Display Patents (Class 229/71)
  • Patent number: 11501244
    Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking a package within an area obtain package identification information from a scannable medium associated with the package and image information of the area acquired by an optical sensing device. Image processing detects the presence and location of an object in the area that matches the package based on a comparison of the package identification information obtained from the scannable medium with the image information of the area acquired by the optical sensing device. The package is registered as being present in the area at the location of the detected object in response to detecting a match between the object and the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Position Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Hill, Rafal Piotrowski, Harry Lee Deffebach, III, Krenar Komoni
  • Patent number: 10981407
    Abstract: A combination shipping label and greeting card in which the entire printable surface of the greeting card is exposed and customizably printable by the shipper to include both shipping information as well as a customizable logo or photo and a personalized greeting selected by the sender if desired, all of which can be printed by the shipper utilizing a conventional laser printer for example. The back of the greeting card portion may be pre-printed with the shipper's or sender's general information or any other information the shipper/sender feels is desirable such as advertising or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: GOURMETGIFTBASKETS.COM, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Abood, Glenn Schaffher, Jason Bergeron
  • Patent number: 10807766
    Abstract: A product with packaging includes an envelope having a cavity. An NFC chip may be embedded in the packaging. The NFC chip may be passive, and may connect to the electronic device of the specific user, and once connected may initiate or carry out an authentication process or activation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Mark T. Uyeda, Katherine O. Krajewski
  • Patent number: 9988187
    Abstract: A bend and tear postcard with pocket, having flaps 1 extending from an interior graphics side and an exterior graphics side of a postcard. The flaps fold inwards toward the interior graphics side at fold of flaps. Flaps extend from the interior graphics side and the exterior graphics side of the postcard, the flaps fold inwards toward the interior graphics side. Flaps extending from the interior graphics side and the exterior graphics side of the postcard, the flaps fold inwards toward the interior graphics side and are glued to a glue area of the interior graphics side. A peelable adhesive strip or glue adheres to a bend and tear-away closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Uvalda L. Jordan
  • Patent number: 9881249
    Abstract: An in-line process is provided for economical and concurrent manufacture of attractive flat paper substrate transaction cards and display carriers with or without an RFID chip embedded therein. In the user-friendly process, one or more continuous webs from roller paper are automatically fed and sequentially advanced through a series of operations and stations in a single pass to simultaneously produce the flat paper substrate transaction cards and display carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Optimum Card Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Lamb, Joseph R. Hogan
  • Patent number: 9227457
    Abstract: A keepsake for being filled with party favors, treats, small gifts, gift cards and/or greeting cards includes a flexible sheet provided with oppositely disposed front and rear sides, oppositely disposed top and bottom edges, oppositely disposed right and left portions, a center portion intermediately disposed between the right and left portions, a bottom portion extending upwardly from the bottom edge and spanning across the right, center and left portions, respectively. A decorative item (e.g., party favor, treat, small gift, gift card and/or greeting card) is positioned proximate to the pocket such that the decorative item (e.g., party favor, treat, small gift, gift card and/or greeting card) is visible from the front side without blocking the pocket when the sheet is oriented in the tri-folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventor: Barbarann Grote
  • Patent number: 8898939
    Abstract: A combination gift card holder and message delivery package facilitates the identification of a gift card contained within the package while presenting the recipient with an accompanying message prior to fully revealing the gift card. The package includes first, second and third panels. The first and second panels and the second and third panels are connected with one another along a common edge and are pivotable with respect to each other. The panels have cutouts therein. The gift card is positioned in the package between the second and third panels thereby exposing a portion of a front surface of the gift card through the cutout in the third panel and exposing a portion of a rear surface of the gift card through the cutout in the second panel, thereby partially concealing the gift card while exposing an identification marking thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Incorporated
    Inventors: Sara F. Kibbe, Timothy G. Bodendistel
  • Patent number: 8851360
    Abstract: An envelope having an envelope wall member including first and second envelope walls that cooperatively enclose a pocket space and define therebetween a pocket opening to the pocket space, the envelope wall including a surface that defines a recess and a sealing strip that includes an adhesive releasably adhering the strip to the envelope wall member within the recess. The adhesive is capable of adhering the strip to the envelope wall to seal the envelope closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Esselte Corporation
    Inventor: Lauren Cenzano
  • Patent number: 8714437
