Envelopes – wrappers – and paperboard boxes – Envelope – Closures
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-24
2001-09-18
Pascua, Jes F. (Department: 3727)
Envelopes, wrappers, and paperboard boxes
Envelope
Closures
Reexamination Certificate
active
06290120
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a closure system and more specifically to a closure system for paper or plastic products.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Since the advent of letter writing, closure systems for paper products such as envelopes have progressed from sealing wax to more innovative closure systems that use a variety of adhesives and sealing mechanisms. Many of these closure systems often require wetting the adhesive or removing an additional element such as a pull tear or release paper.
The purpose for developing some of these closure systems was to improve convenience for the user when sending paper products such as envelopes, as well as trying to increase the confidentiality associated with sending letters. Prior art closure systems have been devised to address some of the aforenoted problems with closure systems.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,229 issued to Shimazaki on Dec. 12, 1995 describes a method and apparatus for stacking pressure-sensitive adhesive envelopes. The invention relates to a stack of envelopes wherein each envelope can be easily removed from the stack and used without having to moisten the flap. Specifically the flaps of the envelopes are treated on the backside with a release coating and on the front side with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The envelopes are stacked with the flaps open so that there is an impermanent, adhering interface between the release coating and the pressure sensitive adhesive.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,855 issued to Michlin on Jul. 1, 1997 discloses a composite outgoing mailer and return envelope form. The invention describes a one piece Z-folding form for a outgoing mailer. With the removal of tear strips from two sides of the outgoing mailer and removable panels, the remainder may be folded into a return envelope.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,594 issued to Kaye on Mar. 28, 1995 discloses a reversible-returnable envelope blank. Specifically the reversible and returnable envelope blank is generally cross-shaped and uses a non-permanent reusable, resealable low tack pressure sensitive adhesive so that the envelope can be folded inside out and used as a return envelope.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,764 issued to Sauerwine on Dec. 27, 1994 describes a double parallel heat seal mailer. The invention discloses a double parallel mailer which may include a return envelope with a side edge opening or a booklet. More specifically the mailer includes a first outgoing portion and a return portion which can be detached from the first outgoing portion.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,613 issued to Lin on Oct. 1, 1991, describes a two-way envelope. More specifically the invention discloses an envelope that may be used for both an original and return mailers and includes removable and reusable address labels. The invention further describes a number of different ways to fold the mailer so that there is an outgoing portion and a second return portion.
A closure system for both paper and plastic products that does not require any moistening of the adhesive, allows for easy application to envelopes or mailing systems, and allows for easy storage, printing and use of the paper and plastic products is desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved closure system.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a closure system comprising of an engageable surface, a passive surface, and a means for engaging the engageable surface. The passive surface and the means for engaging the engageable surface may be juxtapose to one another so that the passive means and the means for engaging the engageable surface associate with one another in a first unsealed position. The means for engaging the engageable surface may then associate with the engageable surface in a second sealed position.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a closure system where the passive means and the means for engaging the engageable surface are disposed parallel to one another.
Preferably, the means for engaging the engageable surface of the closure system may be further defined as a dry pressure sensitive adhesive and the passive means may be further defined as a release film.
In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the engageable surface may be applied to either to paper or plastic, such as paper envelopes.
Conveniently, the closure system may be applied to a two-way mailer having an outgoing mailer portion and a return mailer where the engageable surface is paper. The closure system may also be applied to a return mailer where the mailer includes a statement portion and a return envelope.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the closure system may be applied to a V-fold form that consists of two connected panels. The closure system may be applied to both connected panels, so that the passive means of the first panel associates with the means for engaging the engageable surface of the second panel; and the passive means of the second panel associates with the means for engaging the engageable surface of the first panel.
Advantages of the present invention are: the passive surface and the means for engaging the engageable surface are juxtaposed to one another so that they can associate in an unsealed position; the closure system may be applied to both paper and plastic; the dry, pressure-sensitive adhesive does not require any moisture to be activated; the association of the passive surface with means for engaging the engageable surface when applied to envelopes, allows for easy manufacturing, storage, printing of the envelopes; the configuration of the closure system allows for different formats and orientations of paper and plastic products, such as envelopes, envelope pouches, two-way mailers, return statement mailers, prescription pads and confidential notes.
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Gierczak Eugene J.A.
Ontario Inc. cob as Pep
Pascua Jes F.
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