WO2008137424A1

WO2008137424A1 - Packaging for mailing writing instruments

Info

Publication number: WO2008137424A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/061904
Authority: WO
Inventors: Desiree A. Goreham; Kellie L. Jonas; William J. Lavine
Original assignee: National Pen Corp
Current assignee: National Pen Corp
Priority date: 2007-05-03
Filing date: 2008-04-29
Publication date: 2008-11-13
Anticipated expiration: 2009-11-03

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention include a package for mailing elongated objects. The package can include an insert. The insert can include a flexible material (10) configured to be folded at a first fold (16) and at a second fold (18), the flexible material adjacent to the second fold can form a second tab (14). The space between the first and the second folds can form a spine (20). The spine can be coupled to the elongated object. A protective material (30) can be inserted between the first and the second tab to maintain a substantially uniform shape. The insert can be folded and inserted into an envelope.

Description

PACKAGING FOR MAILING WRITING INSTRUMENTS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/915,916, filed on May 03, 2007 entitled "Packaging for Mailing of Writing Instrument", the provisional application is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the field of packaging and, in particular, to packaging for writing instruments and other similarly sized elongated objects to be mailed or shipped while being charged the machinable or automation rates.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Various types of packaging materials are known and used to ship writing instruments and other elongated objects. For shipping these packages, the U.S. Postal Service charges different rates for different types of packages. Machinable or automation packages (flats) are generally charged the lowest rates.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] An insert for a package can include a sheet of flexible material configured to be bent at a first fold and at a second fold. A first tab located at one side of the first fold. A second tab located at one side of the second fold. The flexible material between the first fold and the second folds can form a spine. The spine can be adapted to be coupled to the elongated object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure Ia is a plan view of a first embodiment of the present invention, in an unfolded orientation.

[0006] Figure Ib is a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure Ia in a folded orientation. [0007] Figure 2a is a plan view of a second embodiment of the present invention in unfolded orientation.

[0008] Figure 2b is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2a, taken along the line 2b with the protective material inserted.

[0009] Figure 2c is an alternative folded view of the embodiment shown in Figure

2a.

[0010] Figure 3 a is a plan view of the second embodiment of the present invention with a writing instrument inserted in the holder.

[0011] Figure 3b is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 3a.

[0012] Figure 3c is a side view of a third embodiment shown in Figure 3a, with a writing instrument that uses a clip.

[0013] Figure 4a is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention showing a cutout and a window.

[0014] Figure 4b is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention that includes a stylized window and the cutout.

[0015] Figure 5 a is a plan view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention, which includes a window, a flap and a larger cutout then as shown in Figure 4a.

[0016] Figure 5b is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5 a with the flap being substantially parallel with the spine.

[0017] Figure 6 is a plan view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention showing two windows; one window located at the spine and the other window being located adjacent to the spine on the first tab.

[0018] Figure 7a is a plan view of an eighth embodiment of the present invention that uses perforations to create a holder/pocket.

[0019] Figure 7b is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 7a, where the flexible material is partially folded.

[0020] Figure 8a is a plan view of an embodiment of the present invention mentioned above being inserted into an envelope.

[0021] Figure 8b is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment from Figure 8a while inside the envelope. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] According to an aspect of the present invention, an insert can be used for shipping writing instruments, such as pens and pencils. The insert can fit within an envelope and create a flexible package having a generally uniform thickness. [0023] The insert can include a rectangular piece of thin flexible material, such as cardboard or other similar material. In one embodiment, the flexible material is sufficiently flexible to permit lateral bending.

[0024] The flexible material can be folded at two locations, to create two tabs. The bends can be parallel with the short edge of the material. The distance between each bend can be slightly larger than the diameter of the elongated object being mailed. Protective packaging material, such as foam or bubble wrap, can be added to the packaging. The protective material can create an insert with a uniform thickness, protect the elongated object and partially restrict the movement of the elongated object.

A method for packaging can include providing an insert having a sheet of flexible material. Folding a flexible material at a first fold and at a second fold. Forming a spine of the flexible material between the first fold and the second fold. [0025] Embodiments of the present invention provide packaging for shipping writing instruments or other elongated objects, such as, but not limited to pens, pencils, highlighters, letter openers or other similar objects. The packaging can fit within an envelope to create a flexible package having a generally uniform thickness. The package can include at least one of a piece of flexible material 10, a piece of protective material 30 and an envelope 50.

