Patent Grant
7721943
The present invention generally relates to mailers and envelopes. The invention relates more specifically to a two way mailer structured to protect a fragile item during both sending and returning the item.
Combination envelopes that can carry an item from a sender to a recipient, and back to the sender, are used in several business contexts. For example, in the context of invoicing and payment, multiple-folded envelopes have been used in which an invoice is affixed by a perforation to a reply envelope. The invoice is folded over and sealed to form a closed sending envelope, and an adhesive strip is provided adjacent to the reply envelope. When the customer receives such an envelope or “piece,” the customer opens the piece, detaches the invoice, inserts a check for payment in the reply envelope, affixes the adhesive strip, and dispatches the sealed reply envelope in the mail. The use of this past approach, however, has been limited to paper enclosures such as invoices and the like.
The development of the Digital Versatile Disc (“DVD”) as a medium for carrying digital movie and video information has led to new rental business models that use postal mail for media transport. For example, Netflix, Inc., of Los Gatos, Calif., offers a DVD rental service in which a subscriber establishes an online “pick list” of DVD movies that the subscriber wishes to rent. When a selected one of the DVD movies on the pick list becomes available in inventory, Netflix mails the selected DVD movie to the subscriber. The subscriber views the DVD and returns it to Netflix by mail. When the DVD is received at Netflix, the subscriber is entitled to receive another available DVD from the pick list.
In this context, however, problems can be encountered as the DVD passes through the postal delivery system. The packaging used to convey the DVD from Netflix to the customer passes through high-speed automatic sorting equipment at postal facilities. Further, the packaging used to convey the DVD from the customer to Netflix passes through high-speed automatic cancellation equipment at postal facilities, during which a postal cancellation mark is applied to the packaging. Because DVDs are manufactured from relatively brittle plastic material, and because the cancellation marks are applied with considerable force, a percentage of DVDs passing through the postal system in this manner are subject to damage, breakage or mutilation. In some cases, the mailers known in the art may not be compatible with automated postal facility equipment. This incompatibility generates additional problems because delays in delivery occur as a consequence of the extra time required to sort the mailers manually.
Another problem relating to two way mailers concerns convenience. Customers of rental approaches, such as the DVD approach described above, demand convenience. When an item is sent to the customer, the customer expects to receive some form of postpaid return packaging with the item. Sending the return packaging separately is not practical or convenient. Accordingly, in this field there is a need for a packaging system in which a sending package and a return package are provided concurrently. Furthermore, customers need a two way mailer with an easy use design. Problems arise when the insertion of the media is too time consuming or difficult for the consumer. Lastly, customers require quick and reliable turn-around times for receipt and return of items.
Based on the foregoing, there is a clear need for a way to package a fragile or breakable item for transport in the postal system from one party to another party in a manner that allows for running through automated equipment and that protects the item from damage, breakage or mutilation. The solution must also provide convenience to customers of rental media. Others have tried to solve the problem by including laminated leading edges of a thickness great enough to ensure the postal cancellation equipment does not come into direct contact with the pocket carrying the breakable object. In these mailers, the DVD is close to the leading edge when the mailer is sent from the sender and close to the trailing edge when the mailer is sent from the recipient. However, the added dimensions of the laminated leading edge results in mailers unable to meet the postal services regulations for first class automatable letters. Because the two way mailers known in the art do not meet first class automatable letters standards, they face an increased postal charge of up to 20%. Furthermore, if mailers are not sent via first class, delivery of the mailer may be delayed. These delays in delivery can be problematic in competitive markets, as customers generally demand quick turn around and on-time delivery from companies renting products such as DVDs. Currently in the United States Postal Service requires that mailers have a maximum height of 6⅛ inches, maximum length of 11½ inches and maximum thickness of ¼ inch in order to qualify for first class automation discounts. The cutoff weight for the most favorable rate for first class automatable delivery is 1 ounce or less.
