is formed on one side (the right
side in the figures) with an opening-side flap 15 that covers an
opening 8 into which contents S are inserted, and on the opposite
side (the left side in the figure) with a seal-side flap 16. The
opening of this envelope F2 is disposed on the side of the
opening-side flap 15 and provided with no perforation M1 but
adhesive spots 10A disposed at predetermined intervals for sealing
the proximal end of the opening-side flap 15 when folded back. To
be specific, an adhesive such as paste is applied in the lengthwise
direction to the proximal end of the opening-side flap 15, and the
proximal end is attached at predetermined intervals to the outer
surface of the envelope. Various patterns of the adhesive such as
paste are conceivable, including scattering application, local
application and application at variable intervals.
[0054] The outer peripheral end 15a of the opening-side flap 15 is
provided locally with adhesive spots 10B for preventing outward
spread of the opening-side flap 15. There are some portions of the
outer peripheral end provided with the spread-preventing adhesive
spots 10B (at predetermined intervals) so that the opening-side
flap 15 is not split off during mailing. There provide plural
portions of the outer peripheral end 15a without the
spread-preventing adhesive spots 10B for easily pinching between
the fingers and promoting opening of the envelope from any one of
the portions. Though it is not shown, scattering application of an
adhesive to the spread-preventing adhesive spots 10B is
advantageous. Scattering application of an adhesive to both the
sealing adhesive spots 10A and the spread-preventing adhesive spots
10B is also advantageous. This is because the tensile strength in
opening the envelope can be spread, thereby enabling smooth,
rhythmical, clear-cut opening of the envelope. The envelope with
these advantages is suitable for encasing a card for invitation to
a wedding party that is to be held beautiful.
[0055] Therefore, since this embodiment is provided without the
array of perforations M1 as is adopted in the first embodiment, but
with the adhesive spots 10B at predetermined intervals for sealing
the proximal end of the opening-side flap 15, the adhesive spots
function like the array of perforations M1. When a receiver who
receives the envelope F2 opens the same, pinching a portion of the
outer peripheral end 15a of the opening-side flap 15, the envelope
is cut out (split off from the adhesive spots adhered at
predetermined intervals. Thus, the envelope can be easily and
infallibly opened in the same manner as the envelope provided with
the array of perforations M1.
[0056] (Third Embodiment)
[0057] This embodiment applies the present invention to a paper
envelope F3 as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. This envelope F3 is
formed on one side (the top side in the figures) with an
opening-side flap 15 that covers an opening 8 into which contents S
are inserted, and on the opposite side (the bottom side in the
figure) with a seal-side flap 16. The opening 8 of this envelope F3
is disposed on the side of the opening-side flap 15. An array of
perforations M1 for opening in the present embodiment extends
linearly along the opening 8 and assumes a U-shape, with the
opposite end perforations M1a and M1b not reaching the peripheral
fold lines of the envelope F3.
[0058] The outer peripheral end 15a of the opening-side flap 15 is
provided locally with adhesive spots 10B for preventing outward
spread of the opening-side flap 15. There are some portions of the
outer peripheral end provided with the spread-preventing adhesive
spots 10B (at predetermined intervals) so that the opening-side
flap 15 is not split off during mailing. There provide plural
portions of the outer peripheral end 15a without the
spread-preventing adhesive spots 10B for easy pinching between the
fingers and promoting opening of the envelope from any one of the
portions. Though it is not shown specifically, scattering
application of an adhesive to the spread-preventing adhesive spots
10B is advantageous. Scattering application of an adhesive to both
the sealing adhesive spots 10A and the spread-preventing adhesive
spots 10B is also advantageous. This is because the tensile
strength in opening the envelope can be spread, thereby enabling
smooth, rhythmical, clear-cut opening of the envelope. The envelope
with these advantages is suitable for encasing a card for
invitation to a wedding party that is to be held beautiful.
