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US20180319544A1 - Foldable mailer - Google Patents

Foldable mailer Download PDF

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Publication number
US20180319544A1
US20180319544A1 US15/585,311 US201715585311A US2018319544A1 US 20180319544 A1 US20180319544 A1 US 20180319544A1 US 201715585311 A US201715585311 A US 201715585311A US 2018319544 A1 US2018319544 A1 US 2018319544A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
panel
base
spacer
vial
mailer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US15/585,311
Inventor
Richard Postrel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Signature Systems LLC
Original Assignee
Signature Systems LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Signature Systems LLC filed Critical Signature Systems LLC
Priority to US15/585,311 priority Critical patent/US20180319544A1/en
Publication of US20180319544A1 publication Critical patent/US20180319544A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D27/00—Envelopes or like essentially-rectangular flexible containers for postal or other purposes having no structural provision for thickness of contents
    • B65D27/12—Closures
    • B65D27/20—Closures using self-locking integral or attached elements
    • B65D27/22—Tongue-and-slot or like closures; Tuck-in flaps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/64—Lids
    • B65D5/66—Hinged lids
    • B65D5/6685—Hinged lids formed by extensions hinged to the upper edge of a container body formed by erecting a blank to U-shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
    • B65D81/05—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
    • B65D81/107—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using blocks of shock-absorbing material
    • B65D81/1075—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using blocks of shock-absorbing material deformable to accommodate contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
    • B65D81/05—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
    • B65D81/107—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using blocks of shock-absorbing material
    • B65D81/113—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using blocks of shock-absorbing material of a shape specially adapted to accommodate contents

Definitions

  • the present invention is a foldable mailer that is suitable for encasing a fragile item such as a glass vial containing a liquid and protecting the encased item during transit such as via the postal service.
  • a foldable mailer suitable for mailing a vial comprising a single substrate formed of a base, a top panel, a right panel, a left panel, and a flap; wherein the top panel and the base are joined by a middle spacer, the left panel and the base are joined by a left spacer, the right panel and the base are joined by a right spacer, and the flap and the top panel are adjoined by a top spacer; and a vial holder adhered or otherwise affixed to the substrate, the vial holder preferably comprising a foam block having a slot suitable for encasing a vial.
  • An insert may be formed on an outer edge of the left panel and a mating slot may be cut near an edge of the right panel.
  • the vial holder may be adhered to the top panel of the substrate, or in the alternative to the base of the substrate.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a mailer for fragile items of the present invention, in unassembled form.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the mailer of FIG. 1 in partially assembled form.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the mailer of FIG. 1 in fully assembled form.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a plan, unfolded view of the mailer 2 .
  • the mailer 2 is preferably formed from a single substrate such as cardboard that is stiff enough to maintain its shape, bendable to form the finished mailer as will be described, yet light enough to be mailed cheaply.
  • the substrate should be suitable for printing such as for advertising, mailing addresses and the like.
  • the mailer 2 When unfolded as in FIG. 1 , the mailer 2 is defined by several regions as follows. A top panel 4 abuts a middle spacer 12 , which in turn abuts a base 6 . A left panel 8 abuts a left spacer 14 , which in turn abuts the base 6 . A right panel 10 abuts a right spacer 16 , which in turn abuts the base 6 . Also abutting the top panel 4 is a top spacer 18 , which in turn abuts a flap 28 . An insert 20 is formed on the outer edge of the left panel 8 , and a mating slot 22 is cut near the edge of the right panel 10 as shown.
  • a foam vial holder 24 which is rectangular in plan is affixed (such as with adhesive) to the top panel 4 .
  • the foam vial holder 24 acts as a means for holding the vial, and it has a slot 26 cut along its length, suitable for allowing a glass vial to be inserted within and held by the foam 24 as shown by the dotted vial in FIG. 2 .
  • the biasing pressure of the foam will hold the vial in place without the need for any adhesive, but a small amount of adhesive (or tape) may be applied if desired to ensure the vial does not fall out easily during transit.
  • Assembly of the mailer 2 may proceed as shown in FIG. 2 by folding along the lines of abutment as follows.
  • the top panel 4 is folded downwards towards the base along the two edges of the middle spacer 12 so that a gap is formed between the top panel 4 and the base 6 , the thickness of which is defined by the width if the middle spacer 12 . That thickness should be approximately equal to the thickness of the foam vial holder 24 , which will be a slightly larger than the diameter of the glass vial being shipped. This will ensure a good fit of the vial and protect it during shipment.
  • the top panel 4 is folded towards the base 6 as shown by the arrow 1 in FIG. 2 .
  • the left panel 8 and the right panel 10 are then each folded over towards each other, along the two edges of the left spacer 14 and the right spacer 16 , respectively, as shown by the arrows 2 and 3 , in the same manner as the top panel 4 described above.
  • the insert 20 may then be inserted within the mating slot 22 , an as such the foam vial holder 26 will be covered and protected by this assembly. Adhesive may be used to secure the closure at this point.
  • the flap 28 may then be folded along the edges of the top spacer 18 so it overlaps the bottom portion of the base 6 , and a small amount of adhesive (or tape, etc.) may be used to secure the assembled package to provide the completed assembly in FIG. 3 .
  • the name of the addressee and postage may be imprinted on either side of the mailer as desired (or shipping labels may be used).
  • each of the spacers 12 , 14 , 16 and 18 may be perforated, scored, or otherwise marked so as to make it easy for the user to fold and assemble the mailer as described.
  • the recipient of the mailer may tear the top panel off from the rest of the mailer at the middle spacer 12 and keep just the top panel 4 as a holder for the vial while discarding the rest of the mailer. This is useful in particular if decorative advertising is placed on the top panel 4 .
  • the vial holder 26 may be located on the base 6 instead of the top panel 4 .
  • the foam block is described in the preferred embodiment as a means for holding the vial, but other means may be used instead of the foam block if desired as long as it is secured within the assembled mailer as described.
  • the vial or another object may be placed within the assembled mailer without using the means for holding the vial as described, but such implementation may not be as secure.
  • the size of the mailer is as follows:

