Reusable envelope structures and methods

摘要

The present invention provides reusable envelope structures, kits for forming reusable envelope structures, and methods of using envelopes formed from such structures and kits. Reusable envelope structures can be formed and kits can be formed for converting existing envelopes to reusable envelopes in accordance with the present invention. As such, envelopes may advantageously be provided that can be reused one or more times.

主权项

1. A reusable envelope, comprising:
an envelope body having a width; and a reusable sealing flap, said sealing flap comprising at least:
a first flap portion proximal to said envelope body and extending along said envelope body for a length;a second flap portion extending from said first flap portion distal from said envelope body;a side flap edge at least partially corresponding with at least one of said first and second flap portions;a boundary comprising a tear off portion and a bridge portion, said tear off portion extending partially longitudinally along said sealing flap so said tear off portion comprises an end spaced inwardly from said side flap edge and spaced from said side flap edge wherein said bridge portion comprises material between said inwardly spaced end of said tear off portion and said side flap edge adjacent an intersection of said first and second flap portions so that said bridge portion at least partially connects said first and second flap portions and so said bridge portion is structurally capable of at least partially maintaining the connection between said first and second flap portions after said tear off portion is at least partially removed from said reusable sealing flap;first and second adhesive regions formed on said first and second flap portions, respectively, each spaced apart from said boundary along which said first portion of said sealing flap can be separated from said second flap portion; anda stress concentrator within said bridge portion material and extensive between an edge of said bridge portion material adjacent to said tear off portion and said side flap edge that facilitates severing of said second flap portion from said first flap portion;wherein said second adhesive region can be used to seal said envelope a first time, said second portion of said sealing flap can be separated from said first flap portion to open said envelope, and said first flap portion and said first adhesive region can together be used to close and seal said envelope a second time.