Envelopes – wrappers – and paperboard boxes – Envelope
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-24
2001-02-06
Pascua, Jes F. (Department: 3727)
Envelopes, wrappers, and paperboard boxes
Envelope
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182886
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of mailing or postal envelopes, and more particularly to a rectangular envelope of square articles, such as social expression cards, and a method of making same.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
The social expression card industry is a very large business. Consumers demand a variety of card styles, designs, artwork, and sentiments in order to express properly the thoughts they wish to convey to the recipient. Accordingly, social expression card manufacturers constantly create new cards in order to satisfy consumer demand.
One style of card is a line of square cards, having dimensions of, for example, 5 ¼ inches by 5 ¼ inches, which are different from more traditional rectangular cards. Social expression cards are usually sold along with an envelope that is sized and shaped for the card. Consumer research indicates that consumers expect that a card fit smoothly and fairly tightly within an envelope. Accordingly, consumers prefer an envelope that is about the same shape as, and slightly larger than, the card. Thus, in order to satisfy customers, square cards should be sold with square envelopes.
Current Postal Service regulations require that envelopes meet a minimum aspect ratio, so that the envelopes may be processed smoothly by automated sorting equipment. The aspect ratio is calculated by dividing the length of an envelope by the width. The minimum acceptable aspect ratio for envelopes is 1.3. Envelopes not meeting Postal Service minimum aspect ratio regulations may require extra postage in order to complete delivery.
In order to meet Postal Service aspect ratio regulations, it is thus necessary to mail a square card in a rectangular envelope. However, a square card will slide around in a rectangular envelope, which gives the consumer the impression that the card is not matched to the envelope. Accordingly, is an object of the present invention to provide in envelope that is fitted to a square card, but which meets Postal Service aspect ratio regulations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a rectangular envelope for square articles and a method of making same. The envelope includes a rectangular front panel having a pair of shorter edges and a pair of longer edges. A sealing flap is attached to one of the shorter edges and a back flap is attached to the other shorter edge, A pair of side flaps are attached to the longer edges. The side flaps are folded along the longer sides over the front panel. The back flap is folded along the other shorter side over the front panel and the folded over side flaps. A filler sheet is disposed between the back flap and the front panel adjacent said other shorter edge and between the folded over side flaps. The filler sheet is adhered to the front panel and the back flap. The back flap is adhered to the side flaps. The filler sheet defines a substantially square article holding envelope portion between the filler sheet and the first shorter edge of the front panel.
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Cummings John E.
Quiett Jeffrey L.
Tucker Michael E.
Hallmark Cards Incorporated
Pascua Jes F.
Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP
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