[0059] According to this embodiment, therefore, when the envelope
is intended to be opened, pinching a portion of the outer
peripheral end 15a of the opening-side flap 15 provided without the
spread-preventing adhesive spots 10B, the portion of the
perforation array M1 is pulled up due to the presence of adhesives
or double-bonded adhesive tapes applied to the positions of sealing
adhesive spots 10A in the vicinity of the perforation array M1. As
a result, the envelope can be infallibly opened along the
perforation array M1 in a clear-cut fashion. Due to the presence of
the opposite end perforations M1a and M1b of the perforation array
M1, the open part of the opened envelope assumes a U-shape. In this
embodiment, the envelope is infallibly opened in a clear-cut
fashion from either of the position indicated by the arrow marks in
FIG. 5. It is noted that the spread-preventing adhesive spots 10B
and the adhesive scattering application can be used in the first
embodiment and third and forth embodiments that will be described
layer.
[0060] (Fourth Embodiment)
[0061] This embodiment applies the present invention to a so-called
overseas envelope F4 as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. This envelope
F4 is formed on one side (the top side in the figures) with a
substantially triangular-shaped opening-side flap 15 that covers an
opening 8 into which contents S are inserted, and on the opposite
side (the bottom side in the figures) with a substantially
triangular-shaped seal-side flap 16. The opening 8 assumes a
substantially triangular shape.
[0062] At the opening 8 of this envelope F4, an array of
perforations M1 for opening is formed along the opening 8. To be
specific, a single array of perforations M1 in a substantially
triangular shaped is formed on the back wall 1b of the envelope F4
along the opening 8. Adhesive spots 10A for sealing in this
embodiment may be ones straddling, or ones disposed inside of the
single array of perforations M1 insofar as it is disposed in the
vicinity of the single array of perforations M1. It is noted that
an adhesive spot 10A is not provided on an apex part 15b at the
center of the opening-side flap 15.
[0063] When a receiver who receives the envelope F4 of this
embodiment intends to open the same, pinching the apex part 15b
(refer to the arrow mark) of the substantially rectangular
opening-side flap 15 with his/her fingers, the opening-side flap 15
pulls the portion of the perforation array M1 upward via the
adhesive spots 10A. As a result, the envelope can be opened
smoothly along the perforation array M1 in a clear-cut manner
without part of the opening-side flap being left remaining, as is
done in a conventional envelope. The envelope F4 of this embodiment
is made of paper as well as the envelope F1 of the first
embodiment. However, this is by no means limitative. It may be made
of a plastic film. In addition, this embodiment is applicable to a
window envelope, in which a transparent plastic film is attached to
a portion thereof where the address including the name or
appellation is shown.
[0064] In the meantime, there is a case where anyone requests an
agency (including an agent) to prepare sealed documents in order
for a great number of sealed documents to be mailed. In this case,
the agency etc. will usually purchase exclusive envelopes or use
available envelopes. It will be advantageous for the agency etc. to
insert contents S into the envelopes and for a receiver to open an
envelope if the envelopes F1, F2 and F3 of the aforementioned
embodiments are used in the following manner.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 9, in the case of the first embodiment,
while the opening-side flap 15 is sealed via the adhesives etc.,
contents S are inserted into the envelope from the seal-side flap
16 on the opposite side (lower side in FIG. 9) before the seal-side
flap is pasted. After insertion of the contents S, the seal-side
flap 16 is completely pasted up on the back wall of the envelope.