[0026] According to the first embodiment shown in Figure Ia, the flexible material 10 can be made of materials such as, but not limited to paper, cardboard, plastic or other similar material. The flexible material 10 can be sufficiently flexible to permit bending at least 1 inch in the lateral direction. In other embodiments the flexible material 10 can be more flexible in any direction, such as but not limited to 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, or 4 inches. In the first embodiment, the flexible material 10 can be thin in thickness and have two sides, each side can be a substantially planar surface. [0027] As shown in Figure Ia, the flexible material 10 can be bent substantially linearly parallel to the width dimension of the flexible material 10 at a first fold 16 and at a second fold 18. The first fold 16 and the second fold 18 can be spaced apart from each other and can create a first tab 12, and a second tab 14 on opposing sides of each fold. As shown in Figure Ia, the first tab 12 is larger than the second tab 14. The flexible material between the first fold 16 and the second fold 18 can be referred to as a spine 20. In other embodiments, the flexible material 10 can be bent parallel to the length dimension of the flexible material 10.

[0028] In the first embodiment, the first fold 16 can be substantially perpendicular to the spine 20. Similarly, the second fold 18 can be substantially perpendicular to the spine 20. The two substantially perpendicular folds form the first tab 12 and the second tab 14 that are substantially parallel to each other as shown in Figure 2b from a side view. The spine 20 can be substantially perpendicular to the first tab 12 and the second tab 14. In another configuration, the spine 20 can be outwardly rounded to better accommodate a rounded writing instrument 40.

[0029] In the first embodiment as shown in Figure Ia, the first tab 12 and the second tab 14 have been described as being formed in such a way that the first tab 12 is larger than the second tab 14. Embodiments of the first tab 12 and second tab 14 are not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, the first tab 12 and second tab 14 can be of equal size, or in other embodiments the second tab 14 can be larger than the first tab 12.

[0030] In the first embodiment as shown in Figure Ia, the first fold 16 and second fold 18 can be parallel with at least one edge of the flexible material 10. The distance between the first fold 16 and the second fold 18 can be slightly larger than the diameter of the writing instrument 40 that is being shipped. A writing instrument 40 or the elongated object can be clipped or attached to the spine 20. In other embodiments the writing instrument 40 can be inserted between the first tab 12 and second tab 14 and coupled to the spine 20.

[0031] In a second embodiment, a pocket or holder 60 can be created in the flexible material 10 near the bends of the first fold 16 and the second fold 18 by cutting the flexible material 10. That is, when the flexible material 10 is open, the pocket/holder 60 is flat and flush with the surface of the flexible material 10. However, when folded, the pocket/holder 60 extends away from the first fold 16 and second fold 18 to create a location for inserting the writing instrument. (As shown in Figures 2a - 2c and 3a - 3c) The pocket/holder 60 can prevent the mobility of the writing instrument while the package is enroute. Because the pocket/holder 60 is cut from the flexible material 10, an opening 22 is created in the spine 20 for viewing a company name or writing on the writing instrument when the tab is folded, as seen in the third embodiment in Figure 3c. Moreover, because the pocket/holder 60 holds the writing instrument 40 at one end of the package, the overall package remains flexible, even though a stiff writing instrument is within the package.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2a, the first tab 12 and the second tab 14 can be created in a similar manner as described with reference to Figures Ia and Ib. However, in the second embodiment a holder 60 can be created by cutting the flexible material 10 in two substantially parallel lines in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first fold 16 and second fold 18. The length of the cuts can vary. For example in one embodiment the cuts can be made across the spine and at least one or both of the first tab 12 or the second tab 14. Figure 2a shows the cuts 102 being made across the entire width of the spine 20, portions of the first tab 12 and portions of the second tab 14. The holder 60 creates a pocket for inserting the writing instrument 40 when the flexible material is bent along the first fold 16 and the second fold 18. [0033] Figure 2b shows the second embodiment with a protective material 30 that can be inserted between the first tab 12 and second tab 14 adjacent to the holder 60 and adjacent to the writing instrument 40. The protective material 30 allows the package as a whole to maintain a substantially uniform thickness, yet remain flexible. Moreover, the protective material 30 prevents damage to the writing instrument 10 during shipping.