    Abstract: A printable sheet or container material includes a front panel having an integral separable portion formed by a tearable line or lines. When desired a patch, second layer or folded panel may be incorporated adjacent to or behind the separable portion and attached with at least one affixation point. The tearable line has a plurality of cut lines separated by connectors and can include channeling cuts and/or partially overlapping cuts to ensure a desired tearing path. The patch, second layer or folded panel can have windows, layers or patches, printed graphics or other embellishments. The separable portion, a remaining portion and/or the patch can include a foldable, or overlapping, or tearable or detachable section that can be utilized as an advertising or messaging device and an affixation device to reseal and or reuse the separable portion, or portions, or patch, or section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Gary Glenn Emmott
  • Patent number: 8690042
    Abstract: An assembly including a front panel is separated from a back panel by a panel fold line. Side flaps are disposed at opposing edges of the front panel and are each separated from the front panel by a flap fold line. The side flaps include a front flap surface with an adhesive material and a back flap surface opposite the front flap surface. The assembly is foldable about the panel fold line to dispose the back panel adjacent the front panel and foldable about the flap fold line to dispose the back flap surface adjacent a front surface of the back panel when the back panel is folded. In a folded position, the assembly forms a pocket between the front and back panels, and is adherable by the adhesive material to a separate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Datalabel, Inc.
    Inventors: Amanda Wawrzyniak, Todd Davis
  • Publication number: 20140008422
    Abstract: A mailing device (210) has a body (215) with a window aperture (216). The aperture is covered by a film of transparent material bonded to the body. At least one line of weakness (128) is formed in the body at least partially encircling the film to enable the film to be separated from the body for recycling. The line of weakness (128) may be configured to define a strip (236) that extends across a front wall of the device. The strip (236) can be opened by tearing along the line of weakness to gain access to the interior of the device and to allow easy removal of the film. Alternatively, the line of weakness (128, FIG. 3) may completely encircle the film and define a tab portion (124, FIG. 3). In further alternative embodiments, the film (18, FIG. 1) has a tab portion (24, FIG. I) that is pulled to separate the film from the body. The film may be bonded using a peelable adhesive and may be bonded to an outside surface of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Edward Black
  • Patent number: 8550333
    Abstract: An apparatus for at least partially separating at least two container portions includes first and second container portions. At least one tear line extends at least partially between the first and second portions and at least partially defines the first portion. The first portion is at least partially separable from the second portion along the tear line(s). At least one releasable adhesive spot at least partially holds the first portion down prior to the at least partial separation of the first portion from the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Gary G. Emmott
  • Patent number: 8534535
    Abstract: An envelope having a compartment and a sealed display rack hole is made from a single blank and has a front panel, two side flaps, a top flap, and a bottom flap. Each flap is integrated with the front panel and folds around a respective fold line to form the compartment. The front panel and either the top or bottom flap each have a display rack hole disposed to register with one another when the flap having the display rack hole is folded around its fold line. The front panel is affixed to the flap having the second display rack hole, preferably with adhesive or by heat sealing, to create an area that seals the display rack holes from the compartment. In preferred embodiments, the front panel has a window covered with transparent sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Victor Envelope Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: David Nickell, Paul Johnson
  • Patent number: 8475901
    Abstract: A method and resulting multi-layered media product including a printed layer and a liner layer having inner surfaces adhered together with a clear poly material sandwiched therebetween. The multi-layered media product includes a first section separable from a remainder of the product and containing printed indicia thereon, a second section separable from a remainder of the product and having a removable printed label thereon, and a third section convertible to an envelope. The third section contains printed indicia on one side thereof and a window of the clear poly material on another side thereof. In operation, the sections of the multi-layered media product are separated and a labeled container can be placed in the envelope and the envelope sealed to prevent tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Viavattine, Kurt Warren Jones
  • Patent number: 8348141
    Abstract: A convenient, economical, novel parcel paper for folding to enclose a gemstone is provided, which includes three rectangular sheets of paper (or a paper-like material) and a thin, rectangular substantially transparent viewing pane attached to at least the inner one of the rectangular sheets. The three sheets include an outer cover sheet, a thin central flute, and a thin inner flute. Each of the sheets is configured with an open rectangular viewing window. The viewing pane is attached to the inner flute to form a continuous, unified sheet; thus when the cover, central flute, and inner flute are folded together with their viewing windows aligned, the viewing pane allows observation of the enclosed gemstone enclosed within the folded parcel paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Leonard Mark Weinstein
