U.S. patent application number 15/135618 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-19 for packaged envelopes.
The applicant listed for this patent is Heritage Envelopes Limited. Invention is credited to Mark Sears.
Application Number | 20170297808 15/135618 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59895494 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170297808 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sears; Mark |
October 19, 2017 |
PACKAGED ENVELOPES
Abstract
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided
a block of packaged envelopes, comprising: a plurality of envelopes
arranged in series, facing one another; a first paper-based rigid
sheet at a first end of the series; a second paper-based rigid
sheet at a second, opposite end of the series; the plurality of
envelopes being located in-between the first and second paper-based
rigid sheets; and a binder that extends around the paper-based
rigid sheets and the plurality of envelopes located in-between the
sheets, to bind the plurality of envelopes in series arrangement,
and to form the block of packaged envelopes.
Inventors: |
Sears; Mark; (Darwen,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Heritage Envelopes Limited |
Blackburn |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
59895494 |
Appl. No.: |
15/135618 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 25/14 20130101;
B65B 13/02 20130101; B65D 71/04 20130101; B65B 27/08 20130101; B65D
85/62 20130101; B65B 13/20 20130101; B65D 71/40 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/62 20060101
B65D085/62; B65B 25/14 20060101 B65B025/14; B65B 13/02 20060101
B65B013/02; B65B 13/20 20060101 B65B013/20; B65D 71/40 20060101
B65D071/40; B65B 27/08 20060101 B65B027/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 13, 2016 |
GB |
1606401.6 |
Claims
1. A block of packaged envelopes, comprising: a plurality of
envelopes arranged in series, facing one another; a first
paper-based rigid sheet at a first end of the series; a second
paper-based rigid sheet at a second, opposite end of the series;
the plurality of envelopes being located in-between the first and
second paper-based rigid sheets; and a binder that extends around
the paper-based rigid sheets and the plurality of envelopes located
in-between the sheets, to bind the plurality of envelopes in series
arrangement, and to form the block of packaged envelopes.
2. The block of packaged envelopes of claim 1, wherein the first
and second paper-based rigid sheets comprise card or cardboard.
3. The block of packaged envelopes of claim 1, wherein the first
and second paper-based rigid sheets are separate from one
another.
4. The block of packaged envelopes of claim 1, wherein the first
and second paper-based rigid sheets are rigid in that each sheet is
more rigid than: a packaged envelope, or a substantial portion of a
packaged envelope, or a substantial portion of a face of such a
packaged envelope.
5. The block of packaged envelopes of claim 1, wherein the binder
extends around the paper-based rigid sheets and the plurality of
envelopes located in-between the sheets, such that a top edge
and/or a bottom edge of each envelope is substantially unencumbered
by the binder.
6. The block of packaged envelopes of claim 5, wherein the top edge
comprises or partially defines an envelope flap or other opening,
and the bottom edge is substantially opposite the top edge.
7. The block of packaged envelopes of claim 1, wherein each of the
first and second paper-based rigid sheets are each adjacent to and
substantially cover a face of an end envelope of the series.
8. The block of packaged envelopes of claim 1, wherein the binder
is elastic.
9. The block of packaged envelopes of claim 1, wherein the binder
is a polymer film.
10. The block of packaged envelopes of claim 1, wherein one or more
envelopes each comprise a flap which results in a localised
increased thickness of the envelope, and wherein the block
comprises one or more inserts provided in-between the envelopes, to
counteract the localised increase in thickness and to promote
and/or maintain a more cuboid series formation of envelopes.
11. The block of packaged envelopes of claim 1, wherein one or more
envelopes each comprise a flap which results in a localised
increased thickness of the envelope, and wherein such envelopes
each comprise one or more edges which have a thickness similar to
that of the flap-related localised increased thickness of the
envelope, to counteract the localised increase in thickness and to
promote and/or maintain a more cuboid series formation of
envelopes.
