Receptacle for coins, currency and the like

Abstract

A banking envelope is provided which includes a coin pocket and a currency pocket. The shape of the blank from which the envelope is formed is such that a series of such blanks can be laid out in sequence on a rectangular sheet of stock material without wastage. The coin pocket, which is rectangular in shape, is formed between a central, front panel and a first side panel which is folded backwards on a fold line joining the two panels. The currency pocket, which is open at the top and on one side, is formed between the first side panel and a second side panel, a flap at the bottom of the front panel being folded backward and secured to the second side panel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to receptacles such as banking envelopes for coins, currency and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A number of different forms of banking envelopes have been provided for use by tellers at drive-in windows in handing over currency and coins to customers. Such envelopes afford a convenient way to dispense money so that the money is not dropped or does not blow away. These envelopes characteristically include two recesses or pockets, one for coins and one for currency. Examples of such banking envelopes are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,863,599 (Whitman), 2,917,224 (Humphrey), 2,996,239 (Lennartz), 3,043,493 (Clegg), 3,381,888 (Schleutermann et al.), 3,522,908 (Carrigan), 3,642,195 (Tulisalo), and 3,719,319 (Schleutermann et al.). Other patents of interest which provide two pockets include U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,419,999 (Ness) and 1,420,470 (Burgess). The Clegg patent listed above describes a popular form of banking envelope which contains a generally triangle pocket or recess into which currency can be inserted, and a generally rectangular coin pocket having a closing flap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, a receptacle or envelope is provided for currency, coins and the like which possesses a number of important advantages over banking envelopes and similar receptacles of the prior art. Among the most important of these advantages are the manufacturing savings due to the elimination of waste and savings in time in the use of the receptacle.

Regarding this latter point, the receptacle of the invention greatly aids in spreading up service at bank drive-in windows because of the extremely convenient location of the coin pocket and the easier access for currency provided. Further, in contrast to the envelope of the Clegg patent mentioned above, the currency is completely enclosed. It is noted that the envelope of the Clegg patent provides a coin pocket in the rear of a "side panel" and research has indicated that tellers must spend extra time in separating the portion of the envelope making up the "coin pocket" and, after inserting the coins, in tucking the flap down and then behind the side panel. The coin pocket of the envelope of the invention is located in the front and totally free access is provided. The coin pocket is shallower than that of the Clegg patent making it substantially easier to empty coins therefrom. Further, because of a unique fold therein, the envelope of the invention enables currency to be inserted faster than with the envelope of the Clegg patent, due to the absence of a flap on the area where the currency is inserted. The time saved in the use of the envelope of the invention is an extremely important factor to banks in that the handling of drive-in bank customers is greatly speeded up, thereby aiding in the elimination of the long automobile lines at the teller's windows which often occur at peak hours.

Regarding the manufacturing savings referred to above, the shape of the blank from which the envelope made is such that a series of the blanks can be laid out on a rectangular sheet from a continuous roll of stock material (preferably paper) without any wastage, thus reducing the precious paper stock required in making the blanks. This feature is in part the result of the fact that a rectangular coin pocket is provided in the front of the receptacle in contrast to the triangular currency flap provided in the front of the banking envelope of the Clegg patent. Further, because rectangular shape thereof, the coin pocket of the invention provides a very useful space for an advertising message. The rectangular space provided lends itself to a more suitable and readable advertising layout than the triangular space and the "side" (rear) space of the envelope of the Clegg patent.