  • Publication number: 20120145773
    Abstract: A self-mailer and a method receive correspondence and articles for mailing and/or delivery via a special service. The self-mailer is foldable and has an interior portion that provides space for printing a communication thereon. The self-mailer has a printable and detachable portion that is removed before folding, assembly and sealing the self-mailer. The interior portion of the self-mailer has a pocket for holding and/or mailing documents, envelopes, forms, checks and/or the like via the special service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Glenn Petkovsek
  • Patent number: 8187685
    Abstract: The invention includes a composition comprising from 40 to 98 weight percent of at least one GPPS, from 0 to 98 weight percent of at least one HIPS, from 0.5 to 10 weight percent at least one styrene block copolymer, from 0.5 to 10 weight percent of at least one polypropylene wherein the combination of GPPS, HIPS, polypropylene and styrene block copolymer make up at least about 90 percent of the composition as well as a film made of the composition, an envelope window patch comprising the film, an envelope comprising the window patch, and a process for making the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Dow Chemical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Nichole E. Nickel, Eric K. Lee, Stephen J. Skapik, III, Donald J. Gromacki, Robert A. Gunther, James P. Maher
  • Patent number: 8157086
    Abstract: A financial transaction card is packaged within a carrier which contains the card and prevents access to any indicia borne on the card (e.g., magnetic stripe, barcode, and the like) prior to activation of the financial transaction account associated with the card at the point of sale. The package bears no alternative indicia correlated with those borne on the card, and thus only the indicia on the card itself may be used for account activation. Such indicia are exposed at the point of sale by opening a section of the carrier to reveal the actual indicia borne on the card itself. Thus, any breakage of the carrier or other attempts to access the card within the packaging, prior to presentation of the packaged card for activation at the point of sale, is evidence of tampering of the package. In a preferred embodiment, the package is a simple three-panel, partially perforated construction that provides substantial security for the packaged card, at minimal manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Taylor Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Gallegos, Amy Paldi, Shelle B. Pascua, Scott Mitton, Kevin L. Christensen
  • Patent number: 8051984
    Abstract: A seed envelope having a window formed with an aperture extending not only through and entirely across the front panel of the envelope from one side edge to the laterally opposite side edge but also further extending beyond the side edges and onto the back of the envelope. A transparent sheet of window material extends beyond the aperture so as to overlap the sheet of envelope material in a peripheral overlap area around the aperture. The transparent sheet is folded along the laterally opposite side edges and bonded to the front panel and envelope panels connected to the sides of the front panel. Preferably, the aperture also extends beyond the bottom fold crease and into the panel that is connected to the bottom of the front panel and is folded onto the back of the envelope. The seed content is visible from the sides of the envelope and even the rear of the envelope adjacent its side and bottom edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Livingston Seed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Johnston, Marcus Sheanshang
  • Patent number: 8046940
    Abstract: A file with a card-receiving recess is disclosed. The file comprises a first panel comprising a first layer and a backing layer, that contains an opening extending from the first layer to the backing layer, and a second panel hingedly associated with the first panel. The backing layer is configured to support a displayed sheet element in a position such that it is visible through the opening of the first layer, and the displayed sheet element is at least partially received within the thickness of the first surface and the backing layer. The backing layer contains an adhesive disposed thereon within the opening for securing the displayed sheet element to the backing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Esselte Corporation
    Inventors: Braden Jones, Juliet Kenney, Lauren Grassia
  • Publication number: 20110259944
    Abstract: An envelope design and processes for manufacturing said envelopes is disclosed herein. The disclosed envelopes have an integrated and removable label portion secured within a panel of the envelope by an adhesive liner. The envelopes may be manufactured by die-cutting the label portions in a paper web, applying the adhesive liner to one side of the paper web covering the die-cut label portions, die-cutting an envelope blank from the paper web, and forming a folded envelope from the blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: ENNIS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Miller, William Elmore
  • Patent number: 8020751
    Abstract: An apparatus for at least partially separating at least two container portions includes first and second container portions. At least one tear line extends at least partially between the first and second portions and at least partially defines the first portion. The first portion is at least partially separable from the second portion along the tear line(s). At least one releasable adhesive spot at least partially holds the first portion down prior to the at least partial separation of the first portion from the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Gary Emmott
  • Publication number: 20110186619
    Abstract: An envelope for direct mail marketing with an integrated component that may be peeled out to reveal a transparent polyester-like splittable laminate, allowing the recipient to view the contents of the envelope. The removed component may serve as a coupon, label, tag, or other useful component. The removable component may also be affixed to the inner surface of the envelope to be viewable by the recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: John Moresi