12. Apparatus for producing a block of packaged envelopes, the
apparatus comprising: a clamp arranged to clamp together: a first
paper-based rigid sheet at a first end of a series of envelopes, a
plurality of envelopes arranged in the series, the envelopes facing
one another, and a second paper-based rigid sheet at a second,
opposite end of the series, such that the plurality of envelopes
are located in-between the first and second paper-based rigid
sheets, and maintained in that configuration by the clamp; and a
wrapper, arranged to provide a binder that extends around the
paper-based rigid sheets and the plurality of envelopes located
in-between the sheets, to bind the plurality of envelopes in series
arrangement, and to form the block of packaged envelopes.
13. A method of producing a block of packaged envelopes, the method
comprising: clamping together: a first paper-based rigid sheet at a
first end of a series of envelopes, a plurality of envelopes
arranged in the series, the envelopes facing one another, and a
second paper-based rigid sheet at a second, opposite end of the
series, such that the plurality of envelopes are located in-between
the first and second paper-based rigid sheets; providing a binder
that extends around the paper-based rigid sheets and the plurality
of envelopes located in-between the sheets, to bind the plurality
of envelopes in series arrangement; removing the clamp.
14. The method of producing a block of packaged envelopes of claim
13, wherein clamping is applied against the first and second
paper-based rigid sheets.
15. The method of producing a block of packaged envelopes of claim
13, wherein the binder also initially extends around a portion of a
clamp that performs the clamping, and the clamp is subsequently
removed such that the binder is in contact with the first and
second paper-based rigid sheets and/or the series of envelopes.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to packaged
envelopes, and in particular to a block of packaged envelopes. The
present invention also relates generally to apparatus and a method
for producing such a block of packaged envelopes.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims priority from United Kingdom patent
application number GB1606401.6, the entire content of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0003] It is of course known to send items by mail within an
envelope. Individual or more casual users of the mail system may
purchase one or more individual envelopes at a time, or small packs
of envelopes, for use as and when necessary. However, more
commercial users of the mail system may order, use and generally
handle envelopes in bulk. In such a more commercial scenario, it is
often more efficient to use blocks of packaged envelopes, for
example when shipping the envelopes to the commercial user, or even
when being handled by the commercial user, for example when loading
the envelopes into an automated envelope packing or mailing
system.
[0004] It is desirable to ensure that the blocks of packaged
envelopes are packaged with sufficient structural integrity for
handling and so on, but at the same time with as little excess
packaging as possible. Minimising packaging leads to minimising the
size and weight of the block of packaged envelopes for shipping,
handling and storage, but at the same time reduces waste associated
with the use of the block of packaged envelopes.
[0005] As discussed in more detail below, one approach to packaging
envelopes in a block configuration is to locate the envelopes in a
cardboard box or similar. However, this can lead to excess
packaging and, as a result, waste. A more recent alternative has
been to replace the cardboard box with rigid plastic sheets located
at either end of a series of envelopes, the rigid plastic sheets
being used to provide structural integrity to the block of
envelopes as a whole. However, this latter development is also not
ideal, since the plastic sheets bring an element to the packaging
that is difficult or sometimes impossible to readily recycle or
dispose of in a responsible manner.
SUMMARY
[0006] It is an example aim of example embodiments of the present
invention to at least partly diminish or avoid the disadvantages of
the prior art as discussed herein or elsewhere, or to at least
provide a viable alternative to prior art implementations.
[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is
provided a block of packaged envelopes, comprising: a plurality of
envelopes arranged in series, facing one another; a first
paper-based rigid sheet at a first end of the series; a second
paper-based rigid sheet at a second, opposite end of the series;
the plurality of envelopes being located in-between the first and
second paper-based rigid sheets; and a binder that extends around
the paper-based rigid sheets and the plurality of envelopes located
in-between the sheets, to bind the plurality of envelopes in series
arrangement, and to form the block of packaged envelopes.
