Mailable assemblage with flexible appendages and method of fabrication

• US 6,434,867 B1
• Filed: 12/31/1999
• Issued: 08/20/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Thelese Investments, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Mediagarden, Inc.
• Inventors: Ristau, Melvin H.
• Primary Examiner(s): GREEN, BRIAN
• Application Number:
  US09/476,985
• Time in Patent Office: 963 Days
• Field of Search: 401/240.1, 401/240.6, 401/241.91, 403/60, 406/75, 405/38, 229/71, 229/92.8, 229/921, 283/117
• US Class Current: 40/124.06
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/00 Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 27/00 Envelopes or like essentially-rectangular containers for postal or other purposes having no structural provision for thickness of contents with shock-absorbing properties B65D81/03; letter-cards B42D15/00
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 1/10 Supports or holders for show-cards
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 23/10 on paper articles, e.g. booklets, newspapers

Abstract

A method and apparatus designed to facilitate sending items via the mail or other package delivery system in a uniquely designed container. The invention consists of three subassembly layers that are combined via adhesive to form the mailer. One of the unique aspects of the invention is the center subassembly that is not only sandwiched between but also protrudes from the front and back exterior assemblies. The center subassembly, or graphical composite, may be made from variously shaped and colored materials to produce a recognizable or fanciful sign, symbol or picture. The container subassembly houses the item being transported and may be a postcard, envelope, CD sleeve, book cover, or other type of container or communication device.

Claims

1. An envelope comprising:

a front sheet having a perimeter and inner and outer opposed faces;

said outer face of said front sheet including an envelope enclosure, said front sheet being disposed in a first plane;

a back sheet having a perimeter and inner and outer opposed faces, said back sheet being disposed in a second plane, spaced apart from and parallel to said first plane; and

a graphic display disposed between said front sheet and said back sheet and adjacent to said inner face of said front sheet and said inner face of said back sheet and disposed in a third plane parallel to said first and second planes, said graphic display including projections extending within said third plane and outside said perimeter of said front sheet and outside said perimeter of said back sheet.

2. The envelope of claim 1 wherein said graphic display includes flexible sheet material.

3. A mailer for transmission from a sender to a recipient, the recipient having an address, the mailer comprising:

a front sheet having a perimeter and inner and outer opposed faces;

said outer face of said front sheet adapted to receive the address of the recipient, said front sheet being disposed in a first plane;

a back sheet having a perimeter and inner and outer opposed faces, said back sheet being disposed in a second plane, space apart from and parallel to said first plane, said back sheet including an envelope enclosure; and

a graphic display disposed between said front sheet and said back sheet and adjacent to said inner face of said front sheet and said inner face of said back sheet and disposed in a third plane parallel to said first and second planes, said graphic display including projections extending within said third plane and outside said perimeter of said front sheet and outside said perimeter of said back sheet.

4. The mailer of claim 3 wherein said graphic display includes flexible sheet material.