  • Publication number: 20110153527
    Abstract: The invention comprises a blank for an envelope including a front panel, a rear panel and a closure panel, the closure panel being connectable in use to the front panel, the blank having two gluing areas by which the closure panel may be connected to the front panel in use. A removable strip is provided between the gluing areas, the removable strip being of sufficient dimensions to receive indicia associated with a first mailing thereon, at least some of which indicia are removed when the envelope is opened by removing the removable strip after the first mailing. The envelope may also have a second removable area. The removable strip may be wide enough to reveal a response indicia imprinted on the first panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen Francis Smythe
  • Patent number: 7921582
    Abstract: A method wherein an indicia is selected from one of diverse indicia sources. A holder may be selected from a holder source, and a display is selected from a display source. The indicia is placed in the display or the indicia and holder unit are placed in the display such that the desired information is displayed. The flap portions of the display are manipulated to expose or conceal releasable. reusable adhesive portions. An easel insert or easel attachment allows for a standing position on a counter top or table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Aha! Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Nathanson, Craig Nathanson
  • Publication number: 20110042448
    Abstract: The invention includes a composition comprising from at least 40 to 98 weight percent of at least one GPPS, from 0 to 98 weight percent of at least one HIPS, from at least 0.5 to 10 weight percent at least one styrene block copolymer, from at least 0.5 to 10 weight percent of at least one polypropylene wherein the combination of GPPS, HIPS, polypropylene and styrene block copolymer make up at least about 90 percent of the composition as well as a film made of the composition, an envelope window patch comprising the film, an envelope comprising the window patch, and a process for making the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Nichole E. Nickel, Eric K. Lee, Stephen J. Skapik, III, Donald J. Gromacki, Robert A. Gunther, James P. Maher
  • Patent number: 7866467
    Abstract: An improved digital media enclosure having two primary components, a sleeve into which the digital media is placed, and an envelope into which the sleeve is placed. At least one surface of the sleeve is printed with a plurality of identification markings on at least one of the sleeve's outer surfaces. The identification markings are each positioned at a first radial distance from a center of the sleeve in regularly angled intervals around the center. The envelope includes a pocket into which the sleeve fits. There is an opening in the envelope pocket located at substantially the first radial distance from the planar center of the sleeve pocket. The opening is also positioned at a same angle as the identification markings, such that any of the identification markings will show through the opening when the sleeve is placed in the sleeve pocket in any of its possible orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas H. Rosenkranz
  • Patent number: 7837088
    Abstract: A mailer provides a new way of securing the delivery of letters, packages, parcels, and/or other items of mail through the U.S. Postal Service. The mailer includes a container and a spacer attached to an inner surface of the container. The container is designed to hold items of mail having an aggregate thickness less than a minimum thickness required to qualify as a First Class Mail parcel. The spacer has a predetermined thickness which causes the first and second sheets of the container to expand to a thickness which equals or exceeds the minimum thickness required to qualify as a First Class Mail parcel. The mailer therefore allows otherwise unqualified mail items to be sent as First Class or special services mail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Charles Westray Crutchfield
  • Publication number: 20100170945
    Abstract: The check carrier consists of an envelope of translucent material that is dimensioned to closely conform to the dimensions of a standard check. The back of the check carrier includes an endorsement window through which a bank or other financial institution can apply its endorsement stamp directly to the check. The bottom of the check carrier may be provided with an area for receiving the MICR printing such that the MICR can be read directly off of the carrier. The MICR area can be removed. The open end of the check carrier can be sealed closed using a repositionable adhesive. The adhesive can also be used interior of the check carrier such that the adhesive contacts the check to fix the check within the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA COPRORATION
    Inventors: Kerry M. Cantley, Teresa J. Vasquez
  • Publication number: 20100170195
    Abstract: An improved mailpiece for efficient capture of postage cancellation indicia on the envelope and the document inside of the envelope, the envelope comprising an upper edge, a bottom edge, a left edge and a right edge, an open air window substantially near the upper edge of the envelope and away from the right edge of the envelope for receiving a first postage cancellation indicia on the envelope to the right of the window, the document comprising a document clear zone space on a face of the document for receiving a second postage cancellation indicia, the document clear zone space visible through the window when the document is inserted inside of the envelope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: David Levi Gwaltney
  • Publication number: 20100133328