[0008] The first and second paper-based rigid sheets may comprise
card or cardboard.
[0009] The first and second paper-based rigid sheets may be
separate from one another.
[0010] The first and second paper-based rigid sheets may be rigid
in that each sheet is more rigid than: a packaged envelope, or a
substantial portion of a packaged envelope, or a substantial
portion of a face of such a packaged envelope.
[0011] The binder may extend around the paper-based rigid sheets
and the plurality of envelopes located in-between the sheets, such
that a top edge and/or a bottom edge of each envelope is
substantially unencumbered by the binder.
[0012] The top edge may comprise or partially define an envelope
flap or other opening, and the bottom edge may be substantially
opposite to the top edge.
[0013] Each of the first and second paper-based rigid sheets may be
each adjacent to and substantially cover a face of an end envelope
of the series.
[0014] The binder may be elastic.
[0015] The binder may be a polymer film.
[0016] One or more envelopes may each comprise a flap which results
in a localised increased thickness of the envelope. The block might
comprise one or more inserts provided in-between the envelopes, to
counteract the localised increase in thickness and to promote
and/or maintain a more cuboid series formation of envelopes.
[0017] One or more envelopes might each comprise a flap which
results in a localised increased thickness of the envelope. Such
envelopes might each comprise one or more edges which have a
thickness similar to that of the flap-related localised increased
thickness of the envelope, to counteract the localised increase in
thickness and to promote and/or maintain a more cuboid series
formation of envelopes.
[0018] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is
provided apparatus for producing a block of packaged envelopes, the
apparatus comprising: a clamp arranged to clamp together a first
paper-based rigid sheet at a first end of a series of envelopes, a
plurality of envelopes arranged in the series, the envelopes facing
one another, and a second paper-based rigid sheet at a second,
opposite end of the series, such that the plurality of envelopes
are located in-between the first and second paper-based rigid
sheets, and maintained in that configuration by the clamp; and a
wrapper, arranged to provide a binder that extends around the
paper-based rigid sheets and the plurality of envelopes located
in-between the sheets, to bind the plurality of envelopes in series
arrangement, and to form the block of packaged envelopes.
[0019] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method of producing a block of packaged envelopes, the
method comprising: clamping together: a first paper-based rigid
sheet at a first end of a series of envelopes, a plurality of
envelopes arranged in the series, the envelopes facing one another,
and a second paper-based rigid sheet at a second, opposite end of
the series, such that the plurality of envelopes are located
in-between the first and second paper-based rigid sheets; providing
a binder that extends around the paper-based rigid sheets and the
plurality of envelopes located in-between the sheets, to bind the
plurality of envelopes in series arrangement; removing the
clamp.
[0020] Clamping might be applied against the first and second
paper-based rigid sheets.
[0021] The binder might also initially extend around a portion of a
clamp that performs the clamping, and the clamp is subsequently
removed such that the binder is in contact with the first and
second paper-based rigid sheets and/or the series of envelopes.