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Buffer Packaging (AREA)

Abstract

A foldable mailer suitable for mailing a vial comprising a single substrate formed of a base, a top panel, a right panel, a left panel, and a flap; wherein the top panel and the base are joined by a middle spacer, the left panel and the base are joined by a left spacer, the right panel and the base are joined by a right spacer, and the flap and the top panel are adjoined by a top spacer; and a vial holder adhered to the substrate, the vial holder comprising a foam block having a slot suitable for encasing a vial.

Description

  • The present invention is a foldable mailer that is suitable for encasing a fragile item such as a glass vial containing a liquid and protecting the encased item during transit such as via the postal service.
    • BACKGROUND
  • Shipping of fragile items such as small glass vials that contain a liquid, such as perfume and the like, is problematic since protection of the vial from breakage during shipment is a major concern. It is often desired to be able to provide a mailer for a glass vial that can adequately protect the vial, yet not be excessively bulky. Bulky mailers are undesirable since the cost of shipping will increase as the size and weight of the mailer increases.
  • Thus, it is desired to provide a relatively small, inexpensive, simple and lightweight mailer suitable for protecting items such as glass vials and the like during shipment by the postal service or by any of the private shipping companies. It is also desired to provide such a mailer that is easy to produce and store.
    • SUMMARY
  • Provided is a foldable mailer suitable for mailing a vial comprising a single substrate formed of a base, a top panel, a right panel, a left panel, and a flap; wherein the top panel and the base are joined by a middle spacer, the left panel and the base are joined by a left spacer, the right panel and the base are joined by a right spacer, and the flap and the top panel are adjoined by a top spacer; and a vial holder adhered or otherwise affixed to the substrate, the vial holder preferably comprising a foam block having a slot suitable for encasing a vial.
  • An insert may be formed on an outer edge of the left panel and a mating slot may be cut near an edge of the right panel. The vial holder may be adhered to the top panel of the substrate, or in the alternative to the base of the substrate.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a mailer for fragile items of the present invention, in unassembled form.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the mailer of FIG. 1 in partially assembled form.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the mailer of FIG. 1 in fully assembled form.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a plan, unfolded view of the mailer 2. The mailer 2 is preferably formed from a single substrate such as cardboard that is stiff enough to maintain its shape, bendable to form the finished mailer as will be described, yet light enough to be mailed cheaply. In addition, the substrate should be suitable for printing such as for advertising, mailing addresses and the like.
  • When unfolded as in FIG. 1, the mailer 2 is defined by several regions as follows. A top panel 4 abuts a middle spacer 12, which in turn abuts a base 6. A left panel 8 abuts a left spacer 14, which in turn abuts the base 6. A right panel 10 abuts a right spacer 16, which in turn abuts the base 6. Also abutting the top panel 4 is a top spacer 18, which in turn abuts a flap 28. An insert 20 is formed on the outer edge of the left panel 8, and a mating slot 22 is cut near the edge of the right panel 10 as shown.
  • A foam vial holder 24, which is rectangular in plan is affixed (such as with adhesive) to the top panel 4. The foam vial holder 24 acts as a means for holding the vial, and it has a slot 26 cut along its length, suitable for allowing a glass vial to be inserted within and held by the foam 24 as shown by the dotted vial in FIG. 2. The biasing pressure of the foam will hold the vial in place without the need for any adhesive, but a small amount of adhesive (or tape) may be applied if desired to ensure the vial does not fall out easily during transit.
  • Assembly of the mailer 2 may proceed as shown in FIG. 2 by folding along the lines of abutment as follows. The top panel 4 is folded downwards towards the base along the two edges of the middle spacer 12 so that a gap is formed between the top panel 4 and the base 6, the thickness of which is defined by the width if the middle spacer 12. That thickness should be approximately equal to the thickness of the foam vial holder 24, which will be a slightly larger than the diameter of the glass vial being shipped. This will ensure a good fit of the vial and protect it during shipment. The top panel 4 is folded towards the base 6 as shown by the arrow 1 in FIG.2.
  • Next, the left panel 8 and the right panel 10 are then each folded over towards each other, along the two edges of the left spacer 14 and the right spacer 16, respectively, as shown by the arrows 2 and 3, in the same manner as the top panel 4 described above. The insert 20 may then be inserted within the mating slot 22, an as such the foam vial holder 26 will be covered and protected by this assembly. Adhesive may be used to secure the closure at this point.
  • The flap 28 may then be folded along the edges of the top spacer 18 so it overlaps the bottom portion of the base 6, and a small amount of adhesive (or tape, etc.) may be used to secure the assembled package to provide the completed assembly in FIG. 3. The name of the addressee and postage may be imprinted on either side of the mailer as desired (or shipping labels may be used).
  • The dotted lines that define each of the spacers 12, 14, 16 and 18 may be perforated, scored, or otherwise marked so as to make it easy for the user to fold and assemble the mailer as described. Optionally, the recipient of the mailer may tear the top panel off from the rest of the mailer at the middle spacer 12 and keep just the top panel 4 as a holder for the vial while discarding the rest of the mailer. This is useful in particular if decorative advertising is placed on the top panel 4.
  • In an alternative embodiment, the vial holder 26 may be located on the base 6 instead of the top panel 4.
  • The foam block is described in the preferred embodiment as a means for holding the vial, but other means may be used instead of the foam block if desired as long as it is secured within the assembled mailer as described. In a further alternative, the vial or another object may be placed within the assembled mailer without using the means for holding the vial as described, but such implementation may not be as secure.
  • In the non-limiting preferred embodiment, the size of the mailer is as follows:
      • Width of left panel: 2.43 inches
      • Width of right panel: 2.64 inches
      • Width of all spacers: 31/64 inch
      • Width of base (and top panel): 4.75 inches
      • Height of base (and left and right panels): 6.75 inches
      • Height of top panel: 6.75 inches
      • Height of flap: ⅝ inch
  • These dimensions may of course be varied as desired.
  • Although the preferred embodiments have been described above by way of example only, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope herein.

