U.S. patent application number 10/882470 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-02 for packaging envelope and method for making the same.
Invention is credited to Collins, Robert W..
Application Number | 20040238607 10/882470 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25451739 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040238607 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Collins, Robert W. |
December 2, 2004 |
Packaging envelope and method for making the same
Abstract
An envelope, bag or other mailing device for preventing the
shifting of an item located within the envelope and a method for
making the same is provided. The envelope includes a front panel, a
back panel and at least one protrusion. The back panel is coupled
to the front panel to form an interior portion formed between
opposed interior surfaces of the front and back panels. The
protrusion is coupled to one of the opposed interior surfaces and
extends into the interior portion of the envelope. In another
embodiment, a second protrusion is coupled to the other side of
opposed interior surfaces and extends into the interior portion of
the envelope. The protrusions are adapted to associate with one
another to protect items contained within the envelope from
external forces and prevent the item from moving around within the
interior portion of the envelope.
Inventors: |
Collins, Robert W.;
(Shawnee, KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHOOK, HARDY & BACON LLP
2555 GRAND BLVD
KANSAS CITY,
MO
64108
US
|
Family ID: |
25451739 |
Appl. No.: |
10/882470 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10882470 |
Jul 1, 2004 |
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09925440 |
Aug 9, 2001 |
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6779666 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
229/68.1 ;
383/105 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 27/00 20130101;
B65D 81/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/068.1 ;
383/105 |
International
Class: |
B65D 027/00 |
Claims
Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:
1. An envelope, bag or other mailing device for packaging an item,
said envelope comprising: a front panel; a back panel, said back
panel coupled to said front panel to form an interior portion; and
at least two protrusions, wherein one of said protrusions is
coupled to said front panel and is positioned in said interior
portion of the envelope, another of said protrusions is coupled to
said back panel and is positioned in said interior portion of the
envelope.
2. The envelope as recited in claim 1, wherein the back panel is
formed from a first flap and a second flap.
3. The envelope as recited in claim 1, further comprising a seal
flap that is adapted to couple said front panel to said back panel
to seal said interior portion of the envelope.
4. The envelope as recited in claim 3, wherein said seal flap and
said front panel include a weakened portion formed therein that is
adapted to be broken and provide a handle for the envelope.
5. The envelope as recited in claim 3, wherein said seal flap
includes an attachment mechanism that couples said seal flap to
said back panel.
6. The envelope as recited in claim 1, wherein said protrusions are
elongated in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis
of the envelope.
7. The envelope as recited in claim 1, wherein said protrusions are
elongated in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis of the envelope.
8. The envelope as recited in claim 1, wherein said protrusions are
formed of an adhesive.
9. The envelope as recited in claim 1, wherein said protrusions are
formed in segments.
10. The envelope as recited in claim 1, wherein said protrusions
are shaped as dots.
11. An envelope, bag or other mailing device for packaging an item,
said envelope comprising: a front panel; a back panel, said back
panel being coupled to said front panel to form an interior
portion, wherein said interior portion being defined by opposed
interior surfaces of said front and back panels; and at least one
first protrusion, said first protrusion being coupled to one of
said opposed interior surfaces and extending from said opposed
surface into said interior portion.
12. The envelope as recited in claim 11, further comprising at
least one second protrusion being coupled to other side of said
opposed interior surfaces and extending into said interior
portion.
13. The envelope as recited in claim 12, wherein said first and
second protrusions are adapted to mesh with one another.
14. The envelope as recited in claim 13, wherein said first and
second protrusions are elongated in a direction that is parallel to
the longitudinal axis of the envelope.
15. The envelope as recited in claim 13, wherein said first and
second protrusions are elongated in a direction that is transverse
to the longitudinal axis of the envelope.
16. The envelope as recited in claim 11, wherein said back panel
includes a first and a second flap.
17. The envelope as recited in claim 11, further comprising a seal
flap that is adapted to couple said front panel to said back
panel.
18. The envelope as recited in claim 17, wherein said seal flap and
said front panel include a handle.
19. The envelope as recited in claim 11, wherein said seal flap
includes an attachment mechanism that couples said seal flap to
said back panel.