[0022] It will be appreciated by the skilled person, from a reading
of this disclosure in combination with the inherent knowledge of
the skilled person, that unless clearly mutually exclusive, one or
more features of any aspect of the invention might be combined
with, and/or replace one or more features of any other aspect of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0023] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how
embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will
now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic
Figures in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a block of envelopes;
[0025] FIG. 2 schematically depicts a block of envelopes packaged
in a cardboard box;
[0026] FIGS. 3 to 6 schematically depict the packaging of a block
of envelopes using rigid plastic sheets;
[0027] FIGS. 7 to 9 schematically depict the packaging of a block
of envelopes using rigid paper-based sheets, according to an
example embodiment;
[0028] FIGS. 10 to 15 schematically depict principles and apparatus
for producing a block of packaged envelopes according to an example
embodiment;
[0029] FIGS. 16 to 18 schematically depict problems associated with
a packaging series of envelopes, and a proposed solution; and
[0030] FIG. 19 schematically depicts a method of producing a block
of packaged envelopes according to an example embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0031] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a block of envelopes 2. The
block of envelopes 2 comprises a plurality of envelopes arranged in
series, facing one another. It is often necessary to handle such a
block of envelopes 2 in a unitary manner, such that the block can
be moved as a single element, as opposed to having to move a
sub-set of the envelopes of the block 2 at any one time.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows that the block of envelopes of FIG. 1 may be
conveniently located in a cardboard box 4, for example, for general
handling and so on. The cardboard box 4 is convenient, in that it
is relatively cheap. It is also more rigid than the envelopes 2, so
that the block 2 and box 4 together maintain their structural
integrity during handling. The box 4 can be made to be relatively
tight fitting with respect of the block of envelopes 2, to ensure
that little or no damage occurs to the block of envelopes during
handling. Of course, another highly significant benefit of the use
of the cardboard box 4 is the relative ease by which such a box 4
may be constructed and disposed of, and in particularly
recycled.
[0033] Although the use of the cardboard box 4 is in many ways very
convenient, there are also disadvantages. For example, when the
envelopes need to be removed from the box 4, the box 4 will then
serve little or no purpose whatsoever, and is thus simply treated
as waste. The amount of waste might be significant in a commercial
environment, where many blocks 2 might be used. Storing the waste
might be inconvenient, and disposing of the waste might also be
inconvenient. So, it is desirable to minimise the amount of waste
that needs to be stored and disposed of. Finally, the amount of
packaging might be excessive simply in terms of required packaging,
regardless of the subsequent problem of waste disposal.
[0034] More recently, an alternative to the cardboard box of FIG. 2
has been proposed as a significant improvement. FIG. 3 shows the
block of envelopes 2. Rigid plastic sheets 6 are located at each
end of the series of envelopes forming the block 2. The rigid
plastic sheets 6 may be scaffold, skeleton or frame like, to
maintain rigidity whilst at the same time minimising size or
weight.
[0035] FIG. 4 shows the block of envelopes 2 with the rigid plastic
sheets 6 located at either end of the series of envelopes forming
the block 2.
[0036] FIG. 5 then shows that a binder 8 is provided which extends
around the rigid plastic sheets 6 and the series of series of
envelopes 2 located in between the sheets 6, to bind the envelopes
2 in the series arrangement, and to form the block of packaged
envelopes.
[0037] FIG. 6 shows that an alternative rigid plastic sheet 10 may
be used, which is more sheet-like. The sheet 10 might be provided
with one or more apertures 12, for example for receiving one or
more arms or fingers of a machine used in the packaging or
un-packaging of the envelopes 2.
[0038] The idea behind the use of rigid plastic sheets, and binder,
is that the overall amount of packaging is reduced, when compared
with, for example the cardboard box approach of FIG. 2. For
instance, FIG. 5 shows that the structural integrity of the block
of envelopes or the block of packaged envelopes as a whole is
maintained, without the need for a covering or base otherwise
supporting a top or bottom of the block of envelopes 2. That is,
the block 2 may maintain structural integrity simply by use of the
binder pushing or otherwise compressing the rigid sheets 6 into and
toward faces of the series of envelopes 2, since this maintains the
envelopes in the block-like series configuration. This simple but
effective approach might mean that the amount of packaging is
significantly reduced, which might reduce shipping costs, storage
costs, disposal time and costs and so on.
[0039] However, much like the situation with the cardboard box of
FIG. 2, while the rigid plastic sheet approach of FIG. 6 is often
convenient, it is not ideal. For instance, the use of rigid plastic
sheets 6, 10 may be more harmful for the environment than the use
of a cardboard box, and the rigid plastic sheets 6, 10 may be
over-engineered in comparison with a cardboard box.
[0040] According to an aspect of the present invention,
disadvantages of the existing approaches of, at least, FIGS. 1 to
6, may be at least partially overcome or entirely avoided.
