Patent Application
20060043159
The invention relates generally to return mailers, and more particularly to return mailers adapted for attaching an enclosed article to an object during shipment, and returning the article after the object has reached its destination.
There are many circumstances where it may be desirable to monitor and record the environmental parameters to which objects are exposed during transit. For example, the quality and safety of pharmaceuticals, food products, chemicals, and biological products can be adversely affected by improper temperature control during processing, distribution, and storage.
Electronic monitoring devices, such as data loggers, can be used to monitor and record a variety of different environmental parameters during transit. Data loggers are small, battery-powered devices that may be equipped with a microprocessor, instruments, and a memory for storing data. Data loggers may be programmed to take specific measurements at desired time intervals. Data loggers can also be programmed with unique identification codes that can be used to identify the environmental conditions to which a specific object has been exposed. The information stored on a data logger can be retrieved and analyzed by connecting the data logger to a computer or reader that can retrieve and display the stored readings. Depending upon design, data loggers can be activated wirelessly with a reader, or manually by pushing a button or flipping a switch.
Retrieving and storing data may help suppliers and manufacturers improve quality control and track possible environmental conditions that could adversely affect the object being shipped. To accomplish this task, a data logger may be shipped with an object. Upon reaching its destination, the information stored in the data logger can be retrieved for analysis and storage. In some cases, it may be desirable to return the data logger to the point of origin or some other location for data retrieval and possible reuse. To return the data logger, the individual returning the data logger would typically need to place it in an envelope to be shipped an appropriate destination. Return mailers could also be used to return the data logger. The majority of currently available return mailers are designed to be sealed for an initial mailing and then are opened, and resealed for the return mailing.
The above methods typically require the recipient of the object being monitored to place the data logger in an envelope and deposit it with a mail delivery service. This could require the sender to handle the data logger, address a label, and ensure that the data logger is properly secured in the envelope. In some cases, the organization or individual may not be inclined to take the effort to timely place the data logger in an envelope or reseal the return mailer. In other cases, it may difficult to locate the data logger for return shipment. In still other cases, the data logger or multiple data loggers could be misplaced or misidentified. All of the above problems may result in efficiencies in using and returning the data loggers.
Thus, there exists a need for a return mailer that can be used to securely attach a data logger to an object, and to quickly and efficiently return the data logger after it has reached its destination.
The present invention is a return mailer that is adeptly suited for return shipment of data loggers after they have completed their environmental monitoring functions. The return mailer comprises a pouch for receiving a data logger and a flap having a sealing agent that is separated into first and second zones by a line of weakening. The first zone of sealing agent seals closed the opening of the pouch, and the second zone of sealing agent attaches the mailer to an object. Both zones of sealing agent are covered with a single release liner. Removing the release liner exposes both zones of sealing agent so that the mailer can be quickly sealed and attached to an object. After the object has reached its final destination, the return mailer portion can be separated from flap by tearing along the line of weakening. The previously sealed return mailer can then be deposited with a postal or parcel delivery service for return delivery.
The return mailer of the invention provides an apparatus and method for efficiently and quickly returning a data logger or other device to its source. The line of weakening allows the recipient to easily remove the return portion of the mailer from the object. The return mailer can also be placed on an outside surface of an object so that it may be easily located by the recipient of the object. Additionally, sealing the opening of the pouch at the point of origin ensures that the data logger is secured within the pouch and may help reduce the need to further handle the data logger at the destination of the object.
Thus, the invention provides a return mailer that can be used to efficiently and quickly attach a pouch containing an electronic monitoring device to an object, and return the electronic monitoring device to a desired destination after it has completed its monitoring functions.
Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
With reference to
The top edge 66 of main flap 25 extends from the front sheet 15 beyond the top edge 68 of the rear sheet along the opening 14 of the pouch. The main flap 25 in some embodiments may merely be a continuous extension of front sheet 15. The main flap 25 has an inner surface 27 facing in the direction of the rear sheet 20. In some embodiments, the detachable flap 25a may be connected to the pouch by a line of weakening 45, for example by providing a score line or plurality of perforations in a single sheet to form two portions connected to each other by the line of weakening. The term “line of weakening” includes any structure or configuration adapted to facilitate the selective removal of one portion on one side of the line of weakening from another portion on the opposite side of the line of weakening. In some embodiments, the line of weakening 45 may extend laterally across the main flap 25. In other embodiments, the line of weakening may be disposed within the interior of the pouch 12 and extend laterally across the front sheet 15. Typically, the line of weakening 45 may be disposed adjacent and parallel to the opening 14 of the pouch. The line of weakening defines detachable flap 25a and a removable pouch portion 12a. The line of weakening 45 may be provided by a plurality of openings or perforations that extend across the surface of the main flap. The perforations should be spaced sufficiently close to one another along the line 45 so that the removable pouch portion can be easily separated from the detachable flap.
