US1991605A - Duplex envelope - Google Patents

Description

H. B. DYGERT DUPLEX ENVELOPE Feb. 19, 1935.

Filed Jlan. 19, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Feb. 19, 1935 PATENT (1I-FICE i yDUPLEXnNvELoPE Harold B. Dygert, Roselle Park, N. J. Application January 19, 1933, Serial No. 652,451

Claims.

This invention relates generally to envelopes, and more specically to duplex envelopes which, as is generally known, are envelopes of the type having aplurality of compartments in which mail matter of different postalclasses may be en closed for simultaneous transmission, the predominant object of the invention being toprovide a duplex envelope which is of such improved construction and arrangement that certain disadvantages heretofore encountered in connection with `the manufacture and use of such envelopes are eliminated.` A y Prior to this invention duplex envelopes have been made each of which included tworcompartments, one for first-class mail matter, a letter for instance, and the other for lower class` matter to which the letter had reference, these compartments being closed and sealed, when required, by individual iiaps. The existing structures of this type have many disadvantages, among which are that the complicated designs thereof made the manufacture of the envelopes either prohibitive or exceedingly costly to the `users thereof; thatthe compartments were not entirelyseparate from each other, thus making possible illegal inspection through the lower class compartment of letters in the first-class, or so-called sealed compartment; that the flaps of the two compartments were at opposite sides of the main envelope structure, thereby frequently causing the receiver of such an envelope to overlook therst-class compartment; and that an excessive amount of material was required in the manufacture of these earlier envelopes whereby material was wasted and the costs of manufacture increased. Also, heretofore it has been proposed to provide a two-compartment envelope the manufacture of which required the use of two entirely separate pieces of material provided with slots, slits, die cut holes, and requiring excessive gumming.

The main purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved duplex envelope which may be conveniently made in various sizes and shapes from one piece of paper or other material.

A duplex envelope made in accordance with this invention is provided with a first-class compartment which 4is securely attached to the `lower class compartment but is'v otherwise separate in every way and is capable of being entirely sealed. This separate arrangement of the first-class compartment provides-for post-office determination of the weight of the Erst-'class matter by feeling of its contents. Also, the improved duplex envelope disclosed herein is so arranged that the flaps of the two compartments are arranged at the same side of the envelope structure, and in one form of the'invention the flap of the lower class compartment closes directly above the first-class compartment so as to render it impossible to remove the contents of thelower class compartment without moving all or a part of the first-class compartment. By so locating the naps ofthe compartments it is quite unlikely that the person opening the envelope will overlook the presence and importance yofthe first-class compartment.

By constructing a duplex envelope in accordance withthis invention an envelope structure is provided which entirely eliminates all of the disadvantages encountered in the manufacture and use of earlier structures of this type. That is to say, becausethe improved duplexenvelope is provided with separate Acompartments having flaps at the ysame side 4of the envelopestructure, the possibility that one of the compartments would be overlooked by a receiver of one of the envelopes is reduced toa minimum. Also, because the two compartments of the improved envelope are completely sealed individually, the matter within the first-class, or sealed, compartment may not be removed because access may be had to theinterior ofA said first-class compart-V ment through the lower class compartment, as is frequently possible in the use of existing duplex envelope structures. yFinally, the improved duplex envelope provides atwo-compartment envelope of such simplicity of design as to permit manufacture thereof from one piece of paper in avery economical manner.

Fig. 1 is a plan view ofthe blank of material employed in producing one form of the invention.

Fig. 2 is `a perspective of a completely sealed envelope produced from the blank shown in Fig. 1. 1

Fig. 3 is a perspective of an envelope produced from the blank shown in Fig. 1 but illustrating same in an unsealed condition.

Fig. 4 is a perspective of an envelope produced from the blank shown in Fig. 1 but illustrating same prior to final folding of parts thereof and before sealing of the envelope.

Fig. 5 is a plan View ofthe blank of material employed in producing another form of the invention. v

Fig. 6 is a perspective of a completely sealed envelope produced from the blank shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. '7 is a perspective of an envelope produced from the blank shown in Fig. 5, showing same prior to iinal folding of parts thereof and before the envelopejhas been sealed.

Fig. 8 is a perspective of an envelope produced from the blank shown in Fig. 5 and showing same in a completely folded but unsealed condition.

Fig. 9 is a plan View of the blank of material employed in producing still vanother form of the invention.

Fig. 10 is a perspective of a completely sealed envelope produced from the blank illustrated in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a perspective of an envelope produced from the blank shown in Fig. 9 and illustrating such envelope before final folding of certain parts thereof and prior to sealing of the envelope.