As shown in FIG. 10, in the case of the third embodiment, while the
opening-side flap 15 is sealed via the adhesives etc., contents S
are inserted into the envelope from the seal-side flap 16 on the
opposite side (lower side in FIG. 10) before the seal-side flap is
pasted. After insertion of the contents S, the seal-side flap 16 is
completely pasted up on the back wall of the envelope. As shown in
FIG. 11, in the case of the fourth embodiment, while the
opening-side flap 15 is sealed via the adhesives etc., contents S
are inserted into the envelope from the seal-side flap 16 on the
opposite side (lower side in FIG. 11) before the seal-side flap is
pasted. In this case, the portions of the substantially rectangular
seal-side envelope excluding its apex part 16b are pasted, and the
apex part 16b is inserted into the corresponding apex part 15b of
the opening-side flap 15 after insertion of the contents S. By
inserting the contents S into the envelope from the opposite side
(lower side in FIG. 11) as described above, damage of the
perforation array M1, failure to infallible attachment of the
opening-side flap 15 and other such inconvenience can be eliminated
even when an agency etc. performs insertion work for a great number
of sealed documents to be mailed. Thus, the insertion work is easy
and infallible to perform, and is more convenient. The envelopes
(or sealed documents) with contents S sealed therein completely can
be mailed.
[0066] As regards the envelope F5 having the flap subjected to seal
processing and attached under pressure, as shown in FIG. 12,
contents are inserted in the same manner as described above. That
is to say, a receiver who receives this envelope can open the same
with ease form the opening 8. This is because most flaps subjected
to seal processing do not resume their original state. In view of
this, the envelope F5 is used, as shown in FIG. 13, by inserting
contents S into the envelope from an opening of the seal-side flap
16 and sealing the seal-side flap. This eliminates damage of the
perforation array M1, failure to infallible attachment of the
opening-side flap 15 and other such inconvenience when inserting
the contents. Thus, the envelopes (or sealed documents) F5 with
contents S sealed therein completely can be mailed.
[0067] (Fifth Embodiment)
[0068] This embodiment applies the present invention to a
large-sized envelope F6 as shown in FIG. 14. This envelope is
formed on one side (the top side in the figure) with an
opening-side flap 15 that covers an opening into which contents S
are inserted and on the opposite side (the bottom side in the
figure) with a fold-up portion 17 that is expanded in accordance
with the amount of the contents. This large-sized envelope F6 can
be called an "envelope-shaped container" that is a more suitable
expression, and has a predetermined thickness so that a great
number of documents can be inserted therein, with the width
adjustable by the fold-up amount of the fold-up portion 17. The
open-side flap 15 to which a gummed tape G or double-bonded
adhesive tape is attached is bent at a fold-back line 18 (in the
direction indicated by the arrow mark in the figure). If the
contents S are stored in the bottom of the envelope, the fold-back
is conducted plural times and the interface between last fold-back
portion and the surface of the envelope is staggered by the gummed
tape G (or double-bonded adhesive tape) for attaching the two.
[0069] This type of container F6 is one of envelopes used as a
postal parcel, a container for home delivery, etc. This envelope F6
is formed with an array of perforations M1 for opening along the
opening 8 thereof. Other constitution is similar to those of the
first to fourth embodiments. Also in this embodiment, therefore,
when a receiver who receives the envelope F6 intends to open the
envelope, with his/her fingers pinching the end of the gummed tape
G, the opening-side flap 15 pulls the portion of the perforation
array M1 upward via the adhesive spots 10A for sealing. As a
result, the envelope can be opened in a clear-cut fashion. As is
clear from this embodiment, the present invention can be applied
widely to containers having an opening-side flap 15 folded back to
close the opening 8.
[0070] (Sixth Embodiment)
[0071] This embodiment refers to a paper envelope F7 (called
rectangular No. 3 or rectangular No. 4) as shown in FIG. 15 and
FIG. 16. A blank K1 to be folded to form the envelope comprises, in
a developed state, a center sheet 2, outer peripheral flaps 3, 4
and 5 folded back on the periphery of the center sheet 2, and an
overlapping sheet 6 overlaid on the outer peripheral flaps 3 and
4.