With the large cost discrepancies between types of two way mailers, the cost of the postage that is incurred by providing customers with the convenience of a return envelop in a rental approach is a major concern to businesses. The average weight of an item such as a DVD in a protective sleeve is approximately 0.58 ounces. On one level, favorable postage rates are achieved when the total weight of the DVD, its protective sleeve, a sending package, and a return package are equal to or less than one ounce. Thus, there is a need for a packaging approach that solves all the foregoing problems and continues to have an average weight of one ounce or less that passes the United States Postal Services requirements for the most favorable rate for first class automatable mail.
Still another issue involves the cost of the packaging materials that are incurred. For a for-profit business engaged in the foregoing rental business, having packaging materials that satisfy all the foregoing requirements and have minimum cost is most desirable. Consequently, there is a need for a packaging approach that solves all the preceding problems in a way that offers minimal cost.
This invention relates to a two way mailer developed to permit a sender to send digital media such as a DVD to a recipient and have the recipient send the electronic media back in the same mailer. More specifically, the invention relates to a two way mailer having size dimensions allowing favorable first class automated letter postage rates. The invention also relates to a pocket for the electronic media contained within the mailer, which secures and protects the electronic media during mailing.
One aspect of the present invention provides a pocket in the mailer that reduces the amount of free space as compared to two way electronic media mailers known in the art. This reduction in free space constrains the item in the pocket during mailing. The item in the pocket is flushed against the leading edge of the pocket both when the item is initially sent by the sender to the recipient and when the item is sent back by the recipient to the sender. Thus, the item in the pocket is flush to the edge in which the two way mailer enters the automated processing equipment of the United States Postal Service. This way, the item enters the automated processing equipment in the same direction both when the two way mailer is sent from the sender to the recipient and when the two way mailer is sent from the recipient back to the sender. As used herein, “sent” generally means mailed through the United States Postal Service. However, one of skill in the art will understand that “sent” may encompass delivery through alternative systems, such as Federal Express (Fedex) or United Parcel Service (UPS).
Another aspect of the invention provides for added convenience and ease of use for recipients who receive an item in the two way mailer. This added convenience is a result of the fact there are generally only three steps involved for the recipient to return the two way mailer to the sender. These steps include removal of the recipient address panel, insertion of the item, and closure of the recipient address panel adhesive region prior to mailing.
Although not meant to be limiting, embodiments of the invention may be better illustrated by the drawings and detailed description set forth below.
Sender address panel 104 may be affixed to base panel 102 by a leading edge adhesive region 108 and a trailing edge adhesive region 110. In certain embodiments, the base panel 102 and sender address panel 104 will be made from a contiguous piece of material with a fold 112. In alternative embodiments, sender address panel and base panel will be made from two separate pieces of material. In these embodiments, a top adhesive region will replace fold 112. This fold or top adhesive region forms a common edge shared by the sender address panel and the base panel. The leading edge adhesive region 108 affixes the leading edge of sender address panel 104 to a corresponding leading edge of base panel 102. A second side adhesive region 110 affixes a second side edge of the sender address panel 104 to a corresponding second side edge of the base panel 102. In some embodiments, the sender address panel 104, base panel 102, leading edge adhesive region 108 and trailing edge adhesive region 110 and fold 112 define a pocket 101 having an open end 101A that may receive an item. In some embodiments, if the sender address panel 104 and the base panel 102 are made from non-contiguous pieces of material, in place of fold 112, a top adhesive region may be used to seal the top edge of the pocket. The pocket comprises a leading edge 101LE and a trailing edge 101TE. In further embodiments, a sleeve that further encloses the item being sent will be adapted to fit into the defined pocket. In these embodiments, the types of sleeves are not limited and may include sleeves commonly used to protect media such as DVDs and CDs. In some embodiments, the sleeves may have advertisements or instructions printed or affixed to them.
Sender address panel 104 is the face of the two way mailer 100 that is exposed to postal authorities or other shipment personnel when the two way mailer is conveyed from a recipient back to a sender. Accordingly, panel 104 may be printed with indicia relating to the sender and postage or other elements relating to properly transporting the two way mailer 100. In one embodiment, a sender address region 120 bears a label, printing or other indicia that identifies a postal address of the sender, and a postage region 118 bears postage, or identifies a postage permit number, or provides an indication that the sender has prepaid postage due for sending the two way mailer 100 back to the sender. Postage region 118 may bear a facing identification mark (FIM), barcode, or other postal service indicia that is readable by automatic handling equipment.