According to a further feature of the invention, the flap on the coin pocket of the envelope of the invention is sealed with a cohesive, such as that sold under the trade name "Self-Stick," which does not need moistening and which provides a seal merely through the application of slight pressure. Such a sealing cohesive provides a tighter seal than conventional gum adhesives and also saves time in both the manufacture and use of the envelope.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in, or apparent from, the detailed discussion of a preferred embodiment which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a blank used in the construction of the banking envelope of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a web of rectangular stock material illustrating the manner in which the blanks of FIG. 1 are laid out without waste;

FIG. 3 is view similar to that of FIG. 1 illustrating the first step in the assembly of the banking envelope of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the blank of FIG. 1 illustrating a further step in the assembly of the banking envelope; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the completed envelope indicating the locations of the coin and paper money pockets.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a blank from which the banking envelope of the invention is constructed. In accordance with an important feature of the invention the blank, which is generally denoted 10 in FIG. 1, is of such a shape that a plurality of such blanks can be cut from a rectangular sheet of paper without any wastage of valuable paper stock. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, two blanks 10a and 10b, which correspond to the blank of FIG. 1, are outlined on a sheet S and, as shown, fit together with each other and with adjacent blanks 10c and 10d such that all of the blanks can be cut from sheet S without any material from the sheet being left over. This is not the case with banking envelopes of the prior art, there generally being substantial waste when the envelope blanks are cut out from the basic stock material.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the blank 10 includes a central panel 12 and first and second side panels 14 and 16. The central panel 12 includes a lower flap 18 which, as illustrated, has sloping sides and which is adapted to be folded along a fold line 20. A strip of sealing composition 22, such as the cohesive referred to above, is located on the back of flap 18 along the lower edge thereof.

Panels 14 and 16 are separated from central panel 12 by fold lines 24 and 26, respectively. Although fold lines 24 and 26 are shown for the sake of convenience as straight lines which are parallel to the side edges of panels 14 and 16 and which cleanly divide the panels into wholly separate entities, fold lines 24 and 26 are actually slightly skewed or offset from the locations shown because of the difference in widths between the top and bottom of the central panel, the bottom edge being wider by an amount equal to the difference between the widths of the top and bottom edges of flap 18. Panel 14 includes an upwardly extending portion 14a which has a straight outer side edge and a sloped inner side edge, as illustrated. Panel 16 includes a similar upper portion 16a and is of the same shape. A sealing strip 28 is provided on the outer edge of panel 16 on the back thereof, as viewed in FIG. 1, strip 28 extending along that edge for a distance substantially equal to the height of the central panel 12.

In assembling the receptacle of the invention, side panel 16 is folded backward along fold line 26, as indicated in FIG. 3, so that sealing strip 28 engages the back of panel 12 along the lefthand edge thereof, as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 3. Panel 14 is then folded backwardly along fold line 24 so that panel 14 lies atop (behind) side panel 16. As illustrated in FIG. 4, which is a rear view of the envelope, flap 18 is then folded upwardly along fold line 20 so that flap 18 lies atop panel 14 and sealing strip 22 is brought into engagement with the rear of panel 14. With the use of the cohesive referred to above, securing of strip 28 to panel 12 and strip 22 to panel 14 is effected by merely applying slight pressure thereon.

With the completion of these steps, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a coin pocket 30 is formed in the front of the envelope between central panel 12 and side panel 16. The coin pocket 30 is, as discussed above, rectangular in shape, and with the sealing strip provided, affords secure protection of coins received therein. The upper portion 16a of side panel 16 can serve as a closing flap for coin pocket 30 as shown. In addition, the rectangular space provided on the outer surface of panel 12 is also, as stated above, particularly suited for an advertisement or the like. A currency pocket 32 is formed between panels 16 and 14, currency pocket 32 being open on two sides to provide ready access thereto. It will be appreciated that the receptacle of the invention can be used in carrying other items and that, for example, the currency pocket 32 makes a handy carrying case for bank receipts, checks, etc.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, further cohesive strips 34 and 36 may be provided to produce a semi-permanent closure of pocket 30. As illustrated, strip 34 is secured to the outside, exposed face of flap 16a, while strip 36 is secured to the front face of panel 12 at a location such that the strips 34, 36 mate when flap 16a is closed. The cohesive strips 34, 36 provide both rapid opening and secure closing of flap 16a.