[0072] The center sheet 2 has a rectangular shape on which a postal
code number column is printed and an address is shown. It is formed
on the four peripheral sides with the outer peripheral flaps 3, 4
and 5 and the overlapping sheet 6 via fold lines 7a, 7c, 7b and 7d,
respectively. The flaps are easy to fold back, with the fold lines
7a, 7b, 7c and 7d as the boundaries. The outer peripheral flaps 3,
4 and 5 in this embodiment are formed in their respective
lengthwise directions with margins 9 to paste up, which margins are
being pasted. On the other hand, the overlapping sheet 6 is not
formed with an adhesive spot 10A for sealing. The margins 9 to
paste up may be ones to which a double-bonded tape is attached or
an adhesive is applied over their entire surfaces.
[0073] The outer peripheral flap 3 on the upper side of the center
sheet 2 is formed with an array of perforations M1 for opening,
extending in the lengthwise direction. The upper side of the
perforation array is formed with a margin 9 to paste up, which
margin extends in the lengthwise direction and is being pasted, and
the lower side of the perforation array is formed with
spread-preventing adhesive spots 10B disposed at predetermined
intervals. Since the perforation array M1 for opening extends over
the entire area of the outer peripheral flap 3 in the lengthwise
direction, it makes envelope opening easy. However, it may be
formed at a part of the outer peripheral flap 3 at the center
position of the length of the flap, thereby making it possible to
open the envelope at the initial stage. In this case, the
initial-stage opening force action can open the envelope up to its
opposite ends. The outer peripheral flaps 4 and 5 on the bottom and
left sides of the center sheet 2 are identical with those of an
ordinary envelope. The interval of the spread-preventing adhesive
spots 10B is optionally set.
[0074] The overlapping sheet 6 is a back sheet folded back to the
back side of the center sheet 2 and assumes a substantially
rectangular shape having substantially the same size as the center
sheet 2. One of the outer peripheral ends of the overlapping sheet
6 (the upper side 6a in FIG. 15) is the portion serving as the
opening 8 for opening the envelope. The outer peripheral end 6a (on
the upper side) describes a gentle arc so that it is positioned
inside a fold line 7a of the outer peripheral flap 3. It is noted
that the outer peripheral end 6a may be formed with a corrugated
portion of a size as large as the thumb so that the finger is easy
to engage with. In this embodiment, an arrow mark for indicating
the center position and the word "open" are printed on the
overlapping sheet 6 at the outer peripheral end. Thus, a step is
formed between the overlapping sheet 6 and the outer peripheral
flap 3 so that it can be pinched with the fingers. Here, it can be
said that the overlapping sheet 6 is one of the outer peripheral
flaps 3, 4 and 5 and that each of the outer peripheral flaps 3, 4
and 5 is one of the overlapping sheet 6. The envelope F7 in this
embodiment is identical with an ordinary envelope except for the
perforation array M1 for opening and the spread-preventing adhesive
spots 10B. Therefore, it can be produced with ease using an
ordinary envelope.
[0075] Perforation arrays M1, M2 and M3 used in the description are
widely known arrays of minute perforations that are formed in an
admission card or other such ticket for dividing it into two
halves. However, it may be an array of largely cut scores or
perforations easy to cut off (called "zipper-type perforations" and
also called "bellows-type perforations"). Even with the minute
perforations, a cut-off portion will not come out of the array of
perforations. It is noted that the perforation array used herein
includes widely known arrays of perforations, such as a series of
continuous cutouts, in addition to the aforementioned perforation
arrays. Furthermore, it includes the case where pasted portions are
disposed at predetermined intervals, as described in the fourth
embodiment that will be touched upon later. That is to say, in this
embodiment, if the outer peripheral flap 5 and the overlapping
sheet 6 are adhered at predetermined intervals with paste, cutout
portions at predetermined intervals can be obtained. Therefore,
this case is also included in this embodiment. The perforation
array M1 is for opening the envelope and may comprise two or more
arrays of perforations as occasion demands in practice.