Referring to the drawings, wherein are shown for the purpose of illustration, merely, several embodiments of the invention, and with special reference for the momentA to Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the blank A shown in Fig. 1 employed in producing the envelopes illustrated in Figs. 2, 3, and 4 includes a body portion 1, which preferably is of rectangular shape and may be of any desired dimensions. rIhe body portion 1 of the blank A has associated with it side flaps 2 and 2" and end flaps 3 and 4. Associated with the end flap 3 as an integral part thereof is an extension 5 which includes a body portion 6, an end flap 7, and oppositely disposed side fiaps 8. The end flap 4 of the body portion 1 of Athe blank A is entirely gummed except for a portion thereof which is designated by the reference character 9, and this ungummed portion serves-a purpose to be hereinafter set forth. If desired the body kpoition 6 of the extension 5 may be provided with a window 10 at which the name and address of the person to whom the duplex envelope is being directed may-be displayed.

In folding and securing the blank A shown in Figfl to produce the envelope illustrated in Figs. 2, 3, and 4, the side nap 2 is folded on the imaginary line 2a to a position adjacent to the body portion 1, after which the end ap 3, with the extension 5 associated therewith, is folded on the imaginary line 3a so as to position said end ap 3 and extension 5 adjacent to the outer face of the previously folded side iiap 2. The end flap 3 is gummed as indicated in Fig. .1, and this gummed surface is dampened. and said flap is secured by adhesion to the outer face of the side flap 2. The gummed end flap 4 is then folded on the imaginary line 4a and the gummed surface of said end flap 4 is secured by adhesion to the outer face of the side flap 2. When the flaps 2, 3, and 4 have been folded and secured as dem scribed, the side flaps 8 of the extension 5 are folded on the imaginary lines 3a, the lower side flap 8 in Fig. 1 being disposed against the bod?,7 portion 6 of said extension and the upper side flap 8 being folded against the outer face of said lower side iiap 8. The upper flap 8 in Fig. 8 is provided with a gummed edge portion 11, and this gummed portion is dampened and said upper ap 8 is secured by adhesion to the lower ap 8. l By folding and securing the various portions ofthe extension 5 as described, the first-class compartment of the duplex envelope is produced, this first-class compartment being capable of being sealed by folding the flap 7 on the imaginary line 7a and securing said fiap to the outer faces of the side flaps 8 by pressing the previously dampened gummed surface of said flap 'I against said outer faces of said iiaps 8. It is apparent from the foregoing that the first-class compartment is entirely independent of' the lower class compartment produced by folding the flaps 2, 3, and 4 with respect to each other and to the body When a duplex envelope constructed in accordance with this invention is to be used for'transmitting mail matter, the lower class matter is introduced into the lower class compartment, which for convenience is designated by the reference character B, and the letter or other-iirst-class matter is introduced into the first-class compartyment designated by the reference character C.

The flap 2 of the lower class compartment B is ing means 12 being provided for this purpose, and Y,

the ap of the first-class compartment Cris closed lto seal said first-class compartment by moistening the flap '7 and securing it in place by adhesion. The free end portion of the first-class compartment is then introduced into the pocket provided where the gum is omitted, asindicated at 12 in Fig. 1,' from the end flap 4'of'the lower class compartment, whereby said first-class vcompartment is maintained in positionr adjacent to the lower class compartment. Instead of providing a pocket to receive the free end portion of the first-class compartment as indicated in Fig. l, ,Y

I may, if it is found to be desirable, leave an un.- gummed portion in the form of a strip approximately one-quarter Yinch wide which .extends along the outer edge of the flap' 4. This ungummed strip will provide an elongated recess bef tween the flap 4 and the flap v2 into which the free end of the first-class compartment may be introduced.

In Fig. 5. I illustrate a blank from whichv the duplex envelopes shown in Figs. 6, 7, and 8 are made. This blank includesa body portion 13 having side naps 14 and 15 associated therewith and provided with end flaps 16 and 17'. Associated with the end flap 17 is an extension 18l which includes a body portion 19, side flaps 20 and 21, and an end flap 22. The flaps 14, 15, 16,v and 17 of Fig. 5 are folded with respect to 'the body portion 13 and are secured in place by adhesive on the flaps 16 and 17 to provide the lowerV class compartment Be. Also, the flaps 2,0, 21, and 22 are folded' with respect to the body portion 19 of the extension 18 and are secured in place to produce the first-class compartment Ca. As will be noted by referring to Fig. 6, the lfirst-class compartment Ca is a part of the flap 21 which closes the lower class compartment, and this flap is retained in its closed positionby a suitable fastening device 23.y In this form of the invention, also, gum is omitted from a portion of the gummed surface yof the flap 16 to provide a pocket 24 into which the free end of the first-class com-l partment is introduced.

In the use of the duplex envelope illustrated in Figs. 5, 6, 7, and 8, the lower class mail matter is introduced into the lower class compartment' Ba, and the first-class mail matter is introduced into the rst-class compartment Ca, and said first-class compartment is sealed by closing and adhesively securing the flap 22 in its closed position. The` first-class compartment isthen' moved to a position adjacent'to the lower class compartmentl and the flap 1'? is secured in its closed position by the fastening device 23. Finalj ly the free end portion of the first-class com,- partment is introduced into thepocket 24 befneath the; flap 16 so as toI hold said free end pore 15 then secured in a closed position, suitable fastenf tion of said first-class compartment in place with respect to the lower class compartment.

