Reusable Envelope

Abstract

The present invention provides a reusable packaging system comprising an envelope having first and second substantially planar sides which are secured to one another so as to define a container having an open end, the first and second sides defining respective apertures there through in the vicinity of the open end of the envelope, the apertures being substantially aligned with one another and a closure member which is substantially planar, flexible and has opposing surfaces at least a portion of one of which carries an adhesive coating, the closure member being located adjacent the open end of the envelope such that the surface carrying the adhesive coating contacts itself through the apertures in the first end and second sides of the envelope. Also provided is a reusable envelope and a closure member for use in such a reusable packaging system.

Description

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a reusable envelope and in particular, a reusable envelope in which tampering with the contents prior to delivery to the intended recipient is apparent.[0002]Currently, there exists a mailing system that makes use of placing written or printed information or letters into a paper envelope, sealing the envelope, then placing a stamp onto the envelope and posting to its destination. Once received, the envelope is opened, the contents removed and the envelope is discarded as rubbish or sometimes returned for recycling. However, both outcomes incur waste either in energy or in resources.[0003]Multi-use envelopes exist, for example for use to carry internal post from one part of an office-based organisation to another. However, such multi-use envelopes are generally not suitable for external use and the envelopes cannot be sealed to secure the contents therein. This carries the additional disadvantage that it is often impos...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]This allows the closure member to be removed completely from the envelope without damage to the envelope itself and so the envelope can be simply re-used by applying a new closure member to the envelope after placing further documents for transit within the envelope, such that the closure member contacts itself through the apertures in the first and second sides of the envelope.

[0032]A reusable packaging system and reusable envelopes according to the present invention minimises the waste materials associated with the mailing process. For example, such reusable envelopes may be used repeatedly for greetings cards. The envelope and greetings card may be supplied separately such that when a greetings card is sent, the envelope is kept by the recipient rather than being discarded as is the case with conventional greetings card envelopes. The next time that individual wishes to send a greetings card to another, a greetings card can be purchased (without the need to purchase a corresponding envelope) and the reusable envelope can be simply reused to send the new greetings card. Further, if the reusable envelopes are used for bank and postal account communications, the reusable envelopes can be simply re-circulated on an ongoing basis.

Problems solved by technology

In either case, any attempt to remove the closure member to access the contents of the envelope will result in destruction of or damage to the closure member.

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