Claims (8)

What is claimed is:
1. A foldable mailer suitable for mailing a vial comprising a single substrate formed of a base, a top panel, a right panel, a left panel, and a flap; wherein the top panel and the base are joined by a middle spacer, the left panel and the base are joined by a left spacer, the right panel and the base are joined by a right spacer, and the flap and the top panel are adjoined by a top spacer; and
a vial holder adhered to the substrate, the vial holder comprising a foam block comprising a slot suitable for encasing a vial.
2. The foldable mailer of claim 1 wherein an insert is formed on an outer edge of the left panel and a mating slot is cut near an edge of the right panel.
3. The foldable mailer of claim 1 wherein the vial holder is adhered to the top panel of the substrate.
4. The foldable mailer of claim 1 wherein the vial holder is adhered to the base of the substrate.
5. A method of assembling a mailer from a single substrate formed of a base, a top panel, a right panel, a left panel, and a flap, wherein the top panel and the base are joined by a middle spacer, the left panel and the base are joined by a left spacer, the right panel and the base are joined by a right spacer, and the flap and the top panel are adjoined by a top spacer, the left panel comprising an insert at an outer edge thereof and the right panel comprising a mating slot at an outer edge thereof; and a vial holder adhered to the substrate, the vial holder comprising a foam block comprising a slot suitable for encasing a vial, the method comprising the steps of:
folding the top panel towards the base along two edges of the middle spacer so that a gap is formed between the top panel and the base, wherein the foam block is located in the gap;
folding each of the left panel and the right panel towards each other, along the two edges of the left spacer and the right spacer, respectively,
placing the insert within the mating slot, and
folding the flap along the edges of the top spacer so it overlaps the bottom portion of the base.
6. A foldable mailer suitable for mailing an item comprising a single substrate formed of a base, a top panel, a right panel, a left panel, and a flap; wherein the top panel and the base are joined by a middle spacer, the left panel and the base are joined by a left spacer, the right panel and the base are joined by a right spacer, and the flap and the top panel are adjoined by a top spacer.
7. The mailer of claim 6 further comprising means for holding a vial.
8. The mailer of claim 7 wherein the means for holding a vial comprises a foam block adhered to the substrate, the foam block comprising a slot suitable for encasing a vial.
US15/585,311 2017-05-03 2017-05-03 Foldable mailer Abandoned US20180319544A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/585,311 US20180319544A1 (en) 2017-05-03 2017-05-03 Foldable mailer

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/585,311 US20180319544A1 (en) 2017-05-03 2017-05-03 Foldable mailer

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20180319544A1 true US20180319544A1 (en) 2018-11-08

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US15/585,311 Abandoned US20180319544A1 (en) 2017-05-03 2017-05-03 Foldable mailer

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