    Abstract: A packing member for articles which can covey a particular individual message to a recipient of articles and allows the recipient to keep the particular individual message as a remembrance is provided. A message board MB straddles two outer flaps 1B, 1B which constitutes the top surface of a cardboard box 1. The message board MB is partitioned by a perforated line 1C, 1C so that the message board MB can be cut out from the two outer flaps 1B, 1B. A handwritten particular individual message addressed to a recipient from a sender of articles is copied to the message board MB. When the cardboard box 1 is delivered to a recipient, the hearty particular individual message from the sender is conveyed to the recipient. The recipient can keep the message board MB with the handwritten particular individual message as a remembrance by cutting out the message board MB along the perforated line 1C, 1C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Hiromasa Yagishita
  • Patent number: 7717329
    Abstract: The check carrier consists of an envelope of translucent material that is dimensioned to closely conform to the dimensions of a standard check. The back of the check carrier includes an endorsement window through which a bank or other financial institution can apply its endorsement stamp directly to the check. The bottom of the check carrier may be provided with an area for receiving the MICR printing such that the MICR can be read directly off of the carrier. The MICR area can be removed. The open end of the check carrier can be sealed closed using a repositionable adhesive. The adhesive can also be used interior of the check carrier such that the adhesive contacts the check to fix the check within the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry M. Cantley, Teresa J. Vasquez
  • Publication number: 20100065617
    Abstract: A gift-wrapping envelope including: a face panel; a back panel integrally coupled with the face panel; an expandable side panel coupled to both the face and back panels; an enclosure panel integrally coupled to the face, back, or side panels and releasably couplable to one of the panels to which it is not integrally coupled; a nametag area; and a releasably couplable accessory area. The gift-wrapping envelope may include an audio label. The nametag panel may be erasably writable. The releasably couplable accessory area may include a release liner and/or a no-rip material. The expandable side panel may include accordion-type folds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: John McCormick
  • Publication number: 20100019019
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a device that acts as a medium for multimedia communication, the collection, arrangement and display of this medium, exploiting a combination of the advantages of traditional means of communication (letter, post-card, personal announcement, etc.) and the use of souvenir albums, means for storing CDs/DVDs/Blu-Ray DVDs (storage furniture, folders, etc.), means of display (photo frame, poster, magnet, etc,) as well as the advantages of digital convergence in communication, in multimedia and in interactivity such as the textual and multimedia communication of personal and professional messages thanks to Internet services and the exploitation of the multimedia content of CDs, DVDs and the Blu-Ray DVD with its personalisable functions of interactivity and of connectivity to the Internet thanks to a DVD player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Claude MAIDEMBERG
  • Patent number: 7607247
    Abstract: The envelope with interior decorative elements is an envelope for receiving a greeting card, which may be further opened to display additional, decorative elements mounted within an interior thereof. The envelope includes first and second outer panels, each outer panel having an interior surface and an exterior surface. An inner panel is further provided so that, when the envelope is in a closed configuration, the inner panel is sandwiched between the first and second outer panels. An exterior surface of the inner panel is positioned adjacent an interior surface of the second outer panel so that a pocket is defined therebetween. The pocket is adapted for receiving the greeting card. The first and second outer panels may be separated so that, when folded apart, a pop-up decorative element is displayed, the decorative element being mounted on the interior surfaces of the inner panel and the first outer panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Kaluve D. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20090212098
    Abstract: Embodiments of an envelope that is reusable and allows for efficient rerouting between intended recipients of the item in the envelope are disclosed. The envelope may be constructed of a durable material and may have various features that allow the envelope to be automatically sent via a carrier from one recipient to another. Thus, when a recipient of the item returns the envelope via the carrier, the envelope can be correctly processed and forwarded on to the next recipient with the same item, without the need of sending the item back to a return center or other entity. The term envelope generally includes envelopes, mailers and packages. Embodiments may include an envelope that facilitates multiple sorting and delivery cycles by the delivery service without the need for reconfiguration, repair, or replacement of the envelope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Christopher Malcolm Stratton, Brent Alan Raney, George Robert Laws
  • Publication number: 20090184511
    Abstract: An advertising device includes an envelope having a front panel and a back panel, the front panel including an envelope window dimensioned to reveal first advertising information on an interior wall of the back panel. A slider is slidably disposed in the envelope and has a slider window that is dimensioned to reveal only a portion of the first advertising information depending upon its position in the envelope. The slider is moveable by a user of the advertising device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: INFORMATION PACKAGING INC.