[0034] In other configurations, the protective material 30 can be flexible, such as but not limited to, foam, bubble wrap, tissue paper, kraft paper or air bags. Insertion of the protective material 30 can create a package with a uniform thickness as shown in Figure 2b. The protective material 30 can be about the same thickness as the diameter of the writing instrument 40. Also, the protective material 30 can be placed adjacent to the writing instrument 40 and restrict the movement of the writing instrument 40. Thus, the writing instrument is non-moveable and the package avoids the Not-Flat machinable surcharge or parcel rate.

[0035] Figure 2c, shows another configuration that can be used with the holder 60. In particular, Figure 2c shows that the second tab 14 can remain parallel to the first tab 12 and face a different direction than as shown in Figure 2b. In this configuration the writing instrument 40 can be inserted into the space created by the holder 60 and the spine 20. Also in this configuration, the holder 60 can point upward while holding the writing instrument. In the configuration described above, there can be a plurality of holders 60. Figure 2c shows the spine being perpendicular to both tabs, however the spine can be in other angular configurations. Moreover, the spine can be flexible enough to take on the shape of the writing instrument 40.

[0036] In the second embodiment as shown in Figures 2a, 2b and 2c, the holder 60 has been described as being formed out of a cutout from the flexible material 10, embodiments of the holder 60 are not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments the holder 60 can be a formed of other flexible material coupled to the flexible material 10 or instead of a single holder 60 there can be a plurality of holders. In yet another embodiment the holder 60 can be longer than as shown in Figure 2a. [0037] Figure 3a shows the second embodiment of the present invention that includes the first tab 12, the second tab 14, the outer edges of the spine 20, the holder 60 and a writing instrument 40 inserted between the holder 60 and the spine 20. [0038] Figure 3b shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 3a in a direction facing the spine 20. In Figure 3b, a portion of the writing instrument is shown through an opening 22. The opening 22 is created by a portion of the spine 20 that is used to create the holder 60.

[0039] Figure 3c shows the third embodiment from a side view facing the spine 20. As shown in Figure 3 c, the spine 20 can have a cutout 24 on one end of the spine allowing the writing instrument to be clipped or attached to the spine. In this embodiment the top of the writing instrument 40 can be of a lower height or equal height as one end of the flexible material. In other embodiments as shown in Figures 3a, 3b and 3c, a protective material 30 can be used between the first tab 12 and the second tab 14.

[0040] In the fourth embodiment, the pocket/holder 60 is not used, although a different opening (window 26) in the flexible material can be created to permit viewing of logos or text on the writing instrument 40. In this embodiment, the clip of the writing instrument can fasten the writing instrument to the flexible material. The spine 20 (flexible material between the first fold 16 and second fold 18) can include a cut away section to enable clipping of the writing instrument to the spine 20 while keeping the top of the writing instrument generally flush with (or below) the edge of the flexible material. The cutout 24 should be small enough so that the writing instrument cannot break free from being clipped to the flexible material 10 when the writing instrument clip 42 (and writing instrument itself) slides along the spine while within an envelope.

[0041] In the fourth embodiment as shown in Figure 4a, a window 26 can be created in the first tab 12 or the second tab 14 to display a portion of the writing instrument 40. The window 26 can display the portion of the writing instrument 40 with advertising logos or text. The window can have a transparent material attached to it. In other configurations the window 26 does not need to have a transparent material. The writing instrument 40 can be imprinted with the name of a company or a company's logo, address and/or phone number.

[0042] Figure 4b shows a fifth embodiment from a plan view of another type of window 26 where selected portions of the writing instrument 40 are visible. Figure 4b also incorporates the cutout 24 at the top portion easing the coupling of the writing instrument 40 to the spine 20. The writing instrument will not move more than 2 inches within the mailpiece during shipping.

[0043] A sixth embodiment is shown in Figure 5a, with a window 26, a cutout 24 and a flap 28. The flap 28 can have the same length dimension as the window 26 and the same width dimension as the spine 20. However, the flap 28 can be attached to the flexible material 10 on one end 29 and thus be capable of rotating about that one end 29. As shown in Figure 5b, when the package is in a folded orientation, the flap 28 can extend down from the first tab 12 to the second tab 14 and allow the package to maintain uniform thickness. The flap 28 allows a person to view a greater portion of the writing instrument 40 or to view portions of two writing instruments. Using the flap, the package can accommodate a plurality of writing instruments. Also this embodiment can be configured to provide a plurality of flaps for a plurality of writing instruments.

[0044] In Figure 5 a, the cutout 24 is wider than the width of the spine 20 and can intrude into the second tab 14, thus allowing the writing instrument 40 to coupled onto the second tab 14 or the spine 20.

[0045] In Figure 6, a seventh embodiment of the spine 20 can have a window 26 instead of a cutout 24. Thus in this embodiment the flexible material 10 can have a first window 26a and a second window 26b for displaying various aspects of the elongated object being shipped. The elongated object can be a small laser or a flashlight or a combination of both in a singular elongated objection.

[0046] Figure 7a shows the eighth embodiment having a holder 70. The holder 70 can be formed by having two cuts in a substantially perpendicular direction to the first fold 16 and second fold 18. The length of the cut can extend partially into the first tab

12 and second tab 14. In the length direction of the holder 70 there can be up to four parallel perforations 80 in the flexible material 10 that allow the holder to form by bending the flexible material 10 at the perforated locations.

[0047] Figure 7b shows a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 7a.

In the perspective view, the flexible material is slightly folded along the first fold 16 and second fold 18 to allow the holder 70 to form. From a side view this embodiment would look similar to Figure 2b.

[0048] As seen in Figure 8a, movement of the writing instrument is further limited by the size of the folded flexible material relative to the envelope 50 within which the folded flexible material 10 is inserted. In one embodiment the envelope 50 is only slightly wider than the flexible material so that the writing instrument clip 42 cannot move enough to slide off the flexible material 10 to which it is clipped.

[0049] As shown in Figure 8a, the folded package 200 includes the writing instrument 40, the folded flexible material 10, and the protective material 30 that can be inserted into the envelope 50. Figure 8b shows a cross-sectional view with the folded package 200 inserted into the envelope 50.

[0050] In each of the above embodiments, the flexible material can be printed with advertisements or methods of ordering more writing instruments or elongated objects that are shipped within the packaging, or methods of ordering a particular product or service that is being advertised.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An insert for a package for shipping an elongated object, the insert comprising: a sheet of flexible material; the flexible material configured to be bent at a first fold and at a second fold; a first tab located at one side of the first fold; a second tab located at one side of the second fold; the flexible material between the first and second folds forming a spine; and the spine adapted to be coupled to the elongated object.

2. The insert as recited in claim 1, wherein the elongated object is a writing instrument.

3. The insert as recited in claim 1, further comprising a protective material inserted between the first tab and the second tab.

4. The insert as recited in claim 1, wherein the spine further comprises a cutout adapted to receive the elongated object.

5. The insert as recited in claim 1, wherein the first tab or the second tab has at least one window for displaying portions of the elongated objects.

6. The insert as recited in claim 5, further comprising a flap formed adjacent to the at least one window, the flap bends to contact an opposing tab and display a portion of a plurality of elongated objects.

7. The insert as recited in claim 1, wherein a portion of the spine forms a holder for holding the elongated object.

8. The insert as recited in claim 1, wherein the flexible material displays advertising for purchasing a service or a product.

9. A package for mailing an elongated object comprising: an insert comprising: a flexible material; the flexible material configured to be folded at a first fold and at a second fold; the flexible material between the first and second fold forming a spine; the spine adapted to be coupled to the elongated object; and the insert when folded adapted to be inserted into an envelope.

10. The package as recited in claim 9, wherein the elongated object in the insert is a writing instrument.

11. The package of claim 9, wherein the insert further comprises a protective material inserted adjacent to the elongated object.

12. The package of claim 9, wherein the spine further comprises a cutout configured to be couple to the elongated object.

13. The package as recited in claim 9, wherein the spine forms a holder for holding the elongated object against the spine.

14. The package as recited in claim 9, wherein the flexible material has a window for displaying portions of the elongated objects.

15. The package of claim 14, wherein the insert further comprises a flap formed adjacent to the window, the flap configured to bend to be the same size as the distance between the first fold and the second fold for displaying a portion of a plurality of elongated objects.

16. A method for packaging, the method comprising: providing an insert comprising: folding a sheet of flexible material at a first fold and at a second fold; and forming a spine of the flexible material between the first fold and the second fold.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising coupling the elongated object to the spine; and placing a protective material adjacent to the elongated object.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a cutout at one end of the spine for coupling the elongated object to the spine.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising cutting a window into the flexible material for viewing portions of the elongated object.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising cutting a window into the spine for viewing portions of the elongated object.

21. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a holder for holding the elongated object against portions of the spine.