[0076] When a developed blank K1 is to be folded to form an
envelope F7, therefore, the outer peripheral flaps 3 and 4 are
first folded down to the backside of the center sheet along the
fold lines 7a and 7c, respectively. The overlapping sheet 6 is then
overlaid on and attached to the outer peripheral flaps. This
formation order is shown from FIG. 15 to FIG. 16. In this way, the
envelope F7 in this embodiment can be produced with ease. Since the
arrow mark for opening is printed on the overlapping sheet 6, it
can form a criterion of the folding order. According to the
envelope F7 of this embodiment, the contents S can be inserted into
the envelope to reach the end of the envelope, similarly in the
case of conventional envelopes. That is to say, if the contents S
extend over the four peripheral sides of the envelope F1 as shown
in FIG. 17, the ends of the contents enter the underside of the
outer peripheral flap 3 formed with the perforation array M1 for
opening. Thus, the contents can be inserted to reach a position
immediately before the opening 8. Therefore, if the contents have a
large size like insurance certificates, contract-related documents,
specifications, etc., these can be inserted into the envelope,
similarly in the case of conventional envelopes.
[0077] In the envelope F7 of this embodiment having the
aforementioned configuration, maintained in the state folded to
form the envelope shown in FIG. 16, contents S are inserted and
sealed. The outer peripheral flap 5 is then folded back and
attached to the overlapping sheet 6 utilizing the margins 9 to
paste up. If a receiver who receives the sealed document pinches
the outer peripheral end 6a of the overlapping sheet 6, with the
arrow mark printed thereon, using his/her fingers of one of the
hands, also pinches the outer peripheral end of the outer
peripheral flap 3 using his/her fingers of the other hand, and
slightly pulls the pinched portions in the opposite directions, or
otherwise, the receiver inserts a writing instrument, such as a
ball-pointed pen, between the outer peripheral flap 3 and the
overlapping sheet 6 and moves it, part of the envelope is cut off
along the perforation array M1 in a clear-cut fashion to open the
envelope F7 as shown in FIG. 18. While the receiver, when receiving
the mailed envelope, does not recognize the presence of the
perforation array M1 for opening from the outside, he/she can
easily open the envelope in a clear-cut fashion with a small force
using the arrow mark as a criteria, without use of a cutting tool
such as scissors. After the envelope is opened, the portion of the
perforation array M1 for opening is not discernible from the
outside. Therefore, the (opened) envelope F7 is retained in a state
of the cutout portion not discernible from the outside. When the
part of the envelope has been cut out along the perforation array
M1, the outer peripheral flap 3 is flexed inward as shown in FIG.
18. For this reason, the contents S are prevented from dropping out
of the envelope. The envelope F7 of this embodiment can be used,
similarly to a conventional envelope, for a sender (sending
side).
[0078] According to this embodiment, the overlapping sheet 6 is
overlaid on and attached to the outer peripheral flap 3 formed with
the perforation array M1. For this reason, the presence of the
perforation array M1 is not discernible from the outside.
Therefore, there is no possibility of the envelope being readily
opened during mailing and of the contents being wetted with
rainwater that would otherwise enter the envelope. Furthermore, it
is possible to avoid a hindrance to mechanical treatment at a post
office (mailing office). This means that the "guideline relating to
mechanically treatable mail (first-class and second-class mail)"
can be satisfied. Moreover, the envelope of this embodiment can
easily be produced by forming a conventional ordinary envelope
blank with no perforation array, with an array of perforations and
paying attention to the flap-folding order. It is noted that the
envelope F7 of the present invention can easily be produced even
from an envelope into which a conventional ordinary envelope blank
is folded.
[0079] A modification of the aforementioned embodiment will be
described. As shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, the opening 8 is
disposed on the side (the lower side in the figures) opposite the
side on which the postal code column is printed. Therefore, the
outer peripheral flap 4 is formed in the lengthwise direction
thereof with a perforation array M1 for opening. In addition, the
lower side (outer peripheral end) 6b of the overlapping sheet 6
describes a gentle arc so that it is positioned inside the opening
side of the center sheet 2 (a fold line 7c) and has an arrow mark
printed at the center thereof. Though the upper side 6a of the
overlapping sheet 6 also describes a gentle arc so that it is
positioned inside the upper end of the center sheet 2, it may
coincide with the upper end of the center sheet 2 because the upper
end is not the opening side in this modification.