    Inventor: Murray Kirk
  • Patent number: 7497429
    Abstract: The construction of the present invention is suitable for use as a document carrier and is particularly adapted for the transporting of negotiable instruments such as checks and other items that are used to transfer funds, credits or the like through automated processing equipment such as readers, scanners, copiers and the like. The assembly of the present invention includes an internal pocket that is created through the use of a pair of translucent sheets affixed about an opening created in a standard format sheet, such as a sheet having a dimension of 8½? by 11?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventors: Lisa A. Reynders, Gayla Marie Gardenhire
  • Patent number: 7490720
    Abstract: A greeting card system comprises a card member. The card member includes a first window. The system includes a gift card attached to the card member. The gift card is activated through use of a code that is displayed in the first window. Accordingly, a greeting card system is provided that allows for immediate use of a gift card. The system minimizes fraud or theft of the card through the use of an activation code thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Val Cole, Ted Biskupski
  • Patent number: 7469816
    Abstract: A mailer primarily composed of three layers, or sheets, that are fastened on top of one-another. A back sheet forms the back of both the outgoing and return mail pieces. The back sheet includes the reclosable flap and further includes an opening to allow external viewing of an identification code marked on a media sleeve that is placed in the finished mailer. A second sheet is a middle sheet fastened on top of the back sheet. The middle sheet also has an opening, and is attached to the back sheet such that the middle sheets opening aligns with the back sheet opening. A disk receiving slot is formed between the back sheet and the middle sheet. The aligned openings in the back and middle sheets are located in a center of the disk receiving slot. A third top sheet is removably attached on top of the middle sheet. The top sheet includes delivery markings for original mailing portion of the mailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignees: Pitney Bowes Inc., Newline Noosh, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Rosenkranz, Russell W. Holbrook, Egbert E. Most, Harvey Halperin, Peter Faucetta
  • Patent number: 7467747
    Abstract: Methods and systems that provide privacy of signatures on envelopes containing ballots are provided. The envelope for returning ballots includes a flap with a window that aligns with a signature area on the envelope. The window appears opaque under normal lighting conditions, but appears transparent when illuminated with light having a predetermined wavelength. A movable signature stub is positioned on top of the signature area. The voter signs the back of the envelope on the signature stub, thereby imprinting a signature on the signature area by transferring a material from the signature stub to the signature area, and moves the signature stub. The flap of the envelope is then sealed, thereby covering the voter's signature in the signature area with the window of the envelope flap. To read the signature, light having the predetermined wavelength can be directed onto the window, thereby rendering the window transparent and the signature visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Bertrand Haas, Bradley R. Hammell, Jay Reichelsheimer, Frederick W. Ryan, Jr., Robert A. Cordery, Matthew J. Campagna
  • Patent number: 7451909
    Abstract: A packaging arrangement for marketing products and information; the packaging arrangement including an envelope, a sleeve, and a postcard. Each of the sleeve and the postcard being positionable within a volume defined by the envelope. The postcard including a tab that is located outside of the volume of the envelope when the postcard is positioned within the envelope. The sleeve including a front floating panel and a back panel designed and arranged to create visual illusions and provide various visual effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark D. Sexton
  • Publication number: 20080156855
    Abstract: A windowed envelope is disclosed comprising: a first panel with an interior and an exterior side; a second panel attached to the first panel to define an interior portion having opposite side edges, a closed edge portion and an opening portion opposite the closed edge portion to provide access to the interior portion of the envelope; and a flap for sealingly adhering to an exterior surface of the first panel. The flap has an interior and an exterior side and is attached to the second panel at an edge of the second panel opposite the closed edge portion. The envelope comprises thereon an adhesive layer on the interior side of the flap comprising an adhesive; wherein a non-transparent window is located on the first panel or the second panel. The window comprises a reducible dye and a microencapsulated reducing agent, which is adapted to irreversibly change to a transparent window upon heating the non-transparent window to a temperature above room temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Luis A. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 7389906