A sealing agent, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, is disposed at least partially on the inner surface 27 of the detachable flap 25a. The sealing agent typically comprises first 35 and second 40 sealing agent zones, also referred to as adhesive zones, disposed on opposite sides of the line of weakening 45. The first adhesive zone 35 is typically disposed between the pouch opening 14 and the line of weakening 45. The first adhesive zone 35 is adapted for sealing closed the opening of the pouch, and the second adhesive zone 40 is adapted for attaching the pouch 12 to an object. The adhesive zones may comprise a continuous surface of adhesive separated by the line of weakening, or alternatively, may comprise separate and distinct stripes of adhesive that are spaced apart. The sealing agent may comprise a variety of materials including, but not limited to, adhesive or paste, tape, and similar materials that are suitable for sealing the opening of the pouch and attaching the flap to the surface of an object.
In some embodiments, the first and second adhesive zones may be substantially disposed on the main flap 25. In this embodiment, the first adhesive zone may cooperate with a closure flap disposed on the rear sheet opposite the first sealing agent zone. In this regard, FIG. 2 illustrates a return mailer 10 having a detachable flap 25a and a closure flap 30. The front and rear sheets 15, 20 are attached at side edges 60, 62. An upper portion of the rear sheet 20 extends upwardly above the attached side edges 60, 62 defining closure flap 30. At a desired time, the first adhesive zone 35 may be brought into face-to-face sealing contact with the closure flap 30 to seal closed the opening 14 of the pouch.
Alternatively, the first adhesive zone 35 may be at least partially disposed on an interior surface of the front sheet. In this embodiment, the first zone of adhesive may be disposed in the interior of the pouch adjacent to the opening 14 of the pouch. In this regard,
The return mailer 10, 10a may also comprise a release liner for protecting the adhesive from premature contact with objects or other portions of the mailer. In this regard,
The material from which the pouch may be formed comprises a wide variety of materials including, but not limited to, thermoplastic material, cardboard, paperboard, paper, or the like. The edges 60, 62, 64 of the pouch can be attached to each other using a variety of bonding techniques including, for example, an adhesive. In embodiments where the pouch 12 comprises a thermoplastic material, the edges 60, 62, 64 of the pouch can be formed by bonding the front and rear sheet to each other with an adhesive, thermal, ultrasonic fusion, or other suitable bonding method.
With reference to
After the object 100 has reached its desired destination, the return pouch portion of the mailer can be easily detached from the detachable flap 25a by tearing along the line of weakening 45. In this regard,
In some embodiments, the recipient may also be able to retrieve data from the data logger without having to handle or remove the data logger from the pouch. In some embodiments, the data logger may include a radio frequency (RF) transceiver for wireless communication with a reader. As a result, the recipient may also be able to monitor and track environmental conditions before returning the data logger. In some embodiments, the return mailer may also be supplied with instructions for handling the mailer and retrieving stored data from the electronic monitoring device. The instructions in some embodiments may be printed on the exterior surface of the envelope, typically on the outer surface opposite the address indicia. Alternatively, the instructions could be printed on a card that may be disposed in the interior of the envelope, and that may be read through the envelope by the recipient. Possible instructions can include what to do with the object or goods if the retrieved data indicates that a predetermined environmental threshold, such as temperature exposure, has been exceeded. For instance, if the object is temperature sensitive, the instructions could instruct the recipient, for example, to retain, return, discard, or sell the object at a discounted price, or the like. Typically, if no predetermined event or environmental threshold has been exceeded, the object will be retained and handled in a usual or ordinary manner. The instructions could also instruct the recipient on how the retrieved data should be further handled, such as analyzed, stored, deleted, forwarded to a desired recipient, or the like. In some cases, it may be desirable to compile a database for tracking various conditions and exposure histories that may occur during transit.
It should be recognized that the return mailer may be used to enclose and return a variety of different articles. For example, articles such as time-temperature indicators, shock labels, tracking data, and the like can be used in the practice of the invention.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