[0080] According to this modification, therefore, part of the
envelope is cut off by pinching the opening side 6b with the
fingers of one of the hands, pinching the outer peripheral end of
the outer peripheral flap 4 with the fingers of the other hand and
slightly pulling the pinched portions in the opposite directions,
in the same manner as in the first embodiment, to open the envelope
F1 in a clear-cut fashion.
[0081] (Seventh Embodiment)
[0082] As shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, this embodiment discloses
an envelope F8, the contents of which are taken out of the longer
side of the envelope F8. A developed blank K2 folded to form an
envelope comprises a center sheet 2 provided with outer peripheral
flaps 3, 4 and 5, and an overlapping sheet 6. While the outer
peripheral flap 5 on the left side in the figure is formed with a
perforation array M2 for opening, that extends in the lengthwise
direction, the outer peripheral end 6c of the overlapping sheet 6
has an arrow mark serving as an opening criteria and a word "open"
printed at the center in the lengthwise direction thereof. The
outer peripheral end 6c of the overlapping sheet 6 describes a
gentle arc to form a part that is located inside a fold line 7b for
the outer peripheral flap 5, thereby forming a step between the
part and the fold line 7b so that the outer peripheral end 6c of
the overlapping sheet 6 can easily be pinched with the fingers.
[0083] When the blank is to be folded to form the envelope of this
embodiment, the outer peripheral flap 5 is first folded down to the
backside of the center sheet along the fold line 7c. The
overlapping sheet 6 is then overlaid on and attached to the outer
peripheral flap, and thereafter the outer peripheral flap 4 is
overlaid on and attached to the overlapping sheet 6. This formation
order is shown from FIG. 21 to FIG. 22. It is noted that it is
possible to overlay the outer peripheral flap 4 on the folded outer
peripheral flap 5 and overlay the overlapping sheet 6 on the
overlaid outer peripheral flap. In this embodiment, therefore, part
of the envelope is cut off along the perforation array M2 by
pinching the outer peripheral end 6c with the fingers, pinching the
outer peripheral end of the outer peripheral flap 5 with the
fingers and slightly pulling the pinched portions in the opposite
directions to open the envelope F8 in a clear-cut fashion. The
remaining constitution of this embodiment is the same as that of
the sixth embodiment.
[0084] It is possible to combine the constitution of this
embodiment with the constitution of the modification of the sixth
embodiment into an envelope. To be specific, the outer peripheral
flap 4 is formed with a perforation array M2 for opening (the
perforation array M1 in the modification of the first embodiment)
to form the letter L in conjunction with the perforation array M2
for opening with which the outer peripheral flap 5 is formed, and
the flaps are folded in the order mentioned. According to the
envelope thus formed by folding the flaps, since the perforation
array M2 of the outer peripheral flap 5 is continuous to the
perforation array M1 of the lower side outer peripheral flap 4, the
envelope can be opened in an L-shaped fashion to enable the
contents S to be extracted.
[0085] (Eighth Embodiment)
[0086] As shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, this embodiment applies the
present invention to a rectangular shaped envelope F9. A developed
blank K3 folded to form an envelope comprises a center sheet 2
provided with outer peripheral flaps 3, 4 and 5 and an overlapping
sheet 6. The outer peripheral flap 5 and overlapping sheet 6 are
overlapped at the center of the back wall of the envelope F9. The
outer peripheral flap 4 on the bottom side is formed with an array
of perforations M3 in the lengthwise direction thereof. An outer
peripheral end 6b of the overlapping sheet 6 adjacent to the outer
peripheral flap 4 is formed to be disposed inward of a fold line 7c
of the outer peripheral flap. Similarly, an outer peripheral end
15b of the outer peripheral flap 5 adjacent to the outer peripheral
flap 4 is formed to be disposed inward of the fold line 7c. In this
embodiment, since the outer peripheral flap 5 and overlapping sheet
6 are overlapped at the center of the back wall of the envelope F9,
it is noted that the positions of the two flaps may have a reverse
relationship.