20. The envelope as recited in claim 11, wherein said first
protrusion is elongated in a direction that is parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the envelope.
21. The envelope as recited in claim 11, wherein said first
protrusion is elongated in a direction that is perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the envelope.
22. A method for making an envelope, the envelope including a front
panel, a back panel, at least one protrusion, wherein said front
and back panels are adapted to be coupled to one another to form an
interior portion within opposed interior surfaces of said front and
back panels, wherein said protrusion is adapted to be coupled to
one of said opposed surfaces and extend into said interior portion,
said method comprising: affixing said first protrusion to one of
said opposed surfaces; and coupling said front panel and said back
panel to form said interior portion, wherein said first protrusion
extends into said interior portion of the envelope.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein a second protrusion is affixed
to the other opposed surface and extends into said interior portion
of the envelope.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of
positioning said second protrusion so that said second protrusion
is capable of meshing with said first protrusion.
25. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of
elongating said second protrusion from approximately one edge of
said back panel to approximately the opposite edge of said back
panel.
26. The method of claim 23, wherein said first and second
protrusions are injected with air when affixing said first
protrusions to said front and back panels.
27. The method of claim 23, wherein said first and second
protrusions are formed through an extrusions process.
28. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of
elongating said first protrusion from approximately one edge of
said front panel to approximately the opposite edge of said front
panel.
29. The method of claim 22, wherein said first protrusion is
injected with air when affixing said first protrusions to said
front and back panels.
30. The envelope of claim 22, wherein a seal flap couples said
front flap with said back flap.
31. The method of claim 22, wherein said first protrusion is formed
through an extrusions process.
32. An envelope for packaging an article, said envelope comprising:
a front panel; a back panel, said back panel being coupled to said
front panel to form an interior portion, wherein the inner portion
is defined by opposed inner surfaces of said front and back panels;
a first set of spaced, parallel elongated protrusions attached to
the inner surface of the front panel and extending into the
interior portion therefrom; and a second set of spaced, parallel
elongated protrusions attached to the inner surface of the back
panel and extending into the interior portion therefrom; wherein
said first and second sets of protrusions are positioned and
adapted to mesh with each other within the interior portion of the
envelope.
33. The envelope as set forth in claim 32, wherein the protrusions
are elongated in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal
axis of the envelope.
34. The envelope as set forth in claim 32, wherein the protrusions
are elongated in a direction that is perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the envelope.
35. The envelope as set forth in claim 32, wherein the protrusions
are elongated in a direction that is diagonal with respect to the
longitudinal of the envelope.
36. The envelope as set forth in claim 32, wherein each protrusion
comprises a series of spaced bars together forming a relatively
elongated protrusion.
37. The envelope as set forth in claim 32, wherein each protrusion
comprises a series of spaced circular segments together forming a
relatively elongated protrusion.
38. The envelope as set forth in claim 32, further comprising a
seal flap to selectively couple the front panel to the back panel
to seal the interior portion of the envelope.
39. The envelope as set forth in claim 38, wherein the seal flap
and the front panel further includes a weakened portion formed
therein and adapted to be broken to provide a handle for the
envelope.
40. A method for making an envelope, the envelope including a front
panel, a back panel, and first and second protrusions, wherein said
front and back panels are adapted to be coupled to one another to
form an interior portion within opposed interior surfaces of said
front and back panels, the first protrusion being adapted to be
coupled to the interior surface of the front panel, and the second
protrusion being adapted to be coupled to the interior surface of
the back panel, said protrusions extending into said interior
portion, said method comprising: affixing the first protrusion to
the interior surface of the front panel, the first protrusion
comprising a first set of spaced, parallel elongated protrusions;
affixing the second protrusion to the interior surface of the back
panel, the second protrusion comprising a second set of spaced,
parallel elongated protrusions; and coupling said front panel and
said back panel to form said interior portion, wherein said
protrusions extend into said interior portion of the envelope, and
are adapted to mesh with each other.
41. The method as set forth in claim 40, wherein the protrusions
are injected with air during the step of affixing to the interior
surfaces.
42. The method as set forth in claim 40, wherein the protrusions
are formed through an extrusion process.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is continuation of application Ser. No.
09/925,440, filed Aug. 9, 2001.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates to a packaging envelope. More
particularly, this invention relates to a packaging envelope which
provides padding to protect the contents, and also prevents
contents from sliding within the interior portion of the
envelope.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] There are many types of envelopes that can be used to mail
an item. Commonly an envelope has some type of bubble pack or
padding lined on the interior portion of an envelope to protect the
contents from being damaged.
[0005] Prior art packaging envelopes suffer from a number of
drawbacks and deficiencies. For example, the bubble or packing
material creates a smooth surface lining the interior portion of
the envelope, allowing items to slide within the envelope. Sliding
of the contents may cause damage as the items shift and rub against
one another. Although the bubble packs and padding provide
protection from damage due to exterior forces often present during
mailing, there is nothing to prevent an item from being damaged
within the envelope or to prevent two or more items within the
envelope from causing damage to each other.
[0006] Another deficiency associated with prior art packaging is
the expense of manufacturing padded or bubble pack type envelopes.
This expense is often incurred in the extra materials required to
provide the protection, such as the padding or bubble pack
materials. Additional expense can also be incurred due to slower
manufacturing times. For instance, creating and affixing the bubble
pack material or other types of padding can typically not be done
in a single step during the envelope formation process. Therefore,
the use of bubble pack or other types of padding material can slow
down the speed of the envelope forming process.
[0007] Accordingly, there remains a need for an envelope that
reduces damage to the contents of an envelope by preventing items
from shifting within the interior of the envelope. In addition,
there remains a need for a packaging envelope that adequately
protects items contained within the envelope during handling while
preventing those items from shifting within the interior of the
envelope. There further remains a need for providing a packaging
envelope which can be inexpensively produced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, in one of its aspects, the present invention
provides an envelope for packaging an item.
[0009] In another of its aspects, the present invention provides an
envelope for packaging an item and preventing that item from
shifting within the interior of the envelope.
[0010] In still another of its aspects, the present invention
provides a method and envelope for reducing the movement of an item
contained within the envelope.
[0011] In yet another of its aspects, the present invention
provides a relatively inexpensive method of providing protective
packaging envelopes.
[0012] According to the present invention, the foregoing and other
aspects are achieved by an envelope for packaging an item, the
envelope comprising a front panel, a back panel and at least two
protrusions. The back panel is coupled to the front panel to form
an interior portion. One of said protrusions is coupled to the
interior surface of the front panel, and is positioned in the
interior portion of the envelope. Another protrusion is coupled to
the back panel, and is positioned in the interior portion of the
envelope.
[0013] The present invention also provides for an envelope, bag or
other mailing device for packaging an item, the envelope comprising
a front panel, a back panel and at least one first protrusion. The
back panel is coupled to the front panel to form an interior
portion. The interior portion being defined by opposed interior
surfaces of said front and back panels. The first protrusion is
coupled to one of the opposed interior surfaces and extends from
said opposed interior surface into the interior portion of the
envelope.
[0014] The present invention further provides an envelope, bag or
other mailing device for packaging an article, the envelope
comprising a front panel and a back panel. The back panel is
coupled to the front panel to form an interior portion. The
envelope also includes a means for reducing the movement of the
article within said interior portion of the envelope.
[0015] The present invention still further provides for a method
for making an envelope, the envelope including a front panel, a
back panel, at least one protrusion. The front and back panels are
adapted to be coupled to one another to form an interior portion
within opposed interior surfaces of the front and back panels. The
protrusion is adapted to be coupled to one of the opposed surfaces
and extends into the interior portion of the envelope. The method
includes affixing the first protrusion to one of the opposed
surfaces and coupling the front and back panels to form the
interior portion and so that the first protrusion extends into the
interior portion of the envelope.
[0016] Alternatively, the second set of protrusions need not be
positioned so as to mesh with the first set of protrusions, but can
instead be positioned in any manner desired, including being
positioned partially or completely aligned with the first set of
protrusions.
[0017] Additional objects of invention, together with the
advantages and novel features appurtenant thereto, will be set
forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the
following, or may be learned from the practice of the invention.
The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and
attained by means and instrumentalities and combinations
particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] In the accompanying drawings which form a part of the
specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith and in
which like reference numerals are employed to indicate like parts
in the various views:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a back perspective view of an envelope having a
series of protrusions located within the interior portion in
accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a blank for the construction of the
envelope of FIG. 1, showing the protrusions positioned on the
interior surface of the envelope;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the blank shown in
FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generally
along the line 4-4 of FIG. 1, showing a piece of paper positioned
within the interior portion of the envelope;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view similar to FIG.
4, showing an object placed in the interior portion of the
envelope, and further showing the protrusions meshing with one
another;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of a blank for the
construction of an envelope having a handle formed therein, wherein
the protrusions are formed in spaced segments; and
[0025] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary plan view of a blank for the
construction of an envelope, wherein the protrusions are formed as
spaced dots.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The present invention is directed to a packaging envelope
and a method for making the same. The particular embodiments
described herein are intended in all respects to be illustrative
rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become
apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention
pertains without departing from its scope.
[0027] Referring to the drawings in general and initially to FIG. 1
in particular, an exemplary envelope employing principles of the
present invention is shown and designated generally by reference
numeral 10. In its most basic configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 and
2, envelope 10 is formed of a blank that includes a front panel 12
and a back panel 14. Front panel 12 is coupled to back panel 14 to
form an interior portion of the envelope where items may be placed.
A seal flap 16 extends from front panel 12 and can be selectively
coupled to back panel 14 to close envelope 10 to protect any
contents from an external environment. A set of protrusions 18, 20
are coupled to front and back panels 12, 14, respectively, and are
used to protect the contents from external forces, and prevent
items from shifting within the interior portion of the
envelope.
[0028] As best seen in FIG. 2, envelope 10 is open-ended style, and
is preferably formed of a paper material, but it could be formed of
plastic, TYVEC.RTM. or any other material that would be suitable
for transporting or mailing items contained within envelope 10. It
will be understood and appreciated that the present invention is
also adapted to be used on any other suitable style envelope
including, but not limited to, a booklet-style envelope. Further,
the present invention is also adapted to be used, not only on
envelopes, but also on suitable bags and other mailing devices.
[0029] As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, front panel 12 includes a
top, bottom, right and left edge, and has an exterior and an
interior surface. Protrusions 18 are coupled to front panel 12 and
are used in conjunction with protrusions 20 located on back panel
14 to protect and reduce the amount of movement of an item located
within the interior portion of envelope 10. Specifically,
protrusions 18 are elongated beads of material that are coupled to
the interior surface of front panel 12 and protrude outwardly from
the interior surface of front panel 12 into an interior portion of
envelope 10. Protrusions 18 are spaced apart from one another at a
distance that will allow protrusions 20 located on the interior
surface of back panel 14 to mesh or fit in between protrusions 18,
as seen by the dotted lines 30. Further, protrusions 18 generally
extend in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of
envelope 10 extending from a location near the top edge of front
panel 12 to a point near the bottom edge of front panel 12. It will
be understood and appreciated that the protrusions 18 may extend in
any direction, such as transverse to the longitudinal axis of
envelope 10, diagonal or any direction there between, so long as
protrusions 18 are adapted to prevent the movement of an item
contained within envelope 10 and protect the contents from external
forces.
[0030] As best seen in FIG. 2, back panel 14 is made up of left and
right panels 22, 24 that are coupled to the right and left edges of
front panel 12 along fold lines 26, 28 respectively. It will be
understood and appreciated that it is within the scope of this
invention to form back panel 14 of one piece, such as in the
booklet-styled envelope, or form back panel 14 in three or more
pieces. As shown in FIG. 2, panels 22, 24 are rectangular-shaped
and each are slightly greater than half the size of front panel 12,
but it should be understood that each panel 22, 24 can be any size
which allows them to be folded in and adhesively secured to form a
back panel 14.
[0031] Protrusions 20 are coupled to the interior surfaces of right
and left panels 22, 24 and are used in conjunction with protrusions
18 located on front panel 12 to reduce the amount of movement of an
item located within the interior portion of envelope 10. The
structure of protrusions 20 is similar to that of protrusions 18.
Specifically, as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, protrusions 20 can be
elongated beads of material that are coupled to the interior
surface of panels 22, 24 and protrude outwardly from panels 22, 24
into an interior portion of envelope 10. Protrusions 20 are spaced
apart from one another at a distance that will allow protrusions 20
to mesh or fit in between each of protrusions 18 when envelope 10
is constructed and panels 22, 24 are placed over front panel 12 as
seen by dotted lines 30. Further, protrusions 20 generally extend
in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of
envelope 10, extending from a location near the top edge of each of
the panels 22, 24 to a point near the bottom edge of panels 22, 24.
It will be understood and appreciated that the protrusions 20 may
extend in any direction, such as transverse to the longitudinal
axis of envelope 10, diagonal or any direction there between, but
protrusions 20 are preferably formed in a pattern similar to that
of protrusions 18 so that protrusions 18, 20 will mesh with one
another.
[0032] Protrusions 18, 20 are formed of any suitable material that
will create some degree of protection from external forces, and
will also grip to items or articles that are placed within the
interior portion of envelope 10. In particular, protrusions 18, 20
are preferably formed of an adhesive material that is adapted to be
fixedly coupled to the interior surfaces of front and back panels
12, 14 respectively. Once fixedly coupled to panels 12, 14,
protrusions 18, 20 are adapted to dry or otherwise lose their
adhesive qualities, and to grip and prevent the shifting of items
container within envelope 10. This material may be formed of a hot
melt material. It is also within the scope of the present invention
to form protrusions 18, 20 from other types of materials such as,
but not limited to, plastic, rubber, polymeric materials and other
materials that can be fixedly coupled to panels 12, 14 and that
have qualities that enable protrusions 18, 20 to limit the movement
of items contained in envelope 10.
[0033] Protrusions 18, 20 may be used either singularly or in
combination with one another to prevent movement of an item within
the interior portion of envelope 10. The coupling of protrusions 18
or protrusions 20 to the interior surfaces of either one of the
front or back panels 12, 14 may be sufficient to accomplish the
objectives of the present invention. In addition, the present
invention also contemplates the use of a single protrusion affixed
to either the front or back panel 12, 14, operating singularly or
in conjunction with one or more protrusion affixed to the opposite
panel. Although it is preferred to use a number of protrusions 18,
20 on front and back panels 12, 14, it is not necessary to use a
plurality of protrusions coupled to both the front and back panels
12, 14 to accomplish the functions of the present invention.
[0034] Alternatively, protrusions 18, 20 need not be elongated
beads of material as depicted in FIG. 2. The elongated beads could
instead be a series of spaced bars together forming relatively
elongated segments of protrusions as best seen in FIG. 6. In
addition, the elongated beads could be a series of dots as best
seen in FIG. 7, or other relatively circular segments. The
protrusions may be in any shape or size so long as the protrusions
function to provide protection and prevent shifting of the contents
within envelope 10. Further, the protrusions can be positioned in
any suitable pattern, or randomly, along the interior surface of
one or both of front and back panels 12, 14.
[0035] As best seen in FIG. 2, seal flap 16 is fixedly coupled to
the top edge of front panel 12 along fold line 32. An attachment
mechanism 34 is mounted near the top edge of seal flap 16. It is
within the scope of this invention to include an attachment
mechanism anywhere on seal flap 16 so long as flap 16 may be
fastened to back panel 14 to retain an article or item within the
interior portion of envelope 10. Attachment mechanism 34 may be in
the form of an adhesive, such as a re-moistenable adhesive or an
adhesive having a protective strip thereover (i.e., peel and seal
adhesive), a mechanical fastener, a re-sealable assembly or the
like. Although depicted in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7 as a pair of square
adhesive portions, attachment mechanism 34 can be any suitable
shape, including, but not limited to, a single, elongated strip of
adhesive or more than two spaced adhesive portions.
[0036] The bottom edge of front panel 12 is fixedly coupled to a
bottom flap 36 along fold line 38. An adhesive assembly 40 is
fixedly coupled to and extends along the lower half of bottom flap
36. Adhesive assembly 40 is adapted to couple bottom flap 36 to the
outside surface of back panel 14 to prevent items contained within
envelope 10 from being removed from the bottom of envelope 10.
[0037] In assembling envelope 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
adhesive assembly 40 is fixedly mounted on bottom flap 36, and
attachment mechanism 34 is coupled to seal flap 16. The elongated
beads of material forming protrusions 18 are then applied to front
panel 12 and extend outwardly from the interior surface of front
panel 12 so protrusions 18 will extend into the interior portion of
envelope 10. In particular, protrusions 18 are coupled to the
interior surface of front panel 12 in a direction parallel to the
longitudinal axis of envelope 10 and extend from a point near the
top portion of front panel 12 towards the bottom edge of front
panel 12. Protrusions 18 are applied parallel to each other and
spaced apart so that protrusions 20 are capable of meshing or being
positioned in alternating fashion between protrusions 18.
[0038] Protrusions 20 are coupled to left and right panels 22, 24
in the same fashion as protrusions 18 were coupled to front panel
12. The elongated beads of material forming protrusions 20 are
applied to the interior surface of right and left panels 22, 24 and
extend outwardly from the surface of panels 22, 24 so protrusions
20 will extend into the interior portion of envelope 10. In
particular, protrusions 20 are coupled to the interior surface of
panels 22, 24 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of
envelope 10 and extend from a point near the top portion of each of
panels 22, 24 towards the bottom edge of panels 22, 24. Protrusions
20 on each of panels 22, 24 are applied parallel to each other and
spaced apart so that protrusions 20 on panels 22, 24 are capable of
meshing with protrusions 18.
[0039] Protrusions 18, 20 are preferably adhered to front and back
panels 12, 14 by an extrusion system. Generally, when the beads of
material are applied to front and back panels 12, 14, the material
is injected with air or another type of gas. Thus, when the
material cures, the protrusions 18, 20 lose their adhesive
characteristics but still have a relatively soft and pliable
texture to enable them to prevent the items from sliding around
within envelope 10. One example of a machine that performs the
extrusion function contemplated in the present invention is the
FOAMMELT.RTM. extrusion system manufactured by NORDSON.RTM.
Corporation, 300 Nordson Drive, Amherst, Ohio 44001. Depending on
the type of material used to form protrusions 18, 20, the extrusion
system may or may not be necessary to give protrusions 18, 20
gripping capabilities. Of course, protrusions 18, 20 can be formed
by means other than an extrusion process. For example, segments of
protrusion forming material having adhesive characteristics on one
side thereof may be adhered to the interior surfaces of front and
back panels 12, 14 by means of a roll or tape positioned above the
surface of the envelope blank, thereby coupling protrusions 18, 20
to panels 12, 14.
[0040] Next, the left panel 22 is folded along fold line 26 and
positioned on top of front panel 12. Right panel 24 is then folded
along fold line 28 and on top of front panel 12. The edge of right
panel 24 overlaps the edge of the left panel 22 and panels 22, 24
are then adhesively coupled to one another. Of course, it is
understood that the order of folding the right and left panels 22,
24 can be reversed. Bottom flap 36 is folded along fold line 38 and
on top of the bottom edges of the exterior surfaces of front and
back panels 12, 14. Adhesive assembly 40 is then used to seal the
bottom portion of envelope 10. Front and back panels 12, 14 now
form an interior portion where items or articles may be placed
therein. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, protrusions 18, 20 are in
mesh with one another after envelope 10 is formed.
[0041] In operation, protrusions 18, 20 are in mesh, or aligned in
alternating fashion, prior to placing anything within envelope 10.
As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, once an item, such as a piece of
paper 39, is placed within interior portion of envelope 10, a
portion of protrusions 18, 20 move apart from each other and are in
contact with the item or article. The contact between protrusions
18, 20 and the item reduce or prevent the movement of the item or
article within the interior portion of envelope 10. Minimizing the
amount of movement of the item will prevent the item from being
damaged due to shifting within the interior portion of envelope 10.
As best seen in FIG. 5, if the size of an item 41 is small in
comparison to the size of envelope 10, then a situation is created
in which some protrusions 18, 20 are not in contact with item 41,
in particular, those protrusions 18, 20 positioned around the edges
of envelope 10. In those areas where protrusions 18, 20 are not in
contact with item 41, protrusions 18, 20 can mesh and further
prevent item 41 from moving or shifting into those areas of the
envelope 10.
[0042] As is apparent, envelope 10 can operate in a suitable
fashion when the protrusions comprise different numbers or shapes,
positioned in different patterns or randomly on the panel surfaces,
or are positioned on only one of the front or back panels 12, 14.
For example, it is within the scope of this invention to position
protrusions 18, 20 on the interior surfaces of panels 12, 14 so
protrusions 18, 20 are aligned with one another when panels 12, 14
are folded on top of each other during the construction of envelope
10. Protrusions 18, 20 generally not mesh with one another but
would still function to protect the items contained within the
interior portion of the envelope from external forces, as well as
reduce the shifting of the item contained in the interior portion
of the envelope.
[0043] Once an item is placed in envelope 10 and protrusions 18, 20
prevent paper 39 or item 41 from shifting within the interior
portion of envelope 10, seal flap 16 may be folded over and sealed
to the exterior surface of back panel 14 by folding flap 16 along
folding line 32. Attachment mechanism 34 may then be used to
removably couple flap 16 to back panel 14 to retain paper 39 or
item 41 within the interior portion of envelope 10.
[0044] In an alternative embodiment, envelope 10 includes
perforations 18, 20 that are structured and operate the same as in
the preferred embodiment, but envelope 10 further includes a handle
that allows a user hold onto envelope 10. As best seen in FIG. 6, a
weakened portion 42 such as a portion defined by perforations, is
located in the center and toward the top edge of front panel 12.
Weakened portion 42 forms part of the circumferential edge of a
section 44. In particular, weakened portion 42 extends around the
curved portions and along the lower edge of section 44.
[0045] Seal flap 16 includes a weakened portion 52 that is formed
generally in the center of flap 16. Weakened portion 52 extends
around the curved portions and along the top edge of a section 54.
An aperture 48 is formed in the upper left side of panel 22 and is
sized and shaped to match the left portion of section 44. Further,
an aperture 50 is formed in the upper right side of right panel 24
and is sized and shaped to match the right portion of section
44.
[0046] Weakened portions 42, 52 are capable of being broken so that
sections 44, 54 can be punched out to form a handle and allow a
user to hold onto envelope 10. Weakened portions 42, 52 are
preferably a series of perforations, but it should be understood
that any type of means for allowing sections 44, 54 to be broken
away from front and back panels 12, 14 may be utilized. Sections
44, 54 may alternatively be square, rectangular, circular, or any
suitable shape which functions in accordance with this invention,
but are generally the same size and shape so they match up when
positioned on top of one another. Sections 44, 54 may be fixedly
coupled to front and back panels 12, 14 along fold lines 46, 56 to
allow sections 44, 54 to remain coupled to envelope 10 even after
weakened portions 42, 52 are broken. In operating this alternative
embodiment, a user may hold onto envelope 10 by breaking weakened
portions 42, 52 and pushing sections 44, 54 against the outer
portion of front panel 12 to form a handle. In addition, sections
44, 54 may be resealed to protect the items in the envelope from
the external environment during mailing.
[0047] Constructed and operated as previously described, this
invention provides an envelope that protects an item contained
within the envelope from being damaged from external forces during
handling or mailing. In addition, the present invention provides
for an envelope that reduces the amount of movement of an item
contained within an interior portion of the envelope.
[0048] In summary, the present invention is directed to a packaging
envelope, bag or other mailing device and a method for making the
same. The present invention has been described in relation to
particular embodiments which are intended in all respects to be
illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will
become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present
invention pertains without departing from its scope.
[0049] From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is
one well-adapted to attain the ends and aspects hereinabove set
forth together with other advantages which are obvious and inherent
to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and
subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without
reference to other features and subcombinations. This is
contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.
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