In one embodiment, the base panel 102, sender address panel 104, and recipient address panel 106 are made of paper that bears printed indicia. An example of paper that may be used in certain embodiments includes 50# offset. Embodiments of the invention may also work with 40# and 45# offset as well as matte and glossy paper. One of skill in the art will understand that the printed indicia may be of any form, including but not limited to business identifiers. As an alternative to paper, the base panel 102, sender address panel 104, and recipient address panel 106 may comprise synthetic stock such as polyethylene, or other paper stock such as cardstock, or the like. The skilled artisan understands that the base panel 102, sender address panel 104, and recipient address panel 106 may be made from any material that satisfies the requirements of the invention. The skilled artisan also understands that the mailer of the invention may be made from a contiguous piece or non-contiguous piece of any of the above materials. In embodiments where the base panel, sender address panel, and recipient address panel are not made from a contiguous piece of material, each panel may be made from various materials.
Leading edge adhesive region 108 and trailing edge adhesive region 110 join the base panel to the sender address panel. The leading edge adhesive region and trailing edge adhesive region may comprise water based permanent adhesive. In some embodiments, either Adhering Spine/Pocket Glue or Superior Maching Pocked Glue may be used as the adhesive.
Base panel 102 joins recipient address panel 106 at a fold 109. This fold forms a common edge between the recipient address panel 106 and the base panel 102. Although the embodiment in
Recipient address panel 106 has an inside face 106A and outside face 106B. The inside face 106A of recipient address panel 106 has an advertising area 123. In some embodiments, this advertising area will be printed with instructions on how to use the two-way mailer or how to use the enclosed media. In some embodiments, the advertising area 123 will be formed from a contiguous piece of material. In certain other embodiments, the advertising area 123 will be formed from a non-contiguous additional piece of material 127 that is affixed to the inside face of 106A. This additional piece of material 127 helps to cushion and stabilize the item when it is sent from the sender to the recipient. In some embodiments, this additional piece of material 127 will contain coupons that can be removed from the recipient address panel. In other embodiments, the additional piece of material may be personalized to the particular recipient. A non-limited example of a personalized message includes information about items that may be of interest to the recipient, such as DVDs of interest. Furthermore, billing information may be included on the additional piece of material.
As demonstrated by the embodiment of
The outside face 106B of recipient address panel 106 is the face of the two way mailer 100 that is exposed to postal authorities or other shipment personnel when the two way mailer is conveyed from a sender to a recipient. Accordingly, outside face 106B may be printed with indicia relating to the recipient and postage or other elements relating to properly transporting the two way mailer 100. As shown in the embodiment of
In manufacturing some embodiments, panels 102, 104, and 106 may be formed as a contiguous sheet that is folded at edge 112 and fold 109 using suitable folding equipment. One advantage of this embodiment is that the entire two-way mailer may be assembled and printed in-line. In this embodiment, a single printing press may be used to print, fold and attach adhesive to the two way mailer. The use of a completely in-line manufacturing process for the two way mailer provides numerous advantages such as an increase in manufacturing efficiency and a decrease in manufacturing costs. Alternatively, panels 102 and 106 may be formed as a contiguous sheet that is folded at fold 109 using suitable folding equipment, and panel 104 may be attached to panel 102.