It should be noted that in alternative embodiment, cohesive strip 28 is eliminated (thus further simplifying the assembly of the envelope) since securing of flap 18 to panel 14 provides the necessary holding together of the envelope. Further, although a so-called cohesive strip is preferred, an adhesive strip can also be used for strip 22.

Claims

I claim:

1. A receptacle for currency, coins and the like, said receptacle comprising a single blank comprising a substantially rectangular central panel and first and second substantially rectangular side panels located on opposite sides of said central panel, said receptacle including a first, generally rectangular pocket formed between said central panel and said second side panel, said second side panel being located behind said central panel, a second pocket which is open at the top and on one side and is formed between said second side panel and said first side panel, said first side panel being located behind said second side panel, said central panel including a flap which extends outwardly from said central panel and which lies rearwardly of and is secured to said first side panel at a lower portion thereof, said second side panel including an upper portion which extends beyond the upper edge of said central panel and which is capable of serving as a closing flap for said first pocket, the shape of the upper edge portion of the single blank being the reciprocal of that of the lower edge portion thereof so that a plurality of said blanks can be laid out seriatim along a rectangular sheet of stock material without any material being left over.

2. A banking envelope for holding currency and coins formed from a single blank comprising a central panel and first and second side panels located on opposite sides of said central panel, said central panel including a depending flap portion, said second side panel including a first lateral edge integral with said central panel along a first lateral edge of said central panel and said second side panel being folded backward from said central panel along said first edge to form a first pocket, said first side panel including a first lateral edge integral with said other lateral edge of said central panel and said first side panel being folded backward from said central panel along said first edge of said first side panel so that said first side panel lies behind said second side panel and the other lateral edge of said first side panel is left unsecured, said receptacle further comprising means securing said flap portion of said central panel to the back of said first side panel so as to form a second pocket which is open at the top and on one side, said first and second side panels including upper portions which extend substantially the same amount above the upper edge of said central panel and which are substantially equal in size, the edges of said first and second side panels which lie adjacent to said central panel sloping inwardly toward said central panel and said first and second side panels being substantially rectangular in shape apart from said upper portions, said upper portions defining a space therebetween which is substantially the same size and shape as the flap on said central panel.

3. A receptacle as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first side panel includes an upper portion which extends beyond the upper edge of said central panel and which is equal in size to said upper portion of said second side panel.

4. A receptacle as claimed in claim 1 further comprising means for securing said second panel to said first panel along opposed lateral edges.

5. A receptacle as claimed in claim 4 wherein said second panel is secured to said first panel by a cohesive which does not require moistening and which is made to adhere by pressure only.

6. A banking envelope as claimed in claim 2 further comprising further means securing the outer lateral edge of said second side panel to the back of the central panel along the other lateral edge of said central panel.

7. A banking envelope as claimed in claim 6 wherein said securing means each comprise a cohesive which does not require moistening and which is made to adhere by the application of pressure only.

8. A banking envelope as claimed in claim 7 wherein said first securing means comprises a strip of said cohesive which, before assembly of such envelope, is located on back of said second side panel along said outer lateral edge thereof, and said further securing means comprises a strip of said cohesive which, before assembly of said envelope, is located on the back of said flap portion of said central panel along the lower edge thereof.

9. A banking envelope as claimed in claim 2 wherein said central panel is substantially rectangular in shape apart from said flap portion.

10. A banking envelope as claimed in claim 9 wherein said flap portion of said central panel includes a bottom edge which is parallel to the top edge of said central panel and side edges which slope inwardly.

11. A banking envelope as claimed in claim 2 wherein the upper portion of said second side panel is scored so as to serve as a closing flap for said first pocket.

12. A banking envelope as claimed in claim 11 further comprising a first cohesive strip located on said upper portion of said second panel, and a second cohesive strip located on the front face of said first panel for cooperating with said first cohesive strip to provide closure of said closing flap.