In connection with the form of the invention shown in Figs. 5, 6, 7, and 8 it is pointed out that because the first-class compartment is a part of the flap of the lower class compartment the contents of the lower class compartment may not be removed without rst displacing the firstclass compartment. This arrangement eliminates any likelihood that the rst-class compartment would be overlooked by a receiver of one of the improved duplex envelopes.

The form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 9, 10, and l1 resembles somewhat the construction and arrangement of the form of the invention shown in Figs. 5, 6, 7, and 8. However, in Figs. 9, 10, and l1 the extension 18', which produces the iirst-class compartment, is associated with the nap i6' of the lower class compartment, and when the two compartments lb and Cb are sealed, a flap 17 of the lower class compartment closes over the free end portion of the first-class compartment, as shown inFig. 10, and a suitable fastening rdevice 23 secures said flap 17 in its closed position. In this form of the invention the iirst-class compartment is independently sealed by a flap 22, and the fastening device 23', which is fixed to the body portion 13 of the lower class compartment, passes through the free end portion of the first-class compartment and through the flap 17' of the lower class compartment. l

In Figs. 2, '7, and l1 the various forms of the invention are illustrated as they may be delivered by the manufacturer to users who for a reduced cost to them are willing to accept the duplex envelopes with the portions which produce the inst-class compartment unfolded. Figs. 3 and 8 show how envelopes of two forms of the invention are delivered in a completely folded condition. Y

From the foregoing it isplain that in all of the forms of the invention the first-class compartment is loosely associated with the lower class compartment so as to be capable of being tested individually by postal authorities for the determination of weight. Also, in each form of the invention the rst-class compartment and the lower class compartment open at the same` side of the envelope structure, whereby the likelihood that the first-class compartment will be overlooked by the receiver is rendered quite remote. Furthermore, in each form of the invention the first-class compartment and the lower class coinpartment are completely sealed individually, so that access may not be had to the interior of the iirst-class compartment through the lower class compartment. Finally, the improved envelope structure may be made in an economical manner from one piecey of material.

I claim:

l. A duplex envelope produced from one piece of material which is cut, folded, and secured to provide a lower class compartment and a iirstclass compartment, said first-class compartment being attached at one of its edges to said lower Vclass compartment so that the individual weight thereof may be determined, and means for detachably connecting the edge portion opposite to the attached edge of said first-class compartment to said lower class compartment, said means comprising a recess provided at a face of said lower class compartment into which said opposite edge portion of said iirst-class compartment is introduced.

yare located at the same v2. A duplex envelope produced from one piece of material which is cut, folded, and secured to provide a lower class compartment and a rstclass compartment, lsaid rst-class compartment being attached at one of its edges to a flap of said lower class compartment and being at all times located outside of said lower class compartment so that the individual weight thereof may be determined, and means for detachably connecting the edge portion opposite to the attached edge of said iirst-class compartment to said lower class compartment, said lower class compartment and said rst-class compartment being provided with i'iaps for closing said compartments which are located at the same side of the envelope structure.

3. A duplex envelope produced from one piece of material which is cut, folded, and secured to provide a lower class compartment and a firstclass compartment, said first-class compartment being attached at one of its edges to a iiap of said lower class compartment and being at all ltimes located outside of said lower class compartment so that the individual weight thereof may be determined, and means for detachably connecting the edge portion opposite to the attached edge of said first-class ccmpartmentto said lower ci ss compartment, said lower class cornpart ent arid said rst-class compartment being entirely independent of each other so that acmay not be had to the interior of one of said compartments through the interior of the other compartment and said two compartments being provided with i'laps for closing said compartments which are located at the same side of the envelope structure. f

4. A duplex envelope produced from one piece of material which is cut, folded, and secured to provide a lower class compartment and a rstclass compartment, said rst-class compartment being attached at one of its edges to said lower class compartment so that the individual weight thereof may be determined, and means comprising a recess into which the opposite free end of said first-class compartment may be introduced for detachably connecting said free end portion of said first-class compartment to said lower class compartment, said lower class compartment and said nist-class compartment being provided with for closing said compartments which side cI" the envelope structure.

5. A duplex envelope produced from one piece of material which is out, folded, and secured to provide a lower class compartment and a rstclass compartment, said rst-class compartment being attached at one of its edges to said lower class compartment so that the individual weight thereof may be determined, and means comprising a recess into which the opposite free end of said first-class compartment may be introduced for detachably connecting said free end portion of said Erst-class compartment to said lower class compartment, said lower class coinpartrnent and said first-class compartment being entirely independent of each other so that access may not be had to the interior of one of said compartments 'through the interior of the other compartment and said two compartments being provided with flaps for closing said compartments which are located at the same side envelope structure.

HAROLD B. DYGERT.

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