The dimensions of panels 102, 104, and 106 may vary in different embodiments. In an embodiment that qualifies for transport by the United States Postal Service as the most favorable rate of “first class automatable letter” mail, rather than as a “non-automatable letter,” the height of individual panels 102, 104 and 106 when the mailer is sealed as measured in the up-and-down direction of
In the embodiment of
In folded and secured arrangement, the item may be conveyed from the sender to the recipient. Upon receipt, the recipient opens the two way mailer 100 by opening longitudinal perforation line 117. Once longitudinal perforation line 117 is opened, the perforated edges may be demonstrated by 117A. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the recipient address panel adhesive region 116 remains attached to the base panel 102 when the recipient opens the longitudinal perforation line 117. This provides a benefit of reducing the small strip of trash often found when many two way mailers are opened. Thus, if the recipient does not want to discard the recipient address panel 106 when opening the two way mailer, no trash is created. This advantage coexists with the advantage of a tight seal that prevents the items in the mailer from exiting the pocket during mailing. Once the two way mailer is opened, the recipient may then open recipient address panel 106 by moving it in a downward direction with respect to
To return the item to the sender the recipient re-inserts the item 130 into pocket 101. Then, if not already done, the recipient removes the recipient address panel 106 by breaking perforation 125 and perforation 127 if present. The recipient then removes the quick release strip 113 from the sender address panel adhesive region, folds the sender address panel adhesive region 114 on fold line 109 and seals the sender address panel adhesive region 114 to sender address panel 104. The two way mailer 100 is then arranged as seen in
In one example embodiment, the pocket 101 is sized to receive a generally planar media item such as a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), Compact Disk (CD), CD-ROM, etc. In this embodiment, base panel 102 and sender address panel 104 have overall length dimensions of approximately 5.5″ and overall width dimensions of 7⅛″, and leading edge adhesive region 108 and trailing edge adhesive region 110 have width dimensions of approximately ½″ and 1½″, respectively. Surprisingly and unexpectedly, it was found that having a larger adhesive area on the trailing edge provides less item breakage than having a larger adhesive area on the leading edge. This is true, even when the two way mailer is used with automated postal processing equipment. In certain embodiments, pocket 101 may have an approximate size of 5.75″ by 5.5″
In some embodiments, the size of the trailing edge adhesive region 110 reduces the free space of the pocket. This reduction in free space flushes the item along the leading edge of the pocket. This embodiment may result in a two way mailer where the item is less likely to get destroyed or smashed during processing. However, one of skill in the art understands that the size and configuration of the pocket is determined by all the properties of the invention; thus, any specific pocket size dimensions are meant to be non-limiting. The skilled artisan understands that as well as snugly fitting electronic media, the pocket may accommodate other items and have other configurations.
One of skill in the art understands that the two way mailers are not limited to use with the mailing system of the United States Postal Service. Certain embodiments of the two way mailer may be sent from a sender to a recipient and back to a sender using alternative shipping companies such as Federal Express, United Parcel Service (UPS) or the like. One of skill in the art will understand that when used herein, “mailing” may refer to use of any of these carriers.
In some embodiments, the leading edge adhesive region and trailing edge adhesive region may be formed as a plurality of distinct adhesive sub-regions, which reduce the amount of adhesive required per two way mailer without detracting from the integrity provided by the presence of adhesive. This type of adhesive region is demonstrated by U.S. Patent Application 2004/0050919, herein incorporated by reference. In alternative arrangements, any number of adhesive sub-regions in different configurations may be used. For example, the adhesive sub-regions may be either in a contiguous or non-contiguous configuration. Generally, the selection of the form and arrangement of the leading edge adhesive region and trailing edge adhesive region may relate to an amount of postage that a business sender is willing to pay when sending two way mailers 100 to recipients. For example, the two way mailer 100 in the embodiment of
Other alternative embodiments of the two way mailer may exist. As a non-limiting example, a perforated strip may be used in place of simple perforations. Perforated strips allow upward or downward pulling on a portion of strip, making the two way mailer easier to open and the recipient address panel easier to remove. Although the two way mailer may also be easier to open with the use of perforated strips, their use provides a disadvantage of extra trash. In some embodiments, the perforated strips will have one or more perforated tabs formed at the top and bottom of the strip, to facilitate a recipient grasping and pulling on the strip. These tabs may be either curved or arcuate, although one of skill in the art understands that the shape of the perforated tab may vary.
As will be understood by one skilled in the art, all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges.
Those knowledgeable in the art will appreciate that the device of the invention may also lead to numerous additional benefits and advantages. Moreover, those knowledgeable in the art will appreciate that the exemplary device of the invention shown and described herein are but exemplary embodiments, and that many equivalent and alternative embodiments exist within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, discussion made herein should not be interpreted as a limitation of the scope of the claimed invention.
While preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made therein in accordance with ordinary skill in the art without departing from the invention in its broader aspects as defined in the following claims.
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