    Abstract: A confidential envelope/bag is composed of a face and a back. The face and the back are linked with each other and formed with an edge at circumference; a sealing print is formed across the edges either at the back or on both the face and the back. The sealing print includes patterns, marks, graphics, texts or numbers made of paint, coating, ink, fluorescent dye, or even concaves, or extrusions. The circumference of the face and the back are adhered to each other with a suitable region to form a sealing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Yung-Chah Sih
  • Publication number: 20080121680
    Abstract: Methods and systems that protect the privacy of signatures on envelopes containing ballots sent through the mail are provided. The envelope for returning ballots by mail includes an electronic optical shutter that covers an opening in the flap of the envelope. The voter signs the back of the envelope in an area that will be visible through the opening in the flap (covered by the optical shutter) when the envelope flap is sealed. The optical shutter is opaque under static conditions, but will become transparent when power is supplied to it. When the envelope flap is sealed and no power is applied to the optical shutter, the voter's signature will be concealed by the optical shutter. Upon receipt at the registrar's office, the optical shutter can be powered, thereby rendering the optical shutter transparent, and the voter's signature can be viewed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas B. Quine, Frederick W. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20080103940
    Abstract: An improved digital media enclosure having two primary components, a sleeve into which the digital media is placed, and an envelope into which the sleeve is placed. At least one surface of the sleeve is printed with a plurality of identification markings on at least one of the sleeve's outer surfaces. The identification markings are each positioned at a first radial distance from a center of the sleeve in regularly angled intervals around the center. The envelope includes a pocket into which the sleeve fits. There is an opening in the envelope pocket located at substantially the first radial distance from the planar center of the sleeve pocket. The opening is also positioned at a same angle as the identification markings, such that any of the identification markings will show through the opening when the sleeve is placed in the sleeve pocket in any of its possible orientations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas H. Rosenkranz
  • Publication number: 20080078816
    Abstract: A customizable envelope formed from interchangeable components allows the user to create various color and texture arrangements. The envelope is formed using two separate pieces of paper or other similar sheet material, each of which includes two foldable end flaps and a central portion. Both sheets are generally rectangular in shape and, when assembled to form the finished envelope, are preferably oriented so that their elongate axes are at a 90° angle to each other. In one form, the central portion of one sheet has a pair of elongated slits preferably formed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sheet and located near the top and bottom edges, respectively. The second sheet is sized so that it will be received in these slits. After assembly, the portion of the first, slitted sheet, exterior to the slits appears to frame the central portion of the second sheet, providing a framed opening on either the inner or outer surface of the completed envelope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: M. & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Margaret Huang
  • Patent number: 7317573
    Abstract: A tray with an upstanding billboard or panel that displays a three-dimensional image is provided by a carton assembly comprising sheet material having fold lines defining parts that are movable to assembled positions presenting a tray for receiving food, beverage or other items of interest to the user, and a display panel having an image printed thereon by a three-dimensional process. The display panel is part of a panel structure that provides a carrier for a viewer that may be removed from the panel structure by the user in order to see and enjoy the three-dimensional image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Kid Stuff Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Billen
  • Publication number: 20070215680
    Abstract: A shipment package comprises a double paperboard material element which is folded into a V-shape, and including therein one or more envelopes holding small sized articles, the front side of the paperboard material element being folded into a V-shape and comprising at the envelopes a plurality of displaying windows, the package being inserted in a clear material envelope sealed at the end portions thereof, which, on a side thereof opposite to the display windows, comprises a label designed for applying an address and postage thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventor: Sauro Temperini
  • Patent number: 7254912
    Abstract: A combination postcard picture display is disclosed. The combination postcard picture display includes a postcard panel typically having a photograph or image, a display stand cutout which is detachable from the postcard panel, and a self-supporting display stand which is formable from the display stand cutout to display the photograph or image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Rhonda Zigar