[0087] The envelope of this embodiment is formed, as shown in FIG.
24, by folding the outer peripheral flap 4 back on the back wall
along the fold line 7c, overlapping the outer peripheral flap 5 and
overlapping sheet 6 at the center of the back wall and attaching
the overlapped flaps. The envelope F9 of this embodiment thus
formed by folding can be opened in a clear-cut fashion along the
perforation array M3, in the same manner as in the sixth and
seventh embodiments, by pinching an outer peripheral end 4a of the
outer peripheral flap 4 with fingers, pinching the overlapped outer
peripheral flap 5 and overlapping sheet 6 with fingers, and
slightly pulling the pinched portions in the opposite directions.
The remaining constitution of this embodiment is the same as that
of the sixth embodiment.
[0088] (Ninth Embodiment)
[0089] As shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, this embodiment applies the
present invention to a paper envelope (called rectangular No. 3 or
rectangular No. 4) F10. A developed blank T4 to be folded to form
an envelope comprises a center sheet 2 provided with outer
peripheral flaps 3, 4 and 5 folded back and an overlapping sheet 6
overlaid on the outer peripheral flaps 3, 4 and 5. It is folded to
form an envelope, similarly to each of the preceding embodiments,
provided that none of the perforation arrays M1, M2 and M3 formed
in the preceding embodiments is formed. The overlapping sheet 6 is
overlaid on the folded back outer peripheral flap 3, and the flaps
3 and 6 are attached to each other at predetermined intervals. The
attached portions are indicated by reference numeral 11. To be
specific, an adhesive such as paste etc. is applied to the outer
peripheral flap 3 in the lengthwise direction, and the overlapping
sheet 6 is attached to the outer peripheral flap 3 at the
predetermined intervals. Various patterns of attachment between the
outer peripheral flap 3 and the overlapping sheet 6 are
conceivable, such as in the form of dispersed dot application of an
adhesive such as paste etc., partial application thereof and
application thereof at varying intervals. The remaining
constitution of this embodiment is the same as that of the first
embodiment and is omitted from the description. However, adhesive
spots 10B for preventing the outer peripheral flap 3 from being
spread outward from the overlapping sheet 6 may be provided at
predetermined intervals.
[0090] Although this embodiment is provided with none of the
perforation arrays M1, M2 and M3 (the perforation array M1 of the
outer peripheral flap 3 in the first embodiment), since the outer
peripheral flap 3 and overlapping sheet 6 are attached to each
other at the predetermined intervals, the attached portions
function like one of the perforation arrays M1, M2 and M3. A
receiver who receives the envelope F4 pinches both predetermined
portions of the outer peripheral flap 3 and overlapping sheet 6
with his/her fingers and pulling the pinched portions in the
opposite directions, or otherwise, inserts a writing instrument
such as a ball-pointed pen between the outer peripheral flap 3 and
the overlapping sheet 6 and moves the writing instrument, with the
result that the attached portions are cut off to enable easy and
infallible opening of the envelope.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0091] The present invention has been described in the foregoing in
the form of various embodiments, citing paper envelopes. However,
it is also applicable to an envelope having a window formed by
attaching a transparent plastic film to the front side, from which
the address and appellation printed on the contents are discernible
from the outside, and widely to other envelopes irrespective of the
kinds thereof. In addition, while the embodiments have been
described, citing so-called rectangular No. 3 and No. 4 envelopes
and so-called rectangular shaped envelopes, it goes without saying
that the present invention is applicable widely to any kind of
envelope and also to paper containers like envelopes.
* * * * *