According to example embodiments, these aims may be achieved by
taking the best aspects of the cardboard box approach, and the best
aspects of the rigid plastic sheet approach, and excluding the
parts of both approaches which are associated with disadvantages.
In particular, this means that, according to example embodiments,
the rigid plastic sheets of the example of FIGS. 3-6 are, quite
simply but effectively, replaced with paper-based rigid sheets.
[0041] The simple changing of a rigid plastic sheet to a rigid
paper-based sheet may seem simple. In many ways, this is the case.
However, the approach is nevertheless extremely effective, and
takes the advantages of the cardboard box approach in terms of
paper-based sheets being easy to produce, brand, process, and
dispose and recycle, but also takes the approach of the rigid
plastic sheet example, in there being no need to provide a rigid
sheet or other sheet around the entirety of the external surface of
the block of envelopes, thereby minimising the amount of material
(paper-based or otherwise) that is required.
[0042] FIG. 7 schematically depicts a block of envelopes 2. The
block 2 comprises a plurality of envelopes arranged in a series,
facing one another. First and second paper-based rigid sheets 20
are, respectively, located at first and second ends of the series
of envelopes that form the block 2.
[0043] It can be seen that the rigid paper-based sheets 20 are
separate from one another. That is, the sheets 20 are not connected
to one another, for example by a connecting piece of paper-based
material, which might be the case in a cardboard box-like approach
described above. In other words, such an interconnecting piece or
the like is not required in this example. Simple square or
rectangular sheets are all that is required.
[0044] The paper-based sheets 20 are conveniently formed from card
or cardboard, or any other rigid form of paper-based configuration
that is more rigid than an envelope to be packaged, a substantial
portion of such an envelope, or a substantial portion of a face of
such an envelope. In other words, the sheet needs to be generally
more rigid than one or more envelopes in order to ensure that, when
packaged, the block has structural integrity, and leads to little
or no damage to the envelopes.
[0045] It can be seen that each of the first and second paper-based
rigid sheets 20 are adjacent to and substantially cover a face of
an end envelope of the series 2. This might assist in protecting
not only the end envelopes, but one or more envelopes at the ends
of the series, for example from bending or tearing during handling
and the like, or at the very least may improve the structural
integrity of the block of packaging below as a whole.
[0046] In an alternative, each sheet might comprise one or more
holes for reducing the weight of, or amount of material
constituting, the sheet, while at the same time providing
sufficient rigidity. The one or more holes could be perforations,
or more sizeable apertures.
[0047] Referring back to the present example, FIG. 8 shows the
block of envelopes 2 with the rigid paper-based sheets 20 located
at either end of the series of envelopes that form the block 2.
[0048] FIG. 9 shows that the rigid paper-based sheets 20 are
maintained in contact with the series of envelopes that form the
block 2 by way of a binder 22. The binder 22 extends around the
paper-based rigid sheets 20 and the plurality of envelopes 2
located in between the sheets 20, in order to bind the plurality of
envelopes 2 in a series of arrangement, and to therefore form a
block of packaged envelopes.
[0049] The binder 22 can be anything that is capable of binding and
thus maintaining the plurality of envelopes in the series
arrangement. For example, the binder 22 might be a tape, strip,
sheet, or wrap, or anything which will fulfill the needs described
previously. The binder 22 might conveniently be formed from an
elastic material which might assist not only in the maintaining of
a series arrangement but also be convenient for use in the
application of the binder to the rigid sheets 20 and envelopes 2.
Alternatively and/or additionally, the binder might be conveniently
formed from a polymer film which might be easy to produce, apply,
dispose of and so on. Also, a polymer film might be very
lightweight yet strong, but at the same time have other desirable
properties, for example being transparent, or easy to print on, and
so on. The binder might be at least partially transparent, so as to
allow the envelopes/rigid sheets to be visible when bound.
[0050] Referring back to FIG. 9, and in summary, it can be seen
that the finished block of packaged envelopes takes much the same
advantageous general form as that already described in relation to
the rigid plastic sheet approach of FIG. 5. However, the main
advantages of the approach of the example embodiments is the
relatively ease by which paper-based sheets may be produced and
disposed of in comparison with the use of rigid plastic sheets.
Again, the benefits of a cardboard box, and the benefits of plastic
rigid liners, are brought together, but without related
disadvantages.
[0051] FIGS. 10 to 15 will now be used to describe principles and
apparatus for producing the block of packaged envelopes, for
instance the block of packaged envelopes as already shown in and
described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0052] FIG. 10 shows the block of envelopes 2. Opposing arms or
parts of a clamp 30 are used to bring or urge the paper-based rigid
sheets 20 into contact with the block of envelopes 2.
[0053] FIG. 11 shows the situation when the paper-based rigid
sheets 20 have been brought into engagement and contact with the
block of envelopes 2 by the clamp 30.
[0054] FIG. 12 shows that the block 2, sheets 20, and clamp 30 may
together be located within a wrapper 32 (e.g. a wrapping station,
system or configuration). Alternatively, the wrapper 32 may be
brought about and or located around the block 2, sheets 20, and
clamp 30. The wrapper 32 is arranged to provide the binder 22 that
extends around the paper-based rigid sheets 20, and envelopes 2. In
this particular example, and due to the nature of the clamping 30,
the binder 22 also initially extends around a portion of the clamp
30 that performs the clamping.
[0055] The binder 22 may be applied in any particular manner, for
example by relative movement between the wrapper 32 or a part
thereof and clamp 30, sheets 20, and envelopes 2. In general, the
binder 22 might be conveniently wrapped around the clamp 30, sheets
20 and envelopes 2.
[0056] FIG. 13 shows the situation when the binder 22 has been
applied.
[0057] FIG. 14 shows the clamp 30 being removed. One or more parts
of the clamp 30 being tapered or relatively non-stick in nature
might facilitate relatively easy removal of the clamp from
in-between part of the binder 22 and the paper-based rigid sheets
20.
[0058] FIG. 15 shows the finished lock of packaged envelopes,
comprising the envelopes in series 2, the paper-based rigid sheets
20 located at either end of the series, and the binder 22 extending
around the sheets 20 and envelopes 2.
[0059] It can be seen that in at least the examples described so
far, the binder 22 extends around the paper-based rigid sheets 20
and the plurality of envelopes 2 located in-between the sheets 20,
such that a top edge and/or a bottom edge of each envelope in the
series is substantially unencumbered by the binder 22--i.e. not
covered or impinged upon by the binder 22. Firstly, such an
arrangement means that any unnecessary packaging in the form of
excessive binder is not required, reducing costs and weight. At the
same time, the envelopes 2 might be unpacked and, for example,
loaded into other machinery in a convenient manner, simply by
removal of the binder 22, allowing the envelopes to fall or
otherwise be loaded into the machinery in a straight forward
manner.
[0060] It will be appreciated that "top" and "bottom" might be
understood as relative terms. However, it is common in the art for
the top edge to be understood as comprising or at least partially
defining an envelope flap or other opening, and the bottom edge as
being substantially opposite to such a top edge.
[0061] In all of the previous examples, a block-like series of
envelopes has been shown and described. In some instances, the
block-shape might be relatively easy or straight forward to achieve
or maintain. However, this might depend on the particular features
of the envelopes that are used. These particular features might,
without some form of intervention, actually make it quite difficult
to achieve the uniform block-shape shown above. For instance, FIG.
16 shows a series of envelopes 40. Each envelope 42 in this series
40 is provided with a flap 44 for use in gaining access to and
sealing an internal space of the envelope 42. It can be seen that
this flap 44 results in a localised increase in thickness of each
envelope 42 which, when a plurality of such envelopes are located
in the series, results in the series not having a block-form. The
block exhibits a fan-like or taper shape or similar. This is not
ideal for packaging or handling. It is desirable to at least
encourage the formation of a block-like shape.
[0062] FIG. 17 shows that a block-shape might be achieved by
locating one or more inserts 46 in-between the envelopes 44, away
from, or not including, the region defining or comprising the flap
44, to counteract the localised increase in thickness of the flap
44. The inserts 46 might have the same sort of thickness as the
flap 44. It can be seen that a more block-like cuboid form is the
result of the use of such inserts 46.
[0063] The inserts might be paper-based in construction, so as to
be easily produced and disposed of along with waste sheets
described previously.
[0064] FIG. 18 depicts an alternative to the solution of FIG. 17,
by the use of modified or different envelopes 52. Each envelope 52
again comprises a flap 54 for gaining access to an internal space
of the envelope 52, or for sealing the envelope 52. Flap 54 again
results in a localised increase in the thickness of the envelope
52. In this embodiment and different from that described in FIG.
17, each envelope 52 comprises one or more edges 56 which have a
thickness similar to that of the flap 54, or at least the
flap-related localised increase in thickness of the envelope 52.
The thicker edges (or more generally, regions) counteract the
localised flap-related increase in thickness, and so promote and/or
maintain the more cuboid block-like series formation of
envelopes.
[0065] The thicker edges 56 might be integrally formed with the
envelope 52, for example comprising additional material in the
construction of the envelope, or one or more folds or creases or
the like in the envelope. It might well be that the edges 56 with
increased thickness do not extend along, about or around an entire
perimeter, length or face of the envelope, but only at certain
locations of the envelope, for example along all or parts of (e.g.
at corners or a middle of) an edge opposite the flap.
[0066] FIG. 19 is a flow chart schematically depicting a method of
producing a block of packaged envelopes according to an example
embodiment. The method largely summarises the methodology and
principles already described above. The method comprises clamping
together: a first paper-based rigid sheet at a first end of a
series of envelopes, a plurality of envelopes arranged in the
series, the envelopes facing one another, and a second paper- based
rigid sheet at a second, opposite end of the series, such that the
plurality of envelopes are located in-between the first and second
paper-based rigid sheets 60. A binder is then provided that extends
around the paper-based sheets and the plurality of envelopes
located in-between the sheets, to bind the plurality of envelopes
in series arrangement 62. The clamp is then removed 64, to leave
the block of packaged envelopes.
[0067] It is worth repeating that even though the invention is
quite simple, and is closely related to at least the two previous
approaches to packaging or producing blocks of envelopes, the
benefits are nevertheless extremely significant to the industry.
No-one has yet realised that the best portions of the two prior art
approaches can be used or taken advantage of, whilst at the same
time not employing certain parts of these approaches which are
associated with certain disadvantages. The result is a simple but
effective and extremely advantageous solution which has far more
benefits than the previous approaches, yet none of the
drawbacks.
[0068] It will be appreciated that the invention might be employed
in a new block of packaging envelopes, or a new apparatus for
producing such a block of packaged envelopes, or a related new
method. However, the invention might also be implemented by
modification of existing apparatus or methods. For example,
existing methods which employ rigid plastic-based sheets might be
modified by replacing those plastic sheets with paper-based sheets
described above. This simple but extremely effective change will
result in a block of packaged envelopes that is more efficient to
make, handle, and process, and for which the packaging is easier to
dispose of in a responsible manner and/or recycle.
[0069] Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and
described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
various changes and modifications might be made without departing
from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended
claims.
[0070] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are
filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in
connection with this application and which are open to public
inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such
papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
[0071] All of the features disclosed in this specification
(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or
all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be
combined in any combination, except combinations where at least
some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
[0072] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any
accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by
alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[0073] The invention is not restricted to the details of the
foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or
any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this
specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and
drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the
steps of any method or process so